STILES
ཚོར་བ་རྒྱུ་ནི་ཕྱིད་དེ་ཐག བ ཅེས་སོ་ ཕྱེ མ་གྱུར དྲན་གཙང་ནགར་གཞུགནསཡལྷོང་གྲོག་རྣམ
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THE
HISTORY AND GENEALOGIES
OF
ANCIENT WINDSOR,
CONNECTICUT;
INCLUDING
EAST WINDSOR, SOUTH WINDSOR, BLOOMFIELD,
WINDSOR LOCKS, AND ELLINGTON.
1635-1891.
"
eed
BY HENRY R. STILES, A.M., M.D.
1
"I wish [this task] had fallen into some better hands, that might have
performed it to the life. I shall only draw the curtain & open my little
casement, that so others, of larger hearts & abilities, may let in a bigger light;
that so at least some small glimmering may be left to posterity what diffi-
culties & obstructions their forefathers met with in first settling these desert
parts of America." Captain John Mason, (of Windsor, Ct.,) in the Introduction to his History
of the Pequot War.
Vol. I. HISTORY.
В.д
HARTFORD, Conn.:
PRESS OF THE CASE, LOCKWOOD & BRAINARD COMPANY.
1891.
ool 988 628
Copyright, 1893,
By HENRY R. STILES.
T


OLIVER WOLCOTT
BORN IN WINDSOR, CONN., 20 NOVEMBER, 1726
LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR OF CONNECTICUT, 1786-1796
GOVERNOR, 1796, UNTIL HIS DEATH, IN 1797

TO MY WIFE
SARAH (WOODWARD) STILES
1 Dedicate these Volumes
IN GRATEFUL RECOGNITION
OF THE
LOVING AND UNWEARIED DEVOTION
TO MY INTERESTS, WHICH HAS MADE MY LIFE A HAPPY ONE, AND RENDERED IT POSSIBLE FOR
ME TO ACCOMPLISH WHATEVER OF VALUE I MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED, WITHIN THE LAST
THIRTY YEARS, TO THE ELUCIDATION OF AMERICAN LOCAL HISTORY AND GENEALOGY.
CONTENTS OF VOLUME I.
WINDSOR,
CHAPTER I.
FROM THE DISCOVERY OF THE CONNECTICUT RIVER TO THE SETTLEMENT
OF WINDSOR, 1614–1635,
1636-1650,
•
CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER III.
THE CIVIL ORGANIZATION OF WINDSOR, ILLUSTRATED FROM THE TOWN
RECORDS,
CHAPTER IV.
THE RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION OF WINDSOR, .
INDIAN HISTORY,
•
/*
CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER VI.
NOTES ON THE PURCHASES OF WINDSOR'S LANDS FROM THE INDIANS,
PAGE.
17-63
64-80
81-97
98-102
103-121
122-132
CHAPTER VII.
DISTRIBUTION AND PLAN OF ANCIENT WINDSOR,
133-171
CHAPTER VIII.
HISTORY, 1650–1675 — EXTRACTS FROM TOWN ACTS,
172-189
CHAPTER IX.
AN EPISODE OF ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY, 1662–1684,
190-219
CHAPTER X.
KING PHILIP'S WAR, 1675–6,
220-230
CHAPTER XI.
ECCLESIASTICAL AND CIVIL
CIVIL
HISTORY
HISTORY — EXTRACTS
FROM TOWN ACTS,
1685-1729,
231-236
CHAPTER XII.
QUEEN ANNE'S WAR, 1702-1713; AND INDIAN WAR OF 1722–24,
237-242
vi
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIII.
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE OLD FRENCH WAR, 1739-1762,
CHAPTER XIV.
—
ECCLESIASTICAL- HISTORY OF FIRST OR OLD SOCIETY OF WINDSOR,
1711-1776,
ECCLESIASTICAL
1724-1841,
PAGE.
243-269
270-280
CHAPTER XV.
HISTORY OF WINDSOR THIRD (OR POQUONNOC) SOCIETY,
281-291
CHAPTER XVI.
ECCLESIASTICAL WINTONBURY PARISH, OR FIFTH SOCIETY OF WINDSOR,
(NOW BLOOMFIELD), 1734-1891,
292-307
CHAPTER XVII,
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, 1775–1783,
308-375
CHAPTER XVIII.
ECCLESIASTICAL-FIRST SOCIETY OF WINDSOR, 1776-1890, .
376-395
CHAPTER XIX.
THE SCHOOLS OF WINDSOR, 1636–1709,
396-408
CHAPTER XX.
FERRIES, INNS, STORES, TRADE AND COMMERCE, HOUSES, SLAVES, MAN-
NERS AND CONVENIENCES, WITCHES, PHYSICIANS, LAWYERS, ETC.,
CHAPTER XXI.
WINDSOR, 1800-1891- WINDSOR'S COLONIES,
CHAPTER XXII.
BLOOMFIELD, 1835–1891,
#
CHAPTER XXIII.
HISTORY OF PINE MEADOW, NOW WINDSOR LOCKS, 1676-1890,
WINDSOR, EAST OF THE GREAT RIVER.
CHAPTER I.
SETTLEMENT OF WINDSOR FARMS AND HISTORY OF THE SECOND CHURCH
AND SOCIETY OF WINDSOR, 1662–1768,
409-460
461-485
486-491
492-532
535-589
CHAPTER II.
THE NORTH OR SCANTIC PARISH (NOW THE FIRST SOCIETY IN TOWN OF
EAST WINDSOR), 1754-1890,
590-613
CONTENTS.
vii
2
CHAPTER III.
PAGE
THE DIVISION OF ANCIENT WINDSOR AND INCORPORATION OF EAST
WINDSOR, 1768,
}
614-617
CHAPTER IV.
WAPPING PARISH (THIRD CHURCH OF EAST WINDSOR), 1717-1890,
618-626
$
CHAPTER V.
4
EAST WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION,
627-721
(By Ruth T. Sperry of East Windsor Hill.)
CHAPTER VI.
HISTORY OF THE FIRST CHURCH OF EAST WINDSOR, 1782-1845; AND OF
THE FIRST CHURCH OF SOUTH WINDSOR, FROM 1845 TO THE PRESENT
TIME,
EAST WINDSOR, 1790-1890,
SOUTH WINDSOR,
·
CHAPTER VII.
CHAPTER VIII.
CHAPTER IX.
ELLINGTON PARISH AND TOWN-FORMERLY A PART OF EAST WINDSOR,
NOW BELONGING TO TOLLAND COUNTY,
(By Rev. John G. Baird of Ellington, Conn)
APPENDICES.
722-734
735-787
788-806
807-870
A.-MATTHEW GRANT'S OLD CHURCH RECORD,
B.— THE FIRST MEETING-HOUSE OF WINDSOR - By Dea. J. H. Hayden,
C.—THE OLDEST ORTHODOX CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH -- By Dea. J. H. Hayden,
D. THE PRESBYTERIANISM OF THE EARLIER CHURCHES OF NEW ENGLAND,
E.— RECORDS OF THE "TH,” OR
7TH," OR "4TH," OR NORTH SOCIETY OF WINDSOR,
F.- NATIVES OR RESIDENTS OF WINDSOR, EAST AND SOUTH WINDSOR,
WINDSOR LOCKS, AND BLOOMFIELD, WHO HAVE REPRESENTED CON-
NECTICUT IN THE UNITED STATES OR IN THE STATE GOVERNMENT,
G.—EARLY RECORDS OF THE EAST WINDSOR CHURCH,
PETITION OF INHABITANTS ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE GREAT
RIVER, 1680,
871
891
895
901
903
904
913
916
ILLUSTRATIONS-VOL. I.
1.
PORTRAIT OF (THE FIRST Governor) Oliver WOLCOTT,
2. Portrait of the Author,
3. Portrait of the Dedicatee,
4. Portrait of Jabez H. Hayden,
PAGE
Frontispiece.
Facing Dedication Page.
Dedication Page.
24
14.
16.
17. The Old Moore and Allyn Houses, Windsor,
18.
View of Broad Street Green, Windsor, 1891,
Facsimiles of Pages of a Sermon by Rev. John Warham, 1662,
13. Portrait of Rev David S. Rowland,
•
Facsimile Autographs of Windsor Pastors, for 200 Years,
15. First Congregational Church of Windsor,
Portrait of Capt. James Hooker,
5.
Map of Indian Purchases,
6.
Facsimile of Autographs of Some of Ancient Windsor's Early Settlers,
7. Plan of Ancient Palisado at Windsor, 1654,
8.
Enlarged Plan of Palisado,
9. View of the Old Stone Fort,
10.
Map of "Hayden's" - with Explanation,
11. Map of Windsor Settlers, 1633-1650,
12.
123
133
137
141
145
149
205
377
382
·
385
425
431
431
21.
The
22
23.
19. Portrait of Hon. H. Sidney Hayden,
20. The Chief Justice Ellsworth Mansion, Windsor,
Portrait of the Chief Justice and Wife,
Facsimiles of Autographs of Some of Windsor's "Valiant Men of War,"
Portrait of Gen. William S. Pierson,
432
433
460
474
24.
25.
Map of Pine Meadow (now Windsor Locks), 1776,
Portrait of Charles H. Dexter,
502
·
511
26.
The Herlehigh Haskell House, Windsor Locks,
521
27.
Memorial Hall, Windsor Locks,
529
·
28.
Portrait of Charles E. Chaffee,
530
·
29.
The William Hayden Memorial Stone,
532
30.
Facsimiles of Autographs of Some of East Windsor's Early Settlers,
534
31. Portrait of Rev. Jonathan Edwards and View of his Birthplace, East
Windsor,
556
32.
Facsimile of a Page of Rev. Timo. Edward's Rate Book, East Windsor,
1726,
579
33. Facsimile of Sermon of Rev. Timothy Edwards, 1695,
581
34.
35.
Map of North Bolton Society, as set off from East Windsor, 1760,
Facsimiles of Early East Windsor Pastors,
588
591
36.
Portrait of Rev. Thomas Robbins, D.D.,
725
37. View of the Old South Windsor Meeting-house, 1761-1845,
729
38. The Phelps Monuments in the Old Burying-Ground of East Windsor Hill,
39. The Grant Mansion, South Windsor.
734
768
40. The Old Governor Roger Wolcott House, South Windsor,
773
41. The Old Wolcott Homestead, South Windsor,
774
42. Portrait of William Wood, M.D., East Windsor Hill,
792
FACSIMILE AUTOGRAPHS.
PAGE
PAGE
1.
Matthew Grant,
171
13.
Eliakim Gaylord,
500
2. Jabez H. Hayden,
171
14. Ezekiel Thrall,
500
3. Entry in Church Record by Rev.
15.
Peletiah Birge,
501
Mr. Mather, 1688,
219
16.
Jacob Russell,
503
4. Rev. Samuel Tudor,
284
17.
Seth Dexter,
509
5. Elder Ashbel Gillet,
301 18.
Harris Haskell,
520
6. Thomas Hayden,
311 19.
Herlehigh Haskell,
520
7. Nathaniel Hayden,
311 20.
Ebenezer Grant,
650
8.
Jabez Haskell,
321 21.
Benoni Olcott,
651
9. Hezekiah Hayden,
322
22.
Brig.-Gen. Erastus Wolcott,
655
10. Samuel Wing,
323
23.
Capt. Hezekiah Bissell,
667
11. Samuel Denslow,
495 24.
Aaron Bissell, Town Clerk,
786
12.
Abraham Dibble,
496 25.
Frederic Ellsworth, Town Clerk, 786
(PORTION OF) PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION, 1859.
W
HILE engaged, some years since, in tracing the genealogy of my
family, I became deeply interested in the history of the ancient
town where they first settled. This interest gradually deepened into a
conviction that its history ought to be written ere it was too late.
There were other heads and hands, as I thought, better fitted than mine
to undertake this labor; but, failing to enlist their services, I reluctantly
undertook it myself. I was, at that time, in very poor health, and suf-
fering from a serious affection of the eyes, which totally incapacitated
me from any continuous effort at reading or writing. Thus prevented
from the pursuit of my profession, I felt the necessity of something,
which, by occupying my mind, should relieve me from the constant con-
templation of my physical sufferings, as well from the still greater dis-
comfort of idleness. Seeking the country for its genial influences upon
my weakened frame, I spent my time among the pleasant scenery of
Ancient Windsor, visiting among friends and relatives, and drinking
in, from aged lips, rich stores of historic lore. Meanwhile, taking ad-
vantage of an occasional "favorable spell" of eyesight, I cautiously
used it, in examining the old written records, and in marking such
portions as were necessary to be transcribed. These were afterwards
copied for me by my brother, WILLIAM L. STILES (now deceased), and
the large stores of material thus gained were collated and read to me;
and thus, gradually, reading when I could, thinking when I could not
read, and trusting my thoughts to the ready pen of an amanuensis, the
skeleton of the history was constructed. From time to time, as my eye-
sight improved, I visited the old records, each time bringing away with
me new material. Many times my health and eyesight failed me, but,
visiting Windsor for the benefits of its air and sunshine, I never gave up
the purpose of writing its history if my life should be spared. Gradu-
ally, and to an extent which, if I had imagined before I undertook it,
would probably have deterred me from the labor, the work grew on
my hands; but to the Great Physician I humbly record my gratitude,
that with the increased burden has also come an increase of strength,
and that to-day I enjoy a degree of health which I once scarcely dared
to hope for.
6
(PORTION OF) PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION.
These circumstances, however, I would not mention here, except
for the hope that they may explain and excuse, what perhaps might
seem to others inexcusable, faults of omission and commission.
I have endeavored to make this history a treasury of all that was
valuable and interesting to Ancient Windsor, and to impress upon it the
broad seal of undoubted authenticity. I have preferred to imitate the
pious zeal of Old Mortality, who wandered through "bonnie Scotland," not
raising new monuments, but carefully removing from decaying tomb-
stones the thick moss, and reverently chiseling deeper the almost
effaced inscriptions which preserved the blessed memories of the
"covenanting forefathers." Such, I conceive to be the work of the true
historian; and whenever I have found material garnered by other
hands, I have availed myself of their labors, with the same freedom
which I would myself allow in like circumstances and with full acknowl-
edgment therefor.
BROOKLYN, N. Y., Sept. 1859.
HENRY R. STILES, M.D.
Acknowledgments for valuable assistance rendered, are due to
Miss Lucretia and Mary Stiles (now deceased), of Windsor, Conn.
Hon. H. S. Hayden, of Windsor, Conn.
Jabez H. Hayden, of Windsor Locks, Conn.
Fred. B. Perkins (then Librarian of Conn. Hist. Soc.), of Hartford,
Conn.
Chas. J. Hoadly, LL.D., State Librarian,
Hon. J. Hammond Trumbull,
Hon. Gideon Welles,
John W. Barber, New Haven, Conn.
Edward Hall,
}
Hon. Benjamin Pinney, of Ellington.
Sidney Stanley,
Dr. Ashbel Woodward, of Franklin, Conn.
4
of Hartford, Conn.
Rev. Edward C. Marshall, } of New York City.
Horace Dresser,
Samuel H. Parsons, Esq., Middletown, Conn.
Edwin Stearns,
}
And to the TOWN CLERKS of all the towns formerly comprised
within Ancient Windsor.
PREFATORY NOTES TO SUPPLEMENT, 1863.
T
HREE years ago, when I published the History and Genealogies of
Ancient Windsor, Conn., I was induced, if not compelled, by a
superabundance of material, to give my subscribers, without additional
charge, over 300 pages more than was promised them- an act of gener-
osity which, as it is easy to see, was much more advantageous to them
than to me. And when, at last, relieved from the burdens of authorship
and financial cares, I felt that I certainly had fully paid (both principal
and interest) my share of the debt of love which I owed to the old town
of Windsor; and little dreamed that I should ever again put myself in
harness for her historical benefit. But, unfortunately for my "sweet
dream of peace," I found myself inwrought into old Windsor's history
and interests. I could not henceforth be an uninterested looker-on; I
found myself still tracing out the lines of her ancient families, and that
- shall I confess it ?-there was an indefinable charm for me in all that
pertained to Windsor history. Many errors I detected in the printed
volume — some of clerical, some of typographical origin—some evident
faults of commission, and not infrequently a fault of omission. These
were to have been expected; the utmost circumspection could not have
guarded entirely against them, in a work of such multiplicity of names,
dates, etc. Córrespondents, also, constantly furnished new suggestions,
ingenious elucidations, "missing links," and "unknown quantities,'
which threw new light and value upon my printed page. New sources of
authority also came to light, by the discovery of ancient records in un-
thought-of hiding-places. What wonder is it, then, that the notes which
gradually enriched the margins of my library copy of the Windsor His-
tory, soon grew so voluminous as to suggest the idea of a supplement ?
For what genealogist or historian who, when he has found a new fact,
or a "nugget," is not willing, like the woman in the parable, to call his
friends and co-laborers together, saying, "Rejoice with me, for I have
found the piece which I had lost"? Therefore, I have compiled this
Supplement; if it convicts me of shortcomings in my former work, it
will, at least, assure my friends of my desire to make good any deficien-
cies, and to add to their pleasure and profit.
And now, as I
lay down my pen from correcting the last proof of this Supplement, I
feel that my labor of love" for Ancient Windsor is finished. If the
citizens of that venerable town have need, in the future, of the services
of a historian, they need not apply to their true friend,
66
WOODBRIDGE, N. J., Nov., 1862.
HENRY R. STILES, M.D.
""
Acknowledgments for help rendered (additional to those named in
former preface) are due to Mr. D. WILLIAMS PATTERSON of Newark Val-
ley, N. Y.; Mr. HIRAM B. CASE and Rev. GEO. B. NEWCOMB of Bloom-
field, Conn., and Mrs. ELIZA MILLS RUNDALL of Seneca Falls, N. Y.
PREFACE TO THE PRESENT (REVISED) EDITION, 1891.
HOW
OW grim Fate must laugh at the puny resolves of men! Despite
my firm resolve, as expressed in the last sentence of the Prefa-
tory Note to the Supplement of 1863; despite the weaning influences of
over twenty years of engrossing and more personally important profes-
sional duties, I found myself, in 1883, shortly after my return from a
prolonged residence in Scotland, again fingering the (to me sweet, but
nevertheless unprofitable) husks of Windsor History. Finding that
some grains of value yet remained to be shaken out of them, I weakly
yielded to their fascination; and here I am again, posing as "the Wind-
sor historian," in what may (in view of my years, etc.) presumably be
considered as "positively my last appearance."
The circumstances under which this history was originally under-
taken are sufficiently detailed in the Preface to the first edition (1859).
That edition, consisting of 700 copies, was published at a loss, as was
also the Supplement, of which only 150 copies were printed, in 1863. Is-
sued at a time when such works were far less common than they now
are, its object and value were not then appreciated, as they since have
been, by many of those who should have been interested therein. But,
within the thirty years which have now elapsed since its appearance,
American History and Genealogy have assumed a new interest in the
public mind; new fields in Windsor history have been explored by other
sons of Windsor, and for the past fifteen years I have been in constant
receipt of inquiries from antiquaries and others interested in tracing
their family records, seeking to obtain copies of the work, urging me to
issue a new edition, and offering for my use much new matter, valued
corrections, etc., etc., and I have finally yielded to the desire so widely
and sincerely expressed.
Fortunately, several of those who assisted me in my earlier work
are still alive; new and willing hands from a younger generation are ex-
tended to help; much new material has been collected in special fields.
of research, and far better work has been accomplished, I trust, than
would have been possible thirty years ago.
I esteem it a most fortunate circumstance that the same kindly
PREFACE TO THE PRESENT (REVISED) EDITION.
9
Providence which has spared my life and health so that I might, at this
time, revise and perfect the work of my youthful years, has also spared
that of my venerable and beloved friend, Mr. JABEZ H. HAYDEN of Wind-
sor Locks, Conn., to whom was due so much of the value of the first edi-
tion. Nature certainly designed him as the historian of his native town,
but the multiplicity of his business cares, conjoined with his modesty,
has prevented him from forestalling me, as by right he should have
done, in this historical work. I have only to thank him for the help
which he has rendered, as earnestly and freely, to this revision, as he did
to the original work.
While the whole work (genealogies included) has been so thor-
oughly revised and rewritten as to be, virtually, a new work; yet that
portion which relates to the east-side towns (East and South Windsor,
and Ellington) is peculiarly so. When writing my original history, I
found that Dr. HORACE C. GILLETTE of South Windsor, since deceased,
had in preparation a work which covered these towns subsequent to the
Revolutionary period; and I therefore relinquished that portion of my
intended labor, and contented myself with giving their history down to
1768, at which time their territory ceased to be a part of Windsor. Dr.
Gillette, however, never carried out his purpose,* and this has imposed
upon me the labor of preparing, in full, the history of the three towns
east of the Connecticut river. Here, also, Providence has supplied me
with a most efficient helper, in Miss RUTH T. SPERRY of East Windsor
Hill, to whose unwearied enthusiasm and tact in the collection of mate-
rial, both historical and genealogical, the good people of East and South
Windsor will owe far more than they can ever repay. The Rev. JOHN
G. BAIRD of Ellington has also contributed a new and most excellent
chapter on the history of that town.
Acknowledgments are also specially due, from Miss Sperry and my-
self, to Judge H. B. FREEMAN, the obliging custodian of the Hartford
County Probate Records, and to the Town Clerks of all the towns to
which we have occasion to apply; especially to Mr. SAMUEL H. PHELPS of
Windsor, and Judge MAHLON H. BANCROFT of East Windsor. To Mr.
ELIZUR COOK, final proof-reader in the establishment of The Case,
Lockwood & Brainard Co., printers of this work, we are indebted for
valuable additions and corrections to our Lists of Soldiers in the War of
the Civil Rebellion.
For most of the autograph-facsimiles used in this work, we acknowl-
* All that he practically accomplished was the publication of certain “Letters” on
the History of South Windsor, in the Hartford Times of the following dates:
1857: March 18, 23; April 6, 16; May 1, 20; June 19; August 5, 26, 27; Oct. 27;
Nov. 4, 24; Dec. 15.
1858: Jan. 5, 19; Feb. 2; March 3; May 1,
VOL. I.-2
10
PREFACE TO THE PRESENT (REVISED) EDITION.
edge the courtesy of the publishers of the Memorial History of Hartford
County.
THE PRINCIPAL MANUSCRIPT AUTHORITIES CONSULTED.
Among the principal original authorities consulted, are:
1. Records of Town Acts, (town clerk's office, Windsor,) in 4 vol-
umes, of which the first (size, 9 by 7 inches, parchment covered, 50
double pages) contains the records from 6 May, 1650, to 31 Dec., 1661.
Several of the first pages of this volume have crumbled away by age.
Vol. II., similar in size and covering to the above, 81 (double) pages,
contains records from Feb. 6, 1666, to 26 Oct., 1700. Ten pages of this
volume are devoted to lists of town rates, and pages 51, 52 to a record
of town ways.
A volume of 52 (double) pages, without cover, and altogether in a
very dilapidated condition, contains records from Dec., 1700, to Dec. 7,
1714; and probably belongs to preceding volume.
Vol. III., of larger folio size, leather binding, 147 (double) pages, con-
tains records from Dec., 1768, to Dec., 1830.
2. A Record of Acts of Proprietors of Common and Undivided
Lands in Windsor, folio, parchment covered - very dry reading.
3. A little volume of same size as the earlier volumes of Town
Acts, in parchment binding, entitled "A Book of Town Wayes," and
as such often referred to in our chapter on Plan and Distribution of
Ancient Windsor. It is transcribed by TIMOTHY LOOMIS, third town
clerk, from the original, by his predecessor, invaluable Matthew Grant.
4. A volume similar in size to the above, in parchment cover, filled
mostly with ancient Town Rates, Lists, etc., about 1672–1676.
5. Land Records, 1640 to the present day. The original first vol-
ume is still in existence. The copy, now in use in the clerk's office, was
copied by Timothy Loomis, in 1723, as we learn from the following town
vote: April 8, 1723, " Voted to pay Timothy Loomis £20, 12s., to be
paid out of the town rate for his transcribing the first book of town rec-
ords of lands." Also, the volume of Land Records in Secretary of
State's office, Hartford, referred to in note to p. 544.
6. Matthew Grant's Old Church Record, the original of which is
in the custody of the Connecticut Historical Society, our copy (APPEN-
DIX A.) being from an accurate transcript by JABEZ H. HAYDEN, Esq.,
carefully compared with the original, for this Revised Edition.
PREFACE TO THE PRESENT (REVISED) EDITION.
11
7. Henry Wolcott, Jr.'s Shorthand MS. Volume, thus described :
"Among the papers deposited in the library of the Conn. Hist. Society,
some years since, was a stout little vellum-covered volume, of nearly 400
pages, clearly written in a puzzling shorthand, with no clue to the subject,
or the writer's name. It finally attracted the attention of Hon. J. Ham-
mond Trumbull, who is as ingenious in such matters as he is persever-
ing in his researches; he succeeded in deciphering it, and found it to
consist of notes of sermons and lectures, delivered in Windsor and Hart-
ford, between April, 1638, and May, 1641, in regular course. The writ-
er's name is not given, but his birthday is noted on the first leaf of the
volume, and this and other facts identify him as Henry Wolcott, Jr., and
it is a curious fact that the only record of his birth is found among these
hieroglyphics, and the date has been hitherto unknown. These notes
give the dates, texts, and general outlines of the discourses of the Rev.
Messrs. Warham and Huit, in Windsor, and of the Rev. Messrs.
Hooker and Stone, at Hartford, during the sessions of the General and
Particular Courts. Among the former is one delivered by Mr. Ware-
ham, Nov. 17, 1640, at the betrothing of Benedict Alvord and Abraham
Randall,' from the text, Eph. vi. 2, 'Put on the whole armor of God,
that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.' The preacher
'improved the theme 'for teaching the betrothed lovers that marriage
is a warfaring condition,' and 'for reproof to those who think nothing is
needed for marriage but the consent of the parents.' In the face of these
solemn admonitions, it appears from the Windsor records that both were
duly married before the expiration of the year-the happy Benedict to
Joan Newton and Abraham to Mary Ware. Among the latter discourses
are Mr. Hooker's two Election Sermons, of May 31, 1638, and April 11,
1639. Of the first, from the text, Deut. i. 13, Mr. Trumbull gives an ab-
stract of deep interest, as showing the 'politics' which were preached by
the ablest and best of the Puritan Fathers."
,
6
We may further note that of 75 of the Rev. Mr. Warham's ser-
mons and lectures preached in the year from April, 1639, to April, 1640,
twenty-four were from Psalms xcii. 5, 6, 7; nineteen from I Corinthians,
vi. 11; fourteen from Matthew xxii. 37, 38, and four from the 6th, 7th,
and 8th verses of the same chapter, together with five occasional sermons
from other texts. Of 46 sermons and lectures preached by Rev. Mr.
Huit from 18 Aug., 1638, to 14 Ap'l, 1640, twenty-one were from Timothy
ii. 19, 21; five from Jeremiah viii. 4; five from James ii. 14; four from
I Corinthians x. 12.
8. Three volumes of ancient Colonial (Conn.) Records, dis-
covered by C. J. Hoadly, LL.D., State Librarian, and deposited in the
State Library, at Hartford — containing transcripts of the Land Records,
12
PREFACE TO THE PRESENT (REVISED) EDITION.
and of the Births, Marriages, and Deaths of Windsor, Wethersfield,
Fairfield, and some other towns, recorded by order of Court, and thus
forming authenticated and reliable records.
Records of First Church of Windsor, commencing with cases
of confessions and discipline, 1723; ending 25 Jan., 1746/7, in hand-
writing of Rev. Jonathan Marsh; then in writing of Rev. Wm. Russell,
under date of 24 July, 1751, an account of the proceedings of his ordina-
tion; followed, Mch. 27, 1776, by a similar record, in his own handwrit-
writing, of the ordination of Rev. David Rowland; then Baptisms, by
Mr. Russell, 4 Aug., 1751, to May 2, 1773; continued from Apl., 1776, to
Mch. 1, 1788, by Rev. D. Rowland; continued 31 Jan., 1790, to Sept. 20,
1801, by Rev. H. A. Rowland; Deaths, 6 May, 1790, to 29 Mch., 1805;
Marriages, 1763 and Feb., 1777, to 17 May, 1800; Baptisms, 11 Apl.,
1736, to 8 June, 1746.
Also Records of the First Ch. of W., commenced by Rev. D. S. Row-
land-Marriages, 1771 to 1846; Baptisms, 1790 to 1858; Deaths, 1790-
1857.
10. Pastoral Records of the North Society of Windsor, under the
ministry of the Rev. Theodore Hinsdale, 1761 to 1794.
11. Pastor's Record (private), kept by Rev. Hezekiah Bissell, pas-
tor of Wintonbury (now Bloomfield) Church.
12. An ancient private Record of Births, Marriages, and Deaths in
Wintonbury Parish (now Bloomfield) furnished by Eliza Mills Rundall,
Seneca Falls, N. Y.
13. C. R. (E. W. C. R. in first edition.) The Cook Record of Burials
and Baptisms in East Windsor, so called from its having been for many
years kept in the Cook family, on E. W. Hill. It is entitled "An exact
acovnt of the Parfons Berued In the Bering Yard In Windsor, on the
East Side of Connecticut River."
·
After this title, the recorder" dropped into poetry," as follows:
"Death is a Terror vuto Kings
The King of Terrors two.
Both Old & Young Both Rich & poor
When Sumonfa thay muſt go.
"When In this Book You Eys thay Look
their Names for to Behold
Remember then how Sone 'twill be
Or Ear Your" Is Inroled'
""
"The furst parfon bvrved In the Burving Place | Was Thomis Morton Who died
Jvly the Twentieth, 1708."
PREFACE TO THE PRESENT (REVISED) EDITION.
13
Commencing with this death record, the oldest MS., or what re-
mains of it (for the last leaf has evidently been lost) ends at 12 Nov.,
1774. It has also been eaten by mice, so that a portion of the second
leaf is gone, injuring records from Oct. 5, 1709, to March, 1711; and
from Oct. 30, 1723, to June 11, 1724, which has been pieced out in this
copy from the Cook copy. It seems to be, up to Nov. 12, 1774, in the
handwriting of Deacon, Doctor, and Reverend Matthew Rockwell, and
the latter part bears evident marks of his advancing age; but the
earlier part (say, from 1708-17) must have been copied by him from
some other record, as he was born Jan. 30, 1707/8, only a few months
before its first entry. The poetry with which it opens, however, sounds
like his. In many places where he seemed not to know the full facts, he
left a line or lines blank, as if intending to complete the record when
the facts could be learned.
The Cook copy seems to be a copy of this Rockwell copy, from the
beginning to the end of the year 1761, up to which time there are varia-
tions, always such as have been made in copying, but never giving addi-
tional facts; while, after that date, the record seems to have been kept
independently, varying in dates and facts, and frequently giving more.
The deaths are continued to 21 Oct., 1811, at which the "old manu-
script" ends, and what follows (a few entries between Nov., 1811, and
Jan. 28, 1801, and between Jan., 1846, and Apl. 9, 1869) is in a differ-
ent hand on whiter paper, of which three leaves have been, at three
different times, appended to the book.
Of Baptisms, the record commences with "November 22, 1761, that
was the first Sabbath day [that we] met in our new meeting-house-
there was 4 Children Baptized that day," and extends to July 3, 1833,
and then, on an inserted leaf, is continued a record of baptisms under
the ministration of Rev. Chauncey G. Lee, 24 June, 1832, to June 8,
1845..
It is evident that this curious old record was always a private copy,
possibly at some time in the hands of a sexton, but never a church record.
We have spoken of the Rockwell and the Cook copies. From these
copies, one was made by Mr. D. Williams Patterson, the genealogist, who,
in 1870, bought from Mrs. Collins (a descendant, through the Grants,
from old Matthew Rockwell) the "oldest copy," and from the Cook
family borrowed another. With the "oldest copy" he found one leaf
of one still older, * probably the one from which the beginning of the
Rockwell copy, or "oldest," was made. Mr. Patterson's careful and
critical revision, collation of all authorities, and annotations have
rendered his version the most reliable for our use.
*These have been bound together, and presented by Mr. P. to the Library of the
New Eng. Hist.-Gen. Society, at Boston.
14
PREFACE TO THE PRESENT (REVISED) EDITION.
14. Private MS. of Rev. Timothy Edwards, first pastor of East
Windsor. While preparing our first edition, we were favored with the
loan from Mrs. L. Weld of Hartford, Conn., of a small bound volume
filled in the minute but very legible handwriting of the Rev. Timo.
Edwards, with memoranda of church and parish records, a copy of the
original E. W. Church Covenant; List of Church members in 1700;
Baptisms from 1698 to July, 1703; notes on certain "Remarkable
Providences" which had befallen this good man from his boyhood up,
etc., etc., the most valuable portions of which will be found incorporated
in this work.
15.
Records of Births, Marriages, and Deaths kept by Rev. Shubael
Bartlett, of Scantic Parish, E. W., 1805 to 1853.
16. Records of Town of East Windsor. Town Clerk's office.
17. "A History of Changes on the Main Street in South Windsor, .
Conn., between the Congregational Church and East Hartford line. Facts
gathered, mostly in 1874; Reed & Barber's Map of the Street, as it was
about 1800, being the starting point and following the homes and
families down to 1874. By Mrs. Jane M. Stiles, South Windsor, Conn."
This MS. of 226 pages is a modest "labor of love" for her native town,
by a lady whose domestic duties have certainly interfered with the de-
velopment of an excellent genealogist.
Condensation, both as to form of expression and arrangement of
matter, has been forced upon me by the extraordinary amount of material
placed at my disposal; and (especially in the genealogical portion of the
work) this has taken the form of abbreviations, of which a list follows
this preface.
OLD AND NEW STYLE.
At the time of the first settlement of New England the English people began the
new year on the 25th of March, Annunciation (or Lady) Day. Any dates between
January 1st and March 25th appearing on the original records of those times should
have one year added. Later a new form of designating the year was adopted; the first
time it was used by the General Court of Connecticut was "this 20th day of March,
1649-50"-1650, by our present reckoning. This style prevailed about- one hundred
years, and the date of all the months of the year should be carried forward between
1600 and 1700, ten days; between 1700 and 1752, when the English Government changed
their dates from old style to new style, there should be eleven days added. In 1752 the
Parliament of Great Britain made September 3d the 14th.
ABBREVIATIONS;
15
RULE FOR FINDING THE DAY OF THE WEEK ON WHICH A
GIVEN DATE FALLS.
Add to the number of the year its fourth part, omitting fractions. If the date is
in Old style, add 1 to the result. If in New style, add 5 for years from 1582 to 1699
inclusive, 4 for years from 1700 to 1799 inclusive, 3 for years from 1800 to 1899 inclu-
sive, and 2 for years from 1900 to 2099 inclusive. Divide the sum thus obtained by 7,
and note the remainder. If the remainder is 0, March 1 of the given year falls on Sun-
day; if 1, on Monday; if 2, on Tuesday, and so on. The day of March 1 being known,
that belonging to any other date in the same year is easily ascertained. (N. B. — Nov.
1 always falls on the same day as March 1.) E. g., A. D. 337; 337+84+1=422, rem.
2; March 1--Tuesday; Constantine died May 22, 337, Sunday. A. D. 1415; 1415+353
+1=1769, rem.=5; March 1-Friday. Battle of Agincourt, Oct. 25, 1415, Friday
(same week-day as Nov. 1). A. D. 1572; 1572+393+1=1967, rem.=6; March 1=Sat-
urday. Massacre of St. Bartholomew, Aug. 24, 1572, Sunday. A. D. 1776-1776+
444+4=2224, rem. =5; March 1=Friday; July 4, 1776=Thursday, A. D. 1887; 1887+
471+3=2361, rem.=2; March 1=Tuesday. A. D. 1900; 1900+475+2=2377, rem.=4;
Nov. 1=Thursday. End of nineteenth century, Dec. 31, 1900, Monday. A more
elaborate rule, giving at once the week day for any date in the year, may be found in
the Harvard Register for June, 1881.-J. M. P. in Boston Transcript.
16
ABBREVIATIONS USED.
according to.
acting pastor; i. e., hired, but not settled by Council.
Bloomfield Old Graveyard.
a, œ.
abt.
aged.
about.
acc.
á. p.
B.
b.
Blfd.
bp.
bu.
Col. Rec.
Ct.
C. R.
d.
dy.
dau.
Ell.
born.
Bloomfield.
baptized.
buried.
Colonial Records, see No. 8, list of MS. Authorities, p. 11.
Connecticut.
the Cook Record, see No. 13, list of MS. Authorities, p. 12.
died.
day.
daughter.
E. W.
E. W. C. R.
E. W. O.
E. W. H.
E. W. St.
E. W. Rec.
gd-d.
gd-s.
grad.
H.
Ellington.
East Windsor.
East Windsor Church Records.
The Old E. W. Graveyard (E. W. Hill), South Windsor.
East Windsor Hill, South Windsor.
the Graveyard on E. W. Street, between Warehouse Point and E. W. Hill.
Town Rec. of East Windsor.
grand-daughter.
grand-son.
graduated.
Hartford.
16
ABBREVIATIONS.
1.
ho.
I.
inf.
J. G. B.
J. H. H.
J. M. S.
K. M.
ld.
m.
mo.
memb.
ment.
N. S. R.
O. C. R..
ord.
p. i.
p. o.
home.
Ireland Street (now Melrose), E. W. Graveyard.
infants.
John G. Baird.
Jabez H. Hayden.
see No. 17, MS. Authorities, p. 14.
Ketch Mills (now Windsorville), E. W. Graveyard.
land.
married.
month.
member of.
mentioned.
Pastoral Rec. of "North," 4, 7 Soc. of W. See No. 10, MS. Authorities.
Old Church Rec., see p. 10, and Appendix A.
ordained.
pastor by installation, that is, settled by a
dained to the ministry.
ordained pastor.
Poquonnoc parish (Windsor).
Council," but already or-
Poq.
Poq. N.
Poquonnoc (Windsor) New Graveyard.
Poq. O.
Poquonnoc (Windsor) Old Graveyard.
poss.
possibly.
probably.
prob.
rem.
res.
R. MS.
R. T. S.
S.
removed.
residence.
the Rundall MS., see No. 12, Authorities, p. 12.
Ruth T. Sperry.
son.
Scantic parish, E. W. Graveyard.
settled.
South Windsor.
sine proli, without issue.
Rev. Shubael Bartlett's records. —Scantic parish, E. W., No. 15, Authori-
ties, p. 14.
Sc.
sett.
So. W.
s. p.
S. B.
W.
W. O.
Wby.
Wby. C. R.
W. Rec.
Windsor Records.
W. C. R.
wk.
Windsor.
Windsor Old Cemetery.
Wintonbury Parish, Windsor (now Bloomfield).
Wintonbury Church Records.
Windsor Church Records.
week.
Wapping parish, East (now South) Windsor.
Wp.
Wp. O.
Wp. N.
y.
Wapping (So. Windsor) Old Graveyard.
Wapping (So. Windsor) New Graveyard.
year.
yg.
young.
´
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
CHAPTER I.
FROM THE DISCOVERY OF THE CONNECTICUT RIVER TO THE SET-
TLEMENT OF WINDSOR, 1614—1635.
То
T
10 the Dutch undoubtedly belongs the honor of the first discovery
and occupation of the Connecticut Valley. In 1614, when Nieuw
Amsterdam was but a feeble settlement of a few months' uncertain
growth, Adriaen Block, Hendrik Corstiaensen, and Cornelius Jacobsen
Mey, all experienced captains in the Dutch merchant service, commenced
an exploration of the Great River of the Manhattans. At the very outset
of the voyage, however, Block's vessel was burned. But, nothing daunted,
he speedily constructed, on the wild and rocky shores of Manhattan
Island, a small yacht of 16 tons, which he named the Onrust, or Restless.'
In this vessel he explored the East River, which he named Helle Gat,
established the insular nature of Long Island, and, passing along
the northern shore of the Sound, discovered the Housatonic River and
the Norwalk Islands. Eastward of these, he came to the mouth of a
large stream flowing from the northwest, which he ascended as high as
41 deg. 48 min. (about half way between the present towns of Hartford
and Windsor), where he found an Indian village or fort, belonging to
the Nawaas. This fortified village, in the opinion of Hon. J. Hammond
Trumbull,"was on the east side of the river, in what is now South Wind-
sor, between Podunk and Scantic rivers, on the ground called Nowashe
(which seems to be the equivalent of the Dutch 'Nowaas') by the Indians,
who sold it to the Windsor plantation in 1636,” (see Chapter on Indian
Purchases,) and was probably palisaded as a defense against the Pe-
quots. Block appears to have explored this river, which he named the
"Versche" or "Fresh River," and which is now called by its Indian.
name, Connecticut, as far as the rapids at the head of navigation, viz.,
¹ O'Callaghan's Hist. of New Netherland, i. 73; Brodhead's Hist. of State of New York,
2d edit., i. 56.
"In the Indian tongue Quonehtacut, or Connittecock, meaning, as some say,
"the long
river"; according to others, "the River of Pines," from the extensive pine forests which
once clothed its banks. Block noticed, when he entered the river, that it had a strong
VOL. I-3
18
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Enfield Falls, at Warehouse Point. Beyond that point he seems to have
made no further explorations; but returning to the Sound, coasted along
to Cape Cod, where he met his friend, Captain Corstiaensen. Mey,
meanwhile, had been exploring the Atlantic coast south of Manhattan
Island.
The discoveries thus made opened to the adventurous merchants of
Holland large and inviting channels of trade in beaver skins and furs,
especially with the Indians of the north, which they were by no means slow
to see and improve. The Dutch West India Company was formed in 1621,
and as the settlement of Nieuw Amsterdam, under its fostering care,
gradually increased in size and permanence, so their commercial relations
expanded and brightened. Their traders traversed the trackless forests
or paddled their light canoes along silent rivers, and visited the red man
in his wigwam. The little fort at Manhattan was never free from stately
Indian chiefs, whom the desire of barter and the fame of fair dealings
had tempted thither; while annually, from the goodly harbor, went forth
a gallant fleet of broad-bottomed Dutch vessels, richly laden with furry
treasures, to gladden the hearts of the honest burghers of Amsterdam
and Hoorn.
Yet, during all this time and for many years after, there was little
or no attempt at colonization. The rich and beautiful country to which
they had gained access was occupied by only a few straggling and
scantily-garrisoned log forts, which served as centers of trade; and their
government was merely the agency of a wealthy mercantile corporation
at home, whose objects and regulations were unfavorable to agricultural
or independent industrial pursuits. As yet no plans of comfortable
settlement or visions of future empire had troubled the Dutchman's busy
brain. The meadows of the Connecticut Valley were lovely in his eyes,
not as the home and inheritance of his race, but for the 10,000 beaver-
skins which were annually gathered from thence.¹ Meanwhile events
were transpiring on another continent and in another nation, which
were destined to wrest this territory from the Dutch, and to give it for a
goodly heritage unto men of a different mould and nobler aims.
England at this time was overcast by the thick-gathering cloud of
civil and religious persecution. Church and State were becoming more
and more exacting in their demands; all rights of conscience and faith
were abnegated, and every heart was filled with forebodings of the
future. "Every corner of the nation," says Macaulay, "was subjected
downward current at a short distance above its mouth, so that his appellation of
"Fresh" signified that the tide did not set back as far from the mouth of this stream
as in rivers usually.
L
¹ Winthrop, i. 113.
THE SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND.
19
to a constant and minute inspection. Every little congregation of Sep-
aratists was tracked out and broken up. Even the devotions of private
families could not escape the vigilance of spies. And the tribunals
afforded no protection to the subject against the civil and ecclesiastical
tyranny of that period." It was then that America, long known to the
English people for its valuable fur trade and fisheries, began to be re-
garded as an asylum by those whose principles and persecutions had left
them no alternative but exile. Hope whispered to their saddened hearts
that, perhaps, in these savage western wilds, they might be permitted to
enjoy those privileges which were denied them at home. The experiment
was made.
In 1620, the Rev. John Robinson's congregation, who for
eleven years had found a home with the kind-hearted Hollanders, em-
barked for America, and on the memorable 11th of December (Old
Style) landed upon the bleak and rock-bound coast of Plymouth. It is
not our purpose to dwell upon the details of that scene which has become
one of the grandest epochs of the world's history. Suffice it to say, that
the experiment was a success. Starvation, cold, and all the novel dan-
of a new settlement, failed to extinguish the life or check the growth
of the Plymouth colony. On this portion of the Western Continent were
now planted two races of Europeans with different natures and aims:
the Dutchman, with his feudal institutions and a soul absorbed in pelf;
the Englishman, with his deep religious zeal, his love for popular liberty,
and, it must be confessed, as great a love of trade as his Teutonic rival.
The probability that, sooner or later, their claims must conflict, was
warranted equally by their national antecedents and their diversities of
character. Yet it was not until 1627 that there was any actual commu-
nication between the two colonies.
gers
Then the Dutch sent a pacific and commercial embassage to
Plymouth. Their envoy, Captain De Rasiere, was courteously welcomed
and honorably attended with the noise of trumpets. The meeting was
pleasant to both parties. The Dutchman was the countryman of those
who had befriended them in the day of their affliction. “Our children
after us," said the Pilgrims, "shall never forget the good and courteous
entreaty which we found in your country, and shall desire your pros-
perity forever." He in turn, seeing the sterility of their soil, invited
them, as old friends, to remove to the fertile and pleasant lands on the
Connecticut "and wished us to make use of it."-Bradford, 311. But
the Pilgrims, with a frankness which savored almost of discourtesy,
questioned the right of the Dutch to the banks of the Hudson, and re-
quested them to desist from trading at Narragansett, at the same time
plainly suggesting the propriety of a treaty with England. Good feeling,
however, prevailed in their intercourse. It could hardly be otherwise,
with so many pleasant memories to bind them together. Yet, when De
20
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Rasiere returned to New Amsterdam, it must have been with an uncom-
fortable apprehension of future trouble with their English neighbors;
for, soon after his return, the authorities sent home to the Directors in
the Fatherland for a reinforcement of forty soldiers. The Dutchman's
heart was kind and his voice was ever for peace. But the plain
words and grasping attitude of the Plymouth colonists had sown
seeds of dissension which could not fail to disturb his tranquillity. Nor
were these fears groundless. The success of the Plymouth Colony, as
well as the continuance of religious persecution and intolerance in the
mother country, gave a decided impetus to the progress of emigration to
New England.
The Charter of Massachusetts Bay, granted in 1628, was confirmed..
in 1629, and the same year the first settlement under its provisions was
made at Salem by Gov. Endicott and 300 others. Charlestown was next
settled by a portion of the Salem people, and the same year the patent
and government of Massachusetts was transferred to New England. This
was but the beginning. The next year not less than 17 ships arrived,
bringing some 1,600 or 1,700 immigrants. Dorchester, Watertown,
Roxbury, Medford, and Weymouth were rapidly settled by the new
comers. And the social necessities of these colonists, as well as their
restless activity and numbers, forbade the supposition that they would
long remain within these narrow limits when they became acquainted
with the better lands and resources of the interior.
4
Foremost among these colonies of 1630, both as regards the char-
acter of its members and the date of its arrival, was the one which settled
at Dorchester and which afterwards removed to Windsor, Conn. It had
been formed mostly from the western counties of England,' early in the
spring of 1629, by the exertions of the Rev. John White of Dorchester,
whose zeal and labors fairly entitle him to the appellation of the "great
patron of New England emigration.'
""
"Great pains were taken," says the historian," "to construct this
company of such materials as should compose a well-ordered settlement,
containing all the elements of an independent community. Two de-
voted ministers, Messrs. Maverick³ and Warham,' were selected, not only
with a view to the spiritual welfare of the plantation, but especially
1 Trumbull says this "honorable company" was derived from the counties of
Devonshire, Dorsetshire, and Somersetshire.
History of the Town of Dorchester, Mass., edited by a committee of the Dorchester
Antiquarian and Historical Society.
³ JOHN MAVERICK was the son of a Devon clergyman, a graduate of Exeter College,
and a minister of the Established Church, residing about forty miles from Exeter,
England; he is first mentioned at the time of the assemblage in the New Hospital, Ply-
THE DORCHESTER (MASS.) COLONY.
21
that their efforts might bring the Indians to the knowledge of the Gospel.
Two members of the government, chosen by the freemen or stockholders
of the company in London, assistants or directors, Messrs. Rosseter and
Ludlow, men of character and education, were joined to the association,
that their counsel and judgment might aid in preserving order and
founding the social structure upon the surest basis. Several gentlemen,
past middle life, with adult families and good estates, were added.
Henry Wolcott, Thomas Ford, George Dyer, William Gaylord, William
Rockwell, and William Phelps were of this class. But a large portion of
active, well-trained young men, either just married or without families,
such as Israel Stoughton, Roger Clap, George Minot, George Hall, Rich-
ard Collicott, Nathaniel Duncan, and many others of their age, were the
persons upon whom the more severe trials of a new settlement were ex-
pected to devolve. Three persons of some military experience - viz. :
Captain John Mason, Captain Richard Southcote, and Quartermaster
John Smith were selected as a suitable appendage, as forcible resistance
from the Indians might render the skill and discipline which these gen-
tlemen had acquired under De Vere, in the campaign of the Palatinate
on the Continent, an element of safety essential to the enterprise.”
"First
“These godly people," says Roger Clap, one of the number,' "resolved
mouth, England, to organize a church. Cotton Mather includes him in the
Classis" of ministers, viz.: those who " were in the actual exercise of their ministry
when they left England." He was "somewhat advanced of age," at that period. He
took the freeman's oath May 18, 1631. A curious account of his drying some gun-
powder in a pan over the fire, in the Dorchester meeting-house, which was used as a
magazine also, and the wonderful escape of Maverick in the consequent explosion of a
"small barrel," are described in Winthrop's Journal, i. *78. Mr. Maverick expected to
remove to Connecticut, but died Feb. 3, 1636-7, aged "about sixty." "A godly man,
a beloved pastor, a safe and truthful guide.” Samuel Maverick, an Episcopalian, an
early settler of Noddle's Island, and afterwards royal commissioner, was a son of Rev.
John. For a full account of each, see Sumner's Hist. of East Boston.
A. H. Q.
4 Rev. JOHN WARHAM, like Mr. Maverick, was an ordained minister of the Church
of England, in Exeter, and eminent as a preacher. Roger Clap, who, when a lad, lived
about three miles from Exeter and often went to the city on a Lord's Day, where, as he
says, were many famous preachers of the Word of God," adds: “I took such a liking
to the Rev. Mr. Warham, that I did desire to live near him, so I removed into the city."
Mr. Warham, says Rev. Gowen C. Wilson (Hartford Co. Mem. Hist., 536),
was doubt-
less descended from the same stock with William Warham, D.D. and LL.D., Arch-
bishop of Canterbury, who died in 1532. The Archbishop had a brother John, whose
grandson also bore that name. A branch of this family settled in Dorset, where for
several generations the name John Warham is met with, until 1647, when one of that
name sold an estate in that shire. There can be but little doubt that he belonged to
this family; but the names of his parents, the year and place of his birth, where he was
educated, with all else connected with his life previous to coming to this country, are
now unknown. He was a young man, however, at that time, while Mr. Maverick
was somewhat advanced in years." Mr. Warham (according to Mass. Hist. Soc. Proceed.,
xvii. 348) was a graduate of Oxford.
1
Roger Clap's Memoirs, pub. by the Dorchester Antiq. and Hist. Society.
22
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
to live together, and therefore, as they had made choice of those two
Rev. Servants of God, Mr. John Warham and Mr. John Maverick to be
their Ministers, so they kept a solemn day of Fasting in the New Hos-
pital in Plymouth, in England, spending it in Preaching and praying;
where that worthy man of God, Mr. John White of Dorchester, in Dor-
setshire, was present and preached unto us in the forepart of the day,
and in the latter part of the day, as the people did solemnly make choice.
of and call these godly ministers to be their Officers, so also the Rev.
Mr. Warham and Mr. Maverick did accept thereof and expressed the
same." Both these gentlemen had formerly been ordained by bishops,
and though now thorough non-conformists, no re-ordination was deemed
necessary.
On the 20th of March, 1630, this company of 140 persons embarked
at Plymouth in the Mary and John, of 400 tons burden, commanded by
Captain Squeb and described as "Mr. Ludlow's vessel." "So we came,"
says Clap, "by the hand of God through the Deeps comfortably; having
Preaching or Expounding of the Word of God, every day for Ten Weeks
together, by our Ministers." On the Lord's Day, May the 30th, 1630,
their good ship came to anchor on the New England coast. Their
original destination was the Charles River, but an unfortunate misunder-
standing which arose between the captain and his passengers resulted in
the latter being summarily put ashore at Nantasket (now Hull), where
they were obliged to shift for themselves as best they could.'
*
Ten of the male passengers setting out in a boat in search of the
promised land reached Charlestown Neck, where they were kindly re-
ceived by an old planter, who gave them a dinner of "fish without
bread." Thus scantily refreshed they passed up the Charles River to
what is now Watertown. Here they passed two or three days, when
they returned to the main part of the company, who had found a good
pasture ground for their cattle at Mattapan, now known as Dorchester
Neck or South Boston. Their settlement was named (as we have reason
to believe at the suggestion of Mr. Ludlow) Dorchester, in honor of the
Rev. Mr. White of Dorchester, England; which had also been the home
of several of their own number.
The long sea voyage had probably enfeebled many of them, and as
1 The Mary and John was the first ship, of the fleet of 1630, that arrived in the
bay. At that time there were surely no pilots for ships to be found, and the refusal of
the captain to attempt the passage without pilot or chart does not seem unreasonable,
though Clap has sent the captain's name to posterity as a 'merciless man,' who, Trum-
bull says, was afterwards obliged to pay damages for this conduct." (Hist. Dor-
chester, Mass.) This trouble was afterwards amicably settled by the mediation of Gov.
Winthrop. See his Journal, i. 28.
2 See Winthrop.
THE DORCHESTER (MASS.) COLONY.
23
they still retained their original project of settling on the Charles River,
they had made little or no provision for future want in the way of plant-
ing. Consequently, shortly after their arrival, they found themselves
threatened with a scarcity of food. We will let Roger Clap tell the story
in his own quaint and pathetic manner.
"Oh the hunger that many suffered, and saw no hope in the eye of reason to be sup-
plied, only by clams, and muscles, and fish. We did quietly build boats, and some
went a fishing; but bread was with many a scarce thing, and flesh of all kinds scarce.
And in those days, in our straits, though I cannot say God sent us a raven to feed us
as he did the prophet Elijah, yet this I can say to the praise of God's glory, that he
sent not only poor ravenous Indians, which came with their baskets of corn on their
backs to trade with us, which was a good supply unto many, but also sent ships from
Holland and from Ireland with provision, and Indian corn from Virginia to supply the
wants of his dear servants in this wilderness, both for food and raiment. And when
people's wants were great, not only in one town but in. divers towns; such was the
godly wisdom, care and prudence (not selfishness but self-denial) of our Governor Win-
throp and his assistants, that when a ship came laden with provisions, they did order
that the whole cargo should be bought for a general stock: and so accordingly it was,
and distribution was made to every town, and to every person in each town, as every
man had need. Thus God was pleased to care for his people in times of straits, and to
fill his servants with food and gladness. Then did all the servants of God bless His
holy name, and love one another with pure hearts, fervently."
For a further account of their doings at this place, a subject possess-
ing peculiar interest to every inhabitant of Windsor who traces his
lineage back to those settlers of Dorchester, we refer to the history
before mentioned.
In place of the balance of this chapter, as given in our first edition,
we herewith substitute the following, written at our request by one who
is easily recognized as the highest living authority on Windsor historical
matters. It is the result of some thirty additional years of research,
and presents a very full and clear statement of the three independent
"occupations" (viz.: that of the Plymouth Company, that of the Dor-
chester Immigration, and that of the Lords and Gentlemen,) which com
bined in the settlement of Windsor.
Such interpolations, explanatory, or otherwise, as we have seen fit
to make in Mr. Hayden's article, are distinguished by being bracketed
thus [-] and by the letter s.
THE SETTLEMENT OF WINDSOR.
BY JABEZ H. HAYDEN.
I. THE OCCUPATION BY THE PLYMOUTH TRADING COMPANY.
As we have before seen (p. 19), the overtures made in 1627 by the
Dutch to the Plymouth people, to join them in a mercantile venture upon
the Connecticut River, had no immediate practical result. The Plymouth
people "made several voyages to the Connecticut, and found it a fine
place, but had no great trade."-Bradford. "Those Indians [i. e. of
Connecticut River] seeing us not very forward to build there, solicited
them of Massachusetts in like sort, for their [the Indians'] end was to
be restored to their country again.”—Bradford. They had heard that
the white men with their guns were invincible, and hoped that, under
such protection, the Pequots would no longer oppress them. Neither
Plymouth nor Massachusetts were at that time ready to commence the
undertaking; but later (July 12, 1633), Mr. Winslow and Mr. Bradford
of Plymouth went to Boston to confer with the Massachusetts men
about joining them in the enterprise. Massachusetts had no suitable
goods for Indian trade, and though Plymouth offered them some of theirs
on liberal terms, Bradford says that the negotiations came to nothing.
Gov. Winthrop says (i. 105) "There was a motion to set up a trading
house there to prevent the Dutch, who were about to build one,
there being three or four thousand Indians, &c., we thought not fit to
meddle with it.” The Plymouth people now determined to go on alone,
but the Dutch at New York, who about a dozen years before had encour-
aged them to do so, endeavored to forestall them, [by purchasing,' in
1632, lands from the Indians at Saybrook, on which were duly erected
the arms of the States-General. And on the 8th of June, 1633, the
West India Company bought from Sachem Wapyquart a tract of meadow
land, "extending about a (Dutch) mile down along the river to the next
little stream, and upwards beyond the hill, being a third of a (Dutch)
mile broad." On this purchase, the present site of the city of Hartford,
1 Through Wahguinnacut, a Connecticut River sachem, who visited both colonies.
2 O'Callaghan, Hist. New Netherland, i. 151. Brodhead, i. 153, states that this forti-
fied trading-house was said "to have been projected and begun in 1623,” although not
finished until 1633.
THE PLYMOUTH TRADING COMPANY.
25
the Dutch quickly erected a little fort, which was defended by two
cannon and called the House of Good Hope. Events were hurrying for-
ward a collision which could not long be avoided.
Early in October, the bark Blessing, from Massachusetts, voyaging
to Long Island, visited New Amsterdam, where its captain showed to
Van Twiller his commission, signifying that the King of England had
granted to his loyal subjects the river and country of Connecticut.
Whereupon the Dutch Governor wrote back a very "courteous and re-
spectful" letter to the Eastern Colonies, stating that both by prior
discovery, occupation, and the grant of the States, the country belonged
to the Dutch West India Company; and requesting the Plymouth, Peo-
ple to refrain from settling there until the matter could be determined by
the proper person's, in order that they "as Christians, might dwell
together in these heathenish parts."
But these courteous and pacific counsels had no weight with the
Plymouth Trading Company, who, within a few days after, sent out "a
large new bark," in charge of one William Holmes, a man of enterpris-
ing and resolute spirit, with an equally resolute crew. Holmes had on
board the frame of a house, with all the materials requisite for its imme-
diate erection. He also carried with him Attawanott, and other Indian
sachems; the original proprietors of the soil, who had been driven thence
by the warlike Pequots, and of whom the Plymouth people afterwards
purchased the land. When he reached the Dutch fort at Hartford, the
drum-beats that resounded from its walls, the cannoniers standing with
lighted matches beside the "two guns," under the banner of New Neth-
erlands, all gave note of warlike intent. Nor was he long left in doubt.
The Dutch hailed him with an enquiry as to his intentions, and a per-
emptory order to stop. He curtly replied that he held his commission
from the Governor of Plymouth Colony, and that his orders were to go
up the river to trade-and, notwithstanding their threats to fire upon
him, he held steadily on his way to the place which the Indians had pre-
viously sold to the company, below the mouth of the Tunxis, or Rivulet,'
arriving there, 26 Sept., 1633. They quickly put up the frame of the
house which they had brought with them-s.], enclosed it with palisades
(stockade) and were soon in position to defend themselves against the
Indian enemies of the friendly natives, who had invited them here and
2
The Plymouth Trading House was erected on the bank of the Connecticut River,
80 to 100 rods below the present mouth of the Tunxis (about midway of the Plymouth
meadow).
Winthrop's Journal mentions their safe arrival in Connecticut, under date of
Oct. 2d, the date probably on which he received the news. The Dutch authorities state
that the Plymouth vessel reached its destination on Sept. 26th, six days before the news
reached Boston. O'Callaghan, i. 151.
VOL. I-4
26
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
2
sold them lands; and, also, as it proved, against an attack by the Dutch.
The Pilgrims had now out-generaled the Dutch by going above them,
where they could secure the trade of the Indians, who lived higher up the
river. The Dutch, at Hartford, at once reported the case to the authori-
ties at New Netherlands, which resulted in an official protest, and warn-
ing to quit, served upon Capt. Holmes,' and in the sending of an armed
force of seventy men to dislodge the Plymouth people. It seems almost
incredible that the Dutch should have had so large a force here in the
autumn of 1633, or that Plymouth should have had enough men on the
spot to successfully withstand them. But the Plymouth men had "come
to stay"; and, so far as the Dutch and Indians were concerned, proved
their ability to do so. The seventy soldiers who went up in battle array,
returned to Hartford without firing a gun; and the next we hear from
the Dutch is of their strategic move to send men higher up the river
to intercept the trade which would naturally fall to the Plymouth men.
This, however, failed, because of the breaking out of the small-pox
among the Indians, and the Dutchmen themselves nearly perished before
they reached the white settlements again. A like fatal epidemic.
occurred among the Windsor Indians during the same winter of 1633-4.
Bradford's Journal (p. 314), gives the following account :
3
¹ This protest, served 25 Oct., 1633, by Commissioner Van Carler, reads thus:
"The Director and Council of Nieuw Netherland hereby give notice to William Holmes,
lieutenant and trader, acting on behalf of the English Governor of Plymouth, at pres-
ent in the service of that nation, that he depart forthwith, with all his people and
houses, from the lands lying on the Fresh River, continually traded upon by our nation,
and at present occupied by a fort, which lands have been purchased from the Indians
and paid for. And in case of refusal, we hereby protest against all loss and interest
which the Privileged West India Company may sustain.
"Given at Fort Amsterdam, in Nieuw Netherland, this xxvth Octob., 1633."
A written answer to this was requested but was refused by Holmes. O'Calla-
ghan's Hist. N. N., i. 154.
2 Dec. 22, 1634, by a letter from Plymouth, it was certified that Holmes' House had
been attacked. —Winthrop, i. 153.
Bradford, p. 325, says: “There was a company of people lived in the country up
above in the river Connecticut [Warannoc, now Westfield, Mass.], a great way from
their [the Plymouth] Trading-house, and were enemies of those Indians who lived about
them, and of whom they [the Windsor Indians] stood in some fear (being a stout peo-
ple), about a thousand of whom had inclosed themselves in a fort, which they had
strongly palisadoed about. Three or four Dutchmen went up in the beginning of win-
ter to live with them, and get their trade, and prevent them from bringing it to the
English, or to fall into amity with them, but at spring to bring all down to their place
[Hartford]. But, their enterprise failed, for it pleased God to visit those Indians with
a great sickness and such a mortality that, of a thousand, above nine hundred and fifty
died, and many of them did rot above ground for want of burial, and the Dutchmen
almost starved before they could get away, for ice and snow. But, about February
they got, with much difficulty, to their [the Plymouth] trading-house, where they kindly
received them, being almost spent with hunger and cold. Being thus refreshed divers
days, they got them down to their own place [Hartford], and the Dutchmen were very
thankful for this kindness.”
FATAL EPIDEMIC AMONG THE INDIANS.
27
"This Spring, also, the Indians that lived about their trading-house there fell sick
of ye small-poxe, and dyed most miserably; for a sorer disease cannot befall them; they
fear it more than ye plague; for usually they that have this disease have them in abund-
ance and for want of bedding and linen, and other helps, they fall into a lamentable
condition, as they lie on their hard mats, the pox breaking and matterating, and run-
ning one into another, their skin cleaving (by reason thereof) to the mats they lie on.
When they turn them [selves] a whole side will flea off at once, as it were, and they will
be all one gore of blood, and then being very sore, what with cold and other distempers,
they die like rotten sheep. The condition of this people was lamentable, and they fell
downe so generally of this disease, as they were (in ye end) not able to help one another;
no, not to make a fire, nor to fetch a little water to drink, nor any to burie ye dead; but
would strive as long as they could, and when they could procure no other means to
make ´fire, they would burne ye wooden trayes, & dishes they ate their meate in, and
their very bowes and arrowes: & some would crawle out on all fours to gett a little
water, and sometimes dye by ye way, & not be able to gett in againe. But those of ye
English House [Plymouth Co.'s] (though at first they were afraid of the infection), yet
seeing their woefull and sadd condition, and hearing their pitifull cries and lamenta
tions, they had compassion of them, and dayly fetched them wood and water, and made
them fires, gott them victuals whilst they lived, and buried them when they dyed. For
very few of them escaped, notwithstanding they did what they could for them, to ye
hazard of themselves. The chiefe-sachem himselfe ' now died, & almost all his friends
& kindred. But by ye marvellous goodnes & providens of God, not one of ye English
was so much as sicke, or in ye least measure tainted with this disease, though they dayly
did these offices for them for many weeks together. And this mercie which they shewed
them was kindly taken, and thankfully acknowledged of all ye Indians that knew or
heard of ye same: and their masters [members of the Trading company] here [at
Plymouth] did much commend and reward them for ye same.
1
"2
¹ Probably Attawanot, or Nattawanut, who was brought home and restored to his
possessions by Holmes. See chapter on Indian History and Purchases.
2 This terrible disease had prevailed about Plymouth several years before the com-
ing of the Plymouth Pilgrims, as we learn from an account of a visit made from that
place forty miles inward, in the summer of 1621. This account, written by Bradford
(102) several years later, throws considerable light upon the art of cultivating Indian
corn, as practiced by the Indians before the whites came, as well as upon the beneficial
results to the Indians of the coming of the English - who occupied the open lands of the
depleted tribes, supplied the survivors with European agricultural implements, and
taught them better methods of cultivation.
દુઃ
•
Mr. Winslow and Mr. Hopkins, with Squanto [the interpreter], went [from Ply-
mouth] to visit Massasoit .. but they found short commons and came home weary and
hungry, for the Indians used then to have nothing so much corn as they have since the Eng-
lish have stored them with hoes, and [the Indians have] seen our industry in breaking up
new ground therewith. [The Indians had hitherto been without iron, or other metal imple-
ments.] They [the Plymouth men] found the place 40 miles away, soil good, the people not
many, being dead and abundantly wasted in the late great mortality which fell on all of these
parts about three years before the coming of the English, wherein thousands of them died,
they not being able to bury one another. Their skulls and bones we found in many
places where their homes and dwellings had been," etc.
Nearly fifty years ago, I gathered some Indian corn, which was doubtless grown in
Windsor by the Indians before the whites came. This corn was exposed by the break-
ing of the Connecticut River bank, by a spring freshet, not far above the mouth of the
Tunxis or Rivulet. I judged there had been about a bushel of it, in what had been an
Indian grave; and had been charred to prevent its rotting, and looked like browned cof-
fee berries. So many of the kernels were of an irregular shape - having been grown
+
28
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
II. THE DORCHESTER AND OTHER MASSACHUSETTS IMMIGRATIONS.
As already seen, the Plymouth Company's party reached Windsor
Sept. 26, 1633, and the news of their safe arrival here is entered in
Winthrop's Journal under date of Oct. 2d; but, at least one party from
Massachusetts which went overland probably reached the Connecticut
River before them.
Winthrop (i. 111) says, under date of 4 Sept., 1633, “John Oldham
and three others with him went overland to Connecticut to trade."
Again (123), Jan. 20, 1633–4 (?), "Hall and two others who went to
Connecticut Nov. 3d, now come home to the Bay. They found the small-
pox raging among the Indians, by reason whereof they had no trade;"
and (Ibid.), July 15, 1634, "Six of Newtown went in the Blessing
(bound to the Dutch plantation) to discover the Connecticut River."
The reports of these parties, on their return, doubtless informed the
Massachusetts people of the nature and extent of the river meadows
open to cultivation, and, probably, the obtaining of accurate information
was the main purpose of their journeys.
To return to the Plymouth people in Connecticut, we have seen the
erection of their house and defense of the same, their hospitality to the
starving Dutchmen, who were their rivals in trade, and their kindness
to suffering Indians in the winter of 1633-4. The next that is heard
from them is in the summer of 1635, more than a year later, when Jon-
athan Brewster, the resident agent, sends the following report to the
Plymouth company :
Sr: &c.
Ye Massachusetts men are coming almost dayly, some by water & some by land,
who are not yet determined wher to setle,¹ though some have a great mind to ye place
we are upon, and which was last bought.2 Many of them look at that which this river
will not afford, except it be at this place which we have, namly to be a great towne and
have commodious dwellings for many years togeather. So as [to] what they will doe I
alone, or having touched another only on one side as to indicate a meagre crop. Such
kernels as are found when a chance stalk grows alone, or when a field of corn is too poor
to produce pollen sufficient to fertilize all the ear. A specimen of this corn can be seen
at the Historical Society's Rooms in Hartford.—J. H. H.
1 Query. — Had "the Massachusetts men" [that is, the emigrants from Watertown,
Mass.] settled at Wethersfield the year before and Brewster remained ignorant of the
fact? And, if he knew that the Watertown people were settled there, would he have
ignored the fact in this communication, descriptive of the situation on the Connecticut,
to his superiors at Plymouth?
2“Which was last bought." Bradford (314) says: "We did the Dutch no wrong,
for they [of Plymouth] took not a foot of any land they [the Dutch] bought, but went
to the place above them and bought that tract of land [Plymouth Meadow and the head
of the Hartford Meadow] which belonged to those Indians which they [we] carried with
us, and their friends, with whom the Dutch had nothing to do." "The last bought'
was the Great Meadow which lies north of the Tunxis, or Rivulet. If the original
purchase had included the Great Meadow, there would have been no last" purchase.
""
DORCHESTER AND OTHER MASSACHUSETTS IMMIGRATIONS.
29
3
cannot yet resolve you: for [in] this place there is none of them say anything to me,
but what I hear from their servants¹ (by whom I perceive their minds). I shall doe
what I can to withstand them.2 I hope they will hear reason; as that we were here
first, and entred with much difficulty and danger, both in regard to ye Dutch and In-
deans, and bought ye land (to your great charge, allready disbursed), and have since
held here a chargeable possession, and kept ye Dutch from further incroaching, which
would els long before this day have possessed all, and kept out all others, &c. I hope
these & such like argments will stop them. It was your will that we should use their
persons and messengers kindly, & so we have done, and do dayly, to your great charge;
for the first company had well nie starved, had it not been for this house, for want of
victuals: I being forced to supply 12 men for 9 days togeather: and those which came
last, I entertained the best we could, helping both them [the twelve men], (and ye
others) with canows and guides. They got me to goe with them to ye Dutch, to see if
I could procure some of them to have quiet setling nere them: but they did peremtor-
ily withstand them. But this later company did not once speak thereof, &c. Also I
gave their goods house roome according to their ernest request, and Mr. Pinchon's letter
in their behalfe (which I thought good to send you, here inclosed). And what trouble
4
¹“ Servants ”—bired laborers, brought over to help build their houses, probably
those owing a term of service for their passage from England.
2
>"
* He evidently did "withstand them on Plymouth Meadow, for the Windsor Land
Records show that none of that meadow was set out to Windsor men until after the 43
acres of it reserved by Plymouth, 15 May, 1637, had been surveyed and the bounds set.
Three years later Windsor had set out the lots north and south of the Plymouth reser-
vation, and the adjoining lots were bounded by the P. lot, though none of the deeds
were recorded until 1640, at which time the P. lot was owned by Matthew Allyn.
Neither was the land on the hill" set out previous to May 15, 1637, for the Plymouth
Co. were to have an acre there "to build on," opposite the meadow lot, which was
afterwards occupied by Matthew Allyn. The home lots of Henry Wolcott, Sr. and Jr.,
and several others on the Island street, bounded east by Plymouth Meadow, prov-
ing that they were set out later than May 15, 1637. Most of the Wolcott quota of
meadow land lay in the Great Meadow; if not already assigned to them, they should
have had it near them in P. Meadow.
* That is, prevent their taking up the Great Meadow, for there is no evidence that
"the Massachusetts men" proposed to take Plymouth Meadow and disposses those
already settled there under an Indian title, and the added right of possession.
4 Who were these twelve men? The Massachusetts men, with whom Brewster
had to do, all settled in the "Three Towns." These twelve men, "and the others,"
whom he entertained and furnished with guides and canoes, were evidently pioneers;
and, if the Watertown people had already formed a settlement at Wethersfield, as per
tradition (Trumbull's Hist. Conn., 49), they had no occasion to ask Brewster for guides,
etc., but should have gone directly to their own settlement. In such a case, there
would have been but two parties-the Newtown and Dorchester-seeking places.
The Dorchester people, as is evident from Brewster's letter, were at Windsor at the date
of his writing — and they, as he learned from their servants," had “ a great mind to
the place we are upon, " "that last bought" (i. e., the Great Meadow). And, from Sir
Richard Saltonstall's letter written on receipt of Stiles' report of the opposition he met
from Ludlow, it appears that the Dorchester men had an exploring expedition "up
above the Falls" (Agawam ?), and that, upon the return of this party, with an un-
satisfactory report, they had entered upon the Great Meadow and apportioned it in lots
to themselves, where the pioneers of "the Lords' & Gentlemen's party" had "proposed
to begin work." It seems pretty evident that the Watertown pioneers were included
with these Massachusetts men — if not, how shall we account for the omission of any
mention in Brewster's letter, of their having settled Wethersfield the year before, if
such settlement had actually been made?
!
30
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
and charge I shall be further at I know not, for they are coming dayley, and I expect
these back again from below, whither they are gone to view ye countrie. All which
trouble and charge we undergoe for their occasion, may give us just cause (in ye
judgmente of all wise & understanding men) to hold and keep that we are settled
upon. Thus with my duty remembered, &c.,
I rest,
Yours to be commanded,
JOHNNATHA BREWSTER.¹
2 Matianuck, July 6, 1635.
From this letter, it is evident that the Plymouth people supposed
they had formed a settlement on the Connecticut at Matianuck (now
Windsor), and Brewster claims in this letter that they have “just occa-
sion (in the judgment of all wise understanding men), to hold and keep
that we have settled upon," and Bradford says (p. 313), that "they [the
Plymouth people] were the first English that both discovered that place
and built in the same, though they [we] were little better than thrust
out of it afterwards." And (p. 340) in reply to the argument of the
Dorchester people, that they "found the place so free that they might,
with God's good leave, take and use it [the Great Meadow] without just
offense to any man, it being the Lord's waste, and for the present alto-
gether void of inhabitants that indeed minded the employment thereof
to the right ends for which it was created, Gen. i. 28," and, furthermore,
that it was land "upon which God, by his providence, cast us, and as
we conceive in a fair way of providence tendered it to us, as a meete
place to receive our body [company] now upon removal [i. e., about to
remove]," the Plymouth people very pertinently replied: "We shall
not need to answer all the passages of your larg [e] letter, &c. But,
wher [e] as you say, 'God in his providence cast you &c.,' we tould you
before, and (upon this occasion) must now tell you still, that our minde's
otherwise, and yt you cast rather a partial, if not a covetous eye, upon
that wch is your neighbor's, and not yours; and in so doing, your way
could not be faire unto it. Looke yt you abuse not God's providence in
such allegations." And, again, "That if was ye Lord's wast [e], it was
themselves [ourselves, the Plymouth men] that found it so, and not them
[of Dorchester] and [they, the Plymouth people] have since bought it
[i. e., the "last bought" -the Great Meadow] of ye right owners, and
mantained a chargeable possession upon it all this while, as themselves
'Eldest son of Elder Brewster of Plymouth, came in the Fortune, 1621, removed
to Duxbury in 1622, where he became a prominent man. He afterwards moved to
New London, Conn., where he died.
2 Mattanucke, Mettaneug, or Mattaneaug, which last spelling probably best represents
the sound of the Indian name of what is now Windsor. The spelling, Matianuck, is
considered by Hon. J. Hammond Trumbull to have came from the Dutch, who were
not able to give that softer sound, "eaug," but made it "ock," or "uck." Mr. Trum-
bull's opinion seems to bring the word Mattaneaug more in consonance with our few
recognized Indian words such as Pyquag, Quahag, etc.
DORCHESTER AND OTHER MASSACHUSETTS IMMIGRATIONS.
31
1
[the Dorchester people] could not but know. And because of present
engagements and other hindrances which lay at present upon thèm [us],
must it therefore be lawful for them [of D.] to goe and take it from
them [us]. It was well known that they [we] are upon a barren place ¹
[Plymouth], where we were by necessity cast, and neither they or theirs
[we or ours] could long continue upon the same, and why should they
[of Dorchester] (because they were more ready and able at present) goe
and deprive them [us] of that which we had with charge and hazard
provided and intended to remove to as soon as we could and were able?”
When this controversy, relative to the occupation of the Great
Meadow, began, the Dorchester men had not their families here; and, if
not, then surely the Plymouth men had as good a claim to be con-
sidered as pioneers for their own on-coming families, as the pioneers
of the "Three Towns" had, besides the added claim of two years'
possession. The settlement of the Massachusetts people dates from
the arrival of the first comers, as does that of the "Landing of the
Pilgrims" from the arrival of the first boat's company at Plymouth
Rock. Historians gave the arrival of the Plymouth Company's party at
Windsor, 1633, as the date of the first English occupation of Connecti-
cut, until the discovery on the Colonial Records, half a century ago, of
a record of the General Court, fifteen years after the settlement of the
Three Towns, wherein, in an order relative to "the most ancient town,'
is interlined (in parenthesis), "wch for the river is determined by the
Court to bee Wethersfield." 2 This was an order in reference to town-
bounds, and evidently when the oldest town was "admitted to be Weth-
ersfield," the Court, possibly influenced by their former and still remem-
bered prejudices against the Plymouth Colony, intended altogether to
ignore that colony's settlement at Windsor in 1633.
""
The Plymouth people never abandoned their claims, nor were they,
1“Having had formerly converse and familiarity with the Dutch (as before men-
tioned) they, seeing us seated here in a barren quarter, told us of a river called by them
the Fresh River, but now known by the name of Connecticut, which they commended
unto us as a fine place both for a plantation and trade.
We now began to send
that way to discover the same and trade with the natives. We found it to be a fine
place, but had no great store of trade." Bradford's Journal, 311.
2 In Col. Rec. i. 53, section "Bounds of Townes and Particular Lands," it is ordered
that the towns shall attend to the setting of their respective bounds, and that each year
three persons shall be appointed by the selectmen of each town, who shall with per-
sons similarly appointed "renew their markes.”
the most Auncient Towne (20ch
for the River is determined by the Courte to bee Wethersfield), to give notice of the time and
place of meeting for this perambulation." The italicized and bracketed sentence above
is an interlineation in the original record of the General Court, and is said to be in the
handwriting of Capt. Culick, who ceased to be Secretary in 1659.
32
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
like the Dutch at Hartford, driven out. The Dorchester people admitted
their claims, and afterwards bought and paid for the land which they
had from them. The land which the Plymouth people occupied was
never sold to Windsor, but continued in their occupation three years.
longer, and it was only by an order of court' (1640), two years after
Mr. Matthew Allyn bought it, that the Plymouth House and lot was de-
clared to be within the jurisdiction of the orders of Windsor.
A few days after the date of Brewster's letter, another party
appeared upon the scene, armed with a Patent claiming that both Plym-
outh and Dorchester must give way to them; and in subsequent negotia-
tions, that either of "the Three Towns" must give place to the Lords
and Gentlemen, who had sent Mr. Francis Stiles and a company of
twenty men, to inclose lands and build dwellings for them; but they
promised to pay for any improvement which might have been made at
such place as they chose to locate on. The Dorchester party, however,
ignored the claims of the Lords and Gentlemen, as represented by Mr.
Stiles, and commenced building their houses (cellars) on the brow of the
Meadow-hill, north of the Rivulet, and appropriating the Great Meadow
adjoining, allowing the Stiles party only a small portion at its upper
end, where Mr. Francis Stiles built on the brow of the hill, on the site
of the Chief Justice Ellsworth place.
2
And now, from this point southerly to the Little River, all along
the brow of the meadow hill-the "Sandy Bank," as it was then
1 Conn. Col. Rec., i. 53: Whereas, by an order, the seventh of December last [1638],
the difference between Mr. Allyn and Windsor concerning land purchased of Plymouth,
was, by consent, referred to Mr. Haynes, Mr. Ludlow, Mr. Hopkins, and Mr. Phelps,
to end the same, and what is agreed on by them is to be yielded unto on both sides; ac-
cording to which order and reference, we who are mentioned in the said order, have
seriously weighed all such arguments as have been tendered unto us on both sides, and
we cannot see but Mr. Allyn ought to be subject for the said land and purchase, to the laws
and orders and jurisdiction of this commonwealth [the italics are ours-J. H. H.], and,
by a necessary consequence, subject to that Plantation of Windsor wherein the said land
lies, and to all such reasonable and lawful orders as are agreed there for the public good
of the same, and in equal proportion to bear his share in all rates there, so as while he and
his successors live elsewhere [Mr. Allyn had not then removed from Hartford] then he,
or they, are to pay only according to his proportion of land there, and profits and bene-
fits thence arising, and such stock as is resident or usually employed in & thereupon.
And our judgment for the present is that the said Allyn nor his successors should not
be rated in any other place for that land and estate he hath there as aforesaid. It is in-
tended that Mr. Allyn have notice given him, in convenient time, of all such orders as
do or may concern him, and that the orders be such as lay within his compass and power
to accomplish and perform in a reasonable way.
Dated the 4th of Jany, 1639-40, and subscribed by
2 Letchford's Notes.
Jo. HAYNES,
RO. LUDLOW,
ED. HOPKINS,
WILL. PHELPS.
* This Sandy Bank must not be confounded with Sandy Hill, which is a rise of
ground about a mile west of the river.
DORCHESTER AND OTHER MASSACHUSETTS IMMIGRATIONS.
33
66
called — the sound of the axe, the saw, and the hammer was daily
heard, as these pioneers (both of Dorchester and of the Patentees) be-
stirred themselves in the preparation of dwelling-places for the families
which were soon to follow. "Dwelling-places" merely, these were — only
intended for temporary use, until more substantial ones could be pro-
vided, "dug-outs," in fact, such as are to be seen at the present day,
in newly-settled parts of the West. Their construction is thus described:
Beginning a few feet below the brow of the hill, they excavated a space
the size of the proposed house, throwing up the earth at the sides and
west end. On the embankment thus made, they laid a plate, on which
they rested the foot of the rafters. Where stone was convenient, a wall
was laid under the plate, but as stone was scarce here, they must have
dispensed with it. Instead of shingle, the roof was thatched with a
coarse wild-grass. The east end was probably made from plank, hewn
or sawn by hand; the floors and ceilings were probably made from
'clove' boards, i. e., boards cloven or split from short logs and hewn
into shape. Only the east end and roof of these structures appeared
above ground."'
In the spring of 1636 (April 15–25), after the return to Windsor of
those Dorchester men, who were driven back to Massachusetts the previous
winter, for want of adequate provision (as we shall see further on), we
find Jonathan Brewster, the agent of the Plymouth Company, still at Wind-
sor, as also his father, Elder William Brewster. The Plymouth people laid
no claim to the present territory of South Windsor, and the two Brew-
sters and Edward Pattison, one of the Stiles party, signed (as disinter-
ested witnesses) the Indian deed given, April 15, 1636, to the "Dorches-
ter plantation."
During that spring Governor Winthrop, Jr., who had been appoint-
ed by the Lords and Gentlemen Gov. of Conn., (though never acknowl-
edged as such by the "Three Towns") went up from Saybrook to ar-
range the difficulties existing between their pioneers under Stiles and
the Dorchester people.-Saltonstall's Letter. Gov. Winthrop, Sen., wrote
his son, June 10, 1636, (Life & Letters, 156,) that Lord Say had written
¹ J. H. Hayden's Address at Quarter Millenial of Windsor Church. He also says:
"In 1636 we find settlers on the south side of the Little River, and, so far as we know,
their houses were situated on the brow of a hill like those on Sandy Bank. Several
houses were built along the brow of the first rise from the meadow, where the road now
runs at and south of the David Rowland place, which "houses were drowned very
deep" in the flood of 1639. They then removed to the higher ground east of the
present Broad Street, on the west side of the railroad. When H. S. Hayden built his
barn a few years ago, he dug up some of the remains of one of these houses. The
Loomis place, on the Island, still shows the place where that first house was built.
Houses in several other places in Windsor were built on the brow of the hill."
VOL. I-5
34
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
him "wherein he expresseth much satisfaction in your proceedings, but
saith withal that those up the river have carved largely for themselves."
While there he seems to have consulted Brewster, to get his help, and
the authority of which Plymouth held under their Indian deed, that
Stiles might set his "twenty" servants at work hay making on the “Great
Meadow."- Winslow to Winthrop, Jr., Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll., vi. 163.
"NEW PLYMOUTH, 22d 4th Mo. [June 22, 1636.]
"I perceive by a letter from Mr. Brewster [was Jonathan called Mr. ?] of a motion
of yours to him to procure hay for an hundred beasts. We had a purpose to have sent
some cattle thither, but are so discouraged by him [Brewster] through the injurious
dealing of his intruding neighbors [of Dorchester, who had taken up the Great Meadow],
as we fear there will not be long living for man or beast. But if you please to make
use of our right, my brother shall set your servants to work in our name, and by our
order, and afford them whatever personal help shall be thought meet to the utmost of
our power."
After two years' strife with the Dorchester men, the Plymouth
Company consented to sell, and the Dorchester people to buy, fifteen-
sixteenths of all the territory which Plymouth had purchased of the
Indians (except the head of Hartford Meadow). The remaining one-six-
teenth, remaining intact in the hands of Plymouth, never became a part
of the common lands for Windsor to dispose of. The Windsor Land
Records, fol. i, 227, preserve the following deed:
"An agreement made between Mr. Prince for and on behalfe of New Plimouth in
America and ye inhabitants of Windsor on the River of Connecticott in ye sayd America,
ye 15th day of May, 1637."
Imprimis. On consideration of £37, 10s. 0, to be payd about 3 months hence, ye
said Mr. Prince doth sell unto ye inhabitants of Windsor all that land, meadow and up-
land, from a marked tree a quarter of a mile above Mr. Stiles [on the] North', [to] ye
great swamp next ye bounds of Hartford, [on the] South,2 for length. And in breadth
in the country toward Poquonnack as far as Zequasson and Nattawanute, two Sachems
hath or had their proprietys [properties] all which hath been purchased of ye said
Zequassen and Nattawanut, for a valuable consideration, ye particulars whereof do
appear in a Note now produced, by ye sayd Mr. Prince, allways excepted & reserved
to ye House of ye sayd New Plimouth, 43 acres of meado and 3 quarters, and in upland
on ye other side of ye swamp, next their meado, 40 acres. Fidilicit, [viz] 40 rods in
1 The Indian deed of the land north of this line, "about the time of the Pequot
War," but recorded later (Town Rec.), is bounded south by New Brook, an artificial
channel cut across the upper end of "Sequestered Meadow," about three-quarters of a
mile north of Mr. Stiles's house, and about one-quarter of a mile North of William
Hayden's lot, which he bought of Stiles.
2 An artificial channel was also cut across the upper end of Hartford Meadow, at a
later date, which drained the swamp there; but the swamp still exists to some extent
at the lower end. The south line of the Plymouth purchase from the Indians, ran due
west from opposite the mouth of the Podunk River, including say 75 to 100 acres of
Hartford Meadow, which, Bradford tells us, was "reserved for them of Newtown," and
that boundry line between Hartford and Windsor still runs from near Wilson's Station,
along the west line of the Great Swamp (that was) near the present railroad, to about
opposite the Podunk River,
PLYMOUTH COMPANY SELLS OUT TO DORCHESTER SETTLERS.
35
breadth, and in length 160 rods into ye country for the present, and afterwards as other
lotts are layd out, they are to have their proportion within their bounds aforesayd [the
area covered by this deed]. There is likewise excepted 70 rods in breadth towards ye
sayd bounds of ye sayd Hartford in an Indifferent [average ?] place, to be agreed upon
and to goe in length to ye ends of ye bounds aforesayd [i. e. "as far as Sequassen and
Nattawanute had propriety "].
In witness whereof, the parties abovesaid, have set their hands and seales ye day
and year above written."
Signed, sealed and delivered, In presence of
JOSIAS WINSLOW.
THOS. MARSHFIELD
The mark of WM. BUTLER
ROGER LUDLOW.
WILLIAM PHELPS
JOHN WHITFIELD
The above deed or instrument is a true copy of the original, being compared there-
with, Apl. 7, 1673 per us.
JOHN TALCOTT,
JOHN ALLYN, Sec'y
}
Asst.
The signature of Prince was not copied into the record-book, and
the deed itself was not recorded earlier than 1652, at which time
Matthew Grant succeeded Mr. Bray Rossitter, the first recorder (who
had removed to Guilford). Grant was at Windsor during the first
summer, and was familiar with the controversy between the Plymouth
and Dorchester parties from its beginning; was a surveyor, and set out
the first lots in the Great Meadow and adjoining the upland, in Sep-
tember 1635,' and the following testimony which he has volunteered is
a valuable contribution to the history of the case:
This bargain as aboue exprest and was written and assigned I can cer[tainly tes-]
tify does not mention or speak to every particular of ye bargain as it was issued with
Mr. Prince before it was put in writing; this should have been ye frame of it. Dor-
chester men that came from ye Mass. Bay up here to Connecticutt to settle in ye place
now called Windsor: Plymouth men challenged propriety here, by a purchase of yº
land from ye Indians, whereupon in the latter end of ye 35 year [Feby 24th, 1635/6]
some of our Principal men, meeting some of ye Plymouth men in Dorchester, 2 labored
to Drive a bargain with them to buye out their [claim], which they challenged by pur-
chas, and came to Terms, & then May 37 as is above exprest, then our company being
generally together [at Windsor] (that intended to settle here) Mr. Prince being come up
1 Private Controversies, State Library, p. 138.
2 Early in the winter of 1635–6, a large part of those who had come to Windsor
were obliged to return, for want of provisions. Winthrop tells us that a party of 13
men went back by land, one of whom fell through the ice, in crossing some stream, and
was drowned. The main body went down the river, hoping to find the vessel, or vessels,
with provisions, but, fortunately, found another, frozen in twenty miles from the river's
mouth, in which they took shelter. A rain storm immediately after set in, which re-
leased the vessel, and, Winthrop says, "they came to Massachusetts in five days, which
was a great mercy of God, for otherwise they had all perished, as some did." Salton-
stall's letter to Governor Winthrop speaks of Mr. Ludlow being here with the pioneer
party of 1635, when the Stiles party arrived at Windsor; and Matthew Grant speaks
of being here in September of that year. They, the men who had returned to Dor-
chester from Connecticut, were doubtless parties to the interview at Dorchester here
referred to.
36
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
3
here in ye behalf of ye Plymouth men that were partners in their purchas, issued
ye bargain with us. We were to pay them £37. 10s. for whole purchas which Mr.
Prince presented to us in writing, only they Reserved ye 16 part off for themselves,2
& their 16 part in meadow land came by measuring of ye meado to 43 acres 3 quarters, ³
which was bounded out to Mr. Prince, he being present, by myself appointed by our
Company, in Plymouth Meadow, so called by that account. Their 16 part in upland
they took up near ye bounds of Hartford 70 rods in bredth by ye Riuer & so to con-
tinew to ye end of ye bounds. They were also to have one acre to build on, upon the
Hill 5 against [adjoining] their meadow. Also Mr. Prince said he had purchased ye
4
¹ Winthrop's Journal, i. 181, refers to this meeting of Plymouth and Dorchester men,
under date of 24 Feb., 1635 [1636]. "Mr. Winslow, of the Plymouth Company came
to treat with those of Dorchester about their land in Connecticut, which they had taken
from them" [at that time, the Dorchester people had not gone on the Plymouth Meadow
and upland (the Island) adjoining]. Winslow wanted them to give "£100 and one-six-
teenth of the land, but they break off. But divers of them [who had been to Connecti-.
cut?] resolved to quit the place, if they could not agree with those of Plymouth."
Grant says of the negotiations at Dorchester, that they came to terms," which could
only mean such an understanding as enabled those who had proposed to "quit the
place," to return, for Grant, immediately after, .tells us of the bargain being consum-
mated the next year in Windsor, our company being generally here;" and Bradford
(341) says,
We thought it better to let them have it, on as good terms as we could get,
so we fell to treaty. The first thing (because they had made so many and long disputes
about it) we would have them grant, was, that we had a right to it, else we would never
treat about it, the which, being acknowledged and yielded unto by them, this was the
conclusion we came unto in the end, after much ado. That we should retain our house.
and have the sixteenth part of all we had bought of the Indians [and the head of the
Hartford Meadow] and the others [Dorchester] should have all the rest of the land,
leaving such a moiety [an amount about equal to Plymouth Meadow ?] to those of New-
town [Hartford] as we reserved for them. This sixteenth part was to be taken in two
places, one towards the House [meadow], the other, [upland] towards Newtown's pro-
portion: also, they were to pay in proportion [15/16] what had been disbursed to the
Indians for the purchase. Thus was the controvesey ended, but the unkindness not so soon
forgotten. They of Newtown [Hartford] dealt more fairly, desiring only what they [of
Dorchester] could conveniently spare from a competency reserved for a plantation for
themselves, which made them [the Plymouth people] the more careful to procure a
moiety for them [of Newtown] in this agreement and distribution." Truly an honor-
able testimony.
2 Thus, not making themselves equal partners with the Dorchester people, as they
had proposed in 1633, but still partners, and retaining their settlement.
$434+16, & total of 700 acres of meadow; Plymouth Meadow, about 75 acres; Great
Meadow, about 550; Sequestered Meadow, about 75 acres.
'Prince's deed says, “in an indifferent [average] place." Below the head of Hart-
ford Meadow, Windsor bounded east on that meadow; above on the Connecticut River,
there was only a narrow strip of meadow extending along the Connecticut River, from
the head of Hartford Meadow to the Plymouth Meadow.
5 This building lot is not included in Prince's deed, which deed, as Matthew Grant
as it was
says, "does not mention or speak to every particular of the bargain
issued with Mr. Prince, before it was put in writing”—so, he gives the Windsor men's
version of it, which is, in no particular, less favorable to Plymouth. This provision
was made, because it was discovered that the meadow was liable to be inundated by
floods; as tradition says, "the Indians had warned them." But, probably, they had
had no personal experience of floods up to this time, for Mr. Ludlow and several others
of the Dorchester settlers made the same mistake, in settling along the Island road be-
PLYMOUTH COMPANY SELLS OUT TO DORCHESTER SETTLERS.
37
land that lies on y East side of y* [Great] river that lies between Scantuck and Nam-
erick¹ & that we [they] should have in lieu of 40 rods in bredth in upland behind the
swamp 2 against their meadow and to run in length 160 rod [west] from the swamp,
to be 40 acres, & afterwards to have their proportion within their bounds [the terri-
tory covered by the deed], according to a 40 acre man,³ in the common.
This I witness, MATTHEW GRANT.
Soon after the sale of the fifteen-sixteenths of the Plymouth lands
to the Dorchester people, in May, 1637, the Pequot War broke out, and
"Arramemet and the Indians cohabiting with him," removed from the
head of the Hartford Meadow, where he was living the year before (as
we know from the points given in the boundings of the land now included
in South Windsor, in deed of 15 Apl., 1636, "on the South with the
brooke or riverett called Potowcke [Podunk] over against the now
dwelling-house of Arramamet, or thereabout, near the upper end of New-
town Meadow") and sat down on Plymouth Meadow, where they raised
their corn in the summer of 1637, under the protection of the guns of the
tween Mr. Warham's (the David Rowland place of to-day) and the Island, and opposite
their meadow lots, which lay at the south end of the Great Meadow. For, the freshet
of the spring of 1638-9, which was "greater than any the Indians had ever known
before" (and probably equal to that of 1854), "drowned many houses very deep” (Old
Ch. Rec.), and their occupants, like drowned-out rats, made new burrows on the higher
ground at the west end of their lots, near the east side of present Broad Street.
¹ The following is all we have of record evidence concerning this purchase made by
the Plymouth people: Coggerynosett [son of Sheat, sachem of Poquonock] testifies
that the land on the east side of the Great River between Scantuck and Namerick,
was Nassacowen's, and Nassacowen was so taken in love with the coming of the
English, that he gave it to them for some small matter; but he knows of none but the
meadow," that is, did not extend. far back from the river. The Indian deed between
Scantic and Podunk extended east "one day's walk."
2 This swamp lay between the “ acre on the hill" (on the Island) and the upland
west of it, and the forty acre lot of upland still further west "against [i. e., in a line
with] their meadow and the acre on the hill.”
8" 40-acre man"—a share of the remaining commons, or undivided lands, equal to
that share of a man who was entitled to forty acres of meadow. We have, possibly, an
exact data for estimating what constituted a '40-acre man,” in the suit brought before
the court, more than thirty years later, by the heirs of Mr. Thomas Newbury. Mr.
Newbury had come on to Windsor and prepared a house for his family, and returning
to Dorchester in the summer of 1636, he died there. His family, however, removed to
Windsor, and land was set out directly to each of his children; but, in 1669, they made
claim for the ancient grant of land to their father, Thomas Newbury, which would
have fell to him in meadow by the estate of his which was brought up hither [from
Dorchester], which, by account of £700 and his person would have come to 76 acres
[£700-70 acres? person 6?] and he had but 40 acres in meadow, and it was granted to
him [while he was yet] in Dorchester, that what was his part above 40 acres, he
should have it made in a farm, in outland. The court granted 200 acres in west
bounds of Windsor."— Private Controversies. State library, i. 141.
a
The Plymouth people's claim as a 40-acre man," was purchased by Mr. Matthew
Allyn of Hartford, and, in 1654, he claimed that his share of the upland was 360 acres,
which was granted to him—80 acres at Pipe-Stave Swamp, and 280 towards the west
bounds of the towns. — Land Rec., W., i. 134.
38
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Plymouth men. It is also evident that Sequassen' and his people fled to
the same protection during the Pequot War, while the Dorchester people
remained within their Palisades, a mile away. It should be remembered
that these were the friendly Indians who invited the whites to come here,
to save them from their enemies, the Pequots; and in the next spring.
(1638) we have the first exercise of the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts
people over the Plymouth settlement, in an order of court, relative to
these Indians.
"Vppon the complainte of Aramamett and the Indians cohabiting with him, about
Leiftenant Holmes denying the planting of the olde ground planted last yeere about
Plymouth house. It was ordered that they should plante the olde ground they planted
the last year only, and they are to set their Wigwams in the olde ground 2 [head of Hart-
ford Meadow] and not withoute.” Col, Rec., i. 16.
It is evident that the Plymouth people, from the first, were reluctant
to yield their lands on the Connecticut, or their jurisdiction over it; and
the Massachusetts men (for reasons shown hereafter), were equally re-
+
1 Sequassen testifies in court [1640], that he never sold any ground to the Dutch,
neither was at any time conquered by the Pequots nor paid any tribuit to them. And
when he sometymes liued at Mattanag [Matianuck ---Windsor] and hard by their friends
that build here, that he and his men came and fought with them" [against the Pequots].
Col. Rec., i. 56.
24
The old ground" was the place where the wigwams of this tribe were set when
the Plymouth people came in 1633. I find no evidence of Indians being at, or about,
Plymouth Meadow, except on this particular occasion for one summer-possibly
for two. Bradford's account (p. 4), of the kindly assistance rendered them during
that fatal winter, would lead one to think the Indians were close by rather than two
miles away; but there is no brook in Plymouth Meadow to which they could "crawl
out on all fours to get a little water," though there is one at the place where Arame-
mett's "now dwelling-house" stood in 1636, a place where many Indian relics have been
and still are found. The Rev. Frederick Chapman of Windsor, born about 1760, once
told me that, when a boy he lived in the south part of Windsor, and, at the house of
one of the neighbors to which he was accustomed to go, to play with the boys, he saw
an old Indian woman, who was supported by the town, and who was the last of the
tribe which formerly lived along "by the brook over towards the river," near Wilson's
Station. In the Dutch account of their discovery of the Connecticut River, 1614, up
which they proceeded to the foot of the falls (Warehouse Point), they say that in lati-
tude 41° 48′ (about the latitude of Wilson's Station) they came to the country of the
Nawaas, "where the natives plant maize, and in the year 1614 they had a village
resembling a fort, for protection against their enemies." (Mem. Hist. Hartford Co., i.
111.) I should have little doubt that this was the tribe of which this old woman was
the last representative; but Hon. J. Hammond Trumbull, a much better authority on
Connecticut Indian matters, thinks that the Nawaas were on the east side of the Con-
necticut River, though the Podunks lived at some distance from it. It is safe to claim,
I think, that the tribe located near Wilson's Station, under sovereignty of Aramamett in
1636, and at Plymouth Meadow in 1637 and '38, and which were by the court ordered
back "to their former habitation", (Col. Rec., i. 16), were the Indians at whose solicita-
tion the Plymouth people came here; and that it was this tribe which almost entirely
perished of the small-pox, in the winter of 1633–4.
PLYMOUTH COMPANY SELLS OUT TO DORCHESTER SETTLERS.
39
luctant to have the Plymouth men share it with them.' Lieut. Holmes
had charge of the Plymouth interests at the time this order, of the court.
regarding the Indians was issued; and we find later on, that he was
clothed with a power of attorney to enter upon and hold all their pos-
sessions on the Connecticut, "or otherwise sell and dispose of to our ad-
vantage and profit, as shall seem good to our Attorney." This
document is dated five months after the sale to the Plymouth people
and seven months before the sale of the Plymouth house and lands
to Mr. Matt. Allyn. The document proves that the Plymouth set-
tlement here employed cattle and servants, and were as well equipped
for farming as the Dorchester settlers; and, whether they were counted
"as a single family" (Bradford, 338), as the Dorchester people wished,
or as an independent settlement (as Matthew Allen claimed), they were
settlers, occupying the same house as they did in 1633. Holmes' power
of Attorney (First Mss. Vol., Col. Rec., Sec. State's Office, 423–4) reads
as follows:
"Power of Atty to William Holmes to sell Plymouth possessions on Connecticut
River, Oct. 10, 1637.
Be it known to all men by these presents, that we, Wm. Bradford, Thomas Prince,
William Brewster, Miles Standish, John Alden, and John Howland, of New Plymouth,
in New England, Gents., have made, ordained, constituted, deputed, and signed and ap-
pointed for ourselves and partners, and every of us respectively, our heirs, executors
and administrators, and every of them, our well-beloved in Christ, Wm. Holmes, of New
Plymouth, aforesaid, Gent., our very true and lawful attorney, for us and in our names
to enter and seize all those our lands, messauges, tenements, and herediterments
whatsoever situate, lying and being upon the River of Connecticut, and commonly
called and known by the name of Windsor and Hartford,2 or either of the precincts
1 "The greatest difference fell between them of Dorchester plantation and those [of
Plymouth] here, for they [of Dorchester] set their minds on that place which they [we]
had not only purchased of the Indians, but where they [we] had built, intending only
(if they could not remove them [us]) that they [we] should have but a small moiety left
to the house as a single family, whose doings were considered very injurious to attempt
not only to intrude themselves into the rights and possessions of others, but in effect to
thrust them [us] out of all."-Bradford, 338.
The Plymouth people claimed, and evidently believed, that they had made a bona
fide settlement in Windsor before the coming of the Dorchester men. And this claim
the Dorchester people admitted after their return to Dorchester in the winter of 1635-6
(see Note 1, p. 36), when “divers of them resolved to quit the place [Windsor] if they
could not agree with those of Plymouth."- Winthrop, i. 181.
2 We have seen, that, when Plymouth sold to Windsor, May, 1637, they excepted so
much of their land as lay at the head of Newtown [Hartford] Meadow (Bradford, 341),
"leaving such a moiety to those of Newtown as we reserved for them." This they still
held five months later (at the date of the instrument). The boundary line between
Windsor and Hartford to-day is at the head of the Hartford Meadow next the river,
though Windsor extends considerably farther south on the west side" of the great swamp,
next the bounds of Hartford" (the swamp made along the west side of the meadow by
the brook which now runs to the river by an artificial channel, and drains the Great
Swamp). The River Towns of Connecticut, 1889, pp. 19, 20, leads us to infer that the
first settlers of Hartford settled on this reserved land; but they did not, for the upland
40
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
thereof, and after such entry and seizure to take possession thereof for us and to our
use to keep and hold, and also our servants, goods, and chattels then to take, keep, and
hold or otherwise dispose of to our advantage and profit, as shall seem good to our
attorney, giving and by these presents granting unto our said Attorney, jointly and
severally for us and every of us, our full power, right, interest, and lawful author-
ity to grant, bargain, alien, and assign all those the said lands, messuages, tenements,
and herediterments, and all and singular the said premises, as fully, largely, amply,
and absolutely, and to as full effect and purpose as we or any of us might do, if
we were personally present, and also giving and granting unto our said attorney
by these presents, our full power and authority likewise to bargain and sell, or other-
wise to dispose of our servants,¹ goods, or cattle,² there to our best advantage and
adjoining was sold to the Windsor people two years later, and on Porter's Map of Hart-
ford, 1640, the nearest Hartford settler is located two miles away. In Oct., 1637, Ply-
mouth gave power of attorney to Holmes to sell this meadow; and if the Hartford
people had gone on the land before buying Plymouth title to it, they would have com-
mitted the same offense the Windsor people had in appropriating the Great Meadow, and
Bradford would hardly have said that "they of Newtown dealt more fairly” with us.
¹ Servants were employed whose services had been secured for a given time before
they left England, frequently for a specified time, to the party who paid their outfit and
passage to New England. Their services were transferable. These servants of the
Plymouth House were here now more than four years from the first settlement, and
must have been employed in cultivating the land and caring for the cattle, as we can
think of no other employment for them.
John Dumbleton was a servant of Mr. Wm. Whiting of Hartford. He tells us in
an affidavit, made in 1684, that he worked for his "master" on the Ludlow lot in Wind-
sor, “as a servant," until his seven years' term of service expired in 1644; then he cul-
tivated the land "to halves" for four years; "and after I paid £20 a year." He appears
to have been but nineteen years old when his service began. These servants were
sometimes sent over as an investment or business venture, by parties in England.
Letchford's Notes (p. 372), gives the "accounting" of Barnabas Davis, an agent sent over
by Mr. Woodcock, to look after his investments in Windsor, and elsewhere, in which
appears the following: Touching the two servants, they cost, between us, £22 10s.
I had for one of them, from Mr. Long, an house valued at £20. The other servant,
being married, having a wife and three children, hath been a burden to me and no profit,
so I am to allow Mr. Woodcock half the value of the house aforesaid, £10.”
Prince's Chronology says, “The company, who came to Salem with Gov. Endicott,
1629, brought 180 servants at an expense of £16 10s. each (£3,000). The fatality was so
great the first year and provisions so scarce, that the servants that survived were given
their liberty that they might shift for themselves."-Trumbull's Hist. Conn., i. 9. Of
the 27 deaths among the Windsor people before May 10, 1638-8, eight were servants.-
Old Ch. Rec.
[ 6
2 Cattle, in this connection, suggests farming and not simply trade with the Indians;
and it is probable that these cattle remained on the Plymouth lot after it became the
farm of Mr. Matt. Allyn of Hartford, for we find, the next summer (1639), that certain
persons in Windsor bring an "action of trespass" against him for nearly an acre and a
half of corn destroyed "through defect in his fence" (Col. Rec., i. 28), and we find,
the next February, 1639-40, the execution [for £5] was served by the Court officer, and
goods or cattle sold for the performance of the same, and the remainder [£4 68.] offered
by said officer to Mr. Allyn, which he refused" (Col. Rec., i. 43). Under date of June
15, 1640 (Col. Rec., i. 53) we have a report of the committee appointed by the Court to
settle "the difference between Mr. Allen and Windsor, concerning land purchased of
Plymouth" (see note 1 to page 32, ante). As we have seen, the Plymouth sale of the
head of Hartford Meadow carried its jurisdiction with it, and now Mr. Allyn was ap-
LOCATION OF THE PLYMOUTH COMPANY'S HOUSE.
41
profit as fully and effectually as we ourselves may, or might do if we were present in
our own persons and had done the same ourselves, and whatever our said attorney shall
do or cause to be done lawfully in and about the premises or any part thereof, we, the
said William Bradford, Edward Winslow, Thos. Prince, William Brewster, Miles Stand-
ish, John Alden, and John Howland for ourselves and partners, promise to allow, con-
firm, ratify, and establish by these presents, and thereunto bind ourselves, executors,
administrators and every of them by these presents.
"In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals this twentieth day of
October in the 13th year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles, by the Grace of
God, of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland King, Anno Dom. 1637.
+
"Sealed and delivered
in presence of
JOHN WINSLOW
NATHAN SOUTHER
JONATHAN BREWSTER
WILLIAM BRADFORD
EDWARD WINSLOW
THOS. PRINCE
WILLIAM BREWSTER
JOHN ALDEN
JOHN HOWLAND.”
Then follows (p. 424-5, Col. Rec.) record of the deed given "by
virtue of [the] letter of attorney," to "Matthew Allyn of Hartford,
upon the river Connecticut.”
1
"The house belonging to Plymouth aforesaid, situate within the limits of Windsor
upon said river Connecticut, with all the meadow privileges ¹ belonging to the said
plantation of Plymouth in the place aforesaid in as ample and full manner as the planta-
tion at present enjoyeth' of the same or of right ought to do. The particulars of this
land now bargained and sold and expressed in an agreement between the plantation of
New Plymouth and the inhabitants of Windsor, under the hands of some of the inhabit-
ants aforesaid, dated the 15th day of May, 1637.
'In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 3ª day of May,
1638.
"WILLIAM HOLMES."
The Plymouth Company's house, above referred to, and sometimes
called "the Trading (or Trucking) House," stood on the forty-three and
three-quarters acres of meadow "reserved to the house of the said New
Plymouth." This reserved meadow was about the middle (north and
south) of Plymouth Meadow, extending from the river on the east, to
"the Hill" on the west. It stood on the highest part of the meadow
which lies nearest the river. At the time of the "Great flood" of 1639,
which was “higher than had ever been known by the Indians,” when
several houses, including Mr. Ludlow's, on the Island road, "were
drowned very deep," the highest part of Plymouth Meadow was undoubt-
edly flooded. Mr. Allyn, probably, built "on the Hill" before he came
to Windsor to live, and it is almost certain that, when he did build
parently claiming that the land was still under Plymouth jurisdiction; or, perhaps, that
his deed from Plymouth carried the jurisdiction to himself, as did the sale of the head
of Hartford Meadow to the town of Hartford.
¹ See pp. 34, 35, 37, 39.
2 Mr. Allyn appears to have assumed that as Windsor did not buy this territory of
Plymouth, it was not under Windsor jurisdiction, but a little town organization, cast-
ing a unanimous vote.
VOL. I.-6
42
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
there, he utilized the material of the Trading House in the construction
of his new house. For, in those days, there were no saw mills at which
to get out lumber, nor even for thirty years after had they superseded
hand-sawing in Windsor.'
4
The tradition that some of the material of the old house which was
taken down from the "acre on the hill," about sixty years ago, was pre-
pared in England, refers undoubtedly to material brought by Captain
Holmes, in 1633, of which Bradford says (303): "But they having
made a small frame of a house, and having a great new bark, they
stowed their frame in their hold, and boards to cover and finish it,
having nails and all other provisions for their proper use." Bradford
does not say that it was prepared at Plymouth-though that is the
natural conclusion — but, as it was seven years before there was a saw-
mill in that colony, and the facilities for doing the work were so much
better in England than in Plymouth, there is some plausibility in the
tradition.
There are three individuals living (1890) who remember the old
house (probably the third Plymouth-Allen House), when occupied
by tenants, and who wandered through its rooms after it became tenant-
less. These are, Miss Mary Halsey and Mr. Asa Moffit of Windsor, and
Gen. F. Ellsworth Mather of New York city. Though their impressions
are not so well defined as to furnish as full a description as we should
like to have, this much seems pretty clear: In outward appearance it
much resembled other old houses that have passed away since the
beginning of this century. Its front presented two stories,
the rear
roof (“lean-to") sloping down to cover at the eaves but one story; the
front door was in the middle of the house, the stairway had two "great
stairs" where it turned at right angles, landing the passenger in the
little hall above facing the window directly over the front door. Back
of the stairway, and of the same width as the front hall, was the huge
chimney with three fireplaces on the lower floor, and one each in the
1
"The first saw-mill in the [Plymouth] Colony was erected in Scituate [half-way
to Boston] in 1640."— Ancient Landmarks of Plymouth, 148. "Clove" (clap-boards)
were split out and hewn into form. As late as 1669, we find on Windsor Land Records,
“The Townsmen agreed with Benjamin Griswold to get some good timber fallen and
cloven into bolts [short logs] and brought home by the latter end of the week following
for the use of the meeting house, and Samuel Grant is to cleave [split] them when
brought home; and fit them, and nail them about the meeting-house." Sawn boards
and plank were made at a saw-pit, one man standing on the log above, the other man in
the pit beneath, their combined strength driving the saw; which, later on, was driven
by water-power. In 1665, the Windsor Records tells us of this, among other items of ex-
pense for work on the meeting-house, "for other work done, as carting of timber out of
the woods, and from the pit to the meeting-house," showing that, thirty years after the
settlement on Plymouth Meadow, saw-mills had not supplanted hand-sawing in
Windsor.
THE OCCUPATION BY THE CONNECTICUT PATENTEES.
43
two chambers above. The summer-beam and joists which supported
the floor of the second story were planed and without lath and plaster.
The sides of the room were wainscoted about three feet up from the
floor, and plastered above. There was, in one of the front chamber
rooms, a table too large to be taken through the doors, which had
been placed there when the house was built. There is, of course, a
tradition that the table came from England. It is now on the lower
floor of the Connecticut Historical Society's rooms at Hartford, a dona-
tion from the late Henry Halsey, Esq., of Windsor, who also took the
front door step (with its traditional" came from England"), and placed
it where it still lies, at the front gate of his late residence.
III. THE OCCUPATION BY THE LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, PATENTEES
OF CONNECTICUT.
Reference has been made (pp. 33 and 34) to the patentees of Con-
necticut. These were Lords Say and Seal, Lord Brook, Sir Richard
Saltonstall, and others, to whom, in 1631, the Plymouth Council in
England (chartered in 1620, “for the planting, ruling, and governing of
New England in America") had granted a patent of Connecticut, in-
cluding all the land from the sea, 120 miles into the country, and from
Narragansett River (in Rhode Island) on the east, to the South Sea
[Pacific] on the west," and which patent was duly confirmed by the King.
The indefinite nature of this grant, however, was such that it must in-
evitably have invited misunderstanding and contest-as it eventually
did.
The first assertion of the claims of the Connecticut Patentees, was
the appearance, in Windsor, a few days after the coming of the Dorches-
ter pioneers, of the so-called "Stiles party." [This was a company of
some twenty men, under the superintendence of Mr. Francis Stiles, who
had been sent out from England largely at the private expense of Sir
Richard Saltonstall, one of the Connecticut Patentees, to prepare grounds
and erect houses for himself and certain others of the patentees. Arriv-
ing in the bay, June 16th,' Stiles remained there ten days and then sailed
for Windsor, the point designated in his instructions. Here he landed
his party, and was about commencing his preparations when interrupted
by the return of the Dorchester exploring party from up the river (see
p. 29).
There is no doubt that the Stiles party were, after the Plymouth
1 Winthrop's Journal, i. 161, under date of June 16, 1635, records that,
"A bark of
40 tons arrived [at Boston] set forth with twenty servants, by Sir Richard Saltonstall,
to go plant at Connecticut." And Saltonstall, in his letter to Governor Winthrop, Jr.
(p. 45), says his Pinnace lay at Boston ten days, which would bring the time of its de-
parture to the Connecticut to 26th of June. H. R. S.
44
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Trading Company, the first actual settlers of Windsor. On page 16 of
a folio manuscript volume, in the Augmentation office, in Rolls Court,
Westminster Hall, London, entitled "the Register of ye names of all ye
Passenger[s] wch Passed from ye Port of London for an whole year end-
ing at Xmas, 1635.” — (Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll., 3d series, viii. 252: N. Eng.
Gen. Reg., xiv.: Drake's Results of Researches among the British Arch-
ives relative to the Founders of N. Eng., 1860, and Hatton's Original
Lists of Emigrants to American Plantations, etc., 1877,)— we find a full
list of this party, as follows:
'March 16, 1634–5, theis vnder-written names are to be transported to New Eng-
land, imbarqued in the Christian de Lo [ndon], Job White, Mr, bound thither, the Men
have taken the oath [of] Allegeance and Supremacie." — Mildred Bredstet.¹
}
ffRANCIS STILES,
THO: BASSETT,
THO: STYLES,
THO: BARBER,
aged 35 yrs.,
37
Robert Robinson, aged 45 yrs.,
EDWARD PATTESON,
'
33
<<
20
ffr. Marshall,
<<
30
33
21
35
Rich. Heylei,³
22
CC
Jo. DYER,
28
'
Tho. Halford,
20
ઃઃ
Jo. Harris,
28
Tho. Haukseworth,
23
t
Jas. Horwood,
30
Jo. STILES,
35.
JO. REEVES,
19
HENRIE STILES,
40
Thos. ffoulfoot,
22
Jane Worden,*
30
Jas. Busket,
28
JOAN STILES,
35
<<
THOS. COOP,2
18
८८
HENRY STILES,
34
3
<<
ED. PRESTON,
13
Jo: STILES,
tr
9 mo.
Jo. Cribb,
<<
GEO. CHAPPEL,
30
20
RACHELL STILES,
< (
28 yrs.
Of these, sixteen, whose names are printed in small capitals, are
positively known to have settled in Windsor. Three of these were
females, and (family) tradition, has also preserved the name of Rachel,
wife of John Stiles, as the first English woman who stepped ashore in
Windsor. Mr. Francis Stiles, the leader of the party, was a master
carpenter of London, and to him (or to his eldest brother Henry
likewise a master carpenter, as well as a freeman of London) nearly
all the males of this list were apprenticed, some before, and some after
their coming to America.-s.]
Before the arrival of this Patentees' pioneer party, the Dorchester men
were evidently holding in reserve the actual occupation of the Great
Meadow, yet out of some lingering respect for Plymouth's claims, were
searching elsewhere for a suitable place for settlement.' Still they could
1 These italicized words are in the margin of the list, showing from what parish
they brought certificates of their conformity to the rules and discipline of the Church
of England. St. Mildred's Church was destroyed by the great fire of London, 1666, and
rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren.
Probably Cooper, though the MSS. is as above, without abbreviation mark.
* The MSS. appears to me plain.
4 Drake makes this Morden.
(Above notes by S. G. DRAKE.)
DORCHESTER SETTLERS RESIST THE PATENTEES' CLAIM.
45
not but resent the claims of these new comers, who proposed, under
authority of a patent which recognized neither Plymouth nor Massachu-
setts men, nor Dutchmen, as having any right to the land in "the Three
Towns,” to begin forthwith a plantation "between the Plymouth Truck-
ing House and the falls," (i. e., on the Great Meadow). Mr. Roger Lud-
low was there, the controlling spirit of the Dorchester party, and the
Patentees party was summarily told to keep "hands off." So, Mr. Stiles
stayed his hands, and reported, the state of affairs to his superiors in
England, and the following letter written by Sir Richard Saltonstall,
upon receipt of his agent's statement, throws an interesting light upon
the matter.
"ffor
my worthy good ffreind Mr John Winthropp, Gouerneur of the Plantations
at Conetecot Ryuer in New England, these d[elivere]d per Frs. Styles, whom God
preserve.
Good Mr. Winthrop:
"Being credibly informed (as by the enclosed' may appeare) that there hath been
some abuse and injurie done me by Mr. Ludlowe & others, of Dorchester, who would
not suffer Francis Styles & his men to impall grounde where I appointed them att Con-
necticut, although both by patent, which I tooke aboue foure yeares since, & preposses-
sion, Dorchester men, being then vnsettled, & seeking vp the Riuer aboue the falls for
a place to plant vpon butt findeing none better to their likeing they speedily came backe
againe & discharged my worke men, casteing lotts vpon that place, where he was pur-
posed to begine his worcke; notwithstanding he often tould them what great charge I
had beene att In sending him & so many men, to prepare a house against my comming &
enclose grounde for my cattle, & how the damage would fall heavie upon those that
thus hindered me, whom Francis Styles conciued to haue best right to make choyse of
any place there. Notwithstanding, they resisted him, slighteing me with many vnbe-
seeming words, such as he was vnwilling to relate to me, but will justifie vpon his oath
before authoritie, when he is called to itt. Therefore, wee hauing appointed you to be
our Gouernour there, the rest of the Companye being sencible of this affront to me,
would haue signified there minde in a generall letter vnto you but that I tould them
sitthe itt did concerne myself in particular and might perhaps breed some jealousies In
the people, and so distast them with ovr Gouernmentt; wherevpon they advised me
write vnto you to request you with all speed & diligence to examine this matter, & if
(for the substance) you find itt as to vs itt appeares, by this information heerewith sent
you, that then In a faire & gentle way you give notice to Dorchester men of this greate
wronge they haue donne me & let being the first that to further this designe sent my
pinnace thither at my owne great charge of almost a thousand pounds, which now is
cast away by theire detaineing so long before she coulde vnlayd; and for which inius-
tice I may require satisfaction, as also for my prouision which cost aboue fiue hun-
dreth pounds, and are now (I heare) almost al spent by this meanes, and not any palling
as yet sett vp att that place where I appointed them; which had I but imagined they
wovld haue this greedily snatched vp all the best grounds vpon that Riuer, my pinnace
should rather haue sought a pylate at New Plymouth, then to haue stayd ten days as
she did in the Bay to haue giuen them such warneing thus to preuent me & lett them
spaire (as I am tould they may very well), forth of that great quantity they haue in-
grossed to themselues, so much as my proportion comes too, and if they haue built any
Referring probably to Mr. Francis Styles “Relacion," or letter to him to which he
elsewhere refers; and probably also to Bartholomew Greene's letter- - see Note to p. 47.
46
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
houses therevpon, I will pay them their reasonable charges for the same. But I pray
you, either goe yourselfe with some skilful men with you, or send Sergiaent Gardnier
& some with him to sett out my grounds (1,600 akers) where it may be most conuenient,
betweene Plymouth Trucking house and the falls, according to my direction giuen both
to the maister of my pinnace and to Francis Styles, which I thinke they will not now
denie me, vnderstanding what charge I am att (with others of the Companie) to secure
this River mouth for the difence of them all, wherein we hope you will negelect no
meanes, according to our great trust reposed in you. Thus beseeching the lord to pros-
per the worke begun, I commend you with all ovr affaires vnder yovr charge to the gra-
tious direction and protection of ovr good God in whome I am
Your most assured loveing friend
"For my worthyly Respected Friend
Mr. John Winthrop Governeur of the
Plantations upon Connectacut Ryver in
New England
'(Labelled) Sir Richard Saltonstall-1636.”
"RIC. SALTONSTALL
Whitefriers, [Eng.], Feb'y 27, 1635 [6]
Saltonstall was authorized to write to Gov. Winthrop, in preference
to an official communication from the Patentees, "lest it might breed
some jealousies in the people, and so distaste them with our govern-
ment." Possibly, if "the people" had not had "a distaste" for
the government of Lords and Gentlemen at home, in England, they
would not have had the honor of giving to the Colony of Connecticut
"the first written Constitution the world ever saw."
The Patentees, thus thwarted by the Dorchester party, sent to their
lately-appointed Governor, John Winthrop, Jr., to Saybrook, where they
had erected a fort and commenced a settlement; and he, with Sir Henry
Vane, then at Boston, opened negotiations with "the river towns," claim-
ing that "either of the three towns gone thither [i. e., to the Connecticut
River] must give place.” This claim covered the Plymouth as well as
99 1
1 Winthrop's Journal, i. 170—"8mo., 6 [Sept. 6], 1635: There came also John Win-
throp the Younger, with commission from Lord Say, Lord Brooke, and divers other
great persons in England to begin a plantation in Connecticut and to govern them.”
(Ibid., i. 397): Sir Henry Vane came to Boston. This noble Lord having orders
from the said Lords and others, treated with the Magistrates here [at the Bay] and those
who were to go to Connecticut about the said design of the Lords to this issue, that
either of the three towns gone thither should give place on full satisfaction [i.e., on being
paid for their improvements], or else sufficient room must be found there for the Lords
"Whereas there is a
and their companies." Winthrop thus gives the terms proposed:
patent granted to certain persons of quality, of the river of Connecticut, with the places
adjoining . . . they conceive they have full power and authority to govern and dispose
of all persons and affairs within the limits of said patent [Narragansett Bay to California]
we conceive that the present face of affairs in Connecticut, as it now appears, ad-
mit or require a pertinent and plain answer to these necessary queries from the towns
that are lately removed from Massachusetts Bay to take up plantations within the
aforesaid patents.
'Imprimis, whether they do acknowledge the right and claims of said persons of
quality, and, in testimony thereof, will and do submit to their present Governor, Mr.
John Winthrop, the younger?
Secondly. Under what right and pretense they have lately taken up these planta-
DORCHESTER SETTLERS HOLD THE GROUND.
47
the Massachusetts settlements. These negotiations, as Winthrop's Jour-
nal tells us, "were with the magistrates here [at Boston], and those
who were to go to Connecticut"; this was in the winter of 1635-6,
proving that Mr. Ludlow went back with others from Windsor that
winter, and that it was prior to the death of Rev. Mr. Maverick, which
occurred at Boston, Feb. 3, 1636, as he and Mr. Ludlowe are named in
the negotiations.
Though the document referred to (note 1, p. 46) “requires a per-
tinent and plain answer" from the Three Towns, yet only Dorchester
(Windsor) men are named, probably because they had taken up the par-
ticular spot selected by the Lords and Gentlemen for their settlement-
and possibly as their future capitol.
The land which the Dorchester party hesitated to take up without
the consent of Plymouth, these Patentees proposed to take without so
much as saying to Plymouth "by your leave"; so that, when it had be-
come a question between themselves and the Lords and Gentlemen, as to
who should occupy the Great Meadow, the Dorchester party as the
stronger"sat down on" the Stiles party, and taking possession of
the Great Meadow, began to prepare dwellings along the brow of the
meadow-hill for their expected families. Stiles and his party were!
crowded to the extreme north end of the meadow, occupying the later
Chief Justice Ellsworth place, where "he built himself a suitable house."
Besides the complication of affairs arising from the conflicting
claims of the Plymouth Company, the Dorchester settlers and the Pat-
entees, which thus confronted Mr. Francis Stiles upon his arrival in
Windsor, there may have been some doubts in his mind as to the exact
location designated by his orders. From a letter written to Sir Richard
Saltonstall, December, 1635, by one Bartholomew Greene, who appears
to have been an agent for him, and to have had some personal knowledge
of affairs upon the Connecticut River (which letter will be found in note
below) it would seem that "Mr. White" (probably John White, the
:
1
tions within the precincts aforementioned, and what government they intend to live
under, because the said country is out of the claim of the Massachusetts patent.
"To Mr. Ludlow, Mr. Maverick, Mr. Newbury, Mr. Stoughton, and the rest en-
gaged in the business of Connecticut plantation in the town of Dorchester,
"[Signed]
H. VANE, JR.
J. WINTHROP, Jr.
HUGH PETERS.”
¹ Letter from Bartholomew Greene to Sir Richard Saltonstall. -(Mass. Hist Coll.,
Fifth Series, i. 216, 217.)
"To the Right Worshipful and his most lovinge Mr Sur Richard Saltonstall, Knight, at
his house in Whitt Streete, London.
"Right Worshipful, my humbill serv[ic]es is remembred. Hauinge soe fitt a
mesenger I canot but right a word or tow. This is to certifie your worshipp this mesen-
ger was at Canaticoatt, and can tell you how the case stands. For my parte, it is a
48
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
•
master of Saltonstall's vessel, which brought over the Stiles party of
workmen) had "commission to be [i. e., to locate] on one side of
the river, Mr. Stiles on the other"; and, on the margin of the original
letter we find the following endorsement, said to be in Sir Richard's
handwriting, "they were to plant on that side of ye ryuer, New Plymuth
trading-howse was buylt. - Mr. Brewster's p'cept to Frans: Styles." And
also when Bartholomew Green finally succeeded (as Stiles and White
seemed to have failed to do) in securing the services of a surveyor, it
was found that "there was not ground, neather for medow nor aribell or
pastur gronds, that would give," Sir Richard "content;" and "the Plim-
moeth men" also, making common cause with Dorchester in this matter,
attempted to "discharge" the Stiles party. Well might luckless Salton-
stall say, “had I but imagined they would have thus greedily snatched
up all the best ground on the river, my pinnace should rather have
sought a pilot at Plymouth than to have stayed ten days as she did in
the Bay and given them such warning thus to prevent me."-s.]
Bradford (340) gives us, later on, copies of a correspondence be-
tween Dorchester and Plymouth relative to the seizure of the land by the
former, in which the former say "it [the Great Meadow] was the Lord's
waste and for the present altogether void of inhabitants to cultivate it"
[the Indians were all dead]; and apologizing to Plymouth for holding
on to the disputed territory, they urge the "uncertain possibilities of
this or that to be [i. e., which might be accomplished] by any; we judg-
ing them [the Lords and Gentlemen] (in such a case as ours especially)
greefe to me but the truthe is I canot, we could not do no mor in it. I did vse the best
consell, and vse wat meayns I could in the busnes for yo' good, but Mr Whitt[e] com-
ision was to be one side of the river, Mr Stilles one the other, and after I had vse meyns,
when Mr Whitt and Mr Stills went, and could not get a man to goe by no meayns; and
as soonne as I hurd the[y] went not forward in the bus[i]nes, I put myself vpon it agayne,
and at last got a man to go to measur it out at a dear ratte, and when he came ther ther
was not ground, neather for medow nor ariball or pastur gronds, that would giue yor
worshipp content, that the men darst not lay it out; the shuld a done yor worshipp
[w]ronge in the same, seing that Dorchester men had taken vp the best place befor, and
Plimmoeth men sente a letter to discarg or men for medellinge with it, sayinge it was
ther right; for I conseaue that Mr Ludloe was the cheffe man that hinderd it. He was
the onli man of Dorchester that sett downe ther. I hope that this barer, Mr Wood-
cock[s] man [Jo Davis on Margin] will certifie you how it is. I haue riten manie letters
for this purpose. Other things I haue bine larger in letters. I am loath to be tow
trobellsome to you worshipp in the lik expressures. Mr Hooker hath expresse some-
thinge that waye. The Lord direct you and advise you for the best, and further yor
ofrings for his glorie and yo' good and all ours. Thus wh my serues agayne, I comt
you to the only wise God, and rest yo' poor servant to the vtter most of my power to
command.
"From Watertown this 30 of December, 1635.
"BARTH. GREENE
(Indorsed by Sir R. Saltonstall), me that this letter be sent to Mr John Winthrope,
our Govern' at Conectacutt, wth Frs Styles his relation."
DEFENCE OF DORCHESTER'S PROMPT ACTION.
49
not meet to be equalled with [our] present actions (such as ours are)
much less [the claim of the Patentees] to be preferred before them
[us]."
Some parties are pleased to denounce Dorchester for taking up land,
not that which the Plymouth people had first settled, but that of which
they had extinguished the Indian title. Goodwin's Pilgrim Republic
(393), terms them "pious bandits." But the Dorchester people (“in
such a case as ours, especially") could hardly have acted differently.
A delegation of them had come on to Connecticut to prepare for the
coming of their families, and found themselves shut up to the Great
Meadow; the Dutch "did peremptorily withstand the Massachusetts
men quiet settling near them - Brewster (but the Hartford · men
"got there" notwithstanding); Plymouth Meadow was already occupied,
and the Connecticut Patentees, by their agent, Mr. Francis Stiles, "pro-
posed to begin work on the only place that was available." What won-
der then that "Mr. Ludlow and others" acted as they did.'
""
The Pilgrim Republic says (393), that "the Dorchester [Windsor]
people turned away from hundreds of square miles [of land] at their
disposal, and told him [Brewster] that, as the Plymouth land pleased
them, they should take it and build upon it." This is by no means a
fair statement of the facts, but the author should have added that, while
the hundreds of miles of primeval forest land through which the Massa-
chusetts men pushed their way to reach the Connecticut River was just
as good as any on the river, outside of the open meadows (once the plant-
ing ground of Indians, who had been removed by the small-pox), and
no better than the forest land at their own doors in Massachusetts, still
¹ But, when have these descendants made a less gallant fight for the possession of
any good land they wanted from that day to this? Hartford shared with Windsor the
Patent given by the court, in 1686, for the uninhabited land lying west of Simsbury,
and when, half a century later, these lands were wanted for settlement, Hartford and
Windsor were reminded that when the lands were given, it was because the court knew
that they would revert to the Crown, if Andros succeeded in getting the charter.
After considerable controversy the Colony got back half of it, retaining territory
enough for three and a half towns apiece. A later generation, about the time of the
Revolution, discovered some beautiful lands at Wyoming in the Valley of the Susque-
hannah, which was within the ancient bounds (viz., "west by the South Seas
Pacific), and the Connecticut people poured in there to the number of about 2,000, and
fought with the Pennamites for possession. During the Revolutionary War, British
soldiers, Tories, and Indians fell upon them, killed about 300, and the rest fled back to
Connecticut. After the close of the war, the land west of Pennsylvania was claimed
by Connecticut, and Congress granted the northeast corner of Ohio, which lies in the
latitude of Connecticut. (See T. J. Chapman's article in Mag. of Am. Hist., 1884, p. 238,
on Early Conn. Claims in Pennsylvania.) Many of us remember the struggle to get
possession of Kansas, and the sending of Sharps' rifles to our friends. The rush to
gain a place in Oklahoma within a year past was a perfect cyclone compared with the
breeze which swept over our Connecticut Valley two hundred and fifty years ago,
VOL. I.-7
50
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
these meadows were the only acres fit for immediate cultivation. And it
is the prime necessity of any first emigration, from that day to this, that
it shall settle upon that place which will yield the quickest returns for
the labor spent upon it.
A little consideration of topographical facts will show the urgency
of Dorchester's need at that time, when meadows were scarce. Ply-
mouth Meadow (then already settled) contained about 100 acres; the
Great Meadow, north of the Plymouth Meadow, and separated therefrom
by the Tunxis river, holds about 600 acres; Sequestered Meadow, lying
still further north, and about three miles from Plymouth Meadow, has
some seventy-five acres; and Pine Meadow (below Windsor Locks),
about five miles north of Plymouth Meadow, has sixty to seventy acres;
one hundred acres at Podunck, and two or three small meadows on the
Tunxis.
Then, extending our survey to the south, two miles below Plymouth
Meadow is the head of Hartford Meadow, which extends along the river
for about three miles, and contained about 1,000 acres of available land.
Below Hartford and the Dutch fort was the South Meadow, and be-
yond that the Wethersfield Meadow. Then comes Rocky Hill, with
miles of high banks and no meadows, with Mattabesic (Middletown)
Meadows still further down the river. There are meadows on the east
side of the river, but they were then covered with forests. The fact
that no company or individual settled, at first, on the east side, is strong
presumptive evidence of this; and the record of deeds in Windsor
shows that the land on the east side of the river was set out in
lots three miles long, bounded west by the river, with no mention of
"meadow," or "meadow and upland," except on one hundred acres of
66
meadow" at Podunk. On the west side, every man's "meadow" was
described in a separate deed; and so was the meadow at Podunk, where
(with a few exceptions, which read "meadow & upland,") the remnant
of a tribe of Indians were living on a "meadow" lying on Podunk
farther back from the Connecticut, and once numerous enough to culti-
vate both that meadow and the "about 100 acres lying on the Great
River." The epidemic of small-pox which removed the last Indian from
the Great Meadow and Sequestered Meadow in Windsor, had rendered
those meadows "the Lord's waste" of which the Ludlow party spoke
as being "void of inhabitants that indeed minded the employment
thereof to the right ends for which land was created." These meadows
were the grounds to which the white men had been invited in 1631, and
the only grounds to which they could bring their families and raise food
for them.
[And to this place, therefore, they immediately began to gather their
families. It will be seen that there were several concurrent causes at
IMPELLING MOTIVES OF THE DORCHESTER IMMIGRATION.
51
2
جر
work to inaugurate and expedite this emigration: (1) Massachusetts,
as Cotton Mather says, was "like a hive overstocked with bees, and
many thought of swarming into new plantations; (2) there was the in-
ducement of a profitable fur trade; (3) it was known that the Connecti-
cut Patentees were preparing to take possession of their patent at the
river's mouth; and the subject agitated the people of the Bay to such a
degree that a public fast was appointed, September 18, 1634.' Roger
Ludlow, one of the assistants, and a leading inhabitant of Dorchester,
strongly opposed the movement. In this state of affairs, Israel Stough-
ton, one of the first deputies of Dorchester, had an altercation with
Governor Winthrop, and published a pamphlet which occasioned his
expulsion from the House, and the Dorchester people petitioned in vain
for a remission of his sentence. Roger Ludlow of Dorchester aimed
at being governor of Massachusetts Colony in 1635, and protested openly
against the choice of Governor Haynes, and was, in consequence, left
out of the magistracy. It is not improbable that these wealthy and
influential gentlemen sought a more congenial field for their political
ambition than the Bay Colony presented to them at that moment. It is
certain that Mr. Ludlow suddenly changed his views on the subject, and
was actively engaged in the project in 1635, which he had with zeal
opposed in 1634. These different considerations will suffice to account
for the movement which was at first opposed by the government, but in
the spring of 1635 "reluctantly assented to," on the condition that the
new colonies should continue within the jurisdiction, and be considered
as a part of Massachusetts. Early in the preceding June the General
Court of Massachusetts had granted "3 pieces [or cannon] to the plan-
tations that shall remove to Connecticut, to fortify themselves." In
September, Wm. Westwood was appointed "constable for the plantations
in Connecticut, together with a new supply of arms and ammunition for
the colonies, and liberty to appoint their own constables."-s.]
3
¹ Governor Bradford, with a quiet reference to the previous caution of the Massa-
chusetts folks, says: "Some of their neighbors in ye Bay, hearing of ye fame of
Conightacute River; had a hankering mind after it (as was before noted), and now under-
standing that ye Indians were swepte away with ye late great mortalitie, the fear of
whom was an obstacle unto them before, which being now taken away, they began now
to prosecute it with great egernes." P. 338.
The animus of the people of the Bay, in this matter, is unconsciously revealed by
Winthrop (i. 140), who, in his account of the session of the general court at Newtown,
Sept. 4, 1634, at which the subject was long and earnestly discussed, states the following
as among the "principal reasons" assigned for removal to Connecticut : "The fruit-
fulness and commodiousness of Connecticut, and the danger of having it possessed by
others, Dutch or English."
And "The strong bent of their spirits to remove thither.”
2 Winthrop, i. 155.
Hutchinson, i. 41.
52
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Did the Massachusetts men expect when they came on, that summer
of 1635, to make provision for their families, that their familes would
follow them that season? They were too late to raise a crop for their
support through the coming winter, and we see no reason except to secure
possession, why they should transport their winter provision to Connecti-
cut for their families and their live stock, rather than have them remain
in Massachusetts. But one company did come; Winthrop tells us, under
date of Oct. 15-25, that "about sixty men, women, and children went
by land to Connecticut with their cows, horses, and swine, and after a
difficult and tedious journey arrived there safe.'
[Their household furniture, bedding, and winter provisions, were
sent around by water. That which is now a four or five hours' trip, was
to them, encumbered as they were with women and children and slow
moving cattle, a journey of two weeks. Before they reached the. Con-
necticut, the hues of autumn had faded from the forests, and their
leafless branches were swaying to and fro in the wintry storm. Winter,
2
1 Winthrop says (vol. i. p. 171), about sixty. men, women, and children, went by
land to Connecticut, with their cows, heifers, and swine, and after a tedious and diffi-
cult journey, arrived there safe. We believe that this party of 1635, who drove their
cattle before them, were Dorchester people. For they are particularly mentioned by
the same author as suffering much, and losing most of their cattle during the succeed-
ing severe winter. Haines, in his account of Dorchester, Mass., says that about one
hundred people removed to Connecticut in 1635, most of which were Dorchester people,
joined by a few from Newtown and Watertown. Trumbull says that Mr. Warham did
not remove with his charge at this time, but came to Connecticut in September, 1636.
But we find no mention of him during this time, in Massachusetts, though Mr. Hooker
(of Hartford) took part in councils until the next summer. Nor can we understand
why a new church should have been formed at Dorchester while Mr. Warham remained.
Winthrop says a council was called April 11, 1636, to form a new church, a great
part of the old one being gone to Connecticut." Its formation, however, from theo-
logical reasons, was deferred until August. In view of these circumstances, we feel
warranted in our belief that the emigration of 1635 consisted mostly of Dorchester peo-
ple, who settled at Windsor, and that their pastor came with them. See, also, Blake's
Annals of Dorchester, pp. 13, 14.
2 In regard to the course of the first settlers, on their way to the Connecticut, Dr.
McClure's MSS., in possession of Connecticut Historical Society, preserve the following
narrative:
"In a conversation with the late aged and respectable Captain Sabin, of Pomfret,
Ct., hé related to me the following discovery, viz.: About 40 years ago he felled a
large and ancient oak, about the north line of Pomfret, adjoining Woodstock. On
cutting within some inches of the heart of the tree, it was seen to have been cut and
chipped with some sharp tool like an axe. Rightly judging that at the time when it
must have been done, the Indians, so far inland, were destitute and ignorant of the use
of iron tools, he counted the number of the annular circular rings from the said marks
to the bark of the tree, and found there were as many rings as the years which had in-
tervened from the migration of the Dorchester party to that time. Hence the proba-
bility is that they journeyed along the north border of Pomfret, and as they traveled
by a compass, the conjecture is corroborated by that course being nearly in a direct line
from Boston to the place of their settlement on the Connecticut river."
THE EMIGRATION FROM DORCHESTER TO WINDSOR.
53
2
1
indeed, set in unusually early. By the 15th-25th of November, the river
was closed, and as yet the vessel containing their household goods and
provisions had not arrived, nor were there any tidings of it. They
were able to get only a portion of their cattle across the river [Dr. B.
Trumbull]. At this time (November 26th) a party of thirteen returned
to Massachusetts through the woods. One of the number fell through
the ice and was drowned, and the remainder would have perished "but
that, by God's providence, they lighted upon an Indian wigwam." As it
was they were ten days in reaching the Bay. By the first of December,
the condition of these families was perilous in the extreme. Many
were nearly destitute of provisions; and the only alternative was to
reach their vessel, which was supposed to be fast in the ice below. A
company of seventy, of all ages and both sexes (see Note 2, p. 35) now
set out in search of their provisions. Shelterless, and scantily supplied
with food, they toiled on, day after day, through snows and storm, hop-
ing at every turn of the river to discover the wished-for relief. Who
can picture the sufferings of that painful march. But God was not
unmindful of his suffering ones. His arm was stretched out to save.
A
small vessel, the Rebecca, of sixty tons, which had attempted to ascend
the river to trade before the winter set in, had become entangled in the
ice, twenty miles from the river's mouth. Fortunately, a storm of rain
came up, which released the vessel which came to their relief; and
Providence sending favorable winds, "they came," says Governor
Winthrop, "to Massachusetts in 5 days, which was a great mercy of God,
for otherwise they had all perished with famine, as some did." The
few who remained in Connecticut through this fearful winter suffered
much, as did their cattle also, from insufficiency of both food and shel-
1
¹ Winthrop, i. 273.
2 Winthrop's Journal.
3
3 Winthrop also states that while the Rebecca lay there in the ice, the Dutch sent a
sloop to take possession of the mouth of the river, but the men got two pieces (cannon)
on shore, and would not suffer them to land.
but
Notwithstanding the early closing of the river in 1635, there is certain evidence
that the winter of 1635-6, was an open one. It is, with one exception, very many years
since the Connecticut was frozen over at Windsor as early as November 15-25th ;.
about twenty years ago, at a time when the water was extremely low for that season of
the year, on the morning of November 19th, the ice stopped, and the river was
frozen over at Windsor, but only for a few hours. If the closing of the river mentioned
by Winthrop had been such as occurs later in the season, there would have been no
occasion for wintering their cattle there, or they would have driven them over on the ice.
And we rarely have so open a winter in later times that cattle could live through it,
without shelter, or other provision than could be provided for them in the forest; and
these families who dieted" on acorns during the winter, doubtless, had bare
ground to gather them on after the 15-25th of November. Winthrop says (i. 176, date
January, 1635-6), "this month one man went by land to Connecticut and returned safe"
- he probably had little snow to contend with.
54
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
ter. They literally lived on acorns, malt, and grains, with what food
they could gain by hunting, and not unlikely assisted by the Plymouth
and Stiles parties who were doubtless both provided. Their losses were
very heavy, that of the Dorchester people being as much (Winthrop
says,' on authority of Mr. Ludlow) as £2,500 in cattle alone.
Early in March, 1635-6, Connecticut was set apart as a separate
colony, under a commission granted by the General Court of Massachu-
setts, “to several persons to govern the people at Connecticut for the
space of a year [then] next coming. The commission thus named con-
sisted of Mr. Roger Ludlow and William Phelps of Windsor, John
Steele, William Westwood, and Andrew Ward of Hartford, and William
Pyncheon of Springfield, William Swaine and Henry Smith of Wethers-
field.
With the first dawn of spring (April 16, 1636) those who had
been compelled to return to Dorchester again turned their faces toward
the Connecticut. They comprised the larger part of the Dorchester
church, with, as some say, their surviving pastor, Rev. John Warham.'
Their settlement at Matianuck was named Dorchester, after their
Massachusetts home.
About the same time, Mr. Pyncheon and others, from Roxbury,
Mass., settled at Agawam, now the city of Springfield. And, in June
following, came the venerable Hooker, with his companions from Cam-
bridge, Mass., who settled at Suekiaug, now the city of Hartford.
Wethersfield, also, began its settlement near by; and thus, simultane-
ously, in the rich soil and the choicest spots of the beautiful Connecticut
Valley, were the seeds planted, which were destined to take root and
germinate into a mighty commonwealth. And the history of that com-
monwealth, for more than two centuries, has borne witness to the strong
faith and courageous persistence of its founders, so appropriately and
significantly expressed in the motto of colony and state,
“QUI TRANSTULIT SUSTINET.”
[s.]
We think it clear that the company which left the Bay, Oct. 15,
1635 (Winthrop, i. 171), with their cattle, were Dorchester families
coming to Windsor, and that the object of their setting forth so late in
the year was to "make assurance doubly sure" by settling their families
and stock on the disputed territory, before the Lords and Gentlemen in
England had time to renew their efforts to get possession of the Great
Meadow. It seems, from Saltonstall's letter (p. 45) that he and hist
¹ Winthrop's Journal, date of April 7-17th, 1636.-Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll., vi. 4, series
515. Winthrop also (i. 161) notes the arrival of two Dutch ships bringing to Boston
27 Flanders mares, at £37 each; 63 heifers, at £12 a beast; and 88 sheep, at 50s. each.
This would make Windsor's share £2,500 loss, equal to 130 cows and 25 horses; Dorches-
ter cows and cattle, 450.- Wonder Working Providence, 42.
THE QUESTION OF PRIORITY OF SETTLEMENT.
55
associates, the Patentees, still claimed that particular spot, and that,
later, Gov. Winthrop, Jr., was authorized, "if they have built any houses.
thereon," to make good their "reasonable" expenses on the same.
Probably, the latest advices which the Patentees had received from Wind-
sor did not include information as to this October movement of the
Dorchester people to occupy the houses which were being erected in
September and October. Again, if the Dorchester people had originally
planned to winter their stock in Connecticut, would they not have made
provision for it in the hay-making season? Or, would they have put off
sending provision for their families so late as to risk the disaster that
finally befell them, of having the river close before it could reach them?
99 I
There has been, very naturally, some rivalry between the natives of
"the Three Towns," in these later days, as to the question of priority of
settlement. Andrews, in his River Towns of Connecticut, a Study of
Wethersfield, Hartford, and Windsor (p. 17), puts it thus: "From the
point of habitation by white men, Hartford was first occupied by the
Dutch; from the view of occupation by Englishmen, Windsor can claim
to be the earliest settled [by the Plymouth Company]; but from the
point of view of settlement by Massachusetts Bay people, by agricultur-
ists and permanent colonists, Wethersfield has undoubted right to
title.' This is very well for a Wethersfield man very fairly stated
indeed; but when he bases his argument (1) on a microscopically close
comparison of certain dates to prove that Mr. Oldham, probably, in Sept.,
1634, led his party of eight men to Wethersfield, where they barely
lived (according to tradition) through the succeeding hard winter; (2)
on the interlineation in the old Court Record, giving to Wethersfield the
honor of being the oldest town (see p. 31, note 2), a decision which can
only be construed as a persistent ignoring by the then Colonial Court of
any Plymouth claims as opposed to those of Massachusetts; and (3)
the Mix Mss. 1693-1737,2 we are led to inquire whether, if the tradition
(Trumbull, i. 49) that, "a small number of men," in hastily erected log-
huts, “made a shift to winter in Wethersfield, 1634–5,” could be verified,
it would be fair to call them settlers, and not accord the same status to
those men at Windsor, who were well-housed and able to defend them-·
selves against armed foes in 1633? If he considers the Plymouth Com-
pany's party as merely traders, we have already shown reason why they
also should be considered as agriculturists and permanent colonists.""
But is there not really a higher standard of "settlement" to be con-
sidered in all this discussion, viz., the family, without which all this
rushing to and fro upon the earth would be of little account?
1 For Windsor's claim on this point, see Mr. J. H. Hayden's article in Hartford Cour-
ant, Sept. 26, 1883.
2 Trumbull's Hist. Conn., i. 49, note.
8 See ante, p. 39.
:
56
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Among those of the 1635 emigration, who remained here through
the winter, subsisting on scanty fare, we may presume there were fami-
lies from Dorchester ("men, women, and little children”). The Pat-
entee, or Stiles party, had, when they sailed from London, three women
and two children (Stiles); and, though their vessel remained ten days
in Boston, there is no reason to doubt that both women and children
came on to Windsor with the vessel, arriving here July, 1635. And,
although the family tradition (mentioned on page 44) gives to the women
of the Stiles party the honor of being the first English women on Con-
necticut soil, is there positive evidence that there were no women or
families in the Plymouth Trading House? Jonathan Brewster had a
wife and children in New England at this date, and it is possible that
they were with him at Matianuck, where he resided probably from the
first, 1633-certainly 1634 and 1635.
In this connection then, will it be considered impertinent if we
inquire, whether there is sufficient evidence to show that there were any
families of "men, women, and little children," (or any wives without
children,) in either Hartford or Wethersfield before 1636 ?¹
The settlement at Windsor by the Dorchester party being now an
accomplished fact, we hear but little more of the claims of the aristo-
cratic Connecticut Patentees. Gov. Winthrop, it is true, at Saltonstall's
request, came up to Windsor from Saybrook in the spring of 1636, to
endeavor to effect some arrangement with the Dorchester people,
and reported thereupon to Lords and Gentlemen in England. Both
2
1 "A Briefe Discription of New England and the Severall Townes therein, together with
the Present Government thereof,” somewhat recently discovered by Mr. Henry T. Waters,
in the British Museum, among the Egerton MSS. (No. 2395 ff., 397-411, and published
in Mass. Hist. Soc. Proceedings, 2d Series, i. 1884–5; also, N. Eng. Hist. Gen. Register,
1885, p. 33), throws considerable light upon this matter. This MS., written in 1660, by
Samuel Maverick (son of Rev. John Maverick, the original senior pastor of the Dor
chester (Mass.) church, which removed to Windsor with Mr. Warham), who was at one
time a Royal Commissioner, contains an account of all the towns east of the Hudson
River, and presents a picture of what may be called the "prehistoric state" of New
England at that time. In this description we find:
"WINDSOR. From Hartford to Windsor, 9 miles, this was the first Towne on this
River, settled first by people issuing from Dorchester in the Massachusetts Bay about the
year 1636."
This proves that, in the knowledge and estimation of those then living, after a
lapse of only twenty-four years from the settlements upon the Connecticut River (and
while, certainly, many of the first settlers were still living), WINDSOR was the oldest of
the three river towns.
2 Winthrop's Life and Letters, 156, "Letter to his son, the Governor, upon the mouth
of the Connecticut, 10th of 4b mo. [July] 1636. I received a very loving letter from Lord
S
wherein he expresseth a great deal of satisfaction in your proceedings, but
saith withal that those up the river [the Dorchester party] have carved largely for
themselves, which he thinks they will after repent when they see what helps they have
deprived themselves of" [i. e., the defense of the mouth of the river and the patronage
of the Lords and Gentlemen.]
THE POLITICO-RELIGIOUS SITUATION IN ENGLAND.
57
he and Sir Henry Vane had already negotiated, fruitlessly, as the
sequel proved, with the Dorchester party at Boston.' But political
events at home were beginning to forecast new troubles, and conspired
to lessen the probabilities of any adjustment of these colonial embar-
rassments.
2
From Macaulay's Essay on John Hampden we learn that the struggle
between the prominent Puritans of England and the Government was
very bitter at this time. John Hampden, one of the original Patentees
of Connecticut in 1631, had (in 1636) been defeated before the courts in
his resistance to the payment of "ship-money," (a tax never before
levied on the interior counties) and had become so obnoxious to the
government, that, in 1637, "his person was scarcely safe," and he pro-
posed to escape by sailing for Connecticut. Macaulay gives no authori-
ties in support of this statement, and whether Hampden and Cromwell at
one time actually took ship for America is, to-day, a matter of doubt.
From this time on, however, Puritanism was gaining in political influ-
ence, and on the eve of gaining the ascendency in Parliament, and secur-
ing an abatement of grievances under which it suffered. Probably the
hope of relief at home at an early day contributed to moderate the zeal
of such Lords and Gentlemen as had contemplated emigrating from the
turmoil of England to the Valley of the Connecticut. Possibly, as
Macaulay says, the English authorities did prevent them. Lord Saye,
Mr. William Woodcocke, and Sir Richard Saltonstall had already sent
over funds, in the expedition of 1635, for investment; and the subse-
quent prosecution of their claims through the Colonial Courts, throws
some additional light upon the situation of affairs at Windsor in the
summer of 1635, and later.
3
The Patentees maintained their fort and settlement at the mouth of
the river (Saybrook) until 1644, when they sold out to the up-river
¹ See p. 46.
2 (4
Hampden determined to leave England. Beyond the Atlantic Ocean a few of the
persecuted Puritans had formed in the wilderness of Connecticut a settlement, which
has since become a prosperous commonwealth, and which, in spite of the lapse of time
and of the change of government, still retains something of the character given to it by
its first founders. Lord Saye and Lord Brooke were the original projectors of the
scheme of emigration. Hampden had been early consulted respecting it. He was now,
it appears, desirous to withdraw himself beyond the reach of oppressors, who, as he
probably suspected, and as we know, were bent on punishing his manful resistance to
their tyranny. He was accompanied by his kinsman, Oliver Cromwell.
The
cousins took their passage in a vessel which lay in the Thames, and which was bound for
America. They were actually on shipboard, when an Order of Council appeared, by
which the ship was prohibited from sailing. Seven other ships filled with emigrants
were stopped at the same time.”—– Macaulay's Essays, i. 704–5.
* The "accounting" of Barnabas Davis (Letchford's Notes, Trans. Am. Antiq. Soc.,
vii. 365) the affidavits of Stiles, and Hayden (Col. Rec., XV.). See also the East Windsor
portion of this work; and items in Col. Rec., i. 33, 62, etc.
VOL. I. -8
58
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
towns, in consideration of certain tolls on furs, grain, etc., "that shall
pass out of at the river's mouth," also a tax of twelve pence per annum
for ten years on certain live-stock, "within any of the towns or farms.
upon the river."
2
From Barnabas Davis' "Accounting" with the heirs of William
Woodcocke in England, we learn that Mr. Francis Stiles, who had
charge of the party sent by the Lords and Gentlemen to Windsor, after
having builded himself " a sufficient house at Connecticut," returned to
England (probably in the winter of 1636-7); and as he had neither
built the house nor enclosed the 400 acres of land which he had engaged
to do for Mr. Woodcocke, he sold to Mr. Woodcocke the house he had
builded for himself, and promised. "that the towne would accommodate
Mr. Woodcocke with 400 acres thereunto." Stiles returned from Eng-
land (probably in spring of 1637) and Davis followed him to look after
Woodcocke's interests, and, while here, the Pequot War broke out (May,
1637), and Davis was impressed as a soldier (probably the "Sergeant
Davis" referred to in Capt. Mason's account of the Pequot fight).
Davis seems to have had the assistance of Rev. Messrs. Hooker of Hart-
ford, Warham of Windsor, and others, in "treating the cause [with
Stiles], and they determined that Stiles had dealt ill with Mr. Wood-
cocke in not procuring 400 acres of land' to be laid out to the said house,
and impaling it as he undertook." Again, Davis went back to England
to report to my Lord Say and Mr. Woodcocke, the latter of whom died
soon after, and his brother John, having charge of the estate, sent Davis
over the third time, June, 1639. In the September following, Mr.
Edward Hopkins of Hartford, attorney for Woodcocke, sues Stiles in the
sum of £300 for breach of contract and gets a verdict for £300 "for
not taking up 400 acres of ground according to bargain that Mr. Stiles
should take the house [which he sold Woodcocke while in England] back
again, and repay back the £230 and £70 for arrearages." Davis says
the £300 "lies in the hands of Mr. Hopkins in Connecticut." Then,
1641, Mr. Saltonstall brings an action against "Edward Hopkins as
an assignee to Woodcocke" for £200, and hath an attachment granted
against Mr. Hopkins. Whether this suit grew out of their mutual re-
lations with Stiles, or some other unrecorded transaction in Connecticut
is uncertain. What pecuniary interest Lord Saye had in this business
which brought Davis over is unknown, but both times when the latter
returned to England to report, he goes by the advice of Rev. Mr.
3
2
¹ It is pretty certain that Stiles had the 400 acres ready for Woodcocke in 1637, but
it was located "over the Great River," considerable distance away from "the said
house," and this "breach of contract" was what led the court to find a verdict in favor
of Woodcocke.
2 Conn. Col. Rec., i. 66.
³ Ibid., i. 67.
ADDENDA—“ BROWNISM ܪܪ
59
A FACTOR İN THE CONTROVERSY.
Hooker and takes letters from him both to Lord Saye and Mr. Wood-
cocke, and apparently about the same business.
66
1
Sir Richard Saltonstall, Knight, who, as we learn from his letter
(p. 45), bore a large part of the expense of that first expedition (1635)
came to New England with Gov. Winthrop, in 1630, and returned the
next year." Possibly, indeed, he came to Connecticut, for he seems to
have given Stiles very definite instructions where to "prepare a house
against my coming, and enclose grounds for my cattle, . . . between
the Plymouth Trucking House and the falls." Sir Richard afterwards
sent his sons, Richard and Robert, constituting the latter his attorney to
manage his business in New England. Richard died in Massachusetts,
having a family from whom descended Gurdon Saltonstall (great-grand-
son of Sir Richard), who was Governor of Connecticut (1707–1724)
and who inherited Saltonstall Park, a tract of 2,000 acres of land at
Warehouse Point, of which matter further mention is made in the chapter
on East Windsor.
2
ADDENDA.
The Massachusetts men have, of late, been sharply criticised for declining to enter
into partnership with those of Plymouth in beginning a settlement on the Connecticut
in 1633, and then, themselves, two years later, settling "the three towns," to the serious
detriment of Plymouth. But there was an important element in the controversy which
is generally overlooked. Both parties were Puritans; but those of Plymouth were
believed by the authorities in England to be tainted with "Brownism a taint which
the Massachusetts men were anxious to escape. The "Brownists," so called by their
opponents, were a set which had been specially obnoxious to the Crown, and for half a
century the authorities had pursued them with greater vigor than they had any other
class of Puritans. The "Brownists" were so named from one Robert Browne, who was
for a time pastor of a church of English Puritans who fled to Zealand to escape perse-
cution. In 1571, Browne, then about twenty-one years of age, "became domestic chap-
lain to the Duke of Norfolk, and as taking opportunity of that place to disseminate
doctrines which, as they were distasteful to the authorities, were decreed seditious as
well." He was cited to appear before an ecclesiastical commission, but the Duke (who
was a relation) took his part, pleading that the position was a privileged one. About
ten years later (1580 or 1581) we find Browne at Norwich. And there, by his prompting,
and under his guidance was formed the first church in modern days, of which I have
any knowledge, which was intelligently, and as one might say, philosophically, Congre-
gational in its platform and processes, he becoming its pastor.” In April, 1581, we
find the Bishop of Norfolk sending the Lord Treasurer Burleigh articles of complaint
'against one Robert Browne and his personal answers thereto," alleging that “the
said party had been lately apprehended on complaint of many godly preachers for
delivering unto the people corrupt and contentious doctrine." It was further declared,
1
¹ H. S. Sheldon.
2 Dexter's Congregationalist, 72.
3 Ibid, 65, 66.
↑ Ibid., 70.
3
60
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
that "his arrogant spirit of reproof was something to be marvelled at; the man being
also to be feared, lest if he were at liberty he should seduce the vulgar sort of people,
who greatly depended on him, assembling themselves together to the number of one
hundred at a time in private houses and conventicles to hear him, not without danger
of evil intent.” 1
Through the intervention of the Lord Treasurer he was again released,
but a few months later the Bishop once more addressed the Lord Treasurer "in regard
to the troublesome young man," declaring that he had lately been preaching "strange
and dangerous doctrine in his diocese in a disordered manner, had greatly troubled the
whole country, and brought many to great disobedience of all law and magistrates."
He thought all others could have been managed if Browne had not come back,
trary to his expectation and greatly prejudiced these their good proceedings, and hav-
ing private meetings in such close and secret manner that he knew not possibly how to
suppress the same.
con-
Burleigh's interposition availed to get his irrepressible relative first into, then out of,
the hands of the Bishop of Canterbury, and this general experience with that of others
of the company [Browne's church] brought them all, at last, to "the full persuasion
that the Lord did call them out of England," and, apparently, in the autumn of 1681,
the little church and its pastor emigrated in a body to Middlebury, in Zealand, where
they received permission from the magistrates to abide in freedom of faith and
worship.
>> 3
But Browne still continued to trouble the English government after reaching Zea-
land. He wrote several treatises, which he sent in sheets into England, on the corrup-
tions of the church, and wherein he also insisted on the present accepted doctrine of the
relations of the Magistrate to the Church. He says, the magistrates “have no ecclesi-
asticall authoritie at all, but onely as anie other Christian.” 4
The Queen issued
a special proclamation against the circulation of these treatises in her realms. "The
Queen's most excellent Majesty, being given to understand that there are sent from
partes beyond the seas sundry seditious, scismaticall and erronious printed Bookes and
libelles tending to the depraving of the Ecclesiasticall government established within
the Realme, set foorth by Robert Browne and Richard Harrison [an associate] fled out of
the Realme as seditious persons fearing due punishment for their sundry offences, and
remaining presently in Zealand,"
ordering "all persons who should have any
of the same books to deliver them up to the Ordinary, to the intent that they should be
burned," and forbidding any one to "be so hardy as to put in print, or writing, sell,
set forth, receive, give out any more of the same, or such like seditious books or
libelles." The result was that "two men were hanged for dispensing, and another
nearly hanged for binding the same.
"5
Within two years the little church at Middlebury fell into a divided state, and
Browne with a few families, removed to Scotland, where he soon quarreled with Pres-
byterianism; went back to England, and, in 1591, was instituted rector of the little par-
ish of Cum Thorpe. Here he abode and wrought more than forty years, until between
June, 1631, and November, 1633, he died, 80 years old or more, in Northampton jail.“
His course had alienated, by turns, all his friends, and evil reports were raised against
him personally, and woe betide the Puritan suspected of Brownism.
Nearly forty years after we find the Pilgrims at Leyden, considering the question
of removal to one of the provinces of their native land. In 1617, Carver and Cushman
were sent to England to ask from the King freedom of worship for their colony in the
new world. Bradford says: “Thus far they prevailed in sounding His Majestie's mind,
that he would connive at them and not molest them, provided they carried themselves
¹ Dexter's Congregationalist, 70.
⁹ Ibid., 72.
5 Ibid., 74, 75.
2 Ibid., 71.
4 Ibid., 101.
6. Ibid., 83.
ADDENDA "BROWNISM A FACTOR IN THE CONTROVERSY.
61
peaceably. But, to allow or tolerate them by public authority under his seal, they
found it would not be granted.""
When, three years after, pastor Robinson gave his parting address to the Pilgrim
Fathers, on their setting forth from Holland to New England, he charged them to shake
off the name of Brownists, which he termed a mere nick-name and brand to make
religion odious and the professors of it [odious] to the Christian world.”
Enough has been quoted to show why "Brownism” became specially obnoxious to
the authorities in England, and why it behooved all parties to follow Robinson's advice
and shake off the name, and the taint pertaining to it. Yet the fact remains that the
Plymouth Church, organized on the pattern of Browne's at Middlebury, was not quite
able to shake it off. The adventurers, who remained in England and aided the colo-
nists in reaching New England, would not hazard their own pecuniary interests (which
depended on the colonists' success) by any act of their own, or of their colonists, which
would bring upon them the odium of being esteemed "Brownists," and thus placing
themselves under the ban of the Home Government. And when the Salem people
came to New England, in 1629, and the Governor and Council of the Company under
whose auspices it came learned that Ralph Smith, who had engaged passage with them,
was inclined to Separatism (then esteemed another name for Brownism) they at first
thought to forbid his coming, but afterwards consented, with an order to the colonists
- that “unless hee will be conformable to or governm¹ you suffer him not to remain w thin
the limits of or grant.
" 2
•
When Winthrop's company (the future settlers of Connecticut among them) were
leaving England in the spring of 1630, they took the pains to publish in London, "The
humble request of his Majestie's loyall subjects the Governeur and the Company late
gone for New England: to the rest of their Brethren in and of the Church of England: for
the obtaining of their Prayers and the removal of suspicions and misconstructions of
their intentions.
We esteem it our honour to call the Church of England from
whence we rise, our deare mother.
We leave it not therefore as loathing the
milk where with we were nourished there." They ask her prayers for a church
springing out of your own bowels," reciprocally promising their's for the church at
home, when they shall be in their “ poor cottages in the wilderness.” ³
•
The Salem people, whose company in England had been so careful to shield them
from the charge of Brownism, had been preceded by an advance guard of settlers, under
Gov. Endicott, who having suffered severely from illness, sent. for Dr. Fuller of Ply-
mouth, who went to his relief, and was of great service to the Governor and colony.
He was one of the two Leyden deacons of the Plymouth Church, and improved his op-
portunities to satisfy Endicott in regard to whatever was distinctive in the Plymouth
views, and led him to acknowledge their general principles as a church, as
"farr from ye
commone reporte that hath been spread of you, touching that particular;" and, when
the Salem Church was organized, the Plymouth Church gave the right hand of
fellowship.
It is known that the Dorchester Church was organized in England on the eve of
their departure from Plymouth to New England, and it is almost certain that the organ-
ization took place at the instigation of friends there, lest they should fall under the in-
fluence of the Plymouth Church, as the Salem people had. They would not have been
permitted to organize as an independent Congregational Church, and remain in Eng-
land. (The Southwark (Cong.) Church in London, which had met with closed doors, was
discovered by the authorities in 1632, and Mr. Lathrop, its pastor, and his congregation
imprisoned.) The Rev. Mr. White of Dorchester, England, rector of a church there,
assisted at this organization; after which the church chose Messrs. Warham and Mav-
erick for their pastor and teacher (both of whom had been ordained by a Bishop of the
4
¹ Ibid., Landmarks of Plymouth, 5, 6.
³ Ibid., 416.
2 Dexter, 414.
4 Roger Clapp.
62
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Church of England, and had continued to officiate therein), after which Mr. White re-
turned to his home and continued his ministrations as before. In recognition of his
sympathy and helpfulness, the colony gave to their new settlement beyond the
seas, the name of his residence, Dorchester. Theirs was the first ship of Gov. Win-
throp's fleet, which brought over nearly 2,000 emigrants in 1630. Other parties of Win-
throp's company settled at Boston, Charlestown, Newtown, etc., and soon after organ-
ized Congregational churches. When the report of what they had done reached
England, their friends there were much alarmed at "some innovacions attempted by
you," with the intimation that they "utterly disallowe any such passages," and entreat
them to look back upon their “miscarriage with repentance”; while they add that they
take “leave to think that it is possible some undigested councells have too sodainily
bin put in execution wch may have ill construction wth the State heere, and make us ob-
noxious to any adversary.” The plain English of all which was, that the Patentees in
England were surprised and offended that the colonists should so suddenly and so widely
have separated from the Church as by law established, and were apprehensive of the
royal displeasure, and of consequent harm to the secular interests which they were
seeking to promote. This solicitude on the part of the adventurers and friends in
England, lest their “adversaries" should take advantage of their church relations to
represent them as Brownists, with all the disloyalty to the authorities in England which
had been associated with that name, soon proved to be well-founded, for, we learn from
Winthrop's Journal (i. 102, 103), that, two years after, in 1633, "Certain parties who
had been punished here for misdemeanors; had petitioned the King and Council
accusing us to intend rebellion, to have cast off our allegiance, and to be wholly sepa-
rate from the church and laws of England; that our ministers and people did continually
rail against the State, Church and Bishops, . . such of our company as were there
in England, Sir Richard Saltonstall, Mr. Humphrey, and Mr. Craddock were called be-
fore the committee of the Council, to whom they delivered an answer in writing, upon
reading whereof it pleased the Lord so to work with the Lords, and after with the
King's Majesty when the whole matter was reported to him
that the defendants
were dismissed with a favorable order for their encouragement, being assured from some
of the Council, that his Majesty did not intend to impose the ceremonies of the Church
of England upon us." Prince's Chronicle (430), gives us this passage, from a letter sent
by Winthrop to Gov. Bradford: "The conclusion was against man's expectation, an
order for an encouragement, and much blame and disgrace upon the adversaries, which
calls for much thankfulness from us all, which we propose (the Lord willing) to express
in a day of thanksgiving to our merciful God. I doubt not but you will consider if it
be not fit for you to join in it." Winthrop enters in his Journal (i. 103, 104), under date
of 26 March, 1633, an extract from a letter from a friend in England, written at this
time to the younger Winthrop : "Your friends here [Saltonstall and others] who are
members of your plantation have had much to do to disprove the unjust complaints
made to the King and Council, of your government there. I understand that you are
an Assistant, and so have a voice in the weighty affairs of that commonwealth. I know
I shall not need to advise you that the prayers for the King be not neglected in any of
your public meetings, and I advise that you differ no more from us in church govern-
ment, than you shall find that we differ from the prescript rule of God's Word, and
farther I meddle not."
•
It will be remembered, that it was immediately after this that Plymouth proposed
to Massachusetts to join them in accepting the invitation of the Indians to settle on the
Connecticut River. Bradford says (311), that the Plymouth people had already been
there divers times, not without profit." Those Indians seeing them [us] not very
forward to build there, solicited those of Massachusetts in like sort." This was April 4,
1631, and "they of the Bay, but lately come, were not fit [not ready] for the same; but
¹ Dexter, 418, 419,
ADDENDA—“BROWNISM ""
63
A FACTOR IN THE CONTROVERSY.
some of their chief men made a motion to join with the partners here to trade jointly [i. e.,
“put up equal stock together"] with them in that river, which they were willing to
embrace." But when Winslow and Bradford went up to the Bay to confer about the
matter, July, 1633, the Massachusetts men had barely escaped the pains and penalties
usually meted out to “Brownists," and were very careful to avoid everything which
the English government could construe into an offense against "the powers that be."
It is pretty evident, that this was the principal reason why they declined the liberal
offer of the Plymouth men. Bradford says (312) "they cast many fears of danger and
loss; they had no suitable goods for trade, but those here offered to put in sufficient for
both provided they would be engaged for the half, and prepare for them the next year.
They confessed more could not be offered, but thanked them and told them they had no
mind to it."
Then follows an important admission on the part of Plymouth, showing that
she claimed no prescriptive title on the Connecticut, superior to that of Massachusetts:
'They [Plymouth] then answered, they hoped it would be no offense unto them [of Mass.]
if themselves went on without them [of Mass.] if they saw meete? They [of Mass.] said
there was no reason why they should [take offense] and thus the treaty break off."
Two years later, when the Massachusetts men went up to Connecticut to settle, the
same barrier stood in the way of their fraternizing, which had prevented the proposed
partnership of 1633. Pending the negotiations which followed (Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll., vi.
162) appears a letter from Gov. Winslow of Plymouth to Gov. Winthrop, Jr., of
Connecticut, in which, referring to the controversy, he says, "But were it not for
Christ's cause in that our profession may come to suffer by it, we would not be satisfied
with a tenth of our demand
't is pitty religion should be made a cloak for such
spirits." From Bradford (341) we learn that the Dorchester people brought counter-
charge that they of Plymouth have more sympathy with the Lords and Gentlemen,
whose pioneers the Dorchester men had displaced, than with "the Dorchester Church.”
CHAPTER II.
1636-1650.
THE
HE town records of Windsor, or Dorchester, as it was first called,
prior to 1650, not being in existence, we have undoubtedly lost
much which it would be both pleasant and profitable to know. Yet
from the Colonial Documents, and such fragmentary manuscripts as
have escaped the ravages of time and neglect, we are enabled to trace, in
outline at least, the growth and development of the infant town during
the first fifteen eventful years of its existence.
The first item we have is from a record of the first court held at
Newtown (Hartford), April 26, 1636, by the commissioners appointed
by Massachusetts for the colonies on the Connecticut. At this court
complaint was made "that Henry Stiles [of Dorchester], or some of the
ser[vants] had traded a piece with the Indians for corn." Situated as
they were in a new country, and surrounded by Indians, with whom
their intercourse was necessarily guarded, this act was justly deemed a
grave offense, and one that imperiled the general safety. It was there-
fore "ordered that [the] said Henry Stiles shall, between and the next
court, regain [the] said piece from the said Indians in a fair and legal
way, or else this court will take it into further consideration." An
order was also promulgated "that from henceforth none that are within
the jurisdiction of this court shall trade with the natives or Indians any
piece, or pistol, or gun, or powder, or shot." At the next court, held at
Dorchester (Windsor), Henry Stiles, not having complied with the
order of the previous court, was ordered to do so by the next one, and
to appear personally and answer his neglect. It was also "ordered, that
there shall be a sufficient watch maintained in every town,” under the
direction of the constable; and that "every soldier in each plantation "
should have on hand, before the end of August following, 2 lbs. of pow-
der and 20 bullets of lead, ready to show it to the constable upon demand.
Non-compliance was to be met with a fine of 10 shillings for each failure,
"which is presently to be levied by the said constable without resistance."
It was further ordered at the next court, held at Watertown (Wethers-
field), that "every plantation shall train once a month;" and if there
""
FIRST COURT IN THE COLONY.
65
were any "very unskillful" in such exercises, "the plantation may
appoint the officer to train oftener the said unskillful." Every absence
from training, without lawful excuse tendered within two days, was to
be punished by a fine of two shillings. Any neglect to mend or keep
their weapons in repair was fined in the same amount, and if arms were
"wholly wanting," the delinquent was to be bound over to answer for it
at the next court.
-
In these regulations we find evidence of the prudence and constant
watchfulness necessarily imposed upon settlers in a new country. They
built their humble cabins amid the wilds of Matianuck, as the prophet
Jeremiah and his friends rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, with their arms
in their hands. "In no part of New England were the Indians so
numerous, in proportion to the territory, as in this valley, and traditions
of the horrors of the Indian wars are linked with almost every village
throughout its whole extent. For ninety years after the first settlement
there was scarcely an hour in which the inhabitants, especially of the
frontier towns, could travel in the forests, work in the fields, worship
God in their churches, or lie down in their beds at night, without appre-
hension of attack from their stealthy and remorseless foe. The fact
that the attacks of the Indians were preceded by no note of preparation
gave a sense of insecurity to the members of the family at home, or the
heads of the family abroad, which made the real danger, great as it was,
seem more formidable. The blow fell where and when it was least
expected. When the Indian seemed most intent on his avocation of
hunting and fishing, or in planning some distant expedition-then the
farmer in the field would be surprised by an ambuscade, or on his return
home find his house in ashes, his wife and children butchered or hurried
away into captivity; or the quiet of his slumbers would be broken by the
war-whoop, and the darkness of midnight illumined by the glare of the
village on fire. Those were trials of which the present generation can
know nothing.'
99 1
They were trials, however, to which the settlers of Windsor were
fully exposed, and from which a merciful Providence, in a remarkable
degree, preserved them. The Indians who resided in their neighborhood
always.exhibited a friendly feeling, and seem to have regarded the pres-
ence of the whites as a protection against the exactions and attacks of
the Pequots and Mohawks, both of which tribes assumed the rights of
conquest over these Valley Indians! Yet the character of the Indian
was always uncertain, and experience dictated the necessity of constant
care and jealous watchfulness in all their dealings with them.
1
Added to the constant dread of Indian treachery was no small
¹ Introduction to the Foote Genealogy, by Nathaniel Goodwin,
VOL. I.-9
66
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
amount of loss and trouble among their cattle, who had suffered so
much from exposure during the previous winter.
Winthrop, under date of "9 [Decem]ber, 1636," says, "Things
went not well at Connecticut. Their cattle did many of them cast their
young, as they had done the year before."
At the court of February 21, 1636-7, "It is ordered yt the plantacon
called Dorchester shall bee called WINDSOR" (undoubtedly, although we
know not with what particular reasons in honor of Windsor, the royal
abode of England's sovereigns), and a committee appointed for the
purpose by a previous court brought in a report that the bounds thereof
should "extend towards the Falls, on the same side the plantation
stands,' to a brooke called Kittle Brooke and soe over the Greate River,"
uppon the same line that New Towne and Dorchester doth between
them. And so it is ordered by the court." Also, "the boundes between
Harteford & Windsor is agreed to be att the vpper end of the greate
meadowe of the saide Harteford toward Windsor att the Pale [fence]
that is nowe there sett up by the saide Harteford, wch is abuttinge vppon
the Great River, vppon a due east line, & into the Countrey from the
saide Pale vppon a due west line, as paralell to the saide east line as farr
as they have now paled, & afterward the boundes to goe into the Coun-
trey vppon the same west line. But it is to be soe much shorter towards
Windsor as the place where the Girte that comes along att th' end of the
saide meadowe, & falls into the saide greate River is shorter then their
Pale; & over the saide greate Riuer the saide plantacon of Windsor is
to come to the Riverrets" mouth, that falls into the saide greate River of
Conectecott, and there the said Hartford is to runn due east into the
Countrey, which is ordered accordingly."
This spring the contentions and negotiations between the Plymouth
Company and the Dorchester People concerning the land at Matianuck,
upon the which latter had so unceremoniously squatted at their first com-
ing, were brought to a close. (See ante, Chapter I, where, for the pur-
pose of making a continuous narrative, we have placed the details outside
of the usual chronological order of our narrative.)
These negotiations with the Plymouth people, however, were not
the weightiest or most important matters which occupied the attention
of the Windsor people. They, together with their neighbors of Hart-
ford and Wethersfield, were now involved in a contest, upon the event
of which their lives and welfare and all that is most dear to the human
heart were staked. We refer to the breaking out of the Pequot War.
Since the first approach of the white man to the valley of the Connecti-
1 The west side of the river.
2 Connecticut River.
3
* Podunk River,
THE OUTBREAK OF THE PEQUOT WAR.
67
cut that tribe, whose seat was on the Mystic River, seemed to have
imbibed a bitter hostility toward the English. As early as 1634 they
began the work of murder and pillage, and in 1636 they conceived a
design of extirpating and driving the whites from New England. The
murders of Stone, Norton, and Oldham, and the garrison at Saybrook
Fort, the horrible cruelties inflicted on Butterfield, Tilley, and others,
greatly alarmed and exasperated the Colonists.
Winthrop's Journal (Vol. I, p. 200, edition 1825; p. 238, ed. 1853,)
preserves this account of the cruel fate of Tilley, who was a Windsor
man:
"About the middle of this month [October, 1636,] John Tilley, master of a bark,
coming down Connecticut River, went on shore in a canoe, three miles above the fort
[Saybrook], to kill fowl, and having shot off his piece, many Indians arose out of the
covert and took him, and killed another who was in the canoe. This Tilley was a very
stout man, and of great understanding. They cut off his hands, and sent them before,
and after cut off his feet. He lived three days after his hands were cut off; and them-
selves confessed that he was a stout man, because he cried not in his torture.”
The murderous attack on Wethersfield, on the 23d of April, 1637,
finally aroused the English to strike a blow, as sudden as it was success-
ful and decisive. At the court, convened on the first of May following,
the deliberations were doubtless weighty and important. The first line
of the record of this court is sententious but energetic: "It is ordered
that there shall be an offensive war against the Pequots." Mark well
the words, "an offensive war." No longer would they stand on the
defensive, they had now drawn the sword, and that sword could only "be
sheathed in victory or death." And then follows in the same terse and
energetic language, "There shall be 90 men levied out of the three
plantations, Hartford, Wethersfield, and Windsor, in the following pro-
portion: Hartford, 42; Windsor, 30; Wethersfield, 18." Hartford was
to furnish fourteen, and Windsor six suits of armor. Each soldier was
to carry one pound of powder, four pounds of shot, twenty bullets, and a
light musket "if they can." They were also directed to take a barrel of
powder from the Saybrook Fort, and Capt. John Mason was entrusted
with the command.
Supplies were also levied on the three towns as follows: Windsor
was to furnish sixty bushels of corn, fifty pieces of pork, thirty pounds
of rice, and four cheeses. Hartford was to furnish eighty-four bushels
of corn, three firkins of suet, two firkins of butter, four bushels of oat-
meal, two bushels of peas, five hundred pounds of fish, two bushels of
salt. Wethersfield, one bushel of Indian beans, and thirty-six bushels
of corn.
Each plantation was to have its corn ground, and one-half
baked in biscuit. It was furthermore ordered that there should be fur-
nished "one good hogshead of beer, for the captain, minister, and sick
68
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
men;" and "if there be only three or four gallons of strong water, two
gallons of sack." Mr. Pyncheon's shallop was employed for the occa-
sion. Thus equipped, the troops of the several towns rendezvoused at
Hartford May the 10th, where they found a "pink, a pinnace, and a
shallop" awaiting them. Here, also, they were joined by seventy Mohe-
gan and River Indians, under Uncas. The staff of command was duly
delivered to Captain Mason by the venerable and reverend Dr. Hooker
of Hartford, whose colleague, the Rev. Mr. Stone, accompanied the expe-
dition as chaplain. Dr. Thomas Pell of the Saybrook Fort was the sur-
geon. The soldiers were "encouraged by the Rev'd ministers," a night
was spent in earnest prayer, and the next morning, followed by the
tears and lingering gaze of the relatives and friends whom they left
behind, that little fleet of "pink, pinnace, and shallop," with " many
Indian canoes," dropped down the stream. Never before nor since did.
the placid bosom of the Connecticut bear a more precious freight.
It is not our purpose to accompany them during this short but deci-
sive campaign, the details of which are to be found in every history of
New England.
Let us, however, return to those who were left at home within the
Palizado of Windsor. What their feelings and forebodings were in the
absence of their friends we can learn from the following letter, written
May 17th, two weeks after the departure of the expedition. It is
addressed by Mr. Ludlow to Mr. Pyncheon, who, with a few others, had
commenced a settlement at Agawam, now Springfield, Mass.' He says:
"I have received your letter, wherein you express that you are well for-
tified, but few hands. I would desire you to be careful and watchful
that you be not betrayed by friendships. For my part, my spirit is
ready to sink within me, when, upon alarms, which are daily, I think of
your condition, that if the case be never so dangerous, we can neither
help you, nor you us. But I must confess both you and ourselves do
stand merely on the power of our God; therefore he must and ought to
have all the praise of it." Further on, in reply to Mr. Pyncheon's urg-
ent request to have some assistance sent to him at Agawam, he says:
"I can assure you it is our great grief we can not, for our planta-
tions are so gleaned by that small fleet we sent out that those that
remain are not able to supply our watches, which are day and night,
that our people are scarce able to stand upon their legs; and for plant-
ing, we are in a like condition with you; what we plant is before our
doors-little anywhere else. Our fleet went away tomorrow will be
seven-night."
But the decisive battle of May 26th had been fought — the Pequod
power was broken, the victorious little army was on its homeward march,
¹See Coll. Mass. Hist. Society.
WINDSOR'S HEROES IN THE PEQUOT FIGHT.
69
man.
full of joy and gratitude for success such as they had hardly dared to
hope. Mason was "nobly entertained with many great guns " by Capt.
Gardiner at the Saybrook Fort, and the welcome which awaited his gal-
lant troops on their arrival home was indescribably warm and enthusi-
astic. A day of special thanksgiving was proclaimed throughout the
colonies, and everywhere the song of exultant victory was blended with
prayer and praise to Him who ruleth on high. In all these rejoicings,
we may well believe that the good people of Windsor had their full share.
Captain MASON, the "very foremost man of them a'" was their towns-
So was brave Sergeant ALVORD. So were THOMAS BARBER and
EDWARD PATTISON, whose valiant right arm caused seven Indians to
"bite the dust." So were lucky THOMAS STILES and JOHN DYER, who
were singularly fortunate in escaping with their lives, being each of
them struck by arrows, which stuck in the knots of their handker-
chiefs, a twin-like coincidence, which is justly commemorated by Capt.
Mason in his account of the battle, as among the "wonderful provi-
dences" of the day. Nor was the valiant Captain himself without
his "special providences" in that fearful fray, though, with a modesty
as characteristic as his bravery, he makes no mention of it. Yet we
have it upon good authority, that, in the thickest of the fight, an
Indian drew "an arrow to its head" full upon the Captain, whose
life was only saved by an opportune thrust of a comrade's sword,
which cut the bowstring. We may well imagine that wondering child-
1
2
•
¹ See Niles's Indian Wars; also, A Brief History of the Pequot War: Especially of the
memorable taking of the Fort at Mistick in Connecticut, in 1637, written by Major John
Mason, a principal actor therein, as their chief Captain and Commander of Connecticut
forces; " published at Boston in 1736, and republished in the collections of the Mass. Hist.
Soc'y, vii., 2d series.
2 Trumbull says that this was Sergt. Davis, but Capt. Mason himself mentions
Davis as one of the party who attacked the other entrance of the fort, and were driven
back by the flames of the burning wigwams. It seems certain, from accounts of
the battle, as well as from tradition, that William Hayden of Hartford was the lucky
man who saved the Captain's life. At the commencement of the attack, the Captain,
Lieut. Seeley, and sixteen others, effected an entrance into the fort, and in the hand to
hand fight which ensued, Wm. Hayden distinguished himself by his daring and
prowess. Mason, in his own narrative, while modestly omitting any reference to him-
self, especially mentions the gallantry of Hayden; and Wolcott, in a poetical account of
the battle, written in 1721, thus intimates that Hayden came to the general's assistance
at a very critical juncture.
'But fate that doth the rule of action know,
Did this unequal combat disallow,
For quite too much to force one man alone,
To beat an army, take a garrison,
Sent Hayden in, who with his sun-steeled blade
Joining the general, such a slaughter made,
That soon the Pequots ceased to oppose
The matchless force of such resistless foes."
A sword, now in possession of the Conn. Hist. Soc'y at Hartford, is said to have
70
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
hood crept closer to the knee of manhood, and that woman's fair cheek
alternately paled and flushed as the marvelous deeds and hairbreadth
escapes of the "Pequot fight" were rehearsed within the Palizado
homes of Windsor. Nor were they without more tangible proofs. The
Pequots were so thoroughly subdued, that they were hunted down like
wild beasts, by small parties of those very River Indians, to whom, but
a few days before, their name had been a terror; and for a long time
their ghastly grinning heads were brought into Windsor and Hartford,
and there exhibited as trophies.
It would be interesting to have a complete list of the thirty gallant
soldiers whom Windsor contributed to the Pequot expedition. Unfor-
tunately, however, we can only name fourteen, who are certainly known
to have belonged to the town.¹
Capt. John Mason,
Sergt. Benedict Alvord,
Thomas Barber,
Thomas Buckland,
Nathan Gillet,
Thomas Gridley,
Thomas Stiles,
Sergt. Thomas Staires,
George Chappel,
John Dyer,
James Eggleston,
Richard Osborn,
Thomas Parsons,
William Thrall.
Dr. J. Hammond Trumbull notes "a Mr. HEDGE, who was certainly
in the battle, and was probably from Windsor." Capt. Mason, in his
narrative, says: "A valiant, resolute Gentleman, one Mr. Hedge, stepping
towards the gate [of the fort] saying, 'If we may not enter, wherefore
come we here,' and immediately endeavored to enter." From Mason's
account we also infer that Sergt. NICHOLAS PALMER of Windsor was
engaged in this expedition.
In Dr. Trumbull's enrollment he gives EDWARD PATTISON (who orig-
inally came to Windsor with the Stiles party in 1635, and is credited to
Windsor's Pequot quota, in our first edition) to Saybrook.
Capt. Mason states that there were but 77 white men actually in the
battle; of the original 90 drafted for service, several were necessarily
left to guard and man the vessels, while their companions went into the
fight, and "none of these should be deprived of the honors of the
expedition."
•
They were absent three weeks and two days. Every soldier received
1s. 6d. per day (reckoning six days in the week); Sergeants, 20d. per
been the one used by Wm. Hayden in this battle. Its line of descent from him is at
least unimpeachable.
¹ This list is the result of much careful research, and may be depended upon as re-
liable, as far as it goes. By availing ourselves of the Yankee privilege of guessing, we
could easily fill up our list, and probably with much correctness, but we prefer to state
merely what we know, and no more.
THREATENINGS OF FAMINE, ETC.
71
A large
day; Lieutenants, 20s. per week. The Captain 40s. per week.
grant of land was also given to each soldier, and, to this day, the memory
of an ancestor in the Pequot fight is an honorable heirloom in every
Connecticut family.
The next month thirty men were raised from the three river planta-
tions, who, under command of Lieut. Seeley, were "to set down in the
Pequot County and River, in place convenient to maintain our right, that
God by conquest hath given us." To this army of occupation, Windsor
furnished ten men, also twenty bushels of corn, and thirty pounds of
butter. By an order of the next court, June 26th, ten soldiers were
added to this company, of which five were from Windsor. The town was
also obliged to furnish the following additional supplies: "1 Ram-goat ;
20lb of butter; C of cheese; 1 gallon of strong water; 3 bushels of
Malt." In the fall, also, Mr. Ludlow and Mr. Haines were deputed to
visit the Bay, and enter into arrangements with the authorities there,
for an offensive and defensive alliance against the enemy, and for a per-
manent settlement in the Pequot country. But though the cloud of war
had passed, still a new danger threatened the Colonies. The necessary
expenses and supplies of the late expedition, although promptly and
cheerfully met, had left the country impoverished and burdened with
debt. Every article of clothing and food was purchased only at the
dearest rates; and the army had so drained the fields of laborers that
their farms had been but partially tilled, and did not yield enough to
supply their wants. The court, foreseeing the great scarcity of provi-
sions, contracted (February, 1638) with Mr. Pyncheon to furnish the
Colonies with 500 bushels of Indian corn, or more if it could be pro-
cured. The inhabitants were also forbidden to bargain for it privately,
and it was limited to certain prices, lest individual speculation should in-
terfere with the public good. A vessel, belonging to Elias Parkman of
Windsor, was also ordered to be sent to Narragansett to buy corn of the
natives there. The winter was very severe, and Winthrop says, that "the
snow lay on the ground from the 4th of November to the 23d of March.
It was sometimes four and five feet deep. Once it snowed for two hours
together flakes as big as English shillings." It appears from the records
of the next court, that Mr. Pyncheon, being apprehensive that he should
not be able to procure enough corn, Captain Mason and Mr. Ludlow were
authorized to "trade to supply their own necessities and the necessities
of some others that are in want." In spite of these precautions, how-
ever, corn became so scarce that it rose to the extraordinary price of 12s.
per bushel. Thereupon, a committee was sent to the Indian village of
Pocomtock (since Deerfield, Mass.), where they purchased so largely
that "the Indians came down to Windsor and Hartford with fifty canoes
at a time full of corn."
72
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
February 9, 1638, the court levied a war tax upon the towns, of
which the Windsor proportion was £158 2s., to be paid "either in money,
iņ wampum four a penny, or in good and merchantable beaver at 9s. per
pound." Shortly after (March 8) the court order "that there shall be
50 costletts (or coats of armor). provided in the plantation, viz., Hart-
ford 21, Windsor 12, Wethersfield 10, Agawam 7, within six months.”
These corselets were made of "heavy cotton cloth, basted with cotton-
wool and made defensive against Indian arrows and were worn out-
side of their skin, or fur, coats. Also "it is ordered that Captain Mason
shall be a public military officer of the plantations of Connecticut, and
shall train the military men thereof in each plantation, according to the
days appointed; and shall have £40 per annum to be paid out of the
treasury quarterly." All persons above the age of sixteen were ordered
to bear arms, except excused by the court. Commissioners and church
officers, and those who had filled those offices, were exempted "from
bearing arms, watchings and wardings." Magazines of powder and shot
were established in every town; that of Windsor consisting of one bar-
rel of powder and 300 weight of lead. Every plantation neglecting to
provide such a magazine, within three months was fined £2 (40s.) and
10s. every month until it was provided. Every military man was
required to "have continually in his house in a readiness a lb of good
powder; 2 lbs of bullets suitable to his piece; one pound of match if his
piece be a matchlock," under penalty of 5s. for every default.
1
The following order of the court of April 5, 1638, marks the first
highway in Connecticut :
"Whereas there is a desire of our neighbors of Hartford, that there may be a pub-
lic highway, for cart and horse, upon the upland between the said Hartford and Wind-
sor, as may be convenient, it is therefore thought meet; that Henry Wolcott the
younger, and Mr. Stephen Terry, and William Westwood, and Nathaniel Ward, shall
consider of a fitting and convenient highway to be marked and set out, and bridges
made over the swamps, and then it being confirmed by the court, the inhabitants of
Hartford may with making a comely and decent stile for foote, and fence up the upper
end of the meadow; this to be done by Monday, sevenights, upon penalty of 10s every
default."
On May 3, 1638, Lieut. William Holmes, by authority of a power of
attorney executed on the 20th of October previous by the company of
New Plymouth, sold to Mr. Matthew Allyn of Hartford, all the lands,
houses, “servants, goods and chattels," of the said company, in the
town of Windsor. And thus was extinguished the last vestige of Ply-
mouth right and title upon the Connecticut River. (See ante, p. 41.)
ઃઃ
June 1st. 'There was a great Earthquake, about 3 of the Clock in the afternoon,
and about a fortnight before, there was a great thunder, and a thunder bolt at Hartford
went through a house, and melted a [bar] and hailstones as big as a man's thumb."-
Shorthand MS. Journal of Henry Wolcott, Jr., of Windsor.
THE CONNECTICUT COLONY ADOPTS A CONSTITUTION.
73
January 14, 1638–9, will ever be memorable in the history of Con-
necticut as the date of the adoption of its first constitution. Up to this
time the necessary legislation of the three colonists had been transacted
by the court, which first met at Hartford in 1636, and consisted of five
magistrates, two from Windsor, two from Hartford, and one from Weth-
ersfield, holding their authority from Massachusetts. The commission
had, in strictness, no force, proprio vigore, after the settlers left the terri-
tory of Massachusetts, but it was useful as the basis of organization until a
different form of government could be established. The commissioners
were not usurpers; their authority was originally valid beyond cavil;
they were rulers de facto; their powers exercised benignly and wisely
and were submitted to with cheerfulness and promptness. They met
from time to time, as occasion required, until May, 1637, when commit-
tees, afterwards called deputies, were elected by each town to assist the
magistrates. From these two bodies grew our Senate and House of Rep-
resentatives. In 1639, however, it being admitted that the people on the
Connecticut were out of the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, and the pat-
entees of Connecticut having abandoned their proposed undertaking, the
people of Windsor, Wethersfield, and Hartford met at the last-named
place, and adopted a constitution for Connecticut-the first written con-
stitution, defining it own powers, which the world ever saw. This docu-
ment, recognizing no authority save God's superior to that delegated by
the people, was drawn up by a member of the Windsor Church, Mr.
Roger Ludlow, assisted by the magistrates. It was modeled on the con-
stitution of the Congregational Church, and from the date of its adop-
tion to the present day there has been no radical change in the forms or
principles of the government of Connecticut.
"The men who formed this constitution deserve to be held in everlasting remem-
brance. They were not ignorant, or rash, or timid men. They were Ludlow, and
Haynes, and Wolcott, and Hopkins, and Hooker, and others of kindred spirits; men of
clear minds and good hearts- — men who, in their views of civil and religious liberty,
were far in advance of their age, and who, under the guidance of a kind providence,
introduced a form of government which, for two centuries, has secured to the people of
this state a measure of peace, of liberty, of order, and happiness not surpassed by any
other people on earth. I say emphatically for two centuries. For the charter, obtained
from Charles II, in 1662, did little more than assume and ratify the constitution of 1639.
It left its great principl unaltered; and Connecticut was still a republic in every thing
but a name.
The constitution adopted in 1818 is altogether conformable, in its principles, to
the compact entered into by our fathers; differing from it chiefly in its adaptedness to a
more numerous population, and to the interests of a more widely-extended and compli-
cated state of society."— Dr, Hawes' Centennial Address at Hartford, 1835.
"I find in an old Book that, March 10, 1638–[9], it was reckoned from the beginning
of the plantation hitherto that there has died of old and young 27, but not their names
expresed; but 2 that were members [of the church] and the Captain's [Mason's] wife.
VOL. I. 10
74
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Of children 16, of servants 8; and that there had been born of children from the
beginning to this time 40, but have not their names. - Matthew Grant's Old Church Rec.¹
">
2
In 1638-9, the annual flood, which succeeds the breaking up of the
ice on the Connecticut River, seems to have been unusually heavy.
Matthew Grant's Church Record states that he found it in the "old book,"
that "the great flood began on the 5th of March [1638-9]. On the
11th of March it began to fall, but by reason of much rain on the 12th
day, it rose very high. On the 14th, two youths drowned, being in a
canoe on the flood, gathering up pales swimming on the flood, against
Thomas Dewey's house, Matthew Ramend and Henry Lush. On the
15th and 16th days it [the flood] had fallen near two feet, but on the
16th day was much rain and great wind out of the southeast, which
made it an exceeding great storm. It indamaged houses, and break down
many trees, so that by the cause of which rain, all the 17th and 18th
day the water rose very high, more than had ever before been known by
the Indians. It drowned many houses very deep, and indamaged many
cattle over [i. e. East of] the [Great] river, for all the ground there was
drowned to one little ridge, where Samuel Grant now lives. It carried
away much timber and hay, and beat up pales out of the ground, and
posts and rails, and carried them away, and whole trees and all. On
the 18th day at night there was great fear of another storm of wind and
rain. It began, but it pleased the Lord, it ceased quickly, and by the
morning one might perceive the water was begun to fall, and so it con-
tinued; on the 22d day at night it was well fallen, and yet it was as
high as the highest flood we had known before."
८८
3
August 17th, 1639. Mr. Huit and divers others came up from the Bay to Windsor
to settle. - Matthew Grant's MS. Church Record.
He preached to the Church of Windsor, on the day after his arrival, from 1 Cor-
inthians, 12th Chapter, the last part of the 31st verse. Henry Wolcott, Jr., MSS.
The arrival of the Rev. Ephraim Huit was an era in the history of
the town. Hitherto, the godly Mr. Warham, bereft by the death of
Mr. Maverick in 1636, had been without any associate in his arduous
pastoral labors, amid the harassing cares and trials of a new settlement.
We can imagine, then, with what feelings of devout joy he welcomed
one who was to be a teacher to his little flock, and a co-laborer in break-
ing "the bread of life" to them. Mr. Huit was then in the prime of
life, possessing acknowledged abilities and high attainments. He had
been pastor of Wroxall in Warwickshire, England, and had been prose-
cuted the year before for non-conformity, by the Bishop of Worcester,
with the intent "either to reform or to punish him," which was probably
'This inestimable Windsor Record is reprinted in APPENDIX A of this volume.
H. R. S.
2 These names are somewhat indistinct in the original manuscript.
* This was in the present town of South Windsor, just in the rear (or west) of the
Theological Institutę,
NEW ACCESSIONS TO WINDSOR'S PROSPERITY.
75
the cause of his coming to America. He was accompanied by the Gris-
wolds and several other excellent families, members of his own church;
and was joined by many others in Massachusetts, while en route for Con-
*necticut, so that the arrival of his party formed a very considerable ac-
cession, both in numbers and wealth, to the Windsor colony.
In fact, at this time, real estate at Windsor was enjoying what is
known as, in modern parlance, "a boom." We have, besides the evidence
supplied by the town land records, the testimony of the brothers Gris-
wold (Edward and Matthew) who came over with Mr. Huit, "that about
the yeare 1639,
many passengers came ouer, severall of which
settled at Windsor, and a generall expectation there was at that time, as
appeared by discourse [among themselves, on ship-board] of many
more passengers to come, and some of note
by which meanes
land at Windsor, nere the towne and redy for improument, was at a high
price. But afterward people that were expected out of England not
coming in such numbers as was looked for,' and some returning to Eng-
land, and others remoueing to the seaside, the lands at Windsor fell very
much in price."
·
Mr. Whiting of Hartford, Mr. Ludlow, John Bissell, and probably
also the Allyns, Newberrys, Wolcotts, Phelpses, of Windsor, and Gov.
Haynes of Hartford, seem to have been active dealers in lands; and that
prices had risen to a "fancy" limit, is pretty evident from Matthew
Griswold's statement, in regard to a contemplated purchase from John
Bissell, that "I being not accomodated to my mind where I then liued
at Saybrook, and haueing kindred of my owne, and my wiue's at
Windsor.
Also, I went and aduised with my father-in-law
Mr. [Henry, Sen.] Wolcot, who told me I had bid high enoffe." So,
accepting the advice of so sound a counsellor, Matthew remained where
he was; else he had probably added to Windsor's renown, the honor
of his line, which abounds in governors, judges, and "men of high
degree" to an extent unparalleled by any other American family.
The 10th of December, 1639, was probably "a high day" at Wind-
sor, for then and there Mr. Huit was solemnly ordained or "called to
office," Mr. Warham preaching on the occasion from Titus, 1st Chap-
ter, 5-9 verses."— Henry Wolcott, Jr., MSS. We are not told what
terms of settlement were proposed to him, but we find on record
several grants of land, which show that his people were not unmindful
of his material interests.2
Under the impulse of this accession to their settlement, the people
of Windsor now began the erection of a meeting-house. Hitherto their
time, means, and energies had been taxed to the utmost with the necessi-
1
Among these we may note Mr. John St. Nicholas, James Marshall, and others.
2 See Chapter on Distribution and Plan of Windsor.
76
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
ties of daily life-the subduing of forest and field, the building of
houses, and defenses for themselves; and, in the doing of this, they
had been obliged to face dangers and obstacles most appalling. Indian
war, with its constant and depressing sense of insecurity; thin crops and
scarcity of food; winter in its severest aspects, and lastly, but not least,
the Great Flood of the previous year, sweeping away all the results of
their labors" with one fell swoop." Where they had assembled for wor-
ship, during all this time, we know not, but probably, like their brethren
at Hartford, they found insufficient accommodation in some rude log
church, perhaps in some humble private dwelling, or, it may be, in the
open air, under the wide shadows of some monarch elm.
Be that as it may, in February, 1639-40, they had evidently com-
menced the building of the much-needed house of worship. "Mr. Hull
moved the Court in behalf of Thomas Ford of Windsor, that in regard
the workmen are much taken up and employed in making a bridge and
a meeting-house with them, and his work hindered of impaling in the
ground which was granted him by the Court for a hog-park, that there
may be granted him a year longer time for the fencing it in ; which was,
upon the reasons aforesaid, condescended to." Col. Rec.
This meeting-house was located within the Palisado opposite the
present Pierson house. It was not finished for many years, since the
town was feeble and fully occupied with the more pressing necessities of
daily life, and many individuals, who contributed their proportion in the
labor of their own hands, worked upon it, of course, as they could find
the leisure. It will help us, also, to appreciate the great labor of build-
ing a framed meeting-house, in those early days, to remember that there
was then no saw-mill in the town, and probably not in the colony (at
least we find no mention of any for more than forty years later), and
every plank and every board had to be sawed by hand if sawed at all;
and the nails had to be made, one by one, upon a blacksmith's anvil.'
The bridge mentioned in connection with the meeting-house must
have been over the Little River, connecting the upper and lower portions
of the settlement. It was undobtedly of a frail description, and proba-
bly soon carried away by freshets, as the earliest town records (1650)
make no mention of it, but frequently refer to a ferry there. Apropos
of this bridge, tradition has preserved an anecdote of its reputed master-
workman, the Rev. Ephraim Huit. While engaged in its construction,
he was honored with a visit from his clerical friends, the Rev. Messrs.
Stone and Hooker of Hartford. Being very much occupied with his
work, he failed to pay them as much personal attention as usual. This
¹ See very interesting resume of the history, architectural peculiarities, etc., of the
first Windsor meeting-house, by Mr. Jabez H. Hayden in APPENDIX B.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST INDIANS.
77
they noticed, and after watching his labors for awhile, they turned to go,
Mr. Stone pleasantly remarking to Mr. Hooker, "Ephraim is joined to
[his] idols. Let him alone.”
Meanwhile, symptoms of disaffection and trouble among the Indians
had begun to threaten the safety of the settlements. "The manifold
insolences," says the court record of August 15, 1639, "that have been
offered of late by the Indians, put the Court in mind of that which hath
been too long neglected, viz.: the execution of justice upon the former
murderers of the English." Accordingly, a levy of 100 men was sent
down to Middletown to apprehend "several guilty persons" who had
been harbored by the chief Sohiage. In September following, the con-
quered Pequots at Pawtatuck (Mystic ?) who had been given to Uncas
and Miantonimoh, having violated their agreement by planting corn at
that place, Major Mason was dispatched thither with 40 men, to confis-
cate and gather in the corn thus planted. He was accompanied by Un-
cas, with 100 warriors and 20 canoes. On his arrival at Pawtatuck he
found the Indians somewhat disposed to show fight. It however finally
resulted in nothing worse than a skirmish between his allies under Un-
cas, and the Pequots having burned the wigwams of the latter, the Eng-
lish returned to their homes in safety, bringing with them their vessel
and some 50 canoes full of corn and booty. Windsor furnished thirteen
men, twenty arms, and two shallops to this expedition. They were ab-
sent about nine days, and received each 2s. per day.
And, in June, 1640, the court passed an order that, as the Indians
had grown "bold and insolent to enter into Englishmen's houses, and
unadvisedly handle swords, and pieces, and other instruments . . . to
the hazard of limbs or lives of English or Indians," therefore, "whatso-
ever Indians shall hereafter meddle with, or handle any Englishmen's
weapon of any sort, either in their houses or in the fields," they should
be fined in a fathom of wampum; and be held strictly accountable
("life for life, limb for limb, wound for wound") for any damage to life
and limb, "though accidental," thereupon ensuing.
2
Two years later, the conduct of the Indians gave rise to serious ap-
prehension of trouble, and about the 20th of August, 1642, Mr. Ludlow,
then residing at Uncowa (Fairfield), was visited by a neighboring
sachem, who disclosed to him a plot of Miantonimoh, sachem of the
Narragansetts, Sohiage, sachem of Mattabesick, and Sequasson of Hart-
ford, to rise and murder the English upon the Connecticut River, and
throughout New England generally. The same plot was also disclosed
to Mr. Eaton at New Haven, by a friendly Indian, and the matter was
promptly brought before the General Court on the 26th of the same
month. They immediately adopted precautionary measures. The
Massachusetts General Court was duly warned of the impending danger.
78
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Orders were issued that the troops, ammunition, and defenses of each
town should be overlooked and reported. Each town clerk was required
to hand into the town deputy an exact list of all the "Train men from
16 to 60 years;
" and each town was ordered to furnish, within fourteen
days, two half-pikes, ten feet in length. Several pieces of ordnance, re-
cently brought from Piscataqua, were immediately mounted on carriages.
A daily guard was also kept under arms in each plantation. The
Windsor guard numbered thirty. A force of forty men in each town
was ordered to come "complete in their arms to the meeting every Sab-
bath and lecture days." No Indians were permitted to enter into the
houses, although magistrates might entertain "a sachem, if he come with-
out more than two men." The inhabitants were prohibited from purchas-
ing venison from them, and smiths were forbidden to work, or make, or
mend any weapons for them without license from the magistrates. In
short, every precaution was adopted which could preclude the possibility
of any sudden attack. About this time, also, we find that cannon,
(called "sakers and minions") were in use in the colony, of which
"Robert Saltonstall, of Windsor (son of Sir Richard) contracted to fur-
nish two."
"October the 4th, 1642; Its. ordered there shall be 90 coats p'vided wthin these
Plantans within tenn dayes, basted wth cotton wooll and made defensiue agt Indean
arrowes: Hartford 40; Wyndsor 30, Wethersfield 20."
Early in the year 1640 (Feb. 8), for the sake of promoting a trade
in cotton, an order had been passed by the court, that upon the return of
a vessel, which had been sent for a cargo of that article (presumably
to Barbadoes, where, as early as 1628, a colony had stipulated that they
would pay for their lands purchased of English owners, in cotton, forty
pounds a year), "the Plantations by p'portion shall take offe the said
Cotten at such valuable consideration as yt may be afforded," etc. "The
pay for said cotton wool was to be made in English corne, or pipe-staves
as the country shall afford. "The p'portion to be deuided and laid uppon
the severall Townes according to the diuision of the last Country Rate."
The cargo seems to have come duly to hand, as "Septem. the 8th, 1642:
Its agreed that Wyndsor shall take offe the worth of 907 in Cotton
Wooll, frō Mr. Hopkins; Wethersfield, the worth of 1107; Hartford
2007; wth liberty to the Plantations to p'portion yt according to their
former Rate, if Wyndsor and Wethersfield shall wthin on month desire
yt"
The cotton wool seems to have arrived "in the nick of time," both
as regards the military necessities of the Colony, and the interests of
those engaged in the speculation; and the price of cotton visibly
advanced in the colonial market.
1643. This year was not characterized by any very important event.
THE DEATH OF REV. EPHRAIM HUIT.
79
1644, however, was saddened by the death of the Rev. Ephraim Huit.
Of his life and ministry we know nothing, save that his piety, character,
and talents had greatly endeared him to the church and people of Wind-
Over his grave they erected a monument bearing the following in-
scription, sufficiently indicative of their respect for his character and
sorrow at his loss:
sor.
Heere Lyeth Ephraim Hvit, sometimes Teacher to ye chvrch of Windsor, who
dyed September 4th, 1644.
'Who When hee Lived Wee drew ovr vital Breath,
Who When hee Dyed his dying was ovr death,
Who was ye Stay of State, ye Chvrches Staff,
Alas the times Forbid an EPITAPH.”
The stone which bears this inscription still exists, in a good state of
preservation, in the Old Burying Ground of Windsor, and is supposed to
be the oldest original monument in the State, if not in the Valley of the
Connecticut. It consists of a slab of red sandstone, which is now in-
serted in one side of a monument, the other side of which bears a cor-
responding slab, with an inscription to the memory of the Rev. Jonathan
Marsh.
Mr. Huit's only published work is entitled, The whole | Prophecie |
of | Daniel | Explained, | By a Paraphrase, Analysis | and briefe Com-
ment: | Wherein the severall Visions shewed to the Prophet, are |`clearly
Interpreted, and the application thereof vindi | cated against dissenting
I
opinions. By Ephraim Huit sometime Preacher at Roxall in War |
wickshire, now Pastor to the Church at Windsor | in New England. |
Imprimatur,Jam: Crawford. | Printed for Henry Overton, and are
to be sold at his shop, entering into Popes-head Alley | out of Lom-
bard Street, MDCXLIV. |
|
This now very scarce work, a small quarto, 5½ inches broad by 71
long, and containing 358 pages, was published in 1644;' and it is a
question of some interest to bibliophiles, whether it was written by Mr.
Huit while in England, or after he came to Windsor. In the latter case,
it is one of the earliest of our American Commentaries.
<<
The Dedication is as follows:
<<
"To the
Right Honourable
The Ladie
Katherine Brooke:
Dowager to the Right Honourable Robert Lord Brook, Baron of Beuchampe court.
Right Honourable
The authour of this book had long since intended the Dedication thereof to your
dear husband and our noble Lord, now in heaven, who, after perusall of the copy, was
¹ Title and Dedication kindly furnished from the copy in the library of Mr. Howard
Edwards of Philadelphia, Pa.
80
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
so far affected with it, that if money could have procured its freedom it had not lain so
long under the power of a hard master, who though he had a good round summe with
it, yet hath made it serve almost a double Apprenticeship: And indeed such was the
iniquity and injuriousnesse of those times, that few workes of this nature were suffered
to see the light, especially if they spake anything freely of those opinions which were
so much disliked, and cried down by the Prelaticall party, as this doth, concerning the
glorious calling and conversion of the Jews, which was a principall objection made
against it. But the Lord in mercy having sent us a Parliament, whose first study, and
care was to relieve the oppressed, and release the imprisoned; this also hath at length
obtained its Manumission (principally by the endeavours, and favour of that truly Noble
and Heroicall Patriot the Earle of Manchester), and is now come abroad into the world,
and as we hope will prove very serviceable. The prophecie itselfe, is in many places
very abstruse, and the authour in his exposition hath shewed much industry, and solid-
ity of judgment in searching out the meaning of the Spirit, and in enucleating such
difficulties as he met with in the Text, which we hope will give good satisfaction to all
that read it. Had himselfe been present (who by the Tyranny of the Prelatical party,
was diverse years since driven into New England) we presume that he would have
chosen none other but your Lordship, to dedicate these his labours unto, the rather con-
sidering what right that most Honourable Lord, now a Saint in Heaven, had unto them.
And therefore not onley in that respect, but also in regard of our Relations and engage-
ments to your Ladiship we haue presumed to make you the Patronesse hereof, which
if your Ladiship please to accept of, we haue our desires, and shall account it a favour to
be esteemed.
"Madam we are
'Your Ladiships humble servants,
SIMEON ASH
"SAMUEL CLARKE
"WILL. OVERTON
>>
He left a widow and four daughters, but no sons. His property was
inventoried at £633 19s. 1d. (a very handsome property for that day),
of which £259 1s. 1d. is the value of his "Tole " at the mill. The town
records show that an annuity of £20 was paid to his widow, from the
time of his decease until 1656, or thereabouts.
1648. "This year," says Winthrop (ii. 253), “a new way was found
out to Connecticut by Nashua, which avoided much of the hilly way."
1649. This year we find the first mention of any settlement of that
portion of the town known as Poquonock. Thomas Holcomb, John
Bartlett, Edward, Francis, and George Griswold, all of Windsor, had re-
moved thither, and were living north of the point where Stony Creek
crosses the highway, their home-lots bounding west on the brook. Gris-
wold's lot was the first, bounding south and west on the brook, 29 acres;
Holcomb's lot came next, 20 acres, 20 rods, west on "the brook before
his house," his south line probably being about 20 rods from the top of
the hill at the highway. The court, "taking into consideration the
many dangers that their families are in and exposed unto by reason of
their remote living from neighbors, and nearness to the Indians, in case
they should all leave their families together without any guard," freed
one soldier of the forementioned families from training upon every train-
ing-day "each family aforesaid to share herein according to the number
of soldiers that are in them, provided that man which tarries at home
stands about the aforesaid houses upon his sentinel posture."
:
CHAPTER III.
THE CIVIL ORGANIZATION OF WINDSOR, ILLUSTRATED FROM THE
TOWN RECORDS.
TH
HE first act of the settlers of Connecticut, doubtless, was to provide
for themselves a civil organization. They were no mere adven-
turers, but men of sober thought and strong intent, and nothing
more clearly exhibits their character in its best and truest light,
than the system of laws and regulations which they laid as the corner
stone of their social fabric, and which remains, after the lapse of two
centuries, as substantial and clearly defined as when first created.
Their civil organization was purely democratic as regards those who, in
the capacity of inhabitants, framed it. Inhabitants, in those days, were
such, and only such, as by virtue of a good character, blameless life, and
"honest conversation," and a vote of the town taken in public meeting,
had been admitted to the privilege of residence and participation in town
affairs.
Vicious and abandoned persons, idlers, vagabonds, and paupers were
excluded from such privileges, and not even permitted to tarry in the
town. So carefully did our forefathers guard themselves against the in-
flux of bad members of society, that the General Court, in 1637, enacted
that
"No young man that is not married, nor hath any servant, and be no public officer,
shall keep house by himself without consent of the town where he lives, first had, under
pain of 20 shillings per week.” 1
"No master of a family shall give habitation or entertainment to any young man to
sojourn in his family, but by the allowance of the inhabitants of the said town where
he dwells, under the like penalty of 20 shillings per week."
We accordingly find, scattered along through the town records of
Windsor, such entries as these:
"Dec. 1, 1651. John Moses had allowance to sojourn with Simon Miller in his
house."
Also, "Sept. 13, 1652. It is assented that Isaac Shelden and Samuel Rockwell shall
keep house together in the house that is Isaac's, so they carry themselves soberly and
do not entertain idle persons, to the evil expense of time by night or day."
¹ This law continued in force until the general revision of the statutes in 1821, being
then the oldest statute provision on our records not previously repealed, expressly or by
implication. (Mss. of Thos. Day, LL.D.)
2 This was embraced in the Code of 1650, survived the revision of 1673, but disap-
peared in that of 1702. — Ibid.
VOL. I.-11
82
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Also, "that John Bennett should be entertained by William Hayden in his family."
John Bennett was an old offender, and the order seems to refer to some previous one.
Perhaps the town designated this place because of his proneness to get into mischief.
William Hayden's house was at the extreme north end of the town, although several
families lived near him. In 1648, three complaints had been entered against John Ben-
nett in the same General Court. One for breach of covenant with John Bissell. One
for defaming John Griffen, charging him with giving false evidence in court. The
other complaint would indicate that there was even among those humble settlers of
Windsor, an aristocracy of worth, if not of family, sufficient at least to forbid an un-
worthy fellow from defaming the reputation of "an old man's daughter," by reporting
that she looked upon him with favor. "John Drake complains of John Bennett for saying
that he had enticed and drawn away the affections of his [D.'s] daughter." At the next sit-
ting of the court, John Bennett appeared and expressing his repentance and promising
better carriage in future, the Court is willing once more to pass by his corporal punish-
ment," and he was bound over for his good behavior. Educated as these settlers were
in a land where the grades of society were strongly marked, it is not strange that some
distinctions should be retained even in the more unreserved intercourse of this new
country. John Drake was not a man of sufficient distinction to entitle him to the appel-
lation of Mr.", yet his son Job, a shoemaker, won the heart and hand of the daughter
of Mr. Henry Wolcott, one of the first magistrates of Connecticut, and probably, after
the pastor, the most distinguished man in Windsor.
Also, 1656: "In town meeting it was consented that Nicholas Wilton should sojourn
with John Owen, so he lived orderly with him." Again, "June 27, 1659-The towns-
men took into consideration how to prevent inconvenience and damage that may come
to the town if some order be not established about entertainment and admitting of per-
sons to be inhabitant in the town. We therefore order that no person or persons
whatsoever shall be admitted inhabitant in this town of Windsor, without the approba-
tion of the town, or townsmen, that are, or shall be, from year to year, in being. Nor
shall any man sett or sell any house or land so as to bring in any to be inhabitant into
the town without the approbation of the townsmen, or giving in such security as may
be accepted to save the town from damage. Also, it is ordered by the townsmen, that
whereas Edward King [an Irishman, who afterwards lived on the east side of the River,
near Podunk], doth reside in a place remote from the Town where there has sometimes
been recourse of divers persons in a private way which we judge may prove prejudicial
to divers persons if not timely prevented. It is therefore ordered that on or before the.
first of October next he shall give in sufficient security for his good carriage in his
family and also for his careful attendance of the order of this jurisdiction, and of the
order of this town, or else shall continue there no longer than that time, upon the pen-
alty of 20 shillings per week (W. Rec., I, 40).
'It is also ordered that Edward Ryle shall continue there no longer than the afore-
said time appointed, upon the same penalty."
“November 29th, 1667 — The townsmen granted liberty to Samuel Pinney that he
should entertain Judit Cromel a sojourner in his family for a twelve month, and [he]
engageth to see that he carries well, and keeps good order, as an honest man should do,
to the best of his endeavor, by counselling him."
"
Dec. 10, 1659. The townsmen approved of that Thomas Gunn should entertain
as a tabler, Capt. Thomas, in his family for this winter."
As late as April, 1699, the widow Rix made application to the townsmen for lib-
erty to keep at the widow Phelp's house or other place in the Town. She saith that
she lived with Left. Joshua Wills for wages, but now that they are parted she wants
another place. The townsmen do not see reason to grant her request, but have now
warned her to remove out of this town to the town from whence she came, or to some
other place, that she may prevent the townsmen proceeding against her according to
law."
RESTRAINTS ON IRRESPONSIBLE PERSONS.
83
These extracts serve to show how carefully the law interposed its
authority to preserve the purity of social life.'
"I, A B, being by the Providence of God an Inhabitant within the Jurisdiction of
Conecticott, doe acknowledge myself to be subjecte to the Governmente thereof, and
doe sweare by the great and dreadfull name of the everliving God, to be true and faith-
ful unto the same, and doe submit boath my person and estate thereunto, according to
all the holsome lawes and orders that either are, or hereafter shall be there made, and
established by lawful authority: and that I will neither plott nor practice any evell
against the same, nor consent to any that shall so doe, but will tymley discover the same
to lawful authority established there; and that I will, as in duty bound, mayntayn the
honor of the same and of the lawfull Magistrats thereof, promoting the public good of
it, whilst I shall so continue an Inhabitant there; and whensoever I shall give my vote,
or suffrage or proxy touching any matter which concerns this Commonwealth being
cauled thereunto, will give it as in my conscience may conduce to the best good of the
same, without respect of persons or favor of any man. So help me God in our Lord
Jesus Christe."
At the first session of the General Assembly under the charter, Oct. 9, 1662, it was
ordered that those who desired to be admitted freemen should obtain a certificate from
a majority of the Townsmen, certifying that they are persons of civil, peacable and
honest conversation, & that they have attained to the age of 21 years, and have £20 es-
tate (besides their rent Poll), in the list of Estate," and such certificate should be pre-
sented to the court authorized to admit freemen. Provision was made at the same time
for the disfranchisement of such as were convicted of scandalous offenses. It has been
asserted by some, that none but church members were admitted freemen in Connecti-
cut, and that none were permitted to dissent from the faith and form of the established
church order. A better acquaintance with the early history of the colony would do
away with this erroneous impression.
During the administration of Cromwell, the Colonists had been suffered to manage
their own affairs much in their own way; and when Charles II. ascended the throne, he
soon after sent out, through his Commissioners, to inquire into the administration of the
Colonial Governments. At a session of the General Assembly, held at Hartford, April
20, 1668,
‘His Majesties Honorable Commissr. propositions were presented and read to the
court as follows:
Prop. 1st.
“That all householders inhabiting this colony take the oath of allegi-
ance, and the administration of justice be in his Majesties name."
To this the Colony answered:
“This we return, that according to his Majesties pleasure expressed in our charter,
our Governor formerly hath nominated and appointed meet persons to administer the
oath of allegiance."
Prop. 2d. "That all men of competent estates and of civill conversation, though
of different judgments, may be admitted to be freemen & have liberty to choose and be
chosen officers, both military and civil.”
To this,
our order for admission of freemen is consonant with that proposition."
¹ Although the strictness of these first regulations concerning inhabitants, especially
those relating to "young unmarried men," were after a time somewhat softened, yet
the settlers always maintained a vigilant eye upon the character and doing of each
member of the community. Their deep sense of the individual duties devolving upon
every citizen, found expression in the Oath of Fidelity, which was framed by the Gen-
eral Court in 1640, and which was to be administered by any two or three magistrates
to all males, above sixteen years of age, who could present a certificate of good beha-
vior.
84
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Prop. 3d.
That all persons of civil lives may freely enjoy the liberty of their
consciences and the worship of God in that way which they think best, provided that
this liberty tend not to the disturbance of the publique, nor the hindrance of the mayn-
taynance of ministers regularly chosen in each respective parish or township."
To the 3d Prop. “We say we know not of any one that hath been troubled by us for
not attending his conscience, provided he hath not disturbed the publique."
Surely this is sufficient to refute the calumnies which have been hurled at the
"illiberality" of the founders of Connecticut.
Thus constituted, the Inhabitants themselves managed the affairs of
the town and transacted its business. They established the town meet-
ing—which has been aptly styled "a little primitive nursery of republi-
can truth," and made it the duty of every man who was an inhabitant to
attend it subject to a fine for each failure without excuse. These
town meetings were convened as often as business or convenience dic-
tated. Sometimes by special appointment, "to publish some orders
made at the General Court before," or "to read the Capital Laws;"
sometimes" after lecture," or on "a day of training," when it was pre-
sumed that most of the inhabitants would be in attendance.
The first officers created by the inhabitants, as the executives of
their will, were townsmen, constables, and surveyors.
The duties of townsmen were similar to those of our present select-
men, although more extensive and laborious. They were exempted from
"watching, warding, and training," and were "chosen to order the
affairs of the town," except cases of taxes, land grants, admission of
new inhabitants, and making and repairing of highways. These mat-
ters were reserved for the town. It appears, indeed, that many acts
which the townsmen were competent to perform were referred to the
people in town meeting assembled; for we find the townsmen at one
time issuing orders which are afterwards acted upon in town meeting.
The town also held the power of vetoing such actions of the townsmen
as they did not approve, as for example:
'March 15, 1650. Also this day the order concerning sheep was published, and
the town did not approve of the penalty set by the townsmen.”
The selectmen had authority also under the Code of 1650 (see
chapter on the Schools of Windsor) to see that every child and appren-
tice in their town was taught to read and write, and was educated to
some useful "trade or calling," and to take charge of any whose
parents or guardians neglected thus to educate them. Their supervision
even extended to the somewhat minute, and, to us, laughable office of
examining the town's children in the catechism! We wonder how our
present worthy selectmen would look engaged as official catechumens?
The office of constable differed but little from that of the present
day, except in its superior dignity. The very oath which he was obliged
OFFICERS OF THE TOWN.
85
to take betokens the important duties and solemn obligations with
which he was vested.
“I, A, of W, do swear by the great and dreadful name of the everlasting God, that
for the year ensuing, and until a new be chosen, I will faithfully execute the office and
place of a constable for and within the said plantation of W, and the limits thereof, and
that I will endeavor to preserve the public peace of the said place, and Commonwealth,
and will do my best endeavors to see all watches and wards executed, and to obey and
execute all lawful commands or warrants that come from any Magistrate or Magistrates,
or Court, so help me God, in the Lord Jesus Christ."
Among his other duties, the constable was captain of the watch, or
chief of police, in the town where he resided.
He was indeed the arm of the law, and the embodiment of its maj-
esty. For many years after the formation of the colony, the appoint-
ment of a constable by the court was considered as a valid incorpora-
tion of a town, which became thenceforth liable to taxation and entitled
to representation.
Mr. Henry Wolcott, the first constable of Windsor, was appointed
by the General Court in 1636, and John Porter became the next incum-
bent in 1639. The number was afterwards increased to two, and the
power of appointment invested in the town. The following extract from
the records would imply that it was an office much sought after:
"Feb-
ruary 6, 1666. This day was a town-meeting warned by the constables,
wherein some of the Commonwealth Laws were read, and new constables
chosen against the court in March next, and they were, after much con-
tending, John Strong and Benedictus Alvord for the year ensuing."
In 1639, the office of town recorder, or clerk, was first established by
the court. He was to keep a record "of every man's house and land,"
of all bargains, mortgages, etc., and to present a transcript of the same,
"fairly written," at every General Court, to be again recorded by the sec-
retary of the colony. He was also to keep a record of births, marriages,
and deaths notice of which was to be handed in to him within three
days, on penalty of 5s. fine. Dr. Bray Rossiter, a man of fine education
and much distinction in Windsor, was the first occupant of the office,
which he held until his removal to Guilford, in 1652. He was succeeded
by Matthew Grant, and he by Timothy Loomis.
Surveyors. Of these, two were chosen annually, whose special duty
was to survey the lines of fences and common lands, and to attend to
the construction and preservation of highways, etc. It was an office of
much responsibility, and was for many years most ably filled by Matthew
Grant, who was also the second town clerk. In a deposition (now on
file in the State Library at Hartford), concerning some disputed lands.
in 1675, he says: "I have been employed in measuring of land and
getting out of lots to men, which has been done by me from our first be-
86
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
ginning here, come next September is 40 years." Few men, indeed,
filled so large a place in the early history of Windsor, or filled it so
well, as honest Matthew Grant. His name figures in almost every
place of trust, and the early records of the town show that his duties
were always conscientiously performed.
The chimney viewer was a sort of primitive fire-marshal, whose duty
was to carefully examine all the chimneys of the town at regular inter-
vals, and to exact a heavy fine for any failure to clean them. Ladders
were to be provided for every house, " or trees in place of ladders," and
the frequent orders of the town upon this subject show that great care
was taken to prevent any accident by fires. One of the earliest orders
remaining upon the Windsor records is to this effect:
"
February 24, 1650. It was ordered by the townsmen that whereas there is a
former order that there shall be a good ladder provided for each house to prevent dam-
age by fire, it is now further ordered that all that shall be found defective the first of
April next, not having a sufficient ladder to reach to the top of their dwelling house,
shall pay the penalty of 12d per week for all the time they shall be defective."
There were fence viewers also, who were to examine the fences and
to see that they were "good and sufficient." They were to protect.
fences as well as the lands and crops which they enclosed, against the
"felonious entrance" of unruly swine and cattle, or the equally felon-
ious but more subtle "intent" of dishonest neighbors.
"At a County Court, holden at Hartford, Sept. 2, 1669: Present - Mr. Samuel Wyllys,
Mr. John Allyn, Mr. James Richards, Mr. Anthony Hawkins, Assistants.
"Nicholas Palmer complains of John Fitch for removing of his landmarks and set-
ting them up again upon his the said Palmer's land, which was acknowledged and
owned in court by said John Fitch. The court having heard and considered the com-
plaint, do judge it to be an offence of an exceeding heinous nature, and that it ought to
be duly borne witness against; and yet, in regard there is no law doth exactly deter-
mine what punishment shall be inflicted for such an offence, this court is willing to
show what mercy they may in bearing witness against such evils, and therefore do
adjudge John Fitch to be kept in prison 'till the first Monday in October, and then to
be conveyed to Windsor, where the offence was committed, by their constable, and
there to be publickly and severely whip'd, that others may hear, and fear to do any
such wickedness."
In "May, 1654, Mr. Newbury and Thomas Orton [were chosen] to view the fences
on the south side of the river. Nicholas Denslow and Walter Fyler on the north side
of the river."
Twin brother to the fence viewer was the pounder. Woe to the cat-
tle of "high or low degree," who fell under the fence-viewer's condemna-
tion, or were found innocently straying away from their proper sphere.
All such were carefully and summarily jugged. The records of the town
show that the pound was a very important public institution. In
Matthew Grant's annual exhibit of town expenses, in 1661, is mentioned
"for making 2 new pounds, £4;" and in 1675 "there must be pay
ordered to make 2 new pounds, £6.”
OFFICERS OF THE TOWN.
87
•
There were waywardens then as now, for we find many such records
as this: "May 10, 1654, Goodman Moore and Samuel Gaylord were
chosen to be surveyors of the highways for the year ensuing.”
وو
The office of perambulator, or bound-goer, was one in almost con-
stant commission, owing to the frequent disputes between different towns
relative to their boundary lines. And although it was no sinecure, yet
it seems to have been held in high honor, if we may judge from the per-
quisites attached thereto. The item of "Liquor for boundsgoers
occurs year after year, among the town expenses, with almost unfailing
regularity. In 1669 is charged, "Mr. Wolcott for liquors for bounds-
goers," the small amount of 6s. 3d.; and the next year," Mr. Wolcott
for liquors going the bounds, 2s 6d." In 1675 "Nathaniel Bissell for
three days himself to run lines and a quart of rum demanded, 10s;"
also, "John Bissell himself and horse 4 days east side of river 10s, and
for 2 gallons cider he will have 2s."
February 14th, 1654. "Thomas Ford and John Strong chosen to
be constables the next year. Also to go bounds or perambulation when
Hartford men call, Matthew Grant, Jacob Drake, and Simon Wolcott."
February 16th, 1665. "At a town-meeting the capital laws were
read. Also, Jonathan Gillet and Abraham Randall were chosen con-
stables. Also, Thomas Buckland and John Moses way-wardens, and to
go bounds with Hartford men, Thomas Stoughton, Nath. Loomas, Sam-
uel Grant."
There were also collectors, or bailiffs; as, for example: Dec. 31,
1672. “Ebenezer Dibble was by town vote chosen for town Baylif for
this year ensuing, to go forth when required by the townsmen to fetch
in town rates of those that refuse or neglect to pay their rates when de-
manded, and the Baylif is allowed to take three pence upon a shilling
for his pains."
The brander of horses was a dignitary of no small degree. First
established by the General Court in 1665, in each town, he was not only
to brand, but “shall make an entry of all horses so branded, with their
natural and artificial marks, in a book kept by him for that purpose,who
shall have 6d for each horse so branded and entered," and a penalty of
£20 for every one who neglected so to do. The Windsor mark was
the letter I. There is still in Windsor, a book kept by Timothy Loomis,
whilom town clerk, containing all the marks, &c., of every man's horses,
put down with a particularity which evidences the importance attached
to it.
The office of lister (assessor), was one of the earliest created, but
the mode of making assessments has somewhat changed since the olden
time. In those days instead of appraising the value of the property
assessed, the lands were classed into several grades, each grade being
*
88
•
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
entered in the list at a given price; so also of cattle, horses, swine, &c.
An exception to this rule of listing occurred in 1675, when in raising the
tax for the support of the rivulet ferry, it was thought more equitable to
lay the tax on persons and such property as was to be the most benefited.
The taxpayers were divided into five classes. The first class was
headed “Family, horse and four oxen." Of this class there were 29.
Of "Family, horse and two oxen," there were 42; of "Family and
horse," 37; of "Only families," 15; "Single men," 24, of whom 17
owned horses.'
1 Those having
.
Mr. J. Allyn,
J. Bissell,
Nat. Bissell,
Job Drake,
•
a family, a horse [and] four oxen:
Jas. Eggleston,
An. Hoskins,
Joseph Loomis,
N. Loomis,
J. Moses,
Stoughton,
Owen Tudor,
Mr. Wolcot,
H. Wolcot,
S. Rockwell,
John Strong,
Nic. Sension,
Jon. Stiles,
Step. Taylor,
John Terry,
W. Thrall,
T. Thrall,
R. Watson,
圖​軒​嘯​龍
​J. Ellsworth,
J. Osborn,
Jacob Drake,
Newbury,
Jon. Porter, Sen'.,
And one other which could not be deciphered.
Family, a horse [and] two oxen":
John Bissell,
Thos. Bissell,
Sam. Bissell,
Timo. Buckland,
Thos. Buckland,
Nich. Buckland,
Peter Browne,
Sam. Barber,
Mr. D. Clarke,
Ed. Chapman,
Job Drake, Jr.,
H. Denslow,
Jos. Ellsworth,
James Enno,
Ben. Eggleston,
John Fyler,
Will. Filly,
Jas. Griswold,
Jos. Griswold,
Walter Gaylord,
J. Gaylord,
S. Grant (no horse),
"Family and horse ":
Ben. Alvord,
Danl. Birge,
Sam. Baker,
W. Buell,
Jo. Cross,
[Rev.] Mr. Chauncy,
N. Cook,
T. Debble, Jr.,
Ebns. Debble,
S. Wilson.
Josias Alvord,
"Single men "
Jno. Debble,
N. Holcomb,
Jos. Lomas,
Ed. Messenger,
And. Moore,
Peter Mills,
Josias Owen,
Jon. Porter,
Tim. Phelps.
-
N. Winchell.
Total, 29.
T. [ahan] Grant,
Jon. Grant,
J. Moore,
S. Marshall,
S. Gibbs,
G. Gibbs,
W. Hoskins,
J. Hosford,
D. Hayden,
Mich. Kelsey,
Jon. Loomis,
T. Loomis,
D. Moore,
Abm. Phelps,.
Lft. Fyler,
Zurob Fyler,
Sam. Filley,
John Gillet, Sen'.,
Jon. Gillet, Jr.,
Corn. Gillet,
Jon. Gillet,
Jos. Gaylord,
Eph. Frory, (?) horse, T. Eggleston, horse,
John Birge, horse and Jon. Filley,
2 oxen,
Jos. Birge, horse,
T. Burnham, horse,
E. Elmer,
W. Filley,
Jon [Tailer, h] orse
and 2 oxen,
Hen. Tailer, horse,
D. Treat, horse,
Jas. Hillier, horse,
[undeci.] Moses [or
Moore], horse,
Thos. Phelps, horse,
Nat. Pond, horse,
Thos. Parsons, horse,
J. Parsons, horse,
J. Maudsly,
Jon. Osborn,
Jon. Osborn, Jr.,
John Owen,
Wl. Phelps,
Mr. Pinne,
Jos. Phelps.
Total, 42.
R. Hayward,
T. Hall,
N. Pinne,
Tim. Palmer,
Hump. Prior,
Abm. Randell,
R. Strong,
Hen. Stiles,
[Rev]Mr.Woodbridge
Total, 37.
Ebns. Parsons, horse,
Jos. Sanders, horse,
T. Saxton, horse,
Wido Fyler,
b. Wilton,
[One undeciphera-
ble.] Total, 24.
ROGER WOLCOTT'S POETICAL RATE-LIST.
89
April 12th, 1654. There were four men chosen to take a view of
the estate of the town for the year ensuing, according to the order of the
Court.
David Wilton; Mr. Allen, Commissioners; Daniel Clark, Matthew
Grant.
June 8, 1657. At a town-meeting there were chosen three men to
take a list of the town estate according to order of court.
Mr. Wolcott, Commissioner; Mr. Terry; Mr. Hayden.
1
In this connection we present our readers with a curious piece of
poetry composed by Governor Roger Wolcott, who not unfrequently
amused himself in his leisure hours in "stringing rhymes." It is en-
titled, “The List of Mr. Roger Wolcott's Rateable Estate in former
daies."
Sparkish Listers, alias Misters
that do take the List
that you may here attend with feare
and be exceeding whist
Acres of meadow land I've foure
But know withall it is but poor
three quarters of one acre more
have I to add unto the score
I have a horse, but he's so thin
His bones appear most threu his skin
A winter milks, and new milk kine
I like wise have and two poor swine.
A yearling calf, a pretty creature.
handsom in carriage and in feature
another calfe I had last yeare
but where he's now I cannot heare.
Which fills my heart with siths and groans,
for feare the croos have picked his bones,
he was so poor before he died
they gather gauped for his hide
but now hee's gone both he and I
In sorrow both a Sympathy.
Pray take this for a perfect list
for I think there's nothing mist
that doth belong to my estate
for which I ought to bear a Rate.
Besides their town organization, the first settlers of Windsor had, in
connection with their sister plantations, Hartford and Wethersfield, a
State organization, dating from the very first month of their permanent
settlement in 1636. Simple and almost patriarchal at first, enlarged by
degrees as necessity or experience dictated, established and defined by
the wise and admirable Constitution of 1639, and perfected by the Code
of 1650, this organization has gradually developed itself into a State
Government, which, by its permanency and efficiency at the present day,
does honor to the wisdom, the Christian integrity, and the political
sagacity of those who framed it. Moulded as it was by the exigencies
"Family only":
W. Adams,
J. Drake, Sr.,
T. Burnham, Jr.,
Jo. Denslow,
J. Colt,
E. Elmer,
W. Morten,
J. Elmer,
M. Filley,
Sam. Forward,
J. Hodge,
N. Palmer,
Thos. Sanders,
R. Vore,
N. Wilton.
Total, 15.
¹ This morceau of gubernatorial poesy and humor, was copied by us from a diary or
commonplace book kept by Timothy Loomis, whilom town clerk of Windsor, and is un-
doubtedly genuine.
VOL. I.-12
90
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
of a new settlement, and reflecting as it did the peculiar sentiment and
aims of its founders, no one can study the early judicial system of Con-
necticut without being convinced that it was far ahead of the cotem-
porary legislation of its time, and that it was in every respect worthy of
a people who had learned to govern themselves.
Plenty of courts they had: the General Court, the Particular Court,
the Town Court, Colonial Magistrates, Arbitrators, and Committees, and
among them all justice was amply satisfied.
The General Court was composed of the governor, the deputy-
governor, the magistrates and deputies. These two last, answering to
our senators and representatives of the present day, were annually elected
from each town in the colony. This court made laws and prohibitions,
gave counsel and administered censures, and occasionally attended,
though extra-judicially, to questions of morals, manners, and religion, as
well as matters of general interest.
The Particular Court was constituted by the substitution of twelve
jurors in place of the deputies of the General Court. It dealt judicially
in civil actions, debts, and trespasses of over 40 shillings in value; and
with grave crimes and wrongs.
The Town Court was established as early as 1639, when the General
Court empowered each town annually to "choose out three, five, or
seven of the chief inhabitants, whereof one be chosen moderator, who,
having taken an oath provided in that case, shall have a casting vote in
case they be equal; which said persons shall meet once in every two
months, and, being met together, or the major part of them, whereof the
moderator be one, they shall have power to hear, end, and determine all
controversies, either trespasses or debts, not exceeding 40 shilings, pro-
vided both parties live in the same town." The power of summoning
parties before them for trial was granted to "any two or the moderator."
Appeal from their decision to a higher court was allowed, although
guarded to prevent unnecessary litigation: "But if it fall out there be
no good ground for the appeal, the court to confirm the judgment, and
give good costs, and fine or punish the party appealing." It appear that
the higher court were simply to confirm the first decision, unless they
found cause to reverse it; hence the necessity of providing some means
to hold in check persons who might be disposed wilfully to annoy their
neighbors with vexatious law-suits.
The following items in the Windsor Records probably refer to these
town courts:
"The Court kept this 25th June, 1669, was by Mr. Wolcott, assistant, Captain
Neubery, Commissioner, and two of the townsmen, Deacon Moore and Matthew Grant."
Jan 6, 1650. William Bewell, Plaintiff, against Joseph Loomis, Sen., defendant.
"An action for trespass and damage 7 bushell of Indian Corn.
THE CODE OF 1650.
91.
"In this action we finde for the plaintive, damage 61 bushells of Indian Corn and
cost 2s. 6d.
“William Thrall, plaintiff, against Eltwed Pomeroy, defendant. An action to the
damage £1 78. Od. In this action we finde for the plaintiff, damage £1 78. Od; Cost
£0 38. 6d."
Magistrates were the assistants, or judges, of the Particular Court.
They had power of enforcing laws and administering justice in the town
where they resided, as well as elsewhere; and also of arbitrating all
controversies. Their functions were quite ample, and perhaps somewhat
undefined. The oath of office was as follows:
"I, A W, being chosen a Magistrate within this Jurisdiction for the year ensuing,
do swear by the great and dreadful name of the everliving God, to promote the
public good and peace of the same, according to the best of my skill, and that I
will maintain all the lawful privileges thereof according to my understanding, as also
to assist in the execution of all such wholesome laws as are made or shall be made by
lawful authority here established, and will further the execution of Justice for the time
aforesaid, according to the righteous rule of God's word; so help me God," etc.
The list of Windsor Magistrates will be found in another part of
the volume.
The duties of arbitrators and committees, offices which were very
frequently in use in the early times, are sufficiently indicated by their
names.
All these means and instrumentalities of justice were firmly based
on the immutable principles of truth and liberty; and the rights of the
people, both individually and collectively, were amply guarded.
THE CODE OF 1650.
As early as April, 1646, the General Court, finding a necessity of a
more complete system of laws than the one then in use, requested Mr.
Roger Ludlow of Windsor, the principal draughtsman of the Constitution
of 1639, and "emphatically the jurisprudent of his day," to "take some
pains in drawing forth a body of laws for the government of this Common-
wealth, and present them to the next General Court, and if he can provide
a man for his occasions while he is employed in the said service he shall
be paid at the country charge." And at the May session, 1650, was for-
mally presented and adopted the first code of laws in the history of our
State; of which it has been well said that, "in view of the age in which
it was formed, in view particularly of the circumstances of the Connecti-
cut Colony, its newness, its family character, and its earnest and at
times feverish estimate of the ends and claims of religion, no code was
ever, upon the whole, more happily adapted to promote the interest and
sustain the growth of fresh emigrants gathered in a new country to
found a State."
By it every personal right was amply guaranteed, and every great
92
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
interest of commerce, trade, and agriculture was protected with a wise.
and fostering care. Of these things, however, we do not now propose to
speak. But we may be allowed, perhaps, to dwell awhile on some of its
more peculiar provisions, which, as reflecting the habits and spirit of our
forefathers, are not only amusing, but instructive and appropriate to the
purpose of our history.
We find that capital crimes were much more numerous then than
now. It was a capital offense to worship any other than the true God;
to practice adultery, or the crime against nature, or rape; or to blas-
pheme; or to exercise witchcraft; or to steal men or women; or for
children, "unless brought up in unchristian negligence," to curse, or
smite, or be stubborn and rebellious towards their parents. Horrible
and barbarous! some readers may exclaim. And yet, when we consider
that as late as the close of the last century there were remaining on the
statute books of Christian, enlightened England, 168 crimes, declared
by act of parliament to be punishable by death, we must confess that the
Code of 1650 was far ahead of its age, - far more humane.
Lying was in those days deemed a peculiarly heinous offense. As
early as 1641 the General Court stigmatized it as a "foule and gross
sin," and "Mr. Webster [of Hartford] and Mr. Phelps [of Windsor]
are desired to consult with the Elders of both Plantations, to prepare
instructions against the next court for the punishment of the sin of lying,
which begins to be practiced by many persons in this Commonwealth.”
This committee brought into a subsequent court a report that it
should be lawful for the Particular Court to adjudge and censure any
such party (convicted of lying) either by fine or bodily correction, as
they shall judge the nature of the fault to require. In the Code of 1650
it is again severely denounced, and all persons above the age of 14 years,
found guilty, are made punishable with fines, stocks, or stripes; and all
children under that age who "offend in lying" are to be punished by
their parents in the presence of an officer, "if any magistrate shall so
appoint." In the records of the Particular Court, May 18, 1664, we find
that
D
"John Bissell having made complaint of S
for reproachful speeches
which she hath spoken against the wife of the said Bissell, the Court having considered
the complaint do order that H-
D
or his wife shall severely correct their
daughter with a rod on the naked body in the presence of Mrs. Wolcott and Goode
Bancroft this day, and in case it be not attended to this day, the constable is to see it
done, the next opportunity, and the said S is to give in security for her good
behavior till the court in September next.”
Swearing, drunkenness, and contempt of the civil authorities were
severely dealt with, as the following records will show:
Sept. 5, 1639. Thomas Gridley of Windsor was complained of for refusing to
watch, strong suspicion of drunkness, contemptuous words against the orders of the
SPECIMENS OF EARLY COLONIAL JUSTICE.
93
Court, quarrelling, striking Mr. Stiles's man.
ford, and bound for his good behavior" for
(Col. Record.)
He was censured to be whipt at Hart-
which he entered a recognizance of £10.
Dec. 2, 1652. Henry Curtis, fined 5s. for neglecting his watch.
Edward Messenger, for his unmercifulness towards his servant and lying to exten-
uate his fault, to be severely whipped when he shall be called forth by the Governor.
(Rec. Particular Court.)
1654. William King, his Scotchman, for cursing, contrary to order, 10s. and set in
stocks. (Ibid.)
1 Mch 1654. Walter Fyler, having charged [Rev.] Mr. Stone [of Hartford] with
the breach of a fundamental law, and upon the Elders in general sin and wickedness,
opportunity given [to prove his charges] but he could not make it out, but did multi-
ply offences in open Court, fined £5, bound with David Wilton and Thos. Ford in £20
to appear at next court: next year was freed from his recognizance. (Ibid.)
6 Sept. 1655. On complaint of William Hayden, John Griffin, Jacob Drake, and
John Bancroft, all of them for their riotous misdemeanor in William Hayden's family
and thereby frightening his wife, the Court adjudgeth they all find securities, £20 each
for their good behavior to the next Court and then to make their appearance. John
Griffin adjudged to pay 20s. to the common treasury, John Bissell bound each £20. 10.
0. (lbid.)
دو
Mrs. Hayden had died July 17, only a few weeks before was the "frightening
followed by serious consequences? All were neighbors, and whatever the “ misde-
meanor was, there was probably no evil intent in it.
""
11 Dec. 1655. Mr. John Witchfield complains of Mr. Matthew Allyn for rescuing
of hogs when they were driving to pound. In the complaint of Mr. Witchfield contra
Mr. Allen, about the rescuing of hogs, though several things look very suspicious to
be a rescue yet this court doth not find the complaint legally proved. (Ibid.)
June 2, 1664. Mr. Nicholas Stevens for his cursing at Windsor before the Train
band last Monday is to pay to the public treasury 10 shillings.'
""
'May 12, 1668. Nicholas Wilton for wounding the wife of John Brooks, and
Mary Wilton, the wife of Nicholas Wilton, for contemptuous and reproachful terms by
her put upon one of the Assistants, are adjudged, she to be whipt 6 stripes upon the
naked body, next training day at Windsor; and the said Nicholas is hereby disfran-
chised of his privilege of freedom in this Corporation, and is to pay for the Horse and
Man that came with him to the Court this day, and for what damage he hath done to
the said Brooks his wife, and sit in the stocks the same day his wife is to receive her
punishment. The Constables of Windsor to see this attended.”
"1668. John Porter having been accused by this court for defaming of some who
have been in authority in this court, do order that he make full acknowledgment of the
same and manifest his repentance the next training day at Windsor, or else that he
appear at the next county court to answer for his miscarriage therein."
In 1670, Owen Tudor "of Windsor was deposed from his office of
Constable for swearing and drunkness.”
Open contempt of God's holy word or ministers was rigorously
dealt with. The first offence with public reproof and bonds for good
behavior, the second by a £5 fine, and standing in the pillory upon a
lecture day, bearing on the breast a paper duly labeled in capital letters,
66 AN OPEN AND OBSTINATE CONTEMNER OF GOD'S HOLY WORD."
Absence from church was visited by a fine of 5 shillings, thus:
"Thomas Stoughton for his unnecessary withdrawing of himselfe from
the publique preaching of the Word, on the Lord's day, is fined 5s.”
(Rec. of Particular Court., ii., April 18, 1654.)
94
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Forgery was punished by three days in the pillory, payment of
double damages to the injured party, and disqualification as witness or
juryman.
Fornication, by fine, whipping, or prohibition to marry.
To nearly all these various punishments was added that of disfran-
chisement of all civil qualifications in town and commonwealth, “until
the Court manifest their satisfaction."
""
The censure of the General Court, the stocks, and the whipping
post were "peculiar institutions" of "the olden times," the latter two
of which, thank God, are unknown to the moderns. Windsor, of course,
possessed a pair of stocks from a very early day. In the annual exhibit
of town payments, in 1663, we find that worthy old carpenter, William
Buell, charging "for a pair of stocks and mending some seats, 9s. 6d."
In May, 1679, "Jacob Drake demands for making a pair of Stocks;
and as late even as May 15, 1724, we find it recorded that "Friend
Shivee sat in the pillory and his right ear cut off for making plates for
bills." When the stocks were abolished in our town we do not know.
The whipping post, as tradition says, stood upon the green (Broad
street) where the present sign-post stands, and was in use certainly as
late as 1714, when Timothy Loomis records that "John F. was whipt at
ye sign post, T. G. Whipper.
From this extract we might infer that it then served the double
office of sign-post and whipping post. Whipping was generally performed
""
"lecture
upon a
or "training" day; and very often "at the cart's
tail," a peculiarly aggravating feature of the punishment. For example,
in the first case of bastardy tried in the colony, in 1639, the court ordered
as follows:
"John Edmonds, Aaron Starke, and Jno. Williams were censured for unclean prac-
tices, as follo.: Jno. Williams [Edmonds ?] to be wipt at a Cart's [tail] upon a lecture
day at Hartford. John Williams to stand upon the pillory from the ringing of the first
bell to the end of the lecture, then to be whipt at a Cart's [tail] and to be whipt in a like
manner at Windsor within 8 days following.
"Aaron Starke to stand upon the pillory and be whipt as Williams, and to have the
letter R, burnt upon his cheek, and in regard of the wrong done to Mary Holt, to pay
her parents £10; and in defect of such to the Commonwealth, and when both are fit for
that condition, to marry her.
"It is the mind of the Court that Mr. Ludlow and Mr. Phelps see some public pun-
ishment inflicted upon the girl for concealing it so long."
Women, it will be seen, received less consideration, on account of
their sex, than they now do, when convicted of wrong-doing. Even ast
late as 1767, a mulatto girl called Peggy was convicted of stealing and
ordered to be whipped six stripes on the naked body in some public
place in Windsor.
In a communication to the National Issue (a temperance campaign
THE SUMPTUARY POLICY OF OUR ANCESTORS.
95
paper published in Windsor) of July 1, 1886, Mr. Oliver Hayden, of
East Granby, Conn., says: "I remember, when quite young, of seeing a
post, about eight feet high, standing opposite the road north of the
Pearson house [Palizado Green], near the main road, said to be the
whipping post; and a very indistinct recollection of seeing the remains
of the old stocks, which in "ye olden times" used to adorn most of the
village greens."
It is quite probable that Mr. Hayden's recollections are not as
"indistinct” as he thinks, concerning his having seen the remains of the
old stocks on Windsor Green "some seventy years ago." Mr. John War-
ren Barber, author of the Connecticut Historical Collections, informed me
once that he saw, when a boy, in 1806, what was then left of the old
stocks on Broad Street Green.
Branding was a form of punishment not uncommon. Burglary, or
highway robbery, was blazoned with the letter B. A second offense was
followed by a second branding, and severe whipping. If the offense was
committed on the Lord's day, one of the culprit's ears was to be cut off.
If repeated on the same day the other ear suffered likewise. If a third
time, death followed.
Sept. 1644.
“James Hallet, for his theft, is adjudged to restore fourfold for what
shall be proved before Captain Mason and Mr. Wolcott, and to be branded in the hand,
the next training-day at Windsor." (Col. Rec.)
Hallet was probably incorrigible, for he had previously been reman-
ded by the court from the house of correction, and given in charge to
his master Barclet, who was "to keep him to hard labor and coarse diet,
during the pleasure of the court, provided that [the said] Barclet is
first to remove his daughter from his family before the said James enter
therein."
Our chapter would hardly be complete without some notice of the
sumptuary policy of our ancestors. And here we are well aware that
we tread upon disputed ground. Upon this feature of their legislation
have been heaped obloquy, ridicule, and contempt; and the so-called
Connecticut Blue Laws have been the butt and scoff of scores of writers
of later generations, whose reverence for their forefathers was as slight
as their knowledge of history. For, however foreign and repugnant to
our ideas those laws may be which restrain or limit the expenses of citi-
zens in apparel, food, furniture, etc., it must be remembered that they
were perfectly in accordance with the best and highest views of the
political economy of that day. They existed in every civilized govern-
ment of Old Europe, as well as in every American colony, then and for
more than a century after. They had their origin in the then prevalent
belief that simple habits and frugality were essential to the healthy
growth of sound civil liberty, and that private and social extravagance
96
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
in any form tended to check that growth, and thereby embarrassed and
destroyed the State. And, even as late as 1778, in Connecticut and
some other States, the prices of labor and its products, tavern charges,
etc., were regulated by law, while in England many such laws remained
in force until 1824.
Following out, therefore, the line of policy in which they had been
educated, and which the customs of the age sanctioned, our fathers,
from time to time, enacted such laws as in our day would be universally
resented as an unwarrantable interference with private affairs. In 1641,
noticing an increasing and, as they deemed it, "an unseemly" increase
of extravagance in dress, which they term an "excess of apparel," and
desiring to nip the nascent evil in the bud, the General Court required
the constables of each town to take notice of any person so offending
within their several limits, and present them to the Particular Court.
Yet, there are sufficient indications that even the much-dreaded
"censure of the Court" could not entirely check the growing evil, and
that some little "innocent finery" would, from time to time, crop out, in
spite of spying constables.
The General Court, in June, 1641, regulated the scale of laborers'
prices, etc. They ordered that "able carpenters, plowwrights, wheel-
wrights, masons, joiners, smiths, and coopers, should not take above
20d. for a day's work, from the 10th of March to the 9th of October, nor
above 18d. a day for the rest of the year."
The working day was set at nine hours per day in the summer time,
"besides that which is spent in eating and sleeping," and nine hours in
winter. Mowers were only allowed 20d. for a day's work. Artificers,
handicraftsmen, and chief laborers were not to take above 18d. per day
from 10th of March to 9th of October, and 14d. per day the remainder
of the year. When work was done by the job, its price was to be valued
in the same proportion.
Sawyers could "not take above 4s. 6d. for slit work or three-inch
plank, nor above 3s. 6d. for boards per hundred." The price of boards
was also regulated at 5s. 6d. per hundred.
The hire of four of the "better sort" of oxen and horses "with
tackling," should not be valued at above 4s. 10d. per day, for six and
eight hours' work (according to time of year), except they be employed ·
in breaking upland ground, for which they were allowed 4s. 15d. for six
hours.
In May, 1647, the court passed the following curious order, which
would in these days seem very harsh to the tobacco-growing settlers of
Windsor, and the tobacco-loving Yankee nation in general.
"Forasmuch as it is observed that many abuses are crept in and committed by fre-
quent taking of Tobacco, it is ordered by the authority of this Court, that no person under
P
THE SUMPTUARY POLICY OF OUR ANCESTORS.
97
the age of 21 years, nor any other that hath not already accustomed himself to the use
thereof, shall take any tobacco until he have brought a certificate, under the hand of
some who are approved for knowledge and skill in physic, that it is useful for him, and
also that he hath received a license from the Court for the same. And for the regulat-
ing those who either by their former taking it, have to their own apprehensions made
it necessary to them, or upon due advice are persuaded to the use thereof, it is ordered,
that no man within this Colony, after the publication hereof, shall take any tobacco
publicly in the street, nor shall any take it in the fields or woods, unless when they are
on their travel, or journey of at least 10 miles, or at the ordinary time of repast com-
monly called dinner, or if it be not then taken, yet not then above once in the day at
most, and then not in company with any one. Nor shall any inhabitant in any of the
towns within this jurisdiction, take any tobacco in any house in the same town where he
liveth, with and in the company of any more than one who useth and drinketh the same
weed, with him at that time; under the penalty of 6 pence for each offence against this
order, in any of the particulars thereof, to be paid without gainsaying, upon conviction
by the testimony of one witness that is without just exception before any one Magis-
trate."
The constables of each town were to make presentment of such
offense to each particular court. Puritanic and blue as this may seem,
Connecticut was not alone in pronouncing against the weed. Queen
Elizabeth of England enacted edicts against its use; James I. not only
followed her example, but added the weight of his pen and personal
influence; and Charles I. made another attempt to put it down. Russia
made its use a capital offense; popes have thundered against it and
threatened excommunication, and in nearly every great power of Europe
it has been made a matter of penal legislation. But in spite of all, and
over all-tobacco, filthy, poisonous, useless-is triumphant, and counts
its votaries by tens of thousands.
About the same time, "for the preventing of that great abuse which
is creeping in by excess of wine and strong water," the court "order,
that no one shall remain in any common victualling house in the same
town where he liveth above half an hour at a time in drinking wine,
beer, or waters," nor should they be allowed to drink more than three
pints at a time. Venders of the same were forbidden to deliver wine to
any one "who came for it unless they bring a note under the hand of
some one master of a family, and an allowed inhabitant of the town.”
This law is in some respects identical with the famous Maine law,
which, some two centuries later, so widely agitated the public mind of
America.
We have thus endeavored to present our readers with a clear sum-
mary of the government under which Windsor and her sister plantations
in the colony had their beginning and their growth. It is an interesting
subject to every student of American history, and especially so to those
who reflect that these laws under which their fathers lived were the
work of Roger Ludlow, Wolcott, and others, - men whose names,
through long lines of descent, have been honorably associated with the
town of Windsor.
VOL. I.-13
CHAPTER IV.
THE RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION OF WINDSOR.
HE first Church of Christ in Windsor, "now the oldest Evangelical
Church in America; and, except the Southwark Church, Lon-
don, the oldest Orthodox Congregational Church in the world," pos-
sesses a history which is both interesting and instructive. The first
twenty-nine years of its existence in Windsor were uneventful. As far
as we can learn, it fulfilled its mission by an active course, abounding in
good works. Happy in its minister, strong in its members, powerful and
salutary in its influence, it could not have been otherwise than as a
light set upon a hill." And the fact that in those early days, the town
was emphatically the church, and the church was the town, and that
the records of the latter necessarily embrace the history of the former,
renders its unnecessary, as well as impracticable, to treat the ecclesias-
tical history of Windsor as distinct from its civil history.
66
2
66
But a few words concerning the nature of the organization which
prevailed among the churches of New England at that day may not be
inappropriate. That our fathers were Puritans was to them a reproach,
but to us it is a crown of honor." Their ecclesiastical polity was re-
publican in principle, and congregational in form. Dissenters, not from
the faith of the established church, but from its liturgy and ceremonials,
and recognizing no head but Christ, they claimed the right to form and
govern themselves as a church, according to the rules laid down in his
New Testament. Each church was supplied with a pastor, teacher, one or
more ruling elders, and deacons. These latter possessed the same func-
tions as now, but the duties of the pastor and teacher were held to be
distinct. The pastor was to exhort, persuade, and sympathize with his
people, "and therein to administer a word of wisdom." The teacher, or
1
¹I quote the words of my friend, Mr. Jabez H. Hayden of Windsor Locks, Conn,,
whose able argument on this point will be found in Appendix C.
2 This is the commonly accepted view of this subject. Our own opinion (strength-
ened by our researches on the subject, as connected with our present history) is, that
the early churches of New England were Presbyterian, rather than Congregational, in
form and organization. See Appendix D.
Offices clearly indicated, it was thought, by these passages: Romans xii. 7; 1 Cor-
inthians xii. 28; 1 Timothy v. 17, and Ephesians iv. 11,
Maou
PASTOR —— TEACHER
99
RULING ELDER.
doctor in ecclesia, as he was termed, was to teach, explain, and defend the
doctrines of Christianity," and therein to administer a word of knowl-
edge; and either of them to administer the seals of the covenant."
From the former they expected pastoral visitations and friendly coun-
sels; from the latter carefully studied sermons in elucidation and de-
fense of the great truths of religion - a most judicious division, in our
opinion, of the labors of the pastoral office, evincing a self respect for
their own interests, and a consideration for the necessities of those who
filled it. How much in contrast with the general custom of the present
day, when one weak but willing man is burthened with the work of two,
and however faithful he may be can hardly escape being impinged upon
either one or the other horn of complaint, viz.: that his sermons lack
study, or that he visits too little.
The ruling elder, who was regularly and solemnly ordained, was "to
to
assist in the government of the church, to watch over all its members,
to prepare and bring forward all cases of discipline, to visit and pray
with the sick, and in the absence of the pastor and teacher to pray with
the congregation and expound the scriptures." In short, he was "to
join with the pastor and teacher in those acts of spiritual rule which are
distinct from the ministry of the word, and the sacraments committed
to them." Ruling elders, though not salaried, were commonly men of
education and superior gifts. Mr. John Witchfield, Mr. John Branker,
"the schoolmaster," and Mr. William Hosford, were the first and proba-
bly the only ruling elders which the Windsor Church ever had. Henry
Wolcott, Jr.'s, shorthand MS., deciphered by J. H. Trumbull, Esq., shows
that these gentlemen frequently delivered the "weekly lecture" before
the Windsor Church. We have called them the only ruling elders of
that church, in lack of other evidence, and because the office fell into
very general disuse at an early date.
Personal religion, consisting of a degree of conformity of the heart
and character to the precepts and requirements of the Bible, was the
qualification for church membership. The examination of applicants for
admission was conducted, at first, by the officers of the church privately.
It afterwards became the custom to conduct them in the presence of the
whole church. Still later, it was the practice to present a relation of
personal experience, by the men orally, by the women in writing. This
becoming, in few years, a mere form, was dispensed with, and a return
was made to the original method of examination by the church officers,
to whom is now commonly added a committee of the brethren.
ཡུཾ།
Each church was united in a very solemn covenant, wherein
"avouching the Lord Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, to be their
Sovereign Lord and Supreme God," the members dedicated themselves
to Him, to one another, and to the life that is in Christ. And it was a
Uorm
100
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
frequent and beautiful custom with the churches to renew their covenant,
on which occasion each and all the members solemnly renewed their ob-
ligations to the Lord, and to each other, in the same manner as when
first admitted to the number of his visible people. This they often did
by recommendation of the court, on days of public humiliation, and
especially when threatened by wars, trials, and calamities; for in all
things our pious fathers recognized the hand of God.
Fasting was often observed by them. Public fasts enjoined by
authority, particular fasts of individual churches, and private fasts were
considered very eminent means of grace. The Sabbath was also to them
“holy time,” and kept with a strictness and pious fervor of which we
know but little in these days. Its sacred hours were carefully improved
in public worship, family instructions and prayer, in studying the Script-
ures, and in secret retirement and meditation. Around it the law threw
its authority, and woe to the unlucky wight who forgot either in word, or
look, or act, the respect which was due to its sanctity.
Catechetical instruction was another very prominent feature in the
religious policy of our ancestors, and was practiced in many ways.
Sometimes the minister, or ruling elders or deacons, in their frequent
parochial visits, would catechise the assembled family group. Fre-
quently the church was catechised, either in special meeting for the pur-
pose, or during the intermission of public worship on the Sabbath. And
it was an indispensable portion of home instruction, most rigidly adhered
to by parents. The catechism most in use previous to 1700 was the one
composed by the eminent Mr. William Perkins; after that time, how-
ever, the Westminster Assembly of Divines' Catechism took a hold
upon the affections of New England, which it has not yet wholly lost.
Psalm singing, both in public and private, was a very essential part
of the divine worship of those days, and one which was much delighted
in by those pious people. The version first used by them was that by
Sternhold and Hopkins, which was printed at the end of their Bibles;
after which came the New England Psalm Book, made principally by
Mr. Welde, Mr. Eliot, and Mr. Mather. This version was printed at
Cambridge in 1640, and was more distinguished for its exact conformity
to the original Hebrew and Greek than for its poetic merits. It was
long in use- even, by some congregations, until the close of the Ameri-
can Revolution. The church of Plymouth retained Ainsworth's version
until the latter part of the 17th century. It was common for the minis-
ter to expound a little upon the Psalm before singing. Some congrega-
tions sang psalms in course. The practice of "lining" the hymn was
introduced subsequently to 1680.
Gospel discipline, as tending to preserve the purity and proper
humility of the church, and frequent meetings for social conference and
Maou
THE TYTHING-MAN OF OLD.
101
prayer, as a means of keeping alive the warmth and efficiency of experi-
mental religion, were highly esteemed by the Christians of New
England.
In short, we cannot but admire the high ideal of religion which they
proposed for themselves. Theirs was not a dead religion, but a "life of
faith with works." It was a life of principle, sustaining them through
many trials, guiding them through this world, rendering their death beds.
scenes of holy triumph, and blessing their children and "their children's
children, even to the third and fourth generation."
This chapter would hardly be complete without some reference to a
functionary, whose office, however important in the olden time, has be-
come almost obsolete in the " fast days " in which we now live.
The tythingman was a parish officer, annually elected to preserve
good order in the meeting-house during divine service, as well as to
make complaint of any disorderly conduct, travel, or other violation of
Sabbath time and ordinances. In early days, the young folks and child-
ren were seated in the galleries of the meeting-house; and being
removed from the watch of their parents, required the constant attention
of the tythingman, whose patience and watchfulness were often sorely
tried by their mischievous antics. In some churches, also, he seems to
have had the additional charge of keeping the "old folks" awake; in
which case a gentle rap with the end of a long pole or staff of office
was generally sufficient to bring the "lapsing senses" of the offender
to a "wide-awake" position. His eye and ear were also keen to detect
the sound or appearance of any Sabbath traveler on the high road, and
such a one quickly found their onward course arrested "in the name of
the commonwealth," unless they could prove that necessity was their
excuse.
""
About the beginning of the présent century, a General Armstrong
(?) having been ordered to report himself promptly at Boston, was pass-
ing through Windsor on the Sabbath, when suddenly his carriage came
to a stand. Surprised and impatient, he called to his driver to know
why he stopped; the reply was, "A man here refuses to let us pass.
Putting his head out of the carriage window, the general beheld the late
Mr. Lemuel Welch, holding the horses firmly by the head, and very earn-
estly insisting that they should proceed no farther that day at least.
Angry at the supposed impertinence, the general ordered him to stand
off, at the same time drawing and presenting his pistol at the intruder.
But Mr. Welch was not so easily frightened. Maintaining his hold upon
the horses, he firmly retorted: "I've seen a bigger gun than that, sir;
you can't go no farther. I've been in the Revolution and seen a bigger
gun than that, sir. I'm tythingman in this town, and you can't go no
farther." Finding the officer inexorable, the irate general concluded
102
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
that "discretion was the better part of valor," and accordingly went
back and laid the matter before Judge Oliver Ellsworth, who, in his
capacity of magistrate, and in view of the urgency of the case, gave him
a pass, which secured him against any similar arrest within the jurisdic-
tion of Connecticut.
The occurrence, however, had a marked effect upon the observance
of the Sabbath in this town. Mr. Welch called on the judge next morn-
ing for an explanation of the case. He felt much chagrined at the es-
cape of his prisoner, and wished to know if it was expected that he was
to "fish with a net that would catch the little fish, and let the big fish
run through.” He resigned his office in disgust, and his successors for
several years neglected to perform their duties. Finally the leading men
of the town became justly alarmed at the increase of Sabbath travel,
and with the judge at their head made strenuous efforts to restore the
execution of the Sabbath laws, but with only partial success. Some
years later, among the conditions which entitled a man to the elective
franchise was the holding of civil office, and demagogues found this a
convenient office to give those not otherwise qualified for admission; and
twenty-five years ago, the office of tythingman was given to men, who, if
they executed the laws, would have indicted themselves every Sabbath.
Tythingmen, we believe, are yet appointed; but, it may with truth
be said, that when the gallery pews in the meeting-house ceased to be
the playground for ill-governed boys on the Sabbath, the office of tyth-
ingman had fulfilled its mission.
CHAPTER V.
INDIAN HISTORY.
T
HE number of Indians in Connecticut, although undoubtedly over-
estimated by historians, was larger in proportion to the extent of
territory than in any other part of New England. "The seacoast, har-
bors, bays, numerous ponds and streams, with which the country abounded,
the almost incredible plenty of fish and fowl which it afforded, were ex-
ceedingly adapted to their mode of living. The exceeding fertility of
the meadows upon several of its rivers, and, in some other parts of it, the
excellence of its waters and the salubrity of the air, were all circum-
stances which naturally collected them in great numbers to this tract.
Neither wars nor sickness had so depopulated this as they had some
other parts of New England." Numerous as they were, there is little
doubt that all the Connecticut clans were only fragments of one great
tribe, of which the chief branches were the Nehantics and Narragansetts.
It was not uncommon for the son of a sachem, when he had arrived at
manhood, to leave his home with a few followers, and establish a new
family or clan, subordinate to his father's. Or, perhaps, two brothers of
the "blood royal" agreeing on a division of sovereignty and hunting
lands, would form in time distinct tribes, closely linked by intermar-
riages, and maintaining a firm alliance in matters offensive and defen-
sive. "The Nehantics of Lyme, for instance, were closely related to
the Nehantics of Rhode Island; Sequassen, chief of the Farmington and
Connecticut River countries, was a connection of the Narragansett
sachems; and the Indians of Windsor, subjects of Sequassen, were
closely united to the Wepawaugs of Milford. Thus various connections
might be traced between the Narragansetts and the tribes of western
Connecticut, while both united in holding the Pequots in abhorrence,
and seldom bore any other relation to them than those of enemies or of
unwilling subjects."
The Connecticut tribes, indeed, at the coming of the white man,
presented the singular and pitiable spectacle of a whole nation, numeri-
cally large and capable, in a state of abject fear and submission to two
powerful and savage enemies. Those inhabiting the eastern part of the
104
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
colony (excepting the large and powerful clan of Narragansetts) were
subject to the Pequots, a branch of the great Mohegan nation, whose
principal seat was on the east bank of the Hudson River, and who, by
superior prowess, had established themselves in that fine country, along
the coast from Nehantic on the west to Rhode Island on the east.
Inasmuch as Pequottóog (as Roger Williams wrote it) means "destroy-
ers," or "ravagers," it is probable that the name Pequot was applied to
them by their less powerful enemies.
It was their exactions and cruelties that induced Wahguinnacut and
others of the River Sachems, in 1631, to seek the aid of the English.
And their bitter hostility toward the white man, because they accepted
that invitation, provoked the terrible retribution which overtook them at
the Mystic Fort in 1637, and which utterly blotted the Pequot race and
power from the face of the earth.
The tribes west of the Connecticut River had been similarly con-
quered and made tributary to the lordly Mohawks or Iroquois. Two old
Mohawks might be seen, every year or two, issuing their orders and col-
lecting their tribute, with as much authority and haughtiness as a Roman
dictator. Their presence inspired the western tribes of Connecticut with
dread and fear. If they neglected to pay this tribute, forthwith the Mo-
hawks would come down upon them, like wolves upon the fold. As
soon as the Connecticut Indians discovered their approach, the alarm was
raised from hill to hill, "A Mohawk! a Mohawk!" and with the terrible
battle-cry of the enemy "We are come, we are come to suck your blood,"
ringing in their ears, they would fly without attempting the least resist-
ance. If the fugitives could not escape to their forts, they would im-
mediately flee to the English houses for shelter, and sometimes the Mo-
hawks would follow them so closely as to enter with them, and kill
them in the presence of the family. If however, there was time to shut
the doors, they never entered by force, or on any occasion offered vio-
lence to the English. Trumbull, Hist. Conn.
Gladly then did the unfortunate River Indians receive the white
man as a neighbor and a protector; gladly did they witness the extinc-
tion of their dreaded foe, the Pequots, by his prowess; but, how little
did they imagine that their own fate was sealed, that thenceforth they
themselves would gradually disappear before the arts and civilization
which he brought with him. Could they have obtained one glance into
the dim and dusky glass of the future, their joy would have changed to
mourning, and the sweetness of friendship would have turned to the
wormwood bitterness of hate.
The Indians, at the coming of the English settlers, were a nomadic
race, subsisting chiefly on fish and the products of the chase, together
with such little stores of corn, beans, and squashes as they could raise
THE INDIANS OF WINDSOR.
105
in their rude way,' and nuts and berries which they gathered. Their
wigwams or habitations were rude, and their domestic manners and
morals loose. They believed in two deities. One, the Good Spirit, was
benevolent in disposition and gave them their corn, beans, and squashes;
but, as they imagined that he did not trouble himself about the affairs of
men, he received but little veneration from them. The other deity was
the author of all evil; and, as they entertained a salutary fear of his
power and malignant spirit, they honored him with the greatest respect,
which was evinced in frequent dances, feasts, and, it is believed, some-
times by human sacrifices. The language which they spoke was the Mo-
hegan, à language with some variations of dialect common to all the
aboriginal tribes of New England.
We now come to the consideration of that part of our subject which
is more intimately connected with the purpose of our history, viz., the
Indians of Windsor. With regard to these, tradition, rather than re-
search, has been the basis of our previous knowledge. And, in the in-
vestigation which we have made, historic truth compels us to differ
widely from the commonly accepted opinion as to their numbers and in-
fluence. The most that has hitherto been known about them is con-
tained in the following extract from Dr. Trumbull's History of Connecti-
cut (i. 27):
"Within the town of Windsor, only, there were ten distinct tribes,
or sovereignties. About the year 1670 [nearly forty years after the first
settler], their bowmen were reckoned at two thousand [and but 150 (?)
volunteered from the three towns to go with Capt. Mason to fight their
old enemies, the Pequots]. At that time, it was the general opinion
that there were nineteen Indians in that town to one Englishman. There
was a great body of them in the centre of the town. They had a large
fort a little north of the plat on which the first meeting-house was
erected. On the east side of the river, on the upper branches of the Po-
dunk, they were very numerous."
That the above statement is founded on "old men's tales
"" and
"old women's fables,” and that it is unsubstantiated by any record evi-
dence whatever a very little criticism will show.
The statement, that in 1670 there were 19 Indians to one English-
man in the town, can be traced back pretty conclusively to the Rev. Mr.
Hinsdale (pastor of the North Society in Windsor, 1766–1795), from
whom there is evidence to show that Dr. Trumbull probably obtained it.
1 They attempted to cultivate little of anything else than Indian corn, and that only
in the rudest manner. Their domestic implements were made principally of stone, and
adapted chiefly to culinary purposes. Mr. Jabez H. Hayden of Windsor Locks has a
little of the corn raised by the Windsor Indians, which bears strong marks of the
manner of its culture. See Note 2, page 27,
VOL. I.-14
106
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
If, however, Mr. Hinsdale kept historical facts as loosely as he did his
church records, his testimony is worth little. But we have weightier
testimony than any traditionary lore. We have in the Old Church Rec-
ord (unknown to either Trumbull or Hinsdale) a list of the number of
births and deaths in Windsor from its settlement in 1635, down to 1677.¹
In 1650, twenty years earlier than the date of Trumbull's estimate, there
were certainly 116 houses in Windsor, and probably more. If we call
the average family 5, we have a population of not less than 600, in 1650.
In 1677, Matthew Grant (Old Church Record) says the births in Wind-
sor" which have come to my knowledge" (he was Town Clerk) were
"1025, of these 128 had died." The families removing from Windsor
took with them about 120 of these children, leaving in 1677 about 775
persons in Windsor born here. There could hardly have been a popula-
tion in 1677 of less than 1,000; but we will suppose that in 1670 there were
but 800. Multiply these by 19 and it gives an Indian population of
15,200, or 1,220 more than the total white population, as per census of
1880, in all the territory then comprised in Ancient Windsor, viz.,
Windsor, Windsor Locks, Bloomfield, East Granby, East and South
Windsor, and Ellington! The absurdity, therefore, of Trumbull's esti-
mate is apparent. If it had been correct, there certainly is no reason
why the Windsor Indians should have invited the English to the banks
of the Connecticut to aid them in resisting the attacks of the Pequots,
for they alone could have overpowered and conquered the latter in a
single campaign.
That "there was a large body of Indians in the centre of the town,"
we also find no evidence except the assertion of Trumbull. As early as
1640, all the lands where the "large fort" stood was laid out into house
lots and occupied as such. There is not the slightest allusion in any of
the town or colony records to such a fort, or to the presence of any con-
siderable body of Indians at this spot. We know that the English, in
1637, even doubted the fidelity of the savages who accompanied them in
the Pequot expedition, until it was tested in the engagement with the
enemy; and common sense assures us that the Windsor people were
never so imprudent as to allow the Indians as neighbors under the very
walls of the Palisado. In King Philip's war in 1675, it is well known
that the Windsor Indians remained faithful, and were mostly situated on
the eastern banks of the Connecticut. In short, all the evidence, both
real and presumptive, which we have been able to collect, strongly dis-
proves the existence of any very large number of Indians, either in the
center or within the limits of Ancient Windsor.
In our opinion, moulded on a careful examination of the subject,
the facts are these: We believe that the Indians in this vicinity were
¹See Appendix A.
THE INDIANS OF WINDSOR.
107
once numerous. Arrow heads, stone axes, and parts of stone vessels are
often met with, particularly near the river. Indian skeletons are often
discovered in making excavations, or by the breaking away of the river's
bank. It will also be remembered that the "number of warlike Indians"
was one of the chief dangers which deterred the Massachusetts Colony,
in 1633, from joining in the trading enterprise proposed by the Plymouth
Colony. It is not improbable that at that time the Indians may have
had a fort upon the spot mentioned by Trumbull.' The position is
certainly favorable for such a purpose, as our fathers thought, for they
too built their Palisado there. But after Holmes had set up his trading
house in Plymouth meadow, the Indians mostly settled in his immediate
neighborhood, that they might better avail themselves of his assistance
against their mutual enemy, the Pequots. While here, they were at-
tacked, in the spring of 1634, by the small-pox, and "very few of them
escaped." Their chief sachem, together with nearly all of his kindred,
were among the victims of this pestilence, which almost broke up the
tribe. The survivors returned with their remaining sachem, Aramamet,
to their old home (near Wilson's Station) in 1639. The Rev. Frederic
Chapman used to relate that he once saw, when a boy, and living in the
south part of the town, an old Indian woman, the last of Aramamet's
tribe, and who was supported by the town.
So thinned were their numbers, and so effectually was their power
broken, that the Massachusetts people gained confidence to attempt the
colonization of the country, which was commenced by the Dorchester
people in the following year. At the time of their arrival, then, it is
more than probable that the whole number of Indians, men, women, and
children, within the present limits of Windsor, did not exceed three hund-
red. There could not, at this time, have been any Indian tribes in
Windsor west of the river, except that of which Aramamet was chief, in
1636, at the head of the Hartford meadow, and the remnant of a tribe
at Poquonock, under Sheat, afterward Nassahegan. That they were
few in number is evidenced by their reserving, in 1642, "a part of a
meadow at Poquonock now in occupation of the Indians," a meadow
hardly capable of supplying an ordinary English family; and the refer-
ences which we find to Windsor Indians during the half century succeed-
ing 1636 proves them to have been very few in number.
1
¹ Some years since Epaphras Mather, while making an excavation near his house
(opposite and a little north of Mr. James Sill's) dug up an Indian skeleton, accompanied
with various bits of wampum and copper beads, evidently of Dutch or European man-
ufacture. In digging a cellar to the same house, several other skeletons were found.
This is near the spot where Trumbull locates the "large fort."
2 This is evident from Bradford's Journal, and also from the deposition of Sequassen
(Conn. River Sachem) before the court in 1640, in which he says that he was neither
at any time conquered by the Pequots, nor paid any tribute to them; and when he
sometimes lived at Matainuck (Windsor) and hard by his friends (the English) that lived
here, that he and his men came out and fought with" the Pequots.
108
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
The Podunks of South Windsor were probably more numerous than
either of the tribes mentioned on the west side, and there was a little
remnant of the Namerick Indians a mile below Warehouse Point, too
insignificant as a tribe to have had a sachem.
That there were more living east of the river than on the west side
we are quite certain; but we much doubt whether all the Indians dwell-
ing within the original bounds of Ancient Windsor, viz., between Sims-
bury Mountains and the hills east of Ellington, exceeded one thousand.
The restless Pequot and the pestilence had prepared the way for the
advancing wave of civilization, and before that wave the red sons of the
forest disappeared as footprints on the seashore are effaced by the rising
tide.
Adrian Block, the first white discoverer of the Connecticut River,
in 1614, found its valley from the north part of Haddam, northerly to
and probably somewhat above Matianuck (or Mattaneaug) in Windsor,
in the possession of Indians whom he calls Sequins. Between 1614 and
1631 we have no information concerning these river tribes. But in
June 8, 1633, the Dutch bought from the Pequot sachem, Wapyquart,
the flat land (“ Suckiage, Sicaogg") comprising "Dutch Point” and the
"South Meadow," on which the city of Hartford was afterwards erected,
and, "for greater security, Sequeen and his tribe went to dwell close by
Fort Hope." This Sequeen (for the name in the Dutch records seems
to be applied indifferently both to the tribe and its sachem) was prob-
ably he who was known to the English as "Sowheag;" and though the
strength of his tribe had been much broken in its wars with the Pequots,
still he was "a great sachem," selling the sites of Middletown and of
Wethersfield to their English settlers. The date of his death is not
known, but probably before 1650, as in a report made by Governor
Stuyvesant of New Amsterdam to the States General, in 1649, he is
referred to as "the late Sequeen," (Holland Doc., i. 543, 546, note;
Conn. Col. Rec., i. 434; see Judge Adams' Hist. Wethersfield, Hartford
County Mem. Hist., ii. 432); and in 1664 there is mention of land
reserved at Wonggum (the great bend of Connecticut River between
Middletown and Portland) for his posterity. His successor was Turra-
muggus ("Cataramuggus") who died before 1705, and was succeeded
by his son, "Peetoosoh," living at Wongum (now in Chatham) in 1706.
The Sicaog or Suckiage Indians, so named from the "black earth"
(sucki-auke) of the Hartford meadows, were probably a sub-tribe of the
Sequins. Their sachem, at the arrival of the English 1633-4, was
Sunckquasson (generally written. Sonquasson, and Sequassen'), whose
¹ Alias "Sasawin," a son of Soheag, - Sou wonckquawsir, old Sequin's son" (Roger
Williams, 1637, Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll., 4, vi. 207.) "Sonquassen, the son of the late
Sequeen," named, 1649, in Holland Doc., i. 543.
THE INDIANS OF WINDSOR.
109
seat was at or near Hartford, who held the sovereignty of the Windsor,
Hartford, Wethersfield, and Farmington tribes.' He seems to have
been a brave and talented but unprincipled person, whose fame has been
somewhat tarnished by his alleged conspiracy against the English in
1646. His only immediate connection with our Windsor history, which
we know of, is his interest in the first land in Windsor sold by the
Indians to the Plymouth Company in 1633. The latter had purchased
the same "for a valuable consideration" from Sequassen and Nattawanut,
who are described as "the rightful owners." Nattawanut was the actual
sachem of the Matianuck or Windsor tribe. He fled to the English for
protection from the Pequots, and was brought back by Captain Holmes
in 1633, who purchased of him the land on which he settled at Windsor."
He is probably the sachem who died from small-pox the next spring, as
his name does not again appear after that time. He was succeeded as
early as 1636 by Aramamet, whose residence was on the high ground
at the upper end of Hartford Meadow, opposite to the mouth of the
Podunk River. It seems that he afterwards removed to the immediate
vicinity of the Plymouth House, where he could easier avail himself of
assistance if attacked by the Pequots. After the transfer of the lands
of the Plymouth Company to the Windsor settlers, in 1638, Lieutenant
Holmes, the agent of the former, refused permission to the Indians to
plant on the small tract of land which was reserved to the Plymouth
House, whereupon "Aramamet and the Indians cohabiting with him'
complained to the court about it, and the court, after a full hearing of
the case, decided that the Indians might "plant the old ground for this
year only, and they are to set their wigwams in the old ground, and not
without."— Col. Conn. Rec., ii. 16.
""
Aramamet afterwards, 1670, resold or confirmed to the Windsor
people all the land which his predecessor Nattawanut had sold to the
Plymouth Company nearly forty years before, and which they had trans-
ferred to the Windsor people. This extended from Hartford to Poquon-
ock, and probably marks the limit of the Matianuck tribe. Aramamet,
although the successor, was not the son of Nattawanut. He was either
a Podunk by birth, or intimately connected with that tribe by marriage,
as he figures in several of their land sales on the east side of the river.
He claimed, and the Colony recognized his title to, the greater part of
the Podunk lands (South Windsor and East Hartford), which he willed
in 1672 (being then resident at Podunk) to his daughter, Sougonosk, wife
of Joshua (alias Attawanhood), son of Uncas."
¹De Forest, Hist. of Conn. Inds.; Conn. Col. Records, and other authorities.
2 Bradford's Hist. Plymouth Colony, 311, 313: "I brought in Attawanyut, & there
left him where he lived & died upon the ground, whom Tatobam, the Tyrant, had
before expelled by war." G. Winslow's Letter to Winthrop, 1644.
3 Windsor Land Records. Chapin (Hist. of Glastenbury) erroneously calls Aramamet
a son of Uncas.
110
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
2
North of the Tunxis or Farmington River was another distinct tribe
called the Poquonnocs. Their seat was upon the beautiful meadows of
that portion of the town which still bears their name. Amid the charm-
ing scenery of that pleasant valley of the Tunxis dwelt the largest num-
ber of Indians collected at any place in Windsor west of the Connecticut.
Their first sachem known to the English was Sheat, who died soon after
the settlement, and was succeeded by his son Coggerynossett, and his
nephew Nassahegan.' These twain seem to have held joint sovereignty
until the death of the former, about 1680. After this date Nassahegan
was the chief sachem of the Poquonnoc tribe. He was a good friend to
the English, for we learn from a deposition made by Coggerynosset
before his death, that Nassahegan "was so taken in love with the com-
ing" of the white man that he gave them certain lands" for some small
matter." His name, with the prefix of captain, is found among those
Indians who went up with the English to the relief of Springfield in 1675.
The next year he seems to have somewhat fallen under suspicion, and
was confined at Hartford. Most of the lands of his tribe passed away
from their possession before 1700. Sepanquat, his son, is only once
mentioned as deeding a certain tract in Poquonnoc to Samuel Marshall
in 1670, in consideration of a fine which he had incurred at the county
court, and which the said Marshall had agreed to liquidate. Remnants
of the Poquonnoc tribe lingered for many years around the homes of
their fathers, and some have dwelt there even within the memory of
people who are now living. A place in Poquonnoc meadow, bordering
on the river, is still called The Old Indian Burying Ground.
3
The only one of the tribe who is in any way prominently connected
with our history was Toto, a grandson of Nassacowan. This friendly
Indian, during King Philip's war in 1605, having learned the purpose of
the savages to attack Springfield, disclosed the plot to the Windsor
people on the very evening preceding the attack. Messengers were
promptly sent to Major Treat at Westfield, and Toto (so tradition says)
was himself sent to bear the news to Springfield. Tradition further
relates that he accomplished this perilous feat, running the whole dis-
tance there and back, in a single night. Be this as it may, his timely
warning was all that saved the town of Springfield from utter destruc-
tion. The people of Farmington have erected a monument to the mem-
ory of the "ancient warriors" of the Tunxis Valley. Surely it would
not be inappropriate if, either at Windsor or Springfield, some marble
1 Or Nassacowan which we consider as a different spelling of the same name.
A
2 It is probable that the Poquonnoc Indians were owners of Simsbury, as the deed
of Simsbury, in 1680, is given by Nassahegan, Toto, and Seacett― and there are other
evidences of their being closely allied with the Massaco and Farmington Indians.
³ Col. Rec., ii. 470.
THE INDIANS OF WINDSOR.
111
column should preserve to posterity the name and the fame of faithful
Toto.
Tradition tells us that the Indians who resided on the high grounds
bordering on the Pine Meadow (now Windsor Locks), between Pine
Meadow Brook and the foot of the Falls, numbered one hundred war-
riors.
We learn from a deed of confirmation, signed in 1687 by the
widow of Coggerynosset, sachem of Poquonnoc, that all the land north
of that bought of the Plymouth Company (two and a half miles north
of the meeting-house) to "Stony Brook, opposite the great Island at the
falls" was bought by the Windsor people of her father, Tehano (or Ne-
hano), previous to the Pequot war, in 1637. It is not improbable that
Tehano resided at Pine Meadow, but we feel confident that not an Indian
family lived in Pine Meadow at the time of the English settlement at
Windsor.
"There was a time when Pine Meadow, as other river meadows above and below,
was cultivated by the Indians. Corn was their principal crop, and this received only the
rudest cultivation. About thirty years ago, the encroachment of the river on its west
bank in the "great meadow" in Windsor, exposed one or two bushels of charred corn.
It had been buried two or three feet deep, probably by the grave of some one.
It was
probably charred to prevent its decay. The kernels were very many of them like those
growing on a stalk standing by itself, where there is not enough of pollen that reaches
the ear to fill the cob. Many of the kernels of that charred corn were rounded on one
or both sides, showing that the kernels grew separately or in patches on the cob. It
must have been a starved field of corn that did not furnish tassel enough to produce full
ears. Of course, there was no plowing for corn, for the Indians had neither plows nor
teams to draw them. They had no steel or iron for spades or hoes. The squaws culti-
vated the ground, and they probably had nothing better to work with than a sharpened
stick, and they had no edged tool to sharpen it with. Stone axes and arrowheads are
turned up occasionally in and around Pine Meadow, as they are almost everywhere, but
they may have been lost as long before Pine Meadow was settled by the English as the
time that has elapsed since.
>>
“Indian graves have been discovered at several points in and around the meadow.
About fifty years ago the breaking of the river bank a little below Pine Meadow brook,
exposed an Indian skeleton, and with it a little copper kettle, having a capacity of about
two gills. Several skeletons were uncovered while digging sand on the brow of the hill
south of Mr. Francis's. About twenty-five years ago this town graded and "stoned
the river bank near the Osborne house. A little to the north was the highest point in
the meadow, and had been an Indian burying place. In digging material from the road-
bed to grade the bank a dozen or more graves were discovered; some contained only a
little discolored earth; one or more skeletons or parts of skeletons were found. Three
years ago, two skeletons were found in the sand bank on the south side of South street,
nearly opposite Mrs. Prouty's. There was a rare collection of Indian relics found in
these graves but, unfortunately, most of them fell into the hands of those who failed to
appreciate them. Among the articles saved was a stone whistle, probably a call
whistle. It was an inch or more in diameter, and had a tapering hole through its
length. By placing the widest end on the palm of the hand, and blowing into the other
end a singularly shrill call was sounded. There was a piece of plumbago (black-lead),
used for war paint, curious shaped stones for knives and other purposes, beads made
from pottery and bone and a considerable number of copper beads, etc." —J, H,
Hayden,
112
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Another tradition relates that the Indians who resided in this
vicinity had a custom of burying the aged and decrepit members of their
tribe before life was extinct. When old age had enfeebled the stern
warrior, when he could no longer follow the chase, draw the bow, or
wield the tomahawk in defense of his people, he requested his friends to
accompany him to the place of his burial. An excavation was made in
the earth on Sandy Hill, in which the old man stood erect, while his
friends replaced the earth about him to the top of his shoulders. Then,
placing the implements he had carried in war and the chase, with a little
provision before him, they bade him a final adieu, and returned to their
wigwams. Nor did they visit the spot again, until the wretched devotee.
had taken his last look on the dark woods which overshadowed him, and
his ears had ceased to catch the voice of the Great Spirit whispering
among their branches.
This is all very well for a tradition and such it undoubtedly was
one hundred years ago- but we do not believe a word of it. It is en-
tirely unsupported by any evidence whatsoever, and, although, as the
reader is aware, we place no very high estimate upon the Indian charac-
ter, we believe that by giving credence to this tale of the "olden time"
we should do the Indians of Windsor a very serious injustice.
As we have previously remarked, the greatest number of Indians,
within the bounds of Ancient Windsor, resided on the east side
of the Connecticut River. These were the Podunks,' situated at or
near the mouth of the Podunk, a small stream entering the Connecti-
cut in the southwest corner of the present town of South Windsor.
Here, just north of the stream where it crosses the road to Hartford, and
on the west of the road, is still visible an elevation of some twenty-five
feet, and about half an acre in extent, which was the site of their fort.
On the same side of the road, south of the stream, and beyond the
swamp, is an elevation, now occupied by the house of Mr. Eli Burnham,
which was once the ancient burying-ground of the Podunks. This was
1
""
2
Spelled (1636) Potaecke; later (1671), Potunke, Potunk, Podunk, meaning fire or
warmth under the trees, or place of fire or warmth if we accept an inference from Hon.
J. Hammond Trumbull's "Indian Names" (p. 57), that " potu means fire or heat;
and "unk," standing tree, or "place of." Located on the southern slope of a range of
low hills, beside a stream protected on the north and surrounded by a thick ever-
green growth, this Indian village may well have derived its name thus.
2 Barber's Hist. Coll. of Conn. says: "A few years since, a number of skeletons were
discovered by digging from one to four feet. These skeletons were found lying on one
side, knees drawn up to the breast, arms folded, with their heads to the south. A cover-
ing of bark seems to have been laid over them, with some few remains of blankets; in
one instance a small brass kettle and hatchet were found in good preservation; the re-
mains of a gun barrel and lock, a number of glass bottles, one of which was found
nearly half filled with some sort of liquid.
There were also found a pair of
shears, a pistol, lead pipe, wampum, small brass rings, glass beads, a female skeleton
PODUNK BURIAL PLACES IN WINDSOR.
113
1
their summer residence, but their winter home was a mile and a half
eastward over the high land.' Their jurisdiction extended over the
present towns of East and South Windsor and East Hartford, where
they had another fort. They bore the reputation of being a ferocious and
warlike people. Tontonimo, their first sachem with whom the English
had any acquaintance, commanded two hundred bowmen." The Scan-
tics, a small tribe residing in the present town of East Windsor, near the
mouth of the Scantic River, were either a part of the Podunks, or so
closely allied to them that there is scarcely any distinction to be made
between them.
Dr. H. C. Gillette, in his Historical Sketches, in the Hartford Times,
(Nos. 1 and 2), says:
“Their ancient places of burial are rich in antiquarian relics. Of these there are
two: the north one is the most ancient, and is situated half a mile north of the Congre-
gational meeting-house, on the east bank of the Connecticut River, opposite the mouth
of the Farmington. As the river has cut into the bank, many skeletons have been dis-
interred. This, with the excavations that have been made, has revealed the position
which the bodies occupied at burial. They were all buried with their heads to the
with a brass comb; the hair was in a state of preservation wherever it came in contact
with the comb. After the Podunks had removed from these parts, in one instance they
were known to have brought a dead child from towards Norwich and interred it in this
burying place.". There was also another burying place on the river bank, on either side
of the mouth of a small brook or drain known as Moore's drain. The pottery and arti-
cles found in the graves on the north side of this drain were of superior workmanship
to those in 'he graves on the south side, which possibly may be considered as indicative
of some difference of rank in those there buried.
Barber also mentions a well on the bank of the Connecticut River, at Bissell's Ferry,
near the mouth of the Scantic River, "supposed to have been made before any English
settlements were attempted in Connecticut. The lower part of the well is walled by
stones hewn in a circular manner, and the manner in which they are laid together is be-
lieved to be entirely different from that in which any Englishman would lay them."
Barber's version is the one generally adopted by the inhabitants of the town—who con-
sider the well as having a Dutch origin. As the well is now destroyed, having been
gradually washed out and broken up by the river, we have not had an opportunity of
examining it ourselves. We have conversed, however, with several careful investigators,
in whose judgment we have entire confidence, and who have at various times examined
it. These gentlemen concur in stating their conviction that there was nothing unusual
in its formation. The stones which were represented as
hewn in a circular manner,"
were simply hollowed-slightly and roughly, as is often done in these days— for better
adaptation to their places, and there was nothing in the appearance of the well which
necessarily indicated an origin anterior to the date of the English settlements on the
river.
<<
¹ Barber, who also says, "the path between these two places still retains the name
of the "King's Path." This name, I think, is not an Indian name, as is generally sup-
posed, but is derived from Edward King, an Irishman, one of the first settlers in this
vicinity, who owned land here.
2 Trumbull's Hist. Conn. De Forest considers Wahquinnacut, who first visited the
English at Boston in 1631, with an invitation to settle in Connecticut, as a chief of the
East Windsor tribes.
VOL. 1-15
114
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
north, the body lying on the right side, facing the river, and the average depth of the
graves was about two feet.
Many of these skeletons are of gigantic size, as indicated by the specimens pre-
served. The teeth are in a fine state of preservation, and rarely was one found defec-
tive. From the remains of ashes and coals found in these graves, it may be inferred
that some combustible substance was placed upon the body after it was covered with
soil. The skulls and horns of elk and deer were found in these graves, and most of them
contained shells of the fresh-water clam, according with the Indian tradition that food
was placed in the graves of the departed to sustain them in their dark journey to the
spirit land. Rude stone hoes, axes, skinning hatchets of curious make, arrowheads, and
figured pottery, are yearly washing from this bank. No wampum has been discov-
ered.
"The south burial ground is in the south part of the town of South Windsor, on
the banks of the Podunk stream, on the farm, at present (1890), of Willard G. Burnham,
which farm was also crossed by the Indian trail used by the Podunk tribe in passing be-
tween their summer and winter villages. It is a mound, evidently formed of surface
earth to the depth of several feet. It is more modern than the other burial place, and
contains many articles that must have been obtained from the Dutch or English, such
as guns, knives, bells, buckles, etc. The dead were buried in a semi-erect position,
facing the south, their lower extremities flexed and supported on one knee; some held
the remains of a gun in their hands. Specimens of the bones from these graves may
be seen at the Athenæum, Hartford. Pottery, unbroken, evidently made of the same
material as the Dutch tiles, and holding about a quart, were found in these mounds.
The writer of this article, twenty-five years ago, in company with the late Dr. William
Cooley of Manchester, took out of these grounds what was supposed to be a female
skeleton. A short blanket, interwoven with wampum, enveloped her shoulders, and a
wampum belt encircled her waist. Attached to the belt on her right side were six or eight
small round bells fastened with a string composed of raw deer skin. A band of brass,
two and a half inches broad, scalloped at the top, and bearing evidence that it had been
decorated with feathers, encircled her head. Underneath the band the raven locks of
the dead female were as perfect as when she was placed in her grave. These articles
were in Dr. Cooley's possession until his death, when, with other effects, they were sold
at auction at Hartford, and purchased by Erastus Smith and R. G. Drake, Esq., for the
Connecticut Historical Society. Placed temporarily in the State House, they were un-
fortunately lost, and have never been received by the society."
9" 1
It will be seen by reference to the deed of the land between Po-
dunk and Scantic, that Tontonimo is called a sachem of the Mohegans.
On our early records, this tribe is never called "the Podunk Indians."
The first settlers undoubtedly called them Mohegans, which has led some
writers to infer that the friendly Indians who accompanied Capt. Mason
in the Pequot war, resided near New London. Uncas, their leader in
this expedition, was indeed a Pequot or Mohegan, of the "blood royal."
Previous to the coming of the English, however, having quarreled with
the Pequot monarch, Sassacus, he had found a home with the river.
tribes, among whom his high lineage, talents, and the dominant charac-
teristics of his race, rendered him an important personage. He identi-
fied himself at an early day with the interests of the white settlers,
whom his sagacious mind foresaw it would be safer to have as friends
¹ Both in the paternal and maternal line. Trumbull thinks that the Mohegans were
a part of the Pequot nation, so named from their location,
FEUDS BETWEEN PODUNKS AND MOHAWKS.
115
than as enemies. And when the Pequot expedition was proposed, the
wily savage eagerly seized the opportunity which it offered, to testify his
allegiance to his new friends, and at the same time to avenge his own
wrongs upon his kindred.
Nor from that hour, whatever may have been his faults, is there any
reason to doubt his fidelity to the whites. He was probably, for a longer
or shorter time, a resident in this neighborhood; and at all events allied
by marriage to the Matianuck and Podunk Indians.' We are therefore
inclined to believe that the seventy Mohegan warriors who followed Un-
cas into the Pequot fight, were mostly, if not all, from the Podunk and
Scantic clans. This opinion is strengthened by a sentence in a letter
written by Mr. Ludlow of Windsor, during the absence of that expedi-
tion, wherein, speaking of the latest advices from the army, he says that
the enemy had killed "one Siacock Indian that went with us.' The
word Siacock we think was a synonym for Scantic.
9.2
Be this as it may, however, Uncas and Tontonimo were not always
on friendly terms. In 1656, "a Podunk Indian, named Weaseapano,
murdered a sachem, who lived near Mattabeseck, now Middletown.
Sequassen, the existing sachem of that tribe, complained of the outrage
to the magistracy of Connecticut, and said that the Podunk Indians en-
tertained the murderer and protected him from merited punishment.
Sequassen at the same time engaged Uncas in his cause, who also com-
plained that Tontonimo enticed away many of his men, and protected.
an Indian who had murdered a Mohegan. Upon these complaints the
magistrates summoned the parties before them. Sequassen and Uncas,
after observing that the murderer was a mean fellow, and that the man
murdered was a great sachem, insisted that ten men, friends of Wease-
apano, should be delivered up, to be put to death, as a satisfaction for
the crime. Tontonimo insisted that the satisfaction demanded was ex-
cessive, particularly as the murdered sachem had killed Weaseapano's
uncle. The governor endeavored to convince the complainants that the
demand was excessive, observing that the English, in cases of murder,
punished only the principal, and such as were accessory to the crime.
Tontonimo then proposed to make satisfaction by the payment of
wampum; but it was refused. They fell, however, in their demands to
six men, instead of ten. This proposition was rejected by Tontonimo.
The magistrates then urged him to deliver up the murderer. This he
promised to do. But, while the subject was in agitation, he privately
withdrew from the court, with the rest of the Podunk sachems; and re-
tired to the fortress belonging to his nation. Both the magistrates and
¹ Aramamet, chief of Matianuck in 1672, deeded lands on which he resided at Po-
dunk, to Nautahan, alias Joshua, his son-in-law, the son of Uncas.
2 See Massachusetts Historical Collections.
116
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
the complainants were offended by this behavior of Tontonimo. How-
ever, the magistrates appointed a committee to persuade the Indians to
continue at peace with each other. At their solicitation, Unças at
length consented to accept the murderer, and promised to be satisfied, if
he should be delivered up; but the Podunk Indians told the English
they could not comply with the condition, because the friends of Wease-
apano were numerous and powerful, and would not agree to the pro-
posal. The governor then addressed them in form; urging them to con-
tinue in peace, and endeavoring to persuade the complainants to accept
the wampum. This they again refused and withdrew, after it had been
agreed on all hands that the English should not take any part in the
controversy, and after the Indians had promised that they would not in-
jure either the persons or possessions of the English, on either side
of the river.
Soon after, Uncas assembled an army for the purpose of avenging
his wrongs; but being met near Hockanum River by an equal number of
the Podunks, and considering the issue of the battle as doubtful, he pru-
dently retired, after having sent a message to Tontonimo, in which he
declared, that if the Podunk sachem persisted in withdrawing the mur-
derer from justice, he would send to the Mohawks to come and destroy
both him and his people.
Not long after, the crafty Mohegan accomplished his purpose in the
following manner: He sent a trusty warrior, furnished with some Mo-
hawk weapons, to Podunk, directing him to set fire in the night to a
house near the fort, and then to leave the weapons on the ground in the
vicinity, and immediately return. The warrior executed his commission.
When the Podunks came in the morning to examine the ruins, they
found the weapons; and knowing them to belong to the Mohawks, were
so alarmed with the apprehension that Uncas was about to execute hist
threat, that they delivered up the murderers and sued for peace.¹
The independent and fearless character of the Podunks kept them
constantly embroiled in war, not only with their weaker neighbors, but
¹ This is the story as told in Dr. Dwight's Travels, and is authenticated by the colo-
nial records.
President Stiles, however, in his Itinerary, preserves the following version of the
story: About 1654, he [Uncas] had a quarrel with Arramemet, sachem of Mussaco or
Simsbury, which brought on a war. Uncas sent one of his warriors to take and burn
an out-wigwam in the night, kill and burn, and leave the marks of the Mohawks. His
orders were executed. Arramemet, supposing the Mohawks had done the mischief,
went in search of them to the northwest. Uncas gained time to equip his men, and
afterwards subjugated Arramemet. Podunk, near Hartford, was ever afterwards tribu-
tary to Uncas.”
It is easy to see that this is a garbled account of the affair, and not so well entitled
to credence as Dwight's. Pres. Stiles was somewhat credulous, and not always a safe
guide in matters of tradition. Yet however mistaken in the name, it is quite possible
that there may be a germ of truth in the last line, which we have italicized,
FEUDS BETWEEN PODUNKS AND MOHAWKS.
117
even with the powerful and dreaded Mohawks. Tradition says that a
party of the latter once visited the tribe who resided at the mouth of the
Scantic River. "As one of the Mohawk women was crossing the river
on a log she was pushed off into the stream and drowned; upon this
the Mohawks withdrew, determined upon revenge. In the meanwhile
the Scantic Indians sent a runner to the Podunk Indians for assistance;
after collecting their forces, a battle took place, in which the Mohawks
were defeated and fled; they remained in the vicinity, and whenever
they found a straggler from either tribe, they inflicted summary ven-
geance. As one of the settlers by the name of Bissell was at work at
hay in the meadow, a Scantic Indian came running toward him and im-
plored his protection. Directing him to lie down, Mr. Bissell rolled a
cock of hay upon him, and he was in this manner effectually concealed.
He had hardly done this, before the Mohawks came running furiously in
pursuit, who wished to know of Mr. Bissell if he had seen the fugitive. He
pointed in a particular direction, in which he gave them to understand
he had seen him run, which they eagerly followed, and thus the life of
the poor Scantic was saved.
"The feud which had thus arisen between the Podunks and the Mo-
hawks at length resulted in the utter defeat of the former. It seems
that a young Indian and a squaw of the Podunks having been to gather
whortleberries, it was so late before they had gathered a sufficient quan-
tity, that they were afraid to cross the meadows after dark on account
of the Mohawks, who were prowling in the vicinity. They accordingly
remained for the night at the house of Rev. Mr. Williams of East Hart-
ford, and early in the morning the young woman set out upon her re-
turn. Soon after, the report of a gun was heard by the inhabitants in
the neighborhood, and they immediately set out to ascertain the cause.
They found the young squaw weltering in her blood, having been shot by
two Mohawks. The Podunks were aroused, and having mustered some six-
teen or eighteen warriors, went in pursuit. After being out several days,
they came to a corn-field, and began plucking the ears. A party of Mo-
hawks, who were lying in ambuscade, rose upon them, and killed the whole
party, with the exception of two who made their escape. This severe
blow had the effect of breaking up the Podunks as a distinct tribe.
They separated into two parties, one of which joined the Pequots towards
New London.”¹ The time of this occurrence cannot be very accurately
stated. A remnant of the tribe existed in East Windsor, in 1745, but
had quite disappeared in 1760. Tradition says that Coggery, the last
male survivor of the Podunks, lived in a swamp not far from the site of
the church in the First Society, and while intoxicated murdered his
1 Barber's Hist. Coll. of Conn., 78.
118
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
1
squaw, and then stabbed himself to death. Thus ignobly perished the
last of Tontonimo's tribe, the most fearless and warlike of the clans.
of Ancient Windsor. It was also somewhere in the Podunk wilds of
Windsor that Miantonomah, the great Narragansett chief, met his death
at the hands of Uncas, his Mohegan conqueror, probably Sept. 28, 1643.
For, as recorded in Winthrop's Journal, the Commissioners from Con-
necticut on their return to Hartford from the general meeting of the
Commissioners of the United Colonies at Boston, where the fate of the
captured chieftain had been decided, sent for Uncas and announced
their decision. Miantonomah was delivered into his hands, and two
Englishmen from Hartford were directed to remain with the prisoner as
witnesses of the deed. Uncas lost no time in obeying the order.
"Taking Miantonomah along with him, in the way between Hartford and
Windsor (where Onkus hath some men dwell), Onkus' brother, following
after Miantonomah, clave his head with a hatchet." Miss Caulkins'
Hist. Norwich, p. 35-37, says, "this slaughter of the Narragansett chief
undoubtedly took place on that tract south of the Podunk which was
claimed by Uncas and inhabited by scattered families under his jurisdic-
tion. The narrative of Winthrop is explicit in stating that Uncas led
his captive to this district, and that he was executed suddenly on the
way, probably as soon as they had passed the English boundary and
entered upon Indian territory. We cannot doubt that the Commission-
ers had this special tract in view when they directed Uncas to carry his
captive into the next [i. e., the nearest] part of his own government and
there put him to death.'. Winthrop, who records the event, understood
evidently that the execution took place in this Mohegan claim between
Hartford and Windsor- that is, in the present East Hartford and East.
[now South] Windsor; and he probably derived his information from
the Englishmen that were designated to witness the act and see that it
was done without failure. We are thus, in a manner, compelled to
admit that Miantonomah was excuted in some unknown spot, near the
old boundary line of Hartford and Windsor." Miantonomah's monu-
ment, it is true, is erected near Norwich on the site of a monumental
stone-heap - doubtless originally a Mohegan pile -a trophy erected by
the tribe on the spot where they were victorious, and where Miantonomah
was captured. But the place of sacrifice' in the woods of Windsor-
the spot where he received the fatal blow was left unmarked, and
must remain forever unknown."
6
6
It cannot be supposed that the extinction of the Podunks was any
great cause of sorrow to the now rapidly increasing whites. Their fero-
cious temper and unbroken spirit firmly resisted all the friendly over-
¹ Dr. McClure's MSS. in Conn. Hist. Soc'y — the church referred to was probably
Rev. Mr. Edward's church, near the old burial ground in South Windsor.
THE INDIAN TRIBES OF WINDSOR.
119
tures of the latter, who never felt quite safe from some unexpected out-
break of savage violence.
In 1657, the pious Mr. Eliot, hearing of the Podunk Indians, de-
sired that the tribe might be assembled, so as to afford him an oppor-
tunity to give them some religious instruction. They were at length in-
duced to come together at Hartford, where Mr. Eliot preached to them
in their own language, and endeavored to instruct them in the knowledge
of a Saviour. Having closed his sermon, he asked them if they would
accept Jesus Christ as a Saviour, as he had been offered to them. But
the intractable warrior chieftain, turning from him with great scorn,
utterly refused, saying that the English had taken away their lands,
and were now attempting to make them servants. Trumbull.
In King Philip's War several of their young warriors were suspected
to have gone off and joined the enemy.'
We have been unable to satisfactorily ascertain the existence of any
considerable tribe of Indians in the present town of Ellington. There is
a tradition that, at the time of Samuel Pinney's settlement there, about
1717, there was a part of a tribe of Indians dwelling a few rods north of
where the grist and saw mills now stand, and that they were sometimes
troublesome. Our own opinion is that it must have been a portion of
some Windsor tribe, and that they occupied the ground rather as a hunt-
ing ground during particular seasons of the year, than as a permanent
residence.
Tradition tells us that the Indians on the east side of the Connecti-
cut River were intimate friends of the Tunxis (or Farmington) Indians.
Whenever the latter made them a visit they returned with them to the
west side of the river at parting, bringing with them provisions for a
feast, consisting of pounded corn, and, if in the spring, maple sap, and
such other simple luxuries as they possessed. And having arrived at
the meadow hill, they feasted together and smoked the pipe of peace.
This is probable, for it is very evident that all the Windsor tribes
were intimately connected, not only with each other, but with all the
other Connecticut clans. Any one who attempts, from deeds and the
slender data which remain, to define, with any degree of positive accuracy,
the boundaries and distinctions of these tribes, will find himself in a
labyrinthian maze of doubt and confusion. Misspelling and the ancient
orthography of names; indefiniteness of the boundaries mentioned, and
the changes which time has wrought in them, are some of the difficulties
which will assail him. Added to this he will find, as will be seen in
our next chapter, that our ancestors, when they purchased land from the
natives, were in the habit of procuring the signatures, not only of the
¹ Dr. McClure in Mass. Hist. Society Collections, vol. x., says that the tribe contained
between 200 and 300 men, who went off in that war, and never returned.
120
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
owners, but of all the relatives and friends, and, sometimes it would
seem, of all the Indians in the neighborhood, whether they had any
interest in the property or not. This was done for the sake of greater
security, and however politic in that day, is sometimes exceedingly
annoying to the patient investigator of later days. These remarks may
serve to explain the apparent discrepancies which sometimes appear in
the discussion of these subjects; and the author trusts that they will
sufficiently apologize for any mistakes which the critic may hereafter
discover in these pages. Confident we are that those who are most
acquainted with the subject and its inherent difficulties will be the most
lenient in their criticism.
The subsequent history of the Windsor Indians is both melancholy
and brief. They seem to have gradually removed to Farmington, Salis-
bury, and Sharon, where, in 1730, they became united with the remnants,
of the Simsbury, Farmington, Wethersfield, and other Connecticut River
tribes, and finally, in 1763, were removed to Stockbridge, Mass. About
the year 1786, by invitation of the Oneidas, they moved to Stockbridge,
N. Y. Here, on a tract three miles long by two miles in breadth, granted
to them by the hospitable Oneidas, they, together with a number from
the Mohegan and other tribes of Connecticut, formed a tribe called the
Brothertons. Their first pastor was Sampson Occum, a native Mohegan,
who removed to New York State with them, and died there in 1792.
In 1834 they commenced, together with the Stockbridge tribe, to
emigrate to Calumet County, Wisconsin. By 1840 there were 300 of
the Brothertons and 230 Stockbridge Indians in the county, and had
commenced to build saw and grist mills. In 1839 the Brothertons.
obtained the rights of United States citizenship. In 1850 they numbered
400 out of a population of 1746 in Calumet County, where they now
form a large, civilized, and prosperous community.'
In 1774 there were but six Indians residing in Windsor, and in 1786
there was but one old squaw, Betty Mammanash, who was supported by
the State, and who died the same year.
2
In East Windsor there were but six Indians (probably Scantics) in
1774, and in 1806 there was one family who were unable to trace their
origin or tribe. Within the whole limits of Ancient Windsor but one
Indian is know to have been converted or baptized. This was Sarah,
whose life has been made the subject of a tract, published by the
American Tract Society, an abridgment of which was also published in
London. This individual resided at the north end of Shenipset Pond in
Ellington. The publication referred to is little better than entire false-
hood. Although she was a full-blooded Mohegan, possessing the natural
¹ Wisconsin Hist. Society Coll., i. 103.
2 Mass. Hist. Society Coll., 1st Series, x.
INDIAN NAMES OF WINDSOR LOCALITIES.
121
self-respect of the aborigine, and spoke the English language as well as
old people generally, the author, apparently to give zest to the narrative,
attributed to her the abject spirit and broken speech of the African race,
which, in the opinion of those who knew her, was not only far from the
truth, but also degrading and unjust to the individual herself.
As a matter of interest to our readers, we subjoin the translation of
some of the Indian names which occur in the previous chapters, derived
from the History of Glastenbury, Conn., by the late Rev. Alonzo B. Chapin.
We are not versed in Indian philology, and therefore cannot vouch for their
entire accuracy, but we believe that they are the result of much labori-
ous and conscientious research into the subject, and, as far as we are
competent to judge, are supported by good authorities.
UNCAS, signifies the bold. UNQUS-wonk, bold-ness (Cot. 8); ONKQUE, cruel tyrant
(Cot. 21).
ARRAMAMET, signifies dog's-tongue. Seems to be compounded of Arum, the
Indian word for dog (R. W. 96) and MEENAT, or WEENAT, a tooth (compare Ell. 10:
R. W. 59). The change which this etymology supposes the word to undergo is pre-
cisely like that in the Indian word WUTTUMMAGEN, a pipe, from WUTTON, mouth, and
EGUN or EAGUN, thing, instrument, etc.
NESSAHEGON, signifies instrument of death, from NISSIH, killing, and EAGUN,
instrument (R. W. 115, 122. See also Schoolcraft Miss. App. 200).
WEQUASH, swan (R. W. 86).
SEAKOT, wild-cat.
SEQUASSON, hardstone; SEQUIN, SOWHEAG, King of the South Country.
TUNXIS SEPUS, signified the Little Crane River, from TAUNCK, crane (R. W. 8),
SEPOSE, little river (R. W. 89).
POQUONNOC, signified a battle field. Poquonnoc, Pequonnoc, Pughquonnuc,
Pocatonnuc, derived from PAUQUA, to kill or slaughter (R. W. 118, 151). These words
apparently denote a slaughter place, and probably in battle.
PODUNK, the place of fire, or place of burning, from POTAw, fire, and UNCK, place.
of (R W. 48), hence POTAUNCK, or PODUNK, or POTUNK (T. C. R. II. 347).
SCANTIC, seems to refer to the low watery country in that neighborhood, from
SOKEN, to pour out (R. W. 34), and SOKENUM, rain (R. W. 81); evidently the same
words from which some of the New England tribes had AsQUAN, water. SOKENTUCK,
ASQUANTUCK, place of water, might very readily change to SCANTIC.
SHENIPSET, SNIPSIC, NIPSIC, from NIP, water, and Sic, place of.
HOCCANUM, fishing ground.
VOL. I. - 16
CHAPTER VI.
NOTES ON THE PURCHASES OF WINDSOR'S LANDS FROM THE INDIANS.
West of the Connecticut River.
ROM reasons alluded to in the previous chapter, it is now almost.
FRO
impossible in many cases to define the exact boundaries of the differ-
ent purchases. The Indians, when selling their lands to the whites, were.
parting with that which had no great value in their own eyes, and of
which they had a superabundance; consequently they did not haggle
about a mile or so, more or less, and adopted the natural features of the
country as the most convenient landmarks and boundaries. The ancient
names of these various localities are now obscure, and often lost; and
the appearance of the localities themselves has undergone some change
during the lapse of years. Many of these purchases, also, overlap pre-
vious purchases, and land was often repurchased by our honest ancestors
- in cases where some doubt seems to have existed as to the validity of
a former title, or of the full terms of the contract having been properly
fulfilled.
We have, therefore, rather than attempt any very close and accur-
ate adjustment of these various purchases, preferred to set the matter
before our readers in its simplest light, by presenting the different deeds,
either in full or in abstract, just as we find them on the Land Records of
Windsor, simply arranging them in the order of time, and connecting
them by a slight framework of suggestions and notes. Thus, we believe
that, with the aid of the Map of Indian Purchases, the reader will be
able, easily and satisfactorily, to trace out and comprehend the whole
subject. In the construction of this map we have been greatly indebted
to the researches and labors of our friend, Mr. Jabez H. Hayden of
Windsor Locks, Conn. Indeed, the outline or skeleton, so to speak, of
the chapter is his work; ours has been its arrangement and the elabora-
tion of detail, in every step of which we have to acknowledge his
aiding and guiding hand.
We have not thought it worth while to give the references to our
extracts of deeds, etc. They are derived from the First and Second
Book of Land Records of Windsor. The first volume was carefully
Mob

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Facsimile of the mark of Aramamet, the Windsor Sachem, 1636.
dorM
:
LAND PURCHASES FROM THE INDIANS.
123
copied by order of the town in 1710-12. From the original, which is
still in existence, although somewhat the "worse for wear," we have
made our notes, supplying all lost words and passages from the better
conditioned copy. The Indian signatures, having no uniformity, have no
value as autographs, and are, therefore, not reproduced.
One fact is most conclusively proved by this array of documentary
evidence, that the whole of Ancient Windsor was honestly bought, and
even rebought by our ancestors, of the native proprietors. A strict sense
of justice actuated our fathers in all their dealings with the Indians, and,
so far as we can learn, no taint of dishonesty or over-reaching rests upon
the broad acres of old Windsor.
I.
When the Plymouth Company erected their trading house at Matia-
nuck, in 1633, they purchased "for a valuable consideration," from Se-
quassen and Nattawanut, "the rightful owners," a tract of land west of
the Connecticut River. This purchase, extending from the great swamp
near the bounds of Hartford on the south, to about a quarter of a mile
above Mr. Francis Stiles's (the Ellsworth Place) on the north; bounded
east by the Connecticut, and on the west extending " into the country as
far as Sequassen and Nattawanut's proprieties," was the first land owned
by the English within the present town of Windsor, and was transferred
to the Dorchester settlers in 1637.
This whole tract was afterwards (July 14, 1670) repurchased by the
town of Windsor from Nattawanut's successors, Arramamett and Repe-
quam. In this sale, which was probably a mere matter of confirmation,
the lands are described as extending from Hartford to "Nassahegan's
propriety already sold to the inhabitants of Windsor" (Poquonnoc), and
from the Connecticut River running seven miles westward "into the
wilderness." They were sold, "with all the trees, woods, underwood,
brooks, rivers, waters, and ponds lying therein, for a valuable parcel of
Trucking cloth."- Windsor Land Record.
The north line of this purchase is indicated on the accompanying
map by a dotted line.
J
II.
The land described in the foregoing deed of confirmation as "Nas-
sahegan's propriety already sold to the inhabitants of Windsor," was
situated in the Poquonnoc District. It was bought some time in 1635,
by William Phelps, Sen., who afterward, not being able to prove full
124
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
payment of the same, honestly bought it over again. The transaction is
thus detailed in a deed, dated March 31, 1665:
'These presents testify, whereas there was a parcel of land purchased formerly by
Mr. William Phelps, Sen., living at Windsor, about 30 years since, of Sehat, an Indian,
a Paquanick sachem, and I [Phelps] not being able to prove full payment of the said
purchase, in consideration whereof I now engage to make up the full payment by pay-
ing to the said Sehat's kinsman, Nassahegan, sachem of Paquanick, 4 trucking coats, or
what upon agreement shall satisfy them to the value thereof. The said Nassahegan en-
gaging to make said parcel of land free as shall be expressed from any challenge or de-
mands for future time of himself, his heirs, or successors, or any other Indian or Indians
whatsoever. And Coggerynosset, Sehat's son and his sister, and the said Nassahegan's
own sister shall subscribe to the said premises. The said parcel of land is thus bounded,
as it takes in all the first meadow bounded by the rivulet, the Indian name being Tau-
chag; and half the 2d meadow according to the running of the river, the Indian name
being Pabachimusk; the parcel of land bounds south by a little brook that falls into the
river, about 40 rods from my now dwelling house, and to extend in length from the river
westward upon a line three miles, all the breadth the said land from the south brook to
the middle of the 2d meadow; which said agreement is made and assigned to by us
whose names are underwritten this year of the Lord, 1665, March 31st. Owned already
paid in two coats and 40s. in wampum for a third coat, and six bushels of Indian corn,
and fifteen shillings in wampum for the fourth coat; and fifteen shillings in wampum is
at six a penny.
::
'Witnesses
"[Signed by]
SAMUEL PHELPS,
MATTHEW GRANT,
JOHN BARTLETT,
TIMOTHY BUCKLAND,
COGGERYNOSSET,
ASUTHEW, Coggerynosset's sister.
PATACKHOUSE, Nassahegar's sister.
AMANNAWER,
NASSAHEGAN."
tr
<<
In February, 1666, "whereas there are several men that have land
within the limits of it [the purchase aforesaid] both meadow and upland,
besides Mr. Phelps and his sons, it was therefore concluded that each
man according to his proportion of land capable of plowing or mowing,
should pay 12 pence per acre to Mr. Phelps." And each one paying to
Mr. Phelps should afterwards have a clear title to their several shares of
land. We much doubt whether that land could now be purchased for
twelve pence per acre.
III.
The next slice of land acquired by our ancestors extended from the
north line of the Plymouth purchase of 1633 to Stony Brook, and from
the Connecticut River to the west side of the Simsbury Mountains.
This large tract, as will be seen, covered the whole of the present town
of Windsor Locks, the northern third of Windsor, and the southern part
of Suffield. It was purchased "about the time of the Pequot war"
(1637) by Messrs. George Hall, Humphrey Pinney, Thomas Ford, and
Thomas Lewis, for the inhabitants of Windsor, from the sachem Tehano
or Nehano. In a deed of confirmation given May 19, 1687, by his
LAND PURCHASES FROM THE INDIANS.
125
This
daughter, Quashabuck, widow of Coggerynosset of Poquonock, deceased,
she testifies that "her father received full satisfaction therefor," and as
she is his only child she makes over her right and title to Capt. Benja-
min Newbury, Capt. Daniel Clark, Mr. Simon Wolcott, Mr. Henry
Wolcott, and Return Strong, as representatives of the town of Windsor.
Aushqua, her son (by Coggerynosset), also confirms the same.
land is more fully described in the deed as "between Gunn's Brook down
to Connecticut River, which brook falls into the river at a place called
New Brook [present Hayden's Station], at upper end of land formerly
William Hayden's, deceased, and since to his son Daniel, and from the
brook it runs north to the Stony Brook (which enters Connecticut
River opposite the great island on the falls), and bounds easterly on the
Connecticut River, and thence runs west to the westward side of the
mountains, and continues all along the same breadth as at the east end."
<<
IV.
Know all men by these presents, that I, Nassahegan, of Paquanick, sachem, have
freely given and granted and do hereby alienate and assign unto John Mason of Wind-
şor, all my right and interest in all my land lying between Powquaniock and Massaqua
[Massacoe, or Simsbury] westward and south and eastward as far as he has any right,
only excepting a part of a meadow at Paquanick now in the occupation of the Indians,
there to be enjoyed fully and freely without any future disturbance, by the said John
Mason, or his assigns. Witness my hand this 13th of March, Anno Domini, 1642.
Signed and sealed in the
presence and witness of
<<
and
of}
WILLIAM PHELPS,
WILLIAM HILL.
NASSAHEGAN.
"This copied from the original by me, Matthew Grant, Register, February, 1665.”
This deed evidently extinguished Nassahegan's title to all the land
(except the reservation at Indian Neck above mentioned) in Windsor
south and west of the Tunxis, not included in the previous sale to Phelps.
Even the small "part of a meadow at Paquanick," mentioned in the
foregoing deed, was soon absorbed by the insatiable white man,
for we
learn that in
V.
"April 21, 1659, George Griswold hath by purchase of certain Indians, by name
Wattowan, Quockhom, Wannappoush, the wife of Wattowan, otherwise called Towanno
[Nehano or Tehano] a certain neck of land lying at Poquonnock made over in a convey-
ance under the hand and marks of the Indians, now in the keeping of George Griswold;
the land in quantity by the Indian's estimation, is nine acres more or less, since by more
exact measure is found 10 acres more or less, as it is bounded northwest by a small
swamp in a straight line from river [to riv]er: every way else it bounds by the river.
Which said parcel of land it shall be lawful for the said George Griswold, his heirs,
executors, administrators and assigns forever to have and to hold, possess and enjoy, as
freely as we the said Indians above named, had both liberation and counsel from
፡
126
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
!
our friends of a long time,' and we now do engage ourselves and heirs to maintain and
defend [all] right and claim that we have sold and made over unto George Griswold, con-
firming the said land to be good and right, and that we are the true owners of the said
land, and stand bound, both we and our heirs, to make good our part of sale and delivery;
and free the said land from all claims, demands, debts, dues of every nature or kind
whatsoever that are or have been upon the said land, from the beginning of the world to
this present day." &c.
tr
George Griswold hath reserved to himself, in the Indian neck of land, out of the
general purchase that he made with the Indians, two acres and a half and ten rods as it
is now bounded, besides an allowance for a way to go by the river side on the east end
of it, bounded on the north by the land of James Enno, south by Edward Griswold,
west and east by the river." Perhaps this is the land referred to in the following town
vote of Dec. 10, 1656.
"It was voted that if the corner of land that is in the Indians' possession be judged
by the town meet to be purchased, that then their neighbors of Poquonock, jointly,
shall purchase, and none other shall buy it from them, but these shall have it to them-
selves." Town Acts, i. 32.
VI.
'Sept. 11, 1662, I, Nassahegan, of Poquonock, do own myself indebted to George
Griswold £3: 58. which should have been paid him in the year 1659, in March, which I
delaying to pay do now give for full payment to the foresaid George Griswold, all my
land in the Indian Neck, which parcel of land by estimation is two acres, more or less,
as it lies bounded east and west by the river, north by the land of Samuel Phelps,
south [by] the land of Josiah Ellsworth, and also all the islands lying in the river from
the land that is Aaron Cook's to the lower end of the Indian neck."
May 26, 1670: "Deed by Sepanquet son of Nassahegan, in consideration of a sum
of money to be paid by Samuel Marshall in my behalf of me for a fine to the County of
Hartford, and 88. more that I am to pay to Jacob Gibbs, of an island upon Windsor
Rivulet, at a place called by the Indians Matumpseck.”
This island is supposed to be the one about opposite the point
called Indian Neck.
April 19, 1659, Cowcherowind sold to George Griswold, 200 rods of
marsh or mowing land under the east side of Massaco [Simsbury] Hills,
bounded by a little brook which divideth the land of Samuel Phelps,
west by the foot of the mountains, also the upland to the top of the
same.
April 28, 1665, Nassahegan, sachem of Poquonock, sold to Jonathan
Gillet, Sen., of Windsor, a piece of land, swamp, or marsh, containing
twelve acres, called by the Indians Matacomacok. This was situated
without the west bounds of Windsor, southerly of the swamp belonging
to John Moore and Edward Griswold.
¹ The term "liberation and counsel" may perhaps be thus explained. Indians then,
as now, were mischievous and would get drunk. Thus they not unfrequently got into
trouble, and were either mulcted in fines, or imprisoned in the lockup at Hartford.
There is sufficient evidence to our mind that the speculative whites sometimes paid their
fines, or obtained their release, receiving in return for the favor the title to some coveted
piece of land, which doubtless, at the moment, seemed of less importance to the captive
red man than his personal freedom. The deed of Sepanquet to Samuel Marshall (see
Section VI, this chapter) is another case in point.
LAND PURCHASES FROM THE INDIANS.
127
VII.
In April, 1666, James Eno and John Moses purchased from Nassa-
hegon, land on both sides of the Rivulet, from Windsor to Massaco. This
land, which had descended to him from his uncle Sheat, extended
toward Massaco, "as far as his right extends," namely, on the south
side of the Rivulet to the foot of Massaco Mountain; and on the north
side to the "mountain that answers the foresaid mountain;" and east-
ward to a new way [or road] passing out of Pipestave Swamp going to
Westfield;" and southward from the Rivulet to the Millbrook "as it
runs into the Wilderness and so to the Mountains." This tract contain-
ing some 28,000 acres was confirmed to the purchasers, December, 1669,
by Rippaquam and Seacet, with the exception of two islands in the Riv-
ulet, one of which Nassahegan claimed was given to his son, and the
other to his sister by his uncle Sheat, deceased. Enno and Moses, the
same year, released this purchase to the town of Windsor, whose agents
they were, and received £15 14s. 2d. (the amount expended by them)
in lands situate under the Simsbury Mountains above Salisbury Plain,
near the river, and known as Tilton's Marsh.
VIII.
The Great Island, in the Connecticut River, on Enfield Falls, was
sold to John Lewis of Windsor, June 26, 1678, "it now being out of our
way to live upon it," by Seoket, Toto, Toutops alias Notabock, Waronyes,
and William Roinick, the "true and proper heirs and owners," who
claim the "right as descended from one generation to another." They
acknowledge having received "full satisfaction, except £3, which was
to be paid on or before June next, in Indian corn or shoes, at the current
Windsor price." Nassahegan and Coggerynosset were afterwards
present, and signed the agreement. The £3 was divided as follows:
Totaps 30s., Nassahegan 10s., Coggerynosset's squaw, 10s., Margery,
her papoose, 10s. It was transferred, Feb. 27, 1683, to Daniel Hayden.
It is now called King's Island, is about a mile long by one-quarter of a
mile wide, and contains nearly 150 acres, more or less cultivated.
This island was first owned by the Rev. Ephraim Huit, who in his
will, 1644, left it "to the Country."
८८
East of the Connecticut River.
I.
This is also a record of the purchase made of the Indians of the land on the east
side of the Great River, between Scantock and Podunk.
"Know all men by these presents, that we whose names are underwritten, viz.:
Cassoeum, Sachem of the Mohegeneake; Towtonnomen, Sachem of the aforesaid Mohe-
128
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
gans; Pozen of Mohegan; Nepeaseseateke son of Towtonnomen; Nagonce, Scattaaps,
Pockettercote, children of Sassowen; Wanochocke, a Mohegeneake; Arramemet of
Matianuck; Toquash of Matianeke; Rewen, Arramemet's father, and his wife; Sheat of
Paquaanocke; Cockeronoset of Paquaanocke, which are all the Indians that layeth
claim to that ground called Nowashe, bounded with the river Scantok over against the
now dwelling house of Mr. [Francis] Stiles, situate on the east side of the river called
Quenticute [Connecticut], bounded on the south with the brook or rivulet called
Potaecke [Podunk] over against the now dwelling house of Arramemet or thereabouts,
near the upper end of Newtown [Hartford] meadow, we before mentioned do acknowl-
edge that we have sold unto Dorchester plantation who are now resident at Quenticutt,
all our right and interest in the aforesaid ground, for and in consideration of twenty
cloth coats, and fifteen fathoms of seawan [wampum] of which their being paid in hand
eight coats and six fathoms of sewan, the other twelve coats and nine fathoms of sewan
to be paid at the coming up of our next Pinnace, we also the foresaid Indians do avouch
that we have not formerly sold the said ground to any other, and we do also promise
and bind ourselves by these presents to make good and maintain this our sale against
any that shall make challenge or lay claim, either to the whole or any part thereof, viz.:
the ground between the two brooks or two rivulets before mentioned in breadth, and so
eastward into the country one day's walk. Neither will we ourselves disturb or molest
the said English inhabitants, or their successors forever, by sitting down, planting, or
giving away to any other whatsoever, that shall any way molest the said English inhabi-
tants before named.
In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals even the 15th day
of this Instant, second month; commonly called April, Anno Domini, 1636, being the
eleventh year of the Reign of King Charles. Hereunto annexed the names of eleven
Indians which assigned hereunto."
In witness,
JONATHAN BREWSTER,
EDWARD PATTISON,
WILLIAM BREWSTER.
SASSOWEN [or Cassoeum],
TOWTONNOMEN,
POZEN,¹
WANOCHOCKE,
ARRAMEMET,
"This copied out of the original by me
t
CUEWINCE,
NAGONCE,
POCKETTERCOTE,
SHEAT,
TUCKQUEASE,
COCKERONOSET.
'Matthew Grant, Register, Feb'y, 1665.
This evidently comprised the whole of the present town of South
Windsor-called Nowaas by the Dutch, or Nowashe by the Indians -
see p. 17.
II.
The following note, or affidavit, without date, occurs on the Land
Records of Windsor:
t
Coggerynosset [Poquonock] testifies that the land on the east side of the Great
1" Pozen of Mohegan," or, as the English called him, "Foxen," was the crafty
"councillor" of Uncas.
LAND PURCHASES FROM THE INDIANS.
129
*
River between Scantick and Namareck [Mayluck Brook'] was Nassacowen's, and Nassa-
cowen was so taken in love with the coming of the English that he gave it to them for
some small matter, but he knows of none but the meadow.
Witness,
MATTHEW GRANT,
JACOB DRAKE,
STEPHEN TAYLOR.
COGGERYNOSSET.
In September 26, 1687, Toto (of Windsor), grandson of Nassa-
cowen, deceased, confirms to Captain Benjamin Newbury, Mr. Henry
Wolcott, John Moore, Sen., Return Strong, Sen., Daniel Hayden, and
Abraham Phelps, agents of the town of Windsor, a tract of upland (or
woodland), between Namarack Brook and Scantic River on east side
of the Great river, which was sold to Windsor people by his grandfather,
Nassacowen.
"It [the said land] bounds north on John Stiles's (deceased) lot, by south side of
small brook that falls into Namerack, and becomes a part of it; thence runs east by
south side of said brook to the head of the brook; and thence easterly, varying a little
to the south, till it runs over Scantick near where Goodman Bissell [built] a saw mill,
and runs over the old road or highway that formerly went to Lead Mines, crossing
Ketch Brook, and so to the mountains near Frog Hill,2 and then butts or ends on the
top of the 3rd bare mountain or hill, the northmost of three hills, and so runs along to
the ridge of the mountain till it comes to the path that leads to Cedar Swamp,³ and
thence south, near a half mile to another bare hill, which is the south-east end or
A
¹ This ancient name, now obsolete, was derived (as tradition affirms) from a party of
the early emigrants to the Connecticut, who came through the woods in the month of
May, and following the course of the brook struck the river—hence its name May-luck.
It is now known as Prior's Brook, and is about a mile below Warehouse Point.
'There is now a place beyond Ellington, somewhere in Tolland County, called Frog
Hall probably the same as Frog Hill.
* Mr. Stoughton, in his Windsor Farmes (p. 117), says: Cedar Swamp is a locality
to which frequent reference is made in the affairs of the neighborhood [East Windsor],
and to it the people resorted for clapboards and shingles. The latter were made of
various widths and two standard lengths, viz., eighteen inches and three feet, and in
the absence of machinery were split or rived from the blocks. The slow methods of
manufacturing lumber made it comparatively expensive; therefore, in the earlier ac-
counts, shingles were sold at so much per shingle. The late Maj. F. W. Grant's house
in East Windsor is covered with rived, narrow, cedar clapboards, fastened by hand-
made nails; and, although put on before the French and Indian wars, are perfectly
sound. This swamp may have been identical with what was known as 'Ye Great
Swamp.' The latter was in the parish of Ellington, and covered all that now productive
grass and tillage land which lies to the south and east of Ellington Church, and is drained
by the Hockanum river. It was about one third to three-quarters of a mile in width, and
from its northern limit, in the vicinity of the present 'Windermere Hills,' extended south
toward Vernon, where its waters were increased by the contributions of the Tanga-
roosen. Upon the highlands, west of the swamp, the Pinneys settled upon their Indian
purchases, about the time that the eastern border was occupied by the Ellsworths. Under
the combined efforts of these families and their descendants large tracts of land were
made useful. There are remains of a very extensive swamp northeast of the present
Windsorville that may be identical with the ancient ‘Cedar Swamp.””
VOL. I.-17
130
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
corner; and then turns west bearing a little to the north, and so south to some ponds
known as Porson Ponds; and from there near the head of Podunk Brook, and then
crosses Lead Mine road at a place called Cart Hill, and from thence it comes to Connec-
ticut River on the south of John Birge's lot."
We have been unable fully to trace out the ancient localities men-
tioned in this deed, but the reader, with the aid of the Map of Indian
Purchases, will find no difficulty in understanding the general boundaries
of the purchase.
III.
In September (20), 1660, John Bissell, Jr., bought of Watshemino
all his "planting land from Namelake [or Namerick] Brook, upward by
the Great River, to the land of the said John Bissell, Jr., only the grass.
land excepted that Goodman Hayden hath formerly to mow, 10 acres
more or less, for 50 fathom of wampum." At a Particular Court, held
at Hartford, May 13, 1662, "This court orders that William Heyden, of
Wyndsor, shall for future cease to improve the lands at Nameleck that
belongs to Spaniunk wch is by the Bounds of John Bissel's Lottments.
And yt neither the said William nor any other shall any way hinder, or
directly or indirectly prevent John Bissel's compounding with ye Indian
for that land" (Rec. Part. Ct., ii.)
In September 19, 1671, Nearowanocke (alias Will) a Nameroake
[Namerick] Indian, sold "for a certain sum of money already received
of Thomas and Nathaniel Bissell," a parcel of land, "lying without the
bounds of Windsor, on the East side of the Great River, bounded on the
south by Potunke River and land that was Tantonimo's; on the east by
the hills beyond the pine plains [probably Ellington], on the west by the
Scantock as it runs till it comes to bear due east from the mouth of
Fresh Water River [Connecticut] till you come to the hills beyond the
pine plains, which said line marks the north bounds," "reserving only
the privilege' of hunting beaver in the river. of the Scantock."
¹ We may mention in this connection, that similar reservations in many Indian
deeds have apparently given rise to the very prevalent opinion among the people of
New England, that the Indians of the present day have still a claim or right to certain
privileges within the domains once owned by their ancestors. Even the damage done
to young wood-lands, etc., by strolling bands of Indians, are often submitted to in
silence, from a general undefined impression that they have a sort of hereditary right to
make free with such property. An amusing anecdote is told which illustrates this
point. One of the selectmen of a certain town once included in Ancient Windsor, a
man who boasts that the blood of the Mohegans courses in his veins, in giving directions
respecting the improvement of the highway, ordered certain trees cut away. The
owner of the land opposite denied the right of the selectmen to cut down the trees.
Warm words ensued, when the selectman, feeling the dignity of his position, exclaimed,
"Mr. I have a right to cut the trees just where I have a mind to."
1
The claim so broadly stated reminded the other of the tradition to which we have
referred, and which he supposed legitimate law; and quick as thought he replied, "I
LAND PURCHASES FROM THE INDIANS.
131
This extensive purchase, covering the greatest part of Enfield, two-
thirds of East Windsor, east of Scantic, and all of Ellington, was
obtained by the Bissells for the town of Windsor, to whom it was after-
wards transferred. The Bissells received two hundred acres (in the
present town of Ellington) for their share in the transaction.
March 23, 1692-3. Towtops, son of Wicherman of Windsor, for
and in consideration of the sum of £5, by him received, sold to
Nathaniel Bissell 100 acres, on the east side of Connecticut River, at
the foot of [Enfield] Falls, viz.: in breadth next to the river, which
bounds it on the west 50 rods, and runs east one mile with the same
breadth, and abutts east and north on Totap's land, and south on Daniel
Hayden's land.
This purchase covered all the south part of the present village of
Warehouse Point.
IV.
In 1659-60, Thomas Burnham and partners having bought all the
Indian lands at Podunk, of Tontonimo, in which deed Jacob Mygatt had
an interest, the court, then in session at Hartford, upon the report of a
committee appointed to investigate the transaction, set the deed aside by
calling it a lease, and decided that the lands belonged to Foxen's (or
Posen's) successors, by gift of Foxen to his allies, and that Burnham
could only hold that which Tontonimo could prove to be his own partic-
ular property.' In 1661, Burnham alone, purchased all the Podunk
lands of Arramamet, Taquis, etc., Foxen's successors and allies; and.
Uncas, the supreme Mohegan sachem, in his will (1684) gave Thomas
Burnham, Sen., with others, a very extensive tract covering very many of
the present townships east of Hartford bounds.
2
know it, I know it, you've a right to cut them for baskets and brooms, but for no other
purpose; but the other selectman has no right at all to cut them for that purpose."
It is needless to add that the Indian of the present day has no legal right to commit
any trespass upon the now alienated land of his forefathers, nor can he have any claim
except by the favor of the present owners. Yet as we have said, there is a very preva-
lent impression to the contrary, an impression which the Indians themselves are by no
means slow to improve to their own advantage, and under cover of which they steal
from the forest with perfect impunity the materials for the manufacture of their basket,
willow, and fancy wares.
¹ Subsequently (March 14th) the court ordered "that no persons in this colony shall
directly or indirectly buy or rent any of the lands at Podunk, that are laid out and pos-
sessed by the Indians there." But, if the Indians should leave the place, Thomas Burn-
ham was to be allowed (with their consent) the use of their lands in their absence, and
whenever they returned he was to relinquish them again.
2 Facsimile of this deed given in Burnham Genealogy, 40, as also copies of the Uncas
bequest of 1684, and a number of Indian deeds, Burnham deeds, Acts of Assembly, etc.,
relating to the Burnham purchases at Podunk- of much interest to those who wish to
study the original South Windsor lines.
132
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
'
"Thomas Burnham, Sen., before his death, gave the greater part of
what he was enabled to retain of these Indian lands to his children by
deed, as a token and in consideration of ye true love and good affection
that I do now bear unto my son
(naming a child and lands now in
South Windsor or East Hartford), but with this proviso, that I do hereby
oblige ye sd
his heirs, &c., not to make any sale or other aliena-
tion of ye above sa land except it be to some of his own brothers, or their
children,' thereby entailing the lands as far as possible, on his descend-
ants."- Burnham Genealogy, 39. And some of this land is yet in
Burnham ownership.
d
It is very evident by the old Burnham deeds, etc., that the Burn-
ham purchase extended north into South Windsor.
In May, 1666, Jacob Mygatt, Burnham's partner, sold his share of
the lands at Podunk to William Pitkin and Bartholomew Barnard, who
demanded from Burnham a division of the land and surrender of pos-
session. To this he demurred, and the case was brought into court.
The final issue, made May, 1668, was "that Pitkin and Barnard shall
stand quietly possessed of the said land" against any claim of Thos.
Burnham, but the latter was to reap the wheat, and have the peas upon
the land, he paying rent for the peas 8s. per acre.¹
1
May 14, 1679, Thos. Burnham, Sen., of Podunk, received a deed
from Shebosman and Naomes, of two acres, "more or less, at Podunk,
in Indian Meadow, on the south side of Podunk Brook, runs by the
Indian Meadow only on the north side within two rods of Bartholomew
Barnard's land, and the said Burnham hath already paid the sum of £6
and what Obadiah Wood paid for us also."
¹ State Archives, Private Controversies, i., Doc. 29–47.

Jensen willyam galler
Homas fooxd Gcorgo-grifwond
Bray Ressation Fronny Moolool
Mathew Grant
Jamos
ono
Trough any find
Thomas doolbare smir
Скажая
Matt Hylex

Jown Moses
owens for

Ginou Holof michell Humphrey.
John Bussm

Facsimile Autographs of some of Ancient Windsor's Early Inhabitants.
CHAPTER VII.
DISTRIBUTION AND PLAN OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
T
HE first record of the division of lands in Windsor was undoubtedly
a simple designation of lots by figures. The General Court, how-
ever, in September, 1639, enacted that every town in the colony should
choose a town clerk or register, "who shall, before the General Court in
April next, record every man's house and land already granted and
measured out to him, with the bounds and quantity of the same,” and
"the like to be done for all land hereafter granted and measured to any,
and all bargains or mortgages of land whatsoever shall be accounted of
no value until they be recorded." (Col. Rec., i. 37.) To this order the
first volume of Windsor Land Records owes its origin, and the earliest
entry on its pages is under date of October 10, 1640. Under this and
subsequent dates are entered and fully described the home-lots and other
lands belonging to the various inhabitants. Indeed it is almost certain
that it comprises the names of all persons having dwelling-houses in the
town at that time, and therefore forms our fullest and most reliable
source of information as to the first settlers of Windsor.
In addition to the Land Records there is an ancient little volume in
the town clerk's office, entitled A Book of Records of Town Ways in
Windsor, compiled in August, 1654, by Matthew Grant, who prefaces it
with these words: "Forasmuch as it hath been desired that I should
enter upon record several highways that have been formerly laid out, to
express what the several breadths were appointed to be, and so to con-
tinue for Public use." This little record, besides preserving several
interesting items not contained in the Land Records, affords considera-
ble explanatory and elucidative assistance in tracing out the plan of
Ancient Windsor.
Tradition also has been listened to with a cautious ear, and in some
instances has helped us to a clue which subsequent investigation has cor-
roborated. Such are the sources and aids of the present chapter. Now
let us consider a few of the hindrances and obstacles with which we
have had to contend.
Aside from the great changes which time and the march of improve-
ment have wrought in the face of the country and the appearance of the
town, we have to regret the loss of many local names and once familiar
134
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
expressions, which have gradually lost their significance, and have there-
fore become almost obsolete and unmeaning in the present day. Salis-
bury Plain and Tilton's Marsh may perhaps be cited as examples of
many local names once familiar as household words, now scarce to be
discovered or identified by the most painstaking antiquary.
A well-known proverb intimates that it is not polite to "look a gift
horse in the mouth," and it may perhaps be rather ungracious in us to
find any fault with the old Land Records, to which we are so much (or
solely) indebted for all that we know about the locale of Ancient Wind-
sor. Yet we have felt, in many instances during our investigation, that
there were some very bad gaps in those records, which we could not but
wish had been filled up. Often have we felt as if — could we have
invoked that most excellent and conscientious of all town clerks and
surveyors, Matthew Grant, from his grave in the old cemetery that we
would cheerfully pay him better "day's wages" for "running" a few
lines over again than ever he received for similar services in his lifetime.
Had we been believers in spiritualism, we should have promptly put
ourselves en rapport with his spirit, and questioned him earnestly about
many items of needed information. But as it was, we were obliged to
trust to our own unaided efforts; and in truth, if honest Matthew had as
much trouble in "running lines" for the first settlers through the vir-
ginal forests and tangled undergrowth of old Windsor as we had in
"running" them over again, after the lapse of two centuries, through
his crabbed handwriting on the crumbling pages of the old books-he
must have had a hard life of it. We are now fully prepared to believe
the tradition that old Matthew was wont to say, as he returned at sun-
set, wearied and jaded, from his day's labor at surveying, that he
wouldn't accept all the land he had bounded that day as pay for his
labor," although he might "change his tune" somewhat in these days if
he could see those same lands under tobacco.
66
But to return to our subject—the deficiencies in the records them-
selves. We find that some lands are bounded by those of persons who
had previously removed from Windsor, which lands had subsequently
reverted to the town. Or, we find that others have their lands bounded
by neighbors whose lands are not recorded. Or, again, lands seem to
have passed from a first owner to a subsequent one through two or three
intermediate owners, whose names do not appear on record, and are only
accidentally found in some other connection.
·
Now these are great obstacles, but not insuperable, and before.
patient investigation the mist of doubt is gradually dispelled, and “the
crooked paths made straight." Mainly, then, through the perseverance
of our coadjutor, Mr. Jabez H. Hayden, whose familiarity, from boy-
hood, with the topography as well as the local history of his native town
+
THE ORIGIN OF PALISADO-GREEN.
133
and its records, abundantly qualifies him for this "labor of love," we are
able to present our readers with a Map of Ancient Windsor.'
Without attempting to point out the exact spot whereon each house
stood, we are yet reasonably confident that we have correctly located
each man's home-lot; and it may be taken as a fair picture, not of all we
wish to know, but of all we do know of the "distribution and plan of
Windsor," two hundred and forty-one years ago.
The Dorchester party first settled on the north side of the Rivulet,
or Farmington River. Saltonstall's party, under Mr. Francis Stiles,
evidently made their beginning at and near the present Ellsworth place.
And, aside from the prudential motives which would have induced the
first comers to settle, as much as possible, near together, it is natural to
suppose that their settlement on the north side of the stream would
afford less cause of complaint on the part of the Plymouth Company
than to have trespassed on Plymouth meadow.
Matthew Grant, also, in describing the origin of the ancient Palisado,
which was erected at the beginning of the Pequot war on the northern
bank of the Rivulet, states that it was built by "our inhabitants on
Sandy Bank," who "gathered themselves nearer together from their
remote dwellings to provide for their safety." Sandy Bank, as it was
anciently named, is synonymous with the Meadow Bank, which overlooks
the Connecticut River Meadows; and "their remote dwellings" extended
northward along this bank in the line of the present street. There is
alṣo to our mind a significance in the use of the word our (which we
have italicised) as applied to the Dorchester settlers in contradiction to
the Plymouth Company. The dispute between the two parties was not
adjusted until after the beginning of the Pequot war, and we find no
evidence whatever of any settlement south of the Rivulet by the Dorches-
ter party until after the close of that war. When that event brought
safety to the English homes they were not slow to improve the rich
lands to which their Plymouth neighbors had reluctantly yielded their
right.
We commence, then, at THE PALISADO GREEN, the veritable shrine
of Windsor history and romance. Very pleasant it is, as we see it now
in the warm sunset light of a summer day, lined with noble trees, behind
whose waving tracery neat and elegant dwellings assert the presence of
happy homes. On this spot, more than two centuries ago, our fathers
dwelt. Here, protected by the rude log defense which their own hands
had thrown up, they slept secure from savage foe. Here stood the
meeting-house wherein the gentle Warham and the earnest Huit preached
1 The map here given is not the same as that published in the first edition of this
work, but is copy of a later and corrected one, prepared by Mr. J. H. Hayden for
the Memorial Hist. of Hartford County, 1886,
136
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
and prayed. Here, too, was the little village graveyard close under the
palisado wall, where, one by one, they put off life's toils and cares and
laid them down to an eternal rest.
The history of this interesting locality is as follows:
Upon the breaking out of the Pequot war, in 1637, the Windsor
people, as a precaution against surprisal by the Indians, surrounded
their dwellings at this spot with a fortification or palisado. This con-
sisted of strong high stakes or posts, set close together, and suitably
strengthened on the inside, while on the outside a wide ditch was dug,
the dirt from which was thrown up against the palisades, and the whole
formed a tolerably strong defense against any slender resources which
the uncivilized Indian could bring to bear against it. It was, of course,
necessary to keep a constant guard within the enclosure, to prevent the
enemy from climbing over or setting fire to the palisades. It was the
fatigue of supplying these watches that so exhausted the men (as Mr.
Ludlow sorrowfully wrote to Mr. Pynchon during the absence of the
Pequot expedition), "that they could scarce stand upon their legs.”
The whole length of this line of palisades was more than three-
fourths of a mile, enclosing an irregular parallelogram of considerable
extent. From the southwest corner of the burying-ground it extended along
the brow of the hill overlooking the Farmington eastward to the Meadow
Hill. This south line was 60 rods long; and along the south side of the
passage leading from the meeting-house to the burying-ground are now
(1891) to be seen the remains of a ditch, believed to have been a part of
the south line of the fortification. Its west line extended northward 69
rods along the brow of the hill west of the burying-ground. Its east line
ran along the brow of the Meadow Hill, 80 rods northward, and its
north line ran across from hill to hill near the present residence of Mrs.
Giles Ellsworth, and was 50 rods in length.
When the first palisado was built, those who had their home lots
within its limits resigned their title for the benefit of the whole commu-
nity. Matthew Grant, for instance, says that he originally had six
acres, but resigned it all up except where his buildings stood. This was
the case with others. The following Plan of the Palisado was drawn in
1654 by Matthew Grant, who was at that time recorder. He thus dis-
courses concerning it :
PLAN AND DESCRIPTION OF THE ANCIENT PALISADO.
137.
50
80

Palizado
Plott.
Capt
Hi Way
T.Parsons
W.Gaylord
Egelston
W
Town
house
Grant
Dible
Philups
Mr Clark
Marshel
Fyler
Strong
Burying
D.Wilton
place
69
Against the Meadow.
60
Rivulet.
Plan of the Ancient Palisado Plot in Windsor, 1654.
"And seeing I am entered into the palisado, I will speak a little of the original of
it; about 1637 years, when the English had war with the Pequot Indians, our inhabit-
ants on Sandy Bank gathered themselves nearer together from their remote dwellings,
to provide for their safety, set up on fortifying, and with palizado, which [land] some
particular men resigned up out of their properties for that end, and [it] was laid out into
small parcels, to build upon; some four rods in breadth, some five, six, seven, some
eight—it was set out after this manner:
These building places were at first laid out of one length, that was sixteen rods,
but differ [in breadth] as aforesd. Also on all sides within the outmost fence, there
was left two rods in breadth for a common way, to go round within side the Palizado,”
to the rear of the building lots. This left an open space in the center (marked W in the
plan) nearly 20 rods wide and 30 rods long.
When peace was again restored, "divers men left their places [in the Palizado] and
returned to their lots [outside] for their conveniences. Some that staid (by consent of
the town) enlarged their gardens. Some had 2, some 3, some 4 plats to their own pro-
priety, with the use of the two rods in breadth round the outside, every one according
to his breadth, only with this reserve. Concerning the two rods, that if, in future time
there be need of former fortification, to be repaired, that then each man should resign
up the aforesd two rods for a way only for common use. Note, that in the west corner
of the afores plat there is reserved for a common Burying Ground, one particular par-
cel that is six rods in breadth, all the length on one side, and one end take it together,
it is eight rod in breadth, and eighteen in length."
This plan shows the division of lots and owners seventeen years after
the Pequot War. We now propose to show its distribution and inhabit-
ants previous to 1650.
VOL. I.-18
138
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Along the southerly side of the Palisado, beginning with the bury-
ing-ground in its southwest corner, we find the lots of FRANCIS GIBBS,
THOMAS BASSETT, WILLIAM HILL, and Lieut. DAVID. WILTON. These lots
cover the ground now occupied by the new part of the burying-ground,
and by the First Congregational Church. Also, on land now occupied by
the road to the bridge and the residence of the late Misses Stiles, etc., were
the lots of Sergt. WALTER FILER and THOMAS THORNTON, the latter lot
being that now known as the Deacon Morgan place, and occupied by Dr.
Samuel Wilson. Past this place, a road turned down out of the south-
easterly corner of the Palisado, to the meadow- the old Rivulet Ferry
road as it does even now.
Beginning at this road, along the easterly side of the Palisado, as we
go north, were the lots of Capt. JOHN MASON (present Howard place),
HENRY CLARKE (Fowler place), Rev. Mr. HUIT (Chaffee place), Sergt.
STAIRES, GEO. PHILLIPS (about Holcomb place), WM. HUBBARD, MATTHEW
GRANT, and the Town HOUSE, located where the present Congregational
parsonage now stands.
·
The TOWN HOUSE lot was originally Nicholas Denslow's, who resided
thereon during the Pequot war. He sold it to Capt. Samuel Marshall,
who "dabbled in real estate" considerably in those days, in 1654
(though not recorded until 1656); and he sold it to the "inhabitants of
Windsor, for a town house" (probably it had been previously rented by
them for the same purpose). In the deed it is described as his "dwell-
ing-house, barn, orchard, and land about it one acre more or less,"
together with a wood lot of twenty acres, etc., which the said inhabitants
were "forever, fully and freely to enjoy for the benefit and entertainment
of a minister successively." Shortly after, however (Feb. 10, 1656-7),
at a town meeting, it "was called into question the legalness of the
record of the town house, whereupon it was voted that the Townsmen
should cause the whole town to meet as conveniently as they would, giv-
ing sufficient warning of the particular occasion to each man engaged in
the purchase, that so there might be a joint debate for future settling of it.
Also, in the meantime, Matthew Grant [who occupied the adjacent lot] was
appointed by vote to see to the preserving of the house and orchard, and
when any fruit came to ripeness the Townsmen should have the dispos-
ing of it for the benefit of the Town" (Town Acts, i. 33). The orchard,
indeed, seems to have been a more important matter than the house, and
hence the property is frequently designated as the "Town Orchard."
The matter dragged somewhat, for, "September 28, the Town met
to answer the appointment on the 8th of June before, but in the meeting
little was done, but only the major part manifested themselves desirous to
have the house sold, and every one to have his pay returned back to him
which he had laid out, if the sale of the house would reach to it,” and
THE TOWN HOUSE AND BARŃ.
139
the presumptive evidence is that the sale did not take place. The same
town-house was in existence in 1669–70, when it was refitted and occu-
pied as a meeting-house by the party under the Rev. Mr. Woodbridge.
Six years later it was in a ruinous and dilapidated state, and the refusal
of the town to repair it "upon a town cost," formed a serious "bone of
contention” in the ecclesiastical dissensions which raged so fiercely at
that period. It was occupied by the Woodbridge faction until the settle-
ment of the controversy in 1681; and was then "finished and made
suitable" for the residence of Rev. Mr. Samuel Mather, who became the
pastor of the reconciled and united churches. At the end of another
decade, however, the building had outlived its usefulness, for, "at a Town
Meeting in Windsor, the 28th of December, 1692, it was voted that the
Town would not repair the town house. At the same meeting, it was
voted to give to Timothy Thrall, Sen", the town house." But the lot
has ever since been used as the parsonage lot.
On the same lot, perhaps, was the TOWN BARN, a very necessary ac-
commodation as a place of deposit to which the inhabitants could bring
the corn, peas, wheat, etc., in which they paid their taxes. Probably
it was the old barn on the place, mentioned in Marshall's deed of
sale to the town; for in January, 1659, “it was voted that the
town barn should be put to sale, and that Mr. Allyn and Mr. Clarke
should do it on behalf of the Town;" but they evidently did not
effect a sale, for in December of the same year, it was agreed by the
Town that the town barn shall be repaired and thatched." Finally, De-
cember, 1659, the old barn was sold to Samuel Marshall for £13 10s., he
is to "give bill for the payment, either in wheat, pease, Indian corn, or
pork at £3: 10s. the barrel."
66
The north line of the town-house lot marks the northern boundary
of the Palisado, and here, says Matthew Grant, "also from the Palisado,
runs a way northeasterly, called the common street, and is to be four
rods wide" the present main street.
Across, on the west side of this
""
common road as it emerges
from the Palisado, we come, on the northerly side of the Palisado, to the
lots of JOHN TAYLOR, THOMAS NOWELL, and BEGAT EGGLESTON. Separ-
ated from them by a little lane, and in the northwest corner of the Pali-
sado, were the lots of ELIAS PARKMAN and Capt. AARON Cook, and
another lot of Mr. Huit's. In the course of time, the shape of the interior
of the Palisado has become a long triangle instead of a square, and these
lots on the west and north sides (viz., Taylor's to Huit's) are now repre
sented by the Dr. Pierson place and Dr. Wilson's former place of
residence.
South of the Pierson place was the road leading westerly, thus
described by Matthew Grant: "There goeth out of the Palisado towards
140
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
•
northwest a highway two rods wide; when past the house plots it is
larger." This leads out towards Sandy Hill and to Hoyte's Meadow.
South of this road, and on the westerly side of the Palisado, were
the lots of MICHAEL TRY and NICHOLAS SENSION; South of Sension's was
a lane, marked on the old Palisado plan, which was evidently the access.
to the burying-ground. Huit's place is the present Gen. Pierson place;
Sension's and the lane, the present Wid. Anson Loomis' property;
which brings us to our point of beginning, in the Palisado Green.
The ancient MEETING-HOUSE stood in about the center of the open
central space, the spot being marked by a telegraph pole in front of the
Pierson residence. About seven rods in front of Michael Try's lot, as
originally laid out, and facing the western side of the meeting-house,
stood the BLACKSMITH'S SHOP. This was three or four rods in the rear
of the present Pierson house. We learn from the Town Acts (Bk. i. 4),
that, in 1650-1, March 17th, "the Town did order by a vote that there
shall be a plot of ground laid out within the Palisado by Thomas Par-
son's house to build a house for the Smith upon it." The smith, thus
favored, was probably Thomas Mattock, who, by a previous vote of the
town, had been granted an appropriation of £10 to "help him set up hist
trade in the town, provided he continued his trade." If not, he was to
refund it again (Town Acts, Bk. i. 4). From some unexplained cause,
however, Mattock seems not to have settled in Windsor. Tahan Grant;
son of our old friend Matthew, is the first blacksmith on record, and oc-
cupied the place "by Thomas Parsons," granted by the town. In 1662,
he purchased from Parsons' widow, Lydia, her dwelling-house, with the
land about it (about three acres, part of the present Pierson estate), and
had" also, by gift of the town, a small parcel of land near about of an
acre in the street that lies between that which he bought [i. e., in front
of it] and the smith's shop. He has all the breadth against his own
[property] and [it] runs according to the range betwixt him and Walter
Gaylord [Sension lot], up to range with the foreside of the shop, and is
6 rods, 2 feet in breadth as it faces against the Meeting-house;" by which
we are to understand that he was permitted to extend his lot east into
the Palisado common about seven rods, in a line with the east side of
his smith's shop, which faced the meeting-house.
Next south of this lot of Grant's there stood (though at a period
subsequent to the date of the Palisado map) a BARBER'S SHOP, kept by
James Eno, who came to Windsor about 1646. In the Land Records,
under date of Nov. 28, 1663, is "recorded the grant of a stray of land
of James Eno in the Palisado, to build him a shop upon to barber in, and
he has now built it." This grant was one rod in breadth next to that of
Tahan Grant's, and ran back a rod till it met Walter Gaylord's fence,
which was its west bound. It will be seen, therefore, that it was quite a

(
N.
川
​MEETING
HOUSE
EGGLESTON
NOWELL.
TAYLOR.
PARKMAN.
COOKE.
HUIT.
TRY.☐
SENSION
୮
BURYING
GROUND.
FGIBBS.
BASSETT.
HILL.
WILTON!
FILER.
PALISADO.
୮
TOWN.
GRANT.
HUBBARD
PHILLIPS.
☐STAIRES?
HUIT.
DHCLARKE
MASON
THORNTON.
RIVULET
PLAN OF THE PALISADO (ENLARGED BY J. H. HAYDEN).
(By courtesy of the publishers of "The Memorial History of Hartford County.")

OLD STONE FORT, OR STOUGHTON HOUSE,
THE OLD FORT, OR STOUGHTON HOUSE.
141
small lot, bounded northerly by Grant, west by Gaylord, southerly and
easterly by the Palisado Common.
I
Having completed our survey of the Palisado, we pass out at the
northeast corner, along the "common road" or "Main Street,” trac-
ing the lots of the following early settlers (the houses of most
being on the east side of the highway, between it and the river),
THOMAS DEWEY, Capt. AARON COOKE, WILLIAM HOSFORD, NICHOLAS
DENSLOW, Mr. STEPHEN TERRY, Mr. GEORGE HULL, THOMAS BUCKLAND,
Dea. WILLIAM ROCKWELL, JOSEPH CLARKE, and ROBERT WINCHELL,
where we come to the present Bissell's Ferry road.
Then we come to the home-lots and residences of JOSHUA CARTER,
WILLIAM TILLY, WILLIAM HANNUM, RICHARD SAMWAYS, PHILIP RANDALL,
THOMAS HOLCOMB, THOMAS GUNN, and "Ancient" THOMAS STOUGHTON,
whose stone house, or "old Stone Fort," as it was called, deserves a special
mention.
This ancient edifice, (which, in 1859- while we were engaged in pre-
paring the first edition of this work-was only remembered by Miss
Lucretia Stiles, and one or two other very aged persons,) was situated
about a mile north of the Congregational meeting-house, on the east
side of the street, opposite to and a few rods north of Mr. Lemuel
Welch's residence. It stood back from the road, near the brow of the
hill overlooking the meadows, where an old well still marks the spot,—
the building itself having been pulled down about 1809. From the
description of the before-mentioned old people, living in 1859, we "recon-
structed" a picture of the old building which will afford the present
generation a pretty fair idea of its appearance.
The Old Fort, or Stoughton House, was composed of two portions,
one builded of stone and the other of wood. The stone part, which was
probably somewhat the oldest, stood parallel with the road, and its
walls were constructed of heavy, uncut stones, pierced with two small
diamond-paned windows, set in lead, and with numerous lurking port-
holes, which peeped suspiciously out from under the eaves of the high-
peaked roof. At the northern end, or gable, of the house, a gigantic
chimney was built into the wall. At the east, or back part of the house,
as we should now consider it, was the door, framed of heavy oaken tim-
1 Roads, which at first were barely passable, were located where they could be most
easily built. Streams which needed bridging, or swamps, were to be avoided at the ex-
pense of distances. The records of Windsor, under date of 1656, define the street or
road running north from the Palisado, as "four rods wide as far as any house lots are
laid out, viz., to the upper side of William Hayden's lot." The serpentine course of
that road is not because of swamps; but, as each of the first settlers north of the Pali-
sado built his house and barn near the brow of the meadow hill, the road was built to
accommodate the settlers, rather than the generations of travelers who were to come
after them.
142
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
bers, strongly studded and clinched with iron spikes; and bearing, if we
may credit tradition, sundry suggestive hacks and cuts of Indian toma- .
hawks.
Joined to, and at a right angle, with this stone building, with whose
front its gable end was parallel, stood the larger and more modern frame
dwelling in general appearance similar to the other part, except that
its windows and doors were more numerous; and in its huge chimney was
a stone on which were rudely sculptured the initials T M and the date
of its erection, 1669. These were the initials of THOMAS and MARY
(Wadsworth) STOUGHTON, his wife, whose descendants retain the prop-
erty unto this day.
S
Since our first edition was published we have received, through the .
kindness of Mrs. Waldo Hutchins, of New York city, a description of “the
Old Fort," written in 1802, when it was still standing, by Oliver Ells-
worth, Jr., son of the Chief Justice. He says, "This ancient building is
still inhabited and in a pretty good state of preservation, having been
covered probably several times. The old frame still remaining is very
large, strong work, and the old walls of the house, in many places now
remaining, were built only of mud and stones filled in between the joists
or timbers, and then on the outside covered over with boards. The
north front of the house is built of stone. On the chimney is marked
the time when the present stack was built, viz., "1669,” with the figure 3
upon the same chimney, denoting, it is said by people living in the
neighborhood, that this is the third stack of chimneys built since the
house was raised, the first stack said to have been very rough."
But if the exterior of the Old Fort was grim and quaint, its interior
seems to have left upon the minds of those who knew it a still stronger
impression of mysterious and romantic interest. They love to dwell
upon the pleasure which they experienced as children in roaming about
its rambling apartments; in climbing the ancient winding stairway,
which even in their day was "tottering to decay," thus endangering both
life and limb to obtain the happiness of a peep through the loop-holes in
the wall. They particularized especially the many queer nooks and dark
corners with which the place abounded, as well as divers grim and curi-
ous prints and articles of furniture which excited their childish wonder
and admiration. The old house also contained an ancient helmet and
piece of armor, undoubtedly used by some valiant Windsor soldier in the
Pequot wars; but these valuable relics, as they would be to us now,
were sold, ignobly sold, to a peddler, for-mention it not in antiquarian
ears old iron! Shade of valiant Thomas Stoughton, or possibly even
of Worshipful Major John Mason! this steel cap and breast-plate which
perhaps protected thy stalwart form in the "battle's heat and roar,'
sold, regardless of its inspiring associations, at one cent and a half a
OLD ELLSWORTH AND STILES HOUSES.
143
pound! A curious bow and sheaf of arrows, of gigantic proportions,
were also contained in the building, and afterwards passed into the Ells-
worth family, but are now lost.
Above Stoughton's were the places of ANTH. HOSKINS, WILLIAM
GAYLORD, GEORGE HULL, HUMPHREY PINNEY, JOSIAH HULL, JOHN ROCK-
WELL, JOHN HAWKES, ANTHONY HAWKINS, PETER TILTON, RICHARD OLD-
AGE, JOHN, FRANCIS, and THOMAS STILES, WILLIAM GAYLORD, Jr., which
brings us to the old Bissell's ferry-road.
The lands of the Stiles brothers and of Wm. Gaylord comprised what
afterwards passed into the hands of Lieut. Josiah Ellsworth, and is still
held in that family. Oliver Ellsworth, Jr., writing in 1802, speaks of a
fort, or fortified house, which stood "about a mile and a half North of
the Little River, and about a quarter of a mile West from Connecticut
River [on, or near the meadow bank] within a few rods of the house of
Oliver Ellsworth, Esq" (the Chief Justice, his father). This "Ells-
worth Fort," as he calls it, "appears to have been inhabited by Sgt.
Josiah Ellsworth, grandfather of Judge Ellsworth, who has been told by
an old man in Windsor, now about 90 years of age, that he remembered
his (i. e. Deacon Hayden's) mother' telling him that she had been down
to the old fort to sleep nights; for it is said that the inhabitants of the
town were in dread of Indians at times for many years after the settle-
ment of the place. The remains of the old Ellsworth house or fort are
still visible in the hollow of a cellar a few rods south of the house of
Judge Ellsworth."
Mr. Ellsworth also records that "at that time [i. e. the time referred
to by the tradition which he is recording in 1802] there was a house
which stood a little North of Judge Ellsworth's, inhabited by one STILES,
who lived an old bachelor, within the memory of my uncle David and
my father; this house, my uncle says, was used as a fort originally, as
appears probable from the following circumstance, viz.: that the sides of
the house were built of timbers put one by the side of the other com-
¹ Deacon Hayden's mother was Anna Holcomb, born at Poquonock, 1675 (time of
"King Philip's War"), was married to Sergt. Samuel Hayden, 1704. They lived at
Hayden Station, opposite the present residence of Samuel B. Hayden, nearly a mile
north of the "Fort" here designated. I have a story of this great-great-grandmother
of mine which I think may be of interest in this connection. When her first child (born
1706) was an infant, a man reputed to know too much about witchcraft came for
her husband to go to watch with a sick neighbor; she demurred because theirs was the
last house, and she was afraid of the Indians. The witch-man upbraided her for
objecting, and the husband went, and the dear old grandmother "raked up the fire,"
pushed the bed back against the wall, and went to bed with her baby between herself
and the wall. Waking in the night, the baby was gone. Raking open the fire" and
lighting her candle, she found little Anna lying under the bed fast asleep, close to the
wall where she had fallen; and the bed was so close to the wall that the mother could
not get her hand between them.
J. H. HAYDEN,
144
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
pactly, then covered over the timbers quite thick. However my father
[the Chief Justice] thinks this was only the mode of building at that
time.” 1
The Stiles referred to was undoubtedly THOMAS (son of Henry, son
of Sgt. Henry, son of John the emigrant, born 1690, and who died aged
about 70), thus spoken of by Miss Lucretia Stiles (who d. 1879, æ. 92).
“There was a man by the name of Thomas Stiles, that my grandmother
used to call 'Uncle' when she spoke of him. He had a farm and a
lonely house on Rocky Hill. I do not know that he ever had a family,
but I know that in the after part of his life he lived almost alone there.
His house was standing when I was a child, and I used to visit it often.
It was a ruin then." Mr. Oliver Ellsworth, Jr.'s, manuscript further
says, "All, or about all of these lots in our neighborhood belonged orig-
inally to the Stiles', even our own lot."
Above the old Bissell's ferry-road dwelt JOHN BISSELL, Sr., John
DRAKE, Mr. JOHN ST. NICHOLAS's lot, THOMAS GILBERT, and WILLIAM
HAYDEN, the then "outpost" of the Windsor settlement to the north.
Above him and beyond the crossing by Gunn's Brook, the road divides
into two, one "running northwesterly to Norwoct," Northampton; the
other through the upland "to Pine Meadow," present Windsor Locks."
2
West of the main road, and extending from Hayden's home-lot to
John Stiles's place on the south, was an eminence (less than 100 feet at
its highest point) known then and now as Rocky Hill, which was,.
according to the old records, a common land of about 54 acres, at the
upper end of which was "William Hayden's stone-pit," or quarry, from
which Rev. Mr. Huit's and most of the early Windsor gravestones were
quarried; and on the west side of this hill, near where the road crossed
it, was another stone quarry, called from its first owner, Thrall's
Quarry. Feb. 16, 1651/2, "it was granted by the Town that William
Thrall shall have liberty to dig for a Quarry of stone in the Common
hill, and shall have it to his own property for seven years, and no
man shall molest him by digging within a rod of his pit, his limits
are within 3 rods square." (Town Acts, i. 8.)
1 ¹ In the inventory of Henry Stiles, who died a bachelor in 1651, his house is called a
"cellar." It was on the lot here designated. Most of the first houses were of this
order. "It was the mode of building at that time." They were built in the brow of
the meadow hill, the ground at the sides reaching to the eaves, the front end composed
of hewn timber set in the ground, as here described. It is not improbable that Henry
Stiles' cellar may have been occupied about 1704 by the neighbor, to whose house
Dea. Hayden's mother went for company and greater safety, some night when it was
known that hostile Indians were prowling about. Possibly it was a place of general
resort for the neighborhood.
J. H. HAYDEN.
2 The road from Hayden's northwesterly to N. was not the road to Springfield
before N. was settled (1654). It ran through "Mr. Stoughton lot," proving that it was
not open in 1640. Probably it was at first a trespass road to the Common to get pipè-
**
Pine Meadow

Northampton.
口
​Samuel 1708,
Gunns Brook.
Gunn
Stone Pr
Wm. Hayden
-
Highway 1812–14.
New River.
Wm. Hayden
Villiam 1708.
Watson
Old House 1740-50
口​*
Daniel !
Hayden.
Wm. Hayden.
Ebenezer 1708.
Gibert.
Nicholas.
St Nicholas.
Drake.
Bissell.
RAIL
ROAD
1844.
Draw
Bancroft.
Stiles.
Rocky Hill
Sequester Meadow.
Bissell.
Bancroft 1658.
FERRY
CONNECTICUT
RIVER.
Worm Map of Haydens
WINDSOR Gonn. 1645.
by Jabez H. Hayden. Sept. 2nd 1885.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
EXPLANATORY KEY TO THE MAP OF “HAYDEN'S.”
(This map was prepared for and used in The Hayden Genealogy; and its author,
Jabez H. Hayden, has reluctantly consented to my using it in this History, in defer-
ence to my earnestly expressed opinion that it possessed interest to a much wider circle
of readers than those of the work named.-H. R. S.)
a
The five black balls mark the sites of houses in 1645, viz.: ST. JOHN NICHOLAS,
person of note," sent over funds, had lands taken up in his name, and this house built,
but never came to occupy it. It was sold soon after by his attorneys to JOHN DRAKE;
was evidently a temporary structure, and is not heard of again. THOMAS GILBERT also
sold to Drake, and thenceforth (probably before 1650) BISSELL, DRAKE, and HAYDEŃ
owned all of Sequestered Meadow, and (with exception of Bancroft) appear to have
been the only families in the neighborhood during the first two generations.
The three hollow squares mark the homes of three of the grandsons of William
Hayden; and about the date of their erection, the fourth. grandson occupied the origi-
nal homestead; and there were no other families between or beyond them during that
generation.
Commencing at the upper left hand corner of the map:
The first star designates the site of the late Levi G. Hayden's house. . Beyond
this, westward until recently—there were but three houses; thence the road runs
across The Plains, 5 miles to Suffield.
The second star: House built 1737 by Samuel Hayden; once a famous tavern;
the white oak which overshadows it was doubtless of respectable age when the forest
was cut away around the (then) new house. Its present owner, Lucinda H. (daughter
of Levi) Hayden, celebrated here her 90th birthday, 26th September, 1891. When she
was 2 years old she saw her great-grandfather, Deacon Nath'l Hayden, æ. 94; and he,
when 4 years old, saw his grandfather Daniel, born 1640, who saw the beginnings of
the settlement!
The third star: Site of the once famous Pickett's Tavern, now tenantless.
The fourth star: House built about 1770, by John Hayden; now a tenant-house.
The fifth star, near the angle of the road: A brick house built by Capt. Nath'l
Hayden before the Revolution; now occupied by his grandson, Samuel B. Hayden.
The sixth (double) star, Haydens' Chapel, owned by the First Congregational
Church of Windsor, erected by the residents of this locality.
The next two stars, on the hill, west, and two stars on east side of the road, mark
houses built by parties who located here because of the railroad facilities between Hay-
dens' and Hartford.
The next two stars, on the hill, on west side of road, belong to the family of the
late Moses Allen, and are of older date.
Below them a circle marks the Stone-pit, or Hayden quarry, from which was
taken the gravestone of Rev. Ephraim Huit, 1644 — probably the first gravestone put
up in New England, any bearing earlier dates having been more recently erected.
The three stars opposite mark the present railroad station.
The next star designates a house on the site (designated by a square) of house oc-
cupied, 1708, by one of the grandsons of William Hayden; this was built by Bildad
Phelps, 1780, and now owned by Henry Osborn.
The star further east of Osborn's marks a house built about 1830 by James Drake,
which has had frequent changes of occupants; and
The star at extreme upper right hand corner of the map, on the same road, marks
a house built about 1840 by the late Nath'l L. Hayden, and still occupied by his
family.
Just at the junction of the two roads, a small black spot shows the site of the
William Hayden Memorial Boulder." (Engraving, p. 532.)
The large black ball, on east side of road, below the junction of the roads, marks
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR,
the site of the original William Hayden house; occupied after 1664 by his son Daniel;
from about 1703 by his grandson Daniel; from about 1736 by his great-grandson Isaac;
and from about 1786 by his great-great-grandson Ezra, from whose descendants it
passed, about 1840, to its present owners, George P. Hayden and son. It is now oc-
cupied by a tenant.
Opposite the old house, and on the west side of the road, is a house built by Al-
pheus Munsell, about 1783; now occupied by his grandson, A. A. Munsell.
Next south of the old house, on same side of road, a modern house, owned and oc-
cupied by James L. Hayden.
Next below, same side of road, owned and occupied by George P. Hayden since
1841. This was formerly the home of Capt. Ebenezer Fitch Bissell who was captured.
at the battle of Long Island, August, 1776, and barely survived his sufferings from
starvation while a prisoner in the hands of the British. Later on and down to about
1830, his son Ebenezer Fitch Bissell kept the well-known Bissell Stage Tavern here.
The house opposite to G. P. Hayden's, on the St. Nicholas lot, was burned after
this map was made, and rebuilt further north; also one south of George P. Hayden's;.
both small, and occupied by tenants.
The house on the Drake lot, west of the road, built about 1773 by Isaac Hayden,
and occupied now by his grandson, I. L. Hayden.
The house on the Drake lot, east of the road, occupied by the heirs of the late
Hiram Bissell.
The house on the Bissell lot, built by Esq. Josiah Bissell, grandfather of the
late Col. Geo. P. Bissell of Hartford; has been occupied by the Hills family about
80 years, the Hills Brothers being its present occupants.
The house on the Bancroft lot is a tenant house of the Hills Brothers.
Opposite the Ferry Road (with the index finger pointing to it) is the site of the
Model Schoolhouse, the first one built on this plan, under the supervision of Hon. Henry
Barnard, then secretary of the State Board of Commissioners for Connecticut Common
Schools, and has since been widely copied (with variations) throughout this and other
States, and to some extent in Europe. He delivered here a historical address on the
fiftieth anniversary of its erection, October 9, 1891.
Sequester Meadow had been under cultivation by the Indians who were now all dead.
of small pox (or had joined other communities). It contained about 75 acres and was.
all the "land fit for immediate cultivation" in this vicinity.
Rocky Hill containing 54 acres, remained in "commons more than a hundred years.
after the land around it had been divided in severalty. Stone in this hill were free to
any inhabitant for cellar walls, chimneys, wells, etc. When Rocky Hill was divided, a
lot at the extreme south end was set to the Ellsworth family, who did not put it under
cultivation, and only cut out the dead wood and from time to time a stick of timber as
they had use for it; so that this lot remained much the same primeval forest as that
which covered all the land (except the meadows) when the whites first settled here.
In 1887, that branch of the Ellsworth family which last owned it being dead, the lot was
sold, a steam saw-mill set up on it, and it was soon shorn of its glory. The annual
rings were counted on white oak logs, which showed them to be more than 200 years.
old.
The Ferry road led to Bissell's Ferry, which was early established for the accommo-.
dation of the three towns" in their journeys to and fro between Connecticut and the
Bay, and also Springfield.
New River is an artificial channel leading the brooks directly to the river instead of
following under the meadow hill nearly a mile before their waters enter the river.
The road to Pine Meadow was opened very early by the owners of that meadow,
extending from "the upper side of William Haydens' lot," and was very crooked to
avoid swamps.
The road to Northampton was opened after the settlement of that place (1654). It
leaves the river to avoid the necessity of bridges, and in its first five miles crosses a level
plain, not yet settled.
ROCKY-HILL, POUND CLOSE, ETC.
145
Rocky Hill," says Mr. Jabez H. Hayden, in a letter to the author,
dated March, 1885, "was common land down to 1752, or later. The
south end of it (against which Wm. Gaylord, Jr., Francis and John Stiles,
and two or three lots south of them, butted) and which was owned by
the Ellsworths, is now (1885) being cut off for the first time. Trees
have been cut out while it lay in common, and since, and the dead wood
carried away; but it has always been original forest. I have counted
fully 200 annular rings (one man says 230) on several oak logs. How
is that for progress?- an original forest within forty rods of Francis
Stiles' house, after a lapse of 250 years?"
Retracing our steps to just above the Palisado, we find that on the
same side of the road, also bounded north by a highway going westward
between Stephen Terry's and Jeffrey Baker's home-lots (same as now
passes between Joel Thrall's and W. A. House's residences), east by the
common street, south by the north line of the Palisado, and east by a
back street running parallel with the main street, was a parallelogram
of land, which seems to have been called Pound Close, and at its north
end the home-lot of JEFFREY BAKER. Mr. Henry Clarke seems, at a
later date, to have purchased the whole of this "close."
Along the highway bounding the west side of Pound Close were the
residences of ELIAS PARKMAN, BEGAT EGGLESTON, JOHN TAYLOR, WIL-
LIAM HUBBARD, GILES GIBBS; and back of their lots was Brick Hill
Swamp.
Continuing south we come to the road which turned westward out
of the Palisado, by the present Pierson residence, south of which and
between which and the brow of the rivulet hill were home lots of JOHN
WILLIAMS, HENRY FOUKES, OWEN, and HOYT. North of this road was
Jeffrey Baker Hollow. Hosford's Lane, in this vicinity, was a highway
on the east side of John Owen's home lot, extending from the road by
the present Pierson place, south to Wm. Hosford's house which stood on
the brow of the meadow hill in rear of Owen's lot.
·
staves (to be sent to the West Indies for rum and molasses), but may have been the
trail used from the first to go to Waranoke (Westfield), Mass. Mr. Pyncheon settled
Springfield the year after the settlement of Windsor. His supplies brought around
from Boston by water could not ascend the river above Windsor Locks, but landing on
the east side he proceeded thence by land carriage. At this point, which continued to be
his landing-place, he built his warehouse, which gave it the name of Warehouse Point.
Bissell's Ferry, below Hayden's, was established chiefly to accommodate those making
the journey between Connecticut and the Bay (Boston and vicinity), and it only required
a road three miles from the ferry, along the east side of the river, to connect with
Pyncheon's road to Springfield. Later on, the road to Northampton became the great
thoroughfare to Springfield and Boston, as well as North and West.
J. H. H.
VOL. I.-19
146
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
South of the Rivulet.
From the Rivulet ferry the old road passed west, through the “Lit-
tle Meadow" (Mr. Warham's on the north and Messrs. Benj. Newberry
and Robert Howard's on the south), till it came to a meadow gate, on
about the site of the Widow Alvah Rowland's residence, from which
point it turned south to the south corner of Dr. Bray Rossiter's home-
lot, and then turned abruptly west-being, in fact, as will be seen, the
original of the present road running from the causeway in front of the
Rowland house, and up past the factory to Broad Street. On this road,
and nearly in a line, stood the homes of Rev. Mr. WARHAM, Mr. Jos.
NEWBERRY, JOHN DORCHESTER, WILLIAM PHELPS, and Dr. BRAY Ros-
SITER, and which undoubtedly were the houses which were "drowned
very deep" in the Great Flood of 1638-9. Back of them, on the emi-
nence between the Rowland place and the present railroad track, was a
small palisado, mentioned in Mr. Joseph Newberry's deed to Rev.
Warham, and which was undoubtedly erected as a ready refuge for the
inhabitants on the south side of the Rivulet in times of Indian alarms.
Continuing on the Island Road from Mr. Rossiter's, we come to the
lots (as they stand on the record, 1640) of RICHARD VORE, ROGER WIL-
LIAMS, THOMAS MARSHFIELD, JOHN HURD, Mr. JOHN BRANKER, THOMAS
and his son Dea. JOHN MOORE, and Elder JOHN WITCHFIELD.
These lots extended from the Rivulet to the east side of the
present Broad Street. After the flood of 1638–9 the houses on some, or
all, of these lots, which at first were built on the Island Road, were
rebuilt on the high ground west of the Railroad, and access to them was
from Broad Street after that was opened.
The next houses below Mr. WITCHFIELD'S were those of JAMES
MARSHALL, SAMUEL ALLEN, and ROGER LUDLOW. Here the road made a
bend to the west to avoid the swampy ground where the present cause-
way is, crossing "the two brooks," thence easterly to the present Island
Road.
A road runs southerly through the length of The Island (so called
because in floods and high waters it is generally more or less cut off
from the surrounding country by water), on the east side of which dwelt
some of Windsor's aristocracy, viz.: Dea. LOOMIS and his sons; Dea. Wм.
PORTER, Mr. HENRY WOLCOTT, Sr., Mr. HENRY WOLCOTT, Jr., Mr. GEORGE
PHELPS, GOODMAN WHITEHEAD, Mr. MATTHEW ALLYN, successor of the
Plymouth people, JOHN WYATT, AMBROSE FOWLER. Just north of Mr.
Whitehead's a road turned westward to the wood lots, and north of this
road, bounded east by the meadow road and west by the "upland road'
1
""
¹ Henry Wolcott's short-hand MSS. records that on Oct. 11, 1640, while Mr. Huit
was preaching to the people of Windsor from Romans xii. 17, "at this lecture, Geo.
Phelps' house was burnt so that it [the house] went over."
BROAD STREET, THE OLD MILL, ETC.
147
to Hartford, and extending up to Mr. Samuel Allen's land, was a large
tract owned by Mr. ROGER LUDLOW.
This upland road to Hartford, was constructed in April, 1638, by
order of the General Court. Commencing at Goodman John Witch-
field's corner it passed westward and southwest (around the corner now
occupied by Mr. Thaddeus Mather, at the lower end of Broad Street)
and to Hartford in the line of the present road.'
Bowfield was the ancient name applied to the country west of the
present Broad Street, which is of comparatively modern origin and was
laid out along the back ends of the lots of the first settlers. As to the
beginnings of this Broad Street, we find that when Mr. Warham and his
wife Abigail (April 1, 1664) made over the dwelling-house and land of
Mr. John Branker, deceased (Mrs. Warham's first husband), it "bounded
east by the highway on the bank against the Little Meadow, on westerly
against or by the highway, as it is appointed to range," proving that, at
that date, the highway on the east had not been changed to its present
place; and one would infer that what is now Broad Street was then only
66
appointed," or set out and not in use. Broad Street was at first but
six rods wide where the present traveled road is, and was probably
widened by the owners on the east side, when the highway on the up-
land against Little Meadow (on which they built) was removed to its
present location, that they might bring the street nearer their houses.
When they rebuilt, they of course placed their houses behind their barns
and facing the new Broad Street.
Coming, then, to the road leading westward "to the Commons," we
find that at about the northwest corner of the present Broad Street, it
sent off a branch road to the Old Mill. Northeast of this road, which is
still in use, and between it and the Mill Brook, laid the land of JASPER
RAWLINS. Southwest of the Mill road, running south to the "road to
the Commons,” were the lots of Mr. DANIEL CLARKE, JOB DRAKE and
JOHN DRAKE, Sgt. BENEDICTUS ALVORD, RICHARD BIRGE, and ARTHUR
WILLIAMS.
Following this Mill Road we come upon "the old mill," sometimes
called the "old Warham Mill," because of its first owner, Rev. Mr. War-
ham, who had it probably by gift from the town, and calls it, in a deed
of gift to his wife (1664), his "corn mill." It was in existence as early
as 1640, as per the following record: "Mr. John Warham has by Gift of
ye Town one acre of land more or less Lying by his Mill, as it bounds
north beginning at ye fall of ye water out of ye Trough upon ye Wheel &
So goes downward by ye Running of ye Mill water till it comes to ye
water in ye Brook and there then it bounds easterly by ye land of Job
Drake along in ye loo bottom, and riseth ye side of ye bank, going to a
¹ Col. Rec., i. 17, 51, 56, 125. Also second chapter of this work.
148
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
tree near yº way where Job goeth down into his swamp, and there turns
from that tree straight six rods to the highway, and then bounds by ye
way to ye mill afore exprest.". Tradition claims that it was the first grist
mill in Connecticut, and was resorted to by the people of all the neighbor-
ing towns, even from Middletown. Be this as it may, it is evidently one
of the oldest of Windsor institutions; affording us, as Stoughton happily
remarks, "the pleasing incident of Mr. Warham's thorough identification,
not only with the church which prospered so signally during his min-
istry, in spite of dissenting elements in its midst, but also with its only
material counterpart. From the one he preached the unquestioned law
of God and broke to his little flock the bread of Eternal Life. From
the other he practiced for their example the 'measure that should be
mete,' 'pressed down and well shaken together,' and dispensed the
wholesome elements of that daily bread by which his people were wont
to symbolize their faith in spiritual things." It seems to have had sev-
eral proprietors at one time, and has always been considered, even to the
present day, as good stock.
1
From the mill, the road turns northward, following the general
course of the Rivulet or Farmington River. On its east side and run-
ning back to the Rivulet we find the lots of SAMUEL POND, WILLIAM
BUELL, JOHN HILLIER, NICH. PALMER, WILLIAM THRALL, THOMAS BAS-
COMB, Wid. MARY COLLINS, RICHARD WELLER, JOHN TILLEY, THOS. Orton.
Out of this road turns a way to the east and runs down to Mr.
WILLIAM PHELPS' who lived on the brow of the hill overlooking "Mr.
Phelps meadow" (the cellar hole of his house still remains) on this
road were WILLIAM PHELPS, Jr., and THOMAS ORTON.
Directly north of this, and on the easterly side of the Rivulet which
divided them, was SIMON HOYTE's meadow, and following up the Poquon-
noc road we come, opposite Indian Neck on the Rivulet, to EDWARD,
GEORGE, and FRANCIS GRISWOLD, THOMAS HOLCOMB, and JOHN BARTLETT,
the pioneer settlers (as early as 1649) of the Poquonnoc village.
Upon an ancient road which running about south westerly from the
Rivulet (near where the present road from Palisado Green comes in) in-
tersected the Poquonnoc road above the Old Mill, were the residences, on
the north, of HUMPHREY HYDE, THOMAS BARBER, and ALEX. ALVORD; on
the south side, those of JONATHAN and NATHAN GILLETT. To the west
of these and the Old Mill district generally, were the lots belonging to
the children of THOMAS NEWBERRY and to Mr. WARHAM.
1 Windsor Farmes, 1694-1750. By John A. Stoughton, p. 16.
Mol

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-THE HOUSE Lots extenproĉyq thR FOOD OF THE MEADOW HILL
THE ALLOTMENTS' OF MEADOW LANG GENERALLY' OF THE CAME WIDTH
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THIS
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•Ressur
MAP OF
WINDSOR
*1633~1650 -
By permission of the Publishers of Hartford County Memorial History.
FIRST SETTLERS AND THEIR HOME-LOTS.
149
DISTRIBUTION OF HOME-LOTS OF THE FIRST SETTLERS OF ANCIENT
WINDSOR.
We here present a list of early Windsor settlers and the location of
their home-lots, by Mr. JABEZ H. HAYDEN, comprising his full notes of
the article upon this subject, which he prepared for the Hartford County
Memorial History (1883), and containing a large amount of detail
necessarily omitted in that work. It contains the matured results of
his thirty years' investigation of the subject, since the publication of our
original history; and forms a reliable list of all those persons who can
be traced to Windsor before 1650. Most of these names appear upon
the Windsor Land Records, in Matthew Grant's Old Church Record,
Colonial Records, etc., etc. Removals are taken from land records,
town histories, and a hundred incidental sources of information. The
History of Dorchester is voucher for those "who came up hence," and
who are designated in the following list by the letter D. The dates
given do not absolutely mark the coming of the families to Wind-
sor, but give the time of their first appearing upon the records. Doubt-
less some who were among the very first settlers bear date later than
1640, through their neglect to "bring in " a description of their lands to
the recorder at that time. The map shows the position of each person's
home-lot; the list gives its breadth, whether set off by original grant or
by purchase, its transfer to successive owners, etc. All genealogical
details have been referred to the genealogies in another part of the work,
which should be carefully studied in connection with this list.
(The grants made to these settlers of lands on the East side of the Great River, and
at Pine Meadow, will be noted in another portion of this volume.)
ALEXANDER, George, in 1644, bo't Jasper Rawlins' place, S. E. fm the Old Mill: res.
there until 1655; then sold to William Filley; and name disappears from records.
ALFORD (Alvord), Alexander, 1645, bo't lot, W. of Thos. Barber; length 66 r.,
18 r.
wide; sold, 1654, to Josiah Ellsworth, who sold to Cornelius Gillett, 1658
(known, 1859, as the Oliver S. Gillett pl.). Jonathan G. (formerly Warham)
had a lot W. of Alvord on the W. side where A. was 52 r, S. S. W. by the Mill
Brook. "Alexander Alford hath granted by virtue of purchase his home Lott
six acres, more or Less, ye bredth is Eighteen rods, bound West and norwest
by John Warham & there is in length fifty Two rod, bounds E.S.E. by Thomas
Barber, and is there in length Sixty-six rods on N.N.E. bdd by John Helier."
"Also, six acres of Swamp on the Mill Brook in length by ye bank (threscore):
] rods, in bredth at the S- Twelve rods in ye midst twenty rod, bds
S. by John Drake."
୮
"Also, by Gift from his Father Richard Voar, in the woods forty-two acres, in
length six scoore rod, in bredth fifty-seven rod - bd S. by Jonathan Gillet, N.
by Thomas Bascomb." [No date.]
150
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
May 27, 1645, he sold to Humphrey Hide, of W. 4 acres, 16 rod wide, bd. E.
by Nathan Gillet, N. by a highway, S. by the Mill Brook.
(Sgt.) Benedictus, 1637, lot gr. extend. 10 r. in width, from Bloomfield Ave. to a
road which ran from the Mill-road (about the site of the Goff house) W. a few
r. S. of the Mill-pond. His ho. stood on S. side of this last road, 10 or 15 r.
W. of Mill-road.
ALLYN, Mr. Matthew, 1638, from Hartford, had a lot N. of Wyatt's and S. of that
of Henry Wolcott, Jr.
He bo't, 1638, all the lands reserved by the Plymouth Co. (p. 41) including
an acre upon the hill to build upon." There is more than an acre betw.
Wyatt and Wolcott, but it is about certain that his ho. stood on the site of an
old one pulled down by Henry Halsey, 1830. It stood near the middle of the
lot next S. of the tobacco barn and dwelling attached, now standing (1889).
Both Wyatt's and Fowler's lots were afterwards added to this. A tradi-
tion still exists that the frame of the old ho. was bro't from Eng. as also
the doorstep. The trad. prob. refers to the Plymouth House which Mr.
A. bo't, the material of which was bro't from Plymouth, Mass., by Capt.
Holmes, 1633; and it is not improbable that the material of the Plymouth
House was brought from Eng. as there was no saw-mill in P. at that time, and
that Mr. A. rem. it from the meadow to the hill and used it in the construction
of his first ho. Whether any part of it formed a part of the ho. pulled down
by Mr. Halsey is now too late to determine positively. No trace of the Plym.
Ho. site can now be found. Mr. Allen had not removed to Windsor, 1640, but
was "of W." 1644.
Thomas (son of Mr. Matthew), who m. Abigail (d. Rev. John) Warham, bo't the
Brancker pl. on Broad St. (betw. H. S. Hayden and Mr. Clark's present pl.)
where he res. until his father's dth, when he occup. his father's homestead and
other lands, including the “434 acres in Plym. Meadow and the 360 acres
allowed by the Town for the Plym. right in the upland." After his dth. his son
Hon. Col. Matthew took the homestead.
ALLEN, SAMUEL (supposed bro. of Mr. Matthew), 1640, lot gr. 13 r. wide. Doubtless
his ho. stood on the Island road, next N. of Roger Ludlow's ho. and S. of
James Marshall's lot wh. bd. N. by road running E. from Grace Church, and
Allen's and Marshall's lots, breadth 11 r. each, ran to the W. to about the W.
line of the present Broad St. Prob. all the houses betw. his and Mr. Warham's
should have been represented on the map as standing where the present highway
is, with the highway running W. of them. Allen's ho. was drowned very
deep" Mch. 18, 1638-9. He d. 1648; his wid. m. Wm. Hurlburt and rem. to
Northampton, taking the Allen ch. with her.
BAKER, JEFFRY, 1642, had a lot on Main St. S. of Sandy Hill road, which lot had
been ret. to the town by Thos. Ford and gr. to Baker. On this lot of 3 acres
(94 by 53 r.) he built a ho. and sold to Michael Humphrey: ho: stood near W.
end, opp. where the road turns N. He, also, bo't of Thos. Ford a lot, without
a ho., on E. side of the st. on wh. he built. He d. 1655: wid. m. Ingra-
ham, and 1672, sold homestead (16 rods breadth), the orig. lot, E. of st. of
Thos. Ford's. His son Samuel had his father's lot on E. side of river; res. there
1672. (See Humphrey.)
FIRST SETTLERS AND THEIR HOME-LOTS.
151
BRANCKER, Mr. JOHN, the schoolmaster (D), in 1640, lot gr. 12 r. wide; d. 1662; wid.
m. Rev. Mr. Warham; they sold his homestead to Thos. (s. Mr. Matt.) Allyn,
on his marriage to Mr. W's dau., and the pl. descended to “Esq.” (Henry)
Allyn, who d. there 1804. This lot included the unoccupied lot N. of H. S.
Hayden, the "old Squire Allyn lot," breadth 12 rods.
BANCRAFT (Bancroft), John, res. 1647, in Francis Stiles' ho: d. 1662; he bo❜t, 1658,
lot N. of Ferry Road, now the S. part of the Messrs. Hills pl., and built thereon.
His son Ephraim had the homestead, which he sold to Nath. Bissell.
BARBER, Thomas (of Saltonstall party, 1635), lot gr. W. of Humphrey Hydes and 10
r. W. of Mill road (8 acres, 22 r. wide) bd S. on Mill-brook, ext. N. across pres-
ent Pleasant St., which was orig. opened 2 rods wide to accommodate Barber
and Alford, and a way for Mr. Warham to go to his lot, which lay W. of
Alvord's. It ended a little W. of present Poquonnoc road. His ho. prob.
stood on the S. side of the road, now Pleasant St.
Of his sons, John rec'd his father's pl., then but 103 r. wide, in 1664, and sold,
1671, to his bro. Samuel, and rem. to Springfield, and thence to Suffield.
Thomas' lot, "whereon he builded," was lot formerly of Samuel Pond, except
about 14 acres, next to Silver St.', on wh. P's ho. stood.
less faced Hollow Fall road; he rem. 1671, to Simsbury.
his bro. John the homestead where he prob. res.
Barber's ho. doubt-
Samuel, 1671, bo't of
BARTLETT, John, 1641: was res. 1649, in Poquonnoc; his lot and ho. were N. of
Thos. Holcombe's (see p. 80); he sold to Samuel (s. Mr. Wm.) Phelps, abt.
1651, and rem. to cor. of Mill-road and Bloomfield Ave., where he had 2 acres,
with a ho. in 1654. He prob. built the ho., tho' the lot had been owned by
“several persons before.” In 1669 he sold to John Case and rem. to Simsbury.
In 1654 he contracted with the town to keep the Rivulet ferry, and at renewal
of lease, 1658, the town promised "to provide some stone and timber to build
him a cellar at the ferry house."
BASCOMB, Thomas, 1640 (D.), lot gr. which commenced 23 r. S. of (present ditch to
river) the Ellison-Orton pl. and was 13 r. wide. This, with dwellings, he sold,
1656, to John Moses, and rem. to Northampton. He was a brick and stone
mason.
BASSETT, Thomas (of Saltonstall party, 1635), lot gr. in Palisado, 8 r. wide, lying W.
of Mr. Hill's lot, upon which he prob. never built, but sold it to Mr. H. 1640;
rem. early (to Fairfield?); no family recorded.
BENNETT, John, first date here 1648. He was before the Court to answer to various
misdemeanors, one of which was "for saying that he had enticed and drawn
away the affections of his [John Drake's] daughter. He seems to have led a
vagabond life, tho' previous to 1652, for a little time, he owned and sold the
ho. built by Peter Tilton: disappears after 1652: no family recorded.
¹ Mr. Roger Phelps, of Windsor, used to tell that Silver St. was so named because
the people passing along that street in the early morning stopped to pick up silver six-
pences, and found that they were only shad scales, dropped by their poorer neighbors
while carrying home shad in the night, to avoid being seen by friends who fared more
sumptuously. J. H. Hayden.
152
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
BIRGE, Richard, 1640, lot gr. 15 r. wide, ext. to Bloomfield Ave; d. 1651; wid. m.
Thos. Hoskins. B's ho. was on road running E. and W. south of Mill-pond.
John Drake's stood nearest the Mill-road, Benedict Alvord's next, then Birge's,
beyond whom there were then no houses. His son Daniel inher. the home-
stead; and son John, by will, had his gdfthr Gaylord's (late the Roswell Miller
pl.); the ho. after dth of “Old Molly Birge,” abt. 1800, was pulled down and
present Miller ho. built near its site.
BISSELL, John, ferryman, 1640, lot gr. 22 r. wide; bo't 25 r. add: his ho. stood on the
lot S. of present garden of Henry and Stephen Hills. It is uncertain whether his
first ho. was on the road (as his next neighbor Drake's must have been) or on
the brow of the hill further E. In 1642, the Mass. surveyors Woodward and
Saffrey, ran the line betw. the Colonies at John Bissell's ho., the remains of
wh. were to be seen 1751.
Of his sons, John had the homestead and bo't, 1655, the ho. and land (114 acres) of
Thos. Gilbert, formerly the home lot of Josiah Hull, W. of the highway, opp.
Hull's ho. Samuel, res. S. E. cor. Bowfield; bo't, 1661, lot W. side of Broad St.
(9 by 34 r.) where E. S. Clapp res. (1889) on wh. he built and res. His father gave
him 106 acres of the Whiting lot, all except the E. side which was previously sold
to Job Drake. Nathaniel rec'd from his father, 1662, "in part of his portion of
his marriage," a part of his land and ho. "at (S. of) Scantuck," on E. side Conn.
River with provision for the remainder at father's death. John, Sr., had pre-
viously made over his orig. homestead to John, Jr., and doubtless res. with his
son Nath❜l. John Sr. had kept the ferry, prob. from 1641 to 1658, "at his old
house"; then John Jr. had it 10 yrs; after that it was under charge of the
town authorities, (probably worked by the Bissells) till 1677, when the Gen.
Ct. leased it to Nath'. Bissell. The location of ferry was prob. changed betw.
1663 (when John, Jr. petitioned to be released) and 1677, to the mouth of the
Scantic, near its present location; the previous landing place on the East side of
river having been N. of the Scantic, and the road from it to the (East Windsor)
street abt a mile N. of Scantic bridge. Nathaniel, doubtless res. on the river
bank, below the Scantic, (still occup. by dwellings,) from the time of his mar-
riage. This ho, was garrisoned at the time of King Philip's War. John Bis-
sell, Sen', evidently died here, having made provision for his second wife, stipu-
lating that Nathaniel should give "his now present mother-in-law, if she is
willing and choose to have the use the parlor for her abode," it should be granted.
BROOKS, John, 1650, contracted with the Town to keep the Rivulet ferry, the Town
agreeing to make him a cellar (dwelling) 10 by 15 ft, "fit to live in "; after his
mar. abt. 1655, be bo't the N. part of the Hubbard lot on Backer Row, built
and was res. thereon 1668; rem. to Simsbury, 1682.
BROWTON, John, 1650, m. that yr: bo't Simon Mills' ho. and lot next S. of Wm.
Phelps, Jr., wh. he sold Feb. 5, 1653, to Sam. Marshall, and disappears from
record. The S. part of this lot, formerly owned by Wm Filly, 11 r. passed by
exch, to James Eno.
BUCKLAND, Thomas, 1637, lot gr. commencing 44 r. S. of present Ferry road and 29
r. N. of Sandy Hill road, 94 r. wide: add. by purchase, Geo. Hull's lot on S.
lying E. of highway, 14 r. wide: d. 1662.
Of his sons, Timothy, bo't, 1661, ho. and land of Rich. Saxton on the Wm Rockwell
lot W. of highway, wh. he sold, 1677, to John Denslow, Jr., with ho. Nich-
olas had his gdfthr Nich. Denslow's pl. Thomas, settled on East side the
Great River.
FIRST SETTLERS AND THEIR HOME-LOTS.
153
BUELL, William, Welchman and carpenter, m. 1640: lot gr. 5 acres, 144 r. wide, on
Silver St. betw. Sarah Pond and John Hillier, S. W. cor. lot, 284 r. N. of Hol-
low Fall, bd. W. by highway.
Of his sons, Samuel res. lot S. of his father, bo't of Rich. Saxton, cor. Silver St. and
Hollow Fall, wh. he sold 1667 to his bro.-in-law Timo. Palmer and rem. to Ho-
monoscett (Killingworth). Samuel Buel and Tim Thrall contracted with Mr.
Pynchon of Springfield, 1659 to "Hew the timber for the Old Fort." Peter
had the homestead.
CARTER, JOSHUA (D.), lot gr. abt 10 r. wide. The present road to Bissell's Ferry is on
the S. side of this lot, at the street, and crosses it in its course down the meadow
hill. C. d. 1647. Arthur Williams m. his dau. and occup. the homestead, and
sold to Thos. Ford the lot E. side of st. Mch 17, 1657-8: and rem. to Deer-
field: F. sold, 5 Oct. 1662, to John Strong, Jr. who res. there 1670. Of Carter's
3 child. b. here, 2 perished in the burning of the ho. 1653. Joshua, Jr, when of
age, recd his portion in the lot W. of the st., 84 acres, 10 r. wide and other lots,
wh. he sold and he rem.
CLARKE, Mr. DANIEL (Hon. Sec'y of the Colony, 1658-60 and 1664–65) m. 1644, bot a
triangular lot, abt 36 rods on W. side of the Mill-road, ext. from abt 15 r. N. of
Bloomfield Ave, having on his S. line John Bartlett, on his W. Job Drake. His
son Nathaniel had the homestead.
Dea. HENRY, 1640, lot gr. but not recorded, 7½ rods wide. betw. Capt. Mason's on
· S. and Mr. Huit's on N., both of wh. lots he subseq. added by purchase (Mason's
in 1653, Huit's, 1654): first res. appears to have been on present Cong. parson-
age lot, N. E. cor. Palisado, wh. he bo't of Nich. Denslow-date not known
wh. he sold, 1655, to Sam. Marshall, and he to the Town. After his pur-
chase of the Huit lot, he res. there until his rem. to Hadley, and gave it, by
will, to his niece Elizabeth Fox, wife of Edward Chapman; died Dec. 23, 1675.
JOSEPH, 1637 (D.), lot gr. commencing 13 r. S. Ferry road and 14 r. wide: he d.
1641, by will, made the Church of W. overseers, if necessary to sell the lot
above Mr. Stiles' meadow: this lot was afterward sold by Wm Gaylord, Sr. and
Henry Clark, deacons of the W. ch. (Land Rec. Col. Rec. Sec'y Office, p. 46): Jo-
seph Clark's wid. d. 1639. Arthur Hawkins and Joseph Bird, of Farmington,
sold his pl. 1660 to Sam. Marshall and he to John (s. Wm) Rockwell, when it
was add. to the Rockwell pl. No ho. mentioned, but doubtless Clark had his
ho. here.
(There is no extant proof of relationship betw. these three Clarkes).
COLLINS, MARY, prob. wid. 1640, had lot betw. those of Nich. Senshion and Thos.
Bascomb, on wh. she had a ho. and wh. she sold to James Eno, abt. 1653, now
the old Eno pl.", occup. (1859) by Samuel Eno: the records give her no
family and prob. her husband d. before first date of Land Rec.
<<
COOKE (Capt. AARON (D.), 1638, lot gr. 12 r. wide, beg. 10 r. N. of Palisado, or road
to meadow (?): also, owned lot in Palisado, where he doubtless res. during
Pequot war: afterwards, 1664, bo't of Mr. Huit's est. a ho. and lot, adjoining
his own on the S. (bd. S. by highway leading W. from Palisado, breadth 10,
length 16 r., and Grant's Palizado Plot, 1656, marks C's name as if he then res.
there) and Parkman's lot on N: rem. to Northampton, 1661, thence to West-
field.
VOL. I.-20
154
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
His son Aaron m. 1661, and had his father's pl. as a marr. portion, but soon rem.
with his father-in-law to Hadley. In 1664, Aaron Cook, "of Hadley," made
over his "dwelling house and land" on Sandy Bank, near by Goodman
Pomeroy, to John Maudsley (Mosely). Aaron his son b. 1663, settled in Hart-
ford, 1686.
COOKE, NATHANIEL, 1649, m. that yr: bo't the N. end of lots of Arthur Williams and
Rich. Birge, lying betw. road in front of B's ho. and the new water-course of
Mill Brook.
CURTIS, Henry, 1645, m. that year: bo't of John Denslow the Parkman pl. on Backer
Row: where he prob. res. until abt. 1655, when the Town voted to buy the
ppy for a currier's use, if it was for sale.
DENSLOW, Nicholas, 1640 (D.), lot gr. 24 r. wide, betw. Ford and Hosford; also,
owned the present Cong. parsonage lot in Pal. where he res. during Pequot
war: d. 1666. He also sold to Henry Clark (and he to the Town) the Town
House. After his dth. the homestead was given to his gd-son Nicholas Buck-
land.
Of Nich. Denslow's sons, Henry, a first settler at Windsor Locks, abt. 1663, was
killed there by Indians, 1676 Another son John, bo't the Hannum Pl. 1654,
W. side st. 214 r. wide, abt. opp. present res. Henry Phelps.
DEWEY, THOMAS, 1637 (D.), lot gr. first N. of Pal., 10 r. wide: d. 1648; wid. m. Geo.
Phelps, who, upon his rem. to Westfield, 1670, sold to Rev. Nath'l Chauncey.
Of Dewey's sons, Josiah was at Northampton, 1663, and Israel reś. on Geo. Phelps'
(Dewey) pl., 1678.
DIBBLE, THOMAS (D.), lot gr. 5 r. wide, next below cor. ferry-road, upon which he
built and sold to Robert Watson, and he to Anth'y Hawkins, who added the
lot N. of it, abt. 1650 and sold them together, 1656, to Jacob Drake and he to
Sam. Gibbs, 1662. Dibble bo't the Wm Hubbard pl. in the Pal., next S. of
Grant, where he was res. 1654. Prob. Zachariah Dibble was an elder son of
his, b. before he came to America.
DORCHESTER, ANTHONY, 1649, was res. at orig. Wm. Phelps lot, next N. of Bray
Rossiter, which he bo't (prob.) from Benj. Newberry, who bo't it of Phelps,
1642. Dorchester sold, 1649, to Robert Howard; soon after disappears.
DRAKE, JOHN, Sen'., 1640, lot gr. 22 r. wide, "except at the ho. it is but 10 rods";
but there appears no other owner for this 12 rod bldg. lot, and he afterwards
seems to have owned the same width at the ho. as elsewhere.
Of his sons, John had a lot, 4 acres, bd. S. on Bloomfield Ave., N. partly on Mill
highway, and partly by road running W. from it to Rich. Birge's lot: his ho.
was on road running W. betw. the present old Goffe ho. on Mill-road and Wm.
Mack's present res. Job had lot of 4 acres, 14 r. wide, on Bloomfield Ave, ext.
to Mill-road, parallel to and adjoin. his bro. John: his W. line was 49 r., his E.
line abutted on John Bartlett, abt. 14 r. at the S. end and abt 25 r. on the lot of
Daniel Clark and 20 to 25 r. along the Mill highway. He bo't, 1659, most of
the Roger Ludlow lot, wh. lay E. of the present Hartford road, but there is no
evidence of its ever having been built on, nor is it known what became of Lud-
low's "stone-house" (cellar?) which stood at the E. end, on the Island road,
Jacob had the homestead.
FIRST SETTLERS AND THEIR HOME-LOTS.
155
!
DUMBLETON, JOHN, 1640, a servant of Mr. Whiting, of Hartford (whom he seems
to have served 2 yrs. before coming to N. E.), who worked the lands bo't of Mr.
Ludlow, 5 yrs. until his term of service expired, after which he worked the
land on shares (" to halves") for four years, “and after I paid £20 a year.” He
was 20 yrs. old when he came to W. and says there was little improvement on
the land when I came upon it [prob. 1639] but I plowed and brake up considera-
ble quantity of it." This information appears in his affidavit in the case of
Whiting's Sons vs. John Bissell, to recover the land under the plea of defective
title. After D. left it, it was sold to Miles Murwin, who found it "too hard"
for him and was released. We find no mention of Dumbleton while he was
here; in 1676 and 1684, he was res. in Springfield. Did he occupy Roger Lud-
low's "stone house " mentioned in Whiting's deed?
EGGLESTON, Begat, 1638 (D.), lot gr. on Backer Row, 14 r. wide from Pal. road;
sold pl. to Nich. Hoyt and res. 1654, in Pal. his lot being N. of the Meeting-
house, bd. E. on the highway, N. by the palisades, and 1651, the Town gave
him the 1-rod road betw. him and the Elias Parkman lot, and the road
across the N. end of his lot, betw. it and the Palisades, during the pleasure of
the Town. His lot in the Pal. first was acre, 4 r. wide, N. of the Green, next
to road wh. ran N. at the head of the Huit, Cook, and Parkman lots, on a line
with W. side of the Green. This he sold to John Taylor, and bo't it back from
Rhoda Taylor, with ho. In 1647, he bo't of Thomas Nowell, a lot and ho. E.
of Taylor lot:¹ and (1651) owned fm. highway E. to and including the Close,
or road on the W. In 1662, mortgaged "my new dwelling-ho., barn, &c. ho.
lot, and orchard, situate near the meeting-house."
This lot went to his sons Benjamin and Thomas. Thomas had the acre on N. side,
'next where the Palisades formerly stood," and built a ho. thereon, opp. the
present parsonage. Benjamin, who had his father's ho., sold his bro. Thomas
the N. end of lot in Palisado.
ELLSWORTH, Josiah, 1654, bo't Alex. Alvord's ho. and lot W. of Thos. Barber's; and
in 1658 sold it to Cornelius Gillett; afterwards bo't of Wm. Phelps, Jr., an acre
W. of Phelps' ho. where he bld. and res. until he bo't (from Joanna Davidson,
wid. of Nicholas of Boston, who had it from Robert Saltonstall, who had it from
Mr. Francis Stiles) the present (known as the Chief-Justice) Ellsworth pl.`which
has remained in the family since Mch. 31, 1665.
ELLISON, Lawrence, 1644, forfeited a lot near Wm. Phelps' (because he did not com-
ply with the terms of the grant, "of two years inhabiting it, or else his grant
to be void") and which was given to Thomas Orton, Mch., 1646.
ENO (Enno), JAMES, 1648, bo't Mary Collins' ho. and lot, betw. Bascomb and Senshion,
on Silver St., 113 r. wide; Senshion's ho. was "against the waye to Pigeon Hill"
and this lot was S. of it. He also had a spot on Pal. Green gr. him by the town,
for his barber shop.
FILER (Fyler), WALTER, 1640 (D.), lots gr: ho. was in Pal. on or near site of the late
Mary Stiles' ho. at S. end of Green, bd. N. by Green, S. by river, 9 r. wide.
Of his sons, John, m. 1672, had the homestead; Zerrubabel, m. 1669, and to his
child", Thos. Ford, his wife's gd-father, gave the Hosford pl.
¹ The Taylor and Pomeroy lots, of wh. he appears as sole owner in Pal. Plan of 1654.
156
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
1
FILLEY, William. Under date of Feb. 4, 1640, on the records appears the name of
Wm. Filley, followed by a blank space, evidently left for a description of his
first lot of land. He sold, without date, a lot on Silver St., 114 r. wide, to
Simon Mills, but no họ. named in deed. He also bo't the Humphrey Hide pl.
but prob. did not res. there. Sept. 26, 1655, he bo't of Geo. Alexander the Jas-
per Rawlins' pl. and prob. res. there.
When his son Samuel m. in 1663, he gave him land "on which he had builded"
from the N. side of the Rawlins' pl. on E. side of Mill-road, prob. near (but
farther S. than) the present Allis house.
FORD, Thomas, 1637 (D.), lot gr. 164 rods wide, the N. line being E. of st, and rang-
ing with the Sandy Hill road. This he sold (no ho. mentioned) before 1648, and
1656 bo't the orig. Hosford lot of Stephen Taylor (betw. Denslow and Pomeroy),
where he res. until his rem. to Northampton, before 1672. The Hosford pl.
(not the orig. Ford lot) he gave to Z. Filer (see above). Ford owned large tracts
of land by orig. grants, including about half of Pine Meadow, and most of the
site of the present village of W. Locks. He had hundreds of acres gr. him on
the E. side of the Great River and bo't many acres from others. In 1668 he
gave a conditional bond for deed of homestead (the Hosford pl.) after death of
self and wife, to Zerrubabel Filer, if he should marry his (Ford's) gr-dau. Expe-
rience Strong: a deed was given by Ford and Annie his wife, 23 Aug., 1672,
before which date they had prob. rem. to Northampton.
FOULKES (Fookes), Henry (D.), land gr. S. of the W. Palisado road, from ab't where
the railroad now is on the E.; all the upland W. except John Owen's lot (12x
29) lay partly across the N. side of the lot next the said highway. Fooke
owned the Meadow S. of the upland and built his ho. near the brow of the
Meadow Hill, with a lane running down to his ho: d. 1640: wid. Jane' m. Wm.
Hosford, who rem. to the F. lot and there res.; as, also, subseq. did his son John
Hosford; the lane to his ho, was known as Hosford's Lane."
FOWLER, Ambrose, 1646, ho. lot gr. by town, 6 May, 1655, on W. side of st. at
extreme S. end of the Island, 14 acre, of triangular shape, bd. S. W. on edge
of swamp. He also owned & acres on opp. side of st. bd. S. W. by Mr. Matt.
Allyn's meadow. The site of his ho. still plainly visible.
Allen, 1671.
He sold to Thomas
GAYLORD, Dea. William, 1640 (D.), lot gr. 25 r. wide, on st. from the Haynes lot N.
to David Ellsworth's No. barn site occup. by late Roswell Miller; in 1644 he
bo't his ho. lot of Francis Stiles, 13 r. wide.
GIBBS, Francis, 1640, is known only by a single entry of a lot 4 r. wide, adjoining the
"burying place" in the Palisado, which later was in possession of Lt. David
Wilton.
GILES, 1640 (D.), lot gr. 17 r. wide, being the N. lot on Backer Row, lying next S.
of Sandy Hill road, to which was added Sgt. Thomas Stayres' lot, 10½ r.
wide. Backer Row highway was orig. laid through to Rocky Hill and a part of
the home lots S. of Rocky Hill are bd. W. by that highway. The lots on this
Row ran E. to the water in the brook, considerably E. of the road. Gibbs' ho.
was prob. built at first further E. than the others. In 1652 the highway was
1 Reserved a tract of the Foulkes land "in her own propriety, and dispose."
FIRST SETTLERS AND THEIR HOME-LOTS.
157
laid along the N. side of "Goode Gibbs'" lot, and the G. family bo't (1660) from
the rear of Terry and Hull's home lots, for the present road where it now runs
across rear of Mr. Rainey's lot, to give Katherine Gibbs a better place to
build.
Giles Gibbs' son Jacob res. on homestead.
GILBERT (Gilbard), Thomas, 24 Jan., 1644, bo't lot 114 r. wide, E. side of road (a few
r. below present res. of Geo. P. Hayden) from Francis Stiles; sold to John
Drake and his son Jacob (whose ho. lot was next S.) with "the cellar, house,
garden, fences." In Mr. Francis Stiles' deed to Robert Saltonstall, 12 Sept.,
1647, it is specified that the ho. and land are at present in the occupation and
tenure of Thomas Gilbert and John Bancroft." G. certainly res. there from 1649,
to 1651.¹ He bo't that part of the home lot of Thos. Gunn (now site of present
res. of Mrs. L. A. Welch) on W. side of st. built thereon and sold it to Thomas
Bissell before 1658; rem. to Hartford, where he d. 1659. No family rec. at W.
but Prob. Rec. at H. shows that he had family.
GILLETT, Jonathan, 1639 (D.), lot gr. 4 acres, 17 r. wide, beg. abt 40 r. E. of Mill-
highway and N. of Mill-brook. This lot of 4 acres lay across Pleasant st. ext.
from the Mill-brook S. to Hollow Fall highway N. His bro. Nathan's lot lay
on the W. side and parallel with it. E of it lay the 9 acre lot of Wm. Phelps,
wh. he afterwards sold to Mr. Warham. There was a public footpath for the
convenience of those res. N. of the Mill-brook to go to the Rivulet Ferry via
the mouth of Mill-brook, or to cross the brook above and pass along E. of Mr.
W's orchard, where the road now runs from the Cong. Chapel to David Row-
land's. This footpath ran through all the lots E. of Mill-highway, nearly on
the line of present Pleasant st.
Jonathan G.'s grandson Josiah had the homestead.
GILLETT, Nathan, 1637 (D.), lot gr. 17 rods wide, next W. of and parallel to, his bro.
Jonathan's; after death wife, 1670, rem. to Simsbury; his lot was sold to his
bro. Jonathan, then to his nephew Jeremiah.
GRANT, Matthew (Surveyor, Town Recorder, &c.), 1635 (D.), lot gr. in Palisado, 9 r.
wide, first S. of Town Orchard, abt 9 r. from N. entrance of Pal.; a portion
of it afterward occup. by his son John, who came into poss. of all after
father's death.
GRIDLEY, Thomas, " of Windsor," convicted by Gen. Ct. 1639; a soldier in Peq. War,
and rec'd bounty lands therefor; no evidence of res. in W. after 1639.
GRIFFIN, John, 1647, no ho. lot rec. here; when John Drake was killed, 1659, G. was
res. at the Francis Stiles or Henry Stiles ho.; was one of earliest to rem. to
Simsbury.
GRISWOLD, Edward, 1639, came from Eng. with Rev. Mr. Huit; it is not prob. that
he rem. to lot gr. him at Poq. until the Indian title had been extinguished, 1642;
but he was res. there with two other families in 1649; his ho. stood near present
res. of Mr. Ladd, prob. nearer the highway at top of hill, had 29 acres, bd.
mostly S. and W. by Stony brook, E. by the river and the Indian reservation
¹ Possibly G. res. not on his first purchase, as there were less than 4 yrs. from said
purchase to the time he was living on the Stiles' pl. The cellar and house" leave us
to infer that the first was hurriedly built for occupancy, while the ho. was building.
158
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
(Indian Neck). He built the Old Fort at Springfield for Mr. Pynchon for 1659.
Sam. Buel and Tim. Thrall hewed the timber. His sons George and Joseph
inher. the homestead at Poq.
GUNN, Thomas, 1640 (D.), lot gr. 12 r. wide, from Stoughton's line, nearly to S. side
of new ho. abt 4 r. from line of N. side of old Welch ho. on W. side; rem. to
Westfield; gave his homestead to Timo. Thrall, who m. his dau. Deborah.
HANNUM, William, 1640 (D.), where he sold out 1637 and came to W.; lot gr. next N.
of Joshua Carter, 5 r. 6 ft. wide, on E. side st. and 10 r. wide on W. side; that
on E. side he sold to Robert Winchell (who included it with the Tilly lot and
ho. and gave it to his son Nath'l, 1664) and built on W. side; bo't Tilly lot N.
of it and sold whole 224 r. to John Denslow, 20 May, 1654, with condition that
Hannum should remain in the ho. until first of next mo. He rem. to North-
ampton.
HAWKES, John, 1640, lot gr. 11 r. wide. The Major Ellsworth tenant ho." stands
on this lot, S. line near the ho; rem. to Hadley abt 1660; subseq. gave pl. to
Joseph Gillett, who had m. his dau., 1664.
HAWKINS, Anthony, 1640, lot gr. 8 r. wide, the S. line of this lot was a little N. (6 or
7 r. ?) of present division fence N. of the Maj. Ellsworth tenant ho.; exch.
places with Robert Watson; rem. to Watson's (formerly the Dibble) pl. and bo't 2
r. wide from Samways, who bd. him on N.; and S. dying soon he bo't the S. pl.
from the wid., after wh. he bd. N. by the ferry road. Sold both lots, 1656, to
Jacob Drake, who sold, 1662, to Samuel Gibbs. Hawkins rem. to Farmington
before 1662.
HAYDEN, William, 1640 (D.), res. in Htfd 1637, sold his ppy. in Hartford, 1642; bo't
in W. 1644, lot 54 r. wide; ho. stood a little S. of old Ezra Hayden ho. and N.
of present James L. Hayden's res.; lot ext. to river; also, had large lot on wh.
present "Hayden's" R. R. station stands; ext. from river 160 r. W. His
stone-pit," or quarry, opened before 1654; rem. to and was one of first settlers
of Hamonoscett (Killingworth). His son Daniel had the W. homestead.
HAYNES (Gov.) John, 1640, did not res. in W., but in Hartford. In his will, dated
1646, he describes his W. ppy. as "my ho. and land in W. with the appurte-
nances, in the tenure of Geo. Hull and formerly purchased of him." Mr. Hull
rem. to Fairfield before 1649, and the Gov. doubtless had some other tenant,
until his death, 1 Mch., 1653/4.. It was found that his will had not been
changed to conform with his promise to give the ppy. to his dau. Ruth, on her
mar. with Mr. Willis; the ppy. passed into hands of Jas. Russell, of Boston,
who sold it to Henry Wolcott, 1668. Gov. Haynes had 30 acres of meadow,
150 acres of home lot and woods; his "great lot" lay S. W. of Rocky Hill, and
he had 284 acres on E. side of Great River, and the rights of other divisions
pertaining thereto, all appraised (1654) at £140. Haynes' lot was 30 r. wide on
the street, ext. from the tobacco barn to S. line of Garden (late Capt. Samuel
Allen, now Harvey pl.); lot W. of st. 20 acres, 30 r. wide.
¹ The name is written on the Dorchester records Hannum, once (the first time) Han-
nam;
the last time, Hanna. (W. B. Trask.)
FIRST SETTLERS AND THEIR HOME-LOTS.
159
HAYWARD (Howard) Robert, 1643 (D.), lot gr.; sold, 1658, to Peter Brown, S. of
Mill-pond, bdg. E. on Mill-road, and S. on road leading to Rich. Birge and
others. He bo't Nath'l Phelps pl. (near Wm. Phelps, Sr.) 1657; sold it 2 yrs.
later; prob. never res. there; res. at Hartford 1667.
HILL, William, 1640 (D.), lot gr. 12 r. wide, next W. of Lt. Wilton's, bdg. N. on road
which ran from S. W. cor. Palisado Green to the Burying Pl., lot ext. to the
Rivulet and W. outside the Pal. down to the brook, and N. "to highway that
passeth by Elias Parkman's ho.”—cor. Backer Row and highway leading W.
He built a ho. and barn on his lot on E. side river, which he sold to Samwâys
and Stephen. Taylor, 1648; he bo't the lots of Bassett and Gibbs wh. were betw.
him and the Burying Pl., and sold them with his own, 1653, to Lt. David Wil-
ton; rem. to Fairfield.
HILLIER, John, 1640, lot gr. 7 acres, 13 r. wide, betw. Nich. Palmer and Wm. Buell
on Silver St.; his son Timothy had the homestead which he sold, 1679, to his
bro. James.
HOLCOMB (Holcombe, Holcom, Holkom), Thomas, 1635, or soon after (D.), lot gr. 14½
r. wide, abt. opp. the old Lemuel Welch ho. and garden, E. line 3 r. N. of S.
line of Welch garden; sold to Josiah Hull and rem. 1639 to Poq., where he had
lot next N. of Ed. Griswold, "from the brook before his house to the Rivulet."
His son Joshua had the homestead.
HOSFORD, William, 1639 (D.), lot gr. 20 r. wide, betw. Denslow and Pomeroy; on his
2d mar. (to wid. Henry Foulkes) he gave his pl. to his son-in-law, Stephen
Taylor, and rem. to the Foulkes pl., which, after his ret. to Eng., he gave to
his son John.
HOSKINS (Goodman), John, 1640 (D.), lot gr. 17 r. wide, abt. S. line of late David
Ellsworth pl.; N. line Dea. Gaylord's lot. He d. 1648, leaving est. to wife and
son John, and the ppy. has remained in H. family until it was sold, 1822, to
Dea. Jasper Morgan.
HOYTE, Simon (D.), lot gr. "for meadow and upland," 80 acres; the ho. stood a few
r. S. W. from the present David Ellsworth ho. in Hoyte's Meadow; his fam.
were res. in W. 1640; in 1646 he sold out to Wm. Thrall and rem. to Fairfield.
His son Nicholas had several out-lots gr. him (and bo't Begat Egleston's pl. on
Backer Row), as also had his son Walter.
HUIT (Rev.) Ephraim, came to W. August 17, 1639; had neglected to make the
proper returns, and his lands are not recorded. He prob. first res. on W. side
Pal.-Green (marked Cooke on the map) N. of and adj. the road running W.
out of Pal., and wh. was sold by overseers of his est. to Capt. Cooke; but bo't
the Sgt. Thos. Staires pl. on E. side, where he already owned a lot; family res.
on the E. pl. at time of his death, 1644.
HULBURD (Hubbard) William, 1640 (D.), lot gr. on Backer Row, 41 r. from S. cor.; a
highway ran thro' its length, wh. prob., at first, supplied the place of both the
N. and S. roads to Sandy Hill; but this was closed and the present one N. of
the then Gibbs home-lot was purchased and opened. From this he prob、 rem.
to Palisado; sold first lot 12 r. wide, to John Youngs, 1641 (wh. Y. sold to
Walter Hoyte, 1649, he to Weller, he to Tahan Grant, 1655); his Pal. lot, ✯
acre, 74 r. wide (next S. of Matt. Grant's), he sold to Thomas Dibble who res.
there, 1654; he rem. to Hartford; m. wid. Samuel Allen and rem. to North-
ampton.
160
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
HULL, George, 1637 (D.), had lot, 30 r. wide, wh. "as purchased of Geo. Hull," was gr.
to Gov. John Haynes, of Hartford, together with several out-lots: but the
premises were in the tenure of Geo. Hull, 1646, and he prob. continued to res.
on the Gov'r's farm until his rem. to Fairfield. He only built a barn on the lot
gr., 14 r. wide, to himself, wh. lay betw. Buckland on N. and Terry.
His son Josiah had lot gr. 12 r. wide, N. line opp. ho. Mr. Hoskins, wh. he sold to
Mr. Humphrey Pinney, with dwelling, and bo't Thos. Holcomb's pl., where res.
until 1664 when he rem. to Hemonoscett (Killingworth) with its first settlers,
and sold out to Samuel Marshall.
HUMPHREY, Michael, 1647, bo't Jeffrey Baker's orig. ho. and lot, W. of st. 3 acres, S.
of No. road to Sandy Hill, 9 r. wide, and built near W. end of it, where the
road turns N.: 1659 bo't of Lt. D. Wilton, 74 r. wide adjoining, wh. with the
above lot was orig. Thomas Ford's and his own (D. W.'s) home lot, breadth
orig. 12 r. making the whole br. of his lot on st. 25 r: rem. to Simsbury, with
the early settlers. Prob. H. built the house, as the Book of Town Wayes says,
the road is N. by S. Terry, S. by Jeffrey Baker, “so far as Michael Humphrey's
house" and Jeff. Baker's ho. was at first E. of highway.
HURD, John, 1640, lot. gr. 10 r. wide E. of Broad St.; sold to Thos. Marshfield, who
sold, 1642, 10 acres, with ho. to Thomas Nowell, who d. 1648. Stephen Terry
res. here 1660. Hurd early rem. to Stratford. (See Orcutt's Hist. Stratford, Ct.)
HYDES (Hide), Humphrey, 1645, bo't of Alex. Alvord, a lot E. side (4 acres) 16 r. wide,
next to Nathan Gillett, 3 acres W. next to Thos. Barber, 10 r. both bd. S. by
Mill-brook, the E. part bd. N. by Hollow Fall road, the W. part by John Hil-
lier (whose lot ext. across Silver St. while Pond's & Buel's lots did not). He
built his ho. W. of Mill-road (cor. Mill and Pleasant Sts.) and sold, abt 1653, to
Simon Mills; and rem. to Fairfield. Mills sold to Wm Filley, and he, 6 May
1653 to Richard Sexton, whose wid. res. there 1664.
LOOMIS, Joseph, 1640, lot gr. 35 r. wide (1889, occup. by Thomas W. Loomis), bd. S.
by John Porter. The upland, or home lot ext. W. to Henry Wolcott's lot,
W. of highway: his meadow ext. to Conn. River, 24 rods wide, bdg N. by
the Rivulet. A road betw. his ho. and the Rivulet runs thwart the cor. of his
meadow, 17 rods, "to the passage over the Rivulet" [ford to the Great
Meadow]. His orig. ho. prob. was a little below the brow of the hill, near
the present barn, where a depression was lately filled which had been known
as the cellar-hole of the orig. ho.
Of his sons, Joseph, by gift from him rec'd a lot 12 r. wide, next N. of Mr. Matthew
Allyn, on which he built: John had the homestead: Thomas, by gift had a lot
12 r. wide E. of the highway, betw. his bro. Joseph and H. Wolcot, Jr.: Na-
thaniel bo't the ho. and lot of John Moses on the W. side of the st. directly opp.
his bro. Joseph's pl. (he was also among the early settlers on East side Great
River): Samuel bo't Mr. Witchfield's pl. and subseq. rem. to Westfield.
LUDLOW, Mr. Roger (D.), was the first Dorchester man we know, by name, to have
arrived at W. in the early summer of 1635: lot gr. 122 acres, its N. E. cor. being
26 r. S. of road leading from Grace ch. to the Island road: its E. line ext. along
the Island road to the "two bridges" and to Mr. Wolcott's lot, S. of the brooks,
thence in a S. Westerly course to the S. Island road near where it now crosses
the railroad: then that road was laid out nearly due W. to the woods and
FIRST SETTLERS AND THEIR HOME-LOTS.
161
formed Mr. L.'s S. bds. The N bds. were Mr. Samuel Allen's lot, ext. W. from the
Island road, 67 r. nearly to the upland highway to Hartford, thence it widened
26 r. to the S. W. cor. of present Broad St. thence W. parallel with the S. line.
At E. end of this lot Mr. L. built a "stone house," one of those wh. were
"drowned very deep," in the Flood of 1638-9: rem. to Fairfield: sold his ppy.
here to Mr. Wm. Whiting, of Hartford, 20 Mch. 1642 (see also Dumbleton),
at whose death, 1649, it was sold by his widow Susannah Whiting to John
Bissell, Sen. It is recorded to Mr. W. "as by virtue of a purchase for a
home lot," etc. on W. Rec.
In 1684, Whiting's son and sons-in-law sued to recover from John Bissell's heirs
and assigns, on the ground that their mother had no authority to sell land in
which minors had an interest. The writ seems to have been especially aimed
at Nathaniel Bissell, who held the Whiting estate, East of Connecticut River.
It was a cause celebré and many old and well known Windsor citizens were
called upon as witnesses. See pages 75 and 187.
LYMAN, Richard, "of Windsor," 1635 (son of Richd of Htfd, who m. Thos. Ford's
dau. at D., and d. 1646 at H., and gd son of Thos. Ford of W.) sold land 1644:
no family.
MARSHALL, James, 1642, Sept. 28, bo't land 13 r. wide, next S. of road E. from
Grace Ch.: no evidence of house thereon, had several lots set out to him, but
possibly never came here, tho' as his land was gr. "by virtue of purchase, he
prob. came to W. and ret. to Eng.: Mr. Hill and Wm. Gaylord, his lawful at-
torneys, sold his lands here: he was at that time recorded as of Exon, in
Devon, Eng."
MARSHFIELD, Thomas (D.), at W. as early as May 15, 1637, where he was a witness
to the Plym. Co.; lot gr. 12 r. wide, next N. of Branker's: add. Hurd's lot, 10
r. wide: sold S. part of it, Aug. 10, 1642, to Thomas Nowell, 10 r. with a ho.
on S. side: N.; d. 1648; lot was in poss. Stephen Terry, 1660. Marshfield
"withdrew himself from his habitation," before June, 1647, and the Court ord.
the sale of his ppy. to pay his debts. Roger Williams of D. purchased the
balance of lot, with the homestead: it passed from him to Miles Merwin, 1650:
to Sam. Marshall, 1652: 1653, to Simon Mills, who res. there, then to Anth.
Hoskins, 1672.
MASON (Maj.) John, 1637 (D.), lot gr. 13 r. wide in Pal. first N. of road to Rivulet
ferry: rem. to Saybrook, 1647; sold ppy. here, 1653, to Henry Clarke, who, two
yrs. later, sold it to Capt. Samuel Marshall, who res. thereon until his dth, 1675.
MERWIN (Murwin), Miles, 1648, nephew of Rev. Mr. Warham; bo't, 1650, the Marsh-
field pl. E. side Broad St., from Roger Williams; sold it 1652, to Sam. Marshall;
was living 1684, but not in W., when as a witness in the Whiting vs. Bissell
case he testified that he bo't of Mr. Whiting, a lot with bldgs W. of Rivulet
(the Ludlow ho. for £8, but relinquished the bargain; also, a lot in Great
Meadow for £20, from wh. also, he was released by Mr. Whiting's exec'rs.
MESSENGER, Edward, 1650; res. at Greenfield (now Bloomfield).
MOORE, Thomes, 1639 (D.), lot gr. 11 r. wide, ext. from present Broad st. to rivulet,
abt site of Judge H. S. Hayden's res. He was the father of Dea. John Moore
and prob. from Dorchester., tho' name is not found among the D. names.; he d.
1645.
VOL. I.-21
162
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Dea. JOHN (D.), lot gr. 10 r. wide, next S. of his father's, location of Judge H. S.
Hayden's present garden. Tho' there is no rec. of transfer of his father's lot to
him, yet (the mother having d. 1639) the father prob. res. in family of Dea.
John who res. on home lot and held both lots after the Senior's death in 1645.
The two lots correspond very nearly with the present grounds of Judge Hay-
den's residence. After his house was "drowned very deep
drowned very deep" in Flood of
1638/9, on the Island road, he built on or near the site of Judge Hayden's barn.
MOSES, John, 1647 (Col. Rec.), bo't lot of Joseph Loomis, Jr. (?) on the Island, W. of
the street; sold it, with a ho. to Nath'l Loomis, 1655; and bo't the Bascomb pl.
(Old Mill District, near Mr. Wm Phelps) 1656; rem. to Simsbury, with early
settlers.
NEWBERRY, Thomas, 1636 (D.), after making preparations here, he ret. to D. to bring
his family hither and d. there 163: his wid. m. Rev. John Warham; his lands
were not rec. to him, but to his children directly, under date of 1640.
Of his sons, Joseph had lot gr. 8 acres 10 r. wide S. of Mr. Warham's, and prob.
a part of his father's orig. lot., a part of wh. lying betw. the Island road
and "the Palisado on the hill," with a frame standing thereon (doubtless at E.
end a few r. S. of present res. of David Rowland) was sold to Mr. Warham,
1644:' he also had meadow, 12 r. from Rivulet to the W. 22 r. a way betwixt
meadow and upland. Joseph rem. his lands being sold by his attys. 1653:
John had lands gr. but soon disappears: Capt. Benjamin bo't the Roger Wil-
liams' pl. second S. of Union st. and res. there. In 1682, in an agreement with
Anth. Hoskins, his next neighbor S., abt. their div. fence, it appears that they
had a mutual road on the line ext. E. from Broad St. 8 r. “if Mr. Newberry
would shut up the highway that goes down to his house,” then the fencing of
this 8 rods was to be divided, showing that the ho. was erected before Broad
St. was opened.
NOWELL, Thomas, 1641, bo't lot in Palisado, wh. he sold, 1647, to Begat Egleston:
bo't the Hurd lot of Tho. Marshfield, 1642, next N. of Mr. Branker's, the S.
part of his lot E. of Broad St. 10 r. w. and d. there 1648, leaving wid., after
whose death the est. was to go to Christopher Nowell, of Wakefield, York-
shire, Eng.: made a beq. also to Robert Wilson, kinsman, and Isabella, dau. of
Wm. Phelps.
OLDAGE, Richard, 1640, 30 Aug.; lot gr. 12 r. wide next S. John Stiles (betw. the Col.
Ellsworth ho. and abt. 40 r. N. of the Major Ellsworth tenant ho.), and ext.
from meadow on E. to Rocky Hill on W.: d. 1660, homestead fell to only dau.
Anne, wife of John Osborn.
ORTON, Thomas, 1646, Mch. 13, lot gr. near Mr. Phelps, which Thos. Ellison had for-
feited by "not two yrs inhab. it." The orig. highway from the Old Mill to
Poq. was the present E. road, early called Silver St. as far N. as the "old Eno
house," thence in nearly a straight line as far N. as the Ransom pl.; and abt 35
r. E. of it, where it met at nearly right angles, the road leading from present
highway to Rivulet. From the Ransom pl. the highway continued on to Poq.
where it now runs. Orton's lot of 81 acres, bd. W. and N. on these highways.
The lots S. of it were of nearly parallel widths, leaving O.'s triangular in shape,
1 This was in a line with the "houses drowned very deep" in flood of spring of
1638/9, but the ground is considerably higher than it is further south,
FIRST SETTLERS AND THEIR HOME-LOTS.
163
but 4 r. wide at Rivulet and 40 at W. end: he built a ho. on E. part, abt. opp.
Wm. Phelps, Sen'. He sold to Samuel Phelps, and he, in turn, sold the E. part
with ho. to his bro. Nath'l, who, when he rem. 1657, to Northampton, sold to
Rob. Hayward; the W. part passed from Sam. to Wm. Phelps, Jr. abt. 1650.
At this date, also, Orton bo't lot and ho. of Wid. of Goodman Whitehead, on
the Island, W. side of highway, opp. lot of H. Wolcott, Sen'. where he res.
until (1655) he rem. to Farmington.
OSBORN, John, 1645, 19 May (see Oldage), bo't ho. and lot next S. of his father-in-law,
Oldage, of Peter Tilton, 1654, and had the Oldage pl. after death of O., 1660;
also owned a lot bo't of James Egleston, first N. of Ferry road, wh. he sold,
1658, to John Bancroft, but no ho. mentioned; also owned a large tract near
Namarick, E. of Conn. River.
OWEN, John, 1650, bo't lot 12 by 29 r. S. side of road leading W. from Palisado, bd.
E. by Hosford's Lane, which was prob. a little W. and parallel with the pres-
ent Railroad track; res. on it abt 20 yrs., then rem. to lot gr. at lower end of
Strawberry Meadow; ho. stood where late Nath'l Owen res., the locality being
formerly known as Wales" from John Owen's nationality.
PALMER, Nicholas, 1637, lot gr. 11 r. wide on Silver St. next S. of Wm. Thrall's, 53
r. S. of present water course, or drain; add, 1646, by purchase, Wm. Thrall's
lot and ho., 13 r. wide, making his width 24 rods and 80 r. long, bdg. W. on
Hannah Newberry's great lot. His son Timothy had the homestead.
PARKMAN, Elias, 1637 (D.), lot gr. 14 r. wide, first or S. lot on Backer Row (wh. he
owned and poss. res. upon before Palisado was built); this lot passed, without
deed, to Walter Hoyte; then with ho. to John Denslow; then to Henry Curtis;
also had lot in Palisado, on wh. he prob. remained after Peq. War and until he
rem. to Saybrook.
[The first lot, 10 rods width, N. of road leading W. from Palisado, was Mr.
Huit's, the road now runs N. of this lot; next Aaron Cooke's, 11 r.; Parkman
was next, 5 r.; these 3 lots butted W. against W. line of Palisades. The E.
end on highway wh. ran from N. E. cor. Pal.-Green to the N. line of Palisades.
There was no outlet to the other road at the N. end, and therefor it was called
a Close, and gave a name to all the tract betw. the Palisades and Sandy Hill
road, viz., POUND CLOSE.]
PARSONS, Thomas, 1641, bo't from Saxton the Michael Try pl. in Pal.; res. there; d.
1661; wid. sold pl., 1662, to Tahan Grant.
PHELPS, George (supp. bro. of William), 1638 (D.); lot gr. 81 r. wide, on wh. he prob.
res. at first, on the Island, W. side of st. below the So. Island road; ho. burned
1640, and no ho. appears on the lot 1660, when it was sold to Simon Wolcott;
he had lot 6 r. wide set to Christopher Wolcott; his 1st wife (dau. Philip Ran-
dall) d. 1648, and he m. 2, wid. Thos. Dewey, and res. on D. pl., first N. of
Palisado, until he rem. to Westfield with first settlers there.
Of his sons, Abraham rec'd his uncle Ab'm Randall's pl. by gift; Joseph m.
1673, and settled E. of the Great River. Isaac m, and rem. to Westfield.
Mr. William, 1635/6 (D.), lot gr. 6 r. wide, next N. of and adj. Mr. Rossiter, where
he prob. res. first, but was one of those houses "drowned very deep" in the
Flood of 1638/9,¹ and early rem. to the high ground above the First Meadow
lot wh. he bo't of Indians "abt. 1635." Marks of this dwelling still remain.
His homestead fell to son Timothy.
'This lot was sold, with a ho. 1642, to Benj. Newberry, but a transfer, in 1652,
makes no mention of a house.
164
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
PHILLIPS, George, 1640 (D.), lot gr. 12 r. wide, S. of Grant's 18 r. from N. side of
Palisado (Maj. Oliver Holcomb's res. now on this lot), S. line 5 or 6 rods N. of
the brick or Chaffee-ho.; his wife d. 1662; he d. 1678; previous to Nov.,
1677, he had leased the pl. to Israel Dewey (as we learn from D.'s caveat agt.
P.'s ejecting him); no children.
PINNEY, Humphrey, 1640 (D.), lot gr. 17 r. wide, betw. Josiah (s. Geo.) Hull and John
Rockwell; add. by purchase the Josiah Hull lot, 12 r. wide; lot now occup. by
the Roswell Miller pl.
PLYMOUTH HOUSE, 1633, lot 43 acres; Indian title. The material for the ho, pre-
pared in Plym., Mass., and landed here by Capt. Holmes Oct. 16 (26), 1633.
When the pioneers from Mass. came here in early summer of 1633, they were
hospitably entertained at this ho. by Jonathan (s. of Elder) Brewster, and he
was still here as the Co.'s agt. in 1636. When the Plym. Co. sold their claim to
the Dorchester people, 1637 (wh. covered a larger tract than shown in the
accompanying map), they reserved this lot and ho. and certain other tracts of
upland. These were sold, 1638, to Mr. Matthew Allyn, of Hartford, who came
here and occupied. There is strong presumptive evidence in support of the
tradition that Mr. Allyn used the materials of this ho. in the construction of
that wh. he erected on the reserved acre on the hill."
POMEROY, Eltwood, 1638 (D.), lot gr. 15 r. wide (its S. W. cor. should be 22 r. N. of
Palisado); sold lot in Pal. N. end of Meeting-house, on wh. he had built a ho.
at time of Peq. War, to Thos. Nowell, 1641; rem. to Northampton before Oct.,
1671.
His son Caleb m. 1664, when his father gave him a part of the paternal home-
lot W. of the st. which he sold, "with the frame of a building," and rem., 1671,
to N.; he also sold to Tahan Grant that part of homestead E. of st. includ. that
part wh. had been set out to Eltwood Pomeroy's wife, and the little stone ho.
built by Mrs. Huit,' which had been reserved, 1665, for his son Joseph, "when
his time should be out" with Goodman Gunn.
POND, Samuel, 1641, bo't (in several parcels) a lot 28 r. wide, on Silver St. bd. S. E.
by Hollow Fall, N. by Wm. Buell; he d. 1654; his wid. sold ho. and lot to
Richard Saxton, 1655, and he sold the front part with ho. to Wm. Buell for his
son Samuel, 1664, and (same date) the rear to Thos. Barber, Jr.
PORTER, John, 1639, lot gr.; his ho. was on the Island, on the lot E. of the Street,
betw. Col. Phelps' present res. and the road that goes down into the meadow;
his home-lot on W. side of st. ext. W. to Mr. Wolcott's home-lot, bd. S. on the
South road to the Island, and N. on Joseph Loomis. The breadth of the lot at
the W. end was 18½ r., "next the meadow 32" r.; the S. line was 50 r. in length
from the meadow to Mr. Wolcott's lot. His meadow was but 25 r. "against
the house lot" (part of Meadow hill) "against the Rivulet 35 rods," and bd. S.
by the present road.
1 After the Rev. Mr. Huit's death, in 1644, his widow had a dwelling on Pomeroy's
land. The Land Records preserve this item: 'Whereas Eltwed Pomeroy formerly
gave Mrs. Elizabeth Huit, in the time of her widowhood, in way of courtesy, to build
her a house, by the help of her friends, adjoining to the end of his dwelling-house, to
use for her own during her life, which she enjoyed, and after her death the said Eltwed
Pomeroy took it for his own, at a price agreed upon between him and those which she
desired as her overseers and friends to order that little estate which she left for her chil-
dren, which price he hath payed as they appointed him."
FIRST SETTLERS AND THEIR HOME-LOTS.
165
RANDALL, Philip, 1640 (D.), lot gr. 12 r. wide, S. of Holcomb; he built on W. side
st.; d. 1648. His son Abraham had the 13 acres whereon the homestead had
been previously built, on E. side of st., opp. his father's. This, in 1678, he
gave to his kinsman, Abraham (son of Geo.) Phelps, "that which was my
dwelling house, E. side of the st.," breadth 12 r., showing that the father built
W. and the son E. of the st., on the same lot.
¿
RAWLINS, Jasper, 1640, had a lot, 9 acres, E. of Mill-highway. His name is ent. at
top of a page, but no land rec'd; rem. and sold, 1644, land in W. with housing
and appurtenances, to George Alexander, being then a resident of "Roxbury,
in the Massachusetts:" Savage says he came to N. E. in 1632; rem. with first
settlers to Wethersfield, thence to Windsor, and ret. to R. before 1646.
ROCKWELL, William, 1640 (D.), lot gr. 16 r. wide, ext. 274 r. S. of ferry road.
He d. 1640.
Of his sons, John had the homestead, by deed from mother, 1652, where he
res. and added, 1660, the lot of Joseph Clarke, dec'd, adjoining. Samuel was
an early settler E. of Great River; after his mar. had the S. half of his father's
lot, bd. W. by highway, and sold to Hannum, he to Saxton, he (with dwelling)
to Timo. Buckland, 1661; he, 1677, to John Denslow, Jr.
ROSSETER, Dr. Bray (or Brian), 1640 (D.), lot gr. 20 r. wide; ext. 67 r. W. from
Island road, on wh. his first ho. doubtless stood, but after the Great Flood of
1638/9 he built on higher ground near present R. R., his home-lot bdg. S. on
present Union st.; rem. to Guilford 1652; ho. and lot sold, 1657, to Samuel
Marshall, who, 1660, sold them to Anth. Hoskins. (?)
ST. NICHOLAS, Mr. John, 1639, lot gr. 20 rods wide, next N. of John Drake, Sr.,
and ho. on it; he was a near neighbor of Rev. Mr. Huit, in Warwickshire, Eng.,
a member of his congreg., and a prominent parliamentarian, and rep. Warwick-
shire in 1653;¹ he was a curate in the Ch. of Eng. and had written a work on
Baptism which he had dedicated to the Rev. Ministers in New Eng. It is not
prob. that he, himself, came over; this, with the dwelling ho., was sold by his
attys. to John (Sen ) and Jacob Drake, 1652.
SAMOS (Samways), Richard, 1640, lot gr. 12 r. wide, S. of Randall's (prob. includ. the
present Henry Phelps ho.) sold to Samuel Gaylord; bo't Winchell's lot, 12 rods
first S. of present ferry road, where he d., 1650; wid. sold dwell. ho. and 3 acres
to Stephen Taylor; it passed to Anth. Hawkins, who had purchased the ho.
and lot S. of it (Rob't Watson's at the time-orig. Thos. Dibble's pl.); the 2 pl.
were sold, 1656, to Jacob Drake, and by him to Sam. Gibbs, 1662.
SAXTON, Richard, 1646, bo't the Michael Try lot, prob. res. there; sold it to Thos.
Parsons, owned the Stuckey ho. and lot; also, 1661, bo't the S. part of lot
of Wm. Rockwell (dec'd) W. of st., and sold it, with the ho., to Timo. Buck-
land, 1661; it is uncertain whether he res. in either of the two last mentioned;
bo't Humphrey Hyde's pl., 1653, near Old Mill, cor. Old Mill road and Pleasant
St., where he prob. res., 1654, and d. 1676 "in war" (King Philip's).
¹A deposition made in 1684 by Geo. Griswold (then æ. abt. 77) State Archives, Pri-
vate Controversies, II. 190–224. Also memoranda furnished by J. Hammond Trumbull,
Esq., of Hartford. From these it seems that he loaned £200 to Mr. Wm. Whiting, and
Griswold (a friend of both) supposed the Ludlow lot was purchased with the view of its
being transferred to Mr. St. Nicholas.
166
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
SENSION, Matthew, 1640 (D.), lot gr. in Pal. 10 rods, now occup. by Mrs. Anson
Loomis, bd. S. by the Burying Gd., and road leading to it at S. W. cor. Pali-
sado-Green; bd. E. by the Green, 10 r. wide, 18 r. deep, or back to the Pali-
sades. A record of the lot was made in the Book of Figures," the record
kept before the Court established a Town Clerk and records to be kept by him.
This lot with ho. was sold to Walter (s. Dea.) Gaylord. Sension also owned
one of the home-lots, on Backer Row, 27 r. S. of No. Sandy Hill road, 14 r.
wide, afterwards found in poss. of Nich. Sension; rem. to Norwalk.
SENSION, Nicholas, 1643; bo't Weller's lot, Silver st. opp. Pigeon Hill road (1663,
betw. John Moses and James Eno) and built thereon.
STAIRES (Stayres), (Sgt.) Thomas, 1638, had lot (perhaps his orig. one before Peq.
War) on Backer Row; sold to Gibbs after 1641: also had ho. and lot in Pal.
7 r. wide (on which the Chaffee brick house now stands) N. E. cor. of wh. is
30 rods S. of N. line of Cong. parsonage; this was sold by his att'ys to Rev.
Mr. Huit, abt. 1640, who prob. res. there at time of his death; afterwards it
passed to Mr. Clarke.
STILES, Mr. Francis, 1635 (Saltonstall's party), lot gr. 31 rods wide; this included the
13 r. lot, wh. he sold to Mr. Wm. Gaylord; rem. to Saybrook and sold pl. (pres-
ent Chief Justice Ellsworth pl. and most of the lot S. of it,) to Robert Salton-
stall, and he to Nicholas Davidson, of Boston, whose wid. Joanna, sold it to
Josias Ellsworth. It is not certain where Stiles' ho. stood, but there is still a
well near the brow of the hill, abt. the middle of the lot, wh. indicates the
vicinity of his dwelling.
■
Henry, 1635 (Saltonstall party), lot gr. 42 rods wide; ext. from ferry-road on N. to
the home lot of Wm. Gaylord, Jr.; his inventory, 1651, shows that he had a cel-
lar (house), stable and barn: the ho. being of the cellar order of architecture
would indicate that it was located S. E. of the brook, prob. near Wm. Gaylord;
lot was bd. N. by ferry road.
John, 1635 (Saltonstall party), lot gr. 12 rods wide, adjoining that of Francis Stiles.
The Col. S. W. Ellsworth ho. stands on this lot, and prob. the present div. fence
stands on the orig. line.
Thomas, 1635 (Saltonstall party), lands not rec.
John Bissell's land was bd. S. by
Thomas Stiles, and he subsequently bo't 10 rods that had been Thomas Stiles'-
prob. the lot rec. to Eglestone was orig. a part of T. S.'s lot.
(The grants to the Stiles brothers prob. ext. from 20 rods N. of the old Ferry
road to a few rods S. of the ruins of the late Col. Ellsworth's house.)
STOUGHTON, (Ancient, or Ensign) Thomas, 1640 (D.), lot gr. 27 r. wide, from David
Ellsworth's present S. line to abt. the present mile-stone (perhaps 2 r. further
S. to line of S. fence of Parsons' lot): son Thomas inher. the homestead wh. has
remained in the family to the present time; occup. now by the family of the late
Harvey Stoughton. On this lot stood the "old Stoughton," or old stone
fort." · See page 141.
STRONG, Elder John, 1647 (D.), bo't the Thornton pl. (late Dea. Jasper Morgan pl.)
which he and his father-in-law, Thomas Ford, bo't from T. when they first
came to W.: he afterwards bo't out Ford, and res. here until his rem. to North-
ampton, 1659.
FIRST SETTLERS AND THEIR HOME-LOTS.
167
STUCKEY, George, 1640, bo't land 12 rods wide on Backer Row, orig. set to John
Taylor; built thereon, and sold to Richard Weller, 1645, and disappears from
record.
TAYLOR, John, 1640, had orig. lot on Backer Row, 29 r. from cor. and 12 r. wide, sold
to Geo. Stuckey, 1649 (see above), and had also a ho. in Pal. near N. W. cor. of
Green, wh. his wid. sold to Begat Egelstone, 1651.
Stephen, 1642, m. Sarah (dau. Wm.) Hosford and had the H. pl. where he res. until
1656: then sold to Thos. Ford, prob. rem. at once over the Great River, where
he appears among the first settlers.
TERRY, Stephen, 1637 (D.), lot gr. 144 r. wide, next S. Geo. Hull's, S. line W. of st.
the N. side Sandy Hill road: rem. to Hurd lot on Broad st. and gave orig.
homestead to son John, on his mar. 1660. John sold his part to Sam. Farns-
worth, 1676, and rem. to Simsbury.
THORNTON, Thomas, 1640 (D.), lot gr. but not rec. on Backer Row: sold ho. and land
in Pal. (the present Dea. Jasper Morgan pl., it ext. W. of present line of road
leading up to Pal. Green, was bd. N. and E. by Rivulet ferry road, and S. by
Rivulet) to Thos. Ford and his son-in-law John Strong, abt 1647: was res. in
Stamford, 1653. Strong was res. there 1654. This ppy. owned by the late
Dea. Jasper Morgan. E. of Strong's garden fence, a road turned down to the
meadow, the same that now exists there. It was the old Rivulet ferry road,
spoken of more fully in another place.
THRALL, William, 1637, lot gr. 13 r. wide, adj. Bascomb, where he res. until 1646,
when he and Rob. Wilson bo't Simon Hoyte's pl. in Hoyte's Meadow: div. ho.
and land in the middle (the well and wood court to be enjoyed interchangeably)
and res. there until 1654, when Thrall bo't out Wilson. His son Timothy had
homestead.
TILLEY, John, 1636 (D.), in wh. yr. he was killed by Indians: lot rec. to his wife
Eady (Edith?) who m. 2, Nich. Camp of Milford, and sold (by Thos. Dewey,
"lawful att'y to Nich. Camp of M. and his wife Eady, formerly Eady Tilley ")
to Robert Winchell.; after Samuel Gaylord bo't the adj. lot N. prob. 1646; this
lot 5 r. 6 ft. wide, abt. S. line of Henry Phelps' lot: Winchell bo't the lot adj.
S. side and (1664) the two were made over to his son Nath'l W.
TILTON, Peter, 1641, bo't lot 4 r. wide, next S. of Oldage, of Anth. Hawkins, wh. he
sold before 1652 to John Bennett: bo't (prob. 1650) the Buckland home lot W.
of st. abt. 2 r. N. of the (Rainey) Sandy Hill road: on wh. he built (among the
first to build on W. side) and sold to Samuel Marshall, 1659: rem. to Hadley,
where he became a Magistrate.
TRY, Michael, 1640, lot gr. 7 r. wide, on the Green and 6 at rear near the Palisades ;
wife d. 1646: sold to Rich. Saxton: he to Thos. Parsons, who res. there 1654.
Try rem.; was living in 1660.
TUDOR, Owen, 1649, Mch. 1, bo't from John Wyatt, ho. and lands on the Island betw.
Ambrose Fowler and Matthew Allyn.
VOARE (Vore, Vose), Richard, lot gr. 5 r. wide, E. side Broad st. (now occup. by Acad-
emy); res. here 1682. It ext. E. to the Island road, 67 r. He doubtless built at
168
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
first on the Island road, but, after the Flood of 1638–9, res. on the higher ground,
but prob. nearly, or quite as far E. as the Railroad. As late as 1662, the E.
side of Broad St. appears to have been about where it now is. It was but 6 r.
wide and ext. across Voare's and two adj. lots, taking 6 r. in width, for wh.
they were to have compensation in land elsewhere. The distance betw. the
Island road and this 6 r. road running S. from the Mill-road, is stated to be
"about 60 rods," which agrees with the present measurement. He also owned
the meadow land betw. Rivulet and Mill Brook, where the latter empties into
former, called upon rec. Voare's Point. "Whereas Richard Voare upon Mr.
John Warham's request, formerly gave him liberty to build a little house upon
his land joining the N. end of his [Vore's] then and now dwelling house for the
use of his kinswoman Mary Jones to dwell in during her life, and at her
death to give it to the said Richard; and the said Mary Jones being now
deceased," Mr. Warham, 15 Dec., 1666, formally returned said land to Voar
by deed, on record.
>>
WARHAM, Rev. John, 1638 (D.), lot gr. 16 acres, bd. N. by Mill-brook: add. 1642,
"the Palisado
Joseph Newberry's lot, 10 r. from the highway E. back 20 r. to
on the hill,” with the "frame and timber standing thereon.' This "frame," or
ho. stood first a little S. of where David Rowland's ho. now stands, whether he
rem. after the Great Flood of 1638-9, to the higher ground, is uncertain, tho' until
quite lately there was what trad. considered the cellar-hole of Mr. Warham's
house on the hill near the present highway. The road to the ferry (Rivulet)
turned at right angles directly in front of his ho. wh. stood on his S. line. Mill-
brook was his N. bd. line, and his 16-acre lot ext. from the Rivulet to the W.
beyond the lots lying S. of him. He bo't, 1644, the E. end of Joseph Newberry's
lot wh. lay next him on the S., and wh. ext. from the highway on the E. "20
r. to the Palisado on the hill." This is the only reference found to this Pal.
As N. had " a frame standing," prob. on that portion of the lot lying on the
lower level, possibly the Pal. did not inclose his, or Mr. W.'s house.
+
WATSON, Robert, 1646, bo't Thos. Dibble's pl., exch. it for Anth. Hawkins' pl. (1650),
betw. Peter Tilton's and John Hawkes'.
WELLER, Richard, 1640, lot gr. 11 r. wide, on Silver St. betw. Mary Collins and Wm.
Filley, wh. he sold to Nich. Sension, without ho. 1643, and bo't the Stuckey pl.
on Backer Row, 1645; also, later, bo't the adj. lot with ho. built by Youngs:
rem. to Farmington.
WILLIAMS, Arthur, 1640, had his father-in-law's, Joshua Carter's pl. first N. present
ferry-road, prob. only 6 or 8 r. wide, a acre above the road and & acre on the
E. side (E. end of lot was E. of ferry road): sold it 1658/9 to Thos. Ford, and
disappears. Ford sold to John Strong, 1662, who res. there. W. also had rec.
to him, 1640, a home-lot next W. of Rich. Birge, near Old Mill; did not build,
but sold early to Daniel Clarke.
John, 1644, bo't 14 acres, next W. Pal. S. side ext. W. to top of hill: ho. opp.
Backer Row road.
Roger, 1639 (D.), lot gr. 13 r. wide, E. side Broad St. next S. of Richard Vore: wife
d. 1645: ret. to D. in or before 1647: sold to Capt. Benj. Newberry, who sub-
seq. res. there.
WILSON, Robert, 1647, bo't half the Simon Hoyte pl. wh. he sold to Wm. Thrall, 1654.
FIRST SETTLERS AND THEIR HOME-LOTS.
169
WILTON, Lieut. David, 1640 (D:), lot. gr. in Pal. 7 r. wide, next W. of Filer's, N. on
Pal. Green, S. by Rivulet: prior to 1654 add. by purchase the lots of Hill, Bas-
sett, and Gibbs, and his name appears as sole prop'r in Pal. Plan of that date.
The present Cong. Ch. stands a little E. of the middle of it: sold the whole to
Mr. John Witchfield, 1660; rem. to Northampton but d. in Windsor, 1677.
WINCHELL, Robert, 1637 (D.), lot gr. 12 r. wide (now bds. the N. of present Bissell's-
Ferry road); sold to Rich. Samos, or Samways, and bo't Tilly and Hannum
lots: homestead fell to son Nath'l. Samway sold his purchase to Anth. Hawkins,
who prob. res. there after he had sold his first location to Robert Watson.
WITCHFIELD, (Elder and Mr.) 1640 (D.), lot gr. 164 r. wide (now Grace Prot. Epis.
Ch. and Rev. Mr. Tuttle's pl.) no child; wife d, 1659: in Spring of 1661, sold
out to John Moore and bo't David Wilton's pl. in Pal. wh. he res. with his
kinswoman Elisabeth Dolman, until her mar. with John (son of Walter) Filer,
1672, when he gave them the pl. There seems to have been an offer to sell this
last named pl. for the res. of Rev. Nath'l Chauncey, Mr. W. reserving
"the
privilege of walking in the grounds and orchard." He d. 1678.
WHITEHEAD, Richard ("Goodman"). Savage, under Whitehead, says that Richard
of Windsor "served on the jury at July Court, 1640, married Mary, widow of
William Hopkins, and no more is known of him; but his wife was living in
1670 with her dau. Lewis." Under Hopkins he says, William, Stratford, 1640,
an assistant 1641 and 2, but it is unknown whence he came, when he died, or
what wife or children he had. Perhaps it was his daughter Mary who after
his death, in virtue of a contract of marriage made by her mother Mary, wife of
Richard Whitehead of Windsor (who was living 1670), with William Lewis of
Farmington, 1644, became wife of William Lewis, son of the bargainer. If so
we might infer that our Connecticut magistrate was then dead, and his widow
who married Richard Whitehead was named Mary." It is shown by his will
that Richard Whitehead had a wife Mary, a brother-in-law Hugh Hopkins,
and a daughter-in-law Mary Lewis, who no doubt was the person who married
William Lewis, Jr., of Farmington. Lewis married for a second wife Mary,
daughter of the famous schoolmaster Ezekiel Cheever (Register, vol. 33, page
192). His son by the 2d marriage, Ezekiel Lewis, Jr., gr. H. C. 1695, was a
teacher in Westfield and Boston, and afterwards a successful merchant in Bos-
ton.
N. Eng. Gen. Hist. Register, iii. 47-8; Hill's Old South Church Cata-
logue, 324–5.
Windsor records show but little trace of "Goodman" Whitehead. He had, in
1640, a lot 10 rods wide on what was known as The Island," directly oppo-
site the lot of Henry Wolcott, Sen., and about 15 rods south of the road to the
Island, on west side of street; died early—and his wid. sold the place to Thos.
Orton, who, in 1665, sold (with dwelling) to Simon Wolcott. This location was
among the "best families" of Windsor—the Wolcotts, Phelpses, Loomises, etc.
- inferentially, then, his social status was high.
On page 55, vol. i. of the Colonial Records of Connecticut, the name of Richard
Whitehead appears in the list of The Jury," July 2, 1640. He probably
failed to bring in to the recorder his land for record, as none is entered in the
Land Record under his name; but Henry Wolcott the younger has a lot bounded
north by Goodman Whitehead, and Christopher Wolcott has a lot bounded
south by Richard Whitehead, under date of 1640. The same lot, without date,
VOL. I.-22
170
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
is sold to Thomas Orton by Mary Whitehead,, widow. On the map of the first
settlers of Windsor, in volume 2 of the Memorial History of Hartford County,
the lot of Whitehead appears between the lots of George Phelps and H. Wol-
cott, Jr. Mr. Whitehead's name does not appear in Matthew Grant's Old Church
Record of births, marriages, and deaths.
RICHARD WHITEHEAD of Windsor upon Connecticut River in New England in the
parts of America, 26 April 1645, proved 26 June 1645. Whereas there is or
was lately due and owing unto my daughter in law Mary Lewes the sum of
one hundred pounds, being a portion given unto her by my wife, hereafter
named, whilst she was sole and unmarried, which money was entrusted with
my brother in law Hugh Hopkins and by him, by and with the consent of my
said wife and daughter, delivered unto me for the use of my said daughter etc.
I do therefore hereby give and bequeath unto the said Mary Lewes the sum of
thirty pounds, in ready money or goods to be transported over to her, to her
liking, towards the satisfaction of her said portion; and I do give and confirm the
gift and delivery of several goods and chattels unto her towards further satis-
faction thereof, which my wife hath already delivered unto her, which goods
etc. were of the value of thirty pounds more. And I give and bequeath unto
the said Mary Lewes, and her heirs forever, my messuage or tenement, with the
backside, orchard and garden and all edifices and buildings upon the same
built and standing, lying in knoll in the county of Warwick in the kingdom of
England, and now or late in the tenure, use or occupation of Thomas Milles
and John Shakespeare or one of them, which said messuage is known by the
sign of the Crown; which said premises I conceive are of the value of forty
pounds more, which I give towards further satisfaction of her said portion.
To wife Mary Whitehead and her heirs and assigns forever all my lands, tenements
and hereditaments lying in New England, also my goods, cattle and chattels
upon condition that she shall pay and satisfy unto my said daughter in law
Mary Lewes so much more money as will satisfy unto her and fully make up
her said portion of one hundred pounds. To my brother John Andrewes of
Clifton thirty pounds to secure him for the five pounds a year lying upon his
lands due to my brother Edward Whitehead for his life. To John and Edward
Whitehead, sons of my said brother Edward, twenty pounds to be equally di-
vided between them when they shall attain their several ages of one and
twenty years. To Joane Whitehead, daughter of my brother Matthew White-
head, twenty shillings. To John Andrewes, son of my brother John Andrewes
of Clifton twenty shillings. To my sister Joyce Fisher forty shillings and to
her son Richard Fisher forty shillings and to her daughter Mary Fisher forty
shillings. There is a demand made by my kinswomen Hannah, Sarah, Rebecca
and Abigail Higgins of some part of their mother's portion unpaid to their
father, which I am confident was fully satisfied and paid: yet that there shall
be no clamor about the same and upon condition that they shall acquite all de-
mands concerning the same I do hereby give them twenty shillings a piece.
To my friend Mr. Thomas Fish of Wedgeneckt Park five pounds in part of
recompence for my diet and great charge and trouble that I have put him to. To
my maidservant Dorothy Underwood ten shillings. I hereby constitute and
ordain the said Mr. Thomas Fish and my said brother John Andrewes executors
and John Rogers, Edward Rogers, Matthew Edwards and William Smith of
Langley to be overseers.
Wit: Fran: Eede, Hester Fishe, Cr: Fishe, Michael Perkins.
Proved by John Andrewes, power reserved for Thomas Fish.
Rivers, 87.
N. Eng. Gen. Hist, Register, 1890.
FIRST SETTLERS AND THEIR HOME-LOTS.
171
WOLCOTT, Mr. Henry, Sen'., 1636 (D.), lot gr. 10 r. wide; his home lot of 12 acres was
W. of those of Joseph Loomis and John Porter, and ext. from the highway at
"the two bridges" on N. 24 r. wide, to the So. Island road, where it was 46
rods wide, this constitutes the W. side of the Island: also, 22 acres in the Great
Meadow, and 8 in Plym. Meadow, besides large tracts of upland, and lands also
E. of Conn. River. His dwelling stood on the Island abt. 25 r. S. of the So.
Island road on E. side of st. near the brow of the Meadow hill, where there can
tho'
still be seen evidences of the site of a ho.: scattered stones being visible
frequent plowing has filled the cellar.
— —
Henry, Jun¹., 1636 (D.), lot gr. 12 r. wide, next S. of his father's, ext. from foot of
Meadow on E. to the Swamp W. abt. 54 rods: after death of his bro. Christo-
pher, he had the homestead.
<<
Christopher, lot gr. 6 r. wide, next N. of his father's, ext. from the meadow
'through the Great Swamp" to the higher ground W. That portion W. of
st. he sold to Geo. Phelps. His bro. Simon had his place.
WYATT, John, (1649), appears on rec. only when his lot of 2 acres, betw. Ambrose
Fowler and Matthew Allyn (near S. end of the Island, ext. from the meadow
on E. to upland W. of the Swamp, prob. only 5 or 6 r. wide) was sold, 1 Mch.
1649, to Owen Tudor.
YOUNGS, John, 1641; bo't Wiliam Hubbard's lot on Backer Row, 29 r. wide: sold it
with appurtenances" (prob. họ.) to Walter Hoyte, 1649.
་
Mathew Yxant gronds
Paber Ut. Grays
Вас
1652-1677.
Student of Windsor History, 1840-91.
[These autographs are thus coupled at the end of this chapter, in cordial recogni-
tion of services which though rendered at an interval of 200 years have made such
a chapter possible. -H. R. s.]
CHAPTER VIII.
HISTORY, 1650-1675. EXTRACTS FROM THE TOWN ACTS.
1650, August 21.
"It was ordered by the Town that whereas there is an order of
the country that there shall be 108. paid by the country for every Wolf that
shall be killed within the jurisdiction; now it is ordered that there shall be 5s. added by
the town for every Wolf that shall be killed within the bounds of the town, within this
year next ensuing." (Bk. i. 1.)
The following extract shows a rudeness of demeanor which we
should think unbecoming in a Sabbath congregation of the present day.
Mr. Warham and several of the magistrates resided on the south side of
Windsor River. The meeting-house was but a short distance from the
ferry, and half the congregation would of course arrive there at the same
time- all of whom could not go over together.
October 23d. "It was ordered by the townsmen that upon the Lord's days, meet-
ings, and all other days of public meetings, none shall go into the canoe before the mag-
istrates and elders, when they or any of them go [personally over], and that there shall not
at any time go above 35 persons at a time into the great canoe, and not above six per-
sons at a time in the little canoe, upon penalty of 5d. for every such transgression; and
if any children or servants transgress this order, their parents or masters shall pay the
penalty aforesaid, or if they refuse to do it the name of the person so offending shall be
returned to the court." (Bk. i. 1.)
Robert Hayward was this year miller in Windsor, and was freed
from jury duty while tending his mill (Col. Rec.).
66
January, 1650-1. An agreement was made with John Brooks to
keep the ferry over the Rivulet for one year from the 25th of March en-
suing. He was to carry all who call from sunrise to evening. No one
should have power to take the boat from him. He was to have
"s[-] pounds" per annum in wheat, peas, and Indian corn in equal
proportions. "He is to take pay of strangers that pass through the
town, but he is not to receive pay for such as come about any business in
the town, which are of Hartford or Wethersfield." "Also, the town are
to make a place fit for him to dwell in before the 25th of Dec., to be 10
feet in breadth and 15 in length. Also, he is to have his wages
brought in by the 8th of January next. Also, if it shall so fall out that
the [house] be not ready by the time aforesaid, the town shall provide a
house to put his corn in, and he is to attend two several days which shall
be appointed to receive his wages; but if all his wages should not be
EXTRACTS FROM TOWN ACTS, 1650–1675.
173
brought in those two days aforesaid, then the townsmen are to cause the
rest to be brought in. Also, he is to have a penny for every single per-
son that he shall fetch over in the [boat] but if he shall fetch over more
than one at a time, he is to have but a half penny a person, and 2 pence
for a horse, and
if he fetch them over the river.
but
if he carry them up to Mr. Warham's' he is to have 3 pence for a horse
[and] man, except such as shall be employed in [public] service shall
pay nothing." (Bk. i. 2, 3.)
May 5th.
“At a meeting of the townsmen Mr. Clarke was appointed to sit in the
great pew." (Bk. i. 5.)
Mr. Clark had been appointed a magistrate the year previous
and according to the custom of the day was honored with a seat in the
"great pew," which was wainscotted and expressly designed as a place
of special dignity.
October 8th. “After lecture it was voted by the inhabitants then present, that Mr.
Warham should have £100 for his labours for this year ensuing, and for after time as
the town shall see meet. Also Mrs. Hewit to have £20 the year ensuing." (Bk. i. 5.)
“Likewise the same, September 29th, 1652.”
This annuity to the widow of their beloved teacher was continued
from the time of his decease in 1644 to 1656, or thereabouts.
November 16th. "Samuel Eagelstone began to beat the drum to give warning to
meetings on the Lord's days, twice in the morning seasonably, and once after dinner:
and also on lecture days twice, and is so to continue for a twelve month following, and
is to have 10s. for his labours." (Bk. i. 6.)
1651–2, January 13th. "Articles of Agreement made between the Townsmen of
Windsor the one party, and Thomas Parsons the other party, about keeping the passage
over the Rivulet for one year, to begin on the 25th of March next ensuing, the date above
written, and so continue until that time twelve months. His daily time, to begin to give
his attendance, is by the rising of the sun, and to continue till the shutting up of the
evening; and for any that shall have occasion to pass over in the evening after his day
is ended, shall pay for one single person 1d; and if above one, 2 for a penny, and for a
horse and man 2d; and for strangers that pass upon any occasion to pay a ha'penny a
person, and for a horse and man 2d; and in flood time, when they go to the other side
of the meadow, 3d, man and horse. Likewise Indians halfpence a piece. Only Hart-
ford men are to pass free at all times, and on lecture days, and that come to lectures.
He is to have a great Boat for horse, and a little canoe besides, delivered into his hands
with chains for [them], and a lock for the great Boat; and he is to secure them, and de-
liver them up to the Town again when his year is out. And no man shall have liberty
to take them for any use without his consent; also if any man have more than ordinary
occasion in the morning before the sun rising, they calling, he shall help them over; also
any that go about public occasions for country service, as Magistrates, Deputies, Jurors,
to come free.
¹ The ferry, as will be recollected, was at the old road near the Dea Morgan pres-
ent dwelling; but when the water was high the meadow was overflowed, and the ferry-
man was obliged to carry his passengers over the submerged meadow, and land them at
Mr. Warham's, which was the high ground now occupied by the Alvah Rowland place.
174
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
"And in consideration of his labour, he is to have £18, for a year, paid in wheat,
peas, and Indian corn, besides what he gets by strangers. The corn in equal propor-
tions, and to be brought into Thomas Parsons house: £9, on the 29th September next,
and the other £9 in the beginning of March following. He is also to have a little house.
set up at the Town cost, 12 feet in length, and 8 feet in breadth this is to be done by
the 25th of March next, finished to his hand. In witness whereof we have interchang-
ably set our hands.
Mar. 24th,
"WILLIAM PHELPS,
WILLIAM GAYLORD,
JOHN MOORE,
DAVID WILTON,
JOHN STRONG.
THOMAS [X] PARSONS.
(Bk. i. 6 and 7.)
"There were three men chosen to take view of the Town, according
to the order of Court for that purpose.
1652, September 13th.
“HENRY WOLCOTT, Commissioner.
JOHN BISSELL,
MATHEW GRANT.”
It is assented that John Hillier shall have for the digging
of all graves, one with another, 1s. 6d. per grave, and is to attend it on all occasions."
(Bk. i. 11.)
Sept. 29th. An agreement was made between the Townsmen and
Gregory Gibbs, who took the Rivulet ferry on nearly the same terms as
Parsons had done the year previous.
Dec. 13th. "It is ordered that swine shall not run at large on penalty of 6d. and
their damage paid." (Bk. i. 13.)
1653. During the previous year hostilities had been commenced be-
tween the Dutch and English, and the well-known conduct of the former
gave rise to much apprehension that the Indians would be instigated to
a general revolt. This of course spread a general alarm throughout
New England, and the Commissioners of the United Colonies, in session
at Boston, in May, having "considered what number of soldiers might
be necessary, if God called the Colonies to war with the Dutch;'
ordered that 500 men should be raised out of the four colonies; of which
Connecticut was to furnish 66. Of these 12 were from Windsor. A
committee was appointed, consisting of Mr. Wolcott, Mr. Chester, Mr.
Clark, Mr. Phelps, and David Wilton, with whom the constable was to
advise in regard to pressing the men.
""
Sept. 8th. "The Court doth grant the soldiers of these four towns on the River
[Hartford, Windsor, Wethersfield and Middletown and Farmington], one day for a Gen-
eral Training together - and they have liberty to send to Captain Mason to desire his
presence, and to give him a call to command in chief, and to appoint the day; provided
that each town shall have power to reserve a guard at home for the safety of the towns,
as occasion shall serve." (Col. Rec.)
EXTRACTS FROM TOWN ACTS, 1650-1675.
175
This order was undoubtedly the origin of that famous Connecticut
institution, General Training Day.
November 8th. "William Gaylord, the Elder, and John Strong, are to appoint
what calves shall be reared for bulls, on this side of the River, likewise for the other
side.” (Bk. i. 15.)
1653-4, February 6th.
A meeting of the townsmen, there was a case presented
by John Moore, in behalf of others of his neighbors, with himself, against John Bissell,
concerning herding of cattle. And whereas it has been proved that John Bissell hath
had several of his young cattle kept among their cattle by their herdsman, it is judged
to be equity for John Bissell to pay a suitable proportion with them, according to his
cattle, which is evidenced to be thirteen young beeves and two the price of a cow, ас-
cording to hire rates, 3s. 2d. 3 farthings, which amounts to £1, 18." (Bk. i. 18.)
1654, October. Windsor contributed 8 soldiers to the Narragansett
expedition against Ninigret, ordered by the Commissioners of the United
Colonies; also "a sergeant, two barrels of meat, one barrel of peas, and
a boat."
1654-5, Feby. 5th. An agreement made with John Bartlett to keep the Rivulet
Ferry on same terms as Gregory Gibbs had before kept it. He is to have "£18 in
wheat, pease and Indian corn, in equal proportions, according to the ordinary price."
(Bk. i. 22.)
1655, May 28th. "Being the Day appointed for training, in the afternoon, and a
pretty full meeting, and also most of the ancient men, there was a vote put for the
choice of a Captain, and it was assented to that there should be a captain chosen, but
with this proviso, that whosoever it fell to, he should perform the service of the place,
without expecting any wages or maintainance from the town. In proposing about the
choice, it fell to be Captain upon Lieutenant Cooke, for he had 87 papers; and for all
that were brought into nomination besides were but 19 papers. In the choice of a
Lieutenant, Mr. Newbury had 80 papers, and all the rest were but 13. In the choice of
an Ensign, David Wilton had the choice, by 6 papers more than Daniel Clark." (Bk. i.
24.)
Sept. 15th. "Also appointed to have the great meadow cleared of Indian corn by
the 26th of this month. And the east of the great river to be cleared by the 3d day of
October following."
November 26th.
meeting-house.”
'The Townsmen met and appointed somewhere to set in the
1655-6, February 4th. 'At a meeting of the Townsmen, it was taken into consider-
ation, that which was referred to them by the vote of the town, to give such encourage-
ment to the man that was propounded for a currier, as has manifested inclinations to
come to us, so that the town would procure him the house of Henry Curtis with the lot.
They do now agree that David Wilton shall send a letter with the first opportunity
in the spring. And to encourage him the town shall provide him a house convenient
at the present [time] and procure him the house and lot of Henry Curtis, if it be to be
sold. And to add something for a shop; or if that be not to be procured, they will be-
stow as much as it is worth, in a convenient place, and if he lives and dies with us, and
affords us the use of his trade, he shall have it to him and his heirs; else to leave it to
the Town." (Bk. i. 27.)
“Also that Richard Oldage and Samuel Marshall shall be propounded to the Gen-
eral court to be appointed sealers of leather." (Bk. i. 27.)
"Also an agreement made with William Edwards, Cooper, of Hartford. He is to
take Simon Hillier, son of John Hillier, deceased, and keep him until he is 21 yrs. of
age, which will be completed and ended on the 25th day of Dec., 1669; he is to learn him
176
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
to write and read English, and cast accounts, and be at the cost, and use his best en-
deavors, to get his scurf head cured. Also to learn him the trade of a cooper, and at
the end of his time to let him go free, and give him double apparel, a musket, sword,
and bandoliers, and 20s; and Mr. Wolcott and David Wilton are to sign indentures be-
twixt them at the times of the General Court at Hartford on March, next ensuing."
(Bk. i. 27.)
March 3. "It was a day of training, and it being propounded to the Company
there assembled what they would give Mr. Warham. for this year, that is, from Septem-
ber to September, next ensuing, it was jointly voted that they would give him fourscore
and ten pounds. (Bk. i. 28.)
""
March 10. 'The Townsmen met, and it was judged by them that Mr. Phelps
should keep James Hillier one twelvemonth after the end of next May ensuing, and then
to let him go from him with a double apparel, yet with this casion [proviso]; If the
Townsmen see any man willing and fit to take him to bring him to a trade, Mr. Phelps
is to let him go at any time after next May; also Mr. Phelps saith he will not be bound
to keep him if the disease of the thistles should break out again.”
August 18th. The major part of the townsmen met and according to the order-
ing of the [court] that the townsmen of Windsor from year to year, do take care for the
preserving of the estate of John Hillier, deceased, for the benefit of his children, do now
for the present agree that because the widow of the said John Hillier is towards join-
ing herself in a second marriage, that she shall not have power to dispose of any part
for her own, until the court make a distribution." (Bk. i. 31.)
September 1st. "Training day; the Townsmen appointed the 25th of this month
to open the meadow."
“Also voted, by the company, that the guard that carried arms to meeting, should
have pound of powder for the two years now past, and so likewise those now pres-
ently appointed for the year to come, and so afterwards." (Bk. i. 31.)
"Also assented to, by divers persons present, and appointed that at the next oppor-
tunity to be propounded to the rest of the Townsmen, that Capt. Cook shall cause that
seasonable warning shall be given to come to meeting on the Lord's days and lecture
days, by Drum or trumpet, on the top of the meeting house, and should have 20s. for
the year ensuing." Sept. 6th. It was confirmed." (Bk. i. 31.)
1656–7, Feb. 10. "It was voted to allow Mrs. Huit [an annuity] as formerly, only
Nicholas Palmer, John Griswold, Jacob Gibbs, Anthony Hoskins, John Denslow, Jos.
Hosford opposed it." (Bk. i. 32.)
October 26. 'The Town met and agreed to have the burying place made commo-
dious. David Wilton doth hereby engage himself and his [successors] forever to main-
tain whatsoever fence belongs to the burying place of Windsor, now joining to his land,
and also to make and maintain a commodious gate for passage to it. Also, to clear it
of all stubs and boughs that grows upon it, between this and next Spring, and to sow it
with English grass that it may be decent and comely, and he, and his heirs, is to have
the benefit of the pasture forever." (Bk. i. 34.)
November 26. "At a town meeting warned, Mr. Warham's rate, Mr. Huit's and
John Bartlett's [rate] for the ferry were published. Also a general vote passed for the
entertainment of a new smith, and to give him £10 and lend him £20, to pay it again in
work."
1657-8, March 11. A troop of thirty horse, of 37 men, the first in
the colony, was organized by the General Court, and placed under the
command of Capt. John Mason. On the list of troopers "presented and
allowed" by the court, we find the following Windsor names:
EXTRACTS FROM TOWN ACTS, 1650-1675.
177
Mr. Daniel Clark, (Lieut.)
Thomas Allyn,
Samuel Marshall, (Capt.)
John Bissell,
George Phelps,
Stephen Terry,
John Williams,
Nathaniel Loomis,
Thomas Loomis,
Capt. Aaron Cook,
Ens. David Wilton,
Simon Wolcott,
Thomas Strong,
John Porter.
William Hayden,
John Hosford,
John Moses,
Of this troop the captains were: Daniel Clark, 1664; Simon Wol-
cott, 1705; Daniel White, 1716.
This year was one of great sickness and mortality in Connecticut,
as well as in New England generally. Religious controversy and the
implacable animosity of the Indians gave constant alarm to both rulers
and people. The crops also were unusually light, and "it was a year of
fear, perplexity, and sorrow."
1658–9, January 8. "At a town meeting, it was voted that Samuel Grant should
try and seal measures for the town."
"Also, that Peter Brown that keeps the mill should take but single toll, or the six-
teenth part of all grain for his grinding; only of Indian corn it was voted by the Major
part that he should take toll and half, from this time until the 25th of March next ensu-
ing, but no longer."
"Also, that John Bartlett is to continue the keeping of the ferry, and is not to put
in any man without the Townsmen's approbation, and the Townsmen are to see to the
providing of some stones and timber to build him a cellar at the ferry house; and he is
to pay the cost of it out of this ferry rate, and when he leaves the keeping of the ferry,
or does not give honest content in the place, but the Townsmen must seek another, then
he is to leave the cellar, and the town must give him for it as it is worth." (Bk. i. 37.)
1659, March 27. The trumpet was sounded again to give warning to meeting."
(Bk. i. 38.)
"
June 1. "Also this day, terms agreed upon about the tolls at the mill; Mr. Warham
is to have the sixteenth part, or two quarts upon a bushel, of all English and malt
grinding, and for Indian corn a twelfth part, or three quarts upon a bushel grinding."
(Bk. i. 39.)!
Dec. 10. "Also, it is granted by the town that Capt. Cooke shall have half the ordi-
nary pay, in the next town rate, for seven young wolves taken out of an old one.”
(Bk. i. 40.)
Feb’y 16, 1659–60. Capt. Cook was again paid for "4 wolves."
Judging from the frequency of similar items on the town records, the
Captain and his townsman, Daniel Hayden, were the Nimrods of Wind-
sor. They certainly made great havoc among the wolves of that neigh-
borhood. Many years after the settlement of the country these animals
were very numerous, and committed frequent depredations. As early as
1647 the General Court offered a bounty of 10s. for every wolf "killed
¹ Indian corn, being more difficult to grind than what was then known as English
grain, was allowed a heavier toll.
VOL. I.-23
178
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
within 10 miles of any plantation in this Commonwealth," which bounty
was to be paid by the town in which the animal was killed, or by the
nearest town. The earliest town act of Windsor, which is preserved in
1650, adds 5s. to this 10s. offered by the court. This sum was after-
wards increased, until 1667, when the whole bounty amounted to 25s.
Indians, likewise, were especially encouraged to kill wolves, for each of
which they were to be paid 20s. in wampum, at the rate of six pieces for
a penny. Wolves were generally caught with baited hooks, or in pits
dug for the purpose. In 1656 the court decreed that "what person
soever, either Indian or English, shall take any wolf out of any pit made
by any other man to catch wolves in, whereby they would defraud the
right owner of their due from the town or the country, every such
offender shall pay to the owner of the pit 10s, or be whipped on their
naked bodies not exceeding 6 stripes."
The following shows the names and number of the householders of
Windsor, and the manner of their "seating" in the meeting-house. It
is extracted from an old Book of Rates:
January 18, 1659–60. "A note [was] taken what dwelling houses are in the town,
that the owners of them have paid for seats in the Meeting house, and how much and
by whom. For those that have been placed in the two rows of long seats were first
seated by five in a seat, and were to pay to William Buel 3s a person, or 6s for a man
and his wife; and that made up his pay when he had finished them with doors. Also,
those that were placed in the short seats, at the first were to pay 3s a person, as they in
the long seats; but when it was agreed that those seats should be raised higher for
more convenient hearing, they were to pay Wm. Buel 6s a person more, so that for a
man and his wife 78. First I set down those that have paid, and were placed in the
long seats when they paid.
Thomas Ford,
Bray Rossiter,
John Porter,
Stephen Terry,
Henry Wolcott,
John Bissell,
·
•
•
Thomas Nowell,
Thomas Thornton,
Arthur Williams,
Philip Randall,
Thomas Buckland,
Thomas Gunn, .
Begat Eggleston,
Thomas Holcomb,
Robert Winchell,
Walter Fyler,
Jonathan Gillet,
Josias Hull,
•
Thomas Hoskins,
Anthony Hawkins,
Peter Tilton,
Joshua Carter,.
•
•
6s
68
Abraham Randall,
Matthias Johnson,
68
3 3 3 3 88883 3 3 3 3 8 8 8 8
George Phillips,
George Phelps,
48 9d
48
68
68
68
Samuel Allen,
68
68
Mr. [Francis] Stiles,
38
68
John Drake, Senr.,
6s
6$
Eltwed Pomeroy,
4s 8d
68
6$
68
6s
6s
6s
·
· 68
6$
68
6$
68
68
William Hubbard,
Richard Vore,
68
6s
68
Nico. Palmer,
68
Wm. Thrall,
68
John Rockwell,
68
John Hakes,
తి తి తి తి
Humphrey Pinney,
John Moore,
Roger Williams,
Matthew Grant,
Aaron Cooke,
David Wilton,
Thomas Dewey,
Thomas Bascomb,
38.8
6$
68
68
68
་
•
EXTRACTS FROM TOWN ACTS, 1650–1675.
179
John Stiles, Senr,
68
+
John Rockwell, by his mother,
38
William Buel,
68
Richard Oldage,
38
Samuel Pond,
58
John Young,
38
Nat. Gillet,
68
Owen Tudor,
68
Thomas Parsons,
5$
Simon Hoyt,
6$
Jeffry Baker,
68
£15 8s 5d
•
•
•
Those that were placed in the short seats, what they have paid.
William Hayden,
Daniel Clarke, .
Henry Newbury,
Henry Stiles,
William Gaylord, jr.,
Simon Wolcott,
by Thomas Orton,
778
778
Job Drake,
Joseph Loomis,
4s 6d
68
4s 6d
William Philips,
78
38
Stephen Taylor,
68
6s 6d
Samuel Gaylord,
78
Benedict Alvord,
68
68.
Jacob Drake,
78
John Hosford, by his mother,
3s 6d
Robert Hayward,
is
Geo. Crist. Wolcott,
58
Simon Mills,
4s 6d
Rob. Wilson,
Is
James Enno,
68
Miles Merwin,
Thomas Barber,
[Robert] Watson,
Thomas Deble,.
Samuel Phelps,
Nath. Phelps,
Richard Birge, .
Henry Curtis,
•
Rhody Taylor, .
Edward Griswold,
John Drake,
775
•
78
William Filley,
Mic. Johnson,
58 9d
4s 9d
·
78
3$
Thomas Gilbert,
Richard Weller,
78
6$
7s
William Hannum,
is
48
Alexander Alvord,
78
0 9d
38
·
6$
3s 6d
John Osborn,
George Alexander,
Anthony Dorchester,
is
38
•
£10 178 3
In the Pers.
Mr. Allyn,
Mr. Loomis,
68
68
Mr. Allyn,
Mr. Phelps,
In the Pews.
Mr. [John] Witchfield,
28 6d
Mr. Clark,
Goode Denslow,
3s
C. Cook,
Goode Gibbs,
3$
Mr. Wolcott,
Goode Hoskins,
1s
Mr. Terry,
Deacon Gaylord's wife,
3s
John Bissell,
Mr. Clarke,
38
Mr. Stoughton,
Mr. Mason,
3s
£1 11s 6d
John Wilcoxson,
C. Gibbs,
N. Denslow,
W. Hoskins,
Women.
•
6s
3$
68
6s
68
180
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
for."
"Now to set down persons as they are seated and how their seats have been paid
9 long seats, with 6 in a seat.
13 short seats, with 3 in a seat.
Houses that have seats paid for by their first owners, and the present dwellings in
them, if any, have no seats.
9 names.".
1659-60, January 23. "The Townsmen met, and John Loomis and Joseph were at
a debate with the Townsmen, about Joseph's seat. Mr. Henry Clark and Mr. Warham
asserted, that the issue was that he had lost his seat, according to order that was first
made."
December 20. "Also to repair roof of the meeting house, left to townsmen to
agree upon." Also agreement made by the townsmen with John Bartlett, for keep-
ing the ferry 7 years, was published and assented to." (Bk i. 42.)
In the annual estimate of Town Expenses this year we find the fol-
lowing items:
<<
'For 16 wolves taken £8. For cleansing the meeting house and drum £4. Thos.
Parsons for his canoe to serve the ferry £5. Mr. Wolcott for liquors for bounds 28 6d.
For the remainder of the work, to the silling and underpinning of the meeting house
£10 19s 6d. Win. Buell for a pair of stocks and mending some seats 9s 6d. Nat. Cook
for cutting ice 1s 2d. For 1000 nails of John Bissell 158, &c., &c.”
1660-1, January 7. 'The Townsmen met and agreed that the Meeting House
should be shingled, all the gutters on both sides the lanthorn, and not alter the form of
the roof."
<<
Also agreed with William Buell to alter the great pew into two, one part for the
magistrates, and one for others, and that it be raised equal with [the] short seats.”
‘Also, those that be seated and never paid, neither themselves nor by their prede-
cessors in their houses should now be called for to make in payment to Buell for work
about the house, etc."
January 31. 'A town meeting named by the Constables to publish some orders
made at the General Court before. Also, a vote, passed by the major part, for liberty
to those men that would join in setting a ware across the rivulet, to take fish in any
place below the ferry, and none of the townsmen, that join not with them, shall have
liberty to set a ware below them for 5 years space. And at the 5 years end, if the town
desire to take the benefit of the ware to themselves for a town good, they shall, paying
the men that join for their barrels as they be worth at that time.”
February 25th.
પ
'The Townsmen made a bargain with Samuel Grant to shingle
the inside roof of the meeting house, from end to end, on both sides of the lanthorn,
with 18 inch shingles. He is to get the shingle in the woods, and cut them, hew them
and lay them on one inch and a quarter thick generally, and 7 inches in breadth one
with another. And he
And he is to have 4s per 100 for all plain work, and for the gutters, be-
cause of the more difficulty of laying these, he is to have what he shall in equity judge
to be more worth than 4s per 100; and, for the time of doing this work, he is to do the
north side of the lanthorn before midsummer next, and the other side by October fol-
lowing. The timber, that he works to be good sound timber, and the pay taken out to
this agreement.”
We subscribe our hands in witness:
JOHN MOORE,
HENRY WOLCOTT,
BENJAMIN NEWBERRY,
EDWARD GRISWOLD.
SAMUEL GRANT.
EXTRACTS FROM TOWN ACTS, 1650–1675.
181
Also this day, accounts taken of the town debts for a town rate to be made; and
there appeared:
For 6 wolves taken,
Sounding the Drum to meetings,
•
£
8.
a.
3
0 0
1
0
0
((
Ensign Wilton, for James Osborn [which gift to Osborn was
formerly granted by the town to give him 40s, for supply in his want],
1
0
0
For Cleansing the meeting house,
3
0
0
To make 2 new pounds,
4 0
0
•
To buy a barrel of powder, .
To buy nails and lath for meeting house,
∞ 10
8
0
0
5
0
Mr. Wolcott, for liquors for bound-goers,
6 3
Mr. Newburry, for some help bounding ways,
·
For employment by Matthew Grant's act as followeth:
For time spent last spring about ordering the town rate of £49, with vari-
ous accounts with men for work done, keeping the accounts of sev-
eral rates to distinguish them,
For ordering the list of the town [e]state last year, and 2 days spent at
Hartford about it, .
For drawing the [e]state into a book for a rule of rating, making Mr.
Warham's rate in October, and publishing it from house to house,
To transcribing 18 court orders, and going with my son and others, to
Podunk line, and some time already bounding ways 4 days,
To pay the bonesetter, besides the county rate,
To pay Cooke [for] another wolf,
77 0
29 0
15 6
16 0
1
1 6
1 14
10
£32 19
3
1661, Feb'y 4. In a long account with William Buell for work done
to the meeting-house, we find an item of " 5 buttons [or pegs] for hats,
78."
“There was a flood in Connecticut in the year 1661, June.”
let Holcomb" Bible.
" Gil-
It had hitherto been customary to raise Mr. Warham's salary by a
tax, but this year the system of voluntary subscription was introduced,
as will be seen by the following extract from the town record:
November 11. 'The Townsmen met and took into consideration how to proceed
to know the town's mind what they would give Mr. Warham for his ministry this year,
and we judge it meet, rather than warn a town meeting, to appoint some men to go
from house to house, and speak with every man that pays rates, to know what each
man will voluntarily and freely give Mr. Warham for this year; and the men to go
about to take down on a paper what sum they would be rated, and whether as formerly
or what. And the men that go about are Deacon Gaylord and William Hayden from
the higher end [of the street] downward to Thomas Buckland; and from there to the
ferry George Phelps and Matthew Grant. On the other side of the ferry from Paquon-
ack downwards to all that side of the Millbrook; and from the mill all to Ambrose
Fuller's, Capt. Newbury and Deacon Moore."
This system was continued several years; the name and amount of
each subscription is still on record. In 1666, the smallest given sum
was 1s. 6d., the highest (Mr. Wolcott's) was £1 10s. (Bk. i. 48–49.)
182
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
1662, May 15th. The troopers of the several towns had hitherto
trained at some place of general rendezvous, but the court of this date,
in consideration of "the inconvenience" and "unnecessary expense of
time to no profit," allowed them to train in the several towns to which
they belonged, "with their own foot company." They are, however, to
be considered as "one entire Troop, consisting of several parts, who are
to unite and attend the General Training as one entire body of horse.”
The standing or "preheminence" of the different train-bands was also
determined, as follows: 1st, Hartford, 2d, Windsor, 3d, Wethersfield,
4th, Farmington.
C (
(Col.
Oct. 9. The new Charter of Connecticut was publicly read in an audience of the
freemen [at Hartford], and declared to belong to them and their successors.
Rec.)
1663, May 14. A lively picture of the police regulations of the
several towns is gleaned from the following court order:
'The Constables in each Plantation are hereby empowered to charge the watch and
ward duly to attend their watch and ward by walking in such places where they may
best discover danger by the approach of an enemy or by fire, which if they do discover,
they are to give notice thereof by firing their guns, and crying Fire, fire, or Arm, arm.
And in case they meet with any persons walking in the streets unseasonably, they are
to examine them, and in case they can not give a good account of themselves, they are
to return them to the Constable, who is to require them to appear before a Magistrate
or some Assistant, to give account of their unseasonable walking."
The watchmen were also ordered to report themselves for instruc-
tions to the constable, "in the evening, by the shutting in of the day-
light;" and were not to leave their watch before daybreak on pain of 1s.
for each default.
At this time, the good townsfolk were much annoyed by Indians
strolling up and down in the towns, "in the night season to buy
liquors." The court therefore decreed that any Indian found walk-
ing the streets after nightfall should be fined 20s. (15s. to the public
treasury, and 5s. to the informer) or else be whipt with "six stripes at
least." (Col. Rec.)
In the Annual Estimate of Town Payments:
October 31. "This was a town meeting, and all that were present voted that Mr.
Warham should [have] for this year following as formerly £90. Also manifested them-
selves willing that there should be a looking out for a help for him."
“Also a request was made by some to set a housel to shelter their horses in on Sab-
bath days, and other days when they ride to meeting; on one side of the street against
Begat Eggleston's orchard, about 9 or 10 feet in breadth, by his fence, and in length 23
or 24 feet — and it [was] granted.”
1664, Feb. 6. Gov. John Winthrop, Jr., writing to Roger Williams,
from Hartford, says, "all the Indians of these parts are together in a
EXTRACTS FROM TOWN ACTS, 1650-1675.
183
fort neare Windsor & I heard from Mr. Pincheon that they would make
peace if they knew how, but none of them durst go to treat about it."
Coll. Mass. Hist. Soc., 4th Series, vi. 531.
1664-5, March 7. Nath'l Bissell hath paid for his seat in the gallery to Josias
Hull in pay for his wolf, 68."
1665, May 11. Jas. Enno was fined for his wife's fault, in selling cider to the In-
dians.
Nov. 30th. Items of Matthew Grant's account.
"For drawing up Mr. Warham's pay into a method, that he might understand what
he was to receive of each man by his free will offering, which cost me a great deal of
time. I had better to have made two rates as formerly, yet I set down but 6s. 6d.
Then for time I spent last July at the lending out of powder and lead, and making
bullets, and taking again of some, and the setting down the accounts of these things,
cost me about 4 days time, I put down 7s. 6d.”
1666. The times were evidently unsettled by reason of Indian
troubles, of which Gov. Winthrop, writing from Hartford, July 15, 1666,
to Gen. Nicholls, says: "& yesterday there was a party of ye Mowhaukes
at Podunk (a place between y towne & Windsor) who were discovered
by the [friendly, or Podunk] Indians & as sone as discovered they filed:
These things considered (wth ye number of Indians that are round abt
us) makes it dificult to us to part wth any of of strength from hence,"
&c.' It is probable that during this year the fort was built at Windsor,
which is alluded to in the following court record of the next year:
October 10, 1667. At a General Assembly held at Hartford:
“The inhabitants of Windsor having improved themselves in building a fort, this
Court, for their encouragement, doth release the Train soldiers of Windsor two days of
their training this Michael Tide, and one day in the Spring."
This fort may have been merely a rebuilding, or strengthening, of
the old Palisado; but our own impression is that it was the building
once known as "the Old Stone Fort," referred to on p. 141.
1667, April 1st. Luke Hill took the charge of the Rivulet ferry for £12 per annum
“besides what he gets from travellers and persons by night.”
"This day Nat. Cook hath condescended to perform the work of cleansing the meet-
ing house for this next year for 50s.”
John Owen, the former sexton, felt aggrieved by this appointment of
Cook's and it was agreed that "John Owen should have part of the
pay with Nathaniel, though he did not of the work. It is issued that
John Owen shall have 5s. of Nathaniel's £3, of the last year's pay."
April 27th. "When the freemen met for choice of deputies, Luke Hill made a sad
complaint that if the town would not add to the sum they had set him for keeping the
ferry, at the former meeting, he must leave the ferry; and his wife came in and sadly
bemoaned their condition. Whereupon it was voted that they would add the other £3
as it was before."
¹ Winthrop papers, p. 100, Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll., 5 Series, viii.
184
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
July 3d.
"Those of the dragoons that have received pouches of Thomas Dibble,
which he got made, and is to be paid by the town.
Deacon Moore, one for his man.
Anthony Hoskins, one.
Ebenezer Dibble, one.
Nicholas Senchion, one.
Henry Stiles, one.
Michael Humphry, one.
Josias Hull, one.
Thomas Stoughton, one.
Thomas Dibble, one.
These 9 Dibble delivered, and he delivered 7 more, which make up 16 — which
comes to 408. John Rockwell had one of the old ones; he has received this again.”
(Bk. ii. 7.)
September 30th. The freemen voted to give 17 shillings (besides the 88 offered by
the County) for all wolves killed within the limits of Windsor and Massaco [Simsbury].
Indians were to have for each wolf 20s in wampum at 6 for a penny. (Bk. ii. 7.)
1667-8, February 3d. The Townsmen, upon complaint of Thomas Hopewell's
Wife, [as to] their straights of firewood because of his lameness. The Townsmen, had
appointed Samuel Marshall to carry them two loads and now appointed William Thrall
to carry them three loads more, and put it on account in a town rate. (Bk. ii. 7.)
March 11th. "In preparation for a town rate for this year past, to gather up what
debts the town must pay.
First to begin with wolves killed.
The whole amount for Wolves was,
Mr. Wolcott, for seven. [ ] cartridges, demands,
Thomas Dibble, for making soldier pouches,
Stephen Taylor, for barrel of Tar for [the ferry] boat,
William Thrall, for 3 loads of Wood for Hopewell,
Walter Gaylord, for beating the drum and new cord,
Ebenezer Dibble, for his part to make half pikes,
4 Lister's Expenses,
4 Townsmen,
House and fire,¹
•
3 Townsmen dining with the Magistrates,
Deacon Moore, his part making 36 pikes,
Thos. Burnham, for making 36 Heads for pikes,
Tahan Grant, for some Smith work, mending the ferry chain
and some nails, and hinges for town house, and nails for
pike rods,
April 15th.
£22, 088, 00d.
1, 15, 00.
2, 01, 00.
15, 00.
9, 00.
1, 1, 00.
15, 00.
4, 00.
2, 08.
1, 02.
3, 00.
15, 00.
5, 10, 00.
4, 06.
'Mr. Allen came to my house to give notice to Thomas Marshall and
Daniel Hayden to be free men of this corporation." (Bk. ii. 7.)
May 16th.
"Mr. Wolcott brought to me 84 cartridges, so many as to sett off his
town rates 20s 11d."
"Baggot Egleston undertakes the cleansing of the meeting [house] for this year
coming for 50s, and the beating of the drum to meetings for 28s. Also it was voted that
Granfield [Greenfield] men should have liberty to improve their land this year, but not
to be allowed Inhabitance by this; and the difference between the Town and this, is de-
ferred till the whole Town be made acquainted with it, and meet about it." (Bk. ii. 7.)
September 28th. Voted that the town should be at the cost to procure a new rope
for the ferry, because Luke Hill is not able to be at the cost himself.”
October 31st. "Also, Deacon Moore is to speak with John Gibbard, to get him to
come to mend the glass of the meeting house windows. .
"Also, George Griswold is to get somebody to clab up the walls of the meeting
house that are broken
"
1 The old Town-house being no longer in existence (see p. 139), the Townsmen were
probably obliged to hire some room in which to hold their meetings,
EXTRACTS FROM TOWN ACTS, 1650-1675.
185
Massaco (now Simsbury), which since 1642 or '43 had been more or less colonized
from Windsor, had now reached a point which justified its inhabitants, in the judgment
of the Colonial authorities, in being set apart as a separate town.
October 8, 1668. "This Court doth desire that Massacoe, which hitherto hath been
an appendix to the town of Windsor, may be improved for the makeing of a plantation,
& Capt. Benj. Newbery, Deacon John Moore, & Mr. Symon Woolcott, the present com-
mittee for the grant of these lands, are desired and impowered by the Courte to farther
the planting of the same, and to make such just orders as they shall judge requisitt for
the well-ordering of the said Plantation, so they be not repugnant to the publique or-
ders of this Colony."
In October, 1669, there were thirteen "stated inhabitants of Masaco," that had
“been free men for Windsor ;" and May 12, 1670, the Court of Election ordered the
bounds of the "new village, Massacoe," and gave it its name of Simsbury—the first of
Windsor's colonies.
1668, November 23d. "The Townsmen met concerning the old ferry Boat. The
Townsmen are content that Samuel Marshall shall have it to make the best of her; and
if the town will exact 10s. of him for it he will pay it."
November 30th. "It was desired of all that were at this meeting that they would
give in their papers, that we might know their minds, what they would give to Mr.
Warham for this year going, which ends the 25th of next March; and some persons, to
the number of 50 did give in; and the sum of all which they presented rose to £27.
What more will be done, I yet know not." (Bk. ii. 13.) Mr. Chauncey was then here.
1668-9, January 18 The town voted to allow the Indians for every wolf they
kill, and bring their heads, in wampum, at 6 a penny, 10s. And they that pay it to
them must take up in our pay among ourselves with 58."
February 15th. Accounts taken of town debts that have to be paid by a town rate
to be made, or by pay that is to be paid of former rates:
John Owen, for clabing [clapboarding] he did, the meeting house
before winter,
Ephraim Strong, for 2 years setting in the yard,'
Nathaniel Pinney, the like,
•
Samuel Rockwell, for making the ferry rope,
£
s. d.
7 4
2 0
·
20
13 4.
Nath'l Bissell, for 40 lbs. of hemp for the ferry rope, betwixt his
father and himself,
1 6 8
Jacob Drake, for 2 gallons of Tar,
John Grant, for carting boults from Pipe Stave Swamp for clab-
1 6
boards for the meeting house walls,
7 6
For paying Hogernosset for his wolf,
5 0
Baggot Egleston [for] 4 wolves, meeting house,
3 10 0
Drum and drum head,
3 0
Several men for setting in the yard,
16 0
There is also demanded by Mr. Stone, for preaching 3 sermons some
years past (Bk. ii. 14, 15),
3
0 0
[This was the Rev. Mr. Stone of Hartford, and is interesting as showing the value
of "occasional" pulpit ministrations in those days.]
¹ This "setting in the yard" was, in other words, doing guard or sentinel duty in
the meeting-house yard during divine service, a precaution quite necessary in those days
of savage invasion and surprise. The following item from the Windsor Records (Bk.
ii. p. 13) explains the matter somewhat more clearly:
"The townes[men] meet, and Ephraim Strong and Nathaniel Pinne demanded paye
for setting in ye yard, and they are allowed to be payed 28. a piece out of ye townes
rate, and so likewise others that stand in like account with them as have set in ye yard
without their & lb. of pudor [powder] a man payed to them, but was promised 12 pence
a man to each man in lieu of puder."
VOL. I.-24
186
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
#
March 11.
"Voted that those who reside in town but are not allowed inhabitants,
to pay ferriage as strangers."
April 3d. "Mr. Wolcott sent 41 cartridges more to those he brought May 16th,
[16] 68, 84, together 125. (Bk. ii. 15.)
April 23d. A great flood which ruinated and carried away abundance of fencing,
and caused much trouble. (Bk. ii. 16.)
May 11. (Clause of an agreement with John Willington to keep the Rivulet ferry.)
"He is also to have the use of the cellar, which the town has now bought of Luke Hill
for his use to dwell in, and the little house by it, and the use of a corner of land be-
low the cartway that lies between the river and the brook, during the time of this year,
for his improvement, he securing it; and for his wages he is to have 16 pounds paid him
by a rate, &c." (Bk. ii. 16.)
May 24th.
"This was a day of training, and by reason of the death of Samuel
Phelps, it was voted that Benajah Holcomb should supply his place of a way warden."
Also Nathaniel Loomis is allowed to entertain Andrew Hillyer as a sojourner, see-
ing that he carries well and orderly according to order." (Bk. ii. 17.)
October 12th and 13th. "William Buel came and brought two new casements for
the corner windows of the meeting house, and fitted them up, and he counted for his
work 78. — which he took out of his own town rate for [16]68-3s. 1d., and Timothy
Palmer's town rate, [16]68 — 3s. 6d. so there is due to him 5d.”
1670, Jan. 13. In Increase Mather's Remarkable Providences (pub-
lished 1684, p. 24, of George Offer's edition, London), he notices "some
remarkable preservations which sundry in New England have expe-
rienced; the persons concerned therein being desirous that the Lord's
goodness towards them may be ever had in remembrance, wherefore a
faithful hand hath given me the following account (under above date):
""
'Three women, viz., the wives of Lieut. Filer, and of John Drake, and of Nathan-
iel Lomas, having crossed Connecticut river upon a necessary and neighborly account
[undoubtedly to attend a woman in labor—H. R. S.], and having done the work they
went for, were desiring to return to their own families, the river being at that time
partly shut up with ice, old and new, and partly open. There being some pains taken
aforehand to cut a way through the ice, the three women abovesaid got into a canoe,
with whom also there was Nathaniel Bissell and an Indian. There was likewise another
canoe with two men in it, that went before them to help them, in case they should meet
with any distress, which indeed. quickly came upon them, for just as they were getting
out of the narrow passage between the ice, being near the middle of the river, a
greater part of the upper ice came down upon them, and struck the end of the canoe
and broke it to pieces so that it quickly sunk under them. The Indian speedily got
upon the ice, but Nathaniel Bissell and the abovesaid women were left floating in
the middle of the river, being cut off from all manner of human help besides what
did arise from themselves, and the two men in the little canoe, which was so small
that three persons durst seldom, if ever, venture in it. They were indeed discerned
from one shore, but the dangerous ice would not admit from either shore one to come to
them. All things thus circumstanced, the suddeness of the stroke and distress (which
is apt to amaze men especially when no less than life is concerned), the extreme coldness
of the weather, it being a sharp season, that persons out of the water were in danger of
freezing, the inaptness of persons to help themselves, being mostly women, one big with
child, and near the time of her travail (who also was carried away under the ice), the
other as unskilled and inactive to do anything for self-preservation as almost any could
be, the waters deep, that there was no hope of footing, no passage to either shore in any
eye of reason, neither with their little canoe, by reason of the ice, nor without it, the ice
being thin and rotten, and full of holes. Now that all should be brought off safely
EXTRACTS FROM TOWN ACTS, 1650-1675.
187
without the loss of life, or wrong to health, was counted in the day of it a remarkable
Providence. To say how it was done is difficult, yet, something of the manner of the
deliverance may be mentioned. The abovesaid Nathaniel Bissell, preceiving their dan-
ger and being active in swimming, endeavored what might be the preservation of him-
self and some others; he strove to have swam to the upper ice, but the stream being
too hard, he was forced downward' to the lower ice, where, by reason of the slippery-
ness of the ice, and disadvantage of the stream, he found it difficult getting up; at
length, by the good hand of Providence, being gotten upon the ice, he saw one of the
women swimming down under the ice, and, perceiving a hole or open place some
few rods below there, he watched and took her up as she swam along. The other two
women were in the river till the two men in the little canoe came for their relief. At
length all of them got their heads above the water, and had a little time to pause,
though a long and difficult way to any shore, but by getting their little canoe upon
the ice, and carrying one at a time over hazardous places they did (though in a long
while) get all safe to the shore from whence they came."
;
The Bissells seem to have been somewhat in the way of “remarka-
ble providences," for in the same connection the same author says:
'Remarkable, also, was the deliverence which John and Thomas Bissell of Wind-
sor, aforesaid, did at another time receive. John Bissell, on a morning, about break of
day, taking nails out of a great barrel wherein was a considerable quantity of gun-
powder and bullets, having a candle in his hand, the powder took fire. Thomas Bissell
was then putting on his clothes, standing by a window, which though well fastened,
was by the force of the powder carried away at least four rods; the partition wall from
another room was broken to pieces; the roof of the house opened and slipt off the plates
about five feet down; also the great girt of the house at one end broke out so far, that
it drew from the summer to the end most of its tenant. The woman of the house being
sick, and another woman under it in bed, yet did the divine Providence so order things
as that no one received any hurt, excepting John Bissell, who fell through two floors
into a cellar, his shoes being taken from his feet, and found at twenty feet distant; his
hands and his face very much scorched, without any other wound in his body.”
What seemed, however, to John Bissell and others of that day as a
“remarkable deliverance" from the results of his own carelessness,-
and as affecting only himself-was, in reality, fraught with consequences
of considerable importance to the interests and honor of Windsor.
In an affidavit made in the case of Whiting vs. Bissell, in 1684,
Matthew Griswold, son-in-law of Mr. Henry Wolcott, testifying in regard
to certain land transactions occurring at Windsor (1639-40), says:
•
"John Bissell, sometime of Windsor, now deceased, did offer to sell mee at that
part of Mr. Ludlowe's accommodations, both of houseing and lands, which hee bought
of Mr. Wm. Whiteing (as he tolde me) which lay on the West side Connecticut River, in
the townshipp of Windsor,
and I being not accommodated to my mind where I
then lived at Saybrook, and haueing kindred of my owne and my wiue's at Windsor, was
willing to dwell at Windsor, and I bid the said Bissell £140
tendered for sale,
and haueing afterwards advised with my brother [-in-law] Henry Wolcott, [Jr.] my
said brother told mee he thought I had bid high enoffe, [and] did not advise me to give
more; also I went to father-in-law Mr. Wolcott [Senior], who told mee I had bid high
enoffe for my settlement there, aduised mee to give £10 more, that is £150 in all, rather
than not buy it, and higher he aduised mee not, whereupon I again treated with Good-
man Bissell, and bid him £150 and [he still held] at £160, so after discourse we parted
•
188
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
with this conclusion; he said if I heard no more of him I should conclude he would not take
my offer, so he went from me, and the day after I went from Windsor, with my boat,
concluding I might have it for £160, and not under; but, afterwards, I understood from
him and others, that he was risen early in the morning to set his people to work, that
he might come to mee to accept of my offer of £150, but an accident fell out that powder
took fire and burnt him so that he could not come, so that had not that accident been I
had bought the said accommodations for £150 in such country pay as he was to make
to Mrs. Whiting." (State Library, Private Controversies, Vol. II.).
Thus, out of the musty records of a long-forgotten civil suit, comes
the other end of the story. It was a bad morning's work for Windsor,
as well as for Goodman Bissell-since, had he not failed to "put in an
appearance" and clinch the bargain with Matthew, Windsor would have
received a most important acquisition to its social wealth, and might
have had the honor of claiming two Griswolds as well as two Wolcotts,
as Governors of Connecticut, sprung from her own soil.
1669-70, February. John Willington is to keep the rivulet ferry one year more.
October. At Court of 15th. 'Windsor recorder certified that they had 300 lbs. of
Powder and 700 lbs. of lead for their town stock."
The Court granted liberty to Capt. Daniel Clark "to add to his troop so many as
may make them complete sixty besides officers-provided that none be taken out of
Windsor without the Capt. of the foot company's leave, and that they are volunteers and
maintain a horse and arms complete according to law, without any charge to the
country.
1678. May.
grant."
"The Court extends the bounds of Windsor 2 miles beyond the former
May 14. "The Court orders the bounds between Hartford and Windsor shall begin
on the East side Connecticut River at the lowermost Elm that was discoursed about be-
tween the two Committees." And "whereas, the stated bounds between Hartford and
Windsor, on the west side of the Great River, gives Hartford some advantage of land,
in varying from the west line from Brick Hill Swamp, northerly - This Court orders
that the line betwixt the said towns on the E. side of the Great River shall take its rise
at the Elm Tree appointed by this Court to be the bound tree, and to run south of the
east from the said tree, so much and so far as it doth vary from the west, northward
from the abovesaid swamp to the end of the north bounds.”
July 19. We entered upon the use of Corporal Marshall's boat for the ferry, and
are to have the use of it for the ferry, 13 weeks, paying him 50s.”
August 16. Nathaniel Pond borrowed one of the town muskets, by Capt. New-
bury's allowance.
Also, Thomas Parsons had a musket, August 19.
And John Parsons had a musket, August 21.
And Thomas Eggleston had a musket and a sword with scabbard, August 23.
All by Captain Newbury's allowance, and told me John London has a musket that
was at his sons John Madgly's [Mosely's].
(Same date). A count given of the locksmith of his work done to some of the town
guns.
All the particulars he did to the guns of the town.
Nathaniel Pond, had, he put down,
•
·
For a gun Thomas Parsons had, he put down,
For a gun John Parsons had, his work about it,
And for a great spring and cock pin for a town lock,
And mending a lock, Captain Newbury brought,
All,
88 6d
5s Od
2s 6d
38 Od
18 Od
£1: 08: Od
EXTRACTS FROM TOWN ACTS, 1650-1675.
189
March 24.—The town met to give information to the persons chosen to run the
line between Windsor and Simsbury. First, you must understand that our south
bounds betwixt Hartford and Windsor extend half a mile beyond the Chestnut tree
westward, and extends itself something beyond the foot of the mountain where you
will find a tree marked, and from there you are to traverse a way by your compass
North and by West, which is the line to be set out between Windsor and Simsbury, and
you are carefully to extend this line till you meet with our North bounds."
"MATTHEW GRANT,
SAMUEL MARSHALL, `
JOHN LOOMIS,
JACOB DRAKE,
THOMAS STOUGHTON.”
(Bk. ii. 37.)
Items in Grant's estimate of town debts. (Bk. ii. 38.)
Here I set down what town debts will be to be paid this year.
There must be pay ordered to make two new pounds,
£6: 00s: Od
Nathaniel Bissell, for three days himself to run lines, and a quart of rum
demanded,
£0: 108: Od
There must be pay looked for the meeting-house drum,
For 2 quarts of rum, and 2 quarts cider,
£1: 00s: Od
•
£0: 58: Od
For 3 quarts of rum, and a bottle and 2 quarts of cider,
John Bissell, for himself and horse 4 days east side river,
And for 2 gallons cider he will have,
£0: 88: Od
£0: 10s: Od
£0: 28: Od
Account of Tahan Grant, of iron work done for the town:
A scourer for the great gun; [probably the "saker" or cannon referred
to on page 78]; two extra pins and washers for the new carriage;
3 binders for the ferry boat, all are
>>
•
£0: 78: Od
“Thomas Powell, packer, his mark on meat cask. His mark with two P.P. with a
racing iron on the head if it be good. If not then only with an X on the belges.” (Bk.
ii. 46.)
·
1673. Windsor contributed 38 to a troop of horse ("dragoons") of which Benja-
min Newberry was commander.
1683, July 20. "A considerable flood unexpectedly arose, which proved detrimental
to many in that colony [Connecticut]. But, on August 13, a second and more dreadful
flood came. The waters were then observed to rise twenty-six feet above their usual
boundaries; the grass in the meadow, also the English grain was carried away before it;
the Indian corn, by the long continuance of the waters, is spoiled, so that the four river
towns, viz., Windsor, Hartford, Wethersfield, Middletown are extreme sufferers. They
write from thence that some who had hundreds of bushels of corn in the morning, at
night had not one peck left for their families to live upon"- Mather's Remarkable
Providences, p. 223, Offer's edition, London.
1688. Of nine train-bands in the county, Windsor had two: train-bands contained
64 men under a Captain; 32 under a Lieutenant; or 24 under a Sergeant.
1692–3. From a controversy wherein Timothy Palmer of Windsor sued a Middle-
town man for a stray black horse which he claimed as his property, we learn that said
Palmer and Nathaniel Winchell (æ. 32) were soldiers together, under Captain John
Whiting at Deerfield, some three or four years previous to 1696–7. — Affidavits, vol. 22,
1696-7, State Archives.
CHAPTER IX.
AN EPISODE OF ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
1663-1684.
T
HE harmony and efficiency which had hitherto characterized the
churches of New England, now began to be seriously threatened
and disturbed by questions of church membership, discipline, and bap-
tism. Commencing first in the church at Hartford, shortly after the
decease of Mr. Hooker, the dissension spread into the neighboring
churches, and finally the whole colony, as well as all New England,
became warmly engaged in the dispute.
Important changes, it must be remembered, had taken place in the
country since its first settlement. The ancient pastors were mostly dead
or removed, and the worthy fathers who had followed them hither had
given place to a generation who neither inherited their spirit of self-denial
nor perhaps their strict piety. There were many, also, who had immi-
grated at a later period, and with different motives and principles. In
this manner a large party had arisen who favored the admission of all
persons of "an honest life and conversation" to the full communion of
the churches, upon their profession of the Christian religion, without
regard to any change of heart. Some even claimed that all those who
had been members of the Established Church of England, or who had
belonged and contributed to the support of regular ecclesiastical parishes
there, should be allowed the privileges of full communion in the churches
of New England.
The right of all baptized persons to the privileges of church mem-
bership, and of baptism for their children, though they partook not of
the Lord's Supper, was also much desired and insisted upon. The first
settlers came to this country as church members, regularly embodied in
a church state, and their children, of course, were all baptized. But,
says Cotton Mather, "when our churches were come to between twenty
and thirty years of age, a numerous posterity was advanced so far into
to the world that the first planters began apace in their several families
to be distinguished by the name of grandfathers; but among the imme-
diate parents of the grandchildren there were multitudes of well-disposed
persons who, partly through their own doubts and fears, and partly
1
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1663–1684.
191
through other culpable neglects, had not actually come to the covenant-
ing state of communicants at the table of the Lord. The good old gen-
eration could not, without many apprehensions, behold their offspring
excluded from the baptism of Christianity, and from the ecclesiastical
inspection which is to accompany that baptism; indeed it was to leave
their offspring under the shepherdly government of our Lord Jesus
Christ in his ordinances that they had brought their lambs into this
wilderness.” 1
Thence arose a very natural and general desire to extend to this
class of respectable persons who could not conscientiously feel that they
were regenerated, and who were otherwise unable to comply with the
rigid terms of congregational churches, the privileges of church member-
ship for themselves, and of baptism and church watch for their children.
Involved with these questions was another, as to the exclusive
rights of the churches to choose a pastor for themselves and the congre-
gation. It was argued that as all the inhabitants of a town had an
equal interest in the qualifications of a pastor, and were all obliged to
contribute to his support, they had an equal right to vote in his election.
The innovations thus proposed met with much opposition from a
large number of the clergy and most of the churches of Connecticut and
Massachusetts. The Church, with perhaps a too exalted idea of its
sphere and privileges, yet with an honest desire to return to the purity
of its earlier days, was battling with the world, whose war cry was " Expe-
diency, Democracy!" The public mind was greatly agitated. The General
Court became interested, and endeavored to interpose its judicial author-
ity to adjust the dispute. Councils were called, but so far from quieting
the unhappy Church of Hartford, they only spread the flame into every
part of the colony. Scarcely a church in Connecticut escaped the con-
tagion. As Dr. Mather quaintly observes: "From the fire of the altar
there issued thunderings, and lightnings, and earthquakes through the
colony." The civil authorities of Massachusetts and Connecticut now
decided, although in the face of a strong opposition from many churches
in the latter colony, to call a council at Boston to decide upon the sub-
jects in dispute. The council met June 4, 1657, and, after a session of
some two weeks, returned an elaborate answer to twenty-one questions
which had been referred to them. Several of these questions are involved
in each other, and were sufficiently answered by the reply to the princi-
pal one concerning baptism and church membership. On this point the
council asserted that it was the duty of those who had been baptized in
infancy, "when grown up unto years of discretion, though not fit for the
Lord's supper, to own the covenant they made with their parents by
entering thereinto in their own persons," and that, having so done, they
¹ Magnalia Americana, ii. 238.
·
192
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
had a right to claim baptism for their children. This was, "in effect,"
says Trumbull, "an answer to the other respecting the right of the
towns to vote in the election of ministers; for if they were all members
of the church by baptism and under its discipline, they doubtless had a
right to vote with the church in the election of their pastor."
All the painstaking and wisdom of the learned Boston Council, how-
ever, served only to inflame rather than reconcile the churches. Weth-
ersfield partook of the general disturbance, and, together with Hartford,
refused to be comforted, until about 1660, when the disturbing elements
were withdrawn by the removal of many of the disaffected of both
churches to Hadley, Mass.
During the long continuance of this distressing controversy, which
we have thus briefly sketched, the Windsor Church, so far as we can
learn, enjoyed quiet, although not unaffected by the neighboring turmoil.
Yet the leaven of discontent was doubtless at work in her bosom. The
minds and prejudices of her members must, of course, have been vari-
ously and deeply agitated on the questions which were claiming so large
a portion of the public attention. Her pastor was now becoming old and
feeble. He was one of the only two survivors of all the pious and gifted
ministers who presided over the first churches of Connecticut. Of all
that goodly company who solemnly chose him for their pastor, in the
New Hospital at Plymouth, who suffered with him in Dorchester, and
accompanied him on that wilderness journey to Connecticut, but few were
left, and they, like sere and yellow leaves, were quietly dropping away
to their graves. The children who filled their places neither inherited
their ripe experience nor, it may be, their strict piety; and mingled with
these were many new comers, in whose hearts the world overpowered the
interests of the church. The church, thus weakened by the gradual
decay of her pastor, and the loss of those pillars which had so long
upheld her, was exposed and rudely shaken by the storm of contention
and discord which raged on every side.
Yet it is not until 1664 that we find any allusion to difficulty in the
church at Windsor. In March of that year, however, we find the
following:
At a Session of the Gen¹¹ Assembly at Hartford, March 10th, 1663/4,-
"The Church of Christ at Windsor complaynes of James Enoe and Michaell Hum-
phrey, for seuerall things contayned in a paper presented to the Court. Mr. Clarke, in
behalf of the Church, complaynes of James Enoe and Michael Humphrey for a misda-
meanor in offering violence to an establisht law of this Colony. Mr. Clarke withdrawes
this charge.-Col. Rec., i. 420.
Although the complaint was withdrawn by the church, yet the court
saw fit to pass, at the same session, its censure upon the agitators of
public peace, as follows:
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1663-1684.
193
"This Court hauing seriously considered the case respecting James Ennoe and
Michaell Humphrey, doe declare such practises to be offensiue, and may proue prejudi-
ciall to the wellfare of this Collony, and this Court expects they will readily come to the
acknowledgment of their error in the paper by them presented to the Church, where-
upon, the Court respitts and remits the sensure due for their offence, prouided answer-
able reformation doth followe, expecting that their lenity therein will winne upon the
spiritts of those concerned in this case. And this Court doth approue of the pious and
prudent care of Windsor, in seeking out for a supply and help in the ministry, Mr.
Warham growing ancient; and do order all persons in the sayd plantation to allow their
proportion towards the competent maintenance of such a supply in the ministry. And
the Court desires a friendly correspondency may be maintayned at Windsor, as if this
trouble had never been; this Court declaring their readyness to mayntayne all the just
priuileges of all the members of this Corporation.”—Col. Rec, i. 420.
In spite of this withdrawal by the church and the leniency of the
court, the matter was again subsequently agitated by the malcontents in
a paper, which, though lengthy, is presented verbatim, in order that the
subject may be fully understood. It was drawn up by the skillful hand
of William Pitkin, Esq., of Hartford, and was signed by seven persons,
four of whom were Windsor men. Indeed, it is probable, from the evi-
dence before us, that Eno and Humphrey were the chief movers in the
affair, and that the letter was aimed at the Windsor church.
To the Hon¹e the Gen¹¹ Assembly of the Corporation of Connecticott in New England:
The Humble Address and Petition of sundry persons of and belonging to the same
Corporation, sheweth,
That whereas wee whose names are subscribed, Beeing Proffessors of the Protestant
Christian Relidgion, members of the Church of England, And Subjects to our Souereigne
Lord Charles the Second, by God's Grace, King of England, Etc.; And vnder those
sacred tyes mentioned and conteined in our Couenant, Sealed with our Baptism, Haue-
ing seriously pondered our past and present want of those Ordinances, wh to us and
our Children, as members of Christ's uissible Church, ought to bee administered.
Which wee Apprehend to bee to the Dishonour of God, and the obstruction of our owne
and our Children's good, (Contrary to the Pious will of our Lord the King, in his maine
purpose in Settling these Plantations, As by the Charter and His Maties Letter to the
Bay, June 20, 1662, and other ways is most euidently manifest) to our great griefe, the
Sence of our Duty towards God, the relation wee stand in to our Mother the Church,
our gratefull acceptance of His Maties Royall fauor, the edification of our owne and
our Children's Souls, and many other good Christian and profitable ends (as allso at a
Late session of this Honbl Assembley hauing receiued a fauorable incouragement from
the Worll Dep. Go'. :) Hereunto mouing us, We are bold by this our address to declare
our Agreuiance and to Petition for a redress of the Same.
Our aggreuiance is, that wee and ours are not under the Due care of an orthodox
Ministry, that will in a due manner administer to us those ordinances that we stand
capable of, as the Baptizeing of our Children, our being admitted (as wee, according to
Christs order may bee found meete) to the Lord's Table. And a carefull watch ouer us
in our wayes and suteable dealing with us as wee do well or ill, Withall whatsoeuer
benefitt and Aduantages belong to us as members of Christs uissible Church, which
ought to bee dispenced by the officers of the same, of wh. wee being Destitute.
We humbly Request, that this Honrd Court would take into Serious Consideration
our present state in this respect, that wee are thus as sheep scattered hauing no Shep-
herd, and compare it with what we conceiue you can not but know, both God and our
King would haue it different from what it now is And take some Speedy and effectuall
VOL. I-25
194
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
course for redress herein. And put us in a full and free capacity of injoying those fore-
mentioned Aduantages which to us as members of Christs uissible Church do of right
bellong. By Establishing som wholesome Law in this Corporation, by uertue whereof,
wee may both claime and receiue of such officers as are or shall be by Law set ouer us
in the Church or Churches where wee haue our abode or residence those foremen-
tioned priuileges and advantages.
ffurthermore wee humbly request that for the future no Law in this Corporation
may be of any force to make us pay or contribute the maintenance of any Minister or
officer of the Church that will neglect or refuse to Baptise our Children, and to take
care of us, as of such members of the Church, as are under his or their Charge or care.
Thus in hopes that yo' care full and speedy consideration and Ishue here of, will bee
answerable to the weight of the matter and our necessity, and that matters of less
moment may be Omitted till this be Ishued we waite for a good answer, and for this
Honored Court we shall ever pray, etc."
Oct. 17, 1664.
[Signed by] Wм. PITKIN [Hartford],
MICHAELL HUMPHREY [Windsor],
JOHN STEDMAN [Hartford],
JAMES ENON [Windsor],
ROBERT REEUE,
JOHN MOSESS [Windsor],
JONAS WESTOVER [Windsor].¹
Stripped of its verbiage, the petition simply amounts to this :
Michael Humphrey and James Eno, by virtue of their having been in
England members of the National Church, demanded from the (non-
conforming) Church of Windsor baptism for their children, and admis-
sion to full church privileges.
This, of necessity, was declined. Thereupon James Eno and
Michael Humphrey, with five others, petition the Assembly, in well-set
phrase, “to establish some wholesome law" by virtue of which they
"may claim and receive" of such officers "as are or shall be set over us
in the churches where we have our abodes and residences these fore-
mentioned privileges and advantages." And they furthermore request
to be relieved from paying the minister's tax, or in any way contributing
to the support of any church whose officers shall see fit to deny them
these desired privileges. It was, in short, asking the Assembly to pre-
scribe the terms of membership for the churches.
There were several other facts which serve to show, in a stronger
light, if it were necessary, the cool effrontery of this petition. Both Mr.
Warham and Mr. Maverick had been regularly ordained ministers in the
Church of England, and it is well known that the main points of dissent
between Puritans and Episcopalians were not so much of doctrine as of
forms of church government and discipline. These fathers of the Wind-
sor Church had left their homes and endured much suffering that they
might establish for themselves and their children after them a system of
church government which they deemed more in accordance with the New
1 ¹ State Library, Hartford, Conn., Ecclesiastical, Vol. I. Doc. 8.
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1663-1684.
195
Testament. It was not strange, therefore, that they should hesitate to
throw aside or modify that system merely to gratify the wishes of advent-
urers who had come after them, and who had not "borne the heat and
burden of the day." For Michael Humphrey came to Windsor in 1643,
and James Eno in 1646. They certainly could not have come to Amer-
ica for religious liberty. If that had been their object they might better
have remained in England, where Episcopacy was the rule and not the
exception. Nor can we learn that they had any civil cause of complaint.
On their coming to Windsor they had been freely allowed the same priv-
ileges as other citizens, and the town had even voted James Eno a plot
of ground, already under cultivation, within the palisado, "to barber on."
Manifestly, then, this petition was unjust and arrogant in its pretentions,
as well as improper in its tone. It revealed the fact that even in the
Church of Windsor there were some smoldering ashes of discontent
which the surrounding agitation of the times could hardly fail, eventually,
to kindle into a consuming blaze.
Ever since the Council of 1657 its opinions concerning baptism had
been gradually gaining ground, and many of the clergy and people were
desirous of carrying them into effect. So general and formidable, how-
ever, was the opposition to it that it could not be effected without a synod.
Consequently the General Court of Massachusetts convened a synod of
all the ministers of that colony at Boston in September, 1662. Their
answer to the principal question, "Who are the subjects of baptism?"
substantially reaffirmed the decision of the Council of 1657. Their ver-
dict was by no means unanimously received. Many of New England's
most learned and able divines, among whom were the Rev. Charles
Chauncey, president of Harvard College, Dr. Increase Mather, Mr. Mather
of Northampton, and Mr. Davenport of New Haven, opposed it by word
and pen; and the churches were, as a body, more opposed than the
clergy.
The General Court of Connecticut, having other important matters
on hand, had hitherto taken no official action on the subject. But at
their October session this year (1664), aroused by the lamentable discord
which prevailed throughout the country, and especially, it may be pre-
sumed, by the tone of the petition which had been presented to them
by Messrs. Pitkin, Eno, Humphrey, etc., they passed the following resolve,
which was evidently intended to enforce the action of the synod upon
the churches of the colony.
"This Court vnderstanding, by a writing presented to them, from seuerall persons
of this Colony, that they are aggrieved, that they are not intertained in church fellow-
ship; this Court, hauing duly considered the same, desireing that the rules of Christ
may be attended, doe commend it to the ministers and churches in this Colony to con-
sider whether it be not their duty to entertaine all such persons, whoe are of an honest
and godly conuersation, hauing a competency of knowledg in the principles of religion,
196
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
and shall desire to joyne wth them in church fellowship, by an explicitt couenant;
and that they haue their children baptized; and that all the children of the church be
accepted and accotd reall members of the church; and that the church excercise a due
christian care and watch ouer them; and that when they are growne up, being exam-
ined by the officer in the presence of the church, it appeares in the judgment of charity,
they are duly qualified to perticipate in that great ordinance of the Lords Supper, by
theire being able to examine themselues and discerne the Lords body, such persons be
admitted to full comunion.
The Court desires yt the severall officers of ye respective churches would be
pleased to consider whether it be not the duty of the Court to order the churches to
practice according to the premises, if they do not practice wthout such an order.
'If any dissent from the contents of this writing they are desired to help the
Court, wth such light as is with them, the next session of this assembly."-Col. Rec., i. 437.
A copy of this was ordered to be sent to each church and minister
in the colony, by the Secretary of the Court.
The measure thus proposed was what is best known as the Half-way
Covenant. It failed, however, to convince the heart or to satisfy the
conscience of the great mass of the people. They felt a natural dread
lest such latitudinarianism with respect to baptism and church commun-
ion should tend to weaken and subvert the very design for which the
churches of New England were established. And in spite of the wisdom
and influence of councils and synods, the uneasiness of many church.
members, and the plainly indicated will of the General Court, its intro-
duction into the churches of Connecticut was slow and difficult. Many
hesitated for years, and others utterly refused to adopt it into practice.
In the history of the Half-way Covenant, the course of the Windsor
Church was peculiar and exceptional. Mr. Warham, whose views were
somewhat more liberal than those of the clergy of that day,' sympathized
with the resolution of the Council of June, 1657, of which he had
been a member, and shortly after formally adopted the practice
in his own congregation. "And the time which Mr. Warham first began
this practice," says the record," was January 31, 1657[8] and went on
in the practice of it until March 19, 1664[5, on] which day he declared
to the church that he had met with such arguments against the practice,
2
¹This we may justly infer from the following extract from the letter of Fuller, the
Plymouth physician, to Gov. Bradford, dated June 28, 1630, wherein he says: “I have
been at Mattapan, at the request of Mr. Warham (N. B. The Dorchester party had
suffered considerably in health from their long voyage, and needed medical treatment).
I had conference with them till I was weary. Mr. Warham holds that the visible church
may consist of a mixed people, godly and openly ungodly, upon which point we all had our
conference, to which, I trust, the Lord will give a blessing."
2 By appointment of the Court. See Col. Rec., i. 288.
³ Trumbull in his Hist. of Conn. (i. 471), says the Half-way Covenant was first in-
troduced by the Hartford Church (under Mr. Woodbridge) in February, 1696. But
Trumbull was not aware of the existence of this Windsor Church record, from which
we quote the above. This conclusively entitles the Windsor Church to the honor (?) of
being the first church in Connecticut to adopt the Covenant.
THE HALF-WAY COVENANT, IN WINDSOR.
197
concerning the baptizing of members' [chi]ldren, that he could not get
through at present, and could not go on as he had done without scruples
of conscience. Therefore [he] must forbear, until he had weighed argu-
ments and advised with those that were able to give [advice]. Not that
he intended to cast off the practice wholly, but only to delay it for a
time, till he could be better able to answer his present scruples, for if he
should act, and not of faith, Romans 14th [chapter] would be sin in
him."
What the arguments were which so sorely troubled the faithful and
conscientious pastor, we do not know. The fact is evident from the
church records, that the Half-way Covenant was not resumed until the
summer of 1668. Then Mr. Chauncey, who was preaching as a supply
to the Windsor Church, "set it [the practice] on again," by the follow-
ing vote of the church: "June 21st, 1668. It was by vote of the
Church assented to, that adult persons, be it Husband or Wife, that de-
sired to have their children baptized by Mr. Chauncey, should if they
presented themselves to the Elders in private, and declared to their sat-
isfaction, their knowledge in the principles, and owned the Father's Cov-
enant, there should nothing be required of them in public, until they
presented themselves for full communion." Two weeks after, July
5th, the records of baptism under this Covenant, which had been dropped
since '64, is again resumed. "So the delay of it, from the 19th of
March, '64, was three years and so much [more] as from the 19th of
March to the 21st of June, [the time] that Mr. Chauncey set it on
again."-Old Church Record.
1
This was only two years before the decease of Mr. Warham, whose
failing strength had for some time past incapacitated him from the active
duties of the ministry. Whether his scruples had been removed, or
whether the Covenant was resumed on the responsibility of the church
and Mr. Chauncey, and with his approbation, does not appear. The
practice, however, was continued, and the Windsor Church, having been
the first to adopt, was almost the last in the State of Connecticut to re-
linquish the Half-way Covenant.²
Mr. Warham, the venerable pastor, as we have before intimated, was
now well stricken in years, and both he and his people felt the necessity
of procuring a suitable colleague to assist him. in his duties. They had
sent in the summer of 1666 to the pastors of Boston, Dorchester, and
1 Old Church Record — which adds that "before this time it had been the practice
to call such persons in public to stand forth and answer to questions of catechism pro-
pounded to them, and to own the church Covenant."
'It was abandoned during the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Rowland, and it is believed
that the youngest brother of our friend, Mr. Jabez H. Hayden, was the last baptized
under its provisions — 1822.
له
198
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Cambridge, soliciting their aid in the matter, and received the following
reply, recommending Mr. Nathaniel Chauncey :
To the Reverend Mr. John Warham and Mr. John Witchfield, Elders of the Church
of Christ at Windsor; these, Reverend and much beloved in the Lord.
We have received your letter by Brother Filer, and were we as capable of serving
you in a matter of so great importance, as we are willing, we hope we should not be
wanting to answer your desires. But it is little we can say by reason of our unac-
quaintedness (especially most of us) with the persons by you named. For Mr. Nath¹
Chauncey we have good encouragement by what we hear concerning his learning and
steadiness, diligence, hopeful piety, grave and peaceable demeanor. As concerning his
voice, two of us never heard him preach, from the third [of us] you have heard an ac-
count formerly. We hear that it was better and more audible the second time he
preached at Cambridge, than the first. But we understand he is likely to preach again
the next Lord's day, when some of yours [Windsor people] will be present, by whom
you may have further information than we can now give.
For Mr. Chauncey, he is not at present in the Bay [Mass.], but we understand he is
likely to be here about a fortnight hence, and some probabilities that he will come free
from the place where now he is. We learn that he hath well approved himself for his
abilities in preaching, and for piety, having been received into full communion in the
church at Ipswich several years since, and carried it commendably among the people
where he is. We can not discourage you from either of these two, both of them being
persons of good esteem with us, but we dare not take upon us, which of these you
should pitch upon (only that Mr. Chauncey is now free and serviceable to be attained
at the present). But we suppose the inhabitants of yourselves and people, and the mo-
tives of desire propounded, will guide you as to that.
The Lord direct your way before you, with a choice blessing, yea with one, who
may come unto you in the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ. With dear-
est express [ions] and desire of mutual prayers, we take leave, and remain
Your loving Brethren in Jesus Christ,
Boston, 7th of the 4th month, 1666 [July 7th].
JOHN WILSON [Boston],
RICHARD MATHER [Dorchester],
JONATHAN MITCHEL [Cambridge].
There was, however, a want of unanimity among the people on the
question of giving Mr. Chauncey a call; and the legislature then in ses-
sion attempted to settle the difficulty, by the following compulsory order
of October the 10th, 1667:
"This Court doth desire and require the Town of Windsor, to meet on Monday.
next, at the Meeting House, by sun an hour high in the morning, and all the freemen
and householders within the limits of said town and Massaco [Simsbury] are to bring
in their votes to Mr. Henry Wolcott; Those that would have Mr. Chauncey to be the
settled Minister for Windsor, are to bring in a paper to Mr. Wolcott, a paper with some
writing on it, those that are against his continuance are to bring a white paper to Mr.
Wolcott. And Mr. Wolcott is desired to take the account of it, and make a report
thereof to the General Assembly. And this court doth hereby require and command
all and every of the inhabitants of Windsor, that during this meeting they forbear all
discourse and agitation of any matter as may provoke or disturb the spirits of each
other; and at the issue of the work that they repair to their several occasions [occupa-
tions] as they will answer the contrary. If any should object against the vote of any
person, Mr. Henry Wolcott is to decide it. This is to be published on the sabbath day,
after the morning exercise." 1
¹ Col. Rec., ii. 73.
THE REV. NATHANIEL CHAUNCEY'S SETTLEMENT.
199
The question produced much excitement and probably called forth
the entire strength of the "freemen and householders." One hundred
and thirty-six votes were polled, with a result favorable to Mr.
Chauncey.
"Mr. Wolcott returns that this day, being the 14th of October, the Town hath met,
and that there was eighty-six voted for Mr. Chauncey's continuance, and fifty-two voted
against it.” 1
The dissatisfied minority now petitioned the Assembly to authorize
them to procure another minister for themselves. This, together with
permission to the church to settle Mr. Chauncey, was granted by the fol-
lowing order:
"This Court having duly weighed the case presented by the church at Windsor re-
specting the uncomfortable contentions there in reference to Mr. Chauncey's reception,
and the dissatisfaction of a considerable number of the inhabitants as to his settling.
Do therefore, upon the earnest solicitation of the dissenting party, as an expedient to
their mutual peace and settlement, grant liberty to those inhabitants that are unsatisfied
and can not close with Mr. Chauncey, if they see meet, to provide or procure an able
orthodox minister, such an one as the General Assembly shall approve of; and this
court leaves the Church at Windsor at liberty for settling Mr. Chauncey and calling
him to office; and in the mean time and until another be procured and resident in the
work of the ministry at Windsor by the aforesaid inhabitants, this court expects and
orders that all persons at Windsor shall contribute according to their proportions to the
maintenance of Mr. Chauncey."
>> 2
Among the names of those added to the Church, year by year, we
have this entry, under date of January 12, 1667 [-68],
“Mr. Nathaniel Chauncey made public declaration of his faith in Christian princi-
ples and the manner of God's workings in his soul". Old Church Rec.
by which we infer that he then united with the Windsor Church, since
he was not settled as its pastor until some time later. But since he
must have been a member somewhere else previously, it would seem
as if members were not then received by letter from one Church to
another, but entered a Church only by profession of faith.
The Rev. Nathaniel Chauncey was the fourth son of Rev. Charles
Chauncey, second president of Harvard College, the emigrant ancestor
of the American family of Chauncey, who was the son of George
Chauncey of Newplace and Yardly-Bury, Hertfordshire, Eng. Nathaniel
was born about 1639 at Plymouth, Mass., but was baptized at Scituate,
1 ¹ Ibid.
2 Col. Rec., i. 76.
Rev. G. C. Wilson, in Hist. of Church at Quarter-Millennial Anniversary, March
30, 1880, who also adds this note: "Letters of recommendation were given by this
church as early as 1685, as appears from the following record in the old books of the
First Church, Hartford, under that date: 'Daniel Clark, upon letter of recommenda-
tion from the Christian Church in Windsor, owned the covenant,' from which it appears
also that the letter did not do away with the necessity of a covenanting with that church
on admission."
200
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
1641. He took his first degree at Harvard College, 1661, with his
[twin] brother Elnathan and his brother Isaac, and tradition credits him
as having been a distinguished scholar. He took the degree of A.M. at
Harvard, 1664, and maintained the affirmative of the thesis, "Utrum
detur idea omnium entium, in primum ente?" He was afterwards a
Fellow of the College. On the title page of the New England Almanac
for the year 1662, the year after his graduation, his name appears as the
author, with the following motto: "Felix qui potuit rerum cognoscere
causas." Being engaged at Windsor during a period of much public ex-
citement concerning things ecclesiastical, it is not strange that he re-
mained there only twelve years - the only pastor during the Windsor
Church's first two centuries of existence, who did not remain and die
among the people of his charge. He was invited, Nov. 10, 1679, to Hat-
field, Mass., where he was settled January 21, 1680, and died Nov. 4, 1685.
He belonged to a scholarly and intellectual family; his brother,
Rev. Israel, settled as pastor at Stratford, Conn., 1666, had a son, Rev.
Charles, born 1668, graduated at Harvard 1686, who was first pastor of
Stratfield Church, Conn., and married for his second wife, 16 March,
1698, Sarah, daughter of Henry Wolcott of Windsor. Another son of
Rev. Israel, Rev. Isaac, was schoolmaster at Stratfield, Conn., 1695, and
was finally settled at Hadley, Mass. The Rev. Nathaniel Chauncey's
sister Sarah married Rev. Gershom Bulkley, pastor at Wethersfield,
Conn., from 1667-1676.
Accordingly the dissenting party having made choice of the Rev.
Benjamin Woodbridge, requested permission of the Assembly to enjoy
his services as their minister. Whereupon May the 18th, 1668, the
"Court declares that they shall not disapprove of Mr. Woodbridge's con-
tinuance as a lecturer there, and that if the church and Mr. Warham
shall so far condescend for peace as to give liberty for Mr. Woodbridge
to preach once a fortnight on the Sabbath, as well as on the week day,
until some further time be obtained to improve some other way as an
expedient for the peace of Windsor, it shall be acceptable to this
Court." 1
Also, Mr. Warham having enquired of the assembly, whether they
had intended by their order of the previous October, to authorize the
withdrawal of any members of the church, was affirmatively answered
"that the dissenting party mentioned in the order are those that have
liberty granted them."
The dissenting party, however, could not long remain contented
with the limited functions allowed to Mr. Woodbridge; and it is also
quite probable that Mr. Warham had not "seen fit to condescend for
peace sake," that Mr. Woodbridge should officiate on the sabbath. That
the adherents of the latter made strenuous efforts to secure a town vote
¹Ibid., ii. 58.
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1663-1684.
201
in his favor, and that public feeling ran high on the subject, is suffi-
ciently evidenced by the following entry on the town records, in a
strange hand, to which is appended the formal protest of the town clerk :
August 8th. At a town meeting warned by the townsmen, by the desire of several
inhabitants, to see the desires of the town concerning giving Mr. Woodbridge a call to
preach once on the Lord's day, and it was voted by a full vote.
This as a proviso: I here express to clear myself from having any hand in assenting
to the warning of the town meeting, so called, as George Griswold has entered in this
Book, Aug't, the 8th, — 68 — for he and some others came [my] house after they had
been together, and desired me, being the town recorder, to enter their town vote, made
this day, that Mr. Woodbridge shall have liberty to preach on the Sabbath. I told him
I would not have no hand in the business, nor enter their vote. Then he desired me to
let him have the town Book, wherein I used to enter such things. He being a towns-
man I laid the Book upon the table, and there he wrote himself what is entered by his
own hand. This I testify,
MATTHEW GRANT.
Augt. 17th, 1668.
Sept. 28th. Also Voted that the townsmen should get the meeting house to be set
in good repair, every way that it needs, and to be made comely, upon the town cost.
Dissension, however, continued to reign supreme, and the assembly
then had resort to that most unsatisfactory of all resorts, an ecclesias-
tical council.
Oct., 1668. "This Court by reason of several applications, that have been made to
them both by the officers of the Church of Christ at Windsor, and also by the dissenting
party, are to their great grief very apprehensive that those divisions that have been
among them there, are not healed, and therefore can not but declare that they are very
studious to promote the public peace of the Church and town of Windsor. And in
order thereto, this Court doth desire and appoint the Rev" Mr. James Fitch, Mr. Samuel
Wakeman, Mr. Gershom Bulkley and Mr. Joseph Eliott, to meet at Windsor the 4th
day of the second week in April (or sooner if they see cause) there to hear all and what-
soever shall be represented to them by the Church of Christ at Windsor, or by the dis-
senting brethren and inhabitants there, in reference to Mr. Chauncey's invitation, recep-
tion, election and ordination to office in the Church of Christ at Windsor; and also what.
soever shall be objected against the procurement, entertainment, continuance and
improvement of Mr. Woodbridge at Windsor. And when they have heard what they
have to say, of both sides, they are desired and empowered to settle an accommodation
between the church and dissenting brethren of Windsor, if they can attain it. But if,
after all their endeavors the aforesaid Gent" can not attain an accommodation or issue to
satisfaction, they are desired and by this Court ordered to make a return how they find
the state of Windsor, with their advice annexed; what way in their judgments may be
the most agreeable to rule to settle peace in the church and town of Windsor. But if,
by any Providence of God, any of the aforementioned Gent" should be hindered from
meeting the aforesaid time, they are desired to take the next opportunity to attend the
aforesaid service, so it be before the General Court in May next. And for the mean
time this Court grants Mr. Woodbridge liberty to keep a lecture at Windsor once a fort-
night on the 4th day of the week, that the inhabitants of that plantation, as their occa-
sion will permit, may religiously and without offence attend the same, and not on the
Sabbath without liberty from the Reverend Mr. Warham; which is all at present this
Court sees cause to grant.
¹ Col. Rec., ii. 99.
VOL. I.-26
>> 1
202
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
This council, however, was unsuccessful in its attempt to reconcile
matters, and, by their advice, the dissenting party were at last permitted.
to embody themselves into a separate church organization.
May, 1669. The precedent Court having desired and impounded Mr. James
Fitch, Mr. Gershom Bulkley, Mr. Samuel Wakeman and Mr. Joseph Eliott, to hear all
that should be presented to them by the Church of Windsor or by dissenting brethren
and inhabitants there, in reference to Mr. Chauncey's invitation, reception, election and
ordination, and also whatsoever should be objected against the procurement, entertain-
ment, continuance and improvement of Mr. Woodbridge at Windsor, and when they have
heard what they have to say of both sides, to settle an accommodation in that case, and
the said Gent" having heard and considered and returned in writing under their hands
the sense of that case, and their advice for an accommodation suitable to the present
state of matters there. This Court doth, according to the serious advice of those said
Gent", approve that both those Gen", viz: Mr. Chauncey and Mr. Woodbridge, abide in
their respective improvements as formerly, till such time as either there be a greater
appearance of the settlement of their peace in the enjoyment of these, or some other
orderly means (to be promoted by the civil authority) may be used for the procuring of
another minister, so as may be for the union and satisfaction of the whole, or till some
other expedient be ordered by the Court. And it is ordered that a copy of the Elder's
advice be delivered to the Church of Windsor, and another copy to the dissenting party.
And it is desired they would severally declare to the next Court in October, their con-
sideration about it."1
Oct. 16, 1669. "This Court finding to their great grief that the differences and
dissensions at Windsor, do, after many means of healing yet continue, and no appear-
ance of a mutual compliance as yet presented in their last return to what the Court
recommended, therefore they see not cause to deny liberty to those dissenters to meet
distinctly for the present and orderly and regularly to imbody themselves in church
state, according to law, when they shall seek it." (Col. Rec., ii. 124.)
2
They lost no time in acting upon the consent so reluctantly granted
by the court. Mr. Woodbridge was ordained over the new church on
the 18th of March following (1669-70), and the old Town House was
fitted up and occupied as a place of worship. This Town House (see´
p. 138,) stood in the Palisado, on the present parsonage-lot of the Con-
gregational Church. The seceders called themselves the New Society,.
and their place of meeting the "new meeting-house."
The "true inwardness" of this division cannot now be fully ascer-
tained. "Since the Synod of 1662, which endorsed and authorized the
Half-way Covenant system, proposed at first in 1657, there seems to have
been a great division in the churches throughout the colonies. Not only
in Hartford, but in Boston also, there was a secession of a portion of the
¹ Col. Rec., ii. 113.
2 In Mr. Simon Bradstreet's Journal (N. E. Hist. Gen. Register, ix. 45) is the follow-
ing item: "March 18, '69-70. My Br. Benjamin Woodbridge was ordained minister of
the Presbyterian party (as they are accounted) of Windsor." The Rev. Mr. Bradstreet
of New London, was both cousin and brother-in-law of Rev. Benj. Woodbridge (see
Gen. Reg., ix. 118), and it is hardly probable that he was either misinformed or would
be apt to say
"ordained" unless he meant it. I have therefore preferred to adopt his
account, in direct opposition to that of Trumbull, who says (Hist. Conn., i. 470) that
neither Mr. Chauncey nor Mr. Woodbridge were ordained,
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1663-1684.
203
A
old church, and a new one formed, which is now known as the Old South.
One party here in Windsor was called the Presbyterian party. Dr. Par-
ker of Hartford, in his discourse at the 200th anniversary of the South
Church, says: Within a month from the time when the Second Church
in Hartford was formed the party in the church at Windsor that dis-
sented from the strict Congregationalism of old Mr. Warham, withdrew,
and Mr. Woodbridge was ordained as minister of the Presbyterian party
of Windsor.' It is known that the Presbyterians of England had exerted.
themselves to induce the Council at Boston, in 1648, to frame the plat
form of the New England churches in accordance with their ideas, and
doubtless many within the colony were then favorable to the polity of
that Church, which, under Cromwell, had been made for a time the
established Church of England. But the disagreement was not all
between these two factions of the church. There could not have been
perfect peace in the main body if it be true, as reported, that 'when a
sermon was preached in the pulpit in the forenoon concerning doctrines
to which Mr. Chauncey was opposed, he would in the afternoon preach
to the same audience from the same text a regular logical refutation of
these doctrines," "¹
""a testimony which, however creditable to his mental
ability and readiness, could scarcely have been conducive to peace among
the flock.
Another fact is worthy of mention here in connection with these dis-
cussions, viz., that "for two years and twelve weeks, before February,
1669 (while matters were unsettled and the minority of the church,
though worshiping apart, had not yet obtained leave to form a separate
church, and the General Court was holding the matter under advisement),
Matthew Grant records that the church held no communion service."
It would seem that the two churches might now have pursued their
respective ways in peace and quietness. But that bitter words and
uncharitable thoughts were yet rankling in the hearts of those who
should have been brethren, is evidenced by the following document:
The humble application of the distressed and grieved inhabitants of Windsor,
requesting the Court to direct that the disaffected have the meeting-house their share of
the time on the Sabbath and not cause a division. The experience we have had doth
give us a test of the ruins of division. If there can be no union obtained by all endeav-
ors that are used we are apt to think that time will bring such desolations upon us.
We thank God 'tis the same Gospel truths that are preached by our minister and by
the others and to find out the reason why one must take all the labor upon himself, and
the other must be silent and have his mouth stopped when we have need of variety of
gifts, doth puzzle other heads than ours.
[Dated] May 13, 1670.
[Signed]
THOS. STOUGHTON,
GEORGE GRISWOLD,
TIMOTHY THRALL,
[for the rest.]
1 History of the Church of Windsor, by Rev. G. C. Wilson; read at the Quarter-Mil-
lennial Anniversary of said church, held March 30, 1880, p. 27, 28.
2 Ibid., p. 28.
204
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
In the midst of these uncomfortable bickerings and disputations
Mr. Warham died. He expired April 1, 1670, having been for forty
years minister in New England, six at Dorchester, and thirty-four at
Windsor. The little that is known of him is contained in the following
passage from Cotton Mather's Magnalia, i. 442:
The whole colony of Connecticut considered him as a principal pillar and father
of the colony. I suppose the first preacher that ever preached with notes in our New
England was the Rev. Warham; who, though he was sometimes faulted for it by somẹ
judicious men who had never heard him, yet when once they came to hear him, they
could not but admire the notable energy of his ministry. He was a more vigorous
preacher than most of them who have been applauded for never looking in a book in
their lives.
“But I have one thing to relate concerning him which I would not mention if I did
not, by the mention thereof, propound and expect the advantage of some that may be
my readers. Know then that, though our Warham were as pious a man as most that
were out of Heaven, yet Satan often threw him into those deadly pangs of melancholy,
that made him despair of ever getting thither. Such were the terrible temptations and
horrible buffetings undergone sometimes by the soul of this holy man, that when he has
administered the Lord's Supper to his flock, whom he durst not starve by omitting to
administer that ordinance, yet he has forborne himself to partake at the same time in
the ordinance, through the fearful dejections of his mind, which persuaded him that
those blessed seals did not belong unto him. The dreadful darkness which overwhelmed
this child of light in his life, did not wholly leave him till his death. 'Tis reported that
he did even set in a cloud, when he retired into the glorified Society of those righteous
ones that are to shine forth as the Sun in the. Kingdom of their Father, though some
have asserted that the cloud was dispelled before he expired.
for an
What was desired Johannes Mathesius, may now be inscribed on our Warham
Epitaph.
Securus recubo hic mundi pertæsus iniqui;
Et didici et docui vulnera, Christe, tua.'
1
But few of his manuscript sermons are now extant; but we give
now, through the courtesy of John A. Stoughton, Esq., a facsimile of
some pages of a sermon found in a trunk which belonged to Esther, the
mother of Jonathan Edwards, and which doubtless came into her hands
from Mrs. Solomon Stoddard of Northampton, who was Mr. Warham's
youngest daughter."
2
I
2.
Saviour! with life o'ertasked, oppressed, forlorn
Thy Cross I preached — Thy Cross too, I have borne;
But now I rest."
Among the many noted persons who have descended from Rev. John Warham may
be mentioned Rev Jonathan Edwards and son, Jonathan 2d; Rev. Timothy Dwight,
I).D.; Judge John Trumbull, LL.D.; Aaron Burr; Gen. William Williams, signer of the
Declaration of Independence; Hon. John Sherman; Rev. Samuel A. Worcester, D.D.;
Rev. Jonathan Edwards Woodbridge, D.D.; Ex-President Woolsey of Yale College;
Judge Henry Morris of Springfield; Rev. R. S. Storrs, D D., of Brooklyn; Stoddard the
missionary; “Grace Greenwood"; Gen. Wm T. Sherman; Bishop Williams of the Epis-
copal Church; Mrs. Prof. Yardley of Berkeley Divinity School, and her sister, "Susan
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1663-1684.
205

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JOHN WARHAM, FEB. 1, 1662.
(By courtesy of author of "Windsor Farmes.")
"Mr. Warham," says Stoughton," "seems to have been quite largely
interested in real estate during the infant years of the colony, his name
occurring in connection with at least twelve different transfers of real
property; and once he sells a neighbor a mare, for which the buyer gives
a bond, but the investigator is left in the dark as to the merits of the
beast, the record only certifying that the obligation is cancelled." Mr.
Warham died possessed of a large estate, over which his heirs contended
sharply for a time, until the Colonial Court decided that, as he had left
"three wills," and the court could not decide as to validity of either, the
estate should be distributed "According to Law." Mrs. Abigail Warham
survived her husband several years, having possessed considerable prop-
Coolidge"; Alsop the poet; Dr. Gardiner Spring, Elizabeth Stuart Phelps, and Rev.
Dr. Todd of New Haven. Of the female descendants, also, have many married dis-
tinguished men, as examples of which we may name Mrs. Horace Bushnell, Mrs. John
Todd, D.D., Mrs. Prof. Wm. S. Tyler.
1 Windsor Farmes.
min
M
206
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
erty of her own at the time of her marriage to him, and her will, which
we give from the records, was probably disappointing to some of her
relatives, who were impatiently waiting for her death:
THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF MRS. ABIGAIL WARHAM. We under writ-
ten being present with Mrs. Warham who spent her last dayes in our family, she dis-
coursing with us respecting her Estate she declared that she had formerly given her
Cousin Miles Merwin such a Multitude. that if she had thousands she would not give
him a penny. No not a pinns poynt, she further said that things were so with her now
in regard of her long sickness and expense thereupon that she could not tell whether
she had anything to give away. She also disowned that she had any will and sayd fur-
ther that her Cousin Miles Merwin desired that she would make over her estate to him,
and she manifested herself much troubled and sayd she knew not but that she might
live to need and expend it, and that she had before she dyed. Mary the wife of Capt.
Newberry and Abigaill the daughter of the aforesaid, both affirm that Mrs. Warham
sayd to them when she was of good understanding & sound memory concerning her
Estate, that if there was anything left when the Court had to consider thereoff, she had
thought that little Miles Merwin should have somewhat and the other that lived with
her so long, & as for her moveables that were brought into our house, Return Strong,
Mary Newburry, & Abagail doe testify she freely gave them to us, and sayd they
should not be taken from us. The above sayd was by her declared to us some time
last March. Sept. 4, 1684.
:
BENJAMIN NEWBERRY,
MARY M. NEWBERRY'S
mark.
ABAGAIL C. NEWBERRY'S
RETURN STRONG.
mark.
For two or three years after the death of Mr. Warham, the two
churches of Windsor, under the respective care of Messrs. Chauncey and
Woodbridge, dwelt together, if not in harmony, at least with compara-
tive quiet. It was a quiet, however, which the most trivial cause could
not fail to disturb; nor was that cause long wanting. That the ill feel-
ing between the two churches had meanwhile not subsided is evident
from a document which has come to our knowledge since the printing of
our first edition. It is one of a number of ancient papers presented to
the Connecticut State Library by Hon. Robert C. Winthrop of Boston,
and bears the endorsement (in Governor Winthrop's handwriting) :
"WINDSOR MEN OF THE NEW CHURCH COMPLAINT IN WINTER, 1673.”
To the honored governor and Counsell:
whereas wee have perceived a deeprooted spirite of bitterness boyling in the breste
of some of thos of the old congregation heare in windsore against oursellves whitch
doethe apeare by manyfold exspresions given out at sundry times by principall persons
amongst them as that wee are guilty of treatchery periuery and apostesy that those that
had a hand in the ordynation of our minister wear stilled sacreledgious theeues besids,
what hath been publiqly preached and asserted in the pulpit by mr chauncey as that
our minister is noe mynister of Christ and can exspecte no blessings on his laboures ther-
by discoraginge persons in atendinge ordynanes under his adminystration Comparinge
our diferencs to the diferencs betweene papist and protestants deallinge with persons
that have ocationally Communycated with us as havinge thereby felowshipe with the
unfruitfull workes of darknesse alowinge the hearing of the word preached at our Con-
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1663-1684.
207
gregation to be publiqly called disorder and now at last uterly refusinge to joyne withe
us in a day of fast on a solom ocation in which wee are all intrested declaringe that hee
could not in concience heare our minyster pray and preatch and that lengthe of time
hathe no way abatted the zealle of his spirit in this mater with many other things as
much manifestinge an evill spirit as these of whitch things wee have desired mr Chan-
ceys grounds in writinge whitch though wee have sometime gained a promis of him
yet coulld never get any performance wee have urged for an impartiall hearinge that
the breatch mighte bee in some measure healled whitch allso is refused and yet still a
spirit of bitterness is mayntayned all whitch things doo to playnly Intymate that theire
hearts are not with us and that our prosperity temporall or spirituell is to litell regarded
by them upon whith grounds wee humbly Conceive that it is unsafe and dangerous for
us to be joyned in armes with them Our request therefore to this honored counsell is
that sum speedy and efectuell Course may bee taken to satisffy our minds that wee
shall not have as great enimys in our campe as those wee goe out against or otherwise
that either wee or they may bee exempted from goinge out wee would not in this
motion bee understood any way to hinder the weall of the Colony or discorage the
sendinge out against the enimeye in whitch designe wee are willinge to hazard our
lives but wee count it dangerous to goe forth with such as will give us more biter and
evill speeches than the enimy himeself and through sum false Conceited opinyon Canot
pray with us for our prosperity and blesinge in goinge forthe subscribed by us
the mark of nathaniell
Piney
།
D
× the marke of timothy phelps
the mark of Andrew
more A Pieter Wouterse
Ephraim french
Antony hosskins
vander meulen '
Joshua Willes
heskiah gallord
daniel king
Mark Kelsey
John
Job Drake
John] Lon[d]on Jacob Drake
mark
Jacob filly
danell Haydon
John Roote [?]
John Stillese
John owene
John persons
Josias owen
Josef Birge
Elias Shaduck
•
John Terry
Timote Thrall
James Elester [?]
James Egleston
George Griswold
Daniel Griswold
John Fetch
James Enno
Joseph Griswold
James Enno
John Enno
Thomas Stoughton
Both the Old Meeting-House belonging to the original church and
the Town House, occupied by Mr. Woodbridge's church, had been for
some time past in very dilapidated condition, and much needed repairs.
Consequently on June 8, 1676, "the Townsmen met, and considering
the ruinous condition our meeting-house is in, we do agree to get [it]
set in good repair; the cost of doing it to have it paid by a town rate,
which work we do determine to have to be done. Witness our hand.
Matthew Grant, John Loomis, Jacob Drake, Thomas Bissell, John
Maudsley." (Town Acts, Bk. ii. 40.)
·
The Woodbridge party probably thought that the Town House
which they were occupying needed repairs quite as much as the Meeting-
House. For, at the following meeting of the town, a paper was " presented
by George Griswold, Timothy Thrall [and] Job Drake as followeth :
"To our respected friends the townsmen of Windsor.
Whereas there was a voat sometime passed by the town that both Meeting-houses
here in Windsor, in respect to the covering outside, should be repaired on a general or
¹ Peter Mills, the ancestor of the Mills family, who was of Holland birth, and here
signs his un-Anglicized name in full. See Mills Genealogy, in the 2d volume.
208
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
town account, and the old meeting-house, as we apprehend, is already done in answer
to that vote: We therefore whose names are underwritten as a Committee, in the name
[and] behalf of the new congregation here in Windsor, do hereby present to you that
the New Meeting-house may also be speedily done, there being great necessity of it, and
we desire and request [it] may be especially attended; or if not you would give an
answer to return to the company whom we represent, that they may consider what is
to be done in that matter." Ibid.
To this the townsmen returned the following answer:
Whereas we received a writing, dated July 27, 1676, from some of our friends,
wherein they declare that formerly there was a town voat that both the meeting
houses should be repaired upon a town account, and that they do apprehend that we
have gone on to repair the old Meeting-house upon the account of that vote, and there-
fore [they] desire [us] as speedily to repair the new one, or else to give them a speedy
answer. Therefore we having considered the matter, as it is presented to us; we do
give this answer: that we have endeavored to repair the old meeting-house, and do
intend to perfect it as soon as we can upon a town charge, but not out of any respect to
such a vote as you say was lately passed, for we know of no such vote - but we did as
looking at it to be a proper estate [custom] of the whole town, from the first setting up
till now, for such a use as it is now put to. Therefore we looked at it to be a proper
work of the townsmen to look to the repairing of it. And as to the town house we
looked at it be as properly the town estate as ever, yet it being taken into the hands of
some part of the town and improved to another use than was agreed by the town, and
by them made incapable for that [former] use, that it was first intended [for], therefore
now we do apprehend it is not the work of the townsmen to meddle with it upon the
account of a reparation [repairing], until it be set in the state it was at the first, and
then we look at it to be the townsmen's work to put it in repair."
MATTHEW GRANT,
JOHN LOOMIS,
JACOB DRAKE,
THOMAS BISSELL,
JOHN MAUDSLEY.
(Town Acts.)
In this refusal to repair the Town House it is easy to discern that
the townsmen, representing the orthodox, or First Church, were unwill-
ing to recognize, by any official act, the existence or legitimacy of the
new congregation. The repairing of a town house, occupied by the dis-
senters, " on a town account," would have been a concession which they
would not make, and a precedent which they dared not establish.
The Woodbridge faction, of course, did not quietly submit to being
thus tacitly ignored and snubbed by their fellow-citizens, and contention
again arose in Windsor. At length, at a town meeting held September
22, '76, it was proposed "to make choice of indifferent men out of some
other towns, who shall have power to advise and determine in what way
and manner the two public meeting places of the town of Windsor shall
be repaired. Also 3 men shall be chosen, one party [to] choose one,
and other party [to] choose one, and the third to be chosen by those
two men so chosen. This was voted affirmatively, and the man chosen
by the New Congregation is Captain Allyn, and the man chosen by the
other is Major Treat."
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1663-1684.
209
Finally at a town meeting held on November 2d, "it was voted by
the major part that the old meeting-house and the other companies'
meeting-house or Town house shall both of them be repaired, both on the
outsides of them, on the town cost."
Here their difficulties rested for a short time. The Old Meeting-
House and the Town House were both repaired, and at a town meeting,
February 11, 1677, it was "appointed and desired that Mr. Wolcott, Sen'r,
Capt. Newberry, and Capt. Clark, with the townsmen, should order per-
sons seating in the meeting-house."
During the two years which followed various attempts at reconcilia-
tion and reunion of the two churches were made. But here a new diffi-
culty arose. The First Church insisted that those members who had
withdrawn themselves and joined the Second Church should be examined
before readmission to the First Church. The Second Church claimed
that this was unnecessary, inasmuch as they had been members of the
First Church "in good and regular standing," and were at that time
members in full communion with the Second Church. But the First
Church stood firm on this point. At length, January 31, 1677-8, a
council of fourteen members was mutually called by the two churches.
This council advised "that the two congregations reunite and walk
together in the same way and order, and this way of order, whereunto
they shall meet in their future walk, shall be the known and settled walk
of the First Church, which we understand to be the Congregational way
of Church order.":
1
That "those who were originally members of the First Church be
admitted; and those who after the division joined the New Church be
examined, if there was any objection to them, by the Rev. Mr. Rowland-
son and the Rev. Mr. Hooker." Mr. Joseph Rowlandson was then pas-
tor at Wethersfield, and Mr. Hooker at Hartford.
That "Mr. Chauncey be continued in his office and employment, act-
ing according to the professed Congregational principles; and that Mr.
Woodbridge be received to communion and assist in preaching."
This advice was partially complied with.
The following August the Second Church, through John Hosford,
Timothy Thrall, and Jacob Gibbs, sent a communication to the First,
stating that "we are satisfied in ourselves respecting our churchhood
¹There is, to our mind, an especial significance in this frequently recurring phrase,
"the Congregational way of Church order." Taken in connection with the term Presby-
terian, as applied to the Woodbridge party in Windsor by Simon Bradstreet (see note to
page 202), and other similar terms, it seems clear to our minds that Presbyterianism was
creeping into the churches, and, as such, was recognized as a foe to the established or
Congregational order. The Synod of 1708, at Saybrook, evidently developed many latent
seeds of Presbyterianism in Connecticut.
VOL. I.-27
210
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
and church membership;" and affirming their understanding of the
council's advice to be that they (the Second Church) be received in a
body, "without any trial of their fitness," by the First Church.
This communication being read to the First Church after meeting
on the Sabbath, they voted "that they understood the Council's act other-
wise, and should wait the Council's session for the clearing up of the
matter."
On the 14th of January, 1678-9, "at a town meeting, the congregation in Windsor
being met, did by their vote choose six men, who are desired and empowered to consult
with the present Honble and Revª Council, and any others able to advise, to what person
to make application unto, to procure him to carry on the work of the ministry, in this
place, and so to return the Council's advice given to the congregation to carry it on to
effect to procure the person to settle amongst us here in Windsor in the work of the
ministry. The above written is voted — and the persons-chosen for a committee are the
Worll Mr. Wolcott, Capt. Newberry, Capt. Clark, John Loomis, Jacob Drake, John
Bissell."
Attest.
JOHN ALLYN, Secy.
JAMES RICHARDS.
Town Acts, Bk. ii. 48.
"It was also voted that Mr. Chauncey and Mr. Woodbridge shall
carry on the work of the ministry in Windsor jointly together, until a
third minister be settled amongst us." (Ibid., Bk. ii. 48.)
In October, 1670, the townsmen had contracted with Mr. John
Witchfield for the use of his house and living for Mr. Chauncey, but this
was soon made void, and Mr. Chauncey purchased of George Phelps and
wife a house and lot, and afterward a five-acre pasture lot, situated
next north of the present parsonage.
The Council recommended the Rev. Samuel Mather of Branford,
and the Rev. Isaac Foster, as suitable candidates for settlement. And,
January 27, 1678-9,-
The Congregation being met to consider the return of advice that the Committee
received from the Honble Council-Mr. Mather being put to vote, there was forty-seven
affirmative votes, and seventy-one negative. And for Mr. Foster, eighty-three affirma-
tive and forty-four negative."
Also, "the congregation having passed a vote wherein they declare their desire to
procure Mr. Foster, if he be free and suitably persuaded and accomplished to carry on
the work of Christ in the ministry here among us, do therefore desire the committee
lately chosen to apply to so many of the Honble and Revd Gentlemen with whom they
lately advised as may be (conveniently) come at, and with all convenient speed, procure
not only their concurrence but assistance in obtaining the said Mr. Foster, provided it
appears by sufficient information from such Honble and Revd Gentm in the Massachusetts.
[colony] to whom we shall apply by a messenger that he is not only congregationally
persuaded, but otherwise accomplished to carry on the work of Christ amongst us."
Town Acts, Bk. ii. 48.
The committee accordingly waited upon the council, and in due
course of time received the following reply (Ibíd., ii. 50):
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1663–1684.
211
L
Gentlemen:
HARTFORD, April 10, 1679.
We have perused the letters of Rev. Mr. Dakes and Mr. Mather in answer to ours
concerning Mr. Foster; and entertain their testimony of him as to his parts and piety
with great satisfaction and thankfulness. There seemeth to us a doubtfulness still
abiding concerning his persuasion in point of church order; by reason of which we can
not advise you immediately to make application to him; but rather think it advisable
to send down Capt. Newberry and John Loomis with letters from Capt. Allyn, Mr.
Richards, Mr. Hooker, Mr. Whiting, to the Rev. Mr. Dakes and Mr. Mather, requesting
them that they would improve their interest in Mr. Foster to gain a true discovery of
his judgment in the premises, and in case they can obtain so much from him as shall
capacitate them to assert that he is congregationally persuaded according [to the]
synod[s] [of] '48 and '62, that then they be entreated to lend their helping hands to pro-
mote the motion to him and persuade him to come to you: otherwise not to meddle.
This is the sum of our present thoughts. To which we add our earnest prayers to the
Father of lights for his gracious guidance and blessing, and remain your
Friends and servants,
JOHN ALLYN,
JAMES RICHARDS,
SAMUEL HOOKER,
JOHN WHITING.
"At a town meeting, April 14th, the congregation unanimously voted their accept-
ance of the advice sent from the council."
They also "voted their willingness to give the said Mr. Foster an
invitation to the work of the ministry" amongst them, and that in case
of his acceptance of the same "there shall be allowed him for the first
year, if he stay so long with us, the sum of seventy pounds." "The
Congregation also by vote, desired and empowered the Committee to
draw up a letter to Mr. Foster," which being done and read to the con-
gregation, was "by them approved and ordered to be improved by the
messengers, Capt. Newberry and John Loomis, according to the advice
sent to us by the Council." (Town Acts, ii. 51.)
The messengers accordingly went to Massachusetts and brought
back a favorable report. The congregation invited Mr. Foster to come
to Windsor on trial, which he did, and gave them such "full satisfaction
of his parts, ability, and persuasion, and some test of his labors," that
they tendered him "a unanimous call" to settle among them. £100
per annum for his support was voted, and Capt. Daniel Clark was dele-
gated "to accompany Mr. Foster to the Bay, and further his return
again." The prospects now seemed bright of a speedy reunion and res-
toration of harmony to the unhappy and divided churches of Windsor.
But, for some unexplained reason, Mr. Foster did not settle there, and
the partial union between the parties was again broken.
In the contentions which ensued, as in those that preceded, it is not
easy certainly to discover which side was most to blame. Both parties
undoubtedly had good causes of complaint, and it was natural that they
should be tenacious of the principles and rights for which each had so
212
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
long and warmly contended. And it is quite as probable that matters,
in themselves comparatively trivial, had, by the heat of passion and the
long continuance of dispute, assumed an undue importance in the eyes.
of the disputants. Yet we cannot avoid the inference, from the docu-
mentary evidence before us, that the chief thing which fomented and
perpetuated this unhappy feud was an unwillingness on the part of the
First Church and its pastor, Mr. Chauncey, to make any concession
towards the other party. They seemed to have considered the Second
Church as rebels, who should be received, if received at all, only on
terms of unconditional surrender. But we will allow the records to
speak for themselves.
At a Town-meeting, October 27, 1679, "it was proposed to the Con-
gregation whether they apprehended themselves under the power of an
ecclesiastical council, and whether they were willing so to remain under
the said council." Voted in the negative.
Also George Griswold and Jacob Drake were desired "to repair to
the Rev. Mr. Chauncey, and to desire him that both himself and the
church with him would return their determinate answer whether they
will admit Mr. Woodbridge to preach once on the Lord's day, as the
Hon. Gov and the worshipful Capt. Allyn have desired in their last
letter." In case of a negative answer from Mr. C. and the church, "the
townsmen are desired to apply to the Civil Council in Hartford for their
approbation and countenancing Mr. Woodbridge in preaching together
with Mr. Chauncey, until we can be otherwise provided for."
In December 2, 1679, the town voted "to allow £80 to be divided
between Mr. Chauncey and Mr. Woodbridge, according to their respect-
ive times and pains in the ministry." Mr. Chauncey already had, in
November, 1679, accepted a call to Hatfield, Mass.
It is very probable that at this time the Second Church was the
largest, as the passage of this vote in town meeting would argue the
weight of influence to be on their side.
Mr. Chauncey and his church probably returned a negative answer,
for we next find (Dec. 14, '79), that a committee of ten were appointed
in town meeting "by order from the Governor and Magistrates
66
""
'to act in endeavoring to [obtain] a supply in the ministry." This
committee, however, composed of the following individuals, Mr. Wolcott,
Sr., Capt. Newberry, Capt. Clark, George Phelps, John Loomis, Henry
Wolcott, Jr., John Bissell, Thomas Bissell, John Moore, and Cornelius
Gillet, was not acceptable to the people, 27 only voting in their favor at
the town meeting of January 3, 1679-80.
Where the real trouble was we may perhaps learn from the following:
Job Drake, George Griswold, John Moses, and Timothy Thrall [all
active members of the Second Society or Woodbridge faction] subse-
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1663-1684.
213
•
quently presented to the governor and assistants a paper, dated July 5,
1680, containing sundry high charges, and the marshal was sent to bring
them before the governor and assistants. They acknowledged the paper,
and "did openly recognize the said scandalous and offensive writing,
declaring themselves to be of the same mind." The court therefore
bound them over in bonds of £10, to appear before the court in October,
"and answer for the defamation of authority in the said writing so
avowed and justified as before, and contempt of authority
to
66
•
the orderly and peaceable settlement of ministry in Windsor, according
to lawful appointment." The court also did ❝ farther enjoin and require
the said persons, and all concerned with them, to carry peaceably towards
their neighbors of the Church of Windsor, and not interrupt or discour-
age the committee appointed by lawful authority to provide an able min-
istry for the said Church of Windsor." See State Archives, Ecclesiasti-
cal Papers, i. 74, 77, 78. Also, Col. Rec., iii. 72.
In May following a
advice as that of 1677.
council was convened which gave the same
In July the assembly again interfered and ordered the Second
Society to suspend their meetings on the Sabbath and public days, and
to unite with the First. "All actings contrary will be esteemed contempt
of authority." They also advise the good people of Windsor to assist
Mr. Woodbridge in the transportation of his effects to the Bay. Still
the Second Church continued refractory. Meanwhile Mr. Chauncey had
left Windsor, and a Mr. Stow was preaching in his place to the First
Church. Mr. Woodbridge still remained.
1
The assembly, finally, was obliged to issue another peremptory order,
October 14, 1680:
"This Court, having considered the petition of some of Windsor,' and the sorrow-
ful condition of the good people there, and finding that, notwithstanding all means of
healing afforded them, they do remain in a bleeding state and condition, do find it neces-
sary for this court to exert their authority towards the issuing or putting a stop to the
present troubles there; and this Court do hereby declare, that they find all the good
people of Windsor obliged to stand to, and rest satisfied with the advice and issue of
the council they chose to hear and issue their matters; which advice being given and
now presented to the Court, dated January, 1677, this Court doth confirm the same,
and order that there be a seasonable uniting of the Second Society in Windsor with the
first, according to order of the council, by an orderly preparation for their admission; and
if there be objection against the life or knowledge of any, then it be, according to the
council's advice, heard and issued by Mr. Hooker and the other moderator's successor;
and that both the former ministers be released. And that the committee appointed to
seek out for a minister, with the advice of the church and the town collectively by their
¹ Probably Mr. Samuel Stow of Middletown, who afterwards (1681) preached at
Simsbury for 4 years. Although never settled, he formed the First Church in that
town.
² State Archives, Towns and Lands, i. 77. See also same volume, Nos. 63–68, 71–79.
³ Ibid., i. 63.
214
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
major vote, do vigorously pursue the procuring of an able, orthodox minister qualified
according to the advice of the Governor, and Council, and ministers, May last; and all
the good people of Windsor are hereby required to be aiding and assisting and not in
the least to oppose therein or hinder the same, as they will answer the contrary at their
peril."
Soon after a communication without date is sent to the assembly, by
the Second Society, complaining that the First Church would not receive
them, and would not abide by the advice of council.'
'Our communicants," say they, are not entertained or objected against [if they
had been objected against they could have obtained certificates of orthodoxy from Mr.
Rowlandson and Mr. Hooker] neither we or our minister could enjoy communion in
sacraments, nay the sacrament was professedly put by, that we might not.
Indeed we did enjoy the preaching by our minister, and maintainance by the whole
[town] a little while, and then were jostled out of that too."
They furthermore profess their willingness that the First Church
should call Mr. Chauncey back again, or get another minister, but even
if this is granted, "we are yet suffering that we had it not above two
years and a half ago.”
Tradition says, and it seems quite probable, that the people of Windsor
had, by this time, become so disgusted with their own wranglings, and so
disatisfied with those who had preached to them, that they unwittingly
found themseves united in one point, viz.: to seek a new minister. And
at a town meeting held on March 11, 1680-81, "It was voted unani-
mously, that Mr. Mather of Branford should be sought unto and endeav-
ors speedily [made] to secure him, if God shall succeed, in the work of
the ministry, and to tender to him a salary of £100 per year."
In May following (1681), Mr. Woodbridge's connection with the
Second Church was severed. That there was some difficulty in the mat-
ter, and possibly some hard feeling, is evident from the fact that he com-
plained to the assembly of injustice done to him by the Second Church.
To this the assembly replied (May 19, 1681) as follows:
"This court having heard Mr. Woodbridge, his petition, do find that it may be diffi-
cult to come to a just issue of the case, and that it may be hazardous to the peace to
enter particularly into the bowels of the case, as matters are circumstanced; therefore as
a final issue of all matters of strife about demands by Mr. Woodbridge upon the people
of Windsor for his labors there. This Court do grant unto Mr. Woodbridge the sum
of 200 acres of land for a farm, provided he take it up where it may not prejudice
any former grant to any particular person or plantation. And this court do recom-
mend it to those of Windsor who have been engaged to Mr. Woodbridge, that now at
his parting, they would consider their engagements to him, and act towards him as they
are in duty bound; and we recommend to Mr. Woodbridge as a friend to peace,
that he would rest satisfied therewith.2
1 Probably the First Church still insisted on terms which the Second considered as
unjustly rigorous.
2 John Ward Dean of Boston, thus writes to the author: "My ancestor, Rev. Ben-
jamin Woodbridge, appears to have had opponents (and adherents too) wherever he
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1663–1684.
215
Meanwhile the people of Windsor, with an unanimity which must
have surprised themselves, were negotiating with Mr. Mather,' and a
call was extended to him, 11 March, 1680-81.-W. Records. July 27,
1681, the town voted to have the Town House (previously occupied
by the Second Church) "finished and made suitable for the entertain-
ment of Mr. Samuel Mather, if God in his providence sends him amongst
us." Also voted, to give him £100 upon his settlement, "and the use
of the house and lands belonging to it.” ²
There was still some impediment in the way of the union of the two
societies, viz.: some plan of union upon which both could reasonably
and mutually agree. But the heartfelt desire for peace and quiet, which
now possessed all minds, led them to make the following judicious and
Christian resolution :
“August 25th, the Congregation being met, do jointly agree to present an invita-
tion to Mr. Mather, and if it may be to obtain him, and leave the pursuance of the union
of the two societies, till such time as he is present among us; and we are unitedly
agreed in this, that so far as Mr. Mather can be helpful to us, from the word of God,
to effect our union together, we shall readily attend. And wherein any person cannot
concur with his apprehensions, we are willing to wait till God shall help us to see
reason to concur with him, and in the meantime not to make any disturbance, or occa-
sion any trouble."
But it was not until the following spring (May, 1682) that the way
was fully prepared for the much desired union. Then the Assembly,
"Upon application made by the Church in Windsor, respecting the difficulties they
meet with in the settlement of Mr. Mather, all former orders and endeavors not being
effectual to remove the impediment that lies still in the way, that the matter of the
union may be plainly stated, which is now mainly impedimenting unto them, this Court
see cause to declare their ready owning of the said Church in the quiet practice of their
professed principles in point of order; and so that the forementioned union be carried
on in manner following, viz.: That Mr. Mather being in due time called and settled in
office by the church of Windsor, thereupon such of the Second Society as desire fellow ·
ship with them in all ordinances (excepting those that were formerly in full communion
with that Church, that are returned, or to return to the same standing in it), address
themselves to Mr. Mather; and having satisfied him about their experimental knowl-
edge, and the grounds of that satisfaction by him declared to the Church unto their
acceptance, with encouraging testimony given in reference to their conversation, they
be thereupon admitted."
was.
After he left Windsor, he preached at Bristol (now in Rhode Island) and after
that in Medford. A curious circumstance concerning him has been communicated to
me by Rev. Mr. Page of Cambridge. There was trouble between him and a portion of
his flock at Medford, and the matter was carried before the General Court, or Legisla-
ture, who ordered that the town should pay Mr. W. the (considerable) amount due to
him, and that the church should then proceed to choose a pious and learned minister for
their pastor. The money was paid and the church called together to choose a pastor,
and the choice fell upon the Rev. Benjamin Woodbridge, the old pastor. There was some
wincing, but his opponents could not deny that he was a pious and learned minister,
and the General Court had not ordered the church to choose another man.”
¹ Various correspondence between Increase and Samuel Mather and other parties
about this matter may be found in Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll., 4th Series, xxxviii. p. 98.
2 This provision, for some cause, seems not to have been satisfactory, as in the suc-
216
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
The plan thus proposed by the court, and which gave the First
Church all they ever demanded, seems to have reconciled the previous
difficulties; and a new spirit of harmonious enterprise at once infused
itself throughout the town. Yet the task of softening the prejudices and
fusing the discordant elements of the two churches, was a work which
required time and patience, as well as the exercise of sound judgment
and consummate tact. All these qualities were in a high degree pos-
sessed by Mr. Mather; and, probably in the fall of 1684 he was fully
ordained and settled in the charge of the united congregations of
Windsor.
We are aware that Trumbull and other authorities assert that
Mr. Mather was settled at Windsor in 1682, but the following vote of
the town, Dec. 28, 1684, "to give Mr. Samuel Mather 100 acres of land
at Salisbury plains in case he settles in office amongst us; " and also the
record of admissions to the church during his ministry (as copied by
Mr. Rowland from the original manuscripts of Mr. Mather-see Ch.
Records), beginning thus: "The following were admitted to the church
the 1st year, 1685," lead us to the conclusion that 1684 was the true
date of his settlement and ordination.
At a town meeting in December of that year,
"It was voted, that the town allow ten pounds per winter to be payed out of the
town rate towards procuring wood for Mr. Mather; the money to be laid out yearly by
the townmen, then in being, so as best [to] attain the end aforesaid.
Also that any man may have liberty to bring one load of wood yearly to Mr. Mather;
ceeding October we find on record the following deed: Know ye, &c., that I, Tahan
Grant, of Windsor, in the County of Hartford, and Colony of Connecticut, Blacksmith,
for and in consideration of the sum of One Hundred and Eighty pounds to me in hand,
paid by the Town of Windsor and of the inhabitants of the same upon the account and
for the use of Mr. Samuel Mather of Windsor, &c., do grant, bargain and sell unto
him the said Mather one dwelling-house and barn with four acres of land adjoining,
which I purchased of Lieut. Whiting," etc.
In December, 1684, “Mr. Samuel Mather hath granted from the Town of Windsor
One Hundred acres of land at a place commonly called and known by the name of Sals-
bury Plain." He also had two hundred acres granted him by the General Court, east of
the Great River.
In January, 1684, "In consideration of One Hundred pounds to me secured to be
paid by Capt. Benjamin Newberry and others as agents in behalf of Mr. Samuel Mather,
Tahan Grant deeds to Mr. Samuel Mather one piece of land being partly pasture and
part arable land, containing eight acres; also one lot in the Great Meadow, five acres;
also, one other parcel in the Great Meadow, three and a half acres." Mr. Mather
bought various other pieces of land, some by himself and some in company with his
brother, Atherton Mather.
The records do not give his annual salary until 1712, at which time Rev. Jonathan
Marsh was his colleague. In 1712, Mr. Mather's salary was £50; Mr. Marsh's, £114. In
1713, Mather's salary was £60; Marsh's £124 15s. 6d. In 1714, Mr. Mather was voted
£45, annually, during his life. In 1741, by a division of the common lands, a lot con-
taining eighty acres was laid out to Rev. Samuel Mather's heirs. Deacon J. B. Wood-
ford's Address, Quarter-Millenial, Windsor Church.
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1663-1684.
217
and to be paid for the same out of their town rate, provided they bring it before the
first day of February yearly, until the ten pounds be expended. Should there not be so
much wood brought to Mr. Mather before the first of February as shall amount to the
said sum, then any man may bring wood until the same be [made] up, and be paid as
before said, the price to be three shillings and four pence the load."
-
"It is voted by the town that a new meeting house be built for the more comforta-
ble carrying on the worship of God- and the form of the house to be according to the
meeting house at Springfield, unless the committee chosen do see cause to make altera-
tion in height or breadth. The Committee chosen to carry on this matter and to pro-
cure and agree with an able workman to do the work, are Benjamin Newberry, Mr.
Henry Wolcott, Nath'l Bissell, John Porter, and Timothy Thrall.
"The Springfield house had been built seven years before, by au-
thority of a vote which specified that it should be '50 feet long and 40
feet wide, to be built so high, as it may be accommodated for galleries
when the town shall see need.' This model was smaller than our esti-
mate (see Appendix B,) of the first meeting-house of Windsor. But the
Windsor Committee may have built higher and broader; the house had
dormer windows, and it is not unlikely that tradition is true that this
second meeting-house, on Palisado Green, 'had two tiers of galleries."""
A part of the timbers of the old house were used for building a barn,
still standing, the property of Horace H. Ellsworth.
3
Mr. SAMUEL MATHER, the second pastor of Windsor, was in every
respect a fit successor to the venerable Warham. Descended from a
highly respectable and gifted ancestry, he was one, and by no means the
least, of a circle of noble men whose varied talents and pious lives have
rendered the name of MATHER distinguished among the families of New
England, even to the present day. He was born Sept. 5, 1651;2 his
father, Timothy Mather of Dorchester, being a son of the Rev. Richard,
third minister of that town, and his mother, a daughter of the excellent
Major-General Humphrey Atherton. Thus highly connected, his earlier
years were spent in the enjoyment of all the advantages which the best
society of that day could afford. Graduating at Harvard College in
1671; he preached at Deerfield, Mass., in 1675; thence he went to
Hatfield, Mass., and later to Milford, and to Branford, Conn. From
thence he was called in the Providence of God, to Windsor, where the
powers of his mind, the amiability of his character, and his piety, speedily
won the esteem and love of his people, and composed the difficulties
which existedamong them.
¹ Dea. Hayden's Address at Quarter-Millenial of Windsor Church.
2 Upon his own statement, according to Samuel Sewall's Diary (Mass. Hist. Soc.
Coll., vi. 196): though it is given in the Mather Genealogy, as July 5, 1650.
³ He succeeded Mr. Warham, and had the charge of the new church which was
formed at Dorchester, Mass., after the emigration of the old church to Connecticut, 1635.
It is a curious coincidence that his grandson should succeed Mr. Warham in the charge
of the same old church in Connecticut.
VOL. I.-28
218
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
"His ministry here proved to be a very fruitful one. It began with
a revival which brought into the Church 28 during the first year and 36
the second; more than doubling its members; for there were but 54
members when he came. The records of this time, in his own hand-
writing, have such remarks as these at the close of the yearly entries;
after the first year, The Lord make the next year also a good year.' And
at the end of the fourth, 'Not so much as one were added to the Church,
but as many died out of it as was added the year before.
Lord awake and humble us.
6
The Good
He was then in the prime of his life, grave and dignified in person,
faithful and consistent in his daily life, and benignant and winning in
manner. He died 18th March, 1727-8, aged 77. His connection by mar-
riage with the daughter of the Hon. Robert Treat of Wethersfield, after-
wards governor of the colony, was in itself happy, and served to increase
the influence which his gifts of mind and heart had already secured for
him in the public estimation. Thus happy in his domestic and personal
relations, his life was quietly passed in the faithful discharge of his pas-
toral duties to this now happy flock. And it is pleasant to record that
during the whole period of his ministry, not one shadow of complaint
seems to have darkened his or their pathway. On the contrary, there is
abundant evidence that he was the constant recipient of many marks of
public and private respect and care.
66
He was not unknown as an author. At Boston, in 1697, he pub-
lished "A Dead Faith Anatomatized" a discourse (probably preached
at Windsor,) from James 2: 20, " on the Nature and the Danger, with the
deadly symptoms of a Dead Faith
In those who profess
the faith of Christ." This was prepared with an introduction by his
cousin, the celebrated Cotton Mather, in which he says:
"This discourse is what was delivered to a popular audience. And
such was the savour which it left in the minds of its hearers where it
was declared, as that the notes thereof have here come abroad," and
thus concludes: "The author is known throughout the churches of the
famous and happy colony [Connecticut], to none of the least whereof
he hath for many years been a faithful Pastor: known for his Piety,
Gravity and Usefulness more than any recommendations of mine can
render him: and my relation to him will readily excuse me, as well as
his modesty forbid me, for saying any more."
He also published a book entitled "Self-Justiciary Convicted and
Condemned." The "Epistle Dedicatory," of 27 pages, is dated March 17,
1706. It was published, as a postscript informs us, at the cost and
expense of "our good friend Nathanael Porter. Men who are at such
Expence to Serve in this Way the Kingdom of our Glorious. Lord, ought
1 Rev. G. C. Wilson.
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1663–1684.
219
to have their Names gratefully Redeemed." The volume is of 92 (and
more) pages, 12mo. Text, Romans x. 3. In Appendix to "Self-Justi-
ciary," pages 83-92, written by Dr. Increase Mather (on page 91) he
alludes to another of his works in a note, thus: "See my Epistle before
Mr. Willard's Sermons; on 2 Timo. 3.5." This was written, he says,
“with a design of being published in the Year 1698." "It is a time of
much Degeneracy; our Transgressions are many, and our Backslidings
are increased, as Jer. 5, 6. In great measure we in this Wilderness have
lost our first love, as it is said of them, Rev. 2, 4. Yet they had divers
commendable things among them. We do not walk with God as our
Fathers did, and hence we are continually from year to year under his
Rebukes, one way or other: and yet, alas, we turn not unto him that
smites us these considerations call for the utmost of our endeavours,
for the reformation of what is amongst us, and for the upholding and
strengthening of what yet Remains, and is perhaps ready to dy. Consider
then these few words, &c."

ཟླ་
as
This year: 168 g 1 h yo
Not so much as ond
were added to ARE
church but many
died out of it, as was
added the year beford.
the good lord smaken, es
humblo us, those ye dyed
were. Dorcy mills, Haih
Cook, Mory: Filly Mcclay
Nath: Loomis. John's Porter.
Many porter, Beacon John
Loomis Steph. Taylon.
Перв
J. Mall.
Facsimilie OF AN ENTRY ON THE CHURCH RECORDS OF WINDSOR, MADE BY REV. MR.
MATHER- See opposite page.
CHAPTER X.
KING PHILIP'S WAR.
1675-6.
FOR
OR nearly forty years the New England settlements had enjoyed a
season of almost uninterrupted quiet and prosperity. Providence
had smiled upon their labors, the wilderness had begun "to bud and
blossom as the rose," and there was scarce a cloud upon the horizon of
their condition. But suddenly the warwhoop of the Indian rang through
the length and breadth of the land, and they awoke from this "sweet
dream of peace" to find themselves involved in all the horrors and uncer-
tainties of savage warfare. King Philip and his warriors had appeared
on the eastern borders, and their course was marked by mangled corpses
and burning villages. In the general consternation which followed,
apprehensions were felt of a general rising of all the New England
tribes.¹
We, of the present day, can scarcely realize the terror which filled
the hearts of our ancestors as they found themselves again on the eve of
an Indian war. The crisis, however, was boldly and promptly met. A
momentary blanching of the cheek there might have been, but there was
no flinching of the heart among those brave men of Connecticut. The
safety of their families, the preservation of their property, the hopes of
religious freedom depended on them, and they bravely prepared to
defend the trust committed to them.
Fortunately and unexpectedly to them, the war did not reach the
lower towns on the Connecticut, Simsbury being the nearest approach
that the enemy made. Yet from the suddenness of the war, as well as
the exposed condition of Windsor, Hartford, and Wethersfield, those
¹ In the better light which time and historic investigation throw upon this subject,
we find that this apprehension was unfounded. King Philip himself inherited a strong
friendship for the whites from his father Massasoit, the first to welcome the Pilgrims of
the Mayflower and was faithful to that trust. He was hurried into the war by the
rash and unauthorized acts of some of his young men, and being thus compromised and
proscribed by the English, was obliged in self-defence to take up the hatchet. Few
characters in Indian history are more worthy of study and admiration than that of the
talented and brave but unfortunate King Philip.
The action of the different tribes in this war was by no means concerted or similar,
and we cannot consider it as a general emeute.
KING PHILIP'S WAR, 1676.
221
towns were in a continual state of dread and alarm. The inhabitants
literally slept on their arms, in constant expectation of an attack.
Windsor, particularly, from its widely extended limits, was more exposed
than its neighbors; and from its situation on the great thoroughfare
between Hartford and Springfield, was constantly alive with the hurry-
ing "to and fro" of troops and munitions of war on their way to the aid
of the less fortunate towns above the falls. To all of the numerous lev-
ies drafted during the war Windsor contributed a large proportion of
troops; having in the service at different times not far from 125, mostly
dragoons. These dragoons, from their greater facility of movement and
better adaptedness to the nature of the service, were constantly employed
in rapid marches, bearing despatches and scouting parties. In an old
book of rates we find the following names of Windsor troopers who were
in actual service, and received 6s. 8d. each, "on war account."
Capt. John Bissell,
Capt. Sam. Marshall,
John Moses,
John Hosford,
John Bissell, Jr.,
Nath'l Bissell,
Anth'y Hoskins,
Dan'l Hayden,
Thos. Moore,
Capt. Daniel Clark,
Joseph Loomis,
Mr.
John Porter,
Edward Chapman,
Nath❜l Loomis,
Mr.
Henry Sanders,
Thos. Strong,
John Terry,
Mr.
Henry Wolcott.
Immediately on the receipt of the news (July 1st) from Massachu-
setts, the governor and assistants at Hartford ordered a detachment of
thirty dragoons to the defense of New London and Stonington, which
were considered most exposed to attack. On this service were fifteen
dragoons and five troopers from Windsor. The next month (August)
she contributed fourteen dragoons to a relief party to Maj. Pyncheon of
Springfield; and also twenty-five dragoons to a levy of two hundred and
thirty from Hartford, New Haven, and Fairfield counties, ordered by the
council "to be in readiness for the march upon an hour's warning, and
to have their arms well fixed and fitted for service." Capt. Benjamin
Newberry of Windsor commanded the Hartford County troops.
On the 31st of the same month, Major Treat, moving with his army
toward Northampton, learned on his march that Christopher Crow of
Windsor, while traveling between that town and Simsbury, had been
shot at by four out of a party of eight Indians. Halting at Windsor, he
sent back to the council for advice, who ordered him to leave thirty (of
the Hartford Co.) troops there, and to move on with the remainder of
his force.
On the same day John Colt of Windsor was shot at by an Indian,
and a party of Indians were seen that evening skulking around the
North Meadow at Hartford. These facts induced the council the next
day (Sept. 1) to order the immediate return of Maj. Treat with his com-
mand to Hartford; requesting him also to send out three detachments
222
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
of dragoons of thirty each, one party to scout on the east side of the
river from Hockanum River to Scantic; another to scout on the west
side from Hartford to Wethersfield, and a third to search on the west
side from Hartford to Windsor-and the troops, having fulfilled these
orders, rendezvoused at Hartford on the following evening, when the
Major proceeded again on his march to Westfield.
Sept. 3. 'It is ordered by the Council, that in the several plantations of this Col-
ony there be kept a sufficient watch in the night, which watch is to be continued from
the shutting in of the evening till the sun rise; and that one fourth part of each town
be in arms every day by turns, to be a guard in their respective plantations.” “All
soldiers from 16 to 70 years of age (magistrates, ministers, commissioners, commission
officers, school masters, physicians and millers excepted) are to attend their course of
watch and ward as they shall be appointed. It is also ordered, that, during these pres-
ent commotions with the Indians, such persons as have occasion to work in the fields
shall work in companies; if they be half a mile from town, not less than six in a com-
pany, with their arms and ammunition well fixed and fitted for service.”
A heavy fine was also imposed on any one who should "shoot off a
gun without command from some magistrate or military commander,"
except in self-defense, or "for the destroying of some wolf or such raven-
ous beast."
""
Sept. 4. "For the prevention of danger to travelers upon the road
between town and town in this County,' said towns were ordered to
keep scouting parties of mounted men on the roads. "Windsor each
other day, shall send four men to clear the roads to Simsbury, and two
each other day, to clear the roads between Hartford and Windsor;
Windsor to begin Monday next to Hartford, and Tuesday to Simsbury."
Hartford was also to send two men each other day, to clear the road
to Windsor. The men were to be taken out of the town guard, "and to
be upon their work by sun an hour high each day.”
66
Sept. 6. Sgt. Joseph Wadsworth of Hartford, and John Grant of
Windsor, were ordered to take twenty men each and pass up to West-
field and Springfield" which were threatened. The following is a copy of
their instructions :
"To John Grant
"In his Majesty's name you are required to take under your conduct those dra-
goons now present, and lead them forth up to Springfield, there to assist against the com-
mon enemy, and there to continue till you receive farther orders from the council here,
or are called forth to the army by Maj. Treat, or some of the chief commanders of our
army. Also, in case you hear that any of our plantations are assaulted by the enemy,
you are forthwith to post away to relieve the place or plantation assaulted; and in case
you should be assaulted in the way, you are to use your endeavor to defend yourself
and destroy the enemy.
C
This signed pr. the Secretary."
These troops returned home in a few days by order of the council.
Sept. 28. Two hundred bushels of wheat were ordered for the sup-
KING PHILIP'S WAR, 1676.
223
ply of the army, ground and baked into biscuit. Windsor was to fur-
nish 50 pounds.
The Springfield Indians, who had hitherto been considered friendly
to the English, now treacherously received some 300 of Philip's Indians
into their fort, intending to attack and burn the town which was a mile
distant. The plot was fortunately disclosed by one Toto, a friendly In-
dian at Windsor, who was "domesticated in the family" of Mr. Henry
Wolcott, Jr., (Morris' Hist. Springfield, 34; see also pages 110, 129,
of this work), on the evening preceding the expected attack, and
expresses were immediately sent to Springfield, and to Major Treat
at Westfield, to warn them of the danger. The Springfield people,
however, were incredulous, and suffered a surprise. They were only
saved from utter destruction by the timely arrival of the Connecticut
forces under Treat, who had promptly marched from Westfield to their
relief, on receipt of the message from Windsor.
This was bringing the war pretty close home, and the council at
Hartford, at its session of Oct. 5,
"Upon occasion of the dangerous and destructive assault of the enemy so near as
Springfield, which may increase their insolency to attempt upon our towns suddenly”
saw cause" to order the immediate preparation in each town of places for defence,
to which women and children might repair for refuge, upon any alarm. They also or-
dered “that the inhabitants of Windsor, Hartford, and Wethersfield — do forthwith set
themselves in their several quarters to join together to gather in their Indian corn, and
to bring it and their English corn on the east side of the Great River, into places of best
security in their respective towns." All persons were ordered to lend every assistance
in their power, and the magistrates were authorized to impress men and teams, 'this
being a time for all private interest to be laid aside to preserve the public good.” (Col.
Rec.)
Nov. 4. "It is also ordered, that at Windsor, the town being so scattered as it is,
it is difficult to maintain and keep a military watch, do recommend it to the military
officers of that town to continue a double walking watch, as hath been formerly
attended there since these present troubles have broke forth.”` (Col. Rec.)
About this time the commissioners of the United Colonies becoming
convinced that the Narragansetts were deeply implicated in the designs
of Philip, in direct violation of their treaty of peace, resolved to attack
them at their own headquarters in Narragansett county. The season
indeed was both difficult and hazardous for such an expedition; as they
expressed it, “It was a humbling providence of God, that put his poor
people to be meditating a matter of war at such a season." They wisely
judged, however, that it was better to strike one bold blow at the enemy
while in winter quarters, than to delay until the spring, when they would
be scattered in different parts of the country. Accordingly a force of
1,000 men was raised for a winter campaign, under command of Josiah
Winslow, Governor of Plymouth Colony. Of this force Connecticut
furnished 300 men, together with 150 Indian allies-all of whom were
224
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
divided into five companies, commanded by Capts. Seely, Gallup, Mason,
Watts and Marshall of Windsor. Major, afterwards Governor, Treat
commanded the Connecticut troops. They arrived at Pettyquamscott on
the 17th of December, and after a night of exposure, formed a junction.
with the Massachusetts and Plymouth troops. After another night spent
in the open fields, exposed to all the severity of the weather, they com-
menced, at daybreak, their march to meet the enemy, some fifteen miles
distant. The Massachusetts troops led the van, those of Plymouth came
next, and the Connecticut forces brought up the rear. Wading through
the deep snows they pressed gallantly on, without food or rest, until about
one o'clock, when they came in sight of the enemy, who were entrenched
within a fort upon an eminence in the center of a large swamp. This
fort was well defended with palisadoes and a high thick set hedge, and
its only feasible entrance was a fallen tree or log, protected in front by a
log house, and on the left by a flanker. Without waiting to form, the
Massachusetts troops dashed forward over the tree, and although they
succeeded in effecting an entrance, were met with such a furious fire
from the enemy that they were obliged to retire with a fearful loss. At
this juncture the Connecticut troops came pouring in over the tree, and
a small party at the same moment stormed the rear of the fort, which
turned the tide of battle. After a few moments of desperate hand-to-hand
fighting, the center of the fort was gained, the torch was applied to the frail
and combustible wigwams, and the fate of the Narragansetts was sealed.
Amid the shrieks of women and children, rattling of musketry, yells of
despairing warriors, and exultant cheers of the English, their lamp of
life went out, and the dense columns of smoke which arose from the
smouldering ashes of their homes was all that was left of some four
thousand once brave and happy souls.
It was a glorious victory for the English, but it brought sorrow as
well as safety to their homes. Six captains and 80 soldiers were killed
or mortally wounded, and 150 wounded. Nor was this all. Two days
of exposure and fatigue, and three hours of hard fighting were followed
by a distressing night march of some eighteen miles to headquarters,
through storm and sleet and deep snows, bearing with them their dead
and wounded. The next morning the snow was exceedingly deep and
the cold intense, so that the jaded and frost-bitten army could scarcely
move. Four hundred troops were unfit for duty. The Connecticut
troops had suffered more in proportion to their numbers than those of
the other colonies. Capts. Marshall, Seely, and Gallup "died in the bed
of honor," while Mason was so badly wounded that he died within a
year after. "The fire of the enemy," says Trumbull, "was dreadful,
when the Connecticut men were entering, and after they first entered the
fort, until the men who came in upon the backs of them, began to fire
KING PHILIP'S WAR, 1676.
225
their large muskets loaded with pistol bullets, upon the enemy, where
they stood together in the closest manner. This at once disconcerted
them, and checked their fire in that quarter."
Windsor had her full share of glory as well as of sorrow in this
eventful battle. On the town books the recorder has entered the
following:
"Here I set down the Deaths of several persons who went against the Indians and
were wounded that they died. It was on the 19th of December, 1675.”
Capt. Samuel Marshall,'
Ebenezer Dibble,
Edward Chapman.
Nath¹ Pond,
Richard Saxton,
John Fitch was also wounded so that he died after his return home
to Windsor. He left his estate to the town as a school fund. See
Chapter on Schools.
In the State Archives (War Doc's, fol. i.), is a petition dated May,
1735, signed by eleven persons, who believe themselves to be the sole sur-
vivors of the Swamp Fight, praying for a grant of land for their services.
We find among them the names of Josiah Gillet and James Enos, prob-
ably of Windsor.2
And this is all that can be ascertained at this day concerning the
names and exploits of those who represented our town in this hotly con-
tested and important battle.
The Connecticut troops had suffered so severely that they were with-
drawn from active service, but the Massachusetts and Plymouth forces
kept the field for the greater part of the season, actively engaged in pur-
suing and harassing the enemy, who on their part were neither inactive
nor relenting. But to return to affairs at home :
December 28. The council "thought meet to order and command that those that
continue on the east side of the River in the plantations of Hartford, Windsor, and
Wethersfield, do forthwith repair into good and sufficient garrisons, in such manner for
numbers as that in an ordinary course of God's Providence, they may be able to defend
themselves; and that their grain of all sorts be brought into the towns or secured in
some garrison on that side, and that they kill and secure all their swine that are fit to be
killed; and that they keep no arms nor ammunition but in garrison houses, except what
they carry about with them; and that they keep and maintain good and sufficient
watches by night, and wards by day, for their own defence and security, or else send
scouts to range the woods by day, to discover the approach of an enemy."
Again in February, 1675-6, as Indians seemed to be hovering
around, the council warned the inhabitants on the east side of the river
to convey all their corn and provisions over to the towns on the west
Marshall was killed as he ascended the tree before the log
house." Fourteen are mentioned as killed and wounded in his company.
1 Trumbull says,
2 Simon Chapman, Eliakim Marshall, Thomas Elgar, and Peletiah Griswold, who
are on the list, are also Windsor names, but whether of Windsor we are not certain.
VOL. I. — 29
226
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
side. In case they did not they were to establish themselves and bring
all their cattle, hay, etc., into garrisons, and not go abroad singly or
unarmed. Garrisons of six men each, at least, and well fortified, were
ordered to be kept at Nath'l Bissell's (Scantic); Thomas Burnham's
(Podunk); Mr. John Crow's, at Naubuck (Glastonbury), and at Mr.
Wyllys's farm.
In the month of March, the towns of Northampton and Springfield,
Chelmsford, Groton, Sudbury, and Marlborough in Massachusetts, and
Warwick and Providence in Rhode Island, were attacked, and some of
them destroyed by the Indians, and the Connecticut settlers felt that at
any moment they might hear the warwhoop sounding at their own doors.
Therefore the council (March 16) issued the following stringent orders:
“In regard of the present troubles that are upon us, and the heathen still continu-
ing their hostility against the English, and assaulting the plantations, to prevent their
designs against us, it is ordered, that the watch in the several plantations, about an hour
at least before day, in each day, do call up the several inhabitants in each plantation
within their respective wards, who are forthwith upon their call by the watch to rise and
arm themselves, and forthwith to march to their several quarters they are appointed to
in their [wards] and elsewhere, there to stand upon their guard to defend the town
against any assault by the enemy, until sun be half an hour high in the morning, and
then the warders are to take their places; and two scouts in each end of every town are
to be sent forth on horseback, to scout the woods to discover the approach of the
enemy, and to continue on the scout, going so far into the woods as they may return
the same day to give an account of what they shall discover; and the scouts are to take
direction from the chief military officer residing in their respective towns, how and
which way they shall pass to make their discovery."
March 25th. “Capt. Newberry was appointed to improve the soldiers of Windsor,
in scouting the woods, and was permitted to appoint some of them to assist Capt.
Clark in the remove of the desolate widdow to Windsor, provided they do not stay out
above one night."
Also "upon a petition from sundry persons in Windsor, that they
might have liberty to cut wood near their town, during this present war,'
the council ordered the authorities there to select such places as they
might take wood from.
The burning of Simsbury on March 26, 1676, caused much alarm
at Windsor. The settlers of Simsbury were mostly natives of Windsor,
where they were now living, having removed thither for safety, by pre-
vious order of the council. So near an attack, and the destruction
of the houses and goods of their friends and neighbors who were
dwelling with them, must have vividly brought to the minds of the Wind-
sor people the immediate danger to which they were themselves exposed.
Fortunately these apprehensions were not realized, and the war never
again approached so near the homes of Windsor. It was, however, by
no means at an end. Repeated successes of the Indians filled the hearts
of the whites with despair, and Massachusetts at one time seemed in a
KING PHILIP'S WAR, 1676.
227
fair way to be utterly depopulated. The tide soon changed. Captain
Dennison and three others of Connecticut, organized several volunteer
companies, and, with the help of a large number of friendly Indians,
commenced a guerilla warfare, taking the field alternately by companies,
with admirable success. In less than four months they had made ten
or twelve expeditions, killed or captured 230 Indians, taken 50 muskets,
and 160 bushels of corn, and completely cleared the country of the
astonished and flying red-skins.
On the 19th of May, Capt. Turner, with 150 choice soldiers, sur-
prised and routed a large encampment of Indians above the falls now
known by his name. The news was received the next day at Hartford,
with a request for immediate aid. Capt. Benjamin Newberry of Wind-
sor was dispatched up the river with eighty-one men, thirty-two of whom
were his townsmen. On reaching Westfield, he was induced by the ear-
nest solicitation of the inhabitants (whose garrison had been weakened by
the recent engagement) to leave three men who were willing to remain.
Arriving at Northampton, he found the people there anxious to march
against the enemy. He himself thought it advisable, and writes to the
council at Hartford, "it will be for great advantage to be so doing as
soon as may be." Three hundred Indians were at Quabaug, and he offers
if the council will send Maj. Treat with his forces, or if they would dis-
patch only fifty or sixty men, to attack the enemy; and the men, he says,
“would rather be in action than in garrison; little is likely to be got by
garrisoning, whatever may be saved." If the council should not see fit
to comply with his request, he asks whether he had not better undertake
the enterprise with his own force, and such as he could pick up there-
abouts, for he thinks the affair should not be delayed. He further sug-
gests "whether it may not be well that Samuel Cross,' and those dogs
he hath, may not be advantageous to the present motion to be sent up,"
probably with a view of employing them to track and hunt the Indians.
In the beginning of June, Maj. Talcott took the field with a large
force of English and Indians, and spent that and the succeeding month
in scouring the country, engaging the enemy wherever he came upon
them, and gaining several very decided and important successes. In
August, King Philip himself was killed near his old home at Mount
Hope, where he had returned, as it were, in despair and desperation, to
die. With him died also the hopes of the Indian tribes. His only son,
"the last of the family of Massasoit," was sold as a slave and trans-
ported to the Bermudas. The once powerful Narragansetts were a "lost
tribe." The sword, fire, famine, and sickness had swept them from the
earth.
¹ Samuel Cross was of Windsor.
228
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
And the war, while it had given safety, and opened a wide door for
immigration and improvement, had still been most disastrous to the
whites. "Twelve or thirteen towns were destroyed; the disbursements
and losses equalled in value half a million of dollars; an enormous sum
for the few of that day. More than six hundred men, chiefly young
men, the flower of the country, of whom any mother might be proud,
perished in the field. As many as six hundred houses were burned. Of
the able-bodied men in the colony, one in twenty had fallen; and one
family in twenty had been burnt out. There was scarcely a family from
which death had not selected a victim.'
""
While this was true of Massachusetts and Plymouth, Connecticut
had suffered comparatively little. Her towns had escaped the ravages
of the enemy, and her slain were but few. The Indians within her bor-
ders were not only friendly but aided her in the field. And she had the
glorious privilege of repeatedly assisting her confederates, and of “rescu-
ing whole towns and parties when in the most imminent danger." Yet
all this was only accomplished at great risk and expense. Besides guard-
ing her own towns and frontiers, she had sent into the field a larger
force in proportion to her population than any other colony, and for three
years after the commencement of the war, the inhabitants paid 11 pence
on the pound, upon the grand list, exclusive of all town and parish
taxes."
And when the Protestant Irish generously sent a contribution to re-
lieve the necessities of the suffering New England colonies, Connecticut
relinquished her share to the more distressed colonies of Massachusetts
and Plymouth. Nor was this all, but they even sent a voluntary contri-
bution out of their own little store to their "brethren in distress in our
neighboring colonies.”
The record of Windsor's share in this work of mercy, as preserved
by Matthew Grant, in the Old Church Record, forms an appropriate finale
to this chapter.
"This is the account of what persons gave to the voluntary contribution made for
the poor in want in other colonies upon motion sent to this colony of Connecticut. It
was done June 11, "76.
£
S.
d.
£
S. d.
Mr. T. Allyn,
0
6
6
Nicholas Buckland,
0
2 6
•
Benedict Alvord,
0
1
0
Joseph Birge,
0
3
0
Jeremy Alvord,
1
3
Samuel Baker,
0
6
Edward Adams,
John Bissell,
0 2
Johh Bissell, Jr.,
0
Ỡ NO
0
7
Thomas Barber,
0
1
0
Peter Brown,
0 9
7
5
0
Sarah Buell, silver,
0
Thomas Bissell,
1
0
0
Nathaniel Bissell,
Samuel Bissell,
John Brooks,
Benjamin Bartlett,
0
4
0
1
0
0
·
0
1
0
Josias Barber,
Ephraim Bancroft,
William Buell,
Mr. Chauncey,
0 2
0 1
0
π QH H
1
0
6
6
1
3
1 0 0
0
1
0
Widow Chapman,
0 10 6
*
WINDSOR'S LIBERALITY, 1676.
229
£
d.
Samuel Cross,
Nathaniel Cook,
0
0
1
Capt. Clark,
Gabriel Cornish,
0
0
James Cornish,
Nathaniel Cook, Jr, and
0
5
∞ GP T 20 H 101
2
6 Timothy Hall,
10
Andrew Hillier,
5
0
Ephraim Howard,
0
£
d.
0 2 6
♡ QP QP Q?
2
6
2
6
1
3
Hanna Higly,
0
1
3
0
John Hosford,
1
6
John Hoskins,
0
1
0
sister,
Eliakim Cook, Jr.,
0
0
1
Job Drake, Sen'r,
0
Jacob Drake,
0
Job Drake, Jr., .
0
John Drake, Jr.,
Job, his brother,
Lydia, his sister,
0
TOP 10 00 0 0 TO
3
John Loomis,
0
6
0
2 6
and in money,
0
5
9
5.
6
Daniel Loomis,
0
1
8
3
0
Thomas Loomis,
0
0
Nathaniel Loomis,
3
9
Joseph Loomis, Jr., .
1
3
John London,
0
Te Q2 LO - Q2
0
6
5
1
0
3
6
6
his wife,
0
0
9
Israel Dewey,
0
4
0
Deacon Moore,
0
6
6
his wife,
0
4
0
John Moore, Jr.,
0
4
0
Thomas Dibble, sen'r,
0
1
3
John Moses,
0
Abram Dibble,
0
1
3
Simon Mills,
0
John Denslow's wife, flax,
0
0
9
Mary Maudsly,
0
Josias Ellsworth,
0
3
0
Mary Marshall,
0
Wid. Egelston, cloth,
0 4 0
Mrs. Newberry,
0
Thomas Egelston,
0
James Egelston,
0
1
Walter Fyler,
John Fyler,
0
8
0
Zurob❜l Fyler,
0 1
Samuel Forward,
0 1
William Filley, .
0
0
Samuel Filley, .
0
5
John Filley,
0
Jonathan Gillet, Senr.,
0 4
Nathan Gillet,
0
2
Cornelius Gillet,
0
Nicholas Godard,
0
Joseph Griswold,
0
Jonathan Gillet, Jr.,
0
George Griswold,
0
Josias Gillet,
0
John Gillet,
0 1
Mathew Grant, silver,
0 3
Samuel Grant,
0
Tahan Grant,
0
John Grant,
0
Walter Gaylord,
0
his wife in cloth,
0
his son Eliazer, flax,
0 1
John Gaylord, Senr.,
0 2
John Gaylord, Jr.,
0 3
Nathaniel Gaylord,
Joseph Griswold's wife,
Jacob Gibbs,
0 2
0
0
Samuel Gibbs,
0
Robert Hayward,
0
Q = ∞ Q2 H H O LO Q2 Q3 Q2 Q2 Q2 Q2 0 Q2 god CD 10 00 02 02 © HQ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ CD LO
2 6
John Owen,
0
6 Samuel Osborn,
0
0 George Phelps,
0
6
Humphrey Pinne,
0
3 Sara Pinne,
0
10 Q2 1- ∞0 Q2 TH + Q2 H
5
6
6
7
6
8
6
6
1
0
1
3
4
6
0
1
3
3 John Porter, Senr.,
0
10
0
9 George Phillips, bacon,
0
0
John Porter, Jr.,
0
3
6
Nathaniel Porter,
0
6
James Porter,
.
6 Timothy Phelps,
0
6
6
Thomas Puell,
Wm. Phelps,
0
∞ ∞ - Q2 Q2 +
2
9
0
1
0
6
4
0
•
0 9
0
6 Joseph Phelps, .
0
5 0
6
Good-wife Palmer,
0
3
9 Timothy Palmer,
6
Humphrey Prior,
0
3
John Pettibone's wife,
0
Abra'm Randall,
0
0 Thomas Rowly,
8
0
James Rising,
0
6
John Rising,
0
6 Hanna Rising,
0 1
6
3
Samuel Rockwell,
0
Q2 Q2 Q2 O QH LOHI Q
10
6
6
0
6
2
6
0 1 3
5
0
1 6
3
0
6
John Strong,
0
11
0
6
Return Strong,
0 Thomas Stoughton, ·
0
0
Hanna Shadock,
0
2
6 Joseph Skinner,
0
2
0
3
5
Nicholas Senchion,
0 John Saxton,
-
0 George Sanders,
0
0 1
0
10 Q1 Q2 Q HT
5
0
2
6
3
2
6
3
1
3
230.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
William Thrall,
Timothy Thrall,
Stephen Taylor, Senr.,
Stephen Taylor, Jr.,
Owen Tudor,
Samuel Tudor, .
£
S.
d.
$10
0 5 0 Mr. Wolcott,
HQ Q
0
4
0
Mr. H. Wolcott, Jr.,
6
77
Samuel Wolcott,
4
0
Robert Watson,
0
2
6
David Winchell,
0
2
6
Nicholas Wilton,
Juda Trumbull,
0
1
6
John Williams,
Hanna Trumbull,
Richard Vore,
1
6
John Renard,
1
3
Samuel Wilson,
£ S. d.
48 O
0 10 0
0
0
0 2
5 0
5 0
10 10 00 Q? π HQ +
0
0 1 8
0 4 0
0
2 6
•
0
1
3
0
"
This generous contribution of Windsor was, by the following special
order of the court, appropriated to relieve the wants of the Simsbury
people, and others whose property had been destroyed, and who were
in circumstances of much destitution.
July 10th. "The council, being informed that through the good hand of God
upon us, our people of this colony have bountifully, according to their ability, afforded
some supply for our brethren in distress in our neighboring colonies, have thought meet
to desire that our brethren in Windsor would improve what they have gathered of the
good people there, to supply those in want that are removed by reason of the rage [of
the] enemy into their town; and that the remainder of it be distributed among the people
of Springfield, in distress, and those upper towns, according to the good discretion of
Deacon John Moore, John Loomis, Jonathan Gillet, Senr., and Jacob Drake."
As far as can be ascertained, only two persons were killed by the
Indians during the war within the present limits of Windsor.
HENRY DENSLOW had purchased, in 1662, a tract of land on both sides
of Kettle Brook, including nearly the whole of the present town of Wind-
sor Locks. He settled on this purchase about one-half or three-quarters
of a mile south of the brook, and his was probably the only family in
that part of the town until after Philip's war. Daniel Hayden was his
nearest neighbor, at the distance of nearly two miles. When the war
broke out he removed his family into the center of the town, but being
a courageous man he ventured alone, as tradition informs us, to cultivate
his lands. He was killed, however, in the summer of 1676, by the same
wandering party of Indians who burnt Simsbury, and who afterwards
confessed their crime at Hartford. See the Chapter on Windsor Locks.
EDWARD ELMOR, the emigrant ancestor of the Windsor family of
that name, was also killed about the same time, near Podunk, in the
present town of South Windsor. He resided in Hartford, but had a
plantation at Podunk, and was either killed there, or, on his way thither.
EDWARD BARTLETT of Windsor was killed at Westfield, Mass.'
¹ His will in the probate office at Hartford, is dated February 24, 1676.
CHAPTER XI.
ECCLESIASTICAL AND CIVIL HISTORY. EXTRACTS FROM TOWN ACTS.
1685-1729.
1685.
"At a town meeting, June 23, 1685. It was voted that the town would have
a Patent according to charter taken out from the Governor and Company,
of the township of Windsor.
"Also Captain Newberry, Capt. Clarke, Henry Wolcott, Thomas Bissell and George
Griswold were chosen to take out the aforesaid Patent in their names from the Governor
and Company in behalf of the town."
THE PATENT OF THE TOWN OF WINDSOR.
(State Archives Mss., Towns and Lands, Vol. I. 222.)
Whereas the Generall Court of Conecticot have formerly granted the proprietors
Inhabitants of ye towne of Windsore all those lands both upland & meadow, within
those abuttments uppon Hartford bounds by ye great River, where ye fence of their
meadow stood & to run as ye sd fence runns till it meets with a red oake tree marked for
ye bounds standing withine ye neck [of] fence in Thomas Butler's land, and from ye
tree it runs a westerly line till it meets wth ye brick hill Swamp & then it runs due
North half a mile till it comes neere to ye head of ye brick hill Swampe, & from thence
westerly till it meets wth farmington bounds & abutts west on farmington and Symsbury
bounds & North in ye Commons & it extendeth from Hartford bounds on ye South,
North to a tree marked neere ye great River two miles above a brooke known by ye
name of Kettle Brooke. On y east side of Conecticot River it abutts on a great elme
on ye South side of Podunk River & runs Easterly three miles & then South half a mile
& from ye half miles' end it runs East five miles & abutts on ye Commons on ye East
from sayd Hartford bounds, ye whole breadth till it extendeth two miles above ye fore-
mentioned Kettell brooke, both on ye East & west side of Conecticot River, ye gd Lands
having been by purchase or otherwise lawfully obtained of yº Indian native proprietors.
And whereas the proprietors ye foresde Inhabitants of Windsor, in the Colony of Conec-
ticot, have made application to ye Governor & Company of yª sayd Colony of Conecti-
cot, assembled in Court, May 25, 1685, that they may have a pattent for ye con-
firmation of ye afore sª Land soe purchased & granted to them as afore sª & wch they
have stood seized & quietly possessed of for many yeares late past wthout interruption:
Now for a more full confirmation of ye aforesaid tract of land as it is butted & bounded
aforesde unto yº pr gent proprietors of ye sde towneship of Windsor, in their possession
& enjoyment of ye Premises Know ye yt gde Governor and company assembled in
Generall Court according unto yº Commission granted to them by his Majestie in His
Charter have given, granted & by these presents do give, grant, ratifie & confirme unto
Capt BENJ: NEWBERRY, Capt. DANIELL CLARKE, L¹¹ THOMAS ALLYN, M³ HENRY
WOLCOT, Mr THOMAS BISSELL, Sen', Mr. GEORGE GRISWOLD & Mr. JOHN MOORE &
ye rest of ye sde prsent proprietors of ye township of Windsor, their heirs successors &
assigns forever, ye foresde prcell of land as it is butted & bounded, together wth all ye
woods, meadows, pastures, ponds, waters, rivulets, lands, fishing, hunting, fowlings,
232
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
mines, mineralls, quarries & pretiose stone uppon or within ye sde tract of Land & all
other proffits & commodities thereon belonging or in anywise appertayning, & doe alsoe
grant unto ye afore sde [names of the patentees, above, repeated] & ye rest of ye propri-
etors inhabitants of Windsor, their heirs, successors and assigns forever yt ye afore sª
tract of land shall be for-ever hereafter deemed, reputed & be an intire township of it
selfe. To have and to hold ye sde tract of land & p'mises wth all and singular their
appurtenances, together with ye privilege & inmomities & franchises herein given &
granted unto ye sde [names repeated as above] & others ye p'sent proprietors, Inhabit-
ants of Windsor, their heirs, successors, and assigns, forever & to ye only proper
use and behoofe of sd [names repeated, as above] & other proprietors, Inhabitants of
Windsor, their heirs, successors, and assigns, according to ye tenor of East Greenwitch
in Kent in fee & common soccage & not in capitte nor by Knight's service, they to
make improvements of ye same as they are capeable according to ye custom of ye coun-
try, yielding, rendering & paying therefor to our Sovereign Lord ye King his heirs,
successors & assigns, his dues according to Charter.
In witness whereof we have caused ye seale of ye Colony to be hereunto affixed this
26 day of Or Sovereign Lord JAMES ye Second of England, Scotland, France and Ireland,
King defender of the faith, &c.
ROBERT TREAT, Governor.
pr order of ye Generall Courte, signed by John Allyn, Secretary.
pr order of ye Governor & company of ye Colony of Conectecot.
[Signed by] JOHN ALLYN, Secretary.
Entered in ye Publiq Records, Lib. II, fo': 141:142.
Mr. JOHN ALLYN, Secretary.
This above written is a true copy taken out of ye originall & compared, March 7:
1697-8, by me,
HENRY WOLCOT, Register.
1686. At a town meeting, "also the Town voted that Mr. John Wolcott shall be
paid for the horse block he set up, at the ferry; also that the townsmen shall set up a
good horse block at the meeting house on town account."
1690, Feb'y 2. "It was voted that Sargt George Griswold and Ens" Joseph Gris-
wold shall have liberty to make a mill dam across the river at the upper end of the
meadow at Poquonnuck - provided they build a good grist-mill for the use of the town
within 3 years time, and keep the same in good repairs; and that they shall have liberty
to build a sawmill at the same place as long as they keep the gristmill in good repair.
Always provided that in case said Griswolds fail to build the gristmill within 3
years as before said, then this grant is to return to the town."
and
"14 Sept., 1693, the townsmen met and took some of the town's lead in view,
found and left at Lft. Return Strong's old house, under the stairs, 359 pounds; and at
Mr. John Fyler's 138 pounds, and it is judged under the meeting house north gallery
[there is] 500 weight, besides a body of bullets at Mr. John Fylers."
The meeting-house may perhaps seem a strange place for the keep-
ing of military stores, but it was a very general custom at that day, as
being a central and well-protected depot for such purpose. And it must
be remembered, also, that our ancestors did not view the meeting-house
as a consecrated place. They used it for all public purposes, without any
compunctions of conscience, for what some might deem sacrilege.
1696-7. "At a town meeting, January 19, it was voted that whosoever shall at any
town meeting speak without leave from the Moderator of the meeting, he shall forfeit
one shilling and it [is] to be restrained by the constable for the use of the town."
ECCLESIASTICAL AND CIVIL, 1685-1729.
233
This would indicate a growing boldness of manners and self-
sufficiency, quite in contrast with the decorous propriety of the first
generation.
Also at the same meeting "it was voted to forbid all persons to
make turpentine or rosin within the town bounds."
Gov. Roger Wolcott mentions in his Journal, that "the year 1697
was a year of great scarcity and mortality. The summer was cool and
cloudy, not a month without a frost in it; the winter was very long and
severe. In February and March the snow was very high and hard;
There was a great cry for bread; the cattle famished in the yards for
want; the sickness was very distressing and mortal: those in health
could hardly get food, tend the sick, and bury the dead. Many suffered
for want of fire-wood and tendance."
1697-8, January 17. "Voted that all the male inhabitants of the town from sixteen
years of age and upwards shall kill one dozen of black birds, or give one shilling to
the town treasury. And whosoever shall kill above his dozen shall have one shilling
paid out of the town rate, and whosoever shall kill six blackbirds in March or April it
shall be accounted as if he had killed a dozen." (Bk. ii. 72.)
1698, April 2. "The townsmen thought meet to send Josiah Bartlett to Hadley to the
wife of Caleb Smith, in order to the procuring a cure of his lameness, and we do desire
Serg't Porter to take care to send him thither, and to do what is needful in that matter."
On the 5th of April following, the "Townsmen met, and whereas Josiah Bartlett above
mentioned is now at Hadley, we do further empower Serg't Porter in the name of the
town, to put him an apprentice to a suitable place, for time as his discretion shall
guide." (Bk. ii. 73.)
December 27. "The town voted a desire that the Court would grant liberty to
Alexander Allyn to sell wine and other strong drink, provided he do not allow any to
drink it in his house, and that he sell cheaper than others that have license.” (Bk. ii. 70.)
1698-9, January 31. "The town chose Lft. Hayden and Ensign Joseph Griswold
to take care to prevent the carrying away of the iron ore at the marsh called Tilton's
Marsh."
1699, March 14. The town voted to expend £100 pounds in cleaning sheep com-
mons, each man to work out his part.
Also 4d per head for killing crows, and the same price as before for blackbirds, and
no person hereafter to be fined for not killing them. (Bk. ii. 79.)
Also liberty was granted to any person to work iron ore [probably at Tilton's
Marsh], provided they should sell "1000 lb. weight to the people of the town, one-
fourth part cheaper than the market price." (Bk. ii. 90.)
•
This offer was accepted by Mr. John Elliott.
1700, December 26. "Voted by the town to allow Mr. Samuel Mather for his salary
for preaching the Word, for the present year, one hundred and ten pounds.”
1701, February 11. Town meeting voted that as there was no
stream sufficient for carrying on the iron works nearer than Stony-brook
(in the present town of Suffield), that the ore found on the commons
might be carried there; "and that the inhabitants of Windsor or
Suffield may be indifferently employed to carry the said ore, provided
the inhabitants of Windsor may be employed as well as the inhabitants
VOL. I.-30
234
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
of Suffield to cut wood in Suffield common, and make and cart coal for
the use of the said works."
December 29. "Voted to erect a pew between the pulpit and the Great Pew which
is on the women's side [of the meeting-house], for the use of Mr. Mather's family during
his life or abode in the town."
1702, June 5. Liberty was granted to certain men, to get turpen-
tine out of the trees already boxed on the east side of the (Connecticut)
River, on the condition that they should deliver one-fourth part of it,
"barrels and all to the townsmen for the town's use.
""
1703, April 27. £20 was granted by the town, with which to pro-
cure "assistance in the ministry" for one quarter. The committee were
directed to make application to a certain Mr. Reade, and if he could not
accept, to Mr. Samuel Mather, the son of their pastor.
Mr. Mather was not a minister, but he was an educated man, had
graduated from Cambridge two years before, and probably possessed all
the requisite gifts of mind and character for “ a supply."
In 1703, the term Society is first used on the town records of
Windsor.
1707, December 19, the society voted to give Mr. Mather £110 as
usual, for the salary for the current year ending in April, "but in case
a help be provided, that so much be abated as his office is." It was also.
agreed “to make application to Mr. Jonathan Marsh, of Hadley, to be
helpful in the ministry for half a year."
December 30. The society appointed a committee, who should have
power to call meetings, order about repairing meeting-house, and any
other business needful for the society.
one.
1708, March 30. The society voted "to make application to Rev.
Jonathan Marsh to desire his continuance with us in the work of the
ministry in order to a settlement." This was unanimously voted, except
His salary was to be £80 if he performed the whole or greater
part of the labor; but if Mr. Mather was able to undertake one-half of
it, then Mr. Marsh was to receive £70 in current country pay, or two-
thirds in current silver money. "And for his further encouragement,
voted to give £100 per year while he continues in the work after the
decease of Mr. Mather besides what shall be done towards his honorable
settlement."
In January, 1709, they offered Mr. Marsh £100 in "current country
pay,
"in case of his settlement among them; which terms were accepted,
and he was ordained colleague pastor with Mr. Mather some time in 1709–
1710.' This mark of respectful consideration for the infirmities of their
1 Timothy Loomis's memoranda records under date of "August 29th, 1710, Mr.
Marsh's first Lecture."
ECCLESIASTICAL AND CIVIL, 1685-1729.
235
venerable pastor is further enhanced by their voting him, in December
of the same year, £60 "for his honorable maintenance.”
"December 8, 1709, liberty was granted by the town to Jonathan Ellsworth, Thomas
Marshall and Thomas Moore, to erect a mill on the mill brook on the south side of the
rivulet, provided it be built within two years.”
1710, December 4. The town voted to give the Rev. Mr. Marsh the
improvement of the town orchard, bounded north on the highway, and
south by John Grant's heirs, so long as he shall continue in the ministry.
1711, April 2. A letter of this date (in possession of Chas. M.
Taintor, Esq., Manchester, Conn.), written from Windsor, by Joseph
Pomeroy to Mr. Nathaniel Loomis of Colchester, says: "I being heare at
Windsor to see whether Mr. Thomas Elsworth would come and com-
pleate the Bargain which he and you made concerning ye finishing of
our meeting-house and he says yt he is no ways concerned having agreed
with you to finish the work, which I know to be so, and your not coming
to do it makes some troubell amongst us," and urges him to come and
attend to the matter, threatening if he does not that "we shall speedily
put you to troubel about it," etc.
1713. Windsor's claim in the Disputed Boundary Lines. In 1642
the boundary line between the Massachusetts Bay Colony and Connecti-
cut was run by order of the General Court of Massachusetts Bay.
Through some error, the surveyors struck the Connecticut River several
miles too far south, so that all the territory now included in Enfield fell
within the limits of Massachusetts. Though Connecticut never admitted
the accuracy of this survey and even protested against it, yet the matter
was suffered to remain unsettled for several years. In 1648, the General
Court of Massachusetts ordered that all the land on the east side of the
Connecticut River, from the town of Springfield down to the warehouse,
which they had formerly built [at Warehouse Point], and twenty poles
below the warehouse, should belong to Springfield,- so that Enfield for
nearly a century was a Massachusetts town. Each town fixed the limits
of its border towns according to its own idea of the correctness of the
1642 (known as the "Woodward and Safferey") survey. As a result, a
strip of land nearly two miles in width was claimed by both Windsor and
Enfield. Numerous lawsuits and several arrests resulted from the con-
troversy, and every town-meeting, in each town, had a fertile subject of
discussion and excuse for the appointment of committees of conference.
Failing to settle the difficulty between themselves, the towns appealed to
the legislatures of their respective colonies for redress; but the two gov-
ernments, having already had the matter under their consideration for a
long time, were no nearer a satisfactory settlement than the towns them-
selves; Massachusetts standing by the survey of 1642, while Connecticut
demanded a new survey of the lines according to the provisions of the
236
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
charters of the two colonies. So, in 1713, after twenty years of contro-
versy, the matter was settled by compromise. It was agreed that each
colony should retain jurisdiction over the towns it had settled, and that
for the determination of the boundary between the towns the line should
be run due west from the Woodward and Safferey station, and "as many
acres as should appear to be gained by one colony from the other should
be conveyed out of unimproved land as a satisfaction or equivalent." It
was found that Massachusets had encroached upon Connecticut to the
extent of 105,793 acres; of this, 7,259 acres lay in the disputed tract
between Windsor and the towns of Suffield and Enfield. Windsor sur-
rendered her claim to this tract, and as an equivalent for her loss re-
ceived the same number of acres in unoccupied lands elsewhere.
A reduced copy of the "Woodward and Safferey" survey map will
be found on p. 144 of Hartford Co. Mem. Hist., vol. ii., from which work
we have taken the above brief history of this ancient controversy.
It may, also, be noted in this connection, that in an affidavit made,
in 1751, by Ebenezer and Daniel Haydon (grandsons of William, the set-
tler), they say: "We have always lived about three miles from Kettle
Brook, and near the house where John Bissell lived, and always under-
stood that it [the brook] was about the north bound of Windsor, that
when the artists came on from Boston [1702] and run the line [between
Massachusetts and Connecticut] across John Bissell's chimney, the ruins
of which remain to this day, and took the height of the sun at noon-day,
we were told by those who were with them at the time, that they said
they were several miles too low [down the river]."
1716-17, March 18. "Voted to divide the Law Books belonging to
the town, according to the list of 1716," the selectmen to divide them
into three parts according to the lists belonging to each side of the river.
"After the books are divided by the Selectmen as above, that Thomas
Moore distribute according to said list on the south side of the rivulet,
Israel Stoughton on the north, and Deacon Samuel Rockwell on east side
Great River."
1724, September 24. 'Voted and desired that the Reverend Ministers of this town
recommend the sore and difficult circumstances of our good friend Nathaniel Cook, to
their respective congregations, to consider his case by way of brief as soon as may be."
1725, May 11. "Voted to sell the town guns at vendue, at the sign post at the beat
of the drum."
1725-6, February 24.
from the town commons
1728–9, February 3.
"Voted that persons from other towns who take any wood
should pay 20s. a load."
"Voted that if any person at this meeting or any town meet-
ing to be holden hereafter by the inhabitants of this town, shall presume to speak in
town meeting without liberty of the Moderator, he shall pay a fine of 20s. to the town
treasurer."
Judging from the increased fine, the manners of the people had
grown much worse since the similar vote in 1696–7.
CHAPTER XII.
QUEEN ANNE'S WAR, 1702-1713, AND INDIAN WAR OF 1722-24.
IN i
N May, 1702, Queen Anne of England, the Emperor of Germany, and
the States-General united in a declaration of war against France
and Spain. This, of course, involved the American colonies in a French
and Indian war. Instantly they were encircled by a terrible but unseen
cordon of wily and ferocious enemies. Death hovered on the frontier.
"In the following years the Indians stealthily approached towns in the
heart of Massachusetts, as well as along the coast, and on the southern
and western frontiers. Children, as they gamboled on the beach; reap-
ers, as they gathered the harvest; mowers, as they rested from using the
scythe; mothers, as they busied themselves about the household were
victims to an enemy who disappeared the moment a blow was struck,
and who was ever present where a garrison or a family ceased its vigi-
lance. If armed men, rousing for the attack, penetrated to the fastnesses
of their roving enemy, they found nothing but solitudes." Each night
was full of horrors, to which day scarce gave relief. Summer's foliage
concealed the lurking foe, and his steps fell lightly amid the rustling
leaves of autumn. Even winter's icy barriers and drifts of snow were
defied by his bloodthirstiness and the snow-shoes which he wore. Deer-
field, Hatfield, and other towns were attacked, and their flames lighted
the pathway of captives hurried away to a Canadian captivity, the recital
of whose horrors still curdles our blood.
Amid the accumulated horrors of such a warfare Connecticut was,
as usual, alert and helpful, both in protecting her own borders and assist-
ing her more exposed sister colonies. Every town was put into a com-
plete state of fortification and defense.
"At a town meeting in Windsor, March 23, 1704–5, named by order of general
court to consider about making of fortifications, but nothing was agreed on at said
meeting concerning the matter.
"Also Lieut. Timothy Thrall [was] chosen to take care of the town arms and ammu-
nition, and to be accountable for them, and the townsmen were appointed to agree with
him, and to give him a reasonable satisfaction for his trouble."
Simsbury, Waterbury, Woodbury, and Danbury, then the frontier
towns of the colony, were objects of special care and precaution. The
whole militia of Connecticut were held in readiness for active service
238
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
upon an hour's warning. Indians were employed, with high wages, to
range the woods as scouts. Windsor at this date (1702) had three train-
bands, one of which was on the east side of the river.
1704, January. In the War of the Spanish succession, in Europe,
400 men were ordered from the Colony of Connecticut. On the Com-
mittee of War for Hartford County was Capt. Matthew Allyn of Wind-
sor; and, as we know from his letters preserved among the Wolcott Mss.,
was in active service this year at Westfield.
Such were the daily trials and anxieties which for many slow years.
tortured the New England settlers, and impeded their advancement.
Connecticut, although herself untouched and uninvaded, had many men
in the service of the New York and Massachusetts colonies.
“August, 1708, one BARBER of Windsor was slain a 100 miles up the Great River.”¹
As may well be imagined, this constant apprehension of assault and
surprizes had sorely galled and worn upon the patience of the colonists;
and when at length, in May, 1709, a demand was made upon them for
troops and munitions of war, to assist in the reduction of Canada, Acadia,
and Newfoundland, none responded with more alacrity or energy than Con-
necticut. Three hundred and fifty men, under the command of Col. Wil-
liam Whiting, were raised and ready to sail for Quebec by the 20th of the
month. General Nicholson (formerly Lieut.-Governor of New York and
of Virginia) had command of the provincial army which lay in camp at
Wood Creek, near Albany, awaiting the arrival of the British fleet and
forces preparatory to a simultaneous attack on Canada. Disaster to
their Portuguese allies, however, changed the destination of the fleet to
Portugal instead of America. Meanwhile a great mortality prevailed
among the troops at Wood Creek; and disappointed in his hopes of a re-
inforcement from England, Nicholson, early in the fall, returned to
Albany. This failure entailed a heavy expense to the colonies, and a
loss of more than a quarter of the brave men who enlisted. In Stough-
ton Mss. we find Gov. Gurdon Saltonstall's original requisition upon the
Captain of the East Side Trainband, to "Impress forthwith seven effect-
ive men for her Maj. service," &c., dated 13 May, 1709.
Captain MATTHEW ALLYN led a company from this town in this unfor-
tunate campaign. We learn from his letters to his wife (Wolcott Manu-
¹Deaths in Hatfield, Gen. and Hist. Reg., ix, 162. Possibly it
Possibly it is this Barber of
whom tradition had preserved the story (recorded in Oliver Ellsworth, Jr.'s, Ms. of 1802)
that one Lieut. Barber, who lived as long ago as when W. was first settled [?] or soon
after its first settlement, was a very large stout man, and famous as a Lieutenant of
Militia. The Indians making an insurrection, Lt. Barber went to quell them, but in the
skirmish was shot and had his thigh broken; being thus disabled, however, he shot the
Indian who shot him, and knocked down with the butt of his musket another Indian
who was advancing upon him; but other Indians coming up, he was killed and scalped."
QUEEN ANNE'S AND INDIAN WARS, 1702–24.
239
scripts, Library of the Conn. Hist. Soc'y) from the camp at Wood Creek,
that himself, "TIM PHELPS, OBADIAH OWEN, NAT TAYLOR, and BART-
LETT are sick, Taylor the worst."
On the town records are the following entries :
'Sept. 24, 1709. BENJ'N NEWBERRY, JR., died at the camp at Wood Creek.
October
HEZEKIAH BISSELL died near Albany.
፡፡
SGT. ISAAC PINNEY,
WILLIAM STRATTON,
STEPHEN TAYLOR,
SAMUEL THRALL,
died aboard the vessell coming from
Albany.
In this expedition Rev. Timothy Edwards of (East) Windsor, and
the Rev. Mr. Buckingham of Milford, were appointed by the legislature
chaplains to the Connecticut troops. Leaving Windsor for New Haven
in July, Mr. Edwards reached Albany with a detachment under command
of Lieut.-Col. Livingston on the 15th of August. Their march to Albany
through a wild and uncleared country was full of toil and exposure.
On his arrival there he wrote a letter to his wife, from which we make
the following extract:
'Whether I shall have any time to write you after this, I know not; but however
that may be, I would not have you discouraged or over anxious concerning me, for I
am not so about myself. I have still strong hopes of seeing thee and our dear children
once again. I can not but hope that I have had the gracious presence of God with me
since I left home, encouraging and strengthening my soul, as well as preserving my
life. I have been much cheered and refreshed respecting this great undertaking, in
which I expect to proceed, and that I shall, before many weeks are at an end, see Canada;
but I trust in the Lord that he will have mercy on me, and thee my dear, and all our
dear children, and that God has more work for me to do in the place where I have
dwelt for many years, and that you and I shall yet live together on earth, as well as
dwell together for ever in Heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ, and all his saints, with
whom to be is best of all."
On the 20th of August the troops marched for Wood Creek, but Mr.
Edwards, being overcome by the unaccustomed fatigue and exposure, was
taken sick; and on the 4th of September was conveyed in a boat to Still-
water, and from thence to Albany, through the woods in a wagon, and
on a bed. After remaining a short time he was, by the failure of the
expedition and consequent return of the army, restored in safety to his
anxious family and parishioners.
Nothing of importance was accomplished the next year (1710)
except the reduction of Port Royal, to which Connecticut, although poorly
able, contributed 300 troops. Flushed with this success, General Nich-
olson made a voyage to England to solicit the means for another invasion
of Canada. Contrary to all expectations of the colonies, he succeeded
in his design, and in June arrived at Boston with the news that a fleet
1
Sprague's Annals of the American Pulpit.
240
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
might soon be expected from England, and with her majesty's orders.
that the colonial government should have their quotas of men and
means in immediate readiness for the expedition. Among the Stoughton
Mss. we find an autograph copy of the Connecticut Governor's proclama-
tion, signed by his own hand, as follows:
By the Honnourable Gurdon Saltonstall, Esqr. Gouernour and Commander in Chief of her
Majestie's Colony of Connecticut in New England.
A PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS, the General Assembly of this Colony have granted, 300 men, to Serue in the
Expedition her Majestie hath appointed for the Reduction of Port Royal and Nova-
Scotia, under the Comand of the Honble Colo. Francis Nicholson, as General of all
the forces in the said Expedition, and the Honble William Whiting, Esq., as Colo-
nell of the Regiment to be Raised in this Colony for the said Service
For the incouragement of able body'd Persons to inlist themselves Voluntiers in the
Same, I do hereby, by & with the advice of the Councill and at the desire and with the
Consent of the Representatives in General Court assembled, assure all such persons who
shal Voluntarily inlist themselves for the said Service with the Captain or other Chief
Officer of the Respective Companies to which they belong, or the Major of the County
in which they reside, that they shall each of them have a Coat of the Vallue of thirty
Shillings, a firelock of the Vallue of forty Shillings, three years freedom from all Impr:-
sses to serve out of this Colony, & one months pay in hand before they go out of the
Colony, go under our own officers & return home as soon as Port Royal and Nova Sco-
tia are reduced, or the Expedicon otherwise determined. Given under my hand in New-
haven the 9th day of August, in the 9th year of her Majestie's Reigne. Anno Dom.
1710.
G. SALTONSTALL.
God Save the Queen.
The above document is interesting as showing what inducements.
were offered to volunteers for war service in those days.
But, when the British fleet arrived it had neither pilots nor provisions.
The colonies found that nearly the whole burden of the affair was to be
thrown upon them, and the suspicion which naturally arose, that Queen
Anne's tory ministry were not very anxious about the conquest of Can-
ada, rather served to dampen the zeal which they had for the service.
Yet "in a little more than a month from the arrival of the fleet the
new levies and provisions for that and the army were ready." Connecti-
cut, besides victualing her own troops, furnished New York with 200 fat
cattle and 600 sheep. More than this could not have been expected.
On the 30th of June a splendid fleet, under Admiral Walker, having on
board an army of 7,000 troops, sailed from Boston for Canada. On the
same day General Nicholson began his journey to Albany, where he
found himself at the head of 4,000 men from New York, New Jersey,
and Connecticut, the latter commanded by the veteran Colonel Whiting.
Admiral Walker, however, loitering on his way, and calculating the pos-
sibilities of winter dangers, was caught by a terrible storm on the north
shore of the St. Lawrence, among the Egg Islands. Eight or nine vessels.
QUEEN ANNE'S AND INDIAN WARS, 1702-24.
241
-
were shipwrecked, and nearly a thousand lives lost, and the admiral
sailed for England, consoling himself that had he "arrived at Quebec,
ten or twelve thousand men must have been left to perish of cold and
hunger; by the loss of a part, Providence saved all the rest!" The
failure of Walker left Nicholson no option but to retreat. Thus inglori-
ously terminated the campaign which had been heralded by so much
preparation. It was a sore blow to the hopes of the colonies, and many
began to think that "it was not the design of Providence that this
northern continent should ever wholly belong to any one nation."
In Timothy Loomis's memorandum book is recorded that
'The Training Day they had throughout the Colonies to press soulders to go take
Canada was the 6th of July, 1711. There went out of Col. Allyn's Company seven.
The names are as follows: JOSEPH HOLCOMB, THOMAS GILLET, BENJAMIN HOWARD,
BENJ. BARBER, BENEDICT ALVORD, EBENEZER COOK, NATHAN GRISWOLD.
They set away from Windsor July 10, 1711. They returned to Windsor againe
October 12, 1711.
The following Windsor men were also in service, in Captain Moses
Dimond's Company (State Archives, Mss. War, iii. Commissary Account
of Roger Wolcott):
Lieut. SAMUEL Bancroft,
NATHANIEL GRISWOLD,
JOSEPH GRISWOLD,
Sgt. NATH. PINNEY,
ISAAC PINNEY.
ROGER WOLCOTT (afterward Governor) was Commissary of the Con-
necticut Stores in this expedition.
The following year (1712) was unmarked by any occurrence of
importance. Various scouting parties were employed in ranging the
woods.
JOSEPH PHELPS, Jr., of Windsor, while engaged in a scout under
Lieut. Crocker, in the summer of this year, had a narrow escape from
the Indians, in which he lost his coat, blanket, hat, and divers other
traps. (State Archives.)
In 1713 the war, which had grown out of European changes and
convulsions, was ended by the treaty of Utrecht, which, by establishing
the territorial relations of France and her neighbors, closed the series of
universal wars for the balance of power, and left no opportunity for
future contest.
The peace between England and France did not wholly relieve the
New England colonies from trouble and alarm from their Indian neigh-
bors. The latter, under the insidious influence of the French, continued
to show signs of restlessness and ill-will, which, in 1724, broke out into
actual hostilities. These lasted until the close of 1724, when a satisfac-
tory peace was established between the Indians and whites. In this
VOL. I.-31.
242
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
war Massachusetts was the heaviest loser. Connecticut, however, was
obliged to make heavy sacrifices for the common safety. The whole
colony was put into a complete state of warlike defense, but suffered no
loss of lives. Besides garrisoning her own frontier settlements, Connec-
ticut furnished and paid fifty or sixty men each year for the defense of
Hampden County, Mass.
The Windsor militia were not called into very active service
during this war. 1723, Capt. Matthew Allyn of Windsor was again on
the War Committee of Hartford County. Certain hostile movements of
the Indians in the vicinity of Litchfield, in the summer of 1724, induced
the government to guard against any sudden attack by establishing
line of scouts from Litchfield to Turkey Hills, including the most exposed
portions of Simsbury. AZARIAH PINNEY, SHUBAL GRISWOLD, and NATHAN
WATSON were stationed at Litchfield on this scout. Watson claimed to
have shot an Indian, which was stoutly denied by some of his companions,
but as stoutly affirmed on affidavit by others.
At Turkey Hills a garrison was established, to which nine Windsor
men were sent; six of them remained from July 4th to August 13th, and
three until August 22d. On the 12th of July "an alarm at Turkey
Hills" induced the Council to send there three sentinels from Windsor,
under Captain WOLCOTT and Lieut. ELLSWORTH. They were, however,
dismissed after one day's service.
At length there came a respite from war's fierce ravages. Again
"Life, active, prosperous life,
Ran through the woods, and mantled o'er the land.
As the trees fell, the log-hut sprang in place;
The log-hut, like the tent in fairy tale,
Expanded to the village."
CHAPTER XIII.
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE OLD FRENCH WAR.¹
1739-1762.
IN
N the latter part of 1739, England declared war against Spain, and
the American Colonies were called upon to assist in the proposed
expeditions against the Spanish settlements in the West Indies. Four
regiments of troops were to be raised in the north, who were to form a
junction at Jamaica with the largest fleet and the most powerful army
which had ever been sent into the Gulf of Mexico. The colony of Con-
necticut seconded the wishes of the royal government with her usual
alacrity. The governor issued a proclamation for volunteers, recruiting
officers were appointed in each county, and every influence was used to
forward the objects of the expedition. It was at this time that regimental
organizations were first established in Hartford County; thirteen regi-
ments, each commanded by a colonel, were made up. Windsor and Win-
tonbury companies were in the First Regiment of Hartford County, the
history of which will be found in Hartford Evening Post, 17 March, 1880.
In October, 1740, the armament, under the command of the able and
popular Lord Cathcart, sailed for the West Indies. At Dominica, Cath-
cart fell a victim to the climate, and the command devolved upon his
second, Wentworth, and Vice-Admiral Vernon, whom they were to join
at Jamaica.
"The enterprise, instead of having one good leader, had two bad
ones." Wentworth lacked experience and resolution; Vernon was arro-
gant and impetuous. There could be no unity between such different
temperaments, and the fate of the expedition was virtually sealed before
it fairly commenced. Time was foolishly wasted; and, when the splen-
did fleet of over 100 vessels, with 15,000 sailors and 12,000 troops, fully
provisioned and equipped, at last set sail, it was on a fool's chase after
the French and Spanish fleets, which had already left the fatal climate.
¹ We have endeavored, as far as possible, to designate the parishes of Ancient Wind-
sor, to which individuals belonged, by the following abbreviations: E. W., East and
South Windsor; Ell., Ellington; Wby., Wintonbury, now Bloomfield.
All others are
supposed to have belonged to Windsor proper. The Wintonbury names are mostly
gleaned from the MS. pastoral records of the Rev. Hezekiah Bissell, first minister of that
parish. The others from town and church records, and the State Archives.
211
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Then, instead of attacking Havana, which was the keystone of the
Gulf, although poorly defended, Vernon preferred to attack Carthagena,
the strongest point in the Spanish power. A brave but rash attempt to
storm the town was repulsed, with heavy loss to the assailants; then the
rainy season set in, and the fever of the marshes began a havoc among
the English troops more deadly and rapid than the heaviest fire of artil-
lery. In two days there died three thousand four hundred men. Of
nearly one thousand New England men who left their homes but a few
months before, scarce one hundred survived, and before the return of the
fleet to Jamaica, in November, 1741, it was estimated that twenty thou-
sand lives had been lost, mostly by the pestilence. In every town, and
in almost every family in this and the neighboring colonies, was heard
the voice
of farewells to the dying
And mourning for the dead."
Several citizens of Windsor enlisted in this unfortunate expedition,
according to Timothy Loomis's MS. records.
“July 6, 1740. Volunteers appeared in Capt. Henry Allyn's company for Cuba,
alias the West India settlements, viz. :
"THOS. ELGAR, ALEX. ALVORD, CYRUS JACKSON, ASAIIEL SPENCER, Aaron
COOK."
From the State Archives we glean the names of RETURN STRONG,
NATHANIEL HAYDEN, and ROGER NEWBERRY.
The latter gentleman was a distinguished citizen of Windsor, and
his death is thus quaintly recorded on the town books:
(<
ROGER NEWBERRY, Esq., Capt. of one of His Majestie's Companies belonging to
Connecticut, and Listed in His Majestie's Service in ye war against ye Spanish West In-
dies dyed (according to the best account that is yet given) May 6, 1741, In his Return
from Carthagena to Jimica about Three days before ye Transport arrived at Jimica."
"C
The character of this excellent man is thus portrayed in the follow-
ing obituary notice, found by us among some ancient manuscripts in an
old garret in South Windsor, and reprinted here verbatim et literatim :
Windsor, July 29, 1741. Last Monday we had the Melancholy news of the Death
of the Worthy Capt. Roger Newberry who went from this Town on the Expedition.
He was well descended. The Honorable Major Benjamin Newberry, that had adven-
tured his Life in his Country's Service in the Indian war, and sate several years att the
Councill board, was his Grandfather. Capt. Benjamin Newberry, who died of Sickness
in the Expedition formed against Canada, 1709, was his father.
· This Gentleman had a Liberal Education Bestowed upon him which he was care-
ful to Improve and was an accomplished mathematician and Good Historian. He
always carryed about with him a Lively Sense of the Divine providence and of man's
accountableness to his Maker of all his tho'ts, words and actions, and gave his Constant
Attendance on the Worship of God in the Public and Private Excercises of it, was Just
in his Dealings, a Sure friend and faithful Monitor,
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE FRENCH WAR.
245
"He had a very Quick and Clear apprehension of things, a solid Judgment and Te-
naceous memory; his Discourse and Conversation was affable and Instructive and so
Peculiarly winning that most were his Real friends as were acquainted with him. His
mind was formed for Business, which he followed with an Indefagitable aplycation by
which he not only discharged to Good Acceptance the public Trusts that were put upon
him, but also advanced his own Estate.
´In May, 1740, he being then a member of the Generall Assembly was pitcht upon
by the Governor and Councill, yea, he had the suffrage of the Assembly to Invite him
to Lead one company of the Troops from this Collony in this Expedition. He took it
into Consideration and after Sometime appeared Inclined to undertake it, whereupon
Some of his Relations to Dissuade him from it Laid before him the Dangers of his own
Life and the Great Loss his family would Sustain if he should miscarry. He answered:
"I can Leave my Family with the Divine Providence: and as to my own Life Since
it is not Left with man to Determine the time or place of his Death I think it not best
to be anxious about it. The Great thing is to Live and Dy in our Duty. I think the
War is just and my Call is Clear. Somebody must venture and why not I, as well as
another.' So he took out his commission and Proceeded to fill up his Compiny, and
there appeared such a Readiness to serve under him that he said he thought he could
have made up his Compiney in [his] own Town.
'He was att the Takeing of Boto Chico, from which fort two Days after he wrote
a chearful Letter to his Wife Expressing his Great Hopes of Takeing the Town of
Carthagena and thereby finishing the Expedition and opening a way for his Return.
'Butt soon after this he was Taken Sick and Languished until the fifth of May.
When he had almost Completed the thirty-fifth year of his age, he not far from
Jamaica Departed this Life and wee Shall see his face no more untill the Sea gives up
the Dead that are in it.
"He hath Left his antient mother to Lament the Death of this her only Son. His
own Widdow with seven small Chilren, one att her Breast, a Family to mourne under
this heavy Bereavement and Combat with the Difficulties of an unquiet World.”¹
In March, 1744, France, long suspected by England of assisting
Spain, boldly threw off the mask, and war was mutually declared between
the two nations. In the hostilities which followed success for a time
attended the French, who captured Canso, and whose cruisers took many
vessels and completely broke up the English fisheries. This, of course,
deeply touched the interests of the New England colonies, who were
largely engaged in the fish trade, and it became the general desire of the
country that Louisburg should be taken. Having unsuccessfully applied
to the home government for assistance, they at length resolved to under-
take it alone. The deliberations on the subject were weighty and divided,
but the war party preponderated, and preparations were accordingly
made. None of the colonies outside of New England would join the
hazardous undertaking, but nothing daunted by this or the manifold ob-
stacles which presented themselves, an army of 4,000 troops, together
with a fleet fully equipped, was raised within the short space of two
months. To this force, which was commanded by Lieut.-Gen. William
Pepperell, of Massachusetts, Connecticut contributed 500 men, under com-
mand of Lieutenant-Governor ROGER WOLCOTT of Windsor. Under com-
¹See, also, biographical sketch in the Newberry Genealogy, in 2d volume.
246
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
mission as Major-General, from Govs. Shirley of Massachusetts, and Law
of Connecticut, he was second in command of the united colonial army.
Of his arrival at and departure for the seat of war, from New London,
Miss Caulkins' history of that town gives the following account:
"April 1st, Gen. Wolcott arrived, and was welcomed with salutes from the fort
and sloop Defence. His tent was pitched on the hill at the S. E. corner of the burial
place. On Sunday, the 7th, Mr. Adams preached to the General and soldiers, drawn
up on the meeting-house green. On the 7th the commissions were published with im-
posing ceremonies. The eight companies were arranged in close order on the green,
and the throng of spectators around the hill. Through them, Gen. Wolcott, supported
right and left by Col. Andrew Burr and Lieut.-Col. Simon Lothrop, marched bareheaded
from his tent to the door of the custom-house, where the commissions were read. The
troops embarked Saturday, April 13th, and the next day, at one o'clock P.M., the fleet
sailed. The Defence carried Gen. Wolcott and 100 men."
On the 22d of April the army was joined at Canso by Commodore
Warren, from his station in the West Indies, with a fine fleet of large
ships; and full of joy and enthusiasm the army and fleet set sail for
Louisburg. It is needless here to recount the details of that eventful
siege, which lasted from April 30th till its capitulation on June 17th.
Suffice it to say that after numerous successes by land and water, which
seemed like special interposition of Providence; after miracles of labor,
bravery, and endurance, Louisburg, the apparently impregnable Gibraltar
of North America, capitulated to the brave New England troops. Not
until the victorious army entered the gates of the city, did they know the
extent of their achievement, nor the difficulties which their bravery had
overcome. Wonder struggled in their hearts with emotions of adoration
to Him who had given them the victory. "God has gone out of the way
of his common providence," said they," in a remarkable and almost miracu-
lous manner, to incline the hearts of the French to give up, and deliver
this strong city into our hands." God had indeed granted to an undisci-
plined army of mechanics, farmers, and fishermen, led by a merchant
general, a victory almost unparalleled in history. The news was received
in England with exultation, and in New England with a frenzy of popu-
lar joy. Words cannot express the enthusiasm which was everywhere
felt.
It was a proud day for Windsor when she welcomed home again her
brave son, the lieutenant-governor. His journal affords us a pleasant
glimpse of the scene.
'Tuesday 30th. Col. Whiting with his troops and sundry Gentlemen from Hart-
ford and Wethersfield came to me at my lodgings [at Wethersfield, on his way from
New London, where he had arrived July 18th], from whence they attended me to my
own Home at Windsor, where we arrived about two afternoon. Here we had a Good
Dinner, Drank some bowls of Punch, &c., and after the Discharge of the Great Artil-
lery and small arms Gave 3 Huzzas, and parted Good friends."- Coll. Conn. Hist.
Society.
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE FRENCH WAR.
247
Among the Wolcott Mss. in Library of the Connecticut Historical
Society, is preserved his daily journal, from May 30th to July 2d, inclu-
sive, detailing the events of the siege and giving copies of the official
communications between the respective commanders-in-chief. Following
this journal is a connected narrative of some twenty-eight folio pages, in
his handwriting, in which he gives a careful "retrospect of the expedi-
tion, in the projection, prosecution, and success of it." Its length pre-
cludes insertion here, but it is but just to say that it displays, in a most
forcible manner, the Governor's strong character, and, above all, his
deep, sincere trust in the wise orderings of a great and merciful God.
Windsor contributed many of her best citizens to this enterprise,
but it is impossible to ascertain the names of all.
Probably, in this expedition were the following East Windsor men,
whose names are found in a document among Capt. Ebenezer Grant's
papers, endorsed:
"An Acct of ye Men that went upon an Expedition into ye frontiers under my com-
mand, Dec. 19th, 1745:
:
"Lt. Thomas Grant
Ensign Gideon Wolcott
Serg't Thomas Drake
Serg't Thomas Skinner
Sergt. Joseph Diggons
Clerk, Josiah Wolcott
Ammi Trumble Jun'
Sam Watson
Nathaniel Stoughton
James Harper
Gershom Bartlett
Joseph Bartlett
Jacob Elmor
Willm Bissell
John Gaylord
Ebenezer Bliss
Noah Bissell
Moses Bissell
John Kellogg
Caleb Booth, Jun'
Elisha Munsil
Joseph Egelstone
Benj. Bancroft
John Osband
John Prior
John Grant & John Grant Jr
John Sikes
Sam Smith
Jerijah Bissell
Ezra Elgor
Ebnz Moor
Samll Bartlett
Benj Cook
Azariah Grant
Tim Strong
James Rockwell
Job Rockwell
John Stoughton ¹
1
Ephrm Wolcott
Benj Phelps
Joseph Nuberry
Zebulon King
Abijah Skinner
Nath' Porter Jr
Joseph Elmor Jr
Robert Wood
John Anderson Jr
Matthew Grant
Benoni Olcott
All returned from their Expedition &c. except Drake, Moor, Elgor & Gershom
Bartlett."
¹ Of JOHN STOUGHTON, in the above list, the author of Windsor Farmes says (p. 107)
that he "
was soon promoted to a lieutenancy and afterward became a colonel in the
colonial army, and at the close of the French and Indian war received a large grant of
land near Ticonderoga in consideration of his services, but was soon after drowned
while transporting stock across Lake George. In a quaintly-worded letter (in the com-
piler's possession) written from New York, where he was then stationed, he informs his
brother Lemuel that "I am recovering from the Small Pox. I have had about twenty
of them, just enough to show that I have had it." His solid silver-hilted sword, carried
at the siege of Fort William Henry, and a map of the siege and engaged forces, drawn
by himself, which he sent to his brother, Col. Lemuel Stoughton of E. W., are also pre-
served. The map has been reproduced in facsimile in Windsor Farmes, and is a valua-
ble contribution to the history of the French War on Lake George.
248
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Capt. Grant's commission as captain of a "Train Band," east of
Connecticut River, issued from Gov. Jonathan Law, Oct. 29, 1742, is still
in possession of his descendants."
ALEXANDER (afterwards Dr.) WOLCOTT accompanied the Connecti-
cut troops as surgeon's mate.
ISRAEL STOUGHTON.
Capt. DAVID ELLSWORTH (E. W.).
JOHN WARHAM STRONG was a first lieutenant in service.
JAMES EGGLESTON, Jr. (Why.), was impressed into the service.
EZRA LOOMIS (Wby.) died at Louisburg, aged about 24 years, Dec.
18, 1745.
1745.
THOMAS BARBER (Wby.) died at Louisburg, aged about 24 years,
STEPHEN GILLET (Wby.) died at Louisburg, aged about 34 years,
Feb., 1746.
CALEB CASE (Wby.) died at Louisburg, aged about 34 years, May
10, 1746.
JAMES BARNETT (Wby.) died at Louisburg, aged about 22 years,
April 24, 1746.
JEREMY ALFORD (who lived on Cook's Hill) distinguished himself
by his bravery at Louisburg.
For a while America seemed destined to be the theatre of the
Anglo-French war. France planned the recapture of Louisburg, but the
fleet under D'Anville, in 1746, was met by storms and pestilence, and,
worse than all, left without a commander by the death of D'Anville, and
the suicide of his successor-so that it never accomplished anything.
Another French fleet, the next year, was captured by the English
admirals, Anson and Warren. The New England Colonies proposed a
a plan for the conquest of Canada, but it was not seconded by the mother
country. At length, a season of "masterly inactivity was ended by
the general peace of Utrecht in 1748; and England, France, and Spain
mutually restored to each other the fruits of their conquests. "Nothing
was gained, humanity had suffered, without a purpose, and without a
result."
""
The war which the colonies had entered into with such zeal and
at great expense, had not brought them any special advantage. On the
contrary, it had been an almost useless expenditure of resources, and a
loss of thousands of their young men; it left them with a depreciated
currency, a paralyzed commerce, and that saddest accompaniment of
war, a fearful deterioration of public morals.
The peace of Utrecht, however, procured but a slight cessation of
¹ Stoughton's Windsor Farmes, 106.
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE FRENCH WAR.
249
hostilities. France, always restless and intriguing, soon began to in-
fringe on the British possessions in Acadia and Nova Scotia. She
also, in direct violation of treaty stipulations, extended her frontiers
toward Crown Point and Ticonderoga on the north, and Virginia on the
west, with the evident design of forming a connection between the head
of the St. Lawrence and their possessions on the Mississippi. This,
together with their relations with the Indian tribes, would have given
them a command of the extensive trade of the interior; and an oppor-
tunity to harrass and annoy the English colonies, which the latter could
never consent to.
About this time a number of lords and gentlemen in England, and
planters in Virginia, associated themselves under the name of the Ohio
Company, and obtained a grant of 600,000 acres of land in the Ohio
River country. This movement was immediately resented by the French,
mutual skirmishes and reprisals followed, and finally, in 1754, the Vir-
ginians, who had commenced a fortress on their patent, were attacked by
an overwhelming French force and driven from the ground with a loss
of all but two of the English traders, and skins and property valued at
£20,000. On the same spot which commanded the whole Ohio and Mis-
sissippi country the French built a fortress which they named Fort du
Quesne. As may be imagined, this event caused much alarm and appre-
hension to Great Britain and her American colonies. Virginia, South
Carolina, and New York were speedily in the field, and Col. Washington
(afterward the hero of the American Revolution) having defeated a
party of French belonging to Fort du Quesne, was afterward attacked by
Villiers, the commandant of that post, with a large force; and after a
brave defense in a hastily constructed fortress, accepted honorable terms
of capitulation, which his bravery had extorted from the French general.
At this juncture a convention of delegates from the several colonies was
held, at which was discussed the feasibility of a union of the colonies for
mutual protection and defense against the French and Indians.
This necessary movement was warmly approved by the colonies, but,
as might have been expected, was strongly opposed and denounced by
Great Britain, whose whole policy was repugnant to anything that sa-
vored of colonial independence. She evidently feared that the combined
strength of the latter might some day be employed to sever the chain
which bound them to herself. Consequently a meeting was proposed of
the governors of the several colonies, who should, in the largeness of
their wisdom, devise ways and means of defense, government, and pro-
tection; and the colonies were to be taxed for the expenses of the whole.
At this council, held at Albany, N. Y., 1754, Connecticut was represented by
ROGER WOLCOTT, Jr. It is needless to say that this plan met with the most
universal disapproval of the colonies themselves; for they were as unwill-
VOL. I.-32
1
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
250
ing to trust their interests into the hands of kings and favorites as the
latter were to grant them any independent powers.
Hostilities between France and England had now proceeded to the
extent of actual war. Four expeditions were planned against the former;
one against Fort du Quesne, under General Braddock; a second against
Nova Scotia; a third against Crown Point, and a fourth against Niagara.
In the spring of 1755 the northern colonies were alive with preparations
for the coming campaigns. Special assemblies were held and taxes
levied to defray the necessary expenses of fitting out the army. It was
proposed to raise in New England 5,000 men, of whom Connecticut was
to furnish one-fifth, to attack Crown Point and occupy the country
around.
In the meantime the expedition against Nova Scotia under Col.
Moncton was already in the field. Three several encounters with the
French troops and their Indian allies resulted in success to the British
arms, and placed the whole of Nova Scotia in their possession. The
Acadians, numbering some 15,000, were disarmed and removed to New
England and other colonies, where they were distributed as prisoners of
war among the different towns. Some of them were sent to Windsor,
but their names and subsequent history cannot now be discovered.'
This event has received a new and romantic interest from Longfellow's
beautiful poem, entitled Evangeline, a tale of Acadie.
While this was going on at the north General Braddock, with 1,500
regulars, had arrived in Virginia from England, and commenced, though
tardily, his preparations for the expedition against Fort du Quesne on
the Ohio. The history of that expedition is written in letters of blood
upon the page of our country's history as Braddock's defeat. The rash-
ness and arrogance of its leader were atoned by his death, and redeemed
only by the bravery and good sense of George Washington and the Vir-
ginia troops. Let us, however, turn from this scene to the operations of
the expedition against Crown Point and Niagara, which are more inti-
mately connected with the purposes of our history. The former, under
the command of Gen. Johnson, luckily intercepted the Baron Dieskau,
who, with a large force of French and Indians, was advancing to cut off
Fort Edward, which was garrisoned by New York and New Hampshire
troops. The battle which ensued resulted in the complete defeat of the
French, although with a loss to the British of some brave officers and
men. The remainder of the fall of this year was busily occupied in
building a fort at Lake George and completing the works at Fort Edward,
all of which had to be done in a trackless forest, and in face of many
1
¹We can only learn that three men came here and lived for a while on Hinsdale Hill,
as the little eminence was named, on which the present Sixth District school-house now
stands.
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE FRENCH WAR.
251
obstacles. All the colonial troops, except those in garrison, returned to
their homes in November.
BENJAMIN ALLYN, Esq., of Windsor, was appointed Captain of the
4th Company in the 3d Regiment, in August, 1755. The following is
the muster-roll of his company, nearly all of whom were from this
town.¹
..
"Roll of Capt. Benj. Allyn's Co. Crown Point Expedition, 85 men enlisted."
Isaac Tucker,
Nath¹ Gaylor,
Reuben Crow,*
Zaccheus Crow,
Levi Chapin, 1st Lt.
Noah Hunt,
Elijah Barret,
John Hosmer,
Patt O'Conele,
Chas. Burnham,
John Abbot,
Hez. Welles,
Elijah Evings,
Geo, Colton,.
Daniel Eaton,
Jacob Osborn,
Gideon Loomis,
Capt. Allyn,
Giles Wolcott,
Joel Soper,
John Eggleston, Jr.,
Abner Prior,
Ozias Grant,
David Bissell,
Jon": Gillett,
Joseph Moore,
Joseph Moore, Jr.,
Gideon Prior,
Silas Wells,
John McMunnen,
Wm. Thomson,
Eben Belknap,
Asher Isham,
T
John Japhet,
Thos. Hawkins,
Reuben Cook,
Zebulon Winchell,
Robert Westland,
Benj. Baker,
And Shilling,
Jona¹ Pinney, Jr.,
Daniel Filley,*
Elijah Denslow,
Elisha Williams,
Jona" Buckland, Sgt.
Ephraim Parker,
*
Joseph Winchel,*
Ebenezer Loomis,
Zephaniah Snow,
Asa Pimrey (Perry or Pinney ?),
Ely Parker,
Appleton Hollister,
Orvis, 2d Lt.,
John Strong, Drummer,
Jona Pinney, Corp¹,
Benj. Kinney, Corp',
Eliphalet Loomis,
Charles Burnham,
Drake, Sgt.,
Zeb. Winslow,
Josiah Standliff,
Thomas Jarwell,
Keup Perrigue (Indian).
ISAAC DRAKE (Wby.) was buried at Lake George, Oct. 26, 1755, aged 22 years.
The Niagara expedition, commanded by Gov. Shirley of Massachu-
setts, was too tardy and too poorly provisioned to effect much. They,
¹ State Archives, War, vol. VI.
*Those thus marked remained in garrison during the winter of 1755-56, their
names being found in "A Role of Capt. Noah Grant's company in Garrison at Fort Ed-
ward Novr ye 26, 1756, their wages made out from ye 23 of Nov. 1755 to ye 26 of March
1756."
252
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSor.
however, built a new fort near the old one (on the site of the present
city of Oswego), and, leaving a garrison there, returned home in October.
The campaign in 1756 opened brilliantly under the command of
Lord Loudon and Gen. Abercrombie. A fine army, including 7,000
Provincials, was early in the field, anxious to be led against Crown Point,
but its leaders were dilatory.' Time was wasted, and after a somewhat
indecisive success by Col. Bradstreet, and the inexcusable surrender of
Oswego to the French, by which they obtained command of Lakes Onta-
rio and Erie, and the surrounding country, the campaign ingloriously
terminated.
Capt. BENJAMIN ALLYN was in commission this year in the Crown
Point expedition.
MEDINA FITCH (Ell.) was first lieutenant in 7th companỹ, 2d
regiment.
1756.
MOSES GRISWOLD was first lieutenant in 1st regiment.
DANIEL BROWN (Wby.) died at Albany in September.
SAMUEL BELCHER died in war, as it is supposed, near Crown Point,
ITHAMAR BINGHAM (Ell.) was appointed commissary (March, 1756),
of the hospital in this expedition.
Extensive preparations were made by Great Britain for the campaign
of 1757, and early in July a powerful fleet, under Admiral Holburn, with
6,000 regular troops under Gen. Hopson, arrived in Halifax. Here they
were joined by Lord Loudon with 6,000 provincials, eager to be led
against Crown Point. Lord Loudon preferred to attack Louisburg;
but so dilatory was he that, before they were ready to sail, Louisburg
was reinforced by the arrival of a large fleet; the project was aban-
doned, and Loudon returned leisurely to New York.
But Montcalm, the French general, first surprising and defeating a
detachment of 400 near Ticonderoga, pushed on and invested Fort Wil-
liam Henry, which was fortified and garrisoned by 3,000 men. After
only six days' siege, during which it made a brave defense, it capitulated
to the French. Gen. Webb, who was occupying Fort Edward only 14
miles distant, and might easily have relieved his braver compatriots, not
only failed to do so, but sent a letter to Col. Monroe, advising him to
surrender. The British were allowed to march out with arms, baggage,
and one cannon. But the French and Indians, contrary to stipulations,
plundered them of their baggage, killed the Indians in their service, and
chased the unfortunate English themselves nearly to Fort Edward, where
they arrived in a most piteous plight. Albany was thus threatened, the
¹ A parade was held in Windsor for "enlisting men for Crown Point expedition"
on 10th April. (Olcott MSS.)
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE FRENCH WÄR.
253
people were alarmed, and the colonies sent on large numbers of troops.
Connecticut alone furnished 5,000 men within a few days."
Windsor was by no means behind her sister towns in responding to
the call. The following document serves to give us an idea of the
urgency of the occasion. Olcott Family MSS. (South Windsor).
"To Benoni Olcott, Clerk of ye 3rd Company or Trainband in Windsor, greeting:
Whereas I've Recd special orders from Lieut. Colonel Geo. Wyllis, Lieut. Col. of ye first
Regiment of ye Colony of Connecticutt to muster my Company for a speedy march to
fort Edward for the relief and succor of ye King's garrison and subjects there; These
are therefore to require you, forthwith to notify all under my Command that they
appear complete in their arms at landlord Porter's tomorrow morning at 6 o'clock for ye
attending to ye business above sd as they will answer their neglect at ye peril of ye Law.
Fail not of thy writ to make Return to my Lieutenant.
Dated at Windsor ye 12th day of August A.D. 1757.
EBENEZER GRANT, Capt. for 3d Company.
P. S. If we march it will be on horse.”
Of the Windsor men who responded to the Fort William Henry
alarm, the same month, we have found but three names, viz.: Lieut.
DAVID PHELPS of West Windsor, and SAMUEL STOUGHTON and AMMI
TRUMBLE of East Windsor. MSS. Archives of the State.
Thus ended this year's campaign, as a British historian remarks,
"to the eternal disgrace of those who then commanded the armies and
directed the councils of Great Britain.”
The year 1758 opened hopefully for the cause of Great Britain.
The reverses and losses of the three previous years were so evidently the
result of incapacity and bad management as to demand a change of min-
isters and policy, in order to retrieve the waning fortunes of the British
arms. A new cabinet was formed, and the genius of Pitt and the sound
sense and integrity of his coadjutors gave renewed hope of better days.
New measures were proposed, a new spirit was infused into every depart-
ment of the service at home and abroad. Louisburg was to be reduced,
Crown Point and Fort du Quesne were to be the main points of attack in the
coming campaign. The colonies were in ecstacies, their darling projects
were at last about to be realized; and, when his majesty's letter, composed
¹ SAMUEL ALLEN (son of Joseph and Mary of E. W.) was among the few who
escaped. When running through the woods, with nothing but his breeches on, he was
caught by an Indian who sprang from behind a tree and seized him by the back of his
neck. He turned suddenly upon the Indian and brought his knee forcibly against the
pit of his stomach, and brought him to the ground and despatched him by jumping
both feet upon his breast.
He ran in this situation for a while, then meeting a man Mr. Allen said to him: “I
cannot run so; do for God sake give me your jacket," which he had the kindness to do.
He then proceeded to Fort Edward. Mr. Allen carried the marks made by the
Indian's finger nails upon his neck to his grave. (MSS. of Mr. Henry W. Allen of
Warehouse Point, Conn.)
254
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
1
with the matchless art of Pitt, was received, requesting their loyal aid
and support in the raising of 20,000 men, the whole country was in a
fever of loyal joy. Connecticut immediately proceeded to raise 5,000,
more than she could well afford, yet it was done not only cheerfully but
with enthusiasm. They were to be divided into four regiments, each
with its colonel and chaplain; the already large bounty offered for enlist-
ment in previous years was increased, and everywhere the work of
enrollment went briskly on. Meanwhile across the broad ocean was
sailing a noble fleet under Admiral Boscawen, bearing 10,000 troops,
commanded by the circumspect Lord Amherst," and the scarcely less
skillful Gen. Wolfe. On the 2d day of June that fleet lay before the
battlements of Louisburg, and on the 8th the English landed through a
rolling surf which upset and broke their boats, and in the very teeth of
bristling ramparts and a perfect hailstorm of artillery, drove the French
from their batteries and invested the city. For nearly two months the
siege went on, but not until the city was a heap of ruins, not until their
finest ships were burned and their batteries disabled, did the brave
French surrender. With Louisburg fell Cape Breton and Prince Edward's
Island. Wolfe returned home to meet the commendations of his sover-
eign, bearing with him the praises of New England, whose great heart.
was overflowing with joy and gratulation.
Dr. ELIHU TUDOR (E. W.), MARK FILLEY and his elder brother
(E. W.), were engaged in this expedition.
While this was being enacted the colonies were actively pushing
forward their preparations for their long-cherished attempt on Crown
Point.
"On the banks of Lake George 9,024 provincials, from New England, New York
and New Jersey, assembled. There were the 600 New England rangers, dressed like
woodmen, armed with a firelock and a hatchet; under their right arm a powder-horn; a
leather bag for bullets at their waist; and to each officer a pocket-compass as a guide in
the forests. There was Stark, of New Hampshire, now promoted to be a captain.
There was the generous, open-hearted Israel Putnam, a Connecticut major, leaving his
good farm, around which his own hands had helped build the walls; of a gentle dispo-
sition, brave, incapable of disguise, fond of glorying, sincere, and artless. There were
the chaplains, who preached to the regiments of citizen soldiers a renewal of the days
when Moses with the rod of God in his hand sent Joshua against Amalek. By the side
of the provincials rose the tents of the regular army, 6,367 in number; of the whole force
Abercrombie was commander-in-chief; yet it was the gallant spirit of Howe that infused
ardor and confidence into every bosom." (Bancroft, Vol. iv, 299.)
On the 5th day of July the whole army of more than 15,000 men
embarked at daybreak on Lake George in 900 small boats and 136 whale
boats, together with artillery on rafts, and "the fleet, bright with ban-
ners and cheered with martial music, moved in stately procession down.
the beautiful lake, beaming with hope and pride, though with no witness
WINDSOR'S SHARE ÎN THE FRENCH WAR.
255
but the wilderness." Early the next morning they landed at the northern
end of the lake, and, forming in four columns, began their march to
Ticonderoga. But after two miles had been passed they came in the
depths of the wilderness upon a large body of French. The struggle
was sharp and resulted successfully to the English, but they lost their
bravest man, Lord Howe himself, "the idol of the army"; and, grief-
stricken and dispirited, the army encamped on the battle-field which it
had so dearly won.
The next morning Abercrombie returned to his landing-place and
sent out an engineer to reconnoitre the French works. The engineer
reported that they were of flimsy construction, but the better practiced
eye of Stark and the New England woodsmen decided otherwise. Aber-
crombie, however, heeded only the advice of "his Rehoboam counsellors,"
and gave orders for storming the French position. But they had an
enemy who was wary, cool, and prepared at every point. Again and again,
through the hours of a sweltering hot July day, the brave grenadiers and
active provincials charged upon those rude ramparts only to be mown
down and hurled back by the steady and resistless fire of the enemy.
At last, near sunset, they fled promiscuously from the field, leaving 1,944
killed and wounded, mostly regulars.
While Montcalm had been in the thickest of the fight, with his coat
off, seeing, comprehending, directing everything, Abercrombie had been
snugly but ingloriously ensconced at a sawmill two miles distant. And
although the English possessed the advantages of position and heavy
artillery, and in numbers they still exceeded the French fourfold, Aber-
crombie embarked his army the next morning, and rested not until "he
had placed the lake between himself and Montcalm."
Thus disastrously ended the expedition which had been inaugurated
with such bright hopes. Its shame was, however, somewhat redeemed by
Col. Bradstreet, who, at his own desire, and according to his own plan,
was detached with a considerable force against Fort Frontenac, on the St.
Lawrence, near its junction with Lake Ontario. This, after a two days'
siege, he captured and destroyed, with its large stores of provisions and
military equipments, and nine armed vessels. He then returned to
Oswego, having frustrated a proposed attack of the French on the
Mohawk River settlements; restored the communication between Albany
and Oswego, and obtained the command of Lake Ontario.
In the south, Fort Duquesne had been taken nominally by Gen.
Forbes, but really through the sagacity and energy of the youthful Wash-
ington, who commanded the Virginians. On its site the flag of Great
Britain was joyously planted, and the place was named Pittsburgh, a most
enduring trophy of the glory of William Pitt.
Thus, with the exception of the unfortunate affair at Ticonderoga,
256
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
this campaign closed with honor to the British arms, presenting a
marked contrast to the bad management and accumulated disaster of
previous years.
JOHN CHICK was 2d lieutenant in 3d company, 1st regiment.
JOHN ELLSWORTH was ensign in 9th company, 1st regiment.
MEDINA FITCH was a first lieutenant.
JONATHAN GILLET was a first lieutenant.
SILAS CASE (Wby.) aged 18, was buried, Sept. 16, 1758, half-way
between Albany and Lake George.
JONAH FILLEY (Wby.) died 1758.
ABEL LOOMIS (Wby.) buried October 16, 1758, at Greenbush.
JOHN LOOMIS (Wby.) buried November 12, 1758, between Albany
and Sheffield.
JOHN MUMFORD (Why.) aged 21, died 1760, with smallpox, in De-
cember, above Albany.
RICHARD FITCH, aged 18, enlisted and went to Oswego and Montreal;
on his return took the smallpox, which he communicated to three child-
ren of his father's (James) family.
FRANCIS DRAKE and JEDIDIAH EGGLESTON were impressed and en-
listed in the spring, but on account of sickness were allowed to return
home, where they were a long time sick.
The campaign of 1759 opened with a free seacoast and a clear road
into Canada, whose conquest became the great object of the British min-
istry. To effect it, three expeditions were planned, which should act
simultaneously. Gen. Wolfe, the hero of Louisburg, was to attempt the
capture of Quebec. Gen. Amherst was to reduce Ticonderoga and
Crown Point, and then form a junction, via the Sorel and St. Lawrence
rivers, with Wolfe at Quebec. Gen. Prideaux was to move against
Niagara, and, if successful, to embark on Lake Ontario, and passing
along the St. Lawrence was to besiege the city of Montreal. The col-
onies were required to furnish the same number of men as for the previ-
ous year, and "Connecticut," says Bancroft, "which distinguished itself
by disproportionate exertion, raised, as in the previous year, 5,000 men.
To meet the past expense, the little colony incurred heavy debts, and
learning political economy from native thrift, appointed taxes on prop-
erty to discharge them."
Gen. Amherst was first in the field en route for Ticonderoga, which
the enemy abandoned on his approach, and retreated to Crown Point,
which they also evacuated in a very few days. Once in possession of these
important posts, the general took active measures for the building of a
fleet on Lake Champlain, to oppose that of the French at that point.
Meanwhile Ticonderoga was repaired, and a strong fort erected at Crown
Point.
WINDSOR'S SHARE ÎN THÊ FRENCH WAR.
257
While Amherst was thus employed, Prideaux had set siege to the
fort at Niagara, where he was killed; but his place was ably filled by Sir
William Johnson, who in a sharp and protracted encounter completely
routed the enemy. Three important posts were now gained, but Quebec,
the heart of the French dominion, was still untouched, and to its reduc-
tion every effort of combined skill, sagacity, and numbers was turned.
On the 26th of June, a splendid British fleet, with 8,000 picked
troops, under Wolfe, arrived before the precipitous and apparently im-
pregnable cliffs of Quebec. On those battle-crowned summits Montcalm
commanded, and though feeble in numbers, he was, as usual, cool, wary,
and intrepid; and his chief strength was the nature of his position.
Such were the peculiar difficulties and obstacles to be overcome, that, in
spite of repeated but unsuccessful attempts and the utmost sagacity and
energy, it was not until the 15th of September, that any full assault
could be made. On that night, in silence and darkness, the perilous
ascent was made, and at daybreak Wolfe and his army stood in battle
array upon the Plains of Abraham, and the next day Quebec was in their
hands.
Among the loose manuscripts of the town is the following subscrip-
tion paper, circulated among the members of the First trainband in
Windsor, under command of Captain Nathaniel Hayden:'
Windsor, 13th of April, 1759.
"Whereas ye Providence of God Binds a Necessity upon us to exert ourselves to
ye utmost of our Power in ye Present warr and a number of our Young men called to
enter His Majesty's service this Currant year, and altho' y Assembly have done consid-
erable to incourage men to enlist freely into said service, it is thought advisable that
since a number of our friends must go, and ye service attended with much hardship as
to require incouragements, that a further incouragement be given by ye subscribers to
incourage men in ye said 1st Company in Windsor to enlist into said service, & it is
Hoped & Expected & Requested yt all within ye limits of ye said 1st Company, whether
in ye [Train-] Band or out of ye [Train-] Band, give their incouragement.”
This was subscribed to by forty-six influential men of Windsor, on
condition that the sons and servants of such subscribers should be
exempt from impressment. The amount subscribed, £54 17s., was to be
divided among the enlisted and impressed men. The state requisition
was for sixteen men. On the back of the document was the following
endorsement:
Soulgers that Listed.
'ROGER ENO,
Soulgers Prest.
JOHN GRANT,
JOSEPH MARVIN,
JOEL PALMER,
NOAH BARBER,
JOSEPH YOUNGS,
}}
¹ Mr. J. H. HAYDEN doubts if Nathaniel Hayden was Captain of the Windsor Train-
band at this time, since he was then but 21 years old; and says that his father, "Ensign
Nathaniel, was then 50 years old, yet may have been in command at that particular
time through lack of superior officers. Our own remembrance is that the original docu-
ment, which we copied in our first edition, contained the name of Capt. Nathaniel.
VOL. I.-33
258
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
MOSES BARBER,
JEREMIAH ALFORD, Jr.,
Sgt. PHINEAS DRAKE,
JOHN ALFORD,
DANIEL FILLEY,
EBENEZER LOOMIS,
JOHN ALLYN, Jr.,
URIAH PEES[E],
SAM ENO, Jr.,
JOHN JAPHETH [colored]."
AUGUSTIN HAYDEN of (Hayden's) Windsor, born 1740, though only
18 years old at this time, enlisted under this call. His journal (which
he kept during the campaign of 1758-59, and which is now in possession
of Mr. J. H. Hayden) opens thus, on the day after: "April 14, 1759.
Then I, Augustin Hayden, Listed into his Majestie's service." June the
8th he "set away from home to Hartford;" on the 9th he "set away
from Farmington;" the next day from Harwinton; thence through
Goshen, Cornwall, Canaan, Sheffield, Spencertown, the "Pattrone Land,"
etc., and "Centerhook [Kinderhook]. The 18th day, from K. to Green-
bush and then we joined the regiment"- Col. Lyman's. Evidently he
was one of a squad which overtook the regiment at Greenbush. Their
destination was Lake George and the capture of Fort Ticonderoga, which
failed; but the young man saw some pretty rough service-all faithfully
recorded in his journal. He reached home again 12 Nov., 1758, and
records that he received his "winter's pay, which was £8. 2. 0: and to
get a coat, £1. 15. 0: and my first month's wages which was £1. 16. 0.”
The taste of war which he had in this campaign seems not to have satis-
fied his appetite, for he served (and kept a minute daily journal) through
the campaign of 1759.
SAMUEL LATTIMORE also appears on bills in this campaign.
The year 1760 opened with an attempt by the French to retake
Quebec, which was for a while averted by the vigilance of the general in
command. On the 26th of April, however, the enemy invested the city,
and the British commander, foolishly preferring to risk a battle rather
than endure a siege, found himself overmatched and obliged to retire
within the walls, with a heavy loss. The French, flushed with this suc-
cess, set actively to work to capture the town, which was only saved by
the opportune arrival of a large British fleet.
Montreal, also, had been invested by three large English armies
under Lord Amherst and Generals Haviland and Murray. It shortly
after capitulated on honorable terms, and with it all the French posses-
sions in Canada passed into the power of Great Britain.
The Windsor men in this campaign were mostly in service in this
siege.
By the kindness of Mr. Elihu Marshall of Poquonock, Windsor, we
are enabled to present our readers with the following digest of two mus-
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE FRENCH WAR.
259
ter-rolls of General Lyman's regiment in this campaign. One of these,
evidently an orderly-sergeant's roll, was entitled :
"A Muster roll of Gen' Lyman's Company" in "Camp at Mon-
treal, Sept, 4th, 1760."
This we have copied, with sundry additions and items gleaned from
the other document, which is "A List of General Phinehas Lyman's
Company of all ye enlisted men, with the time of their several enlist-
ments, and the time of the death of those that are dead, and that are
deserted, or never joined; and the time of their receiving the King's
bounty." This is drawn up in a formal and handsome manner, on a
large sheet of paper, and endorsed on the back "R[oyal] A[rtillery],
N° 42."
General Lyman was a distinguished officer in. Connecticut, and a
native of Suffield. His company, as will be seen, was made up princi-
pally of Suffield and Windsor men; and, indeed, so intimate has been
the connection between the two towns, that we have not been able to
locate many
of the names which have become so common in each place.
We have therefore left that to the more abundant leisure and industry of
descendants and genealogical investigators. Windsor, more especially
the Poquonock district, is well represented.
Rank.
Names.
Gen" Phinehas Lyman.
Capt Giles Wolcott.
Lieut. Roger Enos.
Do. Silas Holcomb.
Ensign John Strong.
Do. Elihu Humphrey.
Sergt Major Sam" Granger.
Qr Sergt James Harman.
Sergt Joel Addams.
Do.
Joseph Marvin, enlisted March 24.
Do.
Oliver Hanchet.
Do.
Ephraim Addams.
Do.
Shadrack Phelps.
Do.
John Slaid.
Do.
Phinehas Southwell.
Do.
Eleazer Smith.
Do.
Reuben Denslow.
Do.
Wm. Ross.
Do.
Jonth Allyn.
Do.
Philander Pinney.
Do. Thomas Jerrit, enlisted March 25.
Do.
Zephany Snow, enlisted
Do. Jonth Beaman, enlisted
Do.
Do.
Clerk, Joab Griswold, enlisted March 24.
Do. Nath" Humphrey.
Doctr How.
Do. Andrus.
Chap' Beckwith.
260
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Rank.
Names.
Corp¹ Abiether Evans, enlisted March 25.
Do. Dan. King.
Do.
Ebenezer Phelps.
Do. Elisha Spencer.
Do.
Stephen Holcomb.
Drumm' Ephraim Goodrich.
Do. Elijah Reed.
Do.
Sam" Marvin, deserted Sept. 22d.
Privates, Daniel Enos, enlisted April 1st.
Nath" Griswold, enlisted March 24.
Francis Griswold, enlisted
Do..
John Lewis, enlisted March 26, deserted Sept. 15th.
Timothy Soper, enlisted April 4th.
Abiether Jones, enlisted Do. 26.
David Jones, enlisted Do. 26.
Epraphras Wolcott, enlisted March 25.
Moses Fargo, enlisted
Do.
Jonath Bewell, enlisted
Do. 16.
Sam!! Blackmore, enlisted
Do. 25.
Berijah Brunson, enlisted
Do. 25.
Elisha Pendal, enlisted March 25.
Roswell Davis.
Jonath" Brown, enlisted March 24.
Richard Fitch, enlisted March 25.
Simeon Allin.
Austin Phelps, enlisted March 24.
Benajah Webster, enlisted March 25.
Isaac Crowfoot, deserted Sept. 15.
Phinehas Huxley.
Joshua Preston.
Ebenezer Burbank.
Privates, Joseph Towner.
Stephen Bu[c]kly, enlisted March 25.
Joseph Stoughton.
David Allyn.
Silas Simans.
Thos Newberry, enlisted March 25.
Jonth Gillett, enlisted May 1, died Oct. 3d.
Joseph Easton.
Thos. Austin.
David Allyn, Jr.
Moses Warner.
Reuben Phelps.
John Rimington.
Wm Middleton.
Marshall Stanly.
Elias Austin.
Hosea Brunson.
John Alford, enlisted March 24.
David Spencer.
Ebenezer Halladay.
Thaddeus Lyman.
Brown Be[c]kwith.
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE FRENCH WAR.
261
Rank.
Names.
Privates, Enoch Granger.
Thos. Williams, Jr.
Dudley Hayse.
Jesse Goddard.
Jehiel Messenger.
Richard Andors.
Isaac Goff, died Sept. 13th.
Aaron Noble, enlisted April 4.
Moses Holcomb, died Oct. 4th.
Shadrach Phelps, Jr.
Primus Hills.'
Isaac Fosbery.
John Williams.
John Forward.
Joseph Hinksman.
Thos. Davis.
Abel Norton, died Aug. 27th.
Dan Pom[e]r[o]y.
John Thomas, enlisted March 28th.
Joel Peck.
Timothy Wills.
Wm. Cammel.
John Dewey.
Benjamin Thrall.
Elijah Brunson.
John Thomas, enlisted March 28.
William Harrington, enlisted March 26. Not joined.
Thomas Parsons, enlisted May 21. Not joined.
GILES GIBBS (Ell.), aged 17, was drafted and died, north of Crown Point, of camp-
distemper.
The French war was now virtually at an end. The balance of the
year 1760 was occupied with a distressing and harassing war between
the Southern Colonies and the Cherokees, which was finally brought to
a successful close. The year 1761 was mostly spent in repairing and
strengthening the numerous posts gained from the French, a work in
which the provincials were much employed.
At the commencement of 1762, England found herself involved in
war with the principal continental powers and the greatest part of the
maritime power of Europe. The colonies were therefore required, as
heretofore, to furnish men and arms for service, and in an expedition
which was made against Martinique and the French posts in the West
Indies, in the early part of 1762, a large number of colonial troops were
employed.
Shortly after, war was declared against Spain, and a large fleet with
some 15,000 or 16,000 troops was sent to attempt the reduction of
Havana and the Spanish West Indies. A large number of provincials,
Probably the old colored Dr. Primus, afterwards of East Windsor.
262
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
under their own officers, joined this undertaking. The greatest obsta-
cles of nature and art, the terrors of pestilence, and the burning rays of
a tropical sun, endured for two long months, had almost wasted and de-
stroyed this courageous and energetic army, when their drooping spirits
were revived by the opportune arrival of a reinforcement from North
America, and the 15th of August, the town, the shipping in the harbor,
and a large extent of territory, were surrendered to the English com-
mander. New England in this enterprise lost a large number of her
Slain in battle or swept off by the pestilence, but few ever re-
turned to their homes.
sons.
THOMAS PARSONS (Wby.), aged about 26, died October, 1762, and
was buried in Cuba.
JOHN EGGLESTONE (Wby.), aged 34, and ELIPHALET LOOMIS (Wby.)
aged 32, died 1762, and were buried in the ocean coming from Havana.
REUBEN COOK (Wby.), aged about 36, died at New York, De-
cember, 1762, on his return from Havana.
Dr. ELIHU TUDOR (E. W.) was on the surgical staff.
Capt. ICHABOD WADSWORTH and ISAAC HUBBARD (Ell.) were in
Putnam's regiment during this siege.
BENJ. PIERSON, son of Simeon (Ell.), died at New York, November,
1762, on his return.
BENJ. PINNEY, son of Benjamin (Ell.), died at New York, Novem-
ber, 1762, on his return.
JOSEPH PINNEY, son of Joseph (Ell.), died at Havana, November,
1762, on his return.
REUBEN STILES was in the expedition, and returned safe and sound.
Sudden and unforseen changes in European affairs soon after turned.
the scale of fortune in favor of England, and enabled her to treat for
peace, without relinquishing a single advantage which she had gained in
North America. Accordingly a definitive treaty of peace between Eng-
land and France was entered into on the 10th of February, 1762, and
the series of long and bloody FRENCH WARS was ended.
It may, perhaps, be thought by some that we have occupied more
space with this subject than is appropriate in a local history. But, when
we consider how devotedly the colonies sacrificed lives and means in the
service of their king; when we remember how great a change the French
wars produced in the character of New England society and manners;
above all, when we reflect that they were pre-eminently THE SCHOOL in
which God was drilling and disciplining the American Colonies for that
greater struggle for their own independence, it does not seem that we
have given it too prominent a place in our Windsor history. For, in the
long Canadian campaigns, the colonial troops, fighting by the side of the
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE FRENCH WAR.
263
disciplined masses of England's choicest soldiery, and under the eye of
England's best generals, were silently learning their own defects, and
strengthening their own powers.
Nay, more; for as they measured their own success with the cum-
bersome inefficiency of the regular troops, they gradually learned to rely
on themselves. And when in after years, they met those same troops as
foes, upon the battle grounds of American liberty, it was not with the
fears of timid novices, but as practiced athletes, wrestling with those
whose prowess and abilities they had already tested in former contests.
We append the names of some who served in the French wars, but
of whose time or place of service we have not been able to find the
exact data :
JOHN, son of Nathaniel and Ruth (Stiles) TAYLOR (E. W.), died
January 6, 1757.
BENONI STILES (E. W.) died in war, aged 24 years.
JOHN and HEZEKIAH BISSELL (E. W.) were in one or more cam-
paigns.
THOMAS (son of Roger) NEWBERRY of Windsor, at the age of 16,
went to East Windsor to learn a trade, and there enlisted. under Capt.
Erastus Wolcott, with whom he served several years in Canada.
NATHANIEL OWEN was in one or more campaigns.
SOME (EAST) WINDSOR WAR LETTERS.
Originals in possession of Mrs. Hannah (Grant) Collins, of Wapping,
Connecticut; copied in February, 1873, by D. Williams Patterson:
HARTFORD, March 29th, 1757.
I.
then William Grant, Alexander Grant, Jonathan Bement, Zephaniah Snow, John Ripe-
neer, Alexander Woolcott Jun, & John McCuen all which Inlisted Private Soldiers
under Lt. Sam¹¹ Welles in the Company of Majr Nathan Payson in his Majestyes Service
for the next Campaigne on this day offered themselves to be mustered, and were
accepted.
per JOSEPH PITKIN, Collon¹¹.
Wm. Grant, Alexander
Grant, Jonatha Bement, Zephaniah
Snow and Alexander Wolcot Junr
were Impressed by Capt. Grant ye 27th.
CLOUFERECK [CLAVERACK].
II.
May the 2 1757 hauing an opertunyty to wryght to you though sone after our parting
but not knoing when I shd. haue another chance to send to you I thought I wold wright
a fue Lins and this may Inform you that I am got well into Cloufereck and am in good
helth and fare consederabel well and I wold not haue you be two much consarnd about
me we dont know when we shall go from this place Some are apt to think we shall tary
hear a month we got into this place on the 29 day of Aprel and are stashind [stationed]
264
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
out about 3 mils from the River. thes lines to all my frends that are in Windsor aspe-
shely to my father and Mother. these Lins ware writing by me in hast in one of the
Duch barns wich is our place of Lodging.
to Captain
Thomas Grant
at Windsor
WILLIAM GRANT
III.
WINDSOR May 6th, 1757.
Louing BrothER We Reciued your Letter May 5th & are Not a Little Rejoiced
to Hear yt you are Jn Heath and fare So well and Through the Goodness of God we at
Present are all Well- & J hope we May See Each other again in the world, but Jf God
in his Prouidance Hath Decread yt we Shold not J hope we shall have a joiful Meeting
at the Right hand of him that gave us our Beings. at Present J have nothing strange
to Wright to you J Know of no Parson Sick amongt us. Father and Mother Bare
with your absenc Better than J Expected I wold Not have you fail of Wrighting Euery
oppertunity. Pleas to Desend as far into Perticklers as you can.
So J Remain your
Most
Affectionate Brother
P. S. My Respects to My Frinds
S. ROCKWELL GRANT
J Dont Know but J May after a while Come and See you. J wold have you
wright what you Stand in Most Nead of yt J Can Suply you with.
4
Mr.
To
William Grant at
Clawverick Belonging
to Major Pa[y]sons
Company of Connecticut
R. G.
with
Care.
IV.
CLOUERECK May the 10, 1757. after my Duty to my father and Mother I wold Inform
them and all my frends that I am well and in good helth, and so I hope these Lins will
find you all. We are in expectacon of Marching from this place in a short time to
Albiny. our fare is not so good as when at hom but it is as good as I did expect
would be and for the most part I am contented with my condishun. We haue no
preching on the Sabeth but the Comishen ofisers Do C'ary on, and eury night and
Morning thay pray with us and for the Most part Sing a psalm in the Euening. I haue
nothing Strange to right to you but only that Lord Leueston [Livingston] with a party
of men haue had a batal with another party that Leue [live] upon his Land and he kild
two of them and thay wounded 5 or 6 of Leuistons party. one of the Men that was
kiled was Danel prat, he was shot into the brest if you haue any opertunity to let me
hear from you i should be glad you wold and i do beleve you may by Leftenent Wells
that i do expect will cary this Leter to hartford.
We have orders to March from this place on the 11 day
of May to a place a Letel aboue Allbiny and below the half-
moon and i do Supose from there to the forts. I should be
glad you wold pay to Alecksander Allian what Is due to him
and tack cear [take care] of my thing[s] as well as you can.
Captain
Thomas Grant
at East Windsor
in Conectecut.
to
}
WILLIAM GRANT.
SOME FRENCH WAR SOLDIERS' LETTERS.
265
1757. WINDSOR, May 14th 1757
V.
Yours J Recd One bearing Date May 2ª, the other 10th Jn which J have the joyful
News of your Helth, Through the Goodness Of God we are at Present So
ent J have Nothing strange
Thomas Grant at
East Windsor in
Connectecut plese
to Deliuer with
Cear and Spead
VI.
at Pres-
WINDSOR June 20th 1757.-LOUING BRTHER Yours we Red Dated May 22ª - wharein
we have the Plesiour to Hear yt you are Jn Helth. So These Lines all of us Through
the. Goodness of God nothing very Remarcable Except a Destresing Drouth & three
Men at Hartford Died very Sudantly two of them ware drounded one of which was
sculing, the ore Slipt over the Pin which Cased him to fall over, his Name we Lost
Det Langerell ventered on to Save his Lyfe ware Both Drounded. aNother Man the
same Jnstant Dropt Down Dead his Name was Ensign - Plese to Wright all opertuni-
tys So J Remain Your Most
Afectinate Brother
ROCKWELL GRANT
P. S. we have had no opertunety to send you any Dollars J Beleive yt J shall
Come and see you some Time this Sumer Jf you are stationed at the fauls. Plese to
Rite what you no Concerning the small pox. we herd a filing (? flying) Report, as
though it was in the army &c
Mr.
at fort Edward
Wiliam Grant
To
Belonging to Major
Pason Compeny of
Connecticut.
VII.
-
FORT EDWARD July the first 1757. LoUING VNCLE I Recued your leter Dated
June the 18 on this very Day the 1 of July wich Jnformed me of you and your famely
and of my fathers famely being in good helth as usuol wich I greatly Rejoys to hear
and hope it may be Continued to you and through the Wonderful goodness of God I
am at present well in helth as euer I was in my Life a marcy grate Jndead wich I Desier
we may be all thanfull for as we shold be and mack a good Jmprouement of that and
all other marcys that we are Daly made the Subicts of it is a very helthy time in the
Camp Comsedering the number of peple being upwards of Five thousand men incampt
together. generel web is latly ariued from Albeny to Fort Edward, and a consederable
Artilery of brase Canon what the Desine is I am not able to tell many hands are dayle
Imploid a bulding the fort and mucking a nuw Intrentment at a Desentes a fue Rods
from the other. no moor men kild. or tacking by the Indyns then I supose you haue
heard of as 5 kild and tackin at one time and 4 kild and 3 tacking at another time; one
kild one wounded at another time. Scouts are ofen sent out, one of about 30 men is
out at present and Capt. Putman is out with a party is expected in so[o]ne. two Cap-
tiues haue ben tacking one by Capt. Putman and one by the Mohocks, and on the 28
day of June thare was 13 french men came into the Camp and Resind themselfs up and
was thought to be some that came from Cand[a]y or Crown pint wich made us to Rejoys
a litel while but sone found out thay ware Some Deserted from New York of the
VOL, I.—34
266
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Nutrels wich mad it seme not so good nuws. I haue ben out one Scout my Self up to
fort An[n] whar was to be sene the worck of our fore fathers wich was plesing to me.
from fort an[n] we went to the Clear Reuer, and from thar we went to the East bay
and from the East bay to the south bay and from there we Returned home to the fort
and mad some Descouery of Indyins shot at some and some plunder. Nothing moor
att Present So I Remain your Harty well wisher and Louing Cousin
WILLIAM GRANT.
Plese to give my Suteble Regards to all my frinds in Pertickler to my father and
mother brethren and sister and if you or they shold haue any opertunity to wright to
me I shold be exeding glad you wold Improue the same and if brother Rockwell should
come up as he told of in the last I Recued Dated may the 6, I shold be glad he wold
bring up some Chese and drid apel and a letel tee and some mony, but I wold not haue
them be two much Consarned about me so as to put your self to troble in coming for as
long as I am well I hope I shall not sufer but in case he should come thes things wold
sut uery well
This Leter I trust will get to you being put in the Cear of Sargt Gil[e]s Wolcot.
Docter To.
Mathew Rockwell
at East Windsor
in Connectecut plese
to Deleuer with Cear
and spead.
'VIII.
WINDSOR July 4th 1757
LOUING BROTHER.
After Dew Regard to you J wold Jnform you yt. Thees Lines Through the Good-
ness of the Eternal God Leave us in Helth as J Hope thay may find you - Though we
are separated at a Grater Distance than Euer we ware before yet J hope Jn God's time
we may Behold Each others fases with harts filed with Thankfulness But Jf god Has
other ways Determined yet Either of us must Jncounter with Grim Deth J Hope yt
it May be our Happy portion whilst our Bodys are Moldring into Dust our unspoted
sols May Sore aboue The Starry Sky & Rest in the Louvng arms of God yt Gave us
ouer Beings there to La his Euerlasting Praises throughout the Neverending Ages of a
Long and Enles Eturnity yt this May be our Portion is the Constant Prayer of your
Most Loving Brother.
ROCKWELL Grant.
P. S. Lord Loudon Saild from york 10 or 12 days agon with about 120 sail it is
Credbaly Reported that yt the fleet is at Hallifax. - Things upon the farm Look Mid-
iing well. Ry wheet Jndian Corn we haue Brok up about 5 acrest Your old mair has
got a snoty Mare Colt Dibel ox ant [aint] Like to shed his Coat Much before the
foll
;
My Respects to all My friends Espesuly those from Windsor. Tel them J shold be
Glad to Se them at Days to Drink a litle Chery with them
DR SERT. GRANT
To.
Mr
William Grant
at fort Edward
in Major Pasons
Company of
Conecticut.
IX.
S. R. G.
CAMP AT FORT EDWARD Aut 23d 1757.
I have Rec'd yours wharein you Inform me you are very Sick at Green Bush; why
Did you go over that Side; I have apply'd to Genle Webb, his order is that you go
:
SOME FRENCH WAR WAR
267
SOLDIERS' LETTERS.
Immeadiately into the Hospital in albany whare you will be very well look'd after and
all those that belongs to Connecticutt Regiment
I hope you will soon Recover
To Sert Wm Grant.
(Superscribed.)
This from your Officer
N. PAYSON.
To
Sarjeant
William Grant
att
Green Bush
X.
SHEFFEALD June 14th ad 1758
SIR after my Regards to I would Jnforme you that J am in good Helthe and hope
that these Lines will find you so tow, and all the Rest of oure Companey are well and J
hope that we shall See Canaday before that J com home and plese to give my Regards
to all our friends and J would not haue not fale of Righting to me and J will do the
same to and plese to giue my Comp to mis E. G. and to all Rerest of the fameley and so
J Remain youres to Sarv and sofrth
To
Mr
William Grant
att
Windsor.
XI.
GILES WOLCOTT.
CAMP ATT CROWN POUINT.
SIR after Due Regards to you wod Jest informe you that J am in good helth at Present
and that J Did arve at this plase on the 15 of this Enst october & all my men with me
saue Sargt. Fitch who J left Sicke at nomberfore and it is a genrel time of helth in our
Camp. there is not Bout teen or twevl out of our Regn that have Died this yeare, J
haue lost three of my men sence J Left Camp - and these Desarters that Capt Enos
took up haue Resed there ponishment Rider of my company had 900 well put on.
Conet had 600 as well put on and those that J tooke up ha'n't had there ponnesment
yet.
and no more at present Bot J must Beg leaue to subscribe my Seleff your humble sarvt.
GILES WOLCOTT.
P. S. plese to give my due Regards to your Honord father and mother Brothers
& Sister & teel hur that J Do inJoy my seleff much Beter at present than when a mong
the Damed Lying Crue for now J Can seet long with a woman as Long as J plese and
they onle sa that J Did it a boue fore or fife times
pr favor of m²
Mather
To
Mr William Grant
at
Windsor
G. W.
to Wright-
J wold not Hav you faill of Wrighting all oppertunitys and Let us know
Jf you are Jn want of any thing y' J can supply you with Jn Dew time I hope
-
268
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
God in his Jnfinite Goodness will Return you to your friends Laden with the Experences
of his Goodness to you which yt it may be is the Constant Prayer of your Most Afec-
tionate Father
Cast your C'are on him yt Cars for you.
Let the fear of God be always before
your Eys
THOMAS GRANT
P. S. You Nead not be Consernd about your bisness J'll see A. Alien På
Your Mother, Brothers and Sister Remember their Love to you.
Mr
Το
William Grant
at Clawverick in Major
Pasons Company of
With
Conecticut
Care.
i.
XII.
June the 10 1757. After My Duty to my Parence I wold inform them that I am
well and in good helth and fare as well as can be expeeted in a Campain, and as I
Recevd your Leter Dated May the fortenthe wich Informed me that you was all well I
was very much Rejoys to hear of it and I hop the same and all other Marcys that you
stand in nead of may be Granted to you as far as is fetest and Best for you and that you
may mack a good Improvement of the same and I hope in Due time we may Se one
another again and be Inabled to giue God thanks for his wonderful goodness towards
us and allthow the dangers of sin and of Life- some to be in more hazard yet god is
Able to Presarue and to make all things work together for good to them that Loue him,
tharfor I would not haue you be two much consarnd about me but put your trust in
one that is able to Dwo for us in a far moer abundant way and maner than we are Able
to do or Lay out for our selfe.
I have nothing Remarkable to wright to you of the Afares in the Camp But only
that on the begining of May there was 4 men kild and 5 tacking within about half a
mild of this Fort. Scout are sent out but mack no Descuueryes, Captin Putman set out
with About 100 men for 18 days scout and was to be Joinde with two moor Companys
when thay got to the Lack [Lake George ?] to go to the Norews [Narrows-Lake
George] as was talked of when thay went away, the 5 day of June thur was two cap-
tiues came in too the fort one was tacken at Swago, and the other in capt Rodgers Fight
and they bring nuws that thar is a grat Scarcty of Prouisons and that they are very
much Descurdged and I mad Inquries about Captin Noah Grant and he teld me that
thar was nothing heard of him after he set out with Captin Sheperd, thes men set out
from Moryall 13 days befor thay came to this Fort
These Lines from your most Duteful Son
Captian
Thomas Grant
at East Windsor
WILLIAM GRANT.
to
in Connetecut These
to Deliuer with Cear
and spead.
XIII.
Fort EdwarD, June the 12 1757 Honored father hauing writ a Leter June the 10 and
Sent it and presently after I writ the Same Day thar was a soreful Acedent Hapened
wich I had not opertunity to put in. A party of men went out with Leftenent Bilings
SOME FRENCH WAR SOLDIERS' LETTERS.
269
about thre quarters of a mild from the Fort to work and there went a gard with them
of abut 16 men and about nine a clock thay came in to Breakforst and went out at 10
and had but Jest set the Sentry Befoer the Enemy Fired upon them and kild 4 of
them upon the spot and 5 or 6 moer are absent and witout Dout are kild or tacken.
a number of our men run out from the fort and fired at them but Dont no that thay
kild any. two of the men that was kild belonged to captain Witelsies company. the
names of them was Martin Hooker and thomas Buckely and the other two Belonged to
Captain Slop, one of them was Ric. Edwards, the other was an Indyen felow. the
names of two of the men that was tucken was John Wolcot and Daved Camel and the
other three Belonged to Captain Fitch. a Sorrowful Sight to Behold, Martin Hooker
was a Live when they found him and thay Brought him into the fort and he Liued a
fue minits and did. he was Shot throw with two bulets. and stabed with thar knifs
in two or three places and scalped and a hol cut in his neck with a hatchit nuws is
come sence that 2 men was tacken at Lack gorge [Lake George] the day befor, but how
true I cant tell we seme to be Exsposed to many danger but what is Determind for us
God only knows.
WILLIAM GRANT.
thes lins ware Sent from fort Edward the 23 day of June, no opertunyti befor thar
is Some things if I had time I shold have writ but cant now if thar is any opertunity to
let me hear from you plese to Improue it and let me hear how the Afares are at hom.
thes lins leve me well.
Captian
to
CHAPTER XIV.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. THE FIRST, OR OLD SOCIETY IN
WINDSOR.
1711-1776.
T
THIS society was organized about 1703. The "Ecclesiastical So-
ciety" of New England was the necessary outgrowth of the division
of a town, or of an extension of religious privileges in the formation of a
new church congregation. Previously to this the town and the church
were practically one as regarded their material interests, and the records.
of the town embraced the history of both. But, when new parishes be-
gan to be formed and there were two or more in the same town, then the
State established ecclesiastical societies, defined their boundaries, and gave
into their hands all the powers relative to ecclesiastical affairs, schools, and
the care of the “burying ground" which the towns had previously exer-
cised. All property within the limits of a society was taxable, on vote of the
society, for the support of the Gospel and for schools. Subsequently, under
the pressure of an increasing desire for "liberty of conscience" in mat-
ters of faith, this law was modified. The first to be exempted from the
tax laid by the Congregational Society were members of an Episcopal
Society, located in the southern part of the State. Later still, the ex-
emption included all persons who belonged to any religious society and
who, by certificate, notified the clerk of the Congregational Society in
which they lived, of the fact; whereupon such persons were taxed only
for the support of such other society as they belonged to, and thus,
directly or indirectly, all property was taxed for the maintenance of re-
ligious institutions.' The Constitution of 1818 exempted every one from
an ecclesiastical tax, unless they voluntarily assumed it; but the old
school system yet remains unchanged, and parties who maintain private
¹ It was not until near the beginning of the present century that men were allowed
to "sign off" in order that they might support preaching of some other than the es-
tablished order." Numbers of these notes or "certificates" which are recorded, show
how unwilling many were to be taxed for the support of a ministry in which they had
no faith. One dated Nov., 1808, reads, "This may certify that MARTIN PALMER, of
Windsor, does not mean to uphold the idea of Religion being supported by the civil
sword; therefore, by this he certifies that the Baptist order are according to the Apos-
tolic plan, discarding the usurpation of the Pedo-Baptists, or Presbyterians, and will not
support them, from this date.”
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1711-1776.
271
schools must still pay their tax to support the State system of public
instruction.
The separate parish records of Windsor begin Aug. 31, 1711; previ-
ously to this, though, for some few years, the east and west sides of the
river voted separately in parish matters, both for the support of preach-
ing and for schools. Separate books of record were not kept.
1712-13, Feb. 3.
Voted, To give the Rev. Samuel Mather this year, and also dur-
ing his life for the future, the sum of £45 in pay, or two-thirds in money, yearly, and
so proportionately, for a lesser term of time."
1716–17, Jan. 30. "Voted, That the south and north sides of the Meeting-house, and
the east end be changed into pews.
Voted, It shall be determined in what manner the said pews shall be built.
Voted, That the Society shall be at the charge of making the pews around the
Meeting-house as above.”
It will be remembered that, in the case of similar previous altera-
tions in the first meeting-house, they had been made at the expense of
the individuals who were to occupy them. This vote of 1717 marks
a progress towards equality in the house of God, "a leveling up of the
people, not by pulling down the pews of the dignitaries, but by building
pews for the untitled-a venturing to relax a little the outward defer-
ence paid to official station, a process which has been carried so far in
our day that the Governor of the Commonwealth sits among the peo-
ple who elected him, with no outward sign of his rank "; but for a long
time after this, the dignitaries continued to sit in "the highest seats,'
and the common people were "seated" as shown in some of the follow-
ing records:
">
Twelve years later we have the items of expense paid by the society ¹
for "seating the meeting-house."
1
"To Jonathan Gillett for warning pew men to meet the seaters to consider what to
do.
"To Dea. Thomas Marshall, 5 days at 38., seating the meeting-house,
158.
'To John Palmer, Sen., 5 days
'To Israel Stoughton,
<<
tr
tr
158.
158.
"To Capt. Moore,
"To Dr. Samuel Mather for part of a day seating the meeting-house, and a
copy of the dignification,
"The Soc'y is indebted to Eliakim Marshall for 19 dinners to seaters of the
meeting-house, from Feb. 23, to March 18,
for drink,
198.
4s. 4d."
¹ Dr. Samuel Mather (who was also one of the committee to dignify the seats,")
was permitted, by special vote of the society, to 'have room to erect a pew from the
Gallery stairs, going into the women's gallery, to extend to the South Guard, including
one casement.”
The seaters were especially instructed in the performance of their duty, to have due
regard to age and estate, none to be degraded," i. e., none to be assigned to a seat
less honorable than they had previously occupied. Also, "Voted, Those that have seats
of their own granted are not to be seated nowhere else, except they resign up their seats
to the Society."
272
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Also voted, "That the seaters shall not seat the minister's pew."
Voted to permit Isaac Skinner, Stephen Palmer and Enoch Drake to have liberty
to make a pew over the women's stairs, provided they fill the said pew, and don't hinder
the light.'
>> 1
December 30th, 1718. "As to the middle pew in the gallery, the Society voted that
notwithstanding any former right, any person had, by building or being settled, in the
aforesaid pew, the Society takes it into their own custody, to dispose of it as they shall
think fit, allowing those persons what they shall think reasonable that built it.”
Voted, That the Society will give to the persons that built the pew in the gallery,
318. for it."
The committee were ordered to seat it.
:
December 31, 1719. Voted “that the pew next to the pulpit shall be for the use of
Mr. Marsh's family and no other."
In the year 1724, the inhabitants of the Poquonock district were set
off as a distinct parish, and the style of the "Society West of the River,"
is after this date changed, on the records, to the Old, or First, or Middle
Society.
January 29, 1729. It was voted, that Deacon Thomas Marshall
shall set the psalm on Sabbath day.
April 5, 1731. "Voted that this Meeting-House shall be repaired, with new win-
dow frames, sash frame, and well glazed forthwith, and clab-boarded anew where it is
needful; also that the under-pinning be well repaired and the dormant windows, so
called, taken down and the space filled up with boards and shingles."
At a subsequent meeting this vote was reconsidered, and it was
ordered that “the meeting-house windows shall be made in the same
form as they now are, and that the dormer windows be unchanged.
""
February 4, 1734-5. The society committee were instructed to
"purchase a good suitable black broadcloth, which may be creditable to
cover corpses withall when buried, and that the same be left with Mr.
Thomas Filer, so that any person may know where to take it when any
person is buried; and it is to be purchased on the society's cost, and the
cloth to remain for the use aforesaid."
Also,
Voted, that the Society drum be fitted in good rig, and some person hired
on the Society's cost to beat it on the Sabbath days.”
About this time the meeting-house was seated anew, and it was
ordered, “that each person is to be seated according to his age and rates,
' In the Town Records is a "Pewman's Bond," dated Dec. 19, 1718, which corre-
sponds with the above. It was executed by Enoch Drake, John Stiles, Isaac Skinner,
Nath. Allyn and Thos. Allyn, Jonathan Barber and Daniel Griswold, for the sum of £5
each. It bound "all and every one of them, their heirs and administrators, to well and
truly pay, or cause to be paid, his or their ratable part of building a Pew, which we
are now about to build in the gallery of the Meeting-House." None were to sell out
their right, without the consent of all the rest; and none to sell it for more or less than
its original cost. Matthew Allyn afterwards sold his right to his brother Thomas, and
he to Simon Chapman.
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1711-1776.
273
and not to have any regard to anything else, but only no man to be
seated lower than he is now seated."
In society expenses, the next year, are the following items:
"John Wilson, for pall, £8 15s.
<<
to turning a pair of drumsticks, 6d.
Josiah Allen for beating drum.
John
"
(
In 1736, or thereabouts, there seems to have been quite a commotion
in various churches of the colony, occasioned by a new fangled method of
singing, introduced by a certain Mr. Beal, and called Singing by Rule.'
In the church of Windsor, its attempted introduction gave rise to much
excitement, during which an amusing incident occurred, which is thus
naïvely described on the Society Records by Henry Allyn, clerk :
July 2d, 1736. At a society meeting at which Capt. Pelatiah Allyn was moderator.
The business of the meeting proceeded in the following manner, viz., the Moder-
ator proposed to the consideration of the meeting in the 1st place what should be done
respecting that part of Public worship called singing, viz: whether in their Public meet-
ings, as on Sabbath days, Lectures, &c: they would sing the way that Deacon Marshall
usually sang in his lifetime, commonly called the 'Old Way," or whether they would
sing the way, taught by Mr. Beal, commonly called 'singing by Rule,' and when the
Society had discoursed the matter, the Moderator proposed to vote for said two ways as
followeth, viz: that those that were for singing in public in the way practiced by Dea-
con Marshall, should hold up their hands and be counted, and then that those that were
desirous to sing in Mr. Beal's way, called "by Rule," would after show their minds by
the same sign, which method was proceeded upon accordingly. But when the vote was
passed, there being many voters, it was difficult to take the exact number of votes in
order to determine on which side the major vote was: whereupon the Moderator
ordered all of the voters to go out of the seats and stand in the alleys, and then that those
that were for Deacon Marshall's [way] should go into the men's seats, and those that
¹ Rev. Thomas Walter, a minister of Roxbury, Mass., from 1718 to 1725, was one
of the early movers toward this reform in church singing. The following is his testi-
mony as to the condition of this part of public worship in his day.
"About the commencement of the eighteenth century, music had been so much
neglected that few congregations could sing more than four or five tunes, and these few
had become so mutilated, tortured, and twisted, that the psalm-singing had become a
mere disorderly noise, left to the mercy of every unskillful throat to chop and alter,
twist and change, according to their odd fancy - sounding like five hundred tunes
scored out at the same time, and so little in time that they were often one or two words apart;
so hideous as to be bad beyond expression, and so drawling that we sometimes had to
pause twice on one word to take breath; and the decline had been so gradual that the
very confusion and discord seemed to have become grateful to their ears, while melody
sung in tune and time was offensive; and when it was heard that tunes were sung by
note, they argued that the new way, as it was called, was an unknown tongue, not
melodious as the old — made disturbance in churches, was needless a contrivance of
the designing to get money, required too much time, and made the young disorderly;
old way good enough.”
A writer in the New England Chronicle, about the same time (¿. e., in 1723`, said,
Truly I have a great jealousy that if we once begin to sing by note, the next thing
will be to pray by rule, and preach by rule, and then comes Popery."
VOL. I. 35
274
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
were for Mr. Beal's way should go into the women's seats, and after many objections
made against that way, which prevailed not with the Moderator, it was complied with,
and then the Moderator desired that those that were of the mind that the way to be
practised for singing for the future on the Sabbath, &c. should be the way sung by
Deacon Marshall as aforesaid would signify the same by holding up their hands, and be
counted, and then the Moderator and myself went and counted the voters, and the Mod-
erator asked me how many there was. I answered 42 and he said there was 63 or 64,
and then we both counted again, and agreed in the number being 43. Then the Mod-
erator was about to count the number of votes for Mr. Beal's way of Singing called "by
Rule," but it was offered whether it would not be better to order the voters to pass out
of the meeting-house door and there be counted, which method (though by many ob-
jected against, was ordered by the Moderator, and those that were for Deacon Marshall's
way of singing, as aforesaid, were ordered to pass out of the Meeting-House door and
there be counted, who did accordingly and their number was 44 or 45. Then the Moder-
ator proceeded and desired that those that were for singing in Public the way that Mr.
Beal taught, would draw out of their seats and pass out of the door and be counted;
they replied they were ready to show their minds in any proper way where they were, if
they might be directed thereto, but would not go out of the door to do the same, and
desired that they might be led to a vote where they were, and they were ready to show
their minds which the Moderator refused to do and thereupon declared that it was voted
that Deacon Marshall's way of singing called the "Old Way," should be sung in Pub-
lic for the future, and ordered me to record the same as the vote of the said Society,
which I refused to do under the circumstances thereof, and have recorded the facts and
proceedings."
At the next meeting in January, 1736-7, Deacon Marshall's method
was dropped, and it was "voted, that the Society would sing in their
public meetings, for the year ensuing, one part of the day in the old way
of singing, as it is called, and the other half of the day in the new way
of singing, called singing by Rule.
""
At last came the triumph of the reformers.
"Feb. 1738-40.
Voted, That the way of singing in public shall be by the way or.
method commonly called singing by rule, or the way Mr. Beal taught this Society.
'Voted, That Deacon John Wilson tune the Psalm.
Voted, That Deacon John Cook shall read the Psalm.” ¹
1
In the winter of 1740-1, occurred the famous revival of religion
known as the Great Awakening. Commencing at Northampton under
'Rev. Timothy Edwards, of the Second Parish (East Windsor), in his private
account book, thus writes concerning Mr. Beale, and seems to have favored his style of
singing — indeed, took an active part in the reform. During the five months in which
Mr. Beal and his son made Mr. Edwards' house their home, off-and-on, they visited
Hartford, Springfield, Willington, and the west side of the river, undoubtedly about
their singing business.
“March 13, 1727. Mr. George Beale and his son Matthew came to my house at
noon, and went that day to Dinner, both of them, and at night to Supper, and Lay here
that night and went to breakfast and dinner the next day: in ye afternoon went to Hart-
ford, viz. on Tuesday.
'March 17. Yy both came again on Friday and Supped and Lodged here, and
continued here until ye next Tuesday after dinner and yº went again in the afternoon to
Hartford.
"
March 24th. On Friday, in the evening yy came again, Supped and Lodged here
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1711-1776.
275
99 1
the preaching of the Rev. Jonathan Edwards, it extended throughout the
breadth and length of New England until almost every church had par-
taken of its influences. The first parish in Windsor, under Mr. Marsh,
was richly blest, as Mr. Edwards says, "about the same time as we in
Northampton, while we had no knowledge of each other's circumstances;
there has been a very great ingathering of souls to Christ in that place."
About this time the celebrated Whitfield preached, at least once in
Windsor. The meeting-house, which at that time stood on the Palisado
green, opposite Dr. Pierson's, was very large and had two galleries, yet it
could not accommodate hundreds who came to listen to the burning elo-
quence of the man of God.
In 1747, the Rev. Jonathan Marsh, third pastor of this society,
rested from his labors. He possessed great amiability of temper, with
strong powers of mind; and fervid piety was happily blended with sound
judgment. Tradition relates that not unfrequently, when the sands of
the pulpit hour-glass had quite run out, he would turn it over, and preach
almost to the end of the second hour. His life was one of laborious
effort, and his ministry was attended with great success.
His monument, in the old cemetery at Windsor, bears the following
truthful epitaph:
"Here lies interred the body of the Revd Mr JONATHAN MARSH, a faithful
and successful Pastor of the first church of Windsor, who died Sept ye 8, 1747 in the
39th year of his Ministry. tatis Sui 63. Sic Transit Gloria Mundi.”
The love and respect with which he had inspired his people, and their
tender care for his family, is evinced in the following society votes:
and continued with us till Tuesday after dinner, viz. sometime in ye afternoon went to
Hartford.
March 31. Yy came again on Friday evening and continued here till Tuesday
after dinner as before.
"And so Mr. Beale hath been here after the same manner ever sines, with his son,
only yt week our Singing Lecture was, his son was here from the Friday night of the
week before all ye time to ye next Thursday after dinner.
This was written May 9th.
"July 12. Mr. Beale and his son went in ye forenoon to ye West side of y* River
and came home in ye evening."
But it is to be noticed that Mr. Beal's way, commonly called “ Singing by Rule,"
did not prevail in the Windsor Society until twelve years after he tabernacled with Rev.
Mr. Edwards, showing the existence of a strong, conservative force in this ancient par-
ish. Under the new style, congregational singing in New England was greatly improved.
Then, just before the Revolutionary War, Mr. William Billings arose - born in Boston,
1746, and accounted a great musical genius-who wrought a wondrous revolution.
Under him came church choirs, fuging tunes, singing schools, the buss-viol, etc., etc.
His music went through the churches like a fresh breeze." Condensed from Rev. Increase
N. Tarbox's Address on Singing Customs in New England Churches, read at the Quarter-
Millenial of Windsor Church, 1880.
¹ Jonathan Edward's Hist. of the Great Revival.
276
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
"At a Meeting of the 1st or Old Society in Windsor lawfully warned and assembled
in the Old Meeting House in Windsor on the first Monday of October, A.D. 1747, to con-
sider what we shall do under our sore and heavy bereavement, brought on us in the
Death of our Late Revd Mr Jonathan Marsh, our pastor, voted, that Deacon John Wil-
son, Deacon John Cook, Ebenezer Hayden, Daniel Bissell, Jonathan Stiles, John Pal-
mer, Jr., and Henry Allyn, or the major part of them, be a Committee for this Society
to seek after and provide some meet Person to preach with us under our present circum-
stances.
'Voted, to raise £200 for the Gospel ministry, and to pay Mr. Marsh's heirs the bal-
ance of his salary.”
The society, in April, 1748, voted, in consideration of the "late de-
pression of our currency, and the charge of the decent Interment of the
Rev. Mr. Jonathan Marsh, our late worthy Pastor, it is now voted to grant
to his heirs £175 money, old Tenor, in addition to what has hitherto been
granted."
1
During Mr. Marsh's ministry the church and parish had suffered
further diminution by the separation of Poquonock, and the establish-
ment there of an independent church and society in 1724, and by a simi-
lar happening at Wintonbury (now Bloomfield) in 1739.
Shortly after his death, and before his successor had been decided
upon, the society began to agitate the subject of a new meeting-house,
and straightway became involved in one of those quarrels which - alas,
for poor human nature! are so frequent in New England churches, the
matter in dispute being, as usual, the location of the new edifice. From
the first settlement of the town, the meeting-house had stood on the Pali-
sado Green, north of the rivulet. A rule, very generally recognized in
locating churches, was to take the sum of the distances from each dwell-
ing in the parish and to find the common center. "Thus in this case, the
distance was measured from every house on the north side of the river
¹ In 1715, the society voted to give Rev. Mr. Marsh £70 this year; in 1718, £85 this
year; in 1719, £90 this year; in 1720, £95 to be paid in money or grain; in 1721, £100 to
be paid in money or grain; in 1722, £100 in money this year; in 1724, £110 in money this
year; in 1727, £125 in money this year; in 1730, £130 in money this year; in 1735, £160
in money this year; in 1736, £165 in money this year; in 1737, £180 in money this year;
in 1739, £190 in money this year; in 1740, £200 in money this year; in 1741, £200, and
£30 for wood; in 1744, £240, he furnish wood; in 1745, £250, he furnish wood; in 1746,
£260, old tenor.
The town of Windsor, by votes bearing date December 1713 and 1716, did give to
the Rev. Jonathan Marsh sixty acres of land within the township of Windsor, which
land was surveyed out to him in 1722:
In January, 1726, Mr. Marsh bought, for £36, of Daniel and Thomas White, six
acres of land north of the rivulet. In April, 1736, Thomas Shepard, in consideration of
a certain sum of money paid to him by Jonathan Stiles of Windsor, quitclaimed unto
the Rev. Jonathan Marsh all his right and title to a certain piece of land in Windsor,
containing seventy-five acres.
In May, 1740, Rev. Jonathan Marsh purchased a lot of seven acres on the west side
of the Great River; thus showing him to have in possession at least 140 acres of land.
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1711–1776.
277
to the Meeting-house, and the sum of these distances added together;
then the number of the houses multiplied by the distance from the meet-
ing-house, via the ferry road, the ferry, thence to the David Rowland house,
then south, thence west to the north end of Broad street, and the sum of
these distances added to the former. Then the distances from all the
houses on the south side to the north end of Broad street, and thence,
via the ferry to the meeting-house, were measured, and it was found that
the people on the north side could reach Broad street with less travel
than those on the south side must travel to reach Palizado Green." J.
H. Hayden: Tradition (Rev. Frederic Chapman, b. 1760) says that a
center thus obtained, measured by the usual path of those who resided
in what is now the Fourth School District (the vicinity of the Old Mill)
who usually came down a road through the Hollow Fall and crossed the
Rivulet in their own boats, thirty or forty rods above the present rail-
road bridge, would have located the new meeting-house on the site of
the old one; but those who lived south and west of the Rivulet claimed
that those who lived in the old mill district should have their distances
measured via the public highway and ferry, and by this strategetic move
those south of the Rivulet finally carried the day, and the society in 1754
agreed to erect the new meeting-house on Broad street.'
In 1755, the society appointed a building committee to build "where
the County Court had set the stake"; in 1756, they voted that the house
should be 60 feet by 45, and 24 feet in height. It was erected, as we
learn from the date on its corner-stone (since inserted in the foundation.
of the present edifice) in 1757.²
¹ There is now in the town clerk's office a map which was drawn up at this time,
and with special reference to this question of locating the meeting-house. From some
notes on its margin we gather the following items:
The travel of the inhabitants on the south side of the Rivulet to Dr. Wolcott's
(the house now occupied by the widow of Sidney Bowers), is
The travel from Dr. Wolcott's to the meeting-house, is
The travel of the inhabitants on the north side of the Rivulet to the
meeting-house, is
The travel from the meeting-house to Dr. Wolcott's, is,
112 miles.
56 miles.
168 miles.
71 miles, 253 rods.
39 miles.
110 miles, 253 rods.
Making the travel of the south side people 58 miles, 253 rods more than that of
those on the north side.
2 Illustrative of the custom of the day to raise all needed funds, however insignifi-
cant, by taxation, we copy a vote of the first society to procure step-stones for the
meeting-house (south side of the river), seven years after the house was first occupied :
1765. "Voted to raise two farthings on the pound on the poll and ratable estate of
said society, as set in the list of 1764, for the payment of the step-stones, which the meet-
ing-house committee had not money to pay up.”
278
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
In January, 1758, the new meeting-house seems to have been nearly
completed, for the society instructed the committee "to pull down the
Old House, sometime in March or April next, and that it be applied for
finishing the new"; and the new edifice, which stood where the academy
since stood, in front of Widow Bowers's, was never quite finished.
April 28, 1758, the society voted, "to meet for worship in the future
in the new meeting-house," and in July of the same year, it was voted
"to give the Rev. Mr. Russell that timber that was picked out for a barn,
out of the old meeting-house timber." There is little doubt that the
tradition which points out Mr. Horace Ellsworth's barn as the veritable
one built out of the timber of the old meeting-house, erected one hundred
and six years ago, on Palisado Green, may be accepted as true.
The dissatisfaction, however, of those who lived north of the Rivu-
let, resulted, in 1759, in the securing of a legislative enactment, author-
izing the formation of a distinct ecclesiastical society. This was done,
and the Seventh Society, or the Society in North Windsor, as it was
termed, erected an edifice on the west side of the road, about one and a
quarter miles north of the Old Church, and nearly opposite the present
residence of Mr. Hiram Buckland; and, in September, 1761, were by
act of the Consociation of the North District of Hartford County,
solemnly set apart as a distinct church of Christ. In October, 1765,
a unanimous call was extended to the Rev. Theodore Hinsdale to be-
come their pastor; and he entered upon his duties on the 30th of April
following. He was a graduate of Yale College, in 1762, and a man of
deep piety and excellent attainments.
(6
·
But each of these societies were weak, and each lamented the other's
perversity in refusing to cross the Rivulet. The First Society, from their
house on the south side of that stream, in 1767, only five years after the
organization of the (Seventh) society, sent out a pathetic appeal "to the
7th, or our brethren on the north side." Reviewing the successive steps
of the disagreement which had alienated them, they allude to the event
as one which we then took to be a great misfortune to both, which ex-
perience proves to be true," and they continue, "if the north side will
annex themselves to us, we will finish the meeting-house where it now
stands at our own cost, within five years, and exempt the brethren on
the north side from taxes to support the ministry for four years." This
proposition shows that, after nine years occupation, their building was so
far from being finished, that it would require five years more to complete
it, and there is a tradition that it never was completed as originally pro-
posed.
The only condition imposed upon the "7th Society" people by this
offer, was that they should "freely and cordially" annex themselves and
their public stock to the First Society; and that, in case of future divi-
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1711–1776.
279
:
sion, each were to have their own back again; and such property as
should have been acquired after the reunion should be divided by the
amount of their respective lists at the time of division. This proposition,
however, was not accepted by the North Society, and the division contin-
ued for twenty-five years longer.
Meanwhile, the First Society remained without a pastor for four
years after the death of the venerable Marsh. An invitation to a Mr.
Graham, in 1740, and one to Mr. Joseph Fowler of Lebanon in 1750,
were both declined. At length, in February, 1751, the society voted to
call the Rev. WILLIAM RUSSELL, Jr., of Middletown. The call was ac-
cepted by him in person, in April following, and he was ordained July
24, 1754. The terms of his settlement, as per society vote, were, “To
raise £1,600 to give to Mr. William Russell encouragement to settle with
us in the work of the Gospel ministry; £800 to be raised on the list of
1750, the other £800 on the list of 1751. In addition to this an annual
Salary of £67, Coined Silver money, at eight shillings per ounce, and a
suitable supply of Fire-Wood." "
The new pastor was the son of the Rev. William Russell of Middle-
town, Conn., and had graduated in 1745, at Yale College, in which insti-
tution he afterwards held the office of tutor. He came to the charge of
the Windsor church at a peculiarly trying time, when the minds of the
people had become unsettled by the want of a regular ministry, and by
the contentions and divisions which were then agitating the parish in re-
gard to the building of the meeting-house. Yet, so far as we can learn,
he ruled his charge with mingled prudence and fidelity, and his in-
tercourse with the Rev. Mr. Hinsdale and the new congregation was such
as to secure their respect and affection.
April 19, 1775, the society were bereaved by the death of Mr. Rus-
sell. In the twenty-four years of his ministry, he had baptized 319, and
admitted thirty-nine persons to the communion of the church. "Dur-
¹ In 1760, it was voted "to give Rev. William Russell, £13 as a pledge to be paid
out of money now in Committee's hands": in December, 1762, voted "To give Rev.
William Russell Ten Pounds more than the original Covenant was, for the ensuing
year." In December, 1763, a similar for £12: October, 1768, salary for ensuing year,
£67 8s. 6d. Voted to get Mr. Russell's Wood by a spell of sledding." In 1774, voted
Mr. Russell's salary £57 Ss. 7d., and £12 for wood, if he will get it himself." In 1753,
Dea. Samuel sold him two pieces of land, one of about 14 acres in the Palisado [Mrs.
Anson Loomis place 1891] on the westerly side of the old meeting-house; the other of
51 acres, near Kettle Brook. In 1771, his second wife, Abigail Newberry, bought an
acre in the Great Meadow. In May, 1775, the society voted, "That the Society Commit-
tee let out the Church land and Town Lot, reserving so much of said land as to keep
one Cow for Mr. Russell's children if they should keep house here this Summer, or
hire it to be kept, if that should be thought best." Mr. Russell had died during the
preceding month.
280
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
ing his pastorate, there was a shower of divine grace by which twenty
of the above number were added (Ms. Church Rec.). His loss was felt
not only by the people of his own charge, but by the town; and the at-
tendance upon his funeral gave evidence of a sorrow as wide-spread as
it was heartfelt. He was buried on the same day on which the news of
the battle of Lexington was received at Windsor.
Note on Military Affairs. The office of sergeant-major, created in
1672, and the highest military office in each county, was held in Hart-
ford County by Roger Wolcott of Windsor, in 1724. In 1702, Windsor
had three companies of infantry, or "train-bands," one of which was
located east of the Connecticut River.
In 1737, Maj. Roger Wolcott's command was called a regiment, but
strictly was not so. It contained forty-seven companies of Infantry,
numbering 3,480 men and two of horse, 106 men. Windsor contributed
seven companies, under Captains Henry Allyn, Peletiah Allyn, Joseph
Phelps, John Ellsworth, Thomas Griswold, and Lieuts. Daniel Ellsworth
and Peletiah Mills.
In 1739, regimental organizations were first regularly established,
and thirteen regiments, each commanded by a colonel, were formed.
Windsor, which was included in the First Regiment of Hartford County,
has been commanded by the following Windsor men:
1724–41, Maj. and Col. ROGER WOLCOTT; 1777-85, Col. ROGER New-
BERRY; 1792-95, Lt.-Col. OLIVER MATHER; 1815-18, Col. JAMES
LOOMIS; 1829-33, Col. WILLIAM HAYDEN (a native of East Windsor,
though a resident of Hartford).
In 1741, a troop of horse was authorized for each regiment; in 1776,
five troop of light horse were formed out of the then twenty-four regi-
ments of militia. The militia system was radically changed in Decem-
ber, 1776, divisions and brigades being then first organized, and the First
Regiment came into the First Brigade. In 1872, there were twenty-seven
militia regiments in the State, Windsor being in the 1st, and East Wind-
sor in the 19th Regiment, in which they have since remained.
CHAPTER XV.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY-WINDSOR THIRD, OR POQUONOCK SOCIETY.
1724-1841.
2
HAT portion of Windsor known as Poquonock' was settled about
1649, at which time Edward Griswold and his sons, Francis and
George (both grown to manhood), Thomas Holcomb, and John Bartlett
(the "rivulet" ferryman of 1648) were living here. See p. 80.
These first settlers of Poquonock, in view of their exposed condition,
"and nearness to the Indians," had one man on training day excused by
the General Court from the military duty exacted from other settlers
of Windsor. Gradually the little community increased in numbers, and
its inhabitants still worshiped with the old church at Windsor, of which
some became members. Benajah Holcomb, George Griswold, and wife
Mary, Joseph Griswold, Hester, wife of Josiah Phelps, and Nathan Gillett,
Sen', united with the Windsor Church between 1685 and 1700. Of the
original Windsor families, fourteen became subsequently well represented
in Poquonock, viz.: Barber, Clark, Cook, Denslow, Gillet, Griswold, Hillyer,
Holcomb, Loomis, Marshall, Moore, Palmer, Pinney, Phelps. Oliver Ells-
worth, Jr.'s, MSS., 1802, says: "One part of Powanok [Poquonock]
was settled by the Welch, for, within the memory of those living, this
Powanok was called Wales,' and a certain fishing place on the Little
River was named Breakneck, after (probably) Breakneck in Wales."
6
3
As early as 1717 the inhabitants were allowed by the Old Society,
1 The Indian name Poquonock, variously spelled, denotes "cleared land," that is,
a tract of land from which trees and bushes have been cleared, to fit it for cultivation.-
Trumbull's Indian Names in Conn. In 1882, Mr. C. B. Tourtelle, postmaster of Poquon-
ock, made a list of forty different ways of spelling the name, on letters received at that
office within twelve months.
2 One line of George Griswold's descendants owned the place now occupied by Mr.
Samuel L. Smith. The old brick house west of Mr. Smith's was built probably by a
grandson of George, Lt. John Griswold, born in 1712. A part of the brick of its walls
were brought from England. It was considered an old house a hundred years ago.
8" Wales" lies at the foot of the falls on the east side of the river, and was so
named because John Owen, a Welchman, was the first settler there. He was in Wind-
sor, 1650, or earlier; lived about twenty years on the road leading west from the Pali-
sado, and the family removed to his land below Strawberry Meadow. His house stood
where the late Nathaniel Owen lived, and where Nathaniel's daughter, "Aunt Esther,"
the last of the Owens of Wales, died, about 1855. Breakneck is not in that locality. H.
VOL. I.-36
·
282
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
+
to which they still belonged, the sum of £4 for schooling their own child-
ren; but, though the distance to Windsor Church was felt to be an in-
creasing hardship, several years elapsed before they attempted to secure
for themselves the benefits of an independent church organization.
In January, 1723-4, however, at a meeting of Windsor West, or Old
Society, it was "voted, that the inhabitants of Poquonnoc, with the peo-
ple adjacent, viz., as far as Peter Brown, Jr.'s, inclusive, and Thomas
Thralls exclusive, shall be freed from paying to the ministry here in pro-
portion to such time as they shall hire an orthodox minister among them
that shall preach." By the same vote, the Old Society released the fol-
lowing inhabitants of Poquonock, on the south side of the Rivulet, from
paying ministerial taxes:
John Brown,
John Brown, Jr.,
Jonathan Brown,
Peter Brown,
Hester Barber,
Benjamin Barber,
Wid. Martha Barber,
Nathaniel Griswold,
Peletiah Griswold,
Ens. Thomas Griswold,
Thomas Griswold, Jr.,
Sgt. John Griswold,
Daniel Griswold, Jr.,
Matthew Griswold,
Ens. George Griswold,
Francis Griswold,
David Griswold,
Lt. Daniel Griswold,
Edward Griswold,
Joseph Griswold,
Sgt. Benajah Holcomb,
Wid. Martha Holcomb,
Joseph Holcomb,
Benjamin Moore,
Sgt. Joseph Barnard,
Wid. Hannah Phelps,
William Phelps, Jr.*
Josiah Phelps,
Lt. Nathaniel Pinney,
Nathaniel Pinney, Jr.,
David Marshall.
Their list of estates for 1723 amounted to £1,570 10s.
On the north side of the Rivulet,
Sgt. Benjamin Griswold,
Benjamin Griswold, Jr.,
Nathan Gillet, Sr.,
Isaac Gillet,
Obadiah Owen,
Nathaniel Owen,
Ephraim Phelps,
Thomas Phelps,
Enoch Phelps,
David Phelps,
Samuel Phelps,
Sgt. John Phelps,
Stephen Winchell.
Their list of estates for 1723 amounted to £590 118.
In May, 1724, the Poquonock people made a formal application to
the Assembly for incorporation as a distinct society. This petition states
that they number forty families, most of whom are four miles distant
from the Old Society meeting-house; and that they have a "difficult river
to pass" in going there. The assembly granted their request, and they,
in October, 1724, were duly incorporated as the Third Society in
Windsor.
WINDSOR THIRD (POQUONOCK) SOCIETY.
283
At the same time their bounds were extended, which much
"grieved" the Old Society, who petitioned in vain for a reconsideration.
The new society, by vote of April, 1725, called Mr. Daniel Fuller of
Wethersfield,' and after a trial accepted him as their pastor, and ap-
pointed a day for settling him. From some unexplained cause, however,
they suddenly dropped him. Whereupon (Oct., 1726), the discomfited
minister, then a resident of Wethersfield, petitioned the assembly for
redress, claiming that he was put to much inconvenience and expense, as
he had been at Poquonock for a year, and had moved his family there.
The Society denied that they had wronged him; but a committee,
appointed by the assembly, decided that they had not treated him well,
and must pay him £50 damages. This verdict the Society petitioned
against, but found no relief.
Of the real causes of dissatisfaction between pastor and people we
are ignorant, with the exception of the little light that is shed upon the
case by the following amusing affidavit:
May, 1727. Cornelius Brown [a deacon in the Poquonock church] testifieth that
when Mr. Daniel Fuller was at Poquonnoc, I was one of them that sought for his settle-
ment in ye work of ye ministry there, but preceiving great uneasiness amongst ye peo-
ple in that affair, and particularly at ye shortness of his sermons, I prayed Mr. Fuller to
apply himself to his work, and lengthen out his sermons, that if possible he might gain
disaffected persons. Mr. Fuller replied that he did not concern himself about it, if they
were but orthodox they were long enough for Poquonnoc.
"Cornelius Brown."
In 1727, the Poquonock Church erected their church edifice, south
of the present "old meeting-house," on the west side of the road, and
south of Mrs. Niles' present garden. Stones from the old foundation
have been plowed up within a few years past. It stood for seventy
years, serving the congregation during and beyond the ministry of all its
pastors.
Their first pastor (1727) was Rev. JOHN WOODBRIDGE, son of Rev.
John of West Springfield, Mass., and fifth of a line of Johns of that
name.2 He graduated at Yale College, 1726; was probably ordained
here 1727 or 1728; was dismissed from here in 1736 (Dexter's Annals of
Yale College says, "probably 1737") and removed to Suffield, his wife's
home. In 1742, he was installed at South Hadley, Mass., where he
labored until his death, 10th Sept., 1783, his last years being full of in-
¹ Rev. DANIEL (s. Thos.) FULLER, b. Dedham, Mass., 20 April, 1699; grad. Y. C.
1721; studied theol., and in 1728 was ord. pastor of the ch., org., 1727, in the new town-
ship of Willington, Conn., where he gained a precarious living until his death, of small-
pox, 6 Dec., 1758. He was, theologically, a “New Light." He m. 7 Aug., 1723, Lucy
(d. Jonathan and Abigail Crafts) Goodwin of Wethersfield, Conn.; had four sons, four
daus.; inventory, £254, included abt. 25 vols. of books.-Dexter's Annals of Yale College.
* And his grandson, Rev. John Woodbridge, D.D., formerly of Hadley, Mass., d.
about 1870, aged 85.
284
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
firmities. He bore the character of "a prudent and blameless pastor,
and a sound and evangelical preacher." In April, 1730, he purchased at
Poquonock a homestead of thirty acres and a house; this residence was
on the site of John E. Griswold's present dwelling; his neighbor on the
the south, near Mr. William Barnes' present residence, was Benjamin
Barber; on the west, Lieut. Nathaniel Pinney; east, land of Barber and
of Daniel Griswold, Jr., of whom Mr. Woodbridge bought.
Of the organization and membership of his church, but little can be
gathered. George Griswold, and Mary, his wife, had died before its.
organization; but Benajah Holcomb, who had united with the Windsor
Church forty years before, may have been dismissed to the new church.
Nathan Gillett was probably a member, and Cornelius Brown, who died
1747, aged 75 years, was a deacon.
Old papers evidence that the pulpit was supplied during the summer
of 1738 by a Mr. Rockwell, probably "Dr. and Rev." Matthew Rockwell
of East Windsor.
In January, 1740, the Rev. SAMUEL TUDOR of East Windsor was
settled as the second pastor. He was born
Sambl Tudor in Windsor 1705, graduated at Yale College
1728, and for twelve years preached in various localities. At one
time he supplied the Fourth Church in Guilford, Conn.; in 1734 he
was in the Highlands near the Hudson River, and was mentioned in
the New York papers as having been pursued by robbers near Fishkill,
August 12th. About the same time, also, he preached at Goshen, N. Y.,
and the congregation there applied to the Presbyterian Synod to send a
committee to ordain him. The committee which was sent, assigned Mr.
Tudor a Latin exegesis and a popular sermon on Rom. xi. 6. But he was
not ordained there, and his character and scholarship were such as to
suggest that the difficulty must have been in some doctrinal difference
between the candidate and his examiners. The text assigned renders
this not improbable."
Mr. Tudor was a gentleman of very high classical attainments, a
faithful and beloved pastor, and a sincere follower of his Master. He
died Sept. 21, 1757, aged 52, and was interred in the Old Burial Ground
of East (now South) Windsor, where not long before he had removed
his family to a farm. His death was caused by "camp-distemper," or
dysentery, communicated from his son Theophilus, who contracted it in
Canada during a French war campaign, and who died of it after his re-
1 No paper, or record of Mr. Woodbridge's ministry has been found, except his
autograph on two documents, one of which is a receipt, dated April 13, 1736, for £118
98. on account of his salary for that year.
2 Dexter's Annals of Yale College.
WINDSOR THIRD (POQUONOCK) SOCIETY.
285
turn home, Sept. 10, 1757, as also did a sister, who died two days before.
The Rev. Mr. Tudor was father of the celebrated surgeon, Dr. Elihu
Tudor of East Windsor. His residence in Poquonock was just north of
the present dwelling of Mr. Cyrus Phelps, where he purchased in 1741,
from Stephen Palmer, his next neighbor north being Nathaniel Griswold.
His death was followed by a season of trouble and disquietude.
The people were divided in their wishes and opinions; some opposing the
settlement of a minister, because they doubted if they could properly
support one, while others desired a dissolution of the Society. During
this period the Revs. Asahel Hathaway, Ebenezer Guild, and Oliver
Noble, a former pastor of Coventry, Conn., were among the occasional
supplies obtained at long intervals. In August, 1763, a meeting of the
Society was called to invite a Mr. Collins to the pastorate. Three years
later, September, 1766, a meeting was called to see if a man should be
employed as a candidate. Three years later still, November, 1769, a Mr.
Church of Springfield was paid 20s. for preaching.
Separatists, also, "attending on what they call laymen extraordina-
rily qualified to preach," became a disturbing element in this parish, as
elsewhere. Petitions to the Assembly to be annexed to Wintonbury par-
ish, or to the Old Society; applications to associations and councils, and
committees, whose decisions always failed to give satisfaction to the in-
flamed prejudices of the disputants, followed each other with ceaseless
rapidity, but all to no purpose.
The only knowledge we have is the following document (for which
we are indebted to Mr. Elihu Marshall of Poquonock), dated in 1771,
fourteen years after Mr. Tudor's death:
“We the Subscribers members of ye Second Society of Windsor Reflecting on the
Melancholy state of sd Society in this Very great Particular viz our having for a Long
time and still Continuing to be Destitute of a settled minister & some part of yº time
without a preached Gospel among us and also Reflecting on ye great Improbability of
ever being able to bring about ye settlement of a Gospel minister in ye Common & or-
dinary way yt ye Gospel is settled and supported in other Societys; and also being sensi-
ble of ye Solemn obligations yt are upon us to support ye Gospel in a Regular and Hon-
ourable way & manner in Tenderness to our own souls & those of our Children & friends
& for ye promoting outward good order among us have agreed to make one Effort more
for the Quiet and peacable Settlement & Support of ye Gospel, hereafter in sª Society,
yt is to say yº Supporting a sound orthodox Dissenting Congregational or presbyterian
Minister, & whereas it appears [to be the most] likely method to bring så
ye same quietly to maintain & support
(also being of oppineon yt
Sixty Pounds Law[full money per ann]um sallary a sufficie[nt sum to sup]port & main-
tain a Gospel Minister among us) this is to Bind [ourselves] to pay according to ye pro-
portion we Shall Hereunto with our names annex according to List with those y' here-
unto annex their names ye whole of our proportion according to our Lists. In
consideration of what is above written we promise to pay our several proportions as
Subscribed Hereunder to a Comtt we shall appoint for yº use above said when & so long
as a Gospel minister remains settled among us & to be by sa Comtt levied & Collected pr
286
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
annum for ye use abovesaid by a rate or Tax made on all ye members of sd Society &
Collected in ye usual way & manner as Done heretofore.
"In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands this 14th day of January Ano
Domini 1771.
"Isaac Pinney,
Edward Barnard,
Hez. Griswold,
Geo. Griswold, Jr.,
Simeon Moore,
Reuben Denslow,
Ezekiel Clark,
Joseph Alford,
Timothy Phelps, Jr.,
Elisha Phelps,
John Phelps, 4th,
Isaac Griswold,
Isaac Phelps, 3d,
John Phelps,
Francis Griswold,
Aaron Griswold,
Samuel Holcomb,
Nath. Griswold,
Nathaniel Owen, Jr.,
William Phelps,
Edward Griswold, Jr.,
Abel Wright,
John Ross,
Joab Griswold,
Geo. Griswold,
Isaac Phelps,
John Griswold,
Martin Holcomb,
Math'w Griswold,
Alex'r Griswold,
Moses Griswold,
Phin's Griswold,
Noah Griswold,
Thomas Griswold,
Moses Griswold, Jr., ·
Alven Owen."
It may be noted here, that comparing this list with that of half a
century before, we find the new names of Wright, Ross, and Alford.
(From this point until the present time, we present the history of
the Poquonock Church, as given, from authorities not attainable by us
when we published the first edition of our history, in the Rev. N. G.
Bonney's Centennial Sermon.)'
1
The result of this effort was that the following spring Mr. DAN
FOSTER of Stafford was invited to become pastor of the Poquonock
Church, and was ordained at the meeting-house then standing south of
Mrs. Niles's present residence, June 12, 1771. His father, Rev. Isaac
Foster, the pastor at Stafford, preached the sermon, which was published.
We have better means of informing ourselves concerning the third
pastor of Poquonock and his ministry than of either of the others.
Men and women are living who, in other parishes, saw Mr. Foster and
heard him preach. The church book kept by him has survived the ex-
tinction of his church.
The church numbered twenty-four on the day of Mr. Foster's ordina-
tion, all of whom had either reached or passed middle life. It was
substantially the church which Tudor left, diminished only by the death of
some. The following were the twenty-four members of the Poquonock
Church one hundred years ago:
¹ Centennial Sermon, commemorating the Settlement of Rev. Dan Foster, Last Pastor
of the old Poquonock Church, preached in Poquonock by Rev. N. G. Bonney, June 11,
1871.
WINDSOR THIRD (POQUONOCK) SOCIETY.
287
Edward Griswold, Sr.
William Phelps, died Sept. 22, 1775.
DEA. John Phelps, died Sept. 1, 1777.
Isaac Phelps.
DEA. Joseph Barnard.
James Phelps.
Edward Barnard.
Gideon Case, died 1800.
Matthew Griswold, died Jan. 19, 1776.
Abigail Griswold.
Ruth Griswold.
Zeruriah Griswold.
Mary Phelps.
Anne Phelps.
Jerusha Phelps.
Sarah Griswold.
Ruth Palmer.
Jerusha Palmer.
Mabel Barnard.
Elizabeth Barnard.
Ruth Griswold.
Elizabeth Griswold.
Hannah Barber.
Mindwell Griswold.
To these names Mr. Foster adds eight others upon the first page of
records: Samuel and Bathsheba Holcomb, William and Lucy Britain,
Nathaniel and Mary Owen, Rebecca Walkley Foster (the pastor's wife),
and Sarah Phelps, wife of Dea. John. The latter died Sept. 4, 1777.
Six others appear to have united with the church previously to its
adoption in 1775 of the "half-way covenant." Their names were:
James and Anna Rogers (slaves of Lt. Noah Griswold), Thomas Negro,
Cato Rogers, Zaccheus Leonard, and Hezekiah Griswold. The last was
chosen deacon of the church after the death in 1777 of Dea. John
Phelps. James Rogers died May 9, 1776.
At a meeting of the church, held August 20, 1775, it was
"Voted, 1st, that all baptized persons are members of the Christian Church, and
subjects of the godly discipline, watch and care of the same; and that it is the incum-
bent duty of the church to treat them as such.
“2d. That this church does approve of, and cheerfully consent to what was rec-
ommended concerning the discipline of the church, and of all baptized persons in par-
ticular by the General Association of the consociated churches, in the Colony of
Connecticut, convened by delegation at the house of the Rev. Daniel Welch, in Mans-
field, June 21st, 1774, and that we chuse a Comtt for the purpose mentioned by ye Gen-
eral Association in their 4th article of advice."
October 27th of that year, a meeting was held which unanimously
elected for their committee or elders for the purposes aforesaid, the
deacons, John Phelps and Joseph Barnard, Capt. Hezekiah Griswold, and
Mr. Nathaniel Owen, Jr.
After the adoption of this "half-way covenant," the following per-
sons were admitted to full communion, namely :
May 26, 1776,
June 16,
March 1, 1778,
"
August 30, 1778,
April 4, 1779,
((
29, 1781,
May 20,
Martin and Hannah Pinney.
Thomas Griswold.
James and Susannah Wilson.
Isaac Phelps, 3d, and Lydia his wife.
Abia (wife of Elihu) Mather.
Sarah Barnard.
Mary and Medusa Holcomb, daughters of Lieut. Martin.
Elihu and Mary Griswold.
Rosannah Griffin.
wid. Elizabeth Phelps.
288
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSÓR.
It thus appears, from the records, that twenty-nine united with the
church during Mr. Foster's ministry, twenty-five by profession, four by
letter. At least twelve of the twenty-four died at an advanced age dur-
ing Mr. Foster's ministry.
Of those added to the church, at least two, Mrs. Foster and widow
Elizabeth Phelps, died previously to his dismissal. Thomas Griswold,.
who married Rhoda Tudor, daughter of the former pastor, died in 1805.
While her husband joined the church she appears not to have made a
profession of religion. The last member of the church, Nathaniel Owen,
died, according to the date upon his tombstone, in 1821, aged 90. Two of
his grandsons, one a clergyman, the other a lawyer, were a few years
since men of reputation in New York. The clergyman, John J. Owen,
D.D., was the editor of several standard classical works, and of a com-
mentary upon the New Testament. Hezekiah Owen, father of the divine,
left Poquonock in 1792, soon after united with the Congregational church
in Colebrook, Connecticut, and afterward removed to Kingsboro, N. Y.
A son of the minister, of the fourth generation from Nathaniel Owen, is
also a lawyer in New York city.
Rev. Dan Foster was dismissed from Poquonock Oct. 23, 1783, the
last two or three years of his pastorate having been years of friction with
his people.
It is important to know whether those thirty-six parishioners of Po-
quonock succeeded in their attempt of 1771:- whether they found in
Mr. Foster" a sound orthodox Dissenting Congregational or Presbyte-
rian Minister." There is no doubt that Mr. Foster, and his father,
who preached the sermon at his ordination, both sustained the reputation
of an orthodox minister. Mr. Foster not only came as an evangelical
preacher, but he for several years zealously advocated evangelical doc-
trines. The following sentences, copied from his own record, form the
close of Mr. Foster's address to an excommunicated person, Feb. 15,
1778:
'Nevertheless, we shall not cease to pray for you, that God would have mercy on
you, and prevent you in your course of folly and great wickedness, by his Holy Spirit
and grace. Take heed, we admonish you, lest being thus bound on earth, you be bound
also in heaven, to your eternal shame and perdition. We leave you in the hands of God,
whose bowels of mercy towards repenting, returning sinners, are infinite, but whose
wrath and vengeance towards hardened and persisting sinners are dreadful, and will
burn to the lowest hell.
Signed,
"DAN FOSTER, Pastor."
Three years later, namely, in 1781, Rev. Isaac Foster at West Staf-
ford, father of the Poquonock pastor, in consequence of embracing and
preaching Universalist views, was deposed from the ministry. The
church at Stafford was greatly divided. A large minority adhered to the
deposed minister. Dan Foster, brought up there, seems to have retained
WINDSOR THIRD, OR POQUONOCK SOCIETY.
289
his connection with that 'church. At all events, his name does not
appear as a member here. He still communed with that church. This
fact came to the notice of his brethren in the ministry. He was called
to account by the North Association of Hartford County, of which body
he was a member. The last item of business, at their meeting of Oct.
5, 1784, a year after Mr. Foster's dismissal, is the following —I quote
from the records, as copied by Mr. J. H. Hayden:
ances.
"Mr. Dan Foster moved to this body for a recommendation as a regular Christian
and Minister. Upon which this Association proposed to him several things, by way of
inquiry as to his sentiments relative to his adhering to the church in West Stafford, as
to terms of communion, and also relative to his communing with them in special ordin-
His answers not giving satisfaction, or appearing well to coincide with his pub-
lished sentiments,' this Association are of the opinion that the way is not clear at present
to grant his request, and therefore propose that the whole matter be deferred to farther
consideration at their meeting June next, at which time they will be ready to pay a
farther attention to it; provided, Mr. Foster shall then and there appear to desire a
farther conference."
The Association met at Windsor, June 7, 1785.
Rev. Dan Foster, formerly of Poquonock, a Parish in Windsor, requested again
a letter of recommendation as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ from said Asso-
ciation. As the said Foster was examined in a formal manner two years ago, June,
1783, and professed his belief of the doctrines of the gospel, called Calvinistic, and now
before the same body affirms himself solemnly to be of the same sentiments, in this view
the Association, confiding in his honesty, think they may recommend him to be employed
as a regular gospel minister in the church of our Lord where Providence may call him."
Three times he was before the Association when his soundness was
in question, the first time a few months previously to his dismissal here.
He endeavored to remove the suspicion that had fallen upon him. He
valued and took pains to secure credentials from Calvinistic ministers.
Therefore he could not have preached Universalism while at Poquonock.
Had he done so, the record of the Association in regard to him would
have been shorter than it was, and different.
Mr. Foster was next installed pastor of the Congregational Church
in Weathersfield, Vt., in 1787. This fact would indicate that he made use
of the recommendation, hesitating as it was, of the Hartford North Asso-
ciation. He won the reputation in Weathersfield of an evangelical and a
powerful preacher. For several years he gave general satisfaction. But
after a long time he appeared "to swerve from the evangelical faith to
Universalism." He became loose in observing the Sabbath. This
change occasioned his dismission, which occurred in 1799.
He went the same year to Charlestown, N. H., preaching there a
funeral sermon at the death of General Washington, but he was not in-
stalled there. He declared himself a Universalist, but the condition of
¹ Tradition says that he published a book.
VOL. I.—37
290
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
the church in that town was such that he supplied their pulpit for the
most part, during the remaining years of his life. He died October,
1809, and was buried in his last field of labor.
In both of his last parishes he kept a classical school and fitted
young men for college. He had himself never graduated at college, but
his classical attainments and his scholarly reputation were such, early in
his ministry, that Yale and Dartmouth colleges the same year (1774)
conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts. Mr. Foster's dwell-
ing in Poquonock stood where Mr. W. Scott Loomis' house has since
been built. He bought the house and four or five acres of land of Abel
Wright, and sold to Frederick Winthrop. The house was afterwards.
burned to the ground; and in the flames perished an apprentice boy em-
ployed by Winthrop. Mr. Foster also owned forty acres of land on
Tinker's farm, as it was called, including land which Mr. Salisbury now
owns. Isaac Griswold was the purchaser from Mr. Foster of that lot.
The third pastor of Poquonock is remembered by old people in his
later parishes as small in stature, but portly, gentlemanly in manners, a
good man, an able classical teacher, a powerful preacher.
The church and society here were left by their last pastor in an un-
happy condition. They did not rally from the effects of their altercations
with him sufficiently to procure another pastor. It is understood that
the Universalists became a majority in the Society, seized the meeting-
house (built about 1800) and the funds of the Society, and used both for
their purposes.
They had, however, occasional preaching. Rev. Elam Potter, pastor
of the Congregational church at Enfield from 1769 to 1776, preached
here at intervals. Mr. Marshall states that after the building of the
second meeting-house, in 1796, the association supplied its pulpit one
year. Later still, about the year 1806, Rev. David Austin preached there
a year.
But the church continued to diminish until 1821; with the
death of its last member, it vanished away. Yet a few Christians had
their abode in Poquonock. Mrs. Rowland of Windsor, now over ninety
years of age, resided here from 1816 to about the year 1822. At that
time Christian men came from Hartford to hold religious meetings.
These meetings were sometimes held with the Rowlands at the old public
house, and sometimes with the family of Mr. William Soper, who, with
his wife, Rebecca, had joined this church at its formation.
Among those who came from Hartford were the late Norman Smith,
Governor W. W. Ellsworth, and Anson Gleason, afterwards a mission-
ary to the Choctaw Indians. Edward Beecher once preached in those
times in the old schoolhouse. "Father Gleason records that one of the
most earnest and faithful laborers in Poquonock within the period referred
to was Albert Judson, student at Yale and teacher at Windsor. Mr.
WINDSOR THIRD, OR POQUONOCK SOCIETY.
291
Gleason studied with Rev. Luke Wood, who taught a private school in
this parish. He further writes, "We used to think the Rowland family
a kind of lighthouse there. There is a kind of charm to me," he says,
“in speaking to any interested person about that old place where, if ever
I prayed in earnest, it was there." Mr. Gleason was a member of Dr.
Hawes' church in Hartford, as were also several others who conducted
the meetings.
"But these efforts were no equivalent for the preached word. The
loss to Poquonock in the absence for fifty years of a vigorous church with
its stated ministry, was beyond comprehension. Even the pecuniary loss
a million dollars would scarcely supply. Time was when men in need of
capital, men from Windsor and from Simsbury, came to Poquonock to
borrow. Here was the wealth of old Windsor, wealth which had been
accumulated when the gospel here was in high repute.
"The loss in morals, for example through intemperance, the loss in
education, in public spirit, in all that elevates society, the loss in Chris-
tian character, in consequence of the past scarcity of God's word here,
was incalculable. Had the church been upheld, had it been kept vigor-
ous, society, improvements, business, every interest of this community
would have been widely different for the two and three generations past
from what they have been. The present church, the growth of a single
generation, can never repair the damage which Poquonock has sustained.
A church cannot go back and cancel the old mistakes of a community."
Congregational preaching was kept up at Rainbow from 1835–1841,
and 2d of June of the latter year a church of forty members was formed
at Poquonock, the sermon on the occasion being by Rev. Dr. Hawes, of
Hartford, from text Psalms lxxiv. 22.
CHAPTER XVI.
ECCLESIASTICAL-WINTONBURY PARISH, OR FIFTH SOCIETY IN
WINDSOR (NOW BLOOMFIELD).
1734-1891.
A
1
S to the time when, or by whom, that portion of Old Windsor for-
merly known as "Greenfield," then as "Wintonbury Parish,"
and now as the town of Bloomfield, was first settled, we have no very
definite data. Barber, in his Hist. Coll. of Conn., says that "at the
period of the first settlements on the Connecticut River the Windsor
people sent out a number of men to explore the tract since named Win-
tonbury. These men returned and reported that there was good land
sufficient for the maintenance of three families." It is scarcely probable,
however, that this exploration could have been at the "period of the first
settlements."
By 1734, however, the inhabitants of this outlying territory had so
íncreased in numbers as to be desirous and able to support, partially at
least, a gospel ministry in their midst. And the Assembly, at the May
session of that year, received a petition, signed by twenty-seven residents
of the district known as "Messenger's Farms," in the southwest part of
Windsor (now called Old Farms), praying that they might be allowed
"winter privileges." This, in view of the distance (six miles) from the
house of worship of the North Society in Windsor, was deemed a reason-
able request, and "winter privileges" were granted them from the first.
of November to the last of March, and for two years. At the end of
2
¹Edward Messenger and his son-in-law, "Peter Mills the Dutchman," were among
the first, if not the first, to settle at "Messenger Farms." Messenger bought his land
in 1661, and, in 1666, deeded to Peter Mills "as a free gift" twenty acres, “whereon
he has builded."
H.
2 Names of petitioners:
Thomas Rowel,
Robert Walley,
Robert Barrett,
Isaac Brown,
David Brown,
Peter Mills,
John Loomis,
Jonathan Brown,
Peletiah Mills,
Solomon Clark,
Zebulon Hoskins,
Isaac Skinner,
Enoch Drake, Jr.,
Daniel Mills,
David Buttolph,
Abel Gillet,
John Hubbard,
Moses Cadwell,
David Grant,
Nath'l Cook,
John Soper,
Alex. Hoskins,
Joseph Hoskins,
Anthony Hoskins,
Isaac Eggleston,
Daniel Eggleston,
John Eggleston.
WINDSOR FIFTH, OR WINTONBURY PARISH.
293
'
this time, during which they probably hired a minister and maintained
regular worship, another petition was presented to the Assembly, May,
1736, by thirty-one persons in Windsor, with twelve in Simsbury and
eight in Farmington, who were similarly situated, and earnestly praying
for "parish" privileges. Accordingly, in October, 1736, a parish was
set off, bounded on the north by Simsbury and Windsor Third (Poquon-
nock) Society; east by Windsor First Society; south by Windsor and
Hartford, and west by Farmington and Simsbury. Of this parish, which
was nearly four miles square, about seven-tenths lay in Windsor, one-
tenth in Farmington, and two-tenths in Simsbury, and it was named in
consequence from the towns of which it was composed-WIN-TON-BURY.'
The first society meeting was held November 16, 1736, at which it
was unanimously voted to build a meeting-house and hire a preacher.
They informed the Assembly at its next session, May, 1737, that they
had voted to erect their meeting-house on the east side of Wash Brook;
but fearing that they might intrude upon the prerogatives of the legisla-
ture in the matter, they requested the appointment of a committee to
locate the said meeting-house. The desired committee was appointed,
and located the meeting-house near the bank of the hill, about twenty
rods from the center of the parish, and the site was duly approved by
the Assembly. This edifice-45 by 35 feet-was "a plain, barn-like
structure, unpainted, with no steeple or the slightest mark to distinguish
it as a church. Swallows made their homes in the rafters, and squirrels
so abounded that it soon became necessary for the safety of the pulpit
cushions to keep them over at the tavern between Sundays. A hewn
log lay along the middle aisle beside the raised pews for the little child-
ren, who generally came barefoot in the summer time; and from this they
would rise deferentially and "make their manners" as the minister
walked among them to the pulpit. The square pews, straight-backed
and high, were annually assigned to the attendants, according to rank
and age. In the gallery was a high pew, set apart for colored persons.
The tithing-man, from his post in the Singers' Seat, kept watch over the
demeanor of young and old, and not seldom some playful or weary
urchin was rapped with his long stick, or pointed out to notice, or even
treated with harsher measures. All the men sat on one side of the
church, and all the women on the other. East of the church a great
horseblock of hewn logs stood ready to receive from their saddles and
pillions those who had come mounted."
finished.
2
This building was never fully
¹ The act creating this society also created three others, viz.: Salmon Brook (now
Granby); Turkey Hill (now East Granby), and Simsbury, and was the termination of a
bitter controversy of a dozen years relating to the site for the second meeting-house in
Simsbury. See Phelps' Hist. Simsbury.
2 Mrs. E. S. Warner in Mem. Hist. Hartford Co.
294
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
A church consisting of 67 members (31 males and 36 females) was
organized on the 14th of February, 1738, and on the next day the Rev.
HEZEKIAH BISSELL was ordained as its pastor, on which occasion the Rev.
Jonathan Marsh of Windsor preached from 2d Corinthians, iii. 6; the
Rev. Samuel Whitman of Farmington gave the charge, and the Rev.
Benjamin Colton of West Hartford the right hand of fellowship.
The names of these original members, as copied from the Rev. Mr.
Bissell's Mss. record, are:
Isaac Butler and wife,
Daniel Foot and wife,
Thomas Adams and wife,
Robert Barnett and wife,
Cornelius Gillet and wife,
Peletiah Mills and wife,
Joshua Case and wife,
Samuel Case and wife,
Solomon Clark and wife,
William Webster and wife,
Jonathan Filley and wife,
John Burr, Jr., and wife,
Alexander Hoskins and wife,
Jacob Drake, Jr., and wife,
Nath. Case and wife,
Enoch Drake, Jr., and wife,
Stephen Burr and wife,
Jonah Gillet and wife,
Jonathan Brown,
Isaac Skinner,
James Eggleston,
Timothy Moses,
David Grant,
Nathan Burr,
Job Drake,
Hezekiah Drake,
Jonathan Hubbard's wife,
Peter Mills's wife,
Anthony Hoskins' wife,
Hezekiah Parsons' wife,
Ephraim Brown's wife,
Noadiah Burr's wife,
Daniel Eggleton's wife,
Abel Gillet's wife,
Nathaniel Cook's wife,
John Loomis' wife,
Stephen's Goodwin's wife,
Enoch Drake's wife,
John Burr's wife,
Joseph Hoskins' wife,
Daniel Brown & wife,
Moses Cadwell and wife,
Daniel Rowel and wife,
Jonathan Gillet and wife.
- 67.
The first book of records of this church (which in 1751 was known
as the Fifth Society in Windsor) is still extant and in a good state of
preservation, with the exception of one or more leaves at the beginning,
which contained the larger part of the names of the original members-
the balance being in Vol. 2 of the Church Records. Within a few years
from the organization the following, among others, were added to the
original membership, viz.: the wife of Thomas Humphrey, Isaac Barber,
Mary Filley, three Cases, and the wives of Samuel Webster and Thomas
Phelps. No formal creed is on record as having been used at the organ-
ization; but we have in Mr. Bissell's own handwriting—and probably of
his own composing- the following brief and tender Covenant, which
was used instead:
"We do solemnly avouch the Eternal Father, Son and Holy Ghost, to be our God,
and do devote and dedicate ourselves and children to Him, promising, as He shall ena-
ble us by His Grace to believe His truths, obey His will, run the race of His command-
ments, walking before Him and being upright, exercising ourselves in ye duties of
Sobriety, Justice, & Charity, watching over one another in the Lord; and because Christ
WINDSOR FIFTH, OR WINTONBURY PARISH.
295
hath appointed spiritual administration in His house, as censures for offenders, consola-
tions for the penitent, Teachings and Quickenings for all, such as The Word and Sacra-
ments, we will truly countenance and faithfully submit to the regular administration of
them in this place, and carefully perform our respective and enjoyned duties, that we
may all be saved in the daye of the Lord."
There were at this time (1738) 65 families in Wintonbury, compris-
ing 325 souls.
About this time it was voted at Society meeting, "we will give Mr.
Bissell £200 yearly for the space of three years, whereof £100 yearly is
for his salary and the other £100 is for his settlement, the money at the
present currency." This £100, on the then existing scale of metal coin,
was equivalent to £60, which sum was finally established as his salary,
with the addition of 38 cords of "3 foot" wood yearly.
In the faithful discharge of the mutual and pleasant relations which
should exist between a beloved pastor and his people, time sped tran-
quilly on, until, in 1779, Mr. Bissell's failing health obliged him to ask
for assistance in his ministrations. From that date his pulpit was sup-
plied until his death, which occurred January 28, 1783.
The Rev. HEZEKIAH BISSELL was the son of Sgt. David and Ruth
(Warner) Bissell, of East Windsor, where he was born 30 January,
1710/11, and was prepared for college by the pastor of that town, the
Rev. Timothy Edwards. He graduated from Yale College 1733, being
the first of his name among the alumni of that institution. He married
20 Nov., 1740, Mary (daughter of Rev. Ephraim) Woodbridge (H. C.
1701) of Groton, Ct. His ministerial labors in Wintonbury Parish were
most industriously performed. He baptized 1,077 children, besides over
100 who were baptized by other clergymen during his pastorate, making
an average of 26 baptisms for each of the forty-five years of his ministry.
The first child baptized by him was on 18 Feb., 1738, four days after
his ordination; and on the same day occurred the first death in his pas-
torate, that of Timothy (son of Moses) Cadwell, aged 6 years. The first
marriage he performed, 22 Sept., 1738, was that of Stephen Gillet and
Anna Loomis. Four deaths occurred during each of the first two years
succeeding his ordination, out of a population of 325 souls-not far
from the later proportion of deaths to the population. During his fourth
year there were fourteen deaths, twelve of which were infants and young
children. The only year of his ministry in which he had as many as ten
added to the church by profession was 1741; when twelve were so added.
From 1738 to 1783, a period of forty-five years, he records 114 received
as church members, including one by letter.
Mr. Bissell's funeral sermon, preached by Rev. David S. Rowland of
Windsor, was printed, and describes him as "serious and judicious,
unbiased by party views,
a fervent preacher;" also as "a man
296
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
qualified for his office by natural ability, learning, and good judgment;
a man respected, no word having been transmitted to his discredit; a
man, moreover, not gloomy but encouraging social intercourse and inno-
cent gayeties." His records are written in a hand somewhat elegant
and bear indications of accurate habits and good taste.
On his monument in the old cemetery at Bloomfield is the following
inscription:
I
1
*
Sacred to the Memory of the Reverend | HEZEKIAH BISSELL | His birth was
at Windsor, of pious | and reputable Parents. Yale College was the place of his | Lib-
eral Accomplishments and the Scene of his usefulness was extended. He was alike
unmoved by all the Vices | and Errors of the late Times | Secure against both, his doc-
trines & his Life was Exemplary. Remarkable | Peace and good order that reigned |
among the People of his Charge | During his Ministry, bear Witness | To the Prudence
and Greatness of his Mind. In Domestic Connections | he was truly a Consort & a
Father and in Social Life a Friend indeed | After the faithful Labors of 45 | years In
Sacred Offices his last and best Daye arrived which was | January 28th, A.D. 1783,
ætat 72."
In the early years of his ministry Mr. Bissell had adopted the
"Half-Way Covenant," which admitted all persons of civil behavior to
the watch of the church, and to the privileges of baptism for their child-
ren, without attending the Lord's Supper. Under the working of this
rule the number of actual communicants in the church had become very
small. After Mr. Bissell's death, and in September, 1785, the church
adopted a new Covenant and Confession of Faith, and at the same time
abolished the Half-Way Covenant, accompanying its abolition, however,
by the following compromisory vote:
Voted, That all those of competent knowledge in the word of God, and of regular
life and conversation, and that appear to be serious and conscientious in the judgment
of the church, may be admitted to Covenant with this Church."
But, as this resolution still seemed to leave it an open question
whether those who had formerly been admitted to the Half-Way Cove-
nant were excluded from this privilege, the church, on March 10, 1786,
"Voted that those who have owned the Covenant have still a right to
offer their children for baptism, so long as they walk orderly."
Much opposition ensued, and the society, which was then much dis-
turbed by Separatists, as well as by difficulties which had arisen as to
settling a successor to their late pastor, was in a most uncomfortable
state. Finally, they voted, although with difficulty and by a small ma-
jority only, to reconsider their former vote; and adopted the rule of the
Stratford Church, which admitted persons to full communion without
necessarily requiring them to partake of the Lord's Supper. Under this
rule, which lasted only to 1791, five persons were admitted to full com-
munion, who felt unworthy of partaking of the Lord's Supper, viz, : Heze-
WINDSOR FIFTH, OR WINTONBURY PARISH.
297
kiah Latimer, Jr., and wife Rebecca (who became hopeful converts in
the revival of 1799), Peletiah Parsons, and wife Roxy, and Dorthesias
Hubbard.
:
Meanwhile, a great quarrel was going on in the society over the set-
tlement of a pastor. The principal candidate, Rev. Solomon Walcott,
was bitterly opposed several of those who were inimical to him going
so far as to "certify" themselves as having joined the Baptists. But
his friends finally triumphed, and he was installed 24th May, 1786, re-
ceiving no settlement, but a salary of £300 and thirty cords of three-
foot wood. The unhappy contention, however, to which his settlement
had given rise, was still unhealed. The church, indeed, made a desper-
ate attempt to extricate themselves from their embarrassment by the fol-
lowing vote of 15th Nov., 1790: "This Church, conscious of their own
imperfections, and of the failings of human nature, and earnestly desir-
ous to be built up in gospel order and regularity, remembering their
unhappy situation during the late contest, vote to forgive mutually their
past offences towards each other, and to cultivate mutual peace and
brotherly love." But even this pacific measure failed of its desired effect;
the malcontents would not return to the fold, and peace was only
restored by Mr. Walcott's dismission in 1790.
Rev. SOLOMON WALCOTT, graduated at Dartmouth College in 1776;
was ordained pastor at North Stamford, Conn., in 1780, and was dis-
missed from there in 1786. After leaving Wintonbury, he removed to
Canajoharie, N. Y.
He was succeeded by the Rev. William F. Miller, who was ordained
at Wintonbury, 30 November, 1791, receiving £100 salary, and the same
allowance of wood as his predecessor. The membership of his charge
then numbered fifty-eight; and by his piety, tact, and faithfulness he
succeeded in fully restoring the harmony. and tranquillity of the hitherto
divided flock, which was visited with several interesting seasons of re-
vival. The most noticeable of these were in the years 1799 and 1800,
when fifty-two were added, and 1808 and 1809 when forty were added
to the church. Previous to his settlement, the Society threw out the
Stratford rule, and re-adopted the vote of 6th October, 1785.
voted "that the parson is only as any other church member."
They also
And dur-
"At a Church Meeting regularly assembled at Wintonbury Meeting House, by ad-
journment, on the 4th day of October, A. D. 1791.
Dear Caleb Hitchcock, Moderator.
The Question was put, whether this Church will suffer the practice of Peoples.
owning the Covenant, and having their Children baptized?
"Voted in the affirmative, by Seven; four were silent.
“Also voted that in future, none shall be admitted into full Communion with this
Church except such as will attend upon all the Ordinances of the Gospel.
One only dissenting.
"Voted unanimously, that it is the Opinion of this Church, that a settled ordained
VOL. I; -38
298
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
ing the years of Mr. Miller's pastorate, the church proceeded in an
orderly manner, and after repeated attempts at conciliation, to deal with
those members who, during the recent dissensions had left them and
joined the Baptists.
The want of better and more sufficient accommodations for public
worship had long been pressing upon the attention of the parish; and, as
early as 1797, it had been voted in the Society meeting that "a subscrip-
tion paper may circulate through this Society for raising money to
build a new meeting-house on Whirlwind Hill, or on the old Meeting-
house plain." Nothing came of this resolution, however, until a start
was apparently given to the matter by a sermon preached in Wintonbury
by Rev. Mr. Stebbins of Simsbury, whom the late Rev. Allan McLean
alludes to in his Half-Century Discourse, as an "intelligent, shrewd, and
sarcastic" man, who not infrequently exhibited the latter traits not only.
in conversation but in his pulpit utterances. In this case, Mr. Stebbins
preached from the text, "Surely, the fear of God is not in this place,"
and is reported to have freely exercised his gift of sarcasm upon the ap-
pearance of the ancient meeting-house, saying, among other things,
"When you pass through a village and see the clapboards on the meet-
ing-house hanging dingle-dangle by one nail, you may be sure that the
love of God is not in that people." This must have been about 1800, in
which year the matter seems to have been taken up in earnest, the society
voting that a meeting-house should be built, if a place could be agreed
upon. Subscriptions of money and gifts of timber, etc., were procured,
the old church was demolished to make way for the new one, which was
to occupy the same site; and during the summer and autumn of 1801,
worship was held, according to the recollection of some who were lately
living, under the spreading boughs of four great oaks, standing near to-
gether-one of which still stands opposite the S. E. corner of the present
(1890) edifice. A view of this second meeting-house is given in Barber's
Hist. Coll. of Conn. It was fifty feet long and forty feet broad, and was
first occupied on the occasion of its dedication, December 6, 1801, and a
sermon was preached by the pastor, from Mark xi. 15, 16, 17. "Not a
pew empty above, or below. A joyous day."
In June, 1808, the church adopted the Confession of Faith and Cov-
enant now in use, and, in 1811, Mr. Miller was dismissed, 133 new mem-
bers having been admitted during his pastorate.
Minister, has no greater Authority in the Church, than any private Brother, except his
being (of Course) Moderator, and holding a casting Vote.
"Voted, to appoint a Committee, and appointed Mr Bissell, Dean Hitchcock and
Mr Titus Burr in the name of this Church to confer with Mr Miller, and communicate
to him the Doings of this meeting.
"The above is a true Copy of Record.
"Test
Hez Bissell Chh Reg."
WINDSOR FIFTH, OR WINTONBURY PARISH.
299
Rev. WILLIAM F. MILLER was a graduate of Yale in 1786, a scholarly
man, of strong mental grasp and ardent piety, as well as of a noble
countenance and bearing. Several of his sermons were published and
can be found in the Library of the Connecticut Historical Society. He
was a good church historian; prepared for the above-mentioned society
a very good digest of Wintonbury history (to which this sketch is in-
debted); and left very full and well-written accounts of transactions in
the parish which immediately preceded and happened during his minis-
try, especially as to the origin of the dissensions which led finally to his
unsettlement. His labors in Wintonbury seem to merit the grateful re-
membrance of this church.
He was succeeded by the Rev. JOHN BARTLETT, who was installed 15th
February, 1815, dismissed 19th May, 1831. He was a brother of Rev.
Shubael Bartlett of East Windsor; was born 16th August, 1784, in Leb-
anon, Conn.; graduated at Yale College, 1807; settled at Warren, N. Y.,
1811; after he left Wintonbury, he was (1831-35) agent for the Bible
Society; then settled, 1835-49, at West Avon, N. Y., where he continued
to reside until his death in 1866. His ministry at Wintonbury was fruit-
ful of good; forty-eight were added during a powerful revival in 1821 ;
and, by letter and profession, over one hundred members during his
ministry, and a record of much religious activity. During a part of his
pastorate, an unusual amount of death and disease prevailed which prob-
ably aided to deepen serious impressions. A Sunday-school was origin-
ated during his ministry, 13th April, 1827, of which Dea. Enoch Frisbie
was superintendent, and the Congregational Society received in 1821
from the will of Mr. Peletiah Allyn a very considerable addition to its
financial resources.
Rev. ANSEL NASH, installed 7th April, 1831, was dismissed at his
own request, February 24, 1835, to enter the service of the American
Education Society, leaving a record of many additions to the church
during his ministry. He was born at Hartford, Vt., graduated at Wil-
liams College, 1809, and at Andover Theological Seminary; ordained
pastor Tolland, Conn., 1813-31; installed pastor, Bloomfield, Conn.,
1831–35; agent Am. Educ. Soc., 1835-39; preached at Rockville, Conn.,
1839–41; agent Am. Educ. Soc., 1841-44; acting pastor, Colchester, Vt.,
1845-48; died at Brattleboro, Vt., 11th August, 1851, aged 63. — (Dur-
fee's Annals Williams College, 302.)
Rev. CORNELIUS B. EVEREST, installed at Bloomfield, Conn., 22d
January, 1836, was born at Cornwall, 1789; graduated at Williams Col-
lege, 1811; studied theology under Dr. Lyman Beecher of Litchfield, and
Dr. Porter of Washington, Conn.; was an evangelist for two years; or-
dained pastor, Windham, Conn., 1815–27; ordained pastor First Church,
Norwich, Conn., 1829-36; installed pastor, Bloomfield, 1836, whence he
300
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
was dismissed, 13th October, 1840; acting pastor, Poquonock, Conn.,
1842-52, where he resided until his removal to Philadelphia in 1858,
where he d. 29th March, 1870, aged 81. While at Bloomfield he com-
memorated (1838) the Church's Centennial, from 1 Corinthians, iii. 9,
"Ye are God's Building."(Minutes of Gen. Conference, 1869, p. 107.)
Rev. WILLIAM W. BACKUS, grad. Yale College and licensed 1832;
installed 24th March, 1841; dismissed 16th April, 1844.
Rev. DANIEL GIBBS, acting pastor, 1844-5; graduated at Middle-
bury College, Vt.; served in the West; once supplied a church in New-
town, Conn.; while at Bloomfield attempted to alter the Covenant, but
was stoutly resisted.
Rev. ALFRED C. RAYMOND, installed Dec. 3, 1845; remained until
1848; resides at New Haven, without charge.
Rev. FRANCIS R. WILLIAMS, installed 30th Dec., 1851; dismissed
1858; afterwards settled at Chaplin, Conn.
A new and beautiful church edifice, 82 by 48 feet in size, was erected
and dedicated Dec. 22, 1858, and furnished with a fine 1,564 lb. bell
and a clock. The steeple of this edifice was blown down in 1862, and
rebuilt in 1872; and in 1875 a new bell of 1,608 lbs. weight was pro-
cured. The pulpit was supplied in 1860 and 1861 by the Rev. Samuel
B. Forbes (later in business in West Winsted, Conn.).
Rev. GEORGE B. NEWCOMB was ordained pastor 15th October, 1861,
and dismissed 1866; was afterwards acting pastor of the Dwight Place
Church, New Haven, Conn. ; in 1886, was a professor in the College of
the City of New York.
To a
"Century and a Quarter" sermon,
preached by Mr. Newcomb in January, 1864 (from I Corinthians, vii. 31)
and to which we have had access in manuscript, we are indebted for some
of the details presented in this chapter.
Rev. JAMES B. CLEVELAND was installed 3d Dec., 1867, dismissed
1875; since an acting pastor in Kensington, Conn.
Rev. WILLIAM A. HALLOCK served the church from 1st May, 1875-
87; was acting pastor at Gilead, Conn., then served in Watson, N. Y.,
until he returned to Connecticut.
Rev. EUGENE F. ATWOOD, 1887.
The membership of this church was, in 1738, 67; in 1791, 58; in
1833, 118; in 1840, 93; in 1860, 100; in 1880, 137, with a Sunday-
school of 115 scholars, and comprising 102 families.
The church has passed through the following revivals, viz.: 1741, in
which 12 members were added; 1799, 54 added. (see Fowler's account of
this revival in Conn. Evangel. Mag., ii. 268, 272, 285, 310); 1808, 40
added; 1821, 48 added; 1825,
; 1832, 15 added; 1834, 11
added; 1856, 11 added; 1858, 17 added; 1864, 11 added; 1868, 39
added.
THE BAPTIST SOCIETY IN WINTONBURY.
301
Ministers raised in this Parish.-WILLIAM CASE, grad. Y. C., 1821,
and at Andover Theol. Sem., 1824; ordained pastor Chester, Conn., 1824-
35; acting pastor New Hartford, Conn., 1835-6; w. c. East Windsor,
1836-42; acting pastor Middle Haddam, Conn., First Church, 1842–44;
teacher at Haddam, 1844-46; acting pastor North Madison, Conn.,
1846-47; w. c. 1847-April 28, 1858, when he died at Hartford, Conn.,
aged 62. (And. Cat., 1880.)
HEZEKIAH GOODWIN, preacher of the Gospel, who died in this par-
ish, 1767, aged 27, was probably raised here. His name is on Rev.
Hezekiah Bissell's death-roll. He graduated Yale College, 1761, being
the first of his name among its alumni (see Epitaph, Goodwin).
Deacons chosen :
1738 Isaac Butler,
Samuel Case.
1759 William Manley.
1769 Reuben Case.
1801 Thomas Taylor.
1811 Elijah Loomis.
1815 Enoch Frisbie.
1816 Luther Fitch.
1828 Caleb Hitchcock.
1845 Amos Gillett.
1792 Col. Hez. Bissell,
Dr. Caleb Hitchcock.
The Baptist Society in Wintonbury Parish. The long and obsti-
nate contention concerning the settlement of Rev. Mr. Walcott naturally
alienated the minds of many of the Congregational Church members,
who swelled the ranks of the "Separatists." This new sect, which dated
from the "Great Revival" of 1740, had already made considerable prog-
ress in Connecticut; and what tended to gain for it more proselytes in
Wintonbury than anything else was a quarrel which occurred in Rev.
Mr. Bissell's time between Abel Gillet,' a deacon in the church, and one
John Hubbard. Mr. Bissell declined to side with either party, and,
this
being construed by Mr. Gillet as favoring his opponent, he left the
church in anger and "turned Separate." Many of these Separatists
became Baptists, and are first noticed in the affairs of the Old Society,
in 1782. In 1786 they organized the First Baptist Church of Windsor,
and settled as their pastor Ashbel (son of the above-named Dea. Abel)
Afhbel Gillet
Gillet. Steadily increasing in number, they built a small meeting-house
in 1795, which has since been frequently repaired. Elder Gillet was
most highly esteemed, even by those outside of the Baptist communion.
His prayers were supposed to have special power with the Most High, so
that he was much sent for to pray with the sick; and if rain was needed,


1 Father of the late Hon. Francis Gillette,
302
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
especially during haying season, it was a common remark that there was
"no use praying for rain until the parson's hay was in." Sometimes, in
seasons of unusual drought, the people would turn out and help him get
his hay in, and then send up their prayers for the needed relief. It is
told of him that he once found a sheep straying after shearing and likely
to perish, and that he took off his overcoat, wrapped it about the shiver-
ing creature, and went to find its owner. And another story tells how
Parson Miller, who had often ridiculed the Baptists, strayed away from
his home on Whirlwind Hill, in a period of partial insanity, a little
before his death, and made his way, barefooted, over the sharp snow-
crust to the window of Elder Gillet's home, a mile and a half away; and
how the good man arose and brought him him in, and devoted the rest
of the night to warming and comforting the sufferer.'
Elder Gillet was succeeded by the Rev. Augustus Bolles, since
whose time the church has had no settled ministry. In 1859 it was cared
for by Rev. Ralph H. Maine, at which time it had about fifty members,
one of whom, Mr. Wealthy Thrall, then aged 95 years, was the only
survivor of the original (twenty or so) members.
In the absence of the original church records, we gather, from the
votes of excommunication and other official action of the Congregational
Church, the following names of some who were original members of the
Baptist order in Wintonbury, viz.:
W❜d. Hepsibah Barnes,
Mary (wife of Samuel) Eno,
Christian (wife of Caleb) Case,
Joseph Fitch and wife, Prudence,
Aaron Phelps and wife, Susanne,
Abel Pettibone and wife, Elisabeth,
George Latimer.
A Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in Wintonbury 4 July,
1817, by the Rev. Aurora Seagar, a native of the place, who formed a
class of three persons, viz.: Maria Palmer, Olive Hoskins, and Fanny
Griswold. Edwin E. Griswold, afterwards Presiding Elder of the
Bridgeport (Conn.) District became connected with this class, March 20,
1818. The following preachers of this dénomination have originated
from this town: Aurora, Micah, and Schuyler Seagar; Edwin E. Gris-
wold, Ebenezer Latimer, Walter W. Brewer, Reuben H. Loomis.
The first church edifice was erected on Whirlwind Hill in 1833, and
rebuilt on the present location, in the center of the town, 1854.
St. Andrews Protestant Episcopal Church originated in a contro-
versy in the Simsbury Congregational Church in 1740, and its first
edifice was erected in that part of Simsbury known as Scotland, and
which was annexed, in 1843, to Bloomfield, forming the northwest por-
¹ Mrs. E. S. Warner in Mem. Hist. Hartford Co.
SCHOOLS IN WINTONBURY.
303
tion of the town, near Tariffville and the railroad. The history of this
parish, one of the oldest in the State, has been given by Noah A. Phelps
in his Hist. of Simsbury, Granby, and Canton, 1845. After a lengthened
suspension, it resumed services in 1863, and in 1868 was nearly sup-
planted by an offshoot established by some of its members at Tariffville.
Schools.- Feb. 12, 1795, by a society vote, the parish of Winton-
bury was divided into seven school districts, and five school-houses were
soon built, two of which one on Whirlwind Hill and one at the Old
Farms—were two stories high, quite large and convenient, and supplied
with bells. The upper story of that on the Hill was for a long time
used as a Free Masons' lodge-room, but the lodge was disbanded during
the famous "Anti-Masonic" excitement of 1826. The school-house at
the Old Farms was substantially built of brick, and is still standing.
Its bell was presented to it, and its first use was to toll on the occasion
of the donor's funeral. On Nov. 7, 1795, the society voted that it would
be "agreeable to have the school-house bell rung at the hour of public
worship and also to give notice of any death in the Society."
Mrs. Warner, in her sketch of Bloomfield (Mem. Hist. Hartford Co.),
thus speaks of the Wintonbury schools and their customs: "The public
schools of the parish were, for a long time, under the care and control
of the Ecclesiastical Society, and great deference was paid to the period-
ical visits of the parish pastor. When he entered the room, the scholars
were all compelled to rise and make obeisance. Country-school educa-
tion in those days was mostly summed up in the three R's, but the
reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic, with the never-omitted spelling, and for the
girls sewing on sheets, and often bedquilts, were taught with thorough-
ness. The teaching of little children, in the early part of the century,
began with a series of questions as to their names and those of their
parents, their age, what town, parish, county, State, and country they
lived in, the name of each pastor of their town, the Governor of the
State and the President of the United States.
Early in the
present century the school had a remarkable teacher, a Mr. Lucas, who
aroused the greatest enthusiasm in his pupils, and who closed his one
winter with a brilliant exhibition in the church, of the play of Pizarro
'Priest Miller' reluctantly consenting. The schools were generally
kept by male instructors in winter, and by female in summer. One of
the teachers—an old gray-haired man, and college-bred, which was a
rare thing in those days—had the habit of getting his queue done over
during noon spell' by one of the girls of his 'fore class.' An inter-
esting old lady, Mrs. Wealthy Gillet Latimer Thrall, who lived all of her
nearly one hundred years in Bloomfield, used to tell her grandchildren
how frightened she was the morning she was promoted to this class,
6
304.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
when the master rapped with his ruler on the desk, and announced before
the school that henceforth she was to take her turn at that august task.
Her fingers trembled so that she could scarcely tie the black ribbon, as
she stood behind the master, sitting by the big open fire, keeping order
during 'noon-spell.' This same little.girl had such a good memory for
grammar-all the grammar they had in those days was in the 'fore-
part' of the spelling-book-that her teacher delighted in taking her
about the streets and into the houses, of evenings, to show off; where
her listeners would exclaim, 'What a pity she isn't a boy!' In her last
days, when her strong mind began to give way, in wandering back to her
childhood, she would repeat sentence after sentence from those old
spelling-book pages. After she was grown and married, she and her
husband kept Thrall Tavern, in the Old Farms district, for forty years,
and in her old age she never wearied of telling how they once entertained
Lafayette at dinner, with a hundred other guests; delighting her eager
grandchildren with all the particulars as to looks, and dress, and bill of
fare. Her husband had the first chaise ever used in Bloomfield."
A Wintonbury Library Society was formed in January, 1793.
Revolutionary War.-Wintonbury's share in this war is embraced
within the history of the town of Windsor. Capt. Lemuel Roberts, who
resided within that portion of the parish originally comprised in Sims-
bury, has left "A Noate of those who marched at the Lexington alarm,
April, 1775, viz.:
Capt. Lemuel Roberts,
Left. Abram Pinney,
Sgt. Aaron Pinney,
Corp'l Levi Pinney,
Corp'l William Adams.
Rubin Fullar,
James Eno,
Amaziah Barber,
Alexander Marshall.
Tradition says that when the war began nearly every man in the
town was drafted; and that, during the hard times following the war,
there was no coffee used and but little tea; only occasionally a pound of
sugar, and but few potatoes were raised. The common diet at this period
was boiled beef and pork; children eating the broth, which was thickened
up with bread and beans given to them in a single dish, around which
they gathered, and into which they dipped with their spoons.
Traces of Negro Slavery are found in Rev. Mr. Bissell's private
church record— as thus, in 1754, " died, Fortune, a negro serv¹, who be-
longed to John Hubbard, Jr., and but a little time before his death was
Jona. Smith's "; and, in 1772, is recorded the baptism of "Cæsar, a ne-
gro servant of mine." There were but few slaves, however, and their
bondage was of the mildest form.
WINTONBURY, OR FIFTH SOCIETY IN WINDSOR.
305
Indians.
"Traces of an Indian reservation still exist in the Old
Farms district. A native of Bloomfield remembers how a family of Mo-
hegans used to come and settle down to their basket-making by Old
Farms Brook under the hill, on his father's farm. They would say to
the little boys that all the land belonged to them, and they could get
their basket-stuff wherever they liked. This was as late as 1820.”
Mrs. Warner. (In this connection, see our note on page 130.)
Wintonbury parish, in 1802, contained 176 dwelling-houses and about
1,050 souls. There were then four taverns in the parish, one saw-mill,
one fulling-mill, one grist-mill, with two sets of stone, and one gin dis-
tillery, erected that year. (For agricultural products, see chapter on
Bloomfield.) At one period, many years ago, the Brothers Brown made
drums, including toy-drums, and Capt. Filley manufactured tin-ware,
which was sold by peddlers in Vermont. Among the things of Winton-
bury's past, at one time or another, were two sash and blind factories
and an oil well; but, for some time past, carriage and wagon-making has
been Bloomfield's only manufacture.
The Old Burying Place of Wintonbury (now Bloomfield), originally
a small clearing in the north end of the forest which stretched back a
long distance from the first meeting-house, contains many exceedingly
quaint inscriptions, of which we present the following specimens:
Upon a low brown stone, in the extreme north corner, is this :
Here lies y*
Body of Luce the
Daught of Sergat
Isaac Skinner who
Died Febry ye 23rd
1739-40 aged 18 year
this was ye first Perso
that was Burried Here
፡
"Mrs. ANNA MEECHAR | Daughter of Widow | Samantha Cook, Died July 3, 1808.
"Sixteen years I lived a maid,
Two years I was a Wife,
Five hours I was a mother,
And so I lost my life.
My babe lies by me, as you see,
To show no age from Death is free."
'MIRE, daughter of Widow Semantha Cook, Died Feb'y 15, 1808, Aged 12 years.
“One day in health I did appear
Next day a corpse, fit for the bier."
"In Memory of HEZEKIAH GOODWIN, A.M., & Preacher of the Gospel; Son to Mr.
Stephen Goodwin & Mrs. Sarah Goodwin, who departed this life Jany 19th A. D. 1767,
in ye 27 Year of his Age. His Epitaph composed by himself, upon his deathbed is as
follows:
VOL. I.—39
306
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
-
How short, how precarious, how uncertain-is Life! How quick y Transi-
tion from time to Eternity. A Breath, a Gaspe, a Groan & lo we are seen no more!
And yet on this point, Oh alarming thought, on this slender point turns a vast
Eternity."
Age.
"
'In Memory of Mr. JONAH GILLETT, who Died May ye 21, 1782, in ye 75 Year of his
'My kindred Dear as you draw near
Don't think that Death's a jeast,
Remember you are mortal too
Must pass the Solemn Test.”
1
"This monument to the memory of PELETIAH ALLYN, who d. Feb. 5, 1821, in the
24th year of his age, was erected by the Congregational Society of Wintonbury, of
which he was a member. Mr. Állyn early arrived at maturity, in the powers of his
mind, and was possessed of more than ordinary energy and decision of character. In
the testamentary disposal of his estate, good judgment and benevolence were happily
united. After several legacies to individuals, he gave £200 for foreign missions, 100 an-
nually forever for the relief of the industrious poor of Wintonbury, 30 annually for the
support of religious psalmody in the Congregational Society, and 200 to 270 annually
forever for the support of the gospel in the same society."
Daidamia, Mahala, Lodesca, Lovicy, and Climena, are among the
curious female names, and Reuel, Abi, Amaziah, Zeruiah, and Defer,
among the masculine names found in this cemetery.
The new cemetery was opened in 1856.
Diseases common to the parish: these, according to Rev. Mr. Miller's
Ms. Hist. Account of Wintonbury, before alluded to, were pleurisy, con-
sumption, dropsy, slow or long fevers, bilious and nervous fevers, dysen-
tery, and hoarse canker. According to this authority, in the western part
of the society, on a large brook (which has a dead current, being at the
bottom of the mountain, and its banks being boggy and of black earth
and coarse grass) the inhabitants dwelling on the road parallel with it.
have in some seasons been peculiarly subject to slow fever, or to dysen-
tery, neither of which, however, appeared at the same time. In 1775,
dysentery raged fearfully on this street, attacking almost every person.
That year fifty-two persons died in the society, of whom fifteen died be-
fore July 19th, when the dysentery first appeared. Of the other thirty-
seven, who died between this date and the next spring, thirty died on this
street, which then contained only thirty-three houses. Other parts of
the Society suffered but little.
In the fall of 1792, the dysentery again raged on the same street,
and many died, while but few were ill in other portions of the society
and continued to rage until the following January, despite early frosts
and snows.
From January 1, 1792-1801, inclusive, there were 163 deaths in the
parish. Of this number
WINTONBURY, OR FIFTH SOCIETY IN WINDSOR.
307
48 persons died under 2 years of age.
22
27
31
15
11
between 2 and 20 years of age.
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20 and 40
40 and 70
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70 and 80
80 and 85
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85 and 90
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at age of 93.
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94.
97.
Among the old citizens of the parish, honorable mention must be
made of Capt. David W. Grant, "who, for many years in the early part
of this century kept the State and town poorhouse, and left a handsome
fortune to his son Wadsworth, who erected the rough-stone house in the
western part of the present Bloomfield, and was known as a most liberal-
minded man. HIRAM ROBERTS, of one of the oldest families in Winton-
bury, was the merchant of the parish, in his day a leading man, and
twice a representative to the State Legislature — a man of unusual judg-
ment and integrity. Among other leading men several of them cap-
tains in the War of 1812, some representatives in the Legislature, and
nearly all established farmers, and who died at a good old age were
ELIHU MILLS, who is remembered never to have failed of being in his
seat at church twenty minutes too early, and who was always the last to
give up the custom of standing during prayer; ELIJAH GRISWOLD, a
noted singing-master, and one of the two publishers of an early singing-
book, the Connecticut Harmony, printed about 1800, the engraved cop-
per-plates and letter-press for which are still in existence; the three
BIDWELL brothers; the HITCHCOCKS and BROWNS; Captains Lord, Good-
WIN, FILLEY, LOOMIS, and ROWLEY (which last outlived his military com-
patriots) who, in turn, had drilled the old militia company which mustered
from 120 to 150 men; and was disbanded just long enough before the
Civil War for it to find only raw recruits." Mrs. Warner.
CHAPTER XVII.
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
1775-1783.
IT
66
T might have been presumed that the colonies, in retiring from a war
in which they had borne so conspicuous and loyal a part, and from
which they had themselves derived but little benefit, would have received
from their sovereign some mark of approbation, or at least of indulgence.
But that sovereign was weak, and his ministerial advisers were unprinci-
pled and short-sighted. They found the treasury empty and the national
debt increased by recent wars to almost seven millions of dollars. Their
subjects at home were already alarmed and grumbling at the increased
burden of taxation which seemed to await them. It was then that
Grenville's facile brain conceived the idea, ungenerous as it was unwise,
of taxing the colonies by levying new duties upon their imports. This
was the
one straw too much which broke the camel's back." The col-
onists, who had sacrificed thousands of their best lives and treasures,
and whose frontiers had for so many years been constantly drenched in
blood, could not bear this new burden. From one and all arose a unani-
mous protest against "taxation without representation." A few wise
men foresaw and plainly represented the danger, but their advice was
wasted on the grasping ministers of England. The Stamp Act was
passed on the 22d of March, 1765, and this "entering wedge for the dis-
memberment of the British empire" was accompanied with the explicit
declaration "that it was intended to establish the power of Great Britain
to tax the colonies." It was received in America with overwhelming
feeling of resentment. Alarmed and abashed at the outbreak of deter-
mined opposition which it provoked, the government of Great Britain
repealed the act. Hardly had the rejoicings of the grateful colonies
over this event ceased before the unwise and unjust acts of the ministry
again plunged the country into alarm and discontent. An act enforcing
the quartering of a royal army in their midst, and at their expense, was
followed by another, levying duties upon paper, glass, paints, lead, and
tea imported by them. In both these acts the principle involved was the
same as in the Stamp Act, and was as firmly resisted by the colonies.
These manifestations of revolt, however, as well as the plain words of
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1774. 309
many wise and noble minds, even in parliament itself, were unheeded by
the blindly infatuated ministers of the British government. America was
in constant and open revolt, but one after another these hated measures
were forced down her throat. It is true that a bill was passed in 1770
repealing the duty on all articles but tea. It was too late. For on that
very day was enacting in the streets of Boston the tragedy of the Boston
Massacre. Then came two years of outward quiet, but really of seething
unrest. Again, in December, 1773, the smoldering fire burst out anew,
and Boston harbor witnessed the destruction of several cargoes of tea
by a disguised but orderly band of patriots. Roused and enraged,
the English ministry now passed the famous Boston Port Bill. This
bill, providing for the removal of customs, courts of justice, and all
government officers from Boston to Salem, and for the "complete dis-
continuance of all landing, discharging and shipping of wares and mer-
chandise at Boston, or within the harbor thereof," came into effect on
the first of June, 1774. Its effect was instantaneous.
"The utter pros-
tration of all business soon produced great distress in the city. The
rich, deprived of their rents, became straitened, and the poor, denied the
privilege of labor, were reduced to beggary. All classes felt the scourge
of the oppressor, yet the fortitude and forbearance of the inhabitants
were most remarkable." The sympathy of the whole country was
aroused, for, although the blow was aimed at Boston as "the ringleader
in every riot," it was keenly felt in every colony. And this sympathy
evinced itself not only in words and encouraging resolves, but in substan-
tial tokens of attachment to the sufferers. From Georgia came sixty-
three barrels of rice and seven hundred and twenty dollars in specie.
The town of Windham, in Connecticut, sent a large flock of sheep; and
from every quarter contributions of wheat and grain, pork and money,
came pouring in. Even the great city of London, in its corporate capac-
ity, sent one hundred and fifty thousand dollars for the relief of the
poor in Boston. "The people of Marblehead and Salem offered the Bos-
ton merchants the free use of wharves and stores, for they scorned to
enrich themselves at the expense of their oppressed neighbors! A com-
mittee was appointed in Boston to receive and distribute donations, and,
in the midst of martial law, the suffering patriots were bold and
unyielding."
Liberty had her friends among the people of our town of Windsor,
who were not unmindful of their suffering brethren, and the town govern-
ment of Windsor at this period was in the hands of men of influence
who were straightforward, brief, earnest, and business-like in all their
actions. These characteristics are very plainly impressed on all the
records and correspondence of the town during the revolutionary strug-
gle, and are in marked contrast to the eloquent and somewhat wordy
310
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR..
.
style of expression which is displayed in the East Windsor records. Yet
in feeling, patriotism, and attachment to the cause of freedom, both
towns were emphatically "shoulder to shoulder." In the correspondence
of the committee for the relief of the Boston sufferers by the Port Bill
we find the following letter.' It tells its own story with a straightforward
brevity which characterizes the official actions of the town during this
period.
MR. JONATHAN MASON,
WINDSOR, March 20, 1775.
SIR: We being appointed by this town to receive donations for the poor of Boston,
and as we understand you are one to receive them, have directed Capt. Smith to deliver
you what grain we have collected for that purpose, viz., 391 bushels rye, 891 bushels
corn, and half barrel of pork.
We are your humble servants,
JAMES HOOKER.
OLIVER MATHER.
Meanwhile the troops in Boston were daily augmenting, until it was
one vast garrison. Insulted by the presence of the soldiery, their rights
invaded and trampled upon, the people of Massachusetts, and with her
the united colonies, were preparing to strike a blow at the coil of despot-
ism which was gradually surrounding them. Every fresh act of oppres-
sion was met by scornful and dignified yet determined resistance. Every
hour seemed pregnant with impending collision. It came on the 19th of
April, 1775. In the grey dawn of morning, on the village green of Lex-
ington, a handful of rustic patriots undauntedly awaited the approach of
an advancing column of British troops. One hour later, on that village
green, lay eight patriot corpses, and from their blood, still welling out
upon the dewy sod, there had gone forth a cry for vengeance which all
America heard. Through the length and breadth of the land bell
responded to bell, and watchfire to watchfire, and everywhere the people
were in arms. "Throughout New England the news was rapidly carried
by horse 'express' from town to town. It was despatched to Connecti-
cut by the Massachusetts Committee of Safety at Watertown during the
progress of the fighting, or near 10 o'clock of Wednesday morning,
April 19th. The bearer, Israel Bessel, is charged to alarm the country
quite to Connecticut, and all persons are desired to furnish him with
fresh horses as they may be needed.' During Thursday, the 20th, the
news was circulating through the eastern part of the colony. The people
of Windham County received it generally by noon. It reached Governor
Trumbull, at Lebanon, by eleven. It was doubtless at Hartford by
night, at New Haven on the following evening."- Rec. of Conn. Men in
the War of the Revolution.
6
¹ Mass. Hist. Soc'y Coll., 4th Series, iv. 266.
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAr, 1775.
311
The people of Windsor had just paid the last sad tribute of respect
to their beloved pastor-perhaps they even yet stood by the side of the
open grave—as a mounted messenger came "spurring in hot haste"
from Hartford, bearing the news of the battle which had been fought the
day before.
It was as the first lightning flash in the approaching storm, not wholly
unexpected, but none the less startling; and as the intelligence spread
quickly from mouth to mouth, and from family to family, it everywhere
awoke an instantaneous activity. The signs of grief gave place to the
sound and bustle of warlike prepara-
tion. Brave THOMAS HAYDEN was
quickly in the saddle, bearing the
news to Suffield as fast as his steed
could carry him.
him. On
On every side there
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was "hurrying to and fro"; in every home the agitation of sudden de-
parture and the tremulous tones of farewell words. Ere many hours
had elapsed an "alarm party" of twenty-three men, under command
of Capt. NATHANIEL HAYDEN, had
left Windsor on their march to
Lexington. The following are
the names of those gallant sons of
Matthise Поўдет
Haydes
Windsor who first responded to the call of Liberty, copied from the orig-
inal pay list, signed by each member of the party. The figure after
each name denotes the number of days in service, as given by the Rec. of
Conn. Men in Rev. War (official); as are also those names and ranks,
which are starred.
Sgt. SAMUEL GIBBS, 24,
WILLIAM DAVIS, 24,
LEMUEL WELCH, 24,
EBENEZER WOOLWORTH, 24,
GERSHOM WEST, 13 (George *),
WILLIAM THRALL, Jr., 13,
Capt.
NATHAN'L HAYDEN, 5,
Corp'l CORNELIUS RUSSELL, 5,
EZRA HAYDEN, 5,
OLIVER HAYDEN, 5,
Sgt.*
THOMAS HAYDEN, 5,
Sgt.*
REUBEN DENSLOW, 5,
OLIVER LEE, 5,
MARTIN DENSLOW, 5,
JOHN ALLYN, 5,
JOHN ALLYN, Jr., 5,
Sgt.
ELIJAH STOUGHTON, 5,
SAMUEL WING, 5,
EBENEZER FITCH BISSELL, 3,
DAVID THRALL, 5,
ELEAZUR GAYLORD, 5,
NATHANIEL STANLEY, 13,*
BUGBEE, 13.*
WILLIAM PARSONS, 24,
JOHN ROBERTS, 14,
They left Windsor about 21st of April, and the receipt is signed July
18, 1775, which was probably about the time of their return. The ex-
penses of the expedition were about £69 15s. 6d.
The struggle for independence was now fairly commenced. The
capture of Fort Ticonderoga by Ethan Allen, "in the name of Jehovah
312
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
and the Continental Congress," on the 10th of May, and the hotly con-
tested battle of Bunker Hill in June following, inspired confidence in the
patriot arms, and committed them to a war from which there was no
retreat.
In connection with the Ticonderoga affair we find (Off. Rec. Conn.
Men in Rev. War, p. 32) the following receipt given by one James Easton
of Pittsfield, who was engaged at the capture of "Ti." and who returned
to Connecticut for powder:
WINDSOR, May 27th day, A.D. 1775.
Then I the subscriber did receive of Henry Allyn, Esq., five hundred weight of
Gun Powder, on account of the Connect Colony, to be transported to Ticonderoga with
all possible speed."
JAMES EASTON.
The first item which appears upon the records of Windsor relative
to the Revolutionary war is the appointment, in December, 1775, of a
Committee of Inspection, composed of the following persons, all of them
eminent citizens and true patriots :
Doctor ALEXANDER WOLCOTT,
Capt. JAMES HOOKER,
Capt. JOSIAH PHELPS,
Ensign JONATHAN FILLEY,
Mr. JOAB GRISWOLD,
JOSIAH BISSELL,
ROGER NEWBERRY,
HENRY ALLYN, Esq.,
Lieut. PELATIAH MILLS.
The chief duty of this committee was of a peculiarly delicate nature,
warranted only by the circumstances of the times. It was nothing more
or less than a patriotic and searching espionage into the principles,
actions, and private affairs of every member of the community, without
regard to station, profession, or character. It was necessary to know
how each man stood affected towards the war whether his feelings
were enlisted in his country's behalf, or whether secretly or publicly he
was aiding and abetting the enemy. Lukewarmness in action, an un-
guarded word, or an equivocal deed, was sufficient in those days of trial
to excite distrust; and woe to the unlucky man, whatever his rank in
life, who fell under the suspicion of "the people". Undoubtedly many
innocent persons were unjustly suspected, yet, on the whole, the influ-
ence of this Vigilance Committee was as salutary as it was certainly
necessary.
After the battle of Bunker Hill the American army commenced the
construction of various fortifications and defenses upon the heights
adjacent to Boston, which was held by the British troops. Upon these
lines, which were situated on Winter and Prospect Hills, at Roxbury,
and from thence to the Charles River, the troops were mostly engaged
during the fall and winter of 1775-6. Quite a number of Windsor men
are known to have been here, under Gen. Putnam, but their names can-
not be fully ascertained.
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE REVOLUTION, 1765.
313
The voluntary mustering in the Alarm of April 19th was speedily
followed (April-May) by the first authorized call for troops. The
Assembly was convened, and met May 6th, and enacted that one-fourth
of the colony militia should be forthwith enlisted. This apportionment
represented about 6,000 men, who were distributed in six regiments of ten
companies each, with a full complement of field, staff, and line officers,
and to be commanded by a major-general and two brigadier-generals,
each of whom was also to take command of a regiment, as colonel. At
the July session of Assembly two more regiments, somewhat smaller,
were ordered, making eight in all-total of about 7,400-term of ser-
vice seven months-officers all appointed by the Assembly.
In the 2d of these regiments (Gen. Spencer's) ROGER ENOS, of
Windsor, appears as Lieut.-Colonel.
In the 8th regiment (Col. Huntington's) THOMAS HAYDEN, of
Windsor, served as Sergeant-Major; SAMUEL STOUGHTON, of Windsor,
was Ensign in 4th company, of which EBENEZER FITCH BISSELL was
First Lieutenant. This company was mostly of Simsbury, and com-
manded by Capt. Elihu Humphrey.
EBENEZER FITCH BISSELL was "a gentleman, though not of the
most easy and familiar turn; yet for his steady, correct attention to the
duties of his station he was well respected." He was advanced, while in
camp, to the captaincy of the 7th company, 17th regiment.
Of Ensign (Samuel in official roll) STOUGHTON it is said: "Sickness
detained him long out of camp. He was
He was a tall, well-made man, and
possessed a good military appearance."
From THOMAS HAYDEN'S letters to his family we have mostly
gleaned the following names of Windsor men, although they do not
seem to have been in his company:
DAVID GIBBS, sick, Oct., 1775.
HEZEKIAH HAYDEN.
MARTIN DENSLOW, sick, Oct., 1775.
Sgt. [JESSE] THRALL.
DANIEL BROWN, sick.
JESSE WALL, sick.
ALPHEUS MUNSELL, served at Roxbury as an army blacksmith.
Mr. ROE, sick with pleurisy.
ELIJAH HOSKINS (Wby.) died in March, in camp at Roxbury, aged
about 42.
ELIPHALET LOOMIS (Wby.) died in April, on return from the camp,
aged about 20 years.
Dec., 1775, or Jan., 1776, JOHN GILMAN (Wby.), died in camp,
aged about 18. (Wby. Ch. Rec.)
VOL. I.-40
314
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
The following document also preserves the names of a number of
Windsor men who did military service during the year 1775:
"TO JOHN LAWRENCE, Esq., Treasurer for the State of Connecticut:
"These may Certify that we the Subscribers of the Civil Authority and select-men
of the Town of Windsor, Do hereby abate to Mr. Joab Griswold Collector of the Colony
Tax made upon the list made and computed for 1775, and a Tax of 4d. on the Pound,
the following persons Heads who were non-commissioned Officers or Soldiers in the
army in the year 1775, are as follows
"Job. Allyn
Jonathan Loomis
Increase Mather
Roger Rowel
Jacob Judd
George Wolcott
John Robert
Elnathan Filley
Elijah Marshall Jr
Phineas Drake 3.
Isaac Pinney, Jun.
William Phelps 3.
Lanscott Phelps
Elijah Griswold
Martin Holcomb, Jun
Solomon Clark, Jun.
James Wilson
Israel Warner
Edward Barnard Jun
Zacheus Phelps
John May
Luke Thrall
Oliver Winchell
Theophilus Hide
Ashbel Stiles
Thomas Hayden
Martin Denslow
Sam" Wing
Ezekiel Thrall
Oliver Clark
Samuel Gibb
David Gibb
Eleazar Gaylord
Wm Davise
Alpheus Munsell
Lemuel Welch
William Parson
Elias Brown
Cornelius Russell
Daniel Eley
Samuel Munrow
Aaron Lyon
Nath' Stanley
Shubel Barber
Jesse Thrall
Roger Mills
Reuben Loomis
Thomas Allyn Jun
William Manley
Moses Cook
David Filley
Jonathan Bidwell
Moses Drake
Simeon Grayham (Two Heads)
Stephen Fosbury
John Fosbury
Joseph Fitch
Jonah Gillet, Jun
Jonathan Gillet
Ezekiel Case
John Rowel, Jun
Isaac Skinner
Thomas Gillet
Abiel Wilson
Aaron Webster
Being sixty six in number, amounting to the sum of £1188, upon the Public List
of the Poles and Ratable Estate of the Inhabitants of the Town of Windsor, made and
Computed for August, 1775. Which said sum we hereby abate to the said Collector.
HENRY ALLYN, Just. peac.
"DANIEL BISSELL Selectmen
ISAAC PINNEY
PEL MILLS
of
Windsor."
A lifelike picture of the winter encampment is given by the Rev.
William Emerson, chaplain in the army. "The generals, Washington
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE REVOLUTION, 1775.
315
and Lee, are upon the lines every day. New orders from his excellency are
read to the respective regiments every morning after prayers. The strictest
government is taking place, and great distinction is made between officers
and soldiers. Every one is made to know his place and keep in it, or to
be tied up and receive thirty or forty lashes, according to his crime.
Thousands are at work every day from four till eleven o'clock in the
morning. It is surprising how much work has been done.
It is very diverting to walk among the camps. They are as different in
their form as the owners are in their dress, and every tent is a portrait-
ure of the temper and taste of the persons who encamp in it. Some are
made of boards, and some of sail cloth; some partly of one and partly of
the other. Again, others are made of stone or turf, brick or brush.
Some are thrown up in a hurry; others are curiously wrought with doors
and windows, done with wreaths and withes in the manner of a basket.
Some are your proper tents and marquees, looking like the regular camp
of the enemy." To complete the picture we will quote the words of a
Simsbury soldier:
"For every six soldiers there was a tent provided. The ground it covered was
about six or seven feet square. This served for kitchen, parlor, and hall. The green
turf, covered with a blanket, was our bed and bedstead. When we turned in for the
night we had to lie perfectly straight, like candles in a box; this was not pleasant to
our hip bones and knee joints, which often in the night would wake us, and beg to turn
Our household utensils, altogether, were an iron pot, a canteen or wooden bottle
holding two quarts, a pail and wooden bowl. Each had to do his own washing, and
take his turn at the cooking."
over.
It has been our privilege to read many of the letters written home
by the soldiers in this motley camp to their friends and families in
Windsor. Though not of sufficient importance to publish, yet they con-
tain many homelike passages of touching interest; queries of, and kind
messages for friends; little bits of camp gossip and daily incident, with
not unfrequently a request to be furnished with a new vest, or blanket,
or a cheese. And these were not minor wants or luxuries, but necessities.
For at this time the army was suffering for want of means and food.
Recruits came in tardily, the army itself was weakened, its spirit was
lowered, and, as the cold weather approached, it sorely felt the necessity
of fuel and comfortable clothing. Some regiments ate their rations raw
for want of fuel to cook them. Sickness was raging in the camp, and,
the terms of enlistment beginning to expire, many of the soldiers pre-
ferred to go home.
Added to these trials was the dispiriting effect of the failure of the
expedition against Quebec. In the month of August previous a plan
had been devised to invade Canada by an expedition which, entering
that country by way of the Kennebec River, should co-operate with
316
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
•
another, under Gen. Schuyler, approaching by the northern lakes. Eleven
hundred hardy men, accustomed to frontier life, many of them veterans
of the old French war, were selected from the army for this service.
The chief command was given to Col. Benedict Arnold, whose eminent
bravery and acquaintance with the country to be invaded peculiarly
fitted him for the perilous undertaking. His subordinate officers were
Lieut.-Cols. ROGER ENOS, of Windsor, and Christopher Greene; and
Majors Meigs and Bigelow; while the rifle corps were commanded by
Captain Daniel Morgan, famous as a partizan leader in the subsequent
history of the war.
Arnold's detachment marched from Cambridge on the 13th of Sep-
tember, 1775, and embarking at Newburyport on eleven transports, set
sail for the mouth of the Kennebec River. At Gardiner they found 200
batteaux awaiting them, and in these they pushed on to Norridgewock
Falls. Here began the perils and toils of a march which has no parallel
in the history of our Revolutionary struggle. The hardy voyageurs were
obliged to carry all their batteaux, provisions, and stores around the falls,
into navigable water, a mile and a quarter above. This severe labor
consumed seven days, and had to be repeated at Carremtuc Falls. At
length, however, in spite of a current so rapid that the men waded
through the stream, pushing their boats before them, the little band
reached the great carrying-place, twelve miles below the junction of the
Dead River with the Kennebec. By this time their number had been
reduced by sickness and desertion to about 950, yet their spirits were
cheerful and their courage unshaken. Twenty-five days' provisions still
remained, and Arnold determined to push on to the French settlements
on the Chaudiere, estimated at ten days' distance. "The great carrying
place was a portage of fifteen miles, broken by three ponds. Oxen
dragged the batteaux part of the way on sleds, and the baggage and
stores were carried on the shoulders of the men. Over craggy knolls
and tangled ravines, through deep morasses, creeks, and ponds, they
pursued their journey, sometimes carrying their vessels, and the
vessels sometimes bearing them, until they reached the Dead River.
The ponds afforded an abundance of delicious salmon-trout, and want
of food had not yet been among their privations. The surface of
the Dead River was smooth, and the waters flowed on in a gentle current
in the midst of the magnificent forest, now rendered gorgeous by the
brilliant hues imparted to foliage by early frost. Occasional falls inter-
rupted their progress, but the labors of the men were far less severe than
hitherto. Suddenly the monotony of the vast forest was broken by the
appearance of a lofty mountain covered with snow, at the foot of which
Arnold encamped three days, raising the Continental flag over his tent.
When the expedition moved forward a heavy rain set in, which sent
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE REVOLUTION, 1775.
317
down such heavy torrents from the hills that the river arose eight feet in
one night, overflowing its banks and filling its channels with rafts of
drift-wood. So suddenly did this freshet occur that the water came
roaring down the valley where the soldiers were encamped so unexpect-
edly and powerfully that they had barely time to retreat to their batteaux
before the whole plain was overflowed. Seven boats were overturned
and their provisions lost, and others were in imminent peril in the midst
of the flood. They were yet thirty miles from the head of the Chaudiere,
and but about twelve days' provisions remained. The storm and expos-
ure made many sick, and despondency supplanted cheerfulness, for the
future seemed pregnant with misery. A council of war was held, and it
was decided to send the sick and feeble back, and to press forward with
the healthy. Arnold wrote to Greene and Enos, who were in the rear,
to select as many of their best men as they could supply with fifteen
days' provisions, and come on with them, leaving the others to return to
Norridgewock. Enos, either through a false construction of the order
or willful disobedience, returned to Cambridge with his whole division.
His appearance excited the greatest indignation in the Continental camp,
and Enos was looked upon as a traitor for thus deserting his companions.
and endangering the whole expedition. He was tried by a court martial,
and, it being proved that he was short of provisions, and that none could
be procured in the wilderness, he was acquitted. He never was restored
in public estimation, however, and soon afterwards left the army.'
In the meanwhile Arnold, with the rest of the troops, pressed
onward. The rain changed to snow, and ice formed upon the water in
which the men waded to push the batteaux as they passed the numerous
ponds and marshes near the sources of the Dead River. Seventeen falls
were passed, and on a bleak day, marching through snow two inches
deep, they reached the Highlands which separated the waters of New
England from Canada."
Soon they came to Lake Megantic, on whose eastern shore the little
army encamped to recruit from their fatiguing march, while Arnold,
with thirteen men in batteaux and canoes, and Capt. Hanchet, with a
party of fifty-five men on shore, proceeded down the Chaudiere to the
French settlements, to procure provisions. The voyage was frightful in
the extreme. The rapid current boiled and foamed over a rocky bottom,
and they were without guides, but they lashed themselves to the batteaux
and embarked upon the stream. Soon they were among the rapids.
Three boats were broken to pieces, their contents upset, and the hapless
1 The circumstances of this case are most forcibly stated in the admirable defense
of Enos' conduct, made by Rev. Horace Edwin Hayden of Wilkesbarre, Pa., in an
article entitled Gen. Roger Enos: A Lost Chapter of Arnold's Expedition to Canada, 1775,
published in the Magazine of American History,
318
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
voyageurs left struggling with the waters, but no lives were lost. For
seventy miles there was a constant succession of falls and rapids, with
their accompanying dangers. At last they reached Sartigan, where the
hospitable French furnished them with provisions, which were immedi-
ately sent back to the approaching army. They reached the troops at
an opportune moment, for they had slaughtered their last ox some days.
before, and had even been reduced to the extremity of using dog's flesh,
sand-roots, and the leather of their shoes and moccasins, for food.
Pushing on with renewed strength, the army reunited at Sartigan,
and on the 9th of November, after this terrible march of thirty-two days
through gloomy forests, emerged at Point Levi, opposite Quebec.
Their sudden appearance, mysterious and unheralded, gave rise to
the most exaggerated rumors of their numbers, and the Canadians were
in a tumult of alarm. Arnold's intention was to have taken advantage
of this, and strike a bold and decisive blow; but a heavy storm of wind
and sleet prevented him from crossing the River St. Lawrence until the
evening of the 13th. Then, under the very guns of a frigate which had
been placed in the stream to intercept him, Arnold safely landed his
forces at Wolf's Cove, and scaling the heights where Wolf had ascended
sixteen years before, stood at dawn upon the Plains of Abraham. And
as the little band of patriots mustered there before the grim battlements
looming fearfully through the gray light of morn, it is not strange that
their hearts sank within them, and that for the first time they realized
the full extent of their own hardihood. They numbered but 750 men,
without artillery, and half of their muskets were spoiled and useless.
They learned also that new reinforcements had added to the enemy's
strength. Arnold, however, made a feint of attack, hoping to draw out
the English, and relying on the French.
The French, however, were deterred by fear of the English garrison,
who in turn were too wary to place the city at the power of enemies
within by issuing forth against the inconsiderable force which menaced.
them without. Consequently, after indulging in some ineffectual brav-
ado, Arnold, finding himself deficient in stores and ammunition, and
learning that further reinforcements to the enemies were approaching,
hastily retired to Point aux Trembles, twenty miles above Quebec, there
to await the arrival of Montgomery's army. On the 1st of December
Montgomery appeared with a most welcome supply of clothing for
Arnold's half-naked troops, and, taking the chief command, the combined
forces, of less than 1,000 men, again set out, in the face of a severe snow
storm, for Quebec. Reaching that place on the 5th, they invested the
city as well as they could with so insignificant a force; and three weeks
were spent in fruitless endeavors to intimidate the British commander
to surrender, or to batter down an entrance with the light guns which
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE REVOLUTION, 1775.
319
they possessed. Now mutiny and dissatisfaction began to develop them-
selves, and the small-pox broke out in the camp. In the face of all these
fearful dangers a council of war determined upon a regular assault. At
2 o'clock on the morning of the 31st of December, in the midst of a driv-
ing storm of snow, which the winds were whirling into almost impassa-
ble drifts, the attack was commenced by three columns, commanded
respectively by Montgomery, Arnold, Livingston, and Brown, which,
approaching the town by different routes, were to meet at a certain
point. Slowly and cautiously Montgomery's command crept up to the
lower town by the road, under Cape Diamond. Stealing upon the little,
and as they hoped unprepared, battery, they were suddenly met by a ter-
rific storm of iron hail, which for ten minutes belched forth death, and
then ceased, for there was none to slay. The gallant Montgomery and
his aids lay dead, and the few who lived fled in dismay from the terrible
havoc. Meantime Arnold, at the head of his division, was struggling
through the heavy snow-drifts in the Sault au Matelot, when he received
a wound which obliged him to retire, and the command devolved on
Morgan, under whom the brave troops stood battling in the narrow pass
for three long hours. And just as they had succeeded in storming the
battery they were surprised by an overwhelming force of the enemy, to
whom they were obliged to surrender. Thus ended this rashest of all
rash attempts to take Quebec: 160 of the American forces were killed
and wounded, and 426 surrendered, while less than 800 escaped and
retired to a short distance from the town, where, under Arnold's com-
mand, they remained till the following spring. Gen. Wooster then
came from Montreal with a large force, and took the chief command.
An attempt was made to beleaguer and occupy the city, which, however,
proved futile, and the patriot arms were obliged to leave Canada without
anything to boast of except their intrepidity in a good cause.
Those who surrendered themselves were kindly treated, and finally
sent home to their anxious friends and families.
It may be thought by some that we have devoted more space to this
expedition than is proper in a local history. We have, however, chosen
to dwell upon it because, as one of the most remarkable exploits of mod-
ern history, it must always be interesting to those who love to recall the
brave deeds of our revolutionary struggle, and because WINDSOR men
shared the toils of that wonderful wilderness march, faced the fury of the
elements, and the wilder storm of British artillery, and languished in
the gloomy depths of a British prison.
In the escalade which was made by Arnold's division Capt. SETH
HANCHETT, of Suffield, and ELIJAH MARSHALL, of Windsor, were the first
to mount the barrier. And clear above the rattle of musketry was heard
the encouraging voice of the former: "Walk up, Marshall, our mothers
320
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
are at home praying for us, and the enemy can't hurt us." Aye, that
was the secret of America's success in the Revolution; her cause was
just, her Washington a praying general, and her brave sons, amid the
temptations of camp life and the danger of battle, never forgot that
mothers, wives, and daughters at home were praying for them.
THEOPHILUS HIDE lost his gun and was killed in the assault.
Among the prisoners we find the names of ELIJAH MARSHALL,
before mentioned, DANIEL ROYCE' (5th Co.), and STEPHEN FOSBURY (of
Wby.), who died in Canada, January 1, 1776, with small-pox, during
his imprisonment, aged 20."
Although these and other reverses tended to depress the hearts of
America's patriotic defenders, yet the energy of Washington triumphed
over every obstacle. He vigorously pushed forward his preparations for
the siege of Boston, and, having secretly fortified Dorchester Heights,
commenced the bombardment of the city on the 3d and 4th of March. In
the darkness of the night, the American army had done its work well;
and the sun, as it rose on the morn of the 5th, revealed to the astonished
foe the adjacent heights bristling with cannon and men.
Howe was
astounded and chagrined. "I know not what I shall do," he exclaimed,
“The rebels have done more in one night than my whole army would have
done in a month." The tables were indeed turned. The British army in
the city and the fleet in the bay were in an extremely critical situation.
Esteeming "prudence the better part of valor," Howe abandoned the
town, and on the 18th the American army entered it in triumph.
Quite a number of Windsor men were present at this scene, but we
have been able to get but few of their names. Sgt. THOMAS HAYDEN, be-
fore mentioned, was at Roxbury when the fortifications were thrown up,
and is said to have constructed some of them, a duty for which his busi-
ness of carpenter and architect peculiarly fitted him. HEZEKIAH HAYDEN,"
LEMUEL WELCH, NATHANIEL LAMBERTON, and INCREASE MATHER were
also there. EZRA HAYDEN was at Dorchester.
129.
1
A Journal of the Expedition, published in New Eng. Hist. and Gen. Register, vi.
2 This, with other Wintonbury names, from the manuscripts of the Rev. Hez.
Bissell.
3 We make the following extract from one of his letters, addressed to his father,
Dea. Nathaniel Hayden, dated "Camp at Roxbury, Jan'y 30, 1776.”
Honored Sir
It is a sick time in the camp, several been carried
to the hospital to-day, and a day or two past. Six I hear, are broke out with the Small-
pox to-day & carried to Cambridge hospital (supposed) to be catched of the Deserters
which come in daily. We are in some fear from the enemy, our regiments are but about
half full. Number is so small and duty is so hard & weather is so cold that we are in
great danger of being sick. One John Gilman died last night in Capt. Bissell's company
one Indian man died this morning in the hospital-12 unfit for duty in our company
Windsor men are tolerably well. But I blest be God am remarkably hearty. Pro-
visions is plenty and good."
3
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE REVOLUTION, 1776.
321
In 1776, the number of Connecticut regiments in the field was in-
creased from eight to twenty-seven, largely composed of re-enlistments
from the men of 1775 — all enlisted men in the Continental army being
specially exempted from the poll tax in the year 1776, and from arrest
for debts during their term of service.
During the re-organization of the Continental army before Boston,
December, 1775, to February, 1776, when soldiers were coming and go-
ing, Washington called for New England regiments to guard the lines at
various points, until the new army had been well established. One of
the three Connecticut regiments sent for this duty was that of Col.
ERASTUS WOLCOTT of East Windsor. They reached Boston about the
end of January, 1776, and remained about six weeks. The only rolls
preserved are those of Wolcott's regiment, which formed a part of the
American army of occupation of Boston after the British had evacuated
that city.
After the evacuation of Boston by the British, they concentrated
their forces near New York city. This caused Gen. Washington to call
upon Gov. Trumbull to order the whole of the standing militia of this
State west of the Connecticut River. His urgent request was promptly
responded to by the governor, and there were not less than 10,000 Con-
necticut militia in the service near New York, among whom were very
many "Windsor boys."
The little neighborhood of Pine Meadow, now Windsor Locks, con-
sisted of nine families. The heads of all but one of these families were in
the army.
In the disastrous battle of Long Island, August 27, 1776, the affair
at White Plains, and the retreats through Westchester County, the Con-
necticut troops suffered terribly. In the motley crowd which accompa-
nied this retreat, it is related,' was "the wife of Major, afterwards Gen.
Roger Newberry, in a carriage in which she had driven from Windsor to
care for her sick husband. At one point her carriage was disabled, and
they likely to fall into the hands of their enemies. She pleaded unsuc-
cessfully with the sick man to suffer the badges of his rank to be
removed, but he escaped with them on.
Jabez Hashell
JABEZ HASKELL, then act-
ing as nurse to the sick, and
who had succeeded in bring-
ing off a number of sick
Windsor men as far as King's

""
Bridge, was challenged by the guard at that point, and his pass demanded.
Charging bayonet, he shouted, "Here's my pass.
and his invalid corps was soon beyond pursuit.
Stand out of the way,”
One Windsor man who
¹ Hist. Add. at Windsor Centennial, July 4, 1876, by J. H. Hayden.
VOL. I.-41
322
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
was struck by a spent ball, so increased his speed as to leave all his com-
rades behind. Many fell at their posts, and many, less fortunate, were
imprisoned within the gloomy walls of the Old Sugar House, or suffered
the terrors of those floating charnels, the prison ships.'
Hezekiah Hayden
A
HEZEKIAH HAYDEN¹ enlisted into
the army about the 1st of January,
1776, and served as a private soldier.
July 2d, Washington had issued an
order to the army, portraying the perilous condition of the coun-
try, and the momentous interests at stake in the impending battle.
Finding in this order what best expressed his own sentiments regarding
the situation, the soldier copied from it until the drum-beat called him to
lay aside his pen and resume his musket:

'Honored Father and Mother:
"CAMP NEW YORK, July 4, 1776.
The time is now near at hand which must probably determine whether Americans
are to be free men or slaves: whether they are to have any property they can call their
own; whether their houses and farms are to be pillaged and destroyed, and they con-
signed to a state of wretchedness from which no human efforts will propably deliver them.
The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conduct
of this army. Our cruel and unrelenting enemy leaves us no choice but a brave resist-
ance, or the most abject submission. This is all we can expect. We have, therefore, to
resolve to conquer or die. Our country's honor calls upon us for a vigorous and manly
exertion, and if we now shamefully fail, we shall become infamous to the whole world.
Let us rely upon the goodness of our cause, and the aid of the Supreme Being, in whose
hands victory is, to animate and encourage us to great and noble actions. The eyes of
all our countrymen are now upon us, and we shall have their blessings and praises if,
happily, we are the instruments of saving them from the tyranny meditated against
them.
"Let us animate and encourage each other, and show to the whole world that a
freeman contending for liberty on his own ground, is superior to any slavish mercenary
on earth.
“The General recommends to his officers great coolness in time of action, and to the
soldiers strict attention and obedience, with a becoming firmness of spirit.
“The drum beats, and I must turn out with fatigue men and main guard. 'Tis,
thanks be to God, pretty healthy in the army.
Your affectionate son,
HEZEKIAH HAYDEN." 2
He was taken prisoner on the 27th August, 1776, at the battle of
Long Island, and died on board the prison-ship, of starvation, after hav-
ing disposed of everything in his possession, even to his sleeve-buttons,
to purchase of his keeper food enough to sustain life. He was a native
of Windsor, and much respected and esteemed by his neighbors.
NATHANIEL LAMBERTON³ died on board the prison ship, November 9th.
WILLIAM PARSONS' died November 9th, in captivity at New York.
1 Ibid.
2 Ibid.
* See note, p. 323.
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE REVOLUTION, 1776.
323
ELIHU DENSLOW (son of Samuel, on West street, Pine Meadow)
died September 9th, in camp, at New York, of camp distemper (dys-
entery).
Capt. EBENEZER FITCH BISSELL, Sr.,' was one of those who endured
the horrible cruelties of the imprisonment in the Jersey prison ship. He
was accustomed to relate with much feeling the sufferings which he wit-
nessed and experienced at that time. He sent home to his family for money.
Silver was extremely scarce, and by dint of hard scraping, borrowing,
and pledging, they succeeded in sending him some. But it never reached
him, having probably found its way to the pocket of some greedy British
official. "His wife (whose maiden name was Esther Hayden) was vigi-
lant in her endeavors to send articles for his comfort and relief, and
once succeeded in visiting him in his captivity.'
Sam & Wing
& Wing
1 2
SAMUEL WING and his son MOSES were present
at the retreat from New York.
JONATHAN BIDWELL (Wby.), DANIEL GILLET,
JERIJAH BARBER, OBADIAH FULLER, ELISHA MOORE, WATSON LOOMIS,
were drafted and served in New York and Westchester in August and
September.
FREDERICK (Son of Ezekiel) CASE (Wby.), died July 26th, in camp,
at New York, in his 15th year.
30.
OLIVER CASE (Wby.), died October 5th, near New York, aged about
SAMUEL ANDRUS (Wby.), died October 5th, on return from camp,
near New York.
¹ Tradition does not make it clear whether these men died in the "Old Jersey Prison
Ship" or in the old Sugar House or in a Church in New York. Mrs. Ezra Hayden told
me that she was present at a meeting of the father of Hezekiah Hayden (Deacon Na-
thaniel) and the mother of Nathaniel Lamberton when the news first reached them -
that their fears were realized, and that their sons were dead from starvation. She also told
me that Captain Bissell, who survived his imprisonment, used to go around among the
pews every day to see his starving men. Anson Hayden (a nephew of Hezekiah Hay-
den) who lived in New York 70 years ago, told a Windsor friend while passing the old
Sugar House" that his Uncle Hezekiah died there. And yet it was a common saying,
when I was a boy, that Uncle Hezekiah was starved to death in the old Jersey Prison.
Ship. Perhaps some or all of them were at first put in the prison ship, and transferred
to New York later on. A niece of Capt. Bissell said in my hearing that after the war
her uncle would sometimes look wistfully at the debris his wife had cast aside for the
pigs and say, "What wouldn't I have given, Esther, while I was in prison, for the
privilege of going to that barrel." These men all belonged at Hayden's. Cornet Rus-
sel, who lived nearer the center of the town, also survived, but so broken by his suffer-
ings that he could never speak, after he reached home, above a whisper. This treat-
ment of the prisoners by the British army greatly exasperated the friends of the vic-
tims here and elsewhere throughout the colonies. J. H. HAYDEN, 1891.
² Mss. of Mrs. Fanny L. Bissell, in whose possession was preserved the sword of
this gallant officer.
324
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
JOSEPH MARSH died August 15th, at Meriden, coming from camp at
New York.
The great number, as well as the length of the drafts, had seriously
interfered with the agricultural interests of the town, and the crops were
scanty and insufficient for the winter's supply. Nearly all the able-bodied
men of Windsor were absent in the army, and labor was so scarce that
the harvests of 1776 were literally gathered by the women and children.
There came, also, a time, when the stern law of necessity required from
every barn in Windsor all the grain there found above a given amount
for each member of the household depending upon it. And again the
constituted authorities went forth in search of lead for bullets. The tra-
dition which preserves this fact also mentions that not a clock in
the whole town marked the flight of time, their weights having been melted
down and run into bullets. This was owing to a requisition. This tra-
dition is well authenticated, both in the case of this and of the sur-
rounding towns. Mr. Roswell Miller once related this fact to Dea.
Jabez H. Hayden. Corroborative of this fact, we have found, in looking
over some Revolutionary papers of the town, several memoranda, of
which this will serve as a specimen, of "lead delivered to the Towns-
Men, 1776, clock weight lead."
Captain Stoughton, 18 pounds.
Captain Ellsworth,
30
Rev. Mr. Hinsdale, 13
'
Josiah Allyn,
28
David Ellsworth, Jr., 24 pounds.
Daniel Hayden,
John Allyn,
24
<<
14
There were those, however, who failed to see the corresponding
good. Mr. Eliakim Mather, who lived on the street nearly a mile north
of the old church, declared the taking of his clock weights to be an ille-
gal and arbitrary act, and took an oath (a familiar practice with him),
that his clock should stand without weights until the authority which
took them away returned them. Through all the long forty years of
the old man's after life, the old clock was to him an unmoved witness to
his persevering observance of his oath; and when, at the age of eighty-
four, he looked for the last time upon the face of his clock, it still gave
no sound.¹
Capt. ERASTUS WOLCOTT was taken prisoner, but exchanged.
SETH PHELPS of Windsor was 2d lieutenant in Col. Durkee's regi-
ment, 20th Continental.
ABNER WARD of Windsor, captain in Col. Ward's regiment.
1777.
Early this year, enlistments for three years, or during the war, were
called for, and the quota established for each town. This new levy was
1
¹ J. H. Hayden's Add. at Centennial at Windsor, July 4, 1876,
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE REVOLUTION, 1777.
325
a severe test of their patriotism, but, burdened and overstrained as they
were, it was cheerfully and promptly met by Windsor and the other towns
of the State. Large bounties were offered to those who would enlist, and
those who, from any cause, were not liable to be engaged in military duty
were heavily taxed to pay the expenses thus incurred.
As recruiting for the Continental line progressed but slowly in the
spring of 1777, and the Connecticut regiments were not ready to take the
field, Washington urged the Governor to send a body of militia to serve
for six weeks at Peekskill, where Gen. McDougall was then posted with
a slight force. Three regiments-composed of detachments from the
militia regiments were sent, under command of Brig.-Gen. Erastus
Wolcott, and were distributed at White Plains, Crompond, Fishkill, Fort
Montgomery, etc.
The following appears on the town books:
"At a town meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Windsor, lawfully warned and
held in Windsor, the 22d of April, 1777, for the purpose of doing the following business,
viz: 1st, To see what method the town will take to encourage the proportion of soldiers
assigned to the town of Windsor to enlist into the Continental Army, to supply the
quota assigned to this town.
"2d,. To choose a committee to provide necessaries for the families of all those per-
sons belonging to the town of Windsor that shall enlist into the Continental Army at
the price as stated by Law, and at said meeting Doct. Alex. Wolcott chosen Moderator
for said meeting.
"To raise a Rate or tax upon the list of the poles and rateable estate of the inhab-
itants of the town of Windsor, made and computed for August 20, 1776, of so much
money upon the Pound as Will raise Thirty pound Lawful money for each able bodied
effective man that belongs to the town of Windsor that has already enlisted into the
Eight Battalions, including what they have already received as private encouragement
for enlisting, and are now actually in service in the Continental Army, or that shall en-
list into either of the Eight Battalions ordered to be raised in the State of Connecticut for
Continental Service on or before the 30th day of April instant, at 12 of the clock on the
same day. Provided that not a larger number than 79 soldiers that shall enlist includ-
ing the number already inlisted, the first 79 soldiers that shall enlist shall receive said
sum, which said sum shall be paid to each soldier that has already enlisted or that shall
enlist before said 30th day of April, inst. at 12 of the clock on said day, until said
number be made up."
At the next meeting, held May 2, 1777, this encouragement was re-
newed to all who should enlist before the 9th of May, inst.; also
“Voted, That the families of all such soldiers, being lawful inhabitants of the town
of Windsor, who have or shall engage and go into any of the Continental Battalions to
be raised in this State, shall be supplied with necessaries in their absence by a commit-
tee appointed for that purpose, at the price affixed by Law on his or their lodging or
remitting money to said Committee appointed for that purpose, the additional cost to
be paid by said town agreeable to his honor's recommendation in the aforesaid Procla-
mation."
Voted, that Henry Allyn, Noah Griswold, Solomon Allyn, Samuel Denslow, George
Griswold, and Josiah Gillet be a Committee agreeable to the above vote, and to execute
the same,
326
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
"At a town meeting held by adjournment on the 9th of May, 1777, aud opened at 3
of the clock afternoon, according to adjournment, the Moderator of the former meeting
not being present, Capt. Nath' Loomis was chosen Moderator," "at said meeting,
Voted, that each able bodied effective man, that is an inhabitant of the town of Wind-
sor, that shall inlist into either of the Eight Battalions of Continental Troops belonging
to the State of Connecticut, or that has enlisted since the 22d day of April last, shall
receive of the Selectmen of the town of Windsor an order upon the Treasurer for the
town of Windsor for the sum of Thirty pounds Lawful money, agreeable to the vote
of this town at their meeting holden on the 22d day of April last. Provided that each
soldier so enlisted shall be able to secure the Selectmen, that in case such soldier
shall not pass muster that he will repay the said sum into the town treasury with law-
ful interest for the same, from the time of receiving said money out of said treasury,
until the same be repaid into said treasury, and the said order to be drawn upon the
said Treasurer to pay the same within two days after sight thereof, and if not then paid
to pay the lawful interest for the same after the said two days till such time as the
Treasurer shall receive the money for the purpose of paying said order and lay the same
by for that purpose.”
The encouragement of £30.was again renewed at town meeting of
May 27th, and it was also.
"Voted; that Capt. Caleb Phelps, Col. Roger Eno, Mr. Alex. Allin, Capt. Nath'l
Hayden, Capt. Isaac Pinney, Capt. Edward Barnard, Peletiah Mills, and Capt. Jonah
Gillet be a Committee to prepare a Subscription and present the same to the inhabitants
of this town in order to raise money by voluntary subscription for the purpose of pay-
ing the encouragement voted by this town to give to those inhabitants of this town that
shall enlist into the Continental Army.”
In addition to this subscription, a rate or tax of eighteen pence upon
the pound was self-imposed for the same purpose, by a vote of the town,
June 10, 1777.
And at a town meeting in September, Capt. Caleb Phelps being
Moderator, it was
Voted; that the Selectmen of this town purchase or procure, as soon as may be,
upon the best terms they can, the sundry articles of clothing as requested by the Gov-
ernor and Council of Safety at their meeting at Lebanon upon the 12th day of Sept.
inst., for the Non-commissioned officers and soldiers, raised for the Quota of soldiers
assigned for the town of Windsor, and that actually enlisted into the Continental Army
for the term of the War or for three years, and forward the same to the Commissaries as
requested, and bring in their accounts which shall be allowed and paid by this town, in-
cluding such sum or sums as shall or may be received from the Colony Treasury or
other way by order of the General Assembly in October next. ·
In Conn. State Archives, Revol. War, xii. 304, we find an account.
rendered by Hez. Wyllys, against the State of Connecticut, under date of
Sept. 29, 1777, for "procuring Man and Horse to ride express to Windsor
on occasion of the alarm from the Enemies of the United States of
America, in said month of September, expences for himself and Horse in
the Night Season to Raise the Militia to join Gen. Putnam at Fishkill,
£1 08. Od. Bill pd. Dec. 3, '78."
Dec., 1777. Capt. Caleb Phelps, Solomon Allyn, Sam'l Denslow,
:
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE REVOLUTION, 1777.
327
and Noah Griswold were appointed a Committee to provide necessaries
for soldiers' families.
Capt. ABNER PRIOR, belonging to the Fourth Connecticut Regiment,
and Lieut. SETH PHELPS of Col. Durkee's regiment, spent some time in
Windsor during May, 1777, as recruiting officers; and the work of en-
rollment went bravely on. Capt. Prior seems to have enlisted the
largest number. The original certificates of enlistments, bearing on
their backs the owners' endorsements of £30 bounty received from the
selectmen, we found preserved (?) in an old barrel (!) at the clerk's
office. From these we have been enabled to rescue the names and fame
of many of Windsor's revolutionary heroes, which otherwise would have
been lost to posterity.
The attack of the British on Danbury, April the 26th, spread a
general alarm throughout the State, and Windsor sent many volunteers,
most of whom, however, arrived too late to participate in the action of
the next day. Among those who started in hot haste for the fray, was
DANIEL PHELPS, aged eighty-four, who was accompanied by DANIEL
GILLET, a young neighbor. Mounted on horseback, they were far on their
way toward Danbury, when they were met with the news that the crisis
had passed, and volunteers were not needed. Old Mr. Phelps was bitterly
disappointed, exclaiming, as he turned his face towards home, "I am so
sorry, I wanted just to have a few shots at those red-coat British." On
the homeward road they came to a ferry where a number of impatient
riders were waiting their turn to be ferried over, but who with one
consent allowed the old man the preference, and on his urgent plea suf-
fered "his boy" (Gillett) to go with him. On arriving at Litchfield late
that evening, on their homeward route, the old gentleman was so stiff
from age and unwonted fatigue, that he was obliged to be helped from
his saddle. The exertion which he had made undoubtedly hastened his
death, which occurred a few days after. Such was the "spirit of '76."
Capt. EDWARD GRISWOLD of Windsor (as we learn from an affida-
vit from his son Solomon, May, 1787), (Conn. State Archives, Revol., viii.
85-89), commanded a company at Horseneck this year.
LUTHER CENTER, returning from captivity in New York, died at
Wintonbury, Jan., 1777. (Wby. Ch. Rec.)
REUBEN KING (Wby.), returning home from captivity in New York,
died January, 1777, aged about 18.
JOHN WILSON (Wby.), died at or near New York, aged about 18.
Lieut. SAMUEL WING, died at Danbury, in the service, July, 1777.
(Rev. Mr. Hinsdale's North Ch. Rec.)
In October of this year, a detachment of Ensign David Barber's
company of Windsor, belonging to Lieut.-Col. Willey's regiment of
328
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
State militia, was ordered to Peekskill. They started on the 6th, and
were absent about thirty-eight days. Their names were as follows:
Ens'n DAVID Barber,
Sgt. MARTIN PINNEY,
Sgt. ALEX. GRISWOLD,
TIMO. COOK,
GIDEON CASE,
ABEL GRISWOLD,
ELISHA MARSHALL,
Corp. ZEPHANIAH WEBSTER,
Drum. JOSEPH HOLCOMB,
BENJ. MOORE.
OLIVER PHELPS,
Col. ROGER ENOS, of this town, commanded one of the regiments
raised in May of this year. He was stationed on the southwestern bor-
der of the State, near Long Island Sound.
1778
was a gloomy year. Enlistments went on slowly; the previous winter
(1777–8) had been disastrous and severe; the small-pox was raging in
several parts of the country, and men's hearts "failed them for fear.”
The States, however, came together on a common basis of federation,
and, with the aid of the French troops, the war was prosecuted with
commendable vigor. Some of the Windsor troops were this year win-
tered in garrison at West Point.
ELIJAH HILL, JUDAH PINNEY, and JOSEPH HOLCOMB, belonging to
Capt. Barber's company, were among the number.
The terrible massacre at Wyoming, in Pennsylvania—a town settled
by and belonging to Connecticut-produced great agitation and distress.
throughout the State. In every county and town there were those who
had dear friends and relatives there, and when they heard of the terri-
ble fate which had befallen them, there was deep sorrow and indignation
in every heart.
Mrs. AZUBA (Griswold) PERKINS, a daughter of Windsor, barely
escaped with her two children, from the infuriated savages, who had
murdered her husband. She afterwards lived and died in Poquonock.
Dr. ELISHA N. SILL was also a survivor of the Wyoming massacre.
SAMUEL COY and JOEL DENSLOW both died in camp, June, 1778.
Lieut. REUBEN ELLSWORTH was sent, by order of the Assembly, Sept.,
1778, to Headquarters at Frederickburgh, with pay-roll of Troop of
Light Horse, in service at New York, 1776. His bill of nine days' time,
from Windsor to F., expenses and horse hire for ninety miles amounts to
£2614 was paid. Conn. State Arch., Revol. War, xvi. 290.
1779.
The war being principally carried on in the South, the Connecticut
troops were not in very active service. Two alarms for the defense of
Horse Neck, in February and May, and the great scarcity of clothing and
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE REVOLUTION, 1779–80.
329
provisions in the army were the most noticeable events in the northern
division.
At a town meeting held in July, it was voted, that Mr. Elisha
Strong should be an agent to procure the quota of clothing assigned for
the town of Windsor to clothe the Connecticut line in the Continental
Army.
Again at a town meeting in the same month, it was voted,
"That Mr. Elisha Strong, agent for this town for the clothing of the Connecticut.
line in the Continental army assigned for this town to purchase by Resolve of the Gen-
eral Assembly in May last, be and he is hereby authorized and empowered to borrow on
the credit of this town and give his obligation therefor, a sum not exceeding Three.
thousand pounds Lawful Money, payable in a reasonable time on interest, for the pur-
pose aforesaid, and that he be accountable to this town therefor, and that he use all pos-
sible care and prudence that the Loaners be repaid by monies received from this or
the United States."
This year, Joab Griswold, "being a ready penman," was appointed
Collector of Military Taxes for Windsor."- Conn. Arch., Revol., xxi.
205.
1780
was a peculiarly trying year to the American cause. Destitution, fam-
ine, and want of clothing had assailed and tortured the northern army
in their winter-quarters. Defeat and toryism were the fearful odds.
against which the southern army was contending. Added to this, the
heavy drain of men and means, for the past four years, had impover-
ished the country, and the sudden depreciation of Continental currency,
with which the soldiers had been paid off, served to increase the general
distress and wretchedness. Just at this juncture, also, as if to complete.
the gloominess of public affairs, the treachery of Arnold came to light,
filling every heart with the direst apprehension of trouble and disaster.
Men's hearts stood still with doubt and fear, and it was with the utmost
difficulty that Washington and the leaders of the Revolution succeeded
by the most untiring exertions and the most earnest and impassioned
appeals, in reviving the drooping faith and energies of the people.
The records of Windsor show that the most extraordinary means
were put forth, by the authorities, to secure the necessary number of
troops which were required. Large bounties were offered for enlistment,
and heavy taxes imposed to meet them. And there is sufficient evidence
that the calls, both for enlistment and contributions, were responded to
with a cheerfulness almost remarkable, when we consider the number of
excessive drafts which had been made on the town, and its consequent
weakness.
At a town meeting 10th July, 1780. Voted; that each able bodied effective man
that shall enlist muster and be accounted one of the Quota assigned to this town by vir-
tue of an act of the Governor and Council of Safety at a meeting held at Hartford on
VOL. I.-42
3
330
- HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
the 20th day of June 1780 for raising one thousand men in this State to serve in the
Continental army till the last day of December next, shall receive in addition to the
bounty given by this State the sum of 40 shillings lawful money; and that each person
so enlisting that shall lodge with the treasurer of this town the whole or part of said
bounty, and his wages now given, he shall receive for the same during the term afore-
said, the interest at 6 per ct. within a reasonable time. All of which shall be paid in
Wheat at four shillings per bushel, or an equivalent thereto in Indian corn, Rye, or
Beefe as those articles were usually sold in the year 1774, or in money equivalent in a
reasonable time, provided that all monies lodged with the Treasurer of this town be
lodged within Ten days next after they shall receive the same.”
The militia of the town, who should be detached for three months'
service, were offered a bounty of twenty shillings, to be paid out of the
town treasury in the same manner and on the same conditions as above
stated.
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS, belonging to Eighth
Co., or Train-band, in the 1st Reg. of Militia, Windsor, 29 May, 1779
(Conn. State Arch., Revol. War, xxi. 187, 188):
Daniel Clark
Philander Moore
Sam" Barnard
Joseph Barnard, Jr.
Eli Phelps
Joel Wilson, Jun.
Abel Griswold
Moses Clark
Abijah Eno
James Willson
Calvin Willson
John Giles (drum & fife)
Abel Wright
Oliver Phelps
Timothy Cook
Alexander Phelps
Juda Pinney
Noah Griswold, Jr.
Samuel Rowse
Simeon Moor
John Phelps 3
Job Phelps
John Palmer
Willm Phelps, 2th
Daniel Phelps
Lot Phelps
Edward Phelps.
Another list of "Subscribers belonging to " same company, dated
24 May, 1779, gives the following additional names and offices:
(Sgt.) Isaac Phelps
(Sgt.) Nathaniel Griswold
(Sgt.) John Pinney
(Sgt.) Martin Pinney
(Sgt.) Moses Griswold
(Corp'l) John Phelps
(Corp'l) James Enos
(Corp'l) Elisha Phelps
› Elihu Phelps
Drum & fife, Timothy Cook
5
George Griswold, 3rd
Isaac Phelps, 3rd
Elisha Marshall
Elihu Mather
William Phelps
Gideon Case
Benoni Case
Moses Niles
Elijah Griswold
Isaac Griswold
Nath❜l Piney?
Isaac Phelps 2th
James Eno
Michael Brown
Thomas Niles
John Day
Benj. Moore
Justus Brown
Joseph Alford
Phins Griswold
Elihu Marshall
Solomon Griswold, Clerk
Timo. Phelps, Jr.
Edward Phelps
Simeon Phelps
Elijah Hill
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE REVOLUTION, 1780.
331
:
Also, “Voted, that those persons of the troop of horse of the town
of Windsor, to the number of five persons that shall be detached to serve
in the foot for six months shall have the same encouragement as to
bounty and wages made good to them, including the bounty and wages
they shall receive of this State, as those of the foot of this town detached
for six months by vote of this town." This was accompanied with the
same privilege of interest, if they shall lodge their money with the town
treasurer as above.
Ample provision was made at a subsequent meeting to guard against
any inconvenience or loss by the depreciation of the continental cur-
rency.
"At a meeting, Nov. 6, 1780, voted, that the Selectmen of this town with the
assistance of Capt. Benj. Allyn, Capt. Sam'l Stoughton, Jr., Mr. Seth Dexter, and Mr.
Isaac Pinney, Jr., be a committee to class the inhabitants of the town of Windsor into
so many equal classes by the list of the poles and rateable estate of the inhabitants of
the town of Windsor, and others having estates in this town, given in August 1779, as
the town of Windsor is deficient in their quota of men to fill up the Continental Army,
and make report to their meeting on Wednesday next."
At their next town meeting, however, the people resolved not to
class the town for raising their quota of men; but voted, that " Edward
Griswold, Jr., Nath'l Griswold, Elisha Strong, Alex'r Allyn, Daniel Tal-
cott, Jonah Gillet, Jr., Josiah Phelps, and Henry Allyn be a committee
to hire their quota of men to fill up the deficiency in the army." They
were "empowered to act their best judgment in procuring said men as
to the price given and what pay to make, and if need be to borrow such
sum of money as they shall judge it necessary for the purpose of procur-
ing said men, which sums that said committee shall pay out for said
purpose shall be repaid to them with lawful interest," etc.
The following Windsor men were appointed officers of the "Guard
to the Convention Troops," May 31, 1780: Eben' F. Bissell, Capt., Isaac
Pomeroy, Capt., Oliver Granger, Ens., Seth Smith, Lieut., John Sey-
mour, Ens.-- Conn. State Arch., Revol. War, xxi. 191. The Convention
Troops were those belonging to Burgoyne's army, in transit to quarters
which had been assigned them.
that one Troop of
"A Memorial, dated Windsor, 17 April, 1780, sheweth
Light Horsemen and their Horses have been for about two Months last passed Quar-
tered in this town and the Inhabitants have in General cheerfully parted with their Hay,
'till they can spare no more & in a very few days the Horses will have no Hay to eat
unless the Cattle now fating are turned out of the stalls & become poor,
"Signed by HENRY ALLYN,
ì Justices of
ROGER NEWBERRY, § Peace.
EBZ FITCH BISSELL,
GEORGE GRISWOLD,
JONAH GILLET,
Selectmen."
Conn. State Arch., Revol. War, xviii. 118.
1
332
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
From a letter written by Col. Roger Newberry to Gov. Trumbull, 11
Dec., 1780, it appears that, since March, 1778, and by the Governor's
direction, a guard had been established over the General Hospital Stores,
located at Windsor- said guard being increased or diminished, accord-
ing to the amount of stores in hand- and, at time of writing, consisting
of eight soldiers; that Capt. James Hooker, who had the charge of these
stores, while settling his accounts with Dr. Foster, Medical Director-
General at Boston, received from him verbal orders to dismiss the guard;
but, as Col. N. has received no written orders, and as "under the same.
Roof with the Hospital Stores," are "the medicines for the Eastern De-
partment under the care of Dr. Johonnot, with which Dr. Foster & Capt.
Hooker have no concern, he does not feel justified in dismissing the
guard, without the Governor's orders."- Conn. State Arch., Revol. War,
xix. 275.
“To the Honourable the General Assembly of Governor and | Company of the State of
Connecticut
The Memorials of us the Subscribers in the State of Connecticut, in behalf of
ourselves & others humbly Sheweth that the last Winter and | the fall before we Sold
the Publick a number of Fatted Cattle in expectation of Immediate Payment | but
were Disappointed, many of our Cattle we Obtained on | Credit, our Creditors call for
their pay & we are in Danger of being Ruined. For want of our pay we have since
been unable to Procure Cattle for fatting & our Country suffers for want of our help.
Large [& necessary] Taxes are Called for and we are unable to pay because we have
parted with our Substance | for the use of our Country and can get Nothing therefor,
while those who have done nothing construe our zeal to serve our | Country to be the
want of Common prudence. We are Chagrined | to se (by some Political Mistakes) the
Virtuous punished for their Publick | spirit and the Base rewarded for their Baseness.
Permit us [to ask] ask | your Honors. Is Virtue a Crime? Does a zeal to Subserve the
best | Interest of our Country deserve to be Punished with heavy Mulcts? | Can we hope for
future supplies & future serving | while Justice is refused for the past? It appears to us
that to | Refuse us pay is to Criminate and severely Punish our Virtue | and our Zeal,
the Consequence is Obvious. But we have Confidence in your Honors Justice and
Regard for the Publick Good and to | your Honors we look for that Justice that is our
Due & pray your Honors to take our Case into your Wise consideration & Grant | us
such relief in the Premises as shall appear Just and Reasonable and | we as in duty
Bound shall ever pray Dated at Windsor, the 11th Day of December Anno Domini, 780
Henry Allyn
Roger Newberry
James Hooker
Alex™ Allin
Eliakim Mather
Wm Thrall
John Gaylord
Josiah Bissell
Ezra Hayden
Sam¹¹ W. Allin
Alex" Ellsworth
Ozias Loomis.
Uriah Loomis, Jr.
Noah Griswold
Pelti Mills
Solomon Allyn
Joseph Fitch
Edward Griswold, Jr.
James Parsons
Jonathan filley
James Cadwell
Amos Gillet
John Hubbard
Roger Mills
Robert Sanford
Hezekiah Lattimer
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE REVOLUTION, 1781.
333
William Phelps
Roger Phelps
Benja Allin
Daniel Talcott
John Filley
Elisha Moore
Daniel Eno
Phias Wilson Jr.
Isaac piney
Isaac pinney Jr.
Martin Pinney
George Griswold, Jr.
- Conn. State Arch., Recol. War, xix. 332, 333.
Oliver Ellsworth of the Upper House and Messrs. Wales and
Mitchell of the Lower House of the Assembly were appointed a Commit-
tee (Dec. 1780) to examine into and report upon this petition.
1781
brought with it new drafts and responsibilities. Gen. Washington, hav-
ing informed the assembly that there was an imperative necessity of
raising 1,500 “three months' men," and a force equal to one-sixth part
of the State's quota in the regular army, to supply deficiencies, they, at
their May session, took measures to secure a voluntary enlistment of
2,100 men by the 1st of July following. All deficiencies existing after
that date were to be filled by peremptory detachment. The largest part
of actual service performed by these new troops was at Horseneck and
vicinity, and guarding the seacoast from that place to New Haven,
under charge of Brig.-Gen. Waterbury, Jr. These drafts afterwards
(July) joined Washington at Phillipsburgh, N. Y., and for a while served
under Gen. Heath, on the Westchester line.
Six men was the quota assigned to Windsor, who were raised by
dividing the town into six classes, each of which hired a man for the
service.
At town meeting, March 27, 1781,
"Voted, to apply to His Excellency the Governor, and Council of Safety for a per-
mit to transport one thousand bushels of Indian corn to Rhode Island, for the sole pur-
pose of enabling this town procuring Hard money to enable this town to comply with
the act of the General Assembly relative to procuring the quantity of clothing assigned
to this town for the Connecticut line of the Continental army.
'Voted, that Capt. Josiah Phelps, Eliakim Marshall and Henry Allyn, be agents in
behalf of this town to apply for said permit."
At town meeting, held April 3, 1781,
"Voted, That Nath'l Griswold and Sylvanus Griswold shall take all benefit that
may be had by a permit granted by His Excellency the Governor, and Council of Safety,
granting to the town of Windsor liberty to transport one thousand bushels of Indian
corn, or Rye flour equivalent thereto, to Rhode Island for the purpose of procuring
Linen Cloth for frocks, shirts and over-alls for this town's quota of clothing for the
army, agreeable to the acts of the General Assembly, upon these conditions, that they
lay out Sixty pounds Hard money in Linen cloth, proper, good and suitable for frocks,
shirts and overhalls, provided they procure the same by the 10th day May next — and
deliver the same to Mr. Elijah Hubbard for and on account of the town of Windsor,
334
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
and to have no other pay for the same than what said Hubbard shall apprize the same
at, and be allowed by Pay-table for the same.
Voted, That Nath'l Griswold have Twelve pounds State money paid to him out of
the treasury of this town upon his procuring One Hundred and eight [pairs] good,
large well made men's shoes, and one hundred and eight pairs of good, well made men's
stockings, and deliver the same to Mr. Elijah Hubbard, Subclothier at Middletown, by
the 10th day of May next, for and on account of the quota of shoes and stockings
ordered by the General Assembly to be provided by the town of Windsor for each non-
commissioned officer and soldier required for this town's quota of the Conn. Line of the
Continental Army, to serve for three years or during the war. He having no other
demand for the same than said twelve pounds State money, and also that what shall be
allowed by Pay-table for the same.
"Voted, To raise a rate or tax of four pence one farthing on the pound on the list of
polls and rateable estate of the Inhabitants of the town of Windsor made and computed
for August 20th, 1780, to be paid in Silver or Gold for the purpose of purchasing the
Beef ordered by the General Assembly to be raised in this town in the months of July,
August, September and October, 1781, as by said act may appear, &c.
Voted, That James Roberts be Receiver of all such Beef-cattle as shall be brought
in to him by any person or persons as shall choose to pay their four-pence half-penny
tax above.
"Voted, To raise the Beef assigned to this town, for this month and the three follow-
ing months, said beef called to be appraized as in said act mentioned and the person or
persons procuring the same to have the advantage of the same according to apprisement.
and price stated, only allowing one half of one per cent for trouble to said Roberts, and
said Roberts to have full power to purchase the whole of the beef ordered by the Gen-
eral Assembly to be raised in the month of July, August, September and October by
this town, except the beef that shall be delivered to said Roberts by the inhabitants
of this town, &c.
The town to have liberty to bring in their cattle by the
5th day of each of said months respectively."
The records of the town during the year
1782
present nothing of very special interest.
"At a town meeting held July 15, 1782, voted, That Gen. Roger Newberry and Mr.
Oliver Ellsworth be a committee to attend the proposed Convention to be held at Hart-
ford on the 16th day of July next, agreeable to the proposal made by the town of Farm-
ington, there to represent this town to consult and advise what is proper and necessary
to be done to carry into execution the Laws of the State for preventing illicit trade and
commerce with the enemy, and to counsel and determine upon other matters and things
for the public good, proper for such a convention."
The requisitions made upon the different towns of the State were
very heavy, and it is doubtful if they could have much longer sustained
the continued drain to which they had for so many years been subjected.
The town of Windsor, in common with others, began to evince a flagging,
not in her patriotism or cheerfulness, but in her ability. Yet every
nerve was strained to its utmost. At this juncture the God of America's
battles interposed his strong arm to save her. The surrender of Corn-
wallis on the 19th of October virtually ended the long eight years' strug-
gle for independence. The whole country was filled with joy and
WINDSOR MEMBERS OF 66
335
THE CINCINNATI."
thanksgiving. Preliminary articles were signed at Paris in November
following, and on the 19th of April, 1783, a formal proclamation of peace
was published to the world.
SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI.
At the close of the Revolution the officers of the American army
felt a natural desire in some way to perpetuate the long-cherished friend-
ship and social intercourse which had bound them together during the
many trying scenes of the contest which had ended. Agreeably, there-
fore, to the suggestion of Gen. Knox, and with the acquiescence of their
beloved commander, Washington, they formed themselves, in May, 1783,
into a society which they called, in honor of the Roman hero, Cincin-
natus, the "Society of the Cincinnati."
This association was founded on the following "immutable" principles:
"An incessant attention to preserve inviolate those exalted rights and libèrties of
human nature for which they have fought and bled, and without which the high rank
of a national being is a curse instead of a blessing.
"An unalterable determination to promote and cherish between the respective
States, that unison and national honor so essentially necessary to their happiness and
the future dignity of the American empire.
To render permanent the cordial affection subsisting among the officers, this spirit
will dictate brotherly kindness in all things, and particularly extend to the most sub-
stantial acts of beneficence, according to the ability of the society, towards those officers
and their families who unfortunately may be under the necessity of receiving it."
On this basis, then, these officers solemnly associated themselves
into "one society of friends, to endure as long as they shall endure, or
any of their eldest male posterity, and in failure thereof, the collateral
branches, who may be judged worthy of becoming its supporters and
members."
This society was divided into State societies. Massachusetts, Rhode
Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and South Car-
olina were thus represented. Gen. Washington was its first President-
General from 1783 till his death in 1799. He was succeeded in 1800 by
Gen. Alexander Hamilton until his death in 1804. His successor was
Gen. Charles C. Pinckney, of South Carolina, who died in 1825. Since
then the office has been filled by Major-Gen. Thomas Pinckney, Col.
Aaron Ogden, of New Jersey, Gen. Morgan Lewis of New York, Major
Popham, of the same State, and lastly Gen. Dearborn.
The following commissioned officers of the Continental Army,
belonging to Windsor, were members of the Connecticut Society of the
Cincinnati: 1
£
¹ From MSS., etc., relating to the Conn, Cincinnati, in possession of the Conn. Hist.
Soc.
336
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Major ABNER PRIOR,
Lieut. MARTIN DENSLOW,
Sgt. TIMOTHY MATHER (Surgeon),
Lieut. CORNELIUS RUSSELL,
Lieut. SAMUEL GIBBS,
Capt. ERASTUS WOLCOTT.
The Town Treasurer's report of the year
1775, exhibits a balance in favor of the town, of
1776,
1777,
<<
<<
And money raised to hire soldiers in addition,
1778. Balance on hand,
1
J
1
1
Time of Service.
Jan., "76.
April, '79-Aug., '82.
Oct. 15, '76.
1 Jan., "77.
21 Jan., '77.
1780. Now in the hands of the Treasurer (Phinehas Wilson), and collec-
tors, £5,151:9:10 Con'l money, old currency..
Also, 440:18:04 State money.
1781. The Treasurer has on hand as follows:
1782. On hand as follows:
£1,202:12:02 Continental.
£276:12:2
322:17:1
586:17:6
859:17:1
562:09:4
2,109:04:11 State money.
439:17:11 Lawful money to pur. beef.
142:02:01 Bounty money.
£590:09:06 Continental
539:07:00 State:
1783. On hand:
1784. On hand:
642:04:09 Silver.
£533:16:03 Continental money.
476:12:00 State money.
356:02:00 Silver.
£228:12:10 Continental.
71:11:01 State.
356:07:04 Legal.
THE HISTORY OF DANIEL BISSELL, THE SPY.
Among the names of Windsor soldiers in the Revolution occurs that
of DANIEL BISSELL, accompanied on the official return by the ominous
suffix, "deserter." The record was as undoubtedly authentic as it was.
unpalatable; but enquiries among the old people suggested a probabil-
ity that there were some extenuating circumstances, or possibly a satis-
factory explanation. Investigations were at once instituted, and finally
we had the extreme pleasure of vindicating the deserter's character,
and of bringing to light the record of a life of devotion to his country's
interests, and of suffering in her service, such as has been seldom par-
alleled, even in the roll of brave deeds which ennoble the page of Ameri-
can history.
ADVENTURES OF DANIEL BİSSELL, THE SPY.
337
For, if honor and gratitude are due to him who boldly maintains a
just cause by force of arms and personal bravery, how much more is it
due to him, who, renouncing glory's brightest dream, takes upon himself
the unenviable character and office of a spy in his country's service?
Such a one not only subjects himself to the ignominy of a felon's death,
if detected, but expatriates himself from all human sympathy. He
knows and it is the most terrible thought that a noble heart can feel
that not only his comrades are covering his name with execration,
but that those who are nearest and dearest to him, are either unconscious
of his real character, or, if conscious, are dragged down and suffering
from the contempt which he has brought upon them. For him, all hope
of return is past, and the future has but one bright hope to illumine his
pathway, the hope that his country will profit by the sacrifice which she
demands of him. Such was Hale, whose martyr-memory is precious to
every patriot heart; such too, though more fortunate, was DANIEL BIS-
SELL of Windsor.
The following account of his military services and adventures is
gleaned from a package of documents, now sacredly preserved, in the
keeping of his son, Dr. D. BISSELL, resident physician at the Quarantine
on Staten Island, New York. They are copies from the original docu-
ments in the Department of War, at Washington, and their authenticity
is fully attested by the seal of the department and the signature of the
Secretary, John C. Calhoun, under date of December 5, 1820.
DANIEL BISSELL, the eldest son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Loomis)
Bissell of Windsor, was born in 1754, and arrived at the years of early
manhood with a character marked by a great degree of personal cour-
age, self-reliance, prudence, and strict integrity. Upon the breaking out
of the Revolution, he enlisted in the Continental line, where his sterling
qualities of head and heart speedily gained the esteem of his comrades
and the confidence of his officers.
He served through the war with credit was present at the battle
of White Plains, also at Trenton and Monmouth; at the latter place he
was slightly wounded in the cheek. In the summer of 1781, he was se-
lected by Gen. Washington to obtain information of the enemy's force
and plans in the city of New York and on Long Island. We will let
our hero tell his own story, in his own way, in the following affidavit:
"State of New York, Ontario County, ss: I, DANIEL BISSELL, of Richmond, of
more than sixty years of age, do testify and say, that on the thirteenth day of August,
1781, Col. Heman Swift, of the 2d Connecticut Regiment, called on me early in the
morning, and stated to me that he dined at Head Quarters the day before, and His Ex-
cellency found it necessary to send within the British lines, to ascertain their position and
force, some person, and that I was determined on for the undertaking, and further stated
that His Excellency conceived that the great danger was in passing the several exami-
nations. After some further conversation on the subject passed between us, I agreed
VOL. I. 43
338.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
to accept the perilous tour. Col. Swift then directed me to go to a certain place near
Head Quarters, where Col. David Humphrey would meet me. Soon after I arrived at
the place appointed, the Colonel came and put into my hand a paper, requesting me to
go to some bye-place and read it over, through the course of the day, then destroy it, go
to my Regiment, get some refreshment, put on and carry with me two suits of clothes,
wear in my watch, silver buckles, &c., which I wore in the American army, so as it
should have the appearance of deserting ;¹ and at the time the army was on the parade
for evening roll-call, quit the Regiment, go to a bridge between the army and Col.
Schammel's Light Infantry, where I should meet Col. Swift, who would give me further
instructions. Col. Swift directed me to call on Col. Schammel at his marquee at nine
o'clock in the evening; and Col. Schemmel went with, and conducted me by his Camp
guards and sentinals, and informed me that he had ordered off all guards and patrols
from the North River road (until after midnight) down as far as Croton Bridge, that be-
ing the extent of our lines. I was then to answer (if hailed) 'friend to Britain.' The
paper Col. Humphrey gave me was as follows, to the best of my recollection :
"As Gen. Arnold 2 is now in Virginia, with all the new raised corps, there will be no
recruiting parties in New York; and as the fleet is now at the Hook, consequently there
will be no press [gang] in the city; and with the money you carry in, you can get a pro-
tection from the Mayor or Police of the city, to go to Lloyd's Neck, thirty miles on
Long Island, to cut wood for the Crown. After this, you will return to King's Bridge
or Laurel Hill, and view the works there, obtain the number of each regiment, the num-
ber of men each contains, by whom commanded, their several alarm posts, the number
of cannon mounted in each work. You will view all the works on York Island in the
same manner; get the whole number of regular forces, distinguishing the British from
foreigners; the number of the new raised corps, and also the number of militia enrolled
for the defence of the city. Get what information you can of their works and force at
Powler's Hook, also that of Staten Island. Obtain the number of Shipping in the Har-
bour, and that at the Hook; and when you have completed your business here, you will
pass over to Brooklyn, view the works there, ascertain their force on Long Island.
When you have got the business completed, the seventh or ninth night, be at a place
called Whitestone, not far from Lloyd's Neck, where a boat will attend to fetch you off.
In case you cannot attend on one of those nights, you will then make your escape off at
the east end of Long Island.'
Then followed all the probable questions that would be asked me, in the several
examinations, together with their answers. But when I arrived in New York, to my great
disappointment, I found that Gen. Arnold had returned and had established his recruit-
ing parties in every place where deserters could come in; that the British fleet had got
into New York and shut out the French fleet; and that the press-gangs were in every
part of the city; that the Commander-in-chief, Sir Harry Clinton, had issued a late
order that there should be no more protections given to deserters. After avoiding the
press-gang for three days, and being attacked with a violent fever, I caused my name to
be enrolled in Arnold's regiment. I was soon after sent to the Hospital at Flushing, in
3
1 Still further to avoid suspicion and secure the accomplishment of the design in
hand, Bissell was entered and published in the official returns, as a deserter from the
American army. His real character and design were thus known only to Washington
and a few of his principal officers. The astonishment and mortification of his numerous
friends, when they heard him returned as a deserter, can be better imagined than de-
scribed; though his character was afterwards satisfactorily vindicated.
2 The traitor Arnold then in the British service.
3 Mr. Bissell has been heard to say that he had fully possessed himself of the details
of the proposed attack on New London, when he was attacked with illness, and thus
prevented from making any use of his knowledge, as he dared not attempt to swim the
river in his enfeebled condition.
ADVENTURES OF DANIEL BISSELL, THE SPY.
339
December following removed back to York Island (Harlem Heights), put into a barn
which was their Regimental Hospital, where I remained until May. Here my suffering
was truly great; without fire the greatest part of the time, only wood allowed for the
purpose of cooking our pork and pease; without attendance; but one additional blanket
to two men; without shifting my clothes for three months; covered with head and body
lice; unable to walk. In this situation, I was taken out of the Hospital to do Quarter-
Master Sergeant's duty, for said Regiment, by Capt. Robert Rowley, who acted also as
Quarter-Master to the same; and through his kind attention to my health, I owe my
escape from them.¹
¹ Although Mr. Bissell in his affidavit has not mentioned the particulars of his
escape, yet they are not without interest. It seems that from early boyhood he had been
in the habit of talking in his sleep, and during the temporary delirium of his fever in the
British hospital, he probably betrayed his secret to his attending physician, who was
also warmly attached to him. After his recovery the doctor gave him a quiet hint to
that effect. Bissell's mind was immediately made up to leave. Taking into his confi-
dence a comrade who was also desirous of escape, the two obtained permission of the
officer of the guard, to leave the lines in search of a pig which, as they pretended, had
strayed away. Accompanied by a boy, whom they took along as a blind, they started
forth. Their adventures were numerous and exciting. Coming to a small river, they
were obliged to swim across, Bissell supporting his comrade (who was a larger man,
but no swimmer, on his shoulders, and the boy swimming by his side. At another and
wider river, they were at a loss how to cross, and were deliberating on the subject, when
they espied a person approaching in a boat from the other side, whom they hailed. He
seemed to be much frightened, threw overboard what seemed to be a quarter of beef,
and was about paddling off in the opposite direction, when Bissell seized a small stick
about the size of a horse-pistol, and threatened to shoot him immediately, if he did not
come ashore. This he thought best to do, and on reaching the beach, was ordered by
Bissell to put the party across the river, and no questions asked or answered." This
the man did, and appeared to feel quite relieved when well rid of his load. He was
probably a renegade farmer who was smuggling in beef to the British army on New
York Island.
<
Before they had been long absent, their intent was suspected, and they were pur-
sued by a detachment of the British light-horse. Luckily, however, they reached a
large swamp; in which they hid themselves for some time, with nothing but their heads
out of water, while their pursuers, accompanied by bloodhounds, were riding and beat-
ing around in vain search. But the water with which it abounded threw the dogs off
their scent, and after two or more hours of the most agonizing suspense, Bissell and his
comrades were delighted to hear the bugle sound a recall, and the footsteps of their pur-
suers gradually receding. They climbed up into the trees, and there cold, wet, and hun
gry, spent a forlorn night. But at length their sufferings had an end. [From his Memo-
rial to the Connecticut General Assembly of 24 Oct., 1782, asking for a settlement due
him, Conn. State Archives, Revol. War, xxiii. 251, he says he was not able to complète
these services and "return from them till the 29th of Sept. last."]
Supplemental Note.- In my boyhood days I listened from time to time to the recital
of thrilling incidents in the experience of Uncle David Bissell, while he was acting as
spy. These stories were told me by two of his sisters, Mrs. John Haskell of Windsor
Locks, and Mrs. Pember of Vermont; also by several of his nephews and nieces, among
them the late Herlehigh Haskell, who had much to do with Uncle David when a boy.
The most exciting part of the story to me was that of his escape. Procuring a pass to
go beyond the lines to buy a pig to eat the débris of the camp, with the boy taken as
a blind to their real intention, they pushed on beyond the pickets, but found no means
to cross the North [Harlem ?] River, where they hoped to; and pushing on farther,
knowing that they would be pursued and overtaken soon, they came to a swampy pond
340
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
L
"When I returned from the British Army to the American Head Quarters, and
after being there two days, committing to paper the information which I had obtained,
Col. Humphrey informed me that his Excellency said that he could not reward me in
the way and manner he intended when I went in; my being detained there so long,
also there being so many supernumerary officers, Congress had ordered there be no more
commissions given; and asked me if I wished to be discharged from service. I told
the Col. I had been in every campaign of the War (and out of health) that my wish was
to continue through. I was then asked to join the Invalid Corps and receive a pension.
This I declined on the ground, that my Country was poor and it would be of no advan-
tage to me. He said I might do duty or not as I pleased. I went to my Regiment and
did orderly sergeant duty until May following, when I obtained permission from his Ex-
cellency to go to Susquehannah. And on my return to the regiment I found the last
division of the army had been furloughed the day before; my clothes which I left in the
regiment were all stolen. I found there had been a General Order for me to attend at
Head Quarters and receive an honorary certificate and a badge of military merit. These
were given me by Jonathan Trumbull, then secretary.
In the year 1777 or 78, Congress passed a resolution that any non-commissioned
officer or private who should furnish himself with clothing (regimental) should receive ·
thirty-six dollars, seventy-five cents per year. Agreeably to the resolve, I furnished
myself with clothing the most part of four years as it will appear by the Books of the
2nd Connecticut Regiment, now at the seat of Government. Thirteen months I clothed
and victualled myself, while in actual dangerous service for my country, and sacrificed
a constitution as good perhaps, as any ever entered the American service. In Washing-
ton's administration I petitioned Congress for compensation for extra services, and for
money paid for clothing in the War. Daniel Buck, Esq., member of Congress from the
state of Vermont, carried forward my petition, he was to call on the President, show
him my certificate and badge of merit. The President did advise Mr. Buck to put in a
petition for me. Accordingly he did. Mr. Buck, on his return to Vermont, informed
me I was barred by law, this being the year the Limitation Act took place. James Fisk,
Esq., member of Congress from Vermont, carried forward my second petition; on his
return informed me that the committee on claims, reported in favour of the petitioner;
that it went to the second reading, when Mr. Talmadge, a member from Connecticut
moved to have the petition put over to the next sitting of Congress (and carried).
Here the business has rested ever since. Furthermore the deponent saith not.
'DANIEL BISSELL.
Personally appeared Daniel Bissell, of Richmond, Ontario County, State of New
York, and made solemn oath, that the above, within and foregoing written deposition
by him subscribed contains the truth, according to the best of his recollection and belief.
Sworn to, this 7th of January 1818 at Richmond, before
WM. BAKER, Justice of the Peace."
The Honorary Certificate,' which accompanied the Badge of merit,
above alluded to, was as follows:
which had bushes in it, and there hid themselves. Soon they heard the coming of their
pursuers. Buried to their necks in water, the boy became frightened and began to cry.
Uncle Daniel said, "I shall drown you in a minute if you make the least noise," and he
used to say, "I should have done it." The boy kept still until the bugle call announced
that the pursuit was ended.— JABEZ HASKELL HAYDEN, 1891.
¹ The establishment of this badge was announced to the army in general orders,
dated:
'HEAD QUARTERS, NEWBURGH,
Wednesday, Aug. 7th, 1782.
Honorary Badges of distinction are to be conferred on the veteran non-commis-
sioned officers and soldiers of the army who have served more than three years with
ADVENTURES OF DANIEL BISSELL, THE SPY.
341
"I, GEORGE WASHINGTON, Commander-in-Chief of the American Army, &c., &c.,
&c.
"To all to whom these Presents shall come, sendeth Greeting:
"Whereas it hath ever been an established maxim in the American Service, that the
Road to Glory was open to all, that Honorary Rewards and Distinctions, were the great-
´est Stimuli to virtuous actions, and whereas Sergeant DANIEL BISSELL of the Second•
Connecticut Regiment, has performed some important service, within the immediate
knowledge of the Commander-in-Chief, in which his fidelity, perseverance and good
sense, were not only conspicuously manifested, but his general line of conduct through-
bravery, fidelity, and good conduct: for this purpose a narrow piece of white cloth of
an angular form is to be fixed to the left arm on the uniform coats. Non-commissioned
officers and soldiers who have served with equal reputation more than six years are to
be distinguished by two pieces of cloth set in parallel to each other in a similar form.
Should any who are not entitled to these honors have the insolence to assume the badges
of them, they shall be severely punished. On the other hand, it is expected those gal-
lant men who are thus designated will on all occasions be treated with particular confi-
dence and consideration.
“The General, ever desirous to cherish a virtuous ambition in his soldiers, as well as
to foster and encourage every species of military merit, directs that whenever any sin-
gularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on
his facings over the left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth or silk, edged with
narrow lace or binding. Not only instances of unusual gallantry, but also of extraor-
dinary fidelity and essential service in any way shall meet with a due reward. Before
this favour can be conferred on any man, the particular fact or facts on which it is to
be grounded must be set forth to the commander-in-chief, accompanied with certificates
from the commanding officers of the regiment and brigade to which the candidate for
reward belonged, or other incontestible proofs, and upon granting it, the name and regi-
ment of the person, with the action so certified, are to enrolled in the book of merit
which will be kept at the orderly office. Men who have merited this last distinction to
be suffered to pass all guards and sentinels which officers are permitted to do.
“The road to glory in a patriot army and a free country is thus open to all. This
order is also to have retrospect to the earliest stages of the war, and to be considered as
a permanent one."
Four days later, another order was issued in explanation of the foregoing, and to
prevent any misapplication of the badges.
'HEAD QUARTERS, NEWBURGH,
Sunday, August 11, 1782.
}
“In order to prevent misapplication of the honorary badges of distinction to be con-
ferred on the non-commissioned officers and soldiers in consequence of long and faithful
service, through any mistake or misapprehension of the orders of the 7th instant, the
General thinks proper to inform the army that they are only attainable by an uninter-
rupted series of faithful and honorable services. A soldier who has once retired from
the field of glory forfeits all pretensions to precedence from former services; and a man
who has deservedly met an ignominious punishment or degradation cannot be admitted
a candidate for any honorary distinction unless he shall have wiped away the stain his
reputation has suffered by some very brilliant achievement, or by serving with reputa-
tion after his disgrace the number of years which entitle other men to that indulgence.
The badges which non-commissioned officers and soldiers are permitted to wear on the
left arm as a mark of long and faithful service, are to be of the same color with the
facings of the corps they belong to, and not white in every instance as directed in the
orders of the 7th instant."
(From an article by Peter Force, Esq., of Washington, in the Historical Magazine, vol.
iii. p. 1.) At present only two others are known to have received this badge. See the
article above referred to.
342
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
out a long course of service, having been not only unspotted but highly deserving of
commendation.
“Now, therefore, Know Ye, that the aforesaid Sergeant BISSELL, hath fully and
truly deserved, and hath been properly invested with, the Honorary Badge of Military
Merit, and is entitled to pass and repass all Guards and Military Posts, as freely and as
amply any Commissioned Officer whatever; and is further Recommended to that Notice
which a Brave and Faithful Soldier deserves from his Countrymen.
'Given under my hand and seal, in the Highlands of New York, this Ninth day of
May, A. D. 1783.
[L. S.]
"Registered,
Signed.
"GEORGE WASHINGTON.
"JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Secretary."
This certificate was highly prized by the recipient, and in after life
carefully preserved between the leaves of an old family Bible, which,
together with all his earthly goods, was lost by the burning of his house
in Richmond, N. Y. A copy, however, had been made, the authenticity
of which was subsequently attested by the following affidavits and
letters:
To all whom it may concern, by these Presents be it certified and made known :
That Daniel Bissel of the town of Windsor, in the State of Connecticut, was a Sergeant
in the 2d Regiment of the Troops of the said State, in the service of the U. S., in the
year 1781. That the Commander-in-Chief, to whom the undersigned were then aids-de-
camp, having had occasion to employ an intelligent, faithful, and brave man to obtain,
by personal inspection, information of the strength and position of the British army in
New York at the time of the junction of the American and French armies, near the
White Plains, at the opening of the campaign in the before mentioned year, did through
the agency of one of the undersigned, and on the special recommendation of Col. Heman
Swift then commanding the Regiment, to which the said Daniel Bissell then belonged.
engage the aforesaid Sergeant Bissell, in this perilous and important undertaking,
under pretext of being a deserter to the enemy, and in order to render the deception
complete, of being returned as such, on the succeeding muster-rolls; That he did so
quit the lines of the American Army, about the 14th of August, 1781, and enlist in one
of the Provincial Regiments, so called, in the service of the King of Great Britain, and
become Quarter Master Sergeant in the same, whereby he had an opportunity of learn-
ing the force of the several corps from the number of rations delivered at the Commis-
sary's store. That having been constrained by inevitable causes to remain for nearly
thirteen months, he did then return to the American Head Quarters with interesting
intelligence. That General Washington, having been well satisfied with his whole
conduct, did give him an honorable discharge from the army, lest from any future con-
tingency he might fall into the hands of the British, and be capitally punished for the
performance of his patriotic and secret service to his country. And the undersigned do
further certify and make known, according to the best of their knowledge and belief,
that the before named Sergeant Daniel Bissell, did receive a highly creditable certificate,
together with what was termed the Badge of Merit; and that they are ignorant of his
having ever received any other reward for his meritorious services.
Given under our hands and seals, in Boston, in the State of Massachusetts, this 29th
day of May, in the year of our Lord 1817.
[L. S.]
Signed
D. HUMPHREYS,
DAVID COBB,
AN INCIDENT OF 1776.
343
Accompanying this was a letter from Major Humphreys, in which he
says: “We hasten to furnish you with a certificate in conformity to our
joint and distinct recollection of facts, in the hope it may prove of some
avail in procuring you a compensation for the périlous undertaking, in
which we believe you engaged from motives of patriotism."
This testimony was further corroborated by two of his follow ser-
geants, who were in the same regiment with him, and who were after-
wards his neighbors in Richmond County, N. Y.
Sgt. Bissell was afterward Paymaster in Col. Bradley's Regiment in
1780, Conn. State Archives, Revol. War, xxii. 168. He also served in
the campaign against the Indians in 1799, known as the Adams War.
He then held the rank of 1st lieutenant in the 16th regiment of U. S.
Infantry.
Still later he removed to Vermont, where he married a second wife.
In 1810 he removed to Richmond, N. Y., where he died in August, 1824,
aged 70 years.
His character was that of an upright, fearless, public-spirited citizen.
His naturally fine constitution never recovered from the privations and
sufferings to which he was exposed during his service as a spy within
the British lines at New York; and the maladies to which his after life
was subject undoubtedly tended much to cripple his energies, and to
thwart the success which those energies would otherwise have accom-
plished. Yet he brought up a large family of children, all of whom
have taken responsible and useful positions in life. And, to his latest
hour, the remembrance of his patriotic service was a source of honorable
pride, which fully compensated him for all the sufferings which it had
entailed upon him.
AN INCIDENT.
At an early period in the Revolutionary struggle, and before the
war had as yet fairly commenced, some of the tories (of whom there
were a few in Windsor) happened one day to come across ELIHU DRAKE,
then a young lad about eight years old, and, partly in earnest and partly
in a joke, endeavored to compel him to say "God save the King." Fail-
ing of success, they tried to intimidate him by threatening him with a
ducking in the Little River. But the boy still stoutly refused. Becom-
ing somewhat enraged at the young rebel, they carried their threat into
execution, and thrust him under water; but as they pulled him out
spluttering and choking, the only exclamation which he uttered was a
fervent "God d―n the King." Again and again was the little martyr
thrust under, but each time the same "God d―n the King" was all
which they could extort from him, and they were obliged to release him,
with many hearty curses for his stubbornness.
344
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
This little hero was the son of Adjt. Augustine Drake, of Windsor,
and afterwards, at the age of twelve, accompanied his father into the
war, in the capacity of waiter.
A LIST OF SOLDIERS IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY ARMY WHO
WERE NATIVES OF, OR ENLISTED FROM, THE TOWN OF
WINDSOR, CONN.
In presenting this list in the first edition of this work we stated that
(despite the claim made by almost every family that it had an " ancestor
in the Revolution ") we had rigidly discarded tradition and had relied ex-
clusively, in its compilation, upon original documentary evidence such
as papers in the State Archives at Hartford, the original certificates of
enlistment in the Windsor town clerk's office, official returns, private let-
ters, etc., etc.
Fortunately, the recent publication (1889) of the Record of Service
of Connecticut Men in the Military and Naval Service during the War of
the Revolution, 1775-1783, edited by Henry P. Johnston, A.M., under
authority of the Adjutant-General of Connecticut, and published by the
State (1889) enables us not only to prove the correctness of our former
list, but to add materially to its details, as to regimental connections.
terms of service, transfers, promotions, etc. Facts obtained from this
official record are distinguished by being bracketted, thus [ ].
NOTE. The term "Continental Army" first appears upon the printed records of
the Continental Congress in the summary of proceedings for June 14, 1775, where the
form of enlistment to be subscribed by companies of riflemen is given. It was to be an
enlistment into "the American Continental Army." On the same day a committee of
five was appointed to prepare rules and regulations for the government of this prospec-
tive army, which were reported and adopted on the 30th. On June 15th, it was
Resolved, That a General be appointed to command all the Continental forces, raised
or to be raised, for the defense of American Liberty," and Washington was unanimously
elected.
At the opening of the War, or for the year 1775, no Continental force was in the
first instance organized as such by Congress. As the New England colonies were
mustering their own troops around Boston and Ticonderoga after the Lexington alarm,
Congress adopted them as Continentals. Troops joining them from New York and else-
where were generally recruited on the Continental basis. For the succeeding years of
the war, Congress took the initiative and raised troops for the common army under its
own regulations respecting pay, subsistence, and term of service. This was organized
and reorganized several times and for various terms.
These Continentals were the "regulars" of the Revolution. They formed the main
army in the field and were the chief dependence of the Colonial cause. In arranging
rosters of that war, accordingly, the Continental army occupies the central and most
prominent place. All other troops raised during the war, whether State or militia, were
to act as reinforcements of this army, or to relieve it by serving in alarms at different
points. (Off. Rec. of Conn. Men in Revol. War, p. 34.)
WINDSOR SOLDIERS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
345
Abbreviations used in following List:
app., appointed.
comm., commission or commissioned.
Cont., Continental.
d., died.
disc., discharged.
des., deserted,
enl., enlisted.
memb., member.
prom., promoted.
red., reduced in rank.
res., residence.
ADAMS, WILLIAM (Corp'l), of the Wintonbury Parish, "Lexington Alarm "
Ms. List of Capt. Lemuel Roberts.
party,
ALFORD, JOSEPH, [of Capt. Griswold's Co., Brig.-Gen. Erastus Wolcott's Brig.,
Col. Belden's Reg't (militia); joined regt. 6 Apl., disc. 23 May, 1777.] For ser-
vice, see p. 330. Served at N. Y., Peekskill, Fishkill, and N. Haven.
ALLEN, BENJAMIN, 1st Lieut. Major Roger Newberry's Co., in Aug., 1776. See
Lemuel Drake in this list.
ALLYN, ELISHA, [enl. 21 April, 1777, in Lieut. Chas. Seymour's Co., Col. Belden's
Reg't, Brig.-Gen. Erastus Wolcott's Brig.; disc. 6 June], [was one of Capt.
Robinson's Co., Col. Enos Reg't, 3 mos' troops, which arrived at Saw Pitts, in
the Hudson, 29 June, 1778.] In orig. edit. "enl. Mar., 1778, to Jan., 1779.”
GEORGE, served at Horseneck, Conn., [from May, 1781, to Mar., 1782; res. Wind-
sor; application for pension on file, Co. Clerk's off., Hartford.].
JOB, [enl. Capt. Roger Enos' (3d) Co., 2d Reg't, Col. Spencer, 9 May; disc. 18 Dec.,
1775; Capt. Abner Prior's Co., Col. E. Wolcott's Reg't, Boston, Jan.-Mch.,1776.]
JOHN, in “Lexington Alarm" party, Apl., 1775. See p. 311,
JOHN, Jr., in "Lexington Alarm" party, Apl., 1775. See p.
See p. 311.
JOSEPH, [enl. 1 Apl., 1777, for 8 mos. in Capt. Abner Prior's Co., 5th Reg't Conn.
Line, of the formation of 1777-81; disc. 9 Jan., 1778.]
MOSES, served six mos. in 1780. [A Moses Allyn was in Capt. Roswell Grant's
Co. of Col. Enos' (militia) Reg't in service on the Hudson, 1778]; an E. W. Co.
SOLOMON (Ens. ), in Capt. Abner Prior's Co., Col. E. Wolcott's Reg't, Boston, Jan.-
Mch. 1776; at Horseneck, Conn., May, 1781, to Mar., 1782. Sgt. of Capt. Samuel
Granger's Co., Gen. Waterbury's State Brig., 1781; joined 23 Apl.; prom. Ens.
19 Aug.
THOMAS, enl, 7 July; disc. Dec. 18, 1775; in 4th Co., 8th Cont. (Col. Hunting-
ton's) Reg.
ANDRUS, SAMUEL (Wby.), died Oct. 5, on return from camp, near New York, 1776.
[ASHFORD, JOSEPH, memb. 8th Co. 1st Reg. Mil., Windsor.]
ATWOOD, PHILANDER, teamster of Supply Transportation teams, '79-'81.
BARBER, AMAZIAH, of the Wintonbury parish, “Lexington Alarm” party. — Capt.
Lemuel Roberts' Ms. List.
VOL. I.-44
346
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
BARBER, DAVID, Jr., enlisted May, 1777, in Capt. John Harmon's Co., Col. Durkee's
Reg't, for 3 yrs. [this, the 20th Continental of "76, was Gen. Putnam's old reg't
of "75 re-org.]
DAVID, Capt. of 8th Co., Poq. Parish, 1st Reg't Militia, Windsor, 20 May, 1779,
was detached with a company of men from the 1st Reg't on a tour of duty
under Maj. Kent at N. Haven in Aug. and Sept. See pp. 327, 328.
JERIJAH, was drafted and served in New York and Westchester, in Aug. and
Sept., 1780. See p. 323.
REUBEN, served six months in 1780. Prob. the Reuben, who was [of the levies in
Col. Bradley's 5th Conn. Line Reg't, of the formation of 1777-81, of which
Abner Prior of W. was a captain; Barber enl. July 1, and was disc. 13 Dec.,
1780.]
SHUBAEL [served in Capt. Roger Enos' (3d) Co., 2d Reg. (Continental), Col. Spen-
cer's 1775; raised on the first call for troops; enl. 7 May; disc. 19 Dec., "75; was
of Capt. Abner Prior's Co., Col. Erastus Wolcott's State Reg't at Boston, Jan.
to Mch., 1776; enl. 29 May, "77, for the war, in Capt. Harmon's Co. in 4th Reg.
Conn. Line (Col. Durkee's), app. Corp'l 1 Sept., "77; reduced 20 Oct., "77; d.
Mch., '78 ?]. He also bought and sent a negro into the army. See p. 314.
THOMAS, said to have served in the same co. and reg. as Lory Drake, in this list,
which see for particulars.
BARKER, OLIVER, [res. Windsor; application for pension on file in Co. Clerk's
off. at Hartford.] See p. 330.
BARNARD, EDWARD, JR., in Capt. Roger Enos' Co. (3d), 2d Reg. (Col. Spencer),
May-Oct., 1775.
[JOSEPH, memb. 8th Co. 1st Reg't Militia, at Windsor]; said to have enl. for the
war; was at White Plains, N. Y. See p. 330.
JOSEPH, Jr., said to have served in Col. Durkee's reg't, Capt. John Harmon's Co.,
1777; not found on old rolls of that co. and reg't in Official Record.
Boston,
SAMUEL, [memb. 8th Co. 1st Reg't Militia, at Windsor;] served at N. Y.,
and New Haven. [enl. in Capt. Lemuel Roberts' Co. 18th Mil. Reg't in service
at N. Y., 24 Aug.; des. Sept. 7, 1776-the co. disc. 25th.] From Conn. State
Archives, Revol. War, xxi. 197, we learn that he also served as a wagoner 8 days
at New Haven.
[MOSES, was memb. 8th Co. 1st Reg. Militia, at Windsor].
BARNES, ABEL, [was a Rev. pensioner, res. W. 1840, aged 86.]
STEPHEN, served 6 months in 1780.
[BARRETT, JEREMIAH, res. Windsor; application for pension on file in Co. Clerk's
off. at Hartford.]
WINDSOR SOLDIERS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
347
BARZILLA, HENRY (colored), enl. in Capt. John Harmon's Co., Col. Durkee's (4th
Conn. Line) Reg't, 15 May, 1777, for the war. Name appears in Official Record
as Barzillai Henry.
BECKET, EZRA. (Possibly same as Beckwith below.)
BECKWITH, EZRA (late of Simsbury); enl. in Capt. [Daniel] Allin's Co., Col. Wyl-
lys' Reg't [3d Conn. Line, formation of 1777-81] for the war [Apl. 1, 1777; disc.
25 Mch., 1780; was a Sgt.] See Official Record, 8, 45, 482.
[BENTON, ADONIRAM, enl. 3 Mch., 1781, for 3 yrs. as recruit in Sheldon's Dragoons;
described as 5 ft. 6 in. high; dark complexion, light eyes, brown hair; farmer.]
Off. Rec., 165, 281, 538, 638.
ELIHU, served six mths. in 1780; was one of the [levies; enl. 1 July, in Third
Reg't, Conn. Line, Col. Wyllys (formation of 1771-81), for short terms; disch.
4 Dec., 1780.]
BIDWELL, JONATHAN (Wby.), was drafted and served in N. Y. and Westchester,
Aug. and Sept., 1776. See pp. 314, 323.
BISSELL, (Ens.) CORNELIUS.
DAVID, Jr. (Lieut.)
DANIEL (Sgt.) [in 4th Co., 8th Cont. (Col. Huntington's) Reg., 1775, enl. 7 July,
disc. Dec. 18; enl. 1 Apl., 1777, in Capt. Abner Prior's Co., 5th (Conn. Line), for
war; prom. Sgt. 1 Sept., "77]; Paymaster in Col. Bradley's Reg't in 1780 –
Conn. State Archives, Revol. War, xxii. 168; [was Sgt. also in Capt. Humphrey's
Co, 2d (Conn. Line) Reg't, 1 Feb., 1783.] His services as a spy are more fully
given on pages 336–343.
ELIAS (Corp'l), served in summer of 1780.
EBENEZER FITCH (Capt.), [enl. 6 July, 1775, in 4th Co. Huntington's (Eighth)
Continental Reg.; disc. 25 Nov., 1775; comm. 1st Lieut. 4th Co., same Reg't,
9 July; disc. 10 Dec., 1775; re-enl. summer of "76; was Capt. of a Co. from
Windsor in Col. Huntington's 17th Continental Reg't;] engaged in battle of and
taken prisoner at Long Island; prisoner in Old Prison Ch.; was one of the
capts. appointed to guard the Burgoyne prisoners on their way thro' Conn. to
the Southward. See pp. 311, 323.
BISHOP, JOHN, joined Capt. Sam. Granger's Co., Gen. Waterbury's State Reg't, 1
Sept., 1781.
BLANCHARD, JEDIDIAH, prob. the same as the "[ lyer Blanchard," of the
Official Record, [who joined Capt. Sam. Granger's Co., Gen. Waterbury's State
Reg't, 1 Sept., 1781]; prob. also, he was the Jedidiah Blanchar, who was memb.
of 8th Co., or Train-band, 1st Reg. Militia in Windsor.] Off. Reg.
BOGUE, DANIEL [was one of the levies who joined the 5th Conn. Line Reg't, Col.
Bradley's, July 1; disc. 9 Dec., 1780].
BRISTER, JOHN (colored), enl. 1 Apl., 1777, in Capt. Abner Prior's Co., 5th Conn.
Line Reg't, for the war [d. 10 May, 1777]. See p. 365, Official Record.
348
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
BROWN, DANIEL, was in camp at Roxbury, 1775; [prob. the same who enl. 15 Dec.,
1777, and was Sgt. in 5th Conn. Line Reg. of the formation of 1777-81.] See p.313.
ELIAS (fifer), enl. Capt. Roger Enos' (3d) Co., Col. Spencer's 2d Reg't, 9 May, disc.
18 Dec., 1775: 1 Apl., 1777, in Capt. Abner Prior's Co., 5th Conn. Line Reg.
for the war [transf. to the General's Guard, 28 Mch., 1779]; prom. from fifer,
7 Sept., '81; served into '82.
EZRA, served at Horseneck, Conn., March, 1782, to 1 Apl., 1783.
JUDE C. (Corp'l) [enl. in Capt. Wright's Co., 5th Conn. Line, 9 Feb., 1777, for
war; reduced 1 Oct., 1777]; is found, also [on rolls of 2d Reg't Conn. Line
(formation of 1781-83), as private, Capt. Wright's Co.; enl. 1 Jan., paid to 31
Dec., 1781; Feb. 1, 1783, is a private in Capt. Robertson's Co., same reg.; resi-
dence given as Windham].
JUSTUS, served in Rhode Island and N. Y. [memb. of 8th Co. 1st Reg. Militia,
Windsor]. See p. 330.
MICHAEL, served at Old Milford and N. Y. [memb. of 8th Co. 1st Reg't Militia,
Windsor]. See p. 330.
SAMUEL, Jr., Official Record, 527.
BROWNSON, SAMUEL. [This name was found on roll of a Farmington Co., Capt.
Heart's (3d), Col. Erastus Wolcott's State Reg., Jan. to Mch., 1776.]
BUGBEE,
was one of the "Lexington Alarm" party, Apl., "75; 13 days' service.
BURR, ASA, was [of Col. Canfield's Militia Reg't at West Point, N. Y., Sept., 1781].
SAMUEL, was [of Col. Canfield's Militia Reg't at West Po.nt, N. Y., Sept., 1781.]
THOMAS. Probably [Roger, who enl. 1 Apl., 1777, in Capt. Abner Prior's Co.,
5th Conn. Line Reg't, for 8 mos., disc. 9 Jan., 1778.]
[BURROUGHS, ZEBULON, enl. Capt. Blackman's Co., Shelbourne's Reg't, 1 July,
1777; trans. to Col. S. B. Webb's Reg., 1 May; disc. 1 July, 1780.
BURNS, THOMAS [enl. 13 Aug., 1777, in Capt. Abner Prior's Co., 5th Conn. Line
Reg't; enlisted out. ; as is supposed to join Georgia Battalion, Sept., 1777].
CAHALE, CORNELIUS. Prob. the one who [enl. 24 May, 1777, in 5th Conn. Line
Reg't], and prob. in Capt. Abner Prior's Co. [for the war]; and who was [a
member of Capt. St. John's Co. in the Conn Light Infantry, Maj. John Pals-
grave Wyllys, serving under Lafayette, Feb.-Nov., 1781, in the South, and pres-
ent at siege of Yorktown, Va.] .
CAMMARUM, DANIEL, aged 20, enl. Aug., 1777, in Capt. Eells Co., Col. Wyllys
Reg't, at Peekskill, N. Y.
CANNY, PATRICK, served at Horseneck, Conn., Mch., 1782, to 1 Apl., 1783.
CASE, BENJAMIN, Jr.
WINDSOR SOLDIERS İN THE REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
349
>
CASE, BENONI, was at N. Y., New London, and Old Milford [memb. of 8th Co.,
1st Reg. Militia of Windsor]. See
See p. 330.
EZEKIEL, Jr., enl. 7 July, disc. Dec. 18, 1775, in 4th Co., 8th Cont. (Col. Hunting-
ton's) Reg.
GIDEON, was at N. Y. and Fishkill [memb. 8th Co., 1st Reg. Militia of Windsor].
See also pp. 328, 330.
FREDERICK, son of Ezekiel (Wby.), d. in camp at New York, 26 July, 1776, in
15th yr.
OLIVER (Wby.), [was of Capt. Prior's Co., Col. Erastus Wolcott's State Reg't at
Boston, Jan.-Mch., 1776]; died near camp at N. Y., Oct., 1776, aged abt. 30.
CENTER, LUTHER (Wby.) [enl. 7 July, disc. 18 Dec., 1775, 4th (Capt. Humphrey's)
Co. 8th Continental (Col. Humphrey's) Reg't; was in 2d (Capt. Gillet's) Co., Col.
Gay's Reg., at Battle Long Island, and reported missing]; returning from cap-
tivity in N. Y., died at Wby., Jan., 1777. (Wby. Ch. Rec.)
CHANDLER, ISAAC, was [of Capt. Abner Prior's Co., Col. Erastus Wolcott's State
Reg't, at Boston, Jan.-Mch., 1776]; enl. 1777, Capt. Thos. Abbey's Co., Col.
Wyllys Reg't, at Enfield.
LEVI, enl. May, 1777, in Capt. Abner Prior's Co., 5th Conn. Reg't, for the war.
CHAPMAN (afterwards Rev.), FREDERICK, served six mos. in Col. Wyllys' Reg't,
1780; was a pensioner 1840, aged 79; d. about 1855.
CHARTER, LEVI [prob. the one who was a Sgt. in Capt. Parsons' Enfield Co., 2d Reg.
Conn. Line (formation of 1777–81); enl. 15 Mch., "77, for 3 yrs.]. There was
also a [Levi C. (Corp'l) among the levies of the reg. in '79, for short term; enl.
1 Mch.; disc. 1 May, '79].
CLARK, BENJAMIN, enl. (prob. in Capt. Abner Prior's Co.) in 5th Conn. Line Reg.
[27 May, 1777, for 8 mos.; disc. 9 Jan., 1778.]
DANIEL, was one of the levies in 5th Conn. Line Reg't; prob. Capt. Abner Prior's
Co. [enl. 1 July; disc. 9 Dec., 1780]; also [memb. 8th Co., 1st Reg. Mil. of
Windsor.] See p. 330.
DAVID [enl. 12 July; disc. 8 Dec., 1775, in Col. Huntington's 8th Continental Reg.,
4th Co.]
ELIAS, served 6 mos. in 1780 [prob. the Elias who was of the levies; enl. in
Third Conn. Line (Col. Wyllys') Reg't]; for the short term of 1780, 1 July; disc.
10 Dec.; was also a [pensioner, res. Htfd Co., 1832]. See Official Record, 43, 475.
CLARK, EZEKIEL, served in the Continental Army, was at N. Y. and Peekskill;
prob. the one who [enl. in Capt. Sam. Granger's Co., Gen. Waterbury's State
Reg't, 1 Sept., 1781].
EZEKIEL, Jr. [enl. in Capt. Harmon's Co., 4th Conn. Line; Col. Durkee's Reg.,
for 3 yrs. 15 May, 1777; disc. 15 Mch., 1780]. It seems prob., also, that he was
350
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
the Ez. Clark who had previously [enl. 10 May, 1775, in Capt. Hanchett's
(10th) Co. in 2d Continental Regt., Col. Spencer's, and was disc. 17 Dec., 1777],
and who was of [Capt. Harmon's Co., Gen. Wolcott's State Brig. at Boston,
Jan.-Mch., 1776].
CLARK, GEORGE, enl. 5th Conn. Line, Col. Bradley's, and prob. in Capt. Abner
Prior's Co. [29 May, 1777, for 8 mos.; disc. 9 Jan., 1778]:
[IRA, res. Windsor; application for pension on file in Co. Clerk's office at Hartford.]
MOSES, was at Boston and New Haven. [Memb. 8th Co., 1st Reg't Mil. at W—.]
See p. 330.
OLIVER, served in 1775. See p. 314.
SOLOMON [enl. 9 May, 1775, in Capt. Roger Enos' Co., 2d Continental Reg’t
(Col. Spencer's); disc. 19 Dec.]. See p. 314.
[CLUFF, ISAAC, res. Windsor; [application for pension on file in Co. Clerk's office at
Hartford.]
COLTON, LOUIS (Wby.) [pensioner in 1840; æ. 79; res. Bloomfield].
SAMUEL, res. Windsor; [application for pension on file in Co. Clerk's office, at
Hartford.]
COLVIN, DAVID.
COLT, JABEZ [enl. 30 Dec., 1780, for 3 yrs. in Capt. Munson's Co., 2d Conn. Line,
Col. Swift's Reg't; Dec. 30, '80, to 31 Dec., 1781, was of Capt. Morris' Co.,
same Reg't; was one of the balance of that reg't who were transferred to his
new reg't (after the disbandment - June 1783 of the Regular Army, under
Washington) in the final formation of the Conn. Line, and which served at West
Point or vicinity until discharged, 31 Dec. following.
COOK, ABNER, enl. in Capt. Harmon's Co., 4th Reg't, Continental Line, Col. Dur-
kee's Reg't [15 May, 1777, for 3 yrs.; d. 23 Dec., 1777].
[BENJAMIN, was of Col. Canfield's Militia Reg't at West Point, Sept., 1781].
ELI, [was of Capt. Abner Prior's Co., Col. Wolcott's State Reg't at Boston, Jan.-
Mch., 1776]; detached Aug., 1778, for one month tour of duty in Rhode
Island [enl. Capt. Pomeroy's Co., Col. Chapman's Reg't, 3 Aug.; disc, 18 Sept.,
1778]; "provided himself with a good gun and marched"; soon after arriving
at R. I. was taken sick, and "his gun was lost, without his fault"; his petition
to be reimbursed the value of his gun, was granted by the Gen. Assembly.
Conn. State Archives, Revol. War, xxvi, 186, 189.
JOEL, [enl. among the levies of Fifth Conn. Line, Col. Bradley; prob. in Capt.
Abner Prior's Co., 1 Aug.; disc. 9 Dec., 1780]. This may have been the same
who [enl. 27 April, 77, and was disc. 27 Apl., '80, in Eighth Conn. Line, Col.
Chandler's Reg't], and who was also a [Corp'l in 4th Conn. Line (formation of
1781–83), Col. Zebulon Butler's Reg't, enl. Jan. 1 to 31 Dec., 1781].
WINDSOR SOLDIERS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
351
COOK, MOSES, enl. 7 July, disc. Dec. 18, 1775; in 4th Co., 8th Cont. (Col. Hunting-
ton's) Reg't.
RICHARD, prob. the one who [enl. in Capt. Ellis's Co., 3d Conn. Line, Col. Wyl-
lys' Reg't, 19 May, 1778, for 3 yrs.; disc. 1 Jan., 1778 ?] and was [of Capt.
Eells' Co., 1st Reg. Conn. Line, Col. Durkee (formation of 1781-83); paid from
1 Jan. to 31 Dec., 1781]; was a Conn. pensioner, Act of 1818; res. N. Y. State].
SHUBAEL, [enl. 10 July; disc. 10 Dec., 1775, in Col. Huntington's (8th) Continen-
tal Reg't, Co. 4; was Corp'l Capt. Eldridge's Co., 1st Conn. Line (formation of
1777-81), Col. Huntington, enl. 1 Jan., 1777, for 3 yrs.; disc. 1 Jan., '80].
TIMOTHY, [enl. Capt. Parsons' Co., 2d Conn. Line, Col. Chas. Webb's Reg't, 26
May, "77, for 8 mos.; disc. 9 Jan., "78]; prob. the same as of Capt. Olcott's Co.,
Col. Chapman's Militia Reg't; enl. 4 Aug.; disc. 21 Sept., "78]. See also East
Windsor Revol. Chapter; was also [memb. of 8th Co. Militia, 1st Reg't of
Windsor]; served at Fishkill and New Jersey. See pp. 328, 330.
WILLIAM. There were several of this name upon the Conn. Revol. rolls, but it
appears prob. that this one, described in our first edition as having "served in
the Continental Army for 3 yrs.," was the W. who [enl. in 2d Co., Capt. Wyllys,
of 2d Conn. Continent. Reg't, Col. Spencer's, 8th May; disc. 18 Dec., 1775, and
who enl. in Capt. Warner's Co., 3d Reg't Conn. Line, formation of 1777-81, 13
July, 1778, for the war].
WILLIAM, enl. May, 1777, in Capt. John Harmon's Co., Col. Durkee's Conn.
Line, for three yrs.
[COON (CONE), TIMOTHY, enl. and was a Corp'l in Capt. Abner Prior's Co., 5 Conn.
Line, Col. Bradley's Reg't, 1 May, 1777, for 3 yrs.; prom. Sgt. May, '79; disc.
1 Jan., 1780]. He is perhaps the same who was a Corp'l in Capt. Dickinson's
Co., in garrison at Fort Dayton, German Flats, in 1776; enl. 15 Apl., 1776.
COY, SAMUEL [enl. 1 Sept., 1777]; prob. in Capt. Abner Prior's Co. [5 Conn. Line,
Col. Bradley's Reg't, for the war; d. 6 Apl., 1778] in camp. He was from
Pine Meadow.
CROW, ELIAS, was prob. [of Capt. Sedgwick's Co., in the 4th Continental, Col. Hin-
man's, Reg't, 1775; enl. Capt. Barnard's Co., 3d Reg't Conn. Line (formation of
1777-81), Col. Wyllys, 26 Feb., 1777, for the war; was made Corp'l 1 July,
1780; reduced 27 Feb., 1781; deserted 5 July, 1781].
CUFF, SAMPSON (colored), enl. 1 Jan. 1781, in 4th Conn. Line, of formation of 1781-
83, Col. Zebulon Butler's Reg't; disc. 31 Dec., 1781; Feb. 1, 1783, was of Capt.
Munson's Co., 2d Reg't (Col. Swift's) Conn. Line, formation of Jan.-June, '83,
for 3 yrs.
DANIELS, DAVID, [was of Capt. Abner Prior's Co., Col. Wolcott's State Reg't at
Boston, Jan.-Mch., 1776; enl. 1 Apl., 1777, in Capt. Abner Prior's Co., 5th
Conn. Line Reg't, for the war; Corp'l 17 Apl., 1781; perhaps the Corp'l Dan-
iels of Capt. Richards' Co., 2d Reg. Conn. Line, 1 Feb., 1783.]
DAVIES, BURDON.
DAVIS, WILLIAM, one of Windsor party in "Lexington alarm" of 1775 [24 days
service]. See p. 311, 314,
352
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
DAY, ISAAC, Corp'l. [Pens. 1818.]
[JOB, memb. 8th Co., 1st Reg. Mil. - Windsor].
JOHN, was at New Haven.
DENSLOW, ELIHU, died in camp Sept. 9, at N. Y., 1776, of camp dysentery; name
not given in Official Rec. He was from Pine Meadow. See p. 323.
ELIJAH [Pensioner in W. 1840; æ. 76].
JOEL [enl. 1 Apl., 1777, in Capt. Abner Prior's Co., in 6th Conn. Line Reg't for
the war]; died in camp 1 July, 1778.
MARTIN, was in Windsor "Lexington Alarm" party, 1775 [five days' service;
enl. 7 July; disc. 18 Dec. 1775, in 4th (Capt. Elihu Humphrey's) Co., 8th Con-
tinental (Col. Huntington's) Reg't as Corp'l; app. 1 Apl., 1777, Sgt. in the 5th
Reg't Conn. Line, Col. Bradley's; Sgt. Maj. 15 May, "79; Ens. Aug. 16, '79;
contin. in '81; Ens. of Capt. Morris' Co., 2 Conn. Line, Col. Swift's Reg.; con-
tin. from '77-'81; retired in '82 before June] - half-pay Lieut.; and memb. of
the Soc. of the Cincinnati. See pp. 311, 313, 314.
REUBEN, was a Sgt. in the Windsor party in the "Lexington Alarm," 1775; after-
wards belonged to Col. Hart's Light Horse Reg't at Mamaroneck Camp, N. Y.,
1777; at Horseneck, Conn., 1781. See p. 311.
SAMUEL, Jr., served six mos. in 1780.
DEWOLF, ELIAS, at Fishkill and White Plains, N. Y.
DIGGINS, LUKE [memb. 8th Co., 1st Reg. Militia, at Windsor].
[DORMANT, STEPHEN (Sgt.), in Capt. Wyllys' Co., Col. S. B. Webb's Reg't of '77-
'81; enl. 25 Jan., 78, for 3 yrs.; disc. 1 Jan., '81.]
DRAKE, ABIEL [enl. 7 May, 1775, in 3d, Capt. Roger Enos', Co., 2d Continental Reg't,
Gen. Spencer's; disc. 19 Dec., 1775]; was in the 17th Conn. Reg't, Capt. Hub-
bard's Co., Apl., 1776; was a [pensioner and named as an artificer — res. Conn.,
1818].
AUGUSTINE, (Adjutant in the regular line); died at home during the war.
EBENEZER [was in Capt. Judd's Co., 3d Reg't, Conn. Line, formation of 1777–’81,
Col. Wyllys' Reg't; enl. 1 July "78, for the war; was a fifer in Apl., '80;
reduced Aug., '80; fifer Sept., '80]; poss. the same who [enl. 1 Jan. '81, disc.
31 Dec., '81, in Capt. Clift's Co., 1st Conn. Line, Col. Durkee's Reg’t] and who
was a [pensioner residing in Vermont, 1818].
[ELIHU, fifer, of Col. Canfield's Reg't, at West Point, Sept., 1781; his application
for pension on file in Co. Clerk's off., Hartford.]
LEMUEL. His services, stated in his affidavit, with claim for pension, before pen-
sion agent Samuel H. Parsons, of Middletown, Conn., were as follows: About
15th of Aug., 1775, he enl. at Windsor, under Maj. Roger Newberry, in a com-
WINDSOR SOLDIERS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
353
pany of which Benjamin Allen was first lieutenant, and Austin Phelps second do.;
remained in service until the latter part of Oct., "76, when he was dismissed,
being then at or near Valentine's Hill, N. Y. After his enl. he was marched to
Wethersfield, and from thence sailed to New York city, where his co. was
stationed in Little Dock street, near East River, and at the time of the battle of
Long Island his regiment was paraded near the wharf, but were not called into
action. He had a second tour of duty, from August to the latter part of Octo-
ber, 1777. This time he was drafted at Windsor in a company commanded by
Jonathan Wadsworth, of Hartford, captain, Phelps of Windsor, lieutenant, and
Owen, ensign. The regiment to which this company belonged was commanded
by Col. Cook, of Wallingford, Lieut.-Col. Woodbridge, and Maj. Kent. They
marched from Hartford to Stillwater, N. Y., where he was in the battles under
Gen. Gates; was present at Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga, N. Y.; marched
to Albany, was there detailed as one of a guard (under Capt. Blake, Austin
Phelps, lieutenant, and Reuben Wadsworth, orderly), to escort 100 prisoners
to Hartford. Again, in Sept., 1778, he was drafted at Windsor, to go to New
London, where he served two or three months in the militia, commanded by
Capt. Allen, of New London, and [Hezekiah?] Bissell, of East Windsor; Ser-
geant, mostly on guard duty; [was a pens. res. Hartford Co., 1832].
DRAKE, LORY, was one of the [levies in the 5th Conn. Line, Col. Bradley, in 1780;
enl. 1 July; disc. 9 Dec.]
PHINEAS, [enl. May 8, disc. Dec. 19, 1775; in Capt. Roger Enos' (3d) Co., Col.
Spencer's Reg't; 2d Lieut. 2d Co., Col. Gay's Reg't, 2d Batt., Wadsworth's
Brigade, 1776].
DUSET, JOHN.
PHILEMON.
EDWARD (“Negro Ned”), slave of the Rev. D. S. Rowland, enl. 2 Jan., 1777, in Capt.
Abner Prior's Co., 5th Conn. Reg't, for war; [died 15 July, 1778.]
EGGLESTON, DAVID, prob. the D. [who enl. 25 Dec., '80, in Capt. Harmon's Co. 2d
Conn. Line (formation 1781-83), Col. Swift]; res. given as of Simsbury.
ISAAC.
JAMES, served six mths. in 1780; [poss. the James who enl. in Capt. Allyn's Co.,
3d Reg't Conn. Line, formation of 1781-83, 1 Jan.; paid to 31 Dec., 1781, and
who was a pen.; res. Conn., 1818.]
JOSEPH, aged 17; enl. 1775 in Capt. E. Eells' Co., Col. Wyllys' Reg't, for the war;
prob. the Joseph (or Josiah) who [enl. Apl., "77, for the war, in Capt. Eells' Co.,
2d Conn. Line, Col. Wyllys' Reg't, and died 18 June, '81.]
JONATHAN (Wby.).
NATHANIEL.
SAMUEL, served in the Light Horse during the war; [enl. 23 Oct., 1776, in Capt.
John Skinner's Co., Maj. Sheldon's Reg't of Light Horse; disc, 4 Dec., 1776.]
VOL. I. — 45
354
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
EGGLESTON, THOMAS, was in the battle of Long Island. His grandson (Elijah, of
Hartford) remembered often hearing his narrative of his experiences and recol-
lections. He was one of those detailed to manage the boats and barges which
conveyed the Americans across the East River, and worked hard all the night
of that memorable retreat. He was prob. the Thomas who [enl. in Capt.
Couch's Co., Col. Bradley's Battalion, Gen. Wadsworth's Brigade, 24 June;
disc. 29 Dec., 1776.]
TIMOTHY, [enl. in Capt. Throop's Co., 1st Reg. Conn. Line (formation of 1777–
1781) Col. Huntington, 1 Jan., 1777, for the war;] enl. Apl., 1776, in Capt.
Hubbard's Co.; ret. as a deserter.
[ELLSWORTH, ELIPHALET, enl. in Capt. Blackman's Co., Sherburne's Reg., 1
May, 1777; disc. spring of '80.]
HEZEKIAH, enl. 6 May, "77, same Co., Capt., and date of disc.; cr. to W.; claimed
by Ellington.
REUBEN (Lieut.). See p. 328.
ELMER, PHINEHAS, was one of the [levies of 1780, of the 5th Conn. Line, formation
of 1777-81, Col. Bradley, and prob. of Capt. Abner Prior's Co.; enl. 1 July,
disc. 13 Dec., 1780.]
ELY, DANIEL, served in 1775: see p. 314.
ENOS, ABIJAH, [memb. 8th Co. or Train-band, 1st Reg't, Windsor,] 29 May, 1779.
DANIEL (according to a certificate of Col. Roger Newberry, dated 19 Jan., 1777,
Conn. State Archives, Rev. War, x. 67) was in the army and was ill: left the
Regt. to go to East Chester, N. Y.
ERASMUS, at Horseneck, Conn., Apl., 1782.
JAMES, was Corp'l 8th Co., 1st Reg. Mil., Windsor; same record identically as
that of Phinehas Elmer. One of this name, possibly the same, was on Capt.
Lemuel Roberts' Ms. List of the Wintonbury "Lexington Alarm” party.
MOSES (according to a certificate of Col. Roger Newberry, 19 Jan. 1777, Conn.
State Archives, Rev. War. x. 67) was in the army, and "a sick man and should
have recommended him for a discharge, but he was so sick as to decline it".
went to East Chester, N. Y.
ROGER (Gen.), [commis. 1st Major 1 May, 1775; also Capt. 2d Co. in Col. Spencer's
(2d) Reg.; prom. Lieut.-Col. 1 July, 22d Reg.—was in Arnold's Quebec expedi-
tion of that year; tried by Court Martial on the return of that army, and was
"honorably acquitted." Disc. 10 Dec., "75. 389 Official Record, 91. Jan. 18,
1776, he resigned as Lieut.-Col. (then of the 16th Conn. Reg.), and, May, 1777,
was one of a Windsor enlistment committee engaged in obtaining recruits for
the service. Afterwards he commanded one of the Conn. regiments raised in
the S. W. part of the State; but in 1779, resigned from the Conn. service and
removed to Vermont, where, in 1781, he was comm. Brig.-Gen. in command of
all the Vt. troops then in service. After the war he became a Maj.-Gen. of
the Vermont Militia. See Biog. in E. Genealogy.
WINDSOR SOLDIERS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
355
FILER, HORACE, enl. 1777 in Capt. Abner Prior's Co., [5th Conn. Line, Col. Bradley's
Reg't]; was also at Horseneck, Conn., Mch., 1782, to Apl., 1783.
JOHN, enl. 27 May, 1777, in Capt. Abner Prior's Co., [5th Conn. Line, Col. Brad-
ley's Reg't, for 8 mos.; disc. 9 Jan., 1778.]
NORMAN, [enl. 21 Apl., 1777, in Capt. Prior's Co., 5th Conn. Line, Col. Bradley's
Reg't for 8 mos.; deserted.]
FILLEY, HEZEKIAH, served in summer of 1780, [enl. 26 Aug., 1777, in Capt. Jona.
Wadsworth' Co., Col. Thad Cook's Militia Reg't; prob. the same H.]
JONAH, [joined Capt. Sam. Granger's Co. of Gen. Waterbury's State Brigade, 21
May, 1781]; served at Horseneck, Conn., May, 1781, to Mch., 1782.
DAVID, was in service in 1775. See p. 314.
ELNATHAN, was in service in 1775. See p. 314.
MARK (stands in our first edition with a query).
MOSES (Wby.), was of Capt. Abner Prior's Co., Col. Wolcott's Reg. State Troops
at Boston, Jan.-Mch., 1776.
FITCH, JOSEPH, was in the service in 1775. See p. 314.
FOSBURY, STEPHEN (Wby.), [enl. 7 May, 1775, in 3d Co. (Capt. Roger Enos,) 2d
Continental, Col. Spencer's Reg't; disc. 31 July, 1775]; Sgt. in Arnold's Que-
bec Expedition; was captured at the assault 31 Dec., "75, and died there.
See p. 314, 320.
JOHN, was in service in 1775. See p. 314.
[FOSTER, CHAUNCEY, enl. Blackman's Co., Sherburne's Reg., 6 May, "77; disc.
spring of '80]; cr. to W.; claimed by Ellington.
ZACHARIAH.
[WARHAM, Lex. Alarm party from Ellington; Capt. Simon's Co., Col. Wol-
cott's State Reg., Boston, Jan.-Mch., 1776; Sgt.-Maj. Col. Sherburne's Reg't;
app. Sgt. 6 May, "77; prom. Sgt.-Maj. 1 Jan., "78; contin. into '80; cr. to W.]
[FRANCIS, WILLIAM, res. Windsor; application for pension on file, Co. Clerk's off.,
Hartford.] Poss. the "Frank (colored)," of our first edition.
FULLER, OBADIAH, was drafted and served at New York and Westchester, Aug.
and Sept. of 1776. See p. 323.
REUBEN, named in Capt. Lemuel Roberts' Ms. List of the Wintonbury Parish
"Lexington Alarm " volunteers.
GAYLORD, ELIAKIM, served six mos. in 1780; [was of the levies enl. for 5th Conn.
Line, Col. Bradley's Reg't, 1 July; disc. 2 Dec., 1780;] prob. of Capt. Abner
Prior's Co.
1
356
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
GAYLORD, ELEAZUR, was of the Windsor Lexington Alarm party, 1775; and [enl.
Capt. Roger Enos' (3d) Co., 2d (Col. Spencer's) Reg't, 7 July, disc. 18 Dec.,
1775; of Capt. Abner Prior's Co., Col. Waterbury's State Brigade at Boston,
Jan.-Mch., 1776.]
GIBBS, DAVID, was at Roxbury Camp, 1775; [enl. 2d Co., Capt. Pitkin's, 4th Conti-
nental Reg't, Col. Hinman's, 19 May; disc. Dec. 20, 1775. This co. served at
the siege of Boston; enl. Sgt. in Capt. Allen's Co., 3d Conn. Line, Col. Wyllys'
Reg't, 1 Apl., 1777, for 3 yrs.; disc. 1 Apl., '80; pens. res. Hrfd Co., 1818.]
RUFUS, served 6 mos., 1780; [enl. in levies raised for short terms in 1780, for 3d
Conn. Line, Col. Wyllys' Reg't; enl. Oct., "79; disc. 11 Jan., 1780; was hired by
the town of Windsor, 21 May, 1781, joined Capt. Samuel Granger's Co. in Gen.
Waterbury's State Brigade, raised for defense of Conn. seacoast, 21 May, 1781;
was prom. Sgt. July 18; pens. res. W. 1840.]
SAMUEL, Sgt. of Windsor Lexington Alarm party, Apl., 1775; [24 days' service];
prob, the Samuel [enl. Capt. Beardsley's (9th) Co., 5th Continental Reg. 25 May;
disc. 9 Dec., 1775]; com. Lieut. 1 Jan., 1777, in 3d Conn. Line, Col. Wyllys'
Reg't; trans. to Invalid Corps 1 Nov., '80; disc. 23 Apl., 1783; he was disabled
or wounded; his name is on a list printed by the 23d Congress, 1833-34; memb.
of Soc. of the Cincinnati; he was prob. the Samuel Gibs of Capt. Keeler's Co.,
Bradley's Battalion, Wadsworth's Brigade; enl. 24 June, 1776; disc. Jan., 1777;
was a pens. (as Capt.) 1818.
JOHN. (prob. the John Giles below.)
GILES, JOHN, (drummer) 8th Co., 1st Reg. Mil., at Windsor, 29 May, 1779.
GILLET, ABEL, [enl. Capt. Skinner's Co., Maj. Sheldon's Reg't Light Horse; enl. 23
Oct.; dis. 4 Dec., 1776. This command, in whole or in part, accompanied
Gen. Washington in the retreat through N. J., Dec., "76.]
AARON, [enl. with Capt. Prior, in Col. Wolcott's State Reg. on service at Boston,
Dec., 75-Feb., "76]; went to White Plains, N. Y., 2 July, 1778; [enl. 21 Apl.,
1777, in Lieut. Seymour's Co., Brig.-Gen. Erastus Wolcott's Brigade, at Peeks-
kill and other places near N. Y., Mch.-June, "77]; was [of Capt. Roswell
Grant's Co., Col. Roger Enos' Reg't on the Hudson, 1778.]
DANIEL, was in the service in 1775, see p. 314; was drafted and served in New
York and Westchester, Aug. and Sept., 1776; volunteer to Danbury. See p.
327.
JONAH, Jr. (drum major), enl. as drummer Capt. Humphrey's (4th) Co. of Eighth
Continental (Col. Huntington's) Reg't, 6 July; disc. 18 Dec., 1775; was Capt. 2d
Co., Col. Gay's Reg't, in 2d Battalion, Wadsworth's Brigade, Conn. State
Troops, 1776. See p. 314.
JONATHAN, was in service in 1775. See p. 314.
THOMAS, was in service in 1775. See p. 314.
GILMAN, JOHN (Wby.), [enl. 7 July; dis. 18 Dec., 1775; Capt. Humphrey's (4th) Co.,
8th Continental (Huntington's) Reg.;] d. in camp, aged about 18, Dec., "75, or
Jan., "76. (Wby. Ch. Rec.)
WINDSOR SOLDIERS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
357
GRAHAM,
his wife JEMIMA, pens.; res. 1840, in Windsor, aged 85; poss. the
Simeon Grayham mentioned on p. 314.
GREEN, AMASA, [res. Windsor; application for pension on file in Co. Clerk's off.,
Hartford.]
GRISWOLD, ABIEL, [memb. 8th Co. or Train-band, 1st Reg. Mil., Windsor]; was at
New York and Fishkill; enl. for 3 yrs.
ABEL, member of 8th Co. or Train-band; poss. same as Abiel above.
ALEXANDER (Corp'l), at New York and Fishkill; Sgt. of Ens. David Barber's
Co. on detached duty, 1777. See p. 328.
EDWARD, Jr., was app. Captain of 3d Co. or Train-band in 1st Reg. in W., May,
1776-Col. Rec., xv. 346. From a memorial made by his son Solomon to the
Gen. Assembly, May, 1787, we learn that Capt. Edward G. commanded a Co.
in Col. Ely's Reg. at Horseneck in 1777.-Conn. State Archives, viii. 85-89.
Served at New York, West Point, and New Rochelle.
ELIJAH, memb. 8th Co., 1st Reg. Mil.; res. Windsor; [enl. 7 July, disc. 18 Dec.;
Capt. Humphrey's (4th) Co., 8th Cont. (Col. Huntington's) Reg't; application for
pension on file, Co. Clerk's off., Hartford.]
ELISHA, was [of Col. Canfield's Militia Reg't at West Point, Sept., '81.]; memb.
8th Co., 1st Reg. Mil. at W., 29 May, 1779.
FRIEND, was at New Haven.
GEORGE, Jr., [1st Lieut. 4th Co., Capt. Pettibone, Col. Mott's Battalion, State
Reg'ts in Northern Dep't, 1776]; re-enl. Continental service in "77: appears in '76
as 1st Lieut. of Col. Ward's Reg't, serving at Ft. Lee, at White Plains, and at
Morristown, N. J., until exp. of term, May, 77; was app. Lieut. in 5th Conn.
Line, Col. Bradley's Reg't, formation of 1771-81, but did not serve; was prob.
the same Lieut. Geo. G. who was of Capt. Harmon's Co., Col. Wolcott's State
Reg., at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76; poss. the George Griswold of Bolton who was
an Ensign in the Provisional Regiment, ord. by Gen. Assembly of Conn. to “be
raised and put in readiness to march on the shortest notice, in case His Excel-
lency Gen. Washington shall call for them," in 1781; memb. of 8th Co., or
Train-band, 1st Reg. Mil., town of Windsor.
• ISAAC, was at New York.
JOAB, was Ens. 8th Co., 1st Mil. Reg't, at Windsor. See also p. 329.
JONAH, was at Fishkill and New York.
MOSES (Sgt.), served in summer of 1780; was at New York, Fishkill, and in New
Jersey; [enl. Capt. Alden's Co., Col. Sam. B. Webb's Reg. (additional inf.
reg't of the Contin. Line), 1777-81, 23 Jan., "77, for the war; Corp'l Sept., '80 ;
Sgt. 1 May, 1781; was Corp'l 1 Jan., 1781, to May 1, in Capt. Bulkley's Co.,
3d Conn. Line, Col. S. B. Webb's Reg.] He was prob. the same M. G. who
was [Trumpeter to Capt. Skinner's Co., Maj. Sheldon's Reg't Light Horse; enl.
23 Oct.; disc. 4 Dec., 1776,] and [memb. 8th Co. or Train-band, 1st Reg't Mili-
tia, Windsor.]
-
358
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
GRISWOLD, NATHANIEL (Sgt.), enl. for 3 yrs.; was at New York; [memb. 8th Co.
or Trainband, of W., 1st Reg. Militia.]
NOAH, Jr. [memb. 8th Co. or Train-band, in Windsor, 1st Reg. Militia]; was at
New York, and on duty guarding the Burgoyne prisoners.
THOMAS (Cornet), in Maj. William Hart's Reg. of Light Horse, org. May, 1776.
PHINEHAS, [mem. 8th Co., 1st Reg. Militia; res. at Windsor, 29 May, 1779]; enl.
May, 1777, in Capt. Harmon's Co., Col. Durkee's Reg't 20th Continental, 1776–
77, for 3 yrs.; was at New York, and guarding the Burgoyne prisoners.
SILVANUS, (Poq.) Lieut. 8th Co., 1st Reg. Mil. at Windsor, May 20, 1779.—Conn.
State Archives, Rev. War, 186, et alios.
SOLOMON, (Poq.) Clerk of 8th Co., 1st Reg. Mil. at Windsor; was Sergt. and
Quartermaster of Co. in detached service. See David Barber.
HALL, WILLIAM, enl. aged 20, Aug., 1777, in Capt. Eell's Co., Col. Wyllys' Reg't,
Peekskill. [The Official Record gives a Wm. Hall, who was of Capt. Church's
Co., Col. Sage's Reg't, 1776; enl. 17 Mch., 77, for 3 yrs., and des. 7 Apl., 77,
from Capt. Watson's Co., Col. Webb's Reg't add. inf.; enl. 27 May, "77, for the
war in Capt. Allen's Co., Col. Wyllys' Reg't, and des.; enl. from Middletown,
Conn., in Capt. Sizer's Co., Reg't of Artificers, 5 Feb., 1776, for the war.]
If these rec. belong to our Wm. he must have been what was known in the
Army of the Civil Rebellion as a "repeater" or "bounty jumper."
HALSEY, PHILIP (fifer); pens., res. in Windsor, 1840, aged 80.
HAMOND (colored).
HAYDEN, EZRA, one of the Windsor “Lexington Alarm” Party, Apl., 1775 [5 days'
service; of Capt. Abner Prior's Co., Col. Wolcott's State Reg't at Boston, Jan.-
Mch., 1776]. See pp. 311, 320.
HEZEKIAH, one of Windsor "Lexington Alarm" Party, April, 1775; [was Sgt. in
Capt. Eben Fitch Bissell's Co., Col. Huntington's 17th Continental Reg't, in
camp at Roxbury, Mass., 1776, and with the regiment engaged in battle of
Long Island, 1776, and reported as "missing"]. He was captured and died of
starvation in the old Jersey Prison Ship," the "old Sugar House," or the
old "Church in New York." See pp. 313, 322.
LEVI, [enl. 23 Oct.; disc. 4 Dec., 1776, in Capt. Skinner's Co., Maj. Sheldon's
Reg't Light Horse].
NATHANIEL, Jr. (Capt.), commanded the Windsor "Lexington Alarm" Party,
Apl., 1775 [5 days' service]; went to West Point in command of 42 enl. Windsor
men, June 27, 1780. See p. 311.
OLIVER, one of Windsor "Lexington Alarm" Party, Apl., 1775 [2 days' service].
THOMAS, Sgt. in Windsor “Lexington Alarm” Party, April, 1775
Party, April, 1775 — 5 days' ser-
vice; app. Sgt.-Major in 8th (Col. Jedediah Huntington's) Reg't (Cont.) foot, 11
Aug., 1775; was Adjt. in same (then the 17th Cont.) Reg't, 20 Oct., 1776; 1st
WINDSOR SOLDIERS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
359
Lieut. in 3d Conn. Line, Col. Wyllys (commission signed by John Hancock)
comm. 1 Jan., 1777 [resigned 15 Apl., 1778]; 2d Lieut. in Capt. Hubbard's Co.,
17th Reg't; app. Adjt. to Col. Zebulon Butler at Danbury, Conn., 8 Apl.,
1777; was at Windsor Aug., 1777, enlisting men for Capt. Eells' Co., Col. Wyl-
lys' Reg't; then at Peekskill, N. Y.; took the oath of allegiance 14 Apl., and
was disc. 25th, 1778, at West Point; was one of the lieutanants named by Gen.
Assembly to officer the Provisional Regiment, to be raised and held in readi-
ness to march on requisition of Gen. Washington, 1781. See pp. 311, 314.
HASKELL, JABEZ, at New York, 1776. See p. 321.
HAZE (HAYS ?), THOMAS, æ. 21; enl. Aug., 1777, in Capt. E. Eells' Co., Col. Wyl-
lys' Reg't, then at Peekskill, N. Y.
HIDE (HYDE), THADDEUS.
THEOPHILUS [was in Arnold's Quebec Expedition, and lost bis gun in the
assault]; see p. 320; enl. June, 1777, in Capt. John Harmon's Co., Col. Durkee's
Reg’t; had res. in W. for two yrs. previous to his enlistment.
HILL, ELIJAH, was at West Point; [enl. 1 July, '80, among the levies for short terms,
of the 2d Reg't, Conn. Line, of formation of 1777-81, Col. Chas. Webb's; disc.
9 Dec., '80]; may have been the same, also, who [enl. in Capt. Case's Co., 18th
Reg't Conn. Militia; on duty at New York betw. 19 Aug. and 25 Sept., 1776;
and also who was of Capt. Warner's Co., 3d Reg't, Conn. Line, Col. Wyllys;
enl. 29 May, 1777, for 8 mos.; disc. 1 Jan., '78]; was also [memb. of 8th Co.,
1st Reg. Militia-Windsor]. See pp. 328, 330.
JOHN, [enl. 5 July, '80; disc. 9 Dec., '80, in Short Term levies for 2d Conn. Line,
Col. Chas. Webb's Reg't, formation of 1777-81]; may also have been the one
who [enl. in Capt. Durkee's Co., 1st Reg't, Conn. Line, Col. Durkee's, forma-
tion of 1781-83, 1 Jan., 1780 — paid to 1 Aug., '81].
REUBEN, [enl. 1 July; disc. 6 Dec., '80, in Short Term levies, of 2d Conn. Line,
Col. Chas. Webb's Reg't, org. of 1777-'81; enl. 1 Feb., '81, for 3 yrs. in Maj.
Sheldon's Light Dragoons; described as a farmer, 5 ft. 8 in. high; light com-
plex. and eyes; brown hair]; 1st edit. says he was in Maj. Walbridge's Reg.;
served at West Point.
HOLCOMB, AMOS, [enl. 1 Aug. for 8 mos. in Capt. Prior's Co., 5th Conn. Line, Col.
Bradley, formation 1777-'81; disc. 9 Jan., "78; enl. 2 May, 1778, for 8 mos.;
Capt. Judd's Co., 3d Conn. Line, Col. Wyllys' Reg’t; disc. 31 Dec., '78]; prob.
the same as was also of Col. Canfield's Mil. Reg't at West Point, Sept., 1781.
ELIJAH, enl. 7 May; disc. 19 Dec., 1775, in 3d (Capt. Roger Enos) Co. 2d Conti-
nental (Col. Spencer's) Reg't; or was he the E. who [enl. 14 July, and disc. 18
Dec., 1775, in Capt. Humphrey's Co. (4th) 8th Continental (Col. Huntington's)
Reg.] ?
JOSEPH, [served from 22 Aug. to 20 Sept., 1776, as Sgt. in Lieut. Joel Hays' Co.,
18th Conn. Reg't Militia, at New York; was of Capt. Roswell Grant's Co.,
Col.
Roger Enos' Reg. of Militia, on the Hudson, 1778]. A Joseph [enl. 27 Nov. '78,
in 4th Troop, Maj. Sheldon's Light Dragoons, described as farmer, 5 ft. 7 in.
high, dark complex., eyes and hair. This one undoubtedly from Windsor;
prob. same as above. See also Joseph (drummer), p. 328.
1
360
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
HOLCOMB, MARTIN, Jr., served in 1775. See p. 314.
MATTHEW, [enl. Capt. Harmon's Co., 4th Reg., Conn. Line, formation of 1777–
1781, Col. Durkee, 17th Mch., 77, for the war; died 21 Mch., 1778].
HOLLIDAY, DANIEL, Sen., at Horseneck, Conn., Mch., 1782, to 1 Apl., 1783.
DANIEL, Jr., ditto.
HOLLIS, EPHRAIM, of Capt. James Stoddard's Co., Gen. Waterbury's State Brigade,
1781; joined 2 Sept.
HOOKER, DANIEL, [was of Capt. Ozias Bissell's Co., Col. Roger Enos' Militia Reg't,
which arrived in camp on Hudson 23 June, 1778; pensioner; æ. 79; res. Bloom-
field, 1840].
HOOLBOD, ALVIN.
HOSKINS, ASA.
ELIJAH (Wby.), [was of Capt. Abner Prior's Co., Col. Wolcott's State Reg. at
Boston, Jan.-Mch., 1776]; died in camp at Roxbury, æ. abt. 42.
PERE.
TIMOTHY, [enl. 16 May, 1777, in Capt. Abner Prior's Co., 5th Conn. Line, Col.
Bradley, for the war; enl. 21 Dec., '80; paid to 31 Dec., 1781, in 4th Conn. Line,
Col. Zebulon Butler's Reg't, formation of 1781–83].
ZEBULON, [enl. 16 May, 1777, for the war, in Capt. Abner Prior's Co., 5th Conn.
Line; was of Capt. Chapman's Co., of the 2d Reg., Conn. Line, formed from
5th and 7th Reg'ts, in formation of 1781-'83; paid from 1 Jan. to 31 Dec., 1781;
and with that co. had a tour of service at the Southward Feb.-Nov., 1781, under
the Marquis Lafayette].
HOTCHKISS, SIMEON, [was of Col. Canfield's Militia Reg't, at West Point, N. Y.,
1781].
HURLBURT, ALEXANDER, private in Capt. Edwª Griswold's Co., Maj. Newberry's
Militia Reg't, Col. Chester's Brigade; on duty at New York one month and six
days in Aug. and Sept., 1776, where he became ill; was examined by surgeon
and recommended for a discharge; by some mistake his name was not put on
list of discharged, and supposing that he was disch. he returned home; conse-
sequently was returned as a deserter. By vote of Assembly his petition for
wages, etc., and reinstatement as a loyal soldier was granted by the Assembly,
Oct., 1777.-Conn. State Arch., Revol. War, viii. 85.
ALVIN, enl. May, 1777, in Capt. John Harmon's Co., Col. Durkee's Reg't, for the
war; was of [Capt. Heartt's Co 1 Reg. Conn. Line, Col. Durkee, of the forma-
tion of 1781-83]; paid from Jan 1 Dec 31, 1781.
JACOBS, WILLIAM, [was of Col. Canfield's Militia Reg. at West Point, N. Y., 1781.] .
KING, REUBEN (Wby.), was [of Capt. J. Wells' Co., Col. Wolcott's State Reg't, at
Boston, Jan.-Mch., 1776]; died returning home from captivity at New York,
Jan., 1777, aged abt. 18.
WINDSOR SOLDIERS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
361
KEATON, JOHN, [enl. as a farrier, 1 Jan., '81, for the war, as a recruit to Maj. Shel-
don's Light Dragoons; is described as a blacksmith, 5 ft. 7 in. high, light com-
plex., gray eyes, dark hair.]
LAFLER, JOHN; [applicant for pension; res. Windsor Co. Clerk's office, Hartford.]
LAMBERTON, OBED, Jr., [was of Capt. Abner Prior's Co., Col. Wolcott's State Reg.
at Boston, Jan.-Mch., 1776; enl. 1 Apl., 1777, in Capt. Abner Prior's Co., 5
Conn. Line, for the war; was missing" Oct. 4, "77; mustered in May, "78;
transferred to Invalid Corps 6 Nov., '80; made up to 6 Feb., '80; joined Invalid
Corps Nov., '80; was in service in '82; pensioner res. in New Hampshire, 1818].
NATHANIEL, was prob. the Nath. who was one of the Enfield "Lexington
Alarm" Party, Apl., 1775; was at camp in Roxbury, 1775; in Arnold's attack
on Quebec, see p. 314; captured at the battle of Long Island, and died of
starvation in prison.
WILLIAM, was at New York at battle of Long Island; died in prison.
LATTIMER, AHALIAB (Wby.), served in summer of 1780.
GEORGE (Wby.), drafted for 3 mos. in summer of 1776; was at New York at time
of retreat from Long Island. In or about March, 1777, was again drafted for
3 mos., and went to White Plains, N. Y., and was there at the time Danbury
was burned; enl. as wagoner in Capt. Daniel Jones' Co., 15 July, 1777, for 3
yrs.; term expired 1780; enl. again at Hartford, went to Pomfret, where he
was one of 10 men in charge of ammunition wagons; ret'd to Hartford; was in
N. Y. State at Red Hook and Fishkill (affidavit before Sam. H. Parsons, Pens.
Agent, Middletown, Conn.)
LAWRENCE, AMOS (Sgt.), enl. 19 May, 1777, in Capt. Abner Prior's Co., 5th Conn.
Line, Col. Bradley's Reg't, of formation of 1777–81, for the war; deserted 1 Jan.,
1781; disch. produced dated 11 July, '81, signed by Gen. Parsons.
AMOS, Jr.
LEE, OLIVER, was of the Windsor "Lexington Alarm” Party, Apl., 1775, [5 days'
service.]
[LEAVITT, MILLARD, enl. Stanton's Co., Shelburne's Reg't, 19 Sept., '77; transf.
to Col. S. B. Wells' Reg't; des. 19 Sept., 1780.]
LOOMIS, ELIPHALET (Wby.), New York; died Apl., 1776, on return from camp,
æ. abt. 20.
GEORGE, enl., May, 1777, in 4th Conn. Reg't, Capt. Abner Prior's Co., for 3 yrs.
GIDEON.
JONATHAN [enl. 8 May, disc. 19 Dec., 1775, in Capt. Roger Enos (3d) Co,, 2d
Reg't, Continental, Gen. Spencer's]; served in summer of '80.
STEPHEN, Jr.
VOL. I. -46
362
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
LOOMIS, WATSON, [2d Lieut. Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col. Roger Enos' Militia
Reg't on the Hudson, 1778, where they arrived 29 June]; was drafted and served
at New York and Westchester in Aug. and Sept., 1776.
[BENJAMIN, res. Windsor; application for pension on file Co. Clerk's office,
Hartford.]
LOTER, EPHRAIM.
LOVELAND, LEVI, [was among the "missing" of Capt. Eben F. Bissell's Co., Col.
Huntington's (17th Continental) Reg't, after the battle of Lg. Island, 1776; and
he may have been the Levi L. of Glastonbury, who was among the Am. pris-
oners paroled or exc. at Quebec in Aug., 1776; he enl. 21 Feb., '78, in Capt.
Barnard's Co., 3d Conn. Line (Col. Wyllys') Reg't, for the war; was transf. 1
Aug., "78, to Capt. E. Eells Co.; prob. was the same who was of Capt. H.
Welles' Co., Col. Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., 1776; and was of
Capt. Chester Wells' Co., Col. Belden's Reg't, Col. Erastus Wolcott's Brig., at
Peekskill, N. Y., 1777, from 10 Apl., to May 22]; ret. as deserter.
LOVEWELL, EPHRAIM.
LYON, AARON, was in service in 1775. See p. 314.
MACK, ANDREW (a Hessian). [Pensioner; res. Hartford Co., 1832.]
MANLEY, WILLIAM, served in 1775. See p. 314.
MARSH, JOSEPH, d. 15 Aug., 1776, at Meriden, coming from camp at New York.
MARSHALL, ALEXANDER, named on Capt. Lemuel Roberts' Ms. List as one of the
Wintonbury Parish "Lexington alarm" volunteers.
ELIJAH, [enl. 7 May; dis. 31 July, 1775, Capt. Roger Enos' Co., 2 Continent. (Col.
Spencer's) Reg't]; was one of those belonging to Capt. Oliver Hanchett's Co.,
Arnold's detachment, who were taken prisoners at Quebec 31 Dec., 1775, and he
was held 9 mos. [Pens. 1818, and res. of Colebrook, Conn.]; said also to have
served in summer of '80. See pp. 314, 320; also for Elijah, Jr., prob. the same,
p. 314.
[ELIHU, was memb. of 8th Co. or Trainband in Windsor, 1st Reg't].
ELISHA, memb. of 8th Co., 1st Reg. Mil. at Windsor; was at Fishkill and New
London; [enl. Capt. Abner Prior's Co., 5th Conn. Line Reg't for war; died 1
May, 1778, at Valley Forge, N. J.] See, also, p. 328.
JOSIAH, (according to a certificate of Col. Roger Newberry, 19 Jan. 1777, Conn.
State Archives, Rev. War, x. 67; was in army ill, and was recommended for a
discharge.)
SAMUEL, Jr., enl. in 4th Conn. Reg't, Capt. Abner Prior's Co., for 3 years.
MATHER, ELIHU (Sgt.), enl. 1 Jan. '81; p'd to 31 Dec. '81; in 4th Conn. Line (Col.
Zebulon Butler's) Reg't, of which Abner Prior of W. was Maj., in Oct., 1781;
being destitute and in great want, by the deficiency of public clothing, was
WINDSOR SOLDIERS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY. SERVICË.
363
granted 8 days' leave of absence to go home and procure clothes; was taken ill
and lay at home for a long time, and was attended by Drs. Chaffee and Wol-
cott, whose bills are still on file in the Windsor Town Clerk's office. Elihu M.,
prob. the same, was of Capt. Griswold's, Col. Belden's Reg., Gen. Wolcott's
Brigade, at Peekskill, N. Y., Mch.-June, 1777.
MATHER, INCREASE, was of Suffield "Lexington Alarm" Party, April, 1775, 8 days'
service; enl. 3d (Capt. Roger Enos') Co., 2d Continental (Col. Spencer's) Reg't, 7
May; disc. 19 Dec., 1775; then enl. while at Roxbury Camp, 1775, for 12 or 14 mos.;
was there when the Battle of Bunker Hill was fought; abt. the middle of Nov.
enl., with consent of his captain, in another co., commanded by Eben. F. Bissell,
capt.; Lieut. Humphrey and Ens. Richard Goodman in Col. Jedediah Hunt-
ington's Reg't, from which he was disc. Jan., 1777. During this service he was
on duty on Long Island, in 1776; was in several skirmishes there, and in the
retreat from L. I. through Westchester. From July, "76, to January, "77, he
served as Sergeant. Affidavit before Pension Agent Samuel H. Parsons, of Mid-
dletown, Conn.
JOHN, [Quarter-master of Col. Sam. B. Webb's Reg't, 1777-81; comm. 1 Jan., "77;
died Nov.,"78] in camp at Kingston, N. Y.
SAMUEL; [pens.; res. Hartford Co., 1832.]
TIMOTHY (Dr.), [comm. 1 Aug., 1778, Surgeon's Mate; prom. to Surgeon (vice
Graham) 1 Jan. '80; retired Jan., '81, in 7th Conn. Line (formation of 1777–81)
Col. Heman Swift's Reg.]; served through the war.
MAY, JOHN, served in 1775. See p. 314.
MCLEAN, NEIL, Jr., enl. May, 1777, in Col. S. B. Webb's Reg't for the war.
MILLARD, JOSEPH (Wby.), [pens. res. Bloomfield, 1840, æ. 77.]
MILLER, JOHN, [enl. 9 July; disc. 10 Dec., 1775, in 4th Co., Capt. Elihu Humphrey,
8th Continental (Col. Huntington's) Reg't]; served through the war.
ROSWELL, [Pens.; res. Hartford Co., 1832; res. Windsor, 1840, æ. 80]; served as
guard at Windsor.
MILLS, ELIJAH, Jr., [enl. 1 Sept., '80; disc. 13 Dec., '80, among the levies for 5th
Conn. Line (Col. Bradley)], and prob. in Capt. Abner Prior's Co.
ROGER, served in 1775. See p. 314.
MITCHELL, OLIVER (colored), [res. Hartford Co.; pens. 1832].
MOORE, ASA, served 6 mos. in 1780; [enl. among the levies in 5th Conn. Line, Col.
Bradley's Reg't], and prob. in Capt. Abner Prior's Co., [1 July; disc. 16 Dec.,
1780.]
BENJAMIN, was at New York and Fishkill; [memb. 8th Co. or Trainband at
Windsor, 1st Reg. Militia]. See also p. 328.
[ELDAD B., memb. 8th Co., 1st Reg't Mil. of Windsor.]
364
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
MOORE, ELISHA, was drafted, and served in New York and Westchester Aug. and
Sept., 1776; Quartermaster in "77, of Col. Enos' Reg't.
PHILANDER, [memb. 8th Co. Mil. at Windsor, 1st Reg.]; was at Boston and in
New Jersey; Pens. 1818.
SIMEON, [memb. 8th Co., 1st Reg. Mil. at Windsor]; prob. the Simon of our first
edition, who enl., May, 1777, in Col. Durkee's Reg't, Capt. John Harmon's Co.,
for 3 years.
MORRIS, JAMES (Sgt.), at Horseneck, Conn., May, 1781, to Mch., 1782; [enl. 5 May,
1781; hired by Town of Windsor; Sgt. Capt. Sam. Granger's Co., Gen. Water-
bury's State Brigade, 1781; joined 5 May.]
MUNROE, WILLIAM (fifer), [enl. 13 July; disc. 14 Dec., 1781, among the levies
raised for 4th Conn. Line (Col. Durkee's) Reg't], and prob. was of Capt. Seth
Phelps' Co., and is very likely the Wm. M. who was [of Capt. Ed. Griswold's
Co., Brig.-Gen. E. Wolcott's Brig., at Peekskill, N. Y., where they arrived 6
Apl., and were disc. 23 May, 1777.]
SAMUEL, served in 1775. See p. 314.
MUNSELL, ALPHEUS (corp'l), [enl. 7 May; disc. 19 Dec., 1775, Col. Roger Enos' Co.,
(3d) Col. Spencer's Continental Reg't]; was at Roxbury as an army blacksmith;
served in summer of 1780.
NEGUS, ISRAEL, was at New London.
NEWBERRY (Gen.), was com. Major of 1st Reg't of Horse and Foot of Colony of
Conn., Nov. 4, 1775; prom. May 29, 77, to Col. 1st Mil. Reg't of State of Conn.;
app. Brig.-Gen. of 1st Brigade to succeed Gen. Wolcott, 14 March, '81; served
during the war. See Biog. in N. Genealogy.
NILES, MOSES [memb. 8th Co. or Train-band of Militia in Windsor, 1st Reg't]; was
at New York and in New Jersey.
THOMAS, [memb. 8th Co., 1st Reg. Mil. at Windsor.]
NOBLES, ROSWELL, b. 24 Oct., 1758; enl. for one yr. as drummer at Simsbury,
May, "76, in Capt. Noah Phelps' Co., Col. And. Ward's Reg't; dism. from ser-
vice near Morristown, N. J., May, 1777. [Pens. 1832; res. Hartford Co.]
OWEN, ALVAN, [enl. 1 Jan.; disc. 31 Dec., 1781, in Capt. James Morris' Co., 2d
Conn. Line (formation of 1781-83), Col. Swift; was in Capt. Chapman's Co. of
same reg't (formation of Jan.-June, 1783); is put down as having enl. Feb., "79,
for the war; was a Conn. pens.; res. N. Y. State, 1818].
PALMER, JOHN, memb. 8th Co. (1st Reg. Mil. at Windsor), May 20, 1779.
State Arch., Rev. War, xxi. 186, et alios.
PARSONS, PELETIAH, served in summer of 1780.
Conn.
WILLIAM, was of Windsor "Lexington Alarm" Party, Apl., 1775, [24 days'
service; was a Sgt. in Capt. Hubbard's Co., Col. Huntington's (17th Continen-
tal) Reg't and rep. "missing" after the Battle of Long Island, 1776]; died in
New York, a prisoner, Nov. 9.
WINDSOR SOLDIERS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
365
PARSONS, THOMAS, [enl. 1 Apl., "77, in Capt. Allen's Co., 3d Conn. Line, formation
of "77-81), Col. Wyllys' Reg't; prom. fifer 1 May, "78; Sgt. July, '80; reduced
Jan., '82; deserted Oct., '82.]
PERKINS, AARON, [enl. "76 in Capt. Durkee's Co., Wyoming Valley; was in skir-
mish near Millstone, N. J.; subsequently served agt. the Indians]; application
for pension on file Co. Clerk's off., Hartford.
PHELPS, ALEXANDER, [enl. May, "77, for 8 mos.; disc. 9 Jan. "78, in Capt. Abner
Prior's Co., 5th Conn. Line (Col. Bradley's) Reg't, formation of 1777–81; re-en.
in levies for same reg't, 1 July, 1780; disc. 2 Dec., 1780]. He may have been
the same A. P. who was [of Capt. Sedgwick's Co., Col. Chester, 6th Battalion,
Wadsworth's Brigade; engaged in Battle of Long Island, Aug., 1776]. He
was [memb. 8th Co. Militia, Windsor, 1st Reg. Mil.].
AUSTIN, prob. the [Lieut. of Capt. Wadsworth's Co., Col. Cook's Reg't; engaged
at Battle of Stillwater, Aug.-Nov., 1777].
[ASAHEL, enl. 1 Apl., 1782, for 3 yrs., Col. Sheldon's Light Dragoons; described
as a shoemaker, 5 ft. 8 in. high, light complex., grey eyes, brown hair].
CORNELIUS (Corp'l).
DANIEL, Sen., volunteer in Danbury Alarm. See p. 327.
DANIEL, Jr., in Aug. and Sept., 1776, was a private in 1st Reg. Conn. Militia, then
in service in N. York State [New York and New Rochelle]; was taken ill,
returned home by advice of surgeon and with consent of his captain; but was,
by mistake, returned on the lists as a deserter. This error was rectified by
vote of Assembly, May, 1778, and he received wages and mileage while in
actual service, and expense of his return.- Conn. State Arch., Rev. War, x. 256.
He was in service from 14 Aug. to 12 Sept., 1776; was ill for a long time after
he returned home, and as soon as his health permitted, enlisted in Col. Enos'
Reg't in the winter of 1777, where he served faithfully.—Ibid, p. 257.
ELI, memb. 8th Co., 1st Reg. Mil. at Windsor.
ELIJAH.
ELISHA, [Corp'l 8th Co., 1st Reg. Mil. at Windsor]; hired for the war; was at
New York, New Rochelle, Peekskill.
[EDWARD, memb. 8th Co., 1st Reg. Mil. at Windsor.]
ELIHU, (fifer) [8th 1st Reg. Mil. at Windsor.]
ENOCH, was at New York.
ISAAC, [Sgt. of 8th Co., 1st Reg. Militia, Windsor.]
ISAAC, 2d, [of 8th Co., 1st Reg. Mil., Windsor.]
JESSE, [was memb. 8th Co., 1st Reg. Mil., at Windsor; of Capt. Eells Co., Col. Sage's
Reg't, 3d Battalion, Gen. Wadsworth's Brigade, 1776]; served in N. Y. and on
Long Island.
366
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR,
PHELPS, JOB, memb. 8th Co., 1st Reg. Mil., at Windsor; prob. of [Capt. Brown's Co.,
18th Conn. Mil., at New York, 1776]; was also at New Rochelle and New Lon-
don.
JOHN, [Corp'l 8th Co. Mil. or Train-band in Windsor, 1st Reg.]; was at New York
and in New Jersey.
JOSIAH, at Old Milford.
TIMOTHY, Jr., enl. May, 1777, in Capt. John Harmon's Co., Col. Durkee's Reg't,
for 3 yrs.
LAUNCELOT, memb. 8th Co., 1st Reg. Mil., at Windsor, was at N. York and
Boston; served in 1775, see p. 314, where he is called Lanscott; [enl. 8 May;
disc. 19 Dec., 1776, in Capt. Roger Enos' (3d) Co., 2d Cont., Col. Spencer's
Reg't].
OLIVER, [memb. 8th Co. Mil., at Windsor, 1st Reg't]; was at Fishkill and in New
Jersey; pens.; res. Hartford Co., 1832. See also p. 328.
SETH [(Capt.), 2d Lieut. 20th Continental (Col. Durkee's) Reg't, 1776; com. 1st
Lieut. 1 Jan., "77; prom. Capt. 25 May, "78, 4th Conn. Line (Col. John Durkee's)
Reg't; the Light Co. of this Reg’t, under Capt. Phelps, was detached to Meigs'
Light Reg't, and took part in the storming of Stony Point, 15 July,"79, in which
action he was severely wounded in the arm; was transf. to Invalid Corps., 26
Oct., '80; disc. 1782; was a life invalid.]
WILLIAM, [Corp❜l of Capt. Roger Enos' (3d) Co. of 2d Continental (Col. Spencer's)
Reg't; enl. 7 May; disc. 19 Dec., 1776; was Sgt. in Capt. Hubbell's Co., in Col.
Silliman's Reg't, 1st Battalion, Wadsworth Brigade, 1776; was engaged at
Battle L. I. and in retreat through Westchester; he enl. for 3 yrs.; was also a
memb. 8th Mil. Co., 1st Reg., at Windsor.] See p. 314.
ZACCHEUS, served in 1775. See p. 314.
PICKETT, PHINEAS, was of [Capt. Arnold's (9th) Co., 1st Continental (Col. David
Wooster's) Reg't, 1775; disc. in North. Dep't 28 Nov., 1775]; prob. dftd. from
militia, as he was (acc. to Hayden's Centenn. Windsor Add.) at the night retreat
of Am. army from L. I., after Battle of L. I., one of the guard stationed at the
Brooklyn shore to prevent the overcrowding of the boats. Pens.; res. in Htfd.
Co. 1832, and 1840 in Windsor, æ. 83.
PINNEY, AARON, named on Capt. Lemuel Roberts' Ms. List as one of the "Lexington
Alarm" volunteers from Wintonbury Parish; enl. 6 July; disc. 14 Dec., 1775;
Sgt. in Capt. Humphrey's 4th Co., 8th Continental (Col. Huntington's) Reg't;
enl. as Sgt. Maj. in Capt. Lemuel Roberts' Co., 18th Conn. Mil. Reg't, at
N. Y., in 1776, where they arrived 24 Aug, and were disc. 25 Sept.; enl. 10
May, for the war, in Capt. Abner Prior's Co., 5th Conn. Line, (Col. Bradley's)
Reg't, formation of 1777-81; killed 4 Oct., 1777, at Battle of Germantown].
A
ABRAM, named as Left. of the Wintonbury Parish "Lexington Alarm" Party, on
Capt. Lemuel Roberts' Ms. List.
ISAAC, served in 1775. See p. 314.
WINDSOR SOLDIERS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
367
PINNEY, JOHN (Sgt.), prob. the [John P. who was Sgt. of a company who "marched
from Sundry Places" in the "Lexington Alarm”, Apl., 1775, and were
formed into an Independent and Ranging Co. at Roxbury"; he was 2 mos. 13
days in service. He was Sgt. of the Windsor Train-band or 8th Co. Reg., 1st
Mil.]; was at New York.
JONATHAN, [enl. 13 Mch., '80, in 5th Troop, Col. Sheldon's Light Dragoons;
described as having dark complex., gray eyes, dark hair.]
JUDA, [enl. 7 May; disc. 19 Dec., 1775, in Capt. Roger Enos' (3d) Co., 2d Conti-
nental (Gen. Spencer's) Reg't; was Sgt. in Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col.
Moseley's Militia Reg't, in service on the Hudson in "78; arrived in camp 3 July;
also a memb. 8th Mil. Co., 1st Reg., of Windsor], hired for three yrs; was at
Boston, West Point, N. Jersey.
LEVI (Corp'l), named on Capt. Lemuel Roberts' Ms. List as one of the "Lexington
Alarm" party from Wintonbury Parish.
MARTIN (Sgt.), Poq., was memb. of 8th Co. Mil., 1st Reg.; res. Windsor; was
Quarter Master's Sgt. on detached duty-See David Barber-at N. Y. and
Fishkill. See p. 328.
NATHANIEL, [enl. 6 July, disc. 18 Dec., "75, in 4th Co., Col. Huntington's (8th
Continental) Reg't]; was at New York and in New Jersey.
NOAH, [joined 1 Sept., 1781, Capt. Samuel Granger's Co., Gen. Waterbury's State
Brigade]; served 6 mos. in 1780.
[PHYLASTER (late of Simsbury), was, in 1776, of Capt. Harmon's Co., Col. Wol-
cott's State Reg't, at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76; later of Capt. Lemuel Roberts'
Co., 18th Militia Reg., at New York, where they arrived 24th Aug.; disc. 27
Sept., "76; enl. 5 Apl., "77, in Capt. Harmon's Co., in 4th Conn, Line (Col. Dur-
kee's) Reg't, for 3 yrs.; prisoner 28 June, '78; rept. present July, "78; Corp. Aug.
1, "79; disc. 5 Apl., '80.]
POMEROY, JONATHAN; prob. the Jona. P., [who was of Capt. Hanchett's Co., 10th
Co., 2d Rgt. (Col. Spencer), 1775. This co. was in the Quebec Expedition.]
PORTER, DANIEL, enl. 1 May, 1777, for the war, in Capt. Prior's Co., 5th Conn. Line
(Col. Bradley's) Reg't; [was of Capt. Morris' Co., 2d Conn. Line (Col. Swift's),
Reg't, formation of 1781-83; paid from 1 Jan. to 31 Dec., '81; was in Capt.
Munson's Co., 1 Feb., 1783, same reg't; was of Capt. Prior's Co., Col. Wolcott's
State Reg't, at Boston, Jan.-Mch., 1776; pens.; res. Htfd. Co.]
DANIEL, Jr.
PRIOR, ABNER (Capt.), [commanded 2d Co. of Col. Wolcott's State Reg't, Jan. -Mch.,
1776; was a capt. of Col. Ward's Reg., raised in Conn. on requisition of the
Continental Congress, to serve one year from 14 May, 1776; joined Washing-
ton's army in Aug., "76, and was at Ft. Lee, White Plains, and in N. J., taking
part at Battles of Trenton and Princeton, and encamped at Morristown, N. J.,
until expir. of term, May, "77; comm. 1 Jan., 77, 5 Conn. Line (Col. Bradley)
Reg't, formation of "77-81; prom. Maj. of 1st Reg., Conn. Line, formation "77–
81, 27 Aug., '80; contin. in '81; Maj. of 4th Reg., Conn. Line (Col. Zebulon
Butler), formation of '81-83; resigned, 28 Dec., '81; memb. Conn. Soc. of
Cincinnati]; disc. with rank of Major, and half pay.
368
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
PRIOR, ALLYN, [fifer in Capt. Abner Prior's Co., Col. Wolcott's State Reg., Boston,
Jan.-Mch., "76; fifer also in Capt. Roger Enos' (3d) Co., 2d Reg’t, Continental;
enl. 8 May, disc. 24 Aug.; enl. May, 1777, in 4th Conn., Capt. Prior's Co., for
yrs., (Col. Zebulon Butler's) Reg't; as Sgt. in same, was paid from 1 Jan. to
31 Dec., '81.]
ABNER, Jr., was Sgt. in Capt. Abner Prior's Co., Col. Wolcott's Reg't, at Boston,
Jan.-Mch., 1776.
PRIMUS ("Doctor"), colored.
PROVIDENCE (colored), enl. May, 1777, in Capt. John Harmon's Co., Col. Durkee's
4th Conn. Line, formation of "77–81.
PLYMOUTH (colored), [enl. 26 May, 1777, in Capt. Abner Prior's Co., 5th Conn. Line
(Col. Bradley's) Reg't, formation of 1777-81, for the war.]
RICE, DANIEL, [enl. May 4, 1775, in Capt. Solomon Welles' (5th) Co., 2d Reg., Con-
tinental, Col. Spencer's, which was detached to form part of Arnold's force at
the attack on Quebec, where he was captured.]
ROBERTS, CLARK, [was of Capt. St. John's Co., 2d Reg't (Col. Swift's), Conn. Line,
formation of 1781-83; paid from 1 Jan.-31 Dec., '81; name found on Capt.
Humphrey's Co., 1 Feb., 1783, same reg't, formation of Jan.-June, 1781-83, as
enl. 1 Feb., "77, for the war.]
JOHN, was one of Windsor "Lexington Alarm" party, Apl., 1775; [14 days' service];
was prob. the Jo. R. who was enl. in 2d Co. (Capt. Pitkin), 4th Continental
· (Col. Hinsman's) Reg't; 22 May; disc. 20 Dec., 1775; served at siege of Boston;
was prob. the Jo. R. of Capt. Prior's Co. in Col. Wolcott's State Reg. at Bos-
ton, Jan.-Mch., 1776; enl. Capt. Roger Enos' (3d) Co., 2d Continental (Col.
Spencer's) Reg't, 8 May; disc. 19 Dec., 1776; enl. Capt. Allen's Co., 3d Conn.
Line (Col. Wyllys') Reg't, 15 Mch., "77, for 3 yrs.; disc. 11 Mch., '80; poss. the
Jo. R. of Capt. Mill's Co., Col. Bradley's Battalion, Wadsworth's Brig., raised
May, '76; enl. 24 June, disc. 16 Nov., "76; prisoner at Ft. Washington, N. Y.,
and of Capt. Wadsworth's Co. (Col. Cook's Reg't), engaged at Stillwater, N. Y.,
Sept., 1777; and of Capt. Russell Grant's Co., Col. Johnson's Mil. Reg't, enl-
10 Jan., "78; named as from Hartford; pens. 1818.] See p. 314.
LEMUEL (Capt.), commanded the Wintonbury Parish volunteers for the "Lexing-
ton Alarm” in 1775. He resided in the Simsbury portion of the parish; possi-
bly he and his men were credited to that town. [He, with Capt. E. F. Bissell
and Chester Wells, were in command of an escort to Burgoyne prisoners en route
to the South through Connecticut.]
PAUL, was at Saratoga.
PETER (Wby.), [enl Capt. Morris' Co., 2d Conn. Line (Col. Swift's) Reg., formation
of 1781-83; paid from 30 Dec., '80, to 31 Dec., '81; is on Size Roll of Capt.
Humphrey's Co., 1 Feb., 1783, same Reg't, formation Jan.-June, 1783, as enl.
for the war; on rolls of same reg't its final formation, June-Dec., 1783; time
exp. Dec., '83.]
WINDSOR SOLDIERS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
369
+
ROWEL, DANIEL (prob. of W.), [was of Capt. Prior's Co., Col. Wolcott's State Reg.
at Boston, Jan. to Mch. 1776.]
JOHN, same record as that of Daniel. John, Jr., (prob. same) was in service in
1775. See p. 314.
PHILANDER (Wby.), same record as Daniel and John.
ROGER, in service in 1775. See p. 314.
ROWLEY, JOB (Wby.), enl. Capt. Barnard's Co., 3d Conn. Line (Col. Wyllys') Reg't,
28 Feb., "78, for 8 mos.; [deserted 1 Jan., "79; poss. the same Job R. who enl.
Lt. Seymour's Co.. Col. Belden's Mil. Reg't, Col. Wolcott's Brigade, 21 Apl.;
disc. 6 June, 1777.]
JOHN, [enl. 10 July; disc. 18 Dec., "76, in Capt. Humphrey's Co., 8th Continental
(Col. Huntington's) Reg't; prob. enl. 1 Jan., '81, dis. 31 Dec., '81, in 4th Conn.
Line (Col. Zebulon Butler's) Reg't; prob. enl. Capt. Wadsworth's Co., Col.
Cook's Mil. Reg't; engaged at Stillwater, N. Y., marched 26 Aug.; disc. 3
Nov., 77.]
SILAS (Wby.), [pens.; res. in Bloomfield, 1840, aged 79.]
ROWLAND, DAVID.
SHERMAN, (son of Rev. David Sherman Rowland) enl. 14 Feb., 1777, for the war,
in Capt. Abner Prior's Co., 5th Conn. Line (Col. Bradley's) Reg't, formation of
1777-81; [was of Capt. Morris' Co., 2d Conn. Line (Col. Swift's) Reg't, forma-
tion of 1781-83; paid from 1 Jan. to 31 Dec., '81; was in Capt. Munson's Co.,
1 Feb., '83, same reg't; pens. 1818.]
ROYCE, DANIEL, see p. 320, was of the Quebec Exped., 1775, in 5th Co., Capt. Han-
chett; was taken prisoner.
ROWSE (Royce ?), SAMUEL, was of 8th Co., 1st Reg. Mil. of Windsor, 29 May, 1779.
RUSSELL, CORNELIUS (Lieut.), was Corp'l of the Windsor "Lexington Alarm”
C
party, Apl., 1775, [5 days' service; was of Capt. Roger Enos' (3d) Co., 2d Conti-
nental (Col. Spencer's) Reg't, 1775; enl. 7 May; disc. 19 Dec.; was Sgt. of Capt.
Eben F. Bissell's Co., 17th Cont. (Col. Huntington's) Reg't; engaged in Battle
of Long Island, and rep. among the "missing"; enl. as Sgt. in Capt. Sanford's
Co., 5th Conn. Line (Col. Bradley's) Reg't, formation of 1777-81, and prob. in
Capt. Prior's Co.; comm. as Ensign, 1 Jan., "77; prom. 2d Lieut. 15 Dec., "77;
1st Lieut., 1-Apl., "79; continued in '81; 1st Lieut. of Capt. Weed's Co., 2d
Conn. Line (Col. Swift's) Reg't, formation of 1781-83; was one of the officers
detailed from that reg't to officer the Conn. companies in Col. Hamilton's
Battalion, which was attached to Lafayette's Light Division at siege of York-
town, Va., 1781.] Memb. of the Society of the Cincinnati. At end of war re-
tired with rank of Lieut. and half-pay. See, also, p. 314.
CORNET, (son of Samuel,) taken prisoner at Battle of Long Island; imprisoned in
Old Jersey Prison-ship; released, but never recovered his voice, and was never
able after to speak above a whisper. (Hayden's Windsor Centen. Address.)
JOHN, [enl. among the 1780 levies of 5th Conn. Line (Col, Bradley's) Reg't; prob.
in Capt. Prior's Co., 1 July, '80-2 Dec., '80.]
VOL, I, -47
370
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
[ST. JOHN, [ eth], joined 5 Sept., 1781, Capt. Sam. Granger's Co., Gen. Water-
bury's State Brigade.]
SEYMOUR, JOSEPH, enl. Capt. Harmon's Co., 4th Conn. Line (Col. Durkee's) Reg't,
formation of '77-'81, 5 Apl., "77, for 3 yrs ; [prom. Sgt. 1 July, '78; disc. 14 Feb.,
'80; was of Capt. Harmon's Co., Col. Wolcott's State Reg't, Jan.-Mch, 1776, at
Boston; pens. 1818.]
JOHN, (Ens.,) see p. 331.
WILLIAM (Wby.), pens.; [res. Bloomfield, 1840, aged 79.]
SHELDON, REMEMBRANCE, [enl. among levies of 1780, 5th Conn. Line (Col.
Bradley's) Reg't, formation of 1777-81, prob. in Capt. Prior's Co.; enl. 1 July,
'80; disc. 9 Dec., '80; in Capt. Morris' Co., 2d Conn. Line (Col. Swift's) Reg’t;
enl. 1 Jan.; paid to 31 Dec., '81; was among the men remaining in same reg't
who were transferred to Col. Swift's new reg't of the final formation of the
Conn. Line, June-Dec., '83; on list of 1818 pens. as Sgt. and res. R. I.]
[SILL, DR. ELISHA N., of Gen. Wolcott's Detachment, at Saratoga, N. Y., 1777; pens. .
res. Windsor, aged 79, 1840.]
SKINNER, ISAAC, was in service in 1775. See p. 314.
[SLED, ABNER, in Blackman's Co.; enl. 7 May, "77; prom. Corp'l 6 July, "78; prom.
Sgt. Maj. 17 Mch., '79, in Col. Sherburne's Reg't, 1777-81; claimed by Ell.]
→
SMITH, ELIJAH, [was in Col. Wyllys' (22d Continental) Reg't, at Battle of Long
Island, and rep'd missing, 27 Aug., 1776; enl. 1 May, 1777], in 5th Conn. Line
(Col. Bradley's) Reg't, Capt. Abner Prior's Co., for 3 yrs.; [disc. 1 May, '80.]
JOHN (4th), res. Windsor; application for pension on file Co. Clerk's off.,
Hartford.
SETH, (Lieut.,) see p. 331.
SOPER, TIMOTHY, [pens. res. Hartford Co., 1832.]
SPERRY, AMBROSE, [was in 4th Continental (Col. Hinman's) Reg't, 1775; disc. in
North. Dep't, 2 Sept., '75; enl. Capt. Hamon's Co., 4th Conn. Line (Col. Dur-
kee's) Reg't, 5 Mch., 1778, for 3 yrs.; d. 10 Oct., 1778.]
STANLEY, NATHANIEL, of Windsor "Lexington Alarm" party, Apl., 1775, [13
days' service]; enl. 7 May; disc. 19 Dec., 1776; Capt. Roger Enos' Co., 2d Conti-
nental (Gen. Spencer's) Reg't. See p. 314.
[STANNARD,
STARKS, ROBERT.
wife ELISABETH, aged 93; pens.; res. Windsor, 1840.]
*
STILES, ASHBEL, was in service in 1775, see p. 314; [joined 5 May, 1781, Capt.
Samuel Granger's Co. of Gen. Waterbury's State Brigade]; was at Horseneck,
Conn., until March, 1782.
STOUGHTON, ELIJAH, was of the Windsor "Lexington Alarm" party, April, 1775,
[5 days' service.]
WINDSOR SOLDIERS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
371
STOUGHTON, SAMUEL, was Ens. of 4th (Capt. Humphrey's) Co., of 8th Continental
(Col. Huntington's) Reg.; comm. 6 July; resigned 25 Oct., 1775; was con-
ductor of Supply Transportation Teams, "78–80; see p. 313.
TAYLOR, SAMUEL, enl. 20 Apl., "77, in Capt. Savage's Co., Col. Shelburne's Reg’t;
disc. spring of '80.
JOHN, enl. 3 Apl., "78; disc. Apl., '80, in Capt. Blackman's Co., Col. Shelburne's
Reg't; cr. to W.; claimed by Ellington.
STEPHEN, [poss. the S. who enl. in 8th (Capt. Hubbell's) Co., 7th Continental (Col.
Chas. Webb's) Reg't, 12 July; dísc. 19 Dec., 1775; and who enl. 25 Apl., "78, in
Capt. Bacon's Co., 4th Conn. Line (Col. Durkee's) Reg’t; disc. 1 Jan., ”79.]
WILLIAM, [may have been the Wm. who enl. 7th (Capt. Pettibone's) Co., 2d Con-
tinental (Col. Spencer's) Reg't, 5 May; disc. 18 Dec., 1775]; enl. Capt. Prior's
Co., 5th Conn. Line (Col. Bradley's) Reg't, 1 Apl., "77, for war; [mustered in
Aug. Roll for "77; enlisted out; supposed to join Georgia Battalion.]
[THOMPSON, ELIJAH, enl. 14 Mch., '80, 6th Troop, Col. Sheldon's Light Dragoons;
described as farmer, 5 ft. 10 in. high; light complex. and eyes, red hair; exe-
cuted for desertion.]
THRALL, DAVID, was of Windsor "Lexington Alarm" party, April, 1775, [5 days'
service]; enl. Capt. Prior's Co., 5th Conn. Line (Col. Bradley's) Reg't, 2 Apl.,
1777, for the war.
EZEKIEL, was in service in 1775. See p. 314.
ISAAC, same record as David's, except as to "Lexington Alarm."
[JESSE, was of Capt. Canfield's Mil. Reg. at West Point, N. Y., Sept., 1781; prob.
also the Jesse who enl. Capt. Humphrey's (4th) Co., Col. Huntington's 8th Con-
tinental Reg't, 10 July; disc. Dec., 1775]; see pp. 313, 314.
GILES, [enl. 25 July; disc. 9 Dec., 1780, among "short levies" of 7th Conn. Line,
formation of '77-'80, Col. Heman Swift; was of Capt. Matt. Smith's Co., Gen.
Waterbury's State Brigade, 1781. for defense of Conn. seacoast]; was hired as
a substitute by Tim. Phelps for 6 mos. service, for £9 18. 4d.
LUKE, in service in 1775. See p. 314.
WILLIAM, [drummer in Capt. Hopkins' Co., 3d Conn. Line (Col. S. B. Webb's)
Reg't; paid from 1 Jan.-31 Dec., '81; prob. the Wm. T. of Capt. Skinner's Co.,
Maj. Sheldon's Light Horse, 23 Oct., to 4 Dec., 1776]; was one of Windsor "Lex-
ington Alarm" party, Apl., '75; [13 days in service, and prob. who was of Capt.
Case's Co., Col. Hooker's Mil. Reg't, 12 Apl.-May 27, 1777; pens., 1818.]
[TOMINA, PETER, enl. 10 June, 1781, in Capt. Chapman's Co., 2d Conn. Line (Col.
Swift's) Reg't, for 3 yrs.; was on the roll of those of this reg't who were transf.
to Swift's (new) reg't, in final formation of the Conn. Line, June-Dec., 1783; enl.
30 June, '80; time expir. June 30.]
TROY, TIMOTHY, aged 19, Col. Wyllys' Reg't, Capt. E. Eells' Co., Peekskill, N. Y.,
in Aug., 1777.
372
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
VANDEUSEN, THOMAS, [enl. 26 Jan., '81, for war (blacksmith, 5 ft. 6 in. high, dark
complex.); recruit to Col. Sheldon's Light Dragoons, 1777–83.]
WAKEFIELD, PATTESHALL, enl. May, 1777, in Capt. John Harmon's Co., Col.
Durkee's Reg't, for 3 yrs.
[WALLACE, ABRAHAM, enl. 15 Apl., "79; disc. spring of '80, Blackman's Co., Col.
Shelburne's Reg't.]
[JOSEPH, ditto; enl. 7 May, "77.]
WALL, JESSE, Roxbury Camp, 1775; was sick there, p. 313.
WARD, ABNER (Capt.), Col. Ward's Reg't, 1776. See p. 324.
WARDWELL, ISAAC, [enl. 1 July, '80; disc. 2 Dec., '80; among the short term levies
for 5th Conn. Line (Col. Bradley's) Reg't; prob. in Capt. Prior's Co.; prob. the
same I. Wardwell who was of Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col. Roger Enos'
Mil. Reg't, on the Hudson; arrived in camp, 3 July, 1778.] ·
EBENEZER.
WARNER, GEORGE.
ISRAEL, was in service in 1775. See. p. 314.
LOOMIS, [pens.; res. Hartford Co., 1832; res. Windsor, 1840, æ. 83.]
WEBSTER, MICAH; enl. Capt. Prior's Co., 5th Conn. Line [Col. Bradley's Reg't, 25
May, '77, for 8 mos.; disc. 9 Jan., "78.]
AARON, was in service in 1775. See p. 314.
TIMOTHY, [enl. 28 Feb., '78, 8 mos.; disc. 1 Jan. "79, in Capt. Eells' Co., 3d Conn.
Line (Col. Wyllys') Reg't, formation of "77–81.]
ZEPHANIAH, [Corp'l, enl. 1 Jan., ”78 (from Hartford), in 4th Troops of Col. Shel-
don's Light Dragoons, 1777-83; described as farmer, 5 ft. 9 in. high, light com-
plex., grey eyes, light hair.] See also p. 329.
WELCH, EBENEZER, [enl. in Capt. Champion's Co., 3d Conn. Line (formation of
1777-81, Col. Wyllys', 14 Oct., "77, 3 yrs.; prom. fifer 1 Feb., "78; reduced 21
July, "78; corp'l 1 Sept., '80; paid as corp'l from 1 Jan.-31 Aug., '81; as pri-
vate from 1 Sept.-31 Dec., '81, in Capt. Erastus Wolcott's Co., 1st Conn. Line
(formation of 1781-83), Col. Durkee's Reg't. It may have been the same Eben.
W. who marched 24 Sept. and was disc. 2 Nov., 1776, in Capt. Lathrop's Co.,
Major Barker's Reg. of Light Horse, and who was a Conn. pens.; res. in Ohio in
1818.]
LEMUEL, was of the Windsor "Lexington alarm" party, Apl., 1775, [24 days ser-
vice; was corp'l in Capt. Prior's Co., Col. Wolcott's State Reg't at Boston,
Jan.-Mch., 1776.] See pp. 311, 314.
WEST, GERSHOM, (see p. 311), was of Windsor "Lexington Alarm" party, 1776,
[13 days service.]
WINDSOR SOLDIERS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
373
WESTLAND, JOSEPH, [enl. Capt. Richards' Co., 2d Conn. Line (Col. Swift's) Reg.,
formation of Jan.-June, 1783; enl. 2 Jan., "77, for the war.]
AMOS, Jr., [enl. in Capt. Prior's Co., Col. Wolcott's State Reg't, at Boston, Jan.-
Mch., 1776.]
ROBERT, [enl. Oct., "77, for the war, in Capt. Munson's Co., 2d Conn. Line (forma-
tion of Jan.-June, 1783), Col. Swift's Reg't. Pens. of 1818.]
[WHEELER, HEZEKIAH, enl. Capt. Blackman's Co., Col. Shelburne's Reg't, 3 Mch.,
"78; transf. to Col. S. B. Webb's Reg't, enl. for war.]
JOHN, [prob. the one who enl. 10 Aug., "79; disc. 15 Jan., '80, 2d Reg't, Conn.
Line (Col. Chas. Webb), formation of 1777-81; enl. 16 July; disc. 2d Dec., '80,
in short term levies of 5th Conn. Line (Col. Bradley) Reg't; prob. Capt. Prior's
Co., and prob. the same who was of Capt. Bulkley's Co., 3d Reg't Conn. Line,
Col. S. B. Webb, of formation of '81-'83, and pd. from 1 Jan. to 31 Dec., 1781.]
WHITING, JOHN, [prob. the one who enl. in short term levies of 5th Conn. Line (Col.
Bradley's) Reg't, and prob. in Capt. Prior's Co., 1 July; disc. 13 Dec., 1780, and
pens.; res. Hartford Co., 1832.]
WILSON, ABIEL, [ens. in Capt. Samuel Granger's Co., Gen. Waterbury's State Brig.
1781; joined May 24; app. Q.M. 2d Batt., Aug. 28, 1781; pens.; res. Windsor;
perhaps the A. W. who was capt. in 4th Co. (Capt. Humphrey's) 8th Continental
Reg. (Col. Huntington's); enl. 7 July; disc. 18 Dec.]; was in the service in
1775. See p. 314.
CALVIN, was of 8th Co., 1st Reg. Mil. of Windsor, 29 May, 1779, see p. 330, at
N. Y., Boston, Saratoga; [in Off. Rec. named as of Windham (?) and of Capt.
Potter's Co., 1 Feb., 1783, 2d Conn. Line (Col. Swift's) Reg't, formation of
Jan.-June, 1783.]
JAMES, poss. the one who was [of Capt. Royce's Co., Col. Gay's Reg., 2d Batt.,
Wadsworth's Brigade, 1776;] belonged to 8th Co., 1st Reg. Mil., at Windsor,
29 May, 1779. Oct. 1777, was drafted in Capt. Hayden's Co. of Col. New-
berry's Reg. to go to Peekskill; on reaching Waterbury was incapacitated by
a fall from his horse which "misplaced the bones of his foot'
foot"—was disabled
for six weeks and "had to pay the Surgeon six, shillings." Petitions for
reimbursement 26 Jan., 1778-Negatived. Conn. State Arch., Rev. War, x. 153;
was in service in 1775. See p. 314.
JOEL, Jr., was of 8th Co., 1st Reg. Mil., at Windsor; [was of Col. Canfield's Mil.
Reg't at West Point, Sept., 1781.]
MOSES, [was of Capt. Prior's Co., Col. Wolcott's State Reg't, at Boston, Jan.-Mch.,
1776; app. for pension on file Co. Clerk's off., Hartford.]
SAMUEL, [was of Capt. Samuel Granger's Co., Gen. Waterbury's State Brigade,
1781; joined June, '81; was at Horseneck until Mch., '82; prob. the pens, of
that name; res. Fairfield, Fairfield Co., 1832, and 1840.]
JOHN (Wby.), prob. the one who [enl. Capt. Prior's Co., Col. Wolcott's State Reg't,
at Boston, Jan.-Mch., 1776]; d. at or near New York, æ. abt. 18, 1777.
:
374
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSÒR.
WINCHELL, JOHN, [prob. the one who enl. Capt. Harmon's Co., Col. Wolcott's State
Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., 1776.]
JOSEPH, enl. 1 Apl., 1777, in Capt. Prior's Co., 5th Conn. Line [Col. Bradley's
Reg't, for 3 yrs.; died 16 June, "77.]
OLIVER, was in service in 1775. See p. 314.
WING, JOSEPH, [enl. Capt. Prior's Co., 5th Conn. Line (Col. Bradley's) Reg't, 26 May,
"77, for the war; died 5 June, 1778.]
MOSES, [was of Capt. Griswold's Co., Col. Belden's Militia Reg't, Gen. Wolcott's
Brigade, at Peekskill, N. Y., Mch.-June, 1777; joined Reg't 6 Apl.; disc. 23
May.] See p. 323.
ROGER, [was of Col. Canfield's Mil. Reg't at West Point, N. Y., Sept., 1781.]
SAMUEL, was a Sgt. of Windsor "Lexington Alarm" party, Apl., 1775, [5 days'
service; Corp❜l of 10th (Capt. Harmon's) Co., 2d Continental (Col. Spencer's)
Reg't, 1775; enl. 15 May; disc. 17 Dec., 1775; Ens. of 2d Co., (Capt. Gillett's,
Jr.), Col. Gay's Reg't, Second Batt., Wadsworth's Brigade, 1776; Sgt. in Capt.
Abner Prior's Co., 5th Conn. Line (Col. Bradley's) Reg't; enl. 1 Apl., 1777, for
the war; mustered]; d. at Danbury in the service, July, 1777. (N. Ch. Rec.).
See pp. 311, 314, 323.
[WOOD, SOLOMON, enl. Blackman's Co., Shelburne's Reg't, 6 Mch., "77; disc. spring
of '80.]
WOODWARD, OLIVER, enl. Capt. Abner Prior's Co., 5th Conn. (Col. Bradley's)
Reg't, 30 Apl., "77, for 3 yrs. ; [disc. 30 Apl., '80; Conn. pens.; res. Ohio, 1818.]
[WOODRUFF, SAMUEL, a pens., æ. 80; res. in Windsor, 1840.]
WOOLWORTH, EBENEZER, was of Windsor "Lexington Alarm" party, Apl., 1775,
[24 days' service; was of Capt. Abner Prior's Co., Col. Wolcott's State Reg't, at
Boston, Jan.-Mch., 1776; enl. Capt. Abner Prior's Co., 5th Conn. Line (Col.
Bradley's) Reg't, 1. Apl., "77, for the war; was of Capt. Morris' Co., 2d Conn.
Line (Col. Swift's) Reg., formation of 1781-83; enl. 1 Jan.; paid to 31 Dec., '81;
was of Capt. Munson's Co., same reg't, formation Jan.-June, 1783, Feb. 1, '83.]
[WOLCOTT, CHRISTOPHER, Surgeon's Mate in Col. Erastus Wolcott's State Reg't
at Boston, Jan.-Mch., 1776.]
GEORGE, was in service in 1775. See p.
See p. 314.
WRIGHT, ABEL, [Corp'l Capt. Griswold's Co., Col. Belden's Reg't, Gen. Wolcott's
Brigade, at Peekskill, N. Y., Mch.-June, 1777; was a memb. of 8th Co., 1st
Reg. Mil., 29 May, 1779, at Windsor.]
YOUNG, EBENEZER, [enl. Capt. Weed's Co., 2d Conn. Line (Col. Swift's) Reg't,
formation of 1781-83, 31 Mch., '81; disc. 31 Dec., '81]; was in Maj. Hart's Reg't
of Light Horse at Mamaroneck Camp, N. Y., 1777.
7
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
375
The following named regiments received many enlistments from
Windsor:
*
Col. Heman Swift's Second Reg't of the Conn. Line- was the third in the third formation
of the Line, Jan.-June, 1783; was composed of the 2d and 3d Brigades of the
previous formation; was in camp at West Point and vicinity 1 Jan., 1783, until
early in June, when it was disbanded.
Col. Elisha Sheldon's Light Dragoons, 1777–83, of the Continental Army—served generally
on the East side of the Hudson River, although detached companies served
occasionally elsewhere, as at Germantown, with Gates, after Burgoyne's sur-
render, etc. It generally mustered in Connecticut.
Col. Webb's Regiment, 1771-81— served on the Hudson; 1778 in Rhode Island; in "79 had
winter quarters at Morristown, N. J.: were in battle of Springfield, N. J., in
1780.
Col. Bradley's Fifth Connecticut Line-raised for the war, 1777; went into camp at
Peekskill, N. Y., spring of "77; in Sept. sent to Penn.; was engaged in battle
of Germantown 4 Oct., 77, and suffered losses; wintered at Valley Forge
"77-78; June 28 of "78, battle of Monmouth, N. J., then camped at White
Plains; wintered at Redding, '78-79; acted under Gen. Heath on E. side of
Hudson River, "79; wintered at Morristown Huts, N. J., '79-'80; following
summer on the Hudson; wintered, '80-'81, near West Point; were then consoli-
dated for the formation of '81-'83.
CHAPTER XVIII.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.-FIRST SOCIETY OF WINDSOR.
1776-1890.
ΟΝ
N the 27th of March, 1776, the Rev. DAVID SHERMAN ROWLAND
was installed as pastor of this church and society. He was a
native of Fairfield, Conn., where he was born in 1719; graduated at
Yale College, 1743, studied theology for a brief season, and was
licensed by the "New Light" Fairfield Association August 12, 1744, and
began preaching in the N. W. Society of Simsbury (now Granby), Conn.
The society was about to settle him as pastor in September following,
but delayed matters in obedience to the advice of the Hartford North
Association, which was suspicious of his New-Lightism. In June, 1746,
the subject was again before the Association, which confided his examin-
ation to a committee for the purpose of seeing if he would be loyal to the
Saybrook Platform and would repudiate the excesses of Whitfield and
other revivalists. By this means his permanent settlement in that local-
ity was prevented, although he continued to preach there until August,
1747. He next began preaching at Plainfield, Conn., where, according
to Pres. Stiles (Ms. Itinerary, Yale Coll. Library), he "installed himself
in the presence of two or three ministers." The majority of the town
were Separatists, and it was only by stratagem that a vote was obtained
for his settlement. He entered upon his charge there March 17, 1747–8,
but, owing to difficulties which had arisen during the time of his prede-
cessor, the Rev. Joseph Coit, the church had become so divided and
affected as to throw obstacles in the way of Mr. Rowland's support and
usefulness, and to necessitate his removal. He parted on excellent
terms with his people, from whom he took a dismissal May 6, 1761, and
we next find him settled, without installation, in October, 1762, over the
"Presbyterian or Congregational Church" in Providence, R. I., where
he ranked very high among the clergymen of that day, and was equally
admired for his talents, and beloved for his amiability of temper. At an
early day he became recognized as a firm and zealous defender of the colo-
nial liberties against foreign oppression. So obnoxious did he make him-
self by his bold and patriotic defense of these liberties from the pulpit that,
when the town of Providence was invested, he was obliged to flee, with
his family, in a sloop, and, during the darkness of the night, he escaped
through the midst of the enemy's fleet, and went up the Connecticut
-

1.
STARS
1/1

David Rowland
REV. DAVID S. ROWLAND.
[From a miniature in the possession of Mrs. Mary C. Willcox of Lowell, Mass.]
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1776--1890.
377
River. He not only impaired his fortune in the cause of our country,
but equipped a son and sent him into the field, where he continued in
service during the whole war.
When he came to Windsor he was past the meridian of life and in
full vigor of his powers. "He was a powerful and eloquent preacher, of
commanding presence in the pulpit, and of fine elocution," and his influ-
ence in Windsor was widespread and beneficially exerted.'
–
¹ From Ecclesiastical Society's Rec. -August 14, 1775, voted "That this Society
give the Rev. Mr. David Sherman Rowland, for his encouragement in taking the Pas-
toral care and charge of this Church and Society, the full and sole use of the Church
Lands and Town Lot so called, according to the design of the Donor, and in addition
thereto, the sum of Sixty pounds Lawful money and Thirty-five cords of wood for his
annual Salary so long as he continues his pastoral relation to this Church and
Society."
Mf. Rowland's reply "To the First Society in Windsor, Gent. Your vote rela-
tive to the stipulated sum and other considerations particularly expressed in said vote
as encouragement for my taking the pastoral care and charge of your Church and
Society, I have endeavored maturely to consider and must think them inadequate for
the proposed purpose. But relying upon it that you mean and intend a Decent and com-
fortable support and considering your professed unanimity, I do hereby accept of your
invitation and close with your proposals, Cheerfully taking upon me the pastoral rela-
tion of your Church and Society depending upon the power of Divine Grace, the aid
and assistance of the Blessed Spirit of God, to enable me faithfully and impartially to
discharge the respective duties of a minister of the New Testament to which office I
have solemnly been set apart according to Apostolic direction and am yours in the
faith and fellowship of the Gospel.
Dated Windsor, Oct. 16th, A. .D. 1775, DAVID ROWLAND.”
Oct., 1776, Voted —“ That Elisha More and Austin Phelps, or either of them,
inspect the Wood brought to Mr. Rowland the ensuing year and see that its good wood
and good measure." October, 1778, Voted - That the Rev. Mr. Rowland's Salary for
the year should one-half be paid in Provisions, or other necessarys, viz: Wheat at 5s.
per bushel; Rye 38.-6d. per bushel; Indian Corn at 28.-6d. per bushel; Pork at 3d.
per pound. Beef at two pence half-penny per pound, and other things in proportion.”
Nov. 11, 1779, Voted "To pay unto the Rev. Mr. David Rowland the sum of Ten
Hundred pounds, Continental Money as it now passes, for his Salary for the year 1779,
in lieu of the Sixty pounds money due to him for his Salary 1779, or to be paid on the
20th day of Jan. next,- Provided nevertheless that if any person shall choose to pay
his proportion of said Sixty Pounds in Wheat, Rye, or Indian Corn by said 20th of
Jan. next, at the price as stated by law by the General Assembly at their session at
Middletown; or in any other articles of food or clothing that Mr. Rowland shall want,
to be computed at said stated price and to be paid by said time, such payments shall
be in lieu of all the moneys voted before this time, for the payment of said Sixty Pounds
that shall be due to Mr. Rowland for his Salary for the year 1779." At the same
Society Meeting, Voted, "That the Society Treasurer shall not receive in, any more of
the principal of the money due for the support of Schooling in this Society, or any
other use; and that the Society will bear what loss shall be, on account of any part of
said moneys due to said Society that has been or shall be tendered and not received.”
This vote indicates that some of the holders of greenbacks, in those days, did not antici-
pate their permanent use and value, and were anxious to pay their loans speedily.
In Oct. 1780, Voted "To raise Sixty Pounds, hard money, for Mr. Rowland's
Salary." From this time onward to the date of his death, Jan. 13, 1794, the Society
voted sixty pounds annually for Mr. Rowland's salary.
VOL. I. 48
378
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
After the close of the Revolutionary war, and mainly by the exer-
tions of Oliver Ellsworth, Roger Newberry, James Hooker, and others of
those noble-minded citizens of Windsor, who had been so strongly iden-
tified with that patriotic struggle, a union was effected between the two
societies. That under the charge of the Rev. Mr. Hinsdale had, by the
separation of East Windsor from the old town, become the Fourth Soci-
ety of Windsor, and the plan of union proposed (May, 1792), between it
and the First Society, contained the following propositions:
1st. That the property of both should be united in a common stock.
2d. That a bridge and causeway should be built and kept in good repair “in the
new highway lately laid out from the dwelling of Dr. Alexander Wolcott to Capt. Na-
thaniel Howard's barn."
3d. That the center of travel for all the inhabitants within the limits of the New
Society should be ascertained and considered as the location for the new meeting-house;
with this proviso, that it should be no farther south than the location of the First Society's
meeting-house, nor farther north than "the first suitable ground" on the north side of
the Rivulet.
4th. That the New Society should assume all contracts between the said two
societies and their pastors, except debts.
5th. That the lands given to the First Society for the support of schooling should
be applied to the support of a good school on the opposite side of the Rivulet to that on
which the new meeting-house should be built; and that the said school should be free
to the inhabitants on either side of the stream, and in an equally accommodating
position.
These propositions united all parties; the meeting-house and the
academy were balanced one against another; and a committee (Capt..
James Hooker of the 4th Society, and Gen. Roger Newberry of the First
Society) was appointed to apply to the General Assembly for an act of
ineorporation as one society. This was granted under date of 16 May,
1792, and its provisions fully complied with by 24 Sept., 1793.
In January following Mr. Oliver Mather and Chief Justice Oliver
Ellsworth, as Building Committee, entered into contract with Ebenezer
Clark, architect, for the erection of the new meeting-house, which was
located just north of the Rivulet, near the old burying-ground, where
with some modifications and repairs it still remains, in constant use.
The steps of the old meeting-house were used for the new, and the date
of erection of both, 1757 and 1794, are to be seen on the underpinning
stones.
"But to build the causeway was looked upon as a great work, too
great for the town to build; so the State was asked for a charter for a
Grand Lottery, which was granted; and it was then considered the duty
of every good citizen to work out the price of as many tickets in the lot-
tery as there were members in his family."-J. H. Hayden; who also says,
"My grandfather came down here day after day with his team and his
negro slave, Tom, and earned enough to buy one ticket for each of his
household - all of whom drew blanks."
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1776-1890.
379
In the same year (1794) Mr. Hinsdale, pastor of the Fourth (old
7th or North) Society, was bought off for £300, in three annual pay-
ments, by the New Society,' who retained the Rev. Mr. Rowland as their
pastor. In the Baptismal Records of the Windsor Church occurs the
following entry by Mr. Rowland: "1795-Baptisms in new meeting-
house and united parishes;" the first baptism following is that (Janu-
ary 4) of a daughter of Samuel Allen.
Perhaps no one act of compromise ever secured to a town so many
real advantages as this union plan of Windsor. A new church edifice,
a commodious academy, two new and convenient roads, with a bridge
and causeway, were among its visible results. In addition to this was
a very appreciable economy which resulted from the union of the two
parishes, and which was grateful to a people who had just emerged from
a long and exhausting war. But, more than this, and above all earthly
estimate, was that serene and happy influence which pervades a com-
munity who have agreed to forget their former animosities and live
together as brethren.
About the same time (February 3, 1794), the principal citizens of
Windsor subscribed the sum of $1,220 for the support of the gospel min-
istry in the New Society, while the funds already in the treasurer's
hands were to be used for the support of a good school on the south side
of the Rivulet.
Mr. Rowland, whose strength had been failing for some years past,
from a shock of paralysis, died on the 13th of January, 1794, aged 75.
His ministry had been faithful and profitable to this community. Dur-
ing his pastorate 207 had been baptized and 6 admitted to the fellowship
of the church. His gravestone in the old cemetery of Windsor bears
the following:
"REV. DAVID S. ROWLAND, O. B. 13 Jan. 1794, Æ. 75, minister 47. His deep
knowledge of the Scriptures and the humble fervor which he preached the Oracles of
God were manifested in the consciences of all who heard him. A natural sweetness of
temper, improved by a pure christian affection, made him dear to the people of God,
and to a numerous surviving family.
They that turn many to Righteousness shall shine as the stars forever."
At a meeting of the first Society, March 3, 1790, Voted-"To
invite Mr. HENRY AUGUSTUS ROWLAND to settle in the work of the
ministry in this Society as Colleague with the Rev. Mr. Rowland our
present Pastor, provided the Church shall desire the same and agree
with him upon the plan of Church Government and Discipline, and in
1 The 4th Society had now existed for thirty-three years under his pastorate, and we
may fairly presume that it would have existed longer if there had been, during that
time, a sufficient increase of population to sustain two congregations. The history of
the Society, under Mr. Hinsdale's charge, will be found in Appendix E.
380
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
case he shall accept of this invitation and be regularly ordained, Minister
and pastor of this Church and Society, we by this vote covenant and
agree to give him, during the lifetime of his father, our present Reverend
Pastor, Fifty Pounds, Lawful Money, per annum, and Twenty Pounds
per annum for the term of ten years, to commence on the death of our
present Reverend Pastor, for, and in lieu of settlement, and we further
covenant and agree with him that after the death of his said father his
annual Salary from this Society shall be Eighty Pounds, Lawful Money,
(exclusive of his settlement and the use of the Parsonage Lands, to wit:
the Hoit's Meadow and the Town Lot so called,) during his relation as
Pastor and Minister of said Church and Society."
The following are the titles of Mr. Rowland's published sermons:
1. MINISTERS OF CHRIST freed from Blood Guiltiness, by dispensing all the Coun-
sel of GOD. A Farewell Sermon [from Acts xx. 25–27], preached at Plainfield, May 3,
1761. Occasioned by the long differences that have there subsided. Published at the
Desire of many that heard it. By David S. Rowland, A.M. "Am I therefore become
your enemy, because I tell you the Truth.' Paul. "They who oppose the Attempts
of some, to introduce Corruption and Confusion in the Church, will have many an
unkind Reflection thrown upon them, and experience the Severity of Censure, for a
conduct which merits the justest Approbation. They fondly mistake the voice of
Prejudice for that of Conscience. While some, with a pitiable Mixture of Arrogance
and Ignorance judge one another, and us, we are concerned rather to secure that Praise
of GOD, which will be heard and felt, by the Soul, with the highest Rapture, and silence
every Echo of human Applause or Censure." DODDRIDGE - BOSTON; Printed by Benja-
min Mecom, at the New Printing Office, near the Town House. 8°, p. 43.
2. DIVINE PROVIDENCE illustrated and improved, A Thanksgiving-Discourse,
preached [from Ps. cxxvi. 3] in the Presbyterian, or Congregational Church in Provi-
dence, N. E., Wednesday, June 4, 1766, being His Majesty's Birth Day, and Day of
Rejoicing, occasioned by the REPEAL of the STAMP-ACT (Published at the Desire of the
Hearers), By David S. Rowland, M.A., Minister of said Church. The Lord reigneth,
let the earth rejoice. — KING DAVID. As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak
of Maliciousness, but as servants of God. - Fear God - Honor the King.-Ap. PETER.
Providence (New England), printed by Sarah Goddard and Company. 8vo., viii, 31.
(Dedication "To the Right Honorable Henry S. Conway, Esq.; Principal Secretary of
State and one of His Majesty's most Honorable Privy Counsellors; with all those who
have distinguished themselves the Patrons of Liberty.
3.
-
CATHOLICISM; Or, Christian Charity Illustrated and Improved in a DISCOURSE,
from Eph. iv. 15, 16; Delivered before the Congregational Ministers of the Colony of
Rhode Island, in New England, At their Convention in Bristol, May 20, 1772. By
David S. Rowland, M. A.; Minister of the Presbyterian or Congregational Church in
Providence.
Providence; Printed by John Carter, at Shakespeare's Head, mdcclxxii.
Published at the request of the Convention, and republished in Boston, the same
year, 8°, 75.
4. MINISTERIAL NECESSITY, in the Discharge of the Gospel Embassy. Illustrated
and Improved, in a Sermon, from 1 Corinthians, ix. 16-"Necessity is laid, &c."
Delivered, March 27, 1776, By David S. Rowland, M.A.; At his Installment, in the
First Church and Society in Windsor.
Hartford: printed by Eben Watson, near the Great Bridge, mdcclxxvi.
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1776-1890.
381
5. The Honesdale (Pa.) Democrat, No. 31, vol. 3, date of 14 April, 1846, contains
the following sermon:
DESPOTISM ILLUSTRATED AND IMPROVED FROM THE CHARACTER OF REHOBOAM;
A Discourse delivered at Wrentham, the Province of Massachusetts Bay, in New England,
on a day of Fasting and Prayer, occasioned by the distressed situation of public affairs,
July 14, 1774, by David S. Rowland, V.D.M., Pastor of the Presbyterian or Congrega-
tional Church, Providence, R. I. Text, "My little finger shall be thicker than my
Father's loins."— 1 Kings, xii. 10.
This is republished from the original manuscript in the possession of his grandson,
Rev. Henry A. Rowland, of Newark, N. J., who says, in a letter accompanying it :
The time at which this discourse was preached was one of great political excitement.
It was one year before the Battle of Bunker Hill, and about the time when the privi-
leges of Boston were taken away on account of the destruction of the tea. The ques-
tion of separation from Britain was not then determined on. It was hoped that lenient
measures would yet prevail, and that Great Britain would still accord justice to her
colonies. Those who are acquainted with the facts of history will find a close parallel
drawn with a fearless and patriotic hand between Rehoboam and George the Third.
The Hon. Judge Daggett, of New Haven, informed me that he was present
when the discourse was delivered, and that it produced a very great excitement."
6. HISTORICAL REMARKS, WITH MORAL REFLECTIONS. A Sermon [from Ps. cxxiv.
2, 3, 6] Preached at Providence, June 6, 1779. Wherein are represented The Remarkable
Dispensations of Divine Providence to the People of these States, Particularly in the Rise
and Progress of the present War. Prov. 8°, pp. 35. “A really valuable historical
compilation.” — Dexter.
7. HERESY, DETECTED AND EXPOSED, in a brief Narration of the unhappy Dis-
putes that have arisen in the second Society in Stafford, with the judgments of several
Councils that have been called. Published by David S. Rowland and Theodore Hins-
dale at the Desire and Request of the Association. Hartford, 1781. 8°, pp. 63.
8. THE FAITHFUL SERVANT OF CHRIST CALL'D UP TO GLORY. A Discourse [from
Rev. iv. 1], Delivered at Wintonbury, January 30, 1783, at the Funeral of the Rev. Mr.
Hezekiah Bissell. N. London, 1783. 8°, pp. 38 (?)
9. AN EPITOME OF ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY, By David S. Rowland, Late Minis-
ter of the First Church in Windsor, Connecticut. Being "A Compendious representa-
tion of the Church; the body of Him who is the Head, even Christ; The Garden of Eden;
The Adamical dispensation in a dark shade; also, the different dispensations till the
Messiah came the channel of the Church with the dark shades of errors which
obscured its lustre; The running off of the Man of Sin: The several channels in
which the more important truths were conveyed: - The various sectaries: - Events
before and since the Christian Era; Prophetic Periods: The most noted Councils;
witnesses for the truth in every age: & a summary description of the leading sectaries."
This was a Chart, 361 by 26‡ inches in size-Entered according to Act of Congress
the 5 Day of March A.D. 1806, by William F. Rowland, of the State of New Hamp-
shire, and Henry A. Rowland, of the State of Connecticut, as Proprietors," and was
“Engraved and Printed for the Proprietors by Amos Doolittle, New Haven. 1806."
Mr. Rowland was succeeded by his son, the Rev. HENRY A. Row-
LAND, who had been ordained as colleague with his father, May 5, 1790.
This gentleman was born in Providence, R. I., Jan. 13, 1764, graduated
at Dartmouth College, 1785, and was pastor of the church of Windsor
for forty-six years. He was dismissed in July, and died Nov. 28, 1835,
aged 72 years. In his days, the number of admissions to the church
382
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
was 201, and 541 baptisms. His relations with the people of his charge
were of the most friendly and happy nature; and in all the relations of
life he sustained the character of a true Christian pastor. Mr. Row-
land's personal appearance was unusually prepossessing. Commanding in
figure, and dignified and polished in manner, he carried in the expres-
sive features of his face, the indications of a strong intellect and a sym-
pathetic heart. In all the relations of social life he is remembered as a
faithful pastor, and a sympathizing friend and counsellor. His preaching
was plain, earnest, impressive, and, as a natural consequence, eloquent.
Sin never passed him unrebuked, and repentance found in him a friend
and guide. His salary was continued on the basis of his original call in
1790, until December, 1801, when a society vote is recorded, which gives
evidence of some dissatisfaction. "If the Rev. Mr. Rowland will relin-
quish his present contract with this Society, the Society will give him
five hundred dollars a year in coin, during the term of his ministry with
them; subject, however, to a deduction of one-half for such part, or parts
of said term, if any, as he shall not be able to supply the pulpit."
Whether, or not, he accepted this proposition, we are not informed.
That financial affairs were not entirely satisfactory, appears from a vote
at a society's meeting in December, 1803, as follows:
“Oliver Mather, Benjamin Allyn, James Hooker, and Levi Hayden, were chosen a
Committee to consult with Rev. Mr. Rowland and see on what terms he will be satis-
fied, and to see what the neighboring Clergy have for their Salaries and the amount the
several Lists are in this Parish."
Since Mr. Rowland's ordination the parish had greatly changed, the
demand upon his pastoral labors had multiplied, and the ability to pay a
larger salary had increased. The revolt, after a growth of thirty years,
had been lovingly subdued; and the church and society north of the riv-
ulet had returned and united with the first church and society. But this
union had not been secured without money and taxation and pledged
notes. A new meeting-house had been built and a union school-house
provided. Rev. Mr. Hinsdale, who had been pastor of the church north
of Little River, was bought off, and discharged the First Ecclesiastical
Society from further obligations to him on the receipt of notes for £325,
and an order on their treasurer for £55. A bridge and causeway had
been built nominally by the town, but mostly at the expense of this first
society; as another bridge was built at Poquonock at the same time. In
1804, voted "To give the Rev. H. A. Rowland Twenty Pounds in ad-
dition to his permanent Salary, during the pleasure of said Society.'
1 "The ladies of the first parish in Windsor assembled on the 15th inst. May, 1806,
at the house of the Rev. Mr. Rowland, and presented Mrs. Rowland with 124 runs of
linnen and tow yarn, and also provided a handsome entertainment."- Conn. Courant.
January 20, 1808. A number of gentlemen of the first Society in Windsor,
assembled at the house of the Rev. Mr. Rowland and made him the handsome and lib.
eral present of twenty-five loads of wood."— Ibid.
John warram
1630 until death, 1670.
1642
Ephraim H mit 10880 until death, 1644
Hnit
1642.
Elder
(Nath Gaunay
Ord. colleague 1667; pastor until 1679.
Samu Mater.
1682 to death in 1727.
Willen Russel
1639
Fahn witchfield
1642.

Bang's wearinge
Pastor of the new
church, 1668 to 1681.
Jonathan Marsh
Ord. colleague '1709-10; pastor
from 1727 to his death in 1747.


Ord. 1754; died 1775.

David Rowland
Installed 1776; died 1794.¸
Henry & Rowland
Colleague pastor, 1790-1794; pastor until 1835.
Theoson Pimpale
Pastor of "4th," or "7th," or North Society, 1765-1794.

Facsimile AUTOGRAPHS OF WINDSOR PASTORS, 1636-1835,
MOU
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1776-1890.
383
In 1812, the Society voted "to give the Rev. H. A. Rowland, in
addition to what said Society now give him, the remainder of the Inter-
est on the Ministerial Fund in said Society, during the pleasure of said
Society, after the debt due to the Heirs of Oliver Ellsworth, deceased, is
paid in full." (Perhaps it will surprise some advocates of an afternoon
preaching service to hear read the following: Voted "That this Soci-
ety do recommend to the Rev. Henry A. Rowland to have but one exer-
cise on Sundays, from December 1, 1820, to March 1, 1821, and the same
to commence at half an hour past Eleven o'clock.")'
In December, 1834, the society voted "To rescind the two votes
giving to Mr. H. A. Rowland an addition to his Salary, which votes were
passed in 1804 and 1812." This seems to have been a not very gentle
hint to the pastor, that after forty-four years of service he was worthy of
an honorable retirement on half-pay. In March, 1835, the society voted
“To authorize their Committee to expend a sum not to exceed two
hundred dollars for procuring more ministerial aid during the year."
In the following June they instructed their committee to offer Mr.
Rowland $1,250 as the condition on which he should relinquish his
pastoral relation to this people. Mr. Rowland accepted this offer, and
was soon after dismissed by a council, July 15, 1835.
This arrangement was not made and executed without some dis-
agreeable friction in the society's action and spirit; and, apparently to
avoid the like in the future, the society, in January, 1836, voted "To
give the Rev. Charles Walker an invitation to settle in the ministry, on
condition that he is to receive the annual interest of their Funds and
the rents of their lands, and that his Salary be $650 per year, provided
the deficiency of said $650 be paid by Subscription, or without any Tax
upon the Society, and that said Contract be dissolved whenever Mr.
Walker or the Society give six months' notice thereof."
This contract was dissolved after an existence of about one year; by
whose notice, the record saith not.
During Mr. Henry A. Rowland's ministry we find, in 1802, the first
mention on the society records of a singing-master. In 1804, the first
mention of a bell, which was presented by Henry Allyn, Esq.; and, in
December, 1805, the society voted that, as a token of respect to
the memory of the late HENRY ALLYN, Esq., the bell which he gave to
this society be tolled one hour at the setting of the sun, on the 8th day
If the Church and Pastor accepted the "recommend" of the society the experi-
ment was short lived, for I was nine years old at that time, and have no recollection of
missing the "noontime." All the discussion I remember was relative to the continu-
ance of the winter intermission of one hour through the summer. My father chose to
drive home at noon (three miles) and the usual two hours intermission in summer must
have been more acceptable to the majority.
J. H. H.
384
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
1
of May, in each year perpetually - that being the day of his decease."
Previously to this, the only bell in town was that on the school-house,
given by Mr. Alexander Allyn, about the latter part of the previous
century.
Henry A. Rowland's published sermons were :
1. A Discourse, delivered November 27, 1800; a day observed as an Anniversary
Thanksgiving. By Henry A. Rowland, Pastor of the First Church in Windsor. Pub-
lished by desire of his hearers. Hartford: printed by Hudson & Goodwin, 1801. Text,
Psalm, cxlv. 10, p. 20.
2. A Sermon, occasioned by the death, and delivered at the funeral of the Honora-
ble Oliver Ellsworth, Esq., LL.D., who died November 26, 1807, in the 63d year of his
age. By Henry A. Rowland, Pastor of the First Church in Windsor. Hartford:
printed by Hudson & Goodwin, 1808.
To the bereaved widow and afflicted children, the following discourse, preached
at their desire, and published by their request, is inscribed by their sympathizing friend,
THE AUTHOR.”
Text, Psalm xxxix. 9, p. 15.
"
He was succeeded by the Rev. CHARLES A. WALKER, who was in-
stalled March 9, 1836. He was a graduate of Dartmouth College, 1823,
and had been previously settled at New Ipswich, N. H. The society,
however, were in a state of unrest; and, his health being extremely deli-
cate, he withdrew just one year after his settlement. He died at Groton,
Mass., October, 1847, aged 51 years.
On June 12, 1839, the Rev. SpoFFORD D. JEWETT, previously settled
at Griswold, Conn., was installed as pastor of this church, on an annual
salary of $650. He was dismissed 31 Oct., 1843, and afterwards was
settled at Middlefield, a parish in Middletown, Conn., where he was for
many years postmaster, and died there.
The next pastor was the Rev. THEODORE ADGATE LEETE, born at
Guilford, Conn., May 20, 1814; graduated at Yale College, 1839, and
at Yale Theol. Seminary, 1843; supplied the pulpit at Broad Brook, E.
W., for a while; was ordained at Windsor, 24th September, 1845; dis-
missed 1st October, 1859. He afterwards supplied and organized the
church in Florence, Mass.; was acting pastor at Blandford, Mass.,
1864-1870; acting pastor at Thorndike, Mass., 1870–75; organized the
Union Evangelical Church in Three Rivers, Mass.; acting pastor in
Orange, Conn., 1877 to fall of '79; and at Northford, Conn., 1880-'83.
¹ Mr. Allen had drawn, or partly drawn, a will shortly before his death, in which
he had provided for a bell for the church, with a condition that it should forever be
tolled one hour on the anniversary of his death. The will was not executed, and con-
sequently had no legal force, but his heirs consented to the appropriation and the bell
was procured and tolled at first agreeable to this vote. But afterwards the friends con-
sented to (and I think desired) its discontinuance.
[This story was told me by the late Herlehigh Haskell, who was at the time (1805)
an active member of the society.
J. H. HAYDEN.]
Mno!

每
​廣
​EOLLES. JAYY
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH EDIFICE, WINDSOR, CONN.
Erected 1794: Reconstructed 1844.
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1776-1890.
385
In every parish where he labored the church received many additions.
He died at his home in Longmeadow, Mass., April 28, 1886.
He was succeeded by Rev. BENJAMIN PARSONS, previously a mission-
ary in Turkey, under the A. B. C. F. M., as stated supply, 1860; and as
pastor from May 29, 1861, to July 1, 1865; afterwards preached in New
York and Michigan, and now resides (1891) at Seattle, State of Wash-/
ington.
The present pastor, Rev. GowEN C. WILSON, graduated at Colby
University (now Waterville College), Maine, 1857: taught nearly two
years in the Hallowell (Me.) High School; passing the winters of 1856
-57 and '57-'58, as clerk in office of Secretary of State; entered Bangor
Theological Seminary spring of 1859; graduated in class of '61; settled
at Winterport, Me. (where he had preached as a supply most of previous
year); was ordained to the ministry, October, 1861; was dismissed in
the spring of 1866, having spent two months in fall of 1864 in service
of United States Christian Commission in Virginia; his service at
Windsor, Conn., commenced 1st March, 1866, as a supply; he was set-
tled here 20th November, 1867.
The first hearse in this society was purchased (together with a house
for its keeping) by a tax of five mills on the dollar, according to a vote
of 26th September, 1814. A new hearse and house was ordered in Octo-
ber, 1844; and, in 1847, one was ordered for Windsor Locks.
In 1844, the church edifice was thoroughly repaired and altered to
its present appearance. The change on the outside, at the front end, in-
volved the removal of the square tower and cupola (as seen in the ac-
companying picture, from Barber's Hist. Coll. of Conn., published in
1836), which stood on columns over the belfry. This architectural
crown of the house was built, as, perhaps, was the rest of the structure,
from plans procured (according to the statement of the late Herlehigh
Haskell) by Chief Justice Ellsworth from the architect of the meeting-
house in Pittsfield, Mass. This reconstruction was the occasion of a re-
dedication of the edifice, held 24th September, 1845, at which time Mr.
Leete was ordained as pastor.
A Conference-house, or chapel, was erected, in 1822, south of the
Rivulet. A few years ago, it was moved back from the road, a second
story added for a Women's parlor and kitchen, and the whole put in
excellent condition. In 1890 Sunday-school rooms were added in the
rear of the church edifice, connected with doors opening into it, and
nicely furnished and carpeted. A chapel at Hayden Station in 1876
was built by private subscription and deeded to the society.
In 1852, a neat brick parsonage was erected at upper end of Pali-
sado Green, and was first occupied by Pastor Leete and family 1st
September of that year.
VOL. I. -49
386
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
:
Mr. Jabez H. Hayden remembers when stoves were first put into the
Windsor Church, and, though report says that in many places the inno-
vation met with much opposition, he testifies that "the people of Wind-
sor took kindly to them, only lamenting that the stoves had not been.
invented sooner." As it would affect the finances of the society, lib-
erty was given to the advocates of this innovation to put in stoves
without expense to the society. However, in 1822, December, it was
voted "That two Stoves be purchased for the Meeting-House in this
Society." Previously to this, mothers and grandmothers indulged in
the luxury of foot-stoves, the children, of course, sharing the warmth.
These foot-stoves were filled with coals from the hearth, covered with
ashes, and retained their warmth through the morning service; the coals
were renewed at noon by some generous friends near the church.
This ancient church celebrated on the 30th of March, 1880, the
250th anniversary of its organization at Plymouth, England, previous to
sailing for Dorchester, Massachusetts Bay, in 1630. Under the excellent
arrangements of a committee appointed by the church, consisting of
Dea. J. B. Woodford, Dea. Daniel Payne, Samuel B. Hayden, William
Bailey, Dr. Samuel A. Wilson, and the pastor, Rev. Gowen C. Wilson, the
occasion was one of the greatest interest, and its happenings have been
embodied in an interesting pamphlet of 104 pages, published by the
church, entitled, A Record of the Services held at the Congregational
Church of Windsor, Conn., in celebration of its Two Hundred and Fiftieth
Anniversary, March 30, 1880. The services of the day opened at 10 A.M.,
at the old church, with a prayer of invocation, by Rev. S. D. Jewett (a
former pastor), followed by hymn No. 248, from "Songs of the Sanctu-
ary"; an address of welcome, by the present pastor; reading of the
Scriptures (Psalms 107, and Rev., 1st and 2d chapters), by Rev. Theo. A.
Leete, a former pastor (the Bible used being that of the time of Rev. Mr.
Rowland's pastorate), and followed with a prayer. A paper on The Old
Windsor Meeting-House, was then read by Dea. Jabez H. Hayden of
Windsor Locks; and a paper on The Financial Condition and History of
this Church and Ministry, by Dea. J. B. Woodford. Between these
papers the 340th hymn was sung to the tune of "Coronation," with the
Doxology" following.
following. The benediction was pronounced by Rev. Mr.
Jewett.
66
After dinner, the audience reassembled, and services were resumed
at 2 P. M., by the singing, by choir, of "Jerusalem, my glorious home,"
followed by prayer by "Father" Gleason. The pastor, Rev. Gowen C.
Wilson, read a paper on the History of the Church from the First. In the.
middle of this paper the choir sang Mrs. Heman's old hymn, "The break-
ing waves dashed high," etc., and at its close, Dr. H. Bonar's hymn, " Far
down the ages now."
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1776-1890.
387
Rev. Dr. Leonard Bacon of New Haven (who fifty-six and a half
years before had received here his ordination to the ministry by the
Consociation), delivered an extemporaneous address, and Rev. I. N.
Tarbox, D.D. (an "East Windsor boy"), read his poem written for the
occasion, "Old Windsor, Conn., 1630-1880."
Prof. William Chauncey Fowler, D.D., a descendant of Pres. Charles,
father of Nathaniel, second pastor of this church, and William Frederick
Holcomb, M.D., gave short addresses; and the exercises closed with the
singing of a part of the 90th Psalm, from the Sternhold & Hopkins
version used by the fathers-it being "lined off" by the deacon and the
congregation singing two lines at a time to the tune of "Dundee."
The evening services, at 7 P. M., consisted of an address (after the
singing of "Old Denmark "), by Rev. Dr. Tarbox, on Singing Customs
in the New England Churches, and several addresses were made by ex-
pastors and other friends of the church, closing with the singing of the
original hymn sung at the dedication of the present church edifice in
1794.
The Deacons of the church have been :
William Gaylord, died 1673.
William Rockwell (according to the Hist. of Dorchester, Mass.,
which says that he and Mr. William Gaylord were the first deacons of this
church at Dorchester. Mr. Rockwell, however, does not figure as a dea-
con on the Windsor Town or Church Records).
John Moore, ordained 11th January, 1651-2; died 1677.
John Loomis, died 1688.
Joseph Skinner, died 1724.
Thomas Marshall, died 1735.
John Cook, died 1751.
John Palmer, died 1756.
John Wilson, died 1774, aged 89.
Nathaniel Drake, died 1769, aged 84.
William Cook, died 1780, aged 85.
Edward Moore, died 1798, aged 89.
Eleazer Gaylord, left town 1820.
John Sargent, died 1829, aged 58.
Elijah Mills, died 1831, aged 70.
Daniel Gillet, died 1837, aged 89.
Alvey Rowland, died 1857, aged 91.
Roger Phelps, died 1864, aged 84.
Jasper Morgan, died 1869, aged 84.
John B. Woodford, died 1891, aged 76.
John H. Barber, died 1873, aged 61.
388
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Daniel Payne.
Lemuel T. Frisbee (chosen; left W. before he had served).
Strong H. Barber.
William Bailey.
The Church Fund. The principal source of revenue has been tax-
ation direct, down to about 1840. This tax was laid by the town until
1712, when the Ecclesiastical Society records begin. And these records
and present fund bear testimony to the deep and loving interest in its
permanence and growth, felt by many of its earlier members. The fund
probably had its beginning in the bequest of Mrs. JANE HOSFORD, widow
of Henry Foukes (Folkes), who died in Windsor, September, 1640, and
left to his widow twenty acres of meadow and swamp adjoining in the
lower end of the second meadow. "This land was reserved to herself in
her own propriety and Dispose," when she married the widower William
Hosford. After his death she returned to England. The following is a
copy of her will in part: "July 23d, 1655. This is the last Will and
Testament of Jane Hosford, the Wife of Mr. Wm. Hosford-I, being
going after my Husband into Old England, and not Knowing when God
may take me out of this life, do dispose of my Goods as followeth :
Imp¹. I do bequeath and it is my will that after my decease the Church
of Windsor, of which I am now a member, shall have and forever enjoy
that piece of Meadow Land which belongeth unto me called Hoytes
Meadow, for the use of the Pastor or Teacher as the Church shall see
most need, and when one dead to go successively always." Rev. John
Warham was one of the three witnesses to this will. Mrs. Hosford after-
wards gave the use of this land to her stepson, John Hosford (during
her life), who, claiming that he had no knowledge of her death in Eng-
land, held on to the use of that land, until legal proceedings, instituted
by the society, compelled him to relinquish it in September, 1695.' This
<
1 “On the 15th Jan., 1671, being the 23d year of Charles the 2d, Mrs. Hosford, de-
scribed as 'of Tiverton, in the county of Devon, widow,' made her will, of which her
son Stephen Gaylord, John Witchfield, and Walter Fyler of Windsor, were appointed
executors. She devised certain moneys to Esther (or Stephen) Samuel and Sarah Gay-
lord, and to their children; the rent of a meadow to her sons-in-law John Hosford, and
the three above named, during the life of the testator. After her demise, the meadow
(about 20 acres of meadow & swamp) was to go and belong to the Old Church of
Windsor' forever (Lands, vol. i. p. 90, Conn. Archives). On 13th of Oct., 1692, com-
plaint was made to the General Court, by petition from the Windsor Church, that they
were kept out of the right and use of the aforesaid land, it being yet in the hands of
her heirs, who say that she is not yet dead. And the Court, considering that she was
aged when she returned to England and has been there 40 years or so [she went in 1655],
and not heard from lately, declare her to be dead in law, unless it could be proved that
she was alive or had been heard of within 7 years past" (Docs. in Conn. Archives). The
land was fully confirmed to the church, Sept. 3, 1695.
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1776-1890.
389
meadow-land was sold, in 1861, by the society, to the Thrall brothers for
$2,000, and the interest thereof is still applied to the support of the
pastor.
The Rev. JONATHAN MARSH, also, fourth pastor of Windsor, devised
his property, after his wife's death, to the Windsor church for gospel
and school purposes.
Previous to 1740, Lieut. ABRAHAM PHELPS, by will, gave £20 for
the use of schooling, to that part of the society north of the Rivulet.
BENONI BISSELL, who died in 1761, after certain bequests to relatives, de-
vised his estate, both real and personal, to the First Society, "to be sold
in a convenient time as the Society shall agree, and the money that the
same shall sell for, to be loaned out by said Society, and the interest
thereof to be used and improved yearly for the supporting of schooling
in said First Society forever." Most of the present union school fund
($2,080) is the result of this gift.
Dr. TIMOTHY MATHER, who died April 5, 1788, provides in his will
as follows: He gives to his wife Roxanna his house and the land on
which it stands, so far as it belongs to him, and her heirs forever. Also
one cow and the whole of his household furniture, and one-third part of
all the remainder of his personal estate. To his son Timothy all the
residue of his estate, and if this son die before the age of twenty-one
years, then he gives to his wife the use of one-quarter of the son's portion
while she shall remain his widow, and the other three-quarters he gave
to the First Ecclesiastical Society in Windsor, to be loaned, and the an-
nual interest thereof applied to the support of the minister of said soci-
ety. And the said quarter given to his wife during her widowhood as
aforesaid he gave to said society, for the purpose aforesaid, after she
shall marry or die. This son died in 1792 or 1793, six or seven years of
age, and the widow married in 1802, when the son's entire portion of the
estate belonged to this church and society. Dr. Mather's whole estate
was inventoried at £1,382 13s.
JOSEPH MARSH, a son of Rev. Jonathan Marsh, in his will gave the
use of all his property to his wife Elizabeth during her life, and after
her decease he gives the same to the Society of North Windsor, where
he then lived, to be improved by them for the support of the Gospel
ministry or schooling in said society, as they judge best. The inven-
tory of his estate amounts to £205 11s. 7d.
In 1794, after five conditions or articles of agreement for the union
of the First Society and the Society of North Windsor is the following:
"These conditions being performed, we severally engage to pay or secure
to be paid, to the treasurer of the First Society for the sole and perpetual
use of supporting the Gospel ministry in the same, the sums respectively
affixed to our names, provided however that the bonds we may give shall
I
390
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
not be liable to be sued so long as we shall annually pay six per cent. in-
terest on the same, and stand ready to give such further reasonable security
as may at any time be requested by said Society's Committee."
Hezb Chaffee,
Horace Hooker,
Alex. Wolcott, Jr.,
•
£60
•
Oliver Ellsworth,
£100
50
James Hooker,
100
20
Jerijah Barber,
100
Hezb Chaffee, Jr.,
30
Daniel Phelps,
25
Josiah Allyn,
30
Asa Moore,
ry
Johnth Ellsworth,
60
Increase Mather,
12
Elijah Mather,
40
George Phelps,
10
Wm Russell,
20
George Loomis,
10
Sam¹¹ W. Allyn,
30
Roger Moore,
50
Giles Ellsworth,
50
Edward Moore,
30
Roger Newberry,
50
George Warner,
6
Oliver Mather,
50
Phineas Wilson,
25
Ozias Lomis,
50
John Filley,
30
25
Eliakim Marshall,
10
10
Elisha Moore,
30
20
Elihu Drake,
10
10
Benj. Allyn,
15
15
Elnathan Filley,
10
•
5
·
Philip Halsey,
5
10
Roger Phelps,
Gideon Barber,
Daniel Gillett,
Sirajah Loomis,
Chas. Wolcott,
Abel Strong,
Austin Phelps,
•
£1220
The above was the last contribution to the fund for the support of
the ministry, and the entire fund for this purpose now (1891) amounts
to $12,500 ($3,500 for music, and $200 for Sunday-school included), of
which $1,700 is invested in the parsonage, and the remainder, $9,253, is
loaned on mortgaged - security. The interest on the above, and about
$1,000 received annually for the rent of slips, now furnish the means of
paying the ordinary expenses of this Ecclesiastical Society. Incidentals,
repairs, and improvements require an occasional subscription-paper and
the ingenious devices of the Ladies' Society.
December 25, 1871, Gen. WILLIAM S. PIERSON proposed that he and
his sister Olivia would place an organ in the church of the First Eccle-
siastical Society in Windsor, and give it to said society on condition that
a fund to be called "The Music Fund," of at least $1,500, should be raised
and paid to said society in trust, etc. A. fund of $1,555 was raised by
subscription, and an excellent organ now in use is a permanent testi-
monial of the fidelity and generosity of the donors. Gen. Pierson also, a
little previous to his death, in his last will added $2,000 to this music
fund. The chandelier in the church is the gift of Mr. OLIVER R. HOL-
COMB.
Miss MARY ANN HAYDEN, before her death, manifested her deep in-
terest in the Sabbath-school by giving $200 as a fund for its benefit in
furnishing suitable books for its library.
The church is without debt; its edifice in good repair; it has a par-
ECCLESIASTICAL, 1776-1890.
391
sonage valued at $2,500, a fund of $9,000 for support of the ministry,
and one of $3,500 for insurance and repairs on organ. It contributes
from $700 to $1,000 annually to benevolent causes outside of its own
field.
This church has enjoyed the following revivals :
1688-thirty members added (Am. Quar.
Review, iv. 295–297).
1735 — “a very great ingathering” (Tra-
cy, 13).
1834- -one hundred and eight members
added.
1841-forty-seven members added.
1847-ninety
CC
* C
1858-thirty-four members added.
1866 — eleven
1867 thirteen
1872-ten
1876 — thirty-eight
1877- twelve
1883 — one hundred and eighty-six mem-
bers added.
No revivals since 1883, but additions of a more permanent sort than
those of that year.
Ministers Raised in this Town.
Rev. Isaac Stiles, pastor at North Haven, 1724-1760, father of Pres.
Stiles of Yale College.
Rev. Abel Stiles, brother of Rev. Isaac, pastor in Woodstock, Conn.,
1736-1783.
Rev. Hezekiah Bissell, pastor at Wintonbury, Conn., 1738-1783.
Rev. Jonathan Marsh (son of the Windsor pastor), pastor at New
Hartford, Conn., 1759-1772.
Rev. Jedidiah Mills (bro. of Rev. Gideon), pastor at Huntington,
(Ripton), Conn., was probably a native of Windsor.
? Rev. Eliakim Marshall, pastor at North Canterbury, Conn., 1759-
1768.
Rev. Azariah Mather (son of Rev. Samuel), pastor at Saybrook,
Conn., 1710-1732.
Rev. Allyn Mather, pastor at Fair Haven, Conn., 1773–1784.
Rev. Nathaniel Gaylord, pastor at West Hartland, Conn., 1782-
1841.
Rev. Solomon Walcott, pastor at Bloomfield, Conn., 1786-1790.
Rev. Henry A. Rowland?
Rev. James Rowland.
Rev. Oliver Wolcott Mather.
}
See Genealogies.
Rev. Frank V. Mills (s. John Mills), grad. Ham. Coll.; studied
Union Theol. Sem. and Hart. Theol. Sem.; ord. in Windsor, 1882; m.
Kate C. (dau. Dr. S. A.) Wilson, and has been seven years a missionary
of the Presby. Board in Hong Chou, China."
¹ His classmate, Rev. Junius H. Judson, m. Jennie H. (dau. Horace H.) Filley, a
memb. of the W. Church, and for past ten years have been missionaries at Hong Chou,
China.
392
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Rev. William W. Leete, born in Windsor, 1854; graduated Amherst
College 1877; Yale Theol. Sem. 1880; now settled over a church in
Rockford, Ill.; see Genealogies.
It is probable that some ministers were raised in Windsor between
1635 and 1724; also, that this list is incomplete.
Baptists in Windsor.
About the middle of the last century, during the Great Awakening
which commenced in New England under the preaching of the cele-
brated Whitfield, several Baptist churches were formed. One of these ·
was at Windsor. Of its history, however, we have no authentic records.
There were two classes of Baptists at that time—one consisting of those
who were "sober dissenters" from the orthodox form of worship in the
colony; and the other of those who believed in the "indulgence of their
inward frames, in noise and outcry without restraint," in dreams and
trances, and in the superior efficiency of "lay exhorters." This latter class
were termed Separatists, and, from the fragmentary facts which have
come down to us, we infer that they were numerous and influential in
this town. Mr. Marsh's last days were much embittered by their
extravagances and commotions. Trumbull, after mentioning the "fan-
atical spirit," which prevailed in certain counties in the colony, adds
that "there was also something of the same spirit in the County of
Hartford, in the towns of Windsor, of Suffield, and in Middletown.
The separations began, and principally prevailed, in these counties."
The history of the Baptists in Windsor, as in every part of the
colony, is mainly a record of persecution. The storm of opposition which
overwhelmed them, served only to intensify their devotion to the pecu-
liar principles which they espoused, and, together with the civil judg-
ments which were brought to bear upon them, caused them to run into
the extremest lengths of folly and absurdity. Separatism was, undoubt-
edly, the legitimate result of unwise and unwarrantable legislative inter-
ference with the rights of private judgment; and any odium which at-
taches to it should not attach to the Baptist denomination. But the
multitude, as well as the law, in that day, made little or no distinction.
between the two classes. Mr. Ebenezer Frothingham of Middletown, in
a book printed in 1767, and entitled, A Key to Unlock the Door that
leads in to take a Fair View of the Religious Constitution established by
Law, in the Colony of Connecticut, after affirming that the opposition
was not directed against the Separatists alone, says: "Young Deacon
Drake, of Windsor, now in Hartford prison, for the Minister's rates and
building their meeting house, altho' he is a Baptist,
is
accounted a harmless, godly man, and he has plead the privilege of a
Baptist through all the courts, and been at great expense, without
BAPTIST AND METHODIST CHURCHES.
393
relief, until at last the Assembly has given him a mark in his hand [a
branding], and notwithstanding this, they have thrust him to prison for
former rates, with several aggravations, which I shall omit. But as to
what the Constitution does to relieve the poor Deacon, he may there die,
and the cry of blood, blood, go up into the ears of a just God." This
was evidently a hard case of treatment, but it will serve as a fair expo-
nent of the spirit of the times. In the genealogy of the Marshall family,
in another portion of this work, our readers will find some interesting
notices of some good and pious men, famous in the annals of the Baptist
denomination, to whom old Windsor gave birth.
The Baptist church in Windsor has become extinct within the recol-
lection of those now living. The Rev. Frederic Chapman was its last
minister — a man well remembered for his peculiarities of manner, as
well as for his piety and kindly disposition.
Their old house of worship stood upon the Poquonock road, near
the site of the present Fourth District school-house. In 1886, there was
a Baptist Society in Windsor, which occupied a hall in the second story
of the First District school-house, and was led by Bro. Horace E.
Cooley it had no church organization, but Sunday services and Sunday-
school held regularly in School District No. 1, next to Hartford.
In this denomination in Windsor, there were raised the following
Ministers:
Rev. Abraham Marshall.
Rev. Daniel Marshall.
Rev. Joseph Marshall.
The Methodist Episcopal Society.
The Rev. George Roberts was probably the first Methodist preacher
in Windsor, about the year 1790. Under his preaching was converted
one Ethan Barker a pious and devoted man (who entered upon the
books of the First Ecclesiastical Society of Windsor the following "cer-
tificate," 10th Oct., 1793, "Know all whom this concerns, that I have
joined a society of Methodists, in Windsor"), and who formed a class,
consisting of himself, as leader, Jerusha Barker, Moses Mitchell, Miriam
¹Dea. Nathaniel Drake, Jr., of (East) Windsor, 2d Society, in a petition to the
Assembly, in 1763, testifies that he "is a sober dissenter from the way of worship and
ministry established by the law of this Colony, and for more than six years last past
hath so soberly dissented and been of that denomination called Baptists, living within
the limits of the said Second Society, the whole time aforesaid he hath joined to a
Society of Baptists, and hath attended public worship with them under the ministry of
a Baptist minister." The cause of the Deacon's trouble was that he refused to
pay the
tax which was levied on him by the Second Society, for the building of the new (ortho-
dox) meeting-house in 1761. The constables distrained for the amount, and his troubles
commenced. — State Archives, Ecclesiastical.
·
VOL. I.-50
394
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Bennett, a Mrs. Marsh, and Martha Mather. Two years after, Mr.
Barker removed to Pittsfield, Mass., where he remained four years, dur-
ing which time the class at Windsor, from want of a proper leader, lan-
guished, and finally became extinct. Upon Mr. Barker's return to
Windsor, he again gathered them together; and the little band, meeting
regularly at his residence, increased in numbers until the year 1807-8.
About this time they were re-organized, by the Rev. Laban Clark, into a
class or society, consisting of Ethan Barker (Leader), and Jerusha his
wife, Moses Mitchell, Miriam Bennett, Martha Mather, Samuel, Nancy,
and Delia Stiles, Walter Gillespie, Ruth Phelps, and about fifteen
others.
This society worshiped around, mostly in school-houses, until 1822,
when a church edifice was erected, 42 by 37 feet, and two stories in
height, where the present one now stands, on Broad Street Green. It
was built by donation, some furnishing the material and others the labor,
and its cost was about $1,200 to $1,500. Its first board of Trustees
organized June 13, 1823, at the house of Elisha Strong, comprised
Elisha Strong, Eli Wilson, Ethan Barker, Abel Barber, and Hiram
Phelps. In 1845 the church edifice was altered by moving it back,
adding some eighteen feet to its front, and erecting a spire, at a total
expense of about $2,200. Subsequently it was again remodeled, and is
valued at $5,000. In 1890 the society renovated their church, and
received from Hon. E. F. Mather of New York city, and Frederick
Drake, Esq., of the First Congregational Society, the gift of a fine bell,
which was rung just before New Year's Day, 1891.
The Protestant Episcopal Society.
Religious services after the Episcopal form were occasionally held
in Windsor by the Rev. Arthur C. Coxe, then rector of St. John's, Hart-
ford, now Bishop of Western New York.
The Episcopal Parish of St. Gabriel was organized 14 Dec., 1842;
its original vestrymen being Isaac Underhill, George Spalding, Fitch
Bissell, John Spencer, Alonzo M. Smith, Quarles Bedorthy, Samuel O.
Loomis, and Henry A. Bliss. The corner-stone for the first church edi-
fice was laid on the 6th of Nov., 1843, and it was consecrated 15 Janu-
ary, 1845. The building (which is the same as now owned by the
Roman Catholics), a little south of Broad street, on the Hartford road,
was about 48 feet long by 28 feet wide, with transepts. Its cost, exclu-
sive of the organ, was about $2,000.
Later, the name of the parish was changed, by legislative enact-
ment, to Grace Church; and for a while it was cared for and supplied
by the professors of Trinity College, Hartford. In October, 1860, Rev.
!
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL AND ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES. 395
REUEL H. TUTTLE became its first rector; on the 25th December, 1863,
he made the society a thanksgiving offering of $500 upon the recovery
of his daughter from a serious illness, for the improvement and beauti-
fying of the church edifice. But the society at once moved to increase
the sum sufficiently to build anew, and a beautiful stone edifice was
erected on the southeast corner of Broad street, costing $25,000; and
this was consecrated by Bishop Williams, 13 September, 1865, the corner
stone having been laid 2 August, 1864. The Rev. Mr. Tuttle resigned his
rectorship 4 July, 1870, but officiated until his successor, Rev. BENJAMIN
JUDKINS, accepted the charge, 13 April, 1871. He resigned 6 January,
1880, and was succeeded, October 1, 1880, to October, 1885, by Rev.
JAMES B. GOODRICH. The present rector, Rev. F. W. HARRIMAN, came
in May, 1886. This year (1891) the society are just completing a Par-
ish House in the rear of their church.
The Roman Catholics purchased, in 1865, the church-building just
occupied by the Episcopalians, and have since held regular services in it.
Revs. James Smith, Michael McAuley, Michael Kelley, James O'R.
Sheridan (resident at Windsor Locks), officiate to an average member-
ship of 125.
CHAPTER XIX.
THE SCHOOLS OF WINDSOR.
1636-1709.
N
OTHING is more indicative of the sterling character and aims of
the first settlers of Connecticut than their appreciation of the
importance and claims of popular education. It was indeed inwrought
with the whole fabric of their social and civil policy. The very nature,
also, of the civil organization, making all civil officers elective, and giv-
ing to every freeman the right of voting, rendered, as has been aptly
said, "universal education identical with self-preservation.”
But, above all, those deep religious convictions, for the better enjoy-
ment of which they mainly had sought these shores, could only be firmly
established and secured by the influence of education.
Nor can we forget that the members of the Connecticut emigration
were mainly of an intelligent better class. Most of them could read,
and, as the Windsor records testify, could write. And the leaders of the
colony, the Hookers and Warhams, the Ludlows and Wolcotts, men
whose fervent piety, ripe experience of life and business, social position
and wealth, gave them the controlling influence of the community, were
men of refined and cultivated tastes, who had received in the free schools
and even universities of England the best education which that day
afforded — God be praised for that God be praised, too, that amid the
trials and hardships of a new settlement, they did not forget the educa-
tion of their children; and that here, in the scarcely cleared openings of
a primeval forest, they established at a very early date public schools, and
that too they not only entreated all, but made it obligatory on all, to send
their children to school.
The lack of the Windsor records, prior to 1650, leaves us quite in
the dark concerning the history of its schools during the first twenty
years. But enough cotemporary evidence remains to show that there
were probably schools here, and that its citizens were neither unmindful
nor neglectful of this "nursery of church and state." Hartford had a
school in 1642, and we cannot suppose that Windsor, with her wealth
and intelligence, the home of Ludlow, Rossiter, Warham, and Wolcott,
was behind her sister plantation in providing for the rising generation.
We know that in September, 1644, when the Rev. Mr. Shepard presented
THE SCHOOLS OF WINDSOR, 1636–1709.
397
to the commissioners of the United Colonies a proposition "for the main-
tenance of poor scholars at Cambridge," suggesting that each family
“which is able and willing" should yearly contribute" but the fourth part
of a bushel of corn, or something equivalent thereto," the court approved
the proposition and appointed two men in each town "to receive and sea-
sonably to send in what shall thus be given by them." And William Gay-
lord and Henry Clarke were appointed for that purpose in Windsor.
This contribution was continued for many years by the Connecticut Col-
ony, for the "School of the Prophets" was very near to the hearts of the
settlers.
In May, 1650, a Code of Laws, which has been previously alluded to,
was completed. It contained, under the titles Children and Schools, the
following important enactments, which remained, with only such trifling.
modifications as contributed to their greater efficiency, until the act of
1792, and the revision of the school law in 1801. Read them, ye Wind-
sor men, with honest pride that these, with other enactments of the
Code of 1650, were the work of Roger Ludlow, a Windsor father, and with
a sincere appreciation of the Christian wisdom therein displayed.
CHILDREN.
"Forasmuch as the good education of children is of singular behoof and benefit to
any commonwealth; and whereas many parents and masters are too indulgent and neg-
ligent of their duty in that kind.
“It is therefore ordered by this Court and the authority thereof, That the selectmen of
every town in the several precincts and quarters where they dwell, shall have a vigilant
eye over their brethren and neighbors, to see, first, that none of them shall suffer so
much barbarism in their families, as not to endeavor to teach by themselves or others,
their children and apprentices so much learning, as may enable them perfectly to read the
English tongue, and knowledge of the capital laws, upon penalty of 20s for each neg-
lect therein; also, that all masters of families, do, once a week, at least, chatechise their
children and servants, in the grounds and principles of religion, and if any be unable to
do so much, that then, at the least, they procure such children or apprentices to learn
some short orthodox catechism, without book, that they may be able to answer to the
questions that shall be propounded to them out of such catechism by their parents, or
masters, or any of the selectmen, when they shall call them to a trial of what they have
learned in this kind; and further, that all parents and masters do breed and bring up
their children and apprentices in some honest, lawful calling, labor or employment,
either in husbandry or some other trade profitable for themselves and the commonwealth,
if they will not nor can not train them up in learning, to fit them for higher employ-
ments; and if any of the selectmen after admonition by them given to such masters of
families, shall find them still neglectful of their duty, in the particulars aforementioned,
whereby children and servants become rude, stubborn and unruly, the said selectmen,
with the help of two magistrates, shall take such children, or apprentices from them,
and place them with some masters, — boys till they come to twenty-one, and girls to
eighteen years of age complete — which will more strictly look unto and force them to
submit unto government, according to the rules of this order, if by fair means and
former instructions they will not be drawn into it."¹
¹The same wise and careful forethought which devised this admirable Code, did
not neglect the interests of the poor Indian. As, however, it does not particularly con-
cern the purpose of our history, we shall not discuss the matter.
398
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
SCHOOLS.
It being one chief project of that old deluder Satan, to keep men from the knowl-
edge of the scriptures, as in former times, keeping them in an unknown tongue, so in
these latter times, by persuading them from the use of tongues, so that at least, the
true sense and meaning of the original might be clouded with false glosses of saint
seeming deceivers; and that learning may not be buried in the grave of our forefathers,
in church and commonwealth, the Lord assisting our endeavors.
It is therefore ordered by this Court and authority thereof, That every township within
this jurisdiction, after the Lord hath increased them to the number of 50 householders,
shall then forthwith appoint one within their town, to teach all such children as shall
resort to him, to write and read, whose wages shall be paid, either by the parents or
masters of such children, or by the inhabitants in general, by way of supply, as the
major part of those who order the prudentials of the town shall appoint; provided, that
those who send their children be not oppressed by paying more than they can have
them taught for in other towns.
And it is further ordered, That where any town shall increase to the number of 100
families or householders, they shall set up a grammar school, the masters thereof being
able to instruct youths, so far as they may be fitted for the university, and if any town
neglect the performance hereof, above one year, then every such town shall pay five
pounds per annum, to the next such school, till they shall perform this order.
The first direct allusion to the existence of a school in Windsor is
on the town records.
February, 1656-7, "it was voted that Mr. Branker should have £5
paid to him out of the next town rate toward his maintenance of a
school."
1
In an account of town debts, February, 1660–1, occurs an item of
"£4:10 to Mr. Cornish for schooling." "
2
In 1666-7, we must chronicle the erection of the first school-house
in Windsor. Deacon Moore charged the town with "8s. 4d. for iron-
work for school-house." Probably up to this time school was "kept” in
some private dwelling, or at the residence of the teacher.
In 1672, the town had so increased in population as to be liable
under the provision of the statute requiring the establishment of a gram-
mar school. For we find that, April 2d, the town of Windsor was fined
£5, “for not procuring and maintaining a grammar school, said fine to
be paid over to the Hartford grammar school.
“November 13, 1673. This day was a town meeting to read some orders ordered
to be published by the General Court in October, and also discourse about setting up a
school in Windsor, and it was agreed to, and four men more [added] to the present
townsmen, which [were] Corporal Marshall, John Bissell, John Porter and George
¹ Mr. JOHN BRANKER was a resident of Windsor as early as 1640. We know but
little about him, except that he was a gentleman of good education, estate and reputa-
tion, and the first schoolmaster of Windsor. He occasionally delivered the "weekly
lecture" before the church. He died May 29, 1662, and his widow Abigail married the
Rev. Mr. Warham.
2 This was probably JAMES CORNISH, whom we find mentioned at different times and
places along the river as a schoolmaster. He was for some time a resident of Windsor,
THE SCHOOLS OF WINDSOR, 1636-1709.
399
Griswold. These with the townsmen [are] to meet on Friday, the 21st day of this
month, and to speak with Captain Clarke, and to see what way to order for the setting
up of a school.”
Nov. 19, 1674, "the Town meeting consulted about the school proposed to be kept
by Mr. Cornish." His terms were £36 per year. Some wished the children to pay 58.
per quarter, others wished the town to pay the whole expense. He was to keep five
months south and seventh months north of the Rivulet. Two or three months later, it
was decided" that the scholars shall pay Mr. Cornish." 1
In 1675, at the time of King Philip's war, John Fitch of Windsor,
being called out against the Indians, made the following will:"
''
2
These may testify that I, JOHN FITCH of Windsor, being to go forth and not know
that I may return, do desire to commit myself to God, &c.
“As for the small estate God hath given me, I dispose as followeth: first, that my
just debts be paid out of it. The rest, both land and goods, I give for the promoting of
a school here in Windsor, to be disposed of in the best way as the County Court and the
selectmen of this Town shall see meet, for the end aforesaid.
"In testimony to the abovesaid, I hereto set my hand this 30th day of August, 1675.
JOHN FITCH."
He, with other Windsor men, was at the Swamp Fight, in the attack
on the Narragansett fort."
The town records show that at a town meeting after his death
(August 15, 1676), "it was propounded, to the company met concern-
ing John Fitch's will, that what of the estate after his death, and all his
just debts be paid is to go for the town of Windsor's use for the maintain-
ance of a school, and therefore we propounded to the company that in
case all his moveables of his estate should not reach to pay his debts,
they would not allow something out of a town rate, and it was by all said
a vote [that] they would [add] unto [the balance] the sum of 3
Pounds." "" 4
In December, 1676, Windsor seems to have again been destitute of
a school teacher, for "the town voted that they are willing there shall
be a schoolmaster be got and the townsmen were to get one and the child-
ren to pay as to Mr. Cornish, and the rest by the town."
February 18, 1679, the town voted Capt. Clarke to keep school in
Windsor for a year, six months on each side of the Rivulet, and he en-
gaged also to attend to the town business in making out rates, lists, &c.,
for all of which he was allowed £40.
¹It is probable that the amount thus received was insufficient to defray expenses,
as in May, 1675, "the townsmen agreed that Mr. Cornish should have something out of
what we have in hand of the town rate, which is in Dea. Moore and John Loomis' keep-
ing. [He, Mr. C., is] to take it in the kind it is brought in.”
2 Probate Records, Hartford, Conn.
3 He was probably mortally wounded there, but died after his return home.
4 The inventory which accompanies the will, states his property at £40 1s., and
debts at £11 15: 8,
400
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Nearly ten years later, Windsor could boast two teachers, for, "at a
meeting of the townsmen, December 20, 1685, it was ordered that the
four pounds paid to the town by Tahan Grant for the rent of John Fitch's
house for the two last years past, shall be paid to the two present school-
masters; viz: to Mr. Cornish 30 shillings, and to Mr. John Loomis 50
shillings."
In 1690, the following enactment was made:
This Court observing that notwithstanding the former orders made for the educa-
tion of children and servants, there are many persons unable to read the English tongue,
and thereby unable to read the Holy word of God, and the good laws of this Colony,
and it is hereby ordained, that all parents and masters shall cause their children and ser-
vants as they are capable to read distinctly the English tongue, and that the grand-jury
men in each town do once in the year, at least, visit each family they suspect to neglect
this order, and satisfy themselves that all children under age, and servants in such sus-
pected families, can read well the English tongue, or in good proceedure to learn the
same or not, and if they find any such children or servants not taught as their years are
capable of they shall return the names of the parents or masters of the said children, to
the next Court, when the said parents or masters are to be fined 20 shillings for each child
or servant whose teaching is thus neglected, according to this order, after the order of
1690, unless it appears to the satisfaction of the Court that the said neglect is not volun-
tary but necessitated by the incapacity of the parents or masters, or their neighbors to
cause them to be taught as aforesaid, or the incapacity of the said children or servants
to learn."
The next year the town of Windsor voted £20 a year for a school.
But the town was enlarging, quite a settlement had sprung up on the
east side of the Great River (now East and South Windsor), and they
also had children to educate. So in April, 1698, we find the town agree-
ing to hire a schoolmaster; and school was to be kept three months on
the east side of the Great River, and nine months on the west side, half
on the north and half on the south side of the Rivulet; each quarter of
the town to provide a suitable school-house without any charge to the
town. The master to receive £20, "besides that which is given of
gift-money." The Committee were Lieut. Hayden and Lieut. Matthew
Allyn. They made (April, 1698) the following contract :
'Agreed with Mr. Samuel Wolcott to keep a reading, and writing, and cyphering,
and grammar school for one full year, to begin on the twelfth day of this month [July];
to take none but such as are entered in spelling. His salary is to be thirty-five pounds
in country pay or two-thirds of so much in money. The school is to be kept at the sev-
eral places agreed on by the townsmen.
DANIEL HAYDEN,
MATTHEW ALLYN,
}
Selectmen.
SAMUEL WOLCOTT,
SCHOOLS IN WINDSOR, 1700-1891.
401
1700-1891.¹
WEST OF THE CONNECTICUT RIVER.
In the year 1700, the town of Windsor was represented by its
worthy minister, the Rev. SAMUEL MATHER, at that memorable gathering
of clergymen who established Yale College. Deeply imbued as they were
with the importance of their undertaking, and with a prophetic assur-
ance of its ultimate success, they could not then have foreseen the
immense influence which it was, in less than two centuries, to obtain;
nor the position it now holds as the crown of Connecticut's educational
system.
About the commencement of the last century (1701), the common
school system of Connecticut embraced the following particulars :
1. An obligation on every parent and guardian of children, “not
to suffer so much barbarism in any of their families as to have a single
child or apprentice unable to read the holy word of God, and the good
laws of the colony," and also "to bring them up to some lawful calling
or employment," under a penalty for each offense.
2. A tax of forty shillings on every thousand pounds of the lists
of estates, was collected in every town with the annual colony tax, and pay-
able proportionately to those towns only which should keep their schools
according to law.
3. A common school in every town having over seventy families,
kept throughout the year; and in every town with less than seventy fam-
ilies, kept for at least six months in the year.
4. A grammar school in each of the four head county towns to fit
youth for college, two of which grammar schools must be free.
5. A collegiate school, toward which the general court made an
annual appropriation of £120.
6. Provision for the religious instruction of the Indians.
The school therefore embraced every family and town, all classes of
children and youth, and all the then recognized grades of schools. There
were no select or sectarian schools to classify society at the roots, but all
children were regarded with equal favor, and all brought under the
assimilating influence of early school associations, and similar school
privileges. Here was the foundation laid, not only for universal educa-
tion, but for a practical, political, and social equality, which has never
been surpassed in the history of any other State.²
¹ After 1702, the control of school matters became gradually vested in the ecclesi-
astical societies or parishes and we shall therefore treat the history of the Windsor
schools under their separate parochial divisions. The school history of Poquonock and
Wintonbury parishes, in the absence of any official records, cannot be written. ·
2 We have here quoted the language of Hon. Henry Barnard of Hartford, Conn.,
formerly superintendent of public instruction in this State; to whose admirable digest of
VOL. I. — 51
402
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
1
April 14, 1707. "It was voted that the inhabitants on the north side of the Rivulet
shall have liberty to set up a school-house on the meeting-house green ¹ upon their own
charges for the benefit of learning to the town in general."
"Also [the] same liberty granted to the inhabitants on the south side the Rivulet.”
In 1708, the legislature enacted that the constables should deliver
the "40s. upon the £1,000 of the list," to the committee for the schools
in such towns where the committee are, or in defect of such officers, to
the selectmen. This is the first intimation we have of a school com-
mittee.
In December, 1711, it was ordered by the town of Windsor that there
shall be 66
a constant school kept in the town."
This
In 1712, it was ordered, "that all the parishes which are already
made, or shall hereafter be made by this Assembly, shall have to the
bringing up of their children and maintainance of a school in some fixed
place within the bounds of their parish, the forty shillings in every thou-
sand pounds arising in the list of estates within said parish."
is the first recognition of parish or ecclesiastical authority in school mat-
ters. Although by this act the parishes were simply made school dis-
tricts and subordinate to the towns, yet in course of time they usurped
the place of the latter. After this date the history of the Windsor
schools is mainly to be found in the records of the "Ecclesiastical Soci-
ety of Windsor.”
February 3, 1712–13. The school Committee chosen were Col. Matthew Allyn,
Capt. Abraham Phelps, and Daniel White."
Also voted to give Mr. Ebenezer Fitch £10 money, out of this Society, to encourage
him in the work of the school for the space of five years annually, or per annum.
At the next annual meeting, Feb. 14, 1713-14, "it was then also proposed, whether
Mr. Fitch's salary (annually) shall be made up by, or out of the Society, exempting the
children that shall go to school, and this shall continue for the space of seven years.
Voted in the affirmative.". His salary was fixed at £38 per annum, and he was to keep
school eleven months in the year. The next year, February, 1714-15, it was resolved
"to grant Mr. Ebenezer Fitch's, Jr., petition, viz: that the rent of the school lands as
let to Mr. Eleazur Gaylord, during the time of his keeping school here, shall be paid to
him, the said Fitch."
the "History of Common Schools in Connecticut," published in the American Journal of
Education for 1858, we acknowledge our indebtedness. We may also be permitted, in
this connection, to express our obligations to him for the many personal favors he has
shown us during the prosecution of our work.
¹ Now known as Palizado Green. It was then a parallelogram with the meeting-house
about in the center of it, and directly in front of the General Pierson place.
2 Up to the year 1717, towns of seventy families had been obliged to keep a school
for eleven months, but at that time the same obligations were imposed on parishes or
societies having that number of families. Parishes having a less number of families were
required to maintain school for six months. The householders in the parish were em-
powered to lay taxes for the support of schools, to appoint collector, and transact busi-
ness relating to the same. They were also to choose annually a clerk, and a school
committee of three “able and discreet" persons.
SCHOOLS IN WINDSOR, 1700-1891.
403
“1714, April 5. The school-house was raised on t' other hill" (Timothy Loomis
Common-place book).
Taking Timothy Loomis's then residence as a standpoint, we should
infer that he had reference to Stony Hill, as "t' other hill."
January 31, 1715-16. The school committee were empowered to
"raise by way of rate £4 to be disposed of for the schooling of Poquon-
noc people's children." The same amount was granted the succeeding
year.
The first schoolmistress named on the records was Sarah Stiles, in
1717; and the next year it was voted that the "schools shall be kept by
women [in] the summer until October."
December 30, 1718, "Our neighbors at Poquonnoc" were allowed
to improve toward their own schooling, all they paid towards it in the
County tax.
Mr. Ebenezer Fitch was released from the charge of the Windsor
school in December, 1719.
The next year, December, 1720, "it was voted that this Society will keep schools in
a manner following for two years next coming, viz, a fixed school on the north side,
and also on the south side of the Little River, the months of November, December, Jan-
uary, February, and March, by two good schoolmasters to teach our children, Reading,
Writing, and Cyphering, and the rest of the months improve women to instruct chil-
dren in Reading, provided the General Assembly do allow and accept, in lieu of the
eleven months now stated by law, and that our Deputies be desired to pray the Assem-
bly to allow of it, and thereupon have our school money as other towns and societies
have."
Their application to the assembly was, however, refused.
January, 1720–1, the school committee were empowered to lease the
school lands for fourteen years.
And in December, the committee voted to raise money in the society
for maintaining school the next year, in conjunction with the county
money, to which project Mr. Matthew Allyn, Jr., entered a caution.
In December, 1722, £30 was raised on the society list for schooling;
and the town voted to divide the school money according to the lists of
estates on each side of the Rivulet, and to apply to the assembly for a
division into two school societies. Their petition was presented in the
May following, but was opposed by a remonstrance from twenty-three
persons, who alleged that:
1st. "One school at two houses, as heretofore, is preferred. 2d.
One master can teach all the scholars. 3d. Multiplication. of schools
will increase expense. 4th. New school-houses will have be built. 5th.
It will open a door for the multiplication of school societies."
A petition, however, signed by sixty-one persons, was presented in
May, 1723, and, by an act of the same session, Windsor was divided into
1
404
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
two school districts, one on the north and the other on the south side of
the Rivulet.
1722-23. Mr. Henry Allyn was schoolmaster.
1731. John Allyn was schoolmaster for ten weeks.
1735. Job Loomis..
1735. Also Mrs. Deborah Moore, Widow Esther Eggleston, Eunice
Marshall, Grace Rowell, schoolmistresses.
December, 1742. “Voted that there be but one school kept on
south side of Rivulet this winter.
"Voted, that said school shall be kept at the school-house near Col.
Allyn's, till last of March, and then to have women's school set up."
December, 1743. The school lands were ordered to be leased for
999 years.
Also the inhabitants of Pine Meadows (Windsor Locks) were
allowed to use their own portion of school money.
1759. One school and master, to be kept half the year toward the
south end, and half the year toward the north end of the First Society.
1760. A school was established in Jeremey's Lane.
1762. A school was established at Moses Barber's house. Also
one at Mill Hill, for four months, and one "at the lower end" of the
society.
1768. It was decided "to drop either of the said schools, if they
have not fifteen scholars or more in a general way.'
""
1773. The society was divided into Three Districts. The North
District was to take in John Roberts and all Cook's Hill. The South
District was to extend from the south end of the society up to Joseph
Loomis's. The Middle District included the remainder of the society.
1784. The three districts into which the society was divided, were
as follows: North District, "all north of Widow Mary Roberts and her
house, and Cook's Hill (or Boston, so called) as far as Amos Filley,
Theophilus Cook, and Dudley Drake's. South District, from Jerijah
Loomis' all south to Hartford Line and Pipestave Swamp. The balance
of the society formed the Middle District.
1797. Windsor, north of the Little River, was divided into the fol-
lowing school districts: 1st. From Suffield line, south through Pine
Meadow (Windsor Locks) to the brook next north of Gaylord Denslow's
house. 2d.
2d. Thence south to the brook near Jacob Osborn's house, in-
cluding David and Jesse Thrall. 3d. South to the south of Taylor
Chapman's home lot, including Eliakim and Samuel Mather. 4th.
Thence to Windsor Little River.
This year was noticeable in the educational history of Windsor,
for the union which took place between the first and fourth ecclesiastical
societies, which henceforth became the First Society of Windsor. As
SCHOOLS IN WINDSOR, 1700-1891.
405
has been stated in the previous chapter, one of the main features of the
union compact between the two societies was the erection of an academy
south of the Little River, on Broad Street Green.
This academy was built mostly by subscription in 1798. November
25, 1798, the Union School, as it was termed, was "ordered to be set up
on June next, and kept till the interest of the school money loaned to
the society be expended." In 1802; it was "voted, that the committee.
be empowered to exclude any scholar that shall not carry his share of
wood for use of the said school." Also voted, "that if any scholar should
do any thing to the school-house, they shall make it good, or be excluded
from said school, after a reasonable time being allowed for the damage
to be made good."
This academy at one time enjoyed a high and wide-spread reputa-
tion, and is recollected with pleasure and pride by very many who now
occupy prominent and responsible positions in life.
“In about 1845, the old building had become much out of repair,
and those living at a distance, with some others near by, made an
attempt to annihilate the school by petitioning the legislature to dissolve
the contract as far as the school was concerned, and divide up the fund
among the districts. Two hearings were had before the legislature, and
one trial before the superior court, and all decided in favor of the school.
In 1853, a committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions for building
a new house, if the means could be raised in that manner.
After can-
vassing the society, with a great deal of hard work, it was found that
about $1,500 was all that could be raised. Mr. Henry Halsey, who was
chairman of the committee, with the hope that certain of the earlier recipi-
ents of this school, who had gone abroad and been successful in business,
might have some sympathy for the old school, wrote to them, asking for
their donation. The following gentlemen responded to the call: Hon.
E. D. Morgan, Gen. F. E. Mather, and H. B. Loomis, Esq., of New York
city; Hon. James Hooker, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.; the sons of the late Levi
Hayden, Charleston, S. C., and N. Y.; Hon. James C. Loomis, Bridge-
port, Conn.; Wm. S. Pierson, Jun., Esq., Sandusky, Ohio; R. G. and
F. A. Drake, Esqs., Hartford, Conn., and Columbia, S. C. With this
aid, and renewals of subscriptions and the avails of the sale of the old
house,' the requisite sum was raised, the new academy built and finished,
and the school started in 1854, clear of debt. Its dimensions are 46 by
28 feet, with 26-feet posts, and its cost, including ground, outhouses,
fences, school-room furniture, etc., etc., was $2,878.89.
¹ The old academy building was moved off the ground, and was afterwards (with the
addition of an under story of brick) occupied as a boarding-house by the operatives
in the Sequasson Factory.
406
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
The School Fund, possibly, commenced with the legacy of JOHN
FITCH, in 1675; certainly was increased by the legacy of Lieut. JOSEPH
STILES, who lived just north of the present Judge Ellsworth place, and
whose intended bride was drowned shortly before the wedding day. He
consequently remained single, and his house, during his lifetime, was a
pleasant resort for all the young people of the neighborhood; and, at his
death, he left a liberal bequest for the benefit of the schools of his native
town.
Sgt. ABRAHAM PHELPS, who died in 1728, was the next who
bequeathed a generous legacy for the same purpose. After him Capt.
BENONI BISSELL, who died in 1761, left another gift to the school. His
monument, yet standing in the old cemetery, was "Erected by the First
Society of Windsor in Grateful Remembrance of his generous Gift for
the support of their school." The present (1891) amount of the Union
School Fund of the First Society in Windsor, which is now used to help
out the town's appropriation for High School, amounts to $2,050. There
are at this time (1891) one high school and 10 school districts in the
town, and 14 school departments; and 695 children enumerated between
the age of four and sixteen years. The annual appropriation from town
treasury in 1884 was $5,000; from School Fund and State appropria-
tions, $1,563.75; from Town Deposit Fund, $199.90; from Union
School Fund, $124.80; total, $688.45; total receipts from all sources,
$10,261.61, and the total expenditures, $9,949.72.
The Young Ladies Institute is a private enterprise, established in
1867, by the Hon. H. Sidney Hayden. There are two buildings, one on
Broad street for the boarding pupils and teachers, and another on
Maple avenue containing the schoolroom and Seminary Hall. From its
inception it has been conducted by Miss Julia S. Williams, as principal,
and Miss Elizabeth Francis, assistant, with an efficient corps of teachers;
average number of scholars about sixty.
Loomis Institute. In 1874 James C. Loomis, Hezekiah B. Loomis,
Osbert B. Loomis, H. Sidney Hayden and his wife, and John Mason.
Loomis were constituted a body corporate under the above name. This
Institute is designed for the gratuitous instruction of persons of the age
of 12 years and upwards, and is to be located on the original homestead
of Joseph Loomis, on the Island (an island only in times of high
freshets). The homestead is situated on elevated ground on the west
bank of the Connecticut River, and commands an uncommonly fine view
of the river and valley. This site, since Joseph Loomis's death, has been
in possession of his lineal descendants, and it is the design of the corpo-
rators to do what they can to endow this institution; in which purpose
¹ We do not understand whether the money derived from the sale of the Western
lands in 1720 formed a part of the above school fund.
SCHOOLS IN (EAST) WINDSOR, 1698–1768.
407
they look for the co-operation of the Loomis family, that the institution
may become a lasting monument to the memory of Joseph Loomis, the
emigrant ancestor of the name in America.
EAST OF THE CONNECTICUT RIVER.
Second Society, or East (now South) Windsor.
The first mention of schools on the east side of the Connecticut
River was the town vote of April, 1698, already referred to in the former
part of this chapter.
About 1700, however, the educational interests of the town east of
the river seem to have passed into the hands of the Society there under
the charge of Rev. Mr. Edwards.
On their records, under date of December 15, 1702, it was "voted,
also, that there shall be a school, and divided as it was last year; voted,
also, that the committee chosen shall provide a man to keep school."
In 1708, 1s. and 8d. was paid to John Stoughton "for keeping
school one day," and in May of the same year "Mr. Roger Wolcott was
chosen to make application to the Honorable General Court to be holden
at Hartford this present month: that we the above said inhabitants on
east side may have the school money out of the country rate which is
paid by ourselves every year. We desire that it may be improved among
ourselves for the benefit of our children, that they may learn to read and
write; and that it may be confirmed to us by the Honorable Court,
annually.
“Voted, also, that Mr. Roger Wolcott should be paid for his time
waiting at said court, and also for what money said Mr. Wolcott shall
pay out for the petition."
December, 1712. Voted, "that the school money should be divided
into three parts," one above Scantic River, another from there to Sgt.
Joseph Newberry's Brook, and the third from there to Hartford Line.
Provision was also made for masters and school-houses.
January 28th, 1717-18. "Voted, that we will raise money to add to the country
money that is granted by the Court." "Voted that we will raise so much money that
will, with the Country's allowance, amount to £30 for a school. Joseph Rockwell, Sgt.
Daniel Bissell and Joseph Phelps to hire a schoolmaster."
"Voted, that Capt. Thomas Stoughton, Samuel Rockwell and Lt. Samuel Bancroft
should be visitors to see the well ordering of the school."
December, 1718, it was voted that schools should be kept in two
places.
December, 1719. A similar vote is recorded. One of the schools
to be located below, and the other above the meeting-house.
66
December, 1721-22. A similar vote for three schools. One to be
near this place" (probably the meeting-house), another half-way
408
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
between there and the lower end; the third half-way between "this
place" and Ephraim Bancroft's house.
December, 1722. School to be kept as before in three places, and
"the farmers of Bissell's Farm [Wapping ?] to have their part."
January 28, 1722-3. "We will raise so much money to support a school among us
with what the country allows to make the sum of £37 to hire a schoolmaster to keep a
grammar school till December next.”
February, 1723-4."
this year."
"Voted, that we will keep a reading and writing school all
December, 1724. Schools in six places, one below Podunk Brook,
second at a "place called Bissell's Farms [Wapping?]," third, at Great-
Marsh, and the other three from Podunk Brook north, equally divided in
length.
In January, 1726-7. £4 was voted to the farmers at Bissell's
Farms, for the encouragement of a school among them.
1740. It was voted to add £70 to the country school money. Also
to employ masters in the winter, and school dames in summer.
December, 1741. Capt. John Ellsworth, Joseph Loomis, and Roger Wolcott, Jr.,
were chosen a committee to take care of the money given for the several towns lately
laid out in the Western land, to be disposed of, and improved for the support of School-
ing in the several towns and parishes of the Colony, as mentioned in the Act, passed in
May, Anno Dom, 1741, by the General Court, or Assembly."
December, 1742. Schools were created in four places: one between
Hartford line and Newberry's Brook; second, from there to Scantic
River; third, to a center line between Scantic and the north line of the
town; and fourth, from the said line to the north end.
In 1742, Windsor received from the colony, as a school fund, £146
12s., of which the Second Society's share was £84 3s. 9d.
December, 1749, it was voted that "those families that live out at
Hockanum, viz., Robert White, Charles Thrall, Joseph Hawkins, David
Smith, Joseph Stedman, Jr., Stephen Stedman, and John Searles," should
have their own school money.
In 1750 it was resolved to add £200 to the country school fund for
schooling.
From this date to that of the separation of the towns, in 1768, we
have no record.
CHAPTER XX.
FERRIES, INNS, STORES, TRADE AND COMMERCE, HOUSES, SLAVES,
MANNERS AND CONVENIENCES, WITCHES, COLONIES,
PHYSICIANS, LAWYERS, ETC.
THE
Bissell's Ferry.
HE subject of a regular ferry across the Connecticut, at Windsor,
seems to have been first agitated about January, 1641–2, at which
time the court decreed that if the town of Windsor provide a ferry boat
to attend the river, they are to be allowed three pence for a single pas-
senger, and two pence a person when they carry more than one at a
freight, and twelve pence a horse.'
No definite action, however, was taken in the matter until January,
1648-9, when the court concluded the following contract:
"John Bissell undertakes to keep and carefully to attend the Ferry over the
Great River at Windsor, for the full term of seven years from this day, and that he
will provide a sufficient Boat for the carrying over of horse and foot upon all occasions:
And that if his own occasions should necessitate him at any time to go out of call from
his house or Ferry, that then he will provide some able man in his room to attend that
service; for which the said John Bissell is to have of those that he ferries over, eight
pence for every horse or mare, and two pence for every person that goes over therewith,
or that hath another passenger to go over the said Ferry at the same time; and three
pence for every person that goes over the said Ferry alone, single, or without any more
than himself at the same time.2
“And the court prohibits all other persons (except the inhabitants of Windsor, who
have liberty to carry over themselves or neighbors in their own canoes or boat), from
carrying over the said Ferry any passenger or passengers, when the said John Bissell or
his assignee is present, or within call of his house or Ferry as aforesaid, to attend that
service. And if any person or persons as aforesaid shall at any time during the afore-
said term, go over by Indians or English that have not boats or canoes of their own, that
they pass over the said Ferry in, they shall as truly pay 8d. for every horse or mare, and
2d. for every person, as if they went over with him. And the court also gives the said
John Bissell liberty to relieve (i. e. — entertain) such strangers and passengers as can
not go the ordinary, and take of them convenient and reasonable recompense for the
This was consented to by John Bissell in Court.”
same.
1 Col. Rec., i. 71.
2 Col. Rec., i. 174.
> 3
* There is a tradition in the BISSELL family, that in 1636-7, this John Bissell was
sent by the colony to England, to procure a new supply of cattle to replenish the heavy
losses which they had suffered from the exceeding severity of the preceding winter,
that he returned with "17 cows and a bull" and as a reward for his services. received
the monopoly of this ferry, from the court. The tradition is strongly marked, both by
its prevalence and its uniformity of detail, among all the different branches of this large
VOL. I.-52
410
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
The road from the main street, in Windsor, to the original Bissell's
Ferry lay along the south side of the present home lot of the heirs of
Hezekiah Hills, about 60 rods north of the Chief Justice Ellsworth
place. The landing place on the east side of the Connecticut River was
near the present wharf used by the Quarry Company. The road thence
east, following the present road to a point of the Meadow Hill, at a
considerable distance from the street, where it ascended the hill bearing
away to the northeast.'
The lease having expired, was again renewed May 15, 1656, for
one year, on the same terms as before, with this addition, that troops
shall have free passage for man and horse, "so often as the said troopers
shall with their listed horses travel with them to Springfield town or
beyond." 2
Again:
May 1657. John Bissell's lease of the country ferry was renewed for one year "at
his old house," Col. Rec., i. 298.³
and widely extended family. Yet we are disinclined to believe it; 1st, because in the
official colonial records there is not the slightest allusion to any such circumstance;
2dly, because we have very serious doubts whether John Bissell was here in Windsor
at so early a date. It is possible that he may have come here about 1639 or '40, and may
have brought some cattle with him, but we have been as yet unable to connect them
with the ferry.
This road continues, east of the river, to-day, over nearly its ancient course,
and extends from the main street in East Windsor, from opposite the Quarry Co.'s prop-
erty to their wharf at the river; although the old ferry was long ago removed to the
Near the
mouth of the Scantic, where it still retains the name of its original owners.
quarry wharf stood the first house built east of the river, and occupied by a Bissell, and
there was also erected a fortification, or block house, of stone (and which was still stand-·
ing in 1800), and evidences of these structures were very distinct forty years ago." John
A. Stoughton's Windsor Farmes, p. 115.
2 Col. Rec., i. 281.
3 John Bissell, Sen., the original ferryman, bought the Ludlow lot on the east side
of the Connecticut, below the mouth of the Scantuck, after the death of Mr.
Whiting, 1649, and had evidently built there before 1657, and had proposed to transfer
the ferry to that place; but we find that the court in extending his lease another year
specified that it should be kept at his old house." John Bissell, Jr., kept the ferry
to entire satisfaction" that year, and March 11, 1657-8, the courts agree with John,
Jr., to keep the ferry 10 years. The young man married and his father gave him "his
old house," the old homestead; but we find six years later, 1664, John, Jr., asks to be
released from the remaining four years of his contract. After the expiration of the
contract, 1668, we find the Townsmen of Windsor consulting with Nathaniel Bissell
about keeping the ferry. Six years before this, 1662, John, Sen., had deeded to his son
Nathaniel, for his marriage portion, “one-quarter of his land at Scantuck, with a
quarter part of all his housing, dwelling house and out housing," with another quarter
at the death of his father; and Nathaniel was living there at the time of King Philip's
war, 1675-6, when the couneil ordered "a garrison of not less than six men kept at the
house of Nathaniel Bissell, at Scantuck." The ferry was leased to him in 1677, but
had probably been removed to the mouth of the Scantuck (a mile below the old place)
in 1668. The landing place on the east side was at first above the mouth of the Scan-
tuck. The Bissells did not build on the east side of the river at the old ferry place.
J. H. HAYDEN, 1891.
WINDSOR FERRIES THE BISSELL FERRY.
411.
March 11, 1657. John Bissell, Jr., having managed the country
ferry at Windsor, to entire satisfaction, received from the court a renewal
thereof for ten years, viz. :
"This court doth grant to and agree with John Bissell, Jr., of Windsor, that the
ferry there, over the Great River, shall be and belong to him for the space of 10 years
next ensuing, upon the limitation and terms hereafter expressed, to which he doth in
court agree and engage to attend :
"1. That there shall be always maintained in readiness upon all occasions, an able
and sufficient boat and man for the safe passage of horse and man.
"2.
The said John Bissell shall have 8d. a head for any beast, and 2d. a head for
any person that cometh with them, and 3d. for any single person.
"3. That each Trooper listed and allowed in the Court, and the horse he rides, is
only freed from the ferriage going to Springfield Town, or as far as Springfield Town,
or further.
"4. That no person of Windsor shall have liberty for to help over any person or
beast of any other town, but they shall then pay the ferryman as much as if they were
carried over by him.
"5. Upon consideration with the inhabitants of Windsor, they are to go over the
ferry at half the forementioned price, only that single persons shall pay 3d. per head for
their passage, as before."¹
In March, 1663-4, John Bissell, Jr., applied to the court for a re-
lease from his contract. It was granted, "if the Assistants" at Wind-
sor, should provide "a sufficient man" in his place."
In May, 1668. The court leaves it to the deputies and townsmen of Windsor to
agree and settle a Ferryman there to keep the ferry over the Great River for 7 years,
provided there be no charge come thereby to the county.'
>> 3
This order had not been attended to by the subsequent session of
the court in October, for the Windsor authorities received a very brief
and summary order to attend to it "without delay.”
"94
October 31, 1668. The townsmen consulted with Nathl. Bissell
about keeping the ferry (supposed to be the one across the Connecticut,
as in the same meeting, they engage "a rope for the little ferry"), but
they could not agree as to terms, and the subject was deferred."
May 10, 1677. Nathaniel Bissell received a lease of the Ferry for
seven years from date; "he was always to keep a boat and men ready
to attend the service, and to take for his pains sixpence [for] a horse
and man in silver presently paid [i. e., in cash], or in other pay eight
pence a horse and man.
¹ Col. Rec., i. 310.
2 Col Rec., i. 394.
3 Col. Rec., ii. 183.
4 Col. Rec., ii. 95.
¹ In 1695, the court, in consequence of some overcharges of ferry-rates which had
occurred, established the following tariff of fares: A man, horse, and load, nine pence
in pay, or five pence in money; single man three pence in pay, or two pence in money;
a horse five pence in pay, or three pence in money. (Col. Rec.)
• Col. Rec., ii, 314.
412
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
-
The ferry subsequently reverted to the town.
March 18, 1716. At a town meeting, the Connecticut River Ferry
at Scantic was granted to Jonathan Bissell and Ammi Trumbull, on con-
dition they should carry over the selectmen and collectors free, when
they were upon business, and foot-passengers on lecture days.
In February, 1719-20, the selectmen were ordered to lease it again.
Joseph Baker had the ferry in 1724-5.
In 1726, the ferry was granted to Jonathan and David Bissell for
seven years. They engaged to pass over all who lived north of the Rivu-
let in Windsor, or those who lived north of Stoughton's Brook in East
Windsor, free on Sabbath and lecture days.
January, 1730. It was voted by the town to raise a sum not exceed-
ing £20, for the purpose of having a free ferry at Scantic, but it does
not appear with what success.
The next year, however, Jacob Munsell was the ferryman, and peti-
tioned the legislature for a license to keep accommodation and "strong
drink for the accommodation of travellers."
“At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Windsor, Legally warned, Held
in Windsor, April 27th, 1731. Vouted to raise money (not to exceed Twenty Pounds)
in order to have a free ferry, Crost the Great River at Scantick, for all the Inhabitants of
this Town, for the year Insuing, Said Ferry to be kept from daylight to daylight. The
Committee chosen to look after said affair, are Capt. Job Ellsworth, Lt Sam" Bancroft,
& Capt. Thomas Stoughton. A Question proposed, What was Intended by those words
in the foregoing vout (from daylight to daylight). Vouted and Resolved that it should
be kept from Brak of day, to Evening shut."— Windsor Farmes, 115.
1780. A lease was authorized with Jonathan Roberts "to keep a
good ferry where Scantic ferry is now kept."
1782, February. A similar lease was granted to Azariah Mather,
Jr., for twenty years.
Capt. "Dont (Jonathan] Ellsworth" kept the ferry at one time.
The Wolcott, or Higley Ferry.
In October, 1735, Roger Wolcott, being in need of a ferry for his
own purposes, petitioned the assembly for leave to establish a double
ferry, from the landing place in Plymouth Meadow, across the Rivulet
and the Connecticut River,' to his own land on the eastern bank of the
latter, the East Windsor landing being at rear of the present Enoch Pel-
1 Originally the Tunxis or Rivulet emptied into the Connecticut considerably below
its present mouth. The ferry, landing about where the Rivulet now empties, necessi-
tated another ferry across the Rivulet to reach Plymouth Meadow, and then to "the
Island," otherwise the passengers must drive across the foot of the Great Meadow to
ford, or the ferry about half a mile above. Tradition says that Gov. Wolcott dug a
channel through the neck of land (the present mouth of the Rivulet) to enable him to
land his passengers on Plymouth Meadow, or Great Meadow, as they preferred.
J. H. HAYDEN, 1891,
WINDSOR FERRIES THE WOLCOTT FERRY.
413
I
ton's property. From this ferry was laid out a great highway, twenty
rods in width, as tradition says, extending east to Tolland, and known
from its projector as the "Governor's Road." He offered to make land-
ings and passways on the east side, at his own cost. His request was
granted and the court ordered the town to make three highways, for
which (March, 1726) they were assessed £158 11s. The town protested
against this, alleging that the grant was £1,000 damage to them, and
only benefited Wolcott. Considerable litigation followed, but the future
governor was a rising man, and his influence enabled him to hold his
own; and, it is but just to say that there is evidence that the ferry was
well kept and attended.
2
In January 27, 1735-36, the town "voted that there be a ferry set
up acrost the Connecticutt River neer against the Little Ferry, at the
place called Newberries Landing place." A committee was also chosen
to oppose the petition of Edward Wolcott at the county court, "for a
way from the ferry over the Little River through the Great Meadow to
the point to the ferry that crosseth the Great River."
July 15, 1736, Sergt. William Stoughton, Lieut. Thomas Stoughton,
and Lieut. Wm. Thrall were chosen a committee to negotiate with Major
Wolcott concerning his ferry, and to buy his ferry-house and boat, if they
judged it best, and to "take an acquittance of him of his grant of the
ferry. Also, to purchese a way, from the River to the County Road, on
East side of the River, to accommodate the ferry lately voted to be set
up at Newberrie's Landing for the Town's use and to erect and set up s
Ferry and have the ordering of it, for the current year."— Stoughton
Mss. One year after, July, 1737, the town voted to move the "New
ferry lately set up at Newberry's Landing."
In April, 1738, it was voted to reimburse the July 15, 1736, commit-
tee for the amount (£192 13s. 3d.) which they had expended in the
1 The old Wolcott house was on premises now (1883) occupied by Bartholomew
McGuire; a stone-walled well alone marks the spot.
2 The following undated document, among the Thomas Stoughton Mss., probably
refers to this:
"To the Honourable the Govenour Councell and Representatives in General Court
Assembled.
"We your memorialists humbly move to this Honourable Assembly that they in
their wonted Goodness would Grant unto the Town of Windsor, a pattent of the Antient
Ferry in Windsor, over the Great River at the place known by the name of Scantic ferry
that so it may be under better Reputation than now it is, or can bee while it is onely in
the hands of Any and Every person that will take it, and your memorialists are Incour-
aged to ask this favour and privilege of this honourable Assembly since they have
Lately granted the like favour and privilege to the Worshipfull Roger Wolcott, Esq.,
in Windsor; and hereby your memorialists will be obliged as in Duty bound Ever to
Pray.
"ISRAEL STOUGHTON,
SAMUEL STROng,
Selectmen."
414
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
purchase of Major Wolcott's ferry boats and ferry grants, and purchas-
ing a way for a ferry at Newberry's Landing.
In 1741, Wolcott obtained from the assembly a renewal of his
former grant of a ferry across the Connecticut and Little Rivers,
"where he formerly had it." This was remonstrated against by the
town.
In 1745, the assembly regulated the fares at this ferry, by the fol-
lowing tariff: Across both rivers, 12d. old tenor, for each single passen-
ger; 6d. for each single horse; neat cattle, 8d. per head. Across Con-
necticut River only, man, load, and horse, 10d.; single passenger, 5d.
In 1746 the rate was reduced; man, horse, and load, 4d.; single passen-
ger, 2d. In 1749 the ferry rates on this as well as the Scantic Ferry
were again reduced by legislative action, as follows: Man, horse, and
load, 3d.; single passenger, 1d.; horse, 1d.; neat cattle, 2d. per head;
sheep and swine, d. per head.
In 1769 Erastus Wolcott petitioned the legislature for an increase of
fare, inasmuch as the river was considerably widened. His petition was
granted.
Sometime previous to the revolutionary war this ferry passed into
the hands of the Higley family, by whose name it was afterwards known.
It has long been discontinued.
The Rivulet Ferry.
The history of this ferry, prior to 1700, has been incidentally pre-
sented in the previous chapters of this work. The first item we have
concerning it, subsequent to that date, is a town vote, in December, 1719,
to appropriate £28 for the purpose of building a new ferry house.
In March, 1732, we learn from the Ecclesiastical Society's Records
that "Jacob Munsell desired this society will allow him to set in the
west or lower end of the east flanker seat on the men's side so long as
he shall continue ferryman here, and he may also make a door in the
east end of the said seat." The request was granted. This was evi-
dently for the purpose of getting out, quickly in case of a call to attend
the ferry during Sunday service.
In July, 1737, Lieut. William Thrall made a proposal to build a
bridge" across the Rivulet at the ferry," and a committee was chosen to
consider the matter. The lieutenant was somewhat ahead of his more
conservative neighbors as we find no further mention of a bridge until
April, 1745, at which time a town meeting was warned to consider
"about the Rivulet ferry," and "about a bridge there." The latter was
again negatived. In April, 1748, however, the subject again came before
the town meeting, and it was then agreed that any person or persons
might have liberty to build a bridge, provided they did so at their own
WINDSOR FERRIES — THE RIVULET FERRY.
415
1
3
expense, and made it a free bridge forever! Said persons were to leave
their names with the town clerk within one year from date. In Decem-
ber following, Peletiah Allyn, Daniel Bissell, Isaac Burr, and sundry
others,² announced to the town clerk their intention of accepting this
extremely liberal offer. Accordingly, in 1749, they erected a good cart
bridge the first ever erected across the Tunxis- and made it free. In
1759 it needed repairs or rebuilding, but the town voted "not to build or
repair." Whereupon (December, 1759), the original builders of the
bridge petitioned the assembly that they "would order the town of
Windsor to rebuild or make such repairs as were necessary.5 The as-
sembly did so order (May, 1760), but the refractory and illiberal town
merely contented themselves with making a few slight and temporary
repairs; and thus the matter rested until 1762, when the necessity of a
good, new, and substantial bridge became too imperious to be any longer
evaded.
6
We now find the town of Windsor (March, 1762) petitioning the
assembly for a lottery, to enable them to rebuild the Rivulet bridge.
They state that it is the most costly bridge in the government, being 20
rods long, and 25 feet posts; that money is scarce, owing to the expense
of the war; that societies in the town are destitute of ministers, and
three are building meeting-houses; and that persons stand ready to take
tickets for plank. The assembly therefore authorized a lottery of £250
for the bridge, and £30 for the expense of the said lottery, and appointed
William, Erastus, and Alexander Wolcott, and Capt. Josiah Bissell, as
¹ Town Acts, iii. 78.
2 The names of these bridge builders of 1749 should be preserved in grateful remem-
brance. They are copied from the original petition in the State Archives at Hartford.
(Travel, i. 373, 375.)
Caleb Phelps,
Nathl Mather,
Josiah Loomis,
Timothy Loomis,
John Warner,
John Palmer,
David Barber,
Gideon Barber,
John Roberts,
John Gillet,
Nathl. Filley,
Amos Filley,
Benj. Ellis,
Danl. Bissell,
Isaac Burr,
Daniel Phelps,
Henry Allyn,
Nathl. Loomis,
Job Drake,
Benj. Allyn,
Phinehas Drake,
Ed. Moore,
Seth Youngs,
Joseph Moore,
Benedict Alford,
Wm. Cook,
Josiah Cook,
Alex. Wolcott,
Peletiah Allyn,
Josias Allyn,
Samuel Eno, Esq.
3 The last vote in regard to the ferry was in September, 1755, when the selectmen
were ordered to "take care of, and dispose of the ferry-house, ferry-boat, and rope, for
the best advantage of the town." Town Acts, iii. 85.
4 State Archives, Travel, ii, 369.
5 State Archives, Travel, ii. 370.
6 The town ordered that the selectmen should repair the bridge across the Rivulet,
"not exceeding £10." Town Acts, iii. 89.
416
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
managers.' The drawing took place October 1, 1762, and the bridge was
soon after built.2
It stood until January 1, 1767, when "by a sudden fall of rain, the
ice in the river and brooks in this colony broke up on a sudden and
rushed forward with such impetuosity as to destroy almost everything
that stood in its way, so that very few bridges in the colony could with-
stand its rage, the like of which has not happened within the memory of
man, at which time about one-half of said bridge was carried away with
the ice," and the other half left standing."
Again the town refused to repair it, and 31 individuals petitioned
the assembly, May, 1767, to “order the town" to build anew. They
were accordingly so ordered, and reluctantly complied.*
5
Again, in the winter of 1782-3, this bridge was carried away by a
great freshet, and again the town refused to replace it; so 10 petitioners
pray for assistance from the assembly. That omnipotent body also
received a petition from 43 inhabitants of the Poquonock District, in
which they state (May 7, 1783) that the bridge was built on a sandy
foundation, and has been frequently carried away; and that Poquonock
Society has built a bridge making a nearer road and better accommodat-
ing the travel to Suffield. Therefore, as the lower bridge is "now down
by the ice" and about to be rebuilt, and (in their opinion) little needed,
and obstructs navigation, they request that it may be rebuilt as a swing
bridge. Another petition from 16 persons says that if the river were
kept open for navigation to Poquonock, it would save much land car-
riage. Nineteen masters of coasting vessels also testify that they can
pass up Windsor River as far as Poquonock, and of course prefer the
lower bridge to have a swing.³
5
1
4
All these petitions were referred to a committee, who repaired to
Windsor, examined the facts of the case, and reported as follows:' that
the road through Poquonock was of mile and 60 rods, that it will not
answer for wet seasons, and "the present location is the best; that the
swing bridge is needed by the First and Fourth Societies, and that at
high water vessels can pass up to Poquonnoc, but if these two societies
are compelled to build the bridge, they ought to be at the expense of a
draw. Furthermore, that the town had voted to divide the town into
districts, as Poquonnoc and Wintonbury had maintained their own
bridges, and were urgent, and the others feared that otherwise no vote
¹Petition in Stute Archives, Travel, i. 372, 373.
2 March 9, 1762, "it was voted that the town will take all the tickets of the lottery
for the bridge, not sold by the 1st of October next." Town Acts, iii, 91.
3
³ Petition in State Archives, Travel, ii, 275.
4 By a vote of 51 affirmative to 44 negative.
³ State Archives, iii. 331, 332, 333, 335, 337.
Town Acts, iii.
INNS AND INNKEEPERS.
417.
could be obtained to build as ordered, May, 1767." On the whole, the
committee were of the opinion that it would be better to take care of all
the bridges within their limits. The assembly (June, 1783) ordered the
town to build the lower bridge so as to let vessels pass, and hereafter to
support the other bridges in their limits.
In 1794 a bridge and causeway were erected as part- of the union
contract between the First and Fourth Societies of the town, as more
fully described in Chapter XXVIII. On its site another bridge was built
about 1833 and being carried away in the freshet of 1854, was
replaced by the present one.
Inns were first established by the following order of the court, dated
June 4, 1644:
'Whereas many strangers and passengers that upon occasion have recourse to these
towns, and are straitened for want of entertainment, it is now ordered, that these sev-
eral towns shall provide among themselves in each town one sufficient inhabitant to
keep an ordinary for provision and lodging in some comfortable manner, that such pas-
sengers or strangers may know where to resort; and such inhabitants as by the several
towns shall be chosen for the said service shall be presented to two magistrates, that
they may be judged meet for that employment, and this to be effected by the several
towns within one month, under the penalty of 40s. a month, each month either town
shall neglect it.” ¹
""
The duties of the innkeeper were very fully defined by the Code of
1650, for the court justly remarks that, although there is a necessity of
houses of common entertainment, "yet because there are so many abuses
of that lawful liberty, both by persons entertaining and persons enter-
tained, there is also need of strict laws and rules to regulate such employ-
ment."
So landlords were forbidden to sell any guest more than
half a pint of wine at a time, or to allow them to "continue tippling
over half an hour, or later than nine o'clock at night. All the recognized
grades of drunkenness, from slight mellowness to downright beastly
intoxication, were threatened with fines of proportionate severity. Sec-
ond offenses - always doubly heinous in the eyes of Puritanic justice—
were visited with treble fines, and woe to the unlucky chap who could not
“fork over the cash," for he was then unceremoniously whipped, or else
clapped into the stocks "for three hours, when the weather may not
hazard his life or limbs."
The innkeeper was also specially instructed in regard to making
proper provision for the "beasts" of travelers and guests. In 1686 the
court enacted a strong law against gaming, dancing, and singing in
taverns.
¹ Col. Rec., i. 103.
2 Col. Rec., i. 533.
VOL. I.-53
418
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
2
The first innkeepers' in Windsor, of whom we have any record,
were appointed at a town meeting in December, 1715. They were
Simon Chapman and Eliakim Marshall on the west; and Nathaniel Cook
and the widow Grace Grant on the east side of the Connecticut River.
Of Messrs. Chapman, Marshall, and Cook we have no information. Mrs.
Grant, however, kept tavern in East Windsor until about 1734-5, when
it passed into the hands of her son, Ebenezer Grant, subsequently better
known as Capt. Grant, the leading merchant of the east side of the
town.
The other innkeepers on the east side of the river, before its incor-
poration as a distinct town, were landlord Nathaniel Porter, whose place
was on the west side of the street, a little south and opposite to the
South Middle District School-house.
Captain Joel Loomis also kept tavern about forty rods south of the
Middle School-house, on the west side of the street. After his death his
son, Capt. Giles Loomis, succeeded him in the business for many years.
He built an addition to the house for a Freemasons' Hall. The tavern
was the regular rendezvous for the train band and on these occasions,
says an aged friend, "there would be a great crowd collected, and card-
playing and drinking were not neglected."
Of the ancient taverns of Windsor proper we have collected but few
facts, and those mostly from the cob-webbed memory of garrulous old
folks. More than a hundred years ago Sergeant Samuel Hayden kept a
tavern at the house now occupied by the family of the late Levi Hayden.
The old oak under which his weary guests found a grateful shade is still
a thrifty wide-spreading tree, highly prized by certain individuals whose
childhood's home is sheltered by it. Tradition whispers that Chief Jus-
tice Ellsworth, before he became known to fame, occasionally cracked
jokes and eat apple pie at Sergeant Sam's with the young men of his
time.
In later years Pickett's Tavern, which stood a few rods from the
former, acquired a wide-spread fame. These taverns were located but a
quarter of a mile from Windsor Plains, across which lay the great thor-
oughfare between Hartford and the north and east. Here the highway
¹There are several notices of licenses granted by the court to various persons to sell
wine and liquors, but it is uncertain whether they were innkeepers. In 1664 the record
says: This court grants Sam'l Gibbs a license to sell nine or ten quarter casks of wine
by the gallon to his neighbors or those that will buy it; and he freely presents the court
with an anchor of the best of his wine, which the court desires him to leave with the
governor."
In the lease of the country ferry at Windsor to John Bissell, in 1648, is a clause
granting him the privilege of entertaining and receiving recompense from such travel-
ers as may not find it convenient to go to the ordinary.
2 He was assessed, in 1720, £5 for keeping tavern on the north side of the Rivulet.
INNS AND İNNKEEPERS.
419
leaves the river, to avoid bridging the streams, and passes between the
heads of the brooks which flow on one side into the Connecticut, and on
the other into the Rivulet. Not a stream crosses the road in the distance
of five miles; and, after rising the hill, the road was almost perfectly level
and straight, without a house upon it. Midway, at a spring beside the
road, stood an old oak, known far and wide as the Old Smoking
Tree. Here travelers, and especially teamsters,' made a halt in summer
to water and feed their cattle and smoke their pipes. Forty years ago
an old man, bearing a knapsack marked U. S. A., who had preferred the
old familiar track to the New Road, stopped at the house which once
bore Sergeant Sam's sign, to ask a little refreshment before ascending
the plain. While partaking of the cheer set before him he asked many
questions about the localities he had known long years before. When
told that the Old Smoking Tree had been cut down, the ire of the old
veteran was roused, and the deep curses he uttered against the vandal
who cut it witnessed that the fatigues of another revolutionary war
would have been cheerfully undergone to bring the author of so grievous
an outrage to condign punishment.
All travelers, with one notable exception, whether going north or
south, stopped at Sergeant Sam's, and, after his day, at Pickett's, for
refreshment, whether the Plains lay before them or were already passed.
The exception to this general rule was Gen. George Washington. On
the 21st of October, 1789, Washington, then President of the United
States, passed through Windsor on his New England tour, and the follow-
ing sentence appears in his journal of that date: "Between Windsor and
Suffield you pass through a level, barren, uncultivated plain for several
miles.” 2
We think it unfortunate for the Plains that he did not stop at
Pickett's as he would then have had a fresher start; and, we fancy, would
have omitted the words barren, uncultivated; and, looking beyond the
shrub-oaks which skirted the road, would have seen (with prophetic
eye, at least), large fields of Indian corn and rye, or might have
sweetened the uncultivated fields with the mention of strawberries, and
the wood with whortleberries. But he had that morning breakfasted
with his old friend, Judge Ellsworth, a mile or so below. We would not
have the reader infer that we have any doubts about the breakfast; it
was a good, substantial one, the best the times afforded, but it is not un-
likely that they both discussed the affairs of the nation with more inter-
1
¹A hundred years ago much of the produce from the north which found a market
at Hartford was conveyed over this and other roads by ox teams.
2 Rev. Samuel Davis' Journal of a Tour to Connecticut, in autumn of 1789 (Mass.
Hist. Soc. Proceed. 1869–70, pp. 13, 14), also mentions "Pickett's Inn, 18 miles from
Springfield.
Between Springfield and Windsor there is a long tract of pine
woods, through which the road leads, a growth of wood very common to this region,
I believe."
420
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
est and solicitude than they did the eatables which the Judge's accom-
plished lady had set before them.
46
Capt. Dont [Jonathan] Ellsworth," kept for many years a famous
tavern, half a mile north of the meeting-house, on the spot now owned
by the heirs of the late Joel Thrall.
In later days taverns have been at various times kept at the places
now occupied by Mr. Thaddeus Mather, Mr. Hayden Filley, Judge H.
Sill, and Mr. Lemuel Welch. There was also a Bissell's Stage House above
Major Ellsworth's place, and a half-way house on the road between
Windsor and Hartford, kept by the father of the present mayor of the
latter place.
The subject of taverns is suggestive of the following anecdote, illus-
trative of the men and manners of days gone by. There was a custom
among the young people, in the early days of Connecticut, of stealing the
bride, as it was.termed. When a young couple were to be married, those
of their acquaintance who were not invited to the wedding would some-
times combine, go stealthily to the house where the ceremony was cele-
brating, and, watching for a favorable opportunity, rush in, seize the
bride, carry her out, and placing her upon a horse behind one of the
party, gallop off with her to some neighboring tavern, where music, sup-
per, etc., had been bespoken. If the capture and flight were successful,
and the captors succeeded in reaching their rendezvous at the tavern
without being overtaken by the wedding party, the night was spent in
dancing and feasting at the expense of the bridegroom. Mr. Elisha Gris-
wold, of Simsbury, a descendant of Old Windsor, used, in his later years,
to relate with much glee, the particulars of one of these bride-stealings,
in which he was a principal actor. It seems that a certain couple were
to be married in Simsbury, and Mr. Griswold, with others of their
acquaintance who had not been honored with an invitation, resolved
upon retaliation by stealing the bride. Accordingly, on the evening of
the wedding, having first ordered a nice supper and engaged the music,
etc., very privately, at a tavern at Turkey Hills, himself with two or
three others went into the neighborhood of the bride's residence. Here
they reconnoitered, but, as the party was large and the rooms crowded,
they were obliged to watch for some time before the favorable opportu-
nity presented itself. At length, however, the evening being warm and
beautiful, the company gradually withdrew from the house and dispersed
through the grounds and garden which surrounded it. Through a win-
dow they could see the bride, distinguished by her bridal dress, almost
alone in the parlor. Now was their chance. One or two of the surprise
party quietly entered the dwelling by a back door. To seize the bride
and bear her out to where their confederates were holding the horses,
and to place her behind one of the party on horseback, was but the work
OLD WEDDING CUSTOMS TREES.
421
of an instant. In another moment they were speeding over the road to
Turkey Hills with a swiftness which almost defied pursuit. But to their
surprise, the whole wedding party seemed also to have sprung to their
saddles, and were almost immediately in pursuit, as their loud voices and
the clear ring of their horses' hoofs too plainly told. The race was ex-
citing; their laboring horses seemed not to gain one inch on their pur-
suers; but at last they reached the tavern, dismounted, carried their fair
prize into the hall, and had just time to arrange the dance when the
wedding party arrived. The music struck up, the dance began, but the
astonishment of the gallant captors can scarcely be imagined when they
discovered for the first time that the supposed bride wore men's boots,
and that her steps and movements were altogether too masculine
and antic to comport with the dress and known refinement of the real
bride. It then flashed upon them that they had been awfully sold; the
whole wedding party now came rushing into the hall, laughing and ex-
ulting with the greatest glee. It seems that the friends of the bride had
suspected or learned of the attempt to be made upon her, and had pur-
posely dressed up one of the young men and left him exposed in the parlor,
having their horses also in instant readiness for pursuit. The hilarious
scene that followed the denouement was amusing. The whole thing was
taken in perfect good humor, the dancing and supper were very highly
enjoyed, and the company broke up and dispersed at a very late hour
the kidnappers paying all expenses. And for years after they had to
bear the laughs and jokes of the neighborhood for having the "lobby
turned upon them."
We have heard of another instance in which the joker unexpectedly
became the victim. The bride in this case was the heroine of the story.
Mrs. C., of East Windsor, on her wedding night was stolen from her
husband and friends, placed in a sleigh (for it was winter season), and
driven by her abductors to a distant tavern. While they were at table
she contrived in some manner to elude their observation for a few
moments, let herself out of a back window, went to the barn, helped her-
self to a horse and cutter, and was far on her homeward road before her
captors even dreamed that she was absent.
1
Trees. The oldest tree in Windsor, perhaps, is the old cedar, the
stump of which now stands in the door-yard of the Chief Justice Ells-
worth place. Tradition says that it was one of the original forest trees ;'
and that, for several of the first generations of settlers, it was the rally-
ing spot for the hunters when they made a general hunt. High in its
branches hung an immense pair of deer's antlers, which disappeared some
fifty years since. Lieut. Joseph Stiles's house stood a little north of this
¹ See also, page 145, for reference to original forest trees on Rocky Hill.
422
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
tree, and its foundations were dug up by the plow in the summer of
1858. This tree was blown down in November, 1877, and its available
wood was carefully husbanded and manufactured into chairs and other
articles of use and ornament, to be distributed among the members of the
Ellsworth family.
The beautiful elms in Broad Street were set out in 1755¹ by a
respectable citizen of Windsor, who afterwards fell from grace by reason
of dissipation, and was publicly whipped, on two several occasions, at two
of his own trees. The peculiar indignity of the punishment rankled deep
in his memory, and subsequently, when in want of wood, he threatened
to cut down the trees at which he had been punished. Afterwards, in
his drunken moods, he used to threaten the destruction of the remain-
ing trees, but was always bought off by old Squire Allyn with a cord of
wood and some cider.
The "Old Smoking Tree" and the "Hayden Oak," both relics of
the primeval forest, have already been alluded to. While on the topic
of trees, we cannot refrain from presenting an extremely interesting
article by J. Hammond Trumbull, LL.D., of Hartford, which was first
published in the Hartford Press, entitled:
Early Apples and Old Cider- A Windsor Orchard in 1650. Josselyn, on his first
visit to New England in 1638-9, found "not one apple-tree nor pear planted yet, in no
part of the country, except on Governor's Island in Boston Harbor, where he procured
half a score of very fair pippins." In the account of his second voyage, some thirty
years later, he says that our fruit trees prosper abundantly, apple trees, quince trees,
cherry trees, plum trees, barberry trees," and he " observed with admiration that the
kernels sown or the suckers planted produce as fair and good fruit, without graffing, as
the tree from whence they were taken; the country is replenished with fair and large
orchards." On his return to England in 1671 he was told by Mr. Henry Wolcott, of
Windsor (who was a fellow passenger), that "he made five hundred hogsheads of Syder
out of his own orchard in one year.' 'Syder," adds Josselyn, "is very plentiful in
the country, ordinarily sold for ten shillings a hogshead."
Mr. Wolcott's apple orchard was one of the first, and, for many years, was proba-
bly the largest in the Connecticut Valley. It was in bearing before 1649, and his cider-
presses were at work in 1650. For twenty years afterwards he supplied young trees,
summer and winter apples, and cider by the hogshead, gallon or pint, not only to his
neighbors at Windsor, but to other towns in the vicinity, and occasionally for exporta-
tion to other colonies. The account book in which he entered, year by year, the product
of his orchard, the sales of trees and grafts, the times of making cider &c., is still extant.
To save paper, or to conceal his profits from the eyes of prying neighbors, these accounts
were kept in short-hand. From this book are derived the following particulars, which
may not be without interest to our agricultural and horticultural readers.
The first entry is :
“A note of several sorts of apples I had grown, 1649," under which the quantity
gathered from each tree of the old and new orchard is carefully entered : “Of the
earliest apples, 1 bushel; of 2 early sorts of sour apples in the new orchard, 1 bushel; of
¹The date of erection was cut on a small iron plate and affixed to one of the trees,
which was afterwards in its old age blown over, and the plate was then placed on an-
other in front of the residence of H. S. Hayden.
TREES AND FRUIT CULTURE.
423
the summer pippin, by well, 4 bushel; of the Holland pippin, 11 bushel; of the Pear-
main, 15 bushel; of the 4 trees of winter apples (of the tree next John Loomis's 21
bushel, the next 6); 19 bushel; of the 4 trees of Bellybonds [as Mr. Wolcott spelled the
name of an old favorite; Bellibone was the English form of the French Belle et bonne], 6
bushel and 1 peck; of the London pippin, 14 bushel; of Mr. Allen's green apples, in the
lower side of the orchard, 2 bushel," &c. Total, for 1649, 91 bushel.
In 1650, the orchard yielded 212 bushel, the greater part of which was made into
cider, which was sold at 1s 8d per gallon, and £4 4s per hogshead; the apples bringing
from 6s to 8s per bushel. Three bushels were "sold at the Faire," for £1:7. 31 gallons
of boiled cider sold at 28 6d. This year, a half bushel of quinces is charged at 4s.
In 1651,
1652,
1653,
1654,
1
1
Bush.
producing
496
£117:12
including Cider.
£40: 5
452
92: 18
72:10
1127
19:10
1588
The price of apples had gradually fallen from 8s, in 1650, to 2s 6d, and 3s in 1654;
and of cider from 1s 8d, to 1s 4d per gallon, or £1 108 per barrel. [In October, 1674, the
General Court ordered that no innholder should ask more than 4d a quart for cider; so
the retail price seems to have remained nearly constant, from 1650; though Josselyn
tells us it was sold, in 1671, at 10s a hogshead.]
In 1653, wheat sold at 4s, rye at 3s, and Indian corn at 2s per bushel. By these
standards, it is easy to compare the prices of apples and cider, or other luxuries, of that
day with this. Occasional credits on Mr. Wolcott's book show that he exchanged a
part of the produce of his orchard for sack [Spanish wine] at 6s per gallon, white wine
at 18s, strong water at 3s per quart, &c. Venison at 1s 6d for a quarter, of 9 lbs. and
38 10d for one of 16 lbs.; 32 lbs. Sugar (a rare luxury), at 7d per lb. "The forbearance
of £24 for one year" is charged at £1 18s, or at the rate of 1s 7d per pound (7½ per
cent).
Here are a few entries of sales from the nursery and orchard, showing that Mr.
Wolcott was doing a tolerably large business in trees and fruit at this early period.
1650, July. To Mr. Gisbert [Gysbert op Dyck, perhaps who had formerly been
commander of the Dutch Fort, in Hartford], 50 bush. apples, £11 17s 6d.
Oct. 18. To the same, 100 peare trees, £5.
1651. Aug. 22. "George Phelps bought halfe my thousand of young trees for which
he is to pay me two pence per tree to be paide halfe in wheate and halfe in pease, in
March" &c., £4. 3s 4d.
July 17. 'Sold Joseph Magget [Mygatt, of Hartford] a parcel of young trees,”
£22 10s.
Sept. To the same, 500 trees, £4.
1652. Sept. 14. Sold to Mr. Goodyeare [the deputy governor of New Haven], 100
bushels of apples, to be delivered presently, £20.
20 blls. cider, to be delivered the 10th of October next, £40.
1653. Wm. Edwards "owes, for a cow, 32 cider barrels to be delivered at the land-
ing place, by Sept. 12th."
For aught we know, some of Mr. Wolcott's apple or pear trees are
yet bearing fruit in their season.
From inns we naturally glide into the cognate subject of
424
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Stores, Trade, Commerce, etc.- For, in those early days, as now,
tavern-keeping and trading were often carried on by the same persons.
The notes which we have gathered relative to this subject are exceedingly
scanty, yet sufficient to show us conclusively that Windsor, in the early
colonial days, was a leading commercial town and port of entry. This
position it held until subsequent to the revolution, when its neighbor,
Hartford," took a start" and left poor Windsor quite in the background.
The WOLCOTTS were probably the first and most extensive merchants
here, especially HENRY WOLCott, Jr. JOSIAH WOLCOTT was a large
merchant in 1681. He had land "laid out by Samuel Grant, Town
Measurer, 20 feet square, on which to set a warehouse, on the hillside
adjoining Wid. Marshall's fence, being on the North end at the West
side of the grant-where an old cellar stands that was built by Geo.
Phelps by [i. e. near] the Wid. Marshall, her warehouse.”
MICHAEL HUMPHREY was quite a merchant as early as 1662.
Among the papers in the State Archives are many inventories, etc., of
goods shipped by his brothers Samuel and Henry Rose, merchants of St.
Malo.
Captain NEWBERRY and GEORGE GRISWOLD had warehouses here in
1679 on the north side of the Rivulet, near the ferry: and, about the same
time, GEORGE and CHRISTOPHER SAUNDERS were traders to England and
the West Indies.
In 1720 MATTHEW GRANT, on the east side of the river, was
assessed £40 "faculty and vessell"; Captain Timothy Thrall was
assessed £40, and Captain Daniel White £20 for "trading." Both
resided north of the Little River.
TIMOTHY LOOMIS makes the following entry in his Common Place
Book: “1739, I sent 221 weight of tobacco to Barbadoes in the sloop,
The Windsor, whereof 20 pounds was my son Timothy's." Half a mile
below Hayden's Station was Master John Hayden's ship-yard; and
another at the Rivulet ferry.
Mr. JAMES MACKMAN was a very considerable merchant from about
1690 to 1698, when he died; and, about same time, and later, Mr. JOHN
ELIOT, who married his widow.
Still later, Capt. ROGER NEWBERRY was a prosperous merchant in
Windsor, on the place now owned by Dr. Preston, of Hartford. After
his death in the Cuba Expedition, in 1740, his widow received a pension
from the English government, which she had transmitted to her in goods
instead of money, and so continued the store many years after her hus-
band's decease. Her account books are yet preserved in Bloomfield.
Prior to and during the revolution—or in other words during
Windsor's palmiest mercantile days-the Palisado Green was the
"commercial center" of Windsor. Here was the great firm of HOOKER
Maoli

CAPTAIN JAMES HOOKER.
JorM
STORES, TRADE, COMMERCE.
425
*
& CHAFFEE, known through the length and breadth of the country for
its extensive dealings and its high mercantile honor. The following
sketch of this Windsor firm has been furnished for our pages by EDWARD
HOOKER, Esq., Commander U. S. N. See also the Hooker Genealogy in
the genealogical portion of this work.
"James and Horace Hooker, sons of Nathaniel Hooker, of Hartford, received their
early mercantile training in their father's business house; and at an early age they com-
menced business at Windsor, very probably at first as an extension of their father's busi-
ness, in which they always retained an interest. After his death they alternated in the
superintendence of the Hartford house, and went back and forth with such regularity
that some wag gave them name of the "Two Buckets," alluding to the custom of put-
ting the well-rope over a wheel and attaching a bucket at each end, so that when one
bucket was coming up the other was going down.
Soon after coming to Windsor they associated with them Mr. John Chaffee, and
the firm of Hookers & Chaffee' became an exceedingly prosperous one, and widely
known through all the region around for its prompt and energetic business habits, its
high moral standing, and its strict and unswerving integrity.
"Their ships principally in the West India trade, but some of them going to other
commercial points, — discharged their cargoes upon the Windsor wharves, and made
commercial life aud activity upon the water front. It was largely through the influ-
ence of Mr. James Hooker that Windsor was made a port of entry.¹
<<
Previous to the revolutionary war this firm was one of the greatest and most exten-
sively connected of all the business bouses in this part of the country, and its members,
all courteous and genial gentlemen, and highly esteemed by all who knew them,
were renowned for their ardent patriotism. Mr. James Hooker sold out his interest
to the other partners, though his fortune still remained largely in the hands of the firm.
"When the 'Boston Port Bill' was passed they opened their stores for the reception
of provisions and material in aid of the Boston people; and Mr. James Hooker was
appointed by the town one of a committee for collecting aid for the distressed city.
When the war commenced their stores were made a depot for collection of supplies for
the army. Mr. James Hooker was commissioned a captain in recognition of his active
services. They promptly responded to the calls for financial assistance, and freely
advanced their money to help the government in its hour of need, while the families of
those who had shouldered the musket found ever helpful friends at the great store.
When the war came to a close these patriotic men found their business almost
ruined, their funds gone, and the fact forcibly presented to them that they must com-
mence life over again, and build up their trade anew. Cheerfully and with prompt
energy they set about the task, which, from the impoverished condition of the country,
was rendered a much more difficult one than it had been in their younger days. Their
high character and mercantile integrity were greatly to their advantage, and their
prospects for success were bright and cheering, when the 'French spoliations' fell with
remorseless weight upon them. Their ships were swept away, and the great firm,
crushed by the weight of adversity, succumbed to overpowering misfortune and passed
out of existence.
"The settlement was entrusted to Mr. Chaffee, and Mr. Horace Hooker removed to
western New York, and finally found a home at Sackett's Harbor. Without doubt Mr.
James Hooker aided Mr. Chaffee in the settlement and the work of honorably closing
the business affairs, and saving what could be saved from the wreck; and, though
even to this day the money advanced to the government, and the losses by the French
¹Windsor by the Acts of U. S. Congress (viz.: 4 August, 1790, and 2 March, 1799),
was made a Port of Entry.-F. E. Mather.
VOL. I.-54
426
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
spoliations has never been repaid, the affairs of the great firm were honorably and sat-
isfactorily adjusted.
'Mr. James Hooker settled down to quiet but active participation in public
duties. To the needy and unfortunate he was ever ready to give counsel and advice
in their troubles, and such more substantial aid as he could bestow; and thus, in
peace and quiet, with love and respect from all, his years sped along until December 10,
1805, when he quietly passed away, sincerely mourned by all, but by none more so than
by the great army of the poor to whom he had been so truly a friend.”
5
The Chaffee and Hooker houses are now standing on the eastern
side of the Green; the former retains much of its pristine appearance;
the latter has been somewhat remodeled and modernized, and is occu-
pied by Deacon Woodford. North of this, and a little back from the
street, stood the old store, packing houses, etc. Their trade was large.
From every portion of the country there was constantly pouring in large
supplies of horses, beef cattle,.wheat, and produce of all and every sort.
The Green was often heaped with goods of all kinds which had been
received, or were being shipped. An eye-witness assures us that from
her window she has counted as many as thirty teams in the road waiting
their turn. Old people even now love to dwell upon the theme. "They
sometimes retailed a hogshead of molasses in a single day." "They did
a larger business than any house in Hartford at the time," are some of
the expressions which fall from their lips.
Nothing seemed to come amiss to their mill; notes at thirty days
were given in exchange, and always promptly paid; while under the
bank of the Little River near by,' lay many-sometimes six or seven
coasting vessels, and generally some larger English or West India ves-
sels. A letter from Oliver Welles to Mr. Peter Verstille, merchant at
Boston, dated Windsor, 12 April, 1773, says: "Ezra Webb is not yet
heard of; the rest of our sea vessels are all returned, and it was really a
pleasant sight to sec seven (from our steeple) coming up thro' the meadow
at once, all near at equal distances." Their trade to Liverpool and the
West Indies was at that time very extensive, and during some parts of
the year the Little River was quite full of vessels, loading and unloading,
and the Green was lively with hearty sea-captains and bronzed and jolly
sailors. Several of these captains resided here, amomg whom was Capt.
NATHANIEL HOWARD, father of the late Major Howard and of William
Howard. He always brought home a little stock of fine silks and choice.
goods from his various voyages, and his wife kept store in the building
now occupied by the Misses Stiles. It is related of her that she was
remarkable for dressing well, which excited the envy of some of her
'There being at that time no bridge at Hartford to obstruct the navigation of the
river, Windsor was a port of entry, and West India and other goods were, during a
part of the year, landed at the Rivulet ferry.
STORES, TRADE, COMMERCE.
427
less fortunate neighbors; and that when on one occasion she sported an
umbrella, which the captain had brought from furrin parts, and which
was the first article of the kind ever seen here, she was followed by sev-
eral of her fellow-citizen-esses, in a spirit of derision, carrying sieves
elevated on the tops of broom-handles, etc.! William Howard afterward
traded here, and kept the post-office. The business had previously been
carried on under the name of Howard & Alford.
At MATSON'S Store, which stood a few rods from Pickett's Tavern,
a comparatively large business was done, down to about the beginning of
the century. A few years before this the amount of business was $40,000
per annum. They dealt largely in Turk's Island salt, which, during high
water in the Connecticut, was landed direct from the West Indies and
exchanged for northern produce. The old salt-room of the store is still
cold and damp.
There was also a store (built by Major ELLSWORTH) on the site of
Dr. Wilson's former house. Lieut. Jonathan Ellsworth, son of Josiah
and grandfather of Judge Oliver, born in 1669, and died 13 Sept., 1749,
in the 81st year of his age, resided in an old house (which had been pulled
down before 1802), and upon the spot afterwards occupied by his grand-
son, Lieut. David Ellsworth. He kept there a tavern for many years,
and also a small store of West India goods, rum, etc. He was an enter-
prising man, and much concerned in public affairs. He was a man of
very sound sense, and also noted for his sharp wit, which gained him the
name of "Hector" Ellsworth. His death was caused by being thrown
from his horse while riding in Windsor street. In person he was very
tall, large, and of strong constitution.
One STRONG traded on the site of the second house south of the
Misses Stiles.
But the palmy days were destined to pass away from Windsor.
In addition to the failure of the Hookers, the erection of a bridge across
the Connecticut at Hartford also damaged the interests of Windsor, and
she gradually fell behind in the race.
Few vessels came up above Hartford bridge after 1820. An amus-
ing story of the last days of the quarrel between Windsor and Hartford,
to which this bridge gave rise, is still told. It seems that the first bridge
erected there had a draw in its center, but, being destroyed by a freshet,
it was replaced by another bridge having its draw (a drop draw) at the
western end, next to the city. Just below the draw, Lyman's wharf ex-
tended into the river, at which vessels were always loading and unload-
ing, so that Windsor vessels were much hindered in getting through the
gap. On one occasion Mr. Alford, of the firm of Howard & Alford, was
dropping down the stream in one of his vessels, and, coming to the bridge,
was refused passage by the bridgemaster, on the ground that the way
428
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
below the bridge was blocked up by vessels at Lyman's wharf. Alford,
however, insisted on the draw being raised, saying that he would look
out for a passage, he could get along. Finally, up went the draw-
Alford dropped down the stream, but just as he had got in the gap under
the bridge, he slipped an anchor, and loudly declared he couldn't go any
further —even if he did go through the draw that the way was
obstructed by the vessels below. The bridge keeper swore and fumed,
the draw could not be dropped so long as the vessel was under it — the
current of teams and passengers across the bridge was obstructed, and
becoming every moment more impatient and numerous-but imperturb-
able skipper Alford, as cool as a cucumber, held his place — protesting
his willingness, but his inability to budge an inch further. Finding him
firm, the Hartford folks made it convenient to move some of their vessels
out into the stream, and then the Windsor captain floated down the river
exulting.
In 1859 the only stores in Windsor were H. S. Hayden's (formerly
Loomis & Sheldon's and originally Col. James Loomis'), on Broad
Street Green, and a little shop in the southwest corner of the Palisado
Green, kept by Mr. Fenton.
Ship-Building. -Timothy Loomis's Common-place book records
that, "The first sloop raised in Windsor was on the 19th day of Decem-
ber, 1723. Mr. Ja W, Master Workman. Said sloop was lancht May
7, 1724. The boat belonging to said sloop was launched May 28, 1724."
"
Hayden's shipyard, owned by Master John Hayden, who came
from Essex, Conn., about the close of the revolutionary war, was situated
at the present old red house, half a mile from Hayden Station. There
was also a shipyard at the Rivulet ferry. These, together with three yards
on the east side of the river, at Warehouse Point, the mouth of Scantic
River, and at Higley's Ferry, were used for ship-building until 1820, or
thereabouts. From General F. E. MATHER of New York city we learn
that "about 1810 Allyn M. Mather built a ship near the 'Stone Bridge
on the Island road; later Howard & Alford built one at the Rivulet
Ferry'. The launching of vessels from any of these yards was always
quite a matter of interest to the towns-folk, who repaired in large numbers
to witness the scene. One old gentleman, however, was wont to exclaim
that he couldn't see what there was so wonderful in a ship launch; as
for his part he "would just as lief see a turtle slip off an old log into
the water."
6
In this connection we present some interesting facts concerning the
early navigation of the Connecticut above Hartford, condensed from a
EARLY NAVIGATION ON THE CONNECTICUT.
429
paper by our friend, Mr. Jabez H. Hayden of Windsor Locks, published
in the Hartford Courant of 26th May, 1886:
In 1636, three years after Captain Holmes, Mr. Pynchon commenced the settle-
ment of Springfield, and the vessel, with his supplies, sailed up six miles further, to
the foot of Enfield Falls, beyond which his vessel could not be taken. From this point
land carriage was provided to Springfield, fourteen miles; and when he afterwards built
a warehouse to facilitate unloading and loading his vessel, the landing was known as
Warehouse Point, a name still retained for that locality. Mr. Pynchon's vessel was
here on the breaking out of the Pequot war, May, 1637, and the General Court of Con-
necticut pressed it into service. "It was ordered that Mr. Pincheon's shallopp shall be
employed [in this design.]"
When larger boats than Indian canoes were first used above the falls is unknown,
but there came a time when they made flat-boats (scows), which they were able to take
over the rapids and pass and repass by water from Warehouse Point to Springfield.
One hundred years ago much of the freight for the up-river towns was re-shipped from
sloops at Warehouse Point, and thence sent forward by scows. A warehouse was then
standing about forty rods south of the new bridge, and all the evidence tends to prove
that that was the site of Mr. Pynchon's warehouse.
+
A person born at Pinemeadow, now Windsor Locks, in 1776, told me that she on
one occasion counted sixteen sloops at Warehouse Point. During high water in the spring
three or four at a time were not unusual. After the bridge across the Connecticut was
built at Hartford in 1809, it proved so serious an obstruction that fewer sloops went
beyond Hartford, and soon nearly all the up-river freight was stopped and reshipped
at Hartford. As late as 1820 it required many boats to supply all the towns along the
river in Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire. These boats carried a square
mainsail and topsail, which was only useful before the wind. When the wind was not
favorable they propelled their boats along by the shore by poling, a slow and tedious
process.
-
At night the boats were "tied up"; the men went on shore and sought food and
lodging at some farm house The capacity of the boats was from twelve to eighteen
tons. A boat arriving at Warehouse Point discharged all above fifteen tons of her
freight when the wind was favorable, and all above twelve tons when there was a head
wind. The fallsmen, employed at one dollar each, added to the crew, made one man
per ton of freight when a boat was poled over the falls. The freight that had been taken
off at Warehouse Point to lighten the boat was carted around the falls by teams to
Thompsonville, where it was again taken on board. The boatmen sometimes remained
at Hartford, waiting for a fair wind, until there was quite a fleet of boats. I have
counted more than thirty of them in a single day, running up to the falls before a south
wind.
In 1822 a charter was granted for the Farmington canal, to run from New Haven
to the Connecticut river at Northampton, with a view to supply that place and the
towns above on the river leaving Hartford out in the cold The business men of
Hartford were unwilling-to relinquish their “up-the-river trade," and in 1824 they, too,
obtained a charter for a canal. Theirs was the Connecticut River Company, with
authority to build a canal around Enfield Falls, and, with the co-operation of Massa-
chusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire, "to improve the navigation to the sources of
the Connecticut River and Lake Memphremagog in Vermont." The passenger busi-
ness on the Erie canal had proved a success, and to show the feasibility of establishing
a steamboat line for freight and passengers along the Connecticut, the Connecticut
River Company contracted in August, 1824, “for a steamboat to navigate the river
above this place" (Hartford). This was the steamboat Barnet, launched at New York
September 23, which arrived at Hartford November 15. About a week later the first
steamboat that went above Hartford steamed up to Warehouse Point. I was out gun-
430
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
ning that day with another lad of my own age (fourteen), and a man who had driven
up from Hartford to Hayden station told us that the steamboat was coming. We
reached the river in good time, and awaited her arrival. There was a fusilade of mus-
ketry below on both sides of the river. We tried to make our guns speak as loudly as
cannons, and burned all our powder in heavy charges while the boat was passing, and
the crowd of men and boys who had joined us shouted themselves hoarse.
One man
walked along the shore some distance, and found that the boat went against the stream
"almost as fast as a man could walk." The exhaust steam from the engine was heard
from a great distance. One little boy in our crowd, supposing it a thing of life, said
to his mother when he reached home: "It was so tired that it puffed, and it puffed,
and couldn't hardly get along." A like enthusiastic reception awaited the boat to the
highest point reached on the river.
The first effort to get the Barnet over the falls was a failure. It left Warehouse
Point well-manned, and with much labor it was carried nearly up to the island, a few
rods above the railroad bridge. It then returned to Hartford, and on the 27th of No-
vember again steamed up to Warehouse Point, and the next day, with a scowboat
lashed on each side, well filled with fallsmen (thirty) with their poles, they set forth,
and this time were successful, and the boat reached Springfield that night. The boat
reached Brattleboro, Vt., December 12th, and set out on the return to Hartford on the
14th, and arrived on the 19th. The successful trip had demonstrated all that was an-
ticipated, and the event was celebrated by a great supper at Mr. John Morgan's coffee
house, many guests from Springfield and other towns being present. Still New Haven
believed that the Farmington canal was to be the gateway to the sea.
In the summer of 1828 the steamboat Blanchard was built at Springfield, the
first (?) stern-wheel boat. She made her trial trip up the river in August. On the
10th of September the Blanchard arrived at Hartford with about fifty passengers, and
left on her return next morning at 9 o'clock. There was no line of passenger boats be-
tween Hartford and Springfield before the canal was opened. When that event was
celebrated, November 11, 1829, the steamer Blanchard brought a party from Hart-
ford, and others came in carriages to the lower locks, where they were met by gentle-
men from Springfield and elsewhere, who came down through the canal on the steamer
Vermont ("recently returned from her excursion to Windsor, Vt."). After locking the
steamer through into the river, they locked her back. Two scow-boats had been fitted
up for the excursion through the canal, and horses provided. I well remember the re-
quest of Mr. Thomas Blanchard of Springfield, the builder of the boat, when we were
expecting to be invited to come aboard. He politely invited us young men not to come
on the steamer because he wanted room for all the stockholders of the canal, to show them
that the stern-wheel steamer was adapted to use on the canal " because it did not wash
the banks." The steamer led the procession, followed by the two scows well filled. At
the head of the canal the Vermont steamed on to Springfield with the company she
brought, and the stockholders returned with us to the lower locks. There were sixteen
freight boats passed through that first day the canal was filled.
►
The steamboat Massachusetts at one time ran as a passenger boat; it was too large
to pass through the locks of the canal, but powerful enough to run up over the falls.
Later the steamboat Agawam, Captain Peck, made daily trips between Springfield and
Hartford, landing and taking on passengers at the stopping places between. The
Agawam and her commander were made famous by Dickens's account of his passage in
her from Springfield to Hartford, 1842 (?). If Dickens's trip had been up instead of down
the river, he might have had another item to add. I have seen Captain Peck when the
water was extremely low step over into the river on Scantic bar, and with a lever lift
upon the boat to carry it over the sand into deeper water beyond.
The completion of the railroads soon ended the freighting and passenger business
by water, except a few large boats of about 75-ton capacity still bringing some heavy

ورد
THE OLD MOORE HOUSE, BROAD STREET GREEN, WINDSOR,

THE OLD ALLYN HOUSE, BROAD STREET GREEN, WINDSOR.

ورات
FETY:
QURN-
Residence of Judge H. Sidney Hayden.
VIEW ON BROAD STREET GREEN, WINDSOR, CONN.
Grace (Episcopal) Church.
OLD AND NOTABLE HOUSES.
431
freight to Windsor Locks and Warehouse Point, but could not be run up or down over
the falls in extreme low water.
Old Houses. The dwellings of the first settlers were undoubtedly
dug-outs (see p. 33), succeeded soon by log-cabins, such as the western
emigrant of to-day erects on his new claim. These were followed, as the
circumstances of their owners improved, by a better class of houses, two
stories high, containing two square large rooms above and below, with a
chimney in the center, and steep roofs. Some of these houses had a
porch in front, about ten feet square, of the same height as the main part
of the building. This porch formed a room overhead, and the lower
part was either enclosed or left open, and supported by pillars, according
to the fancy of the occupant. Of this description was the house of Rev.
Mr. Hooker, of Hartford, and of Rev. Timothy Edwards, of (East)
Windsor. At a later period, as the necessities of growing families
increased, and they needed more room, the scants or lean-to was added
to the rear of the house, leaning towards the upright part, and continuing
the roof down to the height of the first story. This afforded a kitchen,
buttery, and bedroom. This, with an addition to the chimney of a fire-
place, for a kitchen, became the established order of domestic architect-
ure. Examples of this kind of house will be found in the old MOORE and
ALLYN houses, which stand nearly opposite to each other on Broad Street
Green. The former, of which we present a likeness on the opposite page,
taken from a drawing made some years since, was built by old Deacon
John Moore, and presented so says tradition to his son John as a
set-out on his marriage day, A.D. 1690. It was in its day, and even
within the recollection of some now living, a fine house, but finally
served as a kitchen to a more modern house which occupies its original
site. Still some of its ornaments remain sufficient to hint of its former
glory. The lady to whom we are indebted for its portrait, and who is
herself a descendant of the old house,' writes us as follows: "I have
pointed out the door for the cat, for, at that early day, it was considered
a very necessary accommodation to so important and privileged a mem-
ber of the household. The old song, you know, sings of him, who, when
'He made a great hole for the great cat to go thro',
A little hole made, for the little cat too.'
My ancestor was not quite so provident; but be it known that in
every door of the old mansion was a passage for puss, that she might
pursue her vocation from garret to cellar without let or hindrance."
We may remark, also, that the old elm which overshadows the house
always possessed as much interest as the dwelling in the hearts of the
1
¹ Mrs. Fanny L. Bissell.
432
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
:
occupants-being one of the oldest and most beautiful trees in the
town.
The old ALLYN HOUSE, built by the first Squire Allyn, and after-
wards occupied by his son, the second squire, was considered, in its
day, the grandest house in town, if not in the "universal Yankee nation.”
It was painted red, and the old people yet relate the anecdote of a certain
child, who, having gone down to witness the training on Broad Street
Green, saw, for the first time in his life, the Allyn House. In narrating
the day's adventures to his parents, on his return home, he asserted, with
all the naïveté and innocence of childhood, that he had seen "Heaven,
the big house where the angels lived!" Here was the center of the best
society of the times, and here, also, was justice dispensed by the squire.
"How changed the scene!" When we went over it, in the spring of
1859, we found naught but empty rooms; garrets filled with broken spin-
-ning-wheels and antique furniture; and in the "best room" a party of
negro wenches preparing pies and cookies to be peddled off at an ap-
proaching 'Lection day. It has since been totally demolished.
Next to this old house stands the elegant modern dwelling of one
of Windsor's wealthiest and most liberal-minded citizens, Judge H. S.
HAYDEN, to whom, as well as to other members of his family, we
are indebted for many acts of personal kindness, and for much of the
value and interest which these pages may possess for those who read
them.
Undoubtedly the most historic house now standing in Windsor is
the CHIEF JUSTICE ELLSWORTH Mansion.' Under its stately elms, its
exterior plain but commanding in appearance, it has always seemed
to us peculiarly characteristic of its distinguished builder, who, with all
the honors which he gained (honors which meant so much more then
than now) was ever the plain, quiet, good citizen-putting on "no
frills"—a pure, strong mind, and a sincere Christian. Within, every
room is filled with memories of the noble patriot; the paper on the
walls, brought from France; the various souvenirs of his visit abroad;
the old-fashioned, elegant, and substantial furniture; the great painting
which covers nearly a wall of the parlor, representing the Chief Justice
and his wife, life-size, with a view of the exterior of the house appearing
through a window behind them, these and many other things render it,
perhaps, the most remarkable house in Windsor. Much pains has been
taken by its present occupants to keep it in the same state as when the
Judge himself was alive.
¹Gen. Washington, on the occasion of his visit to this mansion (see p. 419), is said
to have greatly delighted the Judge's children, especially the boys, William and Henry
Leavitt, by singing to them "The Darby Ram," holding the younger boy, the while,
upon his knee.


Ho Panay Brayden.
Eng by HB Hall's Sons, NY

THE CHIEF-JUSTICE ELLSWORTH MANSION, WINDSOR, CONN.

CHIEF-JUSTICE OLIVER ELLSWORTH AND WIFE.
After the painting by R. Earle, 1792, now in the parlor of the above house. (By courtesy of the "Century Publishing Co.")
EARLY DOMESTIC ARCHITECTURE.
433
But to return to our synopsis of the orders of New England archi-
tecture; the next step was the carrying of the same form of house up to
the second story, making what is called an upright house.
The form of roof was also often changed to that peculiar humpback
form, known as the gambrel-roof, of which many specimens are yet
remaining. The old brick house on east side of Palisado Green, known
as "the Chaffee House," is a fine specimen of this style of roof. These
were succeeded by houses with two chimneys, and a large hall in the
center. These were more elegant in form and arrangement than their
predecessors, but have sometimes been objected to because the rooms are
apt to be small and the house cold. Since then the orders of architect-
ure have become sadly confused, and all sorts of dwellings have arisen-
varying according to the whim, the convenience, the means, and the
tastes of the occupants. Yet, taken as a whole, the architectural effect
of Windsor is pleasing, and its dwellings evince prosperity as well as
taste. (In connection with this subject reference is made to the pleasant
chapter on "Architecture in Hartford," by Wm. C. Brocklesby, in Hart-
ford Memorial County History.)
In the olden time it was the custom for young men who were about
to be married to first build "a nest for their bird." The raising of a
new house was always, to a greater extent than now, an occasion of gen-
eral hilarity. All the neighbors and friends were invited, and work was
succeeded by frolics, games, and feasting. It was a custom, also, for
the bride-elect to drive one of the pins in the frame of her future home.
It is related that, about 1771, a certain young man residing in Pink
street, who was about to be married, had a raising, and during the joy-
ous occasion, become somewhat more elevated than his affianced thought
proper. So, although she had already complied with the custom of driv-
ing the pin, she soon after took occasion to break off her engagement.
She afterwards, however, married a young man of the same name, who
purchased the house from her former lover; and so "they lived and died
in peace" in the house which was built for her.
Slaves. In every New England village church the darkies have a
corner in the gallery, and another corner in the village graveyard,
where ant-hills and tangled vines and weeds struggle for the honor of
bedecking their humble and unhonored graves. So we, also, must give
a passing notice to the sable inhabitants of ancient Windsor.
When slavery was first introduced into Connecticut we do not
know,' nor does it seem ever to have been directly established by law,
¹ Matthew Grant's Old Church Records mentions among the deaths in 1644, one
Hager." If, as is probable, this was meant to be the same as Hagar, it would seem to
have been a negro woman, possibly an Indian.
VOL. I.-55
434
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
although indirectly sanctioned by legislative enactments, and frequently
recognized by the courts. In May, 1660, the court decreed "that
neither Indian nor negar servants shall be required to train, watch, or
ward." 2
Henry Wolcott, Jr's, inventory, in 1680, names CYRUS, valued at
£30. This is the first slave in Windsor (and probably in Connecticut)
of which we have any record. We have also seen a deed of sale of a
negro boy named PHILIP, in 1694, to Eleazer Gaylord, of Windsor, from
Andrew Belcher, of Boston. In 1720 John Anderson, on the east side
of the river, was assessed for a negro man. The record of burials in the
Old Burying Ground of South Windsor gives the deaths (but not the
names) of twenty-one negro slaves between the years 1736 and 1768.
Eleven of these belong to the Wolcotts, three to the Elmers, two to the
Rockwells, two to the Cooks, one to the Ellsworths, and two unknown.
So that portion of Ancient Windsor appears to have been abundantly
supplied, for that day, with slaves.
war.
The importation of slaves into the State, however, was never very
large, and in 1771 was prohibited altogether. In the Revolutionary war,
freedom was granted to all slaves who enlisted and served through the
Several such will be found in the list of Windsor soldiers in that
war. The last colored survivor of the Revolution, who dwelt in Windsor,
was OLIVER MITCHELL, who died, as was supposed, from a fit, in his boat
in which he had been to Hartford for the purpose of drawing his pension
money, in March, 1840.
In 1784, the legislature, assuming that "Policy requires that the
abolition of slavery should be effected as soon as may be consistent with
the rights of individuals and the public safety and welfare," enacted
that no negro or mulatto child born after the first day of March in that
year, should be held as a slave after they had arrived at the age of
twenty-five years. Masters of slaves were also permitted to release
them, on application to the selectmen of the towns, provided such slaves
were in good physical and mental condition, and between the ages of
twenty-five and forty-five years. In 1788, a statute was passed, obliging
all masters, within six months after the birth of each slave, to duly
notify the town clerk of such birth, etc., on penalty of seven dollars for
each month's neglect. This was intended to guard against the illegal
holding, by unscrupulous masters, of those who were entitled to their
freedom. In 1797, it was enacted that the children of slave mothers
born after August of that year, should receive their freedom at the age
of twenty-one. At the same time, the carrying of slaves out of the State
for sale was prohibited; and thus gradually the institution of slavery
decreased, and finally disappeared, in 1848, by a formal act of abolition.
2 Col. Rec., i. 349.
THE SLAVES OF WINDSOR.
435
The following anecdote is preserved in connection with the libera-
tion of slaves. An aged and faithful Windsor slave, working in the field
with his master, was observed to be very moody and silent. At length
he broke the silence by saying that such a neighbor had given his slave
his freedom, and modestly suggested that "Massa ort to give me free-
dom." The master quietly replied, "Well, Tom, you may have your
freedom." " "May I, Massa—when?" "Now," was the reply. "What,
now, Massa, right away?" exclaimed the surprised slave. "Yes, Tom,
you may stick up your fork where you are, if you choose, and be free."
Tom stood looking upon the ground more moodily than ever, while his
master went on with his work. After a half-hour's consideration, Tom
resumed his labor, remarking with a knowing look, "No, Massa, you
have de meat, now you may pick de bone. I no go and take care old
Tom myself."
3
Those who released slaves who were too far advanced in life when
the act was passed to be legally affected by it, generally took the precau-
tion to obtain a release from the authorities of the town from all responsi-
bility for their future maintenance. Among a family of slaves released
without this precaution, some members who had removed to East Wind-
sor became poor in their extreme old age, and the authorities of that
town, finding that they had not been legally liberated, obliged the heirs
of their old master (the family of the late Daniel Pinney) to support
them.
2
Those of whatever age, who were incompetent to support themselves,
were still slaves unless the town chose to release their owners. Such
was Old NANCE, whose death recently occurred in the family of Col.
James Loomis. She was born on Greenfield Hill, Fairfield County,
Conn., and remained in the family of Hezekiah Bradley until she was
four years old, when she was given to Charlotte Bradley Chaffee, wife of
Dr. Hezekiah Chaffee of Windsor. At his death in 1821, she became a
household gift and charge, commended to the especial care of his
daughter, Mrs. Abigail Sherwood Loomis, in whose family she was most
kindly cared for to the day of her death in 1857, aged 82.
The first record of negro slavery in Connecticut appeared in the in-
ventory of Henry Wolcott, Jr., in 1680. Old Nance, perhaps, closes the
record within half a mile of the spot where the first one lived.
For many years previous to the American Revolution, and as late as
1820, or thereabouts, it was the custom of the Connecticut negroes-in
that spirit of emulation and imitation which is peculiar to their race and
the monkey tribe to elect a governor for themselves; and not a gov-
ernor only, but a deputy, staff officers, sheriff, and squires or justices of
the peace, who were all elected with much discretion, pomp, and cere-
436
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
mony, and exerted the same functions among those of their own color
as their more lordly prototypes of the white race.
66
Negro election and parade generally came off on the Saturday suc-
ceeding the election day of the whites, and was participated in by those
who came up to the capital with their masters, and such others as were
able to be present. They of course made their election, to a large ex-
tent, deputatively, as all could not be present, but uniformly yielded to it
their assent.
The person they selected for the office in question
was usually one of much note among themselves, of imposing presence,
strength, firmness, and volubility, who was quick to decide, ready to
command, and able to flog. If he was inclined to be a little arbitrary,
belonged to a master of distinction, and was ready to pay freely for
diversions, these were circumstances in his favor. Still it was necessary
he should be an honest negro, and be, or appear to be, wise above his fel-
lows.
The precise sphere of his power we cannot ascertain.
Probably it embraced matters and things in general' among the blacks;
morals, manners, and ceremonies. He settled all grave disputes in the
last resort, questioned conduct, and imposed penalties and punishments.
sometimes for vice or misconduct. He was respected as gubernor, say
many old gentlemen to us, by the negroes throughout the State, and
obeyed almost implicitly.
6
6
་
6
"His parade days were marked by much that was showy, and by
some things that were ludicrous. A troop of blacks, sometimes a hun-
dred in number, marching sometimes two and two on foot, sometimes
mounted in true military style and dress on horseback, escorted him
through the streets, with drums beating, colors flying, and fifes, fiddles,
clarionets, and every sonorous metal' that could be found, uttering
martial sound.' After marching to their content, they would retire to
some large room which they would engage for the purpose, for refresh-
ments and deliberation. This was all done with the greatest regard to
ceremony. His ebony excellency would pass through the files of his
procession, supported by his aids, with an air of consummate dignity, to his
quarters, and there receive the congratulations of his friends, and dis-
pense the favor of his salutations, his opinions, and his appointments."
99 1
The following amusing story is related concerning one of the occa-
sions at Hartford. Dinner was duly set, the dignitaries had marched in
and taken their places around the "groaning board," the governor at the
upper, and the deputy governor at the lower end of it, when the latter
with delicate regard for the proprieties of the occasion, exclaimed, “Mr.
Gubnor, seems to me dere ort to be sumthin said on dis 'casion." "Will
¹ Scæva's Hartford in the Olden Time, whose chapter on the negro governors of Hart-
ford is exceedingly humorous and vivid,
ANCIENT NEGRO CUSTOMS.
437
Mr. Deputy say sumthin?" responded His Excellency. Thereupon the
Deputy spread himself and began, "Tunder above de Hebens, Litnin on
de earth, Shake de tops of de trees. Table spread afore us, no eat a’yet,
eat a'bimeby, for Christ's sake, Amen." “Well done,” exclaimed the
governor, "well done, Mr. Deputy; I no idee you such able man in
prayer.” And straightway the company fell vigorously to work upon
the object of the meeting.
We do not know that Windsor ever gave birth to a negro governor.
Negro Trainings were also common. At one time subsequent to the
Revolution, training was held at Pickett's Tavern, about half a mile
above Hayden's Station. General Ti, a slave belonging to Capt. Jona.
Ellsworth, commanded on that occasion. His master, being a captain of
the cavalry, furnished him with his own uniform, accoutrements, and
watch, to the chain of which he added several huge seals, and set him
upon his own war steed. So General Ti rode forth that day, "the ob-
served of all observers." Such exhibitions were a source of no little
amusement to the whites, who often visited them to witness the evolu-
tions and performances of their sable competitors. On this occasion, as
we learn from an eye witness, the general was early on the ground, and
becoming somewhat impatient at the tardiness of the soldiers belonging
to the Pine Meadow (Suffield) District, he ordered up his horse and rode
through the crowd to take a survey of the field, and things in general.
Pulling up his horse in the immediate vicinity of Esquire Bissell, and
other prominent Windsor citizens, he exclaimed, "Wonder why de
troops don't come on from de north." The squire, who was a bit of a
wag, with a sympathizing air, inquired, "What time is it, General ?”
Dropping the bridle rein, he drew up his watch, hand over hand, and
holding it out, exclaimed with scornful dignity, "Look for yourself, gem-
men, by," which not a little amused the squire and his friends,
who happened to know that the general could not tell the time himself.
When the attempt was made to form the regiment, there was no little
difficulty in arranging the soldiers so as to make the best appearance-
for most had some bit of uniform, but no two alike. The general, anxious
to put the best foot forward, hit upon a plan, and issued his orders ac-
cordingly. Rising in his stirrups, he shouted, " All you what got white
stocca, rocker shoe, stand in de front." This order was readily under-
stood, and the front rank was soon formed of those who were equipped
with shoes and stockings. Then came another order from the chief,
"All you what got rocker shoe and no white stocca, stand in de rear ;
and then, with the self-satisfied air of one who felt that he had "gone
and done it," the general exclaimed, "Now you niggers what got no
white stocca, and no rocker shoe, stand out of de way."
""
During some of the evolutions of the day, which were badly per-
438
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
formed, the general's passions got the better of his dignity, and he ex-
claimed, with heartfelt bitterness, "A nigga allus will be a nigga, don't
know nuthin, and allus did."
CATO, also, is remembered by some of our oldest citizens as a self-
appointed tythingman, who exerted himself on the Sabbath to keep the
boys in order, and attended to the ringing of the bell. He was accus-
tomed to go around the town regularly to collect his remuneration for
his services as bell-ringer, and when any one refused his or her mite to
the voluntary contribution, he would say, "Well, no pay, shan't hear um
bell."
At the commencement of the present century, and for some time
after, there were many negroes in Windsor; but they all seem to have
been, or to have ultimately become, a poor, shiftless, lazy set of free
negroes.
No town in New England can boast a worthier ancestry than
Ancient Windsor. In social position, intellectual culture, sincere and
fervent piety, and sterling integrity of character, her settlers were.
equalled by few, and surpassed by none. They were not mere random ad-
venturers, seeking some fairy Utopia, and bound together by flimsy bonds.
of selfish interest, but a high-minded, large-hearted Christian brotherhood
-selected with consummate tact and rare judgment from the wealthiest
and most cultivated counties of England by the master mind of Rev. John
White, who, when he saw them set sail from Plymouth harbor, felt that
he was casting forth upon the waters precious bread, which, with God's
blessing, was to enrich and beautify the ends of the earth. There was
WARHAM," a famous preacher," and MAVERICK, with a reputation equal
to his years. There was WOLCOTT, whose ancestral antecedents, wealth,
and personal character would have commanded respect in any com-
munity, and LUDLOW, with legal abilities, and ideas far in advance of
the age in which he lived. MASON, also, with a reputation among the
best warriors of the continent. PHELPS, ROCKWELL, GAYLORD, and
others, all picked men, each possessing some trait or valuable quality
essential to the welfare of the whole community. Woman, too, was
there, with her sustaining and cheering influences, herself upheld by that
deep current of religious faith which underlies the character of her sex.
And in every heart to a degree which we perhaps can never experi-
ience, and therefore can never fully understand - dwelt that glorious
light of Christian love and truth which maketh free. It sustained them
in the hour of trial, it humbled them in the hour of prosperity, it regu-
lated their every action, it developed the exercise of every virtue and
talent, it softened the thousand nameless little asperities of individual
character and social life, and thus contributed to the perfect and har-
A WORTHY ANCESTRY.
439
monious working of the whole social polity. Such was the character of
the first generation.
But, as has been elsewhere aptly said, the emigration from a civilized
to a new country is necessarily a step backward into barbarism. The
second generation did not fill the places of the fathers. Reared amid
the trials and dangers of a new settlement, they were in a great measure
deprived of the advantages, both social and educational, which their
parents had enjoyed. Nearly all of the former could write-which can
not be said of their children. Neither did the latter possess that depth
of religious feeling, or earnest practical piety, which distinguished the
first comers.
Religion was to them less a matter of the heart than of
social privilege, and in the half-way covenant controversy we behold the
gradual “letting down of the bars" between a pure church and a grasp-
ing world.
The third generation followed in the footsteps of their predecessors.
Then came war; and young New England brought from the long Cana-
dian campaigns stores of loose camp vices and recklessness, which soon
flooded the land with immorality and infidelity. The church was
neglected, drunkenness fearfully increased, and social life was sadly
corrupted. Bundling — that pernicious custom which prevailed among
the young, in some portions of New England, to a degree which we
can scarcely credit- undoubtedly tended largely to sap the fountain
of morality. Next came the American Revolution, which merely
prolonged the evil; for war, even where necessary, is always an evil.
So that not until the commencement of the present century can it be
said that any return was made to the purity of the first generation. And
it is our solemn conviction that all those who croak the romantic tune of
"Alas! the good old time," will find, on careful examination, that in
every respect, politically, morally, religiously, the present world, with
all its vices, is no worse-nay, that it is infinitely better off- now than
then.
We would not, however, be understood as saying that piety, moral-
ity, or education died out after the first generation, or was wanting
among their descendants. The history of Windsor evidences that re-
ligion and education were always dear to her children, and that in every
generation there have been many whose lives and characters come down
to us as a blessed legacy. These good men possessed a marvelously
¹ Certain strictures made upon this statement in our first edition led the author to
investigate the subject more fully, with the result of historically establishing the wide-
spread prevalence of this custom in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and elsewhere. His
researches were published, in a limited edition, entitled, Bundling; its Origin, Progress,
and Decline in America, by Henry R. Stiles, M.D., 160, pub. by Joel Munsell, Albany,
N. Y., 1865.
440
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
strong faith and belief in special providences. Events which we should
attribute to natural causes were by them referred directly to divine
power. Wars, pestilences, victories, accidents in short, all the
thousand and one incidents which make up the life of a nation or of an
individual were considered as so many direct interpositions and
revelations of God's will. They prayed with a fervency which grew
out of this intense faith in God's power and willingness to answer
prayer. And in New England history there are many instances in
which we can hardly doubt that their prayers and faith were singularly
answered.
The following Windsor legend is quite to the point:
"Once upon a time" as all good story-tellers commence
the
good people in Windsor had suffered for a long time from an excessive
drought, until at last, viewing it as a judgment of God upon them for
some of their sins, they resolved to hold a fast day, to be spent in
humiliation and prayer. In the lower part of the town dwelt a godly
man by the name of Barber, to whom some of the people from up town
extended a very pressing invitation to join them in this day of prayer.
Mr. Barber happened to have a great quantity of hay cut at the time,
and felt that he needed dry weather just then, and could scarcely spare
the time to pray, while so much of it was out. But, with true Christian
good feeling, he consented to join his brethren at the upper end of the
town in their prayers for rain. When the time arrived Mr. Barber
appeared at meeting, with his overcoat on his arm (although it was
clear, hot, scorching weather), and on being wonderingly interrogated
as to his motive of bringing it, replied that he "came to pray for rain,
and he expected it." Before the day closed the rain did come, sure
enough, and, still more wonderful to relate, in passing, as it did pretty
generally, over the town, it passed around Mr. Barber's land, and left
his hay uninjured.
Among some of the Rev. Timothy Edwards's manuscripts we find :
"A Record of Some Remarkable and Gracious answers of Prayer, Remarkable
[Providences] and some other things of a Spiritual Nature I have met with in the
course of my Life, and first of Remarkable Deliverances, Recoveries."
A few extracts will show our readers the nature of these remark-
able incidents:
"1. When I was a little child (as I have been told by my Father as I remember)
I fell into a Tub of. Water, an ye providence of God sent one to my Relief and yt
strangely, who passing by upon Occasion, Saw me and took me out almost dead.
"2. When I was a School boy I took a gun In my hand, which was an Indian's hunt-
ing Gun, and as he said yt was ye owner of it, a gun that Seldom or never missed fire.
This gun was charged with a brace of bullets. I held it out against one of my school-
mates, John Hunter by name, who was old Goodman Mitchell's Servt. I aimed at his
breast putting my hand to ye pricker, he being at about 8 foot distance, and said these
REV. TIMOTHY EDWARDS' SPECIAL PROVIDENCES.
441
wds as I remember. 'Oh, Hunter, if you were an enemy now how I could shoot you
down,' thinking no harm at all, not being aware yt ye gun was charged or if it had
been that there was any danger of its going off, but the cock being half bent, went
down, and it either fired or as standers by affirmed flashed in ye pan, and yet no harm
ensued. Those that stood by were amazed to see how narrowly the boy escaped, and
so was my father, being called in out of ye Shop, together with ye Indian, both whom
very much wondered when they heard how it was. My Father looked upon it as a
little less than a miracle and said 'If Mr. Mather's Book of Remarkable Providences
had not been out before, he would have that put in amongst them.' I was also much
amazed and affected with God's wonderful goodness to me in keeping of me so [ ]
miraculously from wantonly, though [ ] killing one of my neighbors, and therefore
[] to keep ye Record of it by me."
On another occasion he tumbled off a cherry tree and liked to have
broken his neck - only he didn't; and again he came very near going
under the ice while skating-if some one had not called to him, and
caused him to stop. And then he remembers that, when a boy at the
grammar school at Hartford, he one day performed some very foolish
feats of climbing on a cherry tree, by way of "bravado to show some of
my mates (one of them, at least, viz., Thos. Olcott's son) how venture-
some and bold I was, and yet God safely brought me down again," on to
the solid earth, which was a sincere cause of gratitude to this pious man
in all after life.
We have room for but one more example of the Rev. Timothy's
hairbreadth escapes:
When I was a school boy, as I was eating some [very] mellow peaches, the stone
of one [slipped] down as [I was] sucking of 'em, and stuck in [my] throat, and [ ]
speech and my breath so [ ] neither I strove [ ] couldn't, the boys seeing how it
was clapt me on the back, but all would not do. I saw plainly that I could not help
myself and if God didn't help I should surely die. I was very apprehensive and much
afraid of death; my thoughts then I think I can remember pretty exactly, and they
were these: 'Now, if God don't wonderfully and miraculously help (which I inwardly
desired him to do) I shall die bye-and-bye. Death is a coming towards me apace. I
am not far off from it. I have heard of dying, but now if God be not very gracious I
shall quickly know what it is, and I am afraid God will not help me. I have so sinned
against him, but, oh, that he would though!' Thus being very sensible of my dying
and dangerous condition, I, seeing straining and striving was to no purpose, I was
ready to despair of help though as I remember I had some little hope at least in the
power and mercy of God. Only one thing the boys advised me to do, and that was to
go down to the river and drink, which was so far off, that if God had not helped me, I
should have dropped down dead long before I came there. However I was willing to
make any experiment or take any likely course to save my life, for which I was so con-
cerned in my mind, that I did not think of the impossibility of getting any help by
doing as they advised me. Accordingly I went to my master to ask leave to go out,
and by the time I came half way to him I thought with myself, what do I go to ask
leave for? I can not speak and besides my life lies upon it. I have need to make all
haste I can, I may venture to go out without leave to save my life,' and so I turned
back again before I came to him and run in a fright and in haste towards the door so
as to go down to the river, and when I came to the door, unexpectedly without any
straining or striving at all, when I had not many moments more to live, the peach stone
VOL. I.-56
<
442
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
came out as though it went of itself.. God, by his power, brought it out from me and
saved my life; he helped me when I couldn't help myself, yea, and when all the men
in the world couldn't help me, when I was almost past help, being just at death's door.
Then I was 'as a brand plucked out of the burning.'"
Apprenticeship. The following Indenture, found among the Thom-
as Stoughton Mss., afford a good illustration of the great care taken in
arranging the terms of apprenticeships in the olden time:
"THIS INDENTURE witnesseth that Jonathan Stoughton, son of Thomas Stoughton
of Windsor in the county of hartford and Coloney of Conecticut in new england, with
his father's consent hath put him selfe an apprentice to Nathan day of the aboue-sd
windsor county and coloney: blacksmith and white smith to Learn his art, trade or
mistery after the maner of an Apprentice to serue him until he the sd Jonathan Stough-
ton attaines to the age of twenty-one years, during all which time the s" approtice his mas-
ter faithfully shall serue, his secrets keep, his Lawfull commands gladly obaye, he shall
not do any damage to his sd master nor see it. don by others without giveing notice
thereof to his sd master. he shall not waste his sa master's goods or Lend them unLaw-
fully to aney, he shall not commit fornication nor contract matrimony within the sa
terme. at cards, dice or any other unlawfull game he shall not play whereby his sa
master may sufer damage. he shall not absent himself day nor night from his master's
service without his Leave. nor hunt ale houses, Taverans or playhouses butt in all
things behave him selfe as a faithfull apprentice ought to do during ye sd terme, and
the sa master shall do his utmost to teach and Instruct the sa apprentice In the boue
mentioned blacksmith and white smiths trade and mistery and to teach or caus the s
apprentice to be Taught the art of Arithmatick to such a degree that he may be able to
keep a book well, and provide for him meat, drink, apparel, washing and Lodging and
phisick in sickness and helth sutable for such an apprentice during the sa terme, and att
the end of sd terme the sd master shall furnich the sd apprentice with two good new
suits of apparel boath wooling and lining for all parts of his body sutable for such an
apprentice besids that apparel he carieth with him, and for the performance of all and
every the sd covenants and agreement either of the s parties bind themselves unto the
other by these presents in witness whereof they have interchangeably put their hands
and seals this first day of September in the year of our Lord god, 1727.
sined, sealed and deliuered
In presence of
NATHAN DAY (S)
JONATHAN STOUGHTON (S)
Daniel Stoughton
Timo. Stoughton
Manners, Conveniences, etc.
From the Ms. of OLIVER ELLSWORTH,
Jr., son of the Chief Justice, and written in 1802, we glean the follow-
ing interesting items concerning Windsor in the previous century :
'Even by conversing with those who lived but fifty or sixty years since, one is
astonished to learn the changes in the manners, &c. which have taken place in this
town, within half a century. My father, who is now 47, says that, when he was a
boy, the families in Windsor, or at least in his neighborhood, all ate upon wooden
trenchers; and what is still more surprising, he says, that when he was born, he does
not suppose that there was such a thing as a privy or necessary-house, in the town.
He says, as I can well believe, that the manners were then coarse and such as would
now, in many respects, prove disgusting; that the men, in Windsor, formerly assem-
bled together in each other's houses and would drink out a barrel of cider in one
MANNERS, CONVENIENCES, ETC. IN OLDEN TIME.
443
'night. As to carriages and dress, the change has been no less astonishing; for, by con-
versing with elderly people, I have learned that 50 years since there was hardly such a
thing as a common two-wheel carriage in the town of Windsor; at least, my father
says, that since he can remember, there was but one in town, which belonged to Capt.
Wadsworth, a trader; whereas now (1802-3) a large proportion of the people in Windsor
(i. e., of the families in Windsor street, both North and South of the bridge) possess one.
The change in dress has likewise been great. My mother, who has now lived in Wind-
sor street 20 years, says that when she first came here to live there were but one or two
umbrellas, and but one or two broad-cloth cloaks in the town; let any one now
see the women at meeting one winter and one summer's day, they will almost believe
this incredible."
With regard to grafting of trees, a singular instance occurred in Windsor in graft-
ing apple trees: a person took a twig of an early apple-tree, when the tree was actually
blowing out and grafted this twig with its blossoms on another tree; the graft succeeded
well, the season being moist and favorable, these blows produced fruit the first summer
in 1802."
<
Old Capt. Palmer related (to the Chief Justice) that he remembered when the
Island' was the thickest settled part of Windsor-the road to Hartford then ran
through it and he remembers seeing warehouses, malt-houses, stills, etc.”
Mr. Josiah Barber told (the Chief Justice) that settlements along the Little River
were made at an early date North, towards Poquonock, as well as upon the Mill Brook,
near which he had found remains of one old fort or house, in which neighboring old
people who were born in beginning of 18th century (old Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert) told him
they had lain some nights."
Coaches and other Vehicles. - In 1796, of coaches taxed at $17, East Windsor had
three: in 1799 Windsor shared with Hartford "the highest dignity on wheels, having a
coach taxed at $84; and in 1820, Windsor had sixty and East Windsor sixty-six riding
carriages." - Hartford Co. Mem. Hist.
Two-horse business wagons were common, but little used for ordinary travel,
both men and women rode on horse-back. The first one-horse road wagon ever seen
here was made in Pinemeadow, by David Birge, an elder brother of Horace, about 1800.
He lived to see the street, nearly half a century after, filled with one-horse pleasure car-
riages." — J. H. Hayden.
“Stills were probably introduced in Windsor soon after the first settlement. Mr.
Thomas Stoughton, Jr., used stills in manufacturing cider-brandy." In 1819, Windsor
had 4 stills; in 1820, 21; in 1828, 17; these were cider-brandy distilleries.
Brick and Stone Houses. — In 1840 there were only 22 "brick and stone houses," of
which East Windsor, Windsor, and Wethersfield each held one. — Hartford Co. Mem.
Hist.
Iron Works. As early as 1710 there were iron works along the line of Suffield
and Windsor-making the iron from bog-ore. The iron manufacture carried on
within the present limits of Vernon and Rockville, Ct. —1737-1750— touches upon
Windsor history, but our limited space forbids more than reference to two interesting
articles upon the subject, published by ALLYN S. KELLOGG, of Newtonville, Mass., in
the Rockville Journal, dates of Nov. 14 and 21, 1889.
444
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
RELATIVE POPULATION OF THE WINDSOR TOWNS, According to Census Reports,
from 1756 to 1880-Taken from Hartford County Memorial History.



1756. | 1774. | 1782. | 1790. | 1800. | 1810. | 1820. | 1830. 1840. | 1850. | 1860. | 1870. | 1880
Windsor,
East Windsor,..
Bloomfield,
South Windsor,
Windsor Locks,
2
11
10
5
6
5
8
4
10
4
15 11 10
4,2202,1252,382 2,714 2,773 2,868 3,008 3,220 2,2833,2942,278 2,783 3,058
7
77
7
77
4
3 . 3
3
9
12
10
11
2,999 3,237 2,600 2,7663,081 3,400 3,5363,600 2,633 2,580 2,882 3,019
20 19
20 21 21
986 1,4121,401 1,473 1,346
18
17
18
18
1,638 1,789 1,688 1,902
19
16
14
1,587
1,5872,1542,332
NOTE.-The small figures represent the relative size of each town (as compared
to other towns in the State), according to population.
Witches in Windsor.-In relation to this subject, I venture to repro-
duce an article which I contributed to the Hartford Evening Post of July
29, 1885.
SIR: I have seen frequent allusions in your paper, of late, to "Windsor Witches";
and I wonder not that this is a subject of great interest to your Hartford gentlemen.
Being myself of Windsor and Hartford descent, and being, withal, much given to anti-
quarian researches, I have the best of reasons for knowing that, for the past 250 years,
the Hartford witch-hunters have taken genuine delight in the pursuit of Windsor
witches. And, indeed, it could not be otherwise; for to my knowledge and to yours,
Mr. Editor, so winsome have ever been the features, form, and manners of the genuine
Windsor witches, that no one, knowing the nature of man, could blame the men of your
town for going beyond "Hartford bounds
"Hartford bounds" in the pursuit of such fair game. And
knowing, as we do, Mr. Editor, the virtue, discretion, and "faculty" (to use a good old
New England term) of these Windsor witches to be equal to their other charms, we can
better appreciate the life-long joy, peace, and domestic bliss which many a Hartford
man has ensured to himself by securing and domesticating one of them. And, since the
genuine breed is by no means extinct in Windsor (as I have had ample means of judging
within the last few days) I wonder greatly at the folly of some who are now trying to
dig up a specimen more than two hundred years old. Surely this (when one of the
present generation, sixteen years old, is so much more bewitching and satisfactory in all
her winning ways) is a wilful despising of "the good which the gods provide." It
somewhat reminds me of Bunyan's "man with the muck-rake," moiling and grubbing
amid the dirt and cast-off rubbish of the earth, and totally unobservant and blind to the
brightness and beauty of the world around him. Still, as such a "witch-hunter" is now
afield with his rake, and seems disposed to produce for our inspection a very shabby
and altogether doubtful specimen of the witch-genus, which he would credit to Wind-
sor, I feel impelled in defense of the good name of the real witches of that goodly town
to examine the evidence.
In The Connecticut Post of August 11 and 18, 1883, under the headings of "A
Witch of Windsor," and "Our Witch Histories," appeared a couple of articles which,
as we believe, affixed a most unjust stigma upon that ancient town. The writer having
chanced upon a hint that one Mary Johnson, who was executed at Hartford about 1648
for witchcraft, was a resident of Windsor, proceeded to "interview" Rev. Mr. Wilson,
the present pastor of the old church of Windsor; and getting but little satisfaction from
that gentleman, he wandered into the Windsor graveyard, apparently expecting to find
WITCHES IN WINDSOR.
445
therein the gravestone of Mary Johnson as proof of his theory. He found it not, but
fortunately for his proposed article, he found enough quaint and interesting epitaphs to
enable him to reel off a column or more on general antiquarian topics. In the succeed-
ing week's issue (the 18th) he returned to the charge with another column of matter
about the old gallows-tree at Hartford, the indictment and trial of Mary Johnson, and
some remarks on the literature of Connecticut witchcraft, all treated in the usual loose,
disjointed fashion of such sensational articles. The totally irresponsible character of
this "interviewer" of Mary Johnson's ghost is especially manifest in his statement that
"Dr. Stiles, in his history of Connecticut, deliberately asserts that there were no trials
nor executions" for witchcraft in the State. We may remark that Dr. Stiles wrote the
history of Windsor, not of Connecticut; and that he made no such statement as the
above. Rev. Dr. Trumbull, however, in his history of Connecticut, said that “after
the most careful researches, no indictment of any person for that crime, nor any pro-
cess relative to that affair, can be found.”
Our own immediate business, however, is not with the general subject of witchcraft
in Connecticut, but with the statement which endeavors to fix upon Windsor the equiv-
ocal honor of having been the residence of this Mary Johnson.
We call then upon the Hartford " witch-hunters" to prove that Mary Johnson
belonged in Windsor.
"Mary Johnson, for theuery, is to be pr'sently whipped, and to be brought forth a
month hence at Wethersfield, and there whipped." See the records of a court held August
the 21, 1646, in Trumbull's Public Records of the Colony of Connecticut, Vol. I., p. 143.
No better proof is needed that her home was at Wethersfield, and not at Windsor.
Was Mary Johnson the first person who was hanged as a witch in New England?
She could not have been hanged before the action of "the particular courte, this
7th December, 1648," which action is thus recorded in Col. Rec. of Conn., Vol. VIII., p. 171:
The jury finds the Bill of Inditement against Mary Jonson, that by her owne confes-
sion shee is guilty of familiarity with the Deuill."
Having fixed her home at Wethersfield, and fixed a date before which she could not
have been hanged, her history, if it has not already been sufficiently told, may well be
left to the witch-hunters of Hartford.
What authority can be found for the assertion that Mary Johnson, or any other
witch, belonged in Windsor? None, so far as history goes, except in Winthrop's Jour-
nal, or Winthrop's History of New England (edition of 1853, Vol. II., p. 374; former edi-
tion, p. 307), as follows: "One [blank] of Windsor arraigned and executed at Hartford,
for a witch." This assertion, without date, without name, without any statement of
authority; not made at the time of the alleged occurrence, nor in the regular sequence
of the journal, but in a blank space formerly left therein, by a writer in Boston, one
hundred miles from Windsor, and wholly unsupported by contemporary records or
statements, is all that has been brought against the good fame of Windsor in that respect.
And we respectfully submit that it is no more to be accepted as historical truth than
would be a similar charge made by a paragraph-writer in a Boston newspaper, under
similar circumstances to-day.
What have others said about the "first case"? Dr. Holmes, in his American
Annals (I., 345; second edition, I., 287–288,) under date 1648, June, says: "The first
instance of capital punishment for witchcraft in New England, occurring in colonial his-
tory, was in this year. Margaret Jones, of Charlestown, was indicted for a witch,
found guilty and executed.'
""
It is evident that he considered Governor Winthrop's allusion to Windsor, a year
earlier, as too vague to have any force or value; and who can say that he was in error ?
Hubbard's New England (published by the Massachusetts Historical Society in 1815)
page 530, says: "In June, 1648, one Margaret Jones, of Charlestown, was indicted for
a witch, and executed for it.”
Hutchinson (2d edition, 2 vols., published in London MDCCCLX) vol. I., page 150,
446
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
says: “The first instance I find of any person executed for witchcraft was in June, 1648,
Margaret Jones of Charlestown was indicted for a witch, found guilty and executed."
Drake, in “Annals of Witchcraft in New England, 1869," refers to each of these
three cases, but makes no comment on that mentioned by Winthrop against Windsor
except: "No circumstances have been found, nor the name of the sufferer." He puts
it under the year 1646.
፡፡
<
What was the dictum of Judge Savage in the case? In commenting on the vague
statement of Winthrop, he said: "Nothing of this is found in the History of Connecti-
cut' by Dr. Trumbull, yet it is deserving of melancholy commemoration as the first
instance of delusion in New England, too soon infectious. We may presume the un-
happy woman was tried as well as arraigned before execution, if the wretched ceremo-
nies in such cases deserve the name of trial." See Trumbull, I. 8, in preface, where he
says: After the most careful researches, no indictment of any person for that crime,
nor any process relative to that affair can be found." Perhaps there was sense enough
early in the colony to destroy the record; but, at least, we know that in 1670 the court,
after conviction of Catharine Harrison, of Wethersfield, for that capital crime, had firm-
ness and cunning in their decision to dismiss her from her imprisonment, she paying her
just fees: willing her to mind the fulfillment of removing from Wethersfield, which is
that will tend most to her own safety, and the contentment of the people who are her
neighbors. The Connecticut law, December, 1642, may be read in three lines of Trum-
bull's Col. Rec., I., 77, including the authorities from Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy.
Massachusetts borrowed every letter and figure of the text and comment.
Returning to the subject, in his Genealogical Dictionary of New England, (II., 559,
article Johnson), Judge Savage says: "The first person in New England guilty of the
impossible crime of witchcraft, and executed at Hartford, was a Johnson of Windsor;
and one of the most distinguished was Rev. Samuel Johnson, born at Guilford, 14th.
October, 1696, the first President of Kings College at New York, who died 6th Janu-
ary, 1772."
In the same volume, page 568, he says: "Margaret Jones, the woman executed as
a witch, 15 June, 1648, was the second example of such infatuation in New England,
the first being at Windsor a year before."
Wonderful wisdom. In each of the references he calls the Windsor case the first,
though Winthrop had said no such thing. In the first he had learned the sex, and in
the second the name of the person in question, though Winthrop had given neither, and
though she whose name he gave belonged in Wethersfield, not Windsor, and was not
tried, and so certainly not hanged, till six months after the well-authenticated case of
Margaret Jones, the first, though Savage makes her the second. Melancholy com-
memoration," indeed! If he meant to class Rev. Samuel Johnson as the most distin-
guished person in New England, guilty of the impossible crime of witchcraft," he
ought to have given some evidence of his guilt. If he really meant to call him the
most distinguished of the Johnsons, he should not thus have grouped him with the
most unfortunate.
Would not his purpose have been just as well served if he had charged upon
Windsor the responsibility for Goodwife Elizabeth Johnson, who probably suffered in
1652 for committing one of the twelve crimes which were capitally punished under
Connecticut laws. And who can tell which he really did mean? The anacronism is.
scarcely worse in one case than the other. And who can tell why all cases of offenders
except for murder, under those twelve capital laws, should be called cases of witchcraft
by the modern witch-hunters? Why did Judge Savage attempt to reverse the decision
of those historians who had preceded him? Perhaps because they had left the intro-
duction of witchcraft into New England to appear as a "Boston notion," the trial and
execution having taken place there; and he, a Boston man, desired to shift the doubtful
honor upon the people of some other place.
A later historian, Rev. Samuel Orcutt, in his History of Stratford, Conn., gives a
WINDSOR WITCHES.
447
chapter on "witches and witchcraft," in which (at page 156), under the heading,
Witchcraft in Connecticut - Authentic Records," he repeats the erroneous statements
already made.
Mather's Magnalia (Book six, chapter seven, "Thaumatographia Pneumatica," or
"Wonders of the Spirit World"), gives as the "eighth example" a history of Mary
Johnson, which the Hartford witch-hunters have read in that book, but it is curious
that he gives it no date; while his first example was that of the Greensmith woman in
Hartford, who, in 1662, so troubled "Ann Cole, a person of serious piety," that she
could only be "happily delivered from the extraordinary troubles wherewith she had
been exercised by the execution of Mrs. Greensmith, or, possibly, as shown by
the History of Stratford, by the execution of both Greensmith and his wife at Hartford,
and the flight of the two others "from the country."
Would it not be well for the Hartford witch-hunters to work out a full history of
'Greensmith and his wife," and of the "two others" who "fly from the country” in
1662; as well as of Elizabeth Seager of Hartford, who, in 1665, was found guilty, but
escaped by an informality in the verdict,- before hunting too much in other towns?
They might then restore Mary Johnson to Wethersfield, look up her full history,
and also that of Catherine Harrison, who, in 1670, was convicted, "but allowed to pay
costs and leave the town." It might also be pertinent to inquire if Dr. Savage was cor-
rect in his identification of Nathaniel Greensmith as the "husband" of the woman there
executed for a witch in 1662; and to show, if he was not also executed, why his own
conveyance of his property might not have been allowed, instead of appointing Mr.
Samuel Willys, Captain Tallcott, and the secretary to convey it to Andrew Benton.
The property can probably still be identified, and it would be pleasant to know. if Ben-
ton or his successors have ever suffered inconvenience from the visits of the spirits of
the witches to their former haunts?
When Hartford and Wethersfield shall have been fully worked, the experience there
gained may help in the Windsor hunt. This ought not to be seriously difficult, for
Matthew Grant, the first town clerk of Windsor, whose veracity has never been ques-
tioned, was in the habit of putting on record every occurrence which was of interest to
Windsor people. If his records, either public or private, fail to show such facts, then
the inference will be that no such facts existed; but if he did make such records, then
we must accept them as true, even if they involve the best families of the colony.
H. R. S.
Since the above was written, I have heard that, upon the inside of
the cover of a diary kept by Matthew Grant, and in his own hand-
writing, is an entry to the effect that, on a certain day in 1647, "Achsah
Youngs was hanged for being a witch;" and that the date corresponds
with about what would be the date intimated in Winthrop's entry in his
Journal (Vol. II., p. 374) above referred to which would seem to be
from the context, in March, 1647, N. S. Such a record, by Matthew
Grant, giving the name of the person executed, with a date fitting in
with the imperfect record of Winthrop, would be quite conclusive; if
our information as to the Grant record was fully satisfactory.
We know that a John Youngs bought land in Windsor, of William
Hubbard, in 1641, which he sold in 1649; and thereafter disappears
from record. He may have been the husband or father of "Achsah,"
the witch; if so, it would be most natural that he and his family should
leave Windsor.
448
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
66
It is but fair to admit, however, that there does seem to have been
a witch case
" which may be fully credited to Windsor; and it was
with the design of obtaining, if possible, more information about it that
the above letter was written. In the lack of any further testimony, we
proceed to tell what we know concerning the real Windsor witch case,
which, however, dates as late as 1653-4, and therefore does not help the
case of the "Hartford and other witch-hunters" who are trying to fasten
the Mary Johnson case upon Windsor.
This "real, original," Windsor witch case, the author is happy to
say, is intimately connected with the history of his own ancestry. The
Stileses, never having had even a "family ghost" to prop their ancient
greatness, can at least claim the honor of an ancestor killed by a witch!
Smile not, gentle reader, at what to you may seem a singular and a tri-
fling resting-point for family complacency. But hundreds of "high-born"
families have held themselves above their fellow creatures, for successive
generations, on much slenderer grounds of self-respect.
HENRY STILES, the eldest of four Stiles brothers who came to Wind-
sor in 1635, a carpenter by trade, and a bachelor, was killed Oct. 3, 1651,
at the age of 58 years, by the accidental discharge of a gun in the hands
of Thomas (son of Mr. Matthew) Allyn, of Windsor, and, as tradition
avers (Pres. Stiles Mss.), " in a military Train waiting upon Gov. Win-
throp when he was embarking for England to procure the Connecticut
charter, which he obtained 1662." The records of the Particular Court
(Vol. II., fol. 29), which met at Hartford on the first Thursday of Decem-
ber, 1651, contain the following proceedings of "The Grand Inquest
upon the death of Henry Stiles," the jury being Edward Stebbins,
John Drake, John White, Humphrey Pinney, Will Gibbons, Steph. Terry,
John Moore, Anthony Hawkins, Richard Goodman, Peter Tilton:
INDITEMENT OF THOMAS ALLYN.
"Thomas Allyn, thou art indited by the name of Thomas Allyn that not having
that due fear of God before thine eyes for the preservation of the life of thy neighbor
didst suddenly, negligently, carelessly cock thy piece, and carry the piece just behind
thy neighbor wch piece being charged and going off in thine hand, slew thy neighbo
to the great dishonor of God, breach of the peace, and loss of a member of the Common-
wealth, what saist thou, art thou guilty, or not guilty?
tr
The Inditement being confessed, you are to Inquire whether you finde the fact to
bee man-slaughter, or Homiside by misadventure.
'The said Thomas Allyn, being Indited for the fact, the Jury finds the same to be
Homicide by misadventure.
"The Court adjudge the said Thomas Allyn to pay to the County as a fyne £20 for
his sinfull neglect and careless carriage in the premises and that hee shall be bound to
his good behavior for a twelvemonth, and that hee shall not beare Armes for the same
terme.
"Matthew Allyn Acknowledgeth himself bound to this Commonwealth in a Recog-
nizance of £10, that his sonne Thomas Allyn shall carry his good behavior for the spase
of a yeare next ensuing."
WINDSOR WITCHES.
449
1
Henry Stiles's inventory of estate was also presented to the same
court, and distribution ordered..
Subsequently, as appears from the records of "A Particular Court,
held at Pequott, 24th of March, 1653-4" (folio 51, same vol.) an attempt
was made to fasten the blame of this accidental death of Henry Stiles.
upon witchcraft, and the following indictment was presented against one
Lydia Gilbert, who was probably a member of the family of Thomas
Gilbert, of Windsor.
"Lydia Gilburt, thou are herein indited by that name of Lydia Gilburt, that, not
having the feare of God before thine eyes, thou hast of late years, or still dost give En-
tertainment to Sathat[an], the great Enemy of God, and mankinde, and by his helpe
hast killed the body of Henry Styles, besides other witchcrafts, for which, according to
the law of God, and the Established law of this Commonwealth, thou deservest to
dye."
It is not absolutely certain whether the court which tried her was
that held the first Monday of September, 1654, or that of November 28,
1654. If the former, the magistrates were Mr. Wells, Mr. Wolcott, Mr.
Clark, and Mr. Talcott. The names of the grand jury at either court.
are not given; but there is the grand jury list of the court held first
Thursday (7th) December, 1654. The charge to the grand jury preced-
ing the record of Lydia Gilbert's indictment is:
"You shall swear by the ever living God that you will diligently enquire and faith-
fully present to this court whatsoever you know to be a breach of any established law
of this jurisdiction, so far as may conduce to the glory of God, and the good of this
Commonwealth, as also what criminal offenses you shall judge meet to be presented as
you expect from God in Jesus Christ."
The record further says: "Ye party above mentioned is found guilty
of witchcraft by ye Jury." But of the subsequent issue of the trial, or
the fate of the unhappy Lydia, no further mention is to be found. It is
a part of that mystery which seems to envelop the history of all cases of
witchcraft in the Colony of Connecticut.
Some items of the "Account of debts due from Henry Stiles, Sr., to
Thomas Gilbert, "which accompanied the inventory of Stiles's estate, as
presented to the Court, throw a little light upon the connection of Lydia
with Stiles's death. They show that Henry Stiles, being a bachelor,
boarded with Gilbert; that the last settlement made between the two,
prior to Stiles's death, was on March 25, 1649, and that he was then pay-
ing Gilbert "three shilling per week for diet." Gilbert had also charges
for his own service "about building his [Stiles's] cow-house," 28 days at
1s. 6d.; also one-half the services and half the diet of John Burton
[prob. Stiles's hired man'] since April, 1651, and for dieting harvesting
hands, two harvest seasons, etc. Gilbert was living in a house which he
had purchased, in 1647, from Mr. Francis Stiles, and which was separ-
6
VOL. I.-57
450
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
ated only by an 18-rod-wide lot (Wm. Gaylord, Jr.'s) from Henry Stiles's
lot. Evidently Stiles and Gilbert were intimately associated in their
daily work and interests, and it is quite possible that Lydia Gilbert may
have taken some offense with their boarder, and that this feeling was
sufficiently known to their neighbors to bring her under the suspicion
(so common in those days) of having invoked the aid of witchcraft to
compass his death. What relationship she bore to Thomas Gilbert we
do not know, for he seems to have had no children born to him at Wind-
sor, nor mention of any wife. She may have been his sister; but, who-
ever she was, we are left to infer that she bore not the best of reputation
in the community, since the record of her indictment says "thou hast, of
late years, and still dost give entertainment to Sathan
and by
his help hast killed the body of Henry Stiles, besides other witchcraft."
Shortly after this trial Gilbert sold his property in Windsor to
Thomas Bissell, and moved to Hartford, where he had brothers. In a
few years (1659) he died; and in a letter received from Hon. S. O. Gris-
wold, of Cleveland, Ohio, October, 1886, he says, as the result of a close
examination of records, etc., "In the settlement of his debts, as given in
the Probate records, the distribution of his estate appears, with the
names of his children, among which that of the alleged witch does not
appear. She must have died, either by a natural death, or was executed.
I think the reasonable probability is that she was hanged.”
WINDSOR, AS REPRESENTED IN THE BENCH AND BAR OF
CONNECTICUT.¹
The GENERAL COURT, the first in the colony, consisted of eight gentlemen com-
missioned by the General Court of Massachusetts, March, 1635–6, "to govern the peo-
ple at Connecticut for the space of a year next ensuing." Two were from Windsor, viz.:
Roger Ludlow, first-named in the commission, and therefore presiding judge: and,
virtually Governor of the new Colony, and WILLIAM PHELPS. This court was legisla-
tive, judicial, and executive in its character.
The PARTICULAR COURT, the highest strictly judicial body in the colony, existed
from 1638 until 1665, and consisted of two branches - the first composed of magis-
trates elected by the "freemen
freemen" at large, and presided over by the Governor, or
Deputy-Governor; the other branch consisted of deputies sent by the several towns. Its
sessions were held at Hartford, and of the thirty-five who, at one time or another, occu-
pied its bench, the following Magistrates were from Windsor :
Allyn, Matthew, 1658–62.²
Clarke, Daniel, 1659–60.
Clarke, Henry, 1650-56, 59–62.²
Ludlow, Roger, 1639–54.
Mason, John, 1642–62.2
Phelps, William, 1639–43, 56–62.2
Wolcot, Henry, 1643–56.
'Indebtedness acknowledged to Sherman W. Adams, Esq., of Hartford — in
Memorial Hist. Hartford County. In this list we have necessarily included citizens of
Eust Windsor.
2 Until superseded by the charter.
WINDSOR'S JUDGES AND LAWYERS.
451
The COURT OF ASSISTANTS, consisting of at least seven members sitting at a ses-
sion, chosen from the assistants in the General Court, was established in 1665; its jurisdic-
tion extended to higher matters than those in the jurisdiction of its predecessor, the
Particular Court. Of the fifty who served on its bench the following were from.
Windsor:
Allyn, Matthew, 2d, 1710-34.
Clarke, Daniel, 1662–64, 66–68.³
Clarke, Henry, 1662–October, '62.³
Ellsworth, Oliver, 1780-85, 1802-08.
Newberry, Benjamin, 1685-90.
Newberry, Roger, 1790-1809.
Wolcott, Erastus, 1786-90, East Windsor.
Wolcott, Henry, 1662-81.8
Wolcott, Roger, 1714-18, 20–42.
Wolcott, Roger, Jr., 1754–60.
At the COURT OF SESSIONS at Hartford, 1687/8, during the Andros Government,
among the justices present was Benjamin Newbery of Windsor, and the following
Windsor men were on the Grand Jury: John Bissell, John Moore, Return Strong,
and Nathaniel Loomis of Windsor.
The SUPERIOR COURT OF THE COLONY, established 1711 (colonial to 1776; State to
1798; since then a County Court); after 1819 it became a single-judge court :
Governor Roger Wolcott of Windsor was a chief judge of this court.
Governor William Wolcott Ellsworth of Windsor and Hartford.
SUPREME COURT OF ERRORS, constituted 1784-1806 :
Governor Oliver Wolcott, Jr., East Windsor and Litchfield, chief judge, 1787–1796.
Governor Oliver Ellsworth, Windsor, 1785–89.
General Erastus Wolcott, 1789-92.
General Roger Newberry, Windsor.
Governor William Wolcott Ellsworth of Windsor and Hartford, associate judge,
1847-61.
PROSECUTING OFFICERS:
(King's Attorney) John Bissell of Windsor, 1727.
<<
Peletiah Mills of Windsor, 1728.
Roger Wolcott, Jr., of Windsor, 1731–1753.
(State's Attorney) Oliver Ellsworth of Windsor, 1777.
LAWYERS from Windsor:
Governor Roger Wolcott, Sr, admitted to the bar, 1708; the first regularly admit-
ted in the township.
Samuel Moore of Windsor, 1709.
Captain Thomas Stoughton, (East) Windsor, 1714.
John Bissell of Windsor (later of Bolton), 1714.
Peletiah Mills of Windsor, 1719 (principal inn-keeper of Windsor).
Roger Wolcott, Jr., of Windsor, 1730; appointed under a law limiting the number
of attorneys in the Colony to eleven, three being appointed to Hartford county.
Bildad Phelps, Windsor, 1760.
Roswell Welles of Windsor, 1764.
General Roger Newberry, Jr., of Windsor, 1765.
Chief Justice Oliver Ellsworth of Windsor, 1777.
Alexander Wolcott, Jr., of Windsor, 1781.
3 Named in the charter. See Connecticut Legislative Manual.
452
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
In 1783 the present BAR ASSOCIATION of Hartford county was established. The
following Windsor names appear on its roll :
Oliver Ellsworth.
Roger Newberry.
Hezekiah Bissell.
Gaylord Griswold of Windsor, admitted to bar, 1790; removed to New York about ·
1793; was a representative to U. S. Congress.
In the Connecticut Register List of "Practicing Attorneys" of Hartford County
(numbering, at that time, only 17) appear the names of :
1789. Roger Newberry of Windsor.
Alexander Wolcott of Windsor.
1793-1802. Hezekiah Bissell, Jr., judge of County Court, from Windsor and
Hartford.
1797-1829. John Sargent, practiced at Windsor.
1800-1813. David Bissell, Jr., East Windsor and Hartford.
Samuel Woodruff, Jr., removed from Granby (where he had been Judge
of County Court) to Windsor about 1827, and practiced there about
three years.
1804-1807. Roger Newbery, 3d, at Windsor.
1805-1816. Samuel Putnam Waldo, practiced at East Windsor; was the author
of several volumes, including a Life of President Jackson, the Tour of
President Monroe through U. S.; compiler of Robbins' Journal.
1805-1840. Grove Griswold, at Granby and Windsor.
1805-1825. Joseph H. Russell, at Windsor.
1808-1816. Sherman Everest, Canton and East Windsor.
1809-1821. Godfrey Scarborough, at Suffield and East Windsor.
1811-1813. Guy Gaylord, at East Windsor, and, with him,
1811-1813. Charles Reynolds, at East Windsor.
1812-13. Thomas S. Sill (of Windsor), at Hartford; rem. to Erie, Pa., and rep. that
district in U. S. Congress.
1814-15. Sidney A. Grant, at East Windsor.
1814-36. Henry Leavitt Ellsworth, at Windsor.
1815—. John Milton Niles, at Suffield and Hartford; born in Windsor.
1816-1818. Algernon S. Grant, at East Windsor.
1816-1817. Ebenezer Lane, at East Windsor.
1820, or earlier, and for about 5 years later. John Watson, 3d, at East Windsor.
1822-1824. Apollos D. Bates, at Windsor.
1823-45.
Horace H. Sill, at Windsor.
1825-73. William Barnes, at Warehouse Point, East Windsor.
1826-28.
William H. Perkins, at Windsor.
1827-31. Selah B. Treat, at East Windsor; became a clergyman and secretary of
the A. B. C. F. M., and a contributor to periodicals.
1827-31. Thomas R. Holt, at Windsor.
1830-78. Erastus Smith, first at Windsor, then at Hartford; in early life a teacher;
noted for his wit and inattention to personal appearance; often held
court as U. S. Commissioner; died 1878.
1833-38. Richard G. Drake, at Windsor; after 1839 associated with Charles Chap-
man, Esq., of Hartford.
1834-35. Henry R. Buckland, at Windsor.
-1859. George Griswold Sill, ex-Lieutenant-Governor.
Albert W. Drake. See Drake Genealogy.
WINDSOR'S PHYSICIANS.
453
2
Windsor Physicians.-DR. BRAY' ROSSETER was the first physician
of Windsor. His father, Mr. Edward Rosseter, who is described as "a
godly man of good estate," belonging to an excellent family in the west
of England, was one of the Assistants of the Massachusetts Colony, and
a chief promoter and member of the Dorchester Company, which came
in the Mary and John. But the life of honor and usefulness which
seemed opening to him in this trans-atlantic sphere was cut short by
death, which came to him at Dorchester October 23, 1630.
Doctor Bray Rosseter, his son, was one of the principal men among
those gentlemen who commenced the settlement of Windsor in 1636.
He was a well-educated gentleman, and had probably been trained in the
best schools in England. Shortly after his arrival he was admitted to
practice by the General Court of Connecticut, "being first tried and
approved by [Rev.] Mr. Hooker, [Rev.] Mr. Stone, and old Mr. Smith,
of Wethersfield, in the face of the said Court." He served in Windsor
as Magistrate, and as Town Clerk, which office he held until 1652.
About this time he received a very pressing invitation from Mr. Leete
and other principal inhabitants of Guilford to settle there as a physician.
He accordingly removed thither and purchased the property of Mr. Samuel
Desbourough, who was about returning to England. "At a General
Court, October 10, 1651," say the Guilford Records, "Mr. Rosseter
[was] admitted and appraised a planter here upon the purchase of Mr.
Desbourough's accommodations ;" and in June following "Mr. Rosseter
for his own person was freed from watching, living here as a physician
in practice." In Jan., 1655-6, the town of Hartford granted £10
towards [the Rev.] Mr. Stone's charge of Phissick which he hath taken
of Mr. Rosseter." The next year Mr. Stone gave as one reason of his
proposed removal from Hartford that "we have no Physician at Hartford
or near at hand," etc. We find him, the next year, engaged as Town
Surveyor, an office which he had also filled to a considerable extent
while at Windsor. "At a General Court, held the 3d day of the 1st
month [April] 1653; Mr. Rosseter hath agreed, and undertaken forth-
with, to survey and stake out the whole of every man's particular pro-
portion sufficiently, for the sum of £5, all men's land to be laid out in
two parts." During the difficulties in the church at Guilford, which
followed Rev. Mr. Higginson's departure, Dr. Rosseter removed to Kil-
lingworth; but when peace was restored by the settlement of the Rev.
Joseph Elliot in 1664, he returned to Guilford, and resided there until
his decease, in Sept. 30, 1672. (See Genealogies.)
¹Or Bryan. There seems to be equal authority for both names.
2 Dudley's letter to Countess of Lincoln.
Extract from his own letter to the Governor, dated Guilford, June 28, 1669. It
was customary in those early days for the medical examining committee to be composed
wholly, or in part, of clergymen, who were always more or less skilled in medical lore.
454
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
The first post-mortem examination made in the Colony of Connecti-
cut was made by Dr. Rosseter, at that time a resident of Guilford.
March 11, 1662-3, the "Court allows unto Mr. Rosseter, twenty pounds,
in reference to opening Kellie's child;' and his pains to visit the Dep.
Governor, and his pains in visiting and administering to Mr. Talcot.
Of this twenty pounds, he hath already received 117 1s 4d. He is to
make no further demands of any particular persons."
For some time after Dr. Rosseter's removal to Guilford there seems
not to have been any physician at Windsor. They, as well as their sis-
ter towns upon the river, had to depend upon Dr. Lord, who resided at
Hartford, and whose fees were regulated by a session of the General
Court in Hartford, the 30th of June, 1652, as follows: "Thomas Lord,
having engaged to this Court to continue his abode in Hartford, for the
next ensuing year, and to improve his best skill amongst the inhabitants
of the town upon the river within this jurisdiction, both for setting of
bones and otherwise, as at all times, occasions, and necessities may or
shall require; this Court doth grant that he shall be paid by the country
the sum of fifteen pounds for the said ensuing year, and they do declare
that for every visit or journey that he shall take or make, being sent for
to any houses in Hartford, twelve pence is reasonable; to any house in
Windsor, five shillings; to any house in Weathersfield, three shillings; to
any house in Farmington, six shillings; to any house in Mattabeseek
[Middletown], eight shillings, (he having promised that he will require
no more); and that he shall be freed for the time aforesaid from watch-
ing, warding, and training; but not from finding arms, according to
law." Dr. Lord died in Wethersfield in 1662.
3
In October, 1654, one Daniel Porter was "allowed and paid out of
the public treasury," the salary of six pounds per year, with "six shil-
lings to each town upon the river, to exercise his art of surgery." This
encouragement was continued to him the following year. Also as late
as 1661-2. In 1674, one ROBERT HOWARD, of Windsor, is mentioned as
a physician. The period of his practice extended from about the year
1660 to the time of his death in 1684. He was not educated a physician,
but was early a millwright. In his inventory are to be found medical
books, surgical instruments, etc. Howe's Chirurgery was of the number.
¹ This may possibly have been some ante-mortem surgical operation; "but," says Dr.
W. A. M. Wainwright, of Hartford, in the Hartford Co. Memorial, "if it was post-mor-
tėm, as is most probable, it was the first autopsy made in New England of which any
record has been found, antedating by a dozen years the one made in Boston in 1674, an
account of which is given by Dr. Green in his "History of Medicine in Massachusetts,"
and said by him to have been one of the earliest recorded instances of a post-mortem
examination to be found in New England.”
2 Col. Rec., i. 234.
• Col. Rec., i. 279,
WINDSOR'S PHYSICIANS.
455
As will be seen by the records, different cases of surgery were often sent
off (at town expense) up to Hadley, Hatfield, and other towns in Massa-
chusetts, to be placed under the care of famous physicians who resided
there. Among the Wolcott Papers in the Library of the Connecticut
Historical Society we find the following letter addressed:
"For His much Respected Friend,
Mr. Henry Wolcott,
at His House
In Windsor.
Respected S
"My service being presented to you and to ye Rest of my Masters; these may
acquaint you that I have, through God's blessing, performed a cure upon Godman
Denslow's lad, though with a good deal of difficulty, care, and trouble; it Remains
therefore on your part to perform what you have Ingaged; his Diet and dressing at 4
shillings per week, amounts to ten pounds, six shillings. What I have expended in
medicines and otherwise, of which I shall give you a true account, amounts to twenty-
seven pounds. I desire you to take some effectual course that I may be paid; for I can
truly affirm that I am at least Indamaged ten pounds by ye lad, though I should not (as
I hope I shall not), meet with difficulty in getting what is my due; I purpose to see you
ye next week, and if it may be, I desire that my pay may be ready against I come down.
I have not at present to add but that I am
ST
Your Friend & Servant,
THOMAS HASTINGS."
Hatfield, Decembr ye 11th, 1685.
June 5, 1702. £12 were paid to Doctor Jacob Reed [of Simsbury]
and Obediah Hosford for the care of Mary Gaylord. - Town Records.
DOCTOR SAMUEL MATHER, the son of the Rev. Samuel Mather, was
born at Branford in 1677, graduated at Harvard College in 1698, at the
age of 21, and was licensed to practice medicine by the General Assem-
bly in 1702. This license is as follows:
[L. S.] Conn. ss.
"At a General Assembly Holden at Hartford, May 14, 1702, upon the recommenda-
tion of the Rev. Mr. Samuel Mather, Doctor Thomas Hooker and Mr. John Fisk this
Assembly doth license Mr. Samuel Mather, Jr., of the town of Windsor, to be a Practi-
tioner of Physick and Chyrurgy, in this Colonie
>>
'In testimony that the above written is a true copy, I have caused the seal of his
Majestie's Colonie to be hereunto assigned and subscribed.
ELEAZER KIMBERLY, Sec'y."
After a life of professional usefulness, during which he held various
civil and military offices of trust and honor, he died Feb. 6, 1745, in the
68th year of his age.
of his age. He was the father of Mr. Nathaniel Mather, of
Windsor (who lived upon "the Island "), who was the father of Elijah
Mather, and also of Col. Oliver Mather, late of Windsor.
DOCTOR ALEXANDER WOLCOTT, the son of Governor Roger, and
great-grandson of Mr. Henry Wolcott, the Emigrant, was born in East
(now South) Windsor, January 7, 1712. He graduated at Yale College
456
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
in 1731, and shortly after became a student of medicine at the office of
Dr. Norman Morrison, then a distinguished practitioner in Hartford.
Here the same talent and energy which had rendered him, at college,
distinguished for his classical attainments-enabled him to grasp the
great principles and explore the mysteries of the healing art with more
than usual rapidity and success. Having finished his course of medical
study, Dr. Wolcott (about 1740) commenced practice in his native town,
and soon attained a distinguished rank in his profession. He served
with ability as surgeon at the capture of Louisburg, in 1745, and in 1776
he was, by appointment of the Assembly, placed at the head of the Exam-
ining Committee for Surgeons and Surgeons's Mates in the Continental
Army. The records of Windsor during the revolutionary struggle show
that Dr. Alexander Wolcott was a firm friend to the cause of America,
and always active, both in private and in public, to promote its success.
He represented the town in the General Assembly many times, begin-
ning in 1757. In 1795 he died, full of years and honors. He was thrice
married, and had thirteen children, two of whom were physicians. Dr.
CHRISTOPHER, Jr., succeeded his father at Windsor; and Dr. SIMON
WOLCOTT removed to New London, and, in 1792, was one of the founders
of the Connecticut Medical Society.
Dr. Wolcott's residence in Windsor is now occupied by the widow of
the late Sidney Bowers.
"His library," says the late Dr. Sumner, in an address before the
State Medical Society, "was large and well-selected, and its array of
folios, mostly in Latin, which would make a student, of this day, shud-
der with apprehension. Yet in such form were the works of Bonetus,
Senertus, and Morgagni, while in less ponderous shape, but in the same
language, were found the first edition of the great work of Sydenham;
and Dr. Wolcott was in the practice of reading these ponderous tomes
of Latin and Greek, though one of the sons, to whom they devolved,
looked upon them as excellent waste paper, and as such employed
them."
Fortunately, however, a remnant of this splendid library was saved,
and, falling into the hands of Dr. Sumner, whom we have just quoted, was
by him presented to Trinity College at Hartford. There this unique.
collection of some 200 volumes, many of them bearing the (Latin) anno-
tations of Dr. Wolcott, is carefully preserved, and is easily accessible to
the curious, and more knowing, but less learned medical men of this
generation.
DOCTOR ELIHU TUDOR,' son of the Rev. Samuel and great grandson
¹In his commission as Surgeon's Mate, in the 43d Regiment of Foot, dated in Sep-
tember, 1763, his name was by some mistake written Edward Tudor. As he had always
disliked his name of Elihu, he ever afterward wrote and drew his pension under the
name of Edroard.
WINDSOR'S PHYSICIANS.
457
of Owen Tudor, a first settler of Windsor, was born in that town Febru-
ary 3, 1732. He graduated from Yale College, where he was esteemed
an excellent Greek scholar, in 1750, and studied medicine under the
then famous Dr. Benjamin Gale, of Killingworth. He entered the army
service during the French war, probably in August, 1759, as Surgeon's
Mate, with the rank of a 2d lieutenant. Barber's Hist. Col. Conn., p. 54.
In this capacity he served with Gen. Wolfe in Canada, and at the capture
of Havana. From 1762-1764 he seems to have lived in London, engaged
in the hospitals and the active pursuit of his professional studies.
Returning then to his native land, with a mind richly stored by research
and observation, he established himself in practice at (East) Windsor.
His first introduction to surgical practice, as we have been told, was on
the occasion of the accidental blowing up of the Hartford school-house,
on the 8th of June, 1766, on the day of rejoicing for the Repeal of the
Stamp Act. The skill displayed by him in treating the sufferers by this
deplorable accident gave him an excellent start. In the following year
we find in the Connecticut Courant, under date of June 15, 1767, the fol-
lowing advertisement:
"Doctor TUDOR, Lately from LONDON, Begs Leave to acquaint the Publick, that
he sets out the 22d Instant, to visit the Mineral Springs at Stafford, in Connecticut,
where he will be ready to give his Advice to those that choose to consult him in drink-
ing the Waters."
Upon the breaking out of the Revolutionary War, Doctor Tudor,
who was a pensioner of the British government, and favorable to the
royal cause,' fell under the suspicion of his neighbors at (East) Windsor.
His popularity declined, and his practice, which was chiefly surgical,
was, in his later days, not very extensive.
His reputation as a surgeon was at one time equal, if not superior,
to any in New England. In person he was of medium height and upright
form, near-sighted, always very neat in his dress, wearing ruffles, fine
silver buckles, and a nosegay in his button-hole. He died in 1826, at
the advanced age of 93." "
2
Previous to his death, in 1790, he received from Dartmouth College
the degree of Doctor of Medicine, which in that day was a compliment
and honor which can scarcely be appreciated in these days of indiscrim-
¹It is related that he used to have two tea-pots, one of which was filled with sage-tea,
the other with real tea, which could be used according to the company he had at his
table.
"It is said that the British Government, thinking the doctor was stretching out his
life to an unconscionable long length, actually sent an agent over to see as to the facts
of the case. It is a remarkable fact that very many of the pensioners of England lived
to such an advanced age as to induce suspicions on the part of the Home Government
that there was some trickery in the matter.
VOL. I.-58
458
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
inate diploma-giving. He was one of the founders and second Vice-
President of the Connecticut Medical Society.
"DOCTOR" PRIMUS was originally a slave, belonging to Doctor
Alexander Wolcott, to whom he acted as escort and body-guard in his
visits to his numerous patients, and as an assistant in the preparation of
medicines for the sick. "In this Primus and his master lived on for
years, till it occurred to the latter that the old negro should be released.
from bondage. "Primus Manumit," as he afterwards wrote his name,
was free, but he did not waste months in doubts respecting his future
course. He immediately removed to East Windsor, and was at once
recognized as a doctor, and as such frequently employed. On one
occasion he was requested to visit a sick child at Poquonock (in West
Windsor). Primus obeyed the summons. On his way home he rapped
at the door of his old master, who came out to inquire what was wanted.
"Nothing particular, master; I called to say that I was sent for to see
a child of our old neighbor; found it to be a very simple case, and said
to the mother it was not necessary to send so far for a doctor, for you
would have done just as well as any one else." — Dr. Sumner's Address.
The following "return of flour, grain, and meal" made by him to
the Selectmen of East Windsor, during the Revolutionary War, accord-
ing to a Public Act of the Assembly, shows that "Doctor" Primus had
not only picked up some of his old master's knowledge of physic, but
also some of the Latin terms used in his written prescriptions:
Sir in obedence to your Directions I Present to your honer | the account of the
Neseseres of Life I am Now in | Possing of I have the flour that Come out of two
|
Bushels of Wheat and a Bushel and | half of wheat half a Bushel Promis to doct (?)—
Rockwell one Bushel of Ry Promis to- -drake | five Bushel of Corn Promis to Capt
Aaron Bissell: totum est:
dated East windsor July 1: 1780
Quontum: Sufficet:
Primus manumit .
Dr. Primus lived in a small cabin on the west side of the street, at
the top of the hill north of Stoughton's brook, in the present town of
South Windsor. He was a large, good-looking man, quite gentlemanly,
and had considerable practice.
DOCTOR TIMOTHY MATHER died April 5, 1788, aged 34 years; of
whom it is well said that "his life was a relief to the distressed."
DOCTOR CHARLES MATHER, the son of Nathaniel and Elizabeth
(Allyn) Mather, graduated at Yale College, 1763. He lived in East
(now South) Windsor, in the house which Dr. Elijah F. Reed afterwards
occupied. About 1795, Dr. M. moved to Hartford. He was esteemed
an excellent physician, especially in female complaints. He was noted
for his long visits, never in a hurry, staid a long time after he got up to
WINDSOR'S PHYSICIANS.
459
go. He died in 1822. His oldest son, Charles, who graduated at Yale,
1783, was also a physician in the city of New York.
DOCTOR CHRISTOPHER WOLCOTT, familiarly called "Dr. Kit," was the
son of Dr. Alexander Wolcott (already noticed); was an intelligent,
though somewhat eccentric man, whose long and well-spent life in Wind-
sor contributed his full share to confer lustre upon a name which has
been distinguished in more than one profession. He was one of the
founders of the Hartford County Medical Society..
In Windsor, also, the DOCTORS CHAFFEE, father and son, practiced
with good reputation. And here the father, Dr. HEZEKIAH CHAFFEE,
died in 1819, aged 88 years.
Here, likewise, Dr. ABEL SIMMONS, a native of Ashford, in this State,
and a physician of much promise, found an early grave in 1818.
Here, also, the DOCTORS SILL, the father, Dr. ELISHA N., and the
son, Dr. THEODORE SILL, were both located. In the premature death of
the son the profession and the community each suffered heavily.
Dr. CHARLES WOODWARD, now of Middletown, and Dr. GRAHAM
LEE, afterwards of California, practiced for some years in Windsor.
WILLIAM S. PIERSON, M.D., a descendant of the Rev. Abraham
Pierson, the first Rector of Yale College (1701-1707), was born at Kil-
lingworth, Conn., 17 Nov., 1787; graduated at Yale College, 1808;
graduated M.D. from Dartmouth College, 1813. He practiced a few
years at his native place, and then removed to Durham, Conn., whence,
after four years, he removed to Windsor. Here, after a long and emi-
nently successful professional career, he died 16 July, 1860, widely
esteemed and lamented. His residence, on Palisado Green, afterwards
the home of his son, the late Gen. William S. Pierson, whose widow now
occupies it, still keeps alive the memory of "the beloved physician" in
many Windsor hearts.
ALBERT MORRISON, M.D., born at Hebron, Conn., 13 March, 1826;
graduated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City,
1847; enjoyed a large practice in Windsor and vicinity; was accidentally
killed on the railroad at Windsor, 18 July, 1873, and "was buried from
the church which he so dearly loved. The attending crowd bore witness
to the honor and respect in which he was held.”
SAMUEL A. WILSON, M.D., born at Windsor, 9 Sept., 1828; gradua-
ted from the Yale Medical School, 1853; practiced for many years
in Windsor; but has now mostly retired from active professional work.
His residence is on the Palisado Green.
The present practicing physicians of Windsor are NEWTON S. BELL,
M. D., and ADOLF SCHLOSSER.
Dr. J. N. DICKSON is at present practicing in Poquonock.
460
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
The list of Windsor men who have represented the Town in the
UNITED STATES and STATE GOVERNMENT will be found in Appendix F.
The Old Cemetery of Windsor, on the high bank at the northwest
corner of the old Palisado Green, overlooking the "Little Rivulet"
(Farmington River), is certainly one of the most beautifully located
and historically interesting burial places in New England. Its area,
within the past twenty-five years, has been considerably enlarged; and
the quaint dignity of its old-time tables and headstones is sharply con-
trasted by the loftier and more elaborate monumental glories of the
"new portion."
Gen. FREDERICK ELLSWORTH MATHER of New York city, whose in-
terest in the old burial place is evinced by the three handsome monu-
ments which he has erected to his Mather and Wolcott grandfathers,
etc., secured the passage by the State Legislature of an act, dated Jan-
uary, 1889, authorizing "the First School Society of the Town of
Windsor to receive Donations for the Care and Preservation of its
Cemetery and Burial Lots."
But the Windsor Cemetery Trust Fund does not accumulate very
rapidly, and the intentions of its far-seeing and generous projector bid
fair to be thwarted by the apathy and jealousies of others, who should
be equally interested in its welfare. Such provision is greatly needed,
for the benefit, especially, of those non-resident families which have no
living representative residing in Windsor, to take care of their interests
in this respect.

Commander of the Connecticut forces in
the Pequot fight, 1637.


Capt.
Capt.
Samured Meaxphate
Killed in the attack on the Narragansett fort, 1675.
Roger-Newberry
Pretum Strony
Served in the Havana Expedition,
1741.
Mathew Hayd

The Spy," Revolutionary war.
Lt.-Gov.
Died in the Havana Expe-
dition of 1741.
Loyer Wolcott
Major-General, second in com-
mand of the Lewisburg Expedition,
1744.
Served in the French and Revolu-
tionary wars.

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Dan Bifull go
Bard Bar bum
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Served from the Lex
ington Alarm of "75 to
1782; retired as a half-
pay Lieutenant.
Сарги
Served in the Rev-
olutionary war.

Martin Dusters End
Roger Engy

Colonel in the
Connecticut, and
Brigadier-General
in the Vermont
Revolutionary ser-
vice.
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Facsimile AUTOGRAPHS OF SOME OF WINDSOR'S "VALIANT MEN OF WAR."
CHAPTER XXI.
WINDSOR, 1800-1891.
A
NCIENT WINDSOR covered formerly an area of some 46 square
miles; but, by separation of several towns from its limits, has
been greatly shorn of its fair proportions, and is now bounded north by
Windsor Locks, east by the Connecticut River, south by Hartford and
Bloomfield, and west by Bloomfield and East Granby. Its surface may
be considered as divided into three planes, or levels; the first, rich,
broad meadow-land, skirted by the river; west of this a higher level, on
which the village is mainly built, and west of this a still higher elevation,
covered with woodlands, etc., extending back towards the bounds of
Bloomfield and East Granby. The soil is variable, but all of it good.
New England contains no pleasanter town or society than Old Windsor.
The official description of Modern Windsor in the Connecticut State
Register for 1889 is as follows: Population, 1880, 3,058; children be-
tween 4 and 16 years of age, Jan., 1881, 787; Jan., 1888, 594. Grand
list, $1,429,953. Indebtedness, $25,683.93. Rate of taxation, 11 mills.
Principal industry, agriculture. Is reached by the N. Y., N. H. & Hart-
ford Railroad; station at Windsor, with flag stations at Wilson's and
Hayden's; by stage daily from Hartford. Post-offices, Windsor, Po-
quonock, and Rainbow.
The history of Windsor, since the year 1800, has been simply that
of a quiet agricultural town, and unmarked by any event more startling
than an occasional flood. The town has lived and grown, but of the
process of its growth there are but few traces left.
Windsor was somewhat agitated by the political events which led to
the War of 1812; and, from an Orderly Book belonging to the late Daniel
Pinney, we learn the names of those who volunteered from this town to
go to the defense of New London. In this list we have also included.
some names (designated by an asterisk) found on a list of privates, in
the possession of H. H. Barbour, Esq., of Hartford.
462
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
"Fort Trumbull, February 13, 1813. Provisions drawing for 60 men, from the
above date to March 1st.
Capt. Blanchard
Lieut. Jas. R. Halsey
(C Samuel White
Ensign Jos. Smith
H. Rawdon
Sargt. Abel Strong
Cyrus Bissel [Corpor'l under Moses
Goodman, Jr., 18 Aug. to 24 Oct., 1814.]
Eliphalet G. Allyn
Levi Markham
Morris Gillespie
Pyramus Holcomb
John Smith 2d
Ethan Merril
Samuel Stiles
Sgt. Charles P. Hempstead [under Geo.
Roberts, 26 Aug., 1814.]
Sgt. Calvin Adams
Corp'l Richard Allyn
Augustus Hoskins
Timothy Wilson
J. F. Phelps
Amasa Bailey [enl. under Hez. Webster,
Sept.-Nov. 1, 1813]
Avery Parsons
Wm. Thrall
Henry Clark (named as drummer on H. H.
Barbour's List)
Chauncey Alford [served Aug. 3-16, Sept.
1813]
Samuel Hathaway
Alfred Sikes
Nathaniel Snow
Joel Loomis
Daniel Marshall
Fredus Griswold, 3d, [enl. 4 April, 1813,
in 25th Inf.; d. 19 Nov., 1819]
Jonathan Kent
Roswell Cook [enl. under Hez. Webster, 13
Sept. to 1 Nov., 1813]
Chester Soper
Wait Hicox
Thos. W. Stephens
Philip Barnes
Augustus (Gustavus ?) Stebbins
Austin Hall [enl. under Ed. Wolcott, 3
Aug. to 16 Sept., 1813]
Roswell Brooks
Oliver Roberts
Stephen L. Wilson
Aaron Smith, 1st
Zenas Clark
Jasper Peck
Luther Lewis
Harlow Case [Sgt. under Isaac Phelps, 18
Aug. to 25 Oct., 1814]
Richard Allen
Zenas Sikes, 2d
Horace Sikes
Samuel Huntington
Joseph Dilson
Timothy B. Strickland
Samuel Tucker
Cyrus How
Apollos Owen
Wm. Porter
Wareham Griswold, 2d
*Hezekiah Griswold
*Wm. Allyn, 3d
*Ethan Barker, Jr.
*Elihu Newberry, of Wintonbury, fifer.
*Timothy Townsend."
From other sources we glean the names of
David Pinney, of Pine Meadow-Orderly
Sgt.
Reuben Cook, at New London, under Paul
Hervey, 1 to 16 June, 1813
Shubael Cook
Frederic Chapman (afterwards the Baptist
preacher)
Grove Ellsworth
Maj. Martin Ellsworth, under Lt.-Col. E.
Sanford, 10 Sept.-1 Nov., 1813, at
New London, Ct.
Maj. William Howard, in U. S. Army;
mustered in 12 Mch., 1812, 25th Inf.;
Lt. Col. 1st İnf. 2 Oct., 1814; disbanded
15 June, 1815
Philip Halsey
Increase Mather
Oliver Mitchell
Wm Mack
Chauncey Porter
Graves decorated on
'Decoration Day"— as
'Soldiers of 1812"
Harvey Stoughton [served under Moses
Goodman 18 Aug.-24 Oct., 1814.]
WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE WAR OF 1812.
463
When New London was threatened, 1813, a draft was made from the militia com-
pany at Wintonbury parish, which made ready to go out, under Captain James Lord,
but ultimately their services were not required. — L. A. Roberts.
The following are credited to Windsor, in the U. S. War Depart-
ment, as having served in the War of 1812 in the Regular Army. Some
were probably from East Windsor and from Wintonbury parish.
Austin, Elijah, enl. 12 Aug., '12, under Thomas S. Seymour, 25 Inf.; dropped from
rolls 30 June, '15.
Barnard, Erastus, enl. 2 Jan., '15, under Maj. Dan. Ketchum, 25 Inf.; disc. 23 Mch.,'15.
Barnard, Harlow, enl. 13 Feb., '15, under Maj. Dan. Ketchum, 25 Inf.; present 19 Mch.,'15.
Bartlett, John, enl. 24 Dec., '14, under Maj. Dan. Ketchum, 25 Inf.; disc. 23 Mch., '15.
Beit, Charles, enl. 12 Dec., '14, under D. Crawford, 11 Inf.; present 16 Feb., '15.
Billings, Elkanah, enl. 11 Feb., '15, 25 Inf.; on rolls '15 in Feb.
Bradshaw, Stephen, enl. 2 Feb., '15, under Maj. D. Ketchum, 25 Inf.; disc. 24 Mch., '15.
Brownson, Wm. A., enl. 18 Jan., '15, under Maj. D. Ketchum, 25 Inf.; disc. 24 Mch., '15.
Burland, Aaron, enl. 6 Aug., '12, under Festus Cone, 25 Inf.; dis. 31 Jan., '16.
Burr, Allen, enl. 13 Feb., '15, under Maj. D. Ketchum, 25 Inf.; dis. 23 Mch., '15.
Butler, William, enl. 27 Mch. '13, under John Smith, 4 Inf.; transf. to 5 Inf.; disc. 1
June, 1815.
Cadwell, John S., enl. 17 Aug., '12, under John B. Murdock, 25 Inf.; disc. from 6 Inf.
17 Aug., '17.
Chaffin, Lyman, enl. 22 Jan., '13, under Peter Bradley, 25 Inf.; disc. 21 July, '14.
Chatham, William, enl. 14 Feb., '15, under Maj. D. Ketchum, 25 Inf.; tranf. to 6
Inf. '15. Des. 31 Oct., '15.
Clark, Penuel, enl. 10 Mch., '14, under Maj. D. Ketchum, 25 Inf.; dis. 17 May, '15;
tm. exp.
Coburn, Jonathan, enl. 1 Mch., '13, under Festus Cone, 25 Inf.; died 17 June, '13.
Combs, Sylvester, enl. 18 Jan., '13, under Peter Bradley, 25 Inf.; disc. 17 May, '15, from
Capt. Thomas S. Seymour's Co.; tì. exp.
Cook, Aaron, enl. 2 Mch., '14, under D. Ketchum, 25 Inf.; d. 23 Sept., '14.
Cook, Nathaniel, Jr., enl. 20 Jan., '15, under D. Ketchum, 25 Inf.; disc. 24 Mch., '15;
tm. exp.
Day, Squire S. (Wby.), enl. 18 Sept. '12, under John B. Murdock, 25 Inf.; disc. 18 Sept.,
'17; tm. exp.
Dexter, Jacob, enl. Mch., '14, under D. Ketchum, 25 Inf.; wd. 5 July, '14, at Chippewa,
U. C.; disc. 28 Mch., '15.
Dewitt, Charles, enl. 1 Nov., '14, under D. Ketchum, 25 Inf.; name on rolls 19 Mch.,
'15.
Drake, Elijah, enl. 14 Feb. '15, under D. Ketchum, 25 Inf; dis. 24 Mch., '15; tm. exp.
Ellsworth, James, enl. 22 May, '12, under Maj. Geo. Howard, 25 Inf.; d. 8 Dec. '12.
Fitch, Charles, enl. 21 Jan., '15, under Maj. D. Ketchum, 25 Inf.; name on rolls 19
Mch., '15.
Fox, Charles, enl. 15 Feb., '15, under Maj. D. Ketchum, 25 Inf.; name on rolls. 19
Mch., '15.
Frisbie, Nathan, enl. 9 Feb., '15, under Maj. D. Ketchum, 25 Inf.; disc. 24 Mch., '15;
tm. exp.
Fuller, Joseph, enl. 17 Jan., '15, under Maj. D. Ketchum, 25 Inf; dis. 24 Mch., '15.
Grove, Jacob, enl. 23 Mch., '13, under Ed. White, 25 Inf.; disc. 17 May, 1815; tm. exp.
Howe, Urial, enl. with Maj. Dan'l Ketchum, 25 Inf.; absent in arrest, 19 Mch., '15.
Hills, Ezekiel, enl., 28 Jan., '15, with Maj. Daniel Ketchum, 25 Inf.; disc. 25 Mch., '15,
tm. exp.
464
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Hills, Daniel, Jr., enl. 8 Jan., '15, with Maj. Daniel Ketchum, 25 Inf.; name on rolls
19 Mch., '15.
Griswold, Fredus (3d), enl. 4 Apl., '13, under Peter Bradley, 25 Inf.; d. 19 Nov., '13.
Lancton, Horace, enl. 4 Feb., '15, under Maj. Dan. Ketchum, 25 Inf.; transf. to 6 Inf.;
disc. 20 Jan., '21; tm. exp.
Lewis, Samuel T., enl. 22 Feb., '13, under Peter Bradley, 25 Inf.; wd. 11 Nov., '13,
Chrystler's Field, U. C.; transf. to Capt. Ed. White's Co.; disc. 17 May, '15; tm. exp.
Littlefield, John, enl., 30 Dec., '12, under Festus Cone, 25 Inf.; wd. and capt. 26 June,
'13, Stony Creek, U. C.; exch. 15 Apl., '14; disc. 25 Mch., '15; tm. exp.
Lucas, John, enl. 1 Mch., '13, Festus Cone, 25 Inf.; transf. to Capt. D. Ketchum's Co.;
disc. 17 May, '15; tm. exp.
Marsh, Azel, enl. 19 Mch., '13, under Festus Cone, 25 Inf.; d. 17 July, '13.
Mason, Joseph D., enl. 2 Feb., '15, under Maj. D. Ketchum, 25 Inf.; name on rolls, 9
Mch., '15.
Mathews, Daniel, enl., 9 Mch., '13, under Maj. D. Ketchum, 25 Inf.; wd. and capt. 6
June, '13, Stony Creek, U. C.; exch. 15 Apl., '14; disc. 28 Mch., '15; tm. exp.
Merrill, Ethan, enl. 10 Mch., '14, under Maj. Daniel Ketchum, 25 Inf; d. 10 May, '14.
Moore, Orson, enl. 30 Jan., '15, under Maj. Benj. Watson, 25 Inf.; disc. 22 Mch., '15;
tm. exp.
Norton, John, enl. 13 Mch., '13, under Joseph Kinney, 25 Inf.; killed 11 Nov., '13,
Chrystler's Field, U. C.
Parmeter, Nathaniel (Sgt.), enl. 21 Dec., '12, under Peter Bradley, 25 Inf.; disc. 23
Mch., '15, from Capt. Thomas S. Seymour's Co.
Patterson, John, enl. 1 Aug., 1812, with Geo. Howard, 25 Inf.; wd.
May, '15, from Capt. Ed. White's Co.
'14; disc. 17
Peck, John, enl. 24 Feb., '13, under Festus Cone, 25 Inf.; disc. 17 May, '15, from
Capt. Ed. White's Co.
Perkins, Hector, enl. 9 Jan., '13, under Peter Bradley, 25 Inf.; wd. —date and action
not given; disc. 17 May, '15, from Capt. Ed. White's Co.
Pierce, Luther, enl. 14 Aug., '12, with Festus Cone, 25 Inf.; disc. dis. 24 July, '15, from
Capt. Thomas S. Seymour's Co., 6 Inf.
Robbins, Daniel, enl. 14 Feb., '15, under Maj. Benj. Watson, 25 Inf.; on rolls 19 Mch.,
'15.
Roberts, Oliver, enl. 24 Feb., '14, under Maj. Dan. Ketchum, 25 Inf.; d. 22-Dec., '14.
Squires, Sherman (Sgt.), enl. 13 Feb., '15, under Maj. Benj. Watson, 25 Inf.; must.
Priv.; prom. Sgt. ; name on rolls 19 Mch., '15.
Stephens, George, enl. 6 Mch., '14, with Daniel Ketchum, 25 Inf.; dis. 17 May, '15,
from Capt. Jesse Beach's Co.; tm. exp.
Tasker, John C., enl. 11 Feb., 1813, with Peter Bradley, 25 Inf.; disc. 17 May, 1815,
tm. exp., from Capt. Edw'd White's Co.
Tasker, Jonathan, enl. 15 Feb., 1813, with Edw'd White, 25 Inf.; killed 25 July, 1814,
Bridgewater, U. C.
Tennant, Eli, enl. 18 Mch., '13, with Festus Cone, 25 Inf.; disc. 17 May, '15, tm. exp.
Tennant, Rufus, enl. 6 Mch., '13, with Festus Cone, 25 Inf.; d. 15 May, 1813.
Whiting, Caleb, enl. 9 Jan., '15, with Maj. Benj. Watson, 25 Inf.; name on rolls 19
Mch., '15.
Wiggins, Josiah, enl. 9 Mch., '13, with Festus Cone, 25 Inf.; d. 16 May, 1813.
Winchell, Shaylor, enl. 2 Mch., '14, Daniel Ketchum, 25 Inf; d. 27 Sept., '14.
In the Mexican War the following citizens of Windsor volunteered
in the U. S. service:
Chapman, Edw'd D., must. 18 Aug., '48, Co. A, 2d Dragoons; disc. 19 June, '48
(sic. ?)
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION AT WINDSOR.
465
Fillen, Timothy, must. Apl. 6, '47, Cos. A and G, 16 Inf.; disc. 5 Aug., '48; tm. exp.
Halsey, Christopher H., must. 6 Mch., '48, Co. E, 11 Inf.; disc. 14 Aug., '48; tm. exp.
Scott, Chas. W., must. 5 Nov., '46, Cos. A and D, 4 Inf.; disc. 5 Nov., '51; tm. exp.
In the "Centennial Year," 1876, Windsor celebrated the Fourth of
July in a manner highly creditable to the oldest town in the State of
Connecticut, by a grand Centennial Picnic on Broad Street Green. The
programme of the day's exercises was as follows: A National Salute of
thirteen guns on Plymouth Meadow, under direction of Col. E. N.
Phelps; Music, "Hail Columbia"; Invocation, by Rev. B. Judkins,
rector of Grace Church; Music, "Old Hundred "; Reading of the
Declaration of Independence, by H. L. Soper, Esq., of Poquonock; Music,
"Yankee Doodle"; Historical Address, Jabez H. Hayden, Esq., of
Windsor Locks; Music; Centennial Ode, by Rev. R. H. Tuttle; Music,
and DINNER. This was served, and well served, on tables more than
2,000 feet long, besides side-tables, set upon the Green, "and the multi-
tude were filled.” The exercises were then resumed by a Blessing,
invoked by Rev. G. C. Wilson; Music; the Orator of the Day, Lieuten-
ant-Governor George G. Sill, a native of Windsor; Address, by Hon. T.
C. Coogan of Windsor; Reading of Letters and Short Speeches, by
invited guests and citizens of Windsor. A fine display of fireworks
on the Green in the evening concluded a day which had been made
thoroughly enjoyable to all by the unanimity with which all portions of
the town united in its arrangements, and by the complete manner in
which every detail was carried out by the marshal of the day, Mr. E. S.
Clapp, and his numerous aids. The Report of the Centennial Celebration
of the Anniversary of our Independence at Windsor, Conn., July 4, 1876
(8º, 48 pp.), printed By Authority of the Committee of Arrange-
ments," at the press of The Case, Lockwood & Brainard Company of
Hartford, 1876, preserves all the details of this most interesting occa-
sion.
6:
On the 30th of March, 1880, the First Church of Windsor cele-
brated the Quarter-Millenial Anniversary of its organization in Plymouth,
England. A full account of this was published, and has been referred
to in its appropriate place in Chapter XVIII, page 386.
When the citizens of the State of Connecticut held a Quarter-
Centennial of the State Constitution at Hartford, January 24, 1889, the
Town of Windsor sent the following representatives of the town's first
deputies, viz.:
Horace Bowers (descendant of Deacon William Gaylord).
Hon. H. Sidney Hayden (descendant of Thomas Ford).
VOL. I.-59
466
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
John A. Stoughton (descendant of Mr. Stoughton).
Jabez H. Hayden (descendant of Mr. Henry Wolcott, Sr.).
And (on a general ticket with Hartford and Wethersfield) the follow-
ing representatives of the early governors and magistrates:
Timothy S. Phelps, representing Mr. William Phelps.
Thomas W. Loomis, representing Mr. Roger Ludlow, who had no
descendant.
-
Windsor continues to be mostly an agricultural community, though
there are several residents who do business in Hartford. Within a
comparatively recent period streets and avenues have been laid out, and
between thirty and forty new buildings erected. The Hon. H. Sidney
Hayden has succeeded in the enterprise of supplying the village (south)
of the Rivulet) with the purest of water from the Crystal Springs, which
are on a high elevation west of the center, with a running capacity of
15,000 gallons a day, and which has never failed during the severest
drought. He has also laid large pipes from the large factory-pond, which
is abundant for manufacturing purposes, and furnishes an unfailing
supply in case of conflagrations. This individual enterprise resulting
successfully in so great a public benefit, and paying but a low rate of
interest to the projector, is duly appreciated. Ice-houses have been
erected near the pond, and consumers are furnished daily by the ice-
Windsor is but twelve minutes' ride by railroad from Hartford,
and there are fourteen or sixteen trains stopping here each day.
man.
The churches, schools, etc., of Windsor have been described else-
where.
Manufactures. The SEQUASSON WOOLEN COMPANY was started in the
spring and summer of 1853, under the name of the "Windsor Knitting
and Manufacturing Company," intending the production of stockinet ;
but, owing to private difficulties, the property was assigned and sold
before any goods were made. The present company was then formed in
the spring of 1853, with a capital of $26,000, owned by twelve individ-
uals: William S. Pierson, M.D., President; E. N. Phelps, Secretary;
F. M. Brown, Treasurer; William A. Lovell, Agent. Its first goods.
were sent to market December 6, 1855. The mill was a substantial
edifice of brick, four stories high, located a little northeast of the present
railroad depot, and contained three sets of machinery, driven by steam.
The annual production was about $75,000; annual quantity of wool used
about 80,000 lbs., and about forty-five to fifty hands employed. This
mill was destroyed by fire in March, 1873. Its site is at present occu-
pied by a new building, 200x50 feet in size, of the SPENCER ARMS COM-
PANY, manufacturing the noted Spencer guns. There is also the BEST
POQUONOCK AND RAINBOW MANUFACTURES.
467
MANUFACTURING COMPANY, engaged in the making of cigars and tobacco;
and the large plant of the EDDY ELECTRIC Co. In the whole town, in-
cluding Poquonock and Rainbow, there are two Town Halls, two grist
and saw-mills, three blacksmith shops, ten stores, seven churches,
twelve school buildings, and two hotels.
•
Town Halls. Windsor has two Town Halls. That at Windsor,
erected in 1878, of brick, is 40×80 feet in size, two stories high; contains
the Town Clerk's office, and that of the Judge of Probate, an upper
and lower hall; and cost $8,000. The Town Clock in this building was
presented by Mrs. Abby Loomis Hayden. That in Poquonock, erected
in 1883, is of brick, and is 4580 feet in size, two stories high, con-
tains an upper and lower hall, and cost $9,000. Both are handsome
structures.
Poquonock, or Second Society, situated on the Farmington (Wind-
sor, Tunxis, Rivulet, or Little River), is a pleasant corner of the old
town. The river was formerly navigable to this point, and now affords
abundance of good water power. Much of the land about Poquonock is
what is termed plain land-sandy, partly covered with wood; when
new good for raising rye; well supplied with muck-holes (i. e., upper
crust, twelve to fifteen inches deep, pulverized by the action of frosts
and rains); and needs only energy to cart the muck on to the sandy
parts to make them capable of bearing good crops since chemical
analysis, as well as the experience of some Poquonock farmers, proves
this muck to be equal to good barnyard manure.
At Poquonock, in 1859, were the FRANKLIN PAPER WORKS, consist-
ing of two mills-one then owned by Buckland & Co., and containing
seven engines, and one 62-inch Fourdrinier machine; the other then
recently sold to E. S. Goodrich of Hartford and A. C. Goodman of New
York, having six engines, and one 84-inch Fourdrinier machine.
At the same date (1859) A. M. Hathaway & Co. had here a cotton
mill, making cotton warps for carpets; Alexander Clapp a grist mill for
custom work; and Harris & Co. a cotton mill, with about thirty looms,
manufacturing printing cloths.
Rainbow is the name given to that portion of Poquonock where the
river makes its most graceful curve; and here, in 1803, Roger Griswold
conceived the idea of building in the bend of the stream what he named
the Rainbow Mills. The scheme, which seems to have been a family
enterprise, was strenuously opposed by his brother, the late eminent
Bishop Griswold, but at last his consent was obtained. Roger, who
possessed much mechanical ability, as well as a sanguine temperament,
commenced the enterprise; but hardly had the mill, dam, etc., been
468
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WİNDSÓR.
v
erected before a heavy freshet swept away the embankment, carried off
a large quantity of kiln-dried grain, and proved a serious financial
disaster to the Griswolds.
At this place, in 1859, Charles Denslow had a wire-work mill,
employing about twenty hands; Hodge & Co., two paper mills, eight
engines and two machines, employing about thirty hands; Denslow &
Chase, a machine shop, principally employed in millwright and paper
machinery.
There are at Rainbow two paper mills, the CONGRESS MILLS, two
two-story buildings, 45×200 feet on the ground; erected about 1859,
rebuilt 1866 by Mr. D. Buck, and afterwards purchased by the present
THE SPRINGFIELD PAPER COMPANY, which manufactures white and colored
printing papers, and special goods of that description; having a work-
ing capacity of 3,000 pounds per day, and handling about 2,000 tons
weight of material a year.
The mills of the HARTFORD PAPER COMPANY are at Rainbow and
Poquonock; capital stock, $150,000; manufacture various kinds of
paper, with an average capacity of 9,000 pounds a day. The Rainbow
mills were erected about thirty years ago, and that at Poquonock in
1870-71; cost, $180,000.
In 1873 Austin Dunham & Sons of Hartford began the manufacture
of worsted yarns in the old stone mill called the Tunxis Mill at
Poquonock, to which, in 1875, they added a much larger building; and
again, in 1880, their business had so increased that they took on the
Poquonock Mill, erected 1856, and up to this time used as a woolen mill.
The TUNXIS WORSTED COMPANY, which to-day comprises these interests,
was formed July 1, 1880, with a capital of $162,000; and manufactures
all kinds of worsted yarns, and prepares and sells combed wool for
worsted spinners. Their production in 1881 was 291,295 pounds of
worsted yarns; combed wool sold, 148,749 pounds.
Fish-raising. Here are located the works of the Fenton Trout
Breeding Company, and the hatcheries of the State Fish Commission, of
which Henry J. Fenton is superintendent.
The early ecclesiastical history of Poquonock has been previously
given. See Chapter XV.
The Congregational Church at Poquonnoc, designated at its
organization “The Second Church of Windsor," was formed 2d July,
1841, with 39 members. The field was hard to cultivate, and discourag-
ing to look upon. Universalism and infidelity had not only killed the
ancient church (see pages 290–291), but had sown the seeds of a moral
and religious lethargy which had so deteriorated the character of this
beautiful portion of Windsor that it was familiarly spoken of in the
surrounding country as Sodom. In 1830, however, through the efforts.
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AT POQÜONOCK.
469
of an eminent temperance lecturer, Mr. Hunt, a temperance society was
organized, enrolling 80 names. Mr. Samuel O. Hollister, who procured
Mr. Hunt's services, had purchased the (former) Niles & Marshall paper
mills there, and learned, to his great disappointment, the nature of the
spiritual desolation into which he had removed. The lack of regular evan-
gelical preaching occasioned at times painful inconveniences, and it was
an incident of this kind which finally led to the securing of evangelical
preaching. Under the action of a committee of the Ecclesiastical
Society (Messrs. Hollister, William Soper, Elihu Marshall), the pulpit
was thenceforth supplied with tolerable regularity by ministers of
various denominations, though the preference of those interested was,
perhaps, mostly Congregational. This preaching in a public hall, from
1835 to 1841, embraced the efforts of students from the Theological
Institute of Connecticut at East Windsor (among whom was Rev. Dr.
Gale, lately of Lee, Mass., who is said to have preached his first
sermon here); a year's supply by David Austin Sherman, a graduate
and tutor (1804-1810) of Yale; and others. But the forces which gave
birth to the church organization culminated more decidedly under the
preaching of Rev. Mr. Hempstead of Hartford, 1840-41, resulting in a
religious awakening and several conversions.
Of
He was succeeded by John R. Adams, who preached a part
of the time at the school-house at Poquonock, as well as at
Rainbow. Finally, on June 2, 1841, a church was organized
with 39 members, of whom 18 were by letter. This organization
was largely due to the efforts of Josiah Smith and Charles W.
Denslow, who became the church's first deacons, and Samuel O.
Hollister, who was elected the second deacon, but declined to serve.
the original members ten had died here before 1871, viz.: Mrs. Denslow,
1850; Deacon Josiah Smith, 1851; Mrs. Clemons, 1852; Mr. Clemons,
1853; Mrs. Jerusha, wife of Deacon Josiah Smith, and Mrs. Rebecca
Soper, 1854; Miss Martha Moore, 1857; Mrs. Selina Griswold, 1865;
Mrs. Maria Griswold, 1866; Mrs. Dulcena Moore, 1868. Twenty-one
were dismissed to other churches, one was excommunicated, four
absent, and three living- Mrs. Maria Soper, Mrs. Hathaway, Mrs.
Doyle.
Pastors. Rev. JOHN R. ADAMS is entitled to be considered as
the church's first minister, though he remained less than five months
after its organization. He was a brother of Rev. Dr. William Adams of
New York city; was born in Plainfield, Conn.; graduated, Yale College,
1821; at Andover Seminary, 1826; pastor at Londonderry, N. H.,
1831-38; after he left Poquonock was settled at Gorham, Me., and
died at Northampton, Mass., 25th April, 1866; age 64.
470
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Rev. CHAUNCEY RICE preached, after Mr. Adams, until about the
13th February following, supplying about as long as Mr. A. had done;
was afterwards pastor of Congregational Church at Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Rev. CORNELIUS B. EVEREST (see page 299) was acting pastor here,
1843-1st August, 1852. The majority of the congregation in his time
seems to have been resident at Rainbow.
In 1843 he had a congregation of 150, there was no ecclesiastical
society, and they were able to raise but about $300 among them. Dur-
ing the last two and a half years of Mr. E.'s ministry a separate service
was held at Poquonock in a hall built for the purpose by Mr. Daniel
Buck in Franklin Hall, as it was called. Rev. Mr. Bruce and others
preached several months in the latter part of 1849. In January,
1850, Mr. Thomas H. Rouse, who had been laboring six months at
Feeding Hills, exchanged with Mr. Bruce, preaching a semi-centennial
sermon, and the congregation were so favorably impressed that they
desired to hear Mr. R. on the next Sabbath with the result that he
was engaged to supply in the hall until the following May. For two
years he ministered to a congregation unconnected with any church
organization, until in 1852 it was united with the church at Rainbow
under Mr. Everest, and Mr. Rouse became the preacher to the new
church for whose better accommodation, through his earnest efforts,
a new church edifice was soon erected, and dedicated in the spring of
1854. On the 18th July of the same year he was ordained pastor,
serving as such until 7th October, 1856.
Mr. Rouse was a native of Pittstown, Rensselaer county, N. Y.,
and baptized there in the Dutch Reformed Church, of which his
mother was a member. About 1836 he commenced the study of medi-
cine, but his conversion led to a change of plan, and he entered and
graduated from Williams College; studied theology two years at the
Connecticut Theological Institute, and one at Union Theological Semi-
nary, New York city; came to Poquonock, 1850; dismissed, 1856;
installed pastor, 8th January, 1857, Congregational Church at Jamestown,
N. Y.; dismissed June, 1868, owing to failing health. Resumed preach-
ing May, 1869, at San Mateo, Cal. During his ministry at Poquonock
39 were received to church membership, 9 of whom were by letter.
Rev. HENRY J. LAMB was next invited to the pastorate of this
church, but, from considerations of age and health, declined instal-
lation. He supplied, however, for two years from 1857, fourteen being
received into the church at one time (4th July, 1858) as the result of
a revival attending his labors. Sixteen were received in all, one of which
was by letter.
Mr. Lamb studied theology at Andover and Bangor Theological Semi-
naries; spent thirty-six years in the ministry; was six years post-chaplain
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES IN POQUONOCK.
471
in the United States army; was pastor at West Suffield, 1853-57. He
spent the closing years of his life in Springfield, Mass., where he died,
30th October, 1862, aged 61.
Rev. OGDEN HALL, previously a settled pastor at Hartland, Conn.,
labored with this church nearly two years, 1859-61. He preached at
Holland, Mass., and later resided at Chatham, Mass.
·
Rev. CHARLES H. BISSELL first occupied this pulpit in the summer
of 1860; graduated, Williams College, 1858; preached for Mr. Hall
several times, and while yet a student at the East Windsor Theological
Seminary, where he graduated, 1861, had two engagements of three
months each with this church, and was ordained here as an evangelist,
12th June, 1862. In the summer of 1864 he spent two months in the
service of the U. S. Christian Commission in the army in Virginia;
returned home to suffer from a fever contracted there; and resigned his
pulpit in April, 1865, for a second and more responsible engagement
with the Commission. Prevented from this, however, by death in his
family, he assumed charge, October, 1865, of the church at Harwinton,
Conn.; thence he went to Owosso, Mich.; compelled by illness in his
family to remove, he went to Independence, Iowa. Under his labors at
Poquonock twenty were received, fifteen of whom were upon profession.
Rev. JOSIAH PEABODY succeeded Mr. Bissell. He was born at
Topsfield, Mass.; graduated, Dartmouth College, and in theology at
Andover Theological Seminary; preached at Bolton about two years,
beginning 1839; embarked, April, 1841, in the foreign missionary
service, and labored fourteen years at Erzroum and five at Constantino-
ple, until his health failed. He supplied Poquonock from 1865 to 1868,
a period of three years; and during that time eight were admitted to
the church, five of whom were on profession.
•
Rev. NATHANIEL G. BONNEY' was ordained pastor 1st July, 1868–
1873.
Rev. WILLIAM H. PHIPPS,
1873
1877.
Rev. SILAS KETCHUM, appointed pastor 1877-79; pastor installed
1879-1881; died in office.
Rev. WILLIAM HOWARD, appointed pastor since 1880.
The church edifice is a good brick building, and the society also
owns a very good parsonage, valued at $3,000, a fund of $600, and no
debt. Membership about 100.
Baptists, in Poquonock, under Mr. Geo. L. Hodge, sustained prayer-
meetings and occasional preaching previous to 1867, when regular pub-
lic worship was sustained by the 2d Baptist church of Suffield: and Rev.
W. F. Hansell, D.D., became pastor in April 1870, and died 26 Nov.,
1To whose Sermon at the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Congregational Church, Po-
quonock, preached 4th June, 1871, we are largely indebted for the history of this church.
472
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
1875—a church organization having meanwhile been formally recog-
nized by council. Rev. W. R. Dean became pastor 1st July, 1876,
served until 6 June, 1878; was followed by Rev. A. S. Burrows, Oct. 1,
1878; then Rev. G. W. Hinckley, Nov. 1, 1881. A new church edifice,
valued at $5,000 was dedicated free from debt, 8 July, 1880.
Town Clerks of Windsor, Conn.-Bray Rossiter, 1636-1652;
Matthew Grant, 1652-1677; Timothy Loomis, 1723–1740;
Henry Allyn, 1803; Elisha
N. Sill, 1803-1831; James Newberry, 1831-1832; Anson Loomis, 1832-
1836; William Howard, 1836-1847; Sidney Bower, 1847-1855; Horace
Bower, 1855-1878; John B. Woodford, 1878-1886; Samuel E. Phelps.
Windsor furnished 2 three months' men, 71 for nine months, 184
for three years, or an equivalent of 203 three years men; and paid for
bounties, commutations, and support of families of soldiers, $34,700.00;
estimated amount paid by individuals for bounties to volunteers and sub-
stitutes, $5,225.00; Grand List, for 1864, $1,421,333.
LIST OF SOLDIERS FURNISHED TO THE U. S. SERVICE IN THE WAR
OF THE CIVIL REBELLION FROM THE TOWN OF WINDSOR, CONN.
ADAMS, SOLOMON H, enl. recruit Co. A, 7 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862.
ALLEN, GILES D. (Corp'l), enl. Co. F, 22 Conn. Vols., 29 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
ALLYN, CHAUNCEY M., enl. Co. B, 1st Squad Conn. Cav. (2d N. Y. Cav., Co. D),
21 Aug., 1861; re-enl. as Vet., 21 Dec., 1863.
ALLYN, HENRY W., enl. Co. B, 1st Squad Conn. Cav, 21 Aug., 1861 (Co. D, 2d N.
Y. Cav); died 17 June, 1863, of wds rec'd at Aldie, Va.
AUSTIN. FRANK, enl. Co G, 13 Conn Vols., 22 Dec., 1861.
ARCHER, CHARLES B., enl. recruit Co. D, 11 Conn Vols., 9 March, 1864; deserted
20 May, 1864.
BAILEY, GARRET T.. enl. 11 Conn. Vols., March 29, 1864; deserted 12 April, 186.
BALDWIN, WILLIAM H., enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 8 Sept, 186 disc. 26 Aug.,
1863.
BARBER, EDWARD L, enl. Co. H, 25 Conn. Vols., 8 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug.,
1863.
BARNES, GEORGE W. (Sgt.), enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 18 Aug., 1862; prom. 2d
Lieut; disc. 7 July, 1863.
BARTHWICK, WALTER. enl Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols, 20 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
BAUGH, EUGENE, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 30 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
BRAMIGER, JOHN, enl. recruit Co. C, 11 Conn. Vols., 19 Mch., 1864.
BRANDT, HENRY S., enl. recruit Co. K, 7 Conn. Vols., 4 Aug, 1862; died of wds.,
14 June, 1864.
BROWN, WILLIAM E, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 30 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
BUCK, D. WINTHROP (Corp'l), enl. Co. A, 22 Conn Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; died 9
Jan., 1863.
BUCK, F. CLARENCE, enl. Co. A, 21 Conn. Vols., 7 Aug., 1862.
BUMSTEAD, JOHN W., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols, 19 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
BURKE, RICHARD J, enl, Co. A, 22 Conn, Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
WINDSOR'S SOLDIERS IN THE CIVIL WAR.
473
1
BURNS, JOHN, Jr., enl. Co. B, 16 Conn. Vols., Aug. 6, 1862.
CARNEY, JOHN B., enl. Co. E, 10 Conn. Vols., 30 Sept., 1861.
CASE, EDWARD, enl. Co. D, 3 Conn. Vols., 11 May, 1861; disc. 12 Aug., 1861.
CASSIDY, HUGH, enl. recruit Co. H, 11 Conn. Vols., 28 Mch., 1864.
CHASE, WILLIAM, enl. Co. G, 29 (col.) Conn. Vols., 23 Dec., 1863.
CLARK, ANSIL B., enl. Co. A., 21 Conn. Vols., 6 Aug., 1862; disc. 6 Feb., 1863.
CLARKE, SANFORD, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 19 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
CLARKE, WARREN G., enl. recruit Co. A, 1st Art., 28 Nov., 1863.
CLARK, GROVE, enl. Co. H, 12 Conn. Vols, 22 Nov., 1861; d. 17 Sept., 1863.
CLAY, HUGH, enl. Co. A, 21 Conn. Vols., 30 July, 1862.
CLINTON, HENRY, enl. recruit 2d Light Batt., Conn. Vols., 18 Feb., 1864.
CONROY, JAMES, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 20 Aug. 1862; dis. 7 July, 1863; enl.
recruit Co. A, 8 Conn. Vols., 23 Feb., 1864.
COOK, EDWARD W., enl. Co. F, 22 Conn. Vols., 29 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863;
enl. recruit Co. F, 21 Conn. Vols., 5 Jan., 1864.
COOPER, ERWIN L., enl. Co. B, 1 Conn. Cav. (2d N. Y. Cav., Co. D), 21 Aug.,
1861.
COOPER, GEORGE A., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
CORBIN, WILLIAM, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 19 Aug, 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
CUMMING, WILLIAM, enl. recruit 1 Conn. Cav., Conn. Vols., 9 April, 1864.
DANIELS, CHARLES, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., Sept. 9, 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863;
enl. Co. A, 1 Art., 9 Dec., 1863, recruit.
DANIELS, HORACE, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., Sept. 9, 1862; disc. 7 July; 1863.
DAY, ORSON, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 20 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
DELANEY, WILLIAM, enl. Co. E., 10 Conn. Vols., 30 Sept., 1861.
DORMAN, ELLIOT L., enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 9 Sept., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
DOWD, JAMES W., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 18 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
DRAKE, WILLIAM H., enl. Co. B, 16 Conn. Vols., 13 Aug., 1862; disc. disab., 9
Jan., 1863.
DUTTING, HENRY, enl. Co. C, 11 Conn. Vols., 25 Nov., 1861.
ÉLLSWORTH, ELI P. (Sgt.), enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 18 Aug., 1862; prom. 2d ·
Lieut.; disc. 7 July, 1863.
ENSIGN, ROBERT E., 2d Asst. Surgeon, 6 Conn. Vols.; app. 13 Sept., 1861; res. 3
Jan., 1862.
EVEREST, WILLIAM C. (Corp'l), enl. Co. C, 12 Conn. Vols., 20 Nov., 1861; disc. 14
July, 1862.
FARNELL, JAMES, 2d, enl. recruit Co. G, 11 Conn. Vols., 29 Mch., 1864.
FENEY, WILLIAM F., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 21 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
FENTON, GEORGE A. (musician), enl. Co. B, 6 Conn. Vols., 12 Sept.. 1861.
FENTON, JOHN M. (musician), enl. Co A, 22 Conn. Vols., 18 Aug., 1862; dis. 7
July, 1863.
FINN, JOHN, enl. Co. D, 10 Conn. Vols., Oct. 1, 1861; re-enl. Vet., 1 Jan., 1864.
FLORANGE, MICHAEL, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 21 Aug., 1862; disc. 27 Feb,
1863.
FLORANGE, PETER, enl. recruit Co. A, 1st Art., Conn. Vols., 21 Nov., 1863.
FOOT, GEORGE W., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 19 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
FOX, HIRAM S., enl. Co. F., 12 Conn. Vols., 26 Mch., 1864.
FRENCH, ALLEN D., enl. (1st Lieut.) Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 18 Aug., 1862; prom.
Capt.; disc. 7 July, 1863.
GETTE, WILLIAM, enl. recruit, 9 Apl., 1864, 1st Conn. Cav., Conn. Vols.
GLADDING, ADNEY B., enl. recruit Co. B, 10 Conn. Vols., 21 Mch., 1864.
GOSWELL, PHILIP, enl. Co. B, 16 Conn. Vols., Aug. 7, 1862.
GRAHAM, WILLIAM E., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., Aug. 20, 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
VOL, I. - 60
474
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
GREEN, EDMUND B., enl. Co. B, 16 Conn. Vols., 7 Aug., 1862.
GRISWOLD, EDWIN J., enl. Co. A, 7 Conn. Vols., 5 Sept., 1861.
GRISWOLD, EVERETT, enl. recruit Co. D, 2d Art., 5 Jan., 1864.
GRISWOLD, NORRIS, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 20 Mch.,
1863.
HALE, CHARLES O., enl. Co. A, 21 Conn. Vols., 11 Aug., 1862.
HALSEY, HENRY A., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 9 Sept., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
HAMLIN, NOAH C. (Corp'l), enl. Co. B, 6 Conn. Vols., 12 Sept., 1861; enl. U. S. A.,
25 Feb., 1863.
f
HARPER, GEORGE, enl. recruit 1st Conn. Cav., 9 Apl., 1864.
HARRIS, WILLIAM, enl. Co. C, 30 Conn. Vols. (col.), now Co. D, U. S. V. (col.), 15
Mch., 1864.
HARVEY, HORACE L. (Sgt.), enl. Co. B, 11 Conn. Vols., 24 Oct., 1861; prom. 1st
Lieut., 11 May, 1864.
HARVEY, JAMES H., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 19 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
HAYDEN, LEVI (Corp'l), enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 5 Sept., 1862; disc.
HODGE, JAMES L., enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 22 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
HOLCOMB, MORTIMER, enl. recruit Co. D, 2d Art., 5 Jan., 1864; deserted 7 Mch.,
1864.
HOLCOMB, PLINY A., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 19 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
HOLLISTER, EDWARD H., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 16 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
HOLDERS, CHARLES H., enl. Co. A, 1 Art., 28 Dec., 1863; d. 11 Apl., 1864.
HOLT, MOSES P., enl. Co. B, 6 Conn. Vols., 12 Sept., 1861; missing Ft. Wagner, S.
C., 18 July, 1863.
HOUSE, JAMES H., enl. Co. B, 1st Squad. Conn. Cav. (2d N. Y. Cav., Co. D), 21
Aug., 1861; re-enl. Vet., 21 Dec., 1863.
HOUSE, WILLIAM A., enl. Co. A., 7 Conn. Vols., 5 Sept., 1861.
HOSMER, ALBERT, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 19 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
HOWARD, WILLIAM E., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 9 Sept., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
JOHNSON, BARNEY L. (musician), enl. 1 Oct., 1861, Co. D, 10 Conn. Vols.; re-enl.
Vet., 1 Jan., 1864.
JONES, JOSEPH J., enl. Co. B, 16 Conn. Vols., 7 Aug., 1862.
JONES, FRANKLIN, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 18 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
KAPSER, WILLIAM, enl. recruit Co. D, 2 Art., Conn. Vols.,,1 Jan., 1864.
KEENEY, BUELL, enl. Co. E, 14 Conn. Vols., 12 July, 1862.
KIRK, EDGAR A., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 19 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
KIRK, HENRY E., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 19 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
KIRK, RODERIC, enl. Co. B, 11 Conn. Vols., 24 Oct., 1861; d. 28 May, 1862.
LAWRENCE, JAMES, enl. recruit 1st Conn. Cav., 31 Dec., 1863.
LINNEN, JOHN, enl. Co. K, 1st Art., Conn. Vols., 23 May, 1861; deserted 6 Feb.,
1863.
LONDERGAN, JAMES R., enl. Co. H, 22 Conn. Vols., 20 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
LOOMIS, EDWARD W., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 18 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
LOOMIS, G. GILBERT (Corp'l), enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 19 Aug., 1862; disc. 7
July, 1863.
LOOMIS, SIMEON, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 1 Sept., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
LOOMIS, JAMES L., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 18 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
LYNCH, JAMES (Sgt.), enl. Co. B, 9 Conn. Vols., 12 Oct., 1861; re-enl. Vet., Feb. 28,
1864.
LYNCH, JOHN, enl. Co. B, 11 Conn. Vols., 24 Oct., 1861; re-enl. Vet., 12 Dec., 1863.
MACK, HENRY C., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 19 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863,



Mah Farm
WINDSOR'S SOLDIERS IN THE CIVIL WAR.
475
MARBLE, AMOS M., enl. Co. A, 12 Conn. Vols., 20 Nov., 1861.
MASON, JAMES, enl. Co. A, 21 Conn. Vols., 6 Aug., 1862.
MCCALL, JABEZ B., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 18 Aug., 1862; disc. 17 Jan., 1863.
MCNALLY, PATRICK, enl. Co. H, 5 Conn. Vols., 23 July, 1861; deserted 1 Apl.,
1862.
MILLER, FRANCIS D., enl. Co. B, 16 Conn. Vols., 6 Aug., 1862.
MILLER, MOSES M. (Corp'l), enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 19 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
MILLER, RICHARD, 19 Mch., 1864, Co. F, 31 Reg., U. S. V. (col.).
MILLS, ALFRED W., enl. Co. A, 1st Art., Conn. Vols., 22 May, 1861; disc. 21 May,
1864.
MOFFATT, RUSSELL A., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 21 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
MONROE, WILLIAM, enl. Co. A, 12 Conn. Vols., 20 Nov., 1861.
MOONEY, JOHN, enl. recruit Co. F, 11 Conn. Vols., 7 Mch., 1864.
MONTGOMERY, LEWIS O., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., Aug. 18, 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
MORGAN, JASPER, Jr. (Corp'l), enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 19 Aug., 1862; disc. 7
July, 1863.
MORRISON, SYLVESTER P., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 21 Aug., 1862; disc. 7
July, 1863.
MURPHY, CORNELIUS, enl. recruit Co. H, 11 Conn. Vols., 16 Mch., 1864.
MURPHY, TIMOTHY, enl. recruit Co. H, 11 Conn. Vols., 16 Mch., 1864.
O'KEEFE, FRED. I., enl. 2d Light Batt., Conn. Vols., 18 Feb., 1864.
PALMER, OSBERT H., enl. Co. B, 16 Conn. Vols., 6 Aug., 1862.
PARSONS, HENRY N., enl. Co. A, 21 Conn. Vols., 7 Aug., 1862; d. 20 Dec., 1862.
PECK, EDWARD I., enl. Co. A, 12 Conn. Vols., 20 Nov., 1861; re-enl. Vet. 1 Jan.,
1861.
PEDRO, JOHN, enl. Co. G, 14 Conn. Vols., 15 Sept., 1863 (deserted or missing).
PERKINS, WILLIAM M., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 18 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
PETTENGELL, STEPHEN B., enl. recruit Co. K, 7 Conn. Vols., 4 Aug., 1862.
PHELPS, ELIZUR D., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
PHELPS, ELLSWORTH N. (Lt.-Col.), 22 Conn. Vols., 13 Sept., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
PORTER, EDWARD, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., Sept. 10, 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
POTTER, GILBERT W., enl. recruit Co. E, 8 Conn. Vols., 23 Feb., 1864.
PRINCE, AMASA T., enl. recruit Co. A, 7 Conn. Vols., 16 Mch., 1864.
RADCLIFF, CHARLES G., enl. recruit Co. C, 12 Conn. Vols., 29 Feb., 1864.
RAYMOND, JOHN W., enl. Co. F, 22 Conn. Vols., 29 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
RECOR, GEORGE D., enl. recruit Co. C, 10 Conn. Vols., 2 Dec., 1863.
REED, WILLIAM, enl. recruit, 1st Conn. Cav., 9 Apl., 1864.
REYNOLDS, WALTER, enl. Co. B, 16 Conn. Vols., 13 Aug., 1862.
ROCKWOOD, NEWELL P. (Corp'l), enl. Co. K, 14 Conn. Vols., 14 July, 1862; prom.
1st Lieut., Co. D, 11 Nov., 1863.
RODGERS, HARVEY G., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 20 April, 1863.
RODGERS, WILLIAM F., enl. Co. F, 16 Conn. Vols., 8 Aug., 1862.
ROOK, WILLIAM, enl. Co. H, 25 Conn. Vols., 11 Sept., 1862; disc. disab. 11 May,
1863.
ROWLAND, GEORGE C, enl. Co. B, 6 Conn. Vols., 12 Sept., 1861; disc., enl. U.
S. A., 1 Nov., 1862.
SARSFIELD, JOHN, enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 22 Oct., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
SCALES, SAMUEL J., enl. Co. D, 10 Conn. Vols., 26 Oct., 1861; disc. disab. 13
Dec., 1862.
SEMPLE, JOHN W., enl. 21 Aug., 1861, Co. B, 1st Squad. Conn. Cav. (2 N. Y. Cav.,
Co. D).
476
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
SERGEANT, ALBERT, enl. 11 Conn. Vols., 29 Mch., 1864; deserted 12 Apl., 1864.
SEVERANCE, MELVIN A., enl. Co. A, 21 Conn. Vols., 6 Aug., 1862.
·
SHARP, WILLIAM, enl. (dftd. or subs.), Co. F, 14 Reg., R. I. Hy. Art., 21 Aug.,
1863.
SHELTON, GEORGE T., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 19 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
SHANZ, BALTAS, enl. Co. E, 14 Conn. Vols., 4 Aug., 1862.
SHINNERS, JAMES, enl. Co. A, 8 Conn. Vols., 30 Sept., 1861; re-enl. Vet. 24 Dec.,
1864.
SMITH, BENAJAH E., enl. Co. A, 21 Conn. Vols., 2 Aug., 1862.
SMITH, CHARLES, enl. recruit 1st Conn. Cav., 19 Apl., 1864.
SMITH, GEORGE O, enl. recruit Co. B, 1 Art., 31 Dec., 1863.
SMITH, JOHN, enl. recruit Co. A, 7 Conn. Vols., 16 Mch., 1864.
SMITH, JOSEPH M., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 18 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
SMITH, PETER, enl recruit Co. K, 11 Conn. Vols., 29 Mch., 1864.
SNYDER, PHILIP, enl. 1st Conn. Cav. recruit, 9 Apl., 1864.
SOPER, EDWARD B., enl. Co. C, 22 Conn. Vols., 3 Sept., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
SOPER, HENRY L., enl. Co. A, 21 Conn. Vols. (Sgt.), 29 July, 1862.
SOPER, WILLIAM A., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 18 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
SOTHERGILL, ROBERT, enl. recruit Co. K, 2d Art.; killed at Cold Harbor, Va., 1
June, 1864.
STEAMER, JOHN, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 20 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
STIRMMER, CHARLES, enl. 1st Art., Conn. Vols., Co. A, 22 May, 1861; re-enl. Vet.
16 Nov., 1863.
STRICKLAND, SIDNEY E., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 18 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
SULLIVAN, JAMES, enl. recruit Co. G, 11 Conn. Vols., 7 Mch., 1864.
SWAN, GEORGE P., enl. Co. B, 21 Conn. Vols., 14 Aug., 1862.
THAIN, CHARLES H., enl. (wagoner) Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 20 Aug., 1862; disc. 7
July, 1863.
TENNANT, CHARLES J., enl. (2d Ass. Surg.), 21 Conn. Vols., 21 Feb., 1862; prom.
1st Ass. Surg. 9 July, 1863.
THIRLKELL, THOMAS (2d Lieut.), enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 18 Aug., 1862; prom.
1st Lieut.; disc. 7 July, 1863.
THRALL, EDWARD F. (Corp'l), enl. 19 Aug., 1862, Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols.; disc. 7
July, 1863.
TRUMBULL, GEORGE H., enl. Co. A, 1 Conn. Vols., 20 Apl., 1861; disc. 31 July,
1861.
TURHUNE, JOHN, enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 9 Sept. 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
VIBERT, GEORGE, enl. Co. A, 7 Conn. Vols., 5 Sept., 1861; killed at Proctor's Creek,
Va., 16 May, 1864.
VURNAN, EDWARD, enl. recruit Cọ. B, 11 Conn. Vols., 15 Mch., 1864.
WARNER, FRANCIS R., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 18 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
WARRINER, WILLIAM D., enl. Co. B, 11 Conn. Vols., 14 Nov., 1861; d. 15 Oct.,
1862; wd. at Sharpsburg, Va.
WELCH, MARTIN, enl. Co. F, 16 Conn. Vols., Aug. 11, 1862.
WELLS, FRANK, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 30 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
WILSON, WILLIAM, enl. Co. A, 21 Conn. Vols., 6 Aug., 1862; died 14 Nov., 1862.
1
Notes on Windsor's Colonies. As one of the three original "mother
towns" of Connecticut, Windsor has reason to be proud of her children.
¹These pretend to be nothing but notes and hints concerning a subject which, if
time and space permitted, might be expanded into a very interesting chapter.
COLONIZATION FROM WINDSOR.
477
FAIRFIELD was her first-born. In Oct., 1639, Mr. Roger Ludlow,
Deputy Governor, and then a resident of Windsor, made a journey to
New Haven; and thence mindful of the beautiful country through
which he, with others, in 1637, had pursued the flying Pequots-to
Pequannock, Stratford, and Uncoway [Fairfield], where he located some
cattle and laid out lots of land "for himself and others." Upon his
return there arose some misunderstanding as to what he had done; but
he was active in furthering the settlement at Uncoway; which, by April,
1640, was established as a town, and in that year, probably, he became
a resident there. He took with him several families from Windsor,
among whom were John Banks, a lawyer; George Hull (about 1646),
Thomas Bassett, William Hill, and Simon Hoyte (about 1653).
SIMSBURY was Windsor's second eldest-born. In April, 1642, the
court granted the Governor and Mr. Haines "liberty to dispose of the
ground vppon that parte of Tunxis Riuer cauled Massacowe, to such
inhabitants of Wyndsor as they shall see cause." About 1643, John
Griffen and Michael Humphrey came to Windsor and engaged in the
manufacture of tar and turpentine, and in this business became acquainted
with the piney wilderness of Massaco, of which Griffin subsequently
became the pioneer settler. But, one day, Mannahanoseé, a Massaco
Indian, having "wittingly" kindled a fire in the woods, which consumed
a large quantity of Griffin's tar, was arrested and brought to trial in
Hartford. The "payment of 500 fathom of wampum," which was
imposed upon him by the court as fine for his misdemeanor, (in default
of which he was "either to serve, or to be shipped out, and exchanged
for neagers, as the case will justly beare,") was so excessive that to escape
the penalty, he was obliged to give Griffin a deed of Massaco. And to
help him in his trouble, the other "Indians, the proprietors of Massaco,
came together and made tender of all the lands in Massaco, for the
redemption of the Indian out of his hands, being they were not able to
make good the payment of five hundred fathom of wampum for the
satisfaction."
From Simsbury 1st Bk. of Deeds: " Thomas Bancroft, æ 36 yrs, or thereabouts, Tes-
tifieth upon oath that when he and his brother John Griffin wer at Massaco they went a
Hunting for Moose & being at a Hunting Wigwam they went with Mamanto, who
desired liberty of my Brother Griffin to plant at Weatauge Meadow; my brother gave
him liberty, and he the said Manantoe did then acknowledge John Griffin to be the true
owner of the lands of Massachoe and upon that account he desired liberty to plant in
the meadows at Wetaug: he further Testifieth that he heard pawnsattaquam at Massaco
say that John Griffin was now the sachem of Massachoe & the Indians had no right to
any of these lands to whom Tunxes bounds; for they had wholly made out their right
to John Griffin and further sayeth not. Taken upon oath 11 of March 1661 in Hartford.
Memorandum, pawmattaquam excepted two acres; this was taken upon oath before me,
Matthew Allyn, March, 1661.”
478
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
This, subsequently known as "Griffin's Lordship," was, in 1672,
released by Griffin to the proprietors of the town, in consideration of a
grant made to himtin 1663, of 200 acres north of the falls (in recogni-
tion of his having been "the first to perfect the art of making pitch and
tarre in these parts "), as well as of another later grant of a mile and a half
square. He was a permanent settler there in 1664; in 1666, the then
undivided lands at Massaco were laid out to several Windsor men; and,
again in 1667, by a committee-Simon Wolcott, Capt. Newberry, and
Deacon Moore. In Oct., 1668, about twenty-five men assembled at the
house of John Moore, Jr., in Windsor, adjusted the terms of settlement
upon their several allotments at Massaco, and within two years were
nearly all settled thereon. By a return made to the court, 1669, we learn
the names of those who were then "stated inhabitants of Massaco, and
have been freemen of Windsor," viz.:
Thomas Barber
John Case
Samuel Filley
John Griffin
Michael Humphry
Josua Holcomb
Thomas Martal
Samuel Pinney
Joseph Phelps
John Pettibone
Joseph Skinner
Peter Buell
Luke Hill
To which list may be added the names of
John Brooks (1682),
Thos. Barber (1676),
John Terry (1676).
John Bartlett (1669),
Nath'l Gillett (1670),
This "Appendix to Windsor," as it was officially termed, was finally
created a town, on the petition of its inhabitants, 1670; and its name
was declared to be SIMMSBURY-possibly in recognition of Simon Wolcott
(familiarly called "Sim," a son of Mr. Henry Wolcott, and father of
Gov. Roger Wolcott), who was a prominent man in both town and
colony.
To the settlement of FARMINGTON, 1640-1655, Windsor contributed
Thomas Orton, Anthony Hawkins (before 1662), John Porter, Richard
Weller.
HADLEY, Mass., settled 1659-60, though a direct outgrowth from
Hartford, aided by Wethersfield, drew from Windsor some of its best
men-Peter Tilton, who became a magistrate there; Dea. Henry Clarke,
Aaron Cooke, and others.
NORTHAMPTON, settled 1654–6, attracted, among others, Thos. Bas-
comb (1656); Capt. Aaron Cooke; Josiah Dewey (1663); Thos. Ford
(before 1672); William Hannum, Wm. Hubbard, Nath'l Phelps (1657);
Eltwood Pomeroy (before 1671); Lieut. David Wilton, George Alexan-
der, Joshua Carter, John Hillier, Jr.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., John Barber (1671), John Dumbleton, and
others; DEERFIELD, Mass., Arthur Williams, 1657-8; Norwalk, Matt.
COLONIZATION FROM WINDSOR.
479
Sessions; STAMFORD, Thos. Thornton and his son-in-law, John Strong,
1654.
"Mr." Edward Griswold, who came to Windsor in 1639, removed
thence in 1663 or 1664 to the new settlement of Hamonoscett, of which he
was a prominent founder, and to which he gave the name of KENILWORTH
(later corrupted to Killingworth), after his own English birthplace.
He was accompanied thither by William Hayden, the emigrant ancestor
of the Windsor Haydens; Samuel Buell, 1667. In 1663, the following
Windsor names found on petitions (State Arch., Towns and Lands, Vol.
I., before 1696) relative to the farms at Hammonoscett, are sufficiently
indicative of Windsor's interest in that enterprise, viz.:
John Owen
William Hillier
Edward King
Thomas Burnham
Edward Elmore
Steven Tailor
Samuel Grant
Timo. Buckland
Isaac Phelps
Samuel Rockwell
Thos. Gunn
John Osborn
COLCHESTER, Settled 1699, and probably named by Gov. Fitz-John
Winthrop after the English town of the same name, numbered among its
early settlers the following from Windsor:
Samuel Loomis
Nathaniel Loomis
Evan Jones
Shubael Rowley
Josiah Gillett, Sen. and Jr.
Micael Taintor, and others.
HEBRON was settled in 1704, and incorporated 1707-8, by a com-
pany, of whom the principal men and the greater number of settlers
were from Windsor.
TOLLAND, purchased from the Indians by two prominent Windsor
men, was largely settled by an overflow from Windsor, and was incor-
porated in 1717. It was probably named in honor of Mr. Henry Wol-
cott's English birthplace.
HADDAM was settled, 1668, by twenty-eight young men from Wind-
sor, Hartford, and Wethersfield. It was probably named in honor of
Gov. Haynes, whose family estates in England were at Great Haddam,
Hertfordshire.
BOLTON, where settlement began about 1716, and organization 1720,
drew very largely from Windsor; among them-
Timothy Stanley
John Bissell
Moses Thrall
Ichabod Marshall
Charles Strong
David Strong
Jonathan Story
Loomis
Joel White
Jerusha White
Lemuel White
480
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
The Western Land Grants.—From an article published in the Hart-
ford Co. Mem. Hist. (i. 76) by Miss MARY K. TALCOTT, we extract the
following well-digested statement of the earlier colonizations in which
Windsor and Hartford were concerned. Speaking of the Peace of
Utrecht, which had given the colonists a respite from warfare and a
chance to subdue the wilderness around them, she says:
The people of Hartford and Windsor had begun even earlier to plan new town-
This
ships on the land grants to these two towns by the General Assembly in 1686.
grant was a hasty measure, adopted in anticipation of the coming of Sir Edmund
Andros, when it was feared he would attempt to sequestrate the unimproved lands
held by the Governor and Company of Connecticut, under the charter of King Charles
II., as well as to annul the charter itself. The grant to Hartford and Windsor consisted
of 'those lands on the north of Woodbury and Mattatuck, and on the west of Farming-
ton and Simsbury to the Massachusetts line north, and to run west to the Housatunnuck
River (provided it be not, a part of it, formerly granted to any particular person), to
make a plantation or village thereon.' After the flight of Andros, in 1689, when the
charter government was resumed, no action was taken in regard to the lands. 'It is
probable that the General Court, while composed mostly of those who voted the grant,
were unwilling by a revocation to incur the imputation of having made a fictitious dis-
posal of the lands: and that the grantees, while the well-known intent of the grants was
fresh in their remembrance, were slow to repudiate the implied trust, by any overt act
of ownership.' (Boyd's Hist. of Winchester.) In. 1707, more than twenty years after the
grant, and after most of those then on the stage had passed away, Maj. William Whit-
ing, Mr. Nathaniel Hooker, and Mr. Caleb Stanley were appointed to survey this tract
of land in conjunction with a committee from Windsor. The same committee, with the
addition of Mr. Richard Edwards, were appointed, Jan. 19, 1708, to treat with Mr.
John Reade of Stratford, and other claimants to these lands, to settle the boundaries,
and to adopt legal measures, if necessary, in defense of the rights of the two towns.
Here the matter seemed to rest for a time; but, Nov. 2, 1713, after peace was declared,
Capt. John Sheldon, Lieut. Cyprian Nichols, and Mr. Sedgwick were appointed a com-
mittee to take account of the quantity and quality of the lands, and to ascertain the
nature of the Indian claims to the territory. Two years later, in 1715, Col. Wm. Whit-
ing, Ens. John Marsh, and Ens. Thomas Seymor were appointed in conjunction with
the Windsor committee to lay out one or two towns in this tract of land; and in pursu-
ance of these directions, in 1717, the town of Litchfield, at first called New Bantam, was
laid out. Certain considerable persons in Farmington having obtained, by purchase,
the native's right to a portion of this township, after some negotiation, one-sixth part
of it was set apart for them, provided that they release and convey to the two towns
their claims to the western lands. In May, 1719, the assembly confirmed the rights of
the settlers of Litchfield, but with evident disapproval of the proceedings of Hartford
and Windsor, appends this declaration, that the whole tract north of Litchfield and
Woodbury'shall lie for the further disposal of the Assembly.' This appears to have
been something of a check upon the plans of the two towns, and made it necessary for
them to go through the form of requesting the assent of the assembly to their next pro-
ject, — Maj. Talcott, Capt. Cook, and Ens. Seymor being appointed, Dec. 14, 1719, to
ask leave of the assembly to settle one or more townships on the remainder of the west-
ern lands. There is no evidence that any such consent was ever received; but, in 1720,
Ens. Thos. Seymor and Sgt. James Ensign were appointed to purchase the territory of
the natives; and later in the same year it was voted that a list of the inhabitants of the
town, purchasers of the western lands, be made so that every purchaser should receive
his proportion. Dec. 19, 1721, Capt. John Sheldon was charged with the responsibility
of selecting a place for another 'plantation.' The next year John Seymor, Samuel Cat-
WINDSOR'S WESTERN LAND GRANTS.
481
lin, and Wm. Baker, of H., were appointed, with Thos. More and Job Ellsworth of W.,
'to take a further view of the land in order to settling another town.' April 1, 1723,
this committee reported the laying out of a town of 67 allotments, and it was voted that
the allotments be disposed of at £6 cash. The General Assembly was at last aroused,
and at its May session ordered the King's Attorney for the County of New Haven to
arrest the Hartford and Windsor committees, who had the matter in charge. Public
feeling ran so high in Hartford County that civil process against the trespassers could
not be executed; so the New Haven officials were called upon to act. Hartford and
Windsor responded by appointing a committee to appear and explain before the assem-
bly their proceedings with regard to the lands, and to propose a compromise, dividing
the lands by a line drawn from the northwest corner of Litchfield north to the Mass.
line, the colony taking the western division; the eastern to be confirmed to Hartford
and Windsor. This was not acceded to; and finally, after a long and careful ex-
amination of claims by the committee of the assembly, in 1726 they proposed that the
whole tract of land in question should be equally divided between the colony and the
two towns, the colony to have the western portion and H and W. the eastern; also,
that Litchfield should not come into the division, but should belong to the proprietors.
This territory ceded to H. and W. embraced the present towns of Colebrook, Hartland,
Torrington, Winchester, Barkhamsted, New Hartford, and Harwinton,— an estimated area
of 291,806 acres, to which should be added the township of Litchfield, covering 35,000
acres more. The Government was probably actuated by an earnest desire to have these
valuable lands thrown open for settlement, as could not be well done while this conflict
continued; for, although called an equal division, the quantity of land reserved to the
colony was only 120,000 acres. Notwithstanding this concession, the compact was not
fully ratified until Aug. 20, 1729, when the patent was duly executed, and received the
colony's seal. The next year the General Assembly annexed all the western lands
belonging to H. and W. to Hartford County. Capt. Thos. Seymor and Lieut. Roger
Newberry were appointed in May, 1731, to make a division of these lands, and Mr. Kim-
berly made a survey, from which it was calculated that five towns might be laid out
eastward of the Housatonick River, four north of Litchfield, and one between L. and
the river. The deed dividing the lands between the two towns bears date Feb. 11, 1732,
and the proprietors of Hartford became the owners of Hartland, Winchester, New Hart-
ford, and the eastern half of Harwinton; while Colebrook, Barkhamsted, Torrington,
and the western half of Harwinton were assigned to WINDSOR. The assembly passed a
law that each taxpayer of the two towns, on their lists for 1720, should own a share, in
proportion to his list, in one of these new townships, at the rate of not more than three
acres to the pound of his list. The lands belonging to the colony were sold, and the
proceeds were devoted to the support of schools, this money being divided among the
towns then settled, to remain a perpetual fund.'
>>
With the exception of Harwinton, which was settled quickly, and of New Hart-
ford, settled a few years later, these new townships were not occupied before 1750.
"During the period of those Western land troubles Windsor and Hartford had also
other claims, the adjustment of which led to much active excitement in the two com-
munities. It seems that Joshua, Sachem of the Niantics, by his will (1676), gave to
certain persons of Windsor and Hartford large tracts of land in the present counties of
Windham and Tolland. His title was questionable, and it was with much hesitation
that the will was admitted to probate; and then only on condition that the legatees
should 'submit the dispose and improvement of the said lands to the General Court's
ordering, to make a plantation of.' In 1706 the Hartford legatees received a grant of
township privileges for Coventry, and in 1715 those of WINDSOR were authorized to
lay out Tolland. But, previously to this, Capt. Jeremiah Fitch of Norwich had pur-
chased a large tract in Coventry, deriving his title by deed from a Windsor settler,
who had bought from one of the Windsor legatecs; and a part of his farm, being
within the tract reserved by Joshua for his sons, was willed by the last survivor,
VOL. I. — 61
482
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Abimelech, to Major John Clarke and Rev. Thomas Buckingham of Saybrook.
Clarke, in May, 1721, brought an action against Fitch, in the Superior Court, to recover
possession of these lands; and judgment was given in his favor, and execution granted
for the costs. Capt. Fitch was obdurate, and the execution was returned unsettled,
and the captain was imprisoned. His neighbors were aroused by what they considered
an outrage on their rights-for most of them were living on farms to which there
were conflicting titles; and they decided to demonstrate their opinion in unmistakable
terms. On the 22d Oct., 1722, a party of about fifty from the Hop River country,
joined by some from (East) Windsor, crossed the Hartford Ferry, and proceeded to the
jail, where they demanded Capt. Fitch's release. This being denied, they battered
down the door, carried the captain off in triumph, and effected a general jail-de-
livery. Col. Wm. Whiting, High Sheriff, with such assistance as he could at the
moment secure, pursued and overtook them at the river-side; but, after some blows
and scuffling, the invaders got the best of him, and escaped across the ferry. The
General Court ordered a special court to sit at Hartford, May, 1723, at which fifteen of
these offenders were tried and convicted; but Capt. Fitch was fully acquitted of all
participation in the emeute, the court not considering that he did wrong to walk out of
jail when the doors were open."
TORRINGTON, said, at the time of its cession to Windsor, in 1732, to
contain 20,924 acres, was granted to Matthew Allyn and Roger Wolcott,
Esq's., and the rest of the Windsor proprietors, 106 in number, who held
their first business meeting in Windsor, Sept. 10, 1733. Its survey was
completed in 1734; its first family settled in 1737; it was incorporated
1740, and its church organized 1741. Its settlers on the west side of
the township were from Windsor and Durham; those on the east side
from Windsor. The following Windsor men were settlers at Torrington
before 1757, viz.:
Nathaniel Barber (grandson of Thomas, the emigrant) and wife; David and
brother John Birge (fourth generation from Daniel, the emigrant); Benjamin Bissell;
Shubael Case; John Cook, made a deacon in 1755; Thomas and brother Abraham
Dibble; Shubael Griswold; Nehemiah Gaylord (third from Deacon Gaylord of Wind-
sor), and wife; William Grant; Joseph Hoskins; Jonathan Gillett; Joel, Ebenezer, Icha-
bod, Aaron, and James, descendants of Joseph Loomis, the emigrant to Windsor;
Thomas Marshall (third from Capt. Samuel of Windsor); Charles Mather (grandson of
Rev. Samuel of Windsor); John Phelps (grandson of Mr. William, the emigrant to
Windsor); Joshua, in same line; Rev. Nathaniel Roberts, in 1743, married a daughter
of Rev. Mr. Marsh of Windsor; Jacob Strong and wife (descendant of Elder John of
Windsor); Joel and David Thrall (descendants of Timothy of Windsor); Ebenezer
Winchell. See also, Orcutt's Hist. of Torrington.
BARKHAMSTED, containing at the time of its cession, in 1732, 20,531
acres, was granted to Capt. Thomas More, Lieut. Jonathan Ellsworth,
and the rest of the proprietors.
COLEBROOK, containing at the time of its cession, in 1732, 18,199 -
acres, was granted to Capt. Samuel Wheeler, Henry Wolcott, and
others. It was surveyed and laid out in 1760 into 79 rights, the number
of the original proprietors. Sixty acres were laid out as a "minister's
lot"; 100 for the parsonage; 100 for a school lot; and 10 as a parade,
1
WINDSOR'S SHARË IN THE WESTERN RESERVE.
483
on which to erect a meeting-house.
The committee who laid out the
town were Peletiah Mills, Josiah Phelps, 2d, James Rockwell (fourth
generation from Deacon William), Ephraim Wolcott, and Nathaniel
Filley. The first settler was Benjamin Horton, and Dec., 1765, Joseph
Rockwell, from (East) Windsor, and family; Joseph Seymour, Jan.,
1766; then Joseph Seymour; Nathan Bass, who married Anne
Rockwell; Samuel Rockwell-both these last named from (East)
Windsor.
NORFOLK was begun in 1744 by Windsor and Hartford men.
The Pennsylvania Settlements. In 1753 the Susquehanna Company
was formed in Connecticut to colonize the Wyoming Valley, then
claimed by Connecticut under its ancient charter, and the Indian title
was secured to a large tract there; and in 1757 another Connecticut
company purchased and located on the Delaware River. Emigration
from Connecticut poured in apace, but the Pennsylvanians opposed the
new settlers; and from this time to the close of the Revolution the
whole Susquehanna region became the theater of conflicting land titles,
of embittered local controversies, of terrible massacres and widespread
devastations by Indian and European warfare culminating in the
massacre of Wyoming, in which many Windsor men bore a share, and
by which many a Windsor family was driven from its home back to the
old home in Connecticut.'
Windsor had its share in the peopling of VERMONT-a State where
between 40 and 50 towns bearing Connecticut names evidence the share
which the latter State has had in peopling it, and where Windsor names
are of common occurrence.
Settlement of the Western Reserve. But Windsor men have been
further afield than the limits of New England in their search for homes.
The charters granted to the different American colonies by the British
Crown during the 17th century were given with no clear definition of
the quantity of territory, or of the running of boundary lines, which
they involved. They were all framed, like that of Connecticut, to border
on certain Atlantic seacoast limits, but to run westward "to the South
Sea"-a then unknown point but which would, according to our
present knowledge, extend to the Pacific. These charters, especially
those of Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Penn-
sylvania, were ultimately found to conflict with one another; and upon
the establishment of a General Government of the United States, at the
close of our Revolutionary struggle, these conflicting claims had, in
¹See note on p. 49, on the Pennamite and Yankee War; also Miner's Hist. of Wyom-
ing; Lossing's Illustrated Field Book of the American Revolution, i. 343; and an article on
Early Connecticut Claims in Pennsylvania, by T. J. Chapman, in Mag. Am. History,
1884, `238.
484
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
some way, to be adjusted. Finally a compromise was effected, by which
the different states ceded to the General Government their western
land; and, under this arrangement, Connecticut, in 1786, ceded her
western lands under her old charter, to the United States, reserving,
however, an area of 3,300,000 acres, included within the present State
of Ohio, and covering the present counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull,
Lake, Geauga, Portage, Cuyahoga, Medina, Lorain, Huron, Erie, and
north part of Mahoning and Summit. The transaction was finally con-
cluded between Connecticut and the United States in 1800, and the
right of jurisdiction in the ceded lands conveyed by Congress to the
State of Ohio.
The disposition of this immense area, and of the funds which
would arise from its sale, now became the great public question of the
day in Connecticut, and finally after much and violent agitation of the
subject in the legislature, the press, and the church, it was decided by
the State that such funds should be devoted to the purposes of a perma-
nent State educational fund a fund which, with its accretions and
additions, now amounts to over $2,000,000. As soon as this land was
open to purchase, it was bought by a syndicate of wealthy men in the
State, who purchased the whole territory, and immediately opened offices
for its sale to emigrants. "For years this work went on, and for years
the long procession of emigrant wagons were making their weary jour-
ney from Connecticut to Ohio. These moving crowds were followed by
the Connecticut Missionary Society, with religious teachers and
preachers, who might form churches and schools, and fix the population
on the old-fashioned New England foundations. Of course, the emigra-
tion to the Reserve was not wholly from Connecticut. The emigrants
came from many quarters, but the dominant stream flowed from the
'Land of Steady Habits'; and the older generation used to like the
name New Connecticut better than any other." OLIVER PHELPS (son of
Charles), a native of Windsor, where he was born 1758, and removed in
early manhood to Suffield, was the leader in this enterprise, its largest
subscriber, and chief manager. He took $168,185 of its stock in his
own name, and, with Gideon Granger, Jr., of Suffield, another $80,000,
the total amount of stock being $1,200,000. Among the names of this
syndicate occur those of Newberry, Phelps, Loomis, King, and Mather;
and one has only to consult the genealogies of this History of Windsor
to see how thoroughly and extensively Windsor was identified with this
great exodus from Connecticut. Scarcely a family, if any, within the
limits of the towns once comprising Old Windsor was unrepresented
amid the new villages of the Connecticut Reserve.
'Dr. Henry Barnard's Hist. of the School Fund of Conn., 1853 (Legislative Doc.),
p. 107.
MIGRATIONS TO THE GENESEE COUNTRY.
485
The Phelps and Gorham Purchase. Mr. Oliver Phelps had also
been the promoter of a similar, though earlier, enterprise. Massachu-
setts, having ceded the title for her western lands to the General Govern-
ment, had received as compensation a large tract of land in "the
Genesee country," in the present State of New York. In company with
Mr. Nathaniel Gorham of Massachusetts, Mr. Phelps had purchased a
large tract of this land, now embracing the whole of Monroe, Ontario,
Livingston, Yates, and Steuben counties, the larger portion of Wayne
and Allegany, and lesser portions of Orleans, Genesee, and Wyoming
counties, comprising altogether 2,200,000 acres, purchased partly from
Massachusetts, and partly from the Indian proprietors; and this new
field of opportunity drew many Windsor families from their old homes
beside the Great River as one will also see by consulting our genealo-
gies.
CHAPTER XXII.
BLOOMFIELD.¹
THI
HIS town, incorporated May, 1835, comprises the old parish of
Wintonbury and a portion of Poquonock Society of Windsor, to
which was added, in 1840, the territory known as Scotland parish, in
Simsbury. As thus constituted, the town of Bloomfield is bounded north
and east by Windsor, south by Hartford, and west by Simsbury and
Avon, and averages four miles in length and breadth. On its eastern
border a forest extends the whole length of the township; on the west is
the range of hills known as Talcott Mountain. Through the broad, un-
dulating valley between run three large brooks, uniting in the south part
to form Woods' River, which meeting another small river near the Hart-
ford line, forms the Little (more recently called Park) River, which
flows through the city of Hartford and empties into the Connecticut.
These three Bloomfield streams are of slow current, frequently over-
flowing their banks and enriching the soil; and it is a singular fact that,
on the opposite sides of these brooks, in many places, there is an entire
difference of soil. The eastern part of the town is quite level, with a
warm, sandy soil; the middle, from north to south, principally a clay
soil, covered with rich, deep loam, especially good for grass; and as the
land grows higher, even to rolling hills, to the westward, it is chiefly red
loam, particularly adapted to fruit culture. Another factor in the town's
adaptability to agricultural purposes is its naturally warm climate, yield-
ing rain here when there is snow upon and beyond the mountains. Its
timbers of original growth are elm, butternut, walnut, chestnut, and the
oaks. As a whole, Bloomfield is a remarkably excellent agricultural
town, yielding large crops of the finest grass, as well as of superior
apples and pears. Formerly it also produced cherries and plums, and,
at certain periods, peaches in the greatest perfection.
The region also abounds in birds. A former resident of the town
remembers counting forty-six kinds about her home, among which were
the scarlet-tanger, cuckoo, rose-breasted grosbeak, kildeer, and indigo
bird. It was always the home of the fringed gentian, and of almost
¹As to the topographical and geographical features of the town, especially, we
have quoted from Mrs. E. S. WARNER'S sketch, published in the Memorial History of
Hartford County.
STATISTICS OF BLOOMFIELD.
487
every other wild flower of southern New England. Barber says (Hist.
Collect. Conn.) "the inhabitants are generally agriculturists and remark-
ably free from the evils of litigation."
Rev. William Miller records, in 1801, that wood and hay were the
chief marketable products of Wintonbury parish, and that "cider, cider-
brandy, and apples are considered market articles; also that 1,500 meat-
casks (hogsheads, barrels, and tierces) were made and marketed in that
year. It is still within the memory of some who are now living that
corn was raised here for exportation to the West Indies. A great change,
however, has taken place in Bloomfield's products within the last forty
years, owing to tobacco having usurped the place of grass and grains.
No better evidence of prosperity is needed than the generally neat
and well-ordered appearance of the houses and farms throughout the
town, which abounds in so many roads as to give rise to the saying that
"in Bloomfield every man has a road of his own to Hartford."
The early ecclesiastical, educational, and military history of Bloom-
field is included in our chapter on Wintonbury and Poquonock.
In the Mexican War, Sherman Brown enl. 3 May, 1847, in Co. F,
9th Inf.; was left sick at the City of Mexico 26 Dec., 1847.
The population of Bloomfield, 1840, was 986; 1850, 1,412; 1860,
1,401; in 1880 it was 1,346; number of children between ages of 4 and
16, in January, 1881, was 273; in January, 1888, 250; grand list, $743-
341; indebtedness, funded, $74,000.00; floating, $5,000.00; rate of tax-
ation, 16 mills.
The Connecticut, Western Railroad furnishes a connection with
Hartford and the outside world by its stations-Cottage Grove, Bloom-
field, and North Bloomfield —and has largely aided the recent develop-
ment of the town.
The town has two post-offices-Bloomfield and North Bloomfield.
Among its prominent citizens, we may mention the late U. S. Sena-
tor, FRANCIS (son of Elder Ashbel) GILLETTE (see Gillette Gen.); the
excellent and widely-loved JAY (son of Capt. Oliver) FILLEY, who spent
his last years in Hartford, and whose sons are prominent men in the
West; SAMUEL R. WELLS, the well-known phrenologist, lecturer, and
author; JAMES G. BATTERSON, president of The Travelers' Insurance
Company, and of the New England Granite Company, a pioneer of acci-
dent insurance in the United States, a man of great energy and public
spirit; and LESTER A. ROBERTS, a man of wide intelligence and some
literary note, now a resident of Brooklyn, N. Y., but who still makes
Bloomfield his summer home.
To aid in suppressing the rebellion of the Southern States, Bloom-
field sent one hundred and ninety-two men, being thirteen more than
her quota; expended for bounties, commutations, and support of soldiers'
488
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
families, $39,235; the estimated amount paid by individuals for boun-
ties to Volunteers and Substitutes, was $1,000; the grand list of the
town for 1864 was $833,529.
LIST OF SOLDIERS FURNISHED TO THE U. S. SERVICE, IN THE WAR OF
THE CIVIL REBELLION, BY THE TOWN OF BLOOMFIELD, CONN.
ADAMSON, JOHN, enl. Co. H, 22 Conn. Vols., 4 Sept., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
ALDERMAN, HENRY C. (Corp'l), enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc.
16 Jan, 1863.
ALLEN, EDWARD O., enl. Co. F, 14 Conn. Vols., 28 July, 1862; deserted 1 Oct.,'
1862.
ANDRUS, FRED. M., enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., '62; disc. 7 July, 1863.
ASHWELL, SAMUEL, enl. 6 Aug., 1861, ('o. A, 1st Squad. Conn. Cav. (Co. C, 2d
N. Y. Cav.).
ASHWELL, WILLIAM, enl. Co. F, 14 Conn. Vols., 7 Aug., 1862; transf. Invalid
Corps, 1 May, 1864.
BOLTON, JOHN P., enl. recruit Co. H, 1 Conn. Vols. Cav., 12 Dec., 1863; deserted
12 Jan., 1864.
BRADBURY, THOMAS E., enl. Co. E, 10 Conn. Vols., 22 Oct., 1861; d. 28 June,
1862.
BRAINARD, THOS. J., enl. Co. F, 14 Conn. Vols., 31 July, 1862; d. 3 July, 1863, at
Gettysburg.
BROWN, CHAS. D., enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 29 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
BURR, CHARLES E., enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 20 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
BUSHENHAGEN, FREDERIC, enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc.
July 7, 1863.
CADWELL, CHAS. S., enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vol., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
CASE, CHESTER W., enl. Co. H, 16 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., '62.
CASE, WILLIAM WIRT, enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 30 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
CLARK, GEORGE I., enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 3 Sept., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
COMBE, FOSTER W., enl. Co. C, 10 Conn. Vols., 22 Oct., 1861; re-enl. Vet. 1 Jan.,
1864.
COSSETT, ALFORD, enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
COWLES, ED. C., enl. Co. F, 14 Conn. Vols., 30 July, 1862.
COWLES, MARTIN D., enl. Co. F, 14 Conn. Vols., 28 July, 1862; not heard from
after 3 July, 1863.
CROSLEY, JAMES E., enl. Co. F, 14 Conn. Vols., 23 July, 1862; disc. disab. 24 Apl.,
1863.
DAVIS, WILLIAM, enl. recruit Co. B, 11 Conn. Vols., 17 Mch., 1864.
DEAN, CHARLES, enl. Co. D, 16 Conn. Vols., 13 Aug., 1862; disc. disab. 12 Feb.,
1863.
DORMAN, CHARLES A., enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 30 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
DUDLEY, EDWARD E. (Corp'l), enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 7
July, 1863.
ELMER, ORRIN E., enl. Co. D, 23 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
ELLSWORTH, JAMES B., enl. Co. B., 21 Conn. Vols., 15 Aug., 1862; d. 25 Feb.,
1863.
ENO, FREDERICK B. (Sgt.), enl. Co. F, 14 Conn. Vols., 29 July, 1862; killed,
Sharpsburg, Md., 7 Sept., 1862.
FARRALL, JAMES, enl. recruit Co, G, 11 Conn. Vols,, 18 Fẹb., 1864.
BLOOMFIELD SOLDIERS IN THE CIVIL WAR.
489
FERGUSON, GEORGE, enl. Co. A, 12 Conn. Vols., 20 Nov., 1861; re-enl. Vet., 1 Jan.,
1864.
FIELD, EDMUND I., enl. Co. I, 14 Conn. Vols., 7 Aug., 1862; killed, Sharpsburg, Md.,
17 Sept., 1862.
FILLEY, ALBERT D., enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
FILLEY, LOUIS J., enl. recruit Co. A, 7 Conn. Vols., 14 Aug., 1862.
FLOWER, AUGUSTUS, enl. Co. I, 14 Conn. Vols., 1 Aug., 1862; deserted 23 Sept.,
1862.
GAVIN, JOHN, enl. Co. F, 14 Conn. Vols., 4 Aug., 1862; transf. to Invalid Corps, 15
Jan., 1864.
GIPSON, ROBERT A., enl. recruit 29 (Col.) Conn. Vols., 12 Dec., 1863; d. 5 Feb.,
1864.
GLAZIER, HENRY, enl. Co. G, 29 (Col.) Conn. Vols., 24 Dec., 1863; d. 4 June, 1864.
GOODWIN, DAVID W., enl. Co. C, 22 Conn. Vols., 30 Aug., 1862; d. 4 July, 1863.
GRANT, JOSEPH W., enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 9 Sept.,.1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
GRIMES, JOHN, enl. recruit Co. A, 7 Conn. Vols., 26 Jan., 1864.
GRISWOLD, MOSES G., enl. Co. A, 16 Conn. Vols., 21 Aug., 1862; disc. disab. 31
Jan., 1863.
GRISWOLD, WOLCOTT, enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 27 Aug., 1862; disc. 16 Jan.,
1863.
HAMBLIN, GEORGE C., enl. Co. D, 2 Conn. Vols., 7 May, 1861; disc. 7 Aug., 1861.
HEALY, JOHN, enl. recruit 20 Conn. Vols., 18 Feb., 1864; deserted 9 Mch., 1864.
HENRY, MINGO, enl. 26 Dec., 1863, Co. G, 29 (Col.) Conn. Vols.
HERLIKY, DANIEL, enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., Aug. 25, 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
HICKEY, JOHN, enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols. 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
HILL, BENJAMIN A. (Corp'l), enl. Co. A, 7 Conn. Vols., 5 Sept., 1861; re-enl. Vet.,
22 Dec., 1863.
HILLS, ADDISON M., enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols, 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
HITCHCOCK, JOSEPH (Corp'l), enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 7
July, 1863.
HOLCOMB, LAMBERT E., enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 28 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
HOLCOMB, VICTOR, enl. Co. F, 14 Coun. Vols., 7 Aug., 1862; disc. disab. 4 Feb.,
1863.
HORTON, JOHN A., enl. Co. G, 9 Conn. Vols., 26 Sept., 1861; d. 25 Nov., 1862.
HUBBARD, CHARLES E., enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
HUMPHREY, EDWARD G. (Sgt.), enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 20 Aug., 1862; disc.
7 July, 1863.
HYDE, DAVID, enl. Co. G, 29 (Col.) Conn. Vols., 24 Dec., 1863.
JONES, GEORGE E., enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
KELLY, ANDY, enl. recruit Co. G, 7 Conn. Vols., 18 Feb., 1864.
LANDRINE, ABRAHAM, enl. 2 Jan., 1884, 30 Reg. Conn. Vols. (Col.) now Co. D, 31
U. S. V. Col.
LATIMER, EDWARD A., enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., Aug. 26, 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863..
LATIMER, WILLIAM R., enl. Co. F, 14 Conn. Vols., 1 Aug., 1862.
LAWRENCE, CHARLES B., enl. recruit Co. L, 1st Conn. Cav., 5 Jan., 1864.
LERMAN, WENDAL, enl. recruit Co. L, 2d Art., 8 Feb., 1864; deserted Feb., 1864.
LYNCH, THOMAS, enl. recruit Co. G, 7 Conn. Vols., 18 Feb., 1864; deserted 24 Apl.,
1864.
MALONEY, JAMES, enl. recruit 5 Conn. Vols., 10 Nov., 1862; never joined regiment.
MANDEVILLE, ENOS, enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 28 Aug., 1862;. disc. 7 July, 1863.
VOL. I.-62
490
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
MASON, DEMPSTER H., enl. Co. F, 14 Conn. Vols., 29 July, 1862; disc. disab. 20
Feb., 1863.
MCGUIRE, JOHN, enl. recruit Co. E, 5 Conn. Vols., 9 Feb., 1864; deserted 12 Mch.,
1864.
MEACHAM, GAYLORD O. (Sgt.), enl. Co. C, 10 Conn. Vols., 22 Oct., 1861; disc. 7
Oct., 1864.
MEACHAM, MORRIS O., enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
MICKEL, JAMES, enl. Co. G, 29 (Col.) Conn. Vols., 26 Dec., 1863.
MORGAN, JOHN, enl. recruit 5 Conn. Vols., 5 Jan., 1864.
MORONEY, WILLIAM, enl. recruit Co. A, 1 Art., 2 Jan., 1864.
MORRISON, WILLIAM, enl. recruit Co. H, 1st Conn. Cav., 12 Dec., 1863; deserted
12 Jan., 1864.
MURRAY, PATRICK, enl. recruit Co. L, 2d Art., 8 Feb., 1864; deserted Feb., 1864.
NEARING, HENRY T., enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
NEWHOUSE, HENRY, enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 28 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
NEWHOUSE, FREDERIC, enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
PARSONS, HEMAN, enl. recruit Co. A, 14 Conn. Vols., 28 Sept., 1863; d. 25 Dec.,
1863.
PINNEY, GEORGE B., enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 30 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
PINNEY, SAMUEL H., enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1863; disc. 7 July, 1863.
PINNEY, ORATOR L., enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 30 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
RAYNESFORD, WM. H., enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863,
READER, CORNELIUS, enl. Co. C, 29 (Col.) Conn. Vols., 18 Nov., 1863.
RICE, NELSON, enl. recruit Co. A, 16 Conn. Vols., 30 Nov., 1863.
RILEY, JOHN, enl. recruit Co. G, 20 Conn. Vols., Feb. 18, 1864; des. 24 Apl., 1864.
ROCKWELL, GEORGE L. (Corp'l), enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1861; disc.
7 July, 1863.
ROSTER, JOHN, enl. Co. H, 22 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
RYAN, PATRICK, enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
RYAN, JOHN, enl. Co. G, 13 Conn. Vols., 22 Dec., 1861; re-enl. Vet. 8 Feb., 1864.
SACKETT, NORMAN A., enl. 1st Light Batt., 15 Oct., 1861; transf. to Invalid Corps,
7 Feb., 1864.
SHEPARD, LEVI L., enl. Co. A, 8 Conn. Vol., 30 Sept., 1861.
SHEPARD, THERON, enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 20 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
SHEPPION, DANIEL, enl. Co. B, 21 Conn. Vols., 22 Aug., 1862; killed near Drury's
Bluff, Va., 16 May, 1864.
SHERIDAN, EDWARD, enl. Co. H, 22 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
SMITH, J. FRANK, enl. Co. F, 14 Conn. Vols., 31 July, 1862; disc. disab. 28 Apl.,
1863.
SPENCER, IMRI A., enl. Co. F, 14 Conn. Vols., 28 July, 1862.
STARR, GEORGE, enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 21 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
SWAINE, JAMES, enl. Co. F, 14 Conn. Vols., 2 Aug., 1862; disc. disab. 4 Mch., 1864.
SWAINE, JESSE W., enl. Co. I, 9 Conn. Vols., 1 Oct., 1861.
TAYLOR, CHARLES L., enl. Co. C, 10 Conn. Vols., 22 Oct., 1861; re-enl. Vet. 1
Jan., 1864.
WATKINS, WILLIAM R., enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 30 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
WELCH, PETER, enl. recruit Co. M, 2 H. Art., 6 Feb., 1864.
WESTLAND, CHARLES U., enl. Co. F, 14 Conn. Vols., 11 Aug.; missing, Freder-
icksburg, 13 Dec., 1862.
BLOOMFIELD SOLDIERS IN THE CIVIL WAR.
491
WHITON, LESTER, enl. (1st Lieut.) Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 28 Aug., 1882; disc. 7
July, 1863.
WHITON, TUDOR, enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 28 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
WILCOX, WILLIAM P., enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vols., 20 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
WILLIS, ANDREW, enl. Co. D, 22 Conn. Vol., 27 Aug., 1862; disc. 7-July, 1863.
WINCHELL, JUSTIN H., enl. Co. A, 21 Conn. Vols., 2 Aug., 1862.
WISE, MARTIN W., enl. Co. G, 20 Conn. Vols., 15 Aug., '62.
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE HISTORY OF PINE MEADOW, NOW WINDSOR LOCKS."
1676–1890.
THE
HE northern portion of Ancient Windsor, west of the Connecticut
River-known from earliest times as Pine Meadow was without
value to the first settlers, except a tract of meadow land, containing less
than a hundred acres, which lay along the river at its southern border.
It was more than a mile beyond the nearest house in Windsor, but a
road was opened to it, and it was early put under cultivation. Windsor
had its Plymouth Meadow, Little Meadow, Great Meadow, and Seques-
tered Meadow; and this meadow probably received its name from the
Pine forests on its borders. It was set out to individuals (among whom
was Gov. Haynes of Hartford) before 1640, at which time the lots are
described on the record as lying in Pine Meadow. Its first settlers were
called "Pine Meadow people"; when a public school was established
here it was known as the Pine Meadow District. When the Enfield
Falls Canal was completed in 1829, the Connecticut River Company,
anticipating the building of a manufacturing village, desired to associate
their work with the name of the coming town. The upper end of the
canal, with its head-lock in the town of Suffield, and the lower one,
with its series of locks in Windsor, suggested the name of WINDSOR
LOCKS officially recognized by the establishment of a post-office here
in 1833, and confirmed by the incorporation of the town in 1854. The
Indian purchase of this territory, and such Indian history as connects
itself therewith, has been given at pages 111, 124.
The town of Windsor Locks is about three miles in extent along
the river, which bounds it on the east, and it extends to about the same
distance to the west. Its northeast portion, on which the village stands,
¹ The original chapter on Windsor Locks, as given in our first edition, is here largely
replaced by a reprint of Mr. Hayden's admirable Centennial Sketch, entitled, Windsor
Locks; its Early Settlers and Their Successors; Their Social, Civil, and Religious Life,
published at Hartford, 1880, 12mo, p. 64, and map (also here reproduced in reduced
size).
[H. R. S.]
THE FIRST SETTLERS OF PINE MEADOW.
493
has a moderately productive soil, and the meadow land at its southeast
corner is subject to inundations by the annual spring freshets of the
Connecticut. The western portion of the town is a sandy plain, with a
light soil, and during the first third of this century was mostly under
cultivation, producing fair crops of corn and rye; but of late many of
the fields have been allowed to grow to wood again. "The Plains," as
this section was formerly called, are seamed with ravines, in which run
the clearest brooks, well stocked with trout. Over the Plains, and along
the heads of these ravines, ran the "old country road," the first road
opened on the west side of the Great River between the Massachusetts
and the Connecticut settlements; laid out there because it required no
bridges, and but little labor to work it. For five miles across these plains
there was not a hill to climb, or a stream to ford. Suffield was then a
wilderness, and the most feasible track across that territory was found,
without much regard to directness. This remained the great thorough-
fare to the north for nearly 190 years. When, during Jefferson's ad-
ministration, Suffield furnished a U. S. Postmaster-General, and had the
distributing office (and not Hartford), this road was carefully measured
by the P. O. Department, and some of the mile-stones then erected are
still standing.
Those yet living remember when there were two well-worn tracks
nearly all the way across the plains; now, in places, the remaining single
track is partially overgrown with weeds.
The first distribution of land was made by the General Court before
1640.¹ A quarter of a mile in width along the river, extending from
¹This distribution is said to have been pro rata to the contributions of the several
parties concerned towards the general fund raised, before they left Massachusetts, to
meet the expenses of their emigration, etc. But it was mainly based on the “person
of the settler and the estate he had to invest here.
>>
The original distribution, beginning on Pine Meadow Brook, was to Gov. John
Haynes of Hartford, "about 10 acres, bound south and west on the brook”; next,
John and Thos. Hoskins, 45 rods on the river; Nicholas Denslow (father of Henry), 33
rods on the river, 80 rods to the west; Thomas Ford, 400 rods to Kettle Brook, 80 rods
to the west; Thomas Ford, 200 rods north of Kettle Brook, 80 rods to the west.
When such lands had been set out to the first settlers as they needed for cultiva-
tion, for fuel, and timber, the undivided lands, or commons, were held in common
by the town; and as, from time to time, wanted for cultivation, they were granted by
vote of the town. For some reason this course proved unsatisfactory, and Windsor
and many other towns transferred the title of the commons to the proprietors. The
proprietors were all the inhabitants or taxpayers in the town, and the share of each
proprietor, his heirs and assigns, was in proportion to his or her tax-list. In 1722 a few
lots south of Mrs. Webb's, lying west of the 80 rods originally laid out next the river,
had been set out by the town, but none of these lots extended as far west as Center
street. In 1752 a committee of the proprietors set out nearly all the remaining land in
this town to the original proprietors or their heirs.
494
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Pine Meadow Brook, at the south end of the meadow, to Kettle Brook,'
500 rods, thence 200 rods to Doctor Burnap's, a little above the railroad
station; and 600 rods of the north end of this strip of land was set out
to Thomas Ford of Windsor, which included nearly half the meadow,
and all of the mill-sites and the main street of the present village.
Thirty acres of the meadow he sold before 1656 to William Gaylord,
Jr. (which lot became the home of the first Gaylord family here),
and, Feb. 7, 1663, he sold the balance of the lot (540 rods) to Henry
Denslow (son of Nicholas Denslow, a first settler of Windsor), who
built his house (on the south point of the hill overlooking the meadow,
about 50 rods south of Mr. Francis' present residence) and brought
his family (a wife and seven children) here probably the same year.
Their nearest neighbor was William Hayden, fully two miles away.
Tradition tells us that the Denslow family returned to Windsor
after the breaking out of King Philip's war, and that Mr. Denslow,
venturing back to his farm, was captured and killed by the Indians.
After
This was probably March 25th, O. S. [April 4th], 1676.2
¹ It is not known what this stream took its name from. It first appears on the
Colonial Records in 1636, marking the north bounds of Windsor. Subsequently our
boundary line was carried north, where it now remains, separating it from Suffield,
which for many years remained under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts. The line be-
tween the colonies was not definitely fixed for about a century after the settlement of
Pine Meadow. One survey by the Massachusetts authorities struck the river about
half a mile below Hayden Station. In 1751 Daniel Hayden, aged 84, and Ebenezer
Hayden, aged 70, testify that they live about three miles south of a stream called
Kettle Brook, and they always understood that it was about the south bounds of Massa-
chusetts; that they remember when "the artists (engineers) came on from Boston
[1702], they ran across John Bissell's chimney, the remains of which are to be seen to
this day. They took the height of the sun at noonday, and said they were several
miles too low" [down the river].
2 From the Council Journal, 1676, we learn that Major Robert Treat was ordered,
on Saturday, the 25th of March, to take about 100 of his men, and make the best of
his way to Norwich; but on Monday, the 27th March, the Council, having received in-
telligence of "a party of Indians that, on the last Sabbath day [i. e., on the previous
day, the 26th], did doe dispoyle there, and on Sabbath night burned a great part of
Simsbury," and, also, a man carried away from Windsor by skulking parties of
Indians," etc., etc., recalled Maj. Treat and his command. In August following an
Indian prisoner, being examined before the Council, was asked, "Who killed Henry
Denslow?" He named seven Indians, and added, "and these were those who burned
Simsbury." The man carried away" was undoubtedly Henry Denslow, and his cap-
ture being coupled with the burning of Simsbury, as the cause of recalling Maj. Treat,
it seems probable that Denslow was captured on Saturday, while the Indians were en
route to Simsbury. The Council at Hartford could scarcely have heard of it, if it had
occurred on Monday, the day of their meeting. Assuming that Henry Denslow was
killed on Saturday, the 25th of March, O. S., and adding ten days to reduce it to our
present new style, and we have the anniversary of his capture and probable death,
April 4, 1676. Through the exertions of Mr. Jabez H. Hayden, the site of his house
has been definitely fixed by excavations which uncovered the lower portion of the
EARLY SETTLERS AT PINE MEADOW.
495
the war his widow and children returned. His youngest daughter,
Elizabeth, born 11th February, 1665, was probably the first white
child born in this town. Samuel, his only son, who was 17 years old
at the time of his father's death, spent his days here, and was suc-
ceeded by two sons, Samuel and Joseph. Joseph
was the father of Martin, and grandfather of
Carlos, the father of Mrs. Myron S. Webb, who
owns some of the original Henry Denslow purchase, including the site
of the original house, which has remained continuously in the family.
Sant Sens low
The next settler here was NATHANIEL GAYLORD, son of William,
Jr., and grandson of Dea. William of Windsor. He was an infant
when his father died, and the Pine Meadow lot was reserved for his
portion, and given him when he attained his majority. He married
in 1678, and it is probable that he then came here to live, two
years after the death of Henry Denslow. He built his house on the
high ground at the extreme west end of his lot, say forty or fifty
rods southeast of the present Gaylord house. This house was stand-
ing in 1757. The site is on the brow of the hill, close to the south
line of the present home lot. He afterwards obtained, by purchase and
grant from the town, lands lying west and north, and in 1711 deeded
to his son, Nathaniel, Jr., certain lands with a dwelling-house standing
thereon. This house stood on or near the site of the present Gaylord
house, and was probably built for Nathaniel, Jr. His descendants
remaining on the paternal estate have been Eliakim, Ithiman, Eliakim,
and Wilbert, the present occupant."
cellar wall at each of the corners, and a gray flint bowlder of more than a half ton's
weight (found on his own farm), has been placed over the northeast corner, with the fol-
lowing inscription:
1663.
1676.
1876.
THIS STONE MARKS THE SITE
OF THE FIRST HOUSE IN
PINEMEADOW, BUILT 1663 [?]
BY HENRY DENSLOW, CAPTURED
HERE AND KILLED BY THE
INDIANS, APRIL 4th [?], 1676.
¹The title-deed given Nath'l Gaylord is an interesting specimen of the old Recorder,
Matthew Grant's habit, where occasion required, of discarding technical phraseology,
and running off into family history. It contains date of father's death, birth of the
grantee, and other items of family history, report of overseers or guardians, and their
authority; besides telling us that the portion of the lot lying in Pinemeadow, 16
acres, was fenced, and that lying without was wooded.
'March 8, 1677, Jacob Drake and John Gaylord, Sen., sent a note to Matthew
Grant, with their hands to it, by Nath'l Gaylord, who was son of William Gaylord that
died Dec. 14, 1656, and his son Nathaniel was born the September before, the third
day, and now last September he had completed his 21 years of age; and, therefore,
Jacob Drake and John Gaylord who were appointed overseers by the court to see to
496
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Thirty years later ABRAHAM DIBBLE, grandson of Thomas, also an
original settler of Windsor, came, and the town granted him a lot in
1708-9 lying north of the Gaylords and west of the Denslows. The
ditch, 41½ rods, marking the south line of
this lot, is still to be seen along the north Abraham Dible
mis
mark
side-hill of "Dibble Hollow." The house
stood at the northwest corner of the lot, a little southeast of Mrs. Webb's
tobacco barn. In 1743 Abraham Dibble conveyed this land, with the
"Mansion Dwelling-House and barn standing thereon," to his son Thomas,
in consideration of his "maintaining me and my wife during our natural
lives." Nine years later Thomas Dibble sold the premises to Joseph
Winchel, and moved with the tide of emigration to the then far west, the
town of Torrington, about thirty miles distant. Winchel sold to
Nathaniel Copley, who was living here in 1757, and was probably the last
occupant, though the title to the land passed through other hands before
it passed to the Denslow family, about twenty years later.
·
In 1757 a new meeting-house was to be built in Windsor; and, to
ascertain where the center of travel would locate the new house, the
distance from each dwelling-house was measured, and at the same time
a rude
map was made, showing the location of each house. This map
gives the two Gaylord houses, the Dibble house, then occupied by Mr.
Copley, and the two Denslow houses, one of which stood nearly north of
the Dibble house, about fifty rods northeast of Mrs. Webb's. This house
was built before 1732 by the first Samuel, son of Henry, and was occu-
pied by the family of Joseph, a grandson of Henry; the other house,
which stood at the "head of the spring," west end of the cemetery, was
occupied by Samuel, a brother of Joseph.
These five houses were all there were standing, within the present
limits of this town, 122 years after the first settler. Thirty years later
the Denslow house does not appear on the map, and had doubtless
the preserving of the estate until they should come of age, to receive their portions;
and now their desire is that I would enter upon the record a parcel of land which they
reserved for Nathaniel Gaylord for his portion out of his father's estate, he being now
of age. The land lies in Pine Meadow, and woodland adjoining against the meadow,
purchased of Thomas Ford, all the meadow within the fence, being 16 acres, and all
the upland behind it, according to the bounds 61 rods, and bounds in the meadow
and in length back from the river 80 rods, north by Widow Denslow, east by the
river, south by Nicholas Denslow." The "meadow within the fence" is mentioned in
Ford's deed to Gaylord (before December 14, 1656), proving that Pine Meadow was
open and
"fit for immediate cultivation " at first, and was early improved by the
owners though they lived about three miles away. They made a road (very crooked on
account of swamps) from Wm. Hayden's to it. The Indians had cultivated this
meadow so recently that the forest trees had not grown there; but the Indians were
gone, their graves only remaining. They probably had died from the small pox, (a
disease introduced by Europeans before the Pilgrims came to Plymouth,) and left
without inhabitants the open meadows our fathers found there.
EARLY PINE MEADOW ROADS.
497
ceased to be occupied as a dwelling, and probably had been removed or
demolished. Two other houses appear on the map, one where our par-
sonage stands, the other on West street; but, for obvious reasons, they
must have been added to the map several years later. The first road to
Pine Meadow (what now remains of it is called "the Lane") was doubt-
less built by the parties to whom the meadow had been set out as early
as 1640. They lived in Windsor, but there was no land "fit for cultiva-
tion," at first, except the meadows from which the Indian cultivators
had died out.
The "old country road"¹ across the plains two miles west of us, was
¹At this point (Gunn's Brook, at Hayden Station Chapel) the road left the river to
avoid bridging the streams, turned west through what is now known as Pink street,.
and on across the plains, through Christian street, and Crooked Lane, Suffield (which
town remained without settlement nearly half a century because it had no river
meadows), and on to Northampton. This was called the Old Country Road, and con-
tinued to be the great thoroughfare and mail-route to and from the north down to about
1820. (During Jefferson's administration the Post-office Department had their distrib-
uting office at Suffield, not Hartford.) Twenty years after the first settlement of Wind-
sor the highway is defined as four rods wide from the Palisado, north as far as the
upper side of Wm. Hayden's lot (near Hayden Station Chapel); from thence "a way
turneth northwesterly to Norwoct" (Northampton). In 1729 this road across the plains
is again described, beginning “near Pine Meadow Gate," at Hayden Station Chapel.
It shall be three rods wide through the lots" (the lots set out to individuals, and
probably under cultivation), but on the Commons (about one-fourth of a mile beyond)
it should be "ten rods wide" (1752, it was made four rods wide). The "Half Way
Tree," afterwards known as the Smoking Tree, and the head of Kettle Brook, are
designated in the lay-out of 1729. Smoking Tree was half way across the plains. It
was a fine spreading oak, standing on the east side of the way, about one-fourth of a
mile south of the road now leading from Windsor Locks to Poquonock. Near by, on
the opposite side of the road, was a never-failing stream of good water. Nowhere else
in all the five miles across the plains was water so near the road; and not only
those who went on foot, but numerous teamsters from Western Massachusetts and be-
yond, most of them with ox teams, halted here for rest, water, feeding, and to sit
under that tree and smoke their pipes. There appears to have been a house of some
sort standing near by in 1752, belonging to Jonathan Alvord. The Proprietors' Com-
mittee mention it in their description of the lot set out to Edward Griswold. There
were no pre-emption laws in those days, and he probably disposed of his house, if it had
a marketable value. Half an acre was reserved "around the Spring for a convenient
watering place." Smoking Tree was widely known during at least three generations.
It stood until about 1810.
The Pine Meadow road left the country road at Gunn's Brook, followed its present
course, making a long detour to the east to avoid a swamp which lay in a direct line,
continued thence north in or near the present highway nearly to Broderick's house,
when it bore to the west and crossed the brook a few rods below where the railroad
now crosses it. The stones now lying in the brook were a part of the “ “Stone Bridge,”
which was in use and good repair within my recollection. After Henry Denslow settled
here the town ordered that the owners of lots in Pine Meadow "should agree among
themselves where the road should run through their lots to Henry Denslow's, at the
higher end of Pine Meadow."
The upland road, Center street road, was first defined "from the county road to
Suffield," as far up as the "Pine Meadow path," the present north path to the Gay-
VOL. I.-63
498
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
open as early as 1656 to reach Northampton. The first road opened to
Springfield was on the east side of the river from Bissell's Ferry, and
continued to be the great thoroughfare for northern travel down to
within my own recollection. That road was not formally laid out until
1737, when it was described as "ten rods wide." Under the last date a
highway was laid out to accommodate the Pine Meadow people with an
"upland" road, for use in freshet-time. This was more than seventy
years after the settlement by Henry Denslow, and doubtless there was
lords; thence it bore more easterly eighty rods to about the northeast corner of Nath'l
Fox's home lot. Then the land previously granted, and owned by the Gaylord family,
was reached, and the Proprietors' Committee, who had laid it thus far on "the Com-
mon," were not authorized to go farther. From the end of this road a trespass-road
led across Lieut. Nath'l Gaylord's lot to Dibble Hollow; through which, and beyond,
it reached Abraham Dibble's house (a little southeast of Mrs. Webb's tobacco-barn),
thence nearly north to the house of Joseph Denslow, thence to Samuel Denslow's, at
the west end of the cemetery. Thence, passing east and down the hill near the present
entrance to the cemetery, it reached the saw-mill and the fording place on the river at
the mouth of Kettle Brook.
Very early, a road branched off near the house of Abraham Dibble, running out
into the commons to the northwest. It passed several rods south of Mrs. Webb's
house, thence more northerly through the present woods, where this path is still open,
on and across Add's Brook at " the Old Rock" (south of Geo. Holcomb's brick-yard),
and intersected with Saw Mill Path," near the south end of West street. Traces of
the road are still visible on both banks of the Add's Brook. There is little doubt that
before 1752 a road had been opened from near the house of Abraham Dibble, running
southwest until it passed the head of the first spring, thence more southerly until it
entered the present Center street road, near John Fowler's house, and thence where the
present road runs into Pine Meadow Path," where it connected with the laid out high-
way, and the old road across Dibble Hollow was discontinued. The road through the
meadow was continued from the original Henry Denslow house north and west, and
formed a junction with the upland road at Joseph Denslow's. The track of this road
is still plainly marked in Mr. Francis' pasture south of South street, and was kept open
until after 1812, when the present highway was opened from Hayden Station through
our Main street to Suffield.
When the Proprietors' Committee laid out our present Center street, preparatory to
dividing the Commons, they rested the south end on the road then running from near
Dibble's to and past the "Old Rock." The north end rested, as now, on our North
street. All the lots on the first tier, lots lying next west of Center street, were bounded east
on highway between our present North street and the south side of Mrs. Webb's gar-
den; south of this point the lots on the first tier extended about forty rods farther east,
and bounded east on lots owned by Denslow, Dibble, Gaylord, and others, and a reserve
was made in each grant for a highway near the east end," until the highway at Pine
Meadow path was reached. There is no record of this reserved road from Pine Meadow
path to Mrs. Webb's, but when it was opened it was carried west to give an easy place
to cross the brook; and, for some unknown reason, instead of running from the point
where it crossed the brook to the end of Center street, as originally laid out, it was con-
tinued on, on such a course that it formed a junction with the already existing Center
street, several rods north of the end of it.
After the new road had been opened, and that part of the old lay-out for a road
where Mrs. Webb's house stands had been discontinued because no one had occasion to
use it, Capt. Martin Denslow built that house (about 1790), and he set it partially in the
PINE MEADOW IN 1776.
499
from the first a bridle-path by which they could reach Windsor when
the freshets made it impracticable to go there by the way of the meadow.
Down to the year 1752 all the lands within the present limits of
this town, except eighty rods in width on the river, and a lot granted
by vote of the town to the Gaylord family, and a lot to Abraham
Dibble, were held in "commons." About twenty years before this
the title to these commons was transferred from the town to the pro-
prietors. In 1752 a committee of the proprietors set out the highways,
and divided these "commons" among the individual proprietors of
Windsor in proportion to the amount of tax or taxes which had been
paid by the individuals or their families, on the grand list of 1720.
Nineteen years after the date of the map referred to, and twenty-
four years after the general distribution of the lands, brings us down
to the period of the Revolution. The families living in Pine Meadow at
that date were MARTIN DENSLOW, great-grandson of Henry, and his wife,
Louis Wiard of Farmington, SAMUEL DENSLOW (Martin's cousin) and
1
old highway to bring it forward to the traveled path. This explains the reason why, fol-
lowing the original lay-out of Center street, we run directly through the front end of
Mrs. Webb's house. Ten years before Center street was laid out Mr. Samuel Denslow,
who owned all the land within eighty rods of the river between School street and Dr.
Burnap's, sold one-half of his saw-mill and privilege in the deed for a right-of-way out
to the Commons, to get logs for the mill "between the two brooks" (Kettle and Add's).
This path went up the hill farther south than it now runs, but followed Elm street
west of Center street; and, when the Proprietors' Committee divided the Commons, the
first lot north of Elm street, extending from Center to West street, was bounded
“south on Saw-mill Path." The significance of “Saw-mill Path" is better understood
by an extract from the record-book of the proprietors of the Commons or undivided
lands, dated sixteen years before the date of this deed, when the proprietors appointed
a committee "to license persons to cut timber on the Commons: " 'Persons who shall
own they intend the boards and timber they get out for the use of the inhabitants of
this town.” Another paragraph provides that “persons making coal or tar shall pay
the treasurer two shillings a load for wood put into a kiln or kilns, to be paid back for
so much as he shall make it appear he has delivered the coal to smiths living and work-
ing in this town.”
This saw-mill path was declared a public highway, two rods in width, from Center
street west to the old county road. From the north end of Center street another high-
way running west, nearly parallel with Saw-mill Path, our present North street, also
extended to the county road. A reserve for a two-rod highway, extending south from
North street, was made between second and third tiers, and between third and fourth
tiers. These north and south highways have never been more than partially opened.
A few rods between third and fourth tiers are now traveled on the road to Poquonock.
A two-rod highway was laid through the second tier, and a reserve through the first
tier on the lot south of Mr. Gandy's, to intersect with Center street road.
(
•
· 1 Samuel Denslow was a son of Samuel, son of Henry, who built and lived in the
Old House at the head of the Spring," west end of the cemetery. He built the
house about 1732, and probably died there. His death occurred in 1762. The third
Samuel bought five lots on second tier, (now West street,) from the parties to whom they
were set by the Proprietors' Committee, 1752. The first bears date December, 1759,
the others early in 1760; in all, ninety acres, at an average price of about $4 per acre.
500
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
his wife, Hannah Leavitt, of Suffield,
on West street; ELIAKIM GAYLORD
and his wife, Elizabeth Hayden, at the
Gaylord place.
Cyitial Warak
Eliakim Gaylord
The next in the order of time of set-
tlement were EZEKIEL THRALL' from Tur-
key Hills and his wife, Elizabeth McMo-
ran, of Suffield; SAMUEL COY2 from Ellington and his wife, Sarah; JABEZ
HASKELL from Rochester, Mass., and his wife, Elizabeth Bissell, of
Windsor; SETH DEXTER and DEBORAH HASKELL from Rochester,

3
4
<<
He probably built his house soon after; the premises constituted his home lot" in 1762.
In 1785 the property passed into the possession of his son-in law, Martin Pinney. The
old house was taken down recently, and a new one built on its site. This place and
farm is now owned by S. McAuley.
¹ Ezekiel Thrall's house stood on the site of our present parsonage, corner Center
and Elm streets. He bought the lot of Isaac Hayden in 1765; it extended on Center
street from Elm to about the north line of C. A. Porter's lot, and on Elm to West
street. He probably built immediately after; was certainly living there 1769. After
the death of his wife, in 1776, he sold to a Mr. Bolles, who sold to Daniel Ela, 1781.
The house, originally one-story, had another story added by Mr. Ela about 1800, and
when our parsonage was built by Talcott Mather the old house was removed and re-
modeled, and now stands next west of the parsonage.
2 Samuel Coy bought his lot in 1766, and probably built his house at once. The
names of himself and wife appear the same year on the church record. He "died in
camp," 1778. His place was sold, 1783, by Seth Dexter, administrator to Jabez Has-
kell. The family removed to Massachusetts. The widow of Oliver Hawley and Mrs.
Hervey Phelps are granddaughters of Samuel Coy.
"
3 Ephraim Haskell and Seth Dexter of Rochester, Mass., bought the land lying
east of Center street, and from School street on the south to Grove street on Main, and
still further north on Center street, 160 acres, for £340, $7.08 per acre, including the
saw-mill and "old house." The eastern portion of this lot was originally set to Thomas
Ford, who sold it in 1663 to Henry Denslow. From thence it passed into possession. of
his son Samuel, and his grandson Samuel, who sold to Daniel Hayden half the saw-
mill, and the privilege of turning a little stream into the mill-pond to add to it, called
“Add's Brook," in 1742. Soon after, 1744, the land north of Kettle Brook had been
sold to Daniel and Isaac Hayden, and before 1752 all south to School street. After
Center street had been set out, 1752, the "Commons" lying east of it was added to
Daniel and Isaac Hayden's lot. Haskell and Dexter bought of Isaac Hayden, and the
creditors of Daniel Hayden; Haskell and Dexter divided their purchase, Haskell taking
two-thirds of the saw-mill, all the land south of Elm street and east of the west line of
the Oliver Hawley place, and all north of the south line of the present Harris Haskell
place. Ephraim Haskell deeded his share to his son, Jabez Haskell, who came up the
same year, and in November married and occupied the old house at the head of the
spring. In 1774 he built and moved into the house now standing on the corner of
Main and Elm streets. A one-story addition was built on the west side, about twenty-
five years later, and a second story was added to it in 1856. The south extension was
built about 1820.
* Seth Dexter bought of Ezekiel Thrall, in 1770, the water privilege, "with right
to repair dam, and room near the road for mill and shop, and convenient room around
them,” for £5 ($16.66). This was on the site of the present Holbrook mill. In 1770'Mr.
PINE MEADOW IN 1776.
501

Platial Birge
Mass.; PELATIAH BIRGE' from Windsor and
e his wife, Mary Grant, from Ellington; and
SAMUEL WING2 from Rochester and his second
wife, Lydia, widow of Martin Moses, of Simsbury.
+
Farming and domestic manufactures were almost the only occupa-
tion of the people 100 years ago. The men cultivated the fields and
prepared the flax and wool, and the women spun and wove the material
from which the family were clothed. Their tables were abundantly
3
Dexter deeded his interest here to his son Seth, who was also a clothier, and who set up
the first "clothier's works" in this vicinity. He moved his family here Aug. 17, 1770.
In 1773 he exchanged a small lot on the corner of Center and Elm streets for more ac-
commodation around the mill. His first house, in which he lived about eighteen years,
was built near his mill, in connection with his shop or finishing-room. About 1788 he
built the “old Dexter house,” now occupied by William Anderson. He died in 1797.
The business was continued by his family until 1817, when it was sold, with the house
and land on Center street, to Timothy Mather. The third Seth Dexter, grandfather of
E. D. Dexter, retained his father's interest in the saw and grist-mills, and the lands
now held by the family, and also lands south of Elm street and west of the Hawley
place.
¹ Jeremiah Birge of Windsor bought a lot of land on the "half-mile tier,” north of
North street, in 1766, and some time before 1772 had built a house on it, and was living
here. Mr. Horace Birge, his nephew, says that his uncle Jeremiah became so home-
sick after he came here to live that he offered such inducements to his father, Pelatiah
Birge, that they exchanged places, and Jeremiah went back to the old homestead in
Windsor, the late Roswell Miller place. Soon after a Mr. Carter (?) began a house
near the present tenant-house of James Coogan, on West street, but he abandoned it,
and Mr. Pelatiah Birge bought and enlarged his house with it. In 1876 the old Birge
house was pulled down.
2 Samuel Wing and his wife Joanna (sister of Jabez Haskell and Mrs. Seth Dexter)
from Rochester, Mass., were living at Hayden Station as early as 1769, probably.
Mrs. Wing died there, and he afterwards married Lydia, widow of Martin Moses,
of Simsbury. In 1775 he bought of Joseph Barnard the lot set out to him on the first
tier by the Proprietors' Committee in 1753. It was twenty-five rods wide, and extended
from Center to West street. Mrs. Horton occupies the east end; the houses west of
hers, on the south side of Spring street, all stand on the Wing lot. Mr. Wing built
his house on West street, a little to the rear and west of the present house of John
Cashman. He died in the army Aug. 14, 1777. Moses Wing, son of the above Samuel
and Joanna Haskell, married Hannah, daughter of Samuel Denslow, and built a house
and shop on the east end of the above-described lot, known of late as the Luke Fish
house, recently removed from the corner of Center and Spring streets. I remember
his little shop standing in the street nearly in front of Mrs. Horton's house. He was
called a goldsmith. He made brass clocks, some of which are still excellent time-
keepers, silver teaspoons, knee-buckles, shoe-buckles, etc. His first wife died 1792,
and he married a daughter of Capt. Martin Denslow. About 1805 he removed to
Worcester. Mrs. Oliver Woodford of Hartford is a daughter of his, and he has a son
and other descendants living in the Western States.
³ A tailoress was brought into the family a few days each autumn to make up the
winter's stock of clothing for the men and boys, especially for their "go-to-meeting
clothes." It must have marked an era in the progress of the art of domestic manu.
factures when Seth Dexter brought up from Eastern Massachusetts the art of cloth
dressing.
The shoemaker was also brought into the house to make up the shoes for the
family. For some whimsical reason, this industry was called "whipping the cat.”
502
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
supplied, but with far less variety than we have. Salt provisions were
more used than now, and shad and salmon were abundant and cheap.¹
Bread was made from
rye, ground at the near-
est mill, with a little
wheat for extra occa-
sions; and cornmeal
was served up in a va-
riety of ways. Turnips
largely supplied the
place of potatoes,2
which were almost un-
known a few years be-
fore the Revolution.
Pumpkins were used
for sauce as well as
for pies. Apples were
abundant, and cider
was a common drink.
Drunkenness was not
unknown, but almost
no alcoholic drinks
were used except on
festive or other extra
occasions, or when ex-
tra labor was supposed
to be lightened by the
stimulus of alcohol.

*SMOKING TREE
MAP OF
SUFFIELD
BIRGE
THREE DIRTY HOLE BROOK.
KETTLE BROOK
S.DE.SLOW
WING
COY
LONG MARSH
POWELS MARSH
COUNTRY ROAD
GUARS TURN
PINE MEADOW
1776
ABCD
INDIAN GRAYES
TRESPASS ROADS
POBUа
15 05
SITOH DENSLOW HOUSE
☐ GAYLORD O [1]
DIBBLE
REED?
0
OLD
THRALLE
/DEXTER'S
CLOTHIER WORES
HASKELL
'Adga BrookĮ
MDENSLOVIC
C
DIBBO HOLLOW BROOK
GAYLORD
PINE MEADOW BROOK
18
MARSH BROOK
WORDING
CONNECTICUT RIVER
HAYDEN TOWN
GUNNSBROOK
By permission of Publishers of Memorial History of
Hartford County.
WAREHOUSEPOINT
EAST WINDSOR
Between 1776 and
1800 there were eight
new houses built, and three disappeared, leaving fourteen houses, a
3
'Under date of 1781, on an old account book, we find fifty shad charged at 2d. (34
cents) each, and ten years later single shad at 6d. (8 cents) each. Indeed, shad were not
esteemed a luxury in the olden time. Mrs. Haskell, born 1748, used to tell of a dis-
pute between two school girls in Windsor, where one child taunted the other with the
poverty of her family, who "eat shad."
2 The same Mrs. Haskell, daughter of Dr. Daniel Bissell of Windsor, once said
in my hearing that the first potatoes she ever saw were three small ones her father
brought home in his saddlebags. My great-grandfather, who died 1803, aged 94, never
learned to love potatoes. He told my father that when they were first introduced
it was said that if a person ate freely of potatoes they would not live over two years.
³ The first house built here after 1776 was probably the “old Gaylord house,” in
1780, still standing on Elm St., bet. Center and West Sts. The lot was orig. set out to
Daniel and Isaac Hayden, and ext. from Center to West Sts. They sold the lot to
Ezekiel Thrall, 1765, who built a house where the parsonage now stands, and in 1773
PINE MEADOW, 1776-1812.
503
sold the west part of the lot to Eliakim Gaylord. In 1789 Eliakim Gaylord deeded the
lot to his son Eleazer, "with the house standing thereon"; the house had probably
been built several years; 1780 he is charged on Jabez Haskell's account book to sawing
oak for frames and joist, boards, clapboards, and four summers; probably used in this
house.
In 1781 Elijah Higley sold to Alexander Allen "the house, barn, and shop partly
built," and "half the grist-mill, the other half belonging to Ensign Eliakim Gaylord.”
Расов Куром
The site of the grist-mill is now occupied by
English's Paper Mill, in the south part of
the town. This property passed into the
hands of Jacob Russell about 1785; thence,
about 1812, into the hands of Gideon Drake, some members of whose family still occupy
the house.
1784 Jabez Haskell and Seth Dexter built a grist-mill and store below their saw-
mill. The mill now stands east of the canal, and is used as a portion of the stock-house
for the Dexter Paper Mill. The store or salt house stood a little south of it. It is
mentioned on Jabez Haskell's account book as "the store" in 1784 and in 1788. There
are some charges in that account book of various articles usually found in country
stores, and it is not improbable that an assortment of goods were kept there for a
time, besides Turk's Island Salt. After a few years it was known as the miller's
house"; removed 1796 to the west side of the saw-mill yard; and Miss Eliza Denslow
says that she heard Mrs. Levi Loomis, the then miller's wife, complain about 1813 be-
cause her chamber floor was so wet in rainy weather. Mrs. Haskell told her that when
vessels came up in the spring they stored salt there, and the floor took up so much
salt that the damp weather melted it. There was a dilapidated building standing,
when I was a boy, at Hayden's shipyard, two and one-half miles below, called the Old
Turk's Island salt store. Ninety years ago the Matsons kept a famous store at Hayden
Station. The building is still standing among the out-buildings at the Levi Hayden
place. One room in it was always called the salt room," and was very damp.
Every well-to-do family had a salt-mortar. Tradition brought some of them from Eng-
land with the first settlers. I remember my youthful efforts at the salt-mortar, pre-
paring coarse salt" for the table. They were also called samp-mortars, being used
by families who lived far from grist-mills to pound their corn in. The old Denslow
house, now standing in the rear of E. D. Coogan's store [pulled down 1878] was origi-
nally a salt store, and Mr. Horace Birge says that he has been told that a general assort-
ment of goods was also kept there.

>>
The lot on which it stood was bought of Jabez Haskell in 1782 by Oliver Chap-
man and Jas. Steele, "10 rods square for £10 ($33.334).” It stood near the north end
of the Medlicott Mill, the same distance from the water as the old ferry house,
now standing on the opposite of the river" [since burned]. The land was bought
the same year that Jas. Chamberlain petitioned the General Assembly to grant the
ferry. 1785 Mr. Jas. Chamberlain bought the land, "with a store standing thereon,"
for £60 ($200). 1793 Jas. Chamberlain, Jr., bought the ferry and lot, "with store
standing thereon," and the same year sells the lot and store to Samuel Denslow
for £45 ($150). This was the fourth Samuel (his father lived on West street); he had
lived in the Miller's house, and "tended" grist-mill for Haskell and Dexter until 1793.
Samuel Denslow's account book, under date of 1794, has a charge against Martin Moses,
son-in-law of Jabez Haskell, for the "rent of his store." Martin Moses, Jr., who is
still [1880] living at Peekskill, N. Y., was born in the old Denslow house, Dec. 16,
1793. Miss Eliza Denslow has a tradition that there was a family lived there before
her father bought it.
The "Jefferson flood," 1801, the highest then known (though exceeded by the
flood of 1854), came into the chamber of the Denslow house, and the family moved
out; but Mrs. Chamberlain, who lived in the ferry house on the opposite side of
504
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
saw-mill, a grist-mill, and a clothier's works. A ferry' across the Con-
necticut had been established, and two highways from Center street to
it had been opened.
In 1811 a gin-distillery was established here by H. & H. Haskell,
and was financially a success. It was then esteemed a laudable enter-
prise, and a public benefit; but the revival of 1833 convinced the owners
the river, thought there had been a higher. flood, because she remembered when
her andirons fioated out of the fire-place, and they did not in 1801. In the spring
of 1811, or 1812, the ice crushed in the basement story of this house, the family
flying in the night to the Miller's house, or Mr. Haskell's, the only houses then east of
Center street. The upper story of the house was then moved back to the present
east end of the canal bridge. When the canal was dug it was removed to the
northwest, on the ferry road, and was again removed to its present position.
There were two other houses or cabins, temporary structures
the Revolution; the other during that period, or soon after.
Kettle Brook, west of the farm of the late Capt. S. S. Hayden;
mains.
one built before
The first was on
the cellar hole re-
The other (built by the Samuel Denslow who lived on West street for his hired
man, Hendrick Roddemore, a Hessian soldier) stood on the S. W. corner of S. McAuley's
farm, about fifteen rods north of Spring street, and ninety rods W. of West street.
Roddemore continued to live in it until his wife died, Dec. 25, 1790. He then removed
to Windsor, south of the little river, where he married again, and, with his wife, united
with the church, 1792. The brook, on the north bank of which his cabin stood, is still
called Hendrick's brook. He belonged to a Hessian Regiment which was captured at
Bennington, Vt., 1777, a little before the surrender of Burgoyne.
¹A charter for a ferry was granted by the Gen. Assembly, 1783, to James Chamberlain;
title passed 1793 to his son James; and 1801 it was sold to Samuel Denslow. At the
same time Ebenezer Collins, who had "improved the ferry," relinquished his claim to it;
in 1806 it was sold to Jabez Heath for $50; in 1815 to Solomon Terry, with two scows,
mortgaged, for $300; in 1816 to Erastus Reed and Daniel Stocking for $300, with boat
mortgaged; in 1819 to Epraphas and Charles Phelps for $325. Then for many years
Mr. Chapin owned and ran it; then B. M. Douglass took it. In 1788 Jabez Haskell
deeded land for a road, "to begin for the S.E. cor. at the N.E. cor. of Capt. Chamber-
lain's store, at his ferry, on the W. side of Conn. River"; it crossed Spring near the
head of Chestnut St., and entered Center a little N. of Oak St.; a trespass road was
continued from Center to West St., opp. the farmhouse of S. McAuley. The same
year the road from the parsonage to the Haskell house, and a pent-way from there to
the river, was made a public highway, and prob. a road opened to connect it with the
ferry, though not recorded. When the road from Hayden's Station to Suffield was laid
through, 24 years after, but one rod width of land was bought from the mill down to
the ferry, proving a public road there.
When the saw-mill was built (1742, or before) the bed of Kettle Brook was so deep
that it was not practicable to draw the timber growing on the north side of it to the
south side. The mill was built on the south side, and an earth-dam built, doubtless
broad enough to drive a team across it. When a public road from the ferry became
necessary, it was laid along the river bank - say three-fourths of the distance to the
brook - when, to save the cost of an expensive bridge, they were allowed to cross on
the mill-dam.
On this ferry, except when they had a favoring wind, the ferrymen propelled
their boat by poling, or rowing. About 1838 a pier was built above the ferry, about
midway of the river, from which a wire connected with the boat, by which the latter
was swung from side to side of the stream.
FUNERALS AND SCHOOLS IN PINE MEADOW.
505
that it was not so, and they abandoned it. On the completion of the
canal (1829) water-power (the first taken from the canal) was furnished
their works. After distilling had been abandoned, and in 1838, Haskell
& Hayden commenced the manufacture of silk, and the business is still
continued on the same ground by Mr. Dwight Allen.
The original
buildings were burned in 1848, and immediately rebuilt on its site.
In 1812 the highway from Hayden's Station to Suffield was laid out
through Main street to the top of Clay Hill; thence to Suffield line.
The cost to the town was to be so great that but one man in the whole
town advocated the building of it. The road from Pine Meadow Brook
was laid along the river bank, except at a single point to and beyond
the ferry, when it turned westerly and on a single course ran to the top
of Clay Hill. The road as laid and traveled twelve to fifteen years did.
not pass over the hill where Mr. Jabez H. Hayden now lives, but ran
between the river and the distillery (then standing where the silk-mill
now does) leaving this lower terrace and gaining the higher ground at
the east end of the canal bridge. The direct course was to run east of
the saw-mill, where the canal now runs; but, for the same reason that
the ferry road already crossed the mill-dam, the new road also made a
detour around the saw-mill to save expense, the committee making a
reserve of the mill-dam, which, if they had condemned for public use,
would probably have been more expensive than a bridge east of the saw-
mill; 66
reserve to the said Haskell and Dexter the right to alter or
repair the flume in their mill-dam." Mr. Herlehigh Haskell, who was
an advocate for the road, related me that the opponents of the road used
that reserve argument against the acceptance of the committee's report
"because the road ran over private property, and the travel would be
liable at any time to be obstructed." The canal was opened 1829.
•
Pine Meadow was a quiet neighborhood; the people were scattered
and few; industrious and frugal.
Funerals in those days arrested the serious attention of all the com-
munity. Mr. Seth Dexter died in 1797. The distance from the burying-
ground was so great that the remains were placed in a wagon and carried
down Center street two miles below Mrs. Webb's to Pickett's, where the
procession was met by men from Windsor, who took the remains on their
shoulders; and, by frequent changes, the carriers bore him to his grave
the remaining three miles. Less than twenty years later Herlehigh Has-
kell shocked the people of Windsor by proposing in the School Society
meeting to have the Society's committee procure a hearse. It was pre-
1
¹ Twelve and a half cents for "cutting and basting" was all that it cost a girl for
the making of a calico dress less than sixty years ago.
VOL. I. - 64
506
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
dicted that with the use of a hearse men would come to feel that they
could render no assistance at funerals, and by degrees neglect them and
their lessons, and fail to pay proper respect to the dead. In time the
people became reconciled to the proposition, and the hearse was procured.
The remains of Peletiah Birge, in 1815, were the first ever carried on it.
The results anticipated have certainly followed, but the use of the hearse
has been only one of the causes.
It was also a matter of common remark in those days that the Pine
Meadow families were more regular in their attendance upon church than
those from other parts of Windsor. Peletiah Birge, after he became an
old man, retained his habit of attending church often on foot, although
the meeting-house was, after 1794, about six miles distant."
Schools. The first school here was kept by the widow Samuel
Wing, on corner of Spring and West streets. About 1776, Jabez Haskell
and Seth Dexter built a school-house on their own land, and largely at
their own cost, on the ground where Mrs. Talcott Mather now lives; and,
in 1777, we find in Jabez Haskell's account book a charge of 7d. to Samuel
Wing "for schooling your children." Before 1800 there were children
enough to make a school of respectable numbers. An incident which oc-
curred in this school in the winter of 1799-1800, shows the outside esti-
mate of the wealth of this community at that time. Old Mr. Warner, of
Windsor, rode post, bringing a few copies of the Weekly Courant to this
place, and continuing on to Suffield. On a cold day he stopped at the
school-house to leave his papers for Pine Meadow and warm himself; and,
on looking over the school with some surprise, he asked: "Where do all
these children come from?" On being told that they all belonged in the
district, he exclaimed, "Well, I always noticed that poor people had the
most children," a remark he thought best to qualify when he saw its
effect on the children—___ 66 or,
I notice that is the case in our part of the
'Horace Birge, born 1784, still remember's seeing his father and mother set out for
meeting on horseback - his father in the saddle, and his mother on the pillion behind
him. Previous to 1794 they went via Center street, Hayden Station, and Main street,
Windsor. After the present meeting-house in Windsor was built they usually went
down along the plains, past Powell's marsh, Gunsturn; down Sandy Hill, not entering
Main street until they reached Palisado Green. But Mr. Birge often went the whole
distance on foot, accompanied by his boys. His youngest and surviving son, Horace,
says he remembers walking to the old meeting-house to attend public worship, though
he was but ten years old when the present house was built, and afterwards he attended
at the present house of worship. Previous to the organization of the church in Suffield,
1698, several persons living there united with the Windsor church, and tradition tells of
one Suffield woman who was a regular attendant at Windsor, and sometimes walked
the whole distance.
THE CANAL AND MANÜFACTÜRİNG ENTERPRISES.
507
town." Mr. Seth Dexter was, at that time, reputed the richest man, his
estate (1797) being appraised at £1,600-$5,333.
Fifty or sixty years ago the school-house was moved from the south
corner of Elm and Center streets to the north corner, where it stood
until about 1844, when the village was divided into two districts, and so
remained until 1868, when they were again consolidated, and the present
school-house was built at a cost of $32,000, accommodating six schools.'
The South school-house continues to be used as a primary school. The
enumeration of scholars is about 650 children between the ages of four
and sixteen; about 550 of these attend at least three months in the year.
Our annual expenses for the support of our schools is about $4,000.
The Canal.-In 1824 the Connecticut River Company was char-
tered to build a canal at Enfield Falls. The promoters of this enterprise
were principally business men of Hartford, who were engaged in trade
with the up-river towns. Previous to the introduction of railroads
freight could be delivered at any of the river towns by water cheaper
than by land carriage, even from Boston. When the up-river merchants
bought their goods in Boston, they were shipped via Hartford and Ware-
house Point, where the goods were transferred to scows or flat boats,
and thus delivered at Springfield, Northampton, and other towns above,
Barnet, Vt., being the highest point. The capacity of the boats used
was about 18 tons, and they were of light draft, to pass the sand bars
below in time of low water, and not so large as to be unmanageable on
the rapids. But 10 or 12 tons could be carried over the falls, and the
excess of freight was carted around by ox-teams and reshipped at
Thompsonville, more than five miles above. Except with a favoring
wind from the south, it required as many men to "pole" a boat over
Enfield Falls as there were tons of freight on board, and the time requi-
sițe was about one day. At the time the canal was built there were
probably 60 or more boats which had occasion to pass and repass these
rapids several times in each season; and a number of men residing at
this point made it their business to join the crews here, to help them
work the boats over the falls. The stated price for this service was one
dollar.
The charter of the Connecticut River Company contemplated not
only a canal at Enfield Falls, but the consolidation of the improvements
already made at South Hadley, Bellows Falls, etc., and the improvement
¹In 1868 this Windsor Locks school, by request of the manufacturers, began the
system of giving certificates of attendance to those scholars under 14 years of age who
had complied with the requirements of the law respecting the employment of children
in factories. Since then the State has incorporated this feature into its school laws.
508
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
of all the rapids and shoals to Barnet, Vt., provided the States of Ver-
mont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts acquiesced. Vermont con-
sented, but the other States failed to ratify the project, and the company
confined its operations to the building of the Enfield Falls Canal, on the
west side of the river, at Windsor Locks. This was opened with a pub-
lic celebration Nov. 11, 1829. Though the improvement of navigation
was the primary object of the projectors, yet they considered the water-
power thus created to be a valuable part of their franchise. When the
canal was opened the capacity of many of the boats was increased two,
three, and even fourfold. A daily line (and a part of the time two lines)
of passenger steamboats ran between Hartford and Springfield, and
many of our readers will remember these queer looking "stern-wheelers,"
the Agawam and Phoenix, which, however, soon gave way to rail-
roads. The Hartford & Springfield Railroad began to run its trains
over a completed road Dec. 1, 1844, and boats gradually disappeared
from the river. Three or four freight boats and a steam-tug now ply
between Hartford and Holyoke, and about the same number of large
scows which bring coal and heavy freight to the Locks.
The manufacturing establishments now (1881) receiving their water-
power from the canal at Windsor Locks are, The Seymour Company
(paper); The Windsor Locks Machine Company; Converse Iron Foundry;
The E. Horton & Son Company (lathe chucks); J. R. Montgomery & Co.
Mill, Nos. 1 and 2 (cotton warps); Dwight & Co. (wool scouring); The
Medlicott Mill, Nos. 1 and 2 (knit goods); C. H. Dexter & Sons (paper);
C. H. Dexter & Sons grist and saw-mills; The Haskell & Hayden Mill ·
(silk); Whittlesey Mill (paper); The Farist & Windsor Company (steel
rolling) Mill.
Manufacturing Interests.
The system of manufactures has been entirely changed within the
last sixty or seventy years. Previous to that time most families raised
their own wool and flax, and spun and wove the material for their own
clothing. Girls were ambitious to learn to spin wool, linen, and tow,
and to attain such proficiency in the art that they could do what was
accounted "a day's work before the middle of the afternoon." To
acquire the skill to put in a warp and weave difficult patterns required
signal ability. The flax was prepared by spreading it on the pasture
and leaving it to "rot" in the rain and sunshine. When the woody part
had become brittle and the fibre easily separated from it, it was gathered
again and subjected to the process of breaking, — done on a somewhat.
ponderous implement, worked by a strong man. The next process was
"swingling," after that "hatcheling." What remained after this latter
WINDSOR LOCKS MANUFACTURES.
509
process was then ready for the distaff, the tow, the tangled mass made
by the hatchel was carded and spun on the great wheel (used also for
wool) and made into tow-cloth for the men and boys, "every-day" sum-
mer wear. It was nearly 150 years after the settlement of the country
before the woolen cloths manufactured in families were subjected to
another process after coming from the loom.
The first mill here for cloth dressing was set up, 1770, on Kettle
Brook (where the C. W. Holbrook mill now
Sith Dexter stands) by Seth Dexter, who brought the art
from the eastern part of Massachusetts; and the
clothier's art added much to the quality of the home-made woolens.
Wool carding by machinery was probably introduced somewhat later,-
relieving by so much the labor of the women, and giving them better
rolls to spin than could be made by hand-carding. The Dexter clothier
works were run more than half a century; and young men who learned
the trade here were instrumental in establishing other mills elsewhere,
as the tide of emigration rolled on, and long after the trade here had been
superseded by the factory.
Water power was first used to run a saw-mill on Kettle Brook, the
mill being built, or rebuilt, on the site of the present saw-mill of C. H.
Dexter & Sons, in 1742. It had been owned by Samuel (grandson of
Henry) Denslow, who, at above date, sold half of it to Daniel Hayden,
of Hayden Station. Later on Denslow sold the remaining half, and
Hayden with another partner extended his business up the river, was
unsuccessful, and the mill passed into other hands in 1761. In 1769 it
was purchased by Haskell & Dexter, who ran it jointly for seventy
years, since which it has been run by the Dexter family, and is now
[1875] run almost exclusively on spruce logs, brought from the head
waters of the Connecticut River, the product being largely converted
into paper pulp.
As early as 1781 a small grist-mill was set up on Pine Meadow Brook,
at the extreme south end of the town, two miles from the present village.
After twenty or thirty years it was converted into a wool-carding mill,
and finally became a paper-mill, now owned and run by William English.
In 1784 Haskell & Dexter built a grist-mill below their saw-mill,
which was operated until the building of the canal destroyed the water-
power. They also built, 1819, the grist-mill which is still run by the
Dexter family. Formerly the grist-mills were supported by the farmers,
who brought in "grists" of rye, corn, and a little wheat, which the mil-
ler "tolled" to get his pay for grinding. Though still called a grist-
mill, the "grists" are wanting at this mill, the supply coming mostly by
the car-load from Western States.
1831. Jonathan Danforth, from New York, built a factory, the
510
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
first one erected on the canal (and afterwards used by H. A. Converse
as a foundry from 1844-1860), where he manufactured door-butts, but,
after two years, struck his flag to a cheaper imported article which came
into the market. The building was afterwards occupied a few years in
the manufacture of cotton batting, by Griswold & Co., of Hartford;
Elisha Jenks, of Warehouse Point; also Saxton, Woodward & Co., of
the same place. In 1844 Slate & Brown, from Stafford, Conn., erected
on the site of the finishing-building the present machine shop, for the
manufacture of cotton and other machinery. The building (1859) was
owned by L. B. Chapman and used by A. G. West in manufacturing sew-
ing and other kinds of machines; and, during the war, by Denslow &
Chase as an armory.
1833. Samuel Williams, of Hartford, built a six-engine paper-mill
just north of the ferry-way, which failed during the panic of 1837. In
1838 the mill was again operated by a joint stock company as The Wind-
sor Mills, but failed in about two years, and finally came into the hands
of Persse & Brooks, of New York, in 1844. By them it was operated
until burned, in 1856, when they rebuilt it as an eight-engine paper-mill,
and it was, in 1857, transferred, with two others, to the Persse & Brooks
Paper Works Company.
1836. A Mr. Carlton (from New Hampshire) and Mr. Niles (of
Hartford) built a large saw-mill and manufactured lumber for some
years, until the death of the latter, when the property was sold to J. B.
Chapman, and run by him until his death in 1847; and subsequently came
into the hands of C. B. Hutchins & Co., of New Hampshire, and by them
to James Outterson. He converted the works into a paper-mill; it was
sold, after his death, to Converse, Burbank & Co., in 1855, who manu-
factured manilla paper there for about a year; when it was sold, in 1857,
to Persse & Brooks, and by them, in same year, to the Persse & Brooks
Paper Works.
About 1836, also, Charles Haskell (son of Seth) Dexter, born 19
Sept., 1810, began, in a small way, the manufacture of wrapping paper
in the basement of the grist-mill, receiving its water-power from Kettle
Brook, and making 200 pounds a day. He was the first to make paper
out of bagging, and for several years purchased saltpetre bags from Col.
Hazard, the powder manufacturer of Hazardville, and converted them
into paper.
He was also the first to discover and utilize the use of lime
in cooking and preparing stock, as it killed the germ in the fibres. Mr.
Dexter possessed, in a high degree, the family tendency and ability in
mechanical and manufacturing industries; and this first adventure led
to the building of the new mill which, in 1847, he erected on the site of
the present C. H. Dexter & Sons' Paper Works. His experience and
improved methods of his own devising rendered the business a very
Mnol



Eng by H.B. Hall's Sons, New York.
WINDSOR LOCKS MANUFACTURES.
511
profitable one, and the products of his mill ranked among the best in
the market. In 1855 he became president of the Connecticut River Com-
pany, and, under his fifteen years administration, that which had been
almost valueless became a fairly remunerative property. To his enter-
prise and judicious management the company owes its large increase of
water-power in the canal, and the village its consequent growth of manu-
facturing industries. The Dexter mills were burned in 1873, and the
present mill built soon after; during which rebuilding it was necessary
to hire two mills in order to keep up the firm's work without interrup-
tion. It is now one of the most complete mills in the country, filled with
the latest and best machinery; running entirely on specialties, colored
manilla and other novelties, of only the finest grades, and with a capac-
ity of five tons a day.
Mr. Charles H. Dexter died 29 Aug., 1869, in his 59th year, leaving
a void in the community which will not soon be filled. While he never
sought or held any civil or political office, he was ever foremost in all
measures of public improvement; and the impress of his mind and hand
was to be seen on all the material interests of the town, especially the
school, the home, the church. His life, taken in all its bearings, was by
far the most influential that Windsor Locks has known. He possessed
a remarkably fine person and a winning address, with a commanding
form, slightly bowed in his later years by rheumatic suffering. He was
of quick and clear apprehension, systematic in business, hopeful and
earnest in all he undertook, responding freely and gladly to calls for
help, whether in money or in personal service. His son, Edwin D. Dex-
ter, who was a partner with him in business, died in 1886, and H. R.
Coffin is now the surviving partner in charge of this large business.
་
1838. Herlehigh Haskell, and Jabez H. Hayden, under the firm
name of Haskell & Hayden, commenced the sewing-silk business under
the superintendence of the latter, in the old Distillery building (burned
and rebuilt 1848), and for many years carried on successfully the manu-
facture of silk. Mr. Haskell died 1858, T. R. Haskell 1863, and Mr.
Hayden retired 1881. Since 1881 the business has been in the hands of
Dwight Allen.
1839. Royal Prouty from Spencer, Mass., commenced the business
of wire-drawing; built a new mill in 1846, and was moderately success-
ful until 1857, when he failed.
James H., Jr., and John F. Wells of Hartford built a two-engine
paper mill for hardware paper just south of the ferry-way. The venture
was not successful, and the property was sold, 1843, to C. P. Hollister
of Andover, Conn., who ran the mill on printing paper until it was
burnt in 1847. The ruins were sold to A. & G. Blake of Wrentham,
Mass., in 1849, who commenced to rebuild for the manufacture of
512
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
cotton-batting, but were hindered by some old embarrassments, and the
unfinished property was sold to L. B. Chapman in 1850. He finished
the building, and sold to Medlicott & Osgood, manufacturers of stockinet
goods.
One of the most important industries in Windsor Locks is the
Medlicott Company, manufacturers of full-fashioned knit underwear.
This firm's goods are known throughout the United States, and they
bear an enviable reputation. This business was founded by the late W.
G. Medlicott in 1864. The company's main building was erected at that
time, and the business was carried on by Mr. Medlicott as a private
concern until 1868, when a corporation was formed, composed of Mr.
Medlicott, Charles E. Chaffee, Beach & Co., James C. Cooley, and
Joseph H. Fuller, who carried on the business till 1876, with Mr. Medli-
cott as president and manager. The firm that year became financially
embarrassed. Mr. C. E. Chaffee, then one of the firm, was appointed
assignee, and he effected a compromise with the creditors; and the
business was reorganized and run with Watson Beach as president till
1882, when Mr. Chaffee was chosen president of the company, having
served in the capacity of treasurer after the failure. Mr. Chaffee
bought the controlling interest soon after the failure. This firm made.
cut goods entirely till 1867, and then began on full-fashioned goods.
Mr. Chaffee went to Europe to secure the machinery frames, or fashion-
ing frames. They increased the manufacture of the full-fashioned
goods till 1879-1880, and then made that line of goods altogether.
In 1881 the firm enlarged the finishing department of their mill,
and again in 1885, to meet the demands of their business. In 1888
they built a large addition on the north end of the mill, 40x70 feet, and
four stories high. This was done to have their business complete under
one roof. For several years they ran another mill south of the present.
structure, but now it is all together. Since 1880 they have thrown out
all the old machinery, and entirely refitted it with new and improved
machinery adapted for their work.
·
1844. J. P. and H. A. Converse from Stafford, Conn., established
an iron foundry, and work was begun in the building that is now used
by J. R. Montgomery & Co. Here the firm did business in a small way
until H. A. Converse (father of A. W. Converse) bought out J. P.
Converse's share in 1850. He conducted the business until his son
came from the army, when the latter became an active partner. In
1867 the firm's name was changed to H. A. Converse & Co. In 1864
they built a new foundry above the old building, and have since con-
ducted a paying and substantial business. About 1868 they were
obliged to build a large addition to meet the wants of the business.
When they first built the new foundry they could keep about six men
*
WINDSOR LOCKS MANUFACTURES.
513
busy; now twenty men are engaged in moulding, and work is done here
that goes to all portions of the State. H. A. Converse died in 1882,
and since that time the firm has been called “A. W. Converse & Co.”
1845. Philip and Edwin J. Ripley of Hartford built a rolling-mill
about 60 rods south of the lower (canal) bridge, to which was added
the manufacture of steel. In 1852 E. J. Ripley retired from business,
and Philip Ripley continued until 1856, when the works were leased for
five years to T. G. Noack, who retired after one year's trial. In 1860
the works were enlarged by Farist & Windsor, as the Windsor Locks
Steel Co., and organized as a stock company (The Farist Steel Co.) in
1879. It is practically under the same management now. They make
steel of the finest grades, and during the Civil War their products were
greatly in demand among gun-makers. The steel as it comes to them is
the product of other mills, and comes in shape of billets, which is
heated and rolled into any desired size or shape wanted. They also
make crucible steel used in making dies, tools, and for special purposes,
where finer grades are required. This firm has run night and day since
1883, and employs two sets of help. The general office of the company
is in Bridgeport, but A. R. Webb has long been the manager here.
Josiah Rice of Hartford erected a building a few rods north of the
rolling-mill, for the manufacture of Wesson rifles; but, instead of rifles,
cotton batting and thread were manufactured by several parties, in
succession, until 1849, when the property was sold to Apollo Wilmarth
of Medway, Mass., manufacturer of thread and twine. Since converted
into a paper mill.
1846. The Connecticut River Co. built a large structure near the
Locks, designed to rent for various mechanical purposes; but in 1847
rented it to the Connecticut River Mills, a joint stock company
owned mostly in Hartford, for the manufacture of printing cloths and
umbrella goods. After running nine years without a dividend, it was
sold out to A. Dunham & Co., who were succeeded by several other par-
ties previously to the present occupants, J. R. Montgomery & Co.
1847. C. H. Dexter built a four-enginė paper mill for manilla,
which he subsequently enlarged.
Leander Hotchkiss erected a building near the lower (canal)
bridge, for the purpose of manufacturing edge tools, in company with
Charles Dickerman of Westfield; but it was ultimately used by Hotch-
kiss alone as a small machine shop until 1849, and then sold to Carroll
& Risley, and by them converted into a mill for printing paper. After
Mr. R.'s death the property was sold (1853) to S. N. Risley, who carried
it on until 1857, and failed. One of the mortgagees, John C. Ely of New
York, ran the mill for five months in 1858, then closed. It was burned
March, 1859, and the ruins and land were bought by C. H. Dexter.
VOL. I.-65
514
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Now [1891] included with the site of the Prouty mill, occupied by the
Electric Light Company.
1851. Eli Horton, resident at the Locks, this year invented a
lathe-chuck superceding all previous inventions in that line, and he
began its manufacture in a small way in the old Seymour Paper Mill,
employing at first, beside his son, S. Ellsworth Horton, only one work-
man. The business increasing, he removed to the building now occu-
pied by J. R. Montgomery & Co., where one room was used; and about
1865 he built the large shops where the works are now located. A large
trade was created, and the Horton chuck to-day stands without a
peer in excellence of workmanship and materials used. In 1873, on the
death of his son, the business was changed into a corporation, the E.
Horton & Son Co. About twelve years ago, after the death of Mr.
Horton, E. B. Bailey assumed charge of the business, and by successful
management it has grown so that now the present mill is adequate to
meet all demands made upon it. A few years ago all the old machinery
was removed, and automatic machinery, made at a large cost, put in.
At the time Mr. Bailey assumed charge the company made a few kinds.
of chucks; now over 300 different kinds and styles are made, from
those large enough to hold a drill the size of a needle to those of forty-
eight inches in diameter, capable of holding a large car-wheel.
1854-5-6. Persse & Brooks, purchasers of the Williams' Mill (built
in 1833), erected one of the largest paper mills in the country, with all
modern improvements in machinery, for making first-class book papers.
It was on the site where the mill now stands occupied by Dwight,
Skinner & Company as a wool-scouring mill. After the first mill had
been in operation a few years, the company built a second one (now
known as the Seymour Paper Mill), and the original building is now
only a very small part of the plant, which has grown to large propor-
tions. In 1857 they were incorporated under the title of the Persse &
Brooks Paper Works, commencing business August 1st of that year,
with three mills, storehouse, dwellings, etc., capital $150,000, employing
about 200 hands, and making about eight tons of paper a day. Com-
plications, arising originally in the financial panic of September, 1857,
eventuated some years later in the company's suspension; and it then
passed into the hands of its present owners, Seymour & Co. The capital
stock of the company is $450,000, and during the years it has been
managed by the present owners they have spent $250,000 in improve-
ments and additions. This concern has a capacity for turning out from
twelve to twenty tons of finished paper per day, according to the quality
of paper required. It formerly made about 250 pounds per hour; but,
by the addition of new and improved machinery, it now turns out 650
pounds per hour. In 1882 the lower mill was sold for $60,000; and,
WINDSOR LOCKS MANUFACTURES.
515
1
although that mill was very large, and had an enormous capacity for
making paper, the Seymour now turns out more paper from one mill,
with its numerous additions, than was formerly made in both combined.
The company employs about 250 hands in the different departments
of its service. It is the largest mill in Windsor Locks, and one of the
leading paper mills in the United States.
1860. About this time Dwight Holbrook commenced the manufac-
ture of school apparatus, slatės, globes, etc., at the old Dexter clothier
works on Kettle Brook, the principal market being at the West. His
son-in-law, C. W. Holbrook, still continues the business.
1871. Mr. J. R. Montgomery came to Windsor Locks from Housa-
tonic, Mass., and began, in 1871, at the lower, cotton mill (as it is
called) the manufacture of cotton yarns with fifteen hands. The yarns
were used in satinet mills in the manufacture of cloth. Soon colored
warps were added to the business, and the coloring of the warps was
done "in the bundle" out of town. In 1875 he started to dye his own
product in a part of the mill owned then by A. Dunham & Son. In
1880 he purchased the entire property where he is now located, and he
put in new machinery adapted to the manufacture of all kinds of plain
and fancy cotton warps. The lower mill was continued in use by Mr.
Montgomery, so that the firm had two large mills concerned in the mak-
ing of these goods.
In the lower mill was begun the first manufacturing in this country
of "novelty" yarns, a composition of yarn and threads of different mate-
rials, such as cotton, silk, wool, or other fibres, twisted in an intricate
and ingenious manner to produce a novel effect in goods. This is the
only firm in this country that manufactures these yarns, and they were
formerly imported from England and other foreign countries. The busi-
ness has now grown to large proportions, and the firm now employ over
200 hands. In 1880 George M. Montgomery was admitted into partner-
ship (J. R. Montgomery & Co.), and he now has charge of the business
at the lower mill. About four years ago the firm built a large dye-house
and equipped it with modern and improved machinery. They buy cot-
ton in the bale and sell the product of 15,000 cotton spindles, which is
widely distributed over the New England States and the West.
1875. George Glover established a manufactory of Brussels, Wil-
ton, and Tapestry wires, extensively used in carpet looms. He died
December, 1889, and was succeeded by A. W. Glover.
1881. Dwight Allen came from Springfield, Mass., and engaged
in the silk trade in the old Haskell & Hayden mill, which is one
of the oldest mills known to be engaged in that work. Mr. Allen is
engaged in making what is known as "thrown silk," that is, he buys
the raw material and sells it after it is spun and ready to dye. Only a
516
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
part of the product is dyed and finished at this mill, as a good share is
sold previous to dyeing. Mr. Allen also established a dye-house,
and he has a large amount of silk to dye for other parties. When Mr.
Allen came to this mill about 150 pounds a week was the product, and
he has increased the business and built on a large addition, so that he
now sends out about 600 pounds a week.
F. H. Whittlesey bought a paper-mill in 1878, which was old and
dilapidated, but a liberal use of money transformed it into a fine looking
mill. He knew nothing about the manufacture of paper, and when he
started here, after the failure of several others to make a success of the
business, he was told that he was only wasting his money. But skill and
business tact and lots of "push " has made the old mill turn out a hand-
some profit each year. Several considerable additions have been added
to it. When he started the wax-paper business in connection with the
trade, it then commanded $2.50 a ream; now it is hard to sell for 45
cents. Toilet paper brought then $16 a ream; now the price is $7.
The products of this mill are mostly tissue, manilla, and copying papers,
which have a wide sale. He supplies many of the leading railroads of
the country with a specialty of way-bill copy paper.
1877. George P. Clark got a patent in 1877 for a rubber wheel, or
castor, and kept but one man busy about half the time. Two years later
he added rubber rolls for scouring machines, and as the business began
to increase he secured a large room in the woolen mill, and put in
machinery of different kinds and added more men. In 1882 he added
drying fans for drying cotton, wool, etc., and in 1888 Mr. Clark received
a patent for ventilating fans for removing dust, steam, foul air, etc., from
mills and dye-houses. They were found useful in reducing the tempera-
ture in paper mills, or where steam is used. In 1888 he added scouring
machines to his long list of products. These cost $1,300 each, and
many are in use throughout the State. He also manufactures trucks of
various kinds, rubber and iron wheels and rolls, and keeps a large force
of men at work to supply the demand.
""
Dwight, Skinner & Co. are the largest dealers and scourers of wool
in the country. The capacity of their scouring mill here in Windsor
Locks is.300,000 pounds a month. The wool is procured in the "grease
from all parts of the country. Texas, Colorado, and the Territories fur-
nish the most of the supply, while a good portion is secured abroad. The
best wool comes from Austria and New Zealand. The business was
brought to Windsor Locks from Ellington twenty-four years ago, and a
plant established in the mill now occupied by J. R. Montgomery & Co.
It was managed for a time by H. R. Coffin & Co. and E. N. Kellogg &
Co., and Austin Dunham & Son. Then the business was purchased by
Dwight, Hillyer & Co., and the firm in a few years became H. C. Dwight
·
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF WINDSOR LOCKS.
517
& Co., then changed to Dwight, Skinner & Co., its present owners. The
owners are well-known Hartford business men, and the main office of the
firm is in Hartford. The firm purchased the large mill where they are
at present located of the Seymour Paper Company for about $60,000,
the old plant not being large enough for the business. About forty
men are employed.
A new mill was put in operation by the Windsor Locks Machine Co.,
formed in 1881, for the manufacture of machinery. It built a very
large shop and fitted it with new machinery for manufacturing paper
machinery, and general jobbing. Ex-Representative E. E. Latham, who
was killed in the Seymour Paper Mill in February, 1889, was one of its
founders, and with him were associated George Glover, Jr.; and Edwin
Upton, since the death of Mr. Latham, has been president. George
Glover is treasurer, and Mrs. Martha Latham is secretary, and retains her
late husband's interest in the business.
First Congregational Church of Windsor Locks.
Except from 1761 to 1794, when there was a secession from the old
church of Windsor, Pine Meadow was included in the First Society of
Windsor, whose records, though imperfect, yet bear the names of Pine
Meadow people, in every generation from the first. The wife of Henry
Denslow was a member before the close of Mr. Warham's pastorate, and
her six children baptized, 1655. Twenty years later, three of them,
Samuel, aged 26, Hannah, 24, and Elizabeth, 20 years, "owned their
children's covenant." During the same year there was an extensive
revival, and eighty-six were added to the church; among the number
appear the names of Hannah and Elizabeth Denslow. Pine Meadow
children were baptized from time to time, down to 1761. Abraham
Dibble's first child, 1736, Samuel Denslow's, 1738, Joseph Denslow's,
1738, Thomas Dibble's, 1746, Eliakim Gaylord's, 1746. Whether these
parents were in "full communion," or had owned the covenant, is un-
certain. After the Fourth or North church was established, 1761, the
meeting-house stood a mile and a half nearer Pine Meadow than the old
one, but still five miles from the Birge family.
On the records of that church the following names appear of persons
living here, at the time of its organization in 1761. Nathaniel Gaylord
and Elizabeth his wife, and Joseph Gaylord, Jr.; in 1762, Hannah
Denslow; 1766, Samuel Coy and Sarah his wife; 1774, Seth Dexter
and Deborah his wife; 1775, Nathaniel Gaylord, son of Eliakim, after-
wards a life-long pastor of the church in Hartland; 1776, Peletiah Birge
and Mary his wife; 1782, Eleazur Gaylord and Sylvia his wife; 1791,
Hannah, wife of Moses Wing. Interspersed with these names are others,
518
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
against whose names a star is placed. The first one in 1771, Jabez
Haskell and Elizabeth his wife, Martin Denslow and Lois his wife,
"these four profess scruples about a present attendance on the Lord's
supper." Other Pine Meadow names with a star, Elizabeth Thrall, wife
of Ezekiel," recommended by the deacons of the church in Turkey Hill,"
1775; Daniel Ela and Mary his wife, 1782; Jacob Russell and Esther
his wife, who came here 1785, had elsewhere owned the covenant, 1784;
Azariah Mather and Charity his wife, 1788; and Eliakim Gaylord, Jr.,
1790. These persons united with the church by the "half-way coven-
ant," which made their children subjects for baptism. Mr. Levi G.
Hayden was the last one baptized under the half-way covenant in the
Windsor church, and very few like baptisms occurred later in this State.
or elsewhere. After the reunion of the divided church in Windsor
(1794), its pastor, Rev. Mr. Rowland, held occasional preaching services
at the Pine Meadow school-house; and in 1820 we find a stated neigh-
borhood-meeting held once a fortnight at the school-house, and con-
ducted by Eleazur Gaylord, a member and afterwards a deacon of the
Windsor church, assisted by Herlehigh Haskell who read the sermon.
Three members of the church of revolutionary times were still living,
the widows of Seth Dexter, of Jabez Haskell, and of Eleazur Gaylord.
Mrs. Dexter died in 1830, aged 87; Mrs. Haskell in 1833, aged 85;
Mrs. Gaylord in 1839, aged 84.
In 1829 the canal had been completed, and Mr. Asa B. Woods came
here from Hartford to take charge of it. He was a professor of religion,
as was his wife, who came from Clinton, New York; both united with.
the church in Windsor. Deacon Gaylord had previously removed to
Amherst, Mass.
In 1831 several Christian women, who held a female prayer-meeting,
brought about the opening of a Sabbath-school, which was organized at
the school-house May 1, 1831, with A. B. Woods for superintendent.
The teachers were Mrs. Herlehigh Haskell, Mrs. A. B. Woods, Miss
Eliza Denslow, Miss Harriet Dexter, Charles H. Dexter, and O. M. Nel-
son. A majority of these teachers were still in the school when our
church was organized, and were of the original members. The school
was held after the afternoon service at Windsor, from which Sabbath-
school library books were brought, and it has been continued without
interruption to the present time.
Mr. Ezekiel Williams, a licentiate, and who had labored some as a
missionary in western New York, came here in the employ of his brother,
who had built a paper-mill, and, in the winter of 1832-3 volunteered to
conduct an additional Sunday service at the school-house for those who
had no means of conveyance to Windsor. In the spring of 1833, largely
through the influence of Mr. Danforth of Hartford, a manufacturer here,
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF WINDSOR LOCKS.
519
and Mr. Williams, an evangelist from the State of New York, a Mr. Curry,
who had been laboring at Hartford, held here a "three-days meeting,"
which resulted in a very general religious awakening, and several hope-
ful conversions. Mr. Danforth failed in business, and both he and Mr.
Williams removed from the place soon after. The Sabbath services,
however, were continued, and some of the members volunteered to
preach here in turn at 5 o'clock Sunday afternoons.
The next year a chapel was built, and, from that time until the
organization of the church, the desk was usually supplied by the senior
class, or the professors, of the Theological Institute, at East Windsor
Hill; with the exception of the year 1841-2, when the Rev. Mr. Hemin-
way supplied. On communion Sabbaths the members went to Windsor.
In 1844 it was decided to organize a church, and the intending
members met at the house of Mr. Dexter to agree upon Articles of Faith,
and a Covenant, to be laid before the Council. It had been proposed to
adopt the Articles of Faith and Covenant of the Windsor church (then
supposed to be the original creed of that church), and, in honor of its
first pastor, to call the organization the Warham church. But the creed
of the Center church of Hartford was adopted and the name of Warham
dropped.
The church was organized February 28, 1844. The original mem-
-bers were Herlehigh Haskell and Arathusa his wife, Asa B. Woods and
Elizabeth his wife, Charles H. Dexter and Lydia his wife, Silvia Dexter
widow of Seth, Betsey Fish wife of Luke, Eliza and Mary A. Pickett,
and Jabez H. Hayden from the Windsor church, Oliver Hawley and
Anna his wife from Poquonock, Myron S. Webb from the First church
of Bennington, Vt., and Miss Hannah Allen from Barre, Mass. Eleven
from Windsor and four from other churches. Immediately after the
organization of this church Mr. Woods was appointed deacon, and re-
mained sole deacon until his death ten years after, at the age of 60.
The population of the village was at that time estimated at 250 to 300.
Two whose names are not on the record among the original
members, are entitled to honorable mention with them. Mr. SETH
DEXTER, the father of Charles, was a man whose candid judgment
and unassuming worth commended him to the esteem of all who knew
him. He was a strict observer of the Sabbath, which to him and his
generation began at sunset Saturday night; constant in his attendance
upon religious service, both at Windsor and here; contributed liberally
to the building of the chapel, as to every other good work, giving good
evidence to those around him in his daily walk and conversation that he
had passed from death unto life, but himself doubting his meetness to be
enrolled with the people of God. He died three years before this church
was organized, aged 64.
520
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Harris Haskell
Another man of like spirit was HARRIS HASKELL, whose name
stands first on the roll, after the original
members. He had an imposing pres-
ence, a calm dignity, united with a
cheerful smile and winning voice, which called every child to him, and
secured the esteem of all he met. He paid more for the building of this
church than any other man; and, on his death-bed, made provision for
extinguishing the debt of $1,600 remaining, by paying half of it himself.
To no man's opinión, respecting any measure proposed for the benefit of
this church and people, was more deference paid than to his. He was
always in his place at the prayer-meeting, and was a rare singer. His
age was 66.
Soon after the organization of this church, Rev. SAMUEL H. ALLEN
was engaged as a supply and before the end of a year was called to the
pastorate, which he filled with more than usual acceptance for seventeen
years, when by reason of ill health he resigned. Two years after his
ordination, 1847, this church edifice was completed, and the chapel re-
moved. There were added to this church, from time to time, during the
first fourteen years of its history, by profession, fourteen, and forty-seven
by letter, but no general revival occurred until 1858. There were added
by profession during that revival, forty-four, making the whole number,
February, 1859, eighty-five. Our number has never been less since that
time; our last report is one hundred and nineteen members, the highest
we have ever reported.
During the revival of 1858
HERLEHIGH HASKELL died. His
name stands first on the records,
Herlehigh Haskell
as he was at that time the eldest. He died in the house where he was
born, having never lived elsewhere, or been absent from the annual
thanksgiving festival. He was the last of his generation, the last in
this community who remained steadfast through life, to that venerable
custom of our fathers, of reverently "keeping Saturday night."
During his early childhood there was no other house east of Center
street, and north of School street, and but eight or nine houses within
the limits of the present town, and the church was four miles dis-
tant. He lived to see a thriving village grow up around him, and a
church before his own door. There were no public highways east of
Center street, and the private ways were little more than bridle paths;
those who traveled them usually went on foot or rode on horseback. No
one-horse pleasure wagon was owned in Windsor when he was a boy.
The elms of his own planting had grown to overshadow the house,
and given a name to the street they adorn.
He was outspoken in the expression of his opinions, and nobody

HERLEHIGH HASKELL HOUSE, WINDSOR LOCKS.
521
charged him with deceit and double dealing. He had a sort of intuitive
opinion on almost every subject, and his prompt expression of it rarely
needed revision. He hated shams and pretensions, and was apt to use
bluntness in expressing his opinion of them. But he had a kindly heart,
and rare good judgment. He was a good counsellor.

THE HERLEHIGH HASKELL HOUSE, WINDSOR LOCKS.
By permission of the Publishers of the Memorial History of Hartford County.
He was greatly interested in the Connecticut Theological Institute,
was for several years a trustee; and, after providing for those he left be-
hind, he gave his property to that institution, except $2,000 which is to inure
to the Congregational Church. He had lived to the age of 78 years.
August 29, 1869, CHARLES H. DEXTER died, aged 59. His was a
leading, organizing mind. His talent for leadership was cheerfully
recognized by all the brethren; and on him devolved the larger share
of the personal supervision and labor attending the temporal affairs of
this church and society. In the office of deacon "he purchased to
himself a good degree."
Mr. HAWLEY was the next to die, at the age of 71, in 1870. He
had less pecuniary means, and his occupation as a mechanic gave him
less time or means to devote to the temporal affairs of the church, but
he was regular in his attendance at the prayer-meeting and the Sabbath
VOL. I.-66
522
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
service, and a useful member of the church,-loved and respected by
all.
Mr. WEBB was appointed to the office of deacon made vacant by the
death of Mr. Dexter, and filled the place to the acceptance of his brethren.
His quiet habit of life, and his greater distance from the church, did not
favor so active a participation in the direction of affairs as some others,
but he always did well whatever devolved upon him, and was esteemed
for his candor and his abilities. His age was 61. Jan. 3, 1877, this
church edifice was destroyed by fire, and the present very elegant and
commodious church was erected during the year at a cost of $23,000,
including a $2,500 organ. The first services were held in the new edi-
fice Sunday, Oct. 14, 1877, and it was dedicated Nov. 22d, the sermon
being by the Rev. Dr. Burton of Hartford. Parsonage erected 1866, at
a cost of $4,500. Nearly $30,000 in charitable legacies paid from estate
of Mrs. Elizabeth Haskell Bartlett, wife of Rev. P. M. Bartlett. The
original female members of this church deserve an abler pen to record
their worth.
2
Pastors.
Samuel H. Allen, ordained and installed April 27, 1846. Dismissed
July 15, 1862.
1865.
Charles C. McIntire, installed Nov. 4, 1863. Dismissed June 4,
P. Mason Bartlett, installed Jan. 2, 1867. Dismissed Feb. 3, 1869.
J. Wickliffe Beach, ordained and installed July 28, 1870. Dis-
missed June 4, 1874.
Thos. S. Childs, D.D., acting pastor Nov., 1874. Engagement ended
Feb. 6, 1878.
John H. Goodell, installed Feb. 6, 1878.
Deacons.
Asa B. Woods, elected March 12, 1844, d. Dec. 17, 1854, æ. 60.
Chas. H. Dexter,
66
66
2, 1855, d. Aug. 29, 1869, æ. 59.
Jabez H. Hayden,
Myron S. Webb,
Herbert R. Coffin,
66
66
66
66
66
July
April 28, 1870, d. Dec. 18, 1871, æ. 61.
5, 1872.
Clerk.
Jabez H. Hayden, elected March 4, 1844.
Treasurers.
Jabez H. Hayden, elected March 12, 1844; Asa B. Woods, elected
Feb. 28, 1849; C. H. McMaster, elected Feb., 1855; Amos H. Putnam,
WINDSOR LOCKS SOLDIERS IN CIVIL WAR.
523
elected Feb., 1860; Chas. W. Denslow, elected Feb., 1863; Jabez H.
Hayden, elected Feb., 1866.
The Roman Catholic Church was erected 1847. It is estimated that
one-third of the village population are connected with that body.
The Methodists, who had sustained religious services at the school-
house and elsewhere for a considerable time, erected a brick church in
1865, at a cost of $10,000.
Windsor Locks expended for bounties, commutations, and support
of soldiers' families, $15,944.98; the estimated amount paid by individu-
als for bounties to volunteers and substitutes was $2,630.00; Grand
List in 1864 was $612,990.
LIST OF SOLDIERS FURNISHED TO THE U. S. SERVICE IN THE
WAR OF THE CIVIL REBELLION, FROM THE
TOWN OF WINDSOR LOCKS, CONN.
ADAMS, JOHN H., enl. Co. H, 29 Conn. Vols., 2 Jan., 1864; deserted 20 Mar.,
1864.
AGON, MICHAEL, enl. Co. G, 12 Conn. Vols., 28 Dec., 1861; re-enl. Vet. 1 Jan.,
1864. Died at Windsor Locks Jan. 19, 1865.
ALCORN, HUGH G., enl. Co. K, 1st Conn. Hy. Art., 4 Sept., 1864; disc. 25 Sept.,
1865.
ANDERSON, WILLIAM C. (Sgt.), enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 1 Sept., 1862; disc. 26
Aug., 1863.
ASH, CHARLES, enl. Co. A, 1st Cav., 8 Aug., 1864; disc. 2 Aug., 1865.
ATWATER, EDWARD J., enl. recruit 12 Conn. Vols., 11 June, 1864; disc. Aug. 12,
1865.
BARRETT, DAVID, enl. Co. A, 21 Conn. Vols., 22 July, 1862; disc. June 16, 1865.
BEERS, ALFRED, enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 30 Aug., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
BENNETT, KING G., enl. Co. C, recruit, 12 Conn. Vols., 7 Mch., 1864; disc. July
12, 1865.
BENNETT, NOBLE H., enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 1 Sept., 1862; d. 27 Apl., 1863.
BEVER, AUGUST, enl. Co. C, 20 Conn. Vols, 12 Aug., 1862; disc. June 13, 1865.
BOWEN, JOSEPH, enl. Co. A, 7 Conn. Vols., 5 Sept., 1861; disc. Sept. 11, 1864.
BRADBURY, THOMAS E., enl. Co. E, 10 Conn. Vols., 22 Oct., 1861; died 28 June,
1862.
BROMLEY, JOHN, enl. Co. C, 20 Conn. Vols., 13 Aug., 1862; disc. disab. 23 Mch.,
1863.
BROWN, JAMES, enl. Co. A, 1st Conn. Hy. Art., 16 Sept., 1864; deserted 10 Apl.,
1865.
BUCKLAND, SOLOMON, enl. Cò. B, 6 Conn. Vols., 12 Sept., 1861; disc. Sept. 11,
1864.
BURBANK, R. S. (Capt.), enl. Co. C, 1st Conn. Hy. Art., 23 May, 1861; disc. disab. 6
Feb., 1863.
BURGESS, ALBERT, JR. (Corp'l), enl. 22 Apl., 1861, Co. C, 1 Conn. Vols.; disc.
disab. 4 July, 1861.
BURGESS, CHARLES, enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 1 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
CAREY, DEFOREST, enl. Co. H, 22 Conn. Vols., 10 Sept., 1862; disc. disab. 7 Mch.,
1863.
524
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
CARRIER, ASHBEL J. (Sgt.), enl. Co. F, 22 Conn. Vols., 29 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
CARROLL, RICHARD, enl. Co. C, 1st Art. Conn. Vols., 23 May, 1861; re-enl. Vet.,
1 Dec., 1863; disc. Sept. 25, 1865.
CASHIN, THOMAS D., enl. 1st Art. Conn. Vols., Co. C, 23 May, 1861; re-enl. Vet.;
prom. 2d Lieut. Dec. 18, 1863; Capt. Apr. 9, '65; disc. Sept. 26, 1865.
CHAPIN, CHARLES, enl. Co. C, 1 Conn. Vols., 22 Apl., 1861; disc. 31 July, 1861.
CHAPMAN, JOHN, enl. 1st Conn. Light Batt., 14 Nov., 1861; re-enl., disc. 11 June,
1865.
CLAPP, SETH A., enl. recruit Co. K, 7 Conn. Vols., 14 Aug., 1862; disc. Nov. 28,
1864.
CLARK, HORTON S. (musician), enl. Co. A, 21 Conn. Vols., 24 July, 1862; disc.
June 16, '65.
CLARK, JOHN, enl. Co. A, 21 Conn. Vols., July 21, 1862; disć. June 16, 1865.
CLEVELAND, CHARLES, enl. 1st Conn. Light Batt., 25 Nov., 1864; deserted 22
Jan., 1865.
COBB, CHARLES A., enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., Sept. 1, 1862; died 26 July, 1863.
COBBERLY, EDWARD, enl. Co. K, 12 Conn. Vols., 8 Jan., 1862; killed Port Hud-
son, La., 14 June, 1863.
COLEMAN, SAMUEL, enl. 1st Cav., 9 Sept., 1864; unassigned.
ང
CONDON, PATRICK, enl. Co. A, 1st Conn. Hy. Art., 16 Sept., 1864; disc. 1 Aug.,
1865.
CONELLY, MARTIN, enl. Co. B, 6 Conn. Vols., 12 Sept., 1861; disc. dișab., 4 Dec.,
1862.
CONVERSE, ALFRED W. (Sgt.), enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 5 Sept., 1862; prom. 1st
Lieut.; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
CONVERSE, JOSEPH H. (Sgt.), Co. C, 1st Conn. Vols.; enl. 22 Apl.; disc. 30 July,
1861. Enl. Co. B, 11th C. V., Nov. 7, '61; killed, Cold Harbor, June 4, '64.
CONWAY, JOHN H., enl. 23 Nov., 1864; deserted 1 Dec., 1864.
COSTELLO, BRIEN, enl. Co. C, 20 Conn. Vols., Aug. 1, 1862; disc. June 13, 1865.
COULTER, JAMES, enl. Co. K, 20 Conn. Vols., 2 Sept., 1862; died Oct. 31, 1864.
CROWLEY, MICHAEL, enl. recruit 7 C. V., 21 Aug:, 1862; deserted 30 Aug., 1862.
DACY, CORNELIUS, enl. Co. C, 1st Art. Conn. Vols., 23 May, 1861; re-enl. Vet. 1
Dec., 1863; disc. Sept. 25, 1865.
DALEY, DENNIS, enl. Co. G, 1st Conn. Hy. Art., 25 Nov., 1864; deserted 30 July,'
1865.
DARBY, FRANK J., enl. Co. C, 12 Conn. Vols., 15 Jan., 1862; re-enl. Vet. 22 Jan.,
1864; disc. Aug. 24, 1865.
DEWITT, WILLIAM, enl. recruit Co. A, 7 C. V., 25 Aug., 1862; killed Ft. Wagner,
S. C., 11 July, 1863.
DIMOND, PAUL, enl. Co. C, 1st Art. Conn. Vols., 23 May, 1861; re-enl. Vet. 9 Dec.,
1864; deserted Jan. 9, 1864.
DONAHUE, JAMES, enl. Co. C, 1st Art. Conn. Vols., 23 May, 1861; d. 17 July,
1862.
DONOHUE, DANIEL, enl. 1st Conn. Light Batt., 25 Nov., 1864; disc. 11 June, 1865.
DORR, JOSEPH, enl. Co. C, 12 Inf., 21 Jan., 1862; re-enl. Vet., 22 Jan., 1864; disc.
26 Aug., '65.
DOWD, JOHN, enl. Co. G, 7 Conn. Vol., 10 Sept., 1864; prisoner, Oct., 1864; paroled,
28 Feb., 1865.
DOWNIE, JOHN, enl. recruit Co. C, 1st Art., 18 Dec., 1863; disc. Sept. 25, 1865.
DOYLE, H. HENRY, enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., Sept. 1, 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
EASTON, CHARLES H., enl. Co. C, 12 Conn. Vols., 20 Nov., 1861; re-enl. Vet. 1
Jan., 1864; disc. Aug. 12, 1865.
EASTON, OLIVER, JR., enl. Co. F, 22 Conn. Vols., 10 Sept., 1862; d. 1 Oct., 1862.
WINDSOR LOCKS SOLDIERS IN CIVIL WAR.
525
EDWARDS, JOHN, enl. Co. D, 1st Conn. Hy. Art., 25 Nov., 1864; deserted 4 Aug.,
1865.
EGAN, MICHAEL, enl. Co. C, 20 Conn. Vols., 25 July, 1862; disc. disab. 10 Dec.,
1862.
ELCOCK, ALFRED, enl. (as landsman in Navy) 6 Sept., 1861; disc. 26 July, 1864.-
FASSETT, NORMAN, enl. (musician), Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 2 Sept.,. 1862; disc. 26
Aug., 1863.
FERGASON, FRANK A., enl. 1st Conn. Light Batt., 25 Nov., 1864; deserted 1 Feb.,
1865.
FISCHER, JOSEPH (Corp'l), enl. Co. C, 1 Conn. Vols., 22 Apl.; disc. 31 July, 1861;
enl. Co. C, 25 Conn Vols., 1 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
+
FOWLER, JOHN J., enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 4 Oct., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
FURY, THOMAS, enl. Co. L, 1st Art., 7 Feb., 1862; re-enl. Vet. 2 Feb., 1864; disc.
Sept. 25, '65.
GANDY, JOHN, enl. Co. C, 12. Conn. Vols., 20 Nov., 1861; disc. Dec. 2, 1864.
GAYLORD, ABEL, enl. recruit Co. C, 12 Conn. Vols., 22 Feb., 1864; died Aug. 6,
1864.
-
GILLETTE, HORACE F., enl. Co. F., 22 Conn. Vols., 20 Sept., 1862; disc.
1863.
July,
GRIFFIN, JOHN, enl. recruit Co. I, 7 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. June 14, 1865.
GRISWOLD, JOHN, enl. Co. C, 1. Conn. Vols., 22 Apl., 1861; disc. 31 July, 1861.
GRISWOLD, JOHN C., enl. Co. C, 12 Conn. Vols., 27 Jan., 1862; disc. Jan. 27, 1865.
HALEY, MARTIN, enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 4 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
HAMILTON, DAVID, enl. recruit 1st Art., 8 Jan., 1864; name not taken upon rolls
June 30, 1864.
HANCOCK, THOMAS C., enl. Co. C, 25 C. V., 1 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
HARTLEY, EDWIN L., enl. Co. A, 7 Conn. Vols., 5 Sept., 1861; transf. to Invalid
Corps 15 Mch., 1864; disc. Apr. 11, 1864, disability — wounded and prisoner at
Ft. Wagner.
HAYDEN, SAMUEL S. (Capt.), enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 1 Sept. 1862; killed at
Irish Bend, La., 14 Apl., 1863.
HAYES, MARTIN, enl. 1st Conn. Hy. Art., 24 Nov., 1864; deserted 5 Aug., 1865.
HEALEY, PATRICK, enl. Co. B, 6 Conn. Vols., 12 Sept., 1861; disc. disab. Nov. 3,
1862.
..
HEMPSTEAD, WILLIAM A. (Sgt.), enl. Co. C, 1 Conn. Vols., 22 Apl.; disc. 31 July,
1861.
HILLMAN, LEVI N. (Capt.), enl. Co. C, 1 Conn. Vols., 22 Apl., 1861; disc. 31 July,
1861.
HINMAN, JOHN F., enl. recruit Cọ. K, 7 Conn. Vols., 14 Aug., 1862; disc. May 29,
1865.
HOLBROOK, CHARLES W., enl. Co. I, 10 Conn. Vols., 22 Oct., 1861; disc. 7 Oct.,
1864.
HOLLEY, JAMES, enl. 1st Light Battery, 14 Nov., 1861; disc. Nov. 13, 1864.
HORTON, STODDARD E., enl. (2d Lieut.) Co. C, 1 Conn. Vols., 22 Apl., 1861; prom.
1st Lieut.; disc. 31 July, 1861.
HOWE, GEORGE L., enl. Co. C, 1 Conn. Vols., 22 Apl., 1861; disc. 31 July, 1861;
enl. Co. K, 20 Conn. Vols., 30 Aug., 1862; disc. June 19, 1865.
HOXSIE, EDWARD B., enl. Co. C, 12 Conn. Vols., 15 Jan., 1862; disc. disab. 6 June,
1863.
HOXIE, MARTIN B., enl. Co. B, 11 Conn. Vols., 24 Oct., 1861; disc. 22 Dec., 1863.
Shot in the head.
JACKSON, WELLINGTON, enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 4 Sept., 1862; d. 1 July, 1863,
w'ds rec'd Port Hudson.
JACOBY, JAMES, enl. Co. B, 1st Conn. Hy. Art., 1 Sept., 1864; disc. 25 Sept., 1865.
526
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
JEWETT, LEVI (Surgeon 14th Reg.), enl. 23 Aug., 1862; disc. for disability 4 Jan.,
1865.
JOHNSON, GALEN, enl. Co. G, 16 Conn. Vols., 29 July, 1862; transf. to Invalid
Corps 1 Sept., 1863; disc. July 13, 1865.
JOYNT, HUGH, enl. 1st Art. Conn. Vols., Co. C, 23 May, 1861; term exp., disc. 22
May, 1864.
KELLY, PETER, enl. 14 Conn. Vols., 29 Nov., 1864; deserted 1 Dec., 1864.
KERWIN, JAMES, enl. recruit Co. B, 1st Art., 1 Oct., 1862; disc. Sept. 25, 1865.
KIBBE, ORA B., enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 30 Aug., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
KILBOURN, EDGAR B., enl. Co. C, 1 Conn. Vols., 22 Apl., 1861; disc. disab. 4 July,
1861.
KING, THOMAS, enl. Co. D, 1st Conn. Hy. Art., 25 Nov., 1864; deserted 4 Aug.,
1865.
KINNEY, MICHAEL, enl. Co. D, 11 Conn. Vols., 14 Nov., 1861; disc. 13 Nov., 1864.
KRAMER, FREDERICK, enl. recruit Co. K, 1st Art., 7 Jan., 1864; disc. Sept. 25, '65.
LACEY, JAMES E. (musician), enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 4 Sept., 1862; disc. 26
Aug., 1863.
LAMPHEAR, ADDISON (Sgt.), enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 4 Sept., 1862; disc. 26
Aug., 1863.
MANN, WILLIAM, enl. Co. C, 20 Conn. Vols., 12 Aug., 1862; disc. May 19, 1865.
MARDEN, EDWARD F. (1st Lieut.), enl. Co. C, 1 Conn. Vols., 22 Apl., 1861; not
reported for duty.
MARSHALL, STEPHEN, enl. Co. D, 1st Conn. Hy. Art., 25 Nov., 1864; deserted 23
May, 1865.
MARTIN, JOHN, enl. 1st Light Batt., 25 Nov., 1864; disc. 11 June, 1865.
MATHER, JAMES, enl. recruit Co. C, 1st Art., 25 Nov., 1863; deserted Sept. 3, 1865.
MCCARTY, CHARLES, enl. Co. C, 1 Conn. Vols., 22 Apl., 1861; disc. 31 July, 1861.
MCCUE, FRANK, enl. recruit Co. K, 1st Art., 8 Jan., 1864; disc. June 12, 1865.
MCDONALD, JOHN, enl. Co. C, 2d Conn. Hy. Art., 23 Nov., 1864; deserted 27 July,
1865.
MCLEAN, JAMÈS, enl. Co. K, 20 Conn. Vols., 18 Aug., 1862; disc. disab. 13 Oct.,
1863.
MORAN, DAVID, enl. Co. G, 22 Conn. Vols., 20 Sept., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
MORRISON, ROBERT (Corp'l), enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 11 Sept., 1862; disc. 26
Aug., 1863.
MULLEN, HENRY, enl. Co. C, 12 Conn. Vols., 3 Dec., 1861; disc. Dec. 2, 1864.
NELSON, GEORGE H., enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 9 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug.,
1863.
NEWPORT, EDWARD (Corp'l), enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 30 Aug., 1862; disc. 26
Aug., 1863.
NEWPORT, OTTO, enl. Co. C, 1 Conn. Vols., 22 Apl., 1861; disc. 31 July, 1861.
O'BRIEN, EDWARD, enl. Co. B, 1st Conn. Hy. Art., 16 Sept., 1864; deserted 26
July, 1865.
PARSONS, LINES H., enl. Co. C, 1 Conn. Vols., 22 Apl., 1861; disc. 31 July, 1861;
enl. Co. C, 12 Conn. Vols., 8 Jan., 1862; disc. disab. 12 June, 1863.
PHELPS, ABRAHAM, enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols, 4 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
PHELPS, HORACE E., enl. Co. C, 1 Conn. Vols., 22 Apl., 1861; disc. 31 July, 1861;
enl. (Sgt.) Co. C, 12 Conn. Vols., 20 Nov., 1861; prom. 2d Lieut. 1 Oct., 1863;
killed Oct. 19, 1864.
PORTER, CHAUNCEY, JR., enl. Co. C, 20 Conn. Vols., 22 July, 1862; disc. May 19,
1865.
PORTER, WILLIAM, enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 4 Sept., 1862; killed, Port Hudson,
27 May, 1863.
QUINN, PATRICK, enl. 20 Aug., 1862, Co. C, 20 Conn. Vols; disc. June 13, 1865.
WINDSOR LOCKS SOLDIERS IN THE CIVIL WAR.
527
REYNOLDS, JAMES, enl. Co. F, 13 Conn. Vols., 28 June, 1862; re-enl., taken pris-
oner at Cedar Creek; disc. 25 Apl., 1866.
RICHMOND, GEORGE E., enl. (Sgt.) Co. C, 1st Art., 23 May, 1861; re-enl. Vet. 16
Nov., 1863; disc. Sept. 25, 1865.
ROWE, JOHN, enl. Co. G, 22 Conn. Vols., 20 Sept., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
RUMRILL, FRANK L., enl. Co. C, 12 Conn. Vols., 15 Jan., 1862; re-enl. Vet. 22 Jan.,
1864; disc. Aug. 12, 1865.
RUSSELL, WILLIAM, enl. recruit Co. M, 1st Art. (dftd. or subst.) 2 Sept., 1863; disc.
Sept. 25, 1865.
RYAN, NICHOLAS, enl. Co. D, 16 Conn. Vols., 23 July, 1862; deserted Sept. 17, 1862.
RYAN, NICHOLAS S., enl. Co. C, 20 Conn. Vols., 8 Sept., 1862; disc. June 12, 1865. ..
SAWN, EDWIN G., enl. Co. C, 12 Conn. Vols., 20 Nov., 1861; re-enl. Vet. 1 Jan.,
1864; prom. 2d Lieut.; disc. Aug. 12, 1865.
SAWN, WILLIAM H., enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 1 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863;
enl. 1st Light Batt., 31 Aug., 1864; disc. 11 June, 1865.
SCHÆFER, LEONARD, enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 1 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug.,
1863.
SCULLY, WILLIAM F., enl. Co. D, 2 Conn. Vols., 7 May, disc. 7 Aug., 1861.
SELBY, HENRY, enl. Co: E, 15 Conn. Vols., 10 Sept., 1864; transf. to 7th Reg.; disc.
20 July, 1865.
SHANAHAN, RICHARD, enl. 24 July, 1862, Co. A, 21 Conn. Vols.; deserted 7 Oct.,
1862.
SHAY, MICHAEL, enl. 1st Light Batt., 25 Nov., 1864; deserted 25 Jan., 1865.
SHINNERS, EDWARD, enl. Co. K, 1st Art., 23 May, 1861; disc. 22 May, 1864.
SHINNERS, WILLIAM, enl. Co. K, 1st Art., 23 May, 1861; disc. 22 May, 1864.
SIMPSON, TIMOTHY D., enl. recruit Co. H, 1 Art., 1 Jan., 1864; pro.; disc. Sept.
25, 1865.
SISSON, CHARLES W., enl. (as landsman in navy) 11 Aug., 1864; disc. 30 June,
1865.
SKINNER, ELISHA H., enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 30 Aug., 1862; disc. 26 Aug.,
1863.
SKINNER, HEZEKIAH, enl. Co. C, 12 Conn. Vols., 16 June, 1861, disc. disab. 6 July,
1862.
SKINNER, JAMES N., enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 30 Aug., 1862; disc. 26 Aug.,
1863.
SKINNER, SAMUEL S. (Surgeon), 1st Hy. Art., (4 Inf.) Conn. Vols., 23 May, 1861;
disc. Sept. 25, 1865.
SMITH, GEORGE H. (Corp'l), enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 1 Sept., 1862; disc. 26
Aug., 1863.
SMITH, JAMES W., enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 1 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
SMITH, JOHN O., enl. recruit Co. E, 1st Art., 5 Jan., 1864; disc. Sept. 25, 1865.
SMITH, JOHN C., enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 4 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
SNOW, GEORGE H. (Corp'l), enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 1 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug.,
1863.
SPERRY, THEODORE B., enl. Co. C, 1 Conn. Vols., 22 Apl.; disc. 31 July, 1861;
enl. Co. G, 16 Conn. Vols., July 26, 1862; transf. to Invalid Corps, 30 Sept., 1863;
disc. July 13, 1865.
STARK, THOMAS, enl. (as musician) Co. C, 20 Conn. Vols., 8 Sept., 1862; disc. 12
June, 1865.
STOCKWELL, LEVI, enl. Co. G, 1st Art., 15 Mch., 1862; deserted 3 Apl., 1863.
STRONG, WILLIAM H., enl. recruit Co. I, 1st Art., 8 Jan., 1864; died Sept. 9, 1864.
TAYLOR, AUGUSTUS, enl. 1st Art., Co. C, 23 May, 1861; re-enl. Vet. 1 Jan., 1864;
disc. Sept. 25, 1865.
528
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
TOWNE, CLINTON, enl. 1st Hy. Art., Co. C, 23 May, 1861; disc. May 22, 1864.
TWOMEY, THOMAS, enl. 1st Hy. Art., Co. C, 23 May, 1861; re-enl. Vet. 1 Jan., 1863;
des. Mch. 9, 1865.
WEED, AVRIES, enl. 1st Light Batt., 1 Sept., 1864; disc. 11 June, 1865.
WELLS, JAMES H., enl. 1st Lt. Batt., 14 Nov., 1861; disc. Nov. 13, 1864.
WELT, CHARLES, enl. recruit 1st Art., 1 Jan., 1864; deserted 14 Jan., 1864.
WHITE, GEORGE M. (2d Lieut.), app. 16 May, 1861; disc. 31 July, 1861.
WHITTLESEY, GEORGE W., enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 2 Sept., 1862; disc. 26
Aug., 1863.
•
WILBUR, CHARLES, enl. Co. —, 7th Reg., Conn. Vols., 23 Nov., 1864; not taken
up on rolls.
WILMARTH, EDMUND D., enl. Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 4 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug.,
1863.
WILMARTH, GARDNER, enl. 22 Apl., 1861, Co. C, 1 Conn. Vols.; disc. 31 July, 1861;
enl. (Sgt.) Co. C, 25 Conn. Vols., 4 Sept, 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
WILMARTH, WINFIELD S., enl. 1st Light Batt., 31 Aug., 1864; disc. 11 June,
1865.
WILSON, ALEXANDER, enl. Co. C, 1 Hy. Art., 23 May, 1861; deserted 14 Feb.,
1863.
WILSON, JOHN, enl. Co. E, 13th Reg., Conn. Vols., 23 Nov., 1864; deserted 5 Jan.,
1865.
WITHRELL, EDWIN, enl. Co. C, 1 Conn. Vols., 22 Apl., 1861; disc. 31 July, 1861.
The Joseph H. Converse Post, No. 67, Grand Army of the Republic,
was organized 11 February, 1884, and named in honor of Maj. Joseph
H. Converse, who enlisted from Windsor Locks, and was killed at Cold
Harbor, Va., June 4, 1864. Previous to this organization, there had
been a "Veteran Association" since 1879.
By strenuous and persevering efforts, and aided by its two auxiliary
societies, the Woman's Relief Corps and the Sons of Veterans of this
place, the Post had raised, in 1889, sufficient funds to purchase the fine
location known as the Haskell Homestead, when, by the generosity of
Mr. Charles E. Chaffee, a beautiful Memorial Hall was erected thereon
and presented to it, on the 10th of June, 1891, as its permanent home.
The civic and military display, on that day was worthy of the occa-
sion, and the speeches of welcome by J. R. Montgomery, president of the
day; of presentation, by Hon. John L. Houston of Thompsonville; of
reception and dedication, by Department Commander Henry N. Fanton;
the address of Judge Arthur F. Eggleston of Hartford, admirably voiced
the grateful appreciation of Mr. Chaffee's gift by the members of the
Post, as well as of the citizens of Windsor Locks. The day was a pub-
lic holiday, all business being suspended in stores and factories; and the
whole town was gay with flags and decorations.
"Memorial Hall" is built of Monson granite, a grayish stone of
great beauty. The building is two stories high exclusive of the basement
and an unfinished attic. At the northeast corner is a round low tower
surmounted by a flag-staff. The entrance is in the form of a large arch-
with the words "Memorial Hall" on the stonework in gilt. The
way,

MEMORIAL HALL, WINDSOR LOCKS.
529
interior is finished in hard woods. On the first floor are the library and
rooms for the use of the Sons of Veterans and Woman's Relief
Corps. A wide staircase leads to the second floor, where is found the
reception room of J. H. Converse Post, No. 67, G. A. R. The large
MEMORIAL
HAT
MEMORIAL HALL.
Grand Army Hall occupies the remainder of this floor. The building is
beautifully frescoed and finished, the windows are large and there are
handsome mantels and fireplaces. In the lower hallway is a bronze me-
morial tablet. The cost of the structure was about $30,000.
Mr. CHARLES E. CHAFFEE, the donor of this beautiful structure, is a
native of Monson, Mass., and was born June 30, 1818. Commencing his
VOL. I.-67

530
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
career, as a youth, with a suit of home-spun clothes and but fifty cents.
in his pocket, his ability and industry have won him position and suc-
cess. He began as a wool-sorter, in Rockville and Thompsonville,
Conn., and from thence came into the employ, at Windsor Locks, of the
Medlicott Company, of which he is now president and treasurer.

55.
CHARLES E. CHAFFEE.
"Memorial Hall which is the outcome of a "self-imposed obli-
gation, on his part, to pay a loving tribute to the spirit of self-sacrificing
patriotism, on the part of those, living and dead, who bore the brunt of
ST. PAUL'S PARISH.
531
the terrible struggle to preserve the nation's life" —is not the only evi-
dence of Mr. Chaffee's generosity towards his adopted town. The Con-
gregational church (of which he is a member) is largely indebted to
him for generous gifts.
St. Paul's (Protestant Episcopal) Parish. Episcopalian services
inaugurated here in 1854, by Rev. Prof. Jackson of Trinity College,
Hartford, were continued by him and Rev. Wm. Cook of Wethersfield,
until June, 1856, when an abortive attempt was made to organize a
parish under the name of St. Bartholomew. In September, 1866,
services were again commenced and continued with more or less regu-
larity, sometimes by clergymen and sometimes by lay-readers, until the
organization of the present parish, 22 August, 1870, under the charge of
Rev. G. M. Wilkins. A church edifice, costing about $12,000, was con-
secrated 7 May, 1872; the seats were made free in 1875; and, in 1889,
a chancel and vestry-room were added to the church by Mrs. John B.
Windsor of Hartford, the former being a memorial to her deceased hus-
band, who had during his lifetime been an active member of the parish.
The chancel was consecrated 18 June, 1890. Rectors-Rev. G. M.
Wilkins, 3 October, 1869-14 July, 1873; Rev. William Wilson, Easter,
1874-31 March, 1877; Rev. George W. Lincoln, June 3, 1878-21 No-
vember, 1880; Rev. W. H. George, 1 January 1881–1 February, 1883;
Rev. William Peck, 1 April, 1883-23 May, 1886 since which lay
service has been provided by the Bishop of the Diocese.
Physicians: Dr. SAMUEL W. SKINNER practiced for many years at
the Locks; was surgeon in First Heavy Artillery (Fourth Connecticut
Infantry) during the civil war, since when he has been a resident of
Toledo, Ohio.
Dr. RALPH T. CHAFFEE, a native of Wilbraham, Mass., came to
Windsor Locks, from Granby, in 1850; commenced to practice accord-
ing to the homoeopathic system, in 1857; removed to Hartford, 1865 ; re-
turned to Windsor Locks, 1867; was at Hartford from 1871 to 1875,
and died in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1878.
He was succeeded by FRANK MAIN, M.D., of the same school, who
removed to Springfield, Mass., in 1891. Dr. MAIN's successor is Dr.
CHARLES W. KELLY.
The other present practicing physicians at the Locks are S. R.
BURNAP, A. W. COYLE, and JOSEPH COOGAN,
•

532
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
WINDSOR
1640
SETTLED HERE
REMONED TO HOMONOSCEPT
WITH FIRST PETTLERS
DIED
HERE
SEPTAT 16697
WILLIAM HAYDEN MEMORIAL STONE,
Windsor, Conn., Dedicated 2 Sept. 1885. This boulder is of flint stone, egg-shaped; its
weight is a little over two tons; its greatest length five feet; its breadth three and a
half feet. The lettering, which took eight days labor and the repair of 300 chisels, is
as follows:
MEMORIAL STONE.
WILLIAM HAYDEN
BORN IN ENGLAND
HARTFORD WITH THE FIRST SETTLERS.
DORCHESTER, MASS., 1630
WINDSOR
1640
SETTLED HERE
1645
REMOVED TO HOMONOSCETT
WITH FIRST SETTLERS.
DIED THERE
SEPT. 27, 1669.
DEDICATED
SEPT. 2, 1885.
WINDSOR, EAST OF THE GREAT RIVER.
EAST WINDSOR, 1768-1891.
SOUTH WINDSOR, 1845–1891.
ELLINGTON, 1717-1891.

Jarepasted man
Phomas Stoughton
Samuel Grant soner
Rev. Time Edwards.
John Grant
Sant Poltt
Tanel Rockwall


Job Soughton
Rev.
·Jonathan Edwards D.D.
Thomas Garist
Katsanger bissell
Joniel Skinner.
Thomas Food Fr
UorM
Facsimiles of AUTOGRAPHS OF SOME OF EAST WINDSOR'S EARLY SETTLERS,
WINDSOR, EAST OF THE GREAT RIVER.
CHAPTER I.
THE SETTLEMENT OF WINDSOR FARMES¹ AND THE HISTORY OF THE
SECOND CHURCH AND SOCIETY OF WINDSOR, 1662-1768.
IT
Its First Settlement.
T will be remembered that the first purchase of land made by the
Dorchester People after their arrival on the Connecticut, was upon
the east side of the river, within the present town of South Windsor.²
Tradition has always asserted that, at first, they intended to settle here,
but that fear of floods induced them to remove to the high lands on the
west side. All the evidence, however, which has been presented in a
former chapter, tends to show that their original intention was to locate
on the present site of Windsor. Yet, it is not improbable that this pur-
chase, made during the disputes and negotiations with the Plymouth Com-
pany concerning their land at Windsor, was intended as a dernier resort;
and that, in case of the failure of those negotiations, the Dorchester party
would have effected a permanent settlement on the east side of the river.
¹ The term "farms" was not infrequently applied to the out-settlements of the older
towns. Cotton Mather gives a catalogue of ministers in Massachusetts and Connecti-
cut, in which he mentions " Windsor, Mr. Samuel Mather, and Farms, Mr. Timothy
Edwards."
“Windsor Farmes." A Glimpse of an Old Parish, together with the Deciphered
Inscriptions from a few Foundation Stones of a much-abused Theology, by John A.
Stoughton, Hartford, 1883, 150 pp.
This work is a most valuable contribution to the history of Old Windsor east of the
Connecticut river; of which we shall make frequent use in the following pages. Mr.
Stoughton's work is compiled from a mass of old Edwards and Stoughton family
papers, long dormant in the garret of the Capt. John Ellsworth house. An ancient
Account Book of Mr. John (brother of Capt. Thomas) Stoughton, who married Abigail
the sister of Rev. Timothy Edwards; and who, from his social position and business
qualifications, was a prominent man in the east side matters, also, furnishes us with many
interesting and important points of information concerning the beginning and course of
Mr. Edwards ministry; which are further elucidated by Mr. Edwards's own carefully
kept Rate-Book, in which he entered the payment of tithes, or "rates," and other busi-
ness dealings between himself and his parishioners.
2 See Chapter on Indian Purchases.
536
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
From this alternative, however, they were relieved by the final agree-
ment with the Plymouth Company in 1637, which left them in quiet.
possession of the much coveted lands at Windsor. For thirty years after,
there seems to have been no occupation of the lands on the east side,
except as a pasturage for their cattle, and some small pieces of mowing.'
Tempting as were the advantages offered by its broad expanse of fertile
meadow, there were obstacles and dangers in the way of its actual settle-
ment, which could neither be overlooked nor rashly encountered. The
broad stream of the Great River, at all times an inconvenient highway,
was, in the winter season, almost impassable with ice and drift. It was
also a serious barrier to social intercourse and mutual aid or protection;
while its annual freshets obliged them to build on the uplands at a con-
siderable distance from its banks, and consequently at a greater remove
from the main settlement. On those eastern shores, also, dwelt the
Podunks, and their allies, the Scantics, who, though never overtly
mischievous or unfriendly, could hardly be considered as safe or pleasant
neighbors. Moreover, prudence and the exigencies of the times, forbade
any undue increase of colonization, whereby the strength and safety of
the older towns might be weakened. Such, probably, were the main
reasons which, for many years, retarded the progress of settlement and
improvement on the east side of the Great River.
The BISSELL family, to whom the monopoly of the Country Ferry
was granted in 1648–9, were undoubtedly the pioneers of the East Wind-
sor emigration. It is not probable, however, that they had any perma-
nent residence on the east side at that date, as so isolated a position,
in the then unsettled state of the country, would have been full of peril
to themselves and the common welfare. In January, 1662–3, Nathaniel
Bissell received from his father John, a deed of property upon the east
side of the river, near the ferry, wherein is mentioned a house already
built. As "Goodman Bissell's Sen'r's" landing place on the east side
the Great River is referred to in a record in Windsor, Book of Town
Wayes, under date of January, 1659/60, we may reasonably infer that
this house was erected about 1658 or '59. It was undoubtedly the first
and for several years the only dwelling-house in East (now South) Wind-
sor; 2 and it is probable that John Bissell, Senior, himself moved over
to the east side in 1662, for in that year he made over without reserva-
¹ Matthew Grant, in describing the great flood of 1638-9, says that it "endamaged
many cattle over the river," i. e. on the east side. Also, "Sept. 7, 1657, it was voted that
the meadow east side of the river be cleared by the 23d." These and many other similar
extracts might be adduced to show that the lands on the east side were to some extent
improved.
2 Thos. Burnham and others had purchased lands at Podunk in 1659-60; but there
is no evidence that they were occupied, otherwise than for agricultural purposes:
BEGINNINGS OF EAST-SIDE SETTLEMENTS.
537
tion, his former residence on the west side of the Connecticut to his son
John, Jr.
The numerous purchases and grants which were made during the
following ten years, bear evidence that the Windsor settlers justly con-
sidered their possessions on the east side of the Connecticut as among
their most important and valuable interests. In 1660, twenty-five years
after the first settlement of Windsor, we find the community stirring
itself to establish what had evidently been a long-felt want and matter
of discussion amongst them, viz.: a common highway along the meadows
on the east side of the Great River, from Podunk to Scantic, and thence
up through Scantic to connect with the "country road" towards Spring-
field. This we learn from the following record in the Book of Windsor
Town Ways, p. 16:
"Jan: 23d, '59 [-60] we met to Consider of wayes or Landing places over East side of
great River, we agree that there is need and allso has formerly been yielded that there
shall be a Common highway Thwart Every man's Lands, from podunk River where it
shall be found most Convenient upon view, & so to run through Every mans Lotts,
until it comes to Scantock, one rod and half in breadth, and men shall be appointed to
set it out where it shall be most meet; yet this shall not be for any Country use for
Drift of Cattle, but only for the Town use for horse or Cart, and from Scantock to go
in Like maner through Every mans Lotts untill it comes to the Country way, same
breadth with the former and to be Bounded out, and for Landing places at Goodman
Bissels Senr's, there is a Comon Landing place for men to go down with Carts to boat
their Corne or hay if any man need Liberty to set Rocks they must agree with the
owner of the Land; for the Country Landing place it is to go up Betwixt Abraham
Randwels & the widow Gibbses. [This was at the original Bissell's Ferry. — J. E. H.]
A True Copy of Record
Test, Timothy Loomis, Register.
This was a continuation of the road to which the historian of East
Hartford thus refers (Hartford Co. Mem. Hist., ii. 86): "one of the first
roads laid out through the town ran along the edge of the meadow hill.
A road from the Connecticut river crossed the meadows to
the above-described road, and is the present north meadow road. From
the earliest settlement a road extended northward through the meadows
to Podunk and Windsor." But, before long there must have been a road
1
¹“There seems to be no reason for doubting that this highway through the meadows
extended below Podunk river to Hartford Landing place" in East Hartford. In the
lay-out of said landing-place and a road to it, in 1678, said new road was to be "two
rods wide upon the bank," or highland belonging to Mr. John Pantry, and from
"thence to turn North two rods wide until it meets" with the common highway north
upon the highland, “by the merestones" [upon the highland], etc. And John Easton's
deed for the same in 1696, refers to it as follows- said two rods in width "should only
extend to the highway upon the bank leading from Potuncke to Hartford Landing-place,
on the bank of the meadow next to the low land, leading to the river" (vide, my history
Hartford Town Notes, 1678, and John Easton's deeds in Htfd. Rec., 1696). Easton
also deeded “20 ft. in breadth of land from 'said highway on the bank of the river.
which hath been the towns for many years.' ""'— Letter of JOSEPH O. GOOD-
WIN, Town Clerk and Historian of East Hartford, Ct., dated 21 Feb., 1891.
VOL. I.-68
538
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
opened along the edge of the hill above the meadows, for we learn from
a document dated at Hartford April 6, 1692, that in May, 1670, the
General Court had "ordered that the selectmen in the respective Planta-
tions [on the river] shall lay out a Highway six rods wide upon the up-
land, on the east side of the Great River, that men may pass to their Lotts
there as occasions shall require"; but complaint was made at the date
of this document, over twenty years later, that this order had been
"neglected by the selectmen of Windsor, wch is to the great damage of
the Inhabitants there," and therefore the Assistants (John Allyn, Caleb
• and Nath'l Stanley) order the selectmen of Windsor to attend to this
former order and to "lay out the sayd Highway that so one neighbor
may pass to another without being a Trespasser." "
From this we may
infer that travel along the east side of the river had hitherto been
rather by sufferance than by any legal right of way over each others'
lands.
In 1672 there was a decided movement towards the settlement of
the east side as a distinct town. We learn from the Colony Records,
that the court, having at a previous session granted a considerable tract
of land on the east side of the river “within Windsor bounds" to Capt.
Benjamin Newberry, Deacon John Moore and others, received a petition
from the inhabitants of Windsor, asking for the postponement of con-
firmation until they could present objections to the same.
The court answered this petition thus: "and it is condescended to
by Capt. Newberry, and Deacon Moore, that if Windsor plantation at
their next town meeting, by unanimous or major vote, of the inhabitants
of Windsor, will release their township right in the lands on the east
side of Connecticut River that are within their bounds, to make a distinct
plantation, on that side of the River, then the said Capt. Newberry, and
Deacon Moore engage to release their particular grants, for the accom-
modating of the said plantation, provided the plantation be confirmed a
plantation by this court also, October next, and they have their propor-
tion therein."
The reply of the town to this accommodating proposition of Messrs.
Moore and Newberry, has not been preserved. That it was insufficient
to influence the previous decision of the court, is evident, from the rec-
ord of its subsequent session; wherein they declare that they see "no
cause to put a stop to Deacon Moore and Capt. Newberry's" proceed-
ings.
These gentlemen, however, were by no means the only persons on
the east side. Already many individuals, mostly middle-aged or young
1
¹ Original copy of record, among Stoughton Mss. Stoughton Mss. are papers once
belonging to Capt. Thomas Stoughton, and now in possession of Ruth T. Sperry by in-
heritance. These papers are quite distinct from the papers inherited by Judge John A.
Stoughton from his ancestor, Mr. John Stoughton, brother of Capt. Thomas Stoughton,
HARDSHIPS OF THE NEW SETTLERS.
539
married men, urged by the adventurous spirit of the day, or by the ne-
cessity of larger accommodations for their growing families, had crossed
the river, and had built their humble dwellings along the uplands which
overlooked the meadows. A road, also, had probably been opened from
Scantic to Podunk, for in June 1672, occurs on the town books the fol-
lowing "List of Persons on the East side of Great River," who were ap-
pointed to work the highways:
Thomas Bissell,
Nathan'l Bissell,
Nathan'l Bancroft,
Nathan'l Briskall,
Thomas Buckland,'
Thomas Buckland, Jr.,
John Buckland,
Samuel Baker,
Samuel Cross,
John Colt,
Edward Elmor, Sr.,
Edward Elmor, Jr.,
John Elmor,
Joseph Fitch,
ཟ
Samuel Grant,
John Higley,
Richard Johnson,
Edward King,
William Morton,
John Osborne, Jr.,
Joseph Phelps,
Samuel Rockwell,
John Porter, Jr.,
Stephen Taylor,
Stephen Taylor, Jr.,
John Taylor,
Jonathan Winchell.
The young settlement had but just fairly commenced, when (1675)
King Philip's War broke out. Immediately "great fear fell upon the
land." Danger lurked in every bush and peered from behind every
tree; their houses were scattered, their numbers few; the Indians nu-
merous and suspected; and the broad stream of the Long River cut them
off from any immediate help of their friends and neighbors on the west.
side. In that hour of anxious fear and torturing suspense, they felt
that "in union there is strength." Many removed to the opposite side
of the river, and those who remained carried their "lives in their hands."
The frequent orders of the council of safety, in regard to places of ref-
uge and precautions necessary to be taken, show how imminent was the
danger. Finally, the inhabitants on the eastern side of the Connecticut
were ordered "forthwith " to remove themselves, with their cattle and
grain, to the west side; and garrison houses were ordered to be kept for
the protection of the few who were obliged to remain. One of these gar-
risons was established at Nathaniel Bissell's at Scantic, and another at
Thomas Burnham's at Podunk. In fact, the settlement was temporarily
broken up and dispersed. But soon the war closed. Peace smiled again
upon the settlements, and the tide of emigration set back with renewed
vigor. The lofty forest trees bowed their heads before the energetic
stroke of the settler's axe; the meadows gained new beauty and fertility
¹ Or Burnham ?
540
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
under his daily toil; and the smoke which curled lazily up from the
chimneys of his cabin announced to the inhabitants of the old town that
the settlement "on the east side" of the Connecticut was a fixed fact.
Yet this was attended with dangers and hardships almost equal to
those experienced by their fathers, on their first arrival in the country,
thirty years before. There were the same stubborn elements of nature
to be subdued. The Indian was still an undesirable neighbor, and the
constant fear of his sudden attack compelled them to carry their arms
with them into the field, and even to the sanctuary; while at night they
sought a common safety with their families in block houses, two of which
were built on the street; one where John Allen, 2d, and the other where
Abizur Porter lived in 1845.'
Sickness, also, weakened the strength of the settlers; for the de-
pressing emotions of fear and anxiety, added to the fatigue and expos-
ure of daily toil, rendered him an easy prey to the malaria which arose
from the virgin soil which his plow upturned, and from the low, wet
lands on the river.2
Concerning the locations of the early settlers, our information is ex-
ceedingly scanty; yet, as far as can be ascertained, their descendants at
the present day occupy very nearly the same localities.
The BISSELLS, who, as before mentioned, were the first, settled at
¹ Mss. Dr. Elijah F. Reed.
21711, A memorial, dated 27 March, addressed to the Gen. Assembly, and signed by
Job Drake,
Joseph Drake,
Joseph Phelps,
Jacob Strong,
John Strong,
Sam❜l Pinney,
Sam❜l Rockwell, Jr.,
Joseph Baker,
Matthew Grant,
Sam'l Grant, Jr.,
Sam❜l Baker,
John Moore, Jr.,
John Taylor,
William Taylor,
Thomas Bissell,
Dan'l Bissell,
Ephraim Bissell,
Sam❜l Rockwell, Sr.,
Joshua Willis, Sr.,
John Wolcott, Sr.,
Simon Wolcott,
Joseph Loomis, Sr.,
Sam❜l Tudor,
Henry Wolcott,
William Wolcott,
John Wolcott, Jr.,
Joseph Newbury,
Roger Wolcott,
Joseph Loomis, Jr.,
Richard Skiner,
Thomas Skiner,
Hez. Porter,
Joseph Porter,
John Loomis,
Joseph Skiner,
says they are "severall of the prop'r's of the Wett Lands on the East side of the Great
River in Windsor" and "Forasmuch as there is on the East side of Connecticut River
in Windsor, a considerable tract of land (lying between the upland and Dry Meadow) of
many hundred acres that is almost wholly useless by reason the Water stands thereon
a Great part of the year" &c., they recite that: Oct. 14, 1686, the Gen. Assembly ordered
a ditch or drain to be made through all the lots "from Podungue River," and nothing
was done - but some one interested, at their own charge, made two ditches, one be-
tween Sam" Tudor on the North and Henry Wolcott on South, which "if they were
finished and cross ditches dugg through the Lotts would doubtless effect the thing in-
tended-wherefore they pray that all the inhabitants of Wett lands from South part
of Sam. Tudor to Scantick River, be compelled to make a five-foot wide drain."
Stoughton Mss.
P
LOCATIONS OF EARLY EAST-SIDE LAND-OWNERS.
541
2
the mouth of the Scantic River. They were very large landholders on
the East side (See chapter on Indian Purchases and on Ellington), and
purchased of the Indians a tract which included the present location of
Osborne's Mill on the Scantic River. The coming over from Old Wind-
sor, in 1680, of Simon Wolcott, youngest son of Mr. Henry Wolcott,
with his wife and nine children, of whom the youngest (afterwards Gov-
ernor) Roger, was then an infant a year old, was a most important ad-
dition to the new settlement.
·
Next above the Bissells were the OSBORNS, and next to them the
STILES family. THOMAS ELLSWORTH built the first house above Scantic
River, a few rods north of the present line of division between East and
South Windsor.3 The three first, and for a considerable time the only
houses on The Hill, were, one on nearly the spot now (1891) occupied
by the Richard T. Abbe residence; one where the house built by Rev.
J. E. Tyler stands; and the third nearly opposite the Academy. JOHN
LOOMIS is supposed to have built a house nearly opposite Chandler
Ward's, and on the north corner of the road to Bissell's Ferry; while
his brother JOSEPH probably built a house nearly opposite Cassius M.
Newberry's present dwelling (south corner of the road to Wapping),
and which was taken down about 1770.*
-
EDWARD KING (the Irishman) had a house on the south side of
the Podunk as early as 1663. In 1679 JOSEPH FITCH sold the house he
then lived.in, on the north side of the Podunk, to JOHN COLT. In 1667
SAMUEL ELMOR sold to JOHN ELMOR land and "encumbrances " in Po-
dunk Meadow. "Mills," says Stoughton (Windsor Farmes, 116), "were
erected at a very early period on Podunk Brook, on the site of those
now owned by C. C. Vinton & Son, in South Windsor. They were for
a long time known as Rockwell's mills, and so late as 1867 furnished to
the antiquary the refreshing sight of a primitive colonial saw-mill, the
'See Bissell's Ferry, beginning of Chapter XX.
2 Stoughton says (Windsor Farmes, Appendix) : "From W. Land Records, Vol. I,
it is evident they owned a mill on land purchased from the Indians before 1670. Na-
thaniel and John Bissell, Jr., purchased land jointly, bd. Easterly on Scantic Brook,”
Oct. 8, 1670. Dec. 18, 1669, "John Osborne sold all his timber East of the Connecticut
River," Fitt to saw at the sawmill "to John and Nathaniel Bissell, but stipulated that
they must not cut any within a mile of the river. This was one of the 3-mile lots and
the Bissells could cut on the other two miles all the saw-logs: but "all the oaks fit for
shingles and clapboards" Osborne reserved for his own use. The consideration for the
privilege of cutting over this whole tract of primeval forest was "500 feet of good
boards at the saw-mill and slabs enough to lay in the lower floor of my house on the
East side. The proprietorship of the mill was evidently in the Bissell family, in 1697,
according to certain extant accounts.
³ Mss. Dr. Elijah F. Reed. The “ Academy" mentioned by Dr. Reed is not the
Academy known to the later generation, but is the school-house on the Hill belonging
to District No. 1.
4 Ibid.
"Probably of later date than Bissell's mill.
512
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
dam and foundation being of heavy logs and plank, while the motive
power was furnished by what is known as the 'flutter-wheel,' the sim-
plest form of under-shot motor, being little more than a wooden shaft
with a series of short arms supporting floats about ten feet long and
twelve inches wide, against which the water was admitted from the bot-
tom of a flume; the coarse, upright saw being attached to a crank and
pitman at the end of the wheel-shaft. The companion grist-mill had, at
that date, been comparatively modernized, and within a few years the
lazy flutter wheel has given way to a voracious turbine, while the senten-
tious clip of the venerable upright saw has yielded to the steady hum of
that terror of our American forests, the circular saw.' It seems to have
had several owners, or parties interested in it, among whom were Samuel
Rockwell, John Grant, Samuel Grant, Sr. and Jr., Nathaniel Bissell, etc.
Other mills were subsequently erected at various convenient points on
the east side of the Great River, one especially at Ketch Mills (now
Windsorville).":
"Att a Town Meeting Feb. 16th 1687/8 It was Voated that Samuel Grant Sen' and
Nathan' Bissell shall have Liberty to set up a Saw Mill upon the brook, that is known
by the name of Catch, with the use of Ten acres of Land, where it may suit to Lay
Timber; and the Town is to have the boards for 4sh per 100 at the mill or 58. at the
Great River, they to have no right to the Land, any longer than they maintain a mill
upon the place.
✔
A true copy of Record
Examined by me Tim° Loomis Regist™"
(Thos. Stoughton Papers.)
The first houses were as a general rule erected on the upland, along
the present street from Hartford to Warehouse Point, etc. As their
numbers and necessities increased they gradually moved further back
in the woodlands, and there cleared away farms and building spots.
Of these latter settlements, such as the present town of Ellington, the
parish of Scantic in East Windsor, and Wapping in South Windsor, we
shall speak more fully in a subsequent portion of our volume.
"This was, I believe, the last saw-mill in Windsor to retain a complete set of old
machinery; but there is (1883) yet an upright saw in use at Osborne's mill, driven by a
comparatively modern wheel, and in the old grist-mill can be seen the modern gearing
of the flour mill that has been in use over 100 years." (Windsor Farmes.)
—
2 "As late as 1800 mills were in operation at the mouth of Scantic (where, until tim-
ber grew scarce, ship building for the West India trade, in which Capt. Ebenezer Grant
was largely interested, was carried on), Elihu Loomis had a mill there about that time.
On the south branch of Stoughton's Brook a saw-mill was standing, near the main
street, just east of Oscar Stoughton's present (1883) residence, in 1775-90. The mills on
'Rye Street,' on what is known as 'Dry Brook,' were very early in operation (the upper
privilege being used as a fulling mill, and the lower as a grist-mill) a century or more ago.
But the mills at Scantic (the village in the vicinity of Mr. Potwine's church) were doubt-
less the earliest" source of lumber supply for building purposes, as appears fully from
various old East Side papers. Mr. William (father of Gov.) Pitkin, of Hartford, owned a
fulling mill on the Hockanum River, in what is now known as Burnside. (Windsor
Farmes.)
OCCUPATIONS OF EARLY EAST-SIDE SETTLERS.
543
Of the special trades or occupations carried on by some of these
"forefathers of the rude hamlet" we get (1695-1706) a glimpse from
the Stoughton and Edwards "account books," so much quoted by the
author of Windsor Farmes. Thus, JOB DRAKE, afterward the first dea-
con of the East Windsor Church, was a tailor; SAMUEL GRANT (grand-
son of Old Matthew), a carpenter and proprietor of a cider-mill;
NATHANIEL BISSELL also had a cider-mill, and was ferryman and shoe-
maker; PETER MILLS, Jr., a tailor; SAMUEL ELMOR, a weaver; THOMAS
MARSHALL, a wheelwright; THOMAS BURNHAM, a blacksmith; JOHN
WOLCOTT, a brewer; SIMON DRAKE, a brickmaker. And later (1725, or
thereabouts), JABEZ COLT was a weaver; JOSEPH PORTER, a glazier;
and Deacon JOSEPH SKINNER, a veritable "Jack at all trades," including
tooth-drawing.
THE LOCATION OF LANDS OWNED BY EARLY SETTLERS OF WIND-
SOR, ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE GREAT RIVER.
In the first settlement of Windsor the inhabitants, in addition to
their home-lots and such other portions of land as were allotted to them
on the west side of the Great River— that side being better fitted for
immediate occupation and cultivation - each received, also, by allot-
ment from the town, a proportionate share in the lands purchased from
the Indians on the east side of the river-a tract (now comprising the
towns of East and South Windsor) then an unbroken wilderness. Most
of these east-side grants, called in the old records "planting-lots," were
laid out in stripsi. e., a certain number of rods in breadth on the
river, and running easterly for a distance of three miles- an extremely
equable arrangement, by which each settler received his fair share of
each kind of land, meadow, upland, and woodland. The size of these
grants was regulated, probably, as were those on the west side of the
river, viz., in some relative proportion to the amount of property which
each settler had brought with him, or had contributed to the general
expense of the new settlement; and, it is not unlikely, with some due
regard to his social standing, or to his presumptive value in the make-up
of the new community.
These lands underwent many changes of owners within the first
fifteen or twenty years of the settlement. Some of the original grantees
never occupied their claims; others removed, or died, and their prop-
erty passed into other hands, by purchase or inheritance; and the
larger owners and men of means as keen in those days as in these to
see the possibilities of valuable real estate-bought out the lesser
proprietors. So that it is difficult to follow out accurately the "chain
of title" to most of these east-side grants. Still, with the valuable
544
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
1
assistance of our co-laborer, Mr. JABEZ H. HAYDEN, we are able to
glean so much from Town and Colonial Land Records as to afford our
readers an approximate idea of
THE LOCATION OF THE EARLIEST LAND-OWNERS ON THE EAST-SIDE OF THE
CONNECTICUT RIVER, 1640-1653.
It will be understood that in the following "lay-out" our notes com-
mence at the north and proceed southward.
I. THE PRESENT TOWN OF EAST WINDSOR.
Commencing at the North Boundary line of the Town of Windsor, which in 1636
was two miles above Kettle Brook, we first come to
N.
No. of rods fronting
THE CONNECTICUT RIVER.
on the River.
60. SALTONSTALL PARK, described (in deed 1640) as 60 r., more or less, in breadth,
on the river, and extending three miles east; "and there [at the end of the
3 m.
m.] it is in bdth. 444 r., more or less; bd. N. by Thos. Hoskins, S. by St.
Nicholas. It comprised some 2,000 acres, of which 1,500 acres was set to
Mr. Francis Stiles (the agent of Sir Richard Saltonstall), viz.: “
"400 acres
for alotment of Towne, 1,100 fro Towne by purchase." It extended on the
river from Enfield Falls and included (as described in 1710) Saltonstall Brook
and the Warehouse, about a mile apart-its south line evidently on the
N. bd. of the Town of W., as orig. set at Kettle Brook. The history of
this "Park" is more fully discussed in a subsequent portion of this chap-
ter.
72. JOHN BISSELL, Sen', "over the Great River, opposite to Pynemeado [Wind-
sor Locks], he hath in bdth. by the river 72 r., more or less; on the S. it is
bd. by Anth. Harokins from the river eastward 160 r., and then he falls
behind [i. e., takes up land in the rear of] Anthony Hawkins, and bds. by
James Eggleston, and is there [i. e., at that point] in bdth. 96 r., more or
less, and from thence he runs eastward 24 m.," yts bdd. on N. by him that
runs next; 60 r. in bdth. of this he hath from the Plantation, the rest by
purchase.
It is not possible, at this day, to run the Bissell lines very closely.
They were (as will be seen by reference to pages 130-1, Chapter on Indian
Purchases) large purchasers of east side lds., both on their own account
and as agents for the Town.
24. ANTHONY HAWKINS, "opp. to Pine Meado" [Windsor Locks], 24 acres; E. 160
r., bd. N. by John Bissell; S. by James Eggleston.
¹In the office of the Secretary of Statė, at Hartford, Conn., is a volume of Land
Records of the three River Towns, covering the period between 1640 and 1653. This
volume, which had been a long. time lost, was recovered in September, 1862; and, ac-
cording to endorsement of State Librarian Charles J. Hoadly, LL.D., is mostly in the
handwriting of Thomas Welles.
It commences thus in its record of Windsor lands:
"January ye 27th 1640. Wyndsor.
Severall Parcells of land in windsor upon the river Conetecotte belonging to the
inhabitants thereof, as followeth."
Matthew Grant (Town Recorder of Windsor) seems to have added, thirty years
later, five leaves between original pages 2 and 3 of the original book; and thereafter
we have a double paging (or, more exactly, numbering) of leaves.
LOCATIONS OF EARLY EAST-SİDE LAND-OWNERS.
545
N. No. of rods.
THE CONNECTICUT RIVER.
:
14.
14.
14.
11.
+
JAMES EGGLESTON, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Anth. Hawkins; S. by Rich. Samos.
(prob.) RICH. Samway (Sammis).
THOMAS BASSETT, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Rich. Samos; S. by Mary Collins.
MARY COLLINS, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Thos. Bassett.
24. JOHN BISSELL, Sen., E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Mary Collins; S. by Joshua Carter; B.
prob. bo't early of Thos. Dewey, who d. 1648, or from his wid,
17.
24.
JOSHUA CARTER, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Thos. Dewey; S. by Matthias Sension.
MATTHIAS SENSION (St. John?), E. 3 m; bd. N. by Joshua Carter; S. by John
Stiles.
17. JOHN STILES, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Matthias Sension; S. by Josias Hull.
10. JOSIAS HULL, E. 3 m.; bd. S. by John Hawkes; N. by John Stiles.
10. JOHN HAWKES, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Josias Hull; S. by Thos. Stayres.
13. THOMAS STAYES, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by John Hawkes; S. by Thos. Thornton.
15. THOMAS THORNTON, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Stayres; S. by Anth. Hawkins.
12. ANTHONY HAWKINS, E. 160 r.; bd. N. by Thornton; S. by Rich. Oldage.
RICHARD OLDAGE, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by A. Hawkins; S. by Elias Parkman;
"also more over Great River."
12.
25
•
ELIAS PARKMAN, "for a planting-lot"; É: 3 m.; bd. N. by Rich. Oldage; S.
by Henry Stiles.
10. HENRY STILES, “another lott, by purchase, neare unto yt" (referring to an-
other piece rec'd by grant); E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Elias Parkman; S. by Wm.
Gaylord.
WILLIAM GAYLORD, Jr., bd. by Henry Stiles on both sides; E. 3 m.
18. HENRY STILES, "for a planting lot"; E. 3 m.; N. bd. by Will Gaylord; S.
by Aaron Cook.
16. AARON Cook, a planting lot"; E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Henry Stiles; S. by Wal-
ter Filer.
16.
16.
WALTER FILER, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Aaron Cook; S. by John Taylor.
JOHN TAYLOR, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Walter Filer; S. by Will. Hubbard.
10. "Also JOHN BIRG is to have land on ye east side ye great river as it is in
breadth Tenn rodd and a halfe more or less as it bounds N. by yº land of
John Taylor, in length runs from ye great river that bounds it W. and
runes from it towards ye E. 3 miles, also bounded S. in part by ye land of
Jacob Drake as it runnes from ye great river toward ye east in a straight
leyne, it runes owfer a corner of scantock brooke and takes all ye river
within the leyne for a littell space and when it is eight score rodd from yº
great river which is ye length of Jacob Drake's, then it bounds by ye land
near Stephen Taylor's to ye eand of y° 3 miles from ye river,"
JOHN BIRG has land, breadth 18 rods; bd. N. Josiah Ellsworth; S. Henry Wol-
cott, Jr.; rùns back from ye great river easterly three miles. Date, post
1674: Refers, probably, to another grant further south. See page 548.
18. WILL. HUBBARD, bd. N. by John Taylor; S. by Giles Gibbs, begins 160 r.
from river; E. 23 m.; 18 acres of this, running E. 160 r., passed to Abm.
Randall, by exch:
30. GILES GIBBS, E. 3´m.; bd. N. by Randall & Hubbard; S. by John Bissell; G.d.
1641, devising this ld. to his s. Gregory, if he should serve out his appren-
ticeship faithfully; no further rec. of Gregory; property prob. changed
hands.
JOHN BISSELL.
WILL. HILL.
42. JOHN DRAKE, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Wm. Hill; S. by John Bissell.
7. JOHN BISSELL, "an add. to a former lot"; E. 3 m.; bd. N. by John Drake.
JOHN DRAKE, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by John Bissell; S. by Mr. St. Nicholas.
VOL. I.-69
12.
546
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
THE CONNECTICUT RIVER.
N.
No. of rods.
18 (?). ST. NICHOLAS (Mr.), prob. sold to Hoskins, and prob. the 18 r. credited on
Col. Rec. to JOHN HOSKINS and his son THOMAS, “as fro the Plantation ”;
E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Francis Stiles (see Saltonstall Park, p. 542), and S. by
John Haynes.
44. HAYNES, JOHN (Gov.) of Hartford, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by John Hoskins; S. by
William Gaylord, Senr.
1.
"
58. WILLIAM GAYLORD, Sen., "for part of 2d allotment and in part for meadow
and by purchase"; E. 3 m.; bd. N. by John Haines; S. by Humphrey Pinney.
Wm. G.'s s. John (known as John, Sr) came into possession of S. part of this.
'GAYLAR, JOHN, Sen., also, over ye great river, John Gaylar has ye south
side part of his father's lott in yº east side of yº great river an yº barne yt
is upon it; y land in breadth 21 rodd, wanting 2 foot, and bds. northerly
by ye land of Samuel Gaylar his brother and southerly by ye land of
Humphrey Pinney, westerly great river and is to run easterly 3 miles.
(Add. to Col. Rec., in handwriting of Matt. Grant, 167—).
27. HUMPHREY PINNEY, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by William Gaylord, Sr.; S. by Begat
Eggleston.
75. BEGAT EGGLESTON, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Humphrey Pinney; S. by John War-
ham.
20. JOHN WARHAM (Rev.), "another parcel "; E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Begat Eggleston;
S. by Thomas Stayres and William Hosford. One-half of this seems to
have passed into hands of John (s. Wm., Sen.) Gaylar, Sr. "On ye east
side of y great river 10 rodd and a halfe in breadth, that which was
John Warham's, in length 3 miles
bd N. by children of Wil-
liam Gaylar's, S. by land of Wm. Gaylar's (Jun¹?)." (Add. to Col. Rec.,
by Matt. Grant, 167—).
6. THOMAS STAYRES, as bo't of Wm. Hosford; E. 1 r.; bd. N. by John War-
ham; S. by Will. Hosford.
II.
THE PRESENT TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR.
29. William Hosford: over the Great river in breadth next the same, as far aš
160 r. goes, is 29 r.; at the end of the 160 r. the breadth is 24 r. and runs
the same breadth to the E. 3 miles; bd. as far as the 160 r. by Abraham
Randall on the S. and Thos. Stayres N., and after that by John Wareham,
N." Hosford exchanged "nookes" with Randall so they bounded on the
River.
Scantic River ~~~
10.
ABRAHAM RANDALL: E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Will. Hosford, S. by Philip Randall;
also 18 a. in exch, with Will. Hubbard E. 160 r.—John Bissell, 1653, bo't
from the River, 160 r.; bd. Easterly by Randall, at end of the 3 m.
14. PHILIP RANDALL: E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Ab'm Randall, S. by Roger Ludlow.
John Bissell, 1653, also bo't this, 160 r. E. from River; and, 1662, gave his
s. Nath'i † of the three lots (Ab'm and Philip Randall's and Roger Lud-
low's ?) 72 r. with another at his (John's) dth. John Sen' prob. res. here
from time of John Jr.'s marriage, 1657; and with his son Nath'l res. here
from 1662.
64. ROGER LUDLOW: (Íds. not rec.) sold to Mrs. Whiting; by her sold to John
Bissell, Sen'; a 3m. strip, 1649; B. sold 16 r. on S. side to Job Drake, then
repurchased it, "back to the meadow, or fence."
30. ELTWEED POMEROY: E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Roger Ludlow, S. by Will. Hill. Sold
to Whiting; bo't from wid. Whiting by John Bissell, who gave it to his
son Thomas, 1658.
LOCATION OF EARLY EAST-SIDE LAND-OWNERS.
547
N. No. of rods.
THE CONNECTICUT RIVER.
40. WILLIAM HILL, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Eltweed Pomeroy; S. by Geo. Gunn; sold
1648, "with house and barn" to Rich. Samways and Stephen Taylor;
Samways d. 1650, and Terry bo't the N. half 20 r. This ho. and barn the
first buildings on record E. of the Gt. River.
15. THOMAS GUNN, E. 3 m., bd. N. by Will. Hill; S. by John Mason. G. in 1678
gave it to his son-in-law, Timo. Thrall.
"more or less,'
25. JOHN MASON (Capt.); grant des. as 26 r. bdth., more or less," "continues that
breadth to the east side of the wet marsh, and there yts but 16 r. in bdth,
and so continues to the end of the 3 m."; bd. N. by Thos. Gunn; S. by
Roger Williams and Joseph Clarke. Sold to Henry Clarke, 1653. (Joseph
Clarke had a lot, 10 r. wide, which began on the further side of the wet
marsh at the beginning of the upland, and runs as far as the rest of the
lots do"; bd. N. by John Mason; S. by Roger Williams.)
17. ROGER WILLIAMS, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by John Mason; S. by Matthew Grant. W.
sold to Benj. Newbury; he to Jeffrey Baker before 1658, then it passed to
his son Samuel, 1665.
"
24. MATTHEW GRANT; bd. N. by R. Williams, S. by John Rockwell; runs S. [E.?]
3 m.; G. gave it to his son Samuel, 24 June, 1658; Samuel Grant's now
house" stood on this lot, 1677, "the one little ridge not drowned" in the
flood of March, 1639 - see Old Ch. Rec. (Acc. to Ld. Rec. John Rockwell
had 10 r. E. 3 miles; bd. N. by Grant, and S. by Wm. Rockwell. It is
not easy to find where this come in; or the following: "10 r. to John
R., thence John Taylor, to Begat Eggleston; to Saxton; to Michael Hum-
phrey; 20 r. Sam'l Rockwell," but in this vicinity evidently.)
30. WILLIAM ROCKWELL, bd. N. by John Rockwell; S. by Thos. Buckland; “20
r. of this [N. side] is in length 3 m., the other 10 r. is from the river E.
160 r."
(Henry Wolcott, Sen,, had 50 acres in bdth.; 10 r. to begin, 160 r. from the
River: and fr. thence in lgth. 24 m. towards E.; bd. S. by Thos. Buckland;
N. by Wm. Rockwell; - evidently back of Rockwell & Buckland.)
30. THOMAS BUCKLAND, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Wm. Rockwell; S, by Geo. Hull; de-
scended to B.'s sons.
27. GEORGE HULL, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Thos. Buckland; S. by Wm. Phelps; sold
to John Drake, Jr., 1660.
34. WILLIAM PHELPS, SEN., E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Geo. Hull; S. by Thos. Holcomb;
was given to his sons, Nathaniel and Samuel.
18. THOMAS HOLCOMB, E. 3 m.; hd. N. by Wm. Phelps; S. by Stephen Terry;
sold to George Phelps, before 1660.
36. STEPHEN TERRY, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Thos. Holcomb; S. by Thos. Stoughton;
sold to George Phelps, 1660.
50. THOMAS STOUGHTON, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Steph. Terry; S. by Ephm. Huit;
was given to his s. Thomas, 1646; his grandsons settled upon it.
20. EPHRAIM HUIT (Rev.), sold to Henry Clarke; then, 1661, to Thomas Loomis.
20. JOHN BRANKER, Mr. (the schoolmaster), E. 3 m.; bd, N, by Ephm. Huit; S.
by Christopher Wolcott; given by will to his wid. who m. Rev. Mr. War-
ham, 1662.
5. CHRISTOPHER WOLCOTT, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by John Branker; S. by Joseph
Loomis; sold to Job Drake; then, 1677, to Job Drake, Jr.
5. JOSEPH LOOMIS, by purchase (4 r.); E. 3 m.; N. by Chris. Wolcott; S. by Thos.
Moore; given to Nathan'l Loomis, 1655.
7. THOMAS MOORE, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Joseph Loomis; S. by John Moore.
7.
JOHN MOORE, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Thos. Moore; S. by John Witchfield.
548
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
THE CONNECTICUT RIVER.
N.
No. of rods.
4
29. JOHN WITCHFIELD (Elder), E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Thos. Moore;. S. by Henry Wol-
cott, Sen; sold to Anth: Hoskins, 1659.
20. HENRY WOLCOTT, Sen', had, somewhere in here, 10 r. on the river; E. 3 m.;
bd. by Witchfield and David Wilton, Sr.; and 14 acres, beginning 314 r.
from the river and ext. E. 160 r., with a bdth of 18 r.; bd. N. and S. by
his own grounds, and E. and W. by David Wilton.
་
18. DAVID WILTON, bd. by Henry Wolcott, Sr, on both sides;, "length is first from
the sª river back 314 r. and then the sa Henry Wolcott to have within the
same bds., according to the same bdth., 160 r. in length; and the sª David
W., at the end of the sd 160 r., to keep the sd breadth of 18 r. within the
bds. before-s; and to run to the E. 24 m."-
10. HENRY WOLCOTT, Sen'; E. 3 m.; bd. by David Wilton, N.; and S. by Henry
Fookes.
23. HENRY FOOKES, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Henry Wolcott, Sen; S. by Geo. Phelps;
sold to Henry Wolcott, Jr.
10. GEORGE PHELPS.
18. THOMAS DEWEY, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Geo. Phelps; S. by Benj. Newberry.
10. BENJAMIN NEWBERRY, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Thomas Dewey; S. by John New-
4.
berry.
10. JOHN NEWBERRY, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Benj. Newberry; S. by Sarah Newberry.
SARAH NEWBERRY, E. 3 m. (4 r.); bd. N. by John, and S. by Mary Newberry.
MARY NEWBERRY, E. 3 m.; bd., N. by Sarah, and S. by Rebecca Newberry.
10. REBECCA NEWBERRY, E. 3 m.; bd. N., by Mary, and S. by Hannah Newberry.
11. HANNAH NEWBERRY.
10.
18. JOSIAH ELLSWORTH. (See Birge.)
25.
26.
13.
15.
HENRY WOLCOTT, Jr., E. 3 m.; bd. by John Warham, N., and Jämes Mar-
shall, S.— corrected by Matt. Grant, "this is 36 r. in bdth.”
JAMES MARSHALL, Mr., not described; sold to Joseph Loomis, Jr.
THOMAS MARSHFIELD, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by Mr. Marshall; S. by Samuel Allen;
sold to Henry Wolcott, Sen.; passed to George. W. and afterwards to
Simon Wolcott.
SAMUEL ALLEN, E. 3 m.; bd. N. by John Hurd; S. by Joseph Loomis.
"
42. JOSEPH LOOMIS, Sen'; runs that bdth. back to the E. 160 r.; and then yts 60
r. in bdth., and so continues to the end of the 3 m."; bd. N. by Samuel
Allen; S. by John Porter.
58. JOHN PORTER, runs back to the E. 160 r. and then yts 50 r. in bdth., and so
continues to the end of the 3 m."; bd. N. by Joseph Loomis; S: by John
Witchfield.
10. JOHN WITCHFIELD (Elder), E. 3 m.; bd. N. by John Porter; S. by Thos. Ford;
sold, 1659, to Anth. Hoskins.
20. SIMON WOLCOTT, same bdth. for 160 r.; then 10 r. bdth. to end of 3 miles.
(It was prob. somewhere here that Jonathan and Nathan Gillett's grants
came in; the latter being described as "11 r. next Gt. River; the lgth.
begins 150 r. fm. river and runs 21 m.; bd. N. by Jonathan Gillett; S. by
Henry (?) Rossiter.") ·
33. BRAY ROSSITER (Dr.), bd. by John Diament (?) and Will. Jesse (?) on N. and
Henry Wolcott, Sen., on S.; E. 3 m. This was 18 r. wide to the 2d swamp,
and 15 r. wide to the end of the 3 miles.
81. HENRY WOLCOTT, Sen'., 24 acres; 1gth. fro. River to E. to the 2d swamp, the
N. side abt. 50 r. the S, side 70 r.; bd. by Benj. Newberry on S. and Bray
Rossiter on N.
24. BENJ. NEWBERRY, "toward Podanke," one acre meadow ld., 78 r. from river
E. to swamp; bd. N. by Henry Wolcott, Sen"; S. by John Newberry.
+
LOCATION OF EARLY EAST-SIDE LAND-OWNERS.
549
No. of rods,
N
4.
THE CONNECTICUT RIVER.
t
JOHN NEWBERRY, "toward Podanke"; a similar grant; from "rivulett [Po-
dunk] to the Swamp 342 r."; bd. N. by Benj. and S. by Sarah Newberry —
12 acre.
24. - SARAH NEWBERRY, "toward Podanke," a similar grant; bd. N. by John and
S. by Mary Newberry.
24. MARY NEWBERRY, "toward Podanke,” a similar grant, “"3 score & 12 r.”;
bd. N. by Sarah and S. by Rebecca Newberry.
24. REBECCA NEWBERRY, "toward Podanke," a similar grant; bd. N. by Mary,
S. by Hannah Newberry.
21.
HANNAH NEWBERRY, length from river to swamp, 73 r.; bd. N. by Rebecca
·Newberry, S. by John Warham.
181: JOHN WARHAM, (Rev.,) "meado towards Podanke,” 3 acres; 3 r. bdth. 9 r.;
length to swamp, 3+18 r.; bd. N. by Hannah Newberry; S. by John Por-
ter — 51 acre.
(At rear of these Newberry and Warham lots, a piece of 10 acres =
rods, sold to Joseph Newberry, 1641.)
251
6. JOHN PORTER, had 3 acres meadow between river and swamp; 80 r.; gave to
his. S.,
James.
20. JOSEPH LOOMIS, had 10 a. meadow, between river and swamp, running back
2
83 r.; bd. N. by John Porter, S. by Mr. Huit, 3 acres of which was from
the town, the rest by purchase.
12. EPHRAIM HUIT (Rev.), had 61 acres between river and swamp; running back
83 r.; it was sold to Joseph Loomis, and passed to his son Joseph.
27. JOHN TALCOTT (Mr.), of Hartford; “hath alowed fro the Plantation by virtue
of a Purchase, the summe of 13 acres," near Podonk, bd. N. by Tho.
S. by Roger Williams, "for the length yt begins neere the great river and
runs backe on the N. 88 r., on the S. 20 r." It was sold to Thos. Ford.
6. ROGER WILLIAMS, near Podanke,” 50 r. back from river; bd. N. by Talcott;
S. by Will. Hill; was also sold to Thos. Ford.
18. WILLIAM HILL, "one parcel of meadow near Podunck, with an add. of swamp
6 acres, more or less "; ext. from river to the 1st brook; bd. N. by R. Wil-
liams; S. by John Branker; was also sold to Thomas Ford.
?
32. THOMAS FORD, seems to have had a large hold upon real estate in this vicinity.
In 1655 he recorded this grant (of 32 ft. front on river) anew, together with
the Hill, Williams, and Talcott parcels mentioned. He had also the land
lying east of the meadow lots of the Newberrys, Wolcott, Porter, and
others, south of Bray Rossiter, and to end of the 3 miles. Also, a parcel
of ld. “76 r. yt keeps the which breath from the river but 83 r., and fro.
there [i. e., that point] it runs in bdth. 44 r. to the End of the 3 m. uppon
the S. side"; bd. N. by Aaron Cook; S. by John Talcott. (See Talcott.)
い
​7. EDWARD ELMER, had by exch. with Thos. Ford 90 r. ext. 3 m., which includes
the above 4 lots (Ford, Hill, Williams, and Talcott), and also the 144 r. lot
E. of Wolcott's and others.
Podunk River.
44. JOSEPH FITCH, 1662, bo't of the General Court (to which Thomas Ford had
mortgaged it and failed to redeem it), in the meadow south of Podunk
river; same width E. 3 m. if there was width enough to the end within
Windsor bds.
THOMAS BURNHAM. On page 132 we said: "It is very evident by the old
Burnham deeds that the Burnham purchase extended north into South
Windsor." Corroborative of this, and connected also with what was said
on p. 131, is the following:
Nov. 14, 1662. At a Town Meeting at Windsor, held to consider the
550
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
N. No. of rods.
THE CONNECTICUT RIVER.
application of Thos. Burnham, of Hartford, to buy a certain parcel of land
at Podunk, "now at present, in the Indians' possession and improvement,
and, by agreement made by the town with the said Indians, to belong to
them," &c., the town consented to the purchase, on certain conditions, viz.:
(1) it should in no degree prejudice or nullify the Indians' right to those
lands lying within the bounds of Windsor; (2) Burnham should not directly
or indirectly molest the Indians in peaceable possession and improvement
of said land, whereby their livelihood or subsistence may be obstructed;
but, if a mutual agreement could be made, B. and his heirs were to possess
the land; (3) If Burnham should make a contract with the Indians, then
he or his heirs were to build within the bounds of Windsor, so that his lands
and other valuable estate might be subject to the common charges and
levies within the town of Windsor; Lastly, this was to put an end to all
controversy, and Burnham "shall relinquish all claim to any land behind
Podunk brook."
KING, EDWARD (Irishman), Sept. 16, 1662, had additional land set out to him
by that previously sold to him by Thos. Ford (see Ford above) on the
South side of Podunk brook (evidently east of the river meadow), on condition
that Burnham should have a right of way through one corner of K's land,
to pass from the "Indian land," or swamp, to his (B's) own land. March
22, 1663–4, Burnham complained to the town that King had obstructed his
passage across the 23 acres set out to King - the way set out to him (B.)
by the town for that purpose, which way passeth before the cellar
[house] of said King"; and, on examination, a committee reported that
Burnham should have free liberty of said highway “until such time as
Edward King hath removed his cellar and leveled the place where his cel-
lar now is."
Attempts to obtain a Distinct Church Organization.
The first inhabitants of Windsor Farms for many years attended
public worship on the west side of the river, and retained their connec-
tion with the church and congregation there. But this was accompanied
with great inconvenience and, in certain seasons of the year, with so
much hardship, and even danger, as to induce them, at a very early
period, to seek relief. Accordingly, in May, 1680, they petitioned the
assembly for a separate township, that they might settle a minister and
enjoy religious ordinances of their own. Their request, however, seems
to have been denied, as eleven years after, in October, 1691, we find
them again urging the matter in the following well-set and expressive
language:
1
To the Hon' Gen¹ Court sitting at Hartford, October 8, 1691:
The petition of the inhabitants of Windsor on the East side of the River, humbly
sheweth; That whereas by God's providence, who is the Supreme Orderer of the bounds
of all men's habitations, ours are so disposed as that we are incapacitated for attendance
upon the public worship of God, in our Towne, without great Trouble, Labor, Hazard,
and difficulty on the Sabbath, which by Divine appointment is a day of rest, and a con-
siderable part of our inhabitants being for the most part wholly deprived of any oppor-
¹State Archives, Eccl., i., 87.
MOVEMENTS TOWARDS A CHURCH ORGANIZATION.
551
tunity of enjoying God in his ordinances in public worship, and God having increased
the number of our families to above 50, wherein it is reckoned there are near 300 per-
sons capable to hear the word of God to profit, and apprehending it inconsistent with
the design of our fathers who came into this wilderness that they might enjoy the ordi-
nances of God in peace, without disturbance, and laying out our land for a settlement
of so many of us their children on *yt side of the River, that we should be thereby
deprived of the liberty of quietly enjoying God in his ordinances on the Sabbath, & the
Town together being by God's Goodness to us able to maintain 2 ministers; We humbly
petition that the Hon¹ Court would be pleased to order that the Town should mutually
maintain 2 ministers, and one of the 2 to be settled on the East side of the River. We
request the Hon' Court to consider that it hath pleased the Hond Gen¹¹ Ct to grant an
enlargement of 5 miles to our place for encouragement of the plantation, which is noth-
ing to us, without the enjoyment of God's ordinances there. And the extreme hazards,
dangers, and difficulties to the most able, and total inability of the greater part to go to
the publick meeting at the Town, and the many Sabbaths that none of us can go, forces
is to make this our application to this Hond Court Your compliance herewith will
oblige us, & as in duty we are bound to pray, &c.
Signed by us in behalf of the major
part of the inhhabitants of Windsor
on the East side of the River
JOSEPH FITCH
NATHL BISSELL
SAMUEL GRANT SR
At their next session, May, 1692, the court declared that "finding
a difficulty arising in the case," they were unwilling to render an imme-
diate decision; but appointed Mr. William Pitkin, Mr. Timothy Wood-
bridge, and Mr. Noadiah Russell "to meet at Windsor, and to endeavor
to bring the people to a comfortable agreement between themselves for
settling the ministry to the best accommodating of the people, and to
make report thereof to the Court at their next session." The committee
was to meet on "Thursday come 7 night at Windsor."
It does not appear from the records exactly what was the nature of
the "difficulty in the case," which influenced this action of the court.
It probably, however, arose from the unwillingness of the inhabitants of
the town on the west side of the river to allow the formation of a new
society, which would involve a division of the estates, and thus increase
their own share of the burden of ministerial support. That this was one
if not the chief "difficulty," is evident from the record of the subsequent
court,' wherein (June 22d) they say that, "having considered the same,"
they "do not find the estate of the people to be such as may at this
present encourage this Court to grant their petition," and they therefore
"recommend it to the inhabitants of Windsor to a hearty endeavor in
the first place to settle a comfortable maintainance to their present min-
ister, & then that they (of the West side) do freely grant the people on that
(East) side to provide for the settlement of a minister on that side in
some good way of their own agreement, for this Court sees that after a
little patience the necessity of the case will call for it, & it will be [a
¹ Col. Rec., May and June, 1692, p. 71-78.
552
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
matter] of necessity to have 2 places of public worship in that Town,
one on each side of the river."
品
​This sensible advice of the honorable court was followed, and the
east side folks held their "souls in patience" for two years longer. But
the inexorable "necessity of the case" was still upon them, a burden
too grievous to be borne. Consequently we are not surprised to find them
again agitating the question.
April ye 9th, 1694. We whose names are underwritten, being the inhabitants of
Windsor, on the east side Connecticut river, do earnestly desiré that we may have lib-
erty to procure and settle a minister among us to be maintained by the present inhabit-
ants and those that shall inhabit with us hereafter.¹
Joseph Fitch, Sr.,.
Nath❜l Bissell,
Sam'l Grant, Sr.,
John Colt, Sr.,
Sam❜l Rockwell, Sr.
Thomas Stoughton,
Stephen Tailer,
Thomas Bissell,.
Nath❜l Loomis,
John Loomis,
Henry Wolcott,
Jeremiah Diggins,
Samuel Baker,
Job Drake, Sr.,
Josiah Loomis,
Nath. Porter,
Sam'l Grant, Jr.,
Joseph Drake,
Joshua Willes, Sr.,
Joseph Loomis,
James Loomis,
Simon Wolcott,
James Porter,
John Elmor, Sr.,
Joseph Skinner, Jr.,.
John Strong, Jr., :
John Pinney,
Geo. Sanders,
Benj. Bissell,
John Stoughton,
Joseph Colt,
Matt. Grant,
John Taylor,
Robert Stedman,
Samuel Rockwell,
Joseph Fitch,´.
Joseph Rockwell,
Josiah Grant,
John Grant,
John Moore, Jr.,
Thos. Long,
John Elmor, Jr.,
Joshua Willes,
[Moses?] Loomis.
Settlement of the Rev. Mr. Edwards.
The desired permission was accordingly granted by the Assembly
on the 10th of May, 1694:
Whereas, the inhabitants of Windsor on the east side of the Great River have
petitioned this Court that [they] may have liberty to procure and settle a minister
amongst them to be maintained by the present inhabitants and those that shall inhabit·
there hereafter, this Court grants their petition that they may procure a minister to
settle with them, provided that all those that live on the east side the river shall be at liberty
to continue and repair to the ministry on the west side and there to pay their dues and duties,
and all those on the west side of the river that have estate, in land or otherwise, on the
east side their estate shall be rated to the ministry of the west side, and this order to
take no place till they of the east side have a minister settled among them, and to con-
tinue no longer than they do keep a minister there."
¹ State Archives, Eccl., i., 103,
SETTLEMENT OF REV. MR. EDWARDS.
553
Every impediment being now removed, the east side people lost no
time in procuring the services of the Rev. Timothy Edwards, who
preached to them as a candidate from "the midst of November" follow-
ing, until his formal ordination as their pastor. "According to Mr.
Thomas Stoughton's memoranda, 'Mr. Edwards came with his wife,
November 14, 1694,' and probably his first ministerial work was done in
Mr. Stoughton's house, the church edifice and parsonage not being com-
pleted for more than two years after; or, more likely, he gathered his
flock in some large barn.
Mr. Stoughton was, at this time, a
selectman of Windsor, and owing to his prominence in the community,
was naturally called upon to entertain the ministerial bridal party; for,
only eight days before, the queenly young woman, who accompanied Mr.
Edwards, had in her distant Northampton home become the new pastor's
bride. Though Mr. Edwards' pastoral labors commenced immediately
upon his arrival at the "Farmes," the early records of it are very incom-
plete, but we know that it was "a peculiarly laborious one. Throughout
his minutes of transactions, we have the evidence of his self-denying
spirit. When we consider that this merchant's son,- this foremost
among the scholars of New England -was restrained in the develop-
ment of those innate powers of his being by the drudgery of a farmer's
life, a life from which, by birth and education, he must have naturally
shrank we can have some idea of what it was to bring his lofty con-
ceptions and thoughts to practice the routine of a husbandman's career.
"" 1
Their choice had fallen on one eminently qualified, both by nature
and education, to be their spiritual guide and counsellor. He was well
descended, being the eldest son of Mr. Richard Edwards of Hartford,
"a respectable merchant and an exemplary Christian." His boyhood
had been spent in the midst of a pious, well-regulated family circle, and
having pursued his studies at the Grammar School of his native city, he
was at a proper age sent to complete them under the Rev. Peletiah
Grover of Springfield. Under this eminent classical scholar he finished
his preparatory studies, and entered Harvard College in 1687. On the
4th of July, 1691, he received on the same day, the degree of Bachelor
and Master of Arts, "which was an uncommon mark of respect paid to
his extraordinary proficiency in learning.”
Such were the antecedents of the individual who now, in the prime
of his youth, consecrated his talents to the service of God, in caring for
the spiritual welfare of this pioneer community.
1 Windsor Farmes.
² As to the somewhat apochryphal ancestry and Welsh origin etc., of Rev. Timo.
Edwards, see Windsor Farmes, pp. 38, 39.
VOL. I.-70
554
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
First Meeting-House.
Less than fifty families, according to the petition given on page 550,
comprised the whole population of the east side settlement of Windsor,
from Podunk Brook on the south to the site of the present Connecticut
River Co.'s quarry on the north, a distance of about six miles. Between
these points a little back from edge of the upland which overlooked
the meadows wandered the winding bridle-path which (gradually en-
larged, improved, and built upon as time rolled on), came finally to be
known as "The Street" a name still distinguishing it, in common
parlance, from all other roads in the vicinity. A few families had set-
tled, back from the river, on Kettle Brook (Windsorville) and also on
the Scantic, where good milling privileges offered; — but all else— the
sites of Broad Brook, Ellington, Warehouse Point, and Windsorville,
formed then "a howling wilderness."
I
About the time these people had called Mr. Edwards, they had
erected the frame of a small meeting-house upon the crest of a sandy
knoll in the extreme northeast corner of the old burying ground, and
facing "the Street" opposite the present residence of the late Oliver
Cook. "Just north of it," says Mr. Stoughton, "across a narrow ravine,
then much more abrupt than now, stood the old Palisado, or Fort, which
was built as a protection against the Indians. This was upon the lot
late owned by Maj. F. W. Grant, and vestiges of it were discernible
about 1800. Its location upon the brow of the hill overlooking the
meadows, gave an advantageous site from which to repel the foe; while
its proximity to the only house of worship made it a convenient rendez-
vous to the settlers, who, at the sound of drum or blowing of trumpet,
were wont to assemble at the church. Both these structures were with-
in sight and signal of the old fort [Palisado] and church [at Windsor
proper], being erected at a point where the highway approached nearest
to the river." It is not probable that this edifice was completed for
several years, or used for worship until about 1696/7; and, indeed,
various subsequent charges for "mending" show that it was never en-
tirely finished.
Having now called a minister, the Court, May, 1695, granted them
"so much of their country rate as amounted to 3 pence upon the pound,
for their encouragement," a favor which was repeated the following
year; and further enlarged to "one-half" in May, 1697, which was the
1
""
¹ Comparison between the former and the present editions of this work, will show
that I have accepted, as more correct, the opinions relating to this first meeting-house,
&c., expressed by Mr. JOHN A. STOUGHTON, Esq., in his Windsor Farmes, p. 44, et alios.
The authorities which he presents in that work, render him the highest Appellate
Court on this and kindred matters relating to the East Windsor church during Mr.
Edwards' ministry.
H. R. S.
REV. TIMOTHY EDWARDS' HOUSE.
555
more acceptable, undoubtedly, because.it was (see p. 233) a year of great
mortality, scarcity, and distress.
"At a meeting of Inhabitants on the East side of the Great River in Windsor, for
the settling of Mr. Timothy Edwards in the work of the ministry, September 25, 1695,
it was then voted as follows:
'That they will allow Mr. Edwards, besides the hundred pounds formerly granted,¹
three score pounds a year for the two first years, 2 seventy pounds per year for the next
two years, and eighty pounds per year for the future, and his wood. "
4
About the time Mr. Edwards had accepted the call, his father had
purchased for him a farm and upon it built a good substantial house.
It was a plain, two-story house, built close to the ground. It was nar-
row and long, with a door in the middle of the front, which faced the
west. The southwest room had a bench fastened to the wall around
three sides. It was located on the east side of the main street, near the
residence of his brother-in-law, Capt. Thomas Stoughton, on a slight emi-
nence, about a hundred rods north of Stoughton's Brook. From the house
the land sloped towards the east to a brook that flowed at the foot of a
'As compensation for his time and services while ministering to them as a candidate.
2 His first year commenced in the midst of November, 1694, and ended in the midst
of May, '95. He received for it £31 9s. 8d. at a rate (in year 1695) of 31d. on the pound.
The collectors were John Stoughton and Samuel Tudor.
"A copy of a receipt which Mr. Timothy Edwards gave to the collectors which is
as followeth :
"I do hereby acknowledge that I have received the full of my Rate made for the-
first half year, as witness my hand.
December 11, '96.
TIMOTHY EDWARDS."
³ Whereas, Joseph Phelps, of Windsor, deceased, did ingage to a committee of the
inhabitants of the sd town, living on the east side of the river, as appears from the testi
mony of Job Drake and Thomas Stoughton, members of the sd committee that the said
Inhabitants should have some part of his woodland, on the South side of his lott, lying
by Thomas Stoughton's land nine rod and a half in breadth, extending eastward for the
country rode 40 rods, for the accomodation of Mr. Timothie Edwards the minister of
the place, this court now impowers the widow of the sd Joseph Phelps to confirm the
sa land to the said inhabitants for yr sd use.
Hartford May 19, 1696
(Stoughton Mss.)
a true coppie of the Court act,
as Attest. Eleazur Kimberly
Secretary
4 i. e., the ground floor of the house was laid on the ground, and the sills of the
house laid upon it, so that in entering one had to step over the sill. It has been de-
scribed to us by very old people, as having a projection in the center of the front, per-
haps 8 or 9 feet square, forming on the lower floor a vestibule, or ante room. The
house, like all the houses of that period, was furnished with fireplaces sufficiently large
to take in wood five or six feet in length, and leave room enough on each side to seat a
large family of children. Wood was abundant, and his people kept his wood-pile well
supplied, so he used it freely. His negro, Tom, attended to his fires, and it is related
of Mr. Edwards that when the room became too hot for comfort, he would call upon
Tom to bring in an armful of green wood to quench the fire.
556
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
i
2
steeper hill, which was then crowned with a beautiful forest of primeval
trees, and from which an extensive view was afforded of the wide sweep-
ing meadows and broad flowing Quonetakut beyond. To this spot Mr.
Edwards was accustomed to go for seclusion, and there his son Jonathan
built the booth wherein he held soul-inspiring converse with God."
The house was completed about Jan. 1, 1697. Its construction occupied
about a year, the timbers being drawn from the distant mill during the
winter season, when the farmers were more at leisure, and loads could
be better drawn upon sleds., Corporal Joseph Stiles and John Hosford
seem to have been the master workmen; and, a portion of the time, were
boarded by the selectman, Capt. Stoughton, who charges Mr. Edwards
"Sept. 25, 1696, for diatting Corporal Stiles and his son Joseph 4 days,
5s. 4d. Oct. 4th, for diatting John Hosford 1 week, 4s. 6d." Brick was
brought from Podunk and clay to stop the interstices was used instead
of mortar. The windows were of diamond-shaped panes set in lead..
In May, 1696, the General Court enacted, " upon the motion of divers
of the inhabitants of Windsor living on the east side of the river," that
they should have liberty, "in an orderly way, with the consent of neigh-
bor churches," to "imbody themselves into church estate," and to pro-
ceed with the ordination of their minister, first having obtained the free
consent of the church of Windsor. This, however, involved the division
of the parish- then a new thing—in fact, this was one of the earliest
instances of the kind in the Colony. And it is quite likely that "the
free consent of the church of Windsor" was not so easily obtainable;
for, although a vote was passed in by the east-side inhabitants of Wind-
sor May 3, 1697, that Mr. Edwards should be called to the office " as
soon as conveniently may be," it is not until May 28, 1698, that Mr.
Stoughton makes charge in his Account Book for "Provition laid in the
3
¹ Under date of March 30, 1812, Rev. Mr. Robbins' Diary records that “the house of
Mr. Edwards, the first minister in this town, in which the great President Edwards was
born, was taken down. It was in its day a very expensive house, decorated with many
elegant ornaments. The roof was very steep, and it is said it has had but one covering
of shingles.” If, as supposed, this house was built for Mr. Edwards by his father, Mr.
Richard Edwards, of Hartford, in 1694, it must have been at the time of its demolition
about 118 years old. It stood until 1813, when it was replaced by a smaller one,
erected by Mr. James Flint, which stands over the original cellar. The stepping-stone
which laid in front of the sill was purchased of Mr. Flint and used as the corner stone
of the Theological Institute at East Windsor Hill.
2 Windsor Farmes.
"and those that are made church members to treat with him respecting that mat-
ter." In the same vote, the East-siders included "an aplycation" to the Gen. Court
"yt the presant inhabytance and them that shall inhabit with them hereafter may have
the liberties and priviledges of a towne"; and Capt. Joseph Fitch, Mr. Nath'l Bissell and
Thomas Stoughton were chosen "to order that affair. Allso, voated that seates be made
in the meeting house and each one to pay there proportion by way of rate.”— Stoughton
Mss.

PRES. JONATHAN EDWARDS.

THE HOUSE OF REV. TIMOTHY EDWARDS, EAST WINDSOR, AND BIRTH-PLACE
OF PRES. JONATHAN EDWARDS.
Uor M

REV. MR. EDWARDS' ORDINATION.
557
house of Mr. Edwards for his ordination" - the list including rum, wine,
butter, cheese, eggs, and wheat-meal. So it seems that the real division
of parishes did not take place until 1698.¹
“At a General Court held at Hartford, May 12th, 1698, Ordered by this Court that
all those that do now inhabit on the East side of the Great River in the township of
Windsor and those who shall hereafter inhabit there shall pay their equal proportions
with the rest of their neighbours for the maintenance of the worship of God in that
place so long as they shall there inhabit.
Vera Copia
Test. ELEAZUR KIMBERLY, Sec'y."
It will seem strange to many to know that "the ordination was
followed by a ball in honor of the event. Such, however, is the fact.
Not long since, there was found, in the young pastor's handwriting, the
original invitation sent to Capt. Thomas Stoughton and wife, urging their
attendance at an Ordination ball,' given at his own house and signed
by Timothy Edwards."
6
July 21, 1699, the embryo Society commissioned Dea. Job Drake
to purchase its first communion service, or, as the record has it, "Cupes
and plators, flaggons, tabel linen."
Incorporation as a Distinct Society.
At a General Court holden at Hartford, Oct. 12th, 1669.
"Ordered by this Court and the authority thereof that the inhabitants of Windsor
on the East side of the Great River, belonging to the society there, shall have liberty to
choose 3 or 4 men for a Committee to order the affairs of that society, and also Col-
lectors to gather rates.
A true Copy.
Test. ELEAZUR KIMBERLY, Sec'y."
The people of Mr. Edwards's charge were thus incorporated into
an ecclesiastical society, henceforth known as the Second Church and
Society in Windsor.
Accordingly, at their first subsequent meeting, "John Stoughton,
Sgt. James Porter, Samuel Tudor, Corporal John Ellsworth, were chosen
a committee to order the affairs of the society. John Stoughton was
chosen clerk "to record the votes and make rates." Joseph Skinner
and John Rockwell were chosen collectors.
December 15, 1702. Voted, "that every man and all the teams
shall spend one day to cut and cart wood for Mr. Edwards, and if that
doth not provide wood enough for one year, then that the Committee
now chosen shall have power to call out the men and teams another
day."
In 1706 we find the following item among the expenses of the
Society:
¹ Rebecca Drake, who died in 1790, at the age of 100 years and 8 months, distinctly
remembered when Mr. Edwards was ordained.
558
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
66
"To Lieut. Willis for sweeping the Meeting-house, £1: 6d."
In those earlier days even a lieutenant did not disdain to be a
doorkeeper in the house of the Lord." He performed this office until
about 1723. -
Second Meeting-House.
"At a meeting of the Society on the East side [of] Connecticut River, in Windsor,
December 28, 1710.
'Deacon Drake was chosen Moderator for this meeting.
'Voted at this meeting that the place where the meeting-house shall be set up
shall be determined by a major vote.
Voted by this Society that they would build a meeting-house.
"Voted that the new meeting-house shall be set up in this place where the present
meeting-house now standeth, or within a few rods of said house.
'Voted also that the new meeting-house shall be built 40 feet square, and of a suit-
able height."
Capt. Thomas Stoughton, Lt. Nathaniel Loomis, Sgt. Henry Wol-
cott, Sgt. John Ellsworth, Sgt. Samuel Bancroft, were also appointed a
Building Committee with discretionary power.
1711, Sept. Mr. Edwards, chaplain of an expedition against the
French in Canada, falling sick, the Governor and Council sent two men,
with four horses, to Albany to bring him home. Col. Rec., 270.
May 22, 1713, "voted the roof of the new meeting-house shall be
as this is."
Also, voted; to raise a rate of £100, "to be paid by January next,"
for building said meeting-house.
And one year after (May, 1714) it was voted "that this old meeting-
house should be put into the Committee's hands to dispose of." This,
with an accompanying vote to raise a rate of £100 on the next list for
finishing" the new meeting-house, chronicles the completion of the
latter. See, also, note on page 44 of Windsor Farmes.
66
Its erection, however, had not been unaccompanied with difficulties.
and vexations; for who ever heard of a New England meeting-house
being built that did not call out some expression of dissatisfaction, or
some manifestation of ill temper? In this instance, the cause of the
trouble was that most prolific of all causes the location of the new
house. The records of the Society merely mention a trouble which had
arisen from "Henry & Simon Wolcott & others," which necessitated the
calling of a council. The matter is more fully explained by a petition
preserved in the State Archives. This petition, dated October 5, 1713,
is made by 57 families living south and 37 families living north of the
meeting-house, who, after stating that the present or old house stood
"near the midst," between Martha Osborn's house on the north, and
John Morton's house on the south, 83 miles and 60 poles apart, go on
THE LOCATION OF A NEW MEETING-HOUSE.
559
to affirm that the travel of the south families is about double that of the
people on the north. They, therefore, urgently pray that the new
meeting-house may be more equally located.' In Oct., 1713, the General
Court, in reply to the petition of the inhabitants of the east side that it
would consider and determine where they shall set the new meeting-
house among them, "ordered, that the new meeting-house agreed to be
set up by the petitioners on the east side of the river in Windsor, be set
up on or near the place where the present old meeting-house now
stands." Their request was evidently reasonable, and the number and
eminent respectability of those who urged it secured the respectful
consideration of the assembly, who called a council to compose the dif-
ference.
This council, consisting of Joseph Talcott, Timo. Woodbridge, and
Thos. Buckingham, met on the 15th of May following (1714), and their
decision supported the previous action of the Society, viz.: 1st, that the
new meeting-house should be placed according to their own votes and
the act of the assembly; 2d, that the dissenting brethren be quiet and
Christian-like; 3d, that they reserve the liberty, "when God in His
providence shall put them into a capacity for it in a lawful and orderly
way," to make a distinct society.
Thus thrown back upon their own resources, the South-enders, as
we may call them, seem to have made a vigorous and honorable
attempt to hold their ground, as appears from the following document:
'We, the subscribers (being Inhabitants on the East side of the Great Riuer in
Windsor), haueing sett up a frame and intending. to cover the same that it may Be in
a Readynes (if providence shal open a door to our Being a Society) for us for a meeting
house. And as yet not Being formed into a sosiety and thereby under disadvantage in
Respect of gatering mony to Defray the charge of couering sd house Being wiling and
desireouse that the mony to defray the charge of couering sd should be Leued upon
Euery man according to his Rateable Estate upon List this present year have therefor
Bound our selves and By these presents do Bind our selves and successors to pay or
cause to be paid unto Cor. Nath¹¹ fitch, Jeams Loomis, Thomas Skinner and Robert
Stedman junt al of Windsor afores" who were chosen and apointed by us the above
1 Signatures to the above :
Joseph Fitch, Sr.,
Nath'l Fitch,
Joseph Newberry,
John Wolcott,
Nath❜l Porter,
Jas. Loomis,
Joseph Porter,
Sam❜l Elmor,
Jeremiah Diggins,
Jeremiah Diggins, Jr.,
Joseph Colt,
11
John Elmor, Sr.,
Benj. Loomis,
Hezekiah Porter,
Samuel Fitch,
Joseph Stedman,
Sam❜l Burnham,
繄​氂
​Simon Wolcott,
John Morton,
Noah Loomis,
Jabez Colt,
John Wood, Sr.,
Thos. Loomis,
Thomas Skinner,
Robert Stedman,
Ed. Elmor,
Benj. Colt,
Sam❜l Evans,
Samuel Long,
Hezekiah Loomis,
Henry Wolcott,
Roger Wolcott,
William Wolcott,
Mary Morton,
Joseph Phelps.
560
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
mentioned parties to be a committe to have the ouresight of that afair, the ful and just
sums that by computation shal be found to Be our proportion according to our Estate
as it is upon List this present year to the true and faithful performance of the above
written premises we the above mentioned parties have bound our selves and successors
as witnes our hands this 25th day of January 171.
Signed in presence of us
John Stedman
Simoon Woolcot
Moses Loomies, jun
Natheneal Fitch
Hezekiah Porter
Henary Wolcot
Jabez Coult
Joseph Porter
Jams Loomys
Jn° Wolcot
hezekiah Lomys
Robert Stedman, iun
Thomous Digines
Noah Loomis
Beniamin Coult,
Thomous Skinner
Jeremiah Digins Jr
Samuel Elmor
Samuel Stedman
Benjamin Loomus
Daniell
Thomas Lomus
Samuel Fitch
Joseph Coult
John Wood
Samuell Burnham
John Morton
Joseph Elmer
Jaromia Digens
Sarh long
Nathanil Porter.¹
An amusing evidence of the intensity of the excitement to which
this controversy had given rise is presented in the following verbatim et
literatim copy of some "Verses made by Jabez Colt [of East, now South
Windsor], when they raised the Meeting-House on the East Side of the
Great River, at the Lower End," which we found in Timothy Loomis's
old common-place book. In the same book we find that "the meeting-
house (on ye South end) of ye east side of Great River was raised
March 22d, 1714.”
Behold all you that do pass by
Which at us scorne and jeare
Be pleased now to turne aside
and our defence to heare
You do account that we Rebel
And Siscems [schisms] we do make
Thus are we in the talker's mouths
and of us they do spake.
As if that some new sectary
we did intend to bring
we never had the least intent
to practise such a thing.
Thus Ruben, Gad, Menassa's tribe
they were reproacht likewise
but yet the altar which they built
was not for sacrifice.
1 Original S. W. Ch. Mss.
Nor neither do we build this house
false worship to erect
Yet grieviously, without a cause
on us they do reflect.
But if you have a mind to know
or heare the reasons why
we undertake to build this house
I'le tell ye presently.
One reason why we build this house
I openly declare
to offer praises, Sacrifice
and for a house of prayer.
The Lord of host [s] now grant for us
with upright hand and mind
we in the same may worship him
with hearts that are unfained.
MEETING-HOUSE POETRY.
561
And let our priest with righteousness
as with a robe be clad
His holy truth for to unfold
to make our soles full glad
One other reason yet there is
the which I will unfold
how many of us suffer much
both by the heat and cold.
It is almost four milds
which some of us do go
upon God's holy Sabbath day
in times of frost and snow.
Two milds we find in Holy writ
Sabbath daie's journies bee
O wherefore then are we compelled
for to go more than three [?]
By reason of the length of way
Our burden it is great
through stormy wind which we do go
both in the rain and snow.
now let us all with one accord
in unity and love
by lifting up of heart and mind
Seeking to God above
That he would cast off our reproach
and eke exalt our horne
and with His gracious presence then
Our Meeting house adorn.
Attempt to Divide the Parish.
Still unsatisfied, the people residing in the south part of the town
petitioned the Assembly (May 12, 1715) for liberty to set up a separate
society.' This petition, signed by forty-one persons, was promptly
negatived by the assembly. And finally the matter was again referred
to the former council, who reaffirmed their previous decision, supporting
the vote of the society and the assembly.
Finding both the assembly and council unyielding, the dissenting
brethren had no alternative but submission, and at the next society
meeting, on December 26, 1716, it was "voted that Roger Wolcott, Esq.,
Capt. Stoughton, and Ens. Burnham should dignify the seats' in the
meeting-house." 2
192
6
In August 30, 1717, the Society voted Mr. Edwards £100, which
"shall be paid Mr. Edwards, whether he does stay with us, or go away
from us."
Meeting-House Improvements.
December, 1718, the Society vote records that, "if there be money
left that was raised for the building the meeting-house, the committee
shall be empowered to build pews over the gallery stairs."
December 8, 1719, it was voted "that the present committee shall
demand what money there is due the Society, and lay it out to buy a
cushion and a hour-glass; and make two horse-blocks, one on the north
end of the meeting-house, and the other on the south; and build two
pews, one over the south stairs, and the other over the north stairs, if
the money will hold out. Voted, if there be money enough together,
then to make caps over the doors."
¹ State Archives, Eccl., ii. 237.
2 State Archives, ii. 237.
VOL. I.-71.
7?
562
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
•
99.
Probably the money failed "to hold out," as the " caps were
rescinded at a subsequent meeting. Our fathers were careful not to
incur any undue amount of indebtedness in the matter of church erec-
tion; a point worthy of notice by some "church building committees
of the present day.
1720 From the Thos. Stoughton Mss. we glean the following List
of Rates of the East Windsor people:
The sum total of each man's List (annexed to his name) of the
Poles and Rateable Estate, on the East Side of Connecticut River, in
Windsor, Anno dom. 1720, as followeth:
John Andreson,
Abiel Abbot,
Jeremiah Bissell,
Joseph Baker,
-
Ephraim Bancraft, Sr,
Ephraim Bancraft, Jun',
John Bancraft,
-
1
1
}
David Bissell,
Nath" Bissell,
Samuel Bancraft,
Thomas Bissell, Sen',
Cornelious Birge,
John Bartlett's heirs,
Jonath" Bissell,
Nath" Bancraft,
Thoms Bissell, Jun',
Jonathan Bliss,
Ebenez' Bissell,
Sam" Bissell,
Isaac Bissell,
1
I
1
31 00
Mathew Grant,
1
23 00
1
41 00
21 00
Daniel Garret's heirs,
Samuel Gibbs,
10 00
Thoms Grant,
£ s.
£ s.
61 05
Job Ellsworth Jun''s heirs,
18 00
41 00
Thomas Ellsworth,
143 13
45 10
John Elmor, Sen',
23 00
82 08
John Elmor, Jun",
24 00
43 10
Sam" Evens,
44 00
66 00
Benjamin Egelston, Jun",
37 16
27 00
Joseph Elmor,
48 09
115 10
38 05
Samuel Elmor,
63 18
Nathanael Fitch,
33 05
95
00
57 15
Samuel Fitch,
Samuel Grant,
18 00
26 10
180 10
Daniel Grant,
20 19
·
21 00
30 00
19 04
-
48 10
Daniel Gillet,
I
47 11
John Gaylord's heirs,
1.
30 18
John Grant,
28 00
81 12
41 00
74 11
Grace Grant,
Benjamin Colt,
60 04
John Huntington,
i
Ruth Colt,
15 13
Edward Chapman's heirs,
06 00
Jabez Colt,
40. 00
Mr. Simon Chapman, Sen',
07 10
Joseph Loomis, Sen',
Wid Mary Loomis,
Joseph Loomis, Jun',
Nath" Loomis,
-
1
I
Joseph Drake, Sen', -
83 10
Noah Loomis,
Jeremiah Drake,
34 05
John Loomis,
Jeremiah Diggens, Sen',
49 18
Hez. Loomis,
Benjamin Drake,
19 00
Zechariah Long,
Isaac Davis,
30 00
Mooses Loomis, Jun',
Jonathan Day,
-
26 08
Jeremiah Diggens, Jun',
-
39 12
James Loomis,
Lieut. John Ellsworths' heirs,
Amos Elmor,
Caleb Elmor,
-
198 10
21 00
23 00
Thomas Loomis,
Mooses Loomis, Sen',
Joshua Loomis,
Benjamin Loomis,
1
Benj" Ellsworth,
24 00
Samuel Moore,
Edward Elmor,
90 01
Jacob Munsell,
-
1
Samuel Ellsworth,
24 00
John Morton,
Benjamin Egeleston, Sen'.
11 03
Ebenezer Moore,
Job Ellsworth, Sen",
90 06
Samuel Morton,
1
56 08 8d
71 10
49 01
05 05
50 16
74 18
42 11
25 10
83 15
41 05
26 00
99 10
103
10
68 05
46 00
34 15
70 06
18 00
24 04
27 00
15 00
RE-SEATING OF THE MEETING-HOUSE.
563
£ 8.
£
s.
John Moore, Jun",
22 04
Ebenez Styles,
23 00
John Moore, Sen",
99 02
Thomas Stoughton, Jun'.
30. 00
Ruth Nubery,
07 09
Thomas Sadd,
54 11
James Naughton,
21 00
Joseph Skinner,
75 14
Joseph Newbery,
71 05
Joseph Stedman,
62 00
The Heirs of Benjamin New-
John Strong,
46 15
bery, Decst,
25 05
John Smith,
John Osborn,
82 00
Mary Stedman,
1
I
83 10
03 10
Samuel Osborn, Jun',
↑
1
1
71 00
28
00
31 00
Richard Smith,
William Stoughton,
John Styles, Sen',
-
1
Isaac Osborn,
Samuel Osborn, Sen',
Benjamin Osborn,
Jacob Osborn,
Joseph Phelps,
John Phelps,
Joseph Porter,
21 10
Thomas Skinner,
44 10
Richard Skinner,
87 00
Samuel Tudor's heirs,
41 10
John Taylor's heirs,
+
98 05
Ammi Trumble,
Samuel Pinney,
1
50 10
Jacob Wills,
1
Job Phelps,
24 00
Henry Wolcutt,
40 10
49 10
70 02
68 15
52 11
67 06
97 02
39 00
29 00
103
Jonathan Pasco,
21 00
William Wolcutt,
1
James Pasco,
24 00
Ebenez' Warner,
+
16
81 09
45 00
Mrs. Hannah Porter of Hadley,
06 15
Samuel West,
18
00
Nathanall Porter,
40 07
Lt. Joshua Wills' heirs,
32 05
Hez. Porter,
91 00
Simon Wolcutt, Jun',
21 00
Samuel Rockwell Heirs,
75 18
Christopher Wolcutt's heirs,
21 00
Joseph Rockwell, Sen',
107 02
Ebenez Watson,
72 10
Josiah Rockwell,
42 00
Roger Wolcutt, Esq.,
115 06
John Rockwell,
75 15
John Wolcutt,
81 00
Joseph Rockwell, Jun',
47 00
Simon Wolcutt,
124 02
Capt. Thomas Stoughton,
155 00
Jedidiah Watson,
72 00
79 15
John Wood,
36 00
07 19
Jacob Strong,
Noah Spark,
Feb. 18, 1722-23.
The meeting-house was re-seated by a committee
chosen by the Society, viz.: '
1. In the first pew next the
pulpit
Roger Wolcott esq
Thomas Stoughton
Mr. Simeon wolcott
Lieut nathaniel lomis
Thomas lomis
Mr. mathew grant
widdow elsworth
widdow osband
The next pew ajoyning.
Thomas bissell
Sergt James porter
Lieut. henry wolcott
Jedadiah watson
3.
Edward elmer
Samuel tudor
decon Job Drake
Srgt Thomas elsworth
Srgt Jared bissell
Capt Job elsworth
Mr. John wolcott
The next pero ajoyning
Serg John Strong
Mr. John More
Leut Samuel bancroft
hezakiah porter
Mr. William wolcott
Mrs. grace grant
deacon rock well
1 From Windsor Farmes, p. 100,
4. The first seat.
Joseph lomis
benjamin egleston
John Taylor
hezakiah lomis
Sergt Joseph rockwell
Serg Joseph porter
ebenezor watson
mrs. abigail willis
Serg¹ Samuel more
5. The few by the great dore
mr. John bartlett
Serg¹ Joseph phelps
mr. William Stoughton
mr. Joseph newbery
564
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Josiah rockwell
Ebenezor bissell
Joseph bacon
John Smith
Sergt Jacob Strong
9.
The third seat
Samuel elmer
Lieut. Charles wolcott
moses lomis
6.
The second seat
deacon Skiner
Joseph Drake
Samuel osbond
John osbond
Jeremyah Digins
Lieut. Isaac bissell
Ensga Joseph lomis
10.
Jeremiah bissell
Thomas Skinner
widdow hannah gaylord
Phrane bancroft
The fore front galery
Corp' Samuel pinney ·
Jonathan blis
Serg Samuel osbond
Serg' John Elsworth
Thomas Stoughton
widdow newberry
John anderson
Ephraem bancroft Jr
Joseph Elmer
Jeremiah digins
widdow mary lomis
corp¹¹ nathaniel fich
John lomis
Nathaniel porter
Jonathan bissell
12.
Sergt robert Stedman
hezakiah parsons
Ebenezer warner
Joseph Stedmon
John phelps
widdow ruth Coult
The front side galery.
Joshuah lomis
beniamen lomis
Thomas Sad
Jeremiah drake
abial abit
John morton
John grant
Thomas grant
Samuel grant
Joseph rockwell Jr
daniel grant
John more
Simon wolcott
cristovor wolcott
daniel gillet
daniel Stoughton
Zachariah long
moses lomis Jr
william Elmer
8.
The pew adjoyninng yº 3
Thomas Elmer
peros.
ammy trumble
John rockwell
John Stiles
Richard Skinner
James lomis
Ensgn Nathaniel bissell
Corp Richard Smith
11. The middle pew in the
galery
Caleb Elmer
cornelius birg
amus Elmer
Jacob osbond
beniamen elsworth
Job elsworth
daniel elsworth
Samuel burnham Jr
The north pew in the
galery
13.
James wolcott
Ebenezer Stiles
noah Sparks
Job phelps
Enoch lomis
Samuel morton
Samuel fitch
Timothy demming
The forth Seat
beniaemen coult
Jabiz coult
Samul gibs
Thomas bissell Jor
John wood
Jacob muncel
Nathanil grant
John burrowes
nathaniel Taylor
14. The fifth seat
Ebenezer Taylor.
in the middle pew in the
15.
рего
galery
abial abit
Joseph rockwell Jnr
Samuel grant
daniel grant
Jacob osbond
John more
Thomas Stoughton
Thomas grant
March 27, 1724. There being a general dissatisfaction with the
seating of the meeting-house, it was ordered to be reseated, and the
rules adopted by vote were:
1st. That shall be 1 head to a man, and age, and estate, &c., to
take it from the building of the meeting-house until now.
2d. That the men shall sit on the men's side, and the women on
the women's side, and it shall be counted disorder to do otherwise.
3d. That the seaters shall fill up all the seats with young persons,
viz.: where the married [folks] are not seated.
CHURCH TROUBLES, 1735–1741.
565
Singing.
May 22, 1727.
"Voted, That for the future the rule of Singing in
this Society shall be according to the rule of singing now brought in, and
taught among us by Mr. Beall.”
Renewed Attempt at Division.
In May, 1729, an attempt was again made to divide (East) Wind-
sor into two distinct societies, Ellington people desiring to form a sepa-
rate parish, but the movement was promptly negatived by a vote of 60
against 19. It would seem, however, that its adherents were augment-
ing in numbers, for on a similar motion made at the society's annual
meeting, two years later (1730–31), they formed a minority of 31 against
66. In April following, the south end people petitioned the assembly for
a new society. In this document they state that the present "society is
built almost wholly on one street, and is ten miles long." But the as-
sembly would not sanction them; whereupon with a degree of persever-
ance which does them honor, they petitioned at the October session of
1732, for winter privileges (i. e., that they might employ a minister dur-
ing the months of December, January, February, and March), and for
an abatement of one-third of their rates to Mr. Edwards.
1
"We are forced," say they, "to travel from our own dwellings unto
ye meeting-house, & there endure ye extreme cold, & oftentimes with
wet clothes, fasting from morning until night, and then travel from ye
meeting-house, unto our own dwellings, which by reason of ye difference
of ye way, & ye coldness of ye weather, is so great a hardship that but
few of us are able to endure. So that many of ye aged men, women &
children are utterly debarred from attending on ye public worship a
great part of ye cold season, &c."
Again the influence of the society prevailed, and again were the
courageous south-enders defeated.
Here we will leave them for a while, contending against the preju-
dices of their neighbors, and the old-fogy conservatism of the assembly.
Troubles in the Church, 1735-1741.
The even course of the Second Church was now seriously disturbed
by a sharp and protracted contest between the pastor and his people on
certain points of church government and discipline. The somewhat re-
markable character of this dispute, as well as the importance of the prin-
ciples involved, claim for it a more than passing notice at our hands. It
is necessary to take a brief retrospective glance at the state of the
¹ State Archives, This petition signed (and probably drawn up) by Lt. David Bis-
sell, Clerk.
566
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
churches in Connecticut, in which this difficulty first had its origin. Pre-
vious to 1708, the congregational had been the only mode of worship in
the colony. Presbyterianism and Episcopalianism, however, had com-
menced their inroads upon the established opinions of the people.
Against them the Congregational Churches had no general plan of
church-fellowship or discipline to oppose. The Cambridge Platform,
which for sixty years had been their rule, made no provision either for
any association of ministers or consociation of churches. It was true
that such associations of the clergy had, at an early date, been estab-
lished in particular counties or neighborhoods- which had been pro-
ductive of much good; yet they were purely voluntary and lacked the
efficiency which a more general plan of union would have secured. In
the absence of such a plan, many abuses had crept into the churches.
One of the chief of these was an utter lack of any regular system of ex-
amination of candidates for the ministry, and of their proper introduc-
tion to that office. The deplorable looseness which prevailed in this.
matter was a source of reproach and evil to the cause of religion.
"Besides," says Trumbull, "it was generally conceded that the
state of the churches was lamentable, with respect to their general order,
government, and discipline. That for the want of a more general
and energetic government, many churches ran into confusion; that
councils were not sufficient to relieve the aggrieved and restore peace.
As there was no general rule for the calling of councils, council was
called against council, and opposite results were given upon the same
cases, to the reproach of councils and the wounding of religion."
A very general desire was felt, therefore, among the clergy and the
laity of New England, for some nearer union between the churches. In
Connecticut, both legislative and clerical influence favored the associa-
tion of ministers and the consociation of churches; and the synod of
1662 had distinctly approved of the latter. "The heads of agreement
drawn up and assented to, by the united ministers in England, called
presbyterian and congregational, in 1692, had made their appearance on
this side of the Atlantic; and in general, were highly approved."
Such was the state of things, when in May, 1708, the Assembly of
Connecticut, being "sensible of the defects of the discipline of the
churches of this government, arising from the want of a more explicit
asserting of the rules given for that end in the holy scriptures," passed
an act, requiring the ministers and churches of each county to meet and
prepare drafts of an ecclesiastical constitution, which drafts were to be
compared together at a subsequent general meeting at Saybrook. Ac-
cordingly, the delegates of the several councils met at Saybrook, Sept.
9, 1708, and having duly considered the drafts submitted to them,
CHURCH TROUBLES, 1735-1741.
567
drew therefrom a constitution, which was presented to, and approved by
the assembly at its session in October following.
Concerning this platform of discipline, now generally known as the
Saybrook Platform, Trumbull makes the following remarks:
66
Though the council were unanimous in passing the platform of
discipline, yet they were not all of one opinion. Some were for high
consociational government, in their sentiments nearly presbyterian; oth-
ers were much more moderate and rather verging on independency; but
exceedingly desirous of keeping the unity of the spirit in the bond of
peace, they exercised great Christian condescension and amicableness
towards each other.
"As it was stipulated that the heads of agreement should be observed
through the colony, this was an important means of reconciling mem-
bers to the constitution, as these did not carry points so far as the arti-
cles of discipline. These did not make the judgments of councils deci-
sive, in all cases, but only maintained that particular churches ought to
have a reverential regard to their judgment, and not to dissent from it
without apparent regards from the word of God. Neither did these give
the elders a negative in councils over the churches; and in some other
instances they gave more latitude than the articles of discipline. These,
therefore, served to reconcile such elders and churches as were not for
a rigid consociational government, and to gain their consent. Somewhat
different constructions were put upon the constitution. Those who were
for a high consociational government, construed it rigidly according to
the articles of discipline, and others by the heads of agreement; or, at
least, they were for softening down the more rigid articles, by constru-
ing them agreeably to those heads of union."
We have been at the pains of thus quoting these remarks of Trum-
bull's, because they serve to enlighten us very materially concerning this
controversy in the Second Church.
Mr. Edwards was undoubtedly one of those who "were for high
consociational government, and in their opinions nearly Presbyterians,"
and disposed to construe this Saybrook Platform rigidly according to the
"articles of discipline." On the promulgation, therefore, of the Platform,
he asserted that it should henceforth be the order of his church,' as their
1 This church early adopted the Cambridge Platform of church government and
worship, and the Westminster Confession of Faith; as the church in West Windsor,
from which they originated, had also done; but has ever united in associations and ec-
clesiastical councils with the neighboring churches, who are generally settled on what
is called the Saybrook Platform. (Extract from Church Manual.)
The church had only one form of Covenant for those who came into full commun-
ion, and those who joined by half-way Covenant, it being understood that the latter en-
tered into the Covenant in a modified sense, not asking, nor expecting, full privileges.
July 1, 1786, 163 were living in Half-way Covenant, whose names are given, including
568
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
delegates had been present at the convention which framed it, and had
(impliedly, at least,) endorsed it.' This the church denied, inasmuch
as they were unaware, when they sent their messengers to the conven-
tion, that any such change was contemplated. They also declared their
adherence to the ancient congregational order.. "Finding their Pastor
so much attached to this new Scheme of Discipline," and finding that
according to its provisions the messengers of a church were of no ac-
count unless they conformed to the major part of the elders; and not
approving of the silential method of voting, they insisted to their pastor
upon their right, as a church, to the free choice of messengers.
Notwithstanding this wide variance of opinion between pastor and
people, concerning this platform of discipline, there seems to have been
no open break until the year 1735. In the course of that year, Mr. Ed-
wards, preaching to his church on the subject of church discipline, as-
serted the following points:
1st. That it belongs to the Pastor of the Church to judge and de-
termine what complaints or accusations shall be brought before the
Church and what not.
2d. That the votes of the Brethren to Convict or Restore an of-
fender, are of no force or validity without the concurrence or approba-
tion of the Pastor.
It is needless to say that the brethren were both surprised and
grieved at the position taken by their pastor. They immediately ad-
dressed him a letter, wherein they modestly but firmly insisted on the
equal rights of messengers and elders; complaining that he had always
30 in Wapping. From July 1, 1786, till March 27, 1808, when the last half-covenantor
was admitted, 168 were received.
Discipline. The records leave us to conclude that licentiousness was one of the
most common occasions for church discipline a hundred years ago; and they show,
also, a good degree of fidelity in dealing with delinquents.
1 For our information concerning this controversy in the Second Church of Wind-
sor, we are indebted to a manuscript volume, in the possession of the Conn. Hist. Soci-
ety. It fills 108 small quarto pages, written in the clear chirography of Governor Roger
Wolcott, and was evidently (having title page, preface, &c.) intended for publication.
It is entitled " A | Narrative of the Troubles in the Second Church in | Windsor | since
the year 1735; to the year 1741 | with the | Reasons why the Brethren of that Church | ad-
here to the order of Church Government | Assented to | By the Churches of New England A:
Dom: 1648 | and | Refuse to submit to the order of Discipline | agreed upon at Saybrook
1708 | Acts, xvii, 11.
-Siquid Novisti Rectius Illis
Candidus Imperti Si non his utere mecum.-Hor.
Published at the Desire of Several of the Brethren and others." The heading of the
first page is "The Privileges of the Church contended for."
It evidently presents an ex parte view of the case; yet its able discussion of the the-
ological points involved, its strong common sense, and the dignified spirit of Christian
courtesy which pervades it, inclines us to a more than usual confidence in its state-
ments.
CHURCH TROUBLES, 1735-1741.
569
designated the one to be sent as messenger
unless some one objected,
which is the silential method, and unfair in its operation. They conclude
by requesting a fair and free conference on the matter.' This very rea-
sonable request was declined by Mr. Edwards, and the difficulty existed
in this unsatisfactory state, until a case of discipline brought matters to
a focus. Here we quote the very just remarks of the author of Windsor
Farmes (p. 56): "The parish, in Mr. Edwards's day, was an exceedingly
difficult one to curb and direct. The community then, as now, was
perhaps the wealthiest agricultural village in the State; but many of the
men were far removed in their connections and practices from that spirit
of self-denial that is so essential to the happy union of Church and State.
The characteristics of indifference to the support of religious institutions
have unhappily been transmitted to later generations. Although under
the vigorous administration of Mr. Edwards, they were stimulated to a
high degree of activity, even he deplores that although they are able, yet
they will not contribute to the comfortable support of Gospel privileges.
The investigator of the parish history, since 1760, is forced to the pain-
ful conclusion that not only the spiritual but the material interests of
the place are suffering from the same causes to-day. Indeed, it will be
difficult to find in New England any other town that contributes so small
a proportion of its wealth to the usually recognized means of religious
instruction. Its present condition is not owing to any reactionary move-
ment from Calvinistic theology; it is simply the result of hereditary
causes." Again (p. 91), "The parish of East Windsor seems to have
been in a ferment during a large part of Mr. Edwards's ministry. As
has been intimated, many of the men who composed it were of an irre-
ligious habit, and it required all the energy and forbearance of their pas-
tor to encourage and restrain them. Their manners were, in many cases,
uncouth, and to one like Mr. Edwards this was exceedingly disagreea-
ble. His own address was exceedingly ceremonious, yet pleasing and
often affable. He rebukes them, in several instances, for their ill-breed-
ing, intimating in his sermons, that towards himself he wishes a greater
deference shown, calling attention to the fact that he notices they do not
remove their hats when they meet their betters upon the street,' etc.
Perhaps the most disagreeable contests that occurred in the parish grew
out of this very element of coarseness to which we have alluded. The
first of these difficulties was occasioned by an unfortunate attachment
which sprang up between his niece, Abigail Stoughton, and John Moore,
Jr., a profligate young man of the parish. This soon ripened into a se-
cret marriage, much to the consternation and dismay of the parents and
6
¹ This letter was signed "in behalf of the church," by Hez. Porter, William Wol-
cott, Sam'l Bancroft, Joshua Loomis, Henry Wolcott, and Roger Wolcott, all highly
respectable and influential men.
VOL. I.-72
570
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
uncle of the bride. Mr. Edwards, deeply wounded, and anxious to aid
the afflicted parents, used his influence to have the matter brought before
the North Association of Ministers for Hartford County. These gentle-
men met at Windsor, on the 3d day of February, 1724-5, and discussed
the following question: 'Whether matrimonial contracts, either pri-
vate or publick, made by children living in their father's house, and be-
ing in their youth, without ye consent of their parents, and especially
contrary to their minds clearly notified by them, do bind in conscience?'
To this question the assembly returned the following answer: 'By the
best light we have, from the word of God, & according to the concurrent.
Judgment of Learned, Judicious, and approved divines, we Judge that
the father hath a right or power to make void such contracts, in ordinary
cases,- Voted: Attest, John Graham, Scribe.' How long the con-
test between Mr. Stoughton and his objectionable son-in-law continued,
we do not know, but there are various writs wherein Mr. Edwards' name
appears as a witness in a suit pending between the two parties. It is
certain no divorce was granted [the Colonial Court not seeing a way to
the cutting of the knot, as readily as the divines had done]; and, a few
years later, Abigail Moore received from her father a setting out' in
the shape of various household goods, which seems to indicate an adjust-
ment of the difficulties."
6
The next case which disturbed the Church was a similar one, wherein
“Mr. Edwards for a considerable time debarred one Joseph Diggins from
owning his covenant and having his child baptized, unless he would pub-
lickly confess himself guilty of a scandalous offence Mr. Edwards had
charged him with," viz.: his marrying Mr. Wm. Stoughton's daughter
contrary to her father's wish. Joseph Diggins asserted his innocence,
and claimed a trial by the church. This Mr. Edwards refused, claiming
that he had a negative on the church, and that therefore, until his opin-
ion was altered, it was useless for the church to trouble themselves about
the matter. Thus the case rested (although Mr. Edwards was often im-
portuned by the elders and brethren to allow a trial) until October,
1738, when a council was called which decided in favor of granting a
trial to Joseph Diggins. Some time after this, Mr. Edwards called a
church meeting, and entered a formal protest against Diggins, charging
him with having broken the 5th and 8th commandments.
The case was tried, and Joseph Diggins was pronounced not guilty.
From this decision Mr. Edwards and two of the brethren dissented, and
called a council. The council met June 12 and 18, 1739, and their de-
cision sustained the previous action of the church. They, however, com-
mended Mr. Edwards for his "tenderness, prudence, faithfulness, and
caution" in the matter; and if he can not without scruples admit Joseph
Diggins, the brethren are advised not to press the matter, and Diggins
CHURCH TROUBLES, 1735-1741.
571
himself recommended to apply to some other minister for church privi-
leges and baptism for his child.
After this, Diggins again applied to and was denied by Mr. Edwards.
The kindly importunities of the deacons of the church in his behalf met
the same fate from the unrelenting pastor.
Then an affectionate, plain-spoken, and earnest letter from the
church, in behalf of Joseph Diggins, praying for his admission, and as-
serting their rights, as a Congregational Church, was handed to Mr.
Edwards. Again he refuses their request, on a plea of conscientious.
scruples, as he does not wish to countenance such marriages as that of
Joseph Diggins.
Finding the pastor thus disposed, the church moved that Diggins be
allowed to seek elsewhere for church rights. To this he demurs: 1st,
on the ground of its great inconvenience; and, 2d, because "it is safest
for me to be here under the watch of this church, where my brethren
are about me to observe my behavior and direct me."
The aspect of things was now decidedly bad, and the deacons,
"fearful and loth to have the affair drove to extremity," requested their
pastor to call a church meeting. This he flatly refused to do, whereupon
the deacons called one on their own responsibility. At this meeting
(Oct., 1739-40), Joseph Diggins made a formal charge against Mr. Ed-
wards of maladministration. Finally the pastor was induced to call a
council, which met April 22, 1740.
To them the church propounded four questions for their considera-
tion and advice.
1st. Concerning the power of the pastor to appoint messengers.
2d. Concerning the pastor's power to negative the action of the
church.
3d. Concerning the pastor's power to judge and determine what
complaints shall come before the church.
4th. To determine the case of Joseph Diggins.
Involved with this was the still pending charge of maladministration
against the pastor. But the council, like most councils, was too thin-
skinned to manage the matter. It contented itself with declining to
entertain any discussion on the first three propositions, but professed its
willingness to adjudicate the case of Joseph Diggins. This, however,
was but of secondary importance to the church. Deeply interested as
the majority were in the case of their aggrieved brother, they could not
but feel that it involved principles of vital importance to themselves and
the church at large. For thirty-two years they had firmly maintained
the inalienable rights of a Congregational church to govern themselves,
and during all that period they had resisted the attempted encroachments
of their respected pastor, with a mingled judgment and forbearance
572
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
which excites our surprise and admiration. Councils had but added to
the difficulties of the case. That of 1738 had wholly omitted to pro-
nounce on the duty of Mr. Edwards to submit Diggins's case to the church.
That of 1739 had given advice contradictory to itself, or liable to miscon-
struction. The last council had utterly refused to adjudicate the very
points upon which the welfare of the church depended, and had, indeed,
required them to renounce those principles. Their pastor, also, was
still lying under a charge of maladministration, and for nearly three
years the church had not partaken of the Lord's Supper.
"We desire," said the church, as they recounted their grievances,
"no new thing, but only what were the principles and practices of our
fathers; yea, the principles of the first Puritans, as may appear from
the Order of Church Government drawn up by Mr. Cartwright, the
father of the Puritans, in Queen Elizabeth's time." Furthermore, they
stated their convictions that the real controversy was whether the church
or the pastor should have the power of nominating their elders. Finally
Mr. Diggins, having, "upon importunity of some of the brethren," with-
drawn his complaint, a considerable number of the church presented
their pastor with the following letter:
REVD SIR:
WINDSOR, August 11th day, 1741.
It would have been a great satisfaction to us if you had granted our motion to you
(the last time you called us together) to call a Congregational Council to advise us in
our controversies respecting our church-order which was offered to the council that met,
which they refused to hear and give their opinion upon. We are still of opinion that a
Congregational Council would have been the properest way to have led us into peace
in that matter. But since you have declined this, and we are denied the benefit of such
a council, we hope you will suffer us, without offence, to declare that we are still a
Congregational Church, and that in our opinion it is not with our Pastor to debar us
from any privilege belonging to us as such; but we are ready to receive any evidence
from the Scriptures or reason, to convince us that the Congregational Church-order is
unscriptural or unsound. We are further of opinion that merely the different under-
standing between us about our church-order is not a sufficient cause to hinder our Com-
munion, and Mr. Diggins having withdrawn his complaint, we see nothing in the way
but we may set down at the Lord's Table together.
To the Revd Mr. Timothy Edwards.
(Signed)
HEZ. PORTER,
JOSEPH SKINNER,
ROGER WOLCOTT,
JOB ELLSWORTH,
SAM'L BANCROFT,
JEREMIAH BISSELL,
JOSEPH NEWBERRY,
RICHARD SKINNER,
ABIEL ABBOT,
JOSIAH ROCKWELL,
MATTHEW ROCKWELL,
DANIEL SKINNER,
WILLIAM WOLCOTT, Jr.,
WILLIAM ELLSWORTH,
JOSEPH OSBORN,
JAMES PASCO,
JACOB MUNSEL,
SAMUEL ELLSWORTH.
Upon receipt of this letter, the pastor" propounded the Sacrament,
which was attended by the Brethren without objection.”
CHURCH TROUBLES, 1735-1741.
* 573
The unhappy condition of the church seemed now in a fair way to
be at an end. But, "on the Lord's day, Nov. 1, 1741," Mr. Edwards
read a letter to the church after morning discourse, desiring them to send
á messenger to a council at Hartford. He also took occasion to re-assert
his right to nominate the messenger, "yet for peace sake and for this
time,” he condescended to leave it to them. In the afternoon the con-
gregation met and appointed a messenger, who applied to Mr. Edwards
for his certificates to said council. The pastor, who had been absent
from the election, although invited to attend, declined to furnish such
certificate to the messenger; alleging as a reason that, not having been
present, he did not know who was elected.
Thus, suddenly and strangely, the partly healed wound between pas-
tor and people was rudely torn asunder, and the church found themselves
again plunged into a sea of troubles.
How the difficulty was finally settled we are not informed. The
written account, to which we are indebted in the previous pages, although
fully prepared and intended for publication, was never issued. But the
following item from the society's books may possibly afford us a clue :
"To Mr. Matthew Rockwell £8 for preaching 4 Sabbaths to this
Society in Mr. Edwards's confinement."
"Four Sabbaths" previous to this date of December 1st would carry
us back near the date (Nov. 1) of that "Lord's day" whereon Mr. Ed-
wards so unaccountably renewed the scarce-healed controversy between
himself and people. It is not improbable that we may find in this fact
an explanation and an extenuation of the aged pastor's strange conduct.
Old age brings with it infirmities of temper as well as of body: and we
are inclined to regard his persistence in what he doubtless thought to
be the line of duty as an unconscious manifestation of that disarrange-
ment of the nervous functions which more or less accompanies the grad-
ual decay of the physical powers; and of which it was, in his case, prob-
ably the first marked premonition. It was at all events followed by a
few weeks' illness, the first, as the records show, of a series of successive
sicknesses which marked his passage to the grave.¹
It is probable that this was the opinion of his people, for, as we
have before said, the intended protest was suppressed, and no further
1 Mr. Stoughton, in his Windsor Farmes, p. 246, is disposed to question my opinion
that Mr. Edwards's conduct in this matter was due to physical causes. But Mr. Edwards
was at this time 72 years of age, and though "his accounts, his sermons, thirteen years
later, were written in the clear, vigorous style of his earlier productions," and though
'his death did not occur until eighteen years after the controversy," I still beg leave, from
a professional standpoint, to maintain my original opinion. There was evidently the
beginning of a break-up of physical power— calling so obviously, ten years later (1752),
for some relief, that he conceded promptly to the desire expressed by his people that
he should have a colleague — and there are other memoranda of various illnesses.
574.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
allusion is found on any of the records to the question in dispute.
Whatever difference of opinion might have existed in regard to the
mooted points of church government, there seems to have been at all
times an unusual degree of affection for their pastor. They could not
but feel that his whole life had been devoted to their highest good, that
his character had been in strictest harmony with his teachings, that in
all his dealings with them fidelity had been mingled with love, and judg-
ment tempered with mercy. Over the errors, as they deemed them, of
his declining years, they were disposed to cast the wide mantle of char-
ity; and, rallying around his bending form, they strove, by tender offices.
of affection, to lighten his labors and to uphold his feeble hands.
Another yet more powerful influence was probably at work to bind
them together in the bonds of Christian fellowship. The "Great Awak-
ening" of 1741-2, which had commenced at Northampton under the
ministry of "Mr. Jonathan," the son of their beloved pastor, was spread-
ing over the land. And this church and town partook of its blessed
effects. "Some of the aged still among us," says the church record in
1791, "date their conversion from that memorable period, and have
maintained a Christian life to their old age." And before the presence
of the Lord all bitterness of spirit, if such there was, must have melted
away, as the snows upon the hillside disappear before the genial warmth
of spring.
1742, December. It was voted that the "Galleries be enlarged all
around, as it now is on two sides." And in 1745 £10 was paid to Doc-
tor Matthew Rockwell and Mr. Wolcott, "for preaching in our Pulpit"
in Mr. Edwards's absence.
In the year 1750 a part of the Second Society in Windsor was set
off to help form the Society of North Bolton, as will be more fully set
forth in another part of this chapter.
Mr. Perry Installed as Colleague Pastor.
For nearly threescore years Mr. Edwards had "gone in and out"
before this people, breaking to them the "bread of life," and ministering
to their spiritual wants with a fidelity and earnestness which had greatly.
endeared him to their hearts. His whole active life had been spent in
their service, his children had grown under their eyes to positions of
eminence and usefulness, and his fame had become a part of their own.
But these many years had not been without their effect upon him;
the tall form was beginning to bend, the elastic step grew daily less firm,
and the snows which whitened his head reminded them that he and they
were "passing away.'
""
And so, with a consideration honorable alike to themselves and their
MR. PERRY INSTALLED AS COLLEAGUE.
575
venerable pastor, the society determined to procure a colleague to help
him in the work of the ministry, and at a meeting in August, 1752,
"The Committee, Capt. Roger Wolcott, Mr. Matthew Rockwell, and Mr. Wm.
Wolcott, are directed to wait upon the Rev. Mr. Timothy Edwards, and inform him
that his great age and the infirmities that attend it, have rendered him unable to preach
the word to the Society to their edification as it ought to be, and that therefore the
Society have agreed to settle another Minister, in which they desire his concurrence and
advice."
The committee doubtless performed their somewhat delicate task in
a manner acceptable both to their aged pastor and the society; as, in
December following, we find the latter taking measures for procuring a
colleague, and also for building a new meeting-house; which latter, how-
ever, was not accomplished until 1761. And, in October, 1753, it was
resolved that "this society shew their willingness by their committee
that Mr. Edwards should be eased of the burden of preaching," until the
next annual meeting. His pulpit was accordingly supplied by the Rev.
Thomas Williams, who afterwards received a call from the society on
very flattering terms of settlement, which were declined. The first men-
tion of Mr. Perry in the Church Records is in the minutes of a "meeting
of the Second Ch. of Christ in Windsor, regularly convened on the 15th
day of April, A.D. 1755. Honble Roger Wolcott, Moderator. Matthew
Rockwell chosen clerk. At this meeting a call to Mr. Perry to be Pastor
of this Church, together with the declaration &c. of the Faith & order of
this church is voted and subscribed unto. And Major Roger Wolcott,
Deacon Joseph Skinner, Deacon Matthew Rockwell, Deacon Daniel
Rockwell, Mr. Abiel Abbot, and Wm. Wolcott, Esq. were desired and
appointed to wait upon Mr. Perry and present our call to him.” At this
meeting thirty-two men subscribed their names to a declaration of the
Faith and Order of the Church. "And we do confess and declare our
Faith and Belief is according to that confession of Faith called the West-
minster Confession." "Also at this meeting Deacón Matthew Rockwell
and Deacon Daniel Rockwell are appointed a Committee to wait upon
the Rev. Mr. Edwards and inform him of the doings of this church."
Gov. Wolcott drew up the Covenant on the church's part, and when
he laid it before the church he informed them that by the Westminster
Confession of Faith they were to understand the same as the Assembly's
Catechism. So that the faith which this church hath subscribed unto is
contained in the Assembly's Catechism.
The society then called Mr. Joseph Perry. The terms offered him
were a settlement of £2,500, old tenor, in bills, to be paid in three equal
installments at end of each year, for the first three years, and a salary of
£60 proclamation money, annually, for first three years; and after that
£75 in lawful money or its equivalent, so long as he should remain with
them in the ministry.
576
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
The call was accepted by Mr. Perry in the following letter:
"To the Second Society in the town of Windsor:
Brethren - After having returned you my most hearty thanks for the honor and
respect you have done me, by inviting of me (on the 28th of October last) to settle
with you in the work of the Gospel Ministry, I would inform you by these lines, that I
have taken your proposal into serious consideration, consulted Heaven for direction, and
taken all proper advice in this great and important affair, and accordingly return an
answer to your request, in the following manner (viz) that I fully and freely accept of
the settlement by the society votes, also that I freely accept of the salary by the society
votes for my support, so long as I shall continue among you as your Minister. As
your courteous behavior to, and Christian treatment of me have effectually engaged my
heart to you, let it be our constant care to keep up a Christian temper and deportment
towards each other, and mutually strive to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of
peace, that he who is Head over all things to His Church, may dwell in the midst of us,
and bless our honest designs to promote the Glory of God in the salvation of souls, and
may we long rejoice together in beholding the Glory of God, and the prosperity of the
Redeemer's Kingdom among us.
Brethren, pray for me, that I may be a faithful and successful laborer in God's
Vineyard, and that I may study to show myself approved unto God, a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed, and may that Love, Peace, and Harmony, I trust is really
subsisting between us at present, continue, until we shall be admitted into the New
Jerusalem, and God's Holy Temple above, where Love reigns without dissimulation,
which is the prayer and shall ever be the constant endeavor of your friend and well
wisher
Windsor, April the 28th, 1755.
JOSEPH PERRY.
This letter was read to the Church meeting convened "29th day of
April, and the Clerk of the Society was directed to send letters of invita-
tion for a Council of Ministers to ordain Mr. Perry, and the last Wed-
nesday in May was appointed to be kept by the Church as a day of Fast-
ing and Prayer, and the Rev. Eliphalet Williams and William Russell
were invited to preach to them on that day, in which they were to im-
plore the Divine blessing upon their choice." Accordingly, on the 11th,
the second Wednesday of June following, "he was duly ordained as
colleague pastor over the Second church of Windsor." The Council, on
that occasion (which represented the churches of Sherburne and Ded-
ham, Mass., of Tolland, Hartford, East Hartford, Poquonock, Ellington,
Wintonbury, Windsor, and Windsor North Society), was entertained at
the house of Capt. Ebenezer Grant, and the sermon was preached by the
Rev. Samuel Porter, of Sherburne.' Mr. Perry was a native of Sher-
burne, Mass., graduated at Harvard College in 1752, and was in his 23d
year when he became Mr. Edwards' colleague. He possessed a fine
education, a strong mind, promising talents, and great amiability of
2
¹ A Sermon | preached at the | ordination | of the Reverend | Mr. Joseph Perry, |
to the Pastoral care of a Church in Windsor: | June 11, 1755. | By Samuel Porter,
A.M., | Pastor of a Church in Sherburne. Boston: New England: Printed by John
Draper, at his Printing-Office in Newberry Street, | mdcciv. Text. 1 Cor., II, 2.
2 Mss. Rev. Thomas Robbins, S. W. Ch. Rec.
REV. MR. PERRY'S ORDINATION.
577
character, and a wonderful aptness in prayer. These, together with his
fervent piety, soon endeared him to the hearts of his new charge, and
commended him to the confidence of their aged pastor.
Windsor, Sept 19, 1755 [the first called by Mr. Perry.] At a meeting of the 2ª
chh of Christ in Windsor, at House of Jos. Newbery, duely Warned for this purpose (viz)
To know ye Minds of Sa Chb in Regard to the practice of Requiring a Relation of Christ-
ian Experiences from Persons to be admitted to ful Communion with sả Chh & to settle
a Rule of Future Conduct in Refference to this Question (viz) whether Relations
should be held as a Term of Communion after having sufficiently debated this matter
the Chh unanimously came to the following vote.
Viz, That however this chh is well pleased with ye Practice of giving in Relations
& should be glad all Persons yt join our Communion would find it in yr hearts to do it,
as thinking this practice is for edification, yet we do not ensist upon Relations as a Term
of Communion-
This is the true original vote of the sd Chh attesta
Jos. Perry, Pastor
of sd Chh
Death of Rev. Mr. Edwards.
The pleasant relations which they sustained to each other were,
however, soon broken, by the death of the venerable Edwards, on the
27th of January, 1758, in the 89th year of his age. For 63 years he had
been a faithful laborer in the Lord's harvest-field. How many precious
souls were bound up in the sheaf which he presented to his Master will
never be known to us on earth, for the records of this church during his
ministry, as well as that of Mr. Perry, are lost.' But certain we may
be, that the crown which Timothy Edwards wears at his Lord's right
hand in the heavenly mansion above, is not the least for brightness
among those that surround the "starry throne.”
We find in Dr. Sprague's valuable Annals of the American Pulpit,
the following account of Mr. Edwards's appearance, character, and habits,
from the pen of his descendant, Dr. Sereno E. Dwight:
<<
Mr. Edwards was about five feet ten inches in height; of fair complexion; of a
strong, robust frame; full but not corpulent. He was a man of polished manners,
particularly attentive to his dress, and to propriety of exterior; never appearing in
public but in the full dress of a clergyman.
The management not only of his domestic concerns, but of his property generally,
was entrusted to the care of Mrs. Edwards, who discharged the duties of a wife and a
mother with singular fidelity and success. In strength of character she resembled her
father; and like him she left behind her in the place where she resided for seventy-six
years, that 'good name' which is 'better than precious ointment.' On a visit to East
1 "As also, in great part, during that of Mr. Whelply" (Church Manual). It was our
good fortune to find, in some manuscripts of the Rev. Timothy Edwards, belonging to
Mrs. L. Weld, of Hartford, a copy of the Original Church Covenant; list of church
members under date of 1700; and baptisms from August, 1698, to July, 1703. These,
with other private memoranda concerning church matters, constitute the earliest and
only records of the Second Church, prior to 1830. They have been duly incorporated in
Appendix G.
VOL. I.-73
578
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Windsor in the summer of 1823, I found a considerable number of persons advanced in
years, who had been well acquainted with Mrs. Edwards, and two upwards of ninety
who had been pupils of her husband. From them I learned that she had received a
superior education in Boston; was tall, dignified and commanding in her appearance,
affable and gentle in her manners, and was regarded as surpassing her husband in
native vigor of understanding. They all united in speaking of her as possessed of
remarkable judgment and prudence, of an exact sense of propriety, of extensive infor-
mation, of a thorough knowledge of the scriptures and of theology, and of singular
conscientiousness, piety, and excellence of character. By her careful attention to all
his domestic concerns, her husband was left at full liberty to devote himself to the
proper duties of his profession. Like many of the clergy of that early period, in New
England, he was well acquainted with Hebrew literature, and was regarded as a man
of more than usual learning, but was particularly distinguished for his accurate knowl-
edge of the Greek and Roman classics. In addition to his other duties, he annually
prepared a number of pupils for college; there being, at that time, no academies or
public schools endowed for this purpose. One of my aged informants, who pursued
his preparatory studies under him, told me that, on his admission to college, when the
officers had learned with whom he had studied, they remarked to him that there was no
need of examining Mr. Edwards's scholars." 1
*
'He was also something of a poet, for Roger Wolcott, in the dedication of his poems,
1723, thus addresses him:
"Yet where you censure, Sir, don't make the verse,
You pinned to Glover's venerable hearse,
The standard for their trial; nor enact,
You never will acquit what's less exact.
Sir, that will never do; rules so severe
Would ever leave Apollo's altar bare,
His priests no service: all must starve together,
And fair Parnassus' verdant tops must wither.
¹ His account books, as quoted by Stoughton, in his Windsor Farmes, furnish us
with an interesting glimpse of the immense educational labor performed by this learned
pastor of a retired country parish, viz.:
"Jan'y 10' 1722-3. To Teaching his Son Matthew, viz. Dea. Rockwells Son
Matthew, two years and as long besides as from Jan'y 10th to Sept. 8th, as I reckon it 138
weeks at 2s. 6d. per week, all is, £17, 05s. 00d. And 'June 14th,' 1726, Reckoned with
Thomas Grant and due from him to me for teaching Matthew Rockwell (I casting in ten
shillings) as a gift to his mother Rockwell -£12-19sh-05d. Thomas Grant was son-
in-law to Dea. Matthew Rockwell, having married Elizabeth, dau. of the deacon.
1726, Dec. 16, James Skinner came to learn to write in yº evening":
t
1726/7, Jan. 12, Abijah Skinner came to learn to write: 25 or 26, Joseph Newberry
came to write: Daniel and Jonathan Skinner came to learn to write in ye evening:
'Isaac,' son of Joseph Loomis, Sen', 'schooling': Aug. 28, Mr. John Anderson brought
his son to me to keep at my house and to learn to read, &c.; Oct. 16, Thomas Moore,
By his father's and mother's desire came to me & began his accidence in order to get
Learning'; Nov. 20, ‘Lt. Isaac Bissell desired me to take his son Isaac and teach him ye
Latin Tongue,' &c.- Nov. 21, 'he sent his son Isaac': Nov. 27, 'Sergt. David Bissell
sent his son Hezekiah to me to be Instructed in y Latin Tongue': Rev. Hezekiah Bissell
grad. Y. C. 1733, was pastor at Bloomfield.
"1727-28. The Widow Gaylord is Dr. To Instructing her son Alexander in yº
Latin & Greek (viz. ye Greek at least for a considerable part of ye time at 3s. per week
for 52 weeks, £001, 16s. 00d.' He grad. Y. C. 1739.
1728, Jan. 8.
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INDEX PAGE, No. 2 OF MR. EDWARDS' RATE Book, By Courtesy of Author of “ Windsor Farmes."
580
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
"He was for that period, unusually liberal and enlightened, with regard to the
education of his children - preparing not only his son, but each of his daughters also,
for college. In a letter, bearing date August 3, 1711, while absent on the expedition to
Canada, he wishes that Jonathan and the girls may continue to prosecute the study of
Latin; and in another of August 7th, that he may continue to recite his Latin to his
elder sisters. When his daughters were of proper age, he sent them to Boston to finish
their education. Both he and Mrs. Edwards were exemplary in their care of their
religious instruction; and, as the reward of their parental fidelity, were permitted to
see the fruits of piety in them all, during their youth.
He always preached extemporaneously, and, until he was upwards of seventy,
without noting down the heads of his discourse. After that time he commonly wrote
the divisions on small slips of paper, which, as they occasionally appeared beyond the
leaves of the Bible that he held in his hand, his parishioners called Mr. Edwards'
thumb papers.' Apologizing for this one day to one of his pupils, he remarked to him
that he found his memory beginning to fail, but that he thought his judgment as sound
<
to me to be Instructed in y° Latin Tongue &c &c ye next Saturday late in ye afternoon
went home and came again next Monday. Jan'y 13 he went home again & came again
Feb. 6, 1728-9. Feb. 22 he went home again."
< (
Jan. 12. John Wolcott, Jun' came with Jno. Eliot by his Sister's Eliot's desire as
he told me that I might teach him the Latin Tongue.
1729, Nov. 10. Alexander [s. Gov. Roger] Wolcott came to me to be Instructed in
ye Tongues, viz. to be further Instructed for ye revival of his learning so that it was
evident that, tho' only 17 yrs of age, he had been studious. He grad. Y. C. 1731, and
became a distinguished physician.
1730. Thomas Burbank, of Suffield was a student Aug. 31. 'On a Monday
William Wolcott, Jn', came to me to be instructed in the Tongues.' Mr. William Wol-
cott sen came to my house to talk with me about my Teaching his Son. I told him he
must give me 3 sh per week for Teaching him. I also told him y' I did nt oblige or
bind myself to take up with that. But if I found that would nt do he must give me
more, and that I should nt allow or abate anything for vacancies except yy were con-
siderable, (meaning very considerable) to which he seemed ready readily to Consent,
not making ye least Objection. I told ye young man wn I first consented to take him
that he must do some chores for me, besides what his Father gave me for his Learning,
or to y¹ effect, to wch he seemed also very readily and freely to Consent.' The next
reference to this pupil reads: 'About July 21, 1731, William Wolcott went to the Col-
lege, Engr.'-and the father is further debited with 'Annis 1730 & 1731. To Instruct-
ing his Son William in the Latin and Greek Tongues 45 Weekes at 3sh per W. £006 –
15sh-00d.' He grad. Y. C. 1734.
1731, 29 July. Ebenezer Grant — 'The widow Grant's acct. concerning my
teaching her Son Ebenezer, in my Red pocket book. Fo. 53, 75.’
'1732, Dec. 11. John Diggens came to me by his father's desire to be Instructed
in ye Latin Tongue, &c. (was still a pupil. as late as 1736). He grad. Y. C. 1740.
'1738. Corp" Ebenezer Bissell is Dr To Teaching his Son Aaron ye Latin and .
Greek Tongues, with 4 Rates=£28-06s. 10d: also in 1739.
“1742. Aaron Hutchinson was a boarder and pupil.
"1745. John (afterwards Col.) Stoughton.
"1749. Capt. Joshue Loomis' son George was a pupil.”
In addition to these we may name his own son Rev. and Pres. Jonathan Edicards,
Y. C. 1720; Rev. Isaac Stiles, Y. C. 1722, Pastor at No. Haven and father of Pres. Ezra
Stiles; Daniel Edwards (half brother), Y. C. 1720; and the list might be still more en-
larged. It is evident from some of these entries, that his well-instructed daughters also
rendered assistance in this work of teaching, especially when he was called away from
home.
BIOGRAPHY OF REV. MR. EDWARDS.
581
trates.¹ As he lived till within a few months of his son's decease,
the doctrine of a general judgment to his hearers, particularly as legislators and magis-
General Election in 1732, and was published. It is a solemn and faithful application of
He is not known to have written out but a single sermon, which was preached at the
as ever; and this was likewise the opinion of his people till near the close of his life.
the latter often

noite
On a fashday at Suffired Oching:g.
Jigz,
26 Jl. 93, With my Fuels haas, Id. find that in of nigh
my Sprund Witham gir no to. I look that was lys for
Sudgmentale, in the carth 7. In habitant of sareed
Ang buommiss.
Imions which g
avike
hoot and reasig tay Daly condes youahan Rety & Wille de
in
c.
anapally things abcornablo ni
obrornable ur om Juhu has = mag
Jowa to take rear of fea
of fix our boys by und de friending
ofrom, indi ham how y amiss. desire of y cherik, & prophet.
Spoiraping the paid ing ſame ich ich chanhat whose pipe, y S.
ai Mary Cor Jove in y forgoing wase & by compilined ins
&
do ishining Souls how I doved the Pays for dyr &
cave
23 War hand 4 oljart of this cachofl. Josie of hong & ge
Thing fich all child on of men if he mayeh stoly being m
thor
to want of Ged, to hau ostend this Jays. There it is then thed, the my
nothing ferfall
ased Abosona blo duly of obedimiento histraty Juft & ged, or warmoy two by congreg te afli for going with
4 great
mand, which hornight, will expert qy would grorly hair have the Fabjou of this common do fire chy
your
wittingly and Roudily do, & of my
Low God & yo is hoiseuls With My Scale Rime I defind
A
mon Accro comply
Willy finitumes ho makes up et 4 dvory's of humzi
24
this toys at hever, of the hour of how if it also & qfi
ходу
if
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smb
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nad pynos 9 m con/ of grau,
"gracious cull/ Insour ajo mouts,
(Wout of cossed, of
promifit counsels. Butractions ithoutatious forwarnings
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with em & appon im
glorious gospous
& y avays and means
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Incenpally Improves i rendis by all of ni dd
is m
2
mopily for it might sea fon
mont & professing people, though whenly that fo
her good forthen Witte zum heilt & toys at only 4 days of his as much by the
дом
Ji kroning but y aways of his prouidiners for both markys more I Rosind
koues,
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Semestring if followsmith, expussian of
how the
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oney too o cudy in & day but in I right night of -
This good gips
& Counity Loving Kived rep and tender money canser his
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heard it fulvis longing fol
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I
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and my thoughts of da fine, and
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&
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nds hape & offre of it be of Fraile ye it brought Firitt
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that if money t y cord, will we di ho hyr afflictionsy is it put hon u
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Spirit Withmme Will I
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Kindy the forby a pan one
If Supplication will my spirit will mor
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my
Fraen Ty Sinfuge dan ortig, unloading pool of this God, Faw & fou? the uld; omply fros of Tech Forty ve
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July, & his ho Krone he heard in all a long
6286
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rightarr
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manner, yet Mr. Jonathan was the deeper preacher.'
though Mr. Edwards was perhaps the more learned man, and more animated in his
visited and preached in his desk. It was the customary remark of the people that, 'al-
Facsimile OF A SERMON OF REV. MR. EDWARDS, OCT. 29, 1695.[Two-thirds Actual Size.]~
¹It is said, by one competent to know whereof he speaks, that Mr. Edwards left
582
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
:
"His influence over his congregation was commanding, and was steadily exerted
on the side of truth and righteousness. When he knew of any division among them,
he went immediately to see that the parties were reconciled; and when he heard of any
improper conduct on the part of any individuals, it was his uniform custom to go and
reprove them. Under his preaching the gospel was attended with a regular, uniform
efficacy, and in frequent instances with revivals of religion; yet no record is preserved
of the actual admissions to the church.
In some of the family letters I find incidental mention of a revival of religion as
existing in 1715 and 1716, during which Mrs. Edwards and two of her daughters made
a profession of their Christian faith; and several others of the family are spoken of
as traveling towards Zion with their faces thitherward.' His son observes, in 1737,
that he had known of no parish in the west of New England, except Northampton,
which had as often been favored with revivals of religion as that of his father."¹
In the ancient burying ground of East Windsor, which commands
an extended view of the beautiful Connecticut Valley, rest the re-
mains of this devoted servant of God. Over them, on a monumental
table, is inscribed:
In memory of the Revd. Mr. TIMOTHY EDWARDS, Pastor of the 2d Society of
Windsor (whose singular Gifts and Piety rendered him an excellent, and in the Judg
ment of Charity, a successful minister of the Gospel), who died January 27, A.D. 1768,
in the 89 year of his age, and 64th of his ministry. And his remains buried under this
stone.
AN EPITAPH.
The Man of God, who nobly pled,
His Master's Cause, alass! is dead.
His Voice no more! but awful Urn,
Still speaks to Men their great Concern.
His Praise, on Souls by Heaven Impress't,
This mouldering Stone will long outlast.
When Grace completes the Work begun,
Bright Saints will shine his living Crown.”
✔
The partner of his bosom, who had so long shared with him life's
toils and labors, survived him but twelve years, during which time she
retained her mental faculties in remarkable vigor. Her husband's
salary, and the affection of his flock, was continued to her until her
death, January 19, 1770, at the advanced age of ninety-nine years. As
she had been a most efficient helper to her husband, so, by her active
piety and good influence, she greatly assisted and strengthened his
successor in the ministry.
A New Meeting-House.
Meanwhile the good people had been agitating the propriety of
erecting a new meeting-house, for the old one was altogether insufficient
some 2,000 sermons "written out;" most of which, with many others of his papers,
have been destroyed, some sixty only remaining. Interesting specimens of his sermons
are given in Mr. Stoughton's Windsor Farmes.
¹ Allen: Sprague's Annals Am. Pulpit, i. 230-232; Cong. Quart., 1871, 256-27, by
Rev. I. N. Tarbox.
A NEW MEETING-HOUSE.
583
to meet the wants of the fast increasing population. Indeed, as early
as 1752, the society had decided to build anew, and some steps had been
taken towards it; but in 1753, in consequence of some contentions (as
usual) in regard to its location, the necessity of settling a new minister,
and the burden of £300 paid to the society, which had been set off in
the north parish, under the Rev. Mr. Potwine, it was concluded not to
build "at present.'
وو
In 1757, however, the project was revived and application made
to the assembly for a committee to locate the said meeting-house. The
committee appointed by the assembly were Colonels Trumble, Hunting-
ton, and Jabez Huntington. This important step being accomplished, the
society fixed upon the dimensions of the new edifice (viz., length, 60 feet;
width, 45 feet; height, 27 feet posts), and appointed (Dec. 10, 1760) Eras-
tus Wolcott, Ebenezer Grant, and Joel Loomis as building committee. Mr.
Grant had the greatest burden of the business, as the records and
accounts of this committee sufficiently evidence.' These accounts were
duly accepted by the society 11th Jan., 1762.
By a vote of the society, 12th Jan., 1761, liberty was granted" to
build a steeple at ye north end of ye Meeting House by subscription,” to
which the society added £40.
By October, 1761, the new meeting-house was so far advanced that
the society chose the seaters to seat it, and instructed them as follows:
Voted, that the Committee seat men and women apart.
Voted, furthermore, that if any set of males (of the married people) being so
seated, shall agree among themselves to exchange with their wives, they have the
liberty.
<<
Voted, the men to take the south end, the women the north end. Left with the
committee, to seat the widows & single people.”
"Zebulon Seymour, carp'r began work on meeting house, July 6,
1761, ceased Nov. 7." The "seating" of the new edifice was completed
on 15th of October, his bill for services of "self and boy" being
£29 15s. 6d.; and in the old record of baptisms is the following entry:
"November 22, 1761, that was the first sabbath [we] met in our new
meeting house, there was four children baptized that day.”
At a meeting held by y Second Society in Windsor legally warned and assembled
at ye New Meeting House this 19 day of Nov., A. D. 1761, Erastus Wolcott, Esq.,
chosen Moderator:
Voted, to accept ye Report of ye Commit appointed to seat ye New Meeting House.
Voted, ye building Comtt be Impowerd to Dispose of ye old Meeting House in ye
best manner they can.
¹ Accounts formerly in possession of his grandson, the late Maj. F. W. Grant of
South Windsor.
584
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
(The above is written on the back of a large sheet, endorsed "Seating the Meeting
House, 1761,” on the other side of which is the following :)
Men's side.
Josiah Wolcott
Joseph Phelps
Nez' Rockwell
Dan. Bissel
Willm Grant
Pelth Foster
Giles Wolcott
Men.
Charles Rockwell
Augustus Fitch
Sam Tudor
FRONT GALLERY,
FRONT PEW.
Women side.
Rusha Bissel
Ruth Loomis
Betty Grant
Betty Drake
Sarah Bissell
Eunice Cooly
Rusha Elmor
Hannah Bancroft
Women.
Mir Rockwell
Lucy Bissel
Mary Rockwell
Oliver Day
Doctr Convess
Men.
Isaac Grant
Oliv Skinner
Nath' Higley
Alex Grant
Tomas Foster
Luke Lomis
2 PEW.
3 PEW.
Molly Day
Molly Wolcott
Cloe Elmor
Women.
Hip. Strong
Abigail Wolcott
Lidea Rockwell
Lorany Woolcott
Betty Rockwell
Men.
Gabriel Burnham
Oliver Chamberlain
Justus Day
Dan'
Elmor
Alex.
Abn' Bancroft
4 PEW SIDE.
Men.
Augt Diggens
Elijah Rockwell
Jos Porter
John Porter
Men.
Isaac Phelps
John Skinner
Henry Loomis, Junt
Gideon Drake
Nath' Drake, Jun'
Moses Lomis
Dan" Skinner, Jun'
UPPER SIDE GALLERY.
Women.
Rocksi Lomis
Naomi Diggens
Ann Rockwell
Rachel Lomis
Rusha Bancroft
Molly Wolcot, Jun'
Men.
Eleas Olcutt
John Fitch
Benj. Wolcott
Women.
Nabby Rockwell
Esther Bissel
Hannah Lomis
Molly Vining
Sarah Skinner
-Ann Bissel
Cloe Webster
Lucy Morton
Pad. Carver
THE SEATING OF THE THIRD MEETING-HOUSE.
585
LOWER SIDE GALLERY,
Men.
Women.
Silas Stevenson
Pheby Pomery
Nez Drake
Pheby Millinton
John Pendal
Eunice Webster
Dan Eaton
Dolly Coult
Dan" Burr, Jun'
Gideon Lomis
Silas Drake
Molly Coult
Boyantons
2 Elest Girls
Elisha Pendal
Men.
Asael Bower
John bower
Hack foster
Tim. Skinner
Ep. Wolcott
Dan¹¹ Bissel
Men.
John Rockwell
Nath' Bissel
John Foster
John Smith, Jun'
Charles Bissel
Benja Rockwell
Men.
Oliver Lomis
Ezek Lomis
Isaac Rockwel
Timo. Elmor
Timo. Olcutt
UPPER SIDE GALLERY PEW.
(2)
3 PEW.
Women.
Ellis Bissel
Bula Rockwell
Sible Rockwell
Martha Elmor
Cloe Fitch
Nancy Burnham
Women.
Selome Bissel
Nancy Stoughton
Ann Moor
Ursula Lomis
Sarah Rockwell
Betty Foster
Women.
Prudence Smith
Molly Wells
Molly Rockwell
Bulla [Beulah ?] Lomis
Zuruiah Lomis
Abner Rockwell
The forging is a true accot of ye Doings of ye Comtt appointed to Seat yº new meet-
ing House in Windsor 2nd Society.
Nov, 1761
Certifyed by
EBEN' GRANT, Clerk of said Society.
This edifice, which was paid for mainly by the sale of tobacco,' stood
originally in the street, about 60 or 65 feet south, and 50 feet east of
the present church. This position was forced on the society in conse-
quence of the unwillingness of the owner of a desirable adjoining lot to
sell, although offered an extravagant price. Here it stood until about
1845, when it was removed back to the location of the present building
by Dea. Abner Reed. Its removal was accomplished, in spite of the
predictions of all the wiseacres of the village, without any perceptible
¹ Tradition, amply confirmed by the accounts of the building committee,
VOL. I.-74
586
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
strain or damage to the church or steeple.' It was considered in its day
as a remarkably fine specimen of church architecture. The steeple
especially was the pride of the town, and was built by subscription;
except £40 voted by the society. One influential gentleman remarked,
when the subscription paper was handed to him, that he should cheer-
fully add his contribution, for "God had one barn in Windsor already,
and did not want another," referring to the Wapping meeting-house,
which had no steeple. The old negro doctor Primus also had his say in
the following sentiment proposed at the raising:
"Big church, high steeple,
Proud committee, poor people.”
66
+
1763, June 23d. The society's committee were empowered to
secure the glass windows of the meeting-house from breaches, by pur-
chasing springs or weights," as they should judge best.
In December following, they were ordered to make such changes
in the floor seats "as to make room below to bring the new married
people down."
December, 1765. A sum of money having been subscribed to
obtain a bell, Erastus Wolcott, Ebenezer Grant, and Joel Loomis were
appointed a committee "to lay it out." This bell, the first in the society,
became broken, and was replaced with a new one in 1791-2.
From 1763 (or earlier) the church seems to have been much dis-
turbed by several cases of discipline, mostly those of Stephen Stedman
and Martha, his wife, and of Dea. Matthew Rockwell, for long-continued
absenting of themselves from public worship and the sacrament. The
proceedings towards these recusants, as evidenced by papers still existing,
appear to have been marked by "long-suffering," patient Christian firm-
ness, resulting finally in the formal excommunication of the two first-
named. Deacon Rockwell, who seems to have been afflicted with a long-
continued mental depression, and who endeavored to resign in 1763,
finally found relief from his morbid feelings, retracted, and came back
into the fold in a humble spirit. These proceedings, which involved the
assembling of an Ecclesiastical Council, covered the years 1767 to 1770,
inclusive, and the documents regarding them are very interesting, as
showing the forms of procedure then obtaining in these matters.
¹ The house was so well built that, to quote the words of Deacon Abner Reed, in a
letter to the author: "At the time it was taken down (1845) the timbers of the frame
were perfectly sound, and the builder of the new house told me that after he had
stripped off all the covering he examined the frame, and could not find a spot of rot in
whole that he could stick the point of his knife in; except one in the sill where the
double front door lapped together, and that not enough to injure. All the posts of the
old house, and all the beams and other parts that for size and length would answer,
were worked into the new. The contractor told me that he could not have got timber
for the posts that would have answered so well as the old ones."
CHURCH MATTERS, 1763-1768.
587
-
In 1773 the relations between pastor and people seemed to have
been somewhat strained owing to the insufficiency of Mr. Perry's salary
(then £75 per annum) to meet his necessities under the changed values
of money, consequent upon the war; and there is still extant a letter
from him asking his charge to unite with him in calling a council for the
dissolution of the connection between them, together with sundry records
of votes, etc. The matter was finally amicably arranged.
In 1768 that portion of Windsor east of the Connecticut River was
incorporated as a distinct town, and this church and society became the
First Church of East Windsor.
It will be remembered, also, that before the town of East Windsor
itself thus came into being there were four ecclesiastical parishes exist-
ing upon the east side of the Connecticut River, within the limits of the
ancient town of Windsor, viz.:
1. The Second Church or Society, whose history we have been
tracing in this chapter, organized 1698.
2. The North, Third, or Scantic Church, organized 1752, see the
following Chapter.
3. The Windsor, Goshen, or Great Marsh Parish, which in 1735
became the parish (and subsequently the separate town) of Ellington.
See Chapter IX, East. Windsor division of this History.
4. The Winter Parish of Wapping, organized about 1761, the fore-
runner of the present Wapping (So. Windsor) Congregational Church.
See Chapter IV, East Windsor division of this History.
Society of North Bolton. In regard to the setting off, in the year
1760, of a part of the Second Society in Windsor to help form the
Society of North Bolton, Mr. ALLYN S. KELLOGG says: "Something
respecting this may be found in the Records of the Colony, vols.
viii. and ix.; but most of the papers are in Ecclesiastical, vol. xii.,
State Archives, State Library, under the title North Bolton. The
assembly, in May, 1750, appointed a committee upon the memorials.
of Benjamin Stoughton and others, of Windsor, for an Ecclesiastical
Society, with certain limits; and of Isaac Jones and others, part of
them living in Bolton, and part of them living in Windsor, for an Eccle-
siastical Society, with certain other limits. In each case it was reported
that they were "too few." February 12, 1754, Isaac Jones, Moses
Thrall, and John Hills, of Bolton, David Smith, John Searl, and Joseph
Steadman, of the South [or Second] Society of Windsor, and John Craw
and Samuel Hills, of the Parish of Ellington, petitioned for an Ecclesi-
astical Society that should include a district about two miles in width,
lying in Windsor. Another petition for a new Society was presented in
588
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
May, 1757. A final petition, dated April 23, 1760, was granted, and in
October, 1760, North Bolton was made a Society, its north and west
boundaries being thus defined in the resolution: (starting from the N.E.
cor. of Bolton), "thence turning westward in the line betwixt Bolton
and Ellington, to Bolton N. W. corner, and still continuing the same course
into Ellington about a mile and a half and forty rods [line N on map];
thence turning and running southwardly at the west end of the second
tier of lots to Hartford line; thence turning eastward in said line to
Bolton or the T ditch; thence turning southwardly one mile in the line
betwixt the towns of Hartford and Bolton; thence "eastward to the east
line of Bolton." That part of Ellington which was, in 1760, included
in North Bolton Society was about half a mile in width, as may be seen
in the act incorporating Ellington Society.

Ꮴ
W
Z Equivalent
West Line of
Elling
Ellington Society
B
North Society
fon
N
Rockville
Ecclesiastical Society
Vernon,
1810.
Vernon Ling
HOCKANUM
R.
North Bolton, 1760
Vernon, 1808.
Sesegon Society
Annexed
to Bolton
1789
Mancheby
To Manchester, 1842
S
T
Tolland
Coventry
Manchester
Bolton
"North Bolton took also a part of the North (or Scantic) Society,
on which there were no inhabitants in 1760. Later (1802) Solomon
Loomis and Samuel Andrews, being in the Society in East Windsor,
were annexed to the Society of North Bolton see Private Laws.
In the plan filed with their petition, the line adjoining North Bolton
is marked as 80 rods in length. Whether that part of the North
Society included in North Bolton was of uniform width is not made clear
from the act establishing that North Society in May, 1752, and the act
incorporating Ellington.
"In May, 1810, the tract BV OS was annexed to the Vernon
Ecclesiastical Society (Private Laws, i. 554). It thus became a part of
•
A SET-OFF TO NORTH BOLTON.
589
Vernon School Society, and so continued until May, 1831, when it was
annexed to Wapping. - Private Laws, ii. 1095.
"In the absence of any accurate maps of Vernon, or of South
Windsor, it is somewhat difficult to define these older landmarks. The
"Hartford lines" were, until 1842, the boundaries of Manchester, and
the "T ditch" is at the northeast corner of Manchester. The part
taken from Windsor seems to have been a rhomboid, its longer sides
being the present west line of Vernon, and a parallel line running from
the re-entrant angle in the southwest corner of the town. The line of
Windsor (afterwards East Windsor) used to pass within sixty or eighty
rods of the site of the present meeting-house at Vernon Center.
“I have not satisfactorily ascertained the place of N, the original
northwest corner of the town of Bolton, and probably it could not be
determined without a re-survey. It appears to be, however, in the line
west of the road leading into Vernon from Ellington.
"But I think the foregoing will make clear the ecclesiastical re-
lations of that part of Old Windsor which is now (or has been) included
in the Ecclesiastical Society of North Bolton (or Vernon), or in the
Town of Vernon.'
}
¹ Some of the persons mentioned in the Windsor Genealogies resided in the North
Bolton part of Windsor, and for some of these items we are indebted to Mr. Allyn S.
Kellogg's kindly help.
CHAPTER II.
THE NORTH, OR SCANTIC, PARISH (NOW THE FIRST SOCIETY IN
TOWN OF EAST WINDSOR).
1754-1890.
(This Society, when organized, in 1754, was the Sixth Society in Windsor, and so
remained until 1768, when, by the division of the ancient town, it became the Third
Society in East Windsor, the Ellington Church being the Second. After the incorpora-
tion of Ellington, in 1786, this Society became the Second of East Windsor; and in 1846,
by the incorporation of South Windsor, it became the First Society in East Windsor.)
HE late Deacon AZEL S. ROE wrote so thorough and excellent a
Thistory of this to
history of this parish,' that any attempt to rewrite it, for the mere
sake of originality would be a work of supererogation. We content our-
selves, therefore, with simply abridging the substance of his little volume
and adding a few things of our own collating.
As before mentioned, the first settlement of Windsor, east of the
Connecticut River, was along the river from Scantic to Podunk, and
included the whole of the present town of South Windsor. At a subse-
quent period (1696-1700) a few families began to locate themselves
north of the Scantic. Thomas Ellsworth, the Osborns, and the Stileses
were among these northernmost settlers, all of whom were near the Con-
necticut River. But the gradual increase of numbers, and a necessity of
larger accommodations, drove them, in the course of a few years, back
into the higher forest lands of the interior.
"As early as 1736 settlers began to select favorable spots for loca-
tion amid the forests — some choosing their position where the land was
favorable for grain, some where the large pines afforded means for the
manufacture of tar, and others amid marshy places where the grass
grew rank, for the purpose of gathering hay to winter stock, the sowing
of grass-seed being an improvement in agriculture not then known to
them."
1
¹ HISTORY OF THE FIRST ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY IN EAST WINDSOR, from its
formation in 1752, to the death of its second pastor, Rev. Shubael Bartlett, in 1854.
With a sketch of the life of Rev. Mr. Bartlett, and his farewell discourse, prepared for
the fiftieth anniversary of his settlement. Hartford, 1857.
Time: Edwards.
1696 to death, 1768.
Joseph Perry
Colleague, 1755; pastor until death, 1783.

David W. Clure.
1786, until death, 1820.
Tho Robbing Colleague pastor, 1809 to 1829; pastor until 1827.
Facsimile AUTOGRAPHS OF THE FIRST FOUR PASTORS OF FIRST CHURCH OF EAST
(NOW SOUTH) WINDSOR, 1696-1827.
Tho. Potwine
1753, to death, 1802.

Shutael Bartlett
1804, to death, 1854.
Facsimile AUTOGRAPHS OF THE FIRST TWO PASTORS OF SCANTIC (OR NORTH).
PARISH, EAST WINDSOR, 1753-1854.

De Axel S Roe
Dea.
Historian of the North Parish. See p. 690.
NORTH (SCANTIC) SOCIETY.
691
At what time the Ketch Mills' settlement was commenced is uncer-
tain. As early as March, 1663-4, the court allowed Mr. Matthew Al-
lyn "to take up that meadow at Catch, beyond Goodman Bissell's, on
the east side of the River, and what upland he pleaseth, so he exceeds
not his former grant." And Feb. 2, 1687-8, the town voted that
"Samuel Grant, Senior, and Nathaniel Bissell shall have liberty to set up a sawmill
with the use of ten acres of land upon the brook that is known by the name of Ketch,
and the town is to have the boards for 4s per 100 at the mill, or 5s at the Great River,
they to have no right to the land any longer than they maintain a mill upon the place."
We think the settlement in that neighborhood, however, began at a
much later date and subsequently to that on the river. The first set-
tlers there, or among the first, were JOHN, ROGER, and LUKE, sons of
John Loomis.
Ireland Street, in the northeast part of Scantic Parish, was settled
about the middle of the last century (one date 1718, another 1720)
by a number of families of Scotch-Irish, who came from the north of Ire-
land with the Rev. Mr. McKinstry, and others, who settled at Ellington.
The names of Thompson, McKnight, Harper, Gowdy, Cohoon, and oth-
ers, have been long and honorably connected with the history of this
parish.
"From all," says Mr. Roe, "that can now be learned of the charac-
ter of those who first settled the north parish of East Windsor, we must
judge them to have been men of strong resolution, untiring industry, and
of religious habits. They were not mere speculators, who sought to
make the most out of the land they occupied in the shortest possible
time, and then to remove and try their luck upon some other unculti-
vated spot; but they seem to have settled with a design to make a life-
¹It is related that once, "in the olden time," the men engaged at the old saw mill
here were suddenly alarmed while at dinner by the unceremonious appearance of a huge
bear. Unprepared for such an honor, they sought their safety in flight, while their un-
welcome visitor, snuffing around in search of something to eat, espied the luncheon
which one of the men had left on the huge log that was set for the saw. Mounting the
log, Bruin began, with his back to the saw, quietly to dispose of the luncheon. Mean-
while the owner thereof, taking courage to reconnoitre, found his four-footed adversary
thus busily employed, and started the saw. Away it went, steadily sliding along the
timber, on which unconscious Bruin was seated, in happy enjoyment of his stolen feast,
until he was awakened from his "sweet dream of peace" by a savage scratch on his
shaggy back. Quick as thought he faced around, and instinctively grasped the shining
blade in a death-like hug—but still, up and down, the relentless saw held on its way
— and a mangled carcase testified to the exultant settlers that Bruin had " caught a
Tartar."
This incident has been assigned as the origin of the name Ketch Mills, but this is an
evident mistake. The name is a corruption of catch, by which the brook was known at
a very early date in the history of Windsor. The low wet lands on its borders were
then covered with a large quantity of coarse grass, of which each of the surrounding
inhabitants had liberty to gather in what he could; hence the name of Catch Brook.
592
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
stay of it, contenting themselves with a bare living for the first few
years, and enlarging their incomes as they extended their clearings and
brought more land into a state of cultivation. The houses which they
erected were not log-houses, such as have formed the first houses of set-
tlers in the far West, but they were frame buildings of small size, made
comfortable without any pretention to ornament. Many of the original
settlers purchased large tracts of land, which have sufficed even to the
present day for division among their descendants, so that in very many
locations among us the present owners can sit beneath the shadow of the
trees that sheltered their forefathers, and cultivate the soil where their
great-great-grandfathers labored.
They were a church-going people, and in the habit of attending reg-
ularly those places of worship nearest to their different locations. Those
who lived in the north visited the old church in Enfield, and those in the
middle and southern portions of the parish attended the church of Mr.
Edwards, situated near the old burying ground at East Windsor. Sab-
bath after Sabbath they traversed the footpaths through the woods to
that place of worship; and in death they were carried through the same
paths for many miles on the shoulders of neighbors and acquaintances,
to the depository of the dead near the house of God.'
The gradual growth of population for a period of seventy years, in
the territory between the Scantic River on the south and Enfield on the
north, had rendered the necessity of a new parish north of the Scantic
so apparent, that in December, 1749, the Second Society petitioned the
assembly therefor.
Several committees were appointed, the last of whom reported, Sept.
1751, favorably to a division of the society by a line running due east
from the mouth of the Scantic River; with the proviso, that as the list
of the south side exceeded that of the north side,² a part of the former
should pay rates to the latter for six years. This report was finally
adopted, not without some remonstrance from the south-siders; and, by
an act of the assembly, in May, 1752, that part of the Second Society
north of the Scantic became the Second, or North Society of Windsor,
east of the Connecticut River. 3
The first meeting of the new society, of which we have any record,
was held on the 25th of June, 1752. From this point we follow Mr.
Roe's book. "A meeting legally warned convened on that day at the
¹ One of our oldest inhabitants remembers that at the death of a young lady, whose
relatives had been buried in the old cemetery on East Windsor Hill, the corpse was car-
ried from the house he now occupies in Ireland Street, upon the shoulders of the bear-
ers to the place of interment, a distance of seven miles; several sets of bearers relieving
each other.
2 South side list, £9. 716s. North side list, £5. 165s.
3 State Archives, Ecclesiastical.
NORTH (SCANTIC) SOCIETY.
593
house of Mr. John Prior. Captain John Ellsworth was chosen moder-
ator, and the following votes were passed:
"
Voted, That Captain John Ellsworth, David Skinner, and Joseph Harper be soci-
ety's committee.
Voted, By more than two-thirds of the inhabitants of the North Society, entitled
by law to vote, to build a meeting-house in and for said society.
Voted, That they would apply themselves to the county court to see where the
meeting-house should be.
Voted, That Samuel Watson, an inhabitant of said society, be the agent for said
society to apply to the county court for a committee to affix a place where the meeting-
house shall be."
Oct. 30, 1752, at an adjourned meeting of the society, the following
resolution passed :
Voted, That they would raise five hundred pounds, old tenor currency, for the
building of a meeting-house, to be put into the hands of the committee for that pur-
pose."
The county court, according to request, appointed a committee, and
said committee made report, but it appears not to have been satisfactory,
for, on the 10th of Dec., 1752, at a meeting then held, in which Captain
John Ellsworth was moderator, and Ammi Trumbull clerk, we find the
following resolution passed by a vote of ten majority:
"Voted, That they would apply to the county court to laying objections against
the report of second committee of said court ordered by said court to affix a place for a
meeting-house, and to apply to said court for another committee; and that Erastus
Wolcott be employed to find the center of society, and to make a new place if neces-
sary.
Voted, That Benjamin Osborne be an agent for said society in laying their objec-
tions before the county court."
During the delay necessary to fix upon a suitable spot for the erec-
tion of their place of worship, the inhabitants of the parish were not
willing to be without the preaching of the gospel within the bounds al-
lotted to them, and we find the following resolution on record:
<<
<<
At a meeting of the North Society of Windsor, legally warned,
Voted, To raise one hundred pounds, old tenor money, to hire preaching at Mr.
John Prior's.
Voted, That one-quarter of said hundred pounds, should be spent in preaching at
Mr. Nathaniel Ellsworth's.
ciety."
Voted, That Benjamin Osborn should go to hire a minister to preach to said so-
At the expiration of a year from the time of their first meeting for
the purpose of erecting a house of worship, the difficulties attending the
setting a stake at the place where it should be located were surmounted,
and on the 22d of June, 1753, we find the following vote:
<<
Voted, That a person be appointed to go to the county court, now sitting at Hart-
VOL. I.75
594
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
ford, to get the place where the last committee set the last stake, as a place for a meet-
ing-house to be recorded.¹ And that Joseph Harper be their agent for that purpose.”
At the same meeting it was also
Voted, That Mr. Caleb Booth should go for Mr. Potwine to preach."
In August we find the following important resolutions:
Aug. 20th, 1753. At a meeting of the north society in Windsor, legally assem-
bled, Captain John Ellsworth being moderator,
Voted, To give Mr. Thomas Potwine, of Coventry, a call to preach with us on
probation, in order to settle with us, with the advice of the association.
Voted, To build a meeting-house, the same length and breadth as the meeting-
house in the second society, and twenty-one feet high between joints.
Voted, Jonathan Bartlett, Samuel Allyn, and Ammi Trumbull, be a committee to
employ men to get timber for said building."
After a trial of two months it was decided that Mr. Potwine should
be called as their pastor. The meeting for that purpose was held on the
22d October, 1753.
Voted, To give Sir² Thomas Potwine a call to settle with us in the work of the
ministry.
Voted, To give Sir Thomas Potwine, of Coventry, two thousand pounds in money,
old tenor, as it now passes, as a settlement.
Voted, To give Sir Thomas Potwine five hundred pounds for his yearly salary.
Equal to grain, wheat at forty shillings per bushel, rye at thirty shillings per bushel,
and Indian corn at twenty shillings per bushel, old tenor, and to add to it as our lists
rise until it amounts to six hundred pounds old tenor money.
Voted, That Joseph Harper and Mr. David Skinner be a committee to treat with
Sir Thomas Potwine about settling with us.
Voted, To alter the shape of the meeting-house, that it should be forty-seven feet
in length, thirty-five in breadth, and twenty-one in height between joints.
1 The following record was made at the June term of the county court, 1753:
We, the subscribers, being appointed in November last, a committee to repair to
the north society in Windsor, view their circumstances, hear all persons concerned, and
affix and ascertain a place, in our opinion, most suitable and commendable whereon to
build a meeting-house for divine worship in said society, having reported to said court
in January last, the said society having applied to us to review and further consider
their case, did on the 6th day of May inst., repair to said society and review their
circumstances and hear all persons concerned, and having advantage of a new plan of
said society which gave a different representation from that which we before used, in
reconsideration, have, in the presence of a large number of the inhabitants of said soci-
ety, set down a stake in the lot of Lieutenant Samuel Watson, about 36 rods near south
from the new dwelling-house of Mr. Daniel Clark in said society, and are now of opin-
ion that the place where we have now set the stake is the most suitable place whereon
to build a new house for divine worship for said society, and will accommodate the in-
habitants thereof.
NATHANIEL OLCOTT,
ZEBULON WEST,
STEPHEN CONE,
Committee."
June term, 1753.
2 This appellation, in the antique and stately language of that day, had much the
same significance as the title Mr. in the earlier New England generations.
NORTH (SCANTIC) PARISH.
5.95
"Voted, That Ebenezer Bliss go to Lieutenant Watson and Daniel Clark, in the
name of the society, to purchase of them and take a deed for the same, of one and a half
acres of land."
This was designed for the spot on which the church should be erected
and where the stake had been placed.
1754,
At a meeting of the north society legally assembled on the first day of February,
Voted, That if what we have already voted for Sir Thomas Potwine's salary
should be insufficient for his support, that we will add to his salary as his circumstances
call for and our abilities will admit of.”
The reason which called for this resolution is not given, but the fact
of its having been placed upon their records goes far to illustrate their
character as men and Christians.
In 1758 a new agreement was entered into between the Rev. Mr.
Potwine and his people, in which, at his request, the sum to be paid to
him annually was to be sixty pounds so long as he should continue their
minister. He had also the use of the glebe land, or minister's lot, and
a yearly provision of wood. As this seems to have been an arrangement
satisfactory to both parties, we may conclude that the sum, small as it
appears to us, was sufficient in that primitive period of country, for its
purpose.
When, at a subsequent period, in consequence of the high price of
the necessaries of life during the terrible years when our young nation
was in the deadly struggle for her independence — and upon an applica-
tion by Mr. Potwine for assistance, we find the following record:
“27th Dec., 1799. Voted, To raise fourteen hundred and forty pounds money to
be paid to the Rev. Thomas Potwine, in addition to his stated salary the current year,
on account of the high price of the necessaries of life.”
The actual value of the amount designated (£1,440) is not now easily
determined, but as they also raised £180 for the purchase of his wood
for that year, which had usually cost five pounds, we can suppose it to
have amounted to forty pounds - an addition to his regular salary of
two-thirds. The salary of their minister was also paid promptly. Regu-
larly as the year came round his receipt is attested as in full for the
amount agreed upon.
The following rules of church discipline were defined for settlement
of Mr. Potwine, at a meeting of the society on the first of April, 1754:
Voted, To settle Sir Thomas Potwine in the following manner, viz.:
"1st. The Word of God is the only infallible rule of church discipline.
2d. That the church will have a manual vote in this house.
"3d. That whenever we shall have occasion to send a messenger, that we will
choose him by proxy.
4th. That whenever we shall have occasion for a council, that the church shall
choose them,
596
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
5th.
We do agree to leave the examination of those who desire to join in full
communion with the minister.
"6th. We do agree that those who have a desire to join in full communion have ·
liberty to make relation of their experience in the church and congregation, upon their
admission to the church."
Mr. Potwine, having accepted the terms offered him as a settlement,
it was concluded that on the 1st day of May, 1754, he should be solemn-
ly ordained as their pastor.
And the following votes were passed at the meeting held on the 1st
April preceding:
Voted, To ordain Sir Thomas Potwine at Lieutenant Samuel Watson's.
Voted, That Captain John Ellsworth proceed for the ministers that shall ordain
Sir Thomas Potwine, and the rest of the ministers that shall come to ordination, and the
messengers.
Voted, That Caleb Booth, Ezekiel Osborn, Jonathan Bartlett, Samuel Watson,
David Skinner, John Gaylord, Ebenezer Bliss, Benjamin Osborn, and Ammi Trumbull,
provide for people that come to ordination."
No building had as yet been erected for public worship, but the peo-
ple, anxious to have the ministration of the ordinances and a servant of
God as their leader and teacher, procured the use of a private house for
that purpose, and the one most appropriate then on account of its size
and capacity for accommodating a number of people was that which is
now in possession of Mr. Joel Prior, situated in Main street. The ordi-
nation of Mr. Potwine was celebrated Oct. 1, 1754, under the roof of a
barn then newly erected and never as yet used.' Mr. Roe received an
account of it from an old lady, who very distinctly remembered what her
mother told her about it, who was present and with her babe in her arms.
The ceremony was performed upon the barn floor. A table answered for
a desk, and benches made of rough boards, with a few chairs for the more
distinguished ministers, were their seats. Boards were laid across the
bays as standing places for the women and older people, while upon the
beams above perched the younger and most elastic. This barn is still
(1882) standing on "the street."
We are unable to give particulars of the ministry of Mr. Potwine,
as unfortunately no records have been preserved that can throw light
upon it; nothing pertaining to church matters can be known except from
tradition. How many were added through his long ministry can only
be known now when the last great account shall be made up.
In about one year after his ordination, the house for worship was
¹ This barn then belonged to Lieut. Samuel Watson, later to Mr. John Prior.
NORTH (SCANTIC) PARISH.
597
completed,' and the congregation joyfully assembled together for the
purpose of consecrating it to its holy uses.
It was erected as nearly at the center of the parish as could be
agreed upon, although in the opinion of many, who lived on what was
called the river road, "too far in the woods." The site chosen was the
one occupied by the present place of worship. The building was after
the fashion of many of that day, a plain, oblong building, of small size,
as the dimensions already given testify, and without steeple or ornament.
A door opened from the east and south, and with its galleries could
probably accommodate from two to three hundred persons. Not long
after the erection of the church a small building was put up near the
present site of the dwelling-house of Samuel W. Bartlett, Esq., for the
accommodation of those who lived too far from the place of worship to
be able to return to their homes during the interruption of public wor-
ship at noon, where they could take refreshment such as they had brought
with them; or, if the winter season, have the benefit of a fire, and re-
plenish their foot-stoves for the afternoon service, a warm meeting-house
being in those days an interdicted luxury. This building also answered
a very useful purpose for those females who might have no convenience
for riding to church, and were of necessity often compelled to encounter
sand and dust if the season was dry, or snow and mud at other times
a change of the nether garments was necessary, and here it could be
effected.
Going to church was in those days a matter of course. None staid
at home but the very aged and the sick; and they went in that way
which happened to be most convenient, for the most part on horseback,²
the husband and the wife, the brother and sister, the lover and his lass,
¹ The house of worship was not probably in a finished state when first occupied, for
we find on record the following resolutions in reference to it:
"Dec. 18th, 1759, Voted, That Joseph Allyn, Jonathan Bartlett, and Ammi Trum-
bull, be a committee for finishing the lower part of the meeting-house.
Voted, That the lower part of the meeting-house be finished with pews.”
Again at a meeting held 21st Dec., 1767 :
Voted, To raise twelve pounds to glaze the meeting-house, to be paid in grain,
viz: wheat at four shillings, rye at three shillings, and Indian corn at two shillings per
bushel; and the Society's committee to take charge of the glazing."
Again, at a meeting held 11th Dec., 1769 :
Voted, To raise eighty pounds to be expended in finishing the meeting-house, to
be paid in grain, wheat at four shillings, rye at three shillings, and Indian corn at two
shillings per bushel; and Lemuel Stoughton, Jonathan Bartlett, and Simeon Wolcott,
to be a committee to lay out the money and see to the work."
* Some of the roads were inconvenient even for that mode of conveyance. At the
top and bottom of the long hill which ascends from Mr. Osborn's mill to what is now
called Prospect street, horse-blocks were erected at which the riders could dismount and
mount the hill was so steep and rugged they were obliged to lead their horses going
up or down; and some persons now living remember well seeing these blocks.
598
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
each pair on the same horse, and often a little one in the arms of the
mother or father. One hundred horses have been counted thus passing
in line along one of the most frequented roads, of those who had been
attending the house of God.
Weather did not then determine the numbers who should be in their
seats in the Lord's house. Moreover, going to church was considered an
indispensable duty, none turned their backs upon the house of God, and
it was no uncommon thing for neighbors to question each other if for
one or two Sabbaths any were absent from their place.
As the parish increased in numbers, we can readily understand how
at the end of fifty years the house which had accommodated the fathers
became too small for their descendants. The seats could not contain
the congregation, and the stairs which led into the galleries, as well as
the outer steps at the doors, were often filled with those who could find.
no other resting place.
Whether the spiritual condition of the people may be judged by this
crowding to the house of God, cannot now be so clearly ascertained as
we could wish. That there was a good degree of vital religion we may
hope. Prayer-meetings were regularly kept up in different parts of the
parish, and in these exercises the hands of the pastor were greatly
strengthened by the energy and devotion of his venerable father who had
removed to this town.' He went from house to house and held meetings
that were well attended, and was constant in his labors both in regular
attendance through all weathers and in direct conversation with individ-
uals. And so much was he esteemed for these labors of love, that the
people of their own accord erected for him a small house in the center
street of the parish, that he might have a permanent home among them.
The division between the eastern and western portions of the old
town of Windsor, in 1768, made this parish The Second Church of East
Windsor.
The needs of the parish seeming to demand a new meeting-house,
a meeting of the society was held Dec. 19, 1796, to ascertain the feeling
of the people regarding it; but that and a succeeding adjourned meeting
in March following failed to gain their assent to the question put by the
moderator," Will you do anything respecting the building a new meeting
house?" Five years elapsed; then, April 21, 1801, at a society meeting
it was
"Voted, To build an addition to the meeting-house in said society of about 21 feet
in length, and the same height and breadth with the body of said house, on the north
part of said house; to build a new roof facing the opposite way from what the old
¹ John Potwine, a goldsmith, removed from Boston to Hartford, and thence to
(North) Coventry, Conn., where he was admitted a freeman in 1754.` From Coventry he
came to Scantic. See Potwine Genealogy.
BURNING OF SCANTIC CHURCH.
599
one now stands; to move the pulpit to a proper place; to fill the new part with pews,
excepting proper alleys; to move any pews that it shall be necessary to move; to plas-
ter all parts of said house that shall be necessary; to new cover the outside of said
house and paint it; to underpin the said house decently with three tier of stone, includ-
ing many of the old underpinning stone as can be used; and to procure suitable
step stones; all to be done within twenty months from this date.
“Voted, That Messrs. John Morton, Thomas Potwine, Jr., and Stoddard Ellsworth
be a committee to carry the above vote into execution.
“Voted, To raise four cents on the dollar on the list of 1800, to enable said commit-
tee to carry into execution the above described building."
But at the October meeting in the same year nothing had been
done, except collecting the materials; nor was any action taken relative
to it, except that a vote was passed permitting "the inhabitants of the
society or any individuals" to "build a cupola or steeple to the meeting-
house," provided it "be done entirely by subscription."
A difference of opinion, however, had arisen, and perhaps a little
too much pertinacity was manifested on each side; the breach became
seriously wider and wider, and the members on either side of the ques-
tion were determined to stand by their expressed opinion. At the close
of their meeting in April, 1802, in which many hard words had been
sent back and forth, and in which it had been decided by a majority of
voters that an addition should be made to their present house of worship,
it was very evident that the minority felt sorely grieved, and one of them
was heard to express the opinion "that the addition would never be
made.”
Whether it was spoken under prophetic inspiration or otherwise
is of little consequence now.
In the edge of the evening of that day, 20th April, 1802,' the church
was discovered to be on fire, and within a few hours a heap of charred
timbers and ashes alone remained to mark the spot where for half
a century the Second parish of East Windsor had worshiped. To
them its destruction seemed like the triumphing of the wicked; like the
tread of the demon of evil upon their sacred Zion.
But perhaps to no one was the intelligence "that the church was
on fire" so heart-rending as to him who had administered at that
sanctuary for the last fifty years. Mr. Potwine had now become an
old man.
He had reached the farther shore of time, and the mists
from eternity's vast ocean were beginning to gather around him.
Advanced in life and weakened by disease, he was in no condition
1 That the date given by Mr. Roe (5 Oct., 1801) is incorrect, is proven by the fol-
lowing notice in The Balance and Columbian Repository, published at Hudson, N. Y., of
date of 4 May, 1802: "PROGRESS OF REASON. A meeting-house in East Windsor, Con-
necticut, was burned on the 20th ult. by design." Mr. J. S. Allen of Broad Brook,
Conn., who furnishes us this item, says that Peter Parsons, an East Windsor boy,
then employed in the Columbian office, was probably the one who inserted this notice.
600
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
to bear such a trial. To him, above all others, that old edifice was
precious.
A period of darkness ensued.' The minds of many in the society
were sadly embittered. The daring and wanton act which had been
perpetrated by some rude hand could not be forgotten. More than
one individual was suspected and openly charged with the crime, and
at length a prosecution was commenced, which lasted some time, but
the result of which is now of little consequence.
At the society meeting in April, 1802, it was
"
"Voted, To build a meeting-house in this society, at a place where the Honorable
General Assembly or County Court shall affix-by a majority of the whole except
two- and that Caleb Booth, Esq., be agent in behalf of this society to proffer a me-
morial praying said Assembly or Court, as occasion may require, to appoint, order and
affix the place whereon said meeting-house shall be built, and also to apply to said As-
sembly for their resolve appropriating the materials and money provided for repairing
the old meeting-house, lately burnt in this society, to the purpose of building a new
one.
"Voted, To raise five mills on the dollar on the list of 1801, for the purpose of de-
fraying the expenses."
The expense referred to was more particularly intended for carrying
on the law-suit ordered to be commenced against those suspected of
having fired the old meeting-house.
On the 26th day of May, 1802, a meeting was held "for the purpose
of taking into consideration the doing of the Honorable General Assem-
bly committee in affixing the place whereon to build a meeting-house in
this society, and for acting thereon."
"Voted, That provided said Assembly shall ratify the doings of said committee, we
will build a meeting-house on said place.
Ninety-one in the affirmative and twenty-three in the negative."
On the 31st May the society again assembled:
Voted, To raise two cents on the dollar on the list of 1801, towards defraying the
expense of building the new meeting-house, when the General Assembly have affixed .
the place, in addition to the four cent tax already voted and appropriated to the build-
ing of said house, by said Assembly, payable on the first day of October, 1802.
"Voted, Messrs. John Morton, Thomas Potwine, Jr, and Job Ellsworth be a com-
mittee to carry the building of said meeting-house into effect.
Voted, To build said meeting-house of the following dimensions: fifty-six feet in
length and forty-seven feet in breadth, and a proportionable height, to be determined by
the committee appointed to build said house; and to erect the frame, and cover the
outside, and lay the lower floor, by the first day of October, 1802, or as soon as
may be."
The committee exhibited a very commendable degree of energy in
carrying out these resolutions, for in one month from the date of their
'Out of this strife issued the formation of the Episcopal Church at Warehouse
Point in 1802,
DEATH OF REV. MR. POTWINË.
601
last meeting the house was raised, and in such a state of forwardness
that at a meeting legally warned and held on the 2d of July, 1802, they
felt it necessary to pass a vote and take measures for protection against
any evil-disposed persons who might attempt to injure it. The following
resolution speaks for itself:
Voted, That Samuel Stiles, Jeremiah Lord, and John Felshaw be agents in behalf
of this society, and they are hereby authorized and appointed to take care of the new
meeting-house lately erected in this society, and to commence a prosecution or prosecu-
tions against any person or persons who shall attempt or commit any trespass on said
meeting-house, in any wise injuring the same, and to make presentment to proper au-
thority for any breaches of law or for any threats that have or shall be uttered respect-
ing said house, and prosecute the same to final judgment and execution."
The last vote for raising the yearly salary of Rev. Mr. Potwine was
passed by the society at their regular meeting in October, 1802.
'Voted, To raise two hundred dollars for the Rev. Thomas Potwine's salary for the
current year.
"Voted, To raise sixteen pounds, sixteen shillings to get the Rev. Thomas Pot-
wine's wood for the year ensuing, to be paid to the following named persons, in pro-
portion as they have undertaken to get said wood:
"To Daniel Osborn,
"Hezekiah Wells,
"Daniel Chapin,
"Hezekiah Bissell,
4 cords at 8 shillings.
4
8
4
8
((
"Paul Hamilton,
"Jonathan Clark,
Henry Wolcott,
8
8
"David Bancroft,
"Alexander Vining, 6
2
66
2
2
*
<<
Joseph Button,
2
"Caleb Booth,
4
2
Jonathan Button,
2
42 cords."
8
8
8
8
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
པ༷
<<
This method of supplying wood for Mr. Potwine had been adopted
first at a meeting of the society in November, 1794, at which time an
inspector of the wood thus to be provided was appointed.
Soon after this meeting in October, 1802, the society was left desti-
tute of a pastor by the death of the Rev. Mr. Potwine, in November,
1802, about one year after the burning of the meeting-house. The fol-
lowing record of his last hours of life was made at the time when the
scene occurred :
"For more than ten days preceding his death, Mr. Potwine was exercised with
great bodily distress, but patient and resigned to the hand of God. So great was his
weakness that he was unable to converse in that length of time; but while the lamp of
life was glimmering in the socket, and every moment expected to be his last, on the
morning of the Lord's day, which was the day before his death, to the surprise of his
mourning family and many people who called in to take a last and affectionate farewell
of their beloved pastor, on the way to the place of public worship, at that moment he
VOL. I. 76
}
602
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSÔR.
was favored with a short revival, his departing spirit recalled, and with an audible voice
he asked them to unite with him in prayer; and in the following words poured forth
the desires of his heart:
"Almighty God and Heavenly Father! be pleased to be with us on this Thy holy
day, to keep us from sin and all evil, and guide us in duty. Will God be with me, Thy
servant, who is soon to be laid in the consuming grave. Merciful God! be with me in
my dying moments, to uphold and support me. Put underneath me Thine everlasting
arms of mercy; and support me by Thy free, rich grace; and receive my parting spirit
to Thy blissful presence. Will God be with my dear and mourning wife in her great
trials, and support her by Thy Holy Spirit. Will God sanctify my death to my dear
children, for their spiritual and everlasting good. And may my death be sanctified to
my beloved church and people, when I am laid in the dust. Unite them in one heart
and one mind to serve the living and true God. Preserve them from Will worship;
and may they in truth and sincerity love and serve Thee. May they be united in har-
mony and peace. Bless the whole Israel of God; and have compassion on the im-
mortal souls Thou hast made; through the merits of Thy dear Son, our Lord and
Saviour, and to Him, with the Father and Eternal Spirit, be ascribed everlasting praises.
Amen."
The last words which Mr. Potwine was heard to utter were:
"Christ is my all and in all." And the Rev. Mr. McClure, the pastor
of the South Church in East Windsor, chose them as the text from
which he preached his funeral sermon, November 17, 1802. Colossians
iii. 2. — “ Christ is all and in all.”
His monument, in the Scantic graveyard, bears this inscription :
"Sacred to the memory of the Rev. Thomas Potwine, first Minister of
the Second Church in East Windsor, he was a native of Boston, and
educated at Yale College, 1751, settled in the gospel ministry here, 1754,
where he continued more than 48 years, the faithful pious pastor of an
united people, his useful and exemplary life, thro' the grace of his
Saviour, was crowned with peace and triumph in death. He deceased
Nov. 15th, 1802, aged 71 years."
+
Though his people had now no spiritual leader, and many who had
been members of the society had either withdrawn their aid or united
in opposition, still the business of the society went steadily on.
At a meeting on the 10th of January, 1803, it was
Voted, That Caleb Booth be and he is hereby appointed agent for this society to
apply to the association for advice and assistance in procuring a candidate to preach the
gospel to them on probation.
"Voted, To raise two cents on the dollar, on the list of 1802, for the purpose of.
paying the expenses on the meeting-house, already arisen, and likewise to build a pul-
pit."
March 28 instant, 1803, at a meeting duly warned and held :
Voted, To finish off the new meeting-house in this society complete by the first
day of December next; the stairs in the steeple to be included in finishing said house.
Voted, To raise six cents on the dollar, on the list of Aug. 20, 1802, to defray the
expense of the same, to be paid at 3 several payments, viz.: first of Oct., 1803; first
፡፡
NORTH (SCANTIC) PARISH.
603
of October, 1804; first of October, 1805; and that the rate-bills be immediately made
out, that any persons so disposed may pay their proportions at once.
"Voted, That John Morton, Job Ellsworth, and Thomas Potwine be the committee
to finish said house."
At an adjourned meeting, 6th of June following, it was
"Voted, To raise five mills on the dollar, on the list of 1803, to defray the expense
of hiring a clergyman to supply the pulpit in this society."
Mr. Booth had been successful in procuring a candidate, the Rev.
Shubael Bartlett; and the above tax was laid for the purpose of paying
him for his services. After preaching some months as a candidate, Mr.
Bartlett received a call from the society to settle as their pastor. The
preliminary meeting for that purpose was held 28th November, 1803;
by a large majority vote, 84 affirmative, 12 in the negative. He was to
have $500 as a settlement, and a yearly salary of $450, so long as he
should be able to supply the pulpit, and if disabled from preaching, one-
half the salary to be deducted. He was also to have the use of the
ministerial lot.
These terms being accepted by Mr. Bartlett, he was ordained as
their pastor, 15th of February, 1804.
In 1809 a bell and clock were purchased by subscription and pre-
sented to the society, and provision was made for their care and use by
Mr. Thomas Tarbox, at a salary of $22 per annum. In October, 1812,
it was
((
Voted, That the following shall be the regulations for ringing the bell:
"The bell shall be rung at 12 o'clock in the day, and nine at night, five minutes
each time. After ringing the bell at nine at night, to toll the day of the month.
"It shall ring every sabbath morning at half past nine o'clock, fifteen minutes, it
shall ring at meeting time five minutes, and then toll until the minister comes and enters
the desk.
"In like manner before a lecture.
It shall ring for a death five minutes; for a male about ten years old, it shall strike
three times three strokes; for a female over ten years of age it shall strike three times
two strokes; and for a child under ten years of age, three strokes; and then it shall
strike the age of the person deceased; and then it shall be tolled fifteen minutes. It
shall be tolled at a funeral when requested.
It is not to be tolled for a death after the sun is down."
We find no mention made of stoves for warming the meeting-house
until October, 1825, when it was
Voted, To give liberty to the inhabitants of the second society in East Windsor,
to put a stove or stoves into the meeting-house, provided they shall be the property of
the society so long as the society shall suffer them to remain in said house.”
But nothing was effected in this direction until the 2d of January,
1827, when it was
:
604
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Voted, To raise three-fourths of a cent on a dollar, to defray the expenses of put-
ting up stoves and pipes into the meeting-house-to provide fuel for the same, and a
man to attend to the stoves."
Seating the Meeting-House.
The first notice in regard to pews is recorded at a meeting of the
society in December, 1759, when a committee was appointed to finish the
meeting-house with pews. Whether the committee completed the work
is doubtful, for no mention is made of their doings, nor was any money
voted for that purpose. In 1769 eighty pounds was raised for the pur-
pose of finishing the meeting-house, and Ensign Lemuel Stoughton, Capt.
Jonathan Bartlett, and Simeon Wolcott were made a committee to see
to it. The next year, December 10, 1770, we find the first notice of
seating the meeting-house, so that, in all probability, the pews were not
completed until then. The seating committee were James Harper, Sim-
eon Wolcott, John Thompson, Jr., Ensign Lemuel Stoughton, and John
Prior.
In 1785 and 1790 the pews were reseated, Capt. Hezekiah Bissell,
Major Lemuel Stoughton, Capt. Caleb Booth, Joseph Allen, Esq., and
Ebenezer Watson, Jr., committee. Again the house was seated in 1794,
and October 6, 1800, the last committee for seating the meeting-house
was appointed, viz.: Samuel Stiles, Samuel Bartlett, Thos. Potwine, Jr.,
Benjamin Loomis, James Chamberlain, Stoddart Ellsworth, and John
Pasco.
After the erection of the new house, in 1802, the congregation took
possession of the new pews; probably, according to some principle which
had been virtually established during their occupancy of the old house;
but in October, 1826, it was
Voted, That the Society's Committee be directed to embrace in their warning, at
the next annual meeting, to see if the society will lease the pews in the meeting-house in
this society for one year- or whether they will do anything relating to selling the pews,
or seating the meeting-house.”
The society was divided on the question, and it rested until October,
1832, when it "Voted, To lease the pews for one year to raise money to
defray the expenses of the society the current year and to discharge the
debts now due from the society," and this method of seating the meeting-
house has since been adopted with slight variations.
Singing.¹
Attention to singing, as a part of the worship of the sanctuary, has
always been held among this people as of great importance, and very
¹ In this connection, see also pp. 273–275.
SINGING IN SCANTIC CHURCH.
605
early in the history of the society we find the subject alluded to and pro-
vision made for its maintenance.
At a meeting of the society in December, 1758, among other resolu-
tions for the good of the society, we find the following:
Voted, To raise eight pounds to hire Mr. Beal or Mr. Wilson to teach us to sing."
At a meeting of the society in April, 1771, it was
"Voted, To introduce singing by rule in the congregation."
This resolution, it would seem, did not meet with approbation, for
at a meeting of the society next year it was in effect rescinded, ast
follows:
"Voted, Not to act upon the article of singing in the congregation."
There were doubtless wise men among them, who, as soon as they
perceived what testy folks singers were, resolved to let them have their
own way, either to sing in unison, or each one "on their own hook,”
merely insisting upon the following regulation, which should be in force
for one year:
Voted, To sing in the congregation without reading line by line, a part of the
time, not exceeding one-half, until the next annual meeting of the society."
At the next annual meeting it was
Voted, To continue the singing in the congregation, as agreed upon at the last
meeting."
Among the Stoughton papers, quoted by Mr. John A. Stoughton, in
his Windsor Farmes (p. 97), is the following petition:
EAST WINDSOR,
Sep'. yº 9, 1772.
To ye Jentlemen Society Commtt. for ye North Society in said East Windsor, this from
us the subscribers are to Desier you as soon as may be to warne a society meeting to do
ye following Business, viz.:
1st. To see what ye Society will do Respecting Singing whether they will aprove
of Beeting ye time with ye hand in divine worship.
2d. Whether ye society will approve of Sounding or Pitching ye notes with ye
voice or Pitchpipe before they begin to sing.
3d to see whether they shall appoint ye Rev. Mr. Potwine to tell the tuner what tune
they shall sing.
4. to see if the Society will agree upon a Serteine number of tunes that shall be sung
upon ye Lord's Day in divine worship, in this Society, and what tune they will have
sung.
5 to see whether they will chuse any person or persons to tune the Psalm for us in
this Society.
6. to see whether the society will agree to Seet the Meeting house againe, or approve
of ye disorderly Sitting in ye Gallerys among y' young people.
7. to see if the society will agree to sing without having the Psalm read upon the
Sabboth in divine worship.
606
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Samuel Skinner
David Skinner
Lampson Willis
Job Thompson
Thos. Elsworth
Joseph Allen
Samuel Allen
Hezekiah Allen
Hezekiah Wells
Nathaniel Bancroft
Noah Stiles
Joel Price
John Bancroft
John Osbornes
Joseph Osborne
Thomas Bancroft
Joseph Egolston
Jonathan Fish
Eleazer Blodget
Adonijah Crane
Nath. Bissel
Will Bissell
John Gaylord
Charles Gaylord
At a meeting of the society, held in January, 1794, the following
resolution was passed:
Voted, To raise one farthing on the pound on the list of 1793, for the purpose of
hiring a singing-master to instruct in the rules and arts of singing Psalms, so that sing-
ing in divine worship may be performed decently and orderly in this society."
The peculiar wording of this resolution rather leaves an impression
upon the mind that things were not, in respect to that department of the
exercises, just as they should have been. And the society appears now
to be in earnest to correct the evil, for at the next annual meeting
another farthing on the pound was raised, and Major Caleb Booth
empowered to hire a singing master for the winter.
Again, in 1796, a vote was passed to raise one-half penny on the
pound for the purpose of hiring a teacher "to learn the inhabitants of
this society the rules of singing psalms in the congregation," and Daniel
Osborn was appointed a committee to carry the resolution into effect.
The last singing school for the benefit of worship in the old church
was in the winter of 1800 and 1801.
At a meeting held 6th October, 1800, it was
Voted, To raise two mills on the dollar, on the list of 1800, for the use of hiring a
singing-master the ensuing winter.
66
Voted, That Capt. Asahel Stiles should procure a singing-master."
Since the erection of the last meeting-house, and during the ministry
of Mr. Bartlett, singing schools were enjoyed every few years; the pas-
tor himself always attended them, for he not only took a great delight
in sacred music, but he believed that the meeting together of the younger
part of the congregation to engage in this exercise had a happy influence
on their minds, and he has often been heard to say that he could date
the beginnings of several revivals of religion from the close of the sing-
ing-schools. His prayerful watch over them did, no doubt, much to pre-
vent the evils which have come upon other ecclesiastical societies from
this source.
In 1841 the meeting-house was remodeled and finished in a style of
modern convenience and elegance.
In 1847 Mr. Bartlett was induced, by the infirmities of age, to
request the assistance of a colleague pastor.
REV. SHUBAEL BARTLETT.
607
Accordingly the society chose the Rev. SAMUEL J. ANDREWS, who was
duly ordained to his office in October following, "and commenced his
peculiar and responsible duties, for which by nature, and more especially
by the grace of God, he was in an eminent degree qualified."
In 1854 the society was bereaved by the death of the venerable
second pastor.
The Rev. SHUBAEL BARTLETT was born at Lebanon, Conn., 2d of April,
1778. His father, Mr. John Bartlett, was a deacon in the Congregational
church at Lebanon, and in a direct line could trace his ancestry to John
Alden, of the Mayflower emigration to Plymouth, 1620, and the whole
line of pedigree runs through those who were professedly pious persons.
He was a man of plain circumstances, working with his own hands at
the shoemaker's trade, but training his family in the fear of God. And
in his declining years, having lost his wife, and his children being scat-
tered abroad, he left Lebanon and closed his life at the house of his son,
Rev. Shubael Bartlett, at East Windsor.
Mr. Shubael Bartlett's record says: "If ever I was born again, I
have reason to hope that it was some time in the springing of the year
A.D. 1794." He united with the church in June of the same year, when
sixteen years of age.
His mind turning towards the ministry, he commenced his prepara-
tory studies with Rev. Zebulon Ely, and, in Sept., 1796, entered as fresh-
man at Yale, his expenses being defrayed by teaching and some perqui-
sites received for service in college. He graduated in 1800, commenced
the study of theology under Dr. Dwight, and was licensed to preach the
gospel in 1802. January 7, 1803, he received the invitation from the
East Windsor Church to preach to them as a candidate, which resulted
in a call, and he was ordained to that pastorate Feb. 15, 1804.
Mr. Bartlett was eminently a consistent Christian; remarkable for
evenness of deportment. He seemed always to realize his accountability
to God for all his conduct towards his fellowmen, and believed it not
only wrong to indulge in harsh censure, but even in harsh thoughts of
others. As a true child of God, he earnestly sought the care and coun-
sel of his heavenly Father, and, thus connecting the care and will of God
with his daily interests and duties, he may be said truly to have traveled
the path allotted to him with the sensible presence of his Almighty
Friend, hallowing every scene and making even its darkest passes radiant
with the light that streameth from heaven.
Mr. Bartlett's style of preaching was not calculated to please a fas-
tidious taste; and the matter of his preaching was rather practical than
doctrinal. He never studied to adorn his discourses with the graces of
elocution, and perhaps regarded with too much indifference the manner
in which the truths which he wished to enforce were presented. And
608
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
while, indeed, he would not keep back the prominent articles of our faith,
yet they were never brought out in their startling boldness so as to lead
the minds of his hearers to revolt at them or to create a disputatious
spirit. He was fully conscious that "we now see only in part," that
many things "were hard to be believed," and could never be made quite
clear in our imperfect state. But, "to love the Lord with all our heart
and our neighbor as ourself," to repent heartily of sin, to lay hold on
Jesus as the great Saviour of the soul, to do works meet for repentance,
and to walk by faith on the Son of God these were within the grasp
of the mind, and upon these he dwelt.
His attention to the children of his flock was also a peculiarity in
his ministrations. He never passed a child without some token of special
notice, and, for many years, could call any child among his people by
name. He walked before his people a living example of true religion,
upon a plain, steady path of unaffected piety. The tongue of scandal
was never heard against him; he never wandered into a dubious path,
nor did an act of questionable character. He loved his people; he did
his best for their temporal and eternal welfare, and his record is in many
hearts on earth, and, we doubt not, well registered in heaven.
The last public services at which he officiated were in December,
1853, at the consecration of the Congregational church at Broad Brook.
An attack of influenza was then incurred, which finally deepened into
what was evidently to be his fatal illness. He had no special prepara-
tion to make on his own account; he had been doing that for sixty years,
and had no new arrangements to trouble himself with. He conversed
freely about the event that was approaching, with the same calmness as
was usual with him in reference to any concern in life.
By degrees he gave up his duties as the head of a family, as he had
done those of a pastor of his flock, having placed in the hands of his
colleague, the Rev. Mr. Andrews, the book of records belonging to the
church, which for fifty years he had faithfully kept. The morning and
evening service at the family altar was the last duty he resigned. No
fear, no doubt, no cloud dimmed his clear vision, or troubled his passing
spirit. And thus he sank to rest, June 6, 1854.
He was succeeded by Rev. SAMUEL JAMES ANDREWS, D.D., son of
Rev. William Andrews, pastor of First Congregational church at Dan-
bury, Conn., 1813-27, and brother of the Rev. William Watson, Rev. Is-
rael Ward, Rev. Ebenezer Baldwin, and Rev. Edward Warren Andrews.
He was born at Danbury, Conn.; grad. Williams College 1839; was set-
tled at East Windsor as colleague pastor with Mr. Bartlett, 20 Sept.,
1848, and remained sole pastor about one year after Mr. B.'s death. He
was dismissed 9 May, 1855.
The fourth pastor was Rev. FREDERICK MUNSON, born at Bethlehem,
MINISTERS RAISED IN SCANTIC PARISH.
609
Conn., 25 April, 1818; grad. Y. C., 1843, and was pastor here from 3
Sept., 1856, to 19 July, 1865.
The fifth pastor was Rev. DAVID HAVEN THAYER, born at Nunda,
N. Y.; grad. Union Coll., 1849; first settled at Mt. Carmel, Conn.,
1853; at Scantic, 1866; was in charge of the Catholic Apostolic ch. at
Enfield, Conn., 1 July, 1878; d. 19 Sept., 1882; pastor here from 22
May, 1866, to 20 Dec., 1878.
The sixth pastor was Rev. AUSTIN S. CHASE, grad. Dartmouth Col-
lege, 1869; installed pastor here 23 April, 1879; dismissed because of
failing health, 31 Dec., 1880.
The seventh was Rev. HowARD BILLMAN, installed April 26, 1882.
The eighth and present pastor is Rev. CURTIS M. GEER, grad. Hart-
ford Theol. Sem., 1890; ordained and installed here, June 25, 1890.
Ministers raised in East Windsor (though some of these may be
claimed by Ellington, or South Windsor):
Rev. LORIN ANDREWS.
Rev. and Prof. DAVID ELY BARTLETT, S. of Rev. Shubael Bartlett, b.
Scantic parish, E. W., 29 Sept., 1805, graduated Y. C. 1828, and at once
became a teacher in the Deaf and Dumb Asylum at Hartford, where,
with but slight interruptions, he remained until his death at H., 30 Nov.,
1879, being at the time the oldest teacher of the deaf and dumb in this
country. This was due to the fact that he had been só eminently suc-
cessful in this department of instruction that he could not be spared
from it. He had, to a remarkable degree, the qualities which fitted one
to excel in this voiceless training. Of a most gentle nature, he had a
lively sympathy with these children of misfortune; he was a natural ac-
tor; and, when using the sign language before his classes, his whole body
was full of this silent speech. His was a life of true Christian simplic-
ity and beauty, and his death was greatly mourned. He studied theol-
ogy at the Union Theological Seminary, New York city, and was a
preacher, as well as a week-day teacher, to the deaf and dumb.
Rev. ELDAD BARBER, b. North Parish of E. W., 24 Sept., 1801; grad.
Y. C., 1826, and from Yale Divinity School, 1829; ord. 26 Aug., 1829,
with five others, as evangelist in the West. From 1829-1832 was pas-
tor of Pres. ch. at Milan, O., and afterwards, for 3 yrs., principal of the
Huron Institute at that place. His longest pastorate was over the Pres.
ch. at Florence, Ohio, 1837 until his death, 27 Mch., 1870. His second
wife, and the mother of his children, was a dau. of Mr. Moses Osborn of
East Windsor.
Rev. HORACE BELKNAP.
Rev. HENRY NEWTON BISSELL, b. E. W., 2 June, 1816, grad. Y. C.,
1839; engaged in teaching in Ohio, and was for several years principal
VOL. I. - 77
610
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
of the Huron Institute, Milan, O.; then entered the ministry; was set-
tled at Lyme, Ohio, 1846-54; then called to Pres. ch. at Mt. Clemens,
Mich.; m. 5 May, 1846, Elizabeth Hale Hubbard, a native of Vernon,
Conn.
Rev. ALBERT BOOTH.
Rev. CHAUNCEY BOOTH, b. E. W., 15 Mch., 1783, son of Capt. Caleb
and Anne (Bartlett) Booth; educ. and grad. Y. C., 1810, and from An-
dover Theol. Sem., 1813; ord. pastor at Coventry, 20 Sept., 1815, and
retired from active duties in 1844; res. in C. until his death, 24 May,
1851. See Booth Genealogy.
Rev. SAMUEL ROBBINS BROWN, b. Scantic Parish, E. W., 16 June,
1810; fitted for college at Monson Academy, and grad. Y. C. 1832, and
from Union Theol. Sem., N. Y. city, 1838; m. 1838, Elizabeth Goodwin,
younger dau. of Rev. Shubael Bartlett. "He was for many years at the
head of the Morrison School in China, and most honorably known and
esteemed for his missionary labors in China and Japan. The first
Chinese and Japanese students sent to this country for their education
were sent by Dr. Brown, and placed at Monson Academy." Dr. B. died
suddenly at Monson while on a visit, 20 June, 1880. See Bartlett
Genealogy.
Rev. DANIEL ELMER, the earliest college grad. from the East part
of Old Windsor; name on the Triennial of Y. C. for 1713; his wife was
Margaret, sister of Rev. Jonathan Parsons of Newburyport, Mass., at
whose home Whitefield died. Mr. Elmer preached at Brookfield and
Westborough, Mass., and spent his later years in N. J.; died 1755;
prob. fitted for college by Rev. Timothy Edwards.
Rev. BENJAMIN B. PARSONS.
Rev. LEMUEL STOUGHTON POTWINE; b. E. W., 4 Feb., 1832; grad.
Y. C., 1854; taught two yrs. at Norwalk, Conn.; studied theol. two yrs.
in Theol. Instit., Conn.; tutor Y. C. 1858-60; has been many years
Prof. of Latin in Western Reserve College, now known as Adelbert Col-
lege, Western Reserve University.
Rev. THOMAS STOUGHTON POTWINE, D.D., b. E. W., 4 April, 1829; grad.
Y. C., 1851; at Theol. Instit. of Conn., 1854; tutor at Beloit College,
Wis, 1851-53; and at Yale, 1854-57; rec'd degree of D.D. from Yale,
1856.
Rev. INCREASE N. TARBOX (D.D.). See Tarbox Genealogy.
Rev. HENRY WILLES, son of Joshua, b. E. W., 1690; grad. Y. C.,
1715; was the first pastor of Franklin, Conn., 1718, until his death,
1755; prob. fitted for college by Rev. Timo. Edwards.
EARLY MEMBERS OF SCANTIC CHURCH.
611
Deacons.
LAMSON WELLS and DAVID SKINNER, 1754.
JOSEPH EGGLESTON, died May 9, 1797, aged 82.
JOHN BANCRAFT, died March 20, 1800, aged 66.
JAMES HARPER, died March 19, 1808, aged 85.
OLIVER BARBER, died October 8, 1820, aged 84.
NOAH ALLEN, ordained 1809; died May 7, 1824, aged 67.
DANIEL RICHARDSON, ordained 1818; removed 1829; died 1847.
IRA WELLS, ordained 1823.
ANSON BISSELL, ordained 1825; removed to Wapping 1832.
ERASTUS BUCKLAND, ordained 1830; died Jan. 23, 1848.
AZEL STEVENS ROE, ordained 1833; died Jan. 1, 1886.
CHAUNCEY ELLSWORTH, ordained Sept. 1, 1854, died 12 June, 1869.
PHINEAS L. BLODGETT, ordained Sept. 1, 1854.
GAIUS N. BOOTH, ordained Sept. 16, 1866; removed to Enfield 1874.
JOHN F. FITTS, ordained Jan. 1, 1871.
DANIEL W. BARTLETT, ordained Jan. 3, 1875.
When the second pastor of this church first removed to this place,
in 1803, no records of the church were found, from its first formation,
May 1, 1754, to the death of the first pastor, November 15, 1802.
Of the members of this church, as far as they could be found, Feb-
ruary 15, 1804. Figures denote the age at death:
Mrs. Lydia Potwine, widow of
Rev. Thomas, 82.
Dea. James Harper, 85.
Wife of Dea. H., 74.
Dea. Oliver Barber, 84.
Wife of Dea. B., 81.
Noah Allen, 67:
Benjamin Allen, 44.
Nathaniel Allen, 36.
Ashbel Barber, 73.
Simeon Barber, 67.
Benoni Stiles, 64.
Seth Stowell.
Elijah Sadd, 77.
Alexander Vining, 76.
Gideon Wolcott, 71.
Widow Sarah Bancraft, 81.
Wife of Nathan Pelton, 63.
Wife of Hezekiah Allen, 84.
Wife of Nathan Cohoon, 70.
Wife of Samuel Bartlett, 84.
Wife of Solomon Ellsworth, 85.
Wife of Aaron Frost, 87.
Wife of Alexander Morton.
Wife of Daniel Bissell, 79.
Jerijah Bissell, 92.
Isaac Bancraft, 87.
Samuel Bartlett, 81.
Isaac Bancraft, Jr., 79.
Wife of Daniel Chapin, 73.
Josiah Blodget, 73.
Elisha Crane, 91.
Hezekiah Crane, 84.
David Crane, 91.
Wife of David Crane, 88.
Wife of Rufus Crane, 88.
Wife of Wareham Crane.
Wife of Elijah Sadd, 84.
612
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Rufus Crane, 64.
Wareham Crane, 65.
Jonathan Clark.
Daniel Chapin, 54.
Aaron Crane.
Aaron Frost, 70.
Aaron Frost, Jr.
Alexander Morton, 63.
Daniel Osborn, 82.
Nathan Pelton, 75.
Thomas Potwine, 67.
Solomon Payne.
Wife of Oliver Clark, 70.
Miss Mary Eaton, 61.
Mrs. Hannah Eggleston, wife of
Dea. E., 88.
Mrs. Rachel Potwine, 86.
Wife of Hezekiah Crane, 83.
Wife of Josiah Blodget.
Wife of Aaron Crane.
Wife of Elisha Crane, 94.
Mrs. Hannah Bartlett, widow of
Jonathan B., 94.
Wife of Seth Stowell, 59.
Society Fund.
The first mention of any fund for the support of the gospel ministry
in this parish, appears to be the following resolution passed by the soci-
ety Oct. 4, 1813, a sum left by Capt. Samuel Stiles:
<<
Voted, That the society committee be directed to receive the sum of one thousand
dollars given to this society by the last will of Capt. Samuel Stiles, deceased, and dis-
pose of the same according to the tenor of said instrument.”
Year by year, after this, we find the interest of this fund used in
part for the payment of the minister's salary at first as an addition to
the regular salary on account of the high price to which the necessaries
of life had risen, and thus it was continued until 1820.
The next addition to the fund appears to have been received from
the State, and is called the State Fund - the record concerning it was
made at a society's meeting held the 6th day of October, 1818, as fol-
lows:
Voted, That the State Fund received at Hartford in December last, by the society
committee, and interest amounting to one hundred and seventy-seven dollars, be put at
interest and remain as a fund for the support of the Gospel ministry in this society dur-
ing the pleasure of this society."
At an adjourned meeting held on 2 Jan., 1827, we find the first
notice of the Bartlett Fund:
"Voted, To accept of the donation given by Mr. Samuel Bartlett, of one thousand
dollars, to the second society in East Windsor, under its restrictions.”
The following extract from the will of Mr. Bartlett will show the
nature of the donation and the restrictions above referred to:
And wishing to perpetuate a regular Gospel ministry, I will that my executor
pay as a donation which I now make to the second ecclesiastical society in East Wind-
sor to which I belong, the sum of one thousand dollars, under the following restrictions,
NORTH (SCANTIC) PARISH.
613
»
viz.: That this donation shall be kept at annual interest until principal and interest
shall amount to four thousand dollars, and when the whole sum shall amount to the
aforesaid sum of four thousand dollars, the interest arising thereon shall be applied
annually towards paying the minister's salary in the. society, leaying the principal of
four thousand dollars entire with the following conditions being complied with :
"1st. That said society keep and maintain a decent meeting-house in which to
perform public worship.
"
2nd. The said meeting-house to be the sole and entire property of said society.
"3rd. That said society shall not at any time be destitute of an ordained minister
more than two years, which minister shall be a learned man of true orthodox principles
according to the sense in which our forefathers maintained the same.
"4th. They shall not pay any of the interest arising on this donation to hire a
minister of different principles,— but if at any future period of time shall neglect or re-
fuse to comply with the above conditions and restrictions, then and in that case said
donation shall be forfeited by said society to my executor or his heirs, to sue for and
recover the said donation to his or their use."
This fund reached the amount specified in the will of Mr. Bartlett
(four thousand dollars), in 1849, since when its income has been
appropriated for the purpose to which it was consecrated by the devisor.
In Oct., 1845, a permanent lease of the parsonage lot was made for
a term of 999 years, from April, 1845, for $1,470.93, the interest on
which was annually thereafter paid to Rev. Mr. Bartlett, after whose
death, and in Oct., 1854, this fund was applied towards the liquidation
of the society's indebtedness in securing their parsonage land and build-
ing the parsonage.
In 1868, an organ was introduced into the church, and the building
painted. In 1869, there was a mission-school connected with the church.
In 1878, the Conference House was improved.
Religious Statistics. (For Dr. Dwight's account of this parish and
vicinity see his Travels, ii. 279-283.) Members, 1833, 286; 1850, 150;
1882, 147. Revivals, 1780, a considerable one; 1808, 19; 1809, 11;
1817, 96; 1818, 11; 1822, 15; 1827, 53; 1832, 77; 1838, 12; 1855,
50; 1861, 15; 1874, 17; 1876, 12.
CHAPTER III.
THE DIVISION OF ANCIENT WINDSOR AND INCORPORATION OF EAST
WINDSOR.
1768.
WⓇ
E have now arrived at a point, in our history, of some consider-
able interest, viz.: the incorporation of that part of Windsor,
lying east of the Connecticut River, as a distinct town, by the name of
EAST WINDsor.
:
The gradual increase of population in the east-side settlements of
Windsor developed the necessity and awakened an urgent and steadily
increasing demand for such a division of the ancient limits as should
better accommodate the circumstances and promote the interests of their
inhabitants. Those, who, even in these days of railroads, good turnpikes,
and easy carriages, find the breadth of the noble Connecticut a bar to
their visiting their relatives on the opposite side oftener than once a
year if indeed as often can readily understand that, in those early
days of rough roads, sparse settlements, and horseback riding, it was a
serious matter for their ancestors (tough and hearty as they are sup-
posed to have been) to be obliged to travel from six to twelve miles, and
cross a river, in order to attend town meetings, or transact any business.
with the town officers. The only wonder is that they bore it so long and
so patiently as they did.
The subject seems to have been first publicly agitated at a town
meeting on the 30th of January, 1748/9, but was not acted upon. For-
tunately, the river itself constituted so natural a line of separation between
the towns, that there could be no occasion for disputes about boundaries;
but there was an immense amount of conservatism in the community,
and the matter moved not again until July, 1753, when it was voted that
they would divide the town of Windsor into two distinct towns, "as
Connecticut River runs.' At a meeting on February 11, 1756, the
same vote was passed, and a committee appointed to confer with the
assembly about the matter. In 1759, the same subject came before the
town meeting, and William Wolcott, Samuel Eno, and Peletiah Mills
were appointed agents to apply to the assembly. Then the project slept
for eight years, until, 7th December, 1767, Erastus Wolcott and Josiah
Bissell were appointed a committee for the same purpose, and their
دو
•
FIRST DIVISION OF THE OLD TOWN.
615
efforts were, at last, crowned with success. At a town meeting on the
3d Monday in March, 1768, the details were agreed upon, as follows:
that the town should be divided as the river runs; that Windsor should
keep all the records and half the money which might remain in the
treasury after all town debts were paid; and support ten of the town
poor (who were named), and have the free use of the stone quarry
(Snake Hill) on the east side; while the east-side folks were to take
care of eight of the town poor.
Finally, the colony records show that :
At a General Assembly of the Governor and Company of the Colony of Connecti-
cut holden at Hartford on the second. Thursday of May, A.D. 1768,
"On the memorial of the inhabitants of the town of Windsor, showing to this
Assembly that the memorialists, at their legal town meeting in December last, agreed
to divide the town, and praying that the part of the town on the west side of Connecti-
cut River be and remain the town of Windsor, with ancient privileges of said town;
and that the part of said town that is on the east side of said river be made and consti-
tuted a town; and that their common stock, money, and poor be divided, etc., accord-
ing to their agreement at their publick meeting on the third Monday of April, 1768, as
per memorial on file,
"It is enacted by the Governor, Council, and Representatives in General Court
assembled, and by the authority of the same, that that part of said town that is on the east
side of the Connecticut River be, and they are hereby, made, erected, and constituted
within the limits and bounds thereof a distinct town, with all the liberties, privileges,
and immunities that other towns by law have and do enjoy, and that said new erected
and constituted town be called and known by the name of East Windsor."
And thus, "Windsor, east of the Connecticut River," including the
present towns of East and South Windsor, and Ellington (now in Tol-
land County), was duly set apart and incorporated as the town of
EAST WINDSOR.
The first town meeting held in East Windsor was on 6th of July,
1768, when Erastus Wolcott was chosen Moderator and Aaron Bissell
Town Clerk and Treasurer.
Thus, it will be seen, that (one hundred and thirty-three years from
the date of the original settlement of Windsor; and one hundred and
twenty from that of John Bissell's pioneer lodgment on the east side of
the Great River; and ten years after the death of their first pastor, Rev.
Mr. Edwards; during whose ministry of sixty-three years, four ecclesias-
tical parishes had been organized within the town's limits, east of the
river) the new town-yielding to the inevitable logic of events —
dropped from the arms of the old town, as naturally as the ripened fruit.
drops from the parent bough.
The new township was of large proportions; upon the north it was
bounded by Enfield and Somers; its eastern line was irregular, stretch-
ing back in some places from ten to twelve miles eastward from the
616
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
river; Hartford (which then included East Hartford and Manchester)
bounded it on the south, while the river formed its western boundary-
the length of the township, from Enfield to Hartford lines, being nearly
ten miles.
East Windsor's civil and military history, prior to 1768, is neces-
sarily incorporated with that of Windsor, in our preceding chapters; but
the separate histories of its several ecclesiastical parishes has been--
for the sake of unity — presented in the following chapters.
Extracts from Newspapers.
HARTFORD, Feb. 27th, 1767.
One night last week, a panther having killed nine sheep in a yard at Windsor, the
owner of the sheep, one Mr. Phelps, the next morning, followed the panther by his track
into a thicket about half a mile from his house, and shot him. He was brought to this
town, and the bounty of five pounds allowed by law was paid for his head.- New Lon-
don Gazette, No. 172.
From the Connecticut Courant, dated Hartford, August 10, 1767.
Last Tuesday two transient persons were taken up at Windsor, for committing,
each of them, two thefts, and received sixteen lashes on each of their backs; eight for
each offence. The next day they were committed to Gaol in this Town, to take their
trial at the Superior Court next month, for breaking open and robbing a house at
Windsor."
From the Connecticut Courant, dated Hartford, September, 1767.
"Last week, David Campbell and Alexander Pettigrew, were indicted before the
Superior Court, sitting in this Town, for breaking open and robbing the house of Mr.
Abiel Abbot, of Windsor, of two watches, to which Indictment they both plead guilty,
and were sentenced each of them to receive 15 stripes, to have their right ears cut off,
and to be branded with a capital letter B on their foreheads; which punishment was
inflicted on them last Friday. Pettigrew bled so much from the amputation of his ear,
that his life was in danger."
•
From the Connecticut Courant, No. 191, dated August 22, 1768.
On Saturday, the 13th inst., the following melancholy accident happened in
Windsor, viz.: Four young women whose names were Thrall, who had been at work
abroad in the afternoon, after they had completed their labor, agreed to divert them-
selves in the water, in a small river at that place. Accordingly they pulled off their
stocking and shoes, and joining hands, immediately went into the river; but not being
acquainted with the depth of the water, and the bottom being very uneven, the young
woman that was foremost fell into a deep place, which she did not discover till it was
too late to save herself, and pulled two of her unhappy companions after her, by which
means they were all unfortunately drowned; and the other very narrowly escaped
sharing the same fate. Two of the above young women were sisters, one of which was
about 21, the other about 19 years of age. The other was a near relation. Their
bodies were soon after taken up, and the next day decently interred. The Rev'd Mr.
Russell preached a sermon suitable to the occasion.
A few days after, one Henry Chapman of the same place, accidently fell from a
beam in a barn, upon a cart that stood upon the floor, and split his head, and died
instantly. He was about 40 years of age.”
EXTRACTS FROM NEWSPAPERS, 1768.
617
Parson Hinsdale's (North) Church Records contains the following
note of these deaths, "Aug. 13, 1768, Mary and Elizabeth, daughters of
David Thrall, and Jerusha, daughter of Charles Thrall, were all, at once,
unhappily drowned in Poquonock River, as they went in for their diver-
sion"; and, "no longer after than August 17, Mr. Henry Chapman, in
the dusk of the evening, climbing a scaffold in a barn, fell and received
a wound in his head, of which, in a few hours, he died. How hard God
calls to a hardened people!"
Tradition relates that Mr. Chapman, at the time of this accident,
was at work for a neighbor on the north side of the Rivulet, his own
residence being on the south side. That afternoon, his wife sent a little
daughter up to Hoyt's Meadow, to look after or drive home the cows.
The child went, but shortly returned, crying violently and appearing
greatly frightened and agitated. On being questioned as to the cause,
she affirmed that on reaching the pasture where the cows were, she had
seen her father standing on the stump of a tree, and covered with blood.
In a few minutes after, word was brought to the family, of the sud-
den accident by which the husband and father had lost his life. It was
undoubtedly one of those cases of premonition which sometimes precede
coming events, but which all our philosophy fails to explain.
We hear from Poquonock, a parish in the western part of Windsor, that about
half an acre of the surface of the ground there has lately sunk or fallen to a consider-
able depth below the common surface or level; not unlike to what is frequently
occasioned by earthquakes, though attended with no eruptions, either of water or fire;
for which event no natural cause has as yet been assigned. And it is more unaccount-
able, as the ground that is sunk was not contiguous to or bordering upon any precipice
or declivity, nor adjacent to any collection of water that should occasion it to sink.”
Conn. Journal, June 22, 1770.
VOL. I. 78
CHAPTER IV.
WAPPING PARISH (THIRD CHURCH OF EAST WINDSOR).¹
1717-1890.
TRA
|RADITION, at least, accords to one THOMAS BISSELL, the honor of
being, as early as 1700-1705, the first settler of that portion of
Windsor known as Wapping-a name probably borrowed, though we
know not why, from that of a street in London, on the Thames. His
house is said to have stood a little south of the road from East Windsor
Hill, and west of Podunk River, until about 1840, when it was taken.
down. It was probably the house occupied, at the last, by Mr. Elijah
Blodget. We find, in the society records, frequent allusions to a place
below Podunk River, called "Bissell's Farms," which may, perhaps, refer
to Wapping; and, in an old account-book kept by Samuel Rockwell, who
in those days was "a mighty hunter," are notes of venison sold to
Thomas Bissell who lived, as early as 1705, in the N.W. corner of Wap-
ping. Tradition also records that, shortly after coming here, Bissell
had a very severe fight with a large and powerful Indian, who in a
drunken bravado, boasted of having killed ninety-nine white men and
insisted on making up the hundred, by killing him. Foiled in his
attempt to burst in through a half-opened door, by Bissell's dog, he was
finally overpowered by the dog's master and his sanguinary intentions.
defeated.
Deacon Francis Vinton, however, in an interesting paper prepared
for the South Windsor Grange, introduces to us another claimant
for prior, or at least contemporaneous, settlement in Wapping. He
says, "as far as I have been able to learn, from tradition, one JOSEPH
STEADMAN made the first settlement in Wapping, in the south part, on
the land now of H. C. Hayes, near the old crossing a little east or south-
east of his ice pond. A small quince tree was pointed out to me, in
1836, as indicating nearly the site of his house; he got his water from.
a spring a little east of the fence between the pasture and mowing-lot,
near the driveway. The building of his house was closely watched by a
¹ We are mainly indebted, for information concerning this parish, to a Ms. account
written by Rev. Marvin Root, in 1840, and deposited in the archives of the Conn. Hist.
Society; also, to Ms. of Dr. Elijah F. Reed.
WAPPING PARISH, EAST WINDSOR.
619
few Indians who then lived in the forest east, on the land now owned by
Clayton Grant, or his brother; and he was, at times, annoyed by the
prowlings of these Indians around his house. Once, while on horseback
looking for his cows, he was fired upon by them, the bullet passing
through his clothes and grazing his back." The Windsor Land Records.
show certain two-rod roads between the Hartford line and Steadman's
corner, which seem to confirm the traditional account of his settlement
in that neighborhood.
NATHANIEL DRAKE afterwards built a house N.W. of Mr. Watson
Hayes' present place. BENAJAH STARKWEATHER must have been an early
settler in Wapping, as his son Thomas received a deed of land here from
Roger Wolcott in 1780, and buried a son in 1795. Capt. NOAH BARBER,
the ancestor of the Wapping Barbers, came from Windsor and the house.
which he builded was only pulled down some two years ago, by Mr. F.
Gillet. Mr. BARZILLA GREEN died in 1795, aged 70; his wife died the
same year, aged 71. JOSEPH STEADMAN married, in 1709, Sarah Taylor,
and died in 1762, aged 83. Mr. H. C. Hayes is their lineal descendant.
JOHN GRANT died in 1803, aged 80. DANIEL ROCKWELL died 1789, his
wife, 1785.
The Bissells, Rockwells, Skinners, Sadds, Stoughtons, Smiths, and
Grants were among the first to locate in Wapping—and Gibbs, Fitch,
Dorchester, Uppard, Wheaton, Armstrong, Lathrop, Adkins, Hun, Dor-
mant, Stocking, and Gay figure largely among the earlier names.
The first settlers were, of course, included within the limits of the
Second Society (or Windsor, east of the Connecticut River), and
attended worship in Mr. Edwards's congregation. But, the roads to "the
Street" were exceedingly bad; and they seem to have petitioned, at a
very early day, for "winter privileges"—¿. e., for liberty to hire a minis-
ter during six months of the year. This reasonable request was, for
many years, refused. In 1761, however, the Assembly made them a
winter parish, and the Second Society voted to allow them their propor-
tion of rates, which amounted to £6, 12s. A number of documents
relative to Wapping are preserved in the State Archives; and among
the records of the Second Society we find the following document
(attested, as a true copy, by Rev. Mr. Perry, Aug. 14, 1761) :
"As the Second Society of Windsor were sundry years about fixing a place for
building a meeting-house, so the Inhabitants of Woping, in sa society at the same time,
were endeavoring to be made into a Distinct Society upon ye account of which there
werė two Parties in the Street of sª Society: for the People of the North Part said Wop-
ing must not be a Society. But the Meeting-House must be set at his Honour's [Roger
Wolcott's ?] to accomodate Woping, and the People of the South Part say'd Woping
must be a Society and therefore y° meeting house must be set at Nuberry's to accomo-
date them, and in particular Will Wolcott, Esq., one of the members of the C of
Christ in sd Society, who was always Spoakman for the South Part Say'd Woping must
be Society, & therefore the meeting house must be set at Nuberries and the sd Will hath
620
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
declared from time to time to some of the People of Woping he had nothing against
Woping being off, But would be glad if they were off then and yt he would not appear
against ym nor oppose Wopings getting off at the Assembly nor in any shape at all,
and in January last past he told Chapman Grant when he knew Woping. were going to
ye Assembly that he wd not oppose him but would do him all the service he could as an
evidence all which may be proved. Notwithstanding all these Declarations & Solemn
Promises the sd Will did appear at the Assembly at their Session in May last at Hartford
and opposed the agent of Woping and pleaded that the Memorial of Woping that was
then upon Trial should not be Granted for that they were not big enough on the List
and for that the People of Woping did live but two miles & quarter from the streat,
also pleaded for the North Society by wich conduct of the sd Will, Stephen Steadman,
one of the members of the same Chh of Christ, being so offended, charges him of being
guilty of a scandalous breach of the ninth commandment,” etc.
From all of which it doth appear that with the Wolcott influence
against them, the Wappingites had a pretty hard fight to obtain even the
scanty ecclesiastical privileges granted them by the Assembly.
At this time, according to their petition, dated March, 1761
(State Archives), they numbered 200 souls, and had 32 houses, while
their proportion of the Second (East Windsor) Society list was £2,000.
They complain that, on settling the meeting-house on the Street, no
regard was had to them; that they are obliged to go to it four miles and
a half “through the wilderness.”¹
'The following document curiously illustrates the disintegrating influence of
church quarrels upon the body-politic:
To the Honble General Assembly now sitting at Hartford :-
We the subscribers being in East Windsor in a place called Wappon Soldiers &
those y¹ are allowed by Law to vote for Commission officers, beg leave to Inform your
Honors that the Inhabitants of Wapon some years ago, were made a Winter Parish, and
a Lttent's military Company was made there, for their Ease & Convenience. That the
said military company, then with great unanimity made choice of m¹ Sam Smith (who
had served as Serg¹ many years before to good satisfaction) Lieutenant of said Company,
m' Edward Chapman Grant, Ens". and the affairs of sd Company were Carried on in
Peace and Good Order; till an Ecclesiastical Controversy arose & threw them into
Parties. And the Ens" Mr. Grant made very much the Head of one of them, which of
late seemed to abate, and we the Subscribers hop'd had happily Subsided, but on the
first monday of may Inst. when we were Called out to Chuse a Captt. our Numbers
being Encreased to a Captain's Company we found, as we apprehend, the old Party
Spirit still remained, for when we Come to Count the Votes, we found Ens" Grant Con-
trary to ye General Expectation had the majority of votes, which we apprehend was
occasioned by ye Influence of an Ecclesiastical Controversy, and the unfair Practice of
those that were of that Party, and not for yº Good of the Company, or agreable to ye
minds of ye major Part of the voters: and we beg leave to Observe to your Honors that
many of yº voters not apprehending there wo'd be any Difficulty in the Choice of Capt.
were not present, and many that were present & voted, were not lawfull voters. And
yet there were but one vote in the Majority for Ens" Grant. The No. of votes for Mr.
Grant were 34, and those not for him 33. A bare, or Small Majority this. There was
one Rouse in particular a Stranger of no Interest, lately come into Town and married
there and never belonged to sª Company and tho living out of the Limits thereof — put
in a vote, and was Counted in favour of m² Grant- and Green, a young Soldier wheu
he was putting in a vote for Lt Smith, [was asked by] by an Elder Soldier in favour of
4
WAPPING PARISH, EAST WINDSOR.
621
Their first meeting-house was built under the title of a school, about
1765, and stood on land, afterwards of Capt. Samuel Hall, whose west
barn occupied a part of the old church site and was three miles from
the Second Society's meeting-house, on "the Street." "The Street"
always claimed that their society extended within half a mile of the
Wapping meeting-house, i. e., three miles from the river, or to the end
of the "3-mile lots."
The upper windows of this meeting-house were boarded up, only the
lower ones were glazed, and the whole edifice finally became so dilapi-
dated that the six months winter privileges were extended to eight months;
and by leave of the assembly, the warm season was substituted for win-
ter, the people worshiping in the latter season with the Second Society,
who invited them to do so, tax free. Their own old edifice was there-
fore used only in spring, summer, and autumn; and, finally, the “Wap-
ping Barn," as it came to be called, was pulled down one night in the
year 1799 by a party of frolicksome young men.
The first minister ascertained to have preached in Wapping was one
MATTHEW ROCKWELL, who graduated at Yale College in 1728. He was a
physician, and added a gift of preaching to his other accomplishments.
He was a licentiate, and occasionally preached for the Rev. Mr. Edwards
during the last year of the latter's life.
"WINDSOR, Nov. 4, 1763.
"Received, of Samuel Grant, the sum of £1 1s 3d for preaching at Wapping, in the
year 1762. By me,
"MATTHEW ROCKWELL.
Tradition affirms that he preached in Mr. Grant's old house, before
the building of the meeting-house, in 1765.
Mr. MOSES TUTHILL also preached here for three years. He was a
Congregationalist, and a man of eccentric character, although of consid-
erable talent. He graduated at Yale College in 1745; became the pas-
tor of a church at Granville, Mass., at its organization in 1747; resigned
his charge in 1753. He then came to (East) Windsor for a season.
His wife was Martha, the daughter of Rev. Timothy Edwards, to whom
he was married in 1746, and who is represented as a woman of remarka-
ble fine powers of mind, although, perhaps, with some peculiarities of char-
m' Grant, who his vote was for, told him for Lt. Smith, with that ye other Soldier pulled yo
vote out of his Hand & destroyed it, and put a vote for m¹ Grant into his Hand, to Influence
Him to vote against his mind, and by such unfair Practice only mr Grant was Chosen.
We need not observe to your Hon's How ruinous & fatal it is like to be, to Said Company
& y Leaders too, to have such a Choice Established, and Pray your Honrs to take yº
mater into your wise Consideration with ye Return of sd Choice, refuse to grant a Com-
mission to sa Grant and order said Company to be led to a new Choice by one of ye
Field Officers of ye Regiment and due care be Taken, till that a fair Choice be made
that Order and Peace may Subsist in said Company.
We are may it please this Honourble House your humble Petitioners. Dated at East
Windsor, May yº 14 1771.
622
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
acter. It is related of them that, on the day appointed for their marriage,
Mr. Tuthill was on the west side of the river, and the ice, just then break-
ing up, rendered crossing impossible. As soon as he could cross he
came to her residence in East Windsor, but she refused to see him. At
last she was persuaded to give him a hearing, he being in one room, she
in another, with the door closed between them, and the conversation was
so carried on. In answer to her question why he had not come at the
appointed time he told her he could not have come if his life had depended
upon it; but the irate maiden told him he should have minded nothing
about his life when he was going to be married. A reconciliation was
finally effected. It is of this lady, also, that Stoughton (Windsor
Farmes, p. 67-68) relates the following: "It is related of Mr. Tuthill's
courtship, that when he, after the custom of the time, requested of Mr.
Edwards the privilege of soliciting Miss Martha's hand, the latter,
knowing his daughter's propensities, expressed a fear that she might
not be a suitable companion for the would-be-son-in-law. Mr. T. mis-
understanding the reply, supposed it had reference to her spiritual con-
dition, and anxiously inquired if "Miss Martha had not experienced the
great change.” 'Yes, yes,' replied the father, 'she is a good girl, but,
Brother Tuthill, the grace of God will dwell where neither you nor I
could.' Despite this dubious warning, they were married; and many
are the stories yet extant of Mistress Tuthill's strange doings. One of
these, also given by Mr. Stoughton, is thus: "Upon one occasion, when
a meeting of ministers had convened at the Wapping parsonage, as
night drew on, he suggested to his spouse that, as the brethren were
about to depart, he would like to have some repast made ready for them.
'And what would you like, my dear?' said the amiable consort, who had
not up to this time, paid the slightest attention to the guests. ‘O,' re-
plied Mr. T., overjoyed at the tractable disposition of his better-half,
'Anything you please, something light, no matter about meats, only a
light, wholesome meal, that is all.' In about half an hour Mrs. Tuthill
announced supper and motioned her husband and guests into a room
where a table covered with a snowy-white cloth bore upon it the 'light'
repast in the shape of a burning candle at the chair of each guest; and,
it was not until the disappointed divines were about to leave in disgust
that the mistress came forward with a very substantial and 'wholesome'
meal which induced them to resume their seats, while she stood by and
laughed merrily at their expense."
Their residence in Wapping was in a house on the lot north of Mr.
Waldo Belcher's present place.
Mr. Tuthill is described as "an orthodox and faithful minister, and
his short ministry in Granville was blessed with prosperity and peace."
¹ Rev. Dr. Timothy M. Cooley, pastor of the Granville church.
1
WAPPING CHURCH, EAST WINDSOR.
623
He died at Southold, L. I., October, 1785, in his 78th year. His widow
died in Wapping February, 1794, aged nearly 77 years.
Another meeting-house was built in 1801, about twenty rods south-
east of the site of the old one. Its dimensions were 60 by 44 feet, and
24 feet posts. Its frame stood uncovered until the spring of 1802, when
a subscription was raised for "covering, glazing, and roofing it." Its
pulpit and seats were rough and unfinished, and a pillow with a clean
case was carried to meeting every Sabbath and placed on the desk as a
cushion. This edifice was erected by the different denominations then
existing in Wapping on a union plan. The Congregationalists were to
become the sole proprietors at such time as they should see fit, paying
the other denominations what they had contributed towards its erection,
deducting decay." This church is the same now in use, but has never
been consecrated except by usage. In 1816-17 Mr. Blakely (Bap.)
preached here with much success, as also did Mr. Osborn (Meth.) in 1826.
In the fall of 1829 a subscription was raised" for lathing and plastering
its walls, erecting a breastwork around the gallery, and building a pul-
pit." It was not finished until 1832, and was remodeled in 1848; at
which time some strong members of the church became disaffected in
regard to its site. When Mr. Thomas Robbins took charge in South
Parish, East Windsor, in 1809, he records that "the people at Wapping
show the want of gospel privileges."
“
Although the Wapping people had enjoyed preaching almost all the
time since 1761, no formal attempt seems to have been made to organize
a church. "In the years 1826 and 1827, however, the question was
seriously discussed by a few individuals," say the Church Manual, “ Must
our children be brought up under a religious belief different from the
one which we and our fathers embraced?" Few in number, they resolved
to make an effort to sustain Gospel ordinances among themselves, and
secured for the period of six months the Sunday ministrations of Rev.
Mr. Brinsmade, then teaching in the Mute's Asylum at Hartford. Rev.
HENRY MORRIS labored in Wapping from the 10th July, 1829, till the
summer of 1832 (one reliable authority says from 1826-31).
During his ministry a council of ministers, of which the Rev. Sam-
uel S. Whelpley was moderator, convened at the house of Mr. Samuel
Hall, Feb. 2, 1830, and organized a church of twenty-eight members (of
which twenty-three were females) from East and South Windsor. In
the autumn of 1831 this church enjoyed a revival which resulted in
about fifty conversions.
Mr. Morris was succeeded, July, 1832, by Rev. DAVID L. HUNN,
from Sandwich, Mass. He was born in Coleraine, Mass., 5 Nov., 1789;
grad. Y. C. 1813, and was for some years the oldest graduate of that
college. He served at Wapping until May 1, 1835, and during his min-
624
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
istry twenty-seven were added to the church. He died in Buffalo, N. Y.,
29 Jan., 1888, æ. 98.
Rev. MARVIN Roor first preached in Wapping 12 July, 1835; com-
menced as stated supply Aug. 10, same year, and was installed as pastor
29 June, 1836. He was dismissed, at his own request, 29 April, 1840.
During his ministry twenty-three were added to the church (three by
profession), and the pulpit was for a while supplied by Messrs. William
and Augustus Thomson, from East Windsor Hill Seminary, and by a Mr.
Pancray, and a revival in August, 1841, added twenty or twenty-five to
the membership.
Rev. OSCAR F. PARKER was acting pastor for two years, and was
ordained pastor 3 Jan., 1844. His resignation in October, 1848, was
caused by ill health. From that date until 1854 the pulpit was supplied
chiefly from the Theological Seminary at East Windsor, and from 1832
to 1859 the church was aided by the Connecticut Home Missionary
Society.
Rev. WILLIAM WRIGHT, from Chicopee Falls, Mass., was ordained
22 Aug., 1854, and served until 1865.
Rev. WINFIELD S. HAWKES began 12 Nov., 1868; was dismissed
22 March, 1871, and succeeded by
Rev. CHARLES WESLEY DRAKE, who supplied the pulpit until 1875.
Rev. HENRY ELMER HART, 1875-1878.
Rev. CHARLES N. FLANDERS, grad. Dartmouth College, and of An-
dover Theol. Sem.; was in charge 1878 to 1886.
Religious Statistics.
1880, 116; 1881, 111.
Membership, 1830, 28; 1847, 126; 1868, 61;
Revivals. Members added, 1830, 22; 1831, 50; 1832, 32; 1841,
21; 1846, 13; 1852, 15; 1869, 14; 1878, 20.
Standing Rule of the Church. At a regularly organized meeting of
this church, held December 12, 1831,
Voted, That it shall be a standing rule in this church, that no individual shall here-
after be received into followship (or connection), who vends, distils, or makes an habitual
use of ardent spirits.
Deacons of the Church.
EDWARD MINER was chosen first deacon
of the church, December 12, 1831, and inducted into his office the 22d
of the same month.
He afterwards removed to Hartford, and united with the Second
Church there, but, having returned to Wapping again, was re-elected to
the office of deacon February 8, 1849.
November, 1832, ANSON BISSELL was chosen and inducted into the
office of deacon. In the summer of 1835 he removed to the West, con-
sequently vacated the office of deacon.
June 12, 1836, WILLIAM VINTON was chosen deacon by the church.
WAPPING PARISH, EAST WINDSOR.
625
September 26, 1837, this church was consociated with Hartford
North Consociation.
The first Sabbath-school was organized April 19, 1829.
The first monthly concert for prayer was held August 2, 1829.
The tax list of the church, in 1865, was $68,000; the exterior of
church edifice was renovated 1871; horse-sheds provided in 1874;
a parsonage erected, at cost of $3,000, in 1869.
Old Burial Place of Wapping, north of Congregational Church.
The first person buried here was an Indian. "Molly Mohalk," whose
inscription reads thus: "In Memory of Molly Mohalk who Died
|
Desember | A.D. 1766 In the | 28 Year of Her | Age. A Squaw."
Her grave was opened by Oliver Skinner, the first sexton of Wapping,
who died August 31, 1777, æ. 36 years. He was also a schoolmaster,
and taught in the old brick school-house, which the oldest inhabitants
affirm was the only one in the parish until 1775 or 1780, at which time
Wapping formed one school district. The next burial here was that of
Mr. Benjamin Stoughton, 1769. Among others we find the gravestone
of another Indian: "In memory of polly the Daughter of John
and Esther Mohock | who Died March | 29 A.D. 1777 | aged one
Year and 9 months."
Also that of a negro: "In memory of | Desire ye Daughter | of
Christmas | Negro who | Died Sept. ye 3d | 1774 in ye 9th year of her
age."
Thatcher Lathrop succeeded Skinner as sexton; then came
Alfred Grant, at whose death the service and the burial records passed
to David Miner, and are now lost. He was followed as sexton by Mr.
Warren Grant. The oldest person buried here is claimed to have been
the widow of Abraham Foster and ancestress of the Wapping Fosters,
who died in 1800, æ. 99: no stone. Many of the oldest gravestones in
this burial place came from Slate Hill, worked by Mr. Drake.
The Baptist Church in Wapping parish (South Windsor) was
organized 14th Jan., 1823. For its history see South Windsor Chapter.
Methodist Church in Wapping. A Mr. V. Osborn preached here
about two years, 1826-7, and did much good. His denominational
prejudices, however, were very freely exhibited. It is even said that he
once took the Saybrook Platform and the Methodist Articles of Disci-
pline into the pulpit, and commented strongly upon the latter, much
to the disadvantage of the former. This so embittered the Congre-
gationalists that they expelled him from the meeting-house; and this
act was followed by the formation of a separate Methodist society, with
eight members, who held meetings in the South District school-house
VOL. I.-79
626
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
until a house was erected and dedicated by Mr. O. in 1833. Present
membership, 70.
Ministers raised in this parish :
BARBER, Rev. ELDAD, a life-long minister in Ohio.
CHARLES HENRY BARBER, minister in West.
LEMUEL BARBER (D.D.).
HENRY BARBER.
Revolutionary soldiers from this parish (see also Chapter V.):
Barber, Capt. Noah,
Barnes, John (?),
Drake, Simeon,
Elmore, Daniel,
Foster, Thomas,
Gay, Levi,
Grant, David,
Grant, Gustavus,
Grant, Justus,
ľ
Green, Asahel,
Hun, Tip,
Lathrop, Thatcher,
Munsell, Hezekiah,
Sadd, Thomas,
Stoughton, Jonathan,
Starkweather, Thomas.
Soldiers of War of 1812 from this parish :
Barber, Warren,
Green, Asahel (2d),
Hall, Herman,
Stoughton, John,
Wright, Jonathan,
Munsell, Silas.
CHAPTER V.
EAST WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
BY RUTH T. SPERRY OF EAST WINDSOR HILL.
PREFATORY NOTE. -The Town Records of East Windsor, during the progress of
the war, furnish no specific information as to the part borne by the town in that strug-
gle. There is recorded, now and then, the vote of the town to concur with some Act of
the General Assembly; or its compliance with some measure recommended or urged by
the Governor and Council of Safety.
We had hoped to find some bundles or box of loose papers, such as we have seen
in the Windsor Town Clerk's office, from which to perfect our list of East Windsor
soldiers. And such papers did, indeed, exist, until within the last five years. They
were left by Dr. Leonard, who was at the time of his death town clerk, in the attic of
his residence. Dr. Allen, who subsequently occupied Dr. L.'s house, called the atten-
tion of the Selectmen of East Windsor to the box of papers; but, as they did not re-
move it, he finally burned it and its contents.
We have thus been forced to depend upon State Records, mostly contained in
thirty-seven folio volumes of manuscripts kept in the State Library, and designated as
"State Archives - Revolutionary War."
The private papers of three of the Selectmen of East Windsor during this period
(viz., LEMUEL STOUGHTON, EBENEZER GRANT, and BENONI OLCOTT), have fortunately
been partially preserved; and we have also had access to private papers of Capt. Ros-
WELL GRANT and Ensign ALEXANDER KING. Thus our chapter is not what we could
wish it to be, but only such as we could make it, with diligent use of all that was left
to us in the way of original authorities.
E
AST WINDSOR, as a separate township, had been launched into
existence during the stormy political period which preceded the
Revolutionary struggle. The years 1764 to 1774 were years of great
political excitement throughout the New England colonies; and the same
spirit which animated the men of Old Windsor stirred also the hearts of
her children on the east side of the Connecticut.
1774.
From the Town Records we learn that "at a meeting of the inhabit-
ants of the Town of East Windsor, on the first Monday of August, 1774,
to deliberate on the dangerous situation of the liberty of the American
Colonies, and the distressed condition of the Town of Boston,' Erastus
1
¹ See page 309 of this History.
628
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Wolcott, Esq., was chosen Moderator." After a full discussion the
opinion of the meeting found expression in the following paper, which
was passed unanimously:
"That the measures which the British Crown and Parliament of late years have
thought proper to adopt in relation to the Colonies of America, in the opinion of this.
town, wear a very threatening aspect to their liberties and tranquility and deserve the
most serious attention.
"The Act for raising a revenue for His Majesty, in America, to defray the ex-
pense of the Administration of justice and the support of civil government and the de
fense of His Majesty's dominions in America, was made not only on principles subver-
sive of the darling privilege of the English Constitution, in taking away the property
of the subject without his consent, but also with the further view to place it in the power
of the Crown to support a government in America independent of the people, and His
Majesty undertaking to increase and pay the salaries of some of the American officers
who appeared most forward to favor the views of the Crown, out of His American
revenue, that used to be done by the people without any expense to the Crown, affords
ample proof of such a design, and that the court and government of Great Britain de-
sign to have the government of the Colonies entirely in their own hands. The situation
of our affairs is truly distressing, but in the opinion of this town it ill becomes the off-
spring of those that have done and suffered so much in the cause of liberty to give up
the most valuable blessings of life; but we ought to exert ourselves with great firm-
ness, union and resolution to avoid the oppression that threatens us."
"In the first place most devoutly to look to Him, whose throne is in the heavens,
for help and deliverance.
'2nd, that in the management of this unhappy controversy we ought to treat His
Majesty, our rightful sovereign, and his parliament with a becoming conduct and ex-
pression of loyalty and respect.
"3d. We entirely approve and very much rejoice that there appears to be such
unanimity of sentiment in the colonies.
“4th. That we judge it of the greatest importance that the several provinces,
cities, towns and each inhabitant thereof, lay aside all party and selfish views and
firmly abide by the decisions of our delegates about to assemble in Congress.
'5th. In the opinion of this town, every man that from lucrative motives, preju-
dice, or other mean and narrow views, shall counteract these measures, ought to be
looked upon as a traitor to his country, and treated not with violence to his person, but
with neglect and all the proper marks of disesteem which such a character deserves,
and be made sensible of his ill conduct by denying the benefits of society, of commerce
and the common advantages of civilized life.
'That we look upon it to be our duty tenderly to sympathize with and liberally to
contribute to the relief of such as are, or shall be reduced to want in this struggle for
liberty; and to do all in our power to encourage and strengthen those that appear for
the support of it; and the inhabitants of this town do hereby agree, resolve and en-
gage, to conduct themselves in this important crisis of affairs, agreeable to the senti-
ments and duties set forth in the above-mentioned particulars."
A few months later a Committee of Safety was created by the fol-
lowing action of the Town:
"At a Town Meeting on the first Monday of December, 1774, Erastus Wolcott,
Moderator; Voted, That this town accept and approve of the association of the Conti-
nental Congress, and agreeable thereto, appoint William Wolcott, Erastus Wolcott and
Charles Ellsworth, Esqrs., Capt. Ebenezer Grant, Dea. Benoni Olcott, Capt. Lemuel
Stoughton, Messrs. Daniel Ellsworth, Jr. and Edward Chapman Grant a committee of
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775.
629
protection and safety, whose business it shall be attentively to observe the conduct of
all persons in this town touching such association and endeavor that the same be in-
violably kept and observed.”
Under this appointment, the Assembly, at its session of Nov., 1776,
assigned Justus Miles, a reputed tory, to the care of Mr. Chapman Grant
of East Windsor, who was authorized to keep and govern him in such
manner as he should think prudent.'
1775.
Early in the following year, in the correspondence of the Committee
for the Relief of the Boston Sufferers by the Port Bill (see Note, p. 310),
we find East Windsor thus promptly and eloquently responding to the
dictates of patriotic humanity.
"East Windsor, March 22d, 1775.
GENTLEMEN, These are to inform you that the donations of the inhabitants of
the town of East Windsor, in grain, are for the support of the poor of Boston, now suffer-
ing under the operation of the severe oppressive Port Bill. The quantity, and on whom,
and upon what conditions the same is shipped, you will learn by a copy of the master's
receipt, which is sent you inclosed. We rejoice at the patience and fortitude of the
Town and Province, under the extreme sufferings of such cruel and oppressive acts,
and hope and most ardently pray, that Heaven will support yoù till in his righteous
providence he shall see fit to appear for your deliverance and cloathe our enemies with
shame, and in the meantime put it and keep it in the hearts of the inhabitants of this
Town, and all the Towns of the continent, willingly and cheerfully to bear so small a
part of the burthens unjustly brought upon you by these Acts, so threatening to us
all, as to support the poor of your Town in so just a cause and so glorious a struggle
for liberty. You will accept what this town has done, though far less than what some
other Towns have, as a testimony of their sympathy with and concern for you, and an
encouragement to expect further help, which the Committee of this Town will be ever
ready industriously to promote.
By order of the Committee,
TO THE OVERSEERS OF THE POOR IN BOSTON."
WILLIAM WOLCOTT.
Events were now hurrying on towards a climax. In less than a
month from the date of this letter, occurred the fight at Lexington,
which roused a nation to arms in vindication of its rights. Of this event
and the commotion which it caused in Boston, we have the following ac-
count by one who was an eye-witness, and who after the close of the
war, became a central figure in East Windsor Rev. DAVID MCCLURE.
We quote from his journal in possession of Miss Mary Tudor of South
Windsor.
“1775, April 19th. Wednesday in Boston at Brother Wm at breakfast heard yt the
Regulars had marched from Boston to Lexington & killed some of the Inhabitants
alarm'd by the report walked out, but could obtain no certain accºt, untill about noon,
by an Inhabitant of Boston, who had just return'd from Lexington with an account of
7 or 8 of our countrymen who he saw lying dead near Lexington meet'g. house. — The
¹ Hinman's War of the American Revolution, p. 396.
630
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Inhabitants of B. on this day were in ye utmost Consternation — paleness upon every
face that walks the streets - not knowing what the consequence of the bloody tragedy
at Lexington would be-
"About 9 or 10 o'clock this morning saw Lord Piercy march with a Brigade out of
B". by the fortification about 900 men & two field pieces.-
The Soldiers had lost their wonted cheerfulness saw tears standing in the down-
cast eyes of many of them- & in the whole Brigade saw but one or two smiling coun-
tinances — These we were inform'd were going to reinforce Colo. Smith's Brigade, who
had marched silently from Bost". the last night, having cros'd Cambridge Bay from yº
bottom of the common, & were now on their retreat from Concord.-
The Enemy under Gen¹. Gage to the number of about 7 or 8000 having been in Bos-
ton eight or nine Months & finding the Inhabitants of the [town] unwilling to commence
hostilities bearing their unsufferable Insults & encroachments - by this manuevre
had probibly two ends in view -to provoke the Americans to begin the war — & to de-
stroy a quantity of military stores which had been collected at Concord — fearful of yº
event of tarrys longer in Boston, the head quarters of the enemy, now the war was
commenced — I determin'd to get my horse out & thought of returns & lodge in town
that night & leave it the next morn. Rode to Charlestown ferry the boat had just
set off crowded with people - The Ways of the ferry were also full of people desirous
to get out of a place that was now full of terrors a Barge from the Somerset Man of
War that lay in Channel was dispatch'd to order the boats back - they were oblig'd
to obey. Rode thro' the town.”"
Four companies of East Windsor men sprang to arms in response to
the “alarm” which swept over New England. These were commanded
by Captains LEMUEL STOUGHTON (North Parish), AMASA LOOMIS (South
Parish), MATTHEW GRANT (Wapping Parish), and CHARLES ELLS-
WORTH, comprising a total of 148 men. Capt. Ellsworth's company was
mainly enlisted from Ellington.
"Prepared, to a certain extent, for such an alarm," says the author
of the Official Record of Connecticut Men in the War of the Revolution,
"a large number of able-bodied men in Connecticut hurried off to Massa-
chusetts. The wording used in the records of the day, 'marched for the
relief of Boston,' expresses alike the extent of their sympathies and the
nature of the service intended. The response to the alarm was not the
official action of the Colony, nor, on the other hand, an impromptu
movement of individuals without previous organization. An 'uprising'
of armed men might have partaken of a mob character, and the militia
regiments as such could only be called out by the governor or legis-
lature. It was rather a movement of the townsmen marching under their
militia organizations. The gatherings thus became orderly as well spon-
taneous and represented the town spirit, shown previously in protests and
resolutions. It appears, from the records, that, in some cases the compa-
nies or train-bands collected and marched off under their officers without
further orders; in other cases, the colonels, taking the lead, called out a
certain number of their men and directed them forthwith to the point of
danger; in a few cases volunteer companies were organized for the spe-
cial service."
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775.
631
Marched from East Windsor for the Relief of Boston, etc., in the Lex-
ington Alarm, April, 1775.'
["NORTH SOCIETY” (SCANTIC) TRAIN BAND.]


MEN'S NAMES AND QUALITY.
No. of
days in
Service.
Wages Due.
Billiting due
at 1/6 per day.
Total Amount.
Lemuel Stoughton, Captain,
Solomon Elsworth,+ Lieut.,
Noah Allen,† Ensign,
Ebenezer Watson, Jun. [*26-4, un-
der Capt. Stoughton], Serjeant,
David Allen,
•
5
977
10
£. 8. d.
1 16
£.
18
8
S. d.
13 6
10 6
£. S. d.
14
10 6
2020
&664
GQHH
9 6
9
1 4 6
7 11
77 6
15
10
5
•
17
11
1
10
6
1
1
77
David Trumbull, Clerk,
7
11
1
10
6
1
1
7
David Shaw, Private,
7
9
4
10
6
19 10
Asael Stiles [*8], [drummer],
11
14
8
15
1 9
8
Samuel Watson, Jun' [*Clerk, 16], .
5
6
77
6
14
2
Jonathan Munsell, Jun' [*12],
17
Oliver Bissell [*20],
25
Jontha Pinney [*26],
36
THQ
1 2
15
1 17
8
1 13
15
2
8
15
ન પર
8
4
3
Roswell Blodgett,
7
9
Ephraim Ely [*35],
40
2 13
John Stiles, Jun' [*15],
19
1 5
Phineas Blodgett,
7
9
Hezkh Munsell [*12],
17
1 2
James Harper, Jun" [*8],
11
14
John Roberts [12],
17
David Osborn,
7
1 2
9
Josiah Blodgott,
7
9
Ely Pease,
7
9
Joel Elsworth,
7
9
John Loomis, Jun,
7
9
Ezekiel Osborn [*8];
11
14
4444 ∞ ∞ ∞ ++++++H ∞
10 6
19 10
15
15
♡ az
3
2
8 4
4

10 6
19 10
15
15
1
17 8
1
9 8
15
1 17 8
10 6
19 10
4
10
6
19 10
4
10
6
19 10
10
6
19 10
10
6
19 10
8
15
1
9 8
Nathaniel Watson [*16],
21
Noah Phelps [*35], Serjeant,
40
13
8
15
2 3
3
2
1
15
3 17 1
Samuel Osborn, Jun.,
7
9
4
10
6
19 10
Jos. Harper, Jun',
7
9 4
10 6
19 10
Wm. Brow[n]lee*,
77
9
4
10 6
19 10
Ashbel Barber, .
77
9 4
Daniel Moss [Morse] [*15],
19
John Pearce,
1 5
9
+++
10 6
19 10
4
15
૧
2
4
4
10 6
19 10
Francis Baxter [*23],
Samuel Allen,
Daniel Osborn, .
Moses Bissell, Jun',
John Wills [*21],
Jesse Fitch,
Samuel Skinner, Jun. [*8],
Jonathan Barber,
Caleb Booth, Jun',
Nathaniel Andrus,
21
2020.
27 1 16
15
2 11
1
77
11
14
4
•
་
•
D
∞∞ 10 10 10 10 LO LO
8
15
2
3
9
5
484
10 6
19 10
15
1 9 8
6
11 4
6
11 4
4
6
11
4
5
6
11
4
5
6
11 4
5
4
6
11 4
Samuel Peck,
Jonathan Pinney, Serjeant,
44
2 18*
8
6
3 4 8
32
2 11 3
4 6
2 15 9
588 £42 4
1 £25
£67 8 1
"to Noah Phelps'
Add to Ebenezer Watson's wages,
to Samuel Watson,
20 Horses røde, amount 1,066 miles, at 2d. per mile,
Forage for ditto, amount 65 days, at 9d. per day,
Transporting provisions not used by Company,
+
2 14
£82 19 4
¹This company (as it appears by another document) reached Shrewsbury, Mass.,
17
4
9
4
8 17
2
8
896
9
:
632
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
June 6, 1775.
Certifyd.
Pr. BENONI OLCOTT,
DAN'L ELSWORTH, Jun.,
EDWARD CHAP. GRANT,
CHARLES ELSWORTH,
Selectmen.
£. s. d.
June 11, 1775, Rec'd an order on Colony Treasurer for 73 16 3, pr. Lemuel Stoughton.
June 20, 1775,
Sept. 5, 1775,
<<
for 1 10 4, pr. Ebenezer Watson.
for 3 48, pr. Ichabod Wadsworth.
78 11 3
2 15 9
81 70
The within and above is a true copy of the original Account as allowed and settled.
Pr. T. SEYMOUR,
EZL WILLIAMS,
OLIV. ELLSWORTH,
Com tee.
where it was met with the news that the urgent necessity for its presence at Boston
had passed; and the asterisk, within brackets, in the above list, indicates those members
of the company who, at Shrewsbury, decided to push on to the front, and who then and
there chose Ebenezer Watson, Jr., to command them. They reported for duty at Rox-
bury, as is shown by the following document:
ENFIELD, June ye 3ª, 1775.
These may certify that Mr. Ebenezer Watson, Jun', appeard | at Roxbury with a
party of Men under his command | did duty as a Lieut., and was excepted as such by
| the general Officers.
To the Select Men of the Town of East Windsor.
pr me, HEZEKIAH PARSONS.
*The figures included within the brackets indicate the number of days service of
each man, as returned by Lieut. Ebenezer Watson, Jr., in command from date of his
being chosen Lieut., April 24, to the time of their return. Hezekiah Parsons, who gave
the above certificate, was Captain of that portion of the Enfield Lexington Alarm party
which decided to push forward to the scene of action, and probably Lieut. Watson's
men was consolidated with Parsons' command during their term of service at the front.
† Elected by the Train Band, May 9, 1774.
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775.
633
Marched from East Windsor for the Relief of Boston, etc., in the Lex-
ington Alarm, April, 1775.
["WAPPING PARISH" TRAIN BAND.]

MEN'S NAMES AND QUALITY.
No. of
Days in
Service.
Wages Due.
Billiting due
at 1s. 6d. per day.
Total Amount.
0 £.
S. d.
£.
S. d.
£.
S.
d.
Mathew Grant, Captain,
Thomas Sadd, Lieutenant, .
6
1
4
9
1 13
6
16
9
1
5
Noah Barber, Serjeant,
8
7
6
15
Thacher Lothrop,
9
17
18
Wm. Grant,
8
6
15
Simeon Drake,
Abner Rockwell,
6
77
9
18
9
18 7
67677
10 1000 10
Oliver Skinner, Private,
6
9
17
Samuel Mears,
6
17
•
Israel Strong,
6
17
David Wright,
·
Nathaniel Drake,
Joel Nash,
Jonathan Stoughton,
6
Asael Green,
8
Ebenezer Rockwell,
3
4
Levi Gay,
3
4
Daniel Strong,
Elisha Pendal,
6.
Timothy Bissell,
6
Justus Grant,
6
Alexander Elmor, .
3
на со со со со на на со сс на на со
17
4
6
8
6
4
6
8
6
17
17
8
8
6 6

17
9
17
9
17
9
17
4
4 6
8 6
The following persons proceeded for-
ward after the company returned
back, viz.:
Thacher Lothrop, as Ensign,
Samuel Mears, Private,
·
·
Israel Strong,
David Wright,
•
Jonathan Stoughton,
Justus Grant,
•
Elisha Pendal, .
10 00 10 10 10 10 10
£9
4 9
7 10
6
6
6
6
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞o
£8 12 6 £17 17 3

7 10
4
6
6
6
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
148 £11 9 11
£20 2
22 Horses, rode 1,046, at 2d. per mile,
Forage for ditto, at 9d. per mile,
8 14 4
LOTH
1 16
£30 12 9
EAST WINDSOR, June 10, 1775.
Certifyed.
Pr. LEMUEL STOUGHTON,
CHAS. ELSWORTH,
EDWARD CHAP. GRANT,
Selectmen.
June 11th, 1775, Rec'd an order on Colony Treasurer in full of this acc't in favour
of the Selectmen.
The within is a true copy of the original account as allowed and settled.
Pr. MATHEW GRANT.
Pr. T. SEYMOUR,
EZL. WILLIAMS,
O. ELLSWORTH,
Com tee of
Pay Table.
VOL. I.-80
634
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Marched from East Windsor for the Relief of Boston, etc., in the Lex-
ington Alarm, April, 1775.
[“ELLINGTON PARISH" TRAIN-BAND.]
MEN'S NAMES AND QUALITY.
No. of
days in
Service.
Wages Due.
Billiting due
at 1s. 6d. per day.
Total Amount.
Charles Ellsworth, Captain,
Elisha Kibbe, Ensign,
James Slade, Serjeant,
Ichabod Wadsworth, Serjeant,
Samuel Pinney, Fifor,
Gurdon Elsworth, Private,
James McKenney, Jun.,
Wm. McKenney,
John Taylor,
Edward Payne,
Joseph Pinney, Jun.,
Oliver Hills,
Joseph Parkhurst,
Eli Carpenter,
Nathan Hall,
Hozea Chapman,
Warham Foster,
Andrew Pember,
Jacob Bottom,
•
!
Abner Borroughs, Jun.,
Seth Gibbs,
Jonathan Sexton,
Elijah Lee,
Lothrop Shirtliff,
Hezekiah Russell,
Josiah Bradley, Jun.,
John Charter, Jun.,
Wm. Spear,
*
John Wallace,
Andrew Kennedy,
Stephen Bartlett,
Samuel Peck,
Jonathan Damon,
Daniel Green,
·
•
John Whitney,
•
Stephen Russell,
Peter Mills,
Jonathan Porter, Jun",
•
D
·
•
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1
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6
1 7 6
10
8
6
17
17
15
8
77
15
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
8
6 8
10 8
6
8
6 8
6
8
6
·
35 2 6 8
10 8
10
10 8
10 8
10
•
10
10
•
6
10
6
∞∞∞∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
3
17
14
9
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7
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77
6
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6
14 2
6
14 2
7 6
14
2
6
14
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14 2
6
14
2
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2
14
6
14
6
14
6
14
6
14
6
14
12
14
6
14
77
6
14
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6
14
7
6
14
12
12
8
12
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4
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1
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14
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2
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2
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8
2
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2
8
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8
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244
£17 5 3 £16 5 6 £33 10
9
19 0
38 Horses rode, amount 2,280 miles, at 2d. per mile,
Forage for ditto, 114 days, at 9d. per day, .
Deduct overcharged in Billiting, etc.,
June 10, 1775.
Certifyd.
CO
4 5 6
£56 16
4 19
5
CO LO
3
£51 16 10
Pr LEMUEL STOUGHTON,
EDWARD CHAP. GRANT,
BENONI OLCOTT,
Selectmen.
June 11, 1775, Rec'd an order on Colony Treasurer for £51 16s. 10d. in full of this
account.
Pr CHAS. ELSWORTH.
The within and above is a true copy of the original account and settlement thereof.
Pr T. SEYMOUR,
EZL. WILLIAMS, Comtee Pay Table.
0. ELLSWORTH,
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775.
635
Marched from East Windsor for the Relief of Boston, etc., in the Lex-
ington Alarm, April, 1775.
["SOUTH PARISH" TRAIN-BAND.]


MEN'S NAMES AND QUALITY.
No. of
days in
Service.
Wages Due.
Billiting due
at 18. 6d. per day.
Total Amount.
:
£.
S. d.
£.
8.
d.
£.
S.
d.
John Brownley,
Amasa Loomis, Captain,
Samuel Tuder, Lieutenant,
Roger Wolcott, Ensign,
Oliver Day, Serjeant,
Silvanus Martin,
Erastus Wolcoot, Clerk,
Stephen Gills, Private,
Oliver Stoughton,
John Stoughton,
•
Ebenezer Foot, .
Daniel Sunderland,
Aaron Drake,
Charles Bissell,
•
Elijah Churchill,
Giles Loomis,
Asael Olcott,
Abraham Skinner,
William Stoughton,
Wm. Culver,
Amasa Drake,
Elisha Bissell,
Nathaniel Porter,
6
1
4
1
13
6
16
9
5
12
9.
1
1
10 10
7 11
77
6
15
77 11
6
15
9
9
10
LO LO CO
5
6
6
9
17
•
6
9
17
6
9
17
8
9
17
6
9
17
8
9
17
6
8
9
17
6
6%
•
6
6
Isaac Washburn,
Abner Burnham,
Nathaniel Strong,
6
Timothy Pratt,
Roswell Skinner,
5
Chauncey Nuberr[y],
6
Thos. Bancroft,
6
3
6
Christopher Horton,
Ebenezer Smith,
Warham Moré,.
John Anderson,
Diodate Morton,
•
Samuel Bancroft,
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ + ∞ ∞ ∞©©+∞+
LO LO CO co m
8
9
17
8
9
17
8
9
17
9
17
8
9
17
4
6
8 6
9
17
9
17
6
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14
6
14
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9
17
17
6 8
7 6
14 2
17
9
17
4
4
8 6
17
9.
17
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7
7
4
4
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6
14 2
6
14
6
8
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2
6
9
17
4
8
6
Timothy Elmor,
3
4
6
8
6
Cymon Wolcott,
6
17
Noney [Benoni] Thomson,
9
17
Noah Wells,
6 8
77
6
14 2
Harden Gerrels,
17
Job Thomson,
3
4 6
8 6
Aaron Grant, Jun.,
The following persons proceeded for-
ward, and were longer in service, viz.:
Ebenezer Foot,
Charles Bissell,
Amasa Drake,
Simon Wolcott,
•
4444
4444
3
að að að mo
3
Carried forward, .
245 £17 13
4 £18
4 6
10
5
17
8 6
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
£35 19
6
6
6
4
ㄓ​ˇ
636
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.

Brought forward,
Benoni Thomson,
Stephen Gills,
Oliver Stoughton, .
John Stoughton,
Aaron Drake,
Elijah Churchill,
Wm. Culver,
Nathaniel Strong,
John Brownley,
❤
8
244 £17 17 4 £18
6
£35 19
4
3
4
4
6
8
6
6
4
6
11
2
4
6
11
2
6
4
6
11
2
6
4
6
11
2
8
4
6
11
2
8
4
6
11
2
8
4
6
11
2
2
1 5
2
OD LO LO LO LO LO LO LO
5
5
6
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ Q
6
19 1 5
301 £21 13 2
2 £20
2
£41 15
Horse hire, 2,276 miles, at 2d. per mile,
Forage for ditto, at 9d. per day,
18 19
3 18 3
244
•
June 10, 1775.
Certify'd.
Pr CHARLES ELSWORTH,
LEM'L STOUGHTON,
• EDWARD CHAPMAN GRANT,
£64
8 9
Selectmen.
June 11th, 1775, Rec'd an order on Colony Treasurer in favour of the Selectmen,
East Windsor, in full of this account.
Pr AMASA LOOMIS.
The within and above is a true copy of the original account as allowed and settled.
Pr T. SEYMOUR,
Ez. WILLIAMS,
O. ELLSWORTH?
Comtee of
Pay Table.
It is said that among these volunteers for the Lexington Alarm were
some (among whom were Ens. ALEXANDER KING and THOMAS STARKS)
who were present at the subsequent battle of Bunker Hill, and that in
the retreat from the latter Mr. King very nearly lost his life.
These hastily-mustered troops were equipped in the most grotesque
manner, a few of them having swords and pistols, but most of them only
a gun, powder-horn, and shot-bag. Dr. GILLETTE says, "Among the lat-
ter was Corporal DAVID SOPER, who long afterwards kept a tavern near
Torringford Meeting-House in Litchfield county. Soper was sent, in
charge of twelve men, on a foraging tour. He was small in person,
mounted on a large horse, with gun in hand and a mammoth powder-
horn and shot-bag by his side. A few miles from camp the party was
fired upon by a British foraging party concealed behind a stone wall;
two of the party were wounded and taken prisoners, while nine escaped
as best they could and got into camp safely. Soper put spurs to his
horse and, four hours after, returned to camp by a circuitous route. He
was cordially congratulated by Gen. Putnam, who, surveying the Corpo-
ral's mount and 'rig,' with characteristic bluntness, exclaimed, 'Soper!
you should ever fall into another scrape like that one you've just ex-
If
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1775.
637
perienced, pull out the plug of your powder-horn and crawl in, sir
you'll be safe." " This powder-horn was for many years a valued pos-
session of Dr. Gillette's."
At the time of the Bunker Hill battle, the father of Deacon Vin-
ton (of South Windsor) was on picket-guard near Cambridge.
From a report made to Gov. Trumbull, June 26, 1775, of the
amount and nature of available military supplies held by the various
towns, it appears that Windsor and East Windsor had (located at Wind-
sor) about 100 lbs. of powder (the rest being "lent to the Colony ") and
300 or 400 lbs. of lead. It was noted that "Individuals are mostly des-
titute of powder."—State Archives, Rev. War, iii. 7.
Shortly after the Lexington Alarm, the General Assembly directed
(State Archives, Rev. War, i. 148) that the military officers concerned
in that march to "the Relief of People in Distress," should deliver to
the selectmen of their several towns a full list of all soldiers who thus
volunteered, their time of service, the expenses of their trip in provis-
ions, carriage, &c., that they might be laid before the Pay Table Com-
mittee for reimbursement. The Assembly further, in June, 1776, di-
rected and empowered the selectmen of towns "to purchase such lead
weights and other implements of lead, as well as all the bar and old
lead except sheet lead on buildings, as also all shot" which might be
found in private hands, at a reasonable price for the use of the Colony;
to present their accounts for such purchases to the Committee of the
Pay Table, etc.; and in case any person or persons holding such lead
should refuse to sell and deliver it, the selectmen were authorized to
procure "proper warrants for impressing the same for the use of this
Colony, to be paid for as aforesaid."
By subsequent enactment, December, 1776, the Assembly, after re-
marking that the selectmen of the towns have "in many cases neglected
their duty in the premises," and that "it is necessary for the safety of
this State that every preparation for defence be speedily made,” again
directed the collection of all available lead, and that "the same be cast
into bullets of suitable and various sizes, and to send in their accounts
of weights, cost, etc., to the committee of the Pay Table."
The selectmen were held stringently accountable for the execution
of this order, any neglect or refusal on their part to collect said lead
being visited with a penalty of £5 if the order was not complied with by
the 1st day of March following; and a further fine of 20s. for each week's
failure after that date, etc., etc.- Conn. State Archives, Rev. War,
1776-1780, i. 22, 24. This act was re-enforced by another passed by
the Assembly, May, 1777.- Rec. State Conn., 1776-1780, vii. 346.
¹Dr. H. C. Gillette's Sketches in Hartford Times, Sketch III.
638
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
The lead thus gathered was issued to the troops upon the personal
order of Gov. Jonathan Trumbull and by sanction of his Council of
Safety, as seen by the following:
Gentlemen:
State of Connecticut, Octobr 17th, A.D. 1777.
Pleaſe to Deliver to Brigad Gen¹ Erastus Wolcott, or his order, Four Hundred
wt of Lead belonging to the State in your hands, to be by him made up into Cartridges
for the uſe of his Brigade in the defense of this State and take his rect therefor.
Given under my hand in Hartford the day & year above.
To The Selectmen of
East Windsor in the State of
Connecticut.
JoNth TRUMBULL, ´
Indorsed on back:
March 17, 1778, Rec'd on the
Within 84 of Lead.
ERASTUS WOLCOTT..
(Copied Aug., 1889. Original in possession F. A. King, South Windsor.)
And Deacon Benoni Olcott's Account Book furnishes this item:
March 15, 1777, Sold to Mr. Trumbel :
lb ΟΖ.
08: 06 government Lead .
lb
to 08
of Lead Sold to John tomfon
OZ
to 4 pounds 13 of Lead to adonijah Crane
to 7 of lead to John Newbury Lent for few days
OZ
to 7: 11 Lead lent to Joseph Diggens
.00 - 07-00
00 - 06-10-1
00-04 - 00
to 71 pound of Lead to ye toun of Eaft windfor
01 - 19 - 02
lbs
May 6:
to Lead to ye town of East windsor 16
00 - 13 - 04
May 10:
May 27:
lb oz
Sold to Samuel Rockwell 20 06
to 30 pounds of Lead to the town
lb
June 17:
to 97 of Lead to the town
March 17th 1778: 84% of Lead Delivered to general
wolcott for which I have his Receipt [see above, on this page.]
January 8th 1779 Delivered to Capt Ebenz Grant
one of the Select men of East windsor 579 pounds
and of Lead belonging to the Stat of Connecticutt
to 3 pound of Lead Delivered to Alexd King
Ensign when he marched to the Northward for
which I have his Receipt.
00 - 17 - 00
01-05-00
04 - 01 - 03
The old-
Lead for bullets was gleaned from every possible source.
fashioned lead settings of the diamond-shaped panes of glass were taken
out of the windows of some houses, their place being supplied with
square panes and wooden sash. The very meeting-house was deprived
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY War, 1775.
639
of its lead window settings and sash weights, as appears from the fol-
lowing receipt, dated one day after the Declaration of Independence:
East Windsor, July 5th, 1776.
Then received of the Select Men of East Windsor thirteen pounds, five shillings,
and seven pence, for the Lead Weights taken out of the Meeting-House Windows.
Received for me,
JOEL LOOMIS.¹
Clock-weights formed a considerable proportion of the lead thus
garnered for military uses, and many clocks in East Windsor, as in the
neighboring towns, stood still during the war, bearing mute witness to
the emergencies of the time.
"This is to Certify the Honorabel Commitey of Pay | Tabel that wee the Sub-
scribers have Purchased for | the Government's use Seven hundred and thirty | Pounds
of Lead it being Clock weights at the price of Eight pence two farthings per pound
to two Hundred and thirtey three pounds | of Lead being taken of fish nets at 25 17 1
nine pence per pound.
East windsor July 3: 1776
& the said Lead is now in our Hand for the Governments use when callª for |
Joseph Allen Ju¹.
Benoni Alcott
Dan Elsworth Jun'.
Edward Chapman Grant
08. 14 09
34 11 10
Select Men
brot Down
£34: 11 10
81 Day Spent by Select Men purchasing & Collecting sd Lead & to pay
for same a 5 per Diem
2: 2 6
£36: 14 4
Recd Hartford July 5th 1776, of Pay Table Comtee their Orders on | Colony Treasurer
for £36-14-4 in full the above Acct for | Sª Select Men
p
Joseph Allen Jun.”
In the Military Operations of the year 1775, following the Lexing-
ton affair, many East Windsor men were in the Fourth Continental Reg-
iment, under Col. Benjamin Hinman; and mostly in the 2d Company,
under Capt. George Pitkin, of Hartford, and the 10th, commanded by
Capt. Hezekiah Parsons, of Enfield. Both of these companies were at
the Siege of Boston; the former enlisted from the latter part of May
to the latter part of December; the latter from the middle of May to
the latter part of December.
Capt. Charles Ellsworth's (Ellington) company, the 5th of the
Eighth Continental Regiment, under Col. Jedediah Huntington, was in
service from July 6th to Dec. 18th. During July and August they were
doing duty along the Sound; and, early in September, were ordered to the
Boston camps, and stationed at Roxbury, in Gen. Spencer's Brigade,
until the expiration of their term.
¹ Dr. Gillette's Sketches, No. XIII.
640
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
A few East Windsor men were among those detached from the
Connecticut regiments for the Quebec Expedition, under Benedict Ar-
nold, of which Roger Enos of Windsor was Lieut.-Colonel.
1776.
66 a
East Windsor, during the Revolutionary war, was known as
provision town"; that is, a center from which provisions could be
drawn, as her record in the Pension Office in Washington and in the
State Archives clearly show.
There seems to have been a general division of duties among the
three selectmen; and, as a rule, though sometimes broken, Deacon
BENONI OLCOTT had charge of Arms and Ammunition, EBENEZER GRANT,
the merchant, purchased, collected, and forwarded Clothing for the
soldiers, and Capt. LEMUEL STOUGHTON forwarded commissariat supplies,
Beef, Pork, Flour, etc., to the Continental Army.
The following was the oath which the latter was required to sign,
upon taking his contract:
“I Lemuel Stoughton do solemnly and sincerely swear, in the Presence of Almighty
God, that I will not collude, with any Person or Persons whatever, to enhance the
Price of Provisions or any Article of | Commerce which I shall at any time hereafter be
directed to purchase for the Use of the United States, and that I will Endeavour by
every honest means in my Power, to procure the Articles which | I may be directed to
purchase at the most reasonable Rates, and that I will not charge the | public with any
Advance on any Purchase by me to be made, and that I will in all things | Conduct my-
self as becometh a faithfull servant to the Public
เ
Hartford County East Windsor Decembr 30th, 1777 Personally appeared | Maj™
Lemuell Stoughton and made solom oath as is above writen
Before me Erastus Wolcott Just. Pacs.
Through the winter of 1777-78, Major Stoughton was engaged in
buying to "Drive & kill &c &c." Much of the beef appears to have
been salted, and a close account was kept of the hides and tallow. His
title or office was "Ac P at East Windsor in the East Department."
Capt. L. Stoughton was also one of those who "were appointed in-
spectors, to examine and approve of all such fire arms and locks as
should be made within the State." General Assembly holden October
10th, and adjourned Nov. 7th, 1776. Reappointed 1777.-Hinman's
American Revolution, 239.
The strenuous exertions which were now being made during the
early summer of 1776, with a view to equipping the troops sent to New
York city and vicinity, to resist the impending capture of that place by
the British, are most graphically told in the various acts of the General
Assembly; and in the scattered notes and papers which tell what the
selectmen of each town were doing.
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776.
641
In June, 1776, the Assembly appointed and empowered Capt. Jere-
miah Wadsworth and Col. Jonathan Fitch to purchase "a sufficient
number of Tin Kettles," and, also
"suitable Iron Hollow Ware, so far as Tin Cannot be had for the use of the Battalions
now Raising and Destined to New York and forward | the Same to the Care of the
Commissary General at New York by the | Cheapest & most Convenient Carriage tak-
ing his Receipt therefor | That the Committee who have Procured Firearms to be made
in | the Several Counties be and they are hereby Directed to make a | Division of the
Whole Number of those arms already Procured to & | among the Several Towns in this
Colony according to their Respective | Lists and Certify to the Selectmen of Each Town
the Number | of Guns & Bayonets allotted to them and where they may be found, and
give! Proper Orders to them [to receive & following] to Receive the Same, and Such
Selectmen | shall Deliver such arms as they shall so Receive, to the Chief officers of the
| Troops now Raising in such Towns taking their Receipts therefor, which | Receipts
shall be Lodged in the Hands of the Treasurers of the Respective | Towns and such
Arms when Returned shall be Lodged with the same | Treasurers to be by them kept
in | Constant Repair at the Cost of such Towns-and fully to Equip said | Troops — It
is further Resolved that the Fire arms Taken from Persons | Belonging to this Colony
who are Enemies to this Country, and in the | hands of the Committee of Inspection or
others shall be marked with the Initial | Letters of the Owners Names and apprised by
two Indifferent Men under Oath and a Particular Account thereof taken by such | Com-
mittee and Lodged with the Treasurers of the Respective Towns where | such Owner
Live, and shall also be Repaired if need be by order of | Such Committee at the Ex-
pence of the Colony and when Repaired shall be delivered to the Chief officers of the
Companies Raising in the Towns where the owners of such arms Belong, taking their
Receipts therefor which | Receipts together with the Marks and Prices of Such arms |
and the Names of the Owners shall be Recorded by the Town | Clerks of the Towns
where such owners Lived when said arms were taken | from them and a Particular ac-
count of the Repairs of those arms | shall by Such Committee be Laid Before the Com-
mittee of Pay Table for adjustment and they are Directed to give orders on the Treas
urer for | Payment and when Such guns are Returned they shall be Lodged | with the
Clerk of Such Committee of Inspection there to be kept until further | Orders from
Such Committee or this Assembly and in Case of Loss of any Such arms of Enemical
Persons the Same may be laid | before this Assembly for their Orders thereon and it is
further
“Resolved That the Select Men of the several Towns be and they are hereby
Directed to Purchase or hire arms to furnish such Soldiers of | any of the Battalions
aforesd as Cannot furnish themselves or be furnished in any of the | Ways afores and
shall allow to the Owner of Each Gun so hired the Sum of £0. 6. 0 and to the owner of
Each Bayonet Belt & Cartouch | Box so hired the Sum of £0, 4, 0 — and if Such Arms
are Lost by Inevitable Providence the owners thereof shall be Paid for | the Same ac-
cording to apprizal, and in Case a Sufficient | Number of Arms Cannot be Obtained
in the Ways aforesd the | Number [Wanting] shall be Impressed from Householders or
others not in the Militia Roll by Warrant for that Purpose from | Civil Authority and
the Owner or Owners of Such Impressed Arms | may Demand a Receipt of the Officer
who shall Impress & Receive | the Same and be Paid the Same Sums for the use thereof
as | those from Whom arms are hired as aforesd and in Case of Loss shall be Paid for
Such arm According to Apprizal to be Made as aforesd | And it is farther, Resolved That
the Captain or Chief officer | of Each Company in the Battalions aforesd shall take a |
Particular account of all the Arms Used in his Company | Distinguishing such as Be-
long to the Colony, Such as Soldiers | Provide for themselves, Such as are Purchased,
Such as | are Hired, such as are Impressed as aforesd, and such as Belong to Persons
VOL. I. 81
642
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Inimical, and Transmitt the Same with the Prices and Repairs to his | Honor the
Governor that he may | Know the State thereof and it is further | " etc., etc.
Consequently the State archives are liberally supplied with such
items of accounts as the following:
1776
Dr. The State to Select Men of East Windsor.
Augt To two Guns bot for Capt Harmans Co
To 1 D° & 1 Do & Bayt for Capt Robinsons Co.
To 21 Day procuring them & Blankets &c & settling this
Acct horse & Expense
50 / & 38 / £4: 0:
56 / & 70 / £6; 6
Augt 12th 1776 rec¹ the Contents for sd Select Men by Order on Treas.
0:15
£11:9: 0
JOSEPH ALLEN, JUN.
State Archives, Revol. War, vi. 335.
State of Connecticut to Selectmen of East Windsor Dr.
1776 To Two Guns purchased for Capt. Simon Woolcotts Company,
one £3: 2: 6. Do £3: 6: 0, pr rec't
1
•
To One Gun for Capt Stoughtons Company of militia pr rect
To Time & Expense 5 Days & half procuring Arms for Militia &c @ 6/
6: 8: 6
2-0-0
8: 8: 6
1: 13:0
£10: 1:6
Sepr 18th 1776, Rec" Order on Treasurer in full of the above account allowed
pr JOSEPH ALLEN JUR Select Man.
· State Archives, Revol. War, vi. 382.
Military Operations. The regiments called into service during
1775, although adopted as Continental, had formed in fact only a provi-
sional force, limited to short terms of service, and nearly all expected
to disband in December-when, from previous experience in the French
and Indian wars, it was supposed that winter operations would cease.
But the necessity of holding the advantages gained on the Lakes, etc.,
in the Northern Department, and at Boston, where the British forces
had been hemmed in, led, early in the autumn of '75, to the organization
of a new army fitted for the exigencies of the protracted struggle that
was now seen to be inevitable. So that the year 1776 opened with a re-
organized and regularly constituted Continental army. The five Con-
necticut regiments in the army before Boston, at the beginning of the year
'76, remained there until the British evacuated the place in March; and,
in April, they marched under Washington to New York, the next field
of expected operations, and assisted in fortifying the city and approaches
on Long Island, being joined by Col. Webb's regiment in August. Of
these, four were on the Brooklyn side at the time of the Battle of Long
Island, August 27, '76, and three more or less engaged; two or three.
were involved in the panic-stricken flight from New York, Sept. 15th,
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776.
643
and all were at the affair at White Plains, where Col. Webb's regiment
was closely engaged.
The rolls of all these Connecticut Regiments of '76 are, unfortu-
nately, very incomplete, and we thus lack much desirable information.
But we have reason to think that our East Windsor men were mostly
to be found in the 17th (the 8th of 1775) Continental Regiment, of Col.
Huntington; and in the 22d (the 2d of 1775) under Col. Samuel Wyllys of
Hartford. Col. Huntington's regiment was ordered (Aug. 26th) tỏ the
Brooklyn front, was engaged in the Battle of Long Island (Aug. 27th) in
and near Greenwood Cemetery, was surrounded by the enemy and lost
heavily in prisoners, some of whom suffered the hardships of the prison-
churches in New York. Wyllys's regiment has the same record, though
it was not so closely engaged in the battle and consequently suffered
less. Both regiments remained, after the White Plains affair, at Peeks-
kill, under Gen. Heath, until the expiration of their enlistment, Dec. 31,
1776.
It is probable, also, that a few East Windsor men were in Col.
Ward's regiment-enlisted to serve one year from May 14, '76, on a Con-
tinental footing-and which was with Washington at the battles of
Trenton (Dec. 25, '76) and Princeton (Jan. 3, '77) and in camp at Mor-
ristown, N. J., until expiration of term, May, 1777.
In connection with this summer service of our East Windsor men,
we present the following letter from the American camp:
New York July 25th 1776
Honoured father these lines are to inform you that I am well and I hope they will
find you all so I have | Nothing Piticular to right but the Regulars have landed Nine |
thousand men on long island and our men have Intrench | against them they have in-
gaged them three or four | days and Drove them abought half a mile killed some | Last
Night we have took abought forty head of cattle | and we have not won man killed but
seven or eight | wounded we are all well but sergent wolcott and | john Newberry wich
have ben unwell but are gitting better | we are statened about 50 rods from the grand
fort in dock street god onely nowest when we shall returne | we ask your Prayers and
sow I remain your obedent son
SHEM STOUGHTON.
The above is written on a piece of paper picked up in some shipping
house in the city, and bears part of a bill of lading by John Tenbrook.'
Among the re-enforcements of State and Militia troops furnished to
the service in 1776, we find a very considerable number of East Wind-
sor men. "During the re-organization of the Continental Army before.
Boston, Dec., '75 to Feb., '76, when soldiers were coming and going,
Washington called for New England regiments to guard the lines at
various points, until the new army had been well established. Connecti-
cut sent three regiments under Cols. James Wadsworth, Erastus Wol-
¹ Copied from original in possession of Norman Stoughton, Wapping, Conn.
644
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
cott, and John Douglass. They reached Boston towards the end of Jan-
uary and remained about six weeks. The regimental rolls of Col. ERAS-
TUS WOLCOTT of East Windsor alone are on file. It formed a part of
the detachment that occupied Boston after the enemy had evacuated the
town." The East Windsor men in Col. Erastus Wolcott's regiment,
during this term of service, were enlisted mostly in the 5th Company,
commanded by Capt. Jonathan Wells, of Hartford, of which Hezekiah
Wells of East Windsor was Ensign; and in the 7th Company, under
Capt. John Simons of Enfield, of which David Johnson and Samuel
Bancroft of East Windsor were Lieutenants.
In Col. Fisher Gay's' (2d) Battalion of Wadsworth's Brigade (which
was raised in June-served at the Brooklyn front just before and during
the battle of L. I., was in the retreat to New York, and from New York,
and at White Plains-time expired Dec. 25, '76,) the 6th Company,
under Capt. Simeon Wolcott of Hartford, was mostly made up of East
Windsor men, his Lieutenants, JOHN CHARTER and HEZEKIAH WELLS,
being from this town. This regiment suffered some losses in prisoners.
In Capt. Parsons (Enfield) Company, of Col. Sage's (3d) Battalion,
same Brigade, were also many East Windsor men. This regiment's
record is identical with that of Col. Gay's; and, probably, there were
East Windsor men in Col. Chester's (6th) Battalion, of the same (Wads-
worth's) Brigade-if so they were of the Company of Capt. Hezekiah
Wyllys of Hartford.
-
The accounts of Col. Geo. Pitkin 2 with the State (State Archives,
Revol. War, xxxii. 210) contain the following items, under the head of
"To Bounties paid his Regim¹ marched to N. York in 1776—
No. 3, Capt Amasa Loomis Co, 53 men at 20s. —£53.
5 Lemuel Stoughton's Co, 51 "do. 20s. 51."
Capt. JOEL LOOMIS's Company of East Windsor men was in service
at New York, in September and October, in, Major Backus's Light Horse
Regiment, being dismissed Nov. 2d by Gen. Washington, with the fol-
lowing honorable mention in General Orders: "A relief having come
for his Light Horse, under Maj. Backus, that corps is now dismissed
with the General's hearty thanks for their faithful services, and the
cheerfulness and alacrity they have shown upon all occasions." This
company numbered 32, inclusive of officers.
ERASTUS WOLCOTT, who, at the beginning of the war, was Colonel
'Col. Fisher Gay of Gen. Wadsworth's brigade was from Farmington, Conn. He
had also served at the siege of Boston. His regiment was on duty for some time on
Long Island; but the Colonel was taken ill and died (or was buried) on the day of the
battle of L. I., August 27, 1776.
2 Col. Pitkin was a son of Gov. Pitkin, a resident of East Hartford, and prominent
from the very beginning of the Revolution in military affairs.
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776.
645
of the 19th Reg. Conn. Militia, and who was in command, as we have
already seen, of a State Regiment at Boston, Jan.-March, 1776, was
promoted Brigadier-General in December of same year, being succeeded
in the command of his regiment by Col. Nathaniel Terry of Enfield.
Gen. Wolcott was assigned to the command of the First Brigade, com-
prising the First (Col. Wyllys of Hartford), Sixth (Col. Talcott of
Glastonbury), Nineteenth (Col. Terry of Enfield), and Twenty-second
(Col. Samuel Chapman, of Enfield) Regiments. Col. Wolcott resigned
this command in 1781, and was succeeded therein by Gen. Roger New-
berry of Windsor.
In the Northern Department, in Col. Mott's Battalion (one of two
raised to reinforce Fort Ticonderoga, and which served under Gen. Gates
until Nov., '76), were several East Windsor men, among whom we may
mention, ALEXANDER KING, Ensign, and 1st Lieut. DAVID MCCLURE (also
Acting Surgeon for a time), of the 5th Company, commanded by Capt.
Elijah Robinson of Stafford.
These East Windsor men were engaged in the attempt made by the
patriot forces to hold Fort Ticonderoga, and in the brilliant, but unsuc-
cessful, naval encounters of the 11th, 12th, and 13th October, 1776,
upon Lake Champlain, under the intrepid Arnold.
Mr. JOSEPH HOSMER (father of Horace of South Windsor, and uncle
to James and Charles Hosmer of Hartford) was in this naval battle on
Lake Champlain, where the American troops who had seen service as
sailors were transferred to the fleet; and Mr. Hosmer, having had five
sea-voyages, was one of those so drafted.²
In a private note-book of Ensign ALEXANDER KING of Col. Mott's
Battalion in the Northern Department, we find the following brief diary
of this tour :
Aug. 19, 1776. Marched from home with a party
Do. 24. arived at Benington & staid over Sunday
Do. 31. arived at Skeensborough & joind my Company
Sept 8. three Companies of our Rigement embarked and set sail for Ticonderoga.
Do. 9. arived, and Encamped on M. Independent
Oct. 2. Gen' Waterberry set sail from here with two ro[w-]gallies to join the Fleet near
Crown Point with discharge of Cannon.
Do. 2. Colonel Mott with the remainder of the regement from Skeens joind us.
Oct 11, 12, 13 our Fleet was engaged with the Enemies. But being over powered by
numbers got defeated, and but five sail out of Sixteen returned. Gen¹ Waterbury
and all his Crue were taken and some others, but soon released on perole
Ditto 28. The Enemy with a number of Boats appeared and landed on a point of land
three miles below us, and passed and repassed the Lake, but returned before Night.
One of their Boats came to view us, came so nere that our Cannon fired upon her
and bored her thrue and kiled one man
Oct. 20. A chain of Logs was strung across the Lake to prevent the Enemies Fleet
from coming up the Lake.
Nov 1 The flote Bridg acrost the Lake finished
646
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Dito 28 Marched from Mount Independent by way of Lake George home.
Dec 7. arived at home."
This note-book also contains a "copy of an oration composed by
the Rev'd Mr Tenent, Chaplain to Colo Swift's Regiment, and delivered
to Colo Mott's & Colo Swift's Regiment when under Arms and Hourely
expecting the Enemies approach. Mount Independent, Monday morning,
Oct 21st 1776. Nehemiah 4, 14th 'Be ye not afraid of them: Re-
member the Lord which is greate & Terrible, & fight for your Brethren,
your Sons & your Daughters, your Wives & your Houses.""
From the original, in possession of Fred. O. King,' we give the
following extracts from a letter addressed to "Ens. Alex. King, of
Capt. Robisons Company, Col. Mott's Regment, at Mt. Independent,
Lake Champlain," by his father, Zebulon King, of East Windsor:
My Deur Son
EAST WINDSOR, 12th Oct 1776.
Mother, and Sis-
hoping you will'
"Your faver of the 30th ult. I received yesterday. I, and your
ters, rejoice at your health &c, remembering our Love to you and
endure hardyness as a good Soldier in the behalf of your country, your parents are
both in their usual health.
About the 15th of Augt | 14 Regiments of our
militia marcht for N. York, and wer discharged about the | 26th of Sept there was a
great deal of Sickness among them and some | deaths.
On Tuesday &
Wednesday the 27 & 28 of Augt was the Feighting on Long Island. Thursday was
quiet, in the night following our people retreated and on Friday they left Governour's
Island, when there was no defence left between the city and the British Fleet and
Army. of your Acquaintance Joel Skinner, & | Aaron Drake are among the missing:
Sabb. 15th Sept the Enemy crossed the East River and had almost enclosed | a number
of our people who escaped with their Arms and what cloaths wer on their backs on
Monday was a hot Battle the Enemy remain in posession of the City and 6 or 7 miles
| distance from it. before this some ships of war had gone up the Sound | and wer
station'd in the East River some of them cruse up and down | the sound and obstruct
our provision Vessels. our Militia which went not | at first weer sent to relieve the
others there are likewise great numbers-marching towards our army near New York
from ye Bay an Hampshire. what will be the event | of all these things remains yet in
the womb of Divine Providence, from | whence we look for deliverance from the evils
of the present | time. unto Divine protection
unto Divine protection I commit you my son, and | subscribe
myself your
"Affectionate Father
"ZEBULON KING."
Speaking of these raw soldiers, then awaiting the shock of a first
collision with European veterans, Johnston says (Campaign of 1776,
Around New York and Brooklyn, etc., pub. by Long Island Hist. Soc.,
1878, p. 122): "Pass these men in review, and we have before us not
a small porportion of those 'fathers' of the Revolution, to whose exer-
tions and sacrifices America owes her independence. It was a crude,
'Mr. King also has a very carefully drawn map, made by Ens. King, of the seat
of military operations on Lake Champlain during this tour of service.
2 Dr. Horace C. Gillette's Sketches, No. XIII.
Y
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776.
647
war.
unmilitary host, strong only as a body of volunteers determined to re-
sist an invasion of their soil. Here and there was an officer or soldier
who had served in previous wars, but the great mass knew nothing of
The Continental or established regiments formed much less than
half the army, and some of these were without experience or discipline;
very few had been tested under fire. As to arms, they carried all sorts
-old flint-locks, fowling-pieces, rifles, and occasionally good English
muskets, captured by privateers from the enemy's transports. Not all
had bayonets or equipments. Uniforms were the exception; even many
of the Continentals were dressed in citizens' clothes. The militiamen,
hurriedly leaving their farms and affairs, came down in homespun, while
some of the State troops raised earlier in the spring appeared in marked
contrast to them, both in dress and discipline."
Capt. SIMON WOLCOTT of East Windsor was in active service during
this campaign, with his command.' Dr. Gillette relates that when he
¹ This is evident from numerous existing receipts for payments from the selectmen
to different individuals for guns, etc., hired by them; e. g. (Dr. Gillette's Sketches, viii.).
March 7th, 1777. Then received of Benoni Olcott £2 5s. for a gun lost in Capt.
Simon Wolcott's Company, in Col. Gay's Regiment, in a campaign at New York. I
say received per me
TIMOTHY STRONG.
May 1st, 1777. Then received of Benoni Olcott, one of the Selectmen of East
Windsor, two pounds ten shillings for a gun that was lost in Capt. Simon Wolcott's
Company last Summer Campaign at New York. Received per me
JOHN STRONG.
July 29th, 1776. Then received of Benoni Olcott, one of the Selectmen of East
Windsor, six shillings for the use of a gun this Summer Campaign in the Continental
Army, in Capt. Simon Wolcott's Company. I say received per me
HENRY LOOMIS.
This may certify whom it may concern, that the gun of mine Capt. Simon Wolcott
had in his Company the last Summer Campaign is returned to me in good rig.
February 14th, 1777.
HENRY LOOMIS, JR.
July 6th, 1776. Received of Benoni Olcott, Selectman of East Windsor, six shill-
ings for the use of a gun procured for one of Capt. Olcutt's soldiers, for this Summer's
Campaign in the Continental Army, per me
Guns loaned by the Selectmen of East Windsor, 1776
Timothy Strong hired gun and bayonet and strap, marked T. S., prized,
Isaac Phelps gun, bought, marked I. P., prized,
Daniel Phelps gun, marked D. P., hired, prized,
Charles Rockwell, gun, marked C. R., hired, prized,
DANIEL PHELPS.
02. 05. 00
06. 00. 00
02. 10. 00
02. 10. 00
02. 10. 00
02. 15. 00
John Strong, gun, marked I. S., hired, prized,
Henry Loomis, Jr., gun, hired, marked H. L., prized,
July 1st, 1776. —Then we, the subscribers, prized the six above mentioned guns,
under oath.
AMASA LOOMIS.
SAMUEL TUDOR.
16th Auguſt 1776 Rec'd of the Select men of Eaſt Windfor two Guns one the Prop-
erty of Abel Bancroft appraiſed by Eben' Watfon Jun' & Nathan Pelton under oath
648
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
left home, having two barrels of pork in his cellar, and not knowing
what might happen before his return, he concealed one barrel in the
center of his hay-mow.
66
It is related, by the same authority, that there was in Captain Wol-
cott's command a noted sharpshooter from East Windsor, who felt so
sure of his aim that, every time, after loading his gun and before pull-
ing the trigger, he was wont to put up this petition for his enemy :
May the Lord have mercy upon your soul!" But in one of these en-
gagements near New York, while firing from behind a small tree, from
which shelter he had done his usual deadly execution - while in the
very act of praying for his next victim- he was himself shot through
the brain. ¹
1
OLIVER WOLCOTT, a native of East Windsor, though a resident of
Litchfield, and afterwards Governor of Connecticut, at the opening of
this campaign was appointed to the command of the fourteen Connecti-
çut militia regiments sent to the defense of New York, and performed
that duty until the force, amounting to over 5,000 men, was subdivided
into four brigades.
Furthermore, the Assembly, in November, 1776, and in view of cold
weather and the approaching winter, and recognizing the fact that "the
soldiers raised in the State and now in the Continental Army are many
of them in want of Blanketts and in danger of being greatly Distressed
unless some Provision be made for that purpose,” directed the select-
men of each town, "at the Cost of this State, to procure and Collect in
each of their Respective Towns such a Proportion of Blanketts as shall
amount to the Number of one Blanket to the sum of five hundred pounds
in the Gen" List of such Respective Towns, to be Immediately sent to
the Army for the use of the Soldiers there," etc. And if a sufficient
number could not be bought, then the selectmen were to impress the
needed number of blankets from the inhabitants, as in the case of arms
and ammunition.- Conn. State Archives, Revol. War, v. 86.
Our East Windsor readers will probably be interested to learn from
the following list (preserved in Conn. State Archives, Revol. War, ii. 12)
in the handwriting of Capt. Ebenezer Grant, who of their forefathers.
and foremothers had blankets to sell to the selectmen, and the prices
they received for them.
at three pound, twelve Shilling the other belonging to Jofeph Egleston appriſed at two
pounds to be uſed by the Meliftia in my Company in the prefent Campaign & at the Ex-
piration thereof I promis to Return said Guns to the Select men of Eaft Windfor unleſs
Loft by Inevitable providence
LEMEL STOUGHTON Capt.
(Stoughton Mss.)
¹ Dr. Gillette's Sketches, No. XIII.
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776.
649
AN ACCOUNT OF BLANKETS COLLECTED BY YE SELECTMEN OF EAST WINDSOR | FOR
YE USE OF YE SOLDIERS AND CAREFULLY APPRIZED BY MESRS NATHLL STRONG AND
| AZRIAH GRANT.
Mr Benoni Olcott Collected of
Capt. Lem¹¹ Stoughton Collª
Amaza Lomis
6 00
Ashbel Barber
0 11 00
John Lomis
0 6 06
Sam Skinner
0 10 00
Zebul" King
5 00
Nath' bancroft
0 12.00
Nath" Porter
800
Dan Orsborn
1 00 00
George Cummin
5 00
Jonathan Barber
1 10 00
Doct Mat Rockwell
7 06
Sharach barber
1 04 00
Benj" Newberry
10 00
Jonas Pascko
1 01. 00
Jerijah Phelps
6 00
Lamson Wells
1 00 00
Extr
800
£2 14 00
£7 16 00
Eben Grant colld
Abram foster
6
Mr Josep: Allin Collecd
0 09 00
£ s d
Nathan day
0 08 00
James Tomson
1 10 00
Matthew Bissel
0 10 00
James White
0 16 00
David Drake
0 12 06
Robert Tomson
0 16 00
Wid Prudence Skinner
100 00
Isaac Bancroft
0 14 00
Eben Moor
0 9 00
Jonath Bartlet
0 12 00
Eben Grant
0 8 00
John Tomson 3rd
16 00
Eben' Grant
Extr
0 17 00
6
Wid Ann bliss
18 00
Dr. David Skinner
18 00
Extr
10 00
£14 19 6
£7 10 00
Mesrs Elsworth & House [collected]
Sarah Nichols
9.00
Alex McKenny
07 00
Ruben Cary
700
James Kenny Jun'
15.00
Extra
17
Andrew McKenny
12 00
Capt. Dan¹ Elsworth
16 00
£8 18
Jonath Grant
15 00
Capt. Bengn Piny
8 00
Mr Edward Chap Grant [collected]
Abiel Abbot
18.00
Lemuel Piny
0 07 00
Silas Drake
13.00
Ephrm Pierson
12.00
Noadh Dickinson
16 00
Ezekel McKinstre
5 00
Sam Tomson
12.00
Ephrm Rockwell
18 00
Dr. Nath Drake
12 00
Wm Speers
12.00
Ezekel Sexton
06 00
Joseph Smith
1 01 00
Stephen Warner
Abram Wallis
Dr Olcut Bill
fees
4
05 00
13 00
£5 0 2
[On back of this paper]
£3 - 0-0
Eben Grants Do
4-19 6
Capt. Stoughton Do
7-16-0
Mr Jof Allin Dº
7-10-0
M[s]rs. Elsworh Do and House 8 - 18 - 0
Mr Edward C. Grant D°
5-02-0
£37-05: 6 Amount bro't over £37 - 5 - 6
All Capt Grant for Journey to Hartford to settle Acct
Hartford Jan'y 3d 1777.
Recd Orders on Treaf in full the above Sum,
0 - 5-0
£37 -10-6
VOL. I.-82
p EBEN GRANT
650
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Blanket Bills
The within mentioned Blankets are all in my possession | to be kept till calld for by
the State
p
Eboard Grant

Their Quota of Blanks
bot & lodgd in Capt
Grants Hands for
the State
pd £37 10 6
Jany 3d: 1777
East Windsor July 23, 1777
Then Reed of Eben Grant one of yº Selectmen of sd | Town fifteen blankets for ye
use Souldiers Inlist | by my Self in ye Continental Service for 3 years -- said blankets
being appriz'd at £14 - 9 - 0 –
£14-9-0
Recd p JOSIAH BROWN Leut
Capt E Blackman's Co
Coll Sherburns Regt
East windsor, March 4, 1776.
Received of Capt. Lemuel Stoughton Eight pounds | Ten Shillings | & Six pence
money in full for pork Sent by the Inhabitants to palmer [Mass.] in the alarm together
with Two pounds and six pence for Expences | and carting of the pork to palmer alowd
by the pay table.
JOSEPH ALLEN, JU',
SOLOMON ELLSWORTH,
Comtee.
FREDERICK Ellsworth,
East Windsor, March ye 11th, 1776.
then Received of Lem¹¹ Stoughton two pounds one Shilling & Six pence for Cart-
ing 700 and over of Pork from palmer to Cambridge and Likewise 2 for haf day
training for James | .
JAMES HARPER.
It would seem from another unsigned receipt that Jacob Munsell
and Abel Osborne also carted pork to Palmer at this time.
Receipts show that the following men carted flour and pork to Cam-
bridge in 1775, and delivered the same to Joseph Trumble, Esqr: Heze-
kiah Bissell, Samuel Osborne, Jun', and James White carted 55 bush-
els of wheat to South Burroughs, Mass., to deliver to Joshua Smith of
South Burroughs.
Eaft Windfor, December 7th, 1776.
Then Recd of Deac Benoni Olcott One Hundred and Eleven pound Weight & one
Quarter of Gun Powder to be Accounted for With Said Olcott.
Recd pr Me,
HENRY ALLYN, Select Man.
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776..
651
From Account Book of
Benore Oliott, Schut
August, 1776, to number the people in our parish 1 day

June 5, 1777,
June 19, 1777,
to fetch powder from hartford and goe over to ellin
and ferry
paya Cash for Cartrage [cartridge] paper
to git one Boshel of Rey at Cook's.
one at Col wolcotts and Car[ry]ing to peters wife
July 12, 1777, to one day in giting Blankits for Lieut
8
Brownes men 3 Small Bole of tody [bowl of toddy]
for pris[on]ers 1
S
to git Clothing for Soldiers one day
men
топа
00-04 - 06
00-04-00
00 - 15-00
00 - 01 - 09
00-04 - 00
00-16-00
A Militia Reserve. By Act of the General Assembly, then in ses-
sion at Middletown, Conn., December 18, 1776, a Reserve was ordered to
be formed in every town in the State, consisting of such males, between
the ages of 16 and 60, who, for various reasons, were not included in the
militia train-bands. Many such had previously belonged to the militia,
and some had been commissioned and non-commissioned officers in the
same, and were deemed to be "able and willing to fight in defence of
their country"; and it was imperatively necessary that such should be
made available as soldiers since "the present situation of this State calls
loudly for the whole force and aid of its inhabitants."
This Alarm List, as it was called, was made to include about every
available male in the State (except members of the Council of the
House of Representatives and American Congress for the time being,
the treasurer and secretary of state, ministers of the Gospel, the presi-
dent, tutors, and students of Yale College for the time being; and ne-
groes, Indians, and mulattoes) and its members, "if of sufficient ability
in the judgment of the Selectmen of the Towne wherein they resided,"
were required to furnish their own proper equipment, and to hold them-
selves ready in case of an alarm, and to choose their own officers, each
company to consist "as nearly as conveniently can be, of 64 privates."
If there were not enough persons in such an Alarm List to make a com-
pany of 30 men, including officers, they were to be joined to the com-
pany of some other town, as the regimental field officers should see fit.
When in active service they were to be under the command of the field
officers of the respective militia regiments in whose districts the com-
pany was located, and to be under the same regulations as to service as
the militia companies. An Alarm-List man, like a militiaman, could, if
drafted, etc., procure a substitute, or exemption, by paying the sum of
652
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
£5 to the town treasurer within a month. The members of each com-
pany thus formed were, furthermore, divided by lot into four equal di-
visions (or "classes," as they were termed), each division taking its
turn of duty according to the order or number of the lot which it drew;.
thus, the division drawing lot No. 1 took the first turn of duty; the di-
vision drawing No. 2 took the following, etc. And, again, in each divi-
sion or “class," each individual's place upon the muster-roll was de-
termined by lot; and when a draft was called for any special duty, each
man was detached for duty in the order of his place upon the muster-
roll. Thus a most équitable division of duty was secured. Persons
above the age of fifty years, and such millers and ferrymen as the select-
men of the town deemed necessary to the public convenience, were not
obliged to leave the town of their residence, but were liable to do "home-
guard" duty. Acts and Laws, 1776, p. 441.
.
At its October session, 1776, the General Assembly passed an act
"prescribing and enjoining an Oath of Fidelity to the State, in which it
was provided that, as the king of Great Britain had abdicated the gov-
ernment of the United States by placing them out of his protection and
unjustly levying war against them, and, as the States had declared their
independence and sovereignty, which had been approved by this State.
The legislature, for the security of the State, resolved that an oath of
fidelity should be taken by the freemen and officers thereof, to truly and
faithfully adhere to and maintain the government established in the
State, by the people, according to the laws of the State, and that each
believed in his conscience that the king of Great Britain neither had,
nor of a right ought to have, any authority in or over the State, and that
they did not hold themselves bound to yield any allegiance to the king,
and that they would, to the utmost of their power, maintain and defend
the freedom, independence, and privileges of the State against all open
enemies or traitorous conspiracies, and that no person should be author-
ized to execute any office after the first day of January, 1777, until he
had taken the oath of fidelity; that no freeman should vote for any offi-
cer of government until he had taken said oath, and his name enrolled
in the records of the town where sworn.
At a special session, 19th November, 1776, the time for taking the
oath of fidelity was by act suspended until the first Monday after
the first Tuesday in April, 1777;2 and on October 11, 1777, an act
in addition to the act enjoining an oath of fidelity to this State,
was made, in which it was provided that no person in the State
should exercise any office, civil or military, or vote in any town, society,
or other public meeting appointed by law, or plead in any court (except
in his own case), until he had taken the oath of fidelity to the State,
1 Hinman's Hist. War of Revolution, 231.
2 Ibid., 245.
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1776–7.
653
and that after the 1st day of December, 1777, no person should be exec-
utor on any estate, or administrator, or guardian to a minor, until he
shall have taken said oath.
The Names of the Persons in East Windsor who took the Oath of
Fidelity to this State :
William Wolcott, Efq.,
Eraftus Wolcott, Efqr,
Rev Joseph Perry,
Cap Ebenezer Grant,
Thomas Skinner,
Dear David Skinner,
Capt Matthew Grant,
Majr Lemuel Stoughton,
Joseph Allin,
Enf. Edwd. Chap. Grant,
Dean Benoni Olcott,
Lt. Samuel Tuder,
Capt Nath Houſe,
John Prior,
el
Andrew McKinney,
John Watſon,
Ezekiel Sexton,
David Smith,
Enf. Joseph Diggens,
Danel Rockwell,
Danel Elmer,
Shadrach Barber,
Ebenezer Read,
Capt James Harper,
Zebedee Orfborn,
Mr Nathan Day,
Joseph Chapin,
Jacob Elmer,
Hezekiah Crane,
Afbbel Barber,
Sept 16, 1777,
Sworn & Enroll'd.
Auguftus Fitch,
Caleb Booth, Ju',
Robert Watson,
Ebenezer Nafh,
Abraham Wallace,
Danel Elsworth, Jur, Efq',
Nathel Strong,
John Lomis,
Dr Charles Mather,
Archelus Flynt,
Dan Bifsell,
Wareham Moor,
Levi Booth,
Samuel Watson, Ju',
Isaac Phelps,
Gideon Lomis,
David Trumbull,
Abner Blodgett,
George Burnham,
Nathan Pelton,
Ashbel Barber,
Isaac Rockwell,
Oliver Barber,
Henry Wolcott,
Timothy Elmer,
Jonathan Chapman,
Matthew Bifsell,
Danel Bissell,
Samel Bartlett,
Aaron Grant,
Edward Kneeland,
Eliphalet Bartlett,
Jonathan Brown,
Joseph Kneeland,
Aaron Bifsell,
Ebenezer Bissell,
Thomas Drake,
Elijah Hills,
Mofes Wells,
Stephen Lee,
Capt Hezekiah Biſsell,
Jonathan Barber,
Zachariah Allin,
Simeon Barber,
Oliver Stoughton,
Abiel Abbott,
David Bissell,
Abrahm Fofter,
Capt Simon Wolcott,
Paul Simons,
Enf. Fredric Elsworth,
Enf. Roswell Grant,
Samuel Webſter,
Eliphalet Chapin,
Lt. Samuel Watson,
Ephraim Ladd,
Thomas Fofter,
Noah Barber,
Jeremiah Fullar,
Oliver Hills,
John Lomis, Ju',
Wm Stoughton,
Capt Amafa Lomis,
Joel Drake,
Lt. Thomas Sadd,
Benjamin Newberry,
Elijah Lomis,
Jerijah Bifsell,
Benajah Lomis,
Sworn & Entered
Janry 26th, A.D. 1778.
Dear Ezekiel Ladd,
Sworn 16 Decemb*, 1777,
as by certificate appears,
Entered 16th Febry, 1778.
Capt Joel Lomis,
John Craw, Ju',
Ebenezer Watson, Ju',
Alex™ Elmer,
Danel Osborn,
Noah Bissell,
Jacob Munsell,
Abijah Skinner,
John Thompſon, 3d,
Sworn 13th April, 1778.
Ezekiel Osborn,
Abiel Gaylord,
George Cummings,
Ethemar Pelton,
Ebenezar Allin,
Hezekiah Munfell,
Alexander Vining,
Cyrenus Webiter,
Joseph Smith,
Lamfson Wells,
Sworn 13th April, 1778.
Elifha Ladd, Sworn
4th May, 1778, as pr certifi-
cate.
Nathaniel Porter,
654
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Eliakim Hitchcock,
Abijah Skinner,
Zebulon King,
Stephen Paine,
Noah Allin,
Benjamin Wolcott,
Hezekiah Porter,
Sworn 15th Sept', 1778.
Samuel Allin,
Wm Lewis,
Abiram Skinner,
Robert Wood,
Benjamin Carver,
Benjamin Cook,
Capt Jonath" Bartlett,
Abijah Jones,
Abner Rockwell,
Simeon Belknap,
Jabez Fox,
Henry Wolcott,
Lampson Wells,
Azariah Grant,
April 12th, 1779,
Sworn, etc.
Benoni Thompſon,
Phinehas Strong,
Thatcher Lothrop,
Eli Bissell,
Samuel Smith,
Alex' Elmer,
Charles Bifsell,
Hezekiah Welles,
Sworn 21st Sept., 1779,
Ezra Rockwell,
John Bancroft,
Elisha Munfell,
Titus King,
Isaac Newton,
Ezekiel Ladd, Ju',
David Ladd,
Juftus Grant,
Daniel Carpenter,
William McCray,
Eleazer Pinney,
Lemuel Pinney,
Silvenus Rockwell,
Jonathan Stoughton,
Alex Stoughton,
Nathel Rockwell,
Gideon Chapin,
Nathaniel Lomis,
Joel Rockwell,
Lt. Solomon Elsworth,
Jonath Bifsell, Jur,
Barzilla Green,
Sworn 10th April, 1780.
Eben Holman,
Sworn 9th April, 1781.
David Allin,
Nathaniel Allin,
Joseph Pinney, Ju',
Sworn 18 Sept., 1781.
Daniel Elsworth, Jun',
Oliver Chapman,
Levi Gibbs,
Hezekiah Allin,
James Steel,
Jonathan Button,
Sworn 17th Sept., 1782.
Eben' Chubbuck,
James Burnham,
Ephrm Wolcott,
Sworn 7th April, 1783.
Chaunfey Newberry,
Amafa Newberry,
Rufsell Stoughton,
Capt Eraftus Wolcott,
David Shaw,
John Stoughtou,
William Stoughton,
Arodi Wolcott,
Aaron Chapin,
Eben Rockwell, 3ª,
Albert Wolcott,
Benjamin Skinner,
Aaron Bifsell, Ju",
Benajah Lomis,
Obadiah Dickinſson,
Timothy Bifsell,
Ephraim Parker,
Oliver Day,
Sworn 16th Sept., 1783.
Samuel Stiles,
John McKnight,
Daniel Burnap,
Benja Ellery Green,
Samuel Elmer,
Nathel Porter, Jr,
Giles Lomis,
Elizur Wolcott,
Nathal Strong, Jun',
Benjamin Gillman,
Sworn 11th April, 1785.
Scanning the foregoing list, we see that the names most prominent
in Windsor one hundred and forty years before, appear again in numbers
and strength in the hour of peril and duty. Here are eight men of the
name of Allen; thirteen of Bissell; six of Barber; five of Elmer; three
of Ellsworth; seven of Grant; eight of Loomis; three of Newberry;
three of Osborn; three of Pinney; eight of Rockwell; seven of Stough-
ton; five of Skinner; four of Watson; nine of the name of Wolcott, with
many others of the old names in lesser numbers.
1777
In March of this year, Col. Erastus Wolcott, of the 19th Militia
Regiment, detached 17 men of Capt. Lemuel Stoughton's (the 4th) com-
pany for duty at Providence until the first of May; they were to have
208. advanced as part of their pay.
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777.
655
Gen. Wolcott was also placed in command, March to June of 1777,
of three militia regiments (Cols. Belden's, Hooker's, and Moseley's),
Crashes Wolcott Birg" Gund
who served at Peekskill, the companies being distributed at various
points White Plains, Crompond, Fishkill, Fort Montgomery, etc.
During this year East Windsor men served in the Enfield, Windsor,
Suffield, and Tolland companies of the 2d Connecticut Line Regiment,
under Col. Charles Webb. This regiment served during the autumn of
this year along the Hudson, under Gen. Putnam; was in the battle of
Whitemarsh, Pa., Dec. 8th, and lost heavily; wintered at Valley Forge,
'77-'78; was at the battle of Monmouth July 28, '78; wintered, '78-'79,
at Redding; served again on the Hudson, '79, and a part was detached
for the storming of Stony Point; wintered, '79-'80, at Morristown, N. J.,
and, '80-'81, at Connecticut Village on the Hudson.
The 3d Connecticut Line Regiment, Col. Samuel Wyllys, of Hart-
ford, '77-'81, with the same service record as the 2d Regiment, had
many Hartford and Windsor men.
The 4th Connecticut Line Regiment, Col. John Durkee, with the
same service record as above, had companies composed of Windsor
and Suffield men.
The 5th Connecticut Line Regiment, Col. P. P. Bradley, same record
as above, had Windsor, Tolland, and Hartford companies.
Col. S. B. Webb's Additional Infantry Regiment, with same service
record, had three Hartford companies.
Col. H. Sherburne's Additional Infantry Regiment, with the same.
service record, had a good a good many East Windsor men in its ranks;
as also did Col. Sheldon's Light Dragoons, which was in very active ser-
vice in New Jersey and along the east side of the Hudson.

"EAST WINDSOR, Aprile 21st 1777.
"We the Subscribers being Convened by orders for ye Great & important Purpose
of furnishing our Proportion of men for the Continental Army & notwithstanding the
Encouragement heretofor made by ye Honrbl Continentall Congress & this State &
Town, there appears a backwardness; we ye subscribers therefore considering ye neses-
aty of our furnishing our Coto are willing & promis to pay to Capt James Harper &
Capt Lem" Stoughton ye sums anext to our names Provided there is a number suf-
fitient apears and Enlists to make up our quota now Required for three year or
during the war & we order sd Harper & Stoughton to Collect forthwith & pay s« sums
to those so inlisted.
Epaphras Wolcott,
John Gains,
Jonathan Barber, -
£. s. d.
2 10 0
John Vining,
1 0 0
Moses Bissell,
300
John Potwine,
1
£ s. d.
0 6 0
1 0 0
1 0 0
656
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
1
Jonathan Munsell,
William Bissell,
Levi Booth,
-
Jacob Munsell,
Sam" Allen,
John Loomis,
Caleb Booth,
Asel Stiles,
Oliver Barber,
Ashbel Barber,
Silas Simons,
1
Abner Blodgett,
Simeon Barber,
David Shaw,
Zacheus Munsell,
Hezekiah Munsell,
Alexander Vining,
Lem" Stoughton,
James Hayes,
Hezekiah Willes,
Solomon Ellsworth,
Frederick Ellsworth,
Lamson Willes,
Henry Wolcott,
Benjamin Osborn,
Hezekiah Crane,
Sam" Watson, Jr.,
Joseph Stoughton,
Benoni Thomson, -
Daniel Osborn,
Nathan Pelton,
1
J
1
£.s. d.
1 10 0
Shubal Parsons,
2 0 0
500
200
5 0 0
3 0 0
500
3 0 0
300
300
1 0 0
3 0 0
3.0 0
Daniel Braman,
Jonathan Button, -
Joel Pease,
Josiah Blodgett,
Joel Ellsworth,
Abel Orsbon,
-
£ s. d.
1 12 0
0 6 0
1 0 0
0 8 0
Isaac Bancroft, Jr.,
0 12 0
14 0
Ebenezer Allen,
1 4 0
Timothy McKlewain,
1 10 0
Noah Allen,
1 4 0
John Hadloak,
0 10 0
1 0 0
1 0.0
Zebede Orsbon, Jr.,
0 12 0
200
1
1
1
1
10 0
300
1 10 0
4 0 0
10 0 0
3 0 1
-
5 0 0
I
1
1
1
1
t
1
·
1
6 0 0
600
5 0 0
5 0 0
0 60
140
1 4 0
300
1 10 0
600
300
3. 0 0
300
Jonah Parke,
Obediah Abby,
Joseph Pierce,
200
06 0
1 0 0
Elnathan Fitch,
Benjamin Munsell,
0 12 0
1 0 0
0 12 0
1 0 0
4 10 0
Noah Stiles, Jr.,
Phinehas Blodget,
Nathaniel Allen,
Samuel Orsborn, Jr.,
Gideon Drake,
Thomas Hadlock,
Nathaniel Stoughton, Jr.,
Roswell Blodget,
-
John Thomson ye 2d,
David Allen,
John Loomis ye 3d,
Roswell Prior,
Elihu Loomis,
Hezekiah Allen,
John Bliss,
Sam" Skinner,
Sam Watson,
11.
Jeremiah Lord,
David Trumbull,
600
600
300
200
06 0
2
0 0
1 0 0
John Elsworth,
1
1
I
1
1
0 12 0
0 10 0
4 10 0
400
4 0 0
4 0 0
0 10 0
0 10 0
0 12 0
2 0 0
3 0 0
0 10 1
200
1 0 0
1 10 0
£200 0 0
2 0 0
Joseph Chapin,
Charles Gaylord,
Joseph Allen, Jr.,
James Thomson,
-
Joseph Harper, Jr.,
John Prior,
Stephen Pease,
Israel Stiles,
Elisha Munsell,
Athermer Pelton, -
John Thompson, 3d,
Edward Bancroft,
1
1
200
400
1 0 0
£2 0 0
£204 0 0"
Aron Frost,
-
0 18 0
Windsor Farmes, p. 150.
At its October session, 1777, the General Assembly passed a bill
providing for a supply of small Cloathing (or what we should now call
"underwear") for the soldiers in the Continental army, by which bill
it was enacted:
That each Town in this state be requested | to make Provision to procure imme-
diately one shirt or more if they | see fit either Linnen or Flannel; one hunting shirt or
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1777.
657
Frock: one pair of | woolen Overhalls, one or two pair of stockings & a pair of good
shoes, for | each Non-commissioned Officer & soldier in ye Continental Army belonging
| to such Town, and Deliver ye same to Messieurs Elijah Hubbard or Royal Flint su-
perintending Commissarys for this state to be by them conveyed | to ye respective issu-
ing Commissarys of ye Battalions of ye continental | Army raised in this State to be by
them delivered to the | Non-Commission Officers & soldiers raised in this state at y fol-
lowing | Rates: shoes at eight shillings & six pence pr Pair; stockings at six | shillings
P pair; shirts, hunting frocks & overhalls according to the | Quality in proportion to
good yard wide tow Cloath at two shillings | & nine pence P yard & good yard wide
check or striped flannel at three | shillings & six P yard."
And this law was to apply, also, to the supply of the whole quota of
soldiers.
'And in Case said Cloathing cannot be otherwise pro | cured ye same may (by War-
rant from any one Assistant or Justice | of peace which Warrant sd Authority are here-
by impowered upon Application to them made by ye Committees appointed by sa
Towns for the purpose of procureing sa Cloathing or for ye supplying ye families of
said Officers and soldiers to grant) be impressa from any persons who can | conveniently
spare ye same to be adjudged by said Comtees which being | done ye same shall be ap-
praised by three indifferent | persons to be under Oath for that purpose & who have
taken ye Oath of Fidelity to this state one to be chosen | by ye Owner of such Articles,
one by sd Comtee and one by ye Officer | serveing such Warrant; and in Case sa Owner
shall neglect to chuse | such appraiser as aforesd ye same shall be by chosen by said
Officer and ye Cost ariseing upon sa warrant (being first taxd by ye authority | granting
ye samė) shall be paid by ye owner of sª Articles provided | ye same be not appraised at
a greater sum than had before I been offered by sd Comtee and may by them be deducted
out of the price of said Articles: otherwise to be paid by sd Comtee & chargd in ye
acct with said Articles & transmitted to ye Assembly and be finally | paid out of ye
Treasury of this state.
"And in Case any persons are desirous to send any of the | Articles aforesd to their
friends in ye continental Army from this state | they may put up ye same in Packages
properly mark" & directed: which | shall be duly delivered and Rects taken and pay-
ment be made for ye sane | as aforesaid not exceeding ye Quantity above prescribed for
one single person and shall be accounted as part of said Towns Quota.” — Conn.
Archives, viii. 6.
The following document, in handwriting of Roswell Grant (State
Arch., Rev. War, xii. 426), records an instance of East Windsor's com-
pliance with this law :
Recd Middletown 14th Dec 1777 from the Committee of the | Town of East Win-
sor appointed to purchase Cloathing | Agreeable to a Resolve of his Excellency the
Governor & the Honb' Council of Safety the 22nd Septr last the following Articles
for the sd Town of East Winsor by | the hands of Joseph Stoneton:
Viz 14 p fulla Overhalls
20 p do
d°
5 p
do
d°
4 p do
d°
5 p Mixt
2 p blue & White do
do
•
@ 16/
£11 - 4-0
@ 14/
14- 0-0
@ 12/
@ 9/
3- 0-0
1-16 - 0
@ 12/
3- 0
@ 11/
1 - 2
¹ Undoubtedly this should be Stoughton.
VOL. I. -83
658
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
3 p Stript flannel dº
44 Check Woollen Shirts
5 dº
do
1
do almost worn out
1 Stript
do
3 White flannell d°
12 Check linnen d'
2
do part worn
5 Stript
do
7 Tow
do White
87 p stockings
88 p Shoes
2 p
do
•
@ 9/
1- 7
@ 12/
26 - 8
@ 9/6
2-7-6
@ 4/
0
4-0
@ 8/
0- 8-0
@ 9/6
1- 8-6
@ 12/
7- 4-0
@ 9/
0 - 18
@ 9/
@ 8/
2- 5
2-16
@
6/
26 - 2
@ 8/6
37 - 8 0
@ 7/
0 - 14
@
9/
40 - 1
1- 4
1- 6-9
£186. 3.9
89 hunting frocks
Also 1 Woollen Shirt & 2 pr Stockings to solomon wood
1 Check
Moses Loomis
do 1 pr Stockings & 1 pr Shoes to
}
Recd the Within Mentioned Articles to forward to the Army | and dispose of Ac-
cording to the directions in s Resolve In | Behalf of Elijah Hubbard State Commis-
sary
p ANDREW JOHONNET.
Support of the families of the eight battalions in the Continental
army, August, 1777:
Resolved, By this Assembly that the Select | men of the respective Towns within
this State | be directed to provide for the Familys of the | non Commission officers and
Soldiers raised | by this State for the continental Army with | whatever necessarys such
Familys may Want at the Rate established by a late Law of the State | setting the
Prices at which the necessary and | convenient articles of Life should be sold at to the
| amount of any sum such now | Commission officer and Soldier shall deposit in their
Hands not exceeding three Quarters of | their Wages at the Expence of such Towns
wherein | the Familys of such non Commission officers | and Soldiers dwelt at the time
of their Inlistment, | till the first Day of December next, Before which | Time this As-
sembly will make such other Provisions | for said Familys as shall be equitable | and
just
and such Selectmen are | directed to procure such necessarys at the |
most reasonable Rate, and if necessary shall | apply to some Assistant or Justice of
Peace | who shall issue a Warrant to impress such | necessarys, the Value whereof
shall be apprized | by indifferent Persons appointed by the | Authority issuing such
Warrant and thereupon the | Price at which such necessarys are apprized | shall be paid
by such Selectmen |
Provided that if any Town has | Appointed a Com-
mittee to provide for the | Familys of such non commission officers and | Soldiers, such
Committees shall have the same Authority as by this Act is given | selectmen — and
it shall be their Duty | to provide for said Familys accordingly." Conn. State Arch.,
vii. 425.
The Subscriber wants to pay Cash for good | merchantable Pork & beef to barrel
for the Use | of the United States; by Direction of Peter Colt Esq | & will give for
Pork from nine to Eleven pence p' | pound according to its quality & a generous price
for beef.
East Windsor Decmbr
22d 1777.
11
LEM STOUGHTON AC P.
"In session, August 20, 1777, the Assembly directed Capt. Allen
Stillman to store the salt in his hands (the property of the State) in a
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WARr, 1778.
659
safe store, and deliver one bushel to Capt. Ebenezer Grant of East
Windsor, for supporting and for the use of the guard that kept Gen.
Prescott." Hinman's War of the American Revolution, 477-78.
Maj.-Gen. Prescott was the British general in command of Rhode
Island, who was captured by Lieut.-Col. William Barton, near Newport,
on the night of July 10th, this year, and who, for awhile, resided as a
prisoner of war at East Windsor, occupying the southeast (second story)
room of the Maj. F. W. Grant mansion. Tradition, as given by Dr. Gil-
lette, says that he was "very haughty and aristocratic, looking upon his
captors with the greatest contempt, especially despising the frugal meals
of the farmers, on whom he was billeted. His guard (one of whom was
Timothy Anderson) used to amuse themselves by annoying him and listen-
ing to his wholesale curses against the Americans." This statement
agrees well with the historical reputation of the man, whose cruel severity,
haughtiness, and intolerant rudeness to all Americans excited the universal
indignation of the people of Newport, and led very directly to his capture.
He was the same officer who treated Ethan Allen so brutally when a
prisoner at Montreal, in 1775. He was finally removed from East
Windsor to Washington's headquarters on the Raritan, and was ex-
changed for General Charles Lee, in April, 1778.
1778.
Nothing very eventful occurred this year in East Windsor, except
the usual detail of furnishing and equipping and provisioning her soldiers
in the field.
"In Session, January 14, 1778, the Assembly received. from Samuel Terry, of East
Windsor, his account for 53 cartouch boxes and belts at 11s, 6d. each, made by order of
the Governor and Council; which was allowed, at £30 - 9 - 6, which were directed to
be delivered to Gen. E. Wolcott.” — Hinman's Am. Revol., 514.
During the same month, Gen. Erastus Wolcott of East Windsor was
appointed by the assembly as one of a committee of three to meet and
confer with a committee from Massachusetts, at Providence, R. I., as
to “the reasons why" the recent expedition against Newport had failed.
And Capt. Roswell Grant's company, in January of this year, was
ordered to report at Providence, R. I., as per the following:
<
"Dr State of Connecticutt to Cap¹ Roswell Grant for a Man & Team | to Transport
the Baggage of his Company from East Windsor to Providence | in the State of Rhode
Island, Pursuant Ordrs from Gov & Councill | of Safety — Vize —
1778
March 19th To Solomon Jones & his Team from East Windsor to Provi-
dence 80 miles 6
To Cash paid for an Express before marching to Collect the
Company
£24-0-0
1 - 4
£25-4-0
660
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
March 19, 1778 This May Certifi that Solomon Jones Transported the Baggage of
my Company from East Windsor to Providence 80 miles Pursuant to Ordrs from Gov™
& Councill of Safety — & acknowledge to have Recd an Ord' on Treas for the Above
Sum in full
ROSWELL GRANT, Capt
State Archives, Revol. War, ii, 589.
The following receipt is not without interest :
Beno Tomfon
Receipt.
5 Doz" Cartrages
A
Eaft Windsor Jan'y 28th 1778- Recd of Eben' Grant one of ye Selectmen of Sª Town
five Doz" of Cartrages with powd & ball, for the uſe of ye Gaurd appointed to Gaurd
Gov Franklin
Recd pr
P. Cartrages allowed 4s/ pr Dozen.
BENONI THOMSON
Serjt. of the Gard³
This Governor Franklin was William (only son of the eminent
American philosopher and patriot, Benjamin Franklin) and the Royal
Governor of New Jersey. Deposed from his office by the popular up-
rising in July, 1776, he was seized at his residence in Perth Amboy,
N. J., and conveyed as a prisoner to East Windsor. In 1778 he was
exchanged for some American prisoners, and at the close of the war
went to England, where he enjoyed a pension of £4,000 per annum until
his death in 1813.
Dr. Gillette (Sketches, No. VI.) says that "he was quartered in the
present South Windsor, at the home of Lieut. Diggins, [located on the
east side of the main road on the site of the present house of
Mr. Evelyn Pitkin;] and that a juvenile guard was placed over
him, among whom Benjamin Skinner and Dyer Newberry, then aged
about 14 years, served for several weeks. Franklin had plenty of servants.
and lived well-tradition says that he was exceedingly fond of sour
punch. In the summer season, his favorite resort was a cold spring on
the banks of the Podunk, in a pasture owned by the late Ebenezer
Pinney, where he had a bower erected for his use, furnished with such
comforts as he needed. His orders to his man Dryer, as they were
about starting for the bower, became a by-word among the members of
his guard long after they arrived at manhood. "Dryer, you will find
me at the bower; bring along the jug, the lemons, and the sugar." In
1853, this old spring was still in a state of good preservation. Franklin
was intimate with Doctor Elihu Tudor of East Windsor, who was also a
loyalist, and their intercourse was naturally regarded with jealousy by
their neighbors. It was, at one time, proposed to ride the doctor on a rail
(skimitry, as it was then called), but he showed so bold a front that his
visitors concluded not to try it; and so worked off their patriotism on a
man by the name of Cummings, of conspicuous Tory proclivities.
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1778.
661
Conn. Archives, Revol. War, xv. 77, contains a curious memorial (in
the handwriting of Erastus Wolcott) to the assembly, dated Oct. 18,
1779, in reference to some oxen owned by Benjamin Potwine, Hezekiah
Bissell, and Joseph Allyn of East Windsor, which were impressed into
the service to transport the baggage of the "Convention Troops" in their
march (southward) thro' Connecticut in Nov., 1778; and which were
sadly damaged, according to their owner's story, and for which they
desire to be compensated. We shall have more to say about these
"Convention Troops" in a subsequent portion of this chapter.
In the spring of 1778, General the Marquis Lafayette, made his
headquarters for a time in the present South Windsor, where he re-
sided at the house of Nathaniel Porter, grandfather of Col. Solomon of
Hartford. This house, which no longer exists, was on the east side of
the highway, nearly opposite the present residence of Mr. Edgar A.
Farnham. It was then provided for defense with port-holes for muskets.
"On a certain day, during Lafayette's stay here, he was notified
that Gen. Washington would visit him at his quarters. In honor of the
occasion, Lieut. Alexander King of East Windsor, and then an officer in
the regular, or Continental, army, was requested by the Marquis
to report to him at 2 P. M. of the following day with a company
of mounted men. Mr. King exerted all his energy to raise the troop,
and succeeded in mustering forty-two men. He had but two saddles in
the company, but as a substitute they used bags and sheep-skins, and
broken clothes-lines for bridles. Some carried guns and others canes
as substitutes for swords. To this motley troop Gen. Washington was
presented by Gen. Lafayette in the following words: General, I pre-
sume you are acquainted with this troop.' On Washington's remark
that he did not remember that he had ever enjoyed that honor, Lafay-
ette expressed his surprise, remarking that they had seen much ser-
vice, and were called the Old Testament Light Horse."
(
í
Gen. Lafayette made frequent excursions into Rhode Island, and to
different parts of this State, always with a small mounted escort. Mr.
Justus Grant of Wapping parish was frequently one of the number, and
said he had often wrestled with Lafayette with success, but when he un-
dertook to fence with him he could do nothing with him.
While Lafayette resided at South Windsor, young Porter (before
alluded to, as father of Colonel Solomon of Hartford) acted as his pri-
vate secretary, and on one occasion was sent with despatches to Wash-
ington's headquarters. Immediately after his arrival there he was
taken ill with the small-pox, and was sick for six or seven weeks, with-
out opportunity to communicate with his friends, or to inform them of
his whereabouts. Great, therefore, was the joy of all on his safe return.
A portion of the French army under General the Count Rocham-
662
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
beau, on their way from Newport to join Washington on the Hudson in
1781, was encamped for awhile in the lower part of East (now South)
Windsor, and in East Hartford. The people of the two towns sympa-
thized with them, and everything was done to render their stay agree-
able. The French balls, parties, and entertainments were well attended
by the ladies of South Windsor and East Hartford. During the fall of
that year the camp-distemper broke out among the foreign troops and
the East Hartford Church was converted into a hospital."
From Lieut. Alexander King's Note Book:
2
The New London Tower 1778. Detacht the 14th of September 1778. Marcht from
Home 21 Sept Arriv'd at N. London 23 Sept™ Set out for home 21rst Octor. Dif-
charged from service 24th Oct from Sept 14th The time when detacht to Oct 24 when
Diſcharged is 5 weeks and 6 Days in Service —

Jay Ferchild
John Anderson
Sam Elmore
·
·
Shem Stoughton
Chancey Newberry
John Newberry
Aaron Chapens
Abiram Skinner
Timothy Strong
Ebenezer Rockwell
Obadiah Bifsell
Joel Rockwell
Moses Wells
•
Oliver Stoughton
Joel Nash
Eben Grants Bill Do
To 5 y'ds & half Wollen flannel at 8¢
•
Wages
Rations Sums
5:16
12:0 5:0
5:16
12:0
5:8
5:16
12:0
5:8
5:16
12:0
5:8
5:16
12:0
5:8
5:16
12:0
5:8
·
5:16
12:0
5:8
5:16
12:0
5:8
5:16
12:0
5:8
5:16
12:0
5:8
•
5:16
12:0
5:8
5:16
12:0
5:8
5:16
12:0
5:8
5:16
12:0
5:8
5:16
12:0
5:8
80:19
910:0
4:8
£24-0
8 yrds & half of Nath" Rockwell at Do
pd Sibil Rockwill to make 4 Overhalls
yrd Two [Tow] Cloth for facing & thread
pd Coll" G. Pitkin for drawing 20 yd thro' Mill
p" Math" Bissels Wife for Shirt ready made
to 9 Doz" Button Moles for overhalls at 84
på Azriah Grants Wife making 2 frocks
Dr Olcutt's Bill viz
1 Wollen Shirt
one pair Stockings
one Rifle frock 23³/
White flannels
•
¹ Gillette Sketches, No. V.
3- 9-0
1- 0-0
0-8-0
0-18-0
1- 4-0
0 - 6-0
0 -10.6
£9 - 19 - 6
01-03 - 00
00 - 12-00
01 - 01 - 00
02-02 - 00
4: 18-00
2 Sept. 21, set from home Monday night lodged at Olbards. Tufday Night at
Henry's. Wensday Night New London Court Houfe on Lawyers Green Cloth [i. e. they
slept on the court-room tables of the New London Court House.]
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1779.
663
East Windsor Augt 3rd 1778
Invoice of Clothing purchased by yº Selectmen of sd Town for ye use of Soldiers in
ye Continental Army.
viz.
52 Shirts
41 Overhals
30 Rifle frocks
Contained in five
Bags
Expect you'll provid a Cask
16 pair Stockins
or Box for ye Clothing and
43 pair Shoes
Send ye bags back. E. G.
To m
Hubbard att Middletown Commissary
The Above Articles goes Consigned to you, & hope will come safe to Hand and to
Acceptance from Sr your Most Obed humble Serv¹
Augt 4, 1778
sent by Mr Zebulon King
1779.
EBENR GRANT
In behalf of ye Select men
In this year we find, among State and town papers, many allusions
to troops, etc., forwarded to New London. That harbor, on account of
its depth of water and sheltered position, was from the beginning of
the war a most desirable point to both of the contending armies. Great
efforts were made by the British naval commanders to obtain possession
of both city and harbor, and for a long time the coast in its vicinity was
menaced by a large fleet. Of course, its protection was a very serious
charge upon the fidelity and watchfulness of the Connecticut State Gov-
ernment, and we find that men were constantly being drafted, from dif-
ferent points to serve in its defense.
Thus, 31st March, 1779, Col. Nath' Terry of Enfield informs Capt.
Roswell Grant of East Windsor that the whole of his regiment is
under orders from Gen. Wolcott to march to New London, and that he
must have all his men properly equipped and provided with "four days
provision and Bread for eight days." Grant Mss. Again, 19th June,
the Colonel direct the Captain to detach "one able bodyed man" from
his company, properly equipped, "to march forthwith to New London
under the command of Ensign Roger Wolcott; he will not be holden in
service more than two months after his arrival; a fine will not excuse
him." Ibid.
"State of Connecticut to Capt Noah Barber
Sept 9th 79
To the use of his horse for Express &c 20 Miles 3s. pr Mile -
To the use of a Team transporting Baggage of his company
from East Windsor to N. London by way of Hartford
55 Miles
Dr.
£3 0 0
"This bill is receipted by Noah Barber. Capt. 9, Sept 1779."
Revol. War, xvi. 304.
66 0 0
£69 0 0
Conn. Archives,
664
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
In April, 1779, a committee of the General Assembly, appointed
by that body to consider "the ways and means for supplying the public
magazines with flour,” reported as follows:
"It is our opinion upon the best Information we can get that unless some speedy
and Effectual Measures are taken to prevent it, not only the Army, but many of the
Inhabitants of this State must greatly suffer, before the Returns of another Harvest,
for want of the necessary Article of Bread, arising partly from a real Scarcity of that
article in some Parts of the State and partly from an artificial one in some other Parts..
Yet, we have Reason to apprehend that in Case some equal Distribution could be made
of all the Bread Corn in the State there would not only be a sufficiency to supply the
Necessities of all the Inhabitants until New Crops shall come in, but a surplus for the
Army. In view of these facts they recommend to the Assembly the passing of an Act,
by which it could (1) be exactly ascertained what amount of Bread grains were now
held by private individuals in the State; (2) that, after deducting a sufficiency for the
use of the people, the surplus should be secured for the use of the Army; and (3) that,
meantime, all Exportation, or monopolizing of that article, as well as all 'intermediate
trade and traffic in it, betwixt Raiser and Consumer be effectually stopped and pro-
hibited,'" etc., etc.
The vote on this report was negative in the lower and affirmative
in the upper house; but after a committee of conference, of whom
Gen. Wolcott was one, it seems to have been accepted by the Assembly,
which, at a special session held at Hartford "by order of the Gover-
nor," 7th April, 1779, passed "An ACT for ascertaining the Quantity of
Grain, Flour and Meal in this State, and thereof to make provision for
an immediate Supply of Bread for the Army, and the necessitous In-
habitants of the State, and for securing other necessary Articles for the
Army."
This act provided for an exact account to be taken by the select-
men of each town, or by their authority, of (1) the number of persons
in each family; (2) number of bushels of wheat, meslin,' rye,
Indian corn, weight of wheat flour and of meslin, and rye flour,
weight of Indian meal, each person's own property; of what be-
longed to others, and to whom-giving total, surplus and deficiency.
This accounting was to be made by means of returns made by heads of
families, and other persons, on oath (if Quakers, on their affirma-
tion), before the 6th of May ensuing (the form of oath being fully
prescribed), before an assistant, justice of the peace, or selectman of
the town. An allowance of one bushel of wheat, or five pecks of
meslin, or one and a half of rye, or two of Indian corn, or flour or
meal equivalent, was to be made to the possessors for each person in
their families per month, respectively, until the 29th day of August
next (from the date of enumeration, 29th April, 1779) for their sub-
1 ¹ Maslin, or meslin, any mixture of two kinds of grain-most generally of wheat
and rye.
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1779.
665
sistence.' And the surplus, over and above such allowance made for
their own use, they were to hold (and not to dispose of, under penalty
of confiscation), subject to the orders of the authorities, and for the
public use. Any attempt to sell to the Continental or State Commis-
saries, at an unreasonable price, subjected the offender to the loss
of all his surplus stock. And any person needing more grain, etc.,
for his absolute necessities, could obtain a certificate to that effect
from the selectmen or town clerk of his town, which should be his
warrant for purchasing what he needed, and upon the back of which the
full terms of the purchase so made should be endorsed, and the docu-
ment filed with the town clerk.
The act further provided that "when any purchasing commissary
for the Continent or State, shall have occasion for rum, molasses, sugar,
coffee, or other supplies and refreshments necessary" for use of troops,
"and cannot purchase the same, at a reasonable price," from the holders,
he could, on due information to any two justices of the peace, obtain a
warrant, "directed to some proper officer, to enter any house, or store,
seize and take such quantity as they shall judge sufficient" - the Com-
missary's account of and receipt for goods when taken to be sufficient
warrant for proper adjustment of payment by the State authorities. All
such grain, flour, meal, etc., found to be in course of transportation from
the State, without a special permit from the Governor and Council of
Safety, were to be seized and confiscated; but this act was not to be con-
strued as prohibiting "any licensed tavern-keeper, or victualler, from
purchasing or retaining in his, or her, possession, such supplies as the
Selectmen shall judge necessary for the use of his or her tavern.
Conn. State Archives, Revol. War, xiv. 46; xv. 109. Such was the sub-
stance of this most-needed and stringently-enforced law.
The subjoined return of Nathaniel Porter to the selectmen of East-
Windsor is given as an example of the working of this law :
The quantety of Grain and Flower in my porsesion on | the 29th of Aprel 1779 and
number of Porsons in my | Famely
10-Persons in my family
5-Boorshels of wheat
18-Boorshils of Mesling
27-Boorshils of Indian Corn
1-Boorshel of Wheat flour
1-Boorshel of Indian meal
1-Boorshel of Rye
53
Test Nath" Porter
¹ An act of the Assembly, passed May, 1780, adds to these commodities:
and also of the Number of Bushels of Salt that shall exceed Two, the Number
of Gallons of Rum that shall exceed One Hundred, and the Quantity of salted Beef
and Pork that shall exceed Two Barrels, which they shall have in their Possession on
the said first day of July." - Conn. State Archives, Revol. War, xviii. 247.
VOL. I.-84
666
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
E Windsor April the 30th 1779
personally appeared sa Nathaniel of E Windsor & made solemn oath | To the truth
of the above acct
Wm Wolcott Just paces.
before me
On page 458 of this volume the reader will find another curious
specimen of these returns, that of "Doctor Primus," the colored quasi-
physician of East Windsor.
AT A GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF THE STATE OF
CONNECTICUT IN AMERICA, | HOLDEN AT HARTFORD IN SAID STATE, ON THE
SECOND THURSDAY OF OCTOBER, A.D. 1779. |
AN ACT to enable the Commissary General, on a sudden and very pressing Emer-~
gency, to procure a certain Quantity of Flour or Grain from this State | for the Sub-
sistence of the Troops of this and the United States. |
WHEREAS in compliance to the earnest request of his Excellency Ge | neral Wash-
ington, this Assembly have agreed to furnish Four | Thousand men of the Militia of
this State for the purpose of co | operating with the forces of the United States, in
conjunction with the | fleet and troops expected under the command of his Excellency
the Count D'Estaing, in reduction of the enemy at New York, and on the coasts of
the United States, AND WHEREAS this Assembly by letters from | his Excellency Gen-
eral Washington, and the Commissary General, are in | formed that in order to main-
tain these troops and the other forces of the | United States now in the field with their
subsistence of bread, it will be absolutely necessary that large quantities of flour or
grain should be collected for said purpose in this State; and they are in said letters
earnestly | and in the most pressing manner urged to furnish said supples.
Be it enacted by this Assembly, That in case the armament under the com | mand of
the Count D'Estaing should arrive on these coasts, and the four | thousand men of the
militia of this State should agreeably to the requisition of his Excellency General
Washington, be actually called forth to the | expected co operation, the Commissary
General shall be supplied from this | State with fourteen thousand bushels of Wheat,
and six thousand bushels of Rye or Meslin; or an equivalent thereto in Flour: That in
order to | effect said purpose with the greatest expedition, and the most equal justice,
| the towns of the county of Hartford shall supply four thousand bushels of | Wheat,
and two thousand five hundred bushels of Rye or Meslin:
Archives, Revol. War, xv. 8.
1
.- Conn. State
We extract from a schedule the following:
Wheat.
Rye.
Windsor,
350
300
Simsbury,
Farmington,
East Windsor,
Somers,
Tolland,
Stafford,
500
200
800
400
200
300
50
100
50
50
50
The civil authority in any town was empowered to designate the
persons able to furnish the quantities assessed on said town.
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1779.
667
The papers sent in by the town of East Windsor, and now to be
found among the State Archives, relating to the War of the Revolution
are decidedly less satisfactory than those pertaining to any other town
to which our attention has been given. The following in the handwrit
ing of Ebenezer Grant is all that we have found in Vol. XXX., State
Archives, 68. They were four leaves torn from the note-book of Eben-
ezer Grant:
"1779 Dec 26th
An Account of ye Sums of | Money advanced to ye Officers | & Souldiers in ye
Continental Army by ye Town of East Windsor | & Supplies made to their families |
by ye Selectmen or Comtt of | Said Town
since they have been in y° Service |
"NB The Sum reca of the | Soldiers in each Year and the | Amount of Supplies
in each; Year at the Stated Price | is wanted.” ¹
Souldiers in the Continental Army now in Service, E. Windsor.
Conti-
NORTH SOCIETY SOULDERS. 2
nental
State
Bounty.
Town
Bounty.
Hired by Hired by
2 Men. Class.
Bounty.
Francis Baxter,
Alex Tomson,
£6
£10
£10
6
10
10
Erastus Booth,
Elnath" Fitch,
John Hadlock,
John Pierce,
John Bissel,
Israel Osborn,
Aaron Fargo,
Moses Elsworth,
Zepheniah Baits,
Abel McIntire,
6
10
10
£60
6
10
10
6
10
10
6
10
10
6
10
10
10
6
10
6
10
10
10
2999
10
10
999 :998
£27
27
25
•
:
30
60
£150
¹ This note is in a different handwriting.
2 Capt. HEZEKIAH BISSELL, whose autograph we give here, a veteran of the French
and Indian Wars, and
also a Revolutionary
soldier, was Captain
of the North parish
(E. W.) Alarm List;
and, as such, ren-
.
dered much efficient
aid, He died 14
Nov., 1831, in his
95th year.
Her & Bissell

1.
668
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
East Windsor Souldiers in Actual Service.

ELINTON SOULDIERS.
Conti-
nental
Bounty.
State
Bounty. Bounty.
Town
Hired by Hired by
2 Men. Class.
Lt. Josiah Brown,
Doctr B. Wadsworth,
Sergt Warham Foster,
Russel Prat,
Will Anderson,
Zedekiah Peek,
·
£6
£10
£30
6
10
6
10
£10
6
10
10
•
Sam Taylor,
Dan" Pierce,
6
10
10
6
10
Elihu Bissel,
Stephen Bartlet,
Wm Brown, .
Jude Brown,
: :
:::
•
6
10
6
10
10
6
10
10
Levi Charter,
6
10
10
John Indian,
Abram Wallis,
Chancy Foster,
John Taylor, Jun',
Wm Wallis,
·
Hez Elsworth,
Abner Slade,
David Clark,
Asa Leonard,
Benoni Hills,
Oliver Hills,
John Newel H. W..
6
6
10
30
6
10
30
6
10
16
6
10
16
6
10
1
6
10
6
10
•
6
6
10
10
Zebulon Burroos,
Joseph Kingsberry,
6
Eliphalet Lord,
6
Benja Hubbard, Jun',
6
1999 :8999
10
10
32:28:2
30
30
20
33
50
10
10
10
10
10
10
12
390
Conti-
State
1ST PARISH SOLDIERS.
nental Bounty.
Bounty.
Town
Bounty.
Hired by Hired by
2 Men.
Class.
Lt. Erastus Wolcutt, Pris',
Abiel Allin,
Timo Chapin,
John Gaylord,
Wm Jones,
Leonard Munco,
Mark filley,
Sam" Hadlock,
Thoms Raymond,
Jonath Fowler,
•
Christopher Horton,
Elijah Churchil,
Israel Strong,
Step" Dorman,
Hez Porter, .
Leonard Rogers,
Abel Negro,
Gurdon Munsil,
Peter Negro,
•
£6
£10
£10
•
6
10
10
6
10
10
6
10
10
·
6
10
10
6
10
10
6
6
6.
-
6
6
6
10
6
6
10
6
6
10
·
AAA :AAAAAAA :
10
10
10
10
£10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
12
10
10.
10
£28
: :
:
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1780.
669
Cr brot Over,
Bissel's Cr.
As by Accot at £1 17 5,
£172 5 0
15 2 11
808
1778 Beamans famly Cr.
As by Accot,
1778 Andrss family Cr.
Cr at ye Stated Price,
1 10 0
1778 Grants family Cr.
Septr to Febry Sundrys as by Accot,
15 13 3
Wadsworth's Family Cr.
As by Accot,
Carried over,
Debt brot Over,
Ad to John Bissel Accot,
The foregoing Examined & adjusted.
18 16 0
£231 7 10
1,198 2 5
22 5 6
£1,220 7 11
East Windsor Aprl 6th 1779
Cr brot Over,
ad to Bissel Cr, .
Accots have been lawfully by the Subscribers.
£231 7 10
1 17 5
£233 5 3
EBENR GRANT,
DANIEL ELSWORTH, JUR,
Selectmen.
ED CHAP GRANT,
FREDK ELSWORTH,
1780.
Some East Windsor men were this summer serving upon the Amer-
ican lines near West Point, on the Hudson, as is evidenced by the fol-
lowing receipts (Conn. State Archives, Revol. War, xvii. 175, 176, 199,
331, 334):
th
Hartford June 29 1780
this may certify that Capt John Cotten has carid acroft the ferrey seventy seven
men and thre baggig waggins from my Company on their way to west point
Amaſa Loomis Capt
to Nemear Hubbard
D Q g
77 men
@ 4/
3 Baggage Waggins 6ª Each
£15 80
18
33 8
Hartford July ye 1 1780
this may Sertefie that Samel Cotton Hath fereed over Hartford fary three Bageg
Wagens Loded and Sixty Five men on there return from command
To Nehemier Hubard D Q g
65 men @ 4/
3 Bage Wagns
pr me
Amafa Loomis Capt
£12 10
18 0
30 10
670
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Eaſt Windfor July 11 A D 1780
Theſe may fertify all it may Confern that Benjaman Robbards & George Rob-
bards of hartford went three days Each with their teams for my Company in a late
march for the Releaf of weft point sert by Amafa Loomis Capt
East Windsor, June 1780.
Received of the Selectmen of sd Town Ninety seven pounds of Salt Pork for the
use of my Compy ordered to West Point.
Richard Abbe Cap'.
Received June 1780-of the Selectmen of East Windsor One hundred & ninety
two Pounds of Salt Pork for the use of my Co order to West Point, in a Regt Com-
manded by Lieut. Col¹ Jonth Wells.
p
Amafa Loomis Capt
In Conn. Archives, Revol. War, xvii. 436, we find Capt. Loomis's receipt for wages
of his Company in this tour, viz.: "To an Order on Treasurer recd of | Pay Table
Comtee for Wages due a | Company under my Command in [Lieut-] Col. | Hezekiah
Wyllys Regt were made up and settled at Pay Table Office July 18th 1780 @ the
rate ¦ of twelve for one from the Established Wages | in 1775-amount in the whole to
£702 11 6 Continental currency, sa order being | now returned and reduced to lawful
money at the rate of 1 for 12 amounts to £58.11 0.”
|
In July of this year, in view of the fact that the enemy in Canada
seemed to be planning an expedition into the northern American colo-
nies, Col. Ira Allen of Bennington, Vt., was allowed, by vote of the
Governor and Council of Safety, to purchase a quantity of powder, 200
weight of which, as well as 800 weight of pistol powder, he was allowed
to purchase from the public stores in the care and custody of Capt. Ebe-
nezer Grant of East Windsor, at 6s. lawful money per pound.— Conn.
State Archives, Revol. War, xvii. 138-9.
Alphabetical list of persons [from East Windsor] in the Connecticut
line who received family supplies before 1780:
(The Characters annexed to the Name of the Men
denote what Regt they
belong to vízt 1t Regt 1; 2 D° 2 etc.; Col. Webb's 9; Col° Sherburn's o; Lt Dragoons
D; Artillery ´a).
Andrus, William,
Anderson, William,
'Brown, Josiah, Lieut.
"Baxter, Francis
2Bissel, John
Beeman, Jonathan
Churchel, Elijah
Downer, Caleb
Grant, Azariah
Loomis, Moses
'Newton, Isaac
"Porter, Hezekiah
'Pierce, Daniel
Wallace, Abrm
Wadsworth, Joseph B.
Conn. State Archives, Revol. War, xxx. 1.
List of officers and soldiers married (East Windsor):
Anderson, Wm
Beman, Jonathan
Andrus, Wm
Brown, Jude
Baxter, Francis
Churchill, Elijah
Downer, Caleb
Grant, Azariah
Bissel, John
Lomis, Moses
Brown, Josiah, Lt
Newton, Isaac
Porter, Hezb
Pearce, Daniel
Wallace, Abm
Wadsworth, J. B., Docr
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1781.
671
D Strong, Phineas Jun' East Windsor
D Vanduser Thomas Private, Windsor,
I Wardwell Isaac
Supplies 1781 (?)
do.. Windsor.
Conn. State Archives, Revol. War, xxx.
1 Oct. 1780.
The Committee appointed to Assign & proportion each Towns
Quota of the whole number of Men to be furnished by this State for the
Continental Army Take leave to report, That the Quota's of the several
Towns according to their respective Lists be as follows viz Hartford 97
Windsor 53, East Windsor 64 [being among the largest towns in Hart-
ford Co.,] and Willington [being the smallest] 20. Total for Hartford
County, 1057.- Conn. State Archives, xix. 12.
1781.
We have previously spoken of East Windsor as being a notable
"Provision Town" for the army, during the Revolution. This appears
from many items and accounts, of which we present the following selec-
tion:
State of Connecticut
To Lemuel Stoughton
Dr
·
}
£4 - 10 -
9- 0-0
To purchasing & putting up eighteen barrells
of Beef containing 240lbs each @ 5/
To 18 beef barrells
•
To carting Salt from Capt Grants 3 miles
8 bushels
To carting Salt from Eli Bifsells to the mill
and gitting it ground. 5 miles
To carting bbs. 4 miles
To storage
►
•
•
0 - 7-
1 - 10 -
0 - 7-0
2- 0-0
£17 - 14-0
East Windsor May 1781.
The above is a stating of the allowances which were made upon Majr Lem¹¹ Stough-
tons Accot in settlement with Capt Eben' Grant in behalf of the Town of East windsor
on the 6th day of July 1781 for which the said Grant recd payment by Orders on the
Treaf. for bills of this State
Charged
for carting Salt to the Mill £1: 1:0
for butchering & cutting
for Coopering bbs
not allowed
5: 0:0
0:10:0
Pay Table Office July 31st 1786
Olivr Wolcott
:
£ 6 11:0
Teste
Oliv Wolcott
672
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
East Windsor Nov 27th 1781
Invoice of Twenty Seven Head of Beef Cattle Estimated | to Weigh Thirteen
thousand Nine Hundred Weight |
SAM! BANCROFT Under Oath
> Estimators
Pr. Us
JOEL LOOMIS
East Windsor Nov 27th 1781.
Hartford County fs.
Meſrs Samuel Bancroft and Joel Loomis Personally | appeared and made Oath
that the above Mentioned Twenty | Seven Head of Cattle Were Estimated according to
their | best skill and Judgment.
before Me Erastus Wolcott Just Pacs
East Windsor Nov 27th 1781
Receiv" of the Select Men the above Twenty Seven Head of Cattle Weighing
by Estimation Thirteen Thosand Nine Hundred Weight
1780
June 28
}
Receiva Pr Me
SAM WOLCOTT, Receiver.
State of Connecttt to ye Select men of ye Town of East Windsor Dr
Pork bot of sundry persons for Soaldiers going to ye Camp,
viz: to 6811bs SaltPork without bone and 9 ounces)
at 12ª pr. pound Old Way
Caſh paid Zebulon King with his Horse Cart 3 miles
to collect it, & bringing to my House
paid Aaron Grant for Do
Cash paid for 3 barlls bot of Washborn at 3/4
To half bar Salt Beef qty 94¹b at
to ye Cask 2/4 pork & pork Salt 4/6
pd Washborn for repacking & Heading up &c
My Self a Day to purchase ye Pork & Horse
Frederick Elsworth Bill of Expense
£34 1 6
-
0 - 5 - 0
0
0- 4 - 0
0 - 10
3-06 - 0
0 - 6 - 10
0 - 5-00
0 - 6-00
0-13 - 6
39 - 17 - 10
"Mr. SAMUEL WOLCOTT, Assistant Commissary, resided in the house
torn down by Mr. Frederick A. King. A new house has been built on the
old site. The old slaughter-house in which the beeves were butchered,
together with the wheel and windlass used for their suspension, were,
until within a few years, still on the premises. Mr. Wolcott was a man
of much energy; on horseback he scoured the State, and collected his
droves with great rapidity. His butchers, Mr. Drake and Mr. Daniels,
performed their part with so much despatch that, it is said, the tanners
who purchased the hides of the animals they killed said they appeared,
as far as the integrity of the skin was concerned, as if they had passed
through a warmly-contested battle, rather than the hands of an accom-
plished butcher. At the same time that Mr. Wolcott was carrying on
so extensive a business in beef, he was also purchasing grain to be
floured for the French fleet and army then at Newport, R. I.”
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1781.
673
State of Connecticut in acont with Samuel Wolcott, as Cr. 1780
To amount of his account for furnishing beef cattle
for the United States
To Bills Express
To Commission on £2149.04
Being the amount of his purchases before October, at
stated prices, 2 per ct.
To ditto on £2865.13, being the amount purchased
since October, 1780
To two Orders on Treasurer for £300, 1781, Cr.
By cash received of Col. Champion
do
do
do
do
By order to balance
do
do
£ 8.
d.
5087 12 00
12 00 00
42 19 08
57 06 08
600 00 00
5799 17 11
4236 14 05
1564 02 01
01 05
£5799 17 11
"Contributions of beef, pork, grain, and cheese were taken up in
all parts of the State for the use of the army. In South Windsor,
wagons passed from house to house, and such articles as could be spared
were freely bestowed, many families who had relatives in the army being
very generous in their donations. The quantity of beef butchered in
East Windsor for the U. S. army during 1780 amounted in value to over
$23,000."-Dr. H. C. Gillett's Sketches, XV.
The General Assembly at its session held at Hartford on the sec-
ond Thursday of May, A.D. 1781, received a return of the several towns
in this State, their quota, number of men in service, surplus, and de-
ficiencies:
Windsor,
East Windsor,
Quota.
Number in
Service.
Deficiencies.
53
51
2
64
16
48
Windham had a deficiency of 49, the largest deficiency of any town
in the State.
It was resolved by the Assembly "that the Governor be desired to
give all necessary Orders for carrying into speedy Execution the Acts
and Resolves of this Assembly, for filling up the Continental Army, and
for raising and compleating the Troops of this State."
The year 1781 was especially marked in East Windsor by the bil-
leting upon the inhabitants of a large number of the officers and men of
the "Convention Troops" whose history has been briefly adverted to
on page 661 in this chapter. These "Convention Troops" were the
VOL. I.-85
674
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
soldiers of Burgoyne's army which had surrendered as prisoners
of war to Gov. Gates on the 17th of October, 1777, nearly 6,000
in number. They were first sent into Massachusetts, but finally,
in the early part of 1779, were sent to Charlottesville, Va. Here
they remained until Oct., 1780; when as a precautionary measure
against a possible uprising by them, the British prisoners were sent
to Maryland, and the Germans into the northern part of Virginia,
by which time, deaths, desertions, and partial exchanges had re-
duced their numbers to about 2,100. Afterwards some were sent to
Lancaster, Pa., and some to East Windsor, until, by 1783, they had all
become dispersed.
Those who came to East Windsor were officially delivered to the
charge of Capt. Roswell Grant of East Windsor by a Maj. Roberts,
under the following order from His Excellency, Gov. Jonathan Trumbull.
This, and other papers concerning this "Hessian Invasion" of East
Windsor soil, is from the Grant MSS.
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
BY THE GOVERNOR
To Capt Roswell Grant Superintendant of the Officers of the Convention Troops
You are instructed to receive from Maj' Jn° Roberts | the said officers You are to
take their parole to be faithful | prisoners. On their honor and the faith of Gentlemen,
to give no | intelligence, or say or do anything detrimental to the cause of | the United
I
States, or this State, and to abide within the limits of the Towns of East Windfor and
Tolland, that the Servants now | in their poſseſsion do not exceed the limits of said
Towns,' or such as you shall give liberty for occasionally and shall be accounted | for
on an exchange, except in caſe of death, | and further that they will behave in all re-
spects as Gentlemen, and Men of honor | When such parole | is given, and you have
the proper returns of them & their Servants | You will give Maj' Roberts a receipt for
them accordingly. I
:
You are to aid and afsist the Officers in procuring quarters | either in East Wind-
for, or Tolland. They to pay the Expenses | for themſelves and Servants-
You will take prudent care | to see that their parole is duly observed Further,
you will do everything needful and convenient, as a superintending | Officer
1
Given at Lebanon the 234 July 1781.
JONTH TRUMBULL
The following list of officers, etc., is compiled from original offi-
cial documents, bearing date 6th and 8th July, 1781, and made up evi-
dently at Lancaster before their march hitherward. The original lists.
contain the names of the officers' servants also; for each officer
had two (sometimes three) soldier-servants, one of whom seems to
have been a personal or body-servant, mentioned as "servants with their
masters," the other described as "going with the Baggage."
The regiments represented by these prisoners were as follows:
British Regiments: The Canada Companies; Royal Reg't of Artillery; Twenty-
first Regiment.
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1781.
675
Hessian Regiments: Reg't Dragoons of the Brunswick Troops; Maj.-Gen. Rhetz'
Reg't; Battalion of the Grenadiers of the Brunswick Troops; Light Infantry of the
Brunswick Troops; Brig.-Gen. Specht's Reg't.
BRITISH OFFICERS
PRISONERS OF WAR
The Officers of the Canada Companies were Captain Mure, with 3 servants, and
Lieuts. Houghton and Steel, with 2 servants each.
The officers of the Royal Reg't of Artillery were Capt. James Dunbar, with 3 ser-
vants, Lieut. Samuel Rimington, with 3; Surgeon-Mate Alex. Melville with 3 ser-
vants; James Oakenhead, Provost Marshall, and James Campbell, Commissary Fromen-
teau.1
The Officers of the Twenty-First Regiment were Captain James Lovell, with 2 ser-
vants; Capt. M. Kirkman, with 2 servants; Capt. Hepburn, with 3 servants2; Lieut.
Blackwood, with 2 servants2; Lt. Hobart, with 2 servants; Lieut. Peddie, with 2 ser-
vants²; Lieut. Darrah, with 2 servants2; Lieut. Massey, with 2 servants; Surgeon
Pemberton, with 2 servants.
Brigadier-General Hamilton, 4 servants, one of whom was a personal attendant. He
is said by Dr. Gillette (Sketch VI.) to have been quartered at the house once occupied by
Edward Kilbourn, and was much esteemed for his liberality and courtesy towards such
of the townspeople as he met.
HESSIAN OFFICERS, PRISONERS OF WAR.
The officer of the Reg't Dragoons of the Brunswick Troops, was Lieut. Bornemann,
with 2 servants.
The officers of Maj.-Gen. Rhetz' Regiment were Capt. Ahrend, with 3 servants;
Lieut. Modrach, with 2; Lieut. v. Hessler, with 2; Ensign Ehrig, with 2; Lieut. v.
Dobenek, with 2; Lieut. Meyer, with 2; Lieut. Conrady, with 1; Lieut. Petersen, with 1;
Capt. C. A. Alers, with 3; Lieut. Feichel, with 2; Chaplain Tosgel, with 3; Judge Schmidt,
with 3; Surgeon Schrader, with 2; Surgeon-Mate Pletzer, with one servant.
The officers of the Battalion of the Grenadiers of the Brunswick Troops were Lieut.
Col. de Mengen, with 3 servants; Capt. de Lohneysen, with 2; Lieut. Ulig, with 2; Lieut.
Helmecke, with 1; Lieut. Trott, with 1; Lieut. Rudolphi, with 3; Lieut. de Muzek,
with 2; Surgeon Major
with 2 servants.
>
The officers of the Light Infantry of Brunswick Troops, were Lieut. Cruse, with 1
servant; Lieut. Gladen, with 1; Lieut. Rohr, with 2; Lieut. P. W. L. Rhenius, with 1;
Surgeon Konze, with 1 servant.
The officers of Brig.-Gen. Specht's Regiment were: Maj. de Ehren Krook, with 6 ser-
vants, 3 of whom were with the baggage; Capt. Jaeger, with 5, of whom 2 were with
baggage; Lieut. Meier, with 2; Lieut du Roi, with 3; Lieut. Milkath, with 2; Lieut.
Oldekop, with 2; Lieut. d Anniers, with 3; Lieut. Kettner, with 2; Ensign Bernewitz,
with 2; Ens. Ulmenstein, with 3; Lieut. Grimpa, with 2; Chaplain Kohle, with 2;
Judge-Advocate Bahr, with 2; Surgeon-Mate Hengst, with 1 servant.
There seem also to have been two Commissaries, one (Hessian) J. Rosseau, with 2
servants; and 1 (English) Foster, with 2 servants, mentioned as belonging to the
24th Regt.
This then was a total of 19 British officers with 43 servants, and
43 Hessian officers with 92 servants.
The two chaplains (Tosgel, of Gen. Rhetz' Reg't; and Kohle, of Brig.
¹ Another list gives the names of Lt. Darrah and 1 servant; Lt. Massey, 1; Capt.
Gamerson with 1 servant; Ens" Poor with 1; Lt. Vincent with 1; Lt. Kimmis with 1,
probably the same as signs himself P. W. L. Rhenius, A.D.
R T. S.
"The names of all these servants, like those of their masters, are evidently Scotch.
676
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Gen. Specht's Regt.) are probably "the two German Chaplains" re-
ferred to in the following official letter :
Sir.
War Office July 17th 1781.
The Board have received your letter of the 30th of June respecting the two Ger-
man Chaplains | and have consulted the Commander in Chief | on the subject of their
application; In consequence of which you will be pleased | to permit them, and all
others whether | German or Brittish of their function to go | into N. York, it having
been stipulated | at a meeting of Commrs last year at Amboy, | that all gentlemen of
that description should be mutually released, and that in future they | should not be
the subjects of capture.
We are Sir with respect
Yr. Most Obed. Servt
WILLM GRAYSON.
Colo Wood.
Many of these officers' servants had trades and made themselves
useful to their fellows and to people of East Windsor, by pursuing their
little industries, as for example :
Lieut. Colonel Lind
Sir
1
East Windsor 26 July 81-
The Bearer William Moffat of the 21st Regiment has been usually employed as a
shoe maker | by many of the Officers, and to carry on that business | begs to have per-
mission to go over to Hartford this evening | or tomorrow in order to purchase leather—
I thought | it proper to state the case to you, requesting that you will obtain the pass-
port from Major Roberts, | which if granted I will answer that Moffat will not abuse
the indulgence- I am Sir |
Your Most hble Serv.
M. KIRKMAN.
Lt. Colonel Lind
Dr. Gillette (though he erroneously gives the date of 1778) says that
these British and Hessian prisoners of Burgoyne's army were then
quartered in the town, being billeted on such families as were willing to
receive them. At the suggestion of Lafayette they were, at one time,
employed in planting trees in the highway; the General holding one end
of the line, while Solomon Porter, the son of his host, held the other,
the trees being set in a row corresponding with the line. Many of these
trees now measure from sixteen to twenty-one feet in circumference,
while others have been mutilated by axe and storm. The officers
among the prisoners, both British and German, were said to be well
supplied with money. Among their amusements was horse-racing;
betting was common, and large sums of money changed hands among
them as the result. These races commenced opposite Gen. Lafayette's
quarters and terminated at the Fitch house, afterwards Mr. Ebenezer
Pinney's.' Mr. Ebenezer Reed, father of the late Dea. Abner Reed,
1 This house was erected by Lieut. Joseph Fitch, about 1760, and was at one time
occupied by John Fitch, the inventor of steamboats.
EAST WINDSOR, IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1781.
677
often stated that he had seen more guineas counted out to the win-
ner on the steps of Mr. Pinney's house, than he could carry in his
hat. In one of these races the rider was thrown and killed a few rods
below the house now occupied by Frederick A. King. The quiet citi-
zens of the town disapproved of these races, and exerted all their influ-
ence to have them discontinued, little thinking that less than a century
later the State Agricultural Society would offer a premium to encourage
such races.
Three of the Hessians boarded in the family of Jerijah Bissell
(present South Windsor) whose daughter Mary afterwards married
Ephraim Wolcott. Years after, when she was "Grandma Wolcott,"
she used to entertain a little girl named Martha Pelton with anecdotes
about these prisoners. One of them, she said, was a weaver, and taught
her and her sisters to weave their linen in a new pattern called “ ems
and os,” and this pattern was kept a great secret in the Bissell family
for many years. One of these Hessians would sit in the chimney corner
during the long evening and sing "James was the name my good old
father gave me," until Miss Mary became very tired of it. So, in after
years, when to her care was given the motherless infant of her brother
Thomas Bissell, she called him "Jemmy," not James, and not Jimmy,
as she frequently had occasion to explain.
Dr. Gillette (Sketch No. IV.) says that Col. Brayman, sent by Gen.
Burgoyne to Col. Baum, with a reinforcing regiment, arrived on the
ground the morning after the defeat and death of Col. Baum, and as
senior officer assumed the command, but was made prisoner. John Gil-
lette (twin brother of Captain Jabez) who removed from´ Windsor and
settled at Torringford, received Col. Brayman's sword, which is still to
be seen in the Historical Society's rooms at Hartford.
One of Brayman's officers, a Lieut. Fyfe, was billeted in South
Windsor as a prisoner, and resided at Jerijah Bissell's. His small
sword and cane are also preserved in the Connecticut Historical
Society's collection.
The following document (Grant MSS.) also preserves the names of
two other British officers who were probably prisoners of war at East
Windsor:
Mr Auburey presents his | Complim's to Cap' Grant and wo" esteem it a particu-
lar favor | if Capt Grant wod grant a | pafs for L' Stowe & Mr A. | to go to Suffeild to-
morrow | and return on Tuesday Morns | the reason Mr A. request till | Tuesday Morns
is in case he | sho" not be able to get acroſs the River.
Sunday
Eveng.
678
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Eaft Windfor Augt 2 1781
Majr Rogers Bill of Expence at Eben' Grants
to your Boarding from tuesday ye 24th of July to
this Day I
at 3/ in Silver p' Day
To ye Servt. Do. at 18ª pr. Day
To keeping two Horfes 10 Days at 18" pr. Day
to three Buf¹ Ind" Corn at 4/
to ye ufe of Room & lodging
Errors Excepted
£1-10-0
0-15 - 0
1-10-0
0-12-0
0 - 2-6
£49-6
pr Eben Grant.
Major Rogers was the officer who had conducted the "Convention
Troops" from Pennsylvania to East Windsor; and the above account
probably marks the date at which his official mission and its responsibil-
ities ended.
East Windsor was also represented in the make-up of Col. Canfield's
Militia Regiment, at West Point, in September of this year.
1782-86.
Capt. Erastus Wolcott of East Windsor was this year and until 1783
in command of a company in Col. John Durkee's Regiment (4th of the
original, but 1st of the re-formation of the Connecticut Line, 1781-'83),
of which company Ebenezer Wales, of Windham, and Lemuel Fling, of
Pomfret, were lieutenants, and which numbered, January, 1782, 55 non-
commissioned officers and men.
The following letters were written by him from the encampment of
the Connecticut Division, then in winter quarters on the Hudson, near
the Robinson farm, opposite West Point-a place which thus took the
name of "Connecticut Village," or "Huts.
Ens" Alexander King
""
Connecticut Hutts Highland, March 23ª 1782
Sir
East Windsor
Connecticut
With the greatest pleasure I take this Opportunity to write a few scrawls
and shall think my self amply rewarded if they afford you any | pleasure or Amufe-
ment, tho seated as you are amidst a Circle of the moft | agreeable, accomplished, and
Brilliant Gentlemen & Ladies and joined to so | amiable a partner I can very well sup-
pose, what I shall have to Communicate | can by no means add to your felicity. I hope
to have the pleasure of a line or | two from you and my friends if any I have, which I
might suppose to be very few | from their neglect of writing which none have done
since I left them. I have no News of importance to Acquaint you with
we live in
the Old way on bread | and beef one day & beef and bread the next, and are poor
ragged and saucy | I have been on Command upon the Lines the most part of the
-I
time since I left Windsor in which time we cut a few Capers in an Excurſion to Mor |
riſsiena with about a hundred Continental troops and Sixty Militia horse | under the
Command of Majr Woodbride on the 4th Inftant— the horse marle an | Attack on Delan-
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1782–86.
679
cys Cow theives kill and wounded about a dozen and brought | of a L' and 23 men
priſoners with 14 horſes, the Enemy Attacked on our | retreat with a large body of horse
and foot and keept up a warm fire | on us for several which we return'd, we had 2
kill and 4 Wounded - I | had the rear platoon and covered the retreat & lost 1 man
killa and 1 Wounded | intend coming home this spring if poſsible, but cant say that I
shall quit service | till the coast is a little more clear. hope you will not fail to write as
| often as possible, to inform me how Matters go with you, and all the fair and | pritty
faces, to whome I wiſh you to present my best Compliments in the first | place, and sec-
ondly to the Gentlemen- Wiſhing you all the health happineſs | and pleafure imagina-
ble-I am with efteem sir your friend and |
Humble Servant
E. WOLCOTT.
N. B we have built a large ball room in which we are inſtructing ourſelves in the
polite arts of Dancing & fencing.
Sir
Connecticut Hutts April 21st 1782.
I am happy in an Oppetunity of writing you a few lines | just to inform you
that I am in good health and wish for the pleasure | hearing the same of you but sup-
pose that you are engaged in such a Mul | tiplicity of business as not to be able to At-
tend on such small matters as | writing to an old Acquaintance-I shall now open an
account and make you debtor and hope you will not fail to remit the ballance the first
oppertunity. I have no news of importance to communicate have nothing | late of
Genl Green the latest accounts say that the Enemy were in Charles | town and out of
which they dare not show their heads, att New York all is | peaceable and quite, a party.
of the enemy some time last week made an | Excursion into the Jersies where they took
a Capt. of the Militia who was on duty there whom they hanged immediately without
the benefit of a trial. his Excellency has taken the Advice of the General and Field
Officers on the occasion and has determined to retaliate what the Consequensces will
be | God only knows. we are for the most part very well served with provisions, | and
the troops are tolerably well clad though not Completely as yet but I think we shall
make a more respectable appearance this Campaign than we have done here tofore,
what the operations will be this year I am not able to say | but hope they may be spir-
ited and decisive Which I hope may put an end to the contest
Duty is easy I have little to do except being Officer of the day and superintend
the affairs of my | small Family for I consider my company in this view I intend com-
ing home in May if possible but I think it is very uncertain whether I shall obtain per-
mission Capt Buell desires his | Compliments to you and the ladies att Windsor please
to make mine like | wise to the Gentlemen and ladies of My acquaintance in such mode
manner and quantity as you shall judge proper
66
Capt R Grant
I am with esteem Sir your
| humble Servant
ERASTUS WOLCOTT.
Copied from original in possession of Fred O. King, South Windsor.
On the 29th day of March, A.D. 1782, the committee appointed to
Ascertain the Deficiencies of Several Towns in the County of Hartford
to Compleat their Quotas of men in the Continental Army the year
Past, report. East Windsor's No. of men was 14. Of the eight other
towns deficient Colchester lacked 3, the others only 1 or 2."
Financial difficulties seem to have surrounded the selectmen of
East Windsor in these years. The town, in common with other towns,
680
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
began to feel most seriously the effects of the long-continued strain,
under which the previous years of the war had so long kept them. Of
men, cattle, grain, the necessaries of life, and the munitions of war,
they were now pretty well drained, and the "Memorials" to the General
Assembly, with which the State Archives for this period are filled, suffi-
ciently evince the extremity to which town officers felt themselves
pushed.
In January, 1782, Roswell GRANT of E. W., who had been appointed,
in 1780, as paymaster to the recruits of the First Brigade of the Con- -
necticut line of the Continental army, whose time of service expired on
31st December, 1781, informs the Assembly that he has been unable to
obtain either from the State treasurer or from the collector of State
taxes in the several towns in which said brigade had been enlisted, any
funds to pay the recruits; that it was only after a whole year of strenuous
effort that he finally obtained a part of the money, and "then it was so
depreciated that some of the men would not receive it," and others re-
ceived it and were paid 40s. in State bills per month, "but refuse to re-
ceive any more”—and so he urgently presses for relief from the State
treasury, enabling him to pay off the balance, etc.-Conn. State Ar-
chives, Revol. War, xxii. 222.
In Oct., 1785, Capt. ROSWELL GRANT again memorializes the legisla-
ture, as paymaster of the First Brigade of the Short Levies (appointed Feb.,
1781), that the said levies were promised for their services in the cam-
paign of 1780, £4 per month, State money, and that he cannot get from
the Pay Table Committee but a half the sum advanced, etc., and is
unable properly to close his accounts, and prays for due relief, which
was granted by vote of the Assembly.- Conn. State Archives, Rev. War,
xxix. 79, 80.
Capt. Grant was again appointed paymaster to the First Brigade
Oct., 1786. Ibid., xix. 46.
In the same line of official distress is the following, also (Conn.
State Archives, Revol. War, xxiv. 152):
To the Honoural General Assembly of the State of Connecticut now Sitting at
Hartford - The Memorial of | AMASA LOOMIS of East Windsor one of the Selectmen
of | sd Town in behalf of himself & the rest of the Sª Select- | men humbly Sheweth –
That Execution hath Issued against the Inhabitants of sd Town for the Sum of
forty five Pounds lawful | money for a deficiency of procuring three Soldiers | to Serve-
in the Continental Army, in the year 1781, | which Execution has been put into the
hands of the | Sheriff of Hartford County, who has levied the same | on the goods of sª
Loomis, & posted them for Sale | your Memorialists beg leave to inform your
Honors that they have advanced for the Supply of Soldiers | families in & for s" Town
Sundry Sums, as by the Accounts in this Memorial enclosed, of greater A | mount.
than s Execution, for which they can at | present obtain no Compensation, because no
Orders can now be drawn by the Committee of paytable- | wherefore they humbly
pray this Honourable Asem | bly to grant them liberty to discount so much of sả
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1782–86.
681
Accounts in payment of s" Execution, as may be sufficient to satisfy the same with
Costs thereon | arisen, or to stay sª Execution, until they can re- |ceive Compensation
on sa Accounts, or in some other way grant relief as your Honors in your Wisdom
shall Judge proper & your Memorialists | as in duty bound shall ever Pray &c. Dated
at | så Hartford this 23ª day of January AD. 1783 —
AMASA LOOMIS
in behalf of himself & the rest of the Selectmen of East Windsor.
Capt. Grant's case was nearly two years after peace had been de-
clared: but it was far from being the only similar case. ITHAMER BRIG-
HAM of East Windsor in May, 1784, as having been "Issuing Commissary
of Refreshments to the Connecticut line of the late army, from 30 May,
1777, to Sept. 11, 1780," complains to the Assembly that there is, upon
closing his accounts with the Pay Table Committee, still a balance due
him of £267 13s. 9d. lawful money, etc., which has left him in a very
unpleasant fix, and he applies for relief, which apparently he did not
get.- Conn. Archives, Rev. War, xxvii. 239.
Captain JAMES CHAMBERLAIN of East Windsor, in January, 1783,
memorializes the Assembly to the effect that in Aug., 1776, by permission
of the governor, he had raised a volunteer company of thirty horsemen,
which joined Col. Samuel Chapman's regiment and marched to New
York, where they did good service; and he had not (up to date of his peti-
tion) received full return for moneys paid out of his own pocket for the
wages of his men and for team transportation for their baggage. He
was duly relieved by the Assembly. Conn. Archives, Rev. War, xxiv.
195; xxix. 209.
AMASA LOOMIS of East Windsor again comes to the front, in a peti-
tion to the Assembly, in June, 1786, concerning a very serious loss
(owing to the depreciation in currency) arising from his not having been
fully paid for his services as clerk and conductor in the Ordnance
Department at Springfield, from March 20, 1777, to 28 June, 1780.—
Conn. State Archives, Rev. War, xxix. 215.
An interesting example of this class of cases is that of the Rev.
NATHANIEL SHERMAN of East Windsor, who petitions the Assembly in Oct.,
1787, that in Feb., 1778, he sold a house and land (his only real estate)
in Mt. Carmel, Conn., for £600, which sum he loaned to the United States
on annual interest, on which he depended for his family's support: that
since Feb., 1782, he had received no interest, except about $100 in cer-
tificates, there being no money in the treasury. These he could not
cash or otherwise dispose of for his needs, and so exchanged them for a
note for money loaned to the State of Connecticut, which became due
and was given for moneys due on the civil list; but no provision seems to
have been made by the State for payment, etc. He states that he is in-
firm, in ill-health, has a wife and several children to support: is unable
to work and is without credit, and thus concludes:
*
VOL. I. -86.
682
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Wherefore your Memorialist humbly prays your honors | to order payment of
said sum due to him for interest as aforesaid out of some fund that will afford him
immediate relief- or | some part thereof - or grant him some present relief | by way
of gratuity, or to be repaid when he shall obtain his | interest -or grant him a bill to
ask charitable | contributions, of some of the congregations in this state in some other of the
towns than that wherein he droells and | he as in duty bound shall ever pray,¹ and he will |
lodge his certificates with the treasurer as a pledge | and as in duty bound shall ever
pray
NATHANIEL SHERMAN."
N. B. The Honble. Erastus Wolcot Esq' can inform as to my circumstances.
Due consideration was given to his plaint by the Assembly, which,
however, could not see its way clear to relieve him; but finally granted
him a gratuity of £30 from the public treasury. Again and again
(October, 1788, and January, 1789), in his great need, he returned to the
charge; and on this final effort, his brother, the well-known Hon.
Roger Sherman, lent the weight of his influence; especially in a letter to
Gov. Huntington, wherein he says:
"his case is truly calamitous, he has no means of | Support but from the monies due to
him from the | United States, which he cannot at present obtain, | Congress having no
means to raise money but by — | requisition to the several states — It seems hard | that
|
a Virtuous Citizen should be left to perish in a Christian Country, when the most
profligate | and abandoned Vagrant when reduced to want is | provided with a supply
out of the public Treasury. | If his memorial cannot be resumed or anything | granted
upon it
.. I would humbly request in | his behalf that part of his public se-
curities lodged | in the Comptrollers office may be returned to him | retaining a sufficient
sum to secure the state | for the £30 loaned to him the last year
And this finally was granted. -Conn. State Archives, Rev. War,
xxix. 157, 161; xxxvi, 158; xxxvii. 12, 13, 14.
As late, also, as the May and October sessions of the General
Assembly of 1789, memorials were presented from Erastus Wolcott,
Lemuel Stoughton, Amasa Loomis, and William Grant, Selectmen and
Collectors of East Windsor (from 1785-89), setting forth that there was
then "due to the State from the ancient Town of East Windsor (now
East Windsor and Ellington) about £800 of the twelve-penny tax of
July, 1782, and about £200 of the six-penny tax, payable in July, 1787,”
for which they (the memorialists) were legally responsible, and for
which executions had been issued and were "pressing for immediate pay-
ment," and urging that, as "by reason of sundry difficulties and embar-
rassments, it is utterly beyond our power to collect the money and
settle," etc. These difficulties were due, they say, "to the negligence of
former collectors and a mistaken Indulgence in Government, for this
money was the arrearges of thirty-three distinct State taxes payable in
1779, '80, '81, '82, '83, and '84; and principally due from the poorer
part of the people; it was to them equall to a tax of ten or twelve shil-
lings on the pound, and on interest against them."
¹ The words in italics are crossed out in the original Ms.
R. T. S.
EAST WINDSOR IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1782–86.
683
They furthermore claimed that they had, by the most strenuous ex-
ertions, since January, 1785, effected a settlement with the Treasurer
equal to East Windsor's proportion of more than £580,000 State
taxes; but that, as to the balance still due, they "meet with difficulties
that we cannot surmount."
"There is due the State from E. W. including Ellington, on the 12° tax payable in
July, 1782, about £741 in. hard money | & some Interest - this money the inhabitants
have also long since paid to | the collector, and from the fourgoing facts it is easey to
see that it is | Impossable for Many of them to pay this Money a second time-
especially | considering the present scarety of cash-and that by our present Mode | of
taxation a greater proportion of all publick expence is laid on | a certain class of our
Citizens (not the Most able to pay) that is, ❘ or ever was laid by any other state or king-
dom
The Collector of this tax had also to collect a tax of three pence on the pound |
and a tax of two pence on the Pound to pay the army notes due in 1782, and | the In-
terest of those Notes—which taxes could then be discharged only in hard | Money on
those Notes and the certificates drawn that year which Securities | were then Nearly of
the Value of hard Money-the collector was a young man Son of Daniel Elsworth Esq' and
he Imprudently settled those taxes | before he Collected them from the people the Assembly
afterwards | abated another 20lbs parte and he had to receive from the Treasurer | about
£80 that he had overpaid-they also made other Notes and | Certificates receivable on
sd taxes—and he was obliged to receive from the Treasurer and people a large Sum in
State Securities that could Not | be applyed to pay this hard Money—and of Not
More than halfe | the Value of those he paid into the Treasury | then he was unable
| to settel with the Treasurer, and was committed to prison, we took his | Note &
released him from Goal and have an execution against him for the Money in the
Mean time a distress Issued against us, and | then against the Inhabitants, whereupon
we gave to Ezekiel Williams | Esq' late Sheriff for Hartford County our Receipt for
Stock Sufficient to pay East Windsors proportion of sª tax & Gentlemen in Ellington |
for their parte of sd tax which Receipts have been put in sute and he has an Execution
against us for about £660 and is pressing | for payment—thus by undertaking to be
|
publick officers | we are become legally Indebted to the State about £660 and by receiv-
ing | those State Securities we are Creditors to the State.
To your Honours therefore we apply and pray that on our Delivering | to the
Treasurer State Notes to the sum of £800 he be directed | to give Credit on så Tax £400
or Such other Sum as is Just | & reasonable on a full Consideration of those peculiar
Circumstances attending | this Case |
And Suffer us to ask, must we be Committed to prison, offering you | in Payment
your own Notes with a Discount of fifty pr Cent? Notes | that we did not purchase to
Pay our Debt, but were received by | us & the Collector under peculiar Circumstances,
few Creditors would do this or will you pospone the payment- and pay us | £40
yearly Interest for Monies due to you can this be for | the Interest of the State — İf it
be said this Money is appropriated | to the use of the United States May we not ask is
their the same | Justice and policy to soport the union in this way, now, as their was |
when the tax was Granted — and if the Money Must be paid into the Treasury of the
United States, in payment of a soposed debt due | why may we not pay twice that Sum
in Notes against the united | States, this we are willing to do, or any other way
within our Power that your Honours will point out -and Make a | Settlement of
this unhappy affair - which has Greatly Distressed us | for to Collect this tax their has
issued from the Treasurer | four distinct warrants & Distresses against the Inhabitants,
Collectors & Select Men—and four Distinct Executions on Judgments in the | Courts
of Law against the Collector & Receipt Men which has | Not removed but Increased
684
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
those Difficulties that to us | always have bien Insurmountable-viz an utter Inability—
in the Collector or Inhabitants to pay the Money, without receiving | some payment from
the State."
The execution against these unhappy selectmen was finally sus-
pended by order of the General Assembly.- Conn. Arch., Rev. War,
xxxvii. 93, 118, 119.
1784
Perhaps a fitting close for this chapter will be the following items:
Mr. David Bull
Bot at public Auction –
Augt 4-1 Soldiers Note £14-17 - 77 - @ 1116 £8 - 11 - 1
Recd the Contents for L. Bull.
JN. JEFFREY.
The will of JOSEPH EGGLESTON of Windsor, a Revolutionary soldier
who died in 1782, contains the following item:
“A debt unknown, for services in the Revolutionary Army, as a Militia soldier,
hard fare and poor pay.
£0000.00.00.”
Another Generation.
Those Gentlemen who wish to Celebrate | the anniversary of American Independ
ence at the | house of Mr Joseph Phelps are desired to honor | this proposal with their
Signatures |
terms Dinner & wine 4816d
Att a meting of a number of Respectable | Inhabitants of this town the following |
Gentlemen were Chofen a Committee to make | the necessary arrangements ¹
NB-Tis Expected an
Oration will be
Delivered at the
Meting house
Asahel Olcott
Amafa Newberry
Bissell Stoughton
Abner Burnham
Talcott Walcott
Joseph Newberry.
Alex' King
Wa Stoughton
Abner Reed
Nathan Higley Jun
Albert Wolcott
Timothy Stoughton
Mefs Eliziur Wolcott
Abial Wolcott
Joseph Hosmer
Eli Olcott
Jesse Charlton
Jeames Flint
Samuel Terry Jr
Nath Rockwell Jr
Chefter Wolcott
Com tt
1 The probable date of this celebration is 1807; see Robbins' Diary, Vol. II, p. 18.
REVOLUTIONARÝ SOLDIERS FROM EAST WINDSOR.
685
A LIST OF SOLDIERS FURNISHED TO THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY
ARMY FROM THE TOWN OF EAST WINDSOR (INCLUDING
THE PRESENT TOWNS OF EAST AND SOUTH
WINDSOR AND ELLINGTON).
H. R. S.
In compiling this list we have relied upon original documentary evi-
dence. The Town's records are lamentably imperfect; and there is little
doubt that many soldiers (especially those who were in service in the
summer of 1776) will never be honored by any recorded recognition of
their valor. As far as any existing memorials in East Windsor, we have
been obliged to rely upon such of the loose papers, memoranda, and cor-
respondence of Capt. ROSWELL GRANT, Capt. LEMUEL STOUGHTON, Mr. EBENE-
ZER GRANT, Deacon ELI OLCOTT, Lieut. ALEXANDER KING, as have been pre-
served by their descendants. These gentlemen were active in the ser-
vice, or at home in ordering the affairs of the town; and, if it had not
been for the mass of old papers found by Miss Sperry in the garrets of
their former dwellings, East Windsor would have had but a sorry show-
ing as to her Revolutionary History. Tradition has helped to give us a
"clue" here and there; and the recently published Official Record of
Connecticut in the Revolution (see p. 344) has helped us by diligent
efforts to "clinch" the facts gathered. Much of the difficulty we have
encountered in our work has been owing to the fact that, in the Revolu-
tionary (as in our recent) war men frequently enlisted in companies,
recruited in towns adjacent to those of their proper residence; and often,
whole "squads" of East Windsor men are found (on diligent search) to
be credited on the regimental rolls to Windsor or other adjoining towns.
Names also appear on the rolls of E. W. companies, of men who belong
to the militia companies of other towns adjoining, and were detached
(under the emergencies of service-draft) from the companies, to fill out
the quota of E. W., and vice versa; so that the making out of a correct
list of E.. W. soldiers presents many unforeseen and puzzling problems
to the enquirer. We do not profess to have attained perfect accuracy,
though we have striven for it.
It must be remembered that the East Windsor militiamen belonged
to the Nineteenth Connecticut Militia Regiment, under command of Col.
Terry of Enfield. They were divided (during the greater part of the
war) into the following companies, viz.: Capt. Lemuel Stoughton, North
Parish; Capt. Roswell Grant, South Parish (now South Windsor);
Capt. Charles Ellsworth, of Ellington. All these captains were, more or
less, in active service; and, consequently, their commands at home,
known as "Alarm Lists" see p. 651, fell more or less into the hands
of Capt. Hezekiah Bissell, North Parish; Capt. Amasa Loomis, South
Parish; and Capt. Ichabod Wadsworth, of Ellington. This is, per-
686
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
haps, as close a statement as can now be made. It is evident, from a
due consideration of the papers which have come under our observation,
that these Alarm List captains (all of whom had themselves "seen active
service in the first year of the war) had plenty of business in for-
warding drafts from their respective alarm lists; in hearing and deciding
upon excuses; in furnishing and equipping the drafted men, attending to
the support of their families, etc.; in correcting official returns from the
War Department as to men claimed to be from their town (or vice versa);
and in all the details which devolve upon military officers in time of war.
And it also seems to be quite evident in comparing the various alarm
lists, lists of men drafted for special duties, etc., that but very few able-
bodied males, young or old, black, white, or Indian, in Old East Wind-
sor escaped the opportunity of doing some duty for their country's sake.
Those portions of the text enclosed within [square] brackets, are
(like those similarly distinguished in the Windsor Revolutionary List)
from the Official Record of Connecticut Men in the Revolutionary War.
Abbreviations used in this list:
Add. Inf. -Additional Infantry Reg't.
Agt. against.
Brig.-Brigade.
Batt.-battalion.
Cl❜k. Clerk.
Co.-Company.
Cont. Continental.
Conn.- Connecticut.
d.- died.
Disc.-discharged.
Disab. disabled.
Doc.-document.
Ell.-Ellington.
Enl. Enlisted.
Enf.- Enfield.
E. W.-East Windsor.
Eng.-engaged.
Exp.-expired.
fm.- from.
Ment. mentioned.
Mil.-militia.
No.-number.
off.-office.
Peas. -pensioner.
Poss.- possibly.
Prob.- probably.
Red.-reduced in rank.
Res.-residing.
Ret. -returned.
Reg.- regiment.
Supp.- supported by.
Tm.-time.
transf.— transferred.
wd.-wounded.
[The initials H. C. &. refer to the late Dr. HORACE C. GILLETTE'S Sketches (See
Preface); J. G. B. to items contributed by Rev. J. G. BAIRD, of Ellington; R. T. S, Miss
RUTH T. SPERRY, E. W. Hill.]
ABBE (ABBY), THOMAS, Capt. prob. [of Capt. Simons Enf. & E. W. Co., Col. E.
Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., '76; of Capt. Parsons' 2d (Enf.)
Co., Col. Sage's 3d Battal., Wadsworth's Brig. in service in and around N. Y.,
'76; poss. the Lt. T. A. for Enf. who was of 2d Co., Col. Mott's Battal., same
Brig., serving in North Dep't. in autumn of "76; Capt. from Enf. of 3d Reg.
Conn. Line (Col. Sam. Wyllys), formation of "77-81]; Commiss. "77; recruited
a Co. of 82 men; he became deranged and was retired in Nov., '78, on a re-
arrangement of officers; petitioned the Assembly, May, '83, asking for reim-
bursement of moneys exp. by him in paying bounties to his men ("in order to
calm their murmurs and retain them in service, being unable to get the same
from the Cont. Treas'y "), and for other payments made by him during the
LIST OF EAST WINDSOR REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.
687
war; stating that, in settling with the Com. of the Pay Table, a balance of
£40, 13s. Od. had been found against him, for which suit had been commenced
and judgment rendered agt. him in Hartford Court, &c. He also appears as
one of a no. of officers who, Oct., '85, memorialized the Assem. that they had
rec'd no adequate pay for services during war. Appeal not granted. Conn.
Arch., Rev. War, xxiv. 306; xxix. 56. Rev. Pens., 1818.
ABBOTT, JOSEPH (Pomfret, now Brooklyn). At the beginning of the Rev. was
Capt. of a Co. in 11th Reg. of Conn. Mil.; in Dec., "76, became Maj. of the
Reg.; in "77 was Maj. of a Co. drafted men sent to reinforce Gen. Gates at
Saratoga. He became Lieut.-Col. of the 11th Reg. in Jan., "79, resigned early
in '82; afterwards res. în Ellington.-J. G. B.
NATHAN (Sgt.) [5th Co. (Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's), 8th Cont. Reg. (Col. Hunting-
ton's), enl. 10 July-Dec. 18, "75.]
ABEL (negro), was of [Capt. Simons' Enf. and E. W. Co. (7), Col. Erastus Wol-
cott's State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76]; in Cont. service from Capt. Ros-
well Grant's Mil. Alarm List, May, "79.
ALDEN, DANIEL, enl. 5th Co. (Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's) 8 Cont. Reg., Col. Hunting-
ton, 6 July-18 Dec., "75.
ALEXANDER, THOMAS, of E. W., app. for Pension Co. Clk's off., Htfd.
ALLEN, ABIAL, in Cont. service, from Capt. Amasa Loomis' Mil. Alarm List, in '79;
prob. [enl. Capt. Whiting's Co., Col. Webb's Reg., 10 Mch., 77, -for 3 yrs.; d.
10 Mch., '80.]; see p. 668.
DAVID, Sgt. Lex. Alarm, see p. 631; prob. [enl. Lt. Smith's Co., Gen. E. Wol-
cott's Brig., Mch.-June, "77, and of Capt. Olmsted's Co., Col. Enos Mil. Reg.
on Hudson, "78; and who enl. 8 Aug., "79; disc. 15 Jan., '80, in levies of 2 Conn.
Line Reg. (Col. Chas. Webb), formation of '77-'81.]
ELIHU, in Cont. service from Capt. Hez. Bissell's Mil. Alarm List, '79-'81; in Cont.
army 12 mos., '78, rec'd £30 Cont. money - Town Doc. [in Capt. Olcott's Co. 3
Aug.— disc. 21 Sept., "78; in Capt. Chapman's Co., which eng. under Gen.
Sullivan to dislodge the Br. at Newport and was eng. in battle of R. I., 29
Aug., "78; enl. 23 July, '80; disc. 9 Dec., '80, in levies of 2d Conn. Line
Reg. (Col. Chas. Webb), formation, "77-81.]
EPHESTION, "hath Joseph Elmer's gun."- Town Clerk B. Olcott's gun returns.
JOSEPH, prob. [enl. Apl. 1, 77, for 8 mos.; disc. 9 Jan., "78; in Capt. Prior's Co.
(5th Conn. Line Reg. (Col. Bradley) formation '77-'81; poss. the J. A. who enl.
10 Jan., '78, as Mariner on the State Man of War Oliver Cromwell]; 27 Aug.,
'81, Joseph A., Jr., gives receipt for $41 silver, rec'd from Capt. Thos. Abby,
as hire, in service until 1 Jan., '82.— Town Doc.
JOSEPH, Jr., enl. fm. classes in No. Parish, E. W., into Cont. service; tm. exp.
Jan. 1, '82. — Capt. Hez. Bissell's Certificate.
NOAH, Ens. Lex. Alarm, see p. 631; [was of Capt. E. Wolcott's Co. in service
July-Aug., '76]; Ens. in Capt. Lemuel Stoughton's (4) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's
Mil. (19th) Reg.; died before 1 May, "77.-Stoughton Mss.
SAMUEL, Lex. Alarm, see p. 631.
ALLYN, AARON, [in Capt. Prior's (2) Co, Col. E. Wolcott's State Brig., Jan.-Mch.,
'76; of Capt. Roswell Grant's Co. in June, '78, of Col. Enos' Mil. Reg. on the
Hudson], for which he rec'd £6. 6. 8.
ARNOLD, æ. 71; pens. res. E. W. 1840; prob. the pens. res. Conn. 1818; private in
Mass. Line.
MOSES, [in Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col. Enos' Mil. Reg. on the Hudson, sum-
mer '78,] for which he rec'd £6. 6. 8; prob. [enl. 1 July-9 Dec., '80, levies of 5
Conn. Line, Col. P. P. Bradley, and prob. Capt. Prior's Co.]
MOSES, JR., was in Cont. service from the No. parish of E. W.; time exp. 1.
Jan., 1782.- Capt. Hez. Bissell's Certificate.
688
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
TIMOTHY, of Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., called out to join Col. Enos' Mil. Reg.
on the Hudson, June, "78; rec'd £5. 9. 4. pay.
ZACHARIAH, may be the Z. A. who was of Capt. Joel Loomis' E. W Co. in
Maj. Backus Light Horse, enl. Sept. 7-Oct. 2, "76]; was prob. the one who
(with Levi Booth, also of E. W.,) hired Abel McIntire, of Enf., in Capt. Thos.
Abby's Co., Col. Wyllys's Reg., for 3 yrs. fm. Mch., "78.— Capt. Abby's Certif.
See, also, McIntire.
ANDERSON, ASAHEL, [enl. 5 Co. (Capt. Chas. Ellsworth) 8 Cont. Reg. (Col. Hunt-
ington) 10 July-18 Dec., "75, at Boston and vicinity.]
JOHN, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635; [enl. Capt. Simons' Co. of Enf. & E. W., Col. E.
Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76.]
TIMOTHY, was in retreat from L. I., H. C. G. Sketches, viii.; [enl. 1 July, '80-9
Dec., '80, levies of 2 Conn. Line Reg., Col. Chas. Webb, formation "77–81;
Pens. Htfd Co., 1832; pens. res. E. Htfd, 1840]; see page 659.
WILLIAM, Ell? in 1780, his fam. rec'd supp. from E. W.-State Arch., xxx. 1,
[enl. Capt. Prior's Co. (2) Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch.,
'76; enl. 20 May, "77, for war, as Corp'l in Capt. Prior's Co., 5th Conn. Line,
Col. P. P. Bradley; transf. to Invalid Corps, 29 Oct., '79; enl. 1 July, '80; disc.
9 Dec., '80, in levies of 2 Conn. Line, Col. Chas. Webb]; see page 668.
ANDREWS, NATHANIEL, Lex. Alarm, see p. 631; [enl. 15 July-Dec. 13, '80, levies
of 2 Conn. Line, Col. Chas. Webb.]
ANDRUS, WILLIAM, fam. rec'd supp. in '80, from E. W.-State Arch., xxx. 1;
prob. [enl. 1 July-9 Dec., '80, in levies of 2 Conn. Line, Col. Chas. Webb.]
BALDWIN, SAMUEL, [enl. Capt. Simons' Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg. at Bos-
ton, Jan.-Mch., "76.]
BANCROFT, SAMUEL, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635; was of Capt. Roswell Grant's Mil.
Alarm List; [2d Lieut. Capt. Simons' (7) Enf. & E. W. Co., in Col. E. Wolcott's
State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76]; see page 644.
THOMAS, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635; H. C. G. Sketch, xiv., says he was a teamster,
and among those who took supplies from Gov. Trumbull of Conn. to Wash-
ington's Army at Morristown, N. J., in Spring of '79-'80.
BARBER, ASHBEL, Lex. Alarm, see p. 631; may be, also, the A. B. who [enl. from
Simsbury, in 18 Reg. (Col. Phelps) and was detached for special seacoast
defense, 1780.]
JONATHAN, Lex. Alarm, see p. 631; prob. [enl. 1 July-Dec. 9, '80, short term
levies 2 Conn. Line, Col. Chas. Webb; poss. was in Capt. Matt. Smith's Co.,
Gen. Waterbury's Brig.; enl. 11 Aug., '81.]
NOAH (Wpg.), Sgt., Lex. Alarm, see p. 633. In Sept., '81, he and Roswell
Grant were addressed as "commanding officers of military Co's, E. W.," Capt.
Barber; d., æ. 87. Bu. in Wpg. Old B.-Gd.
x.
SHADRACH, name found on a list, dated "78, in Ebenezer Grant's handwriting, of
"Orders drawn on Treasty unanswered.
SIMEON, was [of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., July-Aug., "76.]
BARKER, JOSEPH, [enl. 10 July, "75, 5th Co. (Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's), 8th Cont.
Reg., Col. Huntington-disc. 28 Sept., "75.]
BARTLETT, STEPHEN, Ell., Lex. Alarm, see p. 634; [prob. the S. B. who enl.
Capt. Hez. Parsons' Enf. Co. (10) of 4 Cont. Reg., Col. Hinman, 8 May–19
Dec., 75; this Co. was at the Siege of Boston;] J. G. B. thinks he may have
been [of 8 Co., 2d Battal., Wadsworth's Brig., June-Dec., "76]; see p. 668.
BASCOM, ELIAS, enl. from classes in No. parish of E. W. in Cont. service; time exp.
1 Jan., '82- Certif. of Capt. Hez. Bissell; cnl. [called Baslam, in Off. Rec., 1
July-9 Dec., 80, in short term levies of 2 Conn. Line, Col. Chas. Webb.]
BATES, ZEPHANIAH, of Capt. Harper's Mil. Alarm List; [enl. Capt. Abbe's Co. of
Enf., 25 May, '77, for 3 yrs; disc. 15 May, '80, in 3 Conn. Line, Col. Sam.
Wyllys]; see p. 667.
LIST OF EAST WINDSOR REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.
689
BAXTER, FRANCIS, Lex. Alarm, see p. 631; [Corp'l 10th Co., 4 Cont. Reg., Col.
Hinman, was at Siege of Boston, "75, enl. 11 May-10 Dec.]; in '79, was in Cont.
service from Capt. Harper's Mil. Co.; see p. 667; in '80 his fam. rec'd supp.
from E. W.-State Archives, xxx. 1; abt. 1 Mch., '81, he enl. from classes in
No. parish of E. W., time exp. 1 Mch., '82 - Certif. of Capt. Hez. Bissell; H.
C. G. Sketch, viii., says "he was severely wounded and once taken prisoner
at a tavern, by a surprise of Br. troops, and with the connivance of the land-
lord." This connects with the following doc. among E. W. papers.
Est Windsor, December the 16, 1788.
these may Certefy the Select men of this town and all others that I Noah
Stiles hev known | mr francis Baxter | Complain of a pain in his | arm by the
wound he got in the Saves [service] and gin out | Labor by resen of the
Same."
BELKNAP, FRANCIS, Ell. [Capt. Parsons' (10th) Co., 4 Cont. Reg., Col. Hinman,
16 May-19 Dec., "75,]
DAVID, Ell.? [enl. Capt. R. Grant's Co., Col. Johnson's Reg., Jan.-Feb., "76.]
BEMENT (BEEMAN), JONATHAN, rec'd a gun from Pub. Stores for his use in
Exped. to N. Lond., July, "79; [enl. 10 July-Dec. 3, '80, levies of 2 Conn. Line,
Col. Chas. Webb]; fam. rec'd supp. from E. W.- State Arch., '79, xxx. 1; was
of Capt. Grant's (1st) Alarm Mil. List, and detached 10 Apl., '82, to join Cont.
Army, for service until 30 Dec., '82; see p. 670.
BELLOWS, JAMES, [enl. 10 July-Dec. 18, "75, Capt. C. Elsworth's (5) Co., 8 Cont.
Reg, Col. Huntington.]
BENJAMIN (Indian), in Cont. Service '79-'80, from Capt. Bissell's Mil. Co.
BENTON, ELIJAH, [enl. 18 May, "77, for 3 yrs.; disc. 13 May, '80, in Capt. Hinman's
Tolland Co. Co., 2 Conn. Line, Col. Chas. Webb; enl. 3 Mch., '82, recruit in
Sheldon's Light Dragoons; described as a farmer, 5 ft. 9 in. high, light com-
plex., blue eyes and light hair.]
BIDWELL, EPHRAIM, [was of Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col. Enos' Mil. Reg. on
Hudson, summer of "78; [rec'd pay, £6. 8. 0;] enl. 26 July-Dec. 13, '80, levies
of 2 Conn. Line, Col. Chas. Webb; prob. was the E. B. who enl. Aug. 20-Dec.
3, '80, in short levies of 7 Conn. Line, Col. Heman Swift; was of Col. Canfield's
Mil. Reg. at West Pt., N. Y., Sept., 1781.]
BILL, JONATHAN, was in Cont. service, 79, from Capt. Hez. Bissell's Alarm List
Co., E. W.
BINGHAM, ITHAMAR, poss. [the J. B. app. Issuing Commissary for Conn. troops in
Cont. Army, May-June, "77; enl. 1 July; disc. 4 Dec., '80; levies of 5 Conn.
Line, Col. P. P. Bradley].
BISSELL, CHARLES, Lex. Alarm, see page 635 [of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., on
service July-August, "76]; detach. from Capt. Roswell Grant's Mil. Alarm List
(9 Mil. Reg.) to report at Newport, R. I., under Capt. Hez. Bissell, July, '80.
ELIHU, Ell., see p. 668; was in Cont. service for Capt. Johnson's Co., "79; was
this the E. B. [Surgeon's Mate (app. 10 Sept, "77, retired 24 Apl., '80) to Sur-
geon Joseph B. Wadsworth] (of Ell.) in Col. Sherburne's Reg. 1777-81]? It
seems prob., as there were other Ell. and E. W. men in this Reg.
ELISHA, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635; [enl. 23 May; disc. 10 Dec., "75; in 2 Co. (Capt.
Ozias Bissell) 4 Cont. Reg. Col. Hinman, were at Siege of Boston; was of Capt.
Simon's Enf. and E. W. Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-
Mch., "76; poss. the E. B., who enl. 26 May, "77, for 8 months; dise. 1 Jan., "78;
in Capt. Munson's Co., 8 Conn. Line, Col. Chandler.]
HEZEKIAH, chosen Ens. "by a great majority" in Capt. Lemuel Stoughton's
(4th) Co. of Col. Erastus Wolcott's (19th) Reg. in place of Noah Allen, dec'd,
May 1, 1777.- Stoughton Mss. See also previous pages of this chapter.
VOL. I.-87
690
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
JOHN, enl. [Co. 5 (Capt. Chas. Ellsworth) 8th Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington, 11
July-Oct. 16, "75; was of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co. in service July-Aug.,
"76]; may have been the John Bissell who was [trumpeter of Capt. Joel Loo-
mis's E. W. Co. in Maj. Backus's Light Horse, Sept. 7-29 Oct., '76]; dfted.
into Cont. Service, "79, from Capt. Harper's Co.; fam. rec'd supp. from town.
- State Arch., xxx. 1; see pp. 667, 670.
JUSTUS, [was of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Reg., in service July-Aug., "76; enl. 24
June-9 Dec., '80, levies of 2 Conn. Line, Col. Chas. Webb.]
ISRAEL, of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., in service, July-Aug. "76.
LEMUEL, [the "- uel" B. in Off. Rec. p. 564, who enl. 5 May, 1781, in Capt.
Samuel Granger's Co., Gen. Waterbury's State Brig.]; Pens., res. Htfd. Co.,
1832; d. 1847, æ. 85.— Seminary Bg.-Gd., E. W. Hill.
MOSES, Jr., Lex. Alarm, see p. 631.
MOSES, (Corp'l) in Capt. E. Wolcott's Co., July-Aug., "76.
NATHANIEL, among. Am. prisoners paroled or exch., "76, after the attack on
Quebec.
OLIVER, Lex. Alarm, see p. 631.
THOMAS, in Cont. service in '79 [Pens. æ. 82; res. E. W..1840.]
TIMOTHY; Lex. Alarm, see p. 633.
WILLIAM, elected Ens. 4 Co., 19th Mil. Reg. (Col. E. Wolcott's), 31 May, 1779.—
Stoughton Mss.
BLODGETT, JOSIAH, Lex. Alarm, see p. 631.
PHINEHAS, Lex. Alarm, see p. 631; prob. the P. B. [who enl. 18 May-16 Dec.,
'75, Capt. Hez. Parsons (Enf.) Co. (10) 4 Cont. Reg., Col. Hinman; this Co. at
Siege of Boston; enl. 1 July-Dec. 13, '80; short term levies, 2 Conn. Line, Col.
Chas. Webb.]
ROSWELL, Lex. Alarm, see p. 631; [enl. Capt. Pitkin's (Hartford) Co., 4 Cont.
Reg., Col. Hinman, 25 May-Dec., '75; this Co. at Siege of Boston.]
BOOTH, Caleb, Jr., Lex. Alarm, see p. 631.
ERASTUS, [enl. Capt. Abbe's Co., 18 Feb., "78, for three years; disc. 31 Dec., '80,
3 Conn. Line, Col. Sam Wyllys; Pens., res. N. Y. 1818]; belonged to Capt.
Hez. Bissell's Mil. Alarm List; see p. 667.
HENRY, [in the Enf. Lex. Alarm party, "75; enl. 6 July-Dec., '75, in 5 Co. (Capt.
Chas. Ellsworth's) 8th Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington; Corp'l in Capt. Abbe's
Co., 3 Conn. Line, Col. Wyllys, 4 Mch., for the war; red. Nov., "77; Corp'l 1
May, '80; Sgt. 1 Sept., '80; Sgt. in Capt. Spaulding's Co. 1 Jan., '81-Dec. 31,
'81; one of the "Wyoming Co.'s" of 1st Reg., Conn. Line, formation of '81-
'83.]
LEVI, (Sgt.) was chosen by the 2d class of Capt. L. Stoughton's Alarm List to
serve for three yrs., or during the war; (doc. undated, but prob.) some time in
'78. He prob. obtained a substitute; see Zach. Allyn and Abel McIntire.
PETER, [enl. 18 Feb., '77, for 8 mos., Capt. Eells' Co., 3 Conn. Line, (Col. Sam.
Wyllys) Reg.; disc. 1 Jan., 1779]; January 1778 Peter Booth recd £45 Conti-
nental money for abounty to Serve in the Continental army
one year
Peter Booth 8 months in year 1799 Recd four hundard & Eighty Dollars as
abounty to Serve in the State Service teſt PETER BOOTH."— E. W. Town Papers.
SAMUEL, of [Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col. Enos's Mil. Reg. on the Hudson,
summer of "78]; pay rec'd, £5.
SIMEON, Jr., enl. Cont. Army, from classes in No. parish of E. W.; time exp. 1
Jan., '82.- Certif. Capt. Hez. Bissell.
BOTTOM, JACOB, (Ell.,) Lex. Alarm see p. 634.
AZEL, memb. of 1st Alarm List of 19th Mil. Reg. at E. W.; warned for service at
N. Y., 12 July, "79.
BOWER, AZEL, as a memb. of Capt. Roswell Grant's 1st Alarm Co., 19 Reg. Mil.,
was warned, 12 July, '79, to prepare for a tour to New London.
LIST OF EAST WINDSOR REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.
691
BOWERS, JOHN, [Corp'l in Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col. Enos's Reg. on the Hud-
son, summer of "78], for which he rec'd £7. 0. 10; detached from his Co., by
order, to go to Newport with Capt. Hez. Bissell, July, '80; [enl. 5 May, 1781,
in Capt. Sam. Granger's Co., Gen. Waterbury's State Brigade ;] d. 23 Mch.,
1825, æ. 88. Wpg. New Gd. [Pens. wid. Catherine, æ. 79, res. Htfd. Co. 1840.]
BRADLEY, JOSIAH, Jr., (Ell.) Lex. Alarm, see p. 634; [of 5 Co., 2 Cont. Reg., Col.
Spencer, 6 May-17 Dec., "75.]
STEPHEN, of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co.; in service July-Aug., "76; [of Capt.
Roswell Grant's Mil. Co., with Col. Johnson's State Reg. at Providence, R. I.;
prob. the Pens. res. New Haven Co., 1832.]
BRAMAN, DANIEL, of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co.; in service July-Aug., '76; [enl.
12 June, '81, in Capt. J. Stoddard's Co., Gen. Waterbury's State Brig.]; prob.
the D. B. who, acc. to certif. of Capt. Hez. Bissell of E. W., enl. abt. 1 Mch.,
'81; tm. exp. 1 Mch., '82; fm. classes in No. Parish E. W.
BRIGGS, JOHN, [enl. 5 Co., Capt. Chas. Ellsworth, 8 Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington,
6 July-Dec. 18, "75.]
BROWN, JOSIAH, Ell., Lieut.; prob. the J. B. who [enl. 5 May, and was Sgt. from 9
Aug.-Dec. 17, "75, in Capt. Sol. Wills's Tolland Co. (5) 2 Cont. Reg., Col. Spen-
cer; may have been the Ens. Brown of Col. Enos's (3) Battal. under Gens. Spen-
cer and Wooster, in R. I. and Conn., 1776–7; app. 2d Lieut., 28 Feb., ”77, in
Col. Sherburne's Add. Inf. Reg.; app. 1st Lieut. 8 Apl., "77; retired Apl., 17,
'80]; his family supp. by E. W., 1780.-State Arch., xxxi. 1; see
e p. 668.
JUDAH, Ell., see p. 668 [of Capt. Sol. Willis's Tolland (5) Co., 2 Cont. Reg., Col.
Spencer; enl. 5 May-17 Dec., "75; poss. the Corp'l J. B., enl. 3 Aug.–12 Sept.,
"78, Capt. Wheeler's Co., Col. Chapman's Mil. Reg.; poss. the Jude B., Pens.
res. 1818, in Vt.]; he seems to have belonged to Capt. Hez. Bissell's Alarm List,
No. Parish E. W., and in Capt. Johnson's Co., who certifies that Judah B.
was an inhab. of E. W., and in Cont. service Apl., '81; had a furlough and
ret. to service. On army returns was cred. to W., but not claimed by that town.
WILLIAM, was in Cont. service in May, "79 or '80; fm. Capt. Johnson's (Ell.) Co.
Town Doc., see p. 668.
BROWNLEY, JOHN, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635; [was of Capt. J. Wells's Co., Col. E.
Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76.]
ROBERT, Jr., hired in "78 as a substitute by Phinehas Blodget, who paid him
£4, silver money.-Grant Mss.
BROWNLEE, WILLIAM, Lex. Alarm, see p. 631; [of Capt. Simons's Co., Col. E. Wol-
cott's State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., '76]; later, in same yr., was of Capt. L.
Stoughton's Co. at N. Y., 6 Sept., where he was certified by Reg. Surgeon and
officers as sick "and not likely to be serviceable" to the army, and his Col..
recom. his disch.; and, from following memoranda, it is prob. he did not re-
cover; “William Brownlee's money he had when he died, £1. 4. 9., ye Pay
table
for Expence of Sickness, burial, &c., 3. 18. 9. ; paid Joseph Allen
for ye gun he sold on ye Road, £3. 12. 0."
BROWNSON, HOSEA, was [of Col. Canfield's Mil. Reg. West Point, N. Y., Sept. '81.]
BUCKLEY, JONATHAN, hired in "77 by Roger Loomis as a substitute, for which
he rec'd £12 Cont. money. Grant Mss.
BUCKLAND, AARON, Ell. ? [enl. 6 July-18 Dec., 75, in 5 Co. (Capt. Chas. Ells-
worth's) 8 Cont. Regt., Col. Huntington.]
JONATHAN, [enl. 5 Co. (Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's) 8 Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington,
July 9, 75.]
BURLEY, ASAPH, Ell. [was one of an Ashford Co. (5) 3d Cont. Reg., Gen. Putnam's,
May 6-Dec. 18, "75; this Co. was at Bunker Hill; enl. Capt. Abbe's (Enf.) Co.
3d Conn. Line Reg., Col. Sam Wyllys, Mch. 20, '78, for 10 mos.; disc. 1 Jan.,
692
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
"79, "of Union"; re-enl. same reg., 1 July-14 Dec., 80; was Corp'l of Capt.
Murray's (4) Co. Col. Chester's (6) Batt., Wadsworth's Brig., in "76.]
BURNHAM, ABNER, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635; was [of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co. in
service July-Aug., "75.]
AUGUSTUS, [enl. Co. 5 (Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's) 8 Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington,
16 July-18 Dec., "75; of Capt. Simons' (Enf. and E. W.) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's
State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76.]
ROGER, [was of Capt. Roswell Grant's Co. in Col. Johnson's State Reg. in service
at Providence, R. I., Mch., "78; Pens. æ. 79; res. Htfd. Co. 1840.]
OLIVER, [of Capt. Simons' (Enf. and E. W.) Co., Col. E, Wolcott's State Reg. at
Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76.]
BURROUGHS, ABNER, Jr., (Ell.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 634; [Sgt. of Capt. Chas. Ells-
worth's Co., 8 Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington, July-18 Dec., "75.]
STEPHEN, Ell.? [of 10 Co., 4 Cont. Reg., Col. Hinman, 15 May-19 Dec., "75; of
Capt. Simons' Co. (Enf. and E. W.) Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston,
Jan.-Mch., "76.]
ZEBULON, dftd. from Capt. Ichabod Wadsworth's Ell. Co. in "79, into Cont. ser-
vice; [of Capt. Simons' Enf. and E. W. Mil. Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg.
at Boston, Jan.-Mch., 76]; see p. 668.
BUTTON, DANIEL, enl. abt. Mch. 1, 1781; tm. exp. 1 Mch., 1782; fm. classes in
No. Parish of E. W.; Certif. of Capt. Hez. Bissell; [enl. Capt. Sam Granger's
Co.; joined 31 May, 1781; served in Gen. Waterbury's State Brig. on seacoast
defence of Conn. at Phillipsburgh, and on Westchester line.]
JONATHAN, of [Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co.; in service July-Aug., "76]; prob.
[Pens., res. Tolland Co., 1832.]
CARPENTER, ELI, Lex. Alarm, see p. 634.
OLIVER, [enl. 6 July, "75, 5 Co. (Capt. Chas. Ellsworth), 8 Cont. Reg., Col. Hunt-
ington.]
TIMOTHY, [Pens., res. Ell. 1840, æ. 74]; fm. Ell. acc. to J. G. B.
་
CATO (negro), was of 12 class, North Parish E. W., Alarm List; there were several
negroes of this name in the Cont. service. This one may have been he who
[enl. 5 July-31 Dec., '81, in Capt. Parsons's Enf. Co.].
CHAMBERLAIN, JAMES (Capt.), estab. March, 1775, as Capt. of a troop of horse in
22d Conn. Reg.-Conn. Archives, Rev. War, xiv. 399, xv. 506; 13 Aug., 1776,
being then in command of said troop, rec'd orders from the Gov. to organize
his troop and march to N. York and report to Gen. Washington, under prom-
ise of being entitled to same wages and rations as the Continental troops were
entitled to. He enl. 30 troopers, who chose him as their Capt., and with them
marched to N. Y. (Aug. 20), where he joined Col. Samuel Chapman's Reg. and
served until. disch.; was in N. Y. during the landing of the British, the battle
of L.. I., and in the retreat thro. Westchester. He mem. the Assembly, in Jan.,
1783, and May, 1786, asking for reimbursement of private funds advanced to
pay his soldiers' wages, for transportation, etc., etc., he having up to that time
rec'd only £50 "marching money" from the State.- Conn. State Archives,
Rev. War, xxiv. 195; xxix. 209; xxiv. 94. When Capt. Chamberlain pre-
sented this petition he had become a res. of Warehouse Point in E. W.
CHANDLER, DAVID, was Corp❜l of the Enf. Lex. Alarm party, "75; [enl. 6 July-
Dec. 18, 75, in 5 Co. (Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's) 8 Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington.]
CHAPIN, JOHN, [enl. 6 July, '75, Co. 5 (Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's) 8 Cont. Reg., Col.
Huntington.]
SOLOMON, Sgt., [in Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col. Enos's Mil. Reg. on Hudson,
summer of '78]; for which he rec'd £8. 14. 0. wages; prob. the S. C. [of Capt.
J. Wells's Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg., Jan.-Mch., "76, at Boston.]
}
693
LIST OF EAST WINDSOR REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.
TIMOTHY, [enl. Capt. Whiting's (Htfd.) Co., Col. S. B. Webb's Add. Inf. Reg.,
10 Mch., "77, for three years; disc. 10 Mch., '80]; belonged to Capt. Amasa
Loomis's Mil. Alarm List, E. W. See p. 668.
CHAPMAN, HOSEA (Ell.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 634; [enl. 22 May-20 Dec., "75, 4 Cont.
Reg., Col. Hinman]; his Co. at Siege of Boston.
SALATHIAL, in Cont. service fm. Capt. Harper's Mil. Alarm List, "79, [Pens., res.
Htfd. Co., 1832; and res. in Simsbury, 1840.]
CHARLES, AARON, [enl. 22 Sept.-1 Mch., "78, Col. Henry Sherburne's Add. Inf.
Reg.]; cred. to E. W. as in Cont. service from Capt. Ich. Wadsworth's Co., '79.
CHARTER, GEORGE, Ell., [enl. 5 Co. (Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's) 8 Cont. Reg., Col.
Huntington, 16 July, '75.]
JOHN, Jr. (Ell.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 634; [5 Co., 2d Reg., Col. Spencer, 7 May-6
Nov., "75; 1st Lieut. 6 Co., Col. Gay's (2) Battal. Wadsworth's Brig., "76; enl.
10 Jan., '78, Capt. Clark's Co:; in Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., 10 Jan.-Mch.,"78].
LEVI, Ell., see p. 668 [enl. Sgt. in Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., in service July
-Aug., "76; enl. Sgt. in Capt. Parsons' Co., 2d Conn. Line, 15 Mch., "77, for the
war]; is rec. by Capt. Roswell Grant, as in Cont. service, "79, fm. Capt. John-
son's Mil. Co. (Ell.); see, also, p. 644.
CHARLTON, SAMUEL (uncle of Jesse), died in the prison-ships at N. Y.-H. C. G.;
the Off. Rec. gives Samuel C. as [enl. 3 Co. (Durkee's of Norwich) 3 Cont. Reg.,
Col. Israel Putnam, 29 June-16 Dec., "75; Co. in service at Bunker Hill].
CHATMAN, NATHANIEL, [Pens.; æ. 58, res. E. W. 1840].
CHUBBUCK, EBENEZER (Ell.), enl. levies of 5. Conn. Line, Col. Bradley, 1 July-13
Dec., 1780.- J. G. B.
CHURCHILL, ELIJAH, Lex. Alarm, see pp. 635, 636; [enl. 5 Co., (Capt. Chas. Ells-
worth's) 8 Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington, 7 July, "75; of Capt. Simons' Co., Col.
E. Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch. "76; enl. Corp. 7 May, "77, 4th
Troop, Col. Sheldon's Light Dragoons, described as a carpenter, 5 ft. 9 in. high,
brown complex., gray eyes, dark hair, and as from Enf.]; but E. W. select-
men's certif. says he "enl. for and has ever been counted for E. W.- is in the
Light Horse, and his family supp. by E. W."- See also State Arch., xxx. 1;
Apl., '80; he was of Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., May, "79; see pp. 668, 670.
CLARK, DAVID, (Ell.) in Cont. service, "79, for Capt. Ich. Wadsworth's Mil. Alarm
List, as also in Mch. and Apl., '81, when he was "ret. as from W.; enl. first for
3 yrs., then again for the war; and belongs to E. W."— Capt. Certif., Apl., '81.
See p. 668.
CLEVELAND, RUFUS, [enl. 5 Co. (Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's), 8 Cont. Reg., Col. Hunt-
ington, 19 July-17 Oct., "75.]
COLTON, GEORGE, of [Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co. in service Jul.-Aug., "76; name
appears among "casualties" in Col. Wyllys's Reg. in campaign around N. Y.,
'76; as Corp'l with date of 15 Sept., "missing."]
COOK, JOB, [of Capt. Prior's Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch.,
"76; prob. in Capt. Wadsworth's (Htfd.) Co. at Battle of Stillwater, N. Y., Aug.
26-Nov., "77; Corp'l of Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col. Enos's Mil. Reg. on
the Hudson, summer of "78], for which he rec'd wages, £6. 7. 7.
COOK, TIMOTHY, [of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., in service July-Aug., "76; enl.
Capt. Parsons' Co., 2 Conn. Line, Col. Chas. Webb, 26 May, "77, for 8 mos.;
disc. 9 Jan., 78; enl. Capt. Olcott's Co., 4 Aug.; disc. Sept. 21, 78; memb. 8
Co. or train band, 1st Reg. of the Militia.]
CRANE, FRANCIS, rec'd the loan of a gun from selectmen of E. W. for his use while
at N. Lond., July, "79.- Grant Mss.
RUFUS [of Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., in Col. Enos's Mil. Reg. on the Hudson,
summer of "78], for which he rec'd £6. 8. 0. wages.
t
694
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
CRAW, JOHN, [of Capt. Simons's Enf. and E. W. Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg, at
Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76.]
CROUCH, AARON, Corp'l in Lex. Alarm party from Stafford; [enl. July 10, 75, in
Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's Co. (5), 8th Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington.]
CULVER, WILLIAM, Lex. Alarm, see pp. 635, 636; [enl. Capt. Pitkin's (2) Co. of
Htfd., 4 Cont. (Col. Hinman's) Reg. 19 May, 1775; disc. Dec. 20, '75; was of
Capt. Simons's Co. (Enf. and E. W.) Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg., Jan. -Mch.,
"76, at Boston.]
CUSHMAN, JONAH, [enl. 18 Dec., "77, for the war, Capt. Walbridge's Co., 1st Conn.
Line, Col. Chas. Webb; enl. 1 July-13 Dec., '80, short term levies, 1 Conn.
Line, Col. Jed. Huntington."]
NATHANIEL, [enl. 10 July, "75, in 5 Co. (Capt. Chas. Ellsworth), 8 Cont. Reg.,
Col. Huntington; enl. 25 Jan., 77, for 3 yrs.; disc. 25 Jan., '80, Capt. Wal-
bridge's Co., 2 Conn. Line, Col. Chas. Webb. Pens., res. 1818, in Vt.]
DAMON, JONATHAN (Ell.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 634; [enl. 24 May-30 Nov., "75, Capt.
Pitkin's Htfd. Co. (2), 4 Cont. Reg., Col. Hinman, which was at Siege of Bos-
ton;] prob. in service later, as there was an order on Treas. of E. W. in his
favor, drawn by Eben. Grant, "78.
DAY, ADONIJAH, Sgt., detach. from Alarm List Co. of Ell., 2 Jan., "77, by his Capt.,
David Johnson, for service under Capt. Roswell Grant, at Providence, R. I.
Grant Mss.
NEHEMIAH, [of Capt. Simons's Enf. and E. W. Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg.
at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76.]
OLIVER, Sgt., Lex. Alarm, see p. 635; det. from Capt. Roswell Grant's Mil. Co.
to go to Newport, R. I., under Capt. Hez. Bissell, 30 July, '80.
DAVIS, DANIEL, [of Capt. Simons's (Enf. and E. W.) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State
Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76.]
DAVIS, DAVID, [enl. in Co. 5 (Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's), 8 Cont. Reg., Col. Hunting-
ton, 6 July, "76; may be, also, the D. D. who appears in the roll of Capt. Gal-
lup's Co., Col. Parsons' Reg., Nov. 6, "76; also, poss. enl. "78 for 3 yrs. in a Co.
of Harness-makers, Reg. of Artificers, stat. at Springfield, Mass., under Capt.
Wm. Hawes.]
THOMAS, was in Cont. service from Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., May, "79.
DIBBLE, ISRAEL, of Capt. Amasa Loomis' Alarm List Co., E. W.; was in Cont. ser-
vice, "79; [enl. Capt. Parsons' Co., 2 Conn. Line, Col. Chas. Webb, Apl. 26, 77,
for the war; prisoner, 2 July, "77; invalid, pens., res. Litchfield Co., 1833-4.]
DICET, PHILEMON, was [of Col. Canfield's Mil. Reg., West Point, N. Y., Sept., '81.]
DIGGENS, MARTIN, [of Capt. Roger Grant's Co., Col. Enos's Mil. Reg. on the Hud-
son, summer of "78], for which he rec'd £6. 8. 0. wages.
DIMAN, WILLIAM, in Cont. service fm. Capt. Roswell Grant's Alarm List Co., 79.
DIMMICK, AMASA, Ell., served in 5 Conn. Line; Capt. Dorrance's Co.; paid for 6 Apl.
-31 Dec., 1781; pens. 1818.-J. G. B.
DIMMICK, JOHN (Ell.), was ret. Apl., '81, as in service, and cred. to W., but not
claimed by that town; [res. 1840, pens., æ. 86, in Ell.]; service not on Off. Rec.
DORMAN, STEPHEN, [enl. 25 Jan. for 3 yrs.; disc. 1 Jan., '81, Col. S. B. Webb's
Add. Inf. Reg.]; enl. Feb., '81, in another man's place; was in Cont. service
Apl. that yr. Acc. to E. W. Town Papers, which say he belongs in Weth-
ersfield "; this 2d enl. was [14 Feb., '81; paid to 31 Dec., '81, as Sgt. in Capt. Hop-
kin's Co., 3 Conn. Line, Col. S. B. Webb, formation of '77-'81;] see p. 668.
DOWNER, CALEB, of Capt. Bissell's Mil. Co., was in Cont. Service, "79; [enl. in Capt.
Parsons' Co., 2d Conn. Line (Col. Chas. Webb) Reg., 20 Apl., "77, for war; was
a prisoner 2 July, "77]; family rec'd support from town.- State Arch., xxx. 1.
See page 670.
LIST OF EAST WINDSOR REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.
695
DRAKE, AARON, Lex. Alarm, see pp. 635, 636; [enl. 16 July, "75, in 5 Co. (Capt.
Chas. Ellsworth's) 8 Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington; may be the A. D. who is re-
ported missing after the Battle of L. I., Aug., "76, on rolls of Capt. Hubbard's
(Middletown) Co., Col. Huntington's 17 Cont. Reg. Aaron Drake of E. W.
rép. among 200 American prisoners paroled or exch. and who arrived by ship
at Milford, Conn., 1 Jan., 77, of whom 20 d. on the passage from N. Y., and
20 within a week following.]
AMASA, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635.
DRAKE, GIDEON, was of Capt. E. Wolcott's Co., July-Aug., "76; hired as a substi-
tute, by John Loomis, Jr., in 1778, for which he pd. Continental Money
£69.— Grant Mss.
DRAKE, MOSES, [enl. Capt. Simons's Enf. and E. W. Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg.
Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76.].
DRAKE, NATHANIEL, Lex. Alarm, see p. 633.
DRAKE, SIMEON, Wpg. (Sgt.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 633. Capt. Simeon d. 9th Aug.,
1807, æ. 59.-Wpg. O. Bg. Gd.
DRAKE, SHUBAEL, was [of Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col. Johnson's State Reg. at
Providence, R. I., 7 Mch., 1778.]
THOMAS (bro. of Amasa), d. in prison-ship.— H. C. G.
DUNCAN, WILLIAM, in Cont. service from Capt. Roswell Grant's Mil. Co., '79.
DURFEE JOSEPH (Sgt.), was [of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., in service July-
Aug., '76; of Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col. Enos' Mil. Reg. on the Hud-
son, summer of "78], for which he received £9. 12. 0. wages.
EATON, DANIEL, [enÌ. 1 July, '80; disc. 6 Dec., '80. Short term levies, 2d Conn.
Line, Col. Chas. Webb, p. 177-81]; rec'd a blanket from E. W: selectman,
“apprized at 10s., old way," for his use in Continental Army, July, 1780. -
Grant Mss.
EATON, SOLOMON (Tolland), [2d Reg., 3d Co., 1775, May-Dec., 15 Reg. Conn. Line,
Capt. Child's Co., April, 1777-April, 1780. Wadsworth Brig., 3d Battal.,
Capt. Birge's Co., 1776, June-Dec. Sheldon's Dragoons, 1781, Feb., for 3
years.] Afterwards res. Ellington.-J. G. B.
EATON, SOLOMON, [enl. 9 May-18 Dec., 75, Capt. Roger Enos's (3) Co. from W. and
Stafford, 2 Cont. Reg., Col. Spencer; enl. in a Bolton Co., "76, in Col. Sage's (3)
Battal., Gen. Wadsworth's Brig.; enl. Capt. Cullen's Co., 5 Conn. Line, Col.
P. B. Bradley, 1777-81; enl. from Tolland, 8 Feb., '81, for 3 yrs. in Sheldon's
Light Dragoons; described as a farmer, light complexion, etc. Pens. (Sgt.),
1818; res. 1840, Ell., æ. 82.]
ELLIS, STEPHEN, enl. from E. W. in Cont. servicce.- Mem. in War Office Papers at
Lebanon.
ELLSWORTH, BENJAMIN (s. Capt. Job, who served in old French war, and d. at
Ticonderoga, on return home), served 4 yrs.; [enl. 29 June, '80, disc. 13 Dec.,
'80, short term levies 2d Conn. Line, C. Webb.]
CHARLES (Capt.), Ell., Lex. Alarm, see p. 634; [Capt. of 5 Co., 8 Cont. Reg., Col.
Huntington, Co. rec't'd Enf. and E. W.; enl. in short term levies, 2 Conn. Line,
Col. Chas. Webb, 6 July-18 Dec., 75; was of Roswell Grant's Co. June and
July, '78, Col. Enos' Mil. Reg. on Hudson, summer '78,] for which he rec'd £6
8. 0. wages; [of Capt. Sam. Granger's Co. joined 21 May, '81, Gen. Water-
bury's State Brig. for seacoast defense; enl. 3 Aug., '79-15 Jan., '80, short term
levies, 2 Conn. Line.]
ELIPHALET, hired ('78) by two men in Ell. as a substitute, and rec'd £16 Cont.
money- Grantę Mss. Was
memb. of Capt. Hez. Bissell's No. Parish E. W.
Alarm List; [enl. 1 May, "77, Col. Sherburne's Add. Reg. Inf.; trans. to Col.
S. B. Webb's Reg., Spring, '80.] See, also, p. 354.
696
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
ELLSWORTH, EZRA, enl. Mass. Line and was in service in Apl., '81; memb. of Capt.
Hez. Bissell's (No. parish) Alarm List.
ELLSWORTH, FREDERICK, app. Ens. in Capt. Olcott's Co., 3 Aug.; disc. 21 Sept.,
1778, Col. Chapman's Mil Reg.; was prom. from Ens. to Lieut. of 4th Co., 19
Reg. (Col. E. Wolcott), 31 May, 1779.- Stoughton Mss.
GURDON (Ell.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 634.
HEZEKIAH, [of Capt. Simons's Enf. and E. W. Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg.
at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76]; cred. to W. though of E. W.; [enl. 6 May, '77, Col.
Sherburne's Add. Inf. Reg.; transf. Sp., '80, to Col. S. B. Webb's Reg.] See,
also, p. 354; cr. as in Cont. service, "79, from Capt. Ich. Wadsworth's (Ell.)
Co.; see page 668.
JOB, in Cont. service, as per letter dated 25 Sept., '81, "Maryland, 60 m. from
Philadelphia," in poss. of Theo. Ellsworth of E. W.
JOEL, Lex. Alarm, see p. 631; [enl. Capt. Jona. Wells's Co. (Hartford) in Col. E.
Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76; was of Capt. E. Wolcott's E.
W. Co., July-Aug., "76.]
MOSES, [enl. Capt. Parsons' Co., 2 Conn. Line, Col. Chas. Webb, 2 Apl., "77, for
the war; in the 3d formation of the Line, was in 3 Conn. Line, 1 Jan.-Dec. '31,
'81]; was of Capt. Hez. Bissell's Mil. Alarm List, "79. [Pens., 1818.] Mem. in
Gov. Trumbull's War Off., Lebanon, ment. him as enl. from E. W. for the war in
Cont. service. See, also, p. 667.
SOLOMON, Lieut., chosen, by train-band, 9 May, "74; Lex. Alarm, see p. 631..
ELLIS, STEPHEN, enl. 27 Apl., "77, for war (vice Benj. Loomis), in Capt. James Hor-
ton's Co., Reg. of Artificers.
ELMER, STEPHEN, drummer, prob. the S. É. [in Mil. under Gen. Spencer, at R. I.,
'76-7-8; of Capt. Roswell Grant's Mil. under Col. Johnson at Providence, R.
I., 7 Mch., "78.]; rec'd £5. 16. 11. wages.
ELMER, ALEXANDER, Lex. Alarm, see p. 633.
DANIEL (Wpg.), [enl. drummer, 2 Sept.-Dec. 28, 76, Capt. Smith's Co., Col. P.
B. Bradley's Batt., Gen. Wadsworth's Brig.; enl. Capt. Strong's Co., 5 Conn.
Line, same Col., 2 Jan., '77, for 3 yrs. as Sgt., reduced to private 1 Aug., "77;
disc. 23 Feb., '80.]
ELMER, SAMUEL (father of Samuel and Harvey), of So. W.; was of Capt. Bidwell's
Co.; was in the dft. of men to recruit Gen. Gates' army before the battle of
Saratoga, at which he was present, as also at Stillwater; his gun is now in
Conn. Hist. Soc. Rooms; was also with Putnam at Horseneck; also in the re-
treat from L. I.—H. C. G. Sketches, vi. [Pens. 1832, res. Htfd. Co.]
ELMER, TIMOTHY, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635; was prob. the T. E. [of Capt. Joel Loomis'
E. W. Co. in Maj. Backus' Light Horse, enl. 7 Sept.-27 Sept., '76.]
ELY, EPHRAIM, Lex. Alarm, see p. 631; [enl. 7 July, "75, Co. 5 (Capt. Chas. Ells-
worth's), 8 Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington.]
BENJAMIN, [enl. 7 July, "75, Co. 5 (Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's), 8 Cont. Reg., Col.
Huntington.]
JONATHAN, [of Capt. Pitkin's Htfd. (2) Co., 4 Cont. Reg., Col. Hinman; at Siege
of Boston, 19 May-20 Dec., "75; of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co. in service, July
-Aug., "76; of Capt. J. Wells's Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston,
Jan.-Mch., "76.]
ETSON, JOSEPH [enl. 6 July, "75, Co. 5 (Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's), 8 Cont. Reg.,
Col. Huntington].
EVANS, ABIATHER [in Capt. Cheney's Hartford Lex. Alarm party; enl. Capt. Par-
son's Enf. Co., 2 Conn. Line, Col. Chas. Webb, 28 Feb., 77, for the war.]
made Sgt. 1 May, '80; belonged to Capt. Roswell Grant's Mil. Alarm List, E.
W.; [was in service up to 31 Dec., '81; still in Capt. P.'s Co., in 3 Conn. Line,
Col. S. B. Webb, formation of '81-'83; pens., res. Vt., 1818.]
LIST OF EAST WINDSOR REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.
.697
MOSES, [enl. Co. 5 (Capt. Chas. Ellsworth), 8 Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington, 10
July, "75; prob. the same that enl. from Htfd. in Capt. Darrow's Co., 15 Feb.,
"77, for the war; 1 Conn. Line, Col. Huntington, 1777-81; and (by 2d forma-
tion of the line, which included this 1st reg.) is of Capt. Benton's Co., 5 Conn.
Line, 1 Jan.-Dec. 31, '81; pens. 1818, res. Manchester, 1846; appl. on file for
pension, as of E. Htfd.] H. C. G. Sketch, viii., says he was in the Horse-Neck
fight.
FERGO (FARGO), AARON, [enl. 8 May-14 Dec., "75, Capt. John Durkee's Co., 3
Cont. Reg., Gen. Israel Putnam]; was noted as in Cont. service, '79, from Capt.
Hez. Bissell's No. Parish, E. W. Alarm List. See p. 667; also in Apl., '81.
FILLEY, MARK, purchased a farm in east part of E. W. shortly before the out-
break of the Rev. At its beginning he sold this farm, and ent. the army for
the war; was in the fighting on L. I., the evacuation of N. Y., battle of Har-
lem, and the retreat through Westchester; was in battles of Trenton, Brandy-
wine, Princeton, and Germantown; was one of the storming party at Stony
Point, receiving a ball through his cap; assisted in placing the chain across the
Hudson as an obstruction to the Br. war ships; was present at Andre's execu-
tion and the siege of Yorktown. During his 7 yrs. and 8 mos. service he was
in the thickest, but escaped without a wound, though his clothes were several
times perforated by balls. At the close of the war he returned to E. (South)
W., where he res. until his death, June, '28, æ. 83. He belonged to one of the
two N. Eng. reg'ts known as Leather Caps," and which were esteemed
favorites with Gen. Washington; he had two elder bros., who also served in
Cont. Army, and were with Gen. Wolfe, on the Plains of Abraham, at the cap-
ture of Quebec.-H. C. G. Sketches, xvi. See, also, p. 668.
The Off. Rec. gives a Mark F., who [enl. Capt. Stillwell's Co. (New H.,
Htfd., and Colchester), Jan. 1-Dec. 31, '81, 1 Conn. Line (2d formation), Col.
Durkee: pens. 1818]; a memb. Capt. Amasa Loomis Alarm List.
NATHANIEL, [of Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col. Enos' Mil. Reg., on Hudson,
summer of '80;] rec'd £6. 14. 8; poss. the N. F., [Corp❜l of Capt. E. Lockwood's
Coast Guards, enl. 16 Mch., '80; disc. 1 Jan, '81.]
SYLVANUS, [enl. Capt. Pitkin's Htfd. Co. (2), in 4 Cont. Reg., Col. Hinman, 19
May-Dec. 20, '75; of Capt. Simon's (Enf. and E. Windsor) Co., Col. E. Wol-
cott's State Reg., at Boston, "76; was of Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col. Enos,
Mil. Reg., on the Hudson, summer '78;] received £4. 12s...
FITCH, AUGUSTUS, Lieut. of the E. W. Cav. Co., commanded by Capt. Joel
Loomis [was Clerk of Capt. Loomis' Co., Maj. Backus's Light Horse, enl. Sept.
7-Oct. '76]. — H. C. G. Sketches, xiii.
ELNATHAN, in Cont. service, 1779. See p. 667.
JESSE, Lex. Alarm, see p. 631; [was of Capt. Simons's (Enf. and E. W.) Co.,
Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg., at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76, and of Capt. Wol-
cott's Co., July-Aug., 1776.]
FLAGG, JOSEPH, [enl. May 12, 1781, in Capt. Sam. Granger's Co., Gen. Waterbury's
State Brigade, seacoast defense;] enl. fm. classes in the No. Parish — Certif.
Capt. Hez. Bissell.
FOOT, EBENEZER, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635; [enl. May 19-20 Dec., "75, Capt Pitkin's
Co., 4 Cont. Reg., Col. Hinman; of Capt. Simons's (Enf. and E. W.) Co., Col. E.
Wolcott's State Reg., at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76; of Capt. E. W.'s Co., Aug.,
76; pens., 1818].
FOSTER, CHAUNCEY (Ell.), enl. [6 May, "77-Spg., '80, Col. Sherburne's Add.
Inf. Reg., Capt. Blackman's Co.; transf. Spg., '80, to Col. S. B. Webb's Reg.;
see also pp. 355, 668; pens., 1818.] He died in Ellington in 1824. His widow,
Charlotte Foster, was a pensioner there in 1840. — J. G. B.
VOL. I. 88
698
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
"
-
HECALIAH, was in the Horse Neck fight. - H. C. G. Sketches, viii. [of Capt. E.
Wolcott's Mil. Co., on service July-Aug., "76; in Col. Gay's 2d Batt., Wads-
worth's Brig., in and around N. Y., and at battle of L. I., Aug., "76; is named
(15 Sept., '76) among the casualties in Capt. E. Wolcott's Co. as missing"].
PELETIAH, detailed for service for defense of the State," Sept., "79, under
charge of Capt. Amasa Loomis. In a postscript to the letter conveying this
order to the Capt. of the Alarm List, Capt. Roswell Grant says: "Mr. Foster
has never done a tour of duty, and possessing so good an Estate as he does, I
am sure he will make no excuse, but readily agree to the invitation.”
THOMAS (Wpg.), [enl. 27 July, "79; disc. Jan. 15, '80; levies (short term) 2d Conn.
Line, Col. Chas. Webb;] d. 11 June, 1826, æ. 89. Wpg. Old Bg. Gd.
WARHAM (Ell.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 634; [enl. 2 Co, 4th Reg., Col. Hinman, May
20-Dec. 20, 1775, at siege of Boston; Capt. Simons's (Enf. and E. W.) Co.,
Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg., at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76]; app. Sgt. 6 May, "77;
prom. Sgt. Maj. 1 Jan., "78; contin. into '80, Col. Sherburne's Add. Reg., in
service from "77-81. See p. 668.
FOWLER, ELIJAH, enl. Col. Canfield's Mil. Reg., at West Point, N. Y., Sept., 1781.
JONATHAN, of Capt. Amasa Loomis' Mil. Co., E. W., see p. 668 (though he be-
longed to Bolton), [enl. 20 Apl., "77; disc. Spg. of '80, in Col. Henry Sher-
burne's Add. Reg.]
FROST, JOSEPH, was hired by Nathan Pelton to serve in the Continental Army for
3 yrs.; he enl. 12 July, 1777. Certif. of Capt. Thos. Abbe, 14 Dec., 1787, rec'd
£32 28.
JOSEPH B., of Capt. Hez. Bissell's Mil. Co.; was in Continental service, 1779.
FRENCH, MANASSEH, [enl. 6 July-Dec. 18, 75, Co. C (Capt. Chas. Ellsworth), 8
Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington].
GAINES, BENONI, [enl. Col. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., on service July-Aug., "76; enl.
10 Mch., 77, Capt. Abbe's Enf. Co., 3 Conn. Line, Col. Sam. Wyllys, for the
war; deserted 22 Apl., "79.]
GAY, LEVI (Wpg.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 633; buried in Old Wpg. Bg. Gd.
GAYLORD, JOHN, in Cont. service from Capt. Amasa Loomis' Alarm List Co.;
prob. [enl. 19 June, '80, for 6 mos., short term levies of 2d Conn. Line, Col.
Chas. Webb.; poss. he was the J. G. of Capt. Prior's Co., Col. E. Wolcott's
State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., 76].
GIBBS, ICHABOD, in Cont. Line, in service; "returned for Windsor, but not claimed
there," but by E. W., 1781.
SETH (Ell.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 634; [Capt. Parsons' Enf. Co., 4 Conn. Reg.,
Col. Hinman, 16 May-Dec. 19, "75; at siege of Boston]; enl. Capt. Simons'
(Enf. and E. W.) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76.
STEPHEN (erroneously called Gills in the Official List, as given on p. 635), Lex.
Alarm; [enl. 19 May-10 Dec., 75, Capt. Pitkin's (2) Hartford Co., 4 Cont.
Reg., Col. Hinman, at siege of Boston. Pens., 1818; res., E. W.].
GILLET, AARON, of [Capt. Prior's Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-
Mch., 76;] poss. [of Lt. Seymour's Co., Col. Belden's Reg., Gen. E. Wolcott's
Brig., Peekskill, 21 Apl.-6 June, "77; and of Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col.
Enos' Mil. Reg. on the Hudson, summer of '78]; rec'd £5. 16s.
GILMAN, ELIJAH, [enl. 10 July, "75, Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's Co. (5), 8 Cont. Reg.,
Col. Huntington; of Capt. Roswell Grant's Mil. Co., Col. Enos' Mil. Reg. on
Hudson, summer "78]; rec'd £6. 6. 8.; [prob. enl. (at Htfd.) in Capt. Samuel
Granger's Co., Gen. Waterbury's State Brig., 1781].
GLASS, ALEXANDER, [cnl. 9 May, disc., 18 Dec., '75; in Capt. Roger Enos' (Wind-
sor) Co. (3d), 2d Cont. Reg., Col. Joseph Spencer]; had an order on Treas. from
E. W.-Eben. Grant Mss.
LIST OF EAST WINDSOR REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.
699
GRANT, AARON JR., Lex. Alarm, see p. 635; [fifer in Capt. Simon's Co. (Enf. and E.
W.), Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., 76; fifer Capt. E.
Wolcott's Co., July-Aug., "76; also as fifer and drummer in same Capt.'s Co.,
"77-78; and on service under Col. Johnson at Providence, R. I., and in Col.
Enos' Reg. on the Hudson, summer of '78]; rec'd £7. 0. 10 pay.
AZARIAH, was of [Capt. Simons's (Enf. and E. W.) Co. in '76; Col. E. Wolcott's
State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., '76]; family rec'd supp. from E. W. - State
Arch., xxx. 1. [Pens., 1818; res., Vt.]
DAVID' (Wpg.), poss. the D. G. who [enl. Capt. J. Wells' Hartford Co., Col.
E. Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76; of Capt. Roswell Grant's
Co., Col. Enos' Mil. Reg. on the Hudson, summer of '78]; rec'd £6. 6. 8 [enl. 9
Dec., '80, in short term levies of 2 Conn. Line, Col. Chas. Webb. Pens., 1832;
res., Htfd.]; d. 5 Oct., 1833, x. 67. — Wpg. Old Bg. Gd.
GIDEON, JR. [Pens., 1818.]
GUSTAVUS (Wpg.), of [Capt. Roswell Grant's Mil. Alarm List, '78; of same,
Col. Enos. Mil. Reg. on Hudson, summer of "78]; rec'd £5. pay. [Pens., 1832;
res., Htfd. Co.; res., E. W., 1840, æ. 81]; buried Wpg. New G.-Yd.
HEZEKIAH, enl. in Cont. service from classes in No. parish of E. W.; time exp.
1 Jan., 82.- Certif. of Capt. Hez. Bissell.
ISAAC (Ens.), enl. Capt. Mills' (New Htfd.) Co., 2 July, "76; 16 Nov., same yr.,
was taken pris. at Fort Washington; enl. 26 May, "77, for the war, in Capt.
Catlin's (Litchfield) Co.; deserted 27 Jan., '80. — Town Papers and Off. Rec.
JUSTUS (Wpg.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 633; was [of Capt. J. Wells' (Htfd.) Co.,
Col. E. Wolcott's State Brig. at Boston, Jan.-Mch, "76]; d. Oct. 1826, æ. 76.
Wpg. Old G.-Yd.
MATTHEW (Capt.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 633; [poss. the Lieut. M. G. of Capt.
Foote's Co., Col. Hooker's Mil. Reg., Gen. Erastus Wolcott's Brig., at Peeks-
kill, Mch.-June, 1777]; he was named for a tour of duty at New London, 12
July, '79, by Capt. Roswell Grant of E. W., 19 Mil. Reg.
OLIVER, JR., prob. [enl. short term levies, 2d Conn. Line Reg. (Col. Chas. Webb),
1 July-13 Dec., '80].
PETER, [enl. Capt. Simon's (Enf. and E. W.) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg.,
Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76].
REUBEN, name found on an undated Pay-roll. Not in Off. Rec.
ROSWELL (Capt.), chosen by the 1st Alarm Co. of 19 Mil. Reg. (Col. Terry of
Enf.) on 1st Monday Oct., "77, as Captain, "by a great majority "; app. Capt.
by State Gov't. 30 Dec., "77; stationed for 2 mos. (Jan. and Feb.) at Providence,
R. I., under Col. Johnson, and his app't by Gen. Spencer as Judge Advocate
of a court-martial detained him there some 2 mos. longer, and while there
received app. (Mch. 12; "78) as Capt. in Col. Enos' Mil. Reg. (12 mos. service); as
soon as his Co. was org. he marched to Horse Neck, June, '78, and after 7 mos.
stay there was ord. to, and arrived at, camp in Hudson Highlands, 3 July,
78; having been app. (Apl. 7, "78) Paymaster to Col. Enos' Reg.; Mch. 28, '81,
he was app. Paymaster to Conn. Brig. of Mil. on the Hudson, under Col. Eras-
tus Wolcott, and poss. may have acted as P. of his own Co. or Reg. as early
as Oct., '80; rec'd £52. 16s. as pay in this campaign of "78. In 1781 he was
app. by the Gov. of Conn. as Superintendent (alias Commissary of Pris-
oners) of the Convention Troops, of whom some 500 (officers and men) were
committed to his particular charge at East Windsor. See pp. 674-678.
He also had charge of the public stores at E W., and of purchasing sup-
plies for the army in the field, as well as for the prisoners and guards under
his care. - Pension Affidavits, etc.
SAMUEL, of [Capt. Simons' Enf. and E. W. Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg. at
Boston, Jan.-Mch., '76; enl. Capt. Whiting's Hartford Co., 1 Feb., 77, for 3
yrs.; d. 23 Apl., '77].
700
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
WILLIAM, Wpg., (Sgt.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 633; gun furnished him during war.
- E. W. Mss.
GREEN, ASAHEL (Wpg.), of [Capt. J. Wells' (Htfd.) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg.
at Boston, Jan.-Mch., '76]. Pens. 1832, Htfd. Co.; d. 6 Sept., 1838, æ. 85:
Wpg. Old G.-Yd.
GREEN, DANIEL, (Ell.) Lex. Alarm, see p. 634; [Capt. Parsons' (10) Co., 4 Cont. Reg.,
Col. Hinman, at Siege of Boston, '75, May 8-19 Dec.; of Capt. Simons's (Enf. &
E. W.) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg., Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76.]
JOSEPH, [enl. 10 July, '75, in Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's Co. (5), of 8th Cont. Reg.,
Col. Huntington].
GRIMES, JOHN, was in Cont. service in "79, from E. W., from Capt. Roswell Grant's
Co.; may have been the J. G. in service in Northern Dept. in '75. See Off.
Rec., 44.
GROVER, EDMOND, of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co. July-Aug., "76.
MATTHEW, [enl. 6 July; disc. Oct. 30, "75, (Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's) 5 Co. 8 Cont.
Reg., Col. Huntington.]
HADLOCK, JOHN, was of Capt. Amasa Loomis's Mil. Alarm-List, E. W. [of Capt. E.
Wolcott's Mil. Co., on service July-Aug., "76], and in "79. See p. 667.
SAMUEL, was of Capt. Amasa Loomis's Mil. Alarm-List, E. W.; [enl. 22 Apl., '77,
for the war, in Capt. Barnard's (Htfd.) Co., 3 Conn. Line, Col. Samuel Wyllys;
invalided at Boston Apl., and transf. to Invalid Corps in June, '81; disc. 23
Apl., '83. Pens. 1818; res. Vt.]. See, also, p. 668.
THOMAS [of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., in service July-Aug., "76; prob. enl. 5
July-Dec. 9, '80, in short term levies, 2 Conn. Line, Col. Chas. Webb].
HALL, MOSES, enl. [Lieut. Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's (5) Co., 8 Cont. Reg., Col. Hunt-
ington, July 6-Dec. 18, '75.]
NATHAN, (Ell.) Lex. Alarm, see p. 634.
HAMLIN, WILLIAM, acc. to certif. of Capt. Ichabod Wadsworth (Capt. of Alarm-List
of Ell.) and others, res. E. W. since he was 2 yrs. old; had done service in
Capt. W.'s Co.; went into 8 mos. service in last campaign from E. W.; disc. 2
Apl., '81; [enl. 1 July; disc. 13 Dec., '80, levies of '80, 5 Conn. Line, Col. P. P.
Bradley; or perhaps the W. H. who enl. in Capt. Comstock's Co. (as from
Somers) 2 Conn. Line (3d formation), Col. Heman Swift, 24 Feb., '81, for 3 yrs.;
and re-enl. same date to Feb, '84, in (fiual formation) Col. Swift's reg. Pens.
1818; res. Maine].
HARPER, JAMES, JR., Lex. Alarm, see p. 631.
JOSEPH, JR., in Lex. Alarm, see p. 631.
HAZZARD (negro), must. as recruit, furnished by 3d class, No. parish, E. W., in Cont.
service 3 yrs. - Certif. James Olmsted, Lt. Muster Master, dated Htfd., 17 July,
'81; [enl. Capt. J. Wells (Htfd.) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg. at Bath,
Jan.-Mch., "76].
HIBBARD, DANIEL, Ens. of Capt. Samuel Granger's Co., Col. Levi Wells' Reg.,
-one of two raised for seacoast defense spring of '80, in Dec. of which
year Col. W. was attacked by Br. at Horseneck, and himself and a no.
of his officers and men captured. There is still extant D. H.'s receipt for
bounty, or wages, from Capt. Russell Grant, 12 Feb., 78; [was of Capt.
Grant's Co., Col. Enos' Mil. Reg. on the Hudson, 29 June, '78]; rec'd £22 10s.
HILL, JOHN, in Cont. service, "returned for Windsor but not claimed there -be-
longed to and claimed by E. W.
>>
HILLS, BENONI, (Ell.,) (except as to Lex. Alarm) has the same record as his brother
Oliver, which see, also, p. 668.
OLIVER, (Ell.) Lex. Alarm, see p. 635; was in [Capt. Simons's (Enf. & E. W.) Co.,
Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg., Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76; of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil.
Co. July-Aug., "76]; was of Capt. Ichabod Wadsworth's (Ell.) Mil. Co., who
LIST OF EAST WINDSOR REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.
701
certifies that Hills (with his brother Benoni) enl. for 3 yrs.; "before the time
was up, deserted, then was taken up by Boston forces," carried to West Point,
and enlisted in the Light Horsemen, "one (Oliver) in Boston (in Mass. Line) and
ye other in York forces."- Certif. dated Apl., 1781. See p. 668.
ELIJAH, [of Capt. R. Grant's Co., Enos' Mil. Reg. on the Hudson, summer of '78,
rec'd £6 88. pay; poss. of Lieut. Smith's Co., in Gen. E. Wolcott's command,
at Peekskill, '77.]
ERASTUS, prob. the E. H. who [enl. 6 June, "76, in Capt. Woodbridge's Co., Col.
Sam. Elmore, 1776, and in garrison at Ft. Schuyler (alias Fort Stanwix); was of
Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col. Enos's Mil. Reg. on the Hudson, summer of "78];
rec'd £6 88. pay.
JOHN, of [Capt. Erastus Wolcott's Mil. Co., July-Aug., "76]; was in Cont. ser-
vice Apl., '81, being ret. as from Windsor, but not claimed by that town.
HOLCOMB, JOSEPH [enl. Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col. Enos' Mil. Reg. on the
Hudson, summer of '78]; rec'd £6 88. pay.
HORTON, CHRISTOPHER, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635, 668; prob. the same who appears
[on rolls of Capt. Riley's (Wthsfld.) Co., 3 Conn. Line (2d formation), Col. S. B.
Webb; enl. private, 1 Jan. '81-June 1, '81, and as Corp'l from June 1-31 Dec.,
'81]; belonged to Capt. Amasa Loomis's Alarm List, E. W.
HOSMER, JOSEPH (father of Horace of So. W.), was orderly to Gen. Montgomery in
the Canada campaign. -H. C. G., xiii. See, also, p. 645.
HUNN, TIP (Wpg.).
ISHAM, JAMES, dfted. to Providence. Grant MSS.
JENNINGS, JOHN, name found on an undated pay-roll. Not in Off. Rec.
JERROLS (GERRILS, JERRELS), HARDEN, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635; [enl. Corp'l
6 July-Dec. 18, "75, Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's (5) Co., 8 Cont. Reg., Col. Hunt-
ington]; detached from Capt. Roswell Grant's Alarm List to go to Newport
under Capt. Hez. Bissell, July, '80.
JOHNSON, ABIEL, Corp'l.in [Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col. Enos's Mil. Reg. on the
Hudson, summer of '78.]
DAVID, Lieut., prob. [enl. May 9-Dec. 19, "75, Capt. Enos's (3) Co., 2 Cont. Reg.,
Col. Spencer; Lieut. comm., 20 Dec., "75, Col. Pitkin's (2) Co. 4 Cont. Reg.,
Col. Hinman, at siege of Boston; Lieut. 7 Co. (Col. E. Wolcott's) same reg.,
Jan.-Mch., "76, at Boston]; was of Col. Johnson's Reg., Providence, R. I., "77–
'78, in Capt. Roswell's Mil. Co.
FENN [of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., in service July-Aug., "76].
SAMUEL [same record as above].
JONES, WILLIAM, of Capt. Amasa Loomis' Mil. Co., E. W.; of Capt. Erastus Wol-
cott's Mil. Co., in service July-Aug., "76; see p. 668.
KENNEDY, ANDREW, (Ell.,) Lex. Alarm, see p. 634; [of Capt. Simons' (Enf. and E.
W.) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., '76].
KIBBE, ELISHA (Ell.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 635. —J. G. B.
KILBORN, ASHBEL, [enl. Capt. Parsons's (Inf.) Co. 2 Conn. Line, Col. Chas. Webb,
27 May, '77, for 8 mos.; pris. 7 Dec., '77.]
Memorializes the Assembly, 27 May, 1779, that he was a soldier in Capt. Par
sons' Co., Col. Chas. Webb's Regt.; was taken prisoner at White Marsh, N. J.,
7 Dec., 1777, by the Hessians, who robbed him even to the shoes he stood in,
knocked him down with the breech of a gun, and otherwise maltreated him;
he was imprisoned at Philadelphia the next day, where he remained three days
without food, and when he complained, rec'd for answer that he was “a d-d
Rebel"; he remained there, suffering from hunger and so cold that his feet
froze and burst open, and some of his companions died there miserably. On
20 January, 1778, he was taken with small-pox, and, after his recovery, was
dismissed, so lame and weak that he could not walk. He prays for relief to
702
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
+
meet the expenses of his wagon trip to Hartford, &c., £37 10s., which Dr. Tu-
dor's charges for medical attendance, since his return to E. W., had increased to
£57, 10s. Od. Relief was granted. Conn. Archives, Rev. War, xiv. 204, 205.
KING, ALEXANDER, (Lieut.), though said to have been a volunteer in Lex. Alarm,
see p. 636, his name does not appear on any official list; then Ens.; present at
Bunker Hill battle, in the retreat, during which he nearly lost his life; was in
the Horse Neck fight, and in the retreat from L. I. — H. C. G. Sketches, viii.
Ens. in 5 Co. (Capt. Robinson), Col. Mott's Battal., raised June and July, '76,
for service in Northern Dep't (see pp. 645, 646), from which he ret. in Nov.
KINGSBURY, ELIJAH (Corp'l) [of Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col. Enos's Mil. Reg.;
on the Hudson, summer of '78]; rec'd £4. 9. 6.
JOSEPH, in Cont. service for Capt. Ich. Wadsworth's (Ell.) Alarm-List, p. 668; prob.
the J. K. who [enl. in short term levies of 3 Conn. Line (formation of "77–81), Col.
Sam. Wyllys, 30 June-Dec. 12, '80. Pens. 1832; res. Toll. Co.].
JOSEPH, (Ell.,) musician, Capt. Brigham's Co., 8th Reg. Conn. Line, Mch. 6, 77–
Mch. 16, '80. — J. G. B.
LADD, JESSE, detailed, 5 Jan., 1777, from the Alarm-List Co. of Ell. by his Capt.,
David Johnson, to join Capt. L. Grant's Co. at Providence, R. I. Grant Mss.
LAW, SAMUEL, of Capt. Johnson's Mil. Alarm List, May, "79–80; enl [Capt. Black-
man's Co., Col. Sherburne's Reg., 15 May, "77-15 Sept., "78].
LEE, ELIJAH (Ell.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 634; [Sgt. of Capt. Parsons' (Enf.) Co., 4
Cont. Reg., Col. Hinman, and at the siege of Boston, 8 May-19 Dec., '75; Sgt. of
Capt. Simons's (Enf. and E. W.) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston,
Jan.-Mch., "76]. — J. G. B.
LEONARD, ASA, [enl. 9 May-18 Dec., '75, Capt. Enos (3) Co., 2 Cont. Reg., Col.
Spencer]; was of Capt. Ich. Wadsworth's (Ell.) Alarm List; [enl. 7 May, "78,
in Col. Sherburne's Reg.; transf. to Col. S. B. Webb's Reg., 1 May, '80; disc.
1 Jan., '81].
JEDEDIAH [enl. 10 July, "75, Co. 5 (Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's) 8 Cont. Reg., Col.
Huntington].
LEWIS, JOHN, poss. [enl. 5 Co. (Capt. Sol. Miller) 2 Cont. Reg., Col. Spencer, 3 May-
17 Dec., 75]; was of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., in service July-Aug., '76.
LILLY, DAVID [of Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's (5) Co. 8 Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington,
July 10-18 Dec., "75].
LOOMIS, AMASA, (Capt.) Lex. Alarm, see p. 635, commission as Capt. of 1st
Co., 19th Conn. Reg., dated (under Royal authority) 1775, memorialized the
Gen. Assembly 10 May, 1777, asking that new State commissions might be
issued to himself and other officers holding King's Commissions, and pointing
out the inconveniences to which such officers might be subjected, if captured
by the British, without State commissions, etc. Conn. State Archives, Rev.
War, vii. 304. Capt. A. L. seems to have done his share of Rev. service
(after the Lex. Alarm) as Capt. of the South Parish Alarm List of E. W.
AMASA, (Jr.?), then of Bolton, memorializes the Assembly, June, 1786, that on
the 20th March, 1777, he was app. Clerk and Conductor in the Ordnance Dep't
at Springfield, Mass., under Ezekiel Cheever, Esq., Dep. Commissary-Gen. of
Military Stores, and served as such until 28 June, 1780; asks for reimbursement
of loss sustained in his pay by depreciation of currency, etc. — Conn. State
Archives, Rev. War, xxix. 215.
DAVID, dftd. 27 July, '79, from Capt. Roswell Grant's Mil. Alarm List, for ser-
vice at New York. Poss. the same who, as Lt., and res. E. W., receipted to
Capt. Roswell Grant, 29 July, "79, for wages or bounty.
ELIHU, was of [Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., in service July-Aug., '76].
ELIPHALET, was of Capt. Ich. Wadsworth's (Ell.) Alarm List, "79-80; prob.
[enl. 8 May-Dec. 18, "75, in Capt. S. Wyllys' (Htfd.) Co. (2), 2 Cont. Reg., Col.
Spencer].
LIST OF EAST WINDSOR REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.
703
LOOMIS, EZRA, was in Cont. service, "79–80. from Capt. Barber's Co.
GILES, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635; prob. the G. L. who was one of a detachment of
3d Troop, 4 Reg., Light Horse, serving as escort to the Convention Troops
(Burgoyne's captured offi. and men), passing through the State of Conn., Nov.,
'78-12 days on this service.
JOEL, (Capt.), commanded a company of mounted men, org. in E. W.; they car-
ried short carbines, slung at the back, and cutlasses. -H. C. G. With 32
men, including officers, he marched 7 Sept., "76, in Maj. Backus's Reg. Light
Horse, to N. Y.; dismissed 2 Nov., "76, with the thanks of Gen. Washington in
General Orders of 1st Nov. See p. 644.
JOHN, JR., Lex. Alarm, see p. 631.
MOSES, his family rec'd supp. from E. W. - State Archives, xxx. 1. Prob. the M.
L. who [enl. 18 May-31 Dec., '81, Capt. Hopkins' (Htfd.) Co., 3 Cont. Reg.,
Col. S. B. Webb, and the M. L. who was of a no. taken pris. near Horse Neck,
Dec. 10, '80].
OLIVER, named for duty at N. Y., 12 July, "79, from Capt. Roswell Grant's Mil.
Alarm List.
WATSON, (2d Lieut.), [Capt. R. Grant's Co., Col. Enos' Mil. Reg. on Hudson, sum-
mer of '78]; rec'd £34. 16. 8. pay.
LORD, JOSEPH, [of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., on service July-Aug., "76. Pens.;
res. Htfd. Co.].
LOTHROP, DAVID, of [Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., with Col. Enos's Mil. Reg. on the
Hudson, summer of '78]; ree'd £5. 8s. pay.
THATCHER, (Wpg.) (Sgt.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 633; [of Capt. Simons's (Enf. and
E. W.) Co., Col. W.'s State Reg.]; buried in Wpg. Old Gd.
LYON, JOHN, [of Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col. Enos's Mil. Reg. on the Hudson,
summer of 1780.]
MAC, JOHN (Indian), certif. as in Cont. service from Capt. Johnson's (Ell.) Co., '79
or '80.
MACKPEACE, SETH (Sgt.), of [Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's (5) Co., 8 Cont. Reg., Col.
Huntington, enl. 10 July, disc. 18 Dec., "75]; recommended by Col. Hunting-
ton, Oct. 18, "75, for prom. as Ens., vice Mather, resigned.
MANNING, PHINEAS, [enl. 10 July, "75, Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's (5) Co., 8 Cont.
Reg., Col. Huntington; prob. enl. Capt. Walbridge's Co., 2 Conn. Line, Col.
Chas. Webb, 29 Jan., 77, for 3 yrs.; disc. 25 Jan., '80.]
MARKHAM, ISAAC, [enl. 6 July, '75, Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's Co. (5), 8 Cont. Reg.,
Col. Huntington; Corp'l, enl. 15 Apl., '77, for 3 yrs., disc. 15 Apl., '80, Capt.
Parsons's Co., 2 Conn. Line, Col. Chas. Webb. Pens. 1818; res N. Y.
MARTIN, SYLVANUS (Sgt.), Lex. Alarm; see p. 635; prob. [2d Lieut. Capt. Geo.
Pitkin's (2) Co., 4 Cont. Reg., Col. Hinman, Comm. 1 May, disc. 20 Dec., "75;
at siege of Boston.]
MARSH, JOSEPH, was of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co.; on service, July-Aug., "76.
MASON, ISAAC, may have been he who [enl. Capt. Parsons's (Enf.) Co. (10), 4 Cont.
Reg., Col. Hinman, 16 May-21 Dec., '75; was of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Reg.,
on service July-Aug., "76.]
MCCLURE, DAVID, was Lieut. in Capt. Elijah Robinson's Co., Col. Samuel Mott's
Reg. of the "new levies" ordered from Conn. to the northward in 1776, and
served as such until 14 Sept., 1776, when he was detailed to act as physician to
the sick of said levies, and so served until the Reg. was discharged.
'Mount Independance October yº 5th 1776
Regimental Orders - whereas a Great Many officers & soldiers of the | Regiment
are Sick & many in Dangerous Situation & whereas the Exigencies of the Service has
Caused an Ineviteble Necessity for the Regimant to be | much Divided in parts a Con-
704
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
siderable body at this & another— | Considerable part Principally Sick at Skeenesborugh
& another of the | Like att Chesire & the physicians of ye Regim & his matte Not
being able to Attend the Duty Necassary for the Comfort of the Sick in Every | part
of Regimant & as Leut. McCluer has for this three weeks past | Attended on the Sick
to Very Good purpos I've therefore ordered that | Lieut. McCluer of Cap' Robinsons
Company be Excused from the Duty of a subaltron | to Assist as a physician in at-
tending the sick of the Regimant till | further orders." - State Arch., Rev. War,
viii. 94.
He applied to the Assembly, 30 May, 1777, for the extra compensation to
which he deemed himself entitled by being transferred to such duty Conn.
State Archives, Reo. War, viii. 93-94- but his request was denied, the Assem-
bly prob. thinking that what he had suffered in extra "fatigue," etc., had been
more than compensated for by the dignity of his new calling. As Dr. McCluer
had an order on Treas. from Eben. Grant of E. W.
MCCRAY, REUBEN, (Ell.,) enl. [Capt. Parsons's (Enf.) Co. (10), 4 Cont. Reg., Col. Hin-
man, 16 May-19 Dec., "75; of Capt. Simons's (Enf. and E. W.) Co., Col.
E. Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., '76; of Capt. Grant's Mil. Co.,
Col. Johnson's Reg. at Providence, R. I., Jan.-Mch. 7, "78; of Capt. Grant's
Co., also Col. Enos's Mil. Reg. on the Hudson, "78]; rec'd for this £6. 8s. pay;
[enl. 1 July, '80-9 Dec., '80, short term levies, 5 Conn. Line, Col. P. P. Bradley.]
J. G. B.
MCKINNEY, JAMES, JR., (Ell.) Lex. Alarm, see p. 634. — J. G. B.
WILLIAM, (Ell.) Lex. Alarm, see p. 634. —J. G. B.
MCINTIRE, ABEL, of Enf., enl. for 3 yrs., 23 Mch., '78; hired by Levi Booth and
Zach. Allyn of E. W. — Certif. of Capt. Thos. Abbe of Col. Wyllys' Reg. Z.
Allen certifies that McI. res. with him at time of his enl., and that he was not
an inhab. of Enf., which town claimed him.
JOHN, of Capt. Hez. Bissell's Mil. Co. certif. as in Cont. service, Apl., '79 or '80.
MCKNIGHT, THOMAS, [enl. 16 July, "75, Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's (5) Co., 8 Cont.
Reg., Col, Huntington; prob. enl. 2 Conn. Line (Col. Chas. Webb) among short
term levies, 3 Aug., '79; disc. 15 Jan., '80; was of Capt. R. Grant's Co., Col.
Enos's Mil. Reg. on the Hudson, summer '78;] rec'd £6. 8s. pay.
MEARS, SAMUEL, Lex. Alarm, see p. 633; may be he who [enl. 23 May-20 Dec.,
'75, 2d Co. (Pitkin's of Htfd.), 4 Cont. Reg., Col. Hinman; enl. Col. S. B.
Webb's Add. Inf. Reg., "77-81; app. Sgt. 22 Sept., 77; Ens., 16 May, '78;
Lieut., 15 Mch., "79; resig. 2 Mch., '80]; was on rolls of Capt. Barber's Mil.
Co., '79, in Cont. service.
MILLARD, LEAVITT, enl. [from W., acc. to Off. Rec., Col. Sherburne's Add. Inf.
Reg., 19 Sept., "77-19 Sept., '80. Pens.; res. Toll. Co., 1832; res. Vernon,
1840]; cred, to Cont. service from Capt. Roswell Grant's Mil. Alarm List,
May, '79.
MILLS, PETER (Ell.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 634.
"Sir
(Capt.): Copy of Letter to Colo. Jonth Wells, 31st Augt, 1779:
East Windsor 31st Augt 1779
'By an Act of Assembly that constitutes the Alarm List | Capt. Mills who bears
this, commences private in my | Company, and is now called upon to shoulder his |
Musquet and stand Centinel; your feelings | for Gentlemen who have worn Com-
missions, and who have supported their Caracter with Fidelity | and Honor, and now
reduced to his Situation, will strongly actuate you, I doubt not, to every principle |
of favor and Lenity in your power, and believe me | Sir whatever Indulgence is shown
the Bearer will be very gratefully rec'd by your most |
'Hum Serv't
"Ros. GRANT-
LIST OF EAST WINDSOR REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.
705
"P. S.
Capt. Mills has not apply for any fav | Since he was detach, but chuses rather
and is also advis | to apply after he arrives at N. Lond" to avoid the Clamor | of the
people and keep matters secret as before
"R. G."
MOLLOY, TIMOTHY, [enl. 10 July-28 Sept., "75, Co. 5 (Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's), 8
Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington].
MORE, WARHAM, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635.
MOREHOUSE, DAVID, of Col. Canfield's Mil. Reg., West Point, N. Y., Sept., '81.
MORSE (MOSS), DANIEL, Lex. Alarm, see p. 631; prob. the same [of Col. Wyllys'
22 Cont. Reg., who was missing" Sept. 15, '76, after the fighting around N.
Y. and L. I. One of same name was in service later; invalided; hailed from
New Haven; res., pens., 1818, N. Y.].
ALEXANDER, of [Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col. Enos's Mil. Reg. on the Hud-
son, summer of "78.]
MORTON, ABNER, [of Capt. Simons's (Enf. and E. W.) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State
Reg., Boston, Jan.-Mah., '76].
ALEXANDER, [of Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col. Enos's Mil. Reg. on the Hud-
son, summer of '78]; rec'd £6. 8s. pay.
[DIO]DAT[E], Lex. Alarm, see p. 635; [enl. 16 July, "75, 5 Co. (Capt. Chas.
Ellsworth), 8 Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington].
JOHN, [of Capt. Simons's (Enf. and E. W.) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg.,
Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76].
WILLIAM, apparently saw service, a gun being issued to him by the E. W.
Selectmen.
MUNROE, LEONARD, was in Cont. service, "79-80, from Capt. Amasa Loomis's Mil.
Alarm List, E. W.; [enl. Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., on service July-Aug.,
"75; may have been he who enl. Capt. Whiting's Co., Col. S. B. Webb's Add.
Inf. Reg., 14 Mch., "77, for 3 yrs.; app. Corp'l 1 Sept., '77; Sgt. May 16, ”78;
disc. 14 Mch., '80. A. L. M. ranked as private; pens. 1818, Ohio].
MUNSELL, ELIAKIM STILES, enl. in Col. Enos's Reg. of minute-men in summer of
1778; served at Greenwich, Conn., and West Point, N. Y.; was invalided and
sent to Conn. on furlough in Sept. and was ill a long time; see his mem. to
Assembly, dated 17 May, '79, Conn. State Archives, Rev. War, xiv. 242, 243.
His reasonable expenses were ordered to be paid by the Comtee of the Pay
Table (£70 lawful money due his nurses and physician).
GURDON, of [Capt. Barber's Mil. Co., '79 or '80; reported as in Cont. service; enl.
Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Reg., in service July-Aug., "76.]
HEZEKIAH, Lex. Alarm, see p. 631; [enl. Capt. Geo. Pitkin's (2) Co. 4, Cont. Reg.,
Col. Hinman; was at Siege of Boston; was of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co. in
service July-Aug., "76; pensioner 1832 res. in Hartford Co.; at East Windsor,
aged 87, in 1840.]
HEZEKIAH MUNSELL (Wpg.), at the time of his death (14 Apl., 1844, æ. 91.
Wpg. Old G. Yd.), was the oldest male inhabitant of East Windsor. There
were many things so remarkable in his life and character that several persons
visited him to gather the particulars of his personal history, and the facts
which they elicited were published in the Connecticut Courant. He was tall
and erect, and used frequently, after the age of seventy-five, to compete with
young men in the field. He had an instinctive aversion to rum and tobacco;
such was his antipathy to cider and vinegar that they were never placed on his
side of the table, although the former was the common beverage of New England,
and used on every farmer's table. His memory was very tenacious, and he retained
his faculties in a remarkable degree till within a week of his death. In the
VOL. I.-89
:
706
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
War of the Revolution he was out in four campaigns, and gave the following
account of himself:
"At the time when the news of Lexington battle reached us, in East Windsor,
I was in the 23d year of my age.. In 1775, when the war commenced, there
was but one newspaper printed in Hartford, the Courant. By reading that my
own mind was principally prepared to repel the British invasion. It is true
there was much said in every situation and station in life. by the people, in rela-
tion to our condition to the mother country at this crisis. I remember reading
one or more letters from Governor Trumbull to Governor Gage, which had a
powerful influence on my mind, and did much to prepare me for the scenes in
which I afterwards took a part. The stamp act, duty on tea, Boston port bill,
and the massacre of citizens in the town of Boston by British soldiers in 1770-
all tended to prepare us to defend what we considered our common rights and
liberties. At this juncture I felt, and so did others, that there must be war.
For the feeling was quite general that, unless we defended our rights and lib-
erties, we must be slaves; and, as unnatural as some may think of it, we chose
to decide the question by an appeal to arms.' In this state of mind the news
of Lexington battle reached me.
"Capt. Lemuel Stoughton, who then commanded the company of militià in
the north part of the town, called out his company, and we paraded half a
mile north of Scantic meeting-house. Names were soon called for volunteers,
and as many as forty volunteered to march to the battle-field with their captain.
We left our homes the next day for the field of conflict. This day was Satur-
day. Most of this little company were full of patriotism and ambition. On
Monday we reached Shrewsbury, where we met Col. Nathaniel Terry, of En-
field, who had been to Roxbury, which was the headquarters of the Provincials.
He brought back to us on the way to the rendezvous advice that we should so
arrange that those who came on should stay two or three weeks. This brought
our company to a stand, and the Sergeant, Ebenezer Watson, Jr., beat up
for volunteers. Eleven of our number turned out to march to Rox-
bury. We chose E. Watson as our lieutenant, and N. Phelps, sergeant.
Tuesday we left Shrewsbury, and reached headquarters Wednesday. On this
expedition we bore our own expenses, and lived for the most part of the time
on what our wives and mothers put into our knapsacks when we left home.
On reaching Roxbury we found that many of the inhabitants had fled. We soon
found a house empty, and prepared to occupy it. Two more of the volunteers
soon joined our number, and we prepared to take up our quarters in a school-
house. We were not much exercised in military tactics at this time. I stood
as a sentinel two or three times, which was most that I did in the soldier's line
at this campaign. What was then a curiosity to me, we drew for our rations
sea-bread, which I was told was taken from the British on their excursion to
Concord. It was so much of a curiosity, I brought some home when I returned.
When in this campaign, I remember of seeing several tories brought into Rox-
bury by the soldiers from the neighboring towns. I then supposed that they
were considered as dangerous men in our State affairs to have their liberty in
the community. They wore their white wigs; and, for some reason or other,
a number had settled down in Marshfield. The inhabitants now living in Mas--
sachusetts and Connecticut can hardly conceive the spirit of indignation which
was enkindled in the community at the news of the march of the British troops
from Boston to Concord in April 1, 1775. [He wore a hat to the field of conflict
with this motto on a brass plate: 'Liberty, Property, and all America.']
"The second time I entered the army I enlisted in the month of May, 1775,
for seven months. Colonel George Pitkin, of East Hartford, was our captain.
The company numbered one hundred men, rank and file; and all of them lived
LIST OF EAST WINDSOR REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.
707
,
to return to their homes at the expiration of the time for which we enlisted.
We were stationed at Roxbury and Brookline at our first going into actual ser-
vice. During this campaign the American army was reduced to discipline. I
recollect that the lighthouse at Boston harbor was burnt by a party of Ameri-
cans not far from this time. This was done to vex the enemy's shipping, but
it never amounted to much in that way. A part of the regiment to which
Colonel Pitkin's company belonged went to join the northern army. It was
the duty of the company to which I belonged to guard the coast near Boston.
I was not in the battle of Bunker Hill; our company was not called to take
part in that conflict. I heard the cannon, and was standing on the bell deck of
Brookline meeting-house during that battle, from whence I saw the burning of
Charlestown. We had not much fighting with the enemy during this campaign.
Winter was approaching, the weather was cold, we had three stations to guard,
and our guard-house not being supplied with wood, we burnt rails from the
fence. Complaint was made by the owners to the officers, and orders were
given not to burn any more rails. The sergeant, in giving the orders to the
guard about the rails, remarked that nothing was said about posts, and advised
us to keep a fire. We burnt posts that day, and after that had a supply of
fuel. We did not always draw our rations of rum; but though it was a source
of complaint with some, I was never troubled on this point, for I did not drink
it. Our food at this time was good enough, but was not so always during the
war. Our chaplain was the Rev. Mr. Boardman, whom the British called the
cannon, or the gun of the gospel, on account of the power and compass of his
voice. While we were stationed at Roxbury one of our company, Moses Hux-
ley, was killed by a cannon ball which the British fired from Boston. He
belonged to Capt. Hanchet's company, and was from Suffield. At the expira-
tion of my term I received two or three bills of Continental money, the first I
remember to have seen.
In the year 1776 I joined the army again for seven months, under Capt.
Simon Wolcott. It was now more difficult to obtain soldiers for the campaign
than at any previous time, for the war continued longer than was at first antic-
ipated. The novelty of the campaign and field of action had gone by. Men
who enlisted now expected to have hard fighting. With these things in view,
I left home in June, and arrived in New York just as the Declaration of Inde-
pendence was published to the army. On the evening of the day it was made
public there the city was illuminated. In the month of July we were employed
eight days in erecting Fort Independence, after which we were ordered over to
Long Island, where we were quartered more than a month, during which
the troops suffered much from sickness. This division of the army was
under the command of Gen. Sullivan and Lord Sterling. Our company was
divided, so that one-half would go from the barracks at Brooklyn to Flatbush to
keep garrison one day, and the next day the other half would come to relieve
them. We were daily expecting that we should be annoyed by the enemy.
Some one of our company went every day to get milk for the sick soldiers at
an old Dutchman's. About the time the enemy began to land on the island F
went on the errand myself, when the old Dutchman remarked that there would
'be tousands and tousands of 'em.'
"On the morning of the battle of Long Island the soldiers were busily
employed in throwing up a breast-work, and in cutting and drawing
into a line before the breast-work a row of apple-trees, the brush turned from
us. I worked both on the breast work and drawing in the trees. Col. Hart
had command of our regiment at the time, Col. Gay being sick in New York,
where he died.
"We were all now prepared for an engagement with the enemy. It has
708
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
been said by some that Gen. Washington never left his saddle during the day;
but I saw him walk along the lines and give his orders in person to the colonels
of each regiment. I heard him give orders to Col. Hart, which were much like
the following: 'If the enemy come to attack us, let them approach within
twenty yards before you fire.' It was thought to be a stratagem of the enemy
to draw our fire and then force us from the entrenchment; but Washington
was too old for them. I also heard Washington say, 'If I see any man turn
his back to day I will shoot him through; I have two pistols loaded; but I will
not ask any man to go further than I do; I will fight so long as I have a leg or
an arm: This is but a scrap of what the brave Washington said on that occa-
sion. He said the time had come when Americans must be freemen or slaves:
"quit yourselves like men, like soldiers; for all that is worth living for is at
stake."
"During the day of the Long Island battle, on the right wing where I was
stationed, there was but little firing. The position which we held at the time
was near a tide-mill the yellow mill. While Washington was giving his
orders to our colonel there was in the pond where this mill stood a man who
was attempting to escape from the enemy, an inhabitant of the island, proba-
bly, who was stuck in the mud. Some proposed to go and help him. Wash-
ington said no, knowing that they would be in the same predicament, and thus
liable to be taken by the enemy. What became of the poor fellow I never
knew.
"I did not see the British on the day of this battle; the ground was such, and
a grove intervening, as to cut off the prospect. I was not personally knowing
to anything more relating to the battle, of any interest, but what is generally
known. On the night we retreated I was just relieved from the breast-work when
I heard an officer remark that we were going to retreat. The next person I
heard speak of it was Gen. Putnam, when we were on the march. He then
spoke, I thought, imprudently, for some one might have carried his report to
the enemy. We left the island for New York between eight and nine o'clock
in the evening. The retreat was conducted without any difficulty. When the
morning came I went to the grand battery, and, looking over to the island, saw
two of our men plunge into the water and swim to get away from the British.
The enemy fired at them, but they swam till our boats picked them up. I
don't know as any of our men were lost on the island by being left.
"When we had safely landed in New York we felt ourselves freed for a
moment from the enemy. But we had not long to rest. This was as late in
the season as the first of September. The main army was now in the city.
Our barracks were at Bull's Head in Queen street, which was then quite the
upper part of the city. When we left this street we moved to the east, and
pitched our tents. On our retreat from New York, by some misdirection, these
tents were carried to the wrong place, and we lost them.
"The enemy landed in New York early in September, and as we had no
means for effectually resisting such superior forces, Gen. Washington was
obliged to retreat before them. The enemy from Long Island passed up the
East River and landed a party at Turtle Bay. Col. Knowlton was killed and
his troops dispersed. He had chased the British some distance; they were re-
inforced, and he was killed in the vicinity of Harlem Heights. This skirmish
was called the Monday fight. It was the day after we retreated from New
York, which was on Saturday. I saw his dead body in a wagon just as it was
brought from the field of battle, his clothes covered with blood. He was a
brave officer.
"The British landed their troops at Turtle Bay under cover of two
ships of war. On the evening previous to Gen. Washington's retreat to
LIST *
709
OF EAST WINDSOR REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.
1
Harlem I was stationed as sentinel, about eight or nine o'clock, at the southern
part of our fortification. Early next morning I looked toward the place where
our regiment lay on the previous evening, and saw that the camp was broken
up. I went in pursuit of my pack, which was left in that direction when I
went on duty, and, having found it, returned to my post. Early in the day,
while on guard, one of the enemy's ships was occupied in firing her stern guns
on our works, opposite our post. The fortification extended from north to south
more than a mile. Our guard was stationed opposite Bull's Head, at the upper
part of the entrenchments. Our sentry consisted of seven men.
Col. Hart,
our field officer, was taken prisoner. In this condition we stood more than two
hours and were not relieved, when one of the guard, whose name was Foster,
came to me and said, 'Munsell, what shall we do?' I replied, 'I don't know;
we must stay here till we die, for aught I know.' Soon after, the enemy were seen
marching into the upper part of the entrenchment, and we were more than ever
in a quandary what to do. It was not long before Foster came again, and inquired
'What can we do?' The officer of the guard had not done his duty; where he
was we knew not. Meantime the man-of-war was firing at us. It was not long
before Loomis, one of the sentinels, said to me, as soon as we were within sight
of each other, 'Munsell, the guard has gone. I replied, 'It is then time for us
to go.' In our retreat we started for the North River. Some of the party
threw away their packs; but I kept mine, though it was somewhat heavy.
There was great disorder in the flight of our company. I cannot say how it
was with the other troops from personal observation, though I was told at the
time that Washington inquired, when retreating from New York to Harlem
Heights, 'Have I got to depend on such troops?" so great was the disorder
and confusion in the retreat. To return to my story: We soon reached the
main road which our troops were traveling, and the first conspicuous person I
met was Gen. Putnam. He was making his way towards New York when all
were going from it. Where he was going I could not conjecture, though I
afterwards learned he was going after a small garrison of men in a crescent for-
tification, which he brought off safe. And when I passed him he was convers-
ing with a field officer, who, as I judged from their conversation, was thinking
it best to make a stand and face the enemy. This officer was crying, and I
thought then rather fuddled. Putnam, in harsh language, told him to 'go
along about his business.' We soon came up with a regiment of Western
Virginia troops in a grove on the road. The colonel of this regiment was at
their head. They were marching in single file. They would not allow us to
pass them, though we were moving much faster than they were when we came
up with them. The colonel called out, 'Halt!' His men stopped, and we
went on.
Here I will state a curious incident: One of our fellow soldiers came up
with us, an acquaintance, who was chased by the enemy. The Hessians
pushed him hard; he ran through swamps and mud, through brush and wood,
and lost pack and coat, shoes and stockings. He kept his arms, and once fired
on his pursuer. I was able to furnish this destitute soldier with shoes and
stockings. We reached Harlem Heights this day before sundown; here we
staid something like three weeks. Our cooking utensils went with our tents
I never knew where. For a few days we fared hard. We, however, pulled
chestnut bark from the trees, wet our flour, and made them in cakes on it, and
in this way baked it by the fire. We had for meat fresh beef, and for this we
drew salt. One great pot, which our lieutenant and his men found, served for
many as the utensil to cook our meat at this emergency. Sometimes our beef
was roasted on the coals. We did not stand then about hard fare, for we were
fighting for liberty.
710
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
CC
"No sharp fighting occurred at this station; the enemy came near us, and we
were soon on the march. The next move was to Mile Square. Here we drew
tents and some cooking utensils. It was not long before we removed to White
Plains. This move of the army was in the night. In this march, which was
very slow, all our camp equipage we were obliged to carry on our backs.
White Plains. - Col. Gay was dead, Col. Hart taken, and the command
devolved on Maj. Mott. Previous to the battle in this place the enemy one
morning made a feint for a battle. Our entrenchment was a stone wall.
Washington called his men out and put them in readiness to fight; but no bat-
tle was fought that day. Our regiment was ordered out on fatigue the morn-
ing of the battle. We, however, saw the enemy in the field, prepared for
action, and they made a most splendid appearance. It was not Washington's
plan to come to a general engagement; he therefore did not call out all of his
force into this action. McDougald's brigade bore the brunt of this battle.
“From White Plains the regiment to which I belonged marched to Wright's
Mills. At this station we did not tarry many days, but moved to Philipsburg.
Here we remained a month or more, and then we removed to North Castle,
where our enlistment expired, December 25, 1776. I immediately started for
home, and before we reached East Windsor the news of Trenton battle reached
us. Our chaplain was Rev. Mr. Storrs.
‘August, 1778. — I was drafted to take care of the artillery taken from Bur-
goyne, which we received at Farmington, Conn., and delivered at White Plains,
then headquarters of the army. We were the whole month taking down these.
field pieces to the Park at White Plains. While at that place, we met a whole
guard of Hessians who came over to our army, officers and all. They were
received kindly and sent to a place of safety. No other incident of interest
occurred on this expedition. I received ten dollars in Continental money for
this month's service for my country, which would then buy a bushel of corn!
I also received the same month, of the proper authority, for a gun which was
lost in the northern army the year before, which was appraised at four pounds,
twenty dollars! Equal to two bushels of corn!
-
September, 1780. — I was drafted and marched to Horse Neck, to guard a
number of royalist refugees. They were collected together from New York,
Connecticut, etc., and some of the soldiers called them cow-boys and bull-
drivers. Here we staid a few days, and then went, by order of Arnold, who
was then working his card, to North Castle. Soon after reaching this place,
myself, with others, was sent to Peekskill for flour. Breadstuff was short
amongst us. While on our way to Peekskill we staid one night in the woods,
to avoid the refugees. On this tour we fared hard, both going and coming.
We could not get near the quantity of flour we wanted, and the quality of that
was very poor. By means of Arnold and others we were in a confused state at
this time, and we soon came back to Horse Neck. While at this last-named
place I drew one pint of hominy in ten days, and this was all the breadstuff
that I could get! The last of this militia tour I spent in threshing wheat for
my living and for the support of my comrades. In November I returned to
my family, and this was the last of my going into the Revolutionary War. I
received for my pay for this tour of service for my country some trash in the
shape of Continental money, which would pay taxes. Near the close of the
war I had a tax of forty dollars to pay in Continental money, and others with
me, my neighbors, had not money of this description to pay this tax. We got
some specie together, sent a man to Springfield, where Continental money was
to be bought, and purchased what we wanted; so that I paid my forty-dollar
tax for about forty cents.
"Names of three of the heroes who took Stony Point, with Gen. Wayne, their
LIST OF EAST WINDSOR REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.
711
leader. These men have said that they were in the forlorn hope. Alexander
Thompson, East Windsor, first to enter the fort; William Burns, Coventry,
and Charles Brown, of Connecticut.
"Continental Money. — In 1781, in the months of February or March, I drove
a team to Boston, with a load, and brought one back for a merchant in Spring-
field, Mass. I had a five cattle team. Returning home, I stayed in Roxbury
one night; my team was fed; I had one meal and lodging; my bill in the morn-
ing was equal to two silver dollars, and Continental money had so depreciated
that I paid in it the round sum of $140 for that single night's entertainment.”
JOEL (s. of Elisha), in Aug., 1777, joined the co. of Capt. Zebulon Bidwell, of
E. W., and served in the Northern Army under Gen. Gates, being "engaged
in every battle fought there." About two days after his return home, was
seized with small-pox, of which he died after an illness of 18 days. (See his
father's Mem. to Assembly, Conn. State Archives, Rev. War, viii. 272; x. 7.)
The following was his physician's bill :
The Estate of Joel Muncil Deceaca of the Small | Pox which he Brought
home from the Army & Dyed after a long & Teadeous Ilness of Eighteen
Days During which time | I made him Eight Visits Charge for Each 9/
To Emet 1/0 Crem Tart 1/0 4 anodins 4/ Cath 1/6
£3: 12: 0
0: 7: 6
£3: 19: 6
A Trew accounte
SIMON FIELD
"J
JONATHAN, JR., Lex. Alarm, see p. 631; prob. [enl. 21 May-Dec. 20, '75, Capt.
Pitkin's (Htfd.) Co., 2d in 4 Cont. Reg., Col. Hinman.]
MARTIN, enl. about Mch. 1, 1781; time exp. 1 Mch., 82, fm. class in No. Parish,
E. W. Certif. Capt. Hez. Bissell; [enl. 5 May, '81, Capt. Samuel Granger's Co.,
Gen. Waterbury's State Brigade, sea.coast defense.]
SILAS, enl. [Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., on service July-Aug., "76; was of Col.
Canfield's Mil. Reg. at West Point, N. Y., Sept., '81.]
NASH, EBENEZER (Ell.), teamster, among those who took supplies from Conn. to N.
Y., Spg. of '80. H. C. G. Sketch, xiv.; poss. [the E. N. who enl. 5 Conn.
Line, Col. P. P. Bradley, "77].
JOEL (Wpg.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 633; [enl. Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's (5) Co., 8 Cont.
Reg., Col. Huntington, 6 July-17 Oct., "75]; det. for duty for State defense,
Sept., '79.]
NEWBERRY (Capt.) AMASA, of Capt. Roswell Grant's Mil. Alarm Co. [enl. 10 July-
Dec. 18, "75, in Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's (5) Co., 8 Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington;
Corp'l in Capt Simons's Enf. and E. W. Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg. at
Boston, Jan.-May, '76; Sgt. of Capt. Roswell Grant's Mil. Co. with Col. John-
son's State Reg. at Providence, R. I., Mch., "78]; detached from Capt. G.'s Co.
to repair to Newport, July, '80.
CHAUNCEY, Lex. Alarm Co., see p. 635.
GEORGE, [of Capt. Simons's (Enf. and E. W.) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg.,
Boston, Jan.-Mch., '76].
JOHN, [of Col. Canfield's Mil. Reg. at West Point, N. Y., Sept., '81].
NOADIAH ("Dyer"), was one of juvenile guard over the Royalist Gov. Franklin
while a pris. at E. W., p. 660..
NEWELL, DANIEL (Ell.), service not on record.-J. G. B.
JACOB (Ell.), service not on record; d. at Norwalk, Conn.-J. G. B.
JOHN (Ell.), service not on record; d. at Lynn, Mass.-J. G. B.¸
NEWTON, ALEXANDER, [of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co. in service July-Aug., "76].
ISAAC, in Cont. service, 1779-'80, as per certif. of his Alarm List, Capt. Ich. Wads-
712
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
worth of Ell.; family supp. by E. W.
·State Arch., xxx. 1; [of Capt.
Simons's Enf. and E. W. Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-
Mch., "76; enl. 6 May-22 Sept., '78, Capt. Blackman's Co., Col. Sherburne's
Add. Inf. Reg.].
OLIVER, detach. from Capt. Roswell Grant's Mil. Alarm List (19th Reg.) to go to
Newport, R. I., under Capt. Hez. Bissell.
OLCOTT, ELI [of Capt. Simons's (Enf. and E. W.) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg. at
Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76].
ASAHEL, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635.
OSBORN, DANIEL, Lex. Alarm, see p. 631.
DAVID, Lex. Alarm, see p. 631.
EZEKIEL, Lex. Alarm, see p. 631; was 12 mos. Cont. service, for which he rec'd
$16. — Town doc.; [enl. Capt. Parsons's (Enf.) Co., 4 Cont. Reg., Col. Hinman,
15 May-19 Dec., '75; of Capt. Simons's (Enf. and E. W.) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's
State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76; Sgt. of Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col.
Enos's Mil. Reg. on the Hudson, summer of '78; on detach. of 3d Troop 4
Light Horse, as escort to Convention Troops, Nov., '78-12 days' service].
EZRA, [of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co. in service July-Aug., "76; prob. enl.
9 June, 77, for 8 mos., Capt. Parsons' Co.; disc. 9 Jan., "78, 2 Conn. Line,
Col. Chas. Webb; was of Capt. J. Wells's Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg. at
Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76].
EZEKIEL (Sgt), [with Capt. Roswell Grant's Mil. Co., Col. Enos's Reg. on the
Hudson, summer of '78]; rec'd £8. 14s. pay; was in Cont. service, hired by a
class in '77, for 12 mos., for which he rec'd £16 hard money.
ISRAEL, was of Capt. Hez. Bissell's Mil. Alarm List. E. W.; [enl. Capt. E. Wol-
cott's Mil. Co. in service, July-Aug., "76; enl. for war (off. doc.); was of Conn.
Light Inf. 1781, Co.'s under Lafayette, and comm'd by Maj. John P. Wyllis,
Feb.-Nov., '81]; dftd. from Capt. Jona. Heath's Co.
JOHN, [of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co. in service July-Aug., "76].
PHINEAS, one of this name, very likely from E. W., was [of Capt. E. Wolcott's Co.,
1 Conn. Line, Col. J. Durkee, 1781-83].
SAMUEL, JR., Lex. Alarm, see p. 631.
PAINE, DANIEL, [enl. 6 July-18 Dec., 75, Co. 5 (Capt. Chas. Ellsworth), 8 Cont. Reg.,
Col. Huntington].
JOHN, in Cont. service, "79; from Capt. Hez. Bissell's Alarm List.
RUFUS, in Cont. service from Capt. Hez. Bissell's Alarm List; [enl. 10 July-18
Dec., '75, Co. 5 (Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's), 8 Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington; enl.
in Artificers' Corps, at Springfield, Mass., 24 Mch., "78; served till '82, in Capt.
Barton's Co., Col. Flower's command. Pens., 1832; Htfd. Co].
SOLOMON, in Cont. service from Capt. Hez. Bissell's Co., '79-'80.
STEPHEN, [enl. 10 July-Dec. 18, "75, Co. 5, Capt. Chas. Ellsworth, 8 Cont. Reg.,
Col. Huntington].
PALMER, THOMAS, app. for pens. from E. W.-Htfd. Co. Clerk's office.
PARKER, JOHN, [Capt. Simons's (Enf. and E. W.) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg.
at Boston, Jan. -Mch., '76].
EPHRAIM [enl. 9 July-Dec. 18, '75, Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's Co. (5), 8 Cont.
Reg., Col. Huntington; was of Capt. Simons's E. W. and Enf. Co., Col. E.
Wolcott's State Reg., "76].
PARKHURST, JOSEPH (Ell.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 634.
PARSONS, JESSE, [enl. Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co. in service July-Aug., "76].
PASCO, JONATHAN, enl. '76 in Col. Patterson's Mass. Reg.; eng. at battle of Tren-
ton, 25 Dec., '76; a 6 mos. recruit in 3d Conn. Reg. in camp at Conn. Hutts, N.
J.; recommended by his Capt., W. Williams, for discharge, 8 Dec., 1781; and
was disch. same date by Col. Zeb. Butler, Col. comm'd'g Conn. Div.; was in
LIST OF EAST WINDSOR REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.
713
Cont. service for 6 mos., 1780, for which he rec'd £12, hard money
Town doc.
He enl. from classes in No. parish, E. W.; time up, 1 Jan., '82.— Certif. Capt
Hez. Bissell. [Pens.; res. Htfd. Co. 1840, æ. 79].
PAYNE (Capt.) EDWARD (Ell.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 634; may be the E. P. who enl.
[in Capt. Parsons (Enf.) Co., 4 Cont. Reg., Col. Hinman, Conn. 1 May; disc. 28
Nov., '75; re-enl. same reg. summer of '76; was then of Bolton, 1st Lt., 4 Co.,
Col. Saye's (3d) Battal., Wadsworth's Brig., June-Dec., "76; and of Col. Ely's
State Reg., Jan., "79; Capt. in Col. Wells' Reg., 1780].
PEARCE (PIERCE), ABNER, was in Cont. service in "77, hired by a class, for 12
mos., and rec'd £12 hard money.
JOHN, Lex. Alarm, see p. 631; was in Cont. service in '77 for 12 mos., hired by a
class, and rec'd £35. Cont. money.
PEASE, EDWARD, [enl. 6 July-18 Dec., "75, Co. 5, Capt. Chas. Ellsworth, 8 Cont.
Reg., Col. Huntington]; one of same name and prob. same man [enl. 10 July,
'80-Dec. 9, '80, short term levies, 2 Conn. Line, Col. C. Webb].
ELI, Lex. Alarm, see p. 631; [enl. Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's (5) Co., 8 Cont. Reg.,
Col. Huntington, 6 July-18 Dec., "75].
GIDEON, (Ell.,) [enl. 6 July-18 Dec., '75, Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's Co., 8 Cont. Reg-,
Col. Huntington.]
JOSEPH, was in Cont. service from No. parish of E. W., as per following docu-
ment in handwriting of Capt. Lemuel Stoughton:
Eaft Windfor July ye 16th, 1781
Then Agreed With Joſeph Pees Ju' that has | Livd With me & now going into the
Continental Army for three years unleſs Sooner Diſcharged | that whatever
part of Sª Term or whole he may | be in the Army upon Wages he Sª Pees Re-
turning | Sª wages forty Shillings pr month hard money to me for what time
he is Abfent | & Living with me ye Remainder of his time | till he is twenty one
years Old if he behaves | well & is faithfull in my busineſs he Shall have | the
benefit of All his Bounties.
Eaſt Windfor July 1781
T Whoom it may Confern Pleaſe to pay to Lemel Stoughton y forty Shillings
hard money or Equivuelen pr month for the time | I am in ye Continental
Army and this Shall | Diſcharge
JOSEPH PEESE.
THOMAS, prob. of Enf. and the Enf. Lex. Alarm party, [enl. Co. 5, Capt. Chas.
Ellsworth, 8 Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington, July 6–Dec. 18, "75].
PETER, in Cont. service from Capt. Hez. Bissell's Alarm List, No. parish E. W.,
'79-'80; prob. [enl. Capt. Wright's Co. (Enf.) 9 Feb., "77, for war; pris. Mch.
20, '78; ret. July, "78; disc. 9 Feb. '80].,
PECK, SAMUEL (Ell.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 631.
ZEDEKIAH, in Cont. service, "79-80, from Capt. Ich. Wadsworth's (Ell.) Alarm
List; [enl. Capt. Blackman's Co., Col. Sherburne's Add. Inf. Reg., 6 May-20
Oct., 77.]
PEGAN, DARIUS, in Cont. service, fm. Capt. Johnson's (Ell.) Co., May, "79.
PEMBER, ANDREW (Ell.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 634.
PENDAL, ELISHA, Lex. Alarm, see p. 633; [enl. Capt. Pitkin's (10) Co., 23 May;
Corp❜l from Oct. 1; disc. Dec. 20, "75, 4 Cont. Reg., Col. Hinman; and at siege
of Boston].
PERRY (Rev.) JOSEPH, Chaplain of Col. Erastus Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston,
Jan.-Mch., "76-six weeks. See Chapter VI.
Extract from a letter from Gov. Jona. Trumbull, dated 3 Feb., 1776, at Lebanon,
Conn., to Col. Erastus Wolcott at E. W.:-
VOL, I.-90
714
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
“I received your's of yesterday last evening, your forwardness & the apparent
readiness of the Men to go on the service is very agreeable—and hope no Time
will be lost.
It will be very aceeptable to me, That The Revd Mr Perry should go Chaplin for
your Regiment, please therefore to 'present my Complements to him, and in-
form him if He pleases that 'tis my Desire that he go forward with you in that
Capacity—to prevent delay please to nominate some person that is skilful and
such as you judge fit to Go as the Surgeon & Physition for your Regiment –
and also an Armourer.
Wishing you the Divine Presence, Protection and Blessing—I remain, with esteem
& Regard" etc.- Conn. State Arch., Rev. War, xxxi. 6.
PERRY, JOSEPH, Jr. (son of Rev. Joseph), app. by Gov. Trumbull as Issuing Com-
missary in the Conn. Line of Cont. Army, 30 Oct., 1777; detach. July, '80, from
Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., 19th Mil. Reg., to go to Newport, R. I. under Capt.
Hez. Bissell.
WILLIAM LAWRENCE (son of Rev. Joseph), in 1781, was captured on a privateer,
and imprisoned and ill on board one of the prison-ships in the Wallabout
(Brooklyn), N. Y., from whence he was rescued by the kindness of the Royal-
ist Governor Franklin of N. J., who had himself been a prisoner of war at E.
W.- See Perry Genealogy, 2d volume.
PERSONS, EPHRAIM, [enl. Capt. Simons's (Enf. and E. W.) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's
State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., '76]:
PETER (negro), in Cont. service, "79-80, from Capt. Amasa Loomis's Mil: Alarm Co.;
"lived at Htfd. when he enl.; then he hired a man to take his place; now an
inhab. of E. W., and always was”; time exp. 6 Mch., '81. — Selectman's Certif.
PETER, ANDREW, [enl. 12 July-Dec. 18, "75, Co. 5, Capt. Chas. Ellsworth, 8 Cont.
Reg., Col. Huntington.]
PHELPS, ELDAD, [enl. 6 July, disc. Dec. 18, 75, 5 Co., Capt. Chas. Ellsworth, 8
Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington.]
NOAH (Sgt.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 631; [Sgt. J. Wells's Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State
Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76; also of Capt. E. Wolcott's Co., July-Aug.,
"76; comm. Ens. 1 Jan., 77, 2 Conn. Line, Col. Chas. Webb; d. 16 Mch., "78, in
Col. Seb Burtie's Reg.-Conn. Arch. Rev. War, xxx. 100.]
PERKINS, GIDEON, [enl. Capt. Harmon's (Suff.) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg.
JASON, S at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76.]
AARON, mentioned on p. 365; may also have belonged to East Windsor.
PIERCE, ABNER, [enl. 11 May-19 Dec., '76, Capt. Parsons's (Enf.) Co. (10), 4 Cont.
Reg, Col. Hinman; enl. Capt. Parsons's Co., 2 Conn. Line, Col. C. Webb, 26
May, "77, for 8 mos; disc. 9 Jan., '78; re-enl. short term levies of same Reg.,
1 July, '80-30 Dec., '80; again in Capt. Parsons's Co., Col. Sage's (3d) Battal.,
Wadsworth's Brig., N. Y. and L. I., summer of '76]. In "77 a Town Doc. says
he was in Cont. service, and rec'd £16. 10; was also dftd. from Capt. R. Grant's
"6 mos. last year," Nov., '81.
DANIEL, [enl. Capt. Parsons's Enf. Co., 2 Conn. Line, Col. Chas. Webb, 26 May,
77, 3 yrs. (musician); reduced Aug., "78; disc. 1 May, '80. Pens. (drummer);
res. Conn., 1818]; fam. supp. by E. W.- State Arch., xxx. 1.
JOHN, enl. in Cont. service 3 yrs., 1777; rec'd £35. — Town Doc. [enl. 15 May-19
Dec, "76, Capt. Parsons's (Enf.) Co., 4 Cont. Reg., Col. Hinman, and at siege
of Boston; enl. same Co. 1 May, '77, 3 yrs., 21 Apl., '80, 2 Conn. Line, Col.
Chas. Webb; was of Capt. Simons's Co. (Enf. and E. W.), Col. E. Wolcott's
State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76; enl. Capt. E. Wolcott's Co.; in service
July-Aug., "76].
PINNEY, EBENEZER, [enl. 20 July-Oct. 27, '80, short term levies, 2 Conn. Line,
Col. Chas. Webb; was of Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col. Enos's Mil. Reg. on
Hudson, summer of "78]; rec'd £6 8s. pay.
LIST OF EAST WINDSOR REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.
715
Col.
ISAAC, [enl. 6 July-18 Dec., "75, Co. 5, Capt. Chas. Ellsworth, 8 Cont. Reg.,
Huntington; of Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg. of Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76, enl.
Capt. Walbridge's Co. 10 Jan., "77; prom. Sgt. 1 Feb., "78; disc. 25 Jan., '80;
of Gen. Wolcott's Brig. at Peekskill, 6 Apl.-23 May, "77.
Pens.; res.,
1818, Vt.]
JUDAH, [enl. 7 May-18 Dec., "75, Capt. Enos's (3) Co., 2 Cont. Reg., Col. Spencer;
Sgt. of Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col. Enos's Mil. Reg. on Hudson, sum-
mer '78]; rec'd £9 10s. pay.
JONATHAN (Sgt.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 631; was of Capt. Harper's Alarm List,
'79, and in Cont. service; prob. the [Sgt. Jona. P. of Capt. Abbe's (Enf.) Co.,
3 Conn. Line, Col. Sam. Wyllys, enl. 24 Apl., "77, for 3 yrs.; disc. 24 Apl., '80;
enl. 13 Mch., '80, from W.], though not claimed by that town, but by E. W.
[in 5 Troop, Sheldon's Light Dragoons; described as 5 ft. 8 in. high, dark com-
plex., gray eyes]; was in service in Apl., '81, from E. W.
JOSEPH, Jr., (Ell.,) Lex. Alarm, see p. 634.
LEMUEL, (Ell.,) fifer in Lex. Alarm, see p. 634, where the name is wrongly given
as Samuel; [enl. 6 July-24 Oct., "75, Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's Co. (5), in 8 Cont.
Reg., Col. Huntington. Pens. Tolland Co. 1832; d. Tolland, 1840, æ. 88.]
[ELEAZER?] (Ell.), father of Benjamin and Eleazer, was at battle of Saratoga;
[perhaps also] the Eleazer Pinney, teamster of army supplies, spring of 1780,
to Newburg, broke through the ice on Hudson River with loss of horse.—
H.. C. G. xiv.
PORTER, HEZEKIAH, was of Capt. R. Grant's Mil. Alarm List, summer of '79;
-fam. supp. by Town of E. W. — State Arch., xxx. 1 [enl. Capt. Parsons's
(Enf.) Co., 10 Apl., "77, for war; pris. 2 July, "77; ret. Aug., "78; disc. 4 Apl.,
'81].
ISRAEL, was (fifer) [of Capt. Roswell Grant's Mil. Co., Col. Enos's Mil. Reg. on
the Hudson, 3 mos., summer of "78]; rec's £7. 6. 10. pay; app. Fife Major by
Roger Enos, Col. of a Reg't of Conn. Troops then in camp at Horse Neck,
Conn., 30 Oct., 1778.—Orig. Doc.
JOHN, [enl. 11 July-18 Dec., 75, 5 Co., Capt. Chas. Ellsworth, 8th Cont. Reg.,
Col. Huntington.]
JONATHAN, JR., (Ell.,) Lex. Alarm, see p. 634.
NATHANIEL, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635. Pens., 1818.
POTWINE, JOHN, [enl. July 11, disc. 28 Aug., "75, Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's (5) Co.,
8th Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington.]
PRATT, ELI, [of Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col. Enos's Mil. Reg., summer '78, on
Hudson]; rec'd £6. 6. 8. pay.
TIMOTHY, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635.
PRINCE (negro), prob. [enl. Capt. Barnard's (Htfd) Co., 3 Conn. Line, Col. Sam.
Wyllys, 29 May, "77, for the war; d. 7 Oct., "77.]
In the Name of God amen. I pince Negro heretofore Servant for Life
to | Thomas Foſter of Eaft Windfor in the County of Hartford in the State of
Connecticutt in New England now manumitted & made free calling to mind
my mor | tallity & now going into the war & amidft the Dangers of the conti-
nental Army | during the war & minding to difpofe of my Estate if J should
leave any more than Eno' to pay my Juft Debts & funeral Expenses on this
2d Day of June AD | 1777 being in my right mind & of difpofing memory make
& ordain this | my laſt will & Teſtament bequeathing my Soul to God who
gave it & to his Son Jefus Chrift | the Saviour of fallen man & commending
my Body to a decent Burial | in the earth from whence it was taken
with re-
spect to the worldly Estate J | shall leave my will is that it shall be improv'd
in the firſt place to pay | my Iust Debts & funeral Expenfes & all the refidue of
716
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
my Estate whether real | perfonel that J shall leave or have a right to J give &
deviſe the uſe thereof to Flora a negro woman the Servant for Life of the
revd Mr Iofeph Perry Paftor | the firſt Church in Sa Eaft Windfor as long as
She shall remain Single | & unmarried & upon her marying or Death my will
is that my Sd Estate Shall go | to the Son of the Sa Flora lately born named
Prince after my own name to be improv'd to purchaſe | his Friedom if it can
be obtained & if the Sa Flora & her Sd Son both of | should die my will is that
the Sa Revd Mr Jofeph Perry shall have all my Estate to pay him for his
Trouble in taking care of Flora | in her sickness & looking after her said Son
of whom J oun myſelf to be | the Father & I do hereby appoint & ordain the
Sa revd Mr Jofeph | Perry to be the Executor of this my laſt will & Teftament
as witneſs | my Hand & Seal the Day & year aforesaid |
"PRINCE NEGRO [SEAL]
Sign" Seal" & publiſhª & declard to be | the laſt will & Teſtament of the
Testa tor in preſence of |
"NATHLL PORTER
WM WOLCOTT JUNR
NAOMI WOLCOTT"
PRIOR, EBENEZER, [enl. 6 July, disc. Dec. 18, "75, in 5 Co. (Capt. Chas. Ellsworth),
8 Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington. Pens.; 1832, res. Htfd Co.; 1840, res. Enf.]
ROSWELL, was [of Capt. E. Wolcott's E. W. Co., July-Aug., "76.]
READ, MATTHEW, dftd. to Boston [enl. Capt. R. Grant's Co.].
REED, JUSTUS, of Capt. R. Grant's Alarm List, June, "78; prob. did some detail duty.
[Justus R. res. Htfd. Co.; Pens., 1832 Justice R., prob. same. Pens. at Tor-
rington, 1840, æ. 79].
REYNOLDS, REUBEN, in Cont. service from Capt. Barber's Co.; named in list of
men claimed by E. W.; no date, but prob. 1871; enl. "last, July, for 3 yrs." from
Capt. Barber's Mil. Alarm List.- Town Doc.
REYSNER,
in Cont. service from Capt. Amasa Loomis's Alarm List, '79–80..
ROBERTS, ELIPHALET, [enl. 16 July-Dec. 18, "75, Co. 5, Capt. Chas. Ellsworth, 8
Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington.]
JOHN, Lex. Alarm, see p. 631; may have been the J. R. who was detached Jan.,
"78, from Capt. Steph. Roberts's Co. (Htfd.), to do 2 mos. tour with Capt. Ros-
well Grant's Co.
ROCKWELL, ABNER (Sgt.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 633.
AMASA, prob. [enl. 1 July-Dec. 13, '80, in short term levies, 2 Conn. Line, Col.
Chas. Webb].
EBENEZER, Lex. Alarm, see p. 633; [enl. Capt. Pitkin's (Htfd.) Co., 4 Cont. Reg.,
Col. Hinman, at siege of Boston, "75; prob. enl. Capt. Birge's (Bolton) Co., Col.
Sage's (3d) Batt., Gen. Wadsworth's Brig., "76, N. Y. and L. I.]
ISAAC, detach. from Capt. Roswell Grant's Mil. Alarm List to go to Newport,
under Capt. Hez. Bissell, July, '80. ´
tr
""
NATHANIEL, acc. to family trad., served in Cont. Army on a "peremptory draft,'
prob. July and Aug., '76, in the N. Y. and L. I. campaign; but, it is said,
he brought back into his family the dread disease " camp disorder," of which
his father, James Rockwell, and a young child of his own died. In confirma-
tion of this story our Burial Record gives: "Sept. 15, 1776 - Nathaniel Rock-
well's child." "Oct. 15, 1776- James Rockwell." - R. T. S.
WILLIAM, detach. from Capt. Roswell Grant's Mil. Alarm List to repair to New-
port, with Capt. Hez. Bissell, July, '80.
ROGERS, NATHANIEL, [enl. Capt. Roswell Grant's Mil. Co., Col. Johnson's Reg.
at Providence, R. I.,."78.]
LEMUEL, in Cont. service from Capt. Barber's Co., "79 or '80; poss. [enl. Capt.
Richard's Co. for the war, 5 Jan., '77; d. 25 Mch., "78].
LIST OF EAST WINDSOR REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.
717
RUSSELL, HEZEKIAH, (Ell.,) Lex. Alarm, see p. 635.—J. G. B.
NATHANIEL, [enl. Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., in service July-Aug., "76; in
Capt. R. Grant's Mil. Co., Col. Johnson's Reg., Providence, R. I., "78].
STEPHEN, (Ell.,) Lex. Alarm, see p. 634; [in 8th Co., 2d Battal. (Col. Gay's), Wads-
worth's Brig.; June-Dec., "76; missing in retreat from L. I., Sept. 15; prob.
killed.]
SADD, THOMAS, (of Wpg.) (Lieut.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 633; was of Capt. R. Grant's
Mil. Co.; warned for New London, 12 July, "79; b. 29 Mch., 1748; d. 10 July,
1823. Wpg. Old.
SESSIONS, SAMUEL (Lieut.), [of Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., app. Dec. 31, 77, of
Col. Johnson's Reg. at Providence, R..I., "77-78; of Col. Canfield's Mil. Reg.,
West Point, N. Y., Sept., '81; one of the Lieuts. of the Provisional Regt.
raised to meet the call of Gen. Washington, 1781]; in "79 gives a receipt to
Capt. R. G. for wages.
SEXTON, JONATHAN (Ell.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 634; [enl. 17 May-19 Dec., 75, 10
Co. (Capt. Parsons of Enf.), 4 Cont. Reg., Col. Hinman, and at siege of Bos-
ton; of Capt. Simons's (Enf. and E. W.) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg. at
Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76.]
SHAW, DAVID, Lex. Alarm, see p. 631; enl. 10 Co. (Capt. Parsons of Enf.), 4 Cont.
Reg., Col. Hinman, 13 May-19 Dec., "75.]
GILBERT, served in Cont. Army, "last campaign; wages 18s. 8d. (State bills),
Capt. Roswell Grant's order on Mr. Asahel Hathaway, dated 16 July, '81.”-
Stoughton Mss. The only Gilbert S. in Off. Rec. was in 1 Conn. Line, under
Col. Huntington, "77-81.
SHIRTLEFF, LOTHROP, (Ell.) Lex. Alarm, see p. 634.
SIMONS, ISHAM, [enl. 26 Apl., '82, in Sheldon's Light Dragoons; described as black-
smith, 5 ft. 11 in. high, dark complex., gray eyes, dark hair.]
SKINNER, AZARIAH, in the service.
ABRAHAM, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635; prob. [enl. Capt. Harmon's (Suff.) Co., 4
Conn. Line, Col. John Durkee].
JOSEPH, [of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., on service July-Aug., "76; enl. 24 Apl.,
"777, for 8 mos.; disc. 1 Jan., "78.]
OLIVER, Lex. Alarm, see p. 633; was [of Capt. J. Wells's Co., Col. E. Wolcott's
State Brig. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76]; gun supp. by town.
ROSWELL, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635.
S. O. Mss.
SAMUEL, Jr., Lex. Alarm, see p. 631; prob. [of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., on
service, July-Aug., "76].
SLADE (SLÉD), AARON, [enl. Capt. Simons's Co., 4 Cont. Reg., Col. Hinman, at
siege of Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76; of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., on service
July-Aug., "76].
ABNER, of Capt. Ich. Wadsworth's (Ell.) Alarm List, "79; [enl. Capt. Pitkin's (2)
Co., Col. Hinman's, 4 Cont. Reg., May 21-Dec. 20, '75; of Capt. Simons's (Enf.
-and E. W.) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76; of
Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., on service July-Aug., 76]. Same as on p. 370.
DANIEL, [enl. Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's Co. (5) Cont. Regt., Col. Huntington, 6
July-Dec., "75; was of Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., in service July-Aug., "76.]
JAMES (Sgt.), (Ell.,) Lex. Alarm, see p. 634; [enl. July 7-18 Dec., "75, Co. 5, Capt.
Chas. Ellsworth, 8 Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington; of Capt. Simons's (Enf. and
E. W.) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76.]
SMITH, EBENEZER, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635; poss. [enl. Capt. Parsons's (Enf.) Co.,
2 Conn. Line, Col. C. Webb, 27 July-Dec., '80].
REMEMBRANCE, [enl. 6 July-Dec. 18, "75, Co. 5 (Capt. Chas. Ellsworth), 8 Cont.
Reg., Col. Huntington; enl. Capt. Birge's (Bolton) Co., Col. Sage's (3d) Battal.,
Wadsworth's Brig., N. Y. and L. I., 76].
718
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
SAMUEL (Lieut.), of Capt. Roswell Grant's Mil. Co., "78, to whom he gives his
receipt 8 Jan., '81- then styled Lieut. [1st Lieut. Capt. R. G.'s Co., Col. Enos's
Mil. Reg. on the Hudson, summer "78]; rec'd £27. 2. 8. pay.
THEODORE, hired by Jonathan Bissell, Jr.; served in Cont. Army. - Certif.
Capt. Hez. Bissell; "b. in E. W. and an inhab. in no other town; and enl. in
7th Mass. Reg.
>>
THOMAS, of E. W., enl. 7 Mass. Reg., Cont. service, Apl., '81. — Town Doc.
SPEAR, WILLIAM, (Ell.,) Lex. Alarm, see p. 634.
STARKS, THOMAS, vol. on Lex. Alarm, 1775; present at battle of Bunker Hill. -
H. C. G. iii.
STARKWEATHER, THOMAS (Wpg.), [Pen.; res., 1832, Htfd. Co.]; d. 4 Nov., 1837,
æ. 89. — Wpg. old.
STILES, BENONI, enl. Cont. Army fm. No. Parish, E. W.; time exp. 1 Jan., '80.-
Certif. Capt. Hez. Bissell.
JOHN [enl. 21 May-Dec. 10, 75, 2d Co. Capt. Pitkin of Hartford, 4 Cont. Reg.,
Col. Hinman, at siege of Boston, Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., in service July-
Aug., "76.]
JOHN, JR., Lex. Alarm, see p. 631.
ASAHEL (drummer), Lex. Alarm, see p. 631; [enl. July-Aug. '76, in Capt.
E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., in service at N. Y. In June, same year, was of
Capt. Simon Wolcott's Co. (6), Col. Gay's Reg., 2d Batt., Wadsworth's Brig.,
and was in the fighting and retreating around N. Y. and L. I. in Aug. and Sept.,
"76; time exp. 25 Dec. Pens. 1833.] Was in same Co. with Hez. Munsell,
whose acc. see.
STEELE, JAMES (Tolland), [2 Reg., 5th Co., drummer, 1775, May-Dec.; Wadsworth
Brig., 6th Battal., 6th Co.; 1776]; afterwards res. in Ell. — J. G. B.
STOUGHTON, JOHN, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635; was [of Col. Canfield's Mil. Reg. at
West Point, N. Y., Sept., '81.]
JONATHAN (Wpg.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 633; [enl. 12 July-Dec. 18, "75, in Co. 5
(Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's), 8 Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington, "75.]
OLIVER, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635; [pens.; res. Htfd. Co., 1832.]
SHEM, in Cont. service N. Y. and L. I. summer of '76.- See p. 643.
WILLIAM, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635; [of Capt. Ellsworth's (Ell.) Co., 8 Cont. Reg.,
Col. Huntington, 17 July-Dec. 18, 75; of Capt. Simons's Enf. and E. W. Co.,
Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76.]
LEMUEL (Capt.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 631.
EAST WINDSOR, March ye 18th: 1779
Then Received of Col° Thomas Belding by ye Hand of Capt Rofwel Grant,
twenty one pounds for Serving in his Regiment at Newlondon in September
1779
Recd
me
Lemel Stoughton Majr
Prom. (Major) May, "77, in 19th Mil. Regt.
prob. [enl. Capt.
STRONG, DANIEL, Lex. Alarm, see p. 633; was of Capt. Barber's Alarm List, "79;
(Tolland) Co., 2 Conn. Line, Col. Chas. Webb, 1 Mch.,
'78, for the war; d. of wounds, 1 Jan., "78.]
HARVEY, receipt for pay for services at Horse Neck, given by Roswell Grant,
Jan., "79; detach. to Newport with Capt. Hez. Bissell, July, '80; [of Capt.
Roswell Grant's Mil. Reg. on Hudson, "78]; a drummer, rec'd £7. 0. 10. pay.
NATHANIEL, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635; [enl. 5 Co., Capt. Chas. Ellsworth, 8
Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington, 6 July-Dec. 18, "75; pens.; res. Htfd. Co., 1832.]
ISRAEL (List.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 633; in Cont. service May, "79, fm. Capt. R.
Grant's Mil. Alarm List [enl. 19 May-20 Dec., in Capt. Pitkin's (2) Hartford Co.
4 Cont. Reg., Col. Hinman's Reg., at siege of Boston, "76; Sgt. 1 Mch.; prom.
LIST OF EAST WINDSOR REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.
719
Ens. 7 Dec.; Lieut. Comm. 17 July, '80; pd. fm. Apl. 3 in 2 Conn. Line, Col.
Chas. Webb; prob. the Lt. of Capt. St. John's Co., 2 Batt. (detach. fm. 2 Brig )
Meigs's Light Inf.; eng. in attack on Stony Point, 15 July, "79]; was of Capt.
J. Wells's Co., of Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76.
PHINEAS, enl. abt. 1 Mch., '81, fm. classes in No. Parish, E. W; time exp. 1
Mch., '82- Capt. Hez. Bissell's Certif.; was of Capt. R. Grant's Alarm List,
July, '79, and warned for duty at N. Lond; [enl. 1 May, '81, recruit in Shel-
don's Light Dragoons; described as a shoemaker, 6 ft. high, dark complex.,
gray eyes, dark hair.] A Phineas S., Jr., prob. same, enl. from 7th class of
Alarm List, E. W., for 3 yrs.
STEDMAN, STEPHEN, had an Order on Treas., "78, from Eben. Grant; [enl. Capt.
Simons's (Enf. and E. W.) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-
Mch., '76].
STEELE,
wid. Jemima; res. pens. at Ell., 1840, æ. 77.
SUNDERLAND, DANIEL, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635.
TAYLOR, JOHN (Ell.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 634; of Capt. Ich. Wadsworth Alarm
List; [enl. 2 Co., 4 Cont. Reg., Col. Hinman, May 22-Dec 20, 75; in Capt.
Blackman's Co., Col. Sherburne's Reg., Apl., "77–80].
THRALL, LEMUEL (Lieut.), in Horse Neck fight-H. C. G. Sketch, viii.; [was
a Corp'l in Bolton Lex. Alarm party; was Corp'l in Capt. J. Wells's (Htfd.) Co.,
Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg., at Boston, Jan.-Mch., '76].
JESSE.—The record given on p. 371 belongs here.
SAMUEL, was [of Capt. Canfield's Mil. Reg. at West Point, N. Y., Sept., 1781;]
prob. also the S. T. who enļ. Capt. Humphrey's (4th) Co., Col. Huntington's
8th Continental Reg't, 10 July; disc. Dec., 1775]; see pp. 313, 314.
THOMPSON, ALEXANDER, in Cont. service from Capt. Harper's Alarm List, ”79–
'80; [enl. Capt. Abbe's (Enf.) Co., 5 Conn. Line, Col. S. Wyllys, 3 Mch., '77,
for 3 yrs.; disc. 1 Mch., '80].
ASA, [enl. 5 Co., Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's, 8 Cont. Reg., Col. Huntington, '75; enl.
25 Jan., "77-Jan. 25, '80, short term rec., 2 Conn. Line, Col. Chas. Webb; per-
haps the A. T. Co., Col. Enos's Reg., 17 Sept., "77].
JOHN [Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., in service July-Aug., "76].
JONATHAN, [enl. 16 July-Dec. 18, 75, Co. 5, Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's 8 Cont.
Reg., Col. Huntington].
NONEY [BENONI ?], Lex. Alarm, see p. 635.
THOMSON, JOB, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635.
TRUMBULL, DAVID (Co. Clerk), Lex. Alarm, see p. 631.
TUDOR, ELIHU, warned by his Capt., Roswell Grant, for duty at New London,
July 12, "79.
SAMUEL (Lieut.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 635.
TUPPER, SOLOMON, [enl. 19 Aug.-Dec. 18, "75, Capt. Enos's (3) Co., 2 Cont. Reg.,
Col. Spencer; enl. 20 July-Dec. 5, '80, short term levies, 1 Conn. Line, Col.
Huntington]; served Cont. Army 6 mos., '81; "bounty paid in produce, 15
Jan. '81,-as per R. Grant Papers.
VERSTILLE, WILLIAM, Ens. in Col. S. B. Webb's Reg., 1777-84; comm. 2d Lieut.
Col. S. B. Webb's Reg.; disc. 23 Feb., '79. See Verstille Geneal., 2d vol.
WADSWORTH, ICHABOD (Sgt.), (Ell.,) Lex. Alarm, see p. 634; was Capt. of one of
the Ell. Alarm Lists during war.
JOSEPH B. (Surgeon), (Ell.,) in Col. Sherburne's Add. Inf. Sept., "77-Apl., '80.
J. G. B.
WALKER, DYER, of [Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., in service July-Aug., "76; enl.
Capt. Mills' Co., 2 Conn. Line, Col. Chas. Webb, 25 Jan., "77, 3 yrs.; d. 15
Dec., 77.]
720
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
WALLACE, ABRAM, credited to W., Apl., "77, but of E. W., which town supp. his
family. - State Arch., xxx. 1 [enl. 15 Apl, 77, in Capt. Blackman's Co., Col.
Sherburne's Add. Inf. Reg.; dis. spring of '80]. See also p. 372.
JOSEPH, p. 372; record belongs here.
JAMES, [enl. Capt. R. Grant's Co., Col. Johnson's Reg., at Providence, R. I., 7
Mch., "78; enl. 13 Jan., '78].
JOHN, (Ell.,) Lex. Alarm, see p. 634.
WILLIAM, in Cont. service, "79-80, from Capt. Ich. Wadsworth's (Ell.) Alarm
List.
WARD, EDWARD, [enl. Capt. Simons's (Enf. and E. W.) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's
State Reg., Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76].
WARDWELL, ISAAC, [enl. Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col. Enos's Mil. Reg. on the
Hudson, summer of "78]; rec'd £6. 6. 8. pay.
WARNER, MOSES (Sgt.), [enl. in 5 Co., Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's, 8th Cont. Reg., Col.
Huntington, 6 July-Dec. 18, "75.]
THOMAS, [enl. 12 July-Dec. 18, "75, Co. 5, Capt. Chas. Ellsworth, 8 Cont. Reg.,
Col. Huntington; prob. of Capt. Parsons's Co., Col. Sage's (3d) Battal., Wads-
worth's Brig., "76].
WILLIAM, JR., detailed by Capt. John Wells, Jan., '78, to serve in Capt. Roswell
Grant's Co.
WASHBURN, ISAAC, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635; [of Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col.
Enos's Mil. Reg. on the Hudson, summer "78; of same Co., Mch., "78, Col.
Johnson's Reg. at Providence, R. I.]; rec'd £6. 8s. pay.
WATERMAN, JOHN, was a prisoner in N. Y.; was a Freemason, and through
Masonic influence among Br. officials was soon paroled, and enjoyed the liberty
of the city. — H. C. G. Sketches, x.
WATSON, EBENEZER (Sgt.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 631; the Corp'l (E. W.) who [enl.
7 Sept.-20 Oct., "76, Corp'l, Capt. Joel Loomis's Co., Conn. State Troops, in
Maj. Backus's Light Horse; served at N. Y., with special thanks of Gen.
Washington; enl. Sept. 7-Oct. 30, '76].
NATHANIEL, Lex. Alarm, see p. 631.
SAMUEL, JR., Lex. Alarm, see p. 631.
TIMOTHY (uncle to Col. John and Henry), d. in one of the prison-churches in N.
Y. city. Among his 250 fellow-pris. there only 6 had decent clothes, and they
were taken from the corpses of their companions who had d. from dysentery
or fever. — H. C. G. Sketches, x. [enl. Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., in service
July-Aug., "76].
WEBSTER, SAMUEL, [enl. Capt. Simons's (Enf. and E. W.) Co., Cól. E. Wolcott's
State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76].
WELLS, ABRAM, [?] in Cont. service from Capt. Ich. Wadsworth's (Ell.) Alarm
List.
HEZEKIAH, [Ens. Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's (5) Co., 8 Cont Reg., Col. Hunting-
ton; 2d Lieut. Capt. Simon Wolcott's Co., Col. Gay's 2d Battal., Wadsworth's
Brig., "76]; prom. by election from Lieut. to Capt. 4 Co., 19 Mil Reg., Col. E. .
Wolcott, 31 May, "79. — Stoughton Mss. As such was Capt. of Alarm List dur-
ing remainder of war.
JOSHUA, prob. in service in "78, in which yr. he had an order on Treas.
NOAH, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635.
[LEVI (Colchester), Capt. 8 Co, 2 Cont. Reg., May-Dec., "75; Major 22 Cont. Reg.;
pris. L. I., Aug. 27, '76; exch. early in "77; Lieut.-Col. of a Reg., '80; pris. at
Horse Neck 9 Dec., '80]. Became a res. of Ellington. J. G. B.
WHEELER, HEZEKIAH, acc. to certif. of Capt. Ich. Wadsworth of Ell. Alarm List,
was in Cont. service 1781 [enl. (W.) 3 Mch., "78, in Col. Sherburne's Add. Inf.
Reg.; transf. to Col. S. B. Wells's Reg.]. Record on p. 373 belongs here.
JOSHUA, in Cont. service from Capt. Ich. Wadsworth's (Ell.) Alarm List.
LIST OF EAST WINDSOR REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.
721
WHITE, ROBERT, [enl. 6 July-17 Sept., '75, Co. 5, Capt. Chas. Ellsworth, 8 Cont.
Reg., Col. Huntington.]
WILLIAM, [of Capt. R. Grant's Co., Col. Enos's Mil. Reg. on the Hudson, summer
of '78]; rec'd £8. 88. pay.
WHITNEY, JOHN (Ell.), Lex. Alarm, see p. 634.
WETHEY, M. ?
WILLIAM (Indian), in Cont. service from Capt. Barber's Co., '79-80.
WILLS, JOHN, Lex. Alarm, see p. 631.
WOLCOTT, ERASTUS, Brig.-Gen.; Clerk of Lex. Alarm, E. W. party, see p. 631;
Capt. (wrongly given in Off. Rec. as of W.); [comm. 1st Lieut. 1 Jan., "77;
prom. Capt., comm dated 27 May, "77; taken pris. 1 July, "77; exch.; contin.
in '81, 2 Conn. Line, Col. Chas. Webb; Capt. of a Co., 1 Conn. Line, Col.
Durkee (2d formation), 1781-83; member of the Conn. Society of the Cincin-
nati; Col. State Reg. at Boston, Jan.-Mch., '76; Col. 19th Reg., "75–76; app.
Brig.-Gen 1st Brig., "76; active in alarms; resig. Jan., '81; with Reg. at Peeks-
kill, Mch.-June, "77.]
GILES (Capt.), comm. Jan., '77; ret. 1 Jan., '81; was [of Col. Seth Warner's Add.
Reg., "77-81; reg. disbanded '81, Jan. 1.]
ROGER (Ens ), Lex. Alarm, see p. 635.
SIMON, Lex. Alarm, see p. 635.
WOOD, DAVID, [of Capt. Simons's (Enf. and E. W.) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State
Reg., Boston, Jan.-Mch., '76].
JOHN (Sgt. Maj.), [enl. Co. 5, Capt. Chas. Ellsworth's, 8 Cont. Reg., Col. Hunt-
ington; Sgt. Capt. E. Wolcott's Mil. Co., in service July-Aug., "76; Capt.
Simons's (Enf. and E. W.) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg. at Boston, "76;
Pens.; res., Htfd. Co., 1832. A J. W., prob. the same, was of Capt. R.
Grant's Co., in Col. Johnson's Reg. at Providence, R. I.]. Capt. John Wood,
a Sgt. Maj. in the Rev.," d. 1834, æ 92. — Old Bg -Gd., E. W. Hill.
JONATHAN, [enl. 12 July-18 Dec., ”75, in Co. 5, Capt. Ellsworth's, 8 Cont. Reg.,
Col. Huntington; was of Capt. E. Wolcott's Co., in service July-Aug., "76;
of Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., Col. Enos's Reg., on the Hudson, summer "78.]
JONATHAN, JR., in Cont. service from Capt. Amasa Loomis's Mil. Alarm List.
OBADIAH, [of Capt. Simons's (Enf. and E. W.) Co., Col. E. Wolcott's State Reg.,
Boston, Jan.-Mch., "76].
SOLOMON, of Capt. Hez. Bissell's Mil. Alarm List, "79-80; in Cont. service
(credited to W.), 6 Mch, "77; disc. spring of '80, Col. Sherburne's Add. Reg.
Record on p. 374 belongs here.
WOODWARD, DAVID, detailed July 29, '80, from Capt. Roswell Grant's Co., 19
Mil. Reg., to go to Newport, R. I., with Capt. Hez. Bissell.
WRIGHT, DAVID, Lex. Alarm, see p. 633, [prob. the D. W. ret. as disc. from Col.
Hinman's 4 Cont. Reg., in service May-Dec., "75; Co. not given, but prob. of
Capt. Sedgwick's].
MOSES, enl. 1777 for 12 mos. in Cont. service, from No. parish, E. W.; time exp.
1 Jan., '82; rec'd £10. 10s Od. Certif. of Capt. Hez. Bissell and Town Docs.
Prob. [enl. 1 July Dec. 9, '80, in short term levies of 2 Conn. Line, Col. Chas.
Webb.]
VOL. I.-91
CHAPTER VI.
HISTORY OF THE FIRST CHURCH OF EAST WINDSOR, 1783–1845; AND
OF THE FIRST CHURCH OF SOUTH WINDSOR, FROM 1845
TO THE PRESENT TIME.
MR.
R. PERRY died on the 21st of April, 1783, aged about fifty years,
and "distinguished for talents, learning, and piety." His
pastorate of twenty-eight years had been remarkable for the uninter-
ruptedly pleasant relations between himself and his people. Courtesy,
reasonableness, and kindness marked all his intercourse with them.
And, while his amiable qualities of heart endeared him to his people,
his talents and judgment commanded the respect and confidence of hist
brethren in the ministry. When the war of the American Revolution
broke out he eagerly espoused its principles, and both in public and
private threw the whole weight of his influence in favor of the patriot
cause. Nay, more, for when the company from East Windsor marched
to Boston early in 1776, this fearless pastor accompanied them. The
letter (which the author of this history once saw, but which is now lost)
in which he requested permission from his congregation to go upon
what he considered a call of duty, is one of the most beautiful and
touching ever penned by this devoted and talented man.' It is said
that an interleaved almanac, containing memoranda of this march, kept
by Mr. Perry, was deposited in the library of the South Carolina His-
torical Society. The date of this tour of duty is shown by the record
that his pulpit was supplied by neighboring ministers from the second
Sabbath of February to the 3d of April, 1776.
Of Mr. Perry's personal appearance we know but little, except that
he was, in the later years of his life, very corpulent. His residence and
¹The following letter, in possession of C. J. Hoadly, LL.D., State Librarian of
Connecticut, refers apparently to an even earlier tour of duty:
Dear Sir: The affair I communicated to you, relative to a campaign, I wish you
would push on, as you shall have opportunity. Your prudence will conduct the mat-
ter well. Your influence, I doubt not, will secure me a chance. Coll Wolcott thinks
it best that I engage. Esq. Bill [William Wolcott] will not object. I believe my
people will not refuse. I leave the matter to your management.. If you have time
and can write me it would oblige your friend and most humble Servt
JOSEPH PERRY,
"E. Windsor, May 1, 1775.
‘JOHN LAWRENCE, Esq.”
BIOGRAPHY OF JOSEPH PERRY.
723
place of his death was afterwards occupied by Miss Nancy Verstille.
Among some scraps of his correspondence and papers we find the fol-
lowing:
“East Windsor, March 3ª, 1774. Bought of Mr. Oliver Chamberlain, a Ticket in
Coalchester Lottery, number of sd Ticket is 541, the Loss or Gain of sd Ticket to be
equally divided by us the subscribers.
JOSEPH PERRY."
Feb. 8, 1772, is the date of a letter concerning some negotiations
then going on between him and Bushman (a negro), then living at West
Springfield, about Floro, a boy (negro) belonging to Mr. Perry, with a
view to his freedom at the age of 25 or 30 years; in which Mr. P.
threatens, if Bushman does not attend to the matter very soon, to sell
Floro, and "and then he can never be free." Mr. P. wished Bushman
to pay £12, with interest, from the time Floro was taken from Mr. P.'s
house.
Mr. Perry's funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Marsh
of Wethersfield, and was published Oct. 12, 1788, by a subscription of
230s. from twelve persons at Groton, Conn.
¹ From a document found among other old papers in the garret of Maj. F. W.
Grant's house, in East Windsor, by the author of this work, we have the following
very interesting financial exhibit and comparison of Mr. Perry's salary and that of his
predecessor:
The Rev. Mr. Edwards, settled Sept., 1695.
His salary the first year, 1696, was £60 and £12 for wood,
2 year, 1697, idem,
3 year, 1698, £70 and £12 for wood,
4 year, 1699, idem,
5 year, 1700,
6 year, 1701,
7 year, 1702,
8 year, 1703,
9 year, 1704,
-
I
་
1
£ s. d.
72 0 0
72 0 0
82 0 0
82 0 0
92 0 0
92 0 0
92 0 0
92 0 0
92 0 0
10 year, 1705,
11 year, 1706, £100 and £12 for wood,
12 year, 1707,
18 year, 1708,
14 year, 1709,
15 year, 1710,
16 year, 1711,
17 year, 1712,
18 year, 1713,
-
100 and 12
100 and 12
90 and 12
100 and 12
100 and,12
100 and 12
<
[Amount of Mr. Perry's Salary for 18 years, see below]
92 0 0
112 0 0
112 0 0
112 0 0
102 0 0
112 0 0
112 0 0
112 0 0
120 0 0
£1,754 0 0
1,480 0 0
£274 0 0
N. B.- £274 divided by 18, the number of years, leaves £15 4s. 5d., the sum that
Mr. Edwards' salary annually exceeded Mr. Perry, for the First 18 years of their Minis-
724
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
He was succeeded by the Rev. DAVID MCCLURE, son of John
McClure and Rachel McClintock of Boston, and was born 18th Nov.,
1748, at Newport, R. I., where they were then temporarily résident.
They were natives of the north of Ireland. David McClure's early days
were spent in Boston, chiefly at the famous "Master Lovell's School";
and, at the age of 15, at the instance of Rev. John Morehead, he became
a member of Dr. Wheelock's school, with a view of becoming a
missionary among the Indians. He graduated at Dartmouth College
1769, and on 20th of May, 1772, was ordained at that college, and sent on
a mission to the Delaware Indians, near Pittsburgh, Pa. On the 13th
of Nov., 1776, he was installed as pastor of the church at North Hamp-
ton, N. H., where he served until dismissed, at his own request, 30th
Aug., 1785; and June 11, 1786, was installed at East Windsor, South
Parish (now South Windsor). Failure of health and of voice led him
to ask for help, and the Rev. Thomas Robbins was called as colleague in
March, 1809. In 1800 Mr. McClure received the degree of D.D. from
Dartmouth College, of which he was 23 years (1778-1801) a trustee.
He died at East Windsor, 25th June, 1820, æ. 71 years, having been
pastor of that church for thirty-four years. His first wife was Hannah
Pomeroy, whose mother was a sister of Eleazer Wheelock, D.D., of
Dartmouth College, and Mr. McClure's social and family connections
were all of an intellectual and influential character. He published many
try, Including all Donations, subscriptions, and additions made Mr. Perry since his in-
stallment.
The Rev. Mr. Perry, settled 11th June, 1755.
His salary the first year, 1756,
2 year, 1757,
3. year, 1758,
4 year, 1759,
-
1
£ s.
s. d.
60 0 0
60 0 0
60 0 0
5 year, 1760,
6 year, 1761,
7 year, 1762,
-
1
8 year, 1763, £75, subscription £25,
9 year, 1764,·
10 year, 1765,
11 year, 1766, £75, addition £50,
12 year, 1767,
13 year, 1768,
-
14 year, 1769, £75, addition £40,
15 year, 1770, £75,
16 year, 1771,
-
£40,
17 year, 1772, £75, addition £20,
18 year, 1773,
-
£1,480, divided by 18, leaves £82 48. 5d.
1
1
1
75 0 0
75 0 0
75 0 0
75 0 0
100 0 0
75 0 0
75 0 0
125 0 0
75 0 0
750 0
115 0 0
115 0 0
75 0 0
95 0 0
75 0 0
£1,480 0 0

Engraved by JJ Cade, New York
Mamas Robbins.
BIOGRAPHY OF REV. THOMAS ROBBINS, D.D.
725
discourses; also (in Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll., 1st series, iii.) a History of
East Windsor, Conn. (see Sprague's Annals Am. Pulpit; also Genealo-
gies in 2d volume of this work). Mr. McClure seems to have kept the
church records very well, but previously they had been much neglected.
Mr. McClure's colleague and successor, Rev. THOMAS ROBBINS, D.D.,
born at Norfolk, Conn., 11 Aug., 1777. He was the son of Rev. Ammi
Ruhamah Robbins, first pastor of that town, and Elizabeth, daughter of
Dr. Lazarus, and granddaughter of Dr. Francis Le Baron. Of a family
which, on his father's side, had produced four ministers in three differ-
ent generations, and growing up in an atmosphere of culture and theol-
ogy, it is not strange that he was found to be prepared for college at the
age of fifteen, and in 1792 entered Yale, whence; in 1795, at the end of
his junior year, he was transferred to Williams College, Massachusetts,
of which his father had been made a trustee. From Williams, then, he
graduated A.B., Sept. 7, 1796, and on 14th of same month took the same
degree at Yale with his old classmates there. For two years after grad-
uation he was teaching (at Sheffield, Mass., and at Torringford, Conn.),
and studied theology with Rev. Ephraim Judson of the former place, and
with Rev. Samuel J. Mills of the latter, completing his theological edu-
cation in 1798 with Rev. Stephen West of Stockbridge, Mass., and was
licensed by the Litchfield North Association, 26 Sept. of that year. The
next ten years were mostly spent by him as a missionary of the Connecticut
Missionary Society among the new settlements of Vermont, New York,
and the Western Reserve in Ohio. Previous to his going to this latter field,
he was ordained, 20 July, 1803. He relinquished it in 1806, on account
of ill-health contracted by toil and exposure of the service. "His first
regular settlement in the ministry was at East Windsor, South parish,
(now South Windsor), Conn., where he preached for a number of months
previous to his installation, May 3, 1809, (his father preaching the ordi-
nation sermon from John xxi. 15, 16, 17,) as colleague with Dr. David
McClure, who died in 1820; Mr. Robbins then being sole pastor until
Sept., 1827. About the time of his going to East Windsor, a plan which
he had secretly cherished for some time began to take shape in his mind.
He set about the work of gathering a large library of choice books, of a
theological rather than a secular type, but with large admixtures of mis-
cellaneous works. He was an unmarried man, of simple habits, and he
thought, out of his modest income as a country minister, he could add a
hundred volumes a year to his stock. He set about this work with a
quiet perseverance, and year by year saw his plan unfolding, even beyond
his own expectations at the beginning. Between thirty and forty years
this process went steadily forward, until he had gathered a private
library which, for his day, was of gigantic proportions. If one desires to
see what a fixed purpose, with moderate means, can accomplish, let him
726
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
go to the rooms of the Connecticut Historical Society at Hartford, where
this library of Dr. Robbins now has its settled abiding-place, and he will
be cheered by the stately array of bookshelves there presented. This li-
brary is especially rich in choice editions of the Christian Fathers.
After leaving East Windsor, he was installed, Feb., 1830, at Strat-
ford, Conn., where he remained only until Sept., 1831; being soon
called to assist his venerable uncle, Rev. Lemuel Le Baron of the Second
church, Rochester (now Mattapoisett), Mass., as colleague. On Mr. Le
Baron's death, Oct., 1836, Mr. Robbins remained as sole pastor until
1844, when he was dismissed. At this time, when he was 67 years of
age, with a record of 46 years of ministerial service, there came a very
unexpected turn in his life, mainly through the agency of Hon. Henry
Barnard of Hartford, by which his valuable collection of books found a
permanent home in the keeping of the Connecticut Historical Society,
and Dr. Robbins himself the position of librarian on a sufficient salary.
And so the next ten years of his life were most pleasantly spent at Hart-
ford, in the companionship of his beloved volumes, until, in 1854, at the
age of 77, the infirmities of age obliged him to retire from all public du-
ties. Amid his numerous kindred in his native town of Norfolk, he was
most kindly cared for, and died 13 Sept., 1856, at the house of a niece in
Colebrook, Conn., aged 79.
He was a man of most remarkable system and order, as is evidenced
by the daily diary which he kept from the 1st of January, 1796, when a
student at Williams College,- with scarcely a break or omission — until
1854, a period of 58 years. It has since been published,' and the read-
ers of this history are indebted to it for many facts and side-lights upon
East Windsor matters.
Dr. Robbins, though unmarried, had easy and friendly access to
many cultivated households among his kindred and acquaintances, and
was eminently a social and companionable man. In person and man-
ners he bore graceful traces of his French descent on the maternal side,
as well as of the stately and positive line of Puritan clergymen on his
father's side. Of moderate stature, marked refinement in look and man-
ners, of spotless neatness, and adhering to the antique style of dress
after it had been generally laid aside, he moved about among his fellow-
men at the middle of the present century, a most excellent specimen of
the scholar and gentleman of the previous generation.
As a minister of the Gospel he was sincerely pious, gentle and ear-
nest in his ministrations and labors, even to the point of self-sacrifice.
Through all the early and middle years of his professional life he was a
¹ Diary of Thomas Robbins, D.D., 1796–1854. Printed for his nephew [Robbins Bat-
tell, Esq.]; owned by the Connecticut Historical Society. In two volumes. Edited
and annotated by Increase N. Tarbox. Boston: 1886, vii. 1052; 1131.
PASTORS OF SOUTH WINDSOR CHURCH.
727
very busy man. Besides his regular parish cares and responsibilities, he
was called upon, to a very large extent, for public sermons and addresses
and many outside trusts. He was, moreover, a kind of pioneer in a class
of studies and labors pertaining to early New England history and gene-
alogy. He was one of the founders of the Connecticut Historical Soci-
ety, was an active member of the American Antiquarian Society of Wor-
cester, as also of the New England Historic-Genealogical Society of
Boston. He wrote and published a little volume, entitled, Historical
View of the First Planters of New England (two editions-1815 and
1853), and he edited the first and second American editions of Cotton
Mather's Magnalia (1820 and 1853); a View of All Religions reached
its third edition, 1834; and the list of published productions of his pen,
given in appendix to his Diary, shows that he was a most facile and in-
dustrious writer. When the Massachusetts Board of Education was first
formed, in 1837, with Hon. Horace Mann for secretary, Dr. Robbins be-
ing then pastor at Mattapoisett, was made a member of the Board, and
traveled considerably with Mr. Mann, making addresses on education be-
fore large public gatherings. It was while at Mattapoisett, in 1838, that
he received the degree of D.D. from Harvard College.
[The foregoing sketch is condensed from the biography prefixed to
his Diary, and from one contributed to the New Eng. Hist.-Gen. Rec-
ord, both by the late I. N. Tarbox, D.D.; for the portrait we are indebted
to the kindness of Robbins Battell, Esq., and his sister, Anna Battell,
of Norfolk, Conn. The author of this History of Ancient Windsor also
desires to confess that it was largely the kindly attention and influence
of Dr. Thomas Robbins which turned his attention, while yet a boy, to
the pleasures of historical research- hence this History; and his own
personal recollections of Dr. Robbins, first contributed to the N. Y.
Round Table, 1866, under the title of "The Old Librarian," have been
embodied in the appendices to the Diary before referred to.]
SAMUEL W. WHELPLEY, settled April 17, 1828, dismissed 6 Dec.,
1830; (son of Rev. Samuel), M.A.; grad. Vt. Univ., 1818, and from Mid-
dlebury Coll., 1823; first settled at Plattsburg, N. Y.; after leaving
South Windsor was engaged in teaching at Providence, R. I., and died
about 1850. (Sprague's Annals, iv. 382.)
CHAUNCEY GRAHAM LEE (son of Rev. Chauncey Lee of Colebrook);
settled 8 Aug., 1832; dismissed 30 March, 1836; of Colebrook, Conn.;
grad. Middlebury Coll., 1817; ordained pastor Monroe, Conn., Oct. 31,
1821-26; installed pastor S. W. (as above); ordained pastor Naugatuck,
Conn., 1838-40; died a member of Westchester Presbytery, at New
Haven, Conn., without charge, 20 Feb., 1871, æ. 75.
LEVI SMITH, Settled 6 May, 1840; dismissed May 1, 1849; born at
728
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Litchfield, Conn., 1790; grad. Y. C., 1818; studied theol. at New Haven;
ordained as evangelist, June, 1821, and labored as such many years with
success; installed pastor Wayland, Mass., about from 1829 or '30, for
four years; installed pastor First church, Kennebunkport, Me., 1832–38;
acting pastor South church there 1838, Jan. 10 to 11 April, 1839; in-
stalled pastor South Windsor (as above), where he died 15 Jan., 1854,
æ. 64. (Funeral Sermon by Rev. Barnet Tyler, D.D.; Prof. Wm. C.
Fowler's Essay, 1876; Maine Minutes, 1867, 22, 56.
EDWARD HOOKER, D.D., born at Goshen, Conn., 1794; grad. Midd.,
1814; settled Sept. 4, 1849; dismissed April 16, 1856; died 3 March,
1875. Two of his sons became ministers, Rev. Elias C. and Rev. Ed-
ward T.; the former is dead. Two of his daughters married ministers.
JUDSON BURR STODDARD, settled 16 April, 1856; dismissed 7 April,
1863; born at Pawlet, Vt., 1813; grad. U. C., 1840; Union Theol. Sem.
1840-43; stated supply Yorktown, N. Y., 1843-44; ordained pastor
Sherman, Conn., 16 May, 1844–54; installed pastor So. W. (as above);
acting pastor Croton Falls, N. Y., 1863–65; acting pastor South Meri-
den, Conn., 1865-68; acting pastor Centerbrook, 1869-1875; later resi-
dence, Cheshire, Conn. (Union Theol. Sem. Cat.) He was a descendant
of Rev. Timo. Edwards, first pastor of this parish.
PHILANDER O. POWERS, acting pastor, Sept. 1864 to Mch., 1866.
GEORGE A. BOWMAN, settled 29 Aug., 1866; dismissed 30 Nov., 1879;
grad. Bowd. Coll., 1843; Bangor Theol. Sem., 1847; ordained pastor
South Kennebunkport, Me., 9 Aug., 1848-April 19, 1854; acting pastor
Presbyterian church Manchester, N. H., 1865; ord. in O. School Pres.
connection; installed pastor S. W. (as above); served a church in N. Y.
city about one year; then at Manchester, where he served six years,
both churches being Presbyterian.
NEWTON I. JONES, 1881.
FREDERICK E. SNOW, grad. Y. Theol. School; settled 12 Sept., 1883;
dismissed 19 Nov., 1888.
FREDERICK ALVORD, took charge of the church as acting pastor, 26
May, 1889. See Genealogies.
Deacons.
JOB DRAKE, first mentioned July 21, 1699, in the Stoughton Acc't
Book (Windsor Farmes, p. 50), where he is commissioned to buy the
first communion service for the new church, mentioned in Rev. Mr. Ed-
wards's Rate Book (W. Farmes, pp. 91, 92). Dea. Job died April 19,
1733.
SAMUEL ROCKWELL (associate with Dea. Drake), first mentioned in
Mr. Edwards's Rate Book, June, 1725; he died the same year.
JOSEPH SKINNER, mentioned as such in the "seating of ye meet-
ing-house," Feb., 1722-3 (W. Farmes, p. 100).

་
THE OLD MEETING-HOUSE, SOUTH WINDSOR; ERECTED, 1761; DEMOLISHED, 1845.
(From sketch by E. W. Ellsworth, in the Wolcott, Memorial.)
Rishardson.S.c.N
DEACONS OF SOUTH WINDSOR CHURCH,
729
109).
MATTHEW ROCKWELL.
PORTER, mentioned in Mr. Edwards's Rate Book (W. Farmes,
DANIEL ROCKWELL, mentioned as such in Mr. Edwards's Rate Book,
(W. Farmes, 108).
BENONI OLCOTT.
AMASA LOOMIS (Capt.).
THOMAS SADD.
AMASA LOOOMIS, Jr., app. in his father's place, 27 Sept., 1793; also
app. treasurer and clerk of ch. (Ch. Rec., p. 41).
ABNER REED,
DANIEL ROCKWELL,
app. 22 May, 1799.
ERASTUS ELLSWORTH, app. 4 April, 1834; resigned March, 1849.
THEODORE ELMER, app. 26 Mar., 1849; resigned the office on
account of age and infirmity, 27 Aug., 1868; removed by letter to
East Hartford 22 Feb., 1875.
1868.
JOHN SELDEN CLAPP, chosen to succeed Theodore Elmer, 10 Sept.,
JOHN ALLEN, app. 26 Mar., 1849; removed to Vernon, Conn., 1869.
JOHN W. STOUGHTON, chosen to fill vacancy, 6 June, 1869. Deacon
Stoughton, having removed from the place, tendered his resignation, and
it was accepted 17 Jan., 1878.
GEORGE S. BISSELL, chosen to fill vacancy, 8 Feb., 1878.
In 1824, the meeting-house which stood in the highway was moved.
Rev. Mr. Robbins notes in his Diary, 27 April, 1824, "The people moved
the meeting-house about the width of the house, forty-five feet directly
back; the whole of it stood in the street. It went easy and perfectly
safe without any injury or accident. It appears better than was expected.
When it was done, we went into the house and had a short religious ex-
ercise. We have much reason to bless God. After preparing timber
for the ways, etc., it was done in six days." All the planning for the re-
moval of this edifice was done by Mr. Abner Reed, who at the time was
absent attending to his duties as a member of the legislature then in
session at New Haven. Letters of direction to his son, Abner L. Reed,
which are now in possession of the author of this history, testify to his
great anxiety concerning the successful completion of the job.
Heating the Meeting-house.-Rev. Mr. Robbins's Diary, under date
of Dec., 1821, says: "There is some difference of opinion here about
procuring a stove for the meeting-house, all seem to wish to have one.
It is not for my sake." Liberty was granted, in that year, to certain
persons to put up a stove or stoves" at their own expense. Stoves
had been introduced into the East Hartford church in 1818; but were
not put into the Scantic church until some years after 1821.
VOL. I.-92
66
730
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
In 1845, the old meeting-house was taken down, and a new one
built and completed in 1846, on nearly the same ground. The same
year, by the division of the old town of East Windsor, this church be-
came the First Church of South Windsor.
Watts' Psalms and Hymns are still in use in this church. The
seasons of communion were quarterly till 1852; since that time once in
two months.
The practice of admitting persons into the church on what was
called the half-way covenant plan continued here until March 27, 1808,
when it was quietly abolished. A relation of Christian experience was
required of all candidates for full communion from an early period.
This church has repeatedly and solemnly adopted the Cambridge Plat-
form and Westminster Confession, as the foundation of their union in
discipline and doctrine, because, in their view, most agreeable to the
word of God.
From the year 1786 to 1827, a period of forty-one years (during the
ministry of Dr. McClure and Mr. Robbins), a record was kept by them,
in the church book, of all the deaths that occurred within the bounds of
this society; with the ages and diseases of the deceased, which gives
ample verification of the remarkable salubrity of the place.
In March, 1887, the Wolcott Memorial Chapel was completed. It
was the gift of Col. Samuel Tudor Wolcott, cost about $2,000, and was
furnished by the ladies of the society.
Singing. The matter of singing seems to have been a disturbing
one in the churches of this region about this time. There appears to
have been a Mr. George Beale and his son Matthew, who traveled about
from church to church, giving instruction in church music, and concern-
ing whose innovations upon the old style of psalmody there arose a wide
diversity of opinions (see pp. 273, 274). Mr. Edwards's flock, however,
were apparently progressive, since we find the following vote of " May 22,
1727. Voted, that for the future the rule of singing in this society shall
be according to the rule of singing now brought in and taught among us
by Mr. Beall."
April, 1776. Voted, that "the young men who sing on the tenor be
allowed to sit in the north front gallery."
Erastus Wolcott, Jr., chosen chorister, "to set the psalm and lead
in singing."
March, 1780. "Question put to this society whether they were
willing to admit the use of the pitch-pipe in setting the psalm in public
worship. Voted in the negative."
This little instrument seems to have been the innocent cause of
much noise and disturbance in the society. On the 30th of the same
month, a similar vote met with a similar fate; whereupon the singers re-
MINISTERS RAISED IN EAST (SOUTH) WINDSOR.
731
fused to sing, and a difficulty also arose concerning the choice of a
chorister. The emeute was finally allayed by the reappointment of the
"Old Committee."
In October, 1791, we find the first mention made of that now popu-
lar and necessary institution, singing schools.
Voted, To raise and use the sum of £8 lawful money in hiring a singing master
to teach the young people of said society the art or rule of singing psalmody."
After this date, the singing school becomes one of the most regular
items of expense on the society's books.
Pews and Seatings, etc. The practice of seating the meeting-house
continued, until within the memory of those who are now living. The
long seats in the meeting-house were altered to pews in 1785; a clock
was voted for in 1810; and, in 1821, the plan of selling or leasing seats
was adopted.
Ministers raised in this Parish.
Rev. Pres. JONATHAN (son of the parish's first pastor, Rev. Timothy)
EDWARDS, see Edwards' Genealogy, in our second volume.
Dr. MATTHEW ROCKWELL (son of Dea. Samuel), b. in 1708; ed.
by Rev. Timo. Edwards, in whose Diary we find recorded "Janry 10,
1722-3. To Teaching his Son Matthew, viz.: Dea. Rockwell's Son Mat-
thew, two years and as long besides as from Jan'y 10th to Sept. 8th, as
I reckon it 138 weeks at 2s. 6d. per week, all is £17, 05s. 00d." After
the father's death, 1725, we find the teacher thus accounting with the
adm. of the estate, Thomas Grant; "June 14, 1726, Reckoned with
Thomas Grant and due from him to me for teaching Matthew Rockwell
(I casting in ten shillings as a gift to his mother Rockwell), £12—19s.
-05d." While a student with Mr. Edwards, Mr. Rockwell fell in love.
with one of the daughters, and an engagement followed.
After the com-
pletion of his college course (he grad. Y. C. 1728), Mr. R. built in E. W.
a house still standing. The south front room was supplied with one of
the ample fireplaces common at that time, over the crown of which was
built into the chimney wall a brick tablet, with the initials of his inamo-
rata's name burned therein. But, for some reason now unknown the en-
gagement was broken, and Dr. Rockwell immediately left his new house
for a less pretentious one in the south part of the town, where, in 1743,
he married with Jemima Cook. This house (1883) was occupied by
Miss Henrietta Rockwell, of E. W. Hill; and remains much as it was in
1737-40, except that the fireplace was walled up some 65 years ago, and
reduced to modern dimensions.
During the dissensions in the E. W. ch., 1735-40, Mr. Rockwell
preached in Mr. Edwards' stead.'
1 Stoughton's Windsor Farmes.
732
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Rev. ISAAC STILES, first pastor of No. Haven, Ct., and father of
Pres. Ezra Stiles of Yale College.
Rev. JOHN ELLSWORTH (see Chapter on Ellington).
Rev. JOEL WEST, b. Lebanon, Ct., 1766; grad. Dart. Coll., 1789;
became a memb. E. W. ch. and student in theol., 1790; pastor ordained
East Hampton First ch., Ct., until his death, 1826, aged 60. (Dart.
Coll. Alumni, '52).
Rev. AMASA LOOMIS, grad. Y. C., 1807; home miss. under Miss. Soc.
of Conn. in Ohio; pastor Salem, Ct., 1813-17; d. 1824.
Rev. JULIUS ALEXANDER REED, b. 1809; grad. Y. C., 1829; Yale
Theol. Sem., 1836; ord. 1836; in home miss. work 1836-39; chaplain
of Worcester Insane Retreat, 1839-40; in Iowa 1840-44, as agent of
Am. Home Miss. Soc., Iowa, 1845-57, and for So. Iowa, 1862–69; d.
1891, at Davenport, Iowa (Yale Sem. Cat.). See Reed Genealogy.
Rev. SAMUEL WOLCOTT, D.D., b. So. W. 2 July, 1813; grad. Y. C.,
1833; grad. And. Theol. Sem., 1837; served the A. B. F. M. in their
office 1837-39; ord. Nov., 1839, as missionary to Syria; his work was
much disturbed by the then troublous times of that country, but he made
extensive and valuable researches into the Biblical geography of Pales-
tine; returned to America 1843; pastor installed Cong. church, Long-
meadow, 30 Aug., 1843-47; pastor installed Oct., 1849-53, Cong. ch.
Belchertown, Mass.; pastor installed High St. ch. Providence, R. I.,
Apl., 1853–59; pastor installed New Eng. ch. Chicago, 27 Sept., 1859–
61; pastor installed Plymouth ch. Cleveland, 1862–1874, when he res. to
become Sec. of Ohio Home Miss. Soc., where he remained 8 yrs.; then
2
yrs. in Cleveland; then ret. to Longmeadow, Mass., where he d. Feb.
25, 1886. See Wolcott Genealogy.
Rev. ELIAS CORNELIUS HOOKER (son of pastor of this ch.) joined
this ch. by profession, 1850; grad. Wms. Coll., 1857; grad. Princeton
Sem.; pastor ordained No. ch. Newburyport, Mass., 11 Dec., 1861; pastor
installed Nashua, N. H., First ch., Sept. 13, 1865–68; pastor installed
Stockbridge, Mass., 1870, until death, 5 Dec., 1873, aged 41. (Mass.
Minutes, 1874, p. 122.)
Rev. CHARLES HENRY BISSELL, b. E. W.; joined ch. on prof., 1850;
grad. Wms. Coll., 1858; grad. Theol. Instit., Ct.; ord. Poquonock, 12
June, 1862, where he was acting pastor 1862–1865; acting pastor at
Harwinton, Ct., 1865-68; since then preached in Missouri and Iowa,
where acting pastor at Traer, since 1875; Morris, Ill., 1889. In
1891, Laveta, Colorado.
Rev. EDWARD TRUMBULL HOOKER (s. of pastor of this ch.) which he
joined by profession. See pastors of Broad Brook church.
Rev. JAMES THOMAS FORD, b. Abington, Mass.; grad. Wms. Coll.,
1851; joined this ch. 1 Jan., 1854, on prof.; educ. Theol. Sem., Conn.;
SOUTH WINDSOR CHURCH STATISTICS.
733
pastor ordained Stowe, Vt., 25 Nov., 1857; served a freedmen's church
at Charleston, S. C., 1870-; acting pastor San Bernardino, Cal.,
1875- ; m. (as 2d wife) Sarah P. Bancroft, of So. W., Ct. (Dur-
fee's Annals.)
Rev. (and M.D.) GEORGE C. REYNOLDS joined this ch. July, 1863;
phys. in Chicago; went as Medical missionary to Turkey under A. B.
F. M., where he was ordained and is serving.
Rev. GEORGE S. PELTON; grad. Theol. Instit., Ct., 1877; ord. 15
May, 1877, missionary at Glyndon, Minn., Worcester, Mass.; in 1889
Higganum, Conn.
Rev. WILLIAM A. THOMPSON, Son of Prof. William Thompson, pastor
at Conway, Mass., and Reading, Mass., where he died 17 Sept., 1875.
CHURCH STATISTICS.
Revivals: 1715. Under Rev. Timo. Edwards's pastorate, of whom
his son (Dr. and Pres.) Jonathan, said that he had known of no parish
in the west of New England which had so often been favored with revi-
vals of religion.
1740/1. "The Great Awakening," in which Rev. Jonathan Ed-
wards, son of the pastor of this parish, took so conspicuous a part.
Gideon Grant, who d. in S. W., 1821, aged 94, joined the ch. in 1744,
and was 77 yrs. a church member, was the last survivor of this great re-
ligious awakening. There was no great revival again until 1821.
In 1809, eleven gathered into the church; 1814, eleven; 1815, eleven;
1820, eleven; 1821, thirty-one; 1828, thirty-five; 1829, fifteen; 1833,
eleven; 1850, fifteen; 1852, thirteen; 1858, fourteen; 1865, twelve;
and 1868, fourteen.
Membership. When Mr. Perry was called, 1758, the names of 32
male members were attached to the declaration, headed by Gov. Roger
Wolcott. In 1787, Apl. 10th, there were 37 male and 52 female mem-
bers, total 89, including 32 res. in Wapping. In 1791, there were 85.
In 1809 (beginning of Mr. Robbins's term), 26 male, 41 female, total, 67. -
1810, May, 174 families, of which 40 professed to belong to other denom-
inations. 1814, 169 families in society. 1816, 165 families in society.
1824, Jan. 1st, 43 males, 110 females, total, 153 (the highest number
ever reported), though the membership may have been higher just after
the revival of 1741, and before the formation of the Scantic church.
1833, 127 members. 1850, 88 members. 1879, 105 members. 1884,
86 members.
Miscellaneous. 1794, there were 3 Indians and 1 slave in the town.
1791, population of that part of the parish now known as So. Windsor
(including 492 in Wapping), was 1,369. At this time Dr. McClure
records that there were only 2 or 3 families of "sectaries in So. W.;
734
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
(
caused chiefly by seating the meeting-house.' 1794. The church de-
clined the use of an organ. 1802. Dr. McClure records that "the
Methodists have run out in this place." 1835. The congregation "on
fair days," reckoned at 250; there were then 18 Baptist families in the
town. 1869, one of the female members of the church was serving
abroad as a foreign missionary.
The Old Burying Ground was the first one opened on the east side
of the Great River. In December, 1707, the Second Society voted “that
the committee should purchase a piece of land for a burying place in
some convenient place, and the society would pay the purchase next
year."
In April following (1708) it was voted in town meeting "that the
townsmen shall have power to agree with Dea. Job Drake, for land for a
burying place, on the east side of the river," and, on the 8th of Decem-
ber of the same year, "it was voted to give Job Drake thirty acres of
land on the east side of the sequestered land in exchange for about
three-quarters of an acre of land he resigns up to the town for a burying
place, on the east side of the Great River. '
1
A record of all the burials in this yard was commenced by Doctor
Matthew Rockwell or his father, and afterwards passed into the hands
of the Cook family, by whom it has been carefully preserved and addi-
tions made to it down to the present day. (See "List of Authorities.
consulted" in preface to this volume.) The first person buried in this
ground, according to this record, was Thomas Morton, who "fell
from a cherry tree and broke his neck," July 20, 1708. His monument
is now standing. No spot in South Windsor is so full of interest as this
ancient "God's acre," thick set with the quaint tombstones which mark
the last resting-places of the fathers and mothers of the town. No one
who has spent a leisure moment in bending over these crumbling me-
morials of departed worth, or who has surveyed the beautiful expanse.
of scenery which it commands, will ever forget the Old Burial Ground
of South Windsor.
The new burying ground, near the present South Windsor church,
was purchased and laid out in 1803, and subsequent additions have been
made. And a committee to superintend funerals was first appointed in
1820.
11st Book Windsor Records, 102.

Sacred to the Memory of
Five Brothers Sifters, whofe earthly remains
are depofited within this inclosure: vizi
Mr. DANIEL PHELPS
deceated July 11th 1792,aged 85 years.
Mr JERIJAH PHELPS
deceafed JAN 22 1792, aged 80 years.
Mr ISAAC PHELPS.
deceafed Oct 30th 1787 aged 63 years.
They were Tons of Cap! JOSEPH PHELPS.
Mrs DAMARIS, wife of Mr.DANIEL PHELPS.
who deceafed May 5th 1792. aged 60 years.
Mrs. SARAH wife of Mr JERIJAH PHELPS,
who decaafed Sep: 10" 1794, aged 71 years.
They were happily united in brotherly love
through a long life, were examples of prace virtue
and died in the hope of a blejjed immortality.
This Monument is erected by the fon of Jerijah
end a Nephew of the Brothers as a tribute of
affectionate Yeneration for their worthy Anceftors,
The memory of the juft is bleffed.
Jofeph Bfon of
Mr. Jofeph Mrs.
Elifabeth Phelps
died June 22 1802
oded 2 years 6
Happy fant early bleft
Pepert
Farby micked fomme tires
Meflrs.
DANIEL, JERIJAH.
and ISAAC PHELPS.
Mrs DAMARIS.
Mrs SARAH PHELPS.
PHELPS MONUMENT,
OLD YARD.
EAST WINDSOR HILL.
AMUGFORD HFD CT
CHAPTER VII.
EAST WINDSOR, 1790-1890.
AST WINDSOR, Hartford County, incorporated 1768, taken
from Windsor. Population, 1880, 3,019; children between the
ages of 4 and 16, January, 1881, 812; January, 1888, 764. Grand list,
$1,114,278. Indebtedness, funded, $40,000; floating, $6,049.19. Rate
of taxation, 15 mills. Principal industries, agriculture and the manu-
facture of woolen and silk goods. Rye gin is extensively made at the
village of Warehouse Point. Is reached by the New York & New
England Railroad, Springfield division, stations Osborn, Broad Brook,
and Melrose; and by the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad,
station at Warehouse Point. Post-offices, East Windsor, Windsorville,
Melrose, Broad Brook, and Warehouse Point.
This is the official statement of the Connecticut State Register and
Manual for 1889.
To which we may add that, while the topographical location of the
town, in great part along the fertile lands of the Connecticut River, has
always rendered it an agricultural community, yet the style of agriculture
has passed through many changes since the early days. Fifty or seventy-
five years ago rye, corn, and hay were the staple crops here. Now, and
for thirty years past, the chief crop, as in most of the neighboring river
towns, is tobacco. When rye was the principal crop, as it was half a
century since, and before the rise of the temperance cause, there were
several large gin distilleries at Warehouse Point and elsewhere within
the limits of the town, which made an easy market for this special
farm product, and Osborn's (Scantic) and other grist-mills were kept
busy in preparing the grain for distillation.
The population of East Windsor, from the earliest time, was mostly
found along the one great thoroughfare, on the east side of the river,
between East Hartford and Springfield, known in general parlance,
"from time immemorial," as The Street. It runs a little way back from
the second bank of the river, out of the way of floods, but overlooking
the rich meadow lands. The bulk of the wealth and cultured influence
of the town was mostly massed between Scantic River, north of East
Windsor Hill, and the Hartford line; and, when the town was again
divided in 1843, and South Windsor took in all this portion, it seemed
736
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
to leave East Windsor more in the attitude of a rural.and inland com-
munity. Its nearest point of connection with the outside world was at
its extreme northwest corner, at Warehouse Point; and it was not until
1876 that, by the opening of the Springfield division of the New York
& New England Railroad, it was furnished with better facilities for
freight and travel.
Under such circumstances the growth of the town has been slow
and uneventful, and such history as it has must be looked for in connec-
tion with villages, or nuclei of residence and industry. These are, in
order of their historical evolution, Warehouse Point, Windsorville, and
Broad Brook.
Warehouse Point. As early as 1636, when Springfield, Mass., was
settled, Mr. William Pyncheon undertook to send his supplies thither,
around by water from Boston; and, finding that his vessels could not
pass the falls at this point, he was obliged to provide land carriage 14
miles to Springfield. It was probably years before boats were provided
suitable for running the rapids; and Mr. Pyncheon erected a warehouse,
at the highest point his vessels could reach, on the east side of the river,
wherein to store his goods while awaiting transit by land. This
warehouse probably stood about forty rods south of State street, and
about forty-five to fifty rods below the present ferry-landing between
West street and the river bank. It consequently gave to the place the
name by which it has ever since been known "Warehouse Point."
The antiquity of this name, as well as the interesting fact that the
whole Warehouse Point district was originally designed and set apart as
the private domain and park of an English nobleman, who was largely
and honorably (though not profitably for himself) concerned in the early
planting of the Connecticut colony, is fully proven by the following evi-
dence given in Dr. Charles J. Hoadly's lately published (XV.) vol-
ume of Colonial Records of Conn., pp. 579-581.
"At a meeting of the Governor and Council in Hartford, 26th June, 1710, ap-
peared personally Henry Stiles, Sen., and Daniel Hayden, Sen., of Windsor, who pre-
sented an evidence drawn up in writing, relating to a certain tract of land lying at and
near a place called the Warehouse Point, on the east side of Connecticott River, which
said tract of land hath been and is commonly called Saltonstall's Park. And the said
Stiles and Hayden prayed they might, respectively, now be admitted to affirm the
same upon their oath, and it was allowed; and the said Henry Stiles and Daniel Hay-
den now made oath to their said evidence before this Board accordingly. Ordered,
that their said evidence be recorded at large with the records of the Council.
+ C
Henry Stiles, Sen", of Windsor, aged about seventy-nine years, and Daniel Hay.
den, Sen', of Windsor, aged about sixty-nine years, joyntly testifie and declare as fol-
lows, that is to say: That they very well knew and was intimately acquainted with Mr.
Francis Stiles formerly of said Windsor, and that they have often heard the said Francis
Stiles declare and say, that he was sent over from England into New England by Sir
Richard Saltonstall, Knight, to take up a tract of land for him, of about two thousand
acres, upon Connecticut River, and to fence it in for a park, and that accordingly he,
SALTONSTALL PARK, EAST WINDSOR.
737
said Francis Stiles, had taken up that quantity of land for the said Saltonstall on the
east side the said river, at and near the place called Warehouse Point, at the foot of the
falls between Windsor and Endfield; and that the same park was one mile in breadth
from north to south at the said river, and did run east with that breadth from the river
until it included the quantity of two thousand acres; and that the said river was the
west bounds thereof: also, that a certain brook running upon the said tract of land,
commonly called Saltonstall's Brook, and the said place called Warehouse Point, are
both comprehended and contained within the said park, and that he, said Francis Stiles,
had purchased said tract of land for a park of one Ne-row-we-nock, an Indian sachem.
And the said deponents also testifie and say, that they have formerly heard the ancient in-
habitants of Windsor telland declare, that the said Francis Stiles was agent for Sir Rich-
ard Saltonstall, and that he did take up the aforementioned tract of land for a park for
him, and that the said brook was first named Saltonstall's Brook,¹ by reason of its being
within the said Park. And the said deponents further testifie and say, that to their
certain knowledge the said brook hath been commonly called Saltonstall's Brook, and
the said point commonly called Warehouse Point, for above fifty years last past, and
that they never heard or knew of any person whatsoever that did ever yet improve or
manure any part of the park, or tract of land aforementioned, to this day. And the
said Daniel Hayden further testifies and says, that about sixty years ago he saw a com-
pany of men going towards the said park to work, and that his father, William Hay-
den, then told him they were going to fence in the said park. And the said Henry
Stiles also further says, that he hath seen an high palisado fence that was set up and
standing near the south side of the said park about sixty years ago. And further say
not.
"The above named Henry Stiles and Daniel Hayden made oath to their above
written evidence, severally, before the Governour and Council in Hartford, June 25th,
1710.
Test, CALEB STANLEY, Secretary.”
The following remarks upon this very interesting point in our East
Windsor History are from the pen of Mr. JABEZ H. HAYDEN of Windsor
Locks:
Sir Richard Saltonstall, one of the original patentees of Massachu-
setts, came over with Governor Winthrop, 1630, and returned to England,
1631,
where he died in 1658. He probably expected to return, as he was
appointed assistant by the Massachusetts General Court, in 1633, and was
a proprietor at Watertown many years. (Bradford's Hist. Mass., and
Bond's Watertown Genealogies.) His sons, Richard and Robert, came
over to Massachusetts soon after their father's return, and the latter was
his attorney here (H. S. Sheldon). Sir Richard was one of the principal
"Lords and Gentlemen" who were patentees of Connecticut; and his at-
tempt to establish a colony at Windsor, through his agent, Mr. Francis
Stiles, has been already narrated in full on pages 43-47, 57–59 of this
work. Indeed, this and that portion of our history must be studied in
connection, to fully understand them aright—the former having refer-
ence rather to Sir Richard's actions as one of the patentees; the latter
1 This brook lies between the village of Warehouse Point and the Warehouse Point
railroad station, and empties into the Connecticut about 40 rods below the railroad
bridge. — J. H. H.
VOL. I.—93
738
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
1
to his individual plans and purposes. Saltonstall Park was "a tract at
the Falls," the highest point reached by Pyncheon's vessels when carry-
ing supplies for the new settlement at Springfield in 1636. This park
was described in 1710 as one mile in breadth on the river, extending
east three miles; 1,500 acres of it was set to Francis Stiles, 400
acres "by allotment" and 1,100 by purchase from the town [Wind-
sor Town Rec.], but it was nearly ten years before Stiles transferred it
to Robert Saltonstall, as agent for his father, Sir Richard. The peti-
tion of Robert (Conn. Col. Rec., i. 62), in 1640, was probably for au-
thority for him to hold this land, taken up by Stiles, which the court
authorized their commissioners to grant," provided the town of Windsor
consent thereunto." In 1642, the court confirmed this to Saltonstall,
and ordered that the north line of Windsor (Conn. Col. Rec., i. 72)
should run on Mr. Saltonstall's land, "and what prejudice Mr. Salton-
stall shall sustain thereby the country shall make good"; at the same
time the court released Mr. Saltonstall from the conditions attached to
"the said grounds formerly granted which was to have been impaled
within three years.
""
2
Saltonstall Park, as described seventy years after (see Stiles' and
Hayden's affidavit), included Saltonstall's Brook and the warehouse
(about a mile apart); the south line of it evidently was on the north
bounds of Windsor as originally set at Kettle Brook. The same affida-
vit claims that this is the ground Stiles took up for Saltonstall and ex-
tinguished the Indian title. The land which Stiles transferred to Sal-
tonstall (1647) was described in the deed to Stiles (1640) as 60 rods.
wide on the river, extending east three miles, and there in breadth 444
rods. Possibly the town-line of 1636 ran through Saltonstall's land
(then in Stiles's name), and the court, in 1642, recognizing the town-
line of 1636, made Saltonstall's land a parallelogram, containing 1,500
acres; to which the Massachusetts Court [1641; Mass. Col. Rec., i. 331]
added 500 acres, "if it fall within our patent," making the 2,000 acres
[1,500, 500, and 120 = total, 2,120 acres]; and later on, Massachusetts
(1645; Mass. Col. Rec., iii. 66) threw her shield over the whole.
1 Sir Richard Saltonstall was a Grantee under both patents and claimed lands on
the Connecticut River by patent and by pre-possession — as early as 1631 (see his letter
Hist. Windsor, p. 843). Did he visit the Connecticut River before he returned to Eng-
land? It appears probable! The first confirmation of his claim by both Massachu-
setts and Connecticut General Courts was in 1641 and 1642. These embraced the terri-
tory afterward more perfectly defined and known as Saltonstall Park."
2 There were no Indians on this tract, nor had there been any for any other purpose
than for hunting, within so recent a period that any cultivated land they may have had
was not then one unbroken forest. It seems to have been a common practice when an
Indian appeared who laid any claim to a part of the county to buy him off; it strength-
ened the white man's title to have a quit-claim from the nearest Indian, and sometimes
the nearest Indian was a good way off. In 1678, John Lewis bought the great island on
SALTONSTALL PARK, EAST WINDSOR.
739
In 1647, Massachusetts declared (Mass. Col. Rec., ii. 227) "that all
the land on the East side of the Conn. River from the Town of Spring-
field down to the Warehouse which they formerly built there shall be-
long to the Town of Springfield
and twenty poles below."
There are no river meadows "at the falls," and there were no settle-
ments nearer the park than Henry Denslow's (1663), a mile below on the
opposite side of the river, or for many years after. Connecticut claimed
the territory two miles north of Kettle brook, and Massachusetts about
three miles below. We see, by the Stiles and Hayden affidavits, that Sal-
tonstall commenced to inclose his park about 1650, with a "high palisado
fence," but, as neither Saltonstall or any one else, down to 1710, "did
ever yet improve or manure [i. e., cultivate] any part of the park,” it
is evident the fencing was never completed, and no use had been made
of the park down to that time-seventy years after the Connecticut
grant.
S
We learn from Col. Rec., i. 141, under date of June, 1646, that a
commission had been appointed "to set a rate or value of the worth of
impaling 2,024 rods of pale according to articles agreed betwixt Mr.
Saltonstall and Francis Stiles,
which hath long been neglected
by the said parties," i. e., the commissioners. The land was still stand-
ing on the Windsor records in the name of Francis Stiles. The Court
in 1642 had released Saltonstall from the obligation of "impaling,"
and it seems probable that he claimed the funds in the hands of his
agent were to pay for the 1,500 acres "inclosed." The Court having re-
leased Saltonstall from the condition of impaling the grant, he demanded
so much of the funds returned as a commission should say the impaling
would cost. We learn from the affidavit of Henry Stiles and Daniel
Hayden, in 1710, that, about 1650, when Hayden was ten years old, he
66
saw a company of men on the way to the park to enclose it," and
Henry Stiles (nephew of Francis, and then twenty years old) “hath
seen an high palisado fence set up and standing near the South side of
said park." This was three years after Mr. Francis Stiles had trans-
ferred the “1,500 acres across the Great River" to Saltonstall; and the
fence was probably set up by Saltonstall, and was only a beginning —
for, seventy years after it had never been cultivated; and, had it been
the falls of four Poquonock Indians, one of them a
papoose," who lived more than half
a dozen miles away, "it now being out of our way to live upon it," they being the “true
and proper heirs" whose right has “descended from generation to generation." Three
years later
Nassahegan & Coggerenosset [sometimes called Sachems of Poquonock]
do hereby acknowledge that we ourselves and for the rest of us, have received full pay-
ment and satisfaction of John Lewis." Lewis sold it to Daniel Hayden; the Haydens
insisted on the validity of their title through three generations, but lost it. H. S. Shel-
don says Saltonstall's title from Massachusetts prevailed. The island is but little above
the site of Saltonstall Park.
740
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
inclosed and used as it possibly was originally intended as an Eng-
lish game-preserve, we should certainly have met some reference to it,
in the affidavit or at some earlier date, in other records.
The same year (1710) Connecticut ran the line ordered in 1671, on
the north bounds of Windsor (2 miles north of Kettle Brook), "running
West from the mouth of Stony Brook, 5 miles and East 8 miles, with a
proviso that the settlement shall not be construed to the prejudice of any
of the heirs of Sir Richard Saltonstall." Three years later (1713), a
new line was agreed upon, only about one mile north of Kettle Brook,
and Massachusetts gave to Connecticut an "Equivalent" for the land
between the new line and Stony Brook, 7,259 acres north of the old line
in Tolland County Col. Rec., v. 564, vi. 393. The next year (1714)
in a communication from Governor Gurdon Saltonstall (governor 1707-
1724, a son of Nathaniel, a grandson of Richard, and great-grandson of
Sir Richard H. S. Sheldon) of Connecticut to the General Assembly
we are told "that the Massachusetts province has allowed 2,000 acres
[included in the 7,259] equivalent to this colony for a grant of land for-
merly made by them to his ancestor, Sir Richard Saltonstall, Kt., which
happened to fall within the bounds of Windsor (Col. Rec., v. 437)—the
north side of Saltonstall Park was nearly on the present north line
of East Windsor—and he offers to give up Saltonstall Park of 2,000
acres, "provided he may take up the equivalent thereof where it may
best suit him in the lands given for equivalent by the said government of
Massachusetts, which lands were in the northeast corner of the Col-
ony, Eastward of Woodstock."— Col. Rec., v. 437, 444.
While, therefore, the evidence is not positive, that the 1,500 acres
transferred by Stiles to Saltonstall constituted three-fourths of the
park described in these affidavits of 1710, yet neither Saltonstall or his
heirs released any other land in Windsor, and certainly do not own any
now. And, until record evidence can be shown to disprove it, we claim
that the 400 acres which Stiles had by allotment from the town, over
the Great River, was the land which Woodcock would not accept (see
p. 58) because it was not according to contract (Letchford's Notes, Trans.
Am. Antiq. Soc., vii.) and the jury (Col. Rec., i. 34) decided in conse-
quence, "Stiles should take the house back again" which he had sold
to Woodcock while he (Stiles) was in England, 1637, and that this,
with the 1,100 acres bought of the town, constituted three-fourths of
Saltonstall's Park.
[I am indebted to Mr. H. S. Sheldon, who was the first to discover
and explore “Saltonstall's Park," for much of my information, especially
that from the Massachusetts Colony Records. - J. H. H.]
SCANTIC PARISH PETITIONS FOR FERRY.
741
These Bissell purchases, in the interest of the Town of Windsor, of
lands which (in part, at least) had already been fairly bought, in 1635–6,
of the original Indian owner, were evidently for the purpose of securing
a perfect title, pending the ultimate settlement of such rights as Sir
Richard Saltonstall had by virtue of his first purchase. Such re-pur-
chases of the Indian claimants were not uncommon in the early history
of the colony-where it was deemed advisable to secure a title "perad-
venture".
When the land included in Saltonstall Park came fully into the
hands of other owners, is not now ascertainable; but by 1755 there were
evidently enough settlers through all that part of the then North or
Scantic parish of (East) Windsor to call for improved ferry facilities
across the Connecticut. For, in May of that year, Samuel Watson of
(East) Windsor petitioned the Assembly for permission to establish a
ferry across the river, from the S. E. corner of his farm on the east side
to the end of the ferry road (described as running east from the coun-
try road near Daniel Bissell, Jr.'s, to the Connecticut) on the W. side.
In support of this request, he urged that the travel between Ellington
and East Windsor was increasing and that it took two hours to reach
Bissell's ferry, which, moreover, in high floods, was often and deeply
overflowed; his petition, however, though supported by the signature of
probably all the then residents of Scantic Parish,' was denied by the As-
sembly.
The next motion towards a ferry at this point seems to be the peti-
tion of Mrs. Elizabeth Thrall, dated 17 May, 1782, urging its great need
and that it may be confirmed (after her) to her son Timothy, then aged
1 Jno. Ellsworth,
Nathaniel Ellsworth,
Benj. Ellsworth,
Charles Ellsworth,
Thos. Ellsworth,
James Olcott,
Nath'l Stoughton,
Ebenezer Watson,
David Skinner,
Jeremiah Bissell,
Israel Bissell,
Jerijah Bissell,
Samuel Bissell,
Ephraim Bancroft, Jr.,
John Prior,
John Prior, Jr.,
Ammi Trumble, Jr.,
Jona. Bartlett,
Jacob Elmer,
Simeon Booth,
Josiah Blodgett,
Job Blodgett,
Ebenezer Blodgett,
Israel Stiles,
Benoni Stiles,
Israel Dibble,
Joseph Allen, Jr.,
Samuel Allen,
Abel Allen,
Samuel Allen, Jr.,
Noah Allen,
James Cole,
Joseph Harper,
Joseph Harper, Jr.,
Jona. Munsell,
Calkins Munsell,
Jacob Munsell, Jr.,
Henry Wright,
Peter Wolcott,
Simon Wolcott,
John Thompson, Jr.,
Job Thompson,
Israel Osborn,
Nathaniel Osborn,
Joseph Eggleston,
Bigot Eggleston,
Lamson Wells,
Solomon Wells,
Aaron Clark,
Josiah Gaylord,
Stephen Newton,
William Young,
Phineas Chapin (?)
Abm. Whipple,
Sam. Russell,
Alex. McKinstry,
Medina Fitch,
Dan'l Eaton,
Samuel Watson.
742
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
17 years; and the assembly's committee, to whom it was referred, reported
favorably to establishing a ferry upon the side of William Thrall's land
in East Windsor, "where one Mr. Fitch dwells."
The next years Mr. James Chamberlain informs the assembly that
he has purchased Thrall's land; and, on his petition, the ferry was
granted him, on condition that he should open a road from the common
road in East Windsor to the river, which was done, and for many years
he kept the ferry. This was probably Capt. James Chamberlain, in his
day one of the best known and most respected men in the Colony and
State of Connecticut. He came to Tolland from Coventry, about 1772,
and removed to Warehouse Point before 1782. During the Revolution-
ary War he had commanded a cavalry militia company during one or
two tours of duty, and was a representative in the assembly at the Octo-
ber session of 1775. He resided at the extreme southeast part of the
town, on a farm east of that lately owned by Jesse West. He was a
man of large stature (six feet "in his stockings," and over 250 pounds
weight), and fine personal appearance; became dissatisfied with the
Congregationalism of that period, and with Gen. Jencks, Wm. C. Warner,
and others of like mind, organized a parish for worship according to the
forms of the Church of England, of which he was a devout and consistent
communicant until his death. He was noted as a peacemaker, and was
often selected as an umpire, or arbitrator, to settle differences, and bel-
ligerent parties would end their quarrels by agreeing to leave the matter
in dispute to "Cap'n Chamberlain." In business at Warehouse Point
he was associated, under the firm style of "James Chamberlain & Son,"
with his third son, James, who ultimately removed to Canaan, Vt., and
engaged in buying and selling horses and cattle, having, as a horseman,
few if any superiors. He was a member of the Vermont Legislature for
one or two sessions, and being well versed in military drill and exercises,
received from the State a commission as major in the militia.
Capt. James Chamberlain also built, in connection with his son-in-
law, Joseph Hilliard, of the Point (formerly a saddle-tree maker in Tol-
land), a "coaster," and loaded it with merchandise for Charleston, S. C.,
his son James going as the supercargo.
It was probably, also, about this time (the last of the 18th century)
that Col. Elisha Mowry, a merchant of Smithfield, R. I., and who had an
extensive trade with the West Indies, also had a store or warehouses at
"the Point," and was a pioneer in developing its mercantile interest.
Charles Jencks (afterwards "General" Jencks), who was in Mr. Mowry's
employ as a lad, subsequently married his daughter, and was placed in
charge of his warehouse.
Thus, although we lack the specific data by which to trace the
growth of this village, it is easy, in imagination, to see its development
CHURCHES OF WAREHOUSE POINT.
743
at the hands of three or four energetic business men; how, with its con-
venient water-way to Hartford, its new roads, its ferry to the west side.
of the river, the fine agricultural country at its back, the distilleries
which sprang up to put the crops into the most marketable form,' the
advantages of situation, which made it the entrepot for the transportation
of goods to Enfield, and later for the new industries springing up in
Thompsonville, Warehouse Point became a prosperous active village.
But, with the changes incident to extension of the canal on the west side
the river, as well as of railroads on both sides the river; together with
the changes in the agriculture of this region, by which tobacco has
usurped the place of those crops which formerly gave employment to
mills and distilleries, "the Point" of to-day retains little or none of the
prestige of its early days. It has a fair local country trade, and but one
noticeable manufacturing industry, that of the Leonard Silk Manufact-
uring Company. It is also the seat of the "County Home for Children."
Shad. Rev. Mr. Robbins's Diary (i. 741) says, under date of 13
May, 1818: "At Warehouse Point yesterday one seine took 4,000 shad,
and another 1,000." The water being more shallow near the Enfield
Falls than below, accounts for his remark following: "But few are taken
down the river, on account of the water."
St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church, Warehouse Point. For a
few years previous to the present century occasional services were held
by clergymen of the Episcopal Church in the town of East Windsor, and
the services of the Church of England were read to the small flock by
Mr. William C. Warner, an Englishman, who, together with Gen. Charles
Jencks and Capt. James Chamberlain, was principally concerned in
securing a church at the Point. On Sept. 27, 1802, seventy residents of
East Windsor, Windsor, Enfield, and Ellington, signed, before Roswell
Grant, J. P., an agreement asking the pastoral care of the Rev. Menzies
Raynor, rector of Christ Church, Hartford; and, Oct. 11, 1802, a parish
was organized, of which James Chamberlain and Solomon Ellsworth were
elected wardens. The frame of the only (and present) church edifice was
raised 6 Jan., 1809, on the public "green," or common, where it remained
until its removal, May, 1844, to its present site on east side of Main
street. It was consecrated by Bishop Brownell, 10 Oct., 1832; its first
'There were in East Windsor, in 1819, eight, in 1820 nine, in 1828 thirteen, cider and
brandy distilleries; and in 1820 East Windsor had 66 “riding carriages” as against 60 in
Windsor. In 1796 East Windsor had three coaches which were taxed at $17.
744
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
organ, purchased in 1835, was replaced by a larger one in 1859.
rectors have been:
Rev. Menzies Raynor, 1802-1809.
Rev. Nathaniel Huse is several times referred to in Rev. Dr. Thos.
Robbins' Diary, as the Epis. minister at W. Pt. 1811-1814. He was a
native of Methuen, Mass.; grad. Dart. Coll. 1802; was afterward a rec-
tor in N. Y. State.
Revs. B. Judd, 1819-1821; N. B. Burgess, 1822-1823; I. Bulkeley,
1823-1825..
Rev. Geo. W. Doane, D.D., 1825-1827, afterwards Bishop of New
Jersey.
Rev. Horatio Potter, D.D., 1827-1828, afterwards Bishop of New
York.
Revs. Chester Cleveland, bet. 1828-35; Ransom Warner, 1835-
1838; Z. Mansfield, '1838–1841; Joseph Scott, 1843-1844; Henry H.
Bates, 1844–1852; Charles S. Putnam, 1852–1853; Wm. K. Douglass,
1853-1855; H. McClary, 1855-1860; C. R. Fisher, 1861-1867; Henry
Olmstead, D.D., 1862-1867; Wm. W. Niles, D.D., 1867-1870; Edward
Goodridge, 1871-1883; Albert U. Stanley, 1884; Frederick R. Sanford,
1885-1887; Alfred Poole Grint, Ph.D., 1888.
The Rev. Roger Searle frequently officiated here before his removal
to Ohio. In 1886 this church had 130 communicants.
Methodist Episcopal Church at Warehouse Point, East Windsor.
There had been Methodist preaching occasionally at Warehouse Point
from the commencement of the century, but no permanent society was
organized until 1822. A Methodist Society had been organized in the
south part of Enfield, near Warehouse Point, about the commencement
of the century, but it had become at this time near extinct. In 1814
Ephraim Randall and his wife, members of the Chestnut Street Church,
Providence, R. I., removed to this place, and in 1822 they invited Rev.
Moses Fifield, then living in Springfield, Mass., to visit them, which he
did, and preached in a schoolhouse in that part of the village called
King street. Soon arrangements were made, by the special request
and assistance of Major Joel Hawkins, for Mr. Fifield to preach each
alternate Sabbath for a few months until the next session of the
New England Conference. The meetings were held in the village
church, which was soon after, and is now, occupied by the Protestant
Episcopal Church. Mr. Fifield organized a Methodist Society early in
the spring of 1822, consisting of Ephraim Randall, Beulah Chapin
¹ Rev. Edward Goodridge, — Hartford Co, Mem, Hist,
WINDSORVILLE, FOMERLY KETCH MILLS.
745
(widow), Hannah Abbe, who had been a member of the Congregational
Church of the Scantic Parish, and Thomas Knight, who had been a
member of the society before mentioned in the south part of Enfield.
The society, being small and feeble, was for several years embraced in a
circuit in which there were several societies, including two or more towns.
For the years 1823 and 1824 Mr. Fifield continued its pastor. In 1825
there were two ministers on the circuit, Revs. Elisha Frink and Benj. F.
Lambord, the latter residing at Warehouse Point, supplied the pulpit
there principally. In 1826 Revs. Erastus Otis and Daniel L. Fletcher
were the preachers. In 1827 Mr. Otis was continued on the circuit, and
the Rev. Rufus Spaulding was his colleague. In 1828 Revs. Heman Perry
and George Stone were the preachers. In 1829, Revs. George Sutherland
and Edmond M. Beebe. In 1830, Revs. Hezekiah S. Ramsdell and Hor-
ace Moulton. In 1831, Revs. John W. Case and Philo Hawkes. In
1832, Revs. Edmond M. Beebe and Norris Day. In 1833 the society
became independent, disconnected from the circuit, and the Rev. Charles
Hayward became its pastor. The following persons have served the society
as pastors to the present time: 1834, Rev. Windsor Ward; 1835 and 1836,
Rev. Isaac Stodard; 1837, Rev. Square B. Hascall; 1838, Rev. Ebenezer
Blake; 1839 and 1840, Benjamin C. Phelps; 1841, Rev. William H. Rich-
ards; 1842, Rev. Moses Stodard; 1843, Rev. Abraham Holway; 1844 and
1845, Rev. Frank N. Bill; 1846, Rev. Charles C. Barnes; 1847, Rev. Frank-
lin Fisk; 1848 and 1849, Rev. Edward A. Lyon; 1850 and 1851, Rev.
Sanford Benton; 1852, Rev. James Mather; 1853 and 1854, Rev. Abel
Gardner; 1855, Rev. Lorenzo D. Bentley; 1856 and 1857, Rev. Henry
W. Conant; 1858 and 1859, Rev. John F. Sheffield; 1860, Rev. Wm. S.
Simmons; 1861, Rev. J. M. Worcester; 1862, Rev. C. Collard Adams;
1863, 1864, 1865, Rev. Wm. O. Cady; 1866, Rev. Robert Parsons; 1867
and 1868, Rev. John Cooper; 1869 and 1870, Rev. Lorenzo W. Blood;
1871 and 1872, Rev. A. L. Dearing; 1873, 1874, 1875, Rev. John How-
son; 1876, Rev. C. S. Morse; 1877, 1878, 1879, Rev. D. L. Brown; 1880,
1881, 1882, Rev. E. S. Fletcher; 1883 and 1884, Rev. Wm. H. Turking
ton; 1885, Rev. Henry H. Martin. The society is in a prosperous state.
Its property, consisting of a house of worship and parsonage, is free from
debt. It has a membership of about one hundred.
Windsorville is the modern name of what was known to our
fathers, as well as to our childhood, as Ketch Mills (see p. 591). From
the earliest the names of Loomis, Munsell, Ellsworth, Bissell, Har-
per, etc., are associated with this locality. About the year 1800
Timothy Ellsworth's store inaugurated the active business of the
place, which hitherto had only consisted of a saw and grist-mill.
VOL. I.-94
746
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
About this time, also, Captain Cahoon opened a hotel, which was
continued for many years, and until burned, 15th August, 1889.
Early in the present century, also, Timothy Ellsworth erected here a
large gin-distillery, in which Thomas Potwine, Jr., soon after became
a partner, under firm name of Ellsworth & Potwine. About 1835
the partnership was dissolved, Ellsworth continuing the business until
1842, when the distillery and grist-mill were destroyed by fire; and,
in 1844, he erected a building for the manufacture of woolen cloth.
Later it was sold to Mr. Henry Hollister, now of Berlin, Conn., and
was in almost continual operation until 1st Jan., 1889, when it was
burned, with all its machinery and stock, and a large boarding-house.
A post-office was established here in 1825 by the name of Ketch
Mills, and later the postal name of the place was changed into
Windsorville. For many years a daily line of stages passed here be-
tween Hartford and Keene, N. H.; it has long been discontinued. The
Connecticut Central Railroad now passes through the place, the station
supplying the village being Osborn Station.
About 1835 Sumner Shepard commenced merchandising, and was
appointed postmaster, continuing in business until his death, in 1868.
Both store and post-office are now conducted by A. S. Burley.
Methodist Episcopal Church, Windsorville (East Windsor). Church
built 1829, at which time the first mention of East Windsor appears on
the minutes of the General Conference; the name of Ketch Mills in
1839; the name of Windsorville, 1850. In 1876 the edifice was burned;
in 1878 the present one dedicated.
Windsorville is a pleasant village, but, since the loss of the manu-
factory, is much reduced in population and business.
Broad Brook is a neat little manufacturing village, which has grown
up, since 1847, upon the banks of the stream of that name, which
empties into the Scantic River, a little below the village, in the meadow
land of Israel Harper Stiles. It comprises a large woolen mill; three
stores (of which that of Mr. C. A. Arnold is one of the largest in
that part of the county); a grist-mill (also owned by Mr. Arnold, and
on the Broad Brook); two blacksmith and one wagon shops; and "any
number of rum-shops." The Springfield division of the New York &
• New England Railroad has a station here.
The woolen mill referred to was commenced by the Phelps Manu-
facturing Company, organized 25th Feb., 1847, with a capital of $140,-
000. This company consisted of Bethuel Phelps, who held 3,999 shares;
John and George E. Gibbons, 600 shares each; Albert Dennison, 400
shares; F. E. Palmer (Agent), 1 share. Total, 5,000 shares, at $25 a
share. This concern was merged, in July, 1848, into the present Broad
BROAD BROOK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
747
Brook Manufacturing Company, organized with a capital of $200,000,
and a large number of stockholders. It has prospered, until now it
contains 19 sets of machinery, uses 1,000,000 pounds of wool per
annum, and employs 400 hands. The building is 328 by 40 feet in size,
4 stories high, with several wings and additions. The present agent,
Mr. Alex. Semple, has had charge of the works for nearly twenty
years.
There is said to have been a mill erected here about 1834, which
was burned, but of which we have no farther data. About 1848 there
was a pearl button manufactory, operated by one Brown, in the old
White Mill, which was swept away by the flood of 1869; and another
button mill in Pearlville, about half a mile east of Broad Brook, erected
about 1858, owned and run for a few years by A. Hamilton, and was
finally burned. There was, also, at one time, a grist-mill and a tannery
at Broad Brook, which are now extinct, and beyond the memory almost
of the oldest inhabitant.
The Congregational Church of Broad Brook. In March, 1850,
application was made to the Connecticut Home Missionary Society for
aid to establish a church in the village, which then had a population of
about 800. The Episcopalians already had a house of worship here, but
had only a slender hold upon the people—an attendance of not over
30. Mr. Palmer, then agent of the Broad Brook Mills, had opened a
hall, seating some 200 or 300 persons, which was well filled on Sundays.
and Sunday evenings, under the ministrations of Rev. Mr. Charles N.
Seymour: The application was endorsed by Rev. Shubael Bartlett of
Scantic parish, East Windsor, who stated that whereas, in 1816, there
were not over 5 houses and 40 people, there were now 50 houses and
about 800 people. The required aid was given by the Conn. H. M.
Society, and a church of 20 members (6 male and 14 female) was
organized 4th May, 1851, and was placed under the care of Rev. Mr.
Seymour. On the 1st of January, 1854, a neat church edifice, built
in 1853, was opened and dedicated by Rev. Shubael Bartlett, being the
last public service that he ever performed. In 1865 a parsonage was
built at a cost of $2,000; in 1866 a cabinet organ, cost $500; a bell,
costing $600, one-half of which were given by outsiders; 21 men volun-
teered for the war, of whom 2 (belonging to the church) lost their lives;
1873, the sum of $4,000 was paid on the church, including a new organ;
1875, $350 was paid for a library; 1879, a church debt of $4,200 was
canceled. Membership: 1851, 20; 1880, 135; 1884, 100. Revivals:
1858, 10 admissions; 1866, 20; 1874, 34; 1878, 11.
Pastors. Rev. CHARLES N. SEYMOUR, acting pastor, 1850-53; b.
Hartford, Conn., 4th April, 1815; grad. Trin. Coll., 1841; Yale Theol.
Sem., 1843; pastor ordained Huntington, Conn., 26th June, 1844, to
748
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
31st July, 1877; pastor installed Whately, Mass., 8th March, 1853–27th
April, 1859; pastor installed Brooklyn, Conn., 21st Dec., 1859-7th Oct.,
1873; pastor installed Tolland, 3d Dec., 1874.-Yale Theol. Sem. Catal.
Rev. WILLIAM METCALFE BURCHARD, pastor installed 6th Septem-
ber, 1854; dism. 29th Dec., 1858; grad. Yale Coll., 1837; And. Theol.
Sem., 1841; preached at Littleton, N. H., 1842; pastor ordained Boz-
rah, Conn., 25th Oct., 1843-Oct., 1848; acting pastor Eastford, Conn.,
1852-53; acting pastor Hebron, Conn., 1853–54; pastor installed Broad
Brook, Conn., Sept., 1854-Dec., 1858; acting pastor Agawam, Mass.,
1860-1863; Voluntown and Sterling, 4th May, 1864-25th March, 1868;
acting pastor Montville, Conn., April, 1868-April, 1871; since 1871,
res., Washington, D. C. — And. Theol. Sem. Cat.
Rev. TIMOTHY ALLEN HAZEN, acting pastor 1st Dec., 1859 to 1863;
son of Rev. Reuben T. Hazen; b. at Agawam, Mass., 24th June, 1826;
grad. Wms. Coll., 1849; studied at Theol. Instit. Conn. at E. W. and
Union. Theol. Sem., New York city, where he grad., 1853; principal of
Lenox Academy one year; preached at Dalton, Mass., four years, from
11th Oct., 1854; acting pastor Broad Brook, 1859-1863; became pastor
at So. Egremont, Mass., May, 1863; afterwards served at Housatonic;
also pastor at Goshen, Conn., since 7th Feb., 1872. — Durfee and Union
Theol. Sem. Catal's.
Rev. MERRICK KNIGHT, acting pastor July, 1863–Oct., 1867; grad.
Amherst Coll., 1846; Theol. Instit. Conn., 1849; pastor appointed Chap-
lin, Conn., 1st May, 1850-Dec., 1852; acting pastor Stafford, Conn.,
1853-54; pastor installed Hebron, Conn., June, 1854-June, 1860; act-
ing pastor Broad Brook, 1863–67; pastor installed Rock Hill, 6th Nov.,
1867-1st April, 1872; acting pastor Torringford, Conn., April, 1872-
March, 1875; acting pastor New Hartford (South), April, 1875–79.
Rev. EDWARD TRUMBULL HOOKER, 17th June, 1868, to 3d June,
1869; son of Rev. Edward W. Hooker, D.D.; grad. Wms. Coll., 1860;
served in Co. A, 8th Vt. Vet. Vols., Jan., 1864, to close of war in 1865;
studied theol. in Chicago and at Theol. Instit. Conn.; pastor installed
Broad Brook, 1868–1869; acting pastor Middletown, Conn., 3d July,
1869, to Sept., 1872; acting pastor New Orleans, La., 1872-75; pastor
Castleton, Vt., 1875.- Durfee.
Rev. LYSANDER TOWER SPAULDING, 21st Nov., 1869-1st May, 1877;
grad. Amh. Coll., 1861; Theol. Instit., Conn., 1864; pastor ordained
West Stafford, 27th Dec., 1864-2d Aug., 1867; pastor installed Essex,
Conn., 2d Oct., 1867-12th Oct., 1869; acting pastor Broad Brook, 1869–
77; acting pastor Chester, Conn., June, 1877, until his death there, 8th
July, 1878.- Minutes Gen. Conference, 1878.
Rev. JOSEPH A. FREEMAN, acting pastor, 1877–81.
Rev. ROBERT C. BELL, 11th Aug., 1881-sometime in 1885.
THE SCHOOLS OF EAST WINdsor.
749
Rev. JEREMIAH C. CROMER, Served a year.
Rev. DAVID E. JONES, the present pastor, was installed 19th Jan.,
1887.
The Deacons at the present time are William H. Thompson and
George C. Whiton, and the present membership 40 males and 82
females.
Physicians. On an old map of Warehouse Point, made about the
close of the last century, we find the names of Dr. JOHN BANCROFT, and
Dr. JOSEPH EGGLESTON, of whom we know nothing further. Dr. M. L.
FISK came to Broad Brook about 1842, and removed to Warehouse
Point in 1864. The biography of this excellent physician and faithful
man will be found in the Genealogies. Dr. E. K. LEONARD came here
in 1864; removed to Rockville in 1879. Dr. H. O. ALLEN came here
in 1879, and still remains in practice.
Notes on the Schools of East Windsor. These, for lack of existing
data, are necessarily fragmentary. Prior to 1768, when East Windsor
was separated from the old town, school matters, "east side of the Great
River," were controlled by the town meeting of the people of Windsor..
About the first item we have is in "1702, April 27th, James Young-
love began to keep school," and June 22, 1702, “James Younglove began
to keep school at Podunk” — and the following is "an account how the
school money is divided":
"To that part of Scantuck
[Teaching] in this part 17 days
To that part where the meeting hous is
In this part One month and 14 days and half
To the lower part [Podunk]
In this part one month and 15 days and half
The list on which the school tax was laid was
£ 8. d.
1 09 03
3 09 00
3 10 09
1,787 10 00 " 1
The Stoughton Mss., from which we learn this, preserves many evi-
dences that the east side people were not neglectful of the education of
their children—as, " April 14, 1703, Samuel Tudor began to keep school
at the meeting-house and is to keep there seaven weeks wanting day
his compensation being 9 pence per week.
""
About 1726, "Mehetabel Stoughton, of Marshfield, England," as her
name is written on an old pamphlet among the Stoughton papers, seems
to have been teaching here in East Windsor - probably a private school.
"June ye 6th five of Major [afterward Gen. and Gov. Roger] Wolcott's
[children] came to school, Sarah was absent from school 6 days, the
other four children left school, August 22d," Martha Edwards came
1 Windsor Farmes, 48.
750
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
*
to school June ye 7th, 1726, and was absent 13 days, she left school Sep-
tember ye 14th. There is, also, a bill of Miss Mehetabel against Maj.
Roger Wolcott, viz. :
By schooling Sarah Wolcott 7 weeks at 8 pence
£ S. d.
00 04 08
Hepzibah
10
،،
and 4 days at 8 pence
Josiah
10
2
Eppefras
10
2
Erastus
10
1
<<
Total
00 07 01
00 06 10
00 05 02
00 05 01
01 08 10
On another page she made the entry that her "schooling [for 1726]
came to £02-08s.-10d.”
As we have already seen (p. 578), the learned pastor of this parish,
Rev. TIMOTHY EDWARDS, trained many young men in his own family,
both for college and the ministry. And the same may be said, though
in a less degree, of his successors in the pastorate, Revs. Perry, McClure,
and Robbins. Besides their individual labors in this direction, the ear-
lier ministers paid much attention to the public educational affairs of
their parishes; and, as late as the Rev. Mr. Robbins's and McClure's
day (1828), the pastor maintained a regular visitation of all the schools
within the town; and, in default of any official examining boards, ex-
amined candidates and gave certificates of capability and character
to would-be teachers.
From Mr. Roe's Ecclesiastical History of East Windsor, we find that
the first recorded amount raised by tax for schooling in the North
parish was £20, while the salary paid to the Rev. Mr. Potwine was £60.
This was in 1753-4-5; and the first schoolhouses appear to have been
erected in Main street, and the two were erected probably at about the
same time. The first regular districting of the parish took place in
1766, and the report of Messrs. Ebenezer Bliss, David Skinner, and Lem-
uel Stoughton, appointed a committee for the purpose is dated Feb. 27,
1766. Its substance, as far as can be gleaned from the record, is:
That there shall be four schools, viz.:
"1st. On the west side of Scantic River to comprehend all north of the meeting-
house, west of said river to a mile and a half from Great River.
"2d. East of Scantic, to comprehend all east of said river, south of the center line
and west of the land called Sequestered Land.
3d. To comprehend all east of Scantic River, north to Enfield.
4th. To comprehend all west of Scantic River, and south of the meeting-house,
a mile and a half from the Great River.”
Those who understand the bounds of the parish will be able to esti-
mate, from these data, the distances which their ancestors, when chil-
dren, had to travel through storms and cold to the places where the rudi-
ments of education must be obtained; to some of them, at least, it was
SCHOOLS OF EAST WINDSOR.
751
a practical illustration of "knowledge being obtained under diffi-
culties."
The teachers must also have had their share of patience and indus-
try, and been willing to do much for small pay for at this period, thirty
pounds was all the money raised for the support of schools, and that was
paid in grain — wheat 4s., rye 3s., and Indian corn 2s. per bushel.
In December, 1771, a new district was set off east of Scantic, viz. :
Voted, To make a district of schooling of the south-east corner of the society, ex-
tending north of Ketch Brook, to include Simeon Barber and Roger Loomis, and ex-
tending west to the east end of the three mile lots, including Jerijah Bissell who lives
on the east end of said lots, and to extend east and south to the bounds of the society."
Thus matters remained until 1781 - when a committee was ap-
pointed to rearrange all the districts as they thought best and report to
the society. On the 31st December, 1781, the committee made report.
After dividing the parish into six districts-three on the east of
Scantic and three on the west-and running the several boundaries,
they close as follows:
All which is submitted to your) Wishing you
better wisdom by your most
obedient humble servants,
the blessing
of peace.
AARON BISSELL,
AMASA LOOMIS,
THOMAS FOSTER,
Committee.
"The above report was accepted with the following alterations, viz.:
"That Samuel Bartlett be set and belong to the school district north of the high-
way between Israel Stiles and said Bartlett-and that John Bartlett be set and belong
to the south district of schools west of Scantic River in the woods and that William
Bartlett, now living at Scantic Mills, belong to the school district east of Scantic River,
as reported."
At a meeting of the North Society, held in December, 1789, a peti-
tion was presented from the inhabitants of Warehouse Point to be set off
as a distinct school district. The petition was granted and the bounds
defined as follows:
"Beginning at the north-west corner bounds of East Windsor, when running South
along the line of Connecticut River to the south side of a lot of land lately owned by
Timothy Thrall, then east by the south line of said land within forty rods of the Coven-
try road, then north the same distance from said road to Enfield line, then west to the
first-mentioned bounds."
In December, 1793, at a meeting of the society, it was
Voted, That the south-east district of schooling commonly called Ketch-Mill dis-
trict be divided, and the Ketch-Brook as it runs through said district be a dividing line
of said district."
The last act which appears upon record of this ecclesiastical society
in reference to common schools, is dated 9th day of November, 1795.
The usual two pence on the pound was voted for the use of schooling
2
752
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
for the coming year, and the usual committee of 12 persons chosen to
collect the money and superintend the schools. After this, school mat-
ters disappear from the records of the ecclesiastical parish.
The Perry Mss. (in possession of the South Windsor church) gives
us the following:
"East Windsor, April 23, 1771. Mrs. Margaret Ledly was employed to teach
school at the rate of 26s. pr. mo., she boarding herself — to be made up in proportion to
the number of scholars sent by each person, and they also bearing a proportionate ex-
pense of house-hire.
Parents of Scholars.
Joseph Perry
Moses Wells
Charles Mather
Oliver Chamberlain
No. of Children.
2
Q Q ∞
2
2
3
(absent 2 wks.) Sam" Webster
Aaron Bissell
Wide Drake
2 2 2
3
Jonathan Drake
1
John Smith, Jr.
1
Capt. Grant
1
Benj. Cook
1
Ebenezer Bissell
1
Matt. Bissell
1
1
J
1
1
1
1
1
8. d.
6
6
66
6
6
9 9
5 4
6
6
9 9
3 3
3 3
3 3
3 3
3 3
3 3
1 2
11 6
(for two weeks) Aaron Grant
Q
1
"The school kept 11 weeks. The hire of the House was 10s. This divided among
22 scholars leaves 51d. to be paid pr. scholar for house hire."
Schools and School Districts in East (now South) Windsor. The
late Dea. Abner Reed, who died in 1866, at the age of 95, furnished
his grandson, the author of this history, in 1858, with the following ac-
count:
"The 1st School Society of So. Windsor is composed of five districts, four on the
main street and one at Long Hill. (1st Dist.) from Scantic river to Strong's road, so
called. The school-house, ever since my remembrance, stood just about on, or adjoin-
ing the S. E. cor. of the ground now owned by the Theological Institute. When the
Academy was built, the lower part was designed for the District School and the old
house was taken down. It was an edifice about 18 feet square, with a large chimney
and fireplace in the centre of one end, a partition ran across even with the jambs, form-
ing a closet on one side and on the other a little square hall into which the outside door
opened; a door in the partition opening into the sanctum. (2d Dist.) extended from
Strong's road down to the Shew road, so called, running out East between my lot and
that of Moseley Newberry. The School-house formerly stood on the East side of the
street, directly opposite where it now stands and in size and construction was similar to
that of the 1st Dist. Some 50 yrs. ago it was moved across the street and some years
later was burned; and was rebuilt with brick, much after the former fashion, but as it
stood on the line of the street, thus affording the children no play-ground except in the
street, and as it obstructed the view South from Dr. Gillette's house, it was finally taken
down and rebuilt several rods back from the street. (3d Dist.) extended from the Shew
SCHOOLS OF EAST (NOW SOUTH) WINDSOR.
753
road to one formerly called the Ezekiel Loomis Road, running East; the school-house
was on the East side of the street, in the centre of the District and built much like the
others, except that there was a closet on each side of a large chimney and fireplace, on
the North side and the outside door opened directly facing the fire, on the South, there
being no place for the scholars to shake the snow or rain from their clothes, or mud
from their feet except in the school-room, which, I think, could not have been 20 ft.
square, including the closets. As to its furniture, the following description will answer
for that of all the 4 schools. The writing-tables were of plank, fastened to the wall or
side of the room and extending all around, except on the chimney side and door-way.
The seats for these tables were also of plank, with legs driven into auger holes, and the
writers, of course, sat facing the wall. On the inner part of the room were the seats
for the younger scholars, made of plank or thick slabs with similar seats, but without
backs. Such was the noble academical institution in which I received my education,
attending 3 months in the summer until I was 8 years old, and 3 months in the winter
until I was 15 years,— the summer school taught by a female, the winter by a male.
Five years after I left this house as a scholar, I entered it as a teacher for the winter
and had more scholars than could be accommodated with any comfort. On one seem-
ingly as cold a day as ever blew, I found the house filled when I got there in the morn-
ing, and so closely crowded together that it was difficult to open the door to get in; all
standing up and trying to get to the fire, and many young ones crying. I ordered
those at the fire to fall back and let a party of young ones take their place, and so by
dividing by platoons, by about 11 o'clock they had all got so far warmed that I ordered
them to take their seats, and by storing into every nick and corner I finally got them
all seated and undertook to count them, when I found that my family consisted of 103
members. This house was sold to Maj. Daniel Hayden, and by him improved as a
woodhouse and a new school-house built about 1806 or '07. This was of oblong shape,
a little more roomy than the old one and occupied the same site as that, on the S. E.
cor. of the lot occupied by Rev. Dr. McClure during his lifetime. It was at first fur-
nished in similar style to the old one- but afterward more according to modern ideas -
and was afterwards disposed of — and two-story building, built by Abiezer Porter for a
brad and tack factory was bought and converted into a sort of Academy, the District
school occupying the lower part and a school of a higher grade the upper part. This
house is a few rods N. of the site of the old one on the opposite side of the street.
(4th Dist.) extended from the E. Loomis road to E. Hartford, the school-house being on
what is called the old road, formerly the main road to Hartford and a little E. of the
present main road. It was of the same size and construction as the other houses.
"From my earliest recollection, the teachers were generally inhabitants of the dis-
trict. The regular price of a man teacher was 40 shillings N. E. money, and board for
a month; for a female teacher from one dollar to one and a half a week and board.
Sometimes, if they lived near the school-house, they would engage for $2 a week and
board themselves. During my school days the books in use were 'Dilworth's Spelling
Book,' 'Dilworth's Arithmetic,' called 'The Schoolmaster's Assistant,' the 'New Eng-
land Primer,' the 'Psalter and Bible.' The 1st class was called 'the Bible Class,' and
had no other book to read from, until about the third winter before I left school (1786 ?)
when 'Webster's Spelling Book' was introduced, and next winter his 'Art of Reading'
and 'Morse's Abridgment of his Geography.' Previous to this all the branches taught in
the schools were Reading, Writing, Spelling, and a very little of Arithmetic. The Cat-
echism was always recited Saturday noon, which ended the week. Dilworth was an
English author, and the words in his Spelling Book ending in tion, tian, sion, &c., &c.,
had their endings divided into two syllables. His Arithmetic, I think, was plainer and
easier and better calculated for common schools than any that I have ever seen. I did
not study it at school, but all my knowledge of Arithmetic I got from that book after I
left school and without an instructor. There were no engraved writing copies in those
days every master wrote copies at the head of a page, and you may imagine there
VOL. I. — 95
754
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
was a great variety of hands, and I was expected to imitate them all. The last winter
I attended school (æ, 15) we had a teacher who called himself a doctor and was a sort of
Separate preacher [the Baptists were then called Separates, or Separatists], who, every
morning when he opened school, would have all the scholars who read in Bibles, use
them and follow him while he read a chapter, and would charge us to mind how he
read and learn to read as he did—which was in what used to be called the 'Separate
tone'— see-saw, up and down. He was succeeded by Mr. George (brother of the late
Dea. Amasa) Loomis, who, the winter previous, attended a Writing School at Coventry,
and he had a number of pieces of writing on Whole sheets of Foolscap, which he had
copied — and among them were imitations of Roman, Italian, German and Old English
text; the two latter I had never seen, and felt a desire to try and copy them. There
was no paper in those days fit to write upon, except English paper, and that was not
plenty; but my teacher offered to furnish me paper if I would copy them for him-
which I did so much to his satisfaction that he used them as copies, afterwards, in the
schools which he taught at Hartford and Albany.
"I should have said, in relation to the 5th Dist., or Long Hill School, in the S. E.
part of the town-it was similar in size and accommodations to the other four, though
smaller."
The Academy on East Windsor Hill was erected by private enter-
prise early in the present century, probably about 1800. It was a two-
story edifice, with belfry and bell; the upper floor used for the academy
proper, the lower for a district school, and still holds its own in this
year of grace 1891.
It was always well conducted, had a wide reputation, and not only
many of the young men of East Windsor and its neighboring towns were fit-
ted for college there; but numbers came also from distant places. Its teach-
ers were well selected, mostly college graduates, generally of Yale, and were
of the highest standing. Among these we may mention Mr. JOHN HALL,
who graduated at Yale, 1802; was tutor there 1804-7, and from 1809 to
'29 made his home in East Windsor, leading a scholarly life, teaching,
etc., and then founded his celebrated school at Ellington. Prof. ELEAZER
T. FITCH, who took the academy in Oct., 1810, having graduated from
Yale College the month before; he was afterward Professor of Theology
at Yale and Preacher to the College, 1817-1853, — a notable thinker
and writer; a modest man, but a good teacher. During his term we
find the following note in Rev. Mr. Robbins's Diary, under date of 24
April, 1811: "The academy here had an exhibition. It began about
eight o'clock in the evening and continued until two in the morning. I
did not attend. It is said to have been a very good one." MILO LOOMIS
NORTH, who graduated at Yale College 1813, took the academy in 1814–
1815. He became a physician, and must have been immediately followed
(1816) by SAMUEL STILES STEBBINS, who graduated at Yale College 1807,
and commenced the study of theology with Rev. Dr. Robbins, though he
never became a minister. JOHN HALL BROCKWAY (son of Rev. Diodate,
of Ellington), graduated at Yale College 1820, a lawyer, and afterwards
THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF CONNECTICUT.
755
Representative in United States Congress, taught the academy 1820;
OZIAS SHELDON EELLS, son of Rev. Ozias, of Barkhamsted, Conn.,
immediately after his graduation at Williams College, 1821, became the
teacher, and studied theology with Dr. Robbins until (probably Oct. 1)
1823, when he was licensed to preach. Gen. NATHAN JOHNSON, of Hart-
ford; Dr. ALVAN TALCOTT, of Vernon, Conn., 1824-1826; Dr. Maro M.
Reed; Judge WILLIAM STRONG, of the U. S. Supreme Court; ERASTUS
NORTH, and others of equal worth and ability are remembered as among
the principals of this academy. Its efficiency continued until about 1835,
after which it declined, being gradually absorbed by the varied instruc-
tions afforded by the establishment upon the hill of the Theological
Institute of Connecticut; and, since the removal of that institution to
Hartford, has not been revived. It is worthy of note that the young
ladies of East Windsor, after learning all that could be taught them at
the Academy on the Hill, were usually sent to some of the Hartford “fin-
ishing schools," among which the most prominent was opened about
1800 by Mrs. Lydia Bull Royse. Among her scholars from East Windsor
were Ann Watson, Frances and Maria Bissell, Helen and Ursula Wolcott,
and Betsy Rockwell (see very interesting letter from Rev. Prof. J. J.
McCook, p. 645-647, Hartford Co. Mem. Hist., vol. i.
The Scantic Academy, near the meeting-house of the North Parish
(now East Windsor), was erected in 1817, according to a memorandum
in Dr. Thos. Robbins's Diary. Though a two-story edifice, it was a hum-
bler institution, both architecturally and educationally, than that on the
Hill; but it provided winter education in the higher English studies, and,
to some extent, in the classics; and Yale College students were generally
employed as teachers. It has been discontinued for many years.
It will also be seen, by reference to the Reed Genealogy in another
part of this work, that East (now South) Windsor held, for many years,
quite a School of Art and Design, in Dea. Abner Reed's engraving estab-
lishment. Its graduates (the good Deacon would have called them
apprentices") were, subsequently, mostly identified with the history
of bank-note engraving in the United States of which branch of
engraving the Deacon was a pioneer.
66
THE THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF CONNECTICUT (now the Hartford
Theological Seminary) was the result of a conference held at East (now
South) Windsor, 10th Sept., 1833, by 36 Congregational ministers,
among which the more prominent members were Drs. Samuel Sperry,
Asahel Nettleton, Nath'l Hewitt, Daniel Dow, G. A. Calhoun, Joseph
Harvey, and Rev. Cyrus Hale. This conference was the expression of
a widespread alarm created by the speculations and dogmas of "the
756
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
New Haven Divinity." The famous "Concio ad Clerum" sermon,
preached Sept. 10, 1828, by Prof. Nathaniel W. Taylor of the Theologi-
cal Department of Yale College, had brought into prominence certain
views held by himself and his associates; which, the more they were
discussed by the then leaders of religious thought in New England, such
as Jeremiah Evarts, Gov. John Cotton Smith, Drs. Tyler, Nettleton,
Humphrey, Griffin, Eben'r Porter, Woods, and others, seemed to be
"antagonistic to biblical doctrines respecting the divine government,
human depravity, regeneration, and the essential difference between the
motives that govern renewed and unrenewed men."
At this East Windsor convention of 1833, "The Pastoral Union of
Connecticut" was organized on the basis of a Calvinistic creed. Its
constitution provided for the establishment of a theological seminary;
and in the measures which they at once adopted to execute this design
they sought, in several ways, to guard against the perversion of conse-
crated funds and other perils developed in the experience of similar in-
stitutions. The control of the seminary was vested, not in a self-per-
petuating corporation, but in a board of trustees chosen annually by the
Pastoral Union; and required, as a condition of their holding office, to
give assent to the creed of the Institute, which was thus brought into
close relation with the churches. The institution was located at East
Windsor, and its corner-stone laid by Dr. Perkins of East Hartford, 13th
May, 1834; its first course of instruction opening the following autumn
to a class of 16 students. Dr. Bennett Tyler was its first professor of
Theology, Dr. Jonathan Cogswell the first professor of Church History,
and Prof. William Thompson gave instruction in Hebrew and Greek
exegesis. The Institute, dependent at first upon donations, received in
1839 its first endowment of $11,000 from Miss Rebecca Waldo of
Worcester, Mass.; and donations, varying from $1 to $7,000, were re-
ceived during the next few years for support of professors and increase
of the library. In 1849 a second professorship was endowed by the be-
quest of Mr. Chester Buckley and his wife of Wethersfield; and an
attempt to set aside this will was singularly fortunate, in that, by the
compromise effected by the late Hon. Seth Terry of Hartford, consider-
ably more than the sums specified in the will was secured to the
heirs-at-law, and to various public institutions and charities a large pro-
portion of what was bequeathed to them. The third professorship
was endowed partly by Rev. Dr. Asahel Nettleton from the proceeds of
"Village Hymns."
Students were furnished with ample facilities for physical exercise ;
70 acres of choice land on the river were offered (rent free) for their
use; and each student also had the free use of a box of tools in a work-
EAST WINDSOR'S LITERARY MEN.
757
shop to be used in cold and stormy weather. But the young men, as a
rule, did not "take" to manual labor.
But, from the first, the disadvantages incident to its location had
been embarrassing to the seminary, and at the end of twenty years they
awakened grave apprehensions among its firmest friends. Its isolation,
sufficiently characteristic in 1834, had become extreme in 1854. The
lack of social and church life and of a literary atmosphere in the sur-
rounding community aggravated the discomfort of separation from the
outer world.
Finally, 1856, an invitation was offered to the officers of Yale Col-
lege to consider the matter of uniting the two seminaries. This propo-
sition, as well as one from the Clerical Fellows of Yale College in 1864,
came to nought. Then the removal of the Seminary to Hartford was
agreed upon, and effected Sept., 1865, by the temporary occupation of
two spacious dwellings on Prospect Street, Hartford, and two others
subsequently occupied by students. This arrangement continued for 14
years, when, by the generosity of the late James B. Hosmer of Hartford
(who gave it $100,000 for the erection of a building, founded the pro-
fessorship of New Testament Exegesis, and made it residuary legatee of
his estate), the Seminary was enabled to occupy its present fine building
upon Broad Street.
Among its recent liberal benefactors have been Mr. Richard Bond
of Boston Highlands, Messrs. S. S. Ward, Roland Mather, Newton Case
of Hartford, the latter especially advancing the growth of its library.
Mr. Joseph Carew of South Hadley Falls, Mass., donated $5,000 for an
annual lecture course, and a similar fund has been given by five in-
dividuals for a Lectureship of Foreign Missions, ultimately to be en-
larged into a Professorship of Missions; while 22 scholarships, varying
from $1,000 to $2,000 each, have been created by friends for use of
needy students. By an amendment (1880) the charter now covers
property to the amount of one million dollars, with the usual condition.
Before its removal to Hartford the largest number of students was
34; the catalogue of 1884 contained 54. The library then had 7,000,
it now has 42,000 volumes. The three professorships of 1834 have in-
creased to five, to which has lately been added an Associated Professor-
ship of Sacred Music and Hymnology. Among theological seminaries
this one stands pre-eminent for the number of its graduates who have
entered the home and foreign mission fields. Its theology is Calvinistic,
and in harmony with the accredited formularies of New England Con-
gregationalism. (Condensed from article in Hartford Co. Mem. Hist.,
by Rev. Wm. Thompson, D.D., Dean of Faculty.)
Literary Men. Of these, if we except the Rev. Timothy Edwards,
the first was Gov. ROGER WOLCOTT, who wrote and issued, in 1723,
758
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
"POETICAL MEDITATIONS, being the Improvement of some Vacant Hours, by
Roger Wolcott, Esq.; with a Preface by the Reverend Mr. Bulkley of
Colchester. New London: Printed and Sold by T. Green, 1725." In
the preface of 56 pages Mr. Bulkley painfully delivers himself on
matters and things in general, but chiefly on the title of the Indian
aborigines to their lands. Then follow a dedication to the Rev. Timothy
Edwards, a few poetical meditations on Scripture texts, and a poem of
60 pages, entitled, "A Brief Account of the Agency of the Honourable
John Winthrop, Esq.; in the Court of King Charles the Second, Anno
Dom. 1662. When he obtained for the colony of Connecticut His Ma-
jesty's Gracious Charter." The volume closes with an "Advertise-
ment" by Joseph Dewey, a Colchester cloth-maker, who "having been
something at charge in promoting the Publishing the foregoing Medita-
tions," hereby taketh occasion to give his country people a few di-
rections towards the better preparation of wool for the weaving.
Of this work, Rev. Dr. Tarbox, in Hartford Co. Memorial History,
says: "There is nothing noteworthy about the shorter pieces in the
book, but the ‘Brief Account'¹is of historical interest, its subject being
the procuring of that charter so precious in Connecticut tradition, which
Wadsworth afterward hid in the Charter Oak. The greater part of the
poem is in the form of episode, Winthrop describing to the king the
plantation of the colony and its war with the Pequots. Not much can
be said for its literary merits. The description of Connecticut River
and its banks a favorite theme with later Hartford poets — is conven-
tional and untrue. 'Philomel high perch't upon a thorn,' meadows
enamelled with roses and violets, elms embraced by fruitful vines, figure
in the same landscape with the beaver and the mink. The fragmatic
style of the narrative is heightened by the usual classical insipidities
Aurora, Phoebus, Cynthia, Tithon, Thetis, and Lucifer carrying on their
astronomical operations in laughable proximity to the names of Uncas,
Sassacus, and Miantinomah. The burning of the Pequot fort at Mystic
- which the poet calls a castle' and a 'stately palace' — is painted
with an epic pomp that emulates Virgil's picture of the destruction of
Troy." A much better example of the Governor's literary abilities is
to be found in the Mss. vol. described on page 568; and in his Auto-
biography, portions of which are quoted in the Wolcott Genealogy, in
our 2d volume.
6
1
ERASTUS WOLCOTT ELLSWORTH, born in East Windsor, 1822, son of
Hon. Erastus Ellsworth, and a graduate of Amherst College, is the hon-
ored living representative of East (South) Windsor's literary men. In
1 Reprinted in Mass. His. Soc. Coll., iv. 262.
EARLY POLITICS IN EAST WINDSOR.
759
1855 he published a book of poems' of much merit, the longest of which
is based upon the story of Theseus and Ariadne. One of these poems, a
remarkably good one, entitled "What is the Use," has received the well-
merited compliment of being republished in the poet Whittier's Songs of
Three Centuries; and the poems "Tuloom" and "Mayflower" are quoted
in the poet Stedman's Library of American Literature. These poems
were first published in Putnam's Magazine.
Mr. Ellsworth also presents in his intellectual make-up the very un-
usual union of strong poetic feeling with a rare mechanical taste and
ability. He is the inventor and patentee of an exceedingly curious and
excellent hydraulic machine, as well as of other mechanical contrivances,
indicating a high order of mechanical talent. Mr. Ellsworth has lived a
retired and studious life in the paternal mansion, and, surrounded by the
love and respect of relatives and friends, has not seemed to care to
assume that more prominent position in literary and scientific society to
which his few published works, as well as his acknowledged talents,
entitle him.
Politics in East Windsor in the Early part of Present Century. Our
sources of information concerning politics in the early part of the pres-
ent century in this town are but fragmentary - but we will piece them
together as well as we can. The late Edward King of Indianapolis,
Ind., has preserved for us the following specimen of political rhyme, found
among his grandfather's papers, and referring to a Fourth of July cele-
bration held at East Windsor in 1801:
'Twas on the fifth day of July,
The democrats did meet, sir,
Beneath a bowry green and high,
Erected in the street, sir.
The thundering cannon's early roar
Re-kindled all their slander,
Turn'd out more plenty than before,
Led on by Alexander.
Chorus-O blessed name! O democrat!
He fears no kind of danger.
Come, join the gang with gallant Pratt,
He'll welcome every stranger.
Ladies attend most gaily drest
In petticoat and jerkin,
With loaves of bread made of the best,
And butter by the firkin.
¹ Poems; by Erastus Ellsworth. Published by F. A. Brown, Hartford, 1855. Latest
poems contributed to Travelers Record, Hartford, Conn.
760
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Likewise a basket full of pease,
With lusty loaf of cake, sir,
Almost as big as th' mammoth cheese,
As good as e'er was bak'd, sir.
Chorus — O blessed name, etc.
And now the board had been well furnished, had not the fattened turkey balk'd the
circus -the fact was this: T. Wolcott had been fatting a fine tom and cram'd him
with food as often as (you please) and weigh'd him as often, but on Friday before holi-
day poor Tom was choked in the operation and expired-(fable says he died by his
own hands, scorning to suffer in such a cause); make what you please of it and weave
it in.
And now the sirculating glass
Is passed round and round, sir,
Till some ly prostrate on the ground,
And others can't be found, sir.
And I am told that mistres S.,
Who crauled home by the fence, sir,
Crept off to bed but ne'er undrest,
And has not been seen since, sir.
Chorus- O blessed name, etc.
Come on, my lad, and bring your lass,
And tast our lusius wine, sir ;
The Democrats are gaining fast,
The Feds are on decline, sir.
No more let's drag the galling chain,
Our work is fast compleating;
Ther'll not a Federalist remain
Till our next happy meeting.
Chorus - O blessed name, etc.
Endorsed on the back:
A specimen of the wit, satire, and poetical genius of the Federalists of East Wind-
sor, supposed to be written by O. Tudor, the great poet and historian."
When Nathaniel Rockland (b. 1772) first voted (1792-3), there were but six Demo-
crats in the town of E. W. James Rockwell and his three sons made 4;
Mills
was the fifth.
The Diary of Rev. Thomas Robbins, pastor at E. W., 1808 to 1827,
gives us many interesting glimpses of political feeling and changes in
this town. It must be remembered, however, that as one of "the estab-
lished order," the Rev. Mr. Robbins was naturally a Federalist, and the
holy horror with which he regarded the Democracy of that day and all
its belongings, seems to us of this day as being quite uncalled for and
comical. He says (1798) that "the Democrats in Congress are very
impudent"; -(1799) "had a loud dispute with some Arminians and
Democrats";-(1801) "the Democrats are making great exertions to
destroy the laws respecting religion in this State" speaks of them as
"deluded Democrats," and of a town as "infested with Democrats "—
DIARY OF REV. THOMAS ROBBINS.
761
(1803) "Democracy is now making its most violent efforts in this State.
May the God of our fathers preserve us!" This involuntary appeal to
heaven often appears in his notes on Democracy; yet, when he made
(1803) a missionary tour into Pennsylvania he has to admit that "most
of the ministers and pious people in this part of the country, and of all
classes, are Democrats"-a pretty hard pill for such a thorough-going
Connecticut Federalist as he to swallow.
In 1808 he commenced his ministrations in East Windsor, and
thenceforth his Diary keeps us pretty well informed as to political mat-
ters in his own and the adjoining North parish of East Windsor. Thus:
1808. Rode to Scantic and attended Freemen's Meeting, and prayed at opening
of the meeting. The votes here were: Federalist, 226; Democrats, 62, about the same
as heretofore. I hope Democracy is declining in this State."
"
1809. April Freemen's Meeting. Rev. Mr. Robbins officiated as before; votes for
Governor: Federalist, 213; Democratic, 92; more of the latter than have ever been
here before."
1810. He again officiated at Freemen's Meetings. Federalist votes for Governor,
195 (divided between two candidates); Democratic, 90 — total, 285. The population of
E. W. at this time was 3,081; but, owing to certain property restrictions in the Conn.
law, the number of voters was considerably less than on the present basis; and this vote
of 1810 would indicate about 600 voters in E. W. at that time.
1811. "Prayed at the opening of the Freemen's Meeting"; votes for Governor
were: Treadwell, 168; Griswold, 86; scattering, 2. I believe Mr. Griswold had about
thirty Federal votes. The remainder were Democratic. I think this last effort of De-
mocracy, through the mercy of our fathers' God, will meet with a great defeat." Tread-
well and Griswold were both Federalist candidates; the latter was elected Governor,
and partly by Democratic votes.
1812. Freemen's Meeting: vote for Gov. Griswold (Fed.), 202; Boardman (Dem.),
19. "The meeting very harmonious." The light vote shows that there was really no
party contest.
Sept. 21.
'Rode to Scantic and attended Freemen's Meeting. The highest Fed.
vote for nomination was 251; The Dem. nomination not called. There were but 27
Dem. votes for a representative.”
1813. Freemen's Meeting; votes: Fed. (divided between two candidates), 206;
Dem., 74; scattering, 4-284. Sept. Freemen's Meeting "remarkably harmonious and
expeditious." Highest Fed. vote for nomination, 166; Dem. nomination not called.
1814. Freemen's Meeting. Fed. votes, 187; Dem., 62.
Sept. Freemen's Meeting.
"Highest vote for nomination, 119. No Democrats."
1816. Freemen's Meeting. Fed. votes for Gov., 187; Dem., 89— total, 276. He
notes, a few days later, that "the Democrats in the State have made very great exer-
tions at the late Freemen's Meeting and have almost carried the election." Sept. “Our
late Freemen's Meeting has issued unfavorably "—from which we may deduce the fact
that Democracy was again in the ascendant.
1817. Freemen's Meeting. “The efforts of the Democracy are astonishing." Votes:
Fed., 233; Dem., 128; it is supposed that nearly 30 Federalists voted for Mr. Wolcott,
the Dem. candidate.
A
Sept. Fed. votes, 189; Dem., 94: many staid at home." The Democrats this
year were victorious. In October Mr. Robbins says, Our Assembly adjourned yes-
terday. They have not done much evil, but they have had a contemptible session.
holy God frowns upon our State." In Nov. (having a few months before met President
Monroe and shaken hands with him), Mr. Robbins admits that he has read the Presi-
dent's message, and thinks "it the best we have had since Federal times."
VOL. I.-96
762
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDșor.
1818. Freemen's Meeting. Votes for treasurer: Fed., 188; Dem., 111; the first
vote for a Dem. representative, late a federalist, was 136. The meeting continued quite
late. Democracy does not appear to abate in zeal or malignity." Sept. "We [Feder-
alists] did unexpectedly well." Votes for nomination, 232; Dem., 128. The State did
not keep so strongly Federal as East Windsor. But the reign of Federalism had well-
nigh gone-and in November the good parson says, The President's message repre-
sents our country in a very prosperous state. I think it is.”
1819. Freemen's Meeting. Votes: Fed., 327; Dem., 177. "The Federalists did
exceedingly well."
1820. Freemen's Meeting. Votes: Fed., 242; Dem., 161; "the majority much
less than last year."
1821. And now the tide is evidently changing. Freemen's Meeting. "The votes
were very close": Dem., 186; Fed. "but two or three more.”
66
1822. The Freemen's Meeting here issued very favorably."
<<
1823. Election excites but little notice."
"
1824. 'Opened the Electors' meeting with prayer and left the meeting as usual.
They chose Democratic representatives. The first time. Both irreligious and ungodly
men. A severe and holy frown of heaven."
East Windsor Hill, about 1820.-The late Mr. HENRY WATSON
of Northampton, Mass., a native of East Windsor, who died in Feb-
ruary, 1891, kindly furnished us with the following notes of his
recollections of "The Hill" as it was about 1820, which he prefaced
with the following remark: "There is one thing especially worthy of
note the great age to which so many of the parties lived. I have
never known a place so healthy as our old East Windsor. If a child
survived his first, or at most his second year, he might be almost sure
that he was booked for extreme old age; and, if he did not fall
off a load of wood, get drowned in the Connecticut River, die of con-
sumption at from 20 to 30, or possibly get the pneumonia, he was sure
to reach it. I do not recollect ever to have known an East Windsor
born baby who was over one year old to die. Of course there were some
who did."
The fact of longevity thus humorously adverted to by Mr. Watson
is, indeed, a most noticeable feature of this locality,
·
We have taken Mr. Watson's "Notes" as a basis of a survey of
"The Hill" our own observations, or those obtained from other sources
being designated by brackets.
That portion of South (formerly East) Windsor, known as "East
Windsor Hill," is the plateau, less than half a mile in length, which
lies between the declivity descending on the north to Scantic River
and that descending on the south to Taylor's Brook, known as "Taylor's
Hollow." The street is straight, wide, and beautifully ornamented with
three rows of maple trees which, according to the Asa Bowe Rec., were
set out in April 1814. The houses and shops on "The Hill," about
the year 1820 were occupied as follows:
Beginning on the west side at the north and moving south, the two-
story brick house on the very brink of the hill, overlooking Scantic, was
EAST WINDSOR HILL, ABOUT 1820.
763
owned and occupied by ELI B. HASKELL, merchant, of the firm of Bissell
& Haskell [From notes in Rev. Dr. Robbins's Diary we learn that it was
erected about 1812 or '13. It was on land originally of Capt. Aaron Bis-
sell, his (silent) partner in business, and whose daughters were the first
and second wives of Mr. Haskell]. After Mr. H.'s removal to Ogdens-
burg, N. Y., about 1844, this residence was owned and occupied by Wal-
ter Phelps from Hartford, next by Dr. Goodrich from Ware, Mass., now
by Wayne H. Rice.
Next was a brick two-story house, exactly similar to the Haskell
house, owned and occupied by his father-in-law, Capt. AARON BISSELL,
farmer and sheep-breeder, of the firm of Bissell & Haskell. [Dr. Rob-
bins's Diary records that, in July, 1813, Capt. B. "is building a very fine
house," and at a later date speaks of it as "a very valuable house."] It
stood on the site of a two-story lean-to house, formerly owned by Noah
Bissell (Dea. A. Reed Mss.) After Capt. Bissell's death (1834),
Mr. Increase Clapp came into possession of it and resided in it until his
death (1859), after which it was occupied by his son, Carlos W. Clapp.
Increase Clapp, in 1820, was the blacksmith of the village, residing a
short distance out on the Wapping Road at the house since occupied by
his son George. In 1879, bought by Richard T. Abbe, who came from
Enfield.
The next house was a tavern, once kept by Capt. Aaron Bissell, but,
about 1820, by a Mr. MACK. North of the house, on the line of the street,
were and still are the horse-shed and barn belonging to the tavern; the
barn abutting on the north, by the road which here passes down into the
meadows to Bissell's Ferry. This tavern and farm subsequently became
the property of Daniel Gilbert Sperry. In 1871, bought by Theodore E.
Bancroft.
Next south was the dry-goods and grocery store then kept by Bis-
sell & Haskell. It had been, in earlier days, occupied by Bissell &
Tudor, a firm composed of Aaron Bissell and Samuel Tudor [Samuel Tu-
dor, b. 1770 in E. W.; was afterwards head of the firm of Tudor, Wood-
bridge & Co., formed in 1805, one of the largest dry-goods importing
houses in Hartford; from 1812 or '13 to 1818 partner with Woodbridge
& Talcott; at one time in business with Philo Hillyer (Tudor & Hillyer)
dry-goods importers "near St. John's Tavern," and later he dealt exclu-
sively in British dry goods. His house was on Main street, near "Need-
ham's Corner," Hartford. He died 29 Jan., 1862, æ. 92. Hartford Co.
Mem. Hist.]; and, after Bissell & Haskell's time, by JESSE CHARLTON. It
stands now, not materially altered from what it was in 1820, and a store
(owned by Calvin Z. Parmelee) and post-office is still kept there. A
large elm tree, with a horse-block under it, stood in front of the door.
Next was the store-house (dry goods and groceries) formerly occu-
pied by JOHN WATSON, subsequently by Henry Watson; about 1820 it
764
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
was used by John Watson, then largely engaged in farming and sheep-
breeding, for storing wool, and wheat and oats after they were threshed.
About 1839 this building was removed out on to the Wapping Road.
Next was the two-story brick house occupied by HENRY WATSON
from 1809 to 1828, when, upon the death of his mother, he removed into
the John Watson mansion. Prior to 1809, this house had been occu-
pied as a tavern by John Alderman; after the building of the Theologi-
cal Institute it became the residence of its president, Rev. Dr. Bennett
Tyler, and subsequently of Prof. Cornelius Hooker, and later again, a
tavern. It burned down in 1889. The barn connected with it stood
facing the street and close upon it, a short distance to the south of the
house.
Next was a two-story brick house of the style of the Haskell and
Bissell houses (builded in 1815-Asa Bowe Rec., and remodeled about
1832 to its present style), owned and occupied by EPAPHRAS BISSELL,
farmer. This house was afterwards sold to and occupied by Elihu
Wolcott, later by Oliver D. Cooke, Jr. of Hartford, who remodeled it,
and later by Hon. Erastus Ellsworth. After his death, 1879, his son-
in-law, Dr. Wm. Wood, resided there, and it is now occupied by his
family, and by Mr. Erastus Wolcott Ellsworth. In the south front
corner of the lot, nearly opposite the schoolhouse, Dr. Wood, at a
later day, erected a two-story shop or office, in which is now stored his
valuable ornithological, zoological, and antiquarian collections.
""
-
Next was an old two-story, unpainted house, known familiarly as
"the Molly Smith house the last on the west side of "the Hill" go-
ing south. Miss Mollie Smith resided here until her death in 1862,
at the age of 93. With her lived SAMUEL MAY, saddler and harness-
maker, and his family. His shop stood in the S. E. corner of the door-
yard, at the very brink of the hill overlooking Taylor's Hollow; and
the hill south of this shop was the "coasting" ground of the boys of
the neighborhood.
We pass now to the east side of the road and travel northward
again.
Opposite Miss Mollie Smith's house was another unpainted, old
frame house, belonging probably to Eli or John Bissell, but then occu-
pied by a Mrs. Murll, whose bachelor son, JACOB MURLL, was the wheel-
wright and carriage-maker of the village. This house was subsequently
torn down and a new house erected of a more modern style, by Mrs.
Ursula Skinner.
Next north of the Murll place stood, and now stands, the Academy
building (see page 754).
Next north of this and near it was Jacob Murll's carriage-making
shop, and next north of the shop was the residence of JESSE CHARLTON,
RESIDENTS IN EAST WINDSOR.
765
the tailor, whose shop was a few rods north of his house, and where he
also kept a small stock of dry goods, candies, etc. He was also at one
time a deputy-sheriff, and is well remembered by many for his unfailing
suavity of manner and his kindness to children. This house was built
by Wells.
Next came the residence of GODFREY SCARBOROUGH, lawyer; it was
afterwards occupied by SELAH B. TREAT, also a lawyer, but who subse-
quently became a clergyman and was, for a long series of years, secre-
tary of the Board of Home Missions in Boston. It was afterward pur-
chased by Erastus Ellsworth, and occupied by Dr. Elijah F. Reed. In
1839 it was bought by John S. Clapp, and by him demolished in 1857.
He erected a new residence a little north of the old site. This place is
now owned and occupied by Calvin Z. Parmelee.
Next was the residence of Mrs. MARY (widow of Oliver) DAY, with
whom lived Miss Mollie Day, and the family of ELISHA WELLS, who
died about 1834, aged 84, his wife dying, aged 93. This house stood at
the corner of Main Street and the Wapping Road.
Across the road, on the opposite corner, was the mansion of JOHN
WATSON, merchant. This house, three stories high, large, roomy, and
finished inside and out with scrupulous nicety, both as to quality and
style of materials and workmanship, was erected in 1788-90, and stands
to this day, an admirable specimen of the finest domestic architecture of
that day. It was occupied by Mr. John Watson until his death in 1824,
aged 81; then by his widow until her death in 1827, aged 76; afterwards
by Henry Watson until his death in 1848; after which it was sold to, and
has since been owned and occupied by, Theodore Bancroft.
Next north, was a small, but neat, gambrel-roofed house, occupied
by Mrs. RHODA (widow of Thomas) GRISWOLD, and aunt of Mrs. Aaron
Bissell. She died in 1838, aged 93. In the northwest corner of her
yard was a tailor's shop, for many years (before and after 1820) unoccu-
pied. This is now occupied by Mrs. SPERRY, and her daughter Miss
RUTH T. SPERRY, the Assistant Editor of this History.
Next came the residence of Mrs. LUCY WEBSTER and family; with
whom lived AsA BOWE, the shoemaker of the vicinity, and his family,
his wife being the daughter of Mrs. Webster. Mrs. W. died in 1823,
aged 83. Now occupied by the widow and daughter of Julius Birge.
Next north was the residence of JULIUS BIRGE, the tanner; whose
father, Jonathan Birge, the cabinet-maker, had resided there previously.
This was subsequently the dwelling of Dr. Rockwell.
Close by, on the projecting brink of "the Hill," was Asa Bowe's
shoe shop. Mr. Birge's tan-yard was a rod or more down the Hill, on
the north of this shop.
All the houses and shops on the east side of "the Hill" street stood
766
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
flush upon the line of the street, except the Murll and Griswold houses.
On the west side, all stood back from the street, with small dooryards,
except the two tavern houses and their barns.
Taverns. On page 418 we have noted the licensing, Dec., 1775, of
NATHANIEL COOK, and of the widow GRACE (Minor) GRANT, mother of
Mr. (afterwards Captain) EBENEZER GRANT, to whom, about 1734–5, she
resigned her tavern-keeping business. To what is there said of Capt.
JOEL and his son, Capt. GILES LOOMIS, as tavern-keepers, may be added.
that the tavern-property occupied by them finally came into the posses-
sion of Major Abiel Wolcott, who took down the old original part of the
house, and erected an addition, in which he lived until his death.
Of the Landlord PORTER, mentioned on same page, Deacon Reed's
Mss. says: "Nathaniel Porter was an old man when I first knew
him, residing with his son Nathaniel, who, with his family, occupied the
house. Old Landlord Porter had once been to the West Indies, and many
and large were the stories he used to tell about what he had seen there."
In the possession of the heirs of EDWARD KING, deceased, of In-
dianapolis, Ind., is the old sign which for nearly a century swung at
Bissell's Ferry. Originally, this sign bore in its center a design of 13
interlacing rings, each ring having in its center the representation of
some tree, or trees, peculiar to the State which it designated. In the
center of this circle of rings was the profile of George Washington;
above it the legend, "The 13 United States," and beneath it, "Enter-
tainment. | By David Bissell | A. D. 1777. In 1787 the words, "By
David Bissell," were painted out, and "E. Wolcott" (Erastus Wolcott)
substituted; also, the date 1787 was placed in each upper corner of the
sign-board.
In or about 1801 the sign passed into the hands of Joseph Phelps,
and it then hung at the old house that the Jones Brothers pulled down to
make room for their new one. It was at this time made over, the whole
face being painted out, and a new design given, viz.: On the obverse a
copy of the first gold eagle coined in 1795, and upon the other side the
reverse of the same coin, and J. Phelps' name underneath.
In 1816, J. PELTON bought the ferry tavern (now the Almshouse) from
Epaphras Bissell, erased all the letters of Phelps' name from the tavern-
sign, except the J. and the P., which were the initials of his own name,
and hung it over the middle of the ferry road, from the limb of a large
elm that stood in the corner of the dooryard, about six rods southwest
of the house, where the stump of the tree still stands.
The tavern thus kept successively by David Bissell, Erastus Wolcott,
and Joseph Phelps, probably passed down an unbroken line of Bissell
inn-keepers, from John, Sen., to whom an inn-license was given in 1648,
in connection with the grant of the ferry. See p. 418, Note.
CAPT. EBENÈZER GRANT, THE MERCHANT.
767
Merchants in East Windsor. Foremost among these was Captain
Ebenezer Grant, for many years the leading merchant of that portion of
Windsor east of the Connecticut River. He was the youngest son of
Samuel and Grace (Minor) Grant, and came into the possession of the
homestead on the east side of the Great River. His father died in
1712, and the boy must have been reared by his widowed mother, an
efficient business woman; and was fitted for college by Rev. Timothy
Edwards, first minister of the parish. He was graduated from Yale Col-
lege in 1726, and we find him soon after engaged in the shipping trade
with the West Indies. The earliest date found among such of his papers
as remain is that of: "Andrew McKee's Acount April 3, 1728, for
carting three Loads of corn to the vessell at the rever
9 sh."
Next, among a mass of similar papers, extending from 1733 to
1773, is a Bill of Lading, which we copy as a sample of commercial docu-
ments" of that ilk," viz.:
Shipped by the Grace of God, in good order and well conditioned by D. Meriville
Jun' in and upon the Good Sloop called the Humbird wherof is Master under God for
this present voyage Tho Coleman and now riding at Anchor in the Carlisle Bay by
God's Grace bound for New London, so say one Hogd Rum for acct o Risque of the
Shipper .. being marked and numbered as in the Margent and are to be delivered
in like good order and well conditioned at the aforesaid Port of New London (the dan-
ger of the seas only excepted) unto Mr. Ebenezer Grant, Mercht-in his absence to
Capt Tho' Coleman or to their Assigns, he or they paying Freight for the said Goods
five pounds p' Tunn with primage and average accustomed.
In witness whereof The Master & Purser of the said ship hath affirmed to 2 bills
of Lading all of this Tenor and date the one of which 2 bills being accomplished the
other to stand void.
"And so God send the good ship to her desired port in safety.
Dated in
"Barbadoes,
ye 2ª, 1733
"Tho Coleman."
It is difficult to give exact data of the growth of his business; but,
from this time until 1779, Mr. Grant seems to have engaged in mercantile
“ventures" of this description. He owned shares in different vessels
and cargoes, and bought horses and tobacco from his towns-people, which
he shipped to the Barbadoes. In return, he received, first and princi-
pally, rum; also molasses, sugar, and indigo. These goods were con-
signed to New London or Middletown, and thence, after paying duty, to
Windsor.
Mr. Grant was also a large ship-owner, and even built several vessels
at the mouth of the Scantic. One of these, The Peggy, was a brigantine,
built by Charles Gaylord, at the mouth of the Scantic River, during 1747
and '48, at a cost of £212, 12s. She was owned by a company of East
Windsor men in the following proportions: Ebenezer Grant, ; Mr.
Lawrence, ; Nathaniel Day, ; Ebenezer Bliss, ; John and Charles
16;
Gaylord, Samuel Watson, ; Ebenezer Watson, who worked on
1
1
•
169
1
1
16
1
768
>
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
1
1
her, Ammi Trumble,; David Bissell, The "Launching Din-
;
16
ner," given at her launch, cost £20. The Peggy's first trip was to the
Barbadoes, under command of Capt. William Filley, freighted with
"tobacco bo't of Sundry Persons at 7 pence per pound"-some at 8 and
9d. In 1757 Mr. Grant purchased of Nathaniel Hooker, merchant, of
Hartford, of the sloop Sarah, "being a square stern vessel of about
16
65 tons burden"; and, in 1755, he purchased from Thomas Elmer, Joseph
Rockwell, Jr., and Jerijah Olcott part of the sloop Susannah, 50 tons.
The schooner Ann, used by Mr. Grant, and the brig Polly (according
to Ebenezer Grant's Account Books) were also built in East Windsor, at
the Scantic's mouth, where there was a bridge erected about 1746-8. In
1810 Mr. Robbins's Diary records that "there are two vessels building at
this place." When his son Roswell graduated from Yale, in 1767, he
immediately received him into partnership with him.
1
8
Mr. Grant prospered apace. In 1768 the brigantine Hartford car-
ried from New London to the West Indies, for Ebenezer Grant & Com-
pany, 6,000 brick, 6,000 staves, 2,000 plank, and upwards of 4,000 hogs-
head hoops. One consignment of rum comprised 877 gallons. In 1768
was paid 15 shillings of duty on two hogsheads of rum. About 1767
Mr. Grant erected a "shop" about two rods south of his then new resi-
dence, and therein he sold dry goods, rum, groceries, hardware, and fancy
articles. He bought his goods in New York and Boston, and we find
bills from Beckman & Son, Samuel Browne & Co., of New York; and
from John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Daniel Waldo, John Barrett &
Sons, of Boston. In 1768 John Barrett writes: "Your supply being an
Object of Consequence to us, I shall take great pleasure in waiting on
you at our store." The Revolutionary War ruined business for Mr.
Grant, as for so many others, and, after peace was declared, Mr. Grant
was occupied in settling with his creditors.
Mr. Grant and his children were born in the house "supposed to
have been the original one built by Samuel (son of old Recorder Matthew
Grant) after he had removed from his residence on the meadow, where
he had first located east of the river.* The interior of this portion,
with its great beams and broad-paneled walls, and its vast chimney,
laid up with the broad, flat bricks of that day, and cemented with clay
instead of mortar, indicates its antiquity, and dates its erection back
of 1700."
The (new) main building, fronting on the street, was modeled after
the residence of his business correspondent, Gov. John Hancock of Bos-
ton, and its construction was planned by the same architect. Much of
* Matthew Grant's record, written about 1677, in his account of the great flood of
March 1638-9, says: "For all the ground [meadow] then [South Windsor,] was
drowned to one little ridge where Samuel Grant's now house stands.”

OLD GRANT MANSION, EAST WINDSOR, 1700-1757.
(By courtesy of author of Windsor Farmes ".)
Maoli
TRADE, MANUFACTURES, AND COMMERCE.
769
the written evidence of the contract for the house, including bills for
timber, etc., yet exists.
In the hands of his grandson, the late Col. FREDERICK W. GRANT,
this fine specimen of colonial architecture was carefully preserved in its
original state, and around it cluster many historic memories, which he
was wont to narrate with ardor. The southeast front room was occupied
by Gen. Richard Prescott after his capture by the Americans during
the Revolutionary War. Capt. Ebenezer Grant survived the Rev.
Mr. Edwards many years, and was active in church and parish
affairs during the ministry of his successor, Rev. Mr. Perry. The
old account books of the former show many entries for "Rum, &c.,"
which he sold to his pastor. Capt. Grant married for his second wife
the widow of Capt. David Ellsworth, and mother of Chief Justice Oliver
Ellsworth.
Trade, Manufactures, and Commerce. Prior to the date of Mr.
John Watson's store, according to Dea. Reed's Mss. letters, there had
been two merchants in East Windsor. "One of these, NATHANIEL PORTER
(the "Landlord Porter" mentioned when speaking of taverns), kept a
store in an addition built on to the north end of his house, projecting
some fifteen feet in front, and, by a slight excavation of earth, being set
high enough to form a cellar below for liquors, etc., and a room above
for dry goods, approached by an outside stairway.
“The other store, that of Mr. AUGUSTUS MILLS, was built in the same
manner; and, indeed, Mr. Watson's store was an exact copy of Mr.
Porter's.
“Of manufactures there were none to my knowledge; and, though
there were a few mechanics, such as joiners, carpenters, shoemakers,
blacksmiths, etc., there were none but what made farming their principal
business. There were two blacksmiths, Mr. WILLIAM (father of William
and Edward) STOUGHTON, who lived in an old red house south of my late
residence in South Windsor; and Mr. BENJAMIN GILMAN, whose shop
stood in the middle of Strong's road leading to Wapping; and there was
a Mr. HOUSE in Wapping.
“Commerce there was none, unless exporting of tobacco to the West
Indies could be so denominated. It was the practice, as far back as I
can remember, for the town to appoint, at the yearly town meeting, an
Inspector and Presser of Tobacco. Mr. Nathaniel Porter occupied the
office for many years, and the under room of his old store was appropri-
ated to that use. The tobacco was packed down in hogsheads and
pressed with screws to a solid body, and when thus made ready for mar-
ket, was bought up and exported to the West Indies. The price of
tobacco, as far back as I can remember, and for years after, seemed to be
VOL. I.-97
770
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
a fixed price,—five pence a pound; some years it was down to five cents.
For some years after my earliest recollection the prices of corn and rye
were as regular as if fixed by law: corn, 2s. 6d., or 42 cents; rye, 3s., or
50 cents. Gin distilleries soon raised the price of rye and corn, and the
manufacture of cigars the price of tobacco. To ask higher than this for
grain was thought to be extortion. The northern part of the town of
East Windsor, the North Society, as it was then termed, was always
noted for raising great quantities of rye. In the year 1783, or '84, as
near as I can ascertain, and on the 17th or 27th of June, I am not quite
certain which, there was a severe frost which killed all the rye, far and
near, except now and then a small patch that was protected by woods or
in some other way, so that there was not enough saved to supply the
people, and not a bushel could be bought. One resident of the North
Parish, a large farmer, and who raised a considerable quantity of rye in
detached parts of his farm (and which luckily had not suffered much
from the frost), took advantage of his good luck to force "a corner" on
rye. He let no one know that he had even enough to supply his own
family. People were calling frequently, and from every quarter, to pur-
chase, but without success. I recollect well a man calling upon my
father, who said he had come seventy miles from Rhode Island on horse-
back, with three empty bags, hoping he might be able to get them filled.
He had tried all along the road and had got none, and said he would
have been thankful if he could have got even enough for one bagfull to
carry home to his family, who had not tasted bread for three weeks
before he left home. The North Parish farmer referred to kept close as
long as he could, until just before harvest time, and then it came out
that he had rye to sell, and, though he put his price at 75 cents a bushel
(a price never before heard of), he rapidly coined money, for his neigh-
bors were fairly compelled to accede to any demand to procure rye to
eat and to sow."
NATHAN PELTON came to East Windsor from Middletown about 1765,
bringing with him two slaves as workmen. He did a large business as
a blacksmith, but had also a farm, the one now owned by Mrs. Carroll.
His name always appears in the tax-list as one taxed for "Faculty;
that was an income derived from some source other than farming.
See act passed by the General Court, 13 May, 1779.
""
one
Severe Winters, Floods, etc. "The winter of 1780-1 was very severe;
there was the greatest body of snow on the ground ever seen
snow-storm which lasted several days covered almost all the fences so
that but the tops of a few posts were to be seen. The storm ended with
rain, which wet the snow to some extent, and cleared off cold and froze
a solid crust that would bear teams with the heaviest loads of wood; and
SEVERE WINTERS, FLOODS, ETC.
771
people drew their wood from the woods anywhere across lots over the
fences, the sleds sliding as if on smooth ice. In cutting trees they stood
upon the crust, so that when the snow was off, the stumps stood about
six feet high.
"In the spring of 1801, there was the greatest flood in the Connecti-
cut ever known; the river became dammed up with ice at the straits
near Middletown, causing the water to rise to an heretofore unknown
heighth, covering all the meadows on each side of the river; apple trees
on the highest places in the meadows showed only a small part of their
tops above water; the flood set back in the brook north of my house so as
to flood about ten rods wide and covered several acres of land east of the
street. Two of my neighbors and myself with our wives got into a boat
within one and one-half rods of the northwest cor. of my house and sailed
in a straight line to the old ferry place at Windsor (before they had a
bridge across the Little River), without the least obstruction. In Hart-
ford the ferry boats could traverse many streets, and many families were
taken from their chamber windows, the water having risen to the second
story of some dwellings. Previous to this flood the black, or barn-rat,
was the only kind of rat known in this town. During this flood the
wharf-rat came upon us like an invading army, appearing first at the
lower end of the town; and, in the morning, before the sand in the road
had been disturbed by travel, might be seen their tracks where they had
crossed the road obliquely in a body, like a drove of sheep, from one
house or barn to another-till, in a few days they had distributed them-
selves through the street to Scantic River, and how much farther I know
not. Every house, barn, cornhouse, and hog-pen was fully inhabited by
them, and to make their conquest sure they set eagerly to work to clear
out all the black rats and mice. In my father's barn (and the same
could be said of others) there was an almost continuous squealing of rats
and mice that the conquerors were assassinating; and, when the barn
became emptied of hay great numbers of fleshless carcasses were found
upon the girts and plates of the barn. Some harbored under the hog-
pen floor and a few minutes after food had been given to the hogs, num-
bers could be seen in the trough feeding with the hogs. No black rat
has ever, to my knowledge, been seen in that vicinity since that time."
(Dea. Abner Reed's Mss.)
Rev. Thomas Robbins's Diary, pp. 733, 740, chronicles very heavy
floods in March and in May, 1818, in one of which the bridge across the
river at Hartford was swept away.
Cheese-making. In Dr. Robbins's Diary, we find this record, March,
1811, "Received a letter from Mr. Battell, with $400 to be paid several
families here for cheese." Mr. Battell was a merchant at Norfolk, Conn.,
130 miles away from East Windsor. As appears from another note this
772
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
cheese was brought to Mr. Robbins and he repacked it to be sent to Mr.
Battell a nice use to put a minister to.
Potatoes. The first seen in East Windsor, according to Thomas H.
Bissell of Hartford, by his great-grandfather (Mills) were brought in his
saddle-bags from Boston, where he had gone to purchase goods. He
invited in some friends to eat some of them roasted in the embers, and
planted the remainder. Mr. B. has also heard his father say that in his
boyhood (1760-1780) that his father cultivated but few potatoes, only in
the proportion of one bushel to three of turnips; and that there were
then but two varieties known, one called Spanish potatoes and the other
English Whites. It is further related that "way back" in East Wind-
sor times, some one of the few who saw a Boston newspaper, noticed the
advertisement of potatoes on sale; and, unable to imagine what they
were, enquired of the minister, who was supposed to know everything-
but even he was not able to say as to whether they were vegetables or
animals.
Pianos. The first in East Windsor was owned by Miss Rachel
McClure, daughter of Rev. David McClure; the second by Miss Harriet,
daughter of John Watson; the third by Miss Betsy, daughter of Martin
Rockwell.
Watches. In 1796, there was not a gold watch in East Windsor
and only forty-seven in the county.
Coaches. In 1796, East Windsor had three coaches, taxed at $17;
and in 1820, sixty-six riding carriages.
Fat Cattle. "A fat ox was drove from here this morning, fatted by
Capt. [Aaron] Bissell [of E. W. Hill] of this town, for Boston. He is
seven years old; has been fed with meal three years, and has eat about
300 bushels of corn. He measures around the girth nine feet and two
inches. He is undoubtedly the best ox ever fatted in America"- Rob-
bins's Diary, date Dec., 1808. In Jan., 1815, he records the killing of a
cow, by Mr. Wolcott, which weighed 850 lbs. Capt. Ebenezer Grant is
known to have received orders for fatted cattle, from Gov. Hancock of
Boston, for his own table-use.
Military. "The military company here is very handsome," says
Dr. Robbins in his Diary, in 1809, the year of his settlement at East
Windsor; and in September of same year he witnessed the "military
gathering in the north part of the society. All the regiments of the first
brigade, five of infantry with their artillery and one of cavalry, were col-
lected and inspected. Treated politely by the officers-Saw many
acquaintances."
The "training" lasted for two days; on the second day "the brig-
ade embodied and were reviewed by the Major-General. They per-
formed remarkably well. There were about 3,000 men under arms, and

-
THE GOVERNOR ROGER WOLCOTT HOUSE, SOUTH WINDSOR, CONN.
(From a sketch, made expressly for this work, by E. W. Ellsworth.)
THE GOV. ROGER WOLCOTT HOUSE.
773
supposed to be at least three times that number of spectators. The
weather very fine. The dust very troublesome. I saw no instance of
fighting, misconduct, or intemperance. There were very few females. The
place [probably East Windsor Hill] was excellent. Dined with the offi-
cers. No accident took place." The Reverend Doctor was afterwards,
and during all his pastorate here, the regularly commissioned chaplain of
the regiment, and took much pleasure in the performance of his duties
as such.
Elm trees. In his Diary, Dr. Thomas Robbins records, in May,
1816, “worked all day getting up young elms in the woods and setting
them in the street" and his biographer adds, "from the lower end of
East Hartford street, almost all the way to East Windsor Hill, and be-
yond, the traveler, at the present day, finds a succession of elm trees,
some of them of gigantic size. Doubtless some of these trees in the
south part of South Windsor are the very ones which Dr. Robbins was
setting out in the spring of 1816.”
Traditionary evidence points quite positively to the fact that a large
number of these elms were planted during the Revolutionary war, at the
suggestion of Gen. Lafayette, who saw that it would not only benefit the
town, but would furnish much needed employment for the number of
Hessian soldiers (captured with Burgoyne's army) who were at one time
billeted in this part of the then East Windsor. See p. 676.
The Wolcott Memorial preserves a photographic portrait of one
magnificent elm of South Windsor, which stands in front of the Samuel
Wolcott house. It measures, at the height of five feet, twenty-three feet
in circumference, and at the height of eight feet, twenty-nine and a half
feet in circumference. The spread of its branches has a diameter, from
north to south, of 102 feet, and its entire height is 108 feet. Numerous
branches start out at the height of eight feet, and the whole tree is still
healthy and vigorous-being estimated to be about 200 years of age.
The old Wolcott Houses. The Ephraim Wolcott farm, now owned
by Enoch W. Pelton of South Windsor, was made up in 1730, and in-
cludes a portion of the old Governor Roger Wolcott farm. The old
"Governor's Road" (see p. 413), which passed through the original
farm, is now a boundary line between Mr. Pelton (representing the
Ephraim Wolcott farm) and B. Maguire, who owns what was the other
part of the Gov. Wolcott farm. And Mr. Pelton occupies the Ephraim
Wolcott house (built in the seventeen hundred and fifties), which stands
four or five rods north of "Governor's Road." The Governor's land ex-
tended about twenty-five feet north of the "Governor's Road" and met
there the farm of Ephraim Wolcott, or, rather, of some cousins (of the
name of Hotchkiss, or Hoskins), from whom Ephraim Wolcott inherited it.
The Governor Wolcott house itself stood about four or five rods
774
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
south of the "Governor's Road." Its site is now unoccupied ; but a well,
pertaining to the house, can still be seen, about twelve rods south of the
"Governor's Road" and three west from the main road.
The Governor's house was standing until about (and not much later
than) 1830; and one of its last (perhaps the last) occupant was John
Alexander. In 1830 Mr. Charles Willey, a merchant from Boston,
purchased the Gov. Wolcott farm from Miss Chloe Wolcott. There
were then two houses on the place the Governor's, and another
which Mr. Willey occupied until 1848. About 1850, he sold a part of the
farm, including the site of the "Governor's House" to B. Maguire, afore-
said. Mr. Pelton purchased the other half from his half-brothers, the
sons of Mrs. Betsy (Pelton) Wolcott. Inside of his (the old Ephraim
Wolcott) house, upon an attic-beam, is nailed a piece of board, marked
“A. W. 1752,” which has been supposed to be the date of its erection. In
digging a little to the N. W. of this house the distinct outlines of a cellar
were found
-the site of a still older house.
The old "Governor's House" was described by those old people who
remembered it as being unpainted on the outside. The rooms were
wainscoted in dark wood, and above the wainscot, upon the plastered
walls, were huge paintings of dragons and men; and in one room, it is
said, upon the walls was pictured the Massacre at Deerfield.
Through the kindness of Mr. ERASTUS WOLCOTT ELLSWORTH, of South
Windsor, we are enabled to gratify our readers with a view of this his-
toric mansion, which he has drawn (especially for this work) from the
description of those who well remember it.
The Samuel Wolcott House stood upon the site now (1891) occu-
pied by the residence of Mr. Frederick A. King.
66
Small-pox and vaccination. Robbins' Diary records, Feb. 21, 1818,
a man in Scantic and one at Long Hill have got the small-pox the
natural way, without knowing how they got it. People are considerably
alarmed, and are vaccinating." It used to be said that this disease was
brought to Scantic intentionally, in the clothing of a quasi-physician in
want of practice, from a small-pox hospital in New York, he having beẹn
vaccinated. On the 28th of same month, Mr. Robbins records that " Dr.
[Sylvanus] Fansher is vaccinating this town, hired by the selectmen for
$150." This Doctor's name does not appear among those of the regular
faculty of Connecticut for 1818, and whether he was an educated physi-
cian, or had simply taken up the business of vaccination as a specialty, is
not clear. He afterwards applied, but without success, to the Connecti-
cut Legislature for the grant of a lottery that he might be enabled to
vaccinate the whole State. At the request "of the civil authority
and selectman," Mr. Robbins afterwards wrote a statement concerning
the vaccination in East Windsor for publication in the newspapers.
3

:
THE OLD WOLCOTT HOMESTEAD, SOUTH WINDSOR,
-
-
Nchardson.
.Sc.
THE IRISH ELEMENT IN THE WINDSOR TOWNS.
775
The Irish Element in the Windsor Towns: (contributed by Dr. James
Coogan of Windsor Locks.)
During the 18th century there were but few, if any, of Irish birth
or parentage within the limits of the old town of Windsor. JOHN MC-
MORAN, of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and JOHN RICHARDSON, from the south
of Ireland, resided on the west side of the Connecticut before the Revo-
lution.
After the dissolution of the Irish Parliament, emigration rapidly
increased - France, Austria, Spain, and the United States divided the
thousands that fled from Ireland's shores. The war of 1812 settled the
question of "once a subject, always a subject," and, for the future, the
Irishman leaving his native land could hope for the protection due an
American citizen.
As a result of the great influx of Irishmen into the States, every
hamlet, village, town, and city became an asylum for those escaping
from the unjust and tyrannical exercise of British laws and power.
At the distilleries in Warehouse Point (East Windsor) were a few
Irishmen employed within the first quarter of the century- among them
MICHAEL MCMANN. The digging of the canal at Windsor Locks at-
tracted a number of Irishmen - and the names, Guinney, Moore, Burke,
McMahon, Fitzgerald, Hayes, and Doyle, testify to their race and the
land of their birth. Several of these became prominent residents -
thus forming the nuclei of those Celtic homes which now number one-
third of the total within the boundaries of the old town of Windsor.
Paper manufacturing at the Locks, at Rainbow, and at Poquonock,
brought to these parts many of the craft― paper-makers who had lost
their positions in the Irish mills, consequent upon the introduction of
machinery therein. Among this class were the English, Coogan, Byrne,
Lester, and Carroll families, all from County Dublin, and whose descend-
ants continue to live within Windsor limits.
At the beginning of the second half of this century, the County Gal-
way, Ireland, gave to the Locks and the adjacent villages the Fureys,
Gilligans, Persses, Faheys, Burkes, and Healeys, and their descendants
are numerous on both sides the river.
PATRICK GEARY was the first Irishman in Broad Brook, and Mulli-
gan the next. The Dalys, Reardons, and Carrolls in East Windsor Hill
and South Windsor; the Lymans and Norrises at Windsor Green; the
Boucher family at Scantic; the McMahons and Brennans at "the Point";
the Carrolls, Cunninghams, and Fallons at Poquonock; the Roachs and
Gouclers at Bloomfield.
Most of the Irish are members of the Catholic faith. The first mass
celebrated in Windsor was on the banks of the canal, just south of the
railroad bridge crossing the Connecticut. Dr. Powers of New York city
776
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
was the celebrant, in 1828. Rev. Dr. Carmody was the first priest as-
signed to Windsor. The first Roman Catholic church was built by Rev.
James Smith, its cornerstone being laid 14 Sept., 1852.
Besides a convent and a parochial school at Windsor Locks, the
Catholics have a costly and substantial structure at Poquonock; a re-
modeled church at Windsor; a church and residence at Broad Brook,
and a church, built by Rev. Michael Kelly, at Bloomfield.
JAMES COOGAN, native of Dublin, Ireland, came to Windsor Locks
in 1845, being then 37 years old, and resided there until his death in
1879. He became the most influential, as he was the wealthiest of his
class. He represented the town of Windsor Locks in the State legisla-
ture of 1866; served several times as juror for Hartford county, and
filled every position within the gift of the town that he could be per-
suaded to accept.
War of 1812. SAMUEL CHAPIN, who enl. 30 April, 1813, under Capt. Chauncey
Ives, in 37th U. S. Inf., and was disc. 28 April, 1814, at expiration of term, is the only
East Windsor name given in the Conn. Official Rec. as of soldiers in the regular army
during this war, although some from East Windsor may have enlisted from some of
the adjacent towns.
In the Mexican War the following East Windsor men enlisted :
BLODGETT, SAMUEL, enl. 1 July, 1847, Co. L, 2d U. S. A., and d. 19 Dec., 1848.
CURTIS, DAVİD, enl. 6 Dec., 1844, Co. I, 1st U. S. Inf.; promoted Corp'l 5 April,
1845; Sgt. 15 July, '45; 1st Sgt. 1 April, '48; disc. 5 Oct., 1848.
HAMILTON, MARVIN, enl. 9 April, 1846, Co. F, 1st U. S. A.; disc. disabled, 25
April, 1848.
MARBLE, MORROW, enl. 16 April, 1847, Co. F, 9th U. S. Inf.; disc. disabled, 26
Dec., 1847.
PORTER, THOMAS B., (Sgt.) enl. 7 May, 1847, Co. B, 15th U. S. Inf.; prom. Corp'l
31 May, '47; red. to ranks 13 Aug. '47; prom. Sgt. 5 May, '48; disc. 5 Aug, '48;
expiration of time.
ROCKWELL, JABEZ J., enl. 18 May, 1847, Co. L, 4th U. S. A.; disc. 18 Aug, '48;
time expired.
East Windsor's Share in the War of the Civil Rebellion.
At a special town meeting convened at the basement room of
the meeting-house in Scantic village, on Wednesday, the 23d day of
July, A.D. 1862, Nelson S. Osborn was appointed moderator. The follow-
ing resolution passed by an almost unanimous vote:
Resolved, There shall be paid from the treasury of this town, in addition to the
sum already appropriated to each person resident of this town who has been accepted
since July 4, 1862, or who shall hereafter be accepted, on or before the 20th day of Au-
gust next, into the service of this State and turned over to the service of the United
States, as a part of the militia of this State, under and pursuant to a call from the
President of the United States for volunteers or militia for three years or during the
EAST WINDSOR SOLDIERS IN THE CIVIL WAR.
777
war, the sum of ninety dollars, making in all the sum of one hundred dollars, the same
to be paid by direction of the selectmen of the town when such volunteer shall be mus-
tered into the service of the United States."
To aid in suppressing the southern rebellion East Windsor expend-
ed for bounties, commutations, and support of soldiers' families, $45,-
730.04; the estimated amount paid by individuals for bounties to volun-
teers was $3,000; the grand list of the town was, in 1864, $1,214,300.
LIST OF SOLDIERS FURNISHED TO THE U. S. SERVICE IN THE WAR OF
THE CIVIL REBELLION, BY THE TOWN OF EAST WINDSOR, CONN.¹
ABBÉ, LESTER G., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
ADAMS, CHARLES C. Rev. (chaplain), enl. 22 Conn. Vols., 13 Sept., 1862; res. 2
Mch., 1863.
ADAMS, HENRY H., enl. Co. G, 16 Conn. Vols., Aug. 8, 1862; d. 25 Oct., 1864, Flor-
ence, S. C.
ADAMS, HENRY M., enl. Co. G, 16 Conn. Vols., 7 Aug., 1862; w'd 17 Sept., 1862,
Sharpsburg, Md.
ADAMS, JOHN, enl. Co. K, 5 Conn. Vols., 22 Aug., 1863; wd. 15 May, 1864; transf.
to Co., failed to report.
ADAMS, WILLIAM, (dftd. or subs.), enl. recruit Co. H, 20 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug.,
1863.
ALBRO, JOHN E., enl. 1st Light Batt., 14 Nov., 1861; re-enl. Vet., 26 Dec., 1863; w'd
16 July, 1863.
ALDRICH, WM. C., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 20 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863. ..
ALLEN, HENRY E., enl. Co. L, 1st Art., 5 Feb., 1862; re-enl. Vet., 9 Feb., 1864.
ALLEN, JOHN W. (s. David, s. Samuel, s. of Samuel), enl. Co. G, 16 Conn. Vols., 5
Aug., 1862; d. (of wds. rec'd Sharpsburg, Md.) 25 Sept., 1862; Col. Gowdy says
killed at Antietam.
ALLEN, SOLOMON H. (Corp'l, only s. Winthrop, s. Solomon), enl. Co. G, 16 Conn.
Vols., Aug. 8, 1862; killed Sharpsburg, Md., 7 Sept., 1862; Col. Gowdy says killed
at Antietam.
ALLEN, SETH S., enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., Aug., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
ALLING, EDWIN (Corp'l), enl. Co. G, 16 Conn. Vols., 6 Aug., 1862; pris. 17 Sept.,
1862, and 20 Apl., 1864; disc. 8 June, 1865.
ANDERSON, THEO., enl. Co. H, 29 Conn. Vols. (col'd), 24 Dec., 1863; died 21 Aug.,
1865.
ANDRUS, JACOB, enl. Co. B, 6 Conn. Vols., 12 Sept., 1861; disc.; enl. U. S. A.,
1 Nov., 1862.
ARCHER, JOHN, enl. Co. G, 16 Conn. Vols., 7 Aug., 1862; prom. 1st Lieut. Co. D,
21 Apl., 1865; disc. 30 June, 1865.
ARMBRUSTER, ALBERT (Capt.), Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; res. 1 Nov.,
1862.
1 This list is intended to include the names of all men who entered the service dur-
ing the war from honest and patriotic motives. An examination of official records of
the State of Connecticut reveals a startling number of desertions. This was due directly
to the system which prevailed, during a part of the war, of offering large bounties for
enlistment; and the evil was not confined to the soldiers of any one town, but was very
general. Bounty jumping" became a business. These deserters, — as a general rule
- did not belong to the towns where they enlisted. The names of drafted men held to
serve, and substitutes accepted under the draft of '63 are not given unless they actually
reached the regiments to which they were assigned and are taken up on company rolls.
VOL. I.-98
778
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
BAKER, RAINSFORD, enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 30 Aug., 1862; disc. 26 Aug.,
1863.
BAKER, WILLIAM, enl. Co. G, 1st Hy Art., 15 Nov., 1864; deserted July 30, 1865.
BANCROFT, CHARLES, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 20 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863; enl. 10 Feb., 1864, 1st Light Batt.; d. 9 June, 1864.
BARBER, CHARLES H. (Corp'l), enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 26
Aug., 1863.
BARRETT, JAMES (dftd. or subst.), Co. F, 20 Conn. Vols., 24 Aug., 1863; d. 29
Oct., 1863, Cowan, Tenn.
BARTLETT, HENRY A., enl. Co. B, 22 Conn. Vols., 28 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863; d. 1 Mch., 1886; (s. of Henry, s. of David) — Col. Gowdy.
BARTLETT, STEPHEN T., enl. Co. B, 25 Conn. Vols., 26 Aug., 1862; disc. 26 Aug.,
1863.
BATES, SEBRA, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug, 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
BAXTER, JAMES, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
BAYLISS, EDMUND G., enl. substitute, Co. D, 1st Conn. Cav., 18 Aug. 1864, m. o.
2 August, 1865.
BEDOR, PETER, enl. Co. K, 1st Hy. Art., 23 May, 1861; disc. 23 May, 1864, time
exp.
BINHEIMER, ANDREW, enl. Co. G, 1st Hy. Art., 5 Feb., 1864; wd. 24 Aug., 1864;
disc. disab. 16 June, 1865.
BISSELL, CARLOS F., enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; killed Irish Bend,
La., 14 Apl., 1863.
BISSELL, ELIHU, enl. Co. B, 8 Conn. Vols., 27 Sept., 1861; d. Portsmouth, Va., 24
Nov., 1863.
BISSELL, HEZEKIAH, 2d, enl. Rifle Co. A, 1 Conn. Vols., 22 Apl., 1861; disc. 31
July, 1861: enl. (1st Lieut.) Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 26 Aug.,
1863.
BISSELL, SAMUEL T., enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 26 Aug.,
1863.
BLANKHORN, JOSEPH, enl. Co. C, 7 Conn. Vols., 12 Feb., 1864; disc. 16 June,
1865.
BLODGETT, JOHN R., enl. 1st Lt. Batt. 26 Oct., 1861; re-enl. Vet. 4 Mch., 1864;
disc. 11 June, 1865.
BLODGETT, RALPH, enl. 26 Oct., 1861, 1st Light Batt.; re-enl. Vet., 4 Mch., 1864.
BOISE, JOHN M., enl. Co. A, 1st Hy. Art., 22 May, 1861; disc. 21 May, 1864, term
exp.
BOLAN, JOHN (dftd. or subs.), Co. A, 20 Conn. Vols., 24 Aug., 1863; wd. 22 July,
1864; disc. 20 June, 1864.
BRADY, GEORGE (dftd, or subst.), Co. C, 20 Conn. Vols., 24 Aug., 1863; transf.
to Co. G, 5 Conn. Vols.; disc. 19 July, 1865.
BRAGG, ALBERT F., enl. 12 Conn. Vols., 30 Dec., 1863; not on rolls June, 1864.
BRAGG, FRANK, enl. Co. H, 16 Conn. Vols., 7 Aug., 1862; disc. 24 June, 1865.
BRAMAN, NORTON M., Jr., enl. Co. A, 1st Hy. Art., 17 Aug., 1863; disc. 25 Sept.,
1865.
BRANCH, JAMES, enl. Co. E, 1st Art., 28 Dec., 1863; deserted 1 Aug., 1865.
BREEN, JOHN H., enl. 1st Conn. Cav., unassigned, 11 Oct., 1864; killed R. R. accident
8 Mch., 1865.
BRISTOL, HENRY B., enl. Co. K, 2d Art., 5 Jan., 1864; killed 1 June, 1864, Cold
Harbor, Va.
BRITT, THOMAS (dftd. or subst.), enl. Co. F, 26 Conn. Vols., Aug., 1863; deserted
2 Oct., 1863.
BROWN, GEORGE B., enl. Co. K, 1st Cav., 4 Jan., 1864; wd. 10 June, 1864; disc. 8
July, 1865.
EAST WINDSOR SOLDIERS IN THE CIVIL WAR.
779
BROWN, JAMES, enl. Co. M, 2d Art., 13 Feb., 1864; deserted 5 Apl., 1864.
BROWN, JOHN, enl. Co. B, 25 Conn. Vols., 1 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
BROWN, JOHN M., enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 30 Aug., 1862; prom. 2d Lieut. Co.
H; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
BURKE, THOMAS, enl. Co. C, 1st Art., 23 May, 1861; deserted 1 Aug., 1861.
BURTON, EDWARD, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
BUTTON, RICHARD, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
CARGILL, GEORGE A., enl. (musician) band of 3d Brig., 1 Jan., 1864; disc. 25
Sept., 1865.
CAHILL, DENNIS, enl. Co. D, 9 Batt. Inf., 26 Oct., 1864; disc. 3 Aug., 1865.
CASEY, THOMAS, enl. recruit 1st Art., 16 Jan., 1864; not taken up on rolls.
CASSIDY, MATTHEW, enl. recruit Co. F, 1st Art., 4 Jan., 1864; deserted 10 Feb.,
1864.
CHAPIN, LEANDER, enl. Co. A, 16 Conn. Vols., 18 July, 1862; died Andersonville,
Ga., 21 July, 1864.
CHARLTON, THOMAS, enl. Co. A, 26 Conn. Vols., 18 Sept., 1862; disc. 17 Aug.,
1863; re.-enl. Co. E, 1st Hy. Art., 4 Jan., 1864; disc. 25 Sept., 1865.
CLARK, GEORGE E., enl. Co. D, 2d Hy. Art., 4 Jan., 1864; wd. 19 Sept., 1864;
transf. to V. R. C.; disc. 4 Sept., 1865.
CLARK, THOMAS, enl. Co. D, 1st Hy. Art., 19 Nov., 1864; deserted 11 May, 1865.
COLTON, GEORGE N., enl. Co. C, 8 Conn. Vols., 14 Oct., 1861; disc. 22 Nov., 1861;
enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 25 Mch., 1863.
COILLY, JOHN, enl. Co. M, 2d Hy. Art., 25 Oct., 1864; disc. 13 June, 1865.
CONE, WILLIAM H., enl. Co. B, 1st Cav., 10 June, 1864; disc. 2 Aug., 1865.
COSTELLO, THOMAS, enl. Co. K, 12 Conn. Vols., 15 Feb., 1862; wd. 19 Sept.,
1864; re-enl. Vet.; disc. 6 Sept., 1865.
COTTER, JOHN, enl. Co. A, 21 Conn. Vols., 18 Aug., 1862; disc. 30 May, 1865.
COVELL, WILLIAM C., enl. Co. H, 16 Conn. Vols., 9 Aug., 1862; disc. disab. 17.
June, 1865.
COTTER, WILLIAM, enl. Co. B, 16 Conn. Vols., 12 Aug., 1862; died at Anderson-
ville, Ga., 3 Oct., 1864.
CRANE, JAMES M., enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 28 Aug., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
CRANE, LUCIUS, enl. (wagoner) Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 8 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug.,
1863.
CROSSETT, JOHN W., enl. Co. C, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
DAVENPORT, M. GEORGE, enl. Co. A, 16 Conn. Vols., 14 Dec., 1863; d. in rebel
prison at Florence, S. C., Oct. 12, 1864.
DAVIS, HUMPHREY, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
DAVIS, JOHN, enl. Co. D, 29 Conn. Vols. (col'd), 8 Aug., 1864; disc. 24 Oct., 1865.
DAWSON, HENRY A., enl. Co. A, 3 Conn. Vols., 11 May, 1861; disc. 12 Aug,
1861.
DEAN, NATHAN S. (Corp'l), enl. Co. F, 5 Conn. Vols., 22 July, 1861; re-enl. Vet.;
wd. 15 May, 1864; disc. disab. 11 July, 1865.
DELANCY, GEORGE, enl. Co. A, 29 Conn. Vols. (col'd), 17 Nov., 1864; disc. 24 Oct.,
1865.
DEVINE, DENNIS, enl. Co. I, 16 Conn. Vols., 25 Apl., 1864; transf. to Co. B, 6 Conn.
Vols.; disc. 21 Aug., 1865.
DEVINE, JOHN (dftd. or subst.), enl. Co. D, 20 Conn. Vols., 24 Aug., 1863; deserted
1 Oct., 1863.
DILL, WILLIAM L., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 16 Jan., 1863.
DOIG, DAVID, enl. Co. E, 13 Conn. Vols., 22 Dec., 1861; disc. disab. 20 May, 1862.
DUFF, WILLIAM, enl. Co. B, 16 Conn. Vols., 28 July, 1862; killed, Sharpsburg, Md.,
17 Sept., 1862,
780
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDsor.
*
ELLSWORTH, CHAUNCEY B., enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 8 Sept., 1862; disc.
26 Aug., 1863.
ELLSWORTH, HAVILAH I., enl. Co. L, 1st Hy. Art., 26 Feb., 1862; d. 26 July,
1862.
ELLSWORTH, JOHN, enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 29 Aug., 1862; disc. 26 Aug.,
1863.
ELLSWORTH, THEODORE, enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 6 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug.,
1863.
ELLSWORTH, WILLIAM H. (Corp'l), enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 8 Sept., 1862; disc.
26 Aug., 1863.
ELY, GEORGE B. (dftd. or subst.), enl. Co. H, 20 Conn. Vols., 27 Aug., 1863; deserted
6 June, 1864.
EPSTEIN, ALBERT, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
FARGO, RANSOM J., enl. Co. M, 2d Art., 13 Feb., 1864; deserted 31 May, 1864.
FARREL, WILLIAM, enl. Co. F, 7 Conn. Vols., 28 Oct., 1864; disc. 20 July, 1865.
FENERAN, PATRICK, enl. Co. M, 2d Art., 9 Feb., 1864; transf. to Co. C; disc. 18
Aug., 1865.
FENNIS, JOHN, enl. Co. E, 3 Conn. Vols., 11 May; disc. 12 Aug., 1861.
FISH, ANDREW J., enl. Co. K, 12 Conn. Vols., 10 Feb., 1862; re-enl. Vet. 1 Jan.,
1864; disc. 12 Aug., 1865.
FISH, FRANCIS O., enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 8 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
FISH, HORACE S., enl. Co. A, 1st Squad. Conn. Cav. (Co. C, 2d N. Y. Cav.), 3 Aug.,
1861; d. Apl., '64, Annapolis, Md.
FITTS, JOHN F., enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 29 Aug., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
FLEMING, ELLIOTT, enl. Co. G, 16 Conn. Vols.; killed at Antietam 17 Sept., 1862
(Col. Gowdy).
FOX, JAMES F., enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 8 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
FRANK, FRED. W., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; deserted 5 Oct.,
1862.
FRANK, LEANDER, enl. Co. C, 7 Conn. Vols., 8 Sept., 1864; disc. 20 July, 1865.
FRESENIUS, CHARLES, enl. Co. F, 1st Hy. Art., 14 Oct., 1864; disc. 25 Sept., 1865.
GAGE, CHARLES E., enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 9 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863;
enl. Hd.-Qr's Troops, La.
GARY, MICHAEL, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
GATES, HERBERT M., enl. Co. H, 16 Conn. Vols., 7 Aug., 1862; transf. Invalid
Corps, 20 Aug., 1863; disc. 13 July, 1865.
GAYLORD, SEYMOUR C. (Sgt.), enl. Co. A, 16 Conn. Vols., 11 July, 1862; transf.
Invalid Corps, 13 July, 1863; disc. 6 July, 1865.
GIBSON, DANIEL G. (Corp'l), enl. Co. E, 3 Conn. Vols., 25 Apl., 1861; re-enl. Co. A,
16 Conn. Vols., 11 July, 1862; taken prisoner Apl. 20, 1864; died 30 Sept., 1864,
Andersonville, Ga.
GLEASON, MARTIN, enl. Co. A, 16 Conn. Vols., 23 Dec., 1863; pris. 20 Apl., 1864;
transf. to Co B, 6 Conn. Vols.; disc. 21 Aug., 1865.
GONDAR, HERMAN, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug.; disc. 7 July, 1863.
GORDON, FRANCIS H., enl. 1st Hy. Art., 30 Dec., 1863; not taken up on rolls.
GOWDY, EDWARD G., enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 9 Sept., 1862; disc. 24 July, 1863;
enl. Headquarters Troops, La.
GRAHAM, JOSEPH, enl. Co. H, 12 Conn. Vols., 27 Dec., 1861; re-enl. Vet. 26 Nov.,
1864; transf. V. R. C. 23 Apl., 1865; disc. 11 Dec., 1865.
GREATOREX, WILLIAM, enl. (musician) band of 3d Brig., 1 Jan., 1864; disc. 25
Sept., 1865.
GREEN, RICHARD C, enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 9 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug.,
1863.
GRUBE, MARTIN H., enl. Co. M, 2d Hy. Art., 12 Feb., 1864; wd. 19 Sept., 1864;
disc. disab. 20 May, 1865.
EAST WINDSOR SOLDIERS IN THE CIVIL WAR.
781
HAGAN, PATRICK, enl. (dfted. or subst.) Co. A, 5 Conn. Vols., 29 July, 1863; disc.
20 July, 1865.
HARPER, JOHN L., enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 9 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
HARRELL, HENRY, enl. 5 Jan., 1864, in Co. K, 29 (col'd) Conn. Vols.; disc. 24 Oct.,
1865.
HASCALL, JAMES B., enl. Co. C, 20 Conn. Vols., 30 July, 1862; deserted 29 Sept.,
1862.
HAYDEN, JOHN, enl. Co. M, 2d Hy. Art., 26 Oct., 1864; transf. to Co. C; disc. 18
Aug., 1865.
HAYDEN, PETER, enl. Co. M, 2d Hy. Art., 12 Feb., 1864; transf. to Co. C.; deserted
1 Aug., 1865.
HEIN, ADAM, enl. Co. A, 10 Conn. Vols., 28 Dec., 1863; disc. 25 Aug., 1865.
HERIG, ANTON, enl. Co. C, 22 Conn. Vols., 21 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863; re-
enl. Co. G, 1 Art., 30 Dec., 1863; wd. 24 July, 1864; disc. 25 Sept., 1865.
HISSERICH, EMIL, enl. Co. H, 6 Conn. Vols., 9 Sept., 1861; wd. Pocotaligo, S. C.,
22 Oct., 1862; dropped from rolls; supposed to have died 23 Aug., 1862.
HICKEY, WILLIAM, enl. Co. F, 7 Conn. Vols., 18 Oct., 1864; disc. 20 July, 1865.
HOBSON, HENRY, enl. Co. F, 29 Conn. Vols. (col'd), 15 Nov., 1864; disc. 24 Oct.,
1865.
HOUSE, CHARLES H., enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 28 Aug., 1863; wd. 14 Apl.,
1863; disc. 26 Aug., 1863; re-enl. Co. D, 14 Conn. Vols., 28 Jan., 1864; wd. 6 May,
1864; transf. to Co. B, 2d Hy. Art., 30 May, 1865; disc. 18 Aug., 1865.
HOWE, WILLIAM, enl. recruit Co. K, 2d Art., 29 Dec., 1863; deserted 17 Jan., 1864.
HOXIE, FRANKLIN, enl. Co. C, 2d Art, 31 Dec., 1863; disc. 18 Aug., 1865.
HUDSON, EDWARD, enl. 5 Conn. Vols., 11 June, 1864; not taken up on rolls.
HUEBNER, WILLIAM (dftd. or subst.), enl. Co. D, 20 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1863;
deserted 1 Oct., 1863.
HUNTER, NATHANIEL, enl. Co. L, 1st Art., 6 Mch., 1862; disc. disab. 16 Feb., 1863.
HURLBURT, SAMUEL E. (Sergt.), enl. Co. H, 1 Conn. Cav., 9 Dec., 1863; wd. 29
Mch., 1864; disc. 2 Aug., 1865.
JOHNSON, ALBERT H., enl. Co. A, 1st Squad. Conn. Cav. (Co. C, 2d N. Y. Cav.), 5
Aug., 1861; disc. to enlist U. S. A.
JOHNSON, CHARLES, enl. Co. E, 10 Conn. Vols., 31 Oct. 1864; deserted 5 Aug.,
1865.
JOHNSON, CHARLES L., enl. Co. B, 16 Conn. Vols., 14 Aug., 1862; wd. 17 Sept.,
1862; pris. 20 Apl., 1864; disc. 24 June, 1865.
JOHNSON, GEORGE R., enl. 5 Conn. Vols., 11 June, 1864; not taken up on rolls.
JOHNSON, WILLIAM H., enl. 2d Art., 13 Feb., 1864; not taken up on rolls.
KEEGAN, PATRICK, enl. Co. M, 2d Art., 12 Feb., 1864; killed on picket, 24 May,
1864.
KEENAN, HENRY P., enl. Co. G, 20 Conn. Vols., 22 July, 1862; transf. to V. R. C.;
disc. 7 Sept, 1865.
KELLOGG, CHARLES, enl. Co. E, 24 Conn. Vols., 21 Aug., 1862; transf. to Co. H,
1 Mch., 1863; disc. 30 Sept., 1863; re-enl. Co. K, 1st Hy. Art., 18. Dec., 1863; disc.
25 Sept., 1865.
KING, JOHN, enl. (subst.) Co. E, 6 Conn. Vols., 15 Nov., 1864; disc. 21 Aug., 1865.
KING, CHARLES C. (Sgt.), enl. Co. E, 3 Conn. Vols., 11 May, disc. 12 Aug., 1861;
enl. (Sgt.), Co. G, 16 Conn. Vols., 5 Aug., 1862; d. 20 Sept., 1862, from wounds
rec'd at Sharpsburg, Md.
KRIENER, BENEDICT, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 19 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
LIVINGSTON, AMAZIAH (Corp'l), enl. Co. M, 2d Hy. Art., 12 Feb., 1864; wd. 1
June, 1864; disc. disab. 30 Jan., 1865.
LORD, CHARLES A. (Corp'l), enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 7
July,₤1863.
782
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
LORD, HENRY L., enl. Co. K, 12 Conn. Vols., 10 Feb., 1862; wd. 10 June, 1863;
re-enl. Vet., 17 Feb., 1864; disc. 12 Aug., 1865.
LORD, LEMUEL R. (Sgt.), enl. Co. G, 23 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 26 Aug.,
1863.
LORD, ORTON L., enl. Co. A, 8 Conn. Vols., 25 Sept., 1861; killed at Sharpsburg,
Md., 17 Sept., 1862.
LORD, SAMUEL L. (Sgt.), enl. Co. A, 3 Conn. Vols., 11 May, 1861, disc. 12 Aug., 1861;
enl. Co. A, 8 Conn. Vols., 10 Sept., 1861; re-enl. Vet., 5 Jan., 1864; prom. 1st Lieut.
Co. H; m. o. 12 Dec., 1865.
LOYD, JOHN, enl. recruit 5 Conn. Vols., 11 June, 1864; not taken up on rolls.
MAGUIRE, EDWARD (dftd. or subst.), Co. I, 8 Conn. Vols., 5 Sept., 1863; wd. 10
June, 1864, and 29 Sept., 1864; disc. disab. 28 Nov., 1865.
MAHER, JOHN, enl. Co. G, 9 Conn. Vols., 27 Sept., 1861; d. 21 Oct., 1862.
MAHONEY, JOHN, enl. Co. I, 8 Conn. Vols., 5 Sept., 1863 (dftd. or subs.).
MASON, GEORGE, enl. Co. B, 11 Conn. Vols., 14 Nov., 1861; disc. 11 Nov., 1864.
MASON, JOHN, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
MCCABE, WILLIAM (dftd. or subst.), Co. F, 20 Conn. Vols., 24 Aug., 1863; deserted
15 Sept., 1863.
MCCARTY, CHARLES, enl. Co. B, 8 Conn. Vols., 27 Sept., 1861; disc. disab. 22 June,
1862.
MCCARTY, FLORENCE, enl. Co. B, 8 Conn. Vols., 27 Sept., 1861; transf. to Invalid
Corps, 30 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Sept., 1864.
MCELROY, GEORGE, enl. Co. A, 1st Squad. Conn. Cav. (2d N. Y. Cav., Co. C), 9
Aug., 1861; disc. 10 Sept., 1864.
MCKOWAN, DUANE, enl. Co. K, 1st Hy. Art., 22 Dec., 1863; disc. 25 Sept., 1865.
MOONEY, MICHAEL, enl. Co. I, 14 Conn. Vols., 11 Feb., 1864; d. 23 Mch., 1864.
MOORE, JAMES M. (Corp'l), enl. Co. E, 14 Conn. Vols., 6 Aug., 1862; prom. 2d
Lieut. Co. C, 16 June, 1864; killed 25 Aug., 1864, Ream's Station, Va.
MORGAN, EDWARD, enl. Co. B, 5 Conn. Vols., 20 Aug., 1863; (subst. or dftd.); m.o.
19 July, 1865.
MORGAN, JOHN, enl. Co. D, 2 Conn. Vols., 7 May, disc. 7 Aug., 1861; re-enl. Co. G,
16 Conn. Vols., Aug. 5, 1862; disc. disab. 31 Oct., 1864.
MORRILL, LEONARD G., enl. Co. G, 16 Conn. Vols., 5 Aug., 1862; pris. 17 Sept.,
1864; disc. 7 Sept., 1865.
MORROW, JOHN T., enl. Co. C, 1st Hy. Art., 23 May, 1861; deserted 21 Aug., 1861.
MULLEN, PATRICK, enl. Co. F, 7 Conn. Vols., 1 Nov., 1864; m. o. 20 July, 1865.
MUNSELL, ELIJAH, enl. Co. A, 3 Conn. Vols., 11 May, disc. 12 Aug., 1861; re-enl.
(Corp'l), Co. G, 16 Conn. Vols., 5 Aug., 1862; killed at Sharpsburg, Md., 17 Sept.,
1862.
MURRAY, JAMES, enl. 1st Hy. Art., 22 Nov., 1862; transf. to 14 U. S. Inf., 26 Nov.,
'62, being a deserter therefrom.
NEISENER, MARX, enl. Co. G, 16 Conn. Vols., 8 Aug., 1862; disc. 22 April, 1863.
NICHOLS, JAMES, enl. Co. H, 1st Hy. Art., 9 June, 1864; disc. 25 Sept., 1865.
NICHOLSON, HENRY, enl. Co. G, 16 Conn. Vols., 6 Aug., 1862; disc. disab. 3
Dec., 1862.
NOBLE, HEZEKIAH B. (Sgt.), enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 7
July, 1863.
NORTON, HUGH (subs. or dftd.), enl. Co. H, 5 Conn. Vols., 22 Aug., 1863; deserted
1 Apl., 1864.
NYE, SPAFFORD B., enl. Co. A, 8 Conn. Vols., 25 Sept., 1861; transf. Vet. Res.
Corps, 8 May, 1864; disc. 24 Sept., 1864.
OBGOIS, CHARLES, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
O'BRIEN, GEORGE, enl. Co. C, 2 Hy. Art., 5 Jan., 1864; disc. 18 May, 1865.
EAST WINDSOR SOLDIERS IN THE CIVIL WAR.
783
•
OLCOTT, SIDNEY A., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
OSBORN, DAVID W., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 1 July, 1863.
OSBORN, WILLIAM A. (Corp'l), enl. Co. E, 22 Conn. Vols., 22 Dec., 1861; deserted
25 Nov., 1863.
PARKER, NELSON, enl. 1 Nov., 1864, 29 Conn. Vols. (col'd), unassigned; disc. 6
Dec., 1864.
PARSONS, ARTHUR H., enl. Co. A, 3 Conn. Vols., 11 May, disc. 12 Aug., 1861;
re-enl. Co. G, 16 Conn. Vols., 5 Aug., 1862; m. o. 24 June, 1865.
PARSONS, CLIFFORD D., enl. Co. A, 3 Conn. Vols., 11 May, disc. 12 Aug., 1861;
re-enl. Co. A, 8 Conn. Vols., 30 Sept., 1861; re-enl. Vet. 24 Dec., 1863; disc. 12
Dec., 1865.
PASCO, DANIEL A., enl. Co. B, 11 Conn. Vols., 24 Oct., 1861; re-enl. Vet. 12
Dec., 1863; disc. 21 Dec., 1865.
PASCO, GEORGE D., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
PASCO, JULIUS N., enl. Co. K, 12 Conn. Vols., 10 Feb., 1862; re-enl. Vet., 17 Feb.,
1864; disc. 12 Aug., 1865.
PASCO, THEODORE W., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
PATTERSON, JAMES (Corp'l), enl. Co. C, 1st Conn. Cav., 14 June, 1864; disc. 2
Aug., 1865.
PEASE, CHARLES W., enl. Co. A, 16 Conn. Vols., 9 Aug., 1862; killed, Sharps-
burg, Md., 17 Sept., 1862.
PEASE, EPHRAIM, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
PETTIBONE, GEORGE O., enl. Co. B, 25 Conn. Vols., 27 Aug., 1862; disc. 31 July,
1863, to enl. Headquarters Troops, La.
PFIEFER, JOHN, enl. Co. G, 16 Conn. Vols., 5 Aug., 1862; w'd Antietam, Md.,
17 Sept., 1862; pris. 20 Apr., 1864; d. Annapolis, Md., Dec. 27, 1864.
PHELPS, EDWARD F. (Corp'l), enl. 1st Light Batt., 14 Nov., 1861; disc. 13 Nov.,
1864.
PHELPS, HALSEY F. D., enl. Co. B, 8 Conn. Vols., 27 Sept., 1861; killed, Newbern,
N. C., 14 Mch., 1862.
PHELPS, MOSES, enl. 1st Light Batt., 14 Nov., 1861; disc. disab. 11 May, 1864.
POLE, CHARLES W. (dftd. or subst.), Co. G, 20 Conn. Vols., 24 Aug., 1863; transf.
to Co. G, 5 Conn. Vols.; disc. 19 July, 1865.
POTTER, ALBERT H., enl. Co. B, 16 Conn. Vols., 11 Aug., 1862; pris. 20 Apl.,
1864; disc. 24 June, 1864.
POWERS, CHARLES W., enl. 21 Dec., 1863, Co. F, 29 (col'd) Conn. Vols.; disc. 24
Oct., 1865
POWERS, JOHN, enl. Co. C, 1st Hy. Art., 23 May, 1861; re-enl. Vet., 10 Dec., 1863;
disc. 25 Sept., 1865.
PRATT, FRANK D., enl. Co. F, 1st Hy. Art., 5 Jan., 1864; w'd 15 July, 1864; disc.
disab. 20 June, 1865.
PRATT, EDWARD, enl. Co. B, 29 Conn. Vols. (cold), 1 Nov., 1864; m. o. 24 Oct.,
1865.
PRIOR, ELMER A., enl. Co. B, 11 Conn. Vols., 14 Nov., 1861; deserted 28 Nov.,
1861.
PRIOR, S. FRANKLIN, enl. Co. B, 16 Conn. Vols., 11 Aug., 1862; killed, Sharps-
burg, Md., 17 Sept., 1862.
PUTNAM, RICHARD A., enl. Co. C, 29 Conn. Vols. (col'd), 5 Nov., 1864; died 9
Jan., 1865.
REARDON, DENNIS, enl. Co. G, 1st Hy. Art., 5 Nov., 1864; disc. 23 June, 1865.
REED, BARZILLAI H., enl. Co. K, 1st Conn. Cav., 4 Jan., 1864; disc. 2 Aug, 1865.
784
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
READ, LUCIEN W. (Sgt.), enl. Co. H, 22 Conn. Vols., 29 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
REED, RALPH R., enl. Co. B, 11 Conn. Vols., Oct. 24, 1861; re-enl. Vet., 1 Jan.,
1864; disc. 21 Dec., 1865.
RICE, RODNEY H., enl. Co. B, 22 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; d. 12 Mch., 1863,
Arlington, Va.
RICHARDS, GEORGE, enl. Co. C, 29 Conn. Vols. (col'd), 8 Dec., 1883; disc. 24 Oct.,
1865.
RICHARDSON, FRANCIS H. (Corp'l), enl. Co. A, 3 Conn. Vols., 11 May, 1861;
disc. 12 Aug., 1861; enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 29 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
RIVERS, GEORGE, enl. Co. B, 7 Conn. Vols., 13 Feb., 1864; deserted 29 Apl., 1864.
ROBINSON, CHARLES L., enl. Co. B, 16 Conn. Vols., 9 Aug., 1862; drowned in the
Potomac 24 Apl., 1865.
ROBINSON, MARO L., enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., Sept. 27, 1862; deserted 23 Nov.,
1862.
ROE, JOHN (Corp'l), enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 29 Aug., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
ROEHNER, EMRAI (Corp'l), enl. Co. C, 20 Conn. Vols., 21 Aug., 1862; disc. 13 June,
1865.
ROEHNER, WILLIAM H., enl. Co. C, 20 Conn. Vols., 6 Aug., 1862; disc. 13 June,
1865.
ROCKWELL, ALPHEUS, enl. Co. B, 16 Conn. Vols., July 16, 1862; disc. disab, 14
Mch., 1863.
ROGERS, WILLIAM, enl. Co. B, 29 Conn. Vols. (col'd), 14 Nov., 1864; disc. 24 Oct.,
1865.
ROSS, JOHN, 1 Conn. Cav., 10 June, 1864; not taken up on rolls.
ROTH, WILLIAM, enl. Co. K, 11 Conn. Vols., 11 Aug., 1864; deserted 15 Sept., 1865.
SAVORY, JONATHAN, enl. 1st Light Batt., 6 Dec., 1861; re-enl. Vet. 19 Dec., 1863;
disc. 11 June, 1865.
SEXTON, HENRY M., enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
SCHWAB, ISAAC, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
SCOTT, JOHN, enl. Co. L, 1st Hy. Art., 12 Mch., 1862; disc. 13 Mch., 1865.
SHAEHAN, JOHN, enl. Co. M, 2 Hy. Art., 12 Feb., 1864; deserted 12 July, 1864.
SHELTON, CHARLES M., enl. Co. D, 2 Conn. Vols., 7 May; disc. disab. 26 June,
1861.
SHEPARD, JAMES A., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 19 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
SIMMONS, SAMUEL, enl. Co. E, 29 Conn. Vols. (col'd), 21 Dec., 1863; disc. 24 Oct.,
1865.
SKINNER, CHARLES B. (musician), enl. 8 Aug., 1862, 16 Conn. Vols.; disc. disab.
29 Dec., 1862.
SKILLMAN, JOHN H. (Corp.), enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 6 Sept., 1862; m. o. 26
Aug., 1863.
SKINNER, WELLS G., enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 3 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
SMART, JOHN H. (Corp'l), enl. Co. G, 16 Conn. Vols., 5 Aug., 1862; pris. 20 Apl.,
1864; disc. 24 June, 1865.
SMITH, ALBERT M., enl. Co. G, 2 Hy. Art., 12 Feb., 1864; disc. 1 June, 1865.
SMITH, CHARLES, enl. 1st Lt. Batt., 12 Nov., 1864; m. o. 11 June, 1865.
SMITH, CHARLES E., enl. Co. L, 1st Conn. Cav., 5 June, 1864; d. Andersonville,
Ga., 19 July, 1864.
SMITH, JAMES, 1st, enl. Co. M, 2d Hy. Art., 13 Feb., 1864; deserted 4 Apl., 1864.
SMITH, JAMES M., enl. Co. A, 5 Conn. Vols., 22 July, 1861; disc. disab. 5 May,
1862.
SMITH, RICHARD, enl. Co. F, 1st Art., 5 Jan., 1864; disc. disab. 21 Feb., 1864.
SMITH, ROBERT, enl. Co. D, 1st Hy. Art., 19 Nov., 1864; deserted 1 Aug., 1865.
SMITH, SAMUEL C., enl. Co. B, 22 Conn. Vols., 30 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
EAST WINDSOR SOLDIERS IN THE CIVIL WAR.
785
SOLON, MICHAEL, enl. Co. G, 1st Hy. Art., 2 Nov., 1864; deserted 29 July, 1865.
SPENCER, GEORGE, enl. Co. B, 16 Conn. Vols., 9 Aug., 1862; pris. 20 Apl., 1864;
disc. 19 June, 1865.
SPERRY, JOSEPH R., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
SQUIRES, CHARLES W., enl. Co. B, 16 Conn. Vols., 12 Aug., 1862; pris. 20 Apl.,
1864; disc. 17 Apl., 1865.
STARK, THOMAS (musician), enl. Co. C, 20 Conn. Vols., 5 Aug., 1862; disc. 13
June, 1865.
STEINMETZ, CHRISTIAN, enl. Co. E, 3d Conn. Vols., 25 April, 1861; m. o. 11 May,
1861; enl. Co. G, 16 Conn. Vols., 5 Aug., 1862; d. at Annapolis, Md., 31 Mch., 1865.
STORMS, ADOLPH, enl. Co. G, 16 Conn. Vols., 5 Aug, 1862; disc. disab. 26 Oct.,
1862.
STOWE, FREDERICK W., enl. 1st Lt. Batt., 14 Oct., 1864; 2d Lieut. by bvt.; disc.
11 June, 1865.
STRUNZ, ADOLPH, enl. Co. G, 16 Conn. Vols., 6 Aug., 1862; disc. disab. 26 Oct.,
1862.
TAYLOR, JOHN E., enl. Co. I, 18 Conn. Vols., 30 Dec., 1863; wd. 5 June, 1863;
disc 27 June, 1865.
THOMPSON, EPHRAIM H., enl. Co. H, 1 Hy. Art., 5 Jan., 1864; disc. 9 Nov., 1865.
THOMPSON, JAMES, enl. 5 Conn. Vols., 11 June, 1864; not taken up on rolls.
THURSTON, JOHN, enl. Co. B, 15 Conn. Vols., 18 Oct., 1864; trans. Co. B, 7th Conn.
Vols.; m. o. 20 July, 1865.
TSCHUMME, CONRAD, Sr., enl. Co. H, 6 Conn. Vols., 9 Sept., 1861; disc. 11 Sept.,
1864.
TSCHUMME, CONRAD, Jr., enl. Co. H, 6 Conn. Vols., 9 Sept., 1861; d. 12 June,
1862.
TUCKER, JAMES, enl. Co. I, 18 Conn. Vols., 30 Dec., 1863; disc. 27 June, 1865.
UNDERWOOD, JOSEPH, enl. Co. K, 29 Conn. Vols. (col'd) 9 Jan., 1864; disc. 24 Oct.,
1865.
WAGNER, BERNHARD, enl. Co. H, 6 Conn. Vols., 9 Sept., 1861; re-enl. Vet. 7
Mch., 1864; deserted 11 Nov., 1864.
WAGNER, EDWARD, enl. Co. G, 16 Conn. Vols., 5 Aug., 1862; des. 17 Sept., 1862.
WELCH, HENRY B., enl. (wagoner) Co. C, 1st Hy. Art., 23 May, 1861; term exp.,
disc. 22 May, 1864.
WEST, RANDALL B., enl. Co. B, 7 Conn. Vols., 7 Sept., 1861; prisoner July 11,
1863; not found in Adj.-Gen.'s office.
WHEELER, JARED, enl. Co. A, 8 Conn. Vols., 25 Sept., 1861; disc. disab. 17 Nov.,
1863.
WHEELER, JOHN L., enl. Co. D, 2 Hy. Art.; 5 Jan., 1864; m. o. 18 Aug., 1865.
WHEELER, JOHN N., enl. Co. I, 1st Hy. Art.; 6 Aug., 1864; deserted 6 July, 1865.
WHIPPLE, BENTON J., enl. Co. K, 12 Conn. Vols., 15 Feb., 1862; re-enl. Vet.,
17 Feb., 1864; transf. to Co. F, 10 V. R. C.; disc. 20 July, 1865.
WHITE, CHARLES (dftd. or subst.), enl. recruit Co. I, 20 Conn. Vols., 20 Aug.,
1863; transf. to hospital, and failed to report.
WILLIAMS, HARRIS, missing in action 1 Mch., 1865; not taken up on rolls.
WILLIAMS, JAMES, enl. Co. I, 5 Conn. Vols., 22 Aug., 1863; deserted 1 Oct., 1863.
WILLIAMS, ROBERT O., enl. Co. A, 15 Conn. Vols., 11 Oct., 1864; wd. 8 Mch.,
1865; d. of wds. 1 May, 1865.
WILLISTON, JOSIAH F. (musician), enl. Co. E, 14 Conn. Vols., 6 Aug., 1862; m. o.
31 May, 1865.
WORTS, JOHN H., enl. 29 Conn. Vols. (col'd), 2 Jan., 1864; deserted 19 Jan., 1864.
WRIGHT, WILLIAM C., 1st Conn. Cav., 28 Dec., 1863; not taken up on rolls.
WRIGHT, IRA S., 1st Conn. Cav., 14 June, 1864; absent at muster out.
WARD, ELIJAH (Sgt.), enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 30 Aug., 1862; d. 7 Aug., 1863.
VOL. I.-99
786
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
WARD, JOHN, enl. Co. E, 10 Conn. Vols., 9 Oct., 1861; wd. 14 Mch., 1862; disc.
disab. 17 Nov., 1862; re-enl. Co. C, 1st Hy. Art., 1 Jan., 1864; m. o. 25 Sept., 1865.
WARD, LAWRENCE, enl. Co. C, 1st Hy. Art., 5 Dec., 1863; m. o. 25 Sept., 1865.
WARD, THOMAS M., enl. Co. E, 10 Conn. Vols., 30 Sept., 1861; d. 22 Oct., 1862,
Washington, D. C.
WARNER, SAMUEL, enl. 30 Conn. Vols. (col'd), now Co. D, 31 U. S. V. (cold),
11 Feb., 1864; m. o. 7 Nov., 1865.
WATERS, WILLIAM A., enl. Co. B, 25 Conn. Vols., 30 Aug., 1862; disc. 26 Aug.,
1863.
WARRINER, WILLIAM D., native of Springfield, Mass.; many years à resident of
E. W., and married there; enl. Co. B, 11 Conn. Vols.; wounded at Antietam, and
d. 15 Oct., 1862 (Col. Fr. Gowdy).
Term of Office of East Windsor Town Clerks.
pris Aaron Bissell then fed

6 July, 1768 to 1786, 18 years.
Test Frederich Elsworth Town Cart
1786 to death in 1799, 13 years.
Mawor Aibell Town Clerk
7 March, 1799 to 1825, 26 years.


Abner Reed, Nov. 14, 1825, to 1834, 9 years.
James Moore, 10 Nov., 1834, to death, 27 Apr., 1843, 8 years.
Abner Reed, 2d term, 1 May, 1843, to 1845, 2 years.
Isaac Osborn, 4 Aug., 1845, to 1854.
Phineas L. Blodgett, 10 Feb., 1854, Oct., 1867, nearly 14 years.
Elbridge H. Leonard, M.D., Oct., 1867, to 1 Oct., 1874.
Mahlon H. Bancroft, from 1874.
Graveyards.
Ireland District, now known by its post-office name of MELROSE, for
many years buried their dead in Ellington.. The deed for the present
burying ground, near Mr. Gowdy's, was given in 1794, and the first
interments there were the children of James Thompson, in 1776. It
also contains the remains of Miss JANE ORCUTT (Orcett on headstone),
EAST WINDSOR GRAVEYARDS.
787
who came from the north of Ireland at the age of fifteen; made
her home in the family of Mr. Simons (great-grandfather of Col.
Francis Gowdy) and died, aged fifty-five, in 1805, leaving by will a por-
tion of her little property ($80) to the Seventh School District as a per-
manent fund, the income from which was to be spent in support of the
district school, which has been done down to the present time. Also
here rests JOHN CAMERON, a Scotchman, soldier under Burgoyne, who
laid down his arms at Saratoga and who died here in 1813.
Scantic graveyard, near the meeting-house, deed given 1751.
The Prior Street graveyard, near Caleb Potwine's, deeded 1780.
Warehouse Point graveyard, deeded in 1801.
Ketch Mills graveyard. Of this we have no data.
CHAPTER VIII.
SOUTH WINDSOR.
SOU
OUTH WINDSOR, Hartford County - Incorporated May, 1845;
taken from East Windsor. Population, 1880, 1,902. Children
between ages of 4 and 16, January, 1881, 379; January, 1888, 436.
Grand list, $1,310,331. Indebtedness, $4,252.40. Rate of taxation, 8
mills. Principal industry, agriculture. Is reached by the New York &
New England Railroad, Springfield division; stations, South Windsor,
East Windsor Hill, and Burnham's. The village of Wapping is reached
from Buckland Station on the main line of same railroad. Post-offices,
South Windsor, East Windsor Hill, and Wapping. Such is the official
description of South Windsor in the Connecticut Manual and Register
for 1889.
After the setting off of the northeast portion of East Windsor, in
1786, to form the town of Ellington, the territory of the town remained
unbroken for about sixty years. But, as its population increased, it be-
came evident that its territorial area was too large for the convenience
of its inhabitants. From the northern to the southern line the distance
was about ten miles, which imposed too much travel upon those attend-
ing town-meetings, which were held alternately in the meeting-houses of
the North and South parishes. When the town-meeting was held in the
South parish, it necessitated a journey of seven or eight miles for the
voters who dwelt near the Enfield line; and when it was in the North,
or Scantic house, those living near the East Hartford line had a journey
of about the same length. With the growth of the town there came
also an increase of its public business, requiring the more frequent as-
sembling of voters, until the burden of attending town business, under
such circumstances, became very onerous. There was sufficient popula-
tion to make two good-sized townships; and, that there was a general
readiness among the people of each section of the town for a division
was apparent from the result of a special town-meeting held April 1,
1845. Though the attendance was small, the majority vote showed a
widespread understanding how the question at issue would be decided.
Resolutions were passed (133 to 32) expressing a strong desire to have
✔
BAPTIST CHURCH IN SOUTH WINDSOR.
789
the town divided, and Mr. Joseph M. Newberry was appointed an “Agent
to attend the forwarding of s petition."
At the meeting of the General Assembly on the first Wednesday in
May, 1845, upon the petition of Harvey Elmer and others, the town was
divided, and "all that part lying south of a line commencing at the
mouth of the Scantic River, and running thence south 84° 9′, east 407
chains 75 links, to Ellington town line,” etc., etc., was duly set off and
incorporated as a separate town by the name of SOUTH WINDSOR. AC-
cording to the provisions of the creating-act, the first town meeting of
South Windsor was held upon the first Monday of August, 1845, Theo-
dore Elmer calling the meeting, and acting as its moderator. The first
representative from the new town to the General Assembly was Benoni
O. King.
Town Clerks of South Windsor, from the organization of the town
in 1845 to 1881 :
Ebenezer Pinney, 1845.
James Francis, 1847.
Alfred Bemis, 1850.
Benoni O. King, 1851.
Eli R. Olcott, 1855.
William H. Clark, 1860.
F. A. King, 1862.
Henry Holman, 1869.
Chelsea C. Vinton, 1872.
The Baptist Church in South Windsor. The first Baptist preaching
here, of which we have any record, was about 1790, by Rev. John Hast-
ings of Suffield, who baptized several converts to the new faith.
After him came Rev. Mr. Marshall, holding meetings at private houses,
and being finally haled before a justice and fined $60 for so doing
against the laws. But persecution prevailed not against the earnest-
ness of those preachers who followed them, and three marked revivals
of religion are recorded, viz.: In 1790, under Mr. Hastings; in 1797,
under Mr. Nelson, first pastor of the Hartford Baptist Church; and in
1809, under Rev. Mr. E. Cushman's preaching; the converts of these
revivals being received into the communion of the Baptist churches
of Suffield, Wethersfield, and Hartford.
From the Diary of Rev. Thomas Robbins of South Parish (now
South Windsor) we get some glimpses of the early incoming of the
Baptists. May 4, 1816, he writes: "Am considerably troubled with the
efforts of the Wapping Baptists to get in here." In Sept. he notes a
call made by him on Mr. Blakesley, then the Baptist minister at Wap-
ping, “who appears to be very hostile"; and, in 1817, that he "makes
me a good deal of trouble."
Mission work, began in 1820 by Rev. Wm. Bentley, continued until
1824, and a revival which attended his labors led to a desire for a place
of worship and a church organization. This was effected January 14,
790
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
1823, in the southeast lower room of the house of Mr. Alexander King,
and 9 males and 30 females enrolled their names as members.'
Cash subscriptions were made amounting to $192; days' labor
promised to the amount of 101 days; Alex. King gave standing tim-
bef for rafters, studs, braces, and boards for roof-covering; others
gave timber and stone to the amount of $33; another the hair for
mortar in plastering, nails, etc., etc.; and it is gratifying to add that
much prompt and generous aid was rendered by neighbors of other
denominations. A second appeal for aid was found needful, which
was met by donations of cash and materials to the amount of $62.25.
The new building was so far completed by November, 1823, that three-
fourths of its slips were offered for sale, and preaching services in-
augurated.
Again, we quote from Rev. Mr. Robbins' Diary,
14th Jan., 1823: "The Baptists had a meeting here and formed a
church, five men and about fifteen women in our Society, and nearly as
many more in neighboring places. The business has been long contem-
plated. I have different and most severe trials come at once." And
29th April, 1823: “A frame of a Baptist meeting-house was raised in
this neighborhood, 42 by 30, with 14 foot posts. It is my cross and
affliction. I hope to be profited by it. My people suppose it will not
strengthen their party. The good Lord be our help. First meeting 22
June, 1823. It was numerous. I hope the triumphing of the wicked
will be short." And this was the feeling of a really pious man, who
had rather more than a usual share of charity for other denominations.
For several years the church was served by pulpit supplies, of whom Rev.
John Hunt served the longest, in 1826 and '27. In October, 1827, Gurdon
Robbins began to labor here, and here was ordained to the Gospel
ministry, continuing as pastor until the fall of 1831, or spring of 1832.
Under his labors, a revival in 1829 and '30 added 23 to the church.
After him E. Doty, from May, 1832, half the time; in 1833 W. Bent-
ley; others for brief periods, until late in 1835 Rev. Sidney S. Carter
opened a protracted meeting, at which 13 were baptized, and he was
ordained 1st March, 1836. Until April, 1838, the church depended on
students, missionaries, etc., when Wm. Reid began; was ordained June
10, 1838; terminated his pastorate October 14, 1839. During 1841 or
'42 the Methodists occupied the house. In April, 1843, Rev. Wm. C.
Walker began here; remained until 1845. After that a season of
spiritual dearth; house closed, except as occupied by the Congregation-
alists during the erection of their new church. August 10, 1851, Rev.
Gurdon Robbins supplied the pulpit, and announced that the house was
¹In 1874 one of these females, Harriet (daughter of Alex. King), still resided in
this house, which she owned.
:
SOUTH WINDSOR PHYSICIANS.
791
to be opened for lay meetings; the edifice was repaired in 1852; or-
ganized anew 18th February, 1852; re-dedicated January, 1853. Re-
vivals occurred in 1851 and '58; and, under efforts of Walter S. Wil-
liams of Hartford and others, meetings were continued until the fall of
'61, when Rev. Sidney S. Carter came and labored until spring of '62.
Then supplies until the spring of '64, when the church was again closed,
and edifice occupied for two years by the Episcopalians. In 1870 it was
again repaired and reopened for Baptist worship by Rev. Russell Jennings
of Deep River, Conn.; Rev. Richard E. Whittemore preached for seven-
teen months, beginning in June, 1870; Rev. Edward S. Towne began
5th November, 1871, was ordained here 24th January, 1872, and was
its pastor 1874.
The church, since its organization, has had 173 names on its roll,
up to September, 1874.
The present church edifice (on what was formerly known as Rus-
sell Loomis' home-lot) was erected during Mr. Jennings' ministry; raised
21st and 22d November, 1873; dedicated 9th September, 1874; is a
frame edifice, with brick basement, 68 by 37 feet; has a fine audience
room, with basement, etc.; and cost, with furnishings and land, about
$17,000; this amount, by the addition of parsonage and farm, secured
to the church by Brother Jennings, with the sums expended by him in
the interests of the church in this town, being increased to nearly
$27,000.
Physicians of South Windsor. ELIHU TUDOR, (see pages 456-8)
was the first doctor on South Windsor soil. In the seating of the meet-
ing-house in 1761 (p. 584) a Dr. CONVESS (Converse), is mentioned.
Dr. CHARLES MATHER (see p. 458) resided on East Windsor Hill
from about 1765 to 1795.
Dr. ELIJAH F. REED, who succeeded Dr. Mather in location and
practice in 1795, was a man of marked ability. He was a native of
East Windsor, and was probably a student with Dr. Porter of Warehouse
Point; and began his professional life in 1789 in that part of Bolton
now Vernon, Conn. He was especially skillful in midwifery, and in the
treatment of the fever peculiar to the Connecticut Valley. In 1848
was published a pamphlet essay entitled A History of Febrile Diseases,
occurring in his practice, between 1799 and 1837. He died in 1847,
aged 80. He had a son, Dr. Maro McLean Reed, who enjoyed a large
and successful practice at Jacksonville, Ill. (See Reed Genealogy in
our second volume.)
Dr. SYDNEY W. ROCKWELL and Dr. HORACE C. GILLETTE may be
said to have succeeded to Dr. Reed's practice. Their records will be
found in the Rockwell and Gillette Genealogies of our second volume.
792
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Dr. Gillette removed to Chicago in 1863. He died in St. Charles, Ill.,
in 1878.
Contemporaneous with Dr. Rockwell in practice was Dr. WILLIAM
WOOD. He was the son of Rev. Luke and Anna (Pease) Wood, and was
born in Waterbury, Conn., July 7, 1822. At the age of ten years he en-
tered the academy at Old Killingworth, now Clinton, Conn. Remaining
there three years, he fitted himself for Yale College; but his youth debar-
ring him from admission, be continued his studies under the private tutor-
ship of Professors Marsh and Loverin at Vermont for two years. On
his return to Clinton, which journey of nearly 200 miles he accomplished
on foot, with his clothes and books strapped over his back, he spent an-
other year at the academy studying; but, having overtaxed his eyes by
too close application, he was compelled to abandon his cherished plan of
entering Yale as a senior at the age of 16 years. For two successive
winters he devoted himself to teaching, and during the warm months
pursued medical studies. He was principal of the academy in East
Windsor Hill, assistant teacher at the academy at Westfield, Mass.,
principal of the High School at Webster, and assistant teacher in the
Pavilion School at Hartford, Conn.
Subsequently he attended lectures at the Berkley Medical College,
Pittsfield, Mass., and at the medical department of the University of
New York, from which, March, 1847, he graduated M.D. In the
autumn of the year established himself in practice at East Windsor
Hill, Conn.
In 1848 he married Mary L. Ellsworth, daughter of Erastus Ells-
worth. Mrs. Wood and one daughter, Mrs. Lewis Sperry, and a son,
Wm. R. Wood, survive him. Mrs. Dr. Childs of East Hartford and
Mrs. F. A. Brown of Hartford are his sisters. Mr. Luke Wood of Clin-
ton is his only surviving brother. Dr. Wood was a student of nature.
He devoted much time to the study of ornithology, zöology, and archæ-
ology, and had a valuable collection in each of these departments. He
was also a skillful taxidermist. His method of mounting his specimens
showed a keen observation of their manner and habits. His collections
of birds and their eggs and Indian relics (still retained by his family)
are among the finest in the country.
His published writings, for the most part, related to natural
history, and appeared in the American Naturalist and in other popular
journals. Among his works may be mentioned a series of twenty-one
articles published in the Hartford Times in 1861 upon "The Rapacious
Birds of New England." Another of his valuable contributions to
science was an article published in The Locomotive, entitled, "Who
first successfully applied steam to the navigation of vessels?" and
proving most conclusively that the distinction belonged to John Fitch


Eng by HB Halla Sons
SOUTH WINDSOR'S PHYSICIANS AND INVENTORS.
793
of South (then East) Windsor, Conn., and not to Robert Fulton, as is
generally believed.
Besides his associations with professional organizations, he was an
honorary member of the Lyceum of Natural History of Williams Col-
lege, corresponding member of the National Ornithological Club of Cam-
bridge, Mass., and he held positions of honor and trust in various medi-
cal societies. He was considered by the members of his profession a
very skillful practitioner.
Dr. Wood was a lover of good music, and for thirty years led the
service of song at the First Church. He was a devoted leader, and was
never absent from his place unless illness or professional duties kept
him away.
His favorite recreation was fishing, and he was an enthusiast in the
art. He was very social in his nature; had a keen sense of the humor-
ous, and his fund of anecdote was inexhaustible. He was very sympa-
thetic, devoted in his attention to his patients, and always prompt to
fulfill any engagement, professional or otherwise. He was an active
member of the First Cong. Church and Society. He died Aug. 9, 1855.
CHARLES LEWIS BLAKESLEE, M.D., succeeded to Dr. Rockwell's
practice. He is the son of Ichabod and Maria (Holmes) Blakeslee,
and was born in Russell, Mass., 13th November, 1862; had a common
school education; studied medicine with Dr. Judson W. Hastings of
Feeding Hills, Mass., and graduated from medical department, Univer-
sity of New York city, March, 1890, settling in South Windsor in the
May following.
Dr. FRANK BURNETT, of Webster, Mass., and a recent graduate of
the Long Island Medical College, settled in South Windsor in 1885.
He remained two or three years and then moved to Rhode Island.
Inventors. East (now South) Windsor claims the honor of being
the birthplace of JOHN FITCH, of steamboat fame, and of ELI TERRY,
the originator of the cheap "Yankee clock" industry, which has placed
the clock within the means of the poorest family in almost every part
of the civilized world.
South Windsor's claim to FITCH has been somewhat disputed by
the neighboring town of East Hartford, inasmuch as the old house in
which he was born was very near the line between the two towns. But
a note received September 3, 1891, from JOHN A. STOUGHTON, Esq., of
East Hartford, says: "I have verified the exact location of John Fitch's
birthplace. It is about 50 rods west from the residence of Edgar A.
Burnham, on the north side of the cross-road extending to the Elling-
ton road. It may be further described as a point about six rods north
of said cross-road and fifteen rods east of the east line of said old road.
The location is fully and clearly in South Windsor. The line between
VOL. 1.100
794
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
1
East Hartford and South Windsor is almost coincident with the north
line of the cross-road. The house in which John Fitch was born stood
west of Mrs. Kilburn's present house; between it and the junction of the
old road with the cross-road." For a biography of Fitch, see Fitch
Genealogy in our second volume.
ELI TERRY'S biography will be found in the Terry Genealogy of our
second volume.
In Art, South Windsor bids fair to be honorably represented by
Miss AMELIA M. WATSON of East Windsor Hill, whose charming water-
colors exhibit decision of touch and a poetical nature which gives to her
pictures the fine flavor which most American artists seem to find only
in the Old World, but which she has no difficulty in finding among purely
home scenes and surroundings.
Indian Burial Places in South Windsor. Mr. Chas. W. Vibert of
South Windsor has kindly furnished us with the following, which may
be considered as supplementary to what has been said on pages 113 and
114. "This burial place is on the east bank of the Connecticut River,
about two miles south of the mouth of Scantic River. Through the
middle of it runs the road to what was called 'The Governor's Ferry.'
[See p. 736.] It is from a half to three-quarters of a mile in length, and
its original width cannot be determined, as so much has been washed
away by freshets.
It presents no surface indications of its having been
used for burial purposes; but, when the river channel changes, and at
high water, the banks cave off in such a way as to show the graves
plainly. They are from two and a half to three feet deep, and the
banks break down straight for five or six feet, so that the graves are
distinctly outlined. They appear to have been scooped out in the form
of a bowl, and filled in with much darker earth, mixed with small
stones and bits of charcoal and burned bones. The bodies were all
placed in the graves, lying on the side, with legs drawn up and head
towards the south. From three of these graves I was enabled to secure
three skulls in very good condition, which are now in the Peabody
Museum, New Haven. Within twenty years I have seen some thirty
graves opened, and not an implement or relic of any description in any
of them." As the locations of the burial-places of the Scantic and
Podunk tribes are known, the question arises: What Indians were buried
in this place as described by Mr. Vibert? Was it the burial place of
the Windsor tribes before the advent of the white man?
SOUTH WINDSOR IN THE CIVIL WAR.
795
SOUTH WINDSOR'S SHARE IN THE WAR OF THE CIVIL REBELLION.
(Contributed by E. DWIGHT FARNHAM of South Windsor; compiled
from Town and State records, Crofut & Morris' Hist. of Conn. in the
War of 1861-65, State Catalogue of Conn. Volunteers, and various pri-
vate sources of information.)
2
The gubernatorial election of the spring of 1860 decided the posi-
tion of Connecticut on national questions,' the forthcoming issues being
sharply defined; and the Presidential election in November following
gave a Republican majority for Lincoln. In South Windsor the votes
at the spring and fall elections closely followed the lead of the State
elections. The total South Windsor vote for Governor was 389, of
which Buckingham (Rep.) received 198, a majority of 7 over Seymour
(Dem.); the Presidential vote was 308, 81 less than in the spring, Lin-
coln receiving 177, 21 less than for Buckingham. The opposition polled
131 votes, 60 less than cast for Seymour for Governor, which was thus
divided: Breckenridge 91, Douglas 39, Bell 1.
Again, in the spring of 1861, after the secession animus of the
Southern States was fully declared and overt acts already committed,
and the question of coercing them into submission became the issue of
the day — fully accepted by each party—the gubernatorial election re-
sulted in 43,012 votes for Buckingham, being a majority of 2,009 over
Loomis, the Democratic candidate. In South Windsor, at this election,
the vote was 192 for Buckingham, 174 for Loomis, a majority of 18 for
the former.
During the excitement following the surrender of Fort Sumter
material was procured and the ladies of South Windsor assembled,
April 24th, 25th, and 26th, at the house of the late David M. Tudor, to
make a flag, which was duly raised upon a suitable staff directly oppo-
site the Congregational Church. Speeches were made by ex-Lieut.-
Governor Sill, Judge Gilman, C. C. Wait, and Major Hemmingway, and
patriotic songs enlivened the occasion.
But once during the war despite the bitterness of feeling natu-
rally engendered by differences of political views was the national
flag disturbed. Following the disaster to the Union arms at the first
battle of Bull Run, July, 1861, the opposition made loud demands for
peace, and "peace meetings were held and "peace flags" raised in
many parts of the State. On the morning of September 1, 1861, it was
¹Total vote, 88,375, of which W. A. Buckingham received 44,458, a majority of
only 541.
""
2 Total, 77,292; over 11,000 less than in the spring before. Of this Lincoln received
45,792, only 666 less than the Republicans had cast for Governor in the same year.
Douglas received in the State 15,522; Breckenridge, 14,641; Bell, 1,485; fusion, 1,852.
Total opposition, 33,500, giving Lincoln a majority of 10,292.
796
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
discovered that a white flag was waving at the head of the staff, instead
of the national emblem, and that the ropes had been so arranged as to
make it difficult of access. It was, however, quickly removed, and the
"peace party" were soon lost sight of in the excitement which attended
the preparation of troops for the three-years service, the making of
havelocks, presentation of flags, etc. The first Connecticut volunteer
regiment left camp at New Haven for Washington May 17th, and then
the energies of the ladies were displayed in the preparation of lint,
bandages, and other hospital and sanitary provisions for the soldiers in
the field — they being, during the first year, organized as "Red, White,
and Blue" societies. At a meeting held September 16th, in Third Dis-
trict schoolhouse, these lady workers, under the direction of Mrs. John
Olmstead and Mrs. T. G. Talcott of Hartford, were organized as auxiliary
to the U. S. Sanitary Commission, through which the results (both in
supplies and money) of their labors were distributed.
In Wapping, also, the ladies of the two church societies early or-
ganized a "Union Soldiers' Aid Society," and labored as such through-
out the entire course of the war.
Oct. 7, 1861, at the regular annual town meeting, the following
resolution was passed and duly spread upon the town records :
WHEREAS, a formidable and wicked combination of ambitious men, false to their
oaths of allegiance to the United States, by misleading a portion of the people,
have, together with those whom they have deluded, made an unprovoked and de-
liberate attack by arms upon the Government of the United States; and
"WHEREAS, in all times, it is proper to express our attachment and devotion to our
country, and especially in times of threatened danger; therefore,
Resolved, By the citizens of South Windsor, that we will unconditionally, now,
and at all times, cordially support the Government in its efforts to repel all attacks
upon it, from all foes, whether foreign or domestic.
Resolved, That we wait not to enquire who is to administer the laws and support
the Constitution of the United States; but we are ready to sustain by all proper means
those who are now charged with that duty, to the full measure of our ability, without
asking or desiring any offer of compromise to those engaged in armed rebellion against
the best human government ever instituted."
This was South Windsor's decided utterance at the time when, the
three-months volunteers having returned from the field, active recruit-
ing was going on in the State, under the President's proclamation for
500,000 three-years volunteers. The regiments furnished by Connecti-
cut comprised all raised up to and including the 13th. The number
enlisting from this town, in one or other of these regiments, up to July,
1862, was 38, no bounties to encourage enlistments having been offered
by the town. The State furnished a monthly allowance to soldiers'
wives and children. The amount thus received by South Windsor from
the State Comptroller's office during the war was $5,795.94, the first
SOUTH WINDSOR IN THE CIVIL WAR.
797
payment being made November 13, 1861, and the last 30th January,
1866.
The reverses following the McClellan campaign in the spring and
summer of 1862 occasioned two successive calls (July and August), one
for 300,000 three-years, and the other for 300,000 nine-months men;
volunteering was not active; the exigencies of the situation admitted of
no delay; drafts were in prospective. The number to be furnished by
this town under this call was 60; and a town meeting was held 26th July,
1862, to raise a tax, or in some way to raise money to encourage enlist-
ments. The meeting voted a $100 bounty to any person who had or
should enlist into any of the regiments being raised under the call be-
fore the 20th day of August, 1862. Twenty-three men of South Wind-
sor enlisted, nearly, if not all, before the date mentioned. August 20,
1862, another town meeting was held, with the object of offering the
same bounty to any who would volunteer into the nine-months service.
At this meeting Messrs. T. E. Bancroft, Nathan Willey, Lorin Loomis,
and Seth Vinton were appointed a committee to "superintend and en-
courage enlistments, and to use all proper means to raise a sufficient
number of men to fill the quotas of this town for the three-years and
nine-months' men, recently called for by the President."
September 1st (previous to which time 17 had enlisted for nine
months) another town meeting was convened to "consider the propriety
of increasing the bounty paid by this town to volunteers for nine
months." Up to this time (the town's quota being 60) 23 had enlisted
for three years, 17 for nine months-total 40, being 20 still to be
furnished. The meeting raised the bounty to be paid the nine-months
men, both those who had and those who should enlist, to $150; and,
also, in case the quota should not be raised before the time ordered for
the draft, the bounty to all nine-months men should be $200. The
quota was not filled at time of draft, September 10, 1862. There ap-
pear to have been but four volunteers the date of whose enlistment was
later than the date of this meeting and previous to the September 10th.
On that day the selectmen, Charles N. Pease and Samuel T. Avery, met
at the house of Hardin Stoughton, in Wapping, and there conducted the
draft all persons enrolled having been previously warned to appear on
parade at said place. Forty-three names were drawn, and the draft-lots
fell upon twenty-six persons.
In the entire absence of any records both in town clerk's office
and at the State Adjutant-General's office as to this draft, we are safe
in asserting that none of those drafted at this time entered the
service. Many were excused, and not a few "made themselves scarce
in their accustomed haunts. September 15th nine drafted men from
South Windsor actually reported for duty at Camp Halleck, in Hartford ;
798
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
and an order emanating from the Adjutant-General's office, October 10,
1862, states that 14 were still wanting towards filling the town's quota,
and orders another draft November 5th, unless the required number be
furnished by 30th October. The draft was later postponed to 19th No-
vember, and finally took place in but few towns in the State.
October 18th. At a town meeting warned for the purpose, it was
voted to give all who had volunteered, personally or by substitutes, the
sum of $200, on or after the 4th of July, 1863; provided the Legisla-
ture will ratify the act, or pass an enabling act therefor. The treasurer
was also authorized to borrow money to carry out the provisions of this
vote.
Again, at a town meeting held November 5th, for the purpose of
adopting measures to avoid the necessity of a draft (ordered for this
day), it was "Resolved, that the Selectmen be instructed not to make
any draft, at any time, on the order of the Governor, until the town of
South Windsor is credited with all men that have enlisted at any time,
or place, who were citizens of this town; also, all persons who have
been furnished as substitutes by drafted citizens of this town; and we
hereby pledge the town to pay all fines and expenses that the Selectmen
may be subject to for the non-fulfillment of such order." The select-
men were also ordered to make careful enquiry as to all enlistments,
drafted men, substitutes, etc., the just quota of the town, etc.; and re-
port to an adjourned meeting to be held November 17th. At that meet-
ing, however, no such report was handed in, and the meeting, after
passing a resolution of censure upon the Governor for ordering a salute
fired on account of the removal of McClellan from the command of the
Army of the Potomac, was declared dissolved by the chairman, Mr.
Theodore Elmore.
It seems probable that the efforts of the selectmen had resulted in
obtaining credit to the town of men who had previously been accredited
(in the Adjutant-General's office) to other towns. There was no more
drafting. Some of the nine-months men had already left the State,
and all soon did, to take part in the various campaigns of the spring
and summer of 1863.
Viewed in relation to the events of the war itself which had thus
far brought discouragement and disaster to the Union arms—the true
significance of these evidences of local feeling in South Windsor are
easily translatable.
But by the end of July, 1863, the scene of war had changed.
Victory was everywhere felt along the Union lines, and at all points,
excepting in Virginia, the Confederate cause was becoming more des-
perate. At the height of the now rapidly culminating struggle, volun-
teering was found to be inadequate to meet the demand for recruits, and
SOUTH WINDSOR IN THE CIVIL WAR.
799
a new draft was ordered. The enrollment in this town was made by
Messrs. Newton Willey and George O. Reynolds as enrolling officers.
It caused much excitement and ill-feeling, and threats against persons
and property were freely made. It was, no doubt, the cause of the
burning of Mr. Oliver Cook's barn, June 23d, as Reynolds was a nephew
of, and residing with, Mr. Cook at the time. That a similar loss did
not happen to Mr. Willey's property was, perhaps, due to the fact that
he was known to be fully prepared for any such attempt.
July 29, 1863, at town meeting, warned for the purpose, a bounty
of $300 was voted to any person who should be drafted and liable to
serve in the army; and a sum not exceeding $10,000 was appropriated
for the purpose.
August 11, 1863, at Hartford, the draft for the town of South
Windsor was held, and 44 (out of 150 enrolled) were drawn, some
of whom were excused by the examining surgeon; a few disappeared
from sight, and the rest furnished substitutes, with one exception, viz.,
William H. Gilbert, who entered the service, being assigned to the
Eighth Connecticut Volunteers; was the only drafted man from South
Windsor who served in the army. He had some time previously been
rejected as a volunteer by the surgeons on account of deafness, and
had not been in the service a week under this draft before a discharge
was offered him; but he refused it, and served faithfully to the end of
the war.
At a town meeting held August 21, 1863, the sum of $10,000 was
appropriated for the purpose of giving assistance to all drafted citizens
and to their families; but this action was superseded by that taken at a
meeting on 30th September, 1863, by which the sum of $300 was
specifically ordered to be paid to the men drafted in 1863, and also to
those drafted in September, 1862, who went themselves, or furnished
substitutes to the amount of $150 — of whom an examination of orders
drawn on the town by the committee shows there were nine. Of the 44
drawn at Hartford, 11th August, 1863, 14 furnished substitutes, and one
entered the service, making 15 to the credit of the town's quota, which
was not filled as late as December 26th of that year, when a meeting
was held to consider the matter of making it up under the late call for
300,000 men. Another President's call for 500,000 soon followed, and
that the committee on enlistments was not inactive is evident from the
fact that South Windsor's quota under both levies seems to have been
filled by June 1, 1864. It is a matter of history, however, that the
strength of the army at this time was very little increased by the addi-
tion of such rubbish as was added by these drafts. In March, 1864,
Gen. Grant was appointed to the supreme control of the army, and fortune
again befriended the Union cause; in November Lincoln was re-elected
800
4
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
President, and in this political campaign, and for the first time during the
war, South Windsor cast a ballot in sympathy with the opposition party,
viz., 187 for McClellan, 171 for Lincoln; while its action in the spring
of the same year had been 171 for Buckingham (Rep.), and 154 for
Seymour (Dem.).
Under the President's call of December, 1864, for 300,000 men be-
fore February 15, 1865, the town's action in providing for a future prob-
able call for troops was commendably prompt. November 21st it was
voted to pay any person liable to the draft $300 in case he shall volun-
teer, or furnish a substitute, and that the committee should assist those.
who desired to furnish substitutes, etc. Under this vote, 16 persons
furnished substitutes. But Lee's surrender, April, 1865, brought an
end to the war, during which the town of South Windsor had been
called upon to furnish 167 men, and at its close was credited, in the
Adjutant-General's office, with 188-an excess of 21 over requirements.
Of these 188, 87 were substitutes, but the State records show only 52
substitutes to the town's credit; if so, 35 of these 87 never reached the
regiments to which they were assigned, and of the 52 who did 21 de-
serted. Of the 188 from South Windsor, 6 were killed in action, 13
wounded, 18 died of disease, 17 were discharged before the expiration
of their term of service, 7 held commissions, 13 were warrant officers.
In round figures, the military expenses of the town during the war were
$35,349;' and, though the town was heavily in debt at the close of the
war, the indebtedness was practically extinguished by 1870.
The most conspicuous figure in the field from South Windsor by
virtue both of character and position, was Col. ALBERT W. DRAKE.
LIST OF SOLDIERS FURNISHED TO THE U. S. SERVICE IN THE
WAR OF THE CIVIL REBELLION, BY THE
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR, CONN.
(Compiled from the Official State Record, and a List prepared by E. D. FARNHAM, Esq.)
ALLEN, WILLIAM H., enl. Co. H, 16 Conn. Vols., 8 Aug., 1862; disc. 24 June,
1865.
ANDERSON, CHARLES, enl. (subst.) 5 Conn. Vols., 5 Jan., 1864; deserted 9 Jan.,
1864.
ASTORGA, CHARLES, enl. (subst.) Co. C, 12 Conn. Vols., 1 Apl., 1864; disc. 19
Aug., 1865.
AVERY, ALFRED, must. 20 Apl., 1861, 1 Conn. Vols., 3 months; disc. 31 July,
1861; enl. Co. H, 16 Conn. Vols, 7 Aug., 1862; disc. 9 Dec., 1862.
AVERY, CHARLES (1st Lieut.), enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; taken pris.
at Brashear City, La., 22 June, 1863; and was pris. at Camp Ford, Texas, at time of
his Regt's discharge, 26 Aug., 1863.
1 Hartford County Memorial History states that the town of South Windsor ex-
pended for bounties, commutations, and support of soldiers' families, $25,800; the
estimated amount paid by individuals for bounties to volunteers and substitutes was
$10,000. Grand list in 1864 was $1,211,873.
SOUTH WINDSOR'S SOLDIERS IN THE CIVIL WAR.
801
AVERY, HENRY, enl. Cọ. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863; arm
grazed by a ball at Irish Bend, La.
AYRES, GEORGE W., enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., Aug. 25, 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
AYRES, PARLEMON B., enl. Co. H, 12 Conn. Vols., 15 Jan., 1862; re-enl. Vet., 22
Jan., 1864; disc. 12 Aug., 1865.
BAILEY, LEVI A., enl. Co. D, 11 Conn. Vols., 12 Nov., 1861; re-enl. Vet., 13 Dec.,
1863; disc. 9 June, 1865.
BARNARD, CHARLES, enl. Co. F, 7 Conn. Vols., 5 Mch., 1864; transf. U. S. N., 28
Apl., 1864.
BEERS, LUKE H., enl. (subst.) Co. H, 22 Conn. Vols., 16 Sept., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
BELKNAP, ELAM, enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
BELKNAP, JOSEPH, enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. disab. 26 Aug.,
1863.
BILLS, GEORGE, enl. Co. D, 11 Conn. Vols., 12 Nov., 1861; killed at Newbern, N.
C., 14 Mch., 1862.
BILLS, JAMES, enl. Co. D, 11 Conn. Vols., 12 Nov., 1861; wd. 17 Sept., 1862, Sharps-
burg, Md.; disc. 25 Dec., 1865.
BILLS, PROSPER B., enl. Co. D, 11 Conn. Vols., 27 Nov., 1861; d..8 Apl., 1862, at
Newbern, N. C.
BISSELL, WILLIAM O. (Sgt.), enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 8 Sept., 1862; d. 15 Feb.,
1863, at Baton Rouge, La.; he was of Hartford.
BRADLEY, JOHN, enl. (subst.) 30 Nov., 1864, Co. G, 7 Conn. Vols.; des. 1 Mch., 1865.
BRAGG, CHESTER H., enl. 13 Sept., 1861, in 12 Conn. Vols.; but d. 18 Nov., 1863,
at home, never having been mustered in U. S. Service.
- BRAGG, FRANK, enl, 7 July, 1862, Co. H, 16 Conn. Vols.; disc. 24 June, 1865; was
from East Windsor.
BRAGG, CYRIL (Corp'l), enl. 30 July, 1862, Co. H, 16 Conn. Vols.; disc. 24 June,
1865; was from Bolton.
BRAGG, JOHN, enl. Co. H, 16 Conn. Vols., 8 Aug., 1862; disc. 15 July, 1864.
BRAMAN, JAMES, enl. (subst.) Co. M, 2d Hy. Art., 9 Feb., 1864; deserted 15 Mch.;
1864.
BRAMAN, THOMAS N., enl. (subst.) Co. E, 1st Hy. Art., 31 Dec., 1863; disc. 25
Sept., 1865.
BURKE, JOHN, enl. Co. B, 11 Conn. Vols., 5 Mch., 1864; disc. 21 Dec., 1865.
BURNHAM, EDWARD S., enl. Co. H, 16 Conn. Vols., 8 Aug., 1862; disc. 24 June,
1865.
BURNHAM, ERASTUS W., enl. 28 Dec., 1861, 12 Conn. Vols.; disc. disab. 14 Jan.,
1863; enl. Co. A, 1st Hy. Art., 5 Jan., 1864; disc. 25 Sept., 1864.
BURNHAM, HIRAM, enl. Co. I, 20 Conn. Vols., 13 Aug., 1862; killed at Chancellors-
ville, 3 May, 1863.
BURNHAM, SPENCER H., enl. 5 Sept., 1861, Co. A, 7 Conn. Vols.; wd. at Bermuda
Hundreds, 14 May, 1864; disc. 22 Sept., 1864,
CALHOUN, GEORGE W., enl. Co. H, 22 Conn. Vols., 17 Sept., 1862; disc 7 July,
1863.
CARROLL, JOHN W., enl. (subst.) Co. F, 11 Conn. Vols., 14 Mch., 1864; disc. 21
Dec., 1865.
CARTER, JOSEPH W. (Corp'l), enl. 22 Nov., 1861, Co. H, 12 Conn. Vols.; re-enl. Vet. 1
Jan., 1864; wd.; an excellent soldier; repeatedly reduced to the ranks for his one
failing, he was as often restored to his position; volunteered as one of the 1,000
forlorn hope for the storming of the works at Port Hudson; and but for his failing
would prob. have rec'd a commission. He was born at Wapping; m. o. 12 Aug.,
1865.
CARTER, SIDNEY S., JR. (Sgt.), enl. Co. H, 16 Conn. Vols., 20 Aug., 1862; transf.
Invalid Corps, 30 Sept., 1863; disc. 24 June, 1865.
VOL. I.-101 .
802
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
CHAPIN, EDWARD, enl. 19 Aug., 1862, Co. A, 21 Conn. Vols.; disc. 16 June, 1865.
CLARE, JOHN, enl. (subst.) 19 Nov., 1864, Co. D, 8 Conn. Vols.; deserted 8 Dec.,
1864.
CLIFFORD, MICHAEL, enl. 19 Aug., 1862, Co. B, 21 Conn. Vols.; d. June, 1864, at
Portsmouth, Va.
COLLINS, WILLIAM, enl. (subst.) Co. A, 6 Conn. Vols., 14 Nov., 1864; disc. 21 Aug.,
1865.
CONNER, JOHN, enl. (subst.) 12 Nov., 1864, Co. K, 10 Conn. Vols.; disc. 25 Aug.,
1865.
CRANE, CURTIS L., eul. Co. H, 16 Conn. Vols., 18 Aug., 1862; disc. disab. 14 Feb.,
1863.
DALY, PATRICK, enl. (subst.) Co. B, 11 Conn. Vols., 5 Mch., 1864; deserted 1 Dec.,
1864.
DART, OLIVER, JR., enl. Co. D, 14 Conn. Vols., 4 Aug., 1862; wd. at Fredericks-
burg, Va., 13 Dec., 1862; disc. disab. 8 Feb., 1863.
DAVIS, FRED. A., enl. (subst.) Co. F, 11 Conn. Vols., 21 Mch., 1864; transf. U. S.
Navy; disc. 15 Oct., 1864.
DRAKE, ALBERT W. (1st Lieut.), enl. 22 Apl., 1861, Co. A, 1st Conn. Vols.; disc. 31
July, 1861; Colonel, enl. 26 Oct., 1861, 10 Conn. Vols. Inf.; d. at South Windsor,
Conn., 5 June, 1862.
DESMONT, THOMAS, enl. (subst.) 2 Jan., 1863, 1st Reg. Conn. Cav.; never taken
upon rolls.
ERWIN, HENRY, enl. Co. E, 22 Conn. Vols., 20 Sept., 1862; disc. 7 July, 1863.
FARNHAM, EDWIN D. (Corp'l), enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 21 Aug., 1862; disc. 26
Aug., 1863.
FARNHAM, EDGAR A., Surgeon's Steward U. S. Str. Estrella, Feb.-Apl., 1865;
stationed New Orleans, La.
FLINT, ALVIN, enl. Co. D, 11 Conn. Vols., 12 Nov., 1861; killed at Sharpsburg, Md.,
17 Sept., 1862.
FLYNN, MICHAEL, enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 4 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
FOSTER, EDWIN C., enl. Co. H, 16 Conn. Vols., 8 Aug., 1862; disc. 24 June, 1865.
FOSTER, PHILIP H., enl. 15 July, 1862, Co. B, 16 Conn. Vols.; killed at Sharps-
burg, Md., 17 Sept., 1862; was from Vernon, Conn.
FOSTER, THOMAS J., enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 29 Aug., 1862; deserted 15 Nov.,
1862.
GILBERT, DANIEL R. P., enl. 20 Nov., 1861, Co. A, 12 Conn. Vols.; re-enl. Vet.,
1 Jan., 1864; disc. 12 Aug., 1865.
GILBERT, JAMES N., enl. Co. A, 12 Conn. Vols., 20 Nov., 1861; disc. 29 July, 1862.
GILBERT, WILLIAM H., enl. (drafted) 5 Sept., 1863, Co. H, 8 Conn. Vols.; disc. at
muster out of Reg't., 12 Dec., 1865; was from Hartford.
GLASGOW, JOHN A., enl. Co. I, 29 Conn. Vols. (col'd), 4 Mch., 1864; disc. disab., 24
Oct., 1865.
GOEHRING, BERNHARD, enl. Co. H, 22 Conn. Vols., 11 Sept., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
GOWDY, GEORGE W., enl. Co. H, 12 Conn. Vols., 22 Nov., 1861; re-enl. Vet., 1
Jan., 1864; disc. 12 Aug., 1865.
GRANGER, LORENZO, enl. recruit Co. C, 5 Conn. Vols., 22 Aug., 1863; deserted 21
Mch., 1864.
GRANT, SHELDON J. (Sgt.), enl. 22 Nov., 1861, Co. H, 12 Conn. Vols.; disc. 2 Sept.,
1863, to take a captaincy in 99th U. S. Col. Troops.
GREEN, AUSTIN L, enl. Co. A, 12 Conn. Vols., 25 Dec., 1861; re-enl. Vet., 1
Jan., 1864; disc. 12 Aug., 1865. On Mch. 28, 1863, while his Co. was on a recon-
naissance on Grand Lake, La., in the gunboat Diana, the boat becoming disabled,
they were compelled to surrender to a superior force; and he (with Loren Hayes,
SOUTH WINDSOR'S SOLDIERS IN THE CIVIL WAR.
803
Joseph M. Snow, and Aaron Parsons of South Windsor) was captured, soon paroled,
and exchanged in Brashear City, La., July, 1863.
GREEN, CHARLES (Commander in U..S. Navy), at breaking out of war was sta-
tioned at Buffalo, N. Y., as Light-house Inspector; was soon ordered upon block-
ade service, stationed off Wilmington, N. C., and a while off Fernandina, Fla., in
the sloop-of-war Jamestown; toward the close of 1863 was ordered to Boston, and
placed in command of the recruiting-ship Ohio. He is now on the retired list, with
rank of Commodore.
GREEN, CHARLES G. (son of above) was with his father as Captain's Clerk, while
on blockade service, and found time to study medicine; after leaving this service,
he attended med. lectures in N. Y., and in summer of 1863 was app. Assistant Sur-
geon in a Penn. Reg't of hundred-days men; later he ent. the U. S. N. as Assist-
ant Surgeon, remaining there six years; with his fleet he was in Russia in 1867-8.
GREEN, SAMUEL T., (son of Commander Charles) was with his father in Boston,
from Dec., 1863, to Oct., 1865, as Captain's Clerk.
GREEN, LEONARD A., enl. 11 Aug., 1862, Co. F, 16 Conn. Vols.; d. 20 Dec., 1862;
he was from Rocky Hill.
GREEN, WILLIAM WOLCOTT, enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 26
Aug., 1863.
GRIFFITH, JESSE R., enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 9 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug.,
1863.
HAYES, JULIUS, enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 9 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863; pris.
Brashaer City, La.; paroled and sent to Ship Island to await exchange.
HAYES, LOREN (Corp'l), enl. Co. A, 12 Conn. Vols., 27 Dec., 1861; wd.; re-enl. Vet.,
1 Jan., 1864; disc. 12 Aug., 1865. [See Austin L. Green, above.]
HAYES, WALDO, enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 9 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
HILL, HENRY, enl. Co. D, 26 Sept., 1861, 9 Conn. Vols.; d. 10 Aug., 1862, Brashear
City, La.
HOGAN, WILLIAM, enl. (subst.) Co. E, 14 Conn. Vols., 31 Aug., 1863; deserted
May, 1864.
HOLLISTER, HENRY H., enl. Co. B, 1st Conn. Vols., 19 Apl., 1861; disc. 31 July,
1861; (Corp'l),-enl. 30 Jan., 1862, Co. L, 1st Hy. Art.; disc. 13 Feb., 1865.
HOLLISTER, ORRIN G., enl. 23 Aug., 1862, Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols.; wd. in shoulder
at Irish Bend, La.; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
HUNN, HORACE, enl. (subst.) 15 July, 1862, Co. B, 15 Conn. Vols.; killed 16 Sept.,
1862; was from Vernon, Conn.
HUTCHINS, TIMOTHY H., enl. (dftd. or subst.) Co. H, 5 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug.,
1863; deserted 6 Sept., 1863.
IRISH, EZRA, enl. Co. D, 12 Conn. Vols., 4 Dec., 1861; d. 9 Mch., 1862.
JACOBS, HENRY, enl. Co. D, 12 Conn. Vols., 10 Feb., 1862; re-enl. Vet., 23 Mch.,
1864; disc. 12 Aug., 1865.
JOHNSON, JOHN, enl. (subst.) Co. K, 11 Conn. Vols., 21 Mch., 1864; d. 14 May,
1864, at Hampton, Va.
KAYTON, THOMAS E., enl. (subst.) 2d Art., 5 Jan., 1864; not on rolls, 30 June,
1864.
LOPEZ, CHARLES, enl. (subst.), Co. A, 20 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1863; deserted 29
Sept., 1863.
LORD, SYLVESTER O., enl. Co. D, 11 Conn. Vols., 12 Nov., 1861; re-enl. Vet.,
13 Dec., 1863; disc. 25 Dec., 1865.
LOOMIS, HIRAM C., enl. Co. A, 21 Conn. Vols., 31 July, 1862; wounded; disc.
disab. 11 Feb., 1865.
LUCAS, GEORGE A., enl. Co. B, 6 Conn. Vols., 12 Sept., 1861; re-enl. Vet., 24
Dec., 1863; disc. 2 Sept., 1865,
804
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
MARISOSAS, GUENIO, enl. (subst.) Co. H, 12 Conn. Vols., 1 Apl., 1864; deserted
9 May, 1864.
MARTIN, JOHN, enl. (subst.), Co. H, 11 Conn. Vols, 18 Mch., 1864; disc. 21 Dec.,
1865.
MATTERSON, WILLIAM J., enl. (subst.) Co. K, 7 Conn. Vols., 26 Feb., 1864; de-
serted 4 May, 1864.
MAYLET, THEODORE, enl. (subst.) 26 Mch., 1864, Co. C, 11 Conn. Vols.; deserted
19 Mch., 1865.
MCDERMOTT, JOHN, enl. (subst.) Co. D, 11 Conn. Vols., 28 Mch., 1864; taken pris-
oner 16 May, 1864; furloughed 26 Dec., 1864; failed to return.
MCMAHON, PATRICK, enl. (subst.) 26 Feb., 1864, Co. I, 7 Conn. Vols.; prisoner at
Drewry's Bluff, 16 May, 1864.
MEEHAN, TIMOTHY, enl. 2d Light Batt., 5 Dec., 1863; taken prisoner 16 May,
1864; disc. 9 Aug., 1865.
MILLER, HERMAN, enl. (subst.), Co. H, 5 Conn. Vols., 28 Aug., 1863; disc. 19 July,
1865.
MINER, JOHN G., enl. Co. A, 12 Conn. Vols., 27 Dec., 1861; disc. disab. 14 Jan.,
1863.
MINER, JESSE L., enl. Co. A, 12 Conn. Vols., 20 Dec., 1861; d. 5 May, 1863, Brashear
City, La.
MOFFET, WILLIAM, enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 26 Aug., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
MITCHELL, STEPHEN E., enl. (subst.) Co. C, 15 Conn. Vols., 4 Jan., 1864; disc. for
disab. Sept., 1864.
MOULTON, HENRY B., enl. Co. K, 1st Conn. Cav., 4 Jan., 1864; disc. 2 Aug., 1865.
MULLIGAN, THOMAS, enl. Co. I, 20 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 13 June, 1865.
MUNSELL, ELIZUR (Sgt.), enl. 5 Aug., 1862, Co. G, 16 Conn. Vols.; killed at Sharps-
burg, Md., 17 Sept., 1862; was from East Windsor.
MUNSELL, EDWIN, enl. Co. A, 12 Conn. Vols., 27 Dec., 1861; disc. disab. 7 Apl.,
1862; enl. Co. A, 1st Hy: Art., 17 July, 1863; disc. 25 Apl., 1865.
MUNSELL, WILLIAM, enl. Co. E, 10 Conn. Vols., 30 Sept., 1861; d. 3 Apl., 1862,
Newberne, N. C.
MURPHY, CHARLES, enl. (subst.) Co. B, 11 Conn. Vols., 5 Mch., 1864; disc. 19
June, 1865.
disc.
MURPHY, THOMAS (musician), enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862;
7 July, 1863.
NEWBERRY, HORACE H., enl. Co. G, 21 Conn. Vols., 21 Aug., 1861; d. Mch.
1863, Baton Rouge, La.
O'HARA, JAMES, enl. (subst.) Co. H, 11 Conn. Vols., 19 Mch., 1864; transf. to U. S.
N., 1 July, 1864; deserted 3d quarter, 1864.
PAGE, HENRY A., enl. Co. B, 11 Conn. Vols., Oct. 24, 1861; disc. disab. 31 Mch.,
1863; taken prisoner while in a foraging party a few days after capture of New-
berne, N. C.; confined at Salisbury and paroled early in June, 1862; disc. dis. 31
Mch., 1863; afterward Asst. Surg. 10 Conn. Vols.
PARSONS, AARON, enl. Co. A, 12 Conn. Vols., 8 Jan., 1862; re-enl. Vet., 22 Jan.,
1864; shot through the lungs at Cedar Creek, Va., 19 Oct., 1864; must. out 12
Aug., 1865.—See, also, Austin L. Green.
PEASE, EDMUND M. (2d Asst. Surgeon), 16 Conn. Vols., 16 Aug., 1862; disc. 9 Jan.,
1864, to be Surg. 9th U. S. Vols.
PETTIBONE, GEORGE, enl. Co. H, 12 Conn. Vols., 22 Nov., 1861; disc. disab. 17
Feb., 1862.
PHIPPANY, DANIEL S., enl. (subst.) Co. F, 5 Conn. Vols., 27 Aug., 1863; wounded;
disc. for disab. 31 June, 1865.
PIERCE, ALBERT P., enl. 19 Apl., 1861, Co. B, 1 Conn. Vols.; disc. 31 July, 1861;
enl. 30 Jan., 1862, Co. L, 1st Hy. Art.; disc. 13 Feb., 1865.
SOUTH WINDSOR'S SOLDIERS IN THE CIVIL WAR.
805
PORTER, LEROY L., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; d. 2 Nov., 1862,
Washington, D. C.
PRATT, REUBEN K., enl. 24 July, 1862, Co. G, 16 Conn. Vols.; disc. for disab. 31
Dec., 1862; from Stafford.
PRESTON, HENRY B., enl. 22 July, 1861, Co. G, 5 Conn. Vols.; disc. disab. 19 Apl.,
1862; from Vernon.
PROSSER, BENJAMIN, enl. Co. A, 7 Conn. Vols., 27 Feb., 1864; transf. to U. S.
Navy, 28 Apl., 1864; disc. 8 Jan., 1866.
REYNOLDS, GEORGE C., app. Asst. Surg. U. S. N., 1864; hon. disc. 1865.
RILEY, GEORGE, enl. (subst.) Co. F, 7 Conn. Vols., 27 Feb., 1864; deserted 22 Dec.,
1864.
ROBERTSON, AUGUSTUS, enl. Co. H, 16 Conn. Vols., 8 Aug., 1862; disc. 24 June,
1865.
ROBBINS, ORRIN, enl. (subst.) Co. K, 1 Hy. Art., 4 Jan., 1864; des. 14 Aug., 1865.
ROCKWELL, EDWARD F., Jr., enl. Co. A, 21 Conn. Vols., 31 July, 1862; disc. 16
June, 1865.
ROCKWELL, ALPHEUS, enl. Co. B, 16 Conn. Vols., 16 July, 1862; disc. disab. 14
Mch., 1863.
ROCKWELL, LESTER A., enl. 17 Sept., 1864, Co. G, 1 Conn. Cav.; prisoner, 11
Mch., 1865; deserted 30 Apl., 1865.
SADD, FRANKLIN A., enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 26 Aug.,
1863.
SCANLON, JOHN, enl. (subst.) 16 Nov., 1864, Co. F, 11 Conn. Vols.; disc. 21 Dec.,
1865.
SHANLEY, THOMAS, enl. (subst.) Co. I, 6 Conn. Vols., 3 Dec., 1864; disc. 14 June,
1865.
SINCLAIR, WILLIAM (Sgt.), enl. Co. K, 29 Conn. Vols. (col'd), 8 Jan., 1864; disc.
disab. 8 June, 1865.
SKINNER, CHARLES B. (musician), enl. 16 Conn. Vols., 8 Aug., 1862; disc. disab.
29 Dec., 1862.
SKINNER, WELLS G., enl. 3 Sept., 1862, Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols.; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
SMITH, JAMES, enl. (subst.) Co. H, 22 Conn. Vols., 18 Sept., 1862; deserted 26 Sept.,
1862.
SNOW, JOSEPH M., enl. Co. A, 12 Conn. Vols., 20 Nov., 1861; re-enl. Vet., 1 Jan.,
1864; disc. 12 Aug., 1865. · See Austin L. Green.
SPERRY, GILBERT D., served in Co. C, 10 Ill. Cav.; enl. Loda, Ill., Feb., 1862; d. from
exposure on scout duty, at Forsyth, Mo., 12 May, 1862.
STARKS, GEORGE A., enl. 5 Sept., 1861, Co. A, 7 Conn. Vols.; pris. at assault on
Ft. Wagner, 13 July, 1863; confined Charleston, S. C., jail a week; from thence
to Libby Prison a month; from there to Belle Isle, until paroled 15 Mch.; 1864;
disc. 4 Sept., 1864.
STEFFEN, HENRY, enl. (subst.) 3 Dec., 1864, Co. I, 6 Conn. Vols.; disc. 21 Aug.,
1865.
STOUGHTON, FRANCIS, enl. Co. H, 12 Conn. Vols., 22 Nov., 1861; disc. for disab.
2 Dec., 1864.
STOUGHTON, ERWIN, enl. 15 July, 1862, Co. D, 14 Conn. Vols.; disc. disab. 13
Jan., 1863.
STOUGHTON, FRANKLIN, enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 7
July, 1863..
STOUGHTON, FRANK E. (Sgt.), enl. 15 July, 1862, Co. D, 14 Conn. Vols.; b. So.
W., 10 Jan., 1834; at time of opening of war was overseer of a weave-room in a
Vernon mill, whence he enl.; was made First Sgt.; bore his part well at Antietam;
at Fredericksburg, owing to illness of superior officer, he commanded his Co., and
for his conduct here and a little later at Chancellorsville he was (May 16) prom. to
806
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
be 2d Lieut. of Co. H, which a month later he led in the battle of Gettysburg, where
he rec'd several wounds, one passing through his body and affecting his lungs.
During the winter of 1864 he was detailed on recruiting service, but in the summer
campaign of that year was again at the front; prom. 1st Lieut. in Mch.; July 1 he
was prom. to be Capt. of Co. G, which Co. he led at Hatch's Run, Reams Station,
and all the contests that followed up to Dec. 30, when he resigned and was honora-
bly discharged. He d. 1 Jan., 1866, and was buried at Wapping, 3 Jan., 1866, with
Masonic honors.
STOUGHTON, NORMAN F., enl. 23 May, 1861, Co. I, 1st Conn. Heavy Art.; re-enl.
Vet., 16 Nov., 1863; disc. 25 Sept., 1865.
STOUGHTON, SANFORD (Corp'l), enl. Co. H, 16 Conn. Vols., 8 Aug., 1862; d. 28
Oct., 1862.
STOUGHTON, SAMUEL B., enl. Co. A, 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Aug., 1862; disc. 7 July,
1863.
STOUGHTON, SIDNEY E., enl. U. S. N., 9 Sept., 1864; disc. June, 1865; served in
Str. Isonoma in W. Gulf Blockading Squadron.
THOMPSON, SAMUEL H. (1st Lieut.), enl. Co. H, 16 Conn. Vols., 13 Aug., 1862 ;
d. 21 Oct., 1862, at home.
THOMAS, JOHN, enl. (subst.) Co. E, 11 Conn. Vols., 19 Mch., 1864; wd.; disc. 21
Dec., 1865.
THOMAS, ALEXANDER, enl. (subst.) 26 Nov., 1864, Co. A, 11 Conn. Vols.; deserted
11 May, 1865.
TWINING, GEORGE A., enl. Co. A, 7 Conn. Vols., 5 Sept., 1861; disc. disab. 1 Dec.,
1862.
VINTON, CHELSEA C. (2d Lieut.), enl. 7 Aug., 1863, Co. D, 14 Conn. Vols.; re-
signed 26 Dec., 1862.
VINTON, RANDOLPH J., enl. Co. A, 7 Conn. Vols., 5 Sept., 1861; d. 27 Oct., 1862,
at Hilton Head, S. C.
WARD, MICHAEL, enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 2 Sept., 1862; disc. 26 Aug., 1863.
WEBB, WM. H., enl. (subst.) Co. G, 11 Conn. Vols., 19 Mch., 1864; deserted 20 Aug.,
1864.
WHEELER, WILLIAM C., enl. Co. H, 12 Conn. Vols., 22 Nov., 1861; disc. disab.
Feb., 1864.
WILCOX, JOHN, enl. (subst.) 2d Light Batt., 4 Dec., 1863; disc. 9 Aug., 1865.
WILLEY, NATHAN (Corp'l), enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., 21 Aug., 1862; disc. in La.,
7 Aug., 1863.
WILLEY, NEWTON, enl. Co. A, 16 Conn. Vols., 17 July, 1862; was severely disab.,
wd. at Antietam, Sept., 1862; disc. disab. 6 Feb., 1863; was one of the enrolling
officers of the '63 dft.; although then not wholly recovered from the effects of his
wds. he applied and was exam. for app't as commissioned officer in colored reg't
then being raised by the State; disappointed, however, in this, he re-enlisted in the
12 Conn. Vols., 4 Jan., 1864, that reg't being then in the State on veteran furlough.
He was disc. from its roll, 5 July, 1864, to receive com. as 2d Lieut. in 30 (col❜d)
Conn. Vols.; took part in operations before Petersburg in the spring and summer
of 1864; June 21 he was prom. 1st Lieut.; early in Aug. of that year he was suffer-
ing in hospital from illness caused by exposure and fatigue. He returned home on
leave of absence in Sept., but died 15 Oct., respected by all who knew him.
WILLIAMS, HENRY, enl. 17 Dec., 1864, Co. D, 10 Conn. Vols.; disc. 25 Aug., 1865.
WOLCOTT, FREDERIC W., enl. Co. A, 7 Conn. Vols., 5 Sept., 1861; d. 31 Oct.,
1861.
WRIGHT, RICHARD, enl. (subst.) Co. I, 29 Conn. Vols. (col'd), 4 Mch., 1864; de-
serted 14 Mch., 1864.
CHAPTER IX.
ELLINGTON PARISH AND TOWN.-FORMERLY A PART OF EAST WIND-
SOR, NOW BELONGING TO TOLLAND COUNTY.
BY REV. JOHN G. BAIRD' OF ELLINGTON.
I. Territory.
ELLINGTON was formerly included in the town of Windsor. Its
territory was acquired by that town at two different times.
(1) In 1671, September 19th, Thomas and Nathaniel Bissell, as
agents for Windsor, purchased of the Indians [see chapter on Indian
Purchases, p. 130] an extensive tract of land "lying without the bounds
of Windsor, on the east side of the Great River, bounded on the south
by Potuncke River and land that was Tantonimo's, on the east by the
hills beyond the pine plains [probably Ellington], on the west by the
Scantook as it runs till it comes to run due east from the mouth of the
Fresh Water River till you come to the hills beyond the pine plains,
which said line marks the north bounds." This purchase included the
east part of East Windsor, the northeast part of South Windsor, the
southeast part of Enfield, the southwest part of Somers, and the west
part of Ellington. The east line of it extended along the foot of the
hills on the east side of the plain where the village of Ellington now
stands. The next year, 1672, the town of Windsor applied to the
General Court to have this purchase included in that town. The
record of the session for October, 1672, contains the following: "Whereas
Mr. Joseph Fitch, Corporal Samuel Marshall, and Jacob Drake, by the
appointment of the town of Windsor, September 9, 1672, moved this
Court to grant them some enlargement on the east side of the river of
Connecticut, by reason of a purchase they have made of the Indians,
they having an eye that at a convenient time it may be fit for a planta-
tion: This Court, upon the said motion for the encouragement of such
as shall plant there, grant the bounds of Windsor shall extend eastward
2
'For portions of this chapter enclosed in brackets, thus [ ], H. R. s. is responsible.
"Voted, that Nathaniel Bissell's and Thomas Bissell's heirs have 200 acres of land
on the north side of the land formerly purchased by the town, and within the purchase
of said Bissells of Arowonuck the Indian, provided the said Bissells make over to the
town all the right to the purchase made of Arowanuck or Will." Town Acts of Wind-
sor, ii. 102. Dec., 1708.-H. R. S.
808
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
1
five miles from their former bounds, provided all former grants made of
any parts of those lands are excepted in this grant." The eastern
boundary of Windsor, as thus established, was about. 200 rods east of
the spot where the Ellington church now stands, and a short distance
east of the highway leading from Vernon to Somers.
(2) The part of Ellington lying east of this line and known
originally as “The Equivalent," was granted to Windsor by the General
Assembly of the Colony of Connecticut as an indemnity for certain lands
of which that town had been deprived in the settlement of the disputed
boundary between Connecticut and Massachusetts. The towns of
Suffield, Enfield, and Somers were settled under the authority of
Massachusetts and formed part of that colony till 1749. In settling a
question of boundary between the two colonies in 1713, a considerable
part of the purchase made by Windsor in 1671 (as already described)
was conceded to Massachusetts, as was also a tract on the west side of
the Connecticut, now in Suffield, which had been purchased by Windsor
some time previous.
From papers in the State Archives the following facts have been
collected: In September, 1715, the petition of Windsor by their select-
men stated that by a recent arrangement of the bounding line with
Massachusetts, several thousand acres have been taken from that town
and annexed to the other colony; that the Assembly had agreed that a
suitable equivalent in public lands elsewhere should be rendered to
Windsor; they therefore requested the Assembly to assign to them
forthwith an equivalent in some place convenient to the town and with
due allowance for the distance. They feelingly reminded the Assembly
of the extra hardships and expenses they had borne by being a frontier
town; followed by a grievance of having such a quantity of land, pur-
chased many years previously by that "ancient town," "taken out of
the bosom of the town" and forced to receive an indemnity in "a remote
place." The petition was signed by John Elliot, Israel Stoughton,
Nathaniel Loomis, Jonathan Ellsworth, and Henry Wolcott. It was
granted in the upper house and negatived in the lower. A committee of
conference was appointed, but no result appears on record.
In May, 1716, Matthew Allyn and Roger Wolcott, agents for Wind-
sor, in a petition reminded the Assembly of the loss to that town of
7,259 acres of land by the settlement of the north line of the colony, and
requested the appointment of a committee to lay out an equivalent from
the public lands. They said, "we beg leave to express our concernment
¹ Trumbull's Col. Rec., ii. 185. A copy of this record among the papers in the State
Archives, was endorsed by the person who arranged them, a few years ago, as relating
to Tolland. It undoubtedly, however, refers to Ellington, and the west part of Ver-
non, which last was also a part of the ancient town of Windsor.
ELLINGTON —ITS TERRITORY.
809
to see this ancient town, which has cheerfully borne her part in the
charge of this colony from the infancy thereof, a particular instance in
thus suffering so great a loss, which we could not have expected from
this Assembly." With this memorial was presented an affidavit of
Thomas Stoughton, who testified that in about 1702 Caleb Stanley,
county surveyor, was employed by Windsor to ascertain the east bounds
of the town, "who began at the Great River and measured eastwardly
eight miles, which eight miles extended half a mile east of the marsh
known by the name of the Great Marsh"; also a statement from Wm.
Thompson, New Haven county surveyor, who, under the employment of
Matthew Allyn and Roger Wolcott, had ascertained that six thousand
two hundred and forty acres from Windsor had been assigned to Enfield,
and one thousand and nineteen to Suffield; in all, seven thousand two
hundred and fifty-nine acres.
Upon this application the Assembly appointed "Joseph Talcott, Esq.,
and Mr. Thomas Kimberly a committee to lay out to the town of Wind-
sor lands equivalent for what is taken from them, lying between the
towns of Windsor and Tolland, north of the claim of Joshua's legatees.
And if in that place there shall not be found land sufficient to make the
equivalent, consideration being had to the distance of the place and
quality of the land, the remainder shall be laid out to the town of Wind-
sor in the ungranted lands of this colony above Tolland."
In May, 1722, six years after the above-named committee was
appointed, Mr. Israel Stoughton, selectman of Windsor, in the name of
the town, reminded the Assembly of the above resolution; and stated
that the committee, though often requested, "have hitherto refused to
lay out such equivalent lands to the town of Windsor," and petitioned
for the appointment of a new committee or the addition of one to the
former, and to give full power to any two of them. The Assembly
granted the petition, and added William Pitkin, Esq., to the previous
committee," and any two of them are to act with full power in the mat-
ter to them referred."
In October, 1722, "Upon the motion of the Windsor representatives,
this Assembly do appoint James Wadsworth and John Hall, Esqrs., with
the assistance of Mr. Thomas Kimberly, county surveyor, to lay out to
said town their equivalent lands."
In May, 1723, James Wadsworth and John Hall made report that
in April previous they had laid out to Windsor about eight thousand
acres of land as an equivalent for the lands taken from that town, which
report the Assembly adopted, ordered to be put on the public records of
the colony, and that a patent be issued "under the seal of the colony,
and signed by the governor and secretary, to the inhabitants, proprietors
of said town" of Windsor. In this patent, signed by Governor Salton-
VOL. I.-102
810
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSÔR.
stall, the bounds of the tract are described as follows:
"Bounded west
upon a right line drawn from the northeast to the southeast corner bound
walks of said town; and east partly by Willimantick River, partly by
Stafford bounds, and partly by Tolland township; northwardly partly
by Enfield' bounds, and partly by Stafford bounds; and southwardly
partly by said Tolland bounds, and in part by Bolton bounds, which is a
line drawn from the south end of Meshenups Pond to the afore-mentioned
line from Windsor northeast to southeast corner."
Thus, after ten years, Windsor obtained reparation for the lands
she had lost. [Twenty years, however, passed away before any division
of this tract was made among the proprietors. During this interval,
yearly meetings were held, at which the division of these and other com-
mon lands was the principal subject of discussion; but the lapse of time
had so complicated the claims of proprietors, and intensified their differ-
ences of opinion, as to embarrass their proceedings and prevent them
from coming to any mutual agreement. Finally, in 1743, as a desperate
attempt to extricate themselves, they accepted the report of a committee
appointed many years before, and under their direction the allotments
were made. Beginning east of where the present road from Rockville
to Ellington Center leaves Vernon or Rockville, they laid out the lots
in half mile ranges, to Somers and then back again. Beyond this
second tier, the lots were laid north and south in two tiers; all the
south range bounded south by Tolland, and all the north on the north.
by Stafford. Beyond this a number of lots were laid out the whole
breadth from Tolland to Stafford, and thus till the last lot was bounded
by the Willimantic. In all these surveys and allotments, the pond be-
tween Ellington and Tolland was uniformly written Messhanips; for
the north pond bordering upon Stafford no other name is known than
Square Pond. — H. R. S.]
2
II.
Settlement.
Nearly fifty years elapsed after the first purchase of lands now in-
cluded in Ellington before any permanent settlement was made there.
The earliest settlers considered the land upon the hills further eastward
superior to that of the plain in the central and western parts of Elling-
ton. The towns of Bolton (which included Vernon), Coventry, Hebron,
Mansfield, Stafford, Tolland, and Willington, were settled and incorpo-
rated before any settlement was made in this town. Churches had been
organized in all these towns, also in Columbia and Somers, several
years before Ellington had need of any such organization. All the other
towns now included in Tolland county were occupied earlier than Elling-
¹ Enfield included Somers till 1734.
2 Barber's Hist. Collect. Conn.
SETTLEMENT OF ELLINGTON.
811
ton. Any one who is familiar with the present aspect of this town, and
the evidences of its thrift and prosperity, cannot readily understand why
it should have been considered in those earlier times so undesirable.
It seems probable that the earliest settler here was Samuel Pinney,
in 1717. For several years before that date he had been employed
much of the time by the town of Windsor in surveying lands east of the
Connecticut River. He thus had an excellent opportunity for selecting,
and he probably purchased of that town the land on which he settled.
This was in the southwestern part of Ellington, and contained about
1,000 acres, being about one and a half miles in extent from east to
west, and one mile from north to south. Some portions of it are still
owned by his descendants.2 The village of Windermere is near its
northeast corner. His first residence here was a log house, which stood
about twenty rods southeast of the brick dwelling house lately occupied
by Nelson Pinney. That log house was probably the first building
erected in Ellington.
The earliest known record of land surveyed within the present
limits of Ellington reads thus:
'Land surveyed to Daniel and John Ellsworth, sons of Lieutenant John Ellsworth
of Windsor, by Thomas Kimberly, Surveyor of land in the county of Hartford, 16th of
March 1720, five hundred and forty acres of land between the mountains east of Wind-
sor and Connecticut River, at a place called by the English the Great Marsh, and by the
Indians Weaxskashuck 340 acres bought of Capt. Joseph Wadsworth and two hundred
acres bought of the Bissells, by said Lieut. John Ellsworth, began at a pine tree marked
and having two mere stones by it, standing on the plain, near the north west (Query,
north east ?) corner of the said marsh, [then all the bounds are described] Samuel Pinney
and Daniel Grant, being under oath, assisted in carrying the chain.” 8
3
Lieut. John Ellsworth came from (East) Windsor in the spring of
1720, made a clearing on the east side of the Great Marsh, and built a
small house near the place where N. W. Charter now lives. Tradition
says he and his two sons were accustomed to come from their home on
Monday morning with their ox-team, and return Saturday afternoon.
On the clearing that they had made they raised pease, corn, and turnips.
1 ¹ [Corroborative evidence as to this date is found, we think, in an additional entry
made by some person unknown, to the original Mss. of Matthew Grant's Old Church
Record, in these words: "The year 1717, I set down all that have died in Ellenton [El-
lington] to the year 1740." The first name on the list is that of Lt. Ellsworth, and the
second that of "Isabel (?) Pinye." — H. R. S.]
' [It was afterwards divided to his three sons: Samuel, Jr., having his share on the
northern side of the tract, his house being near Mr. Henry Beebe's dwelling. Joseph
took his share on the south side, his house being fifteen rods east of the William
Pinney brick house, where the ancient well is still to be seen; and the center of the
tract fell to Benjamin. — H. R. S.]
³ Barber's Hist. Collec. of Conn., p. 547.
812
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
:
One Saturday afternoon in October, 1720, the father sent the boys to
gather some turnips to carry home, while he went to fell a tree. As he
did not return when they expected him, they went to look for him, and
found that the tree had fallen upon and killed him. A stone, set up to
mark the place where he was killed, is now standing by the roadside on
the west side of the highway a short distance south of the house of
Edgar Pease. It contains the following inscription: "Lieut. John
Ellsworth was killed here by the fall of a tree, Oct. 26th, 1720, aged
49 years and 15 days.""
!
The land bought by Lieut. Ellsworth is now or was recently owned
by Egbert Tilden, Asaph McKinney, Wellington Charter, the family of
the late Lathrop Pease, and others. Like the tract bought by Samuel
Pinney, it contains some of the best land in the town. Beside the Pin-
ney and Ellsworth families, there were, before 1740, families named
Booth, Burroughs, Chapin, Carter, Chapman, Davis, Dorman, Drake,
Eaton, Gibbs, Grant, Graves, Griswold, Hallock, Hubbard, McCray, Mc-
Kinstry, Pearson, Russell, Scott, Skinner, Strickland, Taylor, and
Thompson.
III. Organization of Church and Society.
The first settlers of all the early Connecticut towns considered it
one of their most urgent duties to provide for stated religious instruc-
tion. The earliest settlers of Ellington, or Windsor Goshen, as it was at
first called, for many years attended the ministry of Rev. Timothy Ed-
wards, in East (now South) Windsor. But the distance, eight miles,
was too great, and they very soon began to think of obtaining a minister
of their own. Their first action in the matter seems to have been taken
as early as 1725, for, in December of that year, the Second Society of
Windsor (now South Windsor) voted "that the inhabitants of Great
Marsh shall be freed from their part of Mr. Edwards' salary for the
year past, provided they do on their own cost provide themselves a min-
ister to preach the gospel to them from this present time till the first
day of April next." In February following the town "considering there
is likely to be a society on the land laid out on the East Side of the
River," granted "30 acres to be laid out for a home lot [for a minis-
ter] in the ancient town patent, and 40 acres in the equivalent.” ²
Several years elapsed before the people at the Great Marsh were able to
avail themselves of this grant, as they were few and poor, numbering in
'Some years ago a man who purchased a part of the old Ellsworth farm, took up
the stone which marked the spot where Lieut. Ellsworth was killed, designing to use it
for a door step; but Mr. Miller, a neighbor, hearing of his proposed vandalism, pur-
chased it from him, and set it up where it now is. — H. R. Ș,
2 Town Acts of Windsor, Bk. III, 48.
ORGANIZATION OF CHURCH AND SOCIETY.
813
1730 only eleven families. But in 1731 they hired a minister, and two
years later they made arrangements to pay him forty pounds a year and
his firewood. This they continued to do for four years, though they
numbered all told in 1734 only one hundred and ten persons.
As was the custom in those days, they applied to the General
Assembly of the Colony for aid in parochial matters. From papers in
the archives of the State the following summary has been prepared con-
cerning the ecclesiastical affairs of Ellington: In May, 1732, the in-
habitants ["of East Farms"] petitioned for exemption from ministerial
taxes in East Windsor. Upon this memorial the Assembly voted "that
the memorialists shall be allowed to improve the minister's rate levied
upon them by the society on the east side of the river in Windsor for
this present year for the hiring of a preacher, among themselves; and
so for the future as long as the society shall consent thereto.” — ( Col.
Rec., p. 382.) In May, 1734 (Col. Rec., p. 510), they again petitioned
the Assembly to continue the same exemption. They stated that it had
been granted them by vote of the town two years of the three in which
they had supported a minister of their own, but in the preceding year
ministerial taxes had been laid upon them. They desired to be freed
from them entirely. The Assembly freed them from ministerial taxes
in East Windsor so long as they maintained an orthodox minister among
themselves. This memorial of 1734 was signed by thirty-five persons
residing "in the east part of the township of Windsor, commonly called
Goshen," and upon it was written, "there are one hundred and ten
souls in the parish." Accompanying it was a paper which read thus:
"Windsor, May 13, 1734, we the subscribers are perfectly willing that
our neighbors that live at the Great Marsh shall be excused from pay-
ing rates to Mr. Edwards, so long as they hire a minister among them-
I
¹ Names of the signers of the petition of 1734. Those marked [*] had no male de-
scendants in the town bearing their name in 1820.
Samuel Pinney,
* John Burroughs,
* Ephraim Chapin,
* Isaac Davis,
* Nathaniel Grant,
* Daniel Pearson,
* Nathaniel Taylor,
William Thompson,
Samuel Thompson,
* Nathaniel Grant, Jr.,
Benjamin Grant,
*
*Daniel Ellsworth,
* Daniel Eaton, Jr.,
Simon Pearson, -
Samuel Russell,
*Isaac Davis, Jr.,
*Josiah Halock,
Samuel Pinney, Jr.,
Joseph Pinney,
Benjamin Pinney,
* Jonathan Grant,
? Simon Chapman, Jr.,
Ephraim Person,
*David Chapin,
* Ephraim Chapin, Jr.,
*Nathaniel Davis,
* Joshua Booth,
*Roger Griswold,
* Daniel Eaton,
* John Graves,
* Joseph Graves,
* John Burroughs,
* Samuel Gibbs,
* Samuel Gibbs, Jr.,
* Giles Gibbs.
mostly west or
Settle-
Nearly all the signers of this petition resided near the marsh
northwest, two or three a mile and a half N. E. of the present meeting-house.
ments on the mountain probably had not commenced.-H. R. S.
814
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
selves we live on the street and are the Rev. Mr. Edwards' constant
hearers." This was signed by 59 persons.
In May, 1735, a petition (Col. Rec., p. 564) signed by twenty-three
persons was presented to the General Assembly, asking for the erection
of their precinct into a distinct parish, the western line of which should
be four miles from the Great River, "and that we may have liberty to
ordain and settle an orthodox minister among us, that so we may have the
ordinances of Christ in the gospel dispensed to us in our own territories."
They reproached their brethren of East Windsor for taxing them in two
years of the four in which they had supported a minister of their own,
and requested that indemnity might be made in freeing them from country
rates the two ensuing years. The paper was endorsed, "The petition of
the Great Marsh people." The Assembly appointed Ozias Pitkin, Esq.,
Capt. Thomas Wells, and Mr. Jonathan Hills "to repair to and view.
the lands which the memorialists live upon, and land adjacent, and if
they judge it is best to have a society there, to set them a line, and
make report thereof to this Assembly in October next." At the Oc-
tober session this committee reported that they had performed the duty
assigned to them, " and considered the circumstances of the inhabitants
there, [and] did judge it best they should be a distinct society there."
The Assembly did
1
'thereupon grant that the said inhabitants be one distinct society by themselves, and
that they have the same parish powers and privileges as other Societies allowed by law
in this government have, and that the bounds of this society shall be the following
lines: to begin upon the Colony line between the towns of Windsor and Endfield five
miles and a half east from Connecticutt River, and from thence to run south nine de-
grees west until it intersects a west line drawn from Bolton bounds half a mile south of
said Bolton north west corner, and from thence east to said Bolton bounds, then north
to said Bolton north west corner, then east to Tolland bounds, then north to said Tol-
land north west corner, then east to Willimantic River, then north. to Stafford bounds,
then west to the South west corner of said Stafford bounds, and from thence further
west by the said Colony line to the place first mentioned; and that the said society
shall be known by the name of Ellington Parish."
In 1760, when the parish of North Bolton was established, now the
town of Vernon, a tract in the south part of Ellington, half a mile in
width from north to south, and one and five-eighth miles in length from
¹ Names of the petitioners of 1735. Names marked [*] were extinct in 1820.
Samuel Pinney,
* Isaac Davis,
* John Burroughs,
Samuel Pinney, Jr.,
Wm. Thompson,
Samuel Thompson,
* Nathaniel Taylor,
Simon Chapman, Jr.,
* James McCarter,
* Benj. Grant,
* Nath'l Davis,
* Nath'l Grant,
* Nath'l Drake, Jr.,
* Josiah Drake,
* Ephraim Chapin,
* Daniel Ellsworth,
Ephraim Parsons,
* John Burroughs, Jr.,
* Samuel Gibbs, Jr.,
Simon Person,
* Eph'm Chapin, Jr.,
Daniel Pearson,
*Samuel Gibbs.
-H, R. S,
INCORPORATION OF ELLINGTON.
815
east to west, was included in that parish, and now forms the northwest
part of Vernon.
At the same session of the Assembly (October, 1735), a petition
was presented by a committee of three- Isaac Davis, Daniel Ellsworth,
and John Burroughs - asking "liberty that we may ordain and settle
a good orthodox minister among us." In response it was voted:
"This Assembly do grant liberty to the inhabitants of the easternmost
society in Windsor to imbody themselves into church estate, they first
having obtained approbation of their neighboring churches." The
church was organized not long afterward, probably in 1735, though
the exact date cannot be determined.
The continuation of this history of the church will follow the ac-
count of the formation of the town, and the lists of some of its officers.
IV. Incorporation of the Town - Officers.
As early as May, 1762, the inhabitants of Ellington parish, through
their agents, Abner Burroughs and Stone Mills, petitioned the General
Assembly for incorporation as a town. They stated that they were so
remote from the main body of their fellow townsmen and from the place
of holding public meetings, that they had little advantage of voice or
vote in town affairs; they made no complaint of the management of
those affairs, but claimed that the people of the town being generally un-
acquainted with the concerns of the parish could not take due care of
their interests, so that they, in great measure, lost their town privileges.
They alleged that no parish in the colony was in such urgent need of re-
lief, as the town meetings were generally held at Windsor, on the west
side of the Connecticut River.
This petition was negatived by the lower house. In May, 1764,
through the same agents, they renewed their petition, setting forth the
great extent of the town of Windsor, which without Ellington was equal
in size to some four towns in the colony. They alleged that Ellington
was nearly seven miles square, and that their list was over £7,000; that
the middle of the parish was more than ten miles distant from the river,
and fourteen from the place of holding town meetings, the more impor-
tant of which being held in December could not be attended by Elling-
ton people. The transaction of business with the town officers required
an absence from home of two days, and the expense of a man and horse
one night. They also wished the power of reviving a "good discipline,"
and reducing to good order some who, living so remote, "are now a law
unto themselves." This petition, like that of two years previous, was
negatived in the lower house.
Three years afterward, in May, 1767, their petition was renewed,
Matthew Hyde appearing as agent for the parish. Action was postponed
816
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
till October following, and then again till May, 1768. Meanwhile, in
December, 1767, the town of Windsor in town meeting voted to be
divided into two towns, with the Connecticut River as the line between
them. In May, 1768, the Assembly took action in accordance with this
vote, and constituted the part of Windsor lying east of the river the
town of East Windsor. This action afforded essential relief to the peo-
ple of Ellington, though the principal town business was still trans-
acted eight miles away. A few years later, in 1786, the claims of El-
lington to a separate organization were conceded, and the parish, with
the boundaries established in 1735 and modified in 1760, became the
town of Ellington. The population of the town at each United States
census has been as follows: In 1790, 1,056; in 1800, 1,209; in 1810,
1,344; in 1820, 1,196; in 1830, 1,455; in 1840, 1,356; in 1850, 1,399;
in 1860, 1,510; in 1870, 1,452; in 1880, 1,569; in 1890, 1,539. The
more recent increase has been due to the growth of a settlement at the
southeast part of the town, adjoining Rockville.
At a town meeting held on the second Monday of November, 1787,
Ebenezer Nash was chosen to represent the town in a convention to be
held at Hartford on the first Thursday of January, 1788, to vote upon
the question of accepting the proposed new constitution of the United
States. At a town meeting held December 17, 1787, the question was
put to the town whether they approved of the proposed new constitution.
The town voted in the negative. In accordance with this vote, Mr. Nash
voted in the convention against the constitution, being one of the minor-
ity of 40, the vote standing 128 affirmative, 40 negative.
The delegate from Ellington to the convention which formed the
State constitution, in 1818, was Asa Willey. The vote of the town, Oc-
tober 5, 1818, on the question of accepting the State constitution, was:
affirmative, 41; negative, 93.
Although the town contained at the time of its organization about
one thousand inhabitants, the number of "freemen," i. e., electors or
legal voters, was very small. The original list, dated Sept. 12, 1786,
contains only 42 names, though 16 more were added that day. These
two lists are as follows: Col. Joseph Abbott, Ithamar Bingham, Jabez
Chapman, John Charter, Adonijah Day, Jonathan Damon, John Cross,
Daniel Ellsworth, Esq., Gurdon Ellsworth, Thomas Goodrich, Ziba Gif-
ford, Timothy Holton, Matthew Hyde, John Hall, Benjamin Isham,
Samuel King, James Kinney, Jr., William Kinney, Andrew Kinney, Eze-
kiel McKinstry, John McKnight, Nathaniel Newell, Stone Mills, Ebene-
zer Nash, Joseph Pinney, Ephraim Parker, Eleazar Pinney, Lemuel Pin-
ney, Elijah Pember, Ephraim Parker, Jr., Ezra Purple, Silas Read, Sam-
uel Sessions, James Steele, Abraham Wallace, Col. Levi Wells, Capt.
ELLINGTON TOWN OFFICERS.
817
Ichabod Wadsworth, Daniel Warner, Col. Stephen Moulton, Philip War-
ner, Jabez Emerson, William McCray,
42.
Additional List: Nathan Aldrich, Daniel Newell, Aaron Damon,
Jacob Fuller, Welcome Clarke, Daniel Clarke, William Grosvenor, Heze-
kiah Russell, George Charter, Wareham Foster, Samuel Thompson,
Jonathan Porter, Reuben Porter, John McCray, Moses Smith, Jr., Sam-
uel King, = 16.
In 1787 eight more were admitted; in 1788, five; 1789, two; 1790,
five; 1791, ten; 1792, thirteen; 1793, four; 1794, five. Thus only one
hundred and ten persons, out of a population of over one thousand, ör
one out of every ten, became electors in the first eight or nine years of
the town's existence.
Town Clerks, Registrars, and Treasurers.
The office of registrar of births, marriages, and deaths was created
in 1854. Since that time the same person has been chosen both clerk
and registrar. The three offices have been filled by the same person
since 1866.
Town Treasurers: 1786-97, Gurdon Ellsworth; 1797-1802, Levi
Wells, Jr.; 1802–05, John H. Goodrich; 1805–15, Levi Wells (the same
person previously named); 1815–16, John Hall; 1816-35, Robert Hyde
(also town clerk); 1835-40, Oliver W. Steele (also town clerk); 1840-
41, Daniel Kimball; 1841-43, Oliver W. Steele; 1843-47, Daniel Kim-
ball; 1847-50, Oliver W. Steele; 1850-52, Daniel Kimball; 1852-56,
Oliver W. Steele; 1856–60, Benjamin Pinney; 1860–63, Horace M.
Chapman; 1863-64, Oliver M. Hyde; 1864-65, Sylvester Morris; 1865-
66, Horace M. Chapman; 1866-67, Oliver M. Hyde; 1867-68, Sylvester
Morris; 1868-86, Oliver M. Hyde; 1886 —, E. Brainard Kibbe.
Town Clerks: 1786-1806, Matthew Hyde; 1806–35, Robert Hyde;
1835–64, Oliver W. Steele; 1864-66, James H. Steele; 1866–67, Oliver
M. Hyde; 1867-68, Sylvester Morris; 1868-86, Oliver M. Hyde; 1886—,
E. Brainard Kibbe.
The second town clerk was a son of the first, the fifth was grandson
of the first and nephew of the second; the fourth was son of the third.
During the first century of the town the office was in these two families,
except for a single year.
Representatives from Ellington in the General Assembly:¹ The
town was incorporated in May, 1786.
Explanatory Note.-Previous to 1819 there were two sessions of the General
Assembly in each year, one in May, the other in October. Where two names are given
for any year in the following list, the first was the representative in May, the sec-
ond in October. Where but one name is given (in any year previous to 1819), the same
VOL. I. 103
818
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
1786, 1787, 1788, Matthew Hyde; 1789, Col. Joseph Abbott, Col.
Levi Wells; 1790, Col. Levi Wells, Matthew Hyde; 1791, Levi Wells,
Matthew Hyde; 1792, Matthew Hyde; 1793, Levi Wells, Matthew Hyde;
1794, Levi Wells, Matthew Hyde; 1795, Matthew Hyde; 1796, Matthew
Hyde, Isaac Wells; 1797, Elijah Pember, Eleazar Pinney; 1798, Isaac
Wells; 1799, Isaac Wells, Joseph Abbott, Jr.; 1800, Eleazar Pinney,
Joseph Abbott, Jr.; 1801, Levi Wells, Jr., Robert Hyde; 1802, Robert
Hyde, Levi Wells, Jr.; 1803, Levi Wells, Jr., Joseph Abbott, Jr.; 1804,
Levi Wells; 1805, John H. Goodrich; 1806, Willis Russell; 1807, Daniel
Hyde; 1808, Willis Russell; 1809, John H. Goodrich; 1810, Asa
Willey; 1811, Willis Russell, Robert Hyde; 1812, Willis Russell; 1813,
Levi Wells; 1814, Asa Willey; 1815, Peleg Martin, John Hall; 1816,
1817, 1818, Asa Willey; 1819, John Hall; 1820, Asa Willey; 1821,
Joseph Abbott; 1822, Asa Willey; 1823, 1824, Benjamin Pinney; 1825,
1826, Asa Willey; 1827, Joseph Abbott; 1828, 1829, Asa Willey; 1830,
1831, Oliver W. Steele; 1832, John H. Brockway; 1833, Benjamin Pin-
ney; 1834, Asa Willey; 1835, Joseph W. Bissell; 1836, 1837, Asa
Willey; 1838, John H. Brockway; 1839, Stedman Nash; 1840, Calvin
Chapman; 1841, Jabesh Collins; 1842, Joel W. Smith; 1843, Asa
Willey; 1844, Jabesh Collins; 1845, Daniel Kimball; 1846, Oliver W.
Steele; 1847, Stedman Nash; 1848, Austin Tilden; 1849, Hermon C.
Griswold; 1850, Darius Crane; 1851, Horace Warner; 1852, Benjamin
Pinney; 1853, Joseph Snow; 1854, Horace McKnight; 1855, Henry
Hollister; 1856, Julius A. Kibbe; 1857, Benjamin Pinney, Jr.; 1858,
Asel Johnson; 1859, Erastus P. Pease; 1860, Cornelius Farmer; 1861,
Horace M. Chapman; 1862, Calvin Pease, Jr.; 1863, Henry Gunn;
1864, Deloraine P. Chapman; 1865, John W. Thayer; 1866, Asaph
McKinney; 1867, Oliver M. Hyde; 1868, Robert Patton [successfully
contested by Henry Bissell]; 1869, Guy P. Collins; 1870, 1871, Nelson
Warner; 1872, William H. Cogswell; 1873, Henry C. Aborn; 1874,
J. Abbott Thompson; 1875, John Beasley; 1876, Francis Pinney; 1877,
Otis Snow; 1878, Ira H. Lewis; 1879, Russell Thrall; 1880, Elam S.
Hyde; 1881, Ortive C. Eaton; 1882, 1883, J. Abbott Thompson; 1884,
Alfred U. Charter; 1885, John Thompson; 1886, Frederic A. Pearson;
1887,* Otis Snow; 1889,* Marcus A. Pinney; 1891,* William Crane.
Senators from the twentieth district, residents of Ellington. 1834,
John H. Brockway; 1837, Benjamin Pinney; 1849, Flavel Whiton;
1853, Darius Crane; 1860, Ephraim H. Hyde; 1871, John W. Thayer;
*1879, 1880, Robert Patton.
person attended both sessions. Where several years are named together, with only one
name following them, the same representative was chosen for several consecutive
terms.
* Biennial Elections.
ELLINGTON PROBATE DISTRICTS.
819
V. Probate Districts to which Ellington has Belonged.
Prévious to 1759, Ellington was included in Hartford probate dis-
trict. In that year the Stafford district was established, which included
the part of Ellington which lies north of Tolland. In 1782, on the form-
ation of the East Windsor district, Ellington, except the part north of
Tolland, was included in that district, being at that time included in the
town of East Windsor. The Ellington probate district was established
in 1826, including the towns of Ellington, Vernon, and Somers. In
1834, Somers was made a separate district.
Judges were appointed annually by the General Assembly till 1851.
Since that time they have been elected by the people. These elections
were annual till 1876, when they were made biennial.
The judges of Ellington probate district have been as follows:
1826 to 1833, Asa Willey; 1833–34, Benjamin Pinney; 1834–35, Asa
Willey; 1835–38, Benjamin Pinney; 1838-41, Asa Willey; 1841–42,
Oliver H. King; 1842-44, Thaddeus C. Bruce; 1844-46, Phineas Tal-
cott; 1846-47, Joel W. Smith; 1847-50, Phineas Talcott; 1850-51,
Thaddeus C. Bruce; 1851-54, Phineas Talcott; 1854-55, Dwight
Loomis; 1855-57, Frank W. Perry; 1857-58, Phineas Talcott; 1858–
70, Caleb Hopkins; 1870-90, Gelon W. West; 1890-, Lyman T. Tingier.
In sixty-five years eleven different persons have held this office.
Messrs. Willey, Pinney, Smith, and Hopkins lived in Ellington, the
others in Vernon. Asa Willey was judge eleven years, Benjamin Pin-
ney four years, O. H. King one year, Thaddeus C. Bruce three years,
Phineas Talcott nine years, J. W. Smith one year, Dwight Loomis one
year, F. W. Perry two years, Caleb Hopkins twelve years, G. W. West
twenty years, and L. T. Tingier one year.
Judges of the County Court: Three citizens of Ellington have been
judges, or associate judges, of the Tolland county court. Asa Willey was
presiding judge from May, 1826, to May, 1835. Some account of him
is given a few pages farther on, under the title "Lawyers residing in
Ellington." Benjamin Pinney was associate judge from May, 1835, to
May, 1838, and presiding judge from May, 1842, to May, 1844, and from
May, 1846, to May, 1847. He was born in Ellington July 4, 1780. He
was a man of strong will and determination of character, and an ardent
politician. He held many town offices, and was representative in the
General Assembly in 1823, 1824, 1833, and 1852. He died June 9,
1860.
John Hall was associate justice from May, 1812, to May, 1818.
He was born in Ellington Feb. 26, 1783, was graduated at Yale in 1802,
and was tutor in that institution from 1804 to 1807. On account of
feeble health he did not enter a profession, but purchased a farm on the
820
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
west side of the village, which, by thorough and scientific cultivation,
became very productive. He was also the pioneer in planting trees along
the village street and thus improving the town. His most important
work was the establishing of the Ellington School, an account of which
is given on subsequent pages. In 1815 and 1819 he represented the
town in the General Assembly. Through life he enjoyed the respect
and confidence of his townsmen. He died October 2, 1847.
VI. The Congregational Church and Society.
As stated on previous pages, the society or parish was established
in October, 1735, and the church was organized soon after. On the 20th
of December, 1737, the parish voted to build a meeting-house forty-five
feet long and thirty-five wide, with twenty-foot posts; more than two-
thirds of the parish being in the affirmative, and being well agreed as to
the site. In May following they petitioned the Assembly to confirm their
choice without putting them to the expense of a committee to select a
site; also, on account of the increased value of the lands by building a
meeting-house, they requested leave to tax the lands owned by non-resi-
dents; but their petition was negatived in both houses. In May, 1739,
a petition was again presented to the Assembly, stating that timber for
the meeting-house had been prepared, and requesting the appointment
of a committee to fix upon a site before the close of the session, that it
could be accepted by the Assembly and the work proceeded with. They
also requested the appointment of the same gentlemen who fixed the
limits of the parish. The Assembly appointed Capt. Thomas Wells,
Capt. Joseph Pitkin, and Capt. Jonathan Hills, who at once attended to
their duty, selected the spot already chosen by the society, and made
their report: whereupon the Assembly resolved "that the place so affixed
shall be the place whereon said inhabitants shall build their meeting-
house for divine worship; and the said inhabitants are hereby ordered
to proceed to build the same at said place accordingly."
The first meeting-house was built some fifty or sixty feet east of the
fence which extends north and south nearly in front of Edwin Talcott's
house. It fronted southward and continued to be used sixty-seven years,
till 1806. It was never painted, either within or without, and never
plastered, but sheathed up inside to the rafters, which were exposed to
view within. [It is said, on excellent authority, that, at its raising, all
the men belonging to Ellington sat down together on the east sill of the
frame.— H. R. S.]
On the 24th of December, 1800, the society voted, 56 to 21, to
build a new meeting-house, and appointed a committee to go to the
county court, to have a committee chosen by the court to fix the site.
Three such committees were chosen in succession, but their several re-
ELLINGTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
821
ports were rejected by the society. At length a report made by a com-
mittee chosen by the society was accepted, Dec. 6, 1802, by a vote of 27
to 17, and on the 16th of March, 1803, the society voted, 39 to 7, to
build on the spot thus chosen, the expense to be met by vending the
pews. It was also voted that the new meeting-house be completed by
Oct. 1, 1805. It was not finished till a few months later, and was dedi-
cated June 25, 1806, on which occasion a sermon was preached by the
pastor, Mr. Brockway, which was afterward printed. On the 27th of
June, 1806, the society voted that the Rev. Mr. Brockway, in future,
should abandon the old meeting-house and preach in the new meeting-
house, one conservative member voting in the negative. This building
stood on the park, directly opposite the present church, and fronted
south. It was taken down and removed to Rockville in 1868, where it
is now known as "White's Opera House."
It received extensive modifications in 1839, a floor being laid over
the whole building on a level with the galleries, the lower part being
used after that time for a town hall, and the upper part occupied for re-
ligious services.
+
About 1860 there began to be discussion about building a new
meeting-house. Several years afterward a considerable sum was sub-
scribed for that purpose, and on the 28th of March, 1867, the sub-
scribers met for organization and action. Six months later a committee
was appointed to press the matter, which was done so effectively that
the new edifice was speedily completed and was dedicated Aug. 26, 1868.
It stands on the south side of the street, directly opposite the location of
the previous meeting-house. The town voted a large appropriation in
aid of the building, in consideration of which a room for a town hall was
fitted up in the basement.
In the first hundred and fifty years of the church it had fifteen set-
tled pastors. The first of these was Rev. JOHN MCKINSTRY. He was
born in the parish of Brode, county of Antrim, in the north of Ireland,
in 1677, of Scotch parents, who had removed thither from the vicinity of
Edinburgh to escape persecution in the reign of Charles II. He was
educated at the University of Edinburgh, where he received the degree
of M.A. in 1712. In 1718 he was one of a large company who emigrated
from the north of Ireland to New England. He was chosen pastor of
the church in Sutton, Mass., March 21, 1720, and settled Nov. 9, 1720.
His pastorate there ended in September, 1728. Some little time after-
wards, as he was journeying with his family toward New York city, he
was delayed in East Windsor by the illness of his wife and was invited
to preach at "Goshen." The result was his continuance there a quarter
of a century, till the end of his life. In 1731 a definite agreement was
made with him to minister there. This was four or five years before the
822
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
society and the church were organized. After that organization he was
regularly settled as pastor. The date of his settlement cannot be ascer-
tained, because the records of both church and society for the first half
century have disappeared. His salary for the first four years was forty
pounds a year and his firewood, and for the next two years fifty pounds
and firewood. In May, 1737, he petitioned the Assembly for an increase,
alleging that his salary was too small, and that the ability of his people
was not equal to their benevolence. He therefore requested that the
lands in the parish owned by non-residents might be taxed for the next
six years and the proceeds added to his present small salary. His peti-
tion was negatived in both houses. He had previously bought of An-
drew McKee a piece of land in Ellington, by deed dated April 27, 1736.
On this he built a house, very elegant for those days, which stood near
the spot occupied by the residence of the late Mr. Austin Tilden. Public
worship was held in this house before the first meeting-house was
erected. [Three years after, he bought about thirty acres of land ad-
joining his first purchase, of Simon Parsons-deed witnessed by Daniel
Ellsworth, John Fairfield, and Samuel Parsons. Windsor Rec.]
1
In May, 1747, a petition was presented to the Assembly by Daniel
Ellsworth, agent for the society, "representing the burdens lying upon
said parish by the diminution of their inhabitants, and the resignation
of their minister in his pastoral office, and their inability to settle an-
other minister, and praying for a tax on all the unimproved lands
within said parish." The Assembly granted the petition by authorizing
a tax of four pence an acre on all such lands for four years, for the use
and benefit of the parish (Col. Rec., p. 314). Mr. McKinstry, though he
resigned in 1747, seems to have continued to be pastor, at least nomi-
nally, until 1749. He resided in Ellington until his death, January 20,
1754, at the age of 77. He preached on the Sunday before his death. He
was sensible, pious, a sound Calvinist, plain in manners, and spoke a broad
Scotch dialect. His widow, originally a Miss Fairfield of Wenham, Essex
County, Mass., died in 1762, aged 81. One of his daughters, while on a
visit to Massachusetts, was killed by a slave who hoped thereby to secure
his freedom, but was executed therefor. Some disagreement between him
and the church arose in his later years, in regard to church discipline. He
considered himself unjustly treated, and for that reason was unwilling to
have his grave among the graves of his people. He therefore selected an-
other spot for burial, now known as the McKinstry Burial Ground. Many
of his descendants have been buried there with him. His oldest son was
the first pastor at Chicopee, Mass., from 1752 to 1813. Another son
was a physician in Taunton, Mass., for 15 or 20 years, until 1775.
There are many descendants of Mr. McKinstry now living in various
parts of the country, a few of them in Ellington.
PASTORS OF ELLINGTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
823
The second minister, NATHANIEL HUNTINGTON, was born in Wind-
ham, Conn., graduated at Yale in 1747, was ordained pastor in October,
1749, and died of consumption, April 28, 1756, in his 32d year. His
grave is in Ellington.
The third minister was SETH NORTON, born in Farmington, gradu-
ated at Yale in 1751 [from which, as well as from Harvard University,
he afterwards received the degree of M.A.]. The date of his ordination
is unknown. He died of consumption, January 19, 1762, in his 31st
year, and was interred in Ellington.
The fourth minister, JOHN BLISS, was a native of Longmeadow,
Mass., graduated at Yale in 1761, was ordained in October, 1764, and
dismissed in December, 1780. He resided in Ellington till his death,
February 13, 1790, in his 54th year.
After his dismissal the church remained without a pastor till 1791.
The people felt the burdens of the Revolutionary war, and were unable
to maintain a minister. The salary of Mr. Bliss was not fully paid till
March, 1785. On the 17th of November, 1785, the society voted to set-
tle Mr. Daniel Thomessen, or Tomblensen, as their minister. The call
was repeated a month later, but was not accepted. The person referred
to was doubtless Mr. Daniel Tomlinson, a native of Derby, and a gradu-
ate of Yale in 1781. He was pastor at Oakham, Mass., from 1786 to
1842. More than three years afterward, Feb. 23, 1789, a call was given
to David Hale, a native of Coventry, and a graduate of Yale in 1785.
This call was declined, and six months later, August 31, 1789, John
Ellsworth, a native of Ellington, and a classmate of Mr. Hale, was in-
vited to be pastor in his native town. He also declined. He was a
grandson of Mr. McKinstry, the first minister. He died November 22,
1791, and his gravestone is in the McKinstry burying ground.
In November, 1790, a call was given to Azel, Backus, a native of
Norwich, and a graduate of Yale in 1787. He did not accept, but the
next year he became pastor at Bethlem (now Bethlehem), Conn., and
after a pastorate of 22 years there he accepted the presidency of Hamil-
ton College, Clinton, N. Y., where he died in 1816.
The fifth minister, JOSHUA LEONARD, was born in Raynham, Mass.,
June 25, 1769, and graduated at Brown University in 1788 [receiving
his second degree at Yale in 1792]. He was ordained September 7,
1791, and dismissed in October, 1798. He died at Cazenovia, New York,
December 18, 1843.
He was a son of Rev.
church in Columbia,
He was graduated at
The sixth pastor was DIODATE BROCKWAY.
Thomas Brockway (Yale, 1768), pastor of the
Conn., where he was born December 29, 1776.
Yale in 1797, and ordained pastor at Ellington, September 18, 1799,
his father preaching the sermon from a platform erected under the elms
824
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
adjoining the church. His salary for several years was £110, and the
use of about fifty acres of land laid out for the benefit of the ministry.
In 1813 he tendered his resignation because the salary was inadequate
to support his family. Instead of accepting his resignation, the society
added 50 per cent. to his salary, and he relinquished the use of the par-
sonage land. In February, 1821, he relinquished seventy dollars of his
salary for the current year, and continued to do the same for the two
following years. He performed the duties of his office till May, 1829,
when ill-health obliged him to ask for a colleague. The pastoral rela-
tion was continued unchanged till his death, January 27, 1849, at the
age of 72, after a fifty-years pastorate. He was a member of the corpo-
ration of Yale College from 1827 till the close of his life. During his
whole life
}
"he enjoyed the public esteem to a degree, and with an unanimity that has seldom
fallen to the lot of any clergyman. Perhaps very few persons whose lives were pro-
tracted until old age, so remarkably escaped the ill-will of their fellow-men as Mr.
Brockway. Even the most worthless delighted to speak of him with high esteem and
veneration. Possessing the kindliest feelings of nature, and having in his own family
an unusual amount of affliction, in the form of disease and death, he knew how to sym-
pathize with those who were called to mourn. He possessed in a rare degree that
union of qualities which made his presence equally agreeable at a funeral and at a wed-
ding: he was therefore often invited out of his precincts to officiate on those occasions.
Kindness to the poor, gentleness to the young, and equal affability to all, were marked
features in his character. Possessing superior abilities as a pastor, he had become a
father in the ministry, and the common title, 'Father Brockway,' truly expressed the
regard in which he was held far beyond the limits of his own parish.'
"" 1
On the 19th of August, 1830, a call was given to Rev. Henry Rob-
inson, a native of Guilford (Yale, 1811, Andover, 1816), but was not
accepted.
The Rev. LAVIUS HYDE was the seventh pastor. He was born in
Franklin, Conn., January 29, 1789, graduated at Williams College in
1813, and at Andover Seminary in 1816. He was installed in Novem-
ber, 1830, dismissed February 4, 1834, and died at Vernon, April 3,
1865, aged 76. His grave is in Ellington cemetery.
After his dismissal a call was given, in March, 1834, to Rev. James
W. Ward (Dartmouth, 1826, Andover, 1830), which was not accepted.
In August, 1834, Rev. John Boardman (Dartmouth, 1817, Andover,
1820), was invited to the pastorate, but he declined.
The eighth pastor, Rev. EZEKIEL MARSH, was born in South Dan-
vers (now Peabody), Mass., October 5, 1808, graduated at Bowdoin Col-
lege in 1831, and at Yale Seminary in 1834. He was ordained April 29,
'A biography is contained in Hon. Thomas Day's Memoirs of the Class of 1797. See
also Droight's Travels. It is related of him that he fell from the tower of the church
dedicated in 1806, a distance of 65 feet, and was not killed. His son, Hon. John Hall
Brockway, was in U. S. Congress, 1839-43.
PASTORS OF ELLINGTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
825
1835, dismissed April 29, 1844, and died of consumption at Enfield, August
30, 1844, at the age of 36. His grave is in Peabody, Mass.
and dismissed March 4, 1850.
His successor, the ninth pastor, was NATHANIEL H. EGGLESTON, a
native of Hartford. He was born May 7, 1822, graduated at Yale in
1840, and at Yale Seminary in 1843, was ordained February 19, 1845,
He now resides in Washington, D. C.
Rev. GEORGE I. WOOD, the tenth pastor, was born in Stamford, May
20, 1814, graduated at Yale in 1833, and at Yale Seminary in 1838. He
was installed June 26, 1850, and dismissed July 20, 1854. He now re-
sides in Washington, D. C.
The next pastor, the eleventh in the succession, was Rev. THOMAS
K. FESSENDEN. He was born in Brattleborough, Vt., September 10,
1813, graduated at Williams College in 1833, and at Yale Seminary
in 1837. He was installed January 30, 1855, and dismissed November
10, 1864. He has since resided in Farmington.
He was followed by Rev. HORACE B. WOODWORTH, a native of Chel-
sea, Vt., where he was born March 1, 1830. The twelfth pastor gradu-
ated at Dartmouth in 1854, and at the Theological Institute of Connecti-
cut now Hartford Seminary in 1861. He was installed February
8, 1865, and dismissed August 24, 1869. He is now living in Grand
Forks, North Dakota.
From October 21, 1869, Rev. Geo. I. Wood, a former pastor, was acting
pastor for eighteen months, till the spring of 1871. Rev. JOHN C. MOSES
was installed the thirteenth pastor, September 13, 1871. He was a na-
tive of Ticonderoga, New York, and was born February 25, 1824. He
was graduated at the State Normal School in Albany, N. Y., in 1846,
and at Auburn Seminary in 1852. His pastorate was terminated by his
dismissal, October 22, 1872. He is now living in Clinton, Iowa.
Rev. SHEARJASHUB BOURNE was acting pastor from December 15,
1872, for two and a half years, till June, 1875. He was born in Bristol,
R. I., December 28, 1822, graduated at Yale in 1849, and at Andover in
1853. His residence is now Bristol, R. I.
He was
The next pastor, the fourteenth, was DAVID S. HOLBROOK.
born in Chester, Mass., October 29, 1848, graduated at Yale in 1872,
and at Yale Seminary in 1875. He was ordained May 4, 1876, and dis-
missed on account of ill-health October 11, 1880. He died of consump-
tion at New Haven, January 25, 1881, aged 32.
The fifteenth pastor, Rev. SYLVANUS C. KENDALL, was born in Sears-
mont, Maine, November 23, 1824, graduated at Amherst in 1848, and at
Andover in 1852. He was installed April 20, 1881, and dismissed Sep-
tember 14, 1886. He now lives in Bradford, Mass.
Rev. WILLIAM T. HUTCHINS became acting pastor December 19, 1886.
He was born in Springfield, Mass., January 20, 1849, and graduated at
VOL. I.-104
826
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Yale Seminary in 1876. A call to settle as pastor was extended to him
in September, 1887, and he was installed June 13, 1888.
Deacons of the Church in Ellington. As the church records previ-
ous to 1799 have long been lost, no complete list of these officers can be
made. The list given herewith is as nearly complete as practicable.
NAMES.
Timothy Nash,
Isaac Davis,
Job Drake,
ELECTED.
Unknown.
DIED.
AGE.
March 15, 1756.
Unknown.
57
Unknown.
Removed from the town.
Hubbard,
David Skinner,
Medina Fitch,
Jonathan Porter,
Ithamar Bingham,
John Hall,
Gurdon Ellsworth,
Rufus Collins,
Joseph Kingsbury,
66
Unknown.
Unknown.
Nov. 14, 1792.
70
July 5, 1783.
71
April 26, 1791.
May 26, 1796.
* 52
3883
63
June 26, 1803.
65
July 20, 1808.
57
Aug. 29, 1822.
66
John H. Goodrich,
May 4, 1809.
Removed elsewhere.
John Newell,
Oct. 17, 1812.
Feb. 11, 1836.
Benjamin Pinney,
Oct. 17, 1812.
June 9, 1860.
88888
78
80
Charles Sexton,
Nov. 3, 1826.
Removed elsewhere.
Noah Pease,
Oct. 2, 1835.
Feb. 22, 1876.
84
Dan Russell,
Oct. 2, 1835.
Oct. 27, 1840.
47
Julius S. Hammond,
Oct. 4, 1856.
Jan. 23, 1878.
79
Edwin Talcott,
May 1, 1863.
Still in office.
Elisha Smith,
May 1, 1863.
Feb. 28, 1876.
51
Henry Beebe,
March 14, 1878.
Still in office.
VII. The Methodist Episcopal Church.
A church of this order was formed in the northeast part of the town
as early as 1790. It has usually been united with one or two other
churches, especially those in Tolland and West Stafford, the whole form-
ing a kind of circuit under the charge of the same minister or ministers.
The following list gives the names of the ministers who have had charge
of this church: 1790, Nathaniel B. Mills; 1791, Lemuel Smith, Men-
zies Raynor; 1792, Hope Hull, George Roberts, F. Aldridge; 1793, Jo-
seph Lovell; 1794, Lemuel Smith, George Pickering; 1795, Christopher
Spry, Nathaniel Sneathing; 1796, Evan Rogers; 1797. . (?) 1798,
Lawrence McComb; 1799, Daniel Ostrander; 1800, Abner Wood; 1801,
Justus Jocelyn, Henry Eames; 1802, Elijah Bacheler, Alexander Mc-
Lean; 1803, Augustus Jocelyn, Elijah Bacheler; 1804, John Gove;
1805, Noble W. Thomas, Benjamin Hills; 1806, John Tinkham, The-
ophilus Smith; 1807, Hollis Sampson, G. R. Morris; 1808, Benjamin F.
Lambord [or Lambert]; 1809, Benjamin P. Hills, William Hinman;
1810, Joel Steel, Samuel Cutler; 1811, Philip Munger, Robert Arnold ;
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, ELLINGTON.
827
1812, Elias Marble, Thomas Tucker; 1813, Edward Hyde, Benjamin
Sabin; 1814, Joel Winde, Job Pratt; 1815, William Marsh, O. Roberts;
1816, Salmon Winchester, Nathan Payne; 1817, Benjamin Sabin,
Salmon Winchester; 1818, Leonard Bennett, Hezekiah Davis; 1819,
L. Bennett, Francis Dane; 1820, Ebenezer Blake; 1821, Ebenezer
Blake, Daniel Dorchester; 1822, Joel W. McKee, Allen Barnes; 1823,
Joseph Ireson, John W. Case; 1824, Moses Fifield, J. Ireson, Seth
Cogswell; 1825, Elisha Frink, B. F. Lambert, Leonard B. Griffin; 1826,
Erastus Otis, Daniel L. Fletcher; 1827, Erastus Otis, Rufus Spaulding;
1828, Hermon Perry, George Stone; 1829, Hezekiah S. Ramsdell, Paul
Townsend, Horace Moulton; 1830, John W. Case, Paul Townsend;
1831, H. S. Ramsdell, Jefferson Haskell; 1832, Nehemiah Rogers,
Charles Hayward; 1833, Moseley Dwight, Hiram Gregg, William Wit-
cutt; 1834, Ezra Withey, Loren Pierce; 1835, Leonard B. Griffin, Proc-
tor Marsh; 1836, L. B. Griffin, John Cadwell; 1837, Stephen Cushing,
Robert D. Easterbrook; 1838, James Shephard, Asa Niles; 1839, Asa
Niles, Moses Stoddard, Loren C. Collins; 1840, Lorenzo W. Blood, Lyman
Leffingwell; 1841, L. W. Blood, Edmund A. Standish; 1842, Warren
Emerson, John Standish; 1843, Isaac Sherman; 1844, Abraham Hol-
way; 1845-6, Charles Morse; 1847, J. Burleigh Hunt; 1848-49, B. M.
Walker; 1850, W. W. Hurd; 1851-52, Charles Dixon; 1853–4, Ziba
Loveland; 1855, E. Strobridge; 1856-57, William Philips; 1858, Fred-
eric C. Newell; 1859, Joseph Smith; 1860-61, George W. Cortiss;
1862, Nathan F. Culver; 1863, George Burnham; 1864, D. L. Brown;
1865,
Boyington; 1866, William Dixon; 1867, Isaac Forbes;
1868-70, Leonard S. Goodell; 1871-74, William Dixon; 1875–76,
Henry Arnold; 1877-78, Leonard S. Goodell; 1879, no regular preach-
ing; 1880-84, O. E. Thayer; 1885, J. B. Ackley; 1886-89, O. E.
Thayer; 1890-91.
A church edifice was built about 1798, but was not completed till
1822. It was burned about 1830. The present edifice, on a site oppo-
site to that of the previous one, was built in 1834.
The Advent Church.
This is an offshoot from the Methodist Church, and dates from the
"Millerite" excitement in 1841-42. The congregation still have oc-
casional services.
VIII. The Baptist Church.
A Baptist society was formed January 17, 1842, at the house of
Thomas King, where Mr. Shippey now lives. A Baptist church was
organized February 8, 1842, consisting of six members, which number
was increased within two or three years to thirty-two. Services were
828
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
held for two months in the schoolhouse of the center district, afterwards
at the conference house belonging to members of the Congregational
Society, now Mr. Mandell's residence. Rev. George Mixter was the
pastor.
Meetings of the society were held at intervals for nearly three
years, the last one Dec. 25, 1844. A vote was passed Oct. 11, 1842,
"That when the Society build a meeting-house they build within half a
mile of Ellington green." The list of members of the society contains
the names of forty-two persons, but several of these had little more than
a nominal membership. The organization had neither the numbers nor
the resources requisite for a vigorous and prosperous existence. The
leading men soon saw that the project could not succeed, the minister
removed from the town, and public services ceased. The church was
not formally disbanded, but when the Baptist Church in Rockville was
formed, in June, 1849, some of those who had been members of the
Ellington church were among the original members of that new organiza-
tion, and the record books of the Ellington church and society are now
used for keeping the records of the church and society of Rockville.
Rev. George Mixter was born in Monson, Mass., Jan. 7, 1795. He
had no distinctively theological education, but began to preach in Monson
and Wilbraham about 1835. He was ordained and settled at Wales,
Mass., in 1836, and removed from there early in 1842 to Ellington,
where he remained about three years. He afterwards preached at vari-.
ous places in eastern Connecticut till 1862, when he gave up pastoral
work on account of failing health, but continued to preach occasionally.
He died at Somerville, Conn., Jan. 8, 1879.
IX. Schools.
Mention is made of a school at "Great Marsh" in 1724, several
years before the parish of Ellington was incorporated. The records of
the parish or society previous to 1785 have long been lost, but there is
no reason to doubt that during that half century it maintained one or
more schools, as the law required.
The earliest votes of the society that have been preserved are dated
Nov. 7, 1785. One of them is this: "Voted to apply to the gineral
assembly to be held at hartford in may next to let the Parish of Elinton
of as a town." This application was granted in May, 1786. On the
6th of December, 1785, Col. Joseph Abbott, Dea. Ithamar Bingham,
Gurdon Ellsworth, Lieut. Matthew Hyde, Hezekiah Russell, Ichabod
Wadsworth, John Shurtleff, and Ezekiel McKinstry were appointed
school committee. Messrs. Abbott and McKinstry were designated "to
take care of the school money belonging to this parish, and apply the
THE SCHOOLS OF ELLINGTON.
829
same to the use of the parish." The amount of this money depended, in
part, upon the Grand List of the parish, which is stated in these same
records to have been for 1785, £6,617, 0s, 9d. The rate of taxation for
schools, as established by colonial law in 1702, was "forty shillings upon
every thousand pounds."
At a town meeting held in December, 1788, a committee was ap-
pointed" to revise the school districts." This implies that separate dis-
tricts had been formed before that time. This committee reported Dec.
14, 1789, and in accordance with their recommendation the town voted
that there should be seven districts, and designated what families should
be included in each. No exact territorial boundaries were established,
not being then required. The districts now numbered one to five corre-
spond in general with those so designated a hundred years ago. The
other two were in the part of the town lying north of Tolland.
་
In 1798 the oversight of schools was transferred from towns to
school societies. A new district was formed in the center of the town
in April, 1812, including parts of Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 5. At the same time.
the most eastern district in "Equivalent" was divided into two districts,
but they were re-united in 1820. In 1814 the new central district was
designated by vote of the school society No. 6, and the three Equivalent
districts as Nos. 7, 8, and 9, until the two last named were reunited in
1820. A new district was formed at the west side of the town March 4,
1822, which has since been known as No. 9.
The town gave consent, by vote passed Jan. 7, 1867, that the south-
east part of the town should become part of the Rockville East district.
in the town of Vernon. October 4, 1869, three families in the north-
west part of the town were set off to the 7th district of East Windsor.
Town Deposit Fund. At a town meeting held Jan. 23, 1837, the
town appointed Asa Willey its agent to receive from the State Treasurer
its portion of the "Surplus Revenue " distributed to the States by act of
Congress, passed June 23, 1836. The money thus received is now
known as the "Town Deposit Fund." The amount assigned to Elling-
ton was $3,736.93. The town voted, Aug. 28, 1837, to appropriate the
whole income of this fund to the use of common schools, to be divided
equally among the school districts. But the next year, Dec. 3, 1838,
the town voted that one-half of the interest accruing from Oct. 1, 1837,
to Oct. 1, 1838, should be used for ordinary town expenses, the other
half for schools. The law of the State until 1855 permitted such use of
the money.
Local School Fund. There is a fund belonging to the town amount-
ing to $2,177, the income of which is yearly applied for public schools.
830
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
The origin of this fund is not now known with certainty. A part of it
is believed to have come from the sale of lands in the parish which were
at first reserved for highways. A part may have come from the
“Western Lands" (so called), that is, those now forming nine towns in
the northwest corner of the State. The sale of those lands was ordered
by the General Assembly in 1733, but no actual sales were made until
five years later. The whole amount received by the Colony is believed
to have been about £70,000. Another source of the local school funds
was "Excise moneys," granted by acts of the General Assembly passed
in 1766 and 1774. The school fund belonging to the town was in ex-
istence before the close of the eighteenth century.
Schools of a higher order. On the 10th of October, 1831, the school
society voted, by two-thirds of those present, to institute a school of a
higher order, the society to be at no expense for providing a building.
Nothing ever came of this vote.
But private enterprise had already established a school which for
many years was of great benefit to the community. In 1825, Mr. John Hall
opened a school, primarily for the instruction of his own children, though
it was not limited to them. It was taught in a small building then
standing a short distance east of the spot now occupied by the house of
Austin Tilden. A graduate of Yale was employed as teacher, and both
boys and girls were received as pupils. This school was continued till
1829. The building is now the residence of Lemuel P. Henry.
This was succeeded by "the Ellington School," which was incorpo-
rated by the General Assembly in 1829. Mr. Hall and several promi-
nent gentlemen of New Haven, Hartford, and other places, were the
trustees. A large and handsome building, 128 feet in length, was
erected on the gentle rise of ground west of the village, where Joseph
Bancroft's house now stands, and the school was opened in the autumn
of 1829. Mr. Hall was principal for ten years from that time, and his
assistants were mostly graduates of Yale. Some of those teachers
afterwards filled prominent positions. Of these may be named Hon.
Alphonso Taft of Cincinnati; Rev. Dr. Samuel G. Brown, a graduate of
Dartmouth, professor there, and president of Hamilton College, N. Y.;
Rev. Dr. John L. Taylor, professor in Andover Theological Seminary;
Rev. Chester S. Lyman, professor in Yale University; Rev. Dr. Edward
Strong, pastor in New Haven and Boston; Rev. Julius A. Reed, Home
Missionary Superintendent in Iowa; Ariel Parish, principal of Westfield
Academy and of the High School in Springfield, Mass., and Superin-
tendent of Schools in New Haven; Luther Wright, principal of Willis-
ton Seminary, East Hampton, Mass.; and Rev. Stedman W. Hanks, Sec-
retary of Seamen's Friend Society, Boston.
THE ELLINGTON SCHOOL.
831
The pupils, who were boys exclusively, came not only from Connec-
ticut, but from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and other
states as far south as Louisiana; also from the West Indies and Brazil.
They were prepared either for college or for business life, and some of
them afterward became men of prominence. Among them were Henry
C. Deming, Representative in Congress; Henry W. Ellsworth, Minister
to Sweden; Rev. Chauncey Goodrich and Dr. Levi Ives of New Haven ;
Rev. Dr. John L. Taylor, already mentioned; James W. Tucker, long a
banker in Paris; Francis Bacon of Litchfield, who died ere his prime;
Colin M. Ingersoll of New Haven, Representative in Congress; Donald
G. Mitchell, the well-known author; Frederic Law Olmsted, the land-
scape architect who laid out New York Central Park; Rev. Dr. Edward
W. Gilman of New York; Rev. C. S. Lyman, previously named; Gen.
William S. Pierson of Windsor; Rev. Junius M. Willey of Bridgeport;
Robbins Battell of Norfolk; Ebenezer P. Mason, the enthusiastic young
astronomer; William R. Bliss, a successful author; Rev. Birdsey G.
Northrop of educational fame; Dr. Levi W. Flagg of Yonkers, N. Y.;
Rev. Dr. Gordon Hall of Northampton; Gen. Francis P. Blair of St.
Louis, Mo.; Rev. Dr. Azariah Eldridge of Yarmouth, Mass.; Rev. Dr.
Edward E. Rankin of Newark, N. J.; Richard S. Donnell, Representa-
tive in Congress from North Carolina. The whole number of pupils in
those ten years was a little over three hundred. During that time it
was regarded as one of the foremost classical schools in the country.
After it passed into other hands it came to have more the character of a
village academy, receiving pupils of both sexes, and preparing very few
boys for college. It was continued, with varying fortunes, and with sev-
eral changes of management, until about 1870. The building was de-
stroyed by fire in October, 1875.
In 1844, Edward Hall, the oldest son of the founder of the Elling-
ton School, established a family school which in a few years acquired an
excellent reputation. The boys that were placed in his charge received
a thorough training, both morally and intellectually. The school was
maintained successfully for nearly thirty years, and many boys living
in the town, as well as those from abroad, were profited by the oppor-
tunities which it afforded.
For nearly half a century the two men, father and son, were fore-
most in promoting education in the community. These two schools ob-
viated the necessity for any other school of a higher rank than the dis-
trict schools. Beside these schools there have been select schools main-
tained usually for a few terms only, also private schools established by
individuals. The most important of these were the schools of Mrs. E.
D. Marsh and Miss E. C. Brockway.
832
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
X.
Lawyers who resided in Ellington.
ASA WILLEY. He was born in East Haddam, Feb. 22, 1774;
studied law with Hon. Sylvester Gilbert of Hebron, and was admitted
to the bar in February, 1801. He opened an office in Ellington about
1803, and resided there the remainder of his life. He represented the
town in the General Assembly in May and October, 1810, 1814, 1816,
1817, and 1818; in 1820, 1822, 1825, 1826, 1828, 1829, 1834, 1836,
1837, and 1843 — in all, twenty sessions. He was chosen chief judge
of the County Court in 1826, and held the office by annual re-election
till 1835. When the probate district of Ellington was established, in
1826, he was appointed judge, and was reappointed yearly till 1833;
also in 1834, 1838, 1839, and 1840, thus holding the office for eleven
years. He was also a delegate to the convention which framed the
State Constitution in 1818, and clerk of courts, 1850-51. He died
Dec. 9, 1851. His only son, Junius Marshall Willey, became an Episco-
pal minister. The house where he lived has been for many years the
residence of Rev. G. I. Wood.
JOHN HALL BROCKWAY, the oldest child of Rev. Diodate Brockway,
was born in Ellington, Jan. 31, 1801. He was graduated at Yale in
1820, studied law with Seth P. Staples and Samuel J. Hitchcock in New
Haven, and was admitted to the bar in that city in April, 1823. ´ He
opened an office in his native town, and resided there during his life.
He represented the town in the General Assembly in 1832 and 1838,
and was State Senator from the Twentieth district in 1834. In April,
1839, he was elected Representative in Congress from the Sixth district,
comprising Windham and Tolland counties, and was re-elected in 1841.
He was appointed State's Attorney for the county in 1849, and held the
office until 1867. He died July 29, 1870.
FRANKLIN M. CHARTER was born in Ellington, Jan. 21, 1852. He
studied law in Rockville, and with J. L. Barbour in Hartford. He was
admitted to the bar in 1887, and soon after opened an office in Rock-
ville, continuing to reside in Ellington. He has now an office in Elling-
ton.
XI. Physicians who have practiced in Ellington.
JOEL CARPENTER, born in 1720, seems to have been the earliest
physician resident in Ellington. His wife was Mary Ruggles, and of
his four children the two sons became physicians. He died in Elling-
ton, Jan. 25, 1789.
ROBERT MORISON. A physician of this name lived in Ellington
1757-61, as is indicated by the tombstones of his wife and an infant
child in Ellington cemetery. Little has been learned about him, but he is
believed to have come from Scotland, and to have remained in Ellington
but a few years.
THE PHYSICIANS OF ELLINGTON.
833
but
Hartford in 1747,
He was graduated at
JOSEPH BISSELL WADSWORTH was born in
during his boyhood his home was in Windsor.
Yale College in 1766, and settled in Ellington in 1775. He was a sur-
geon in the Revolutionary Army, and kept a journal during that time,
but it has been lost. "Old people invariably described him as the hand-
somest man and the most polished gentleman they ever knew. Besides
his regular education, he possessed many elegant accomplishments rare
among his contemporaries. A peculiar neatness and elegance of taste
and style was a marked characteristic. He wore a large three-cornered
hat, scarlet coat, white or yellow vest and breeches, and topped boots,
a costume which appears to have been rather frequent among those
who occupied a high rank in society."
The following letter written by him to his father-in-law, Mr. Allyn
of Windsor, may be of interest :
Camp West Point, May 1, 1778.
"Hon'd Father: I return you my hearty thanks for the favor of your two
letters. I can inform you that notwithstanding my taking a bad cold coming from
home, whereby I have been incapable of joining my regiment until last Saturday, I
am now, through the goodness of God, almost well. As to news, we have none here,
except what you wrote. We have no enemies nigh that appear, but snakes; and they
have not yet forgot the severity of winter, and I desire the time may come when the
tories and ministerial tools may lie as still as the snakes have here the winter past.
"Let me beg the favor of a line from you every opportunity, as it will revive the
spirits of your obedient son,
"JOSEPH B. WADSWORTH.
"My sincere regards to mamma and sisters and all friends.
"P. S. I can not forget to return you my sincere thanks for the kind care you
have taken of my family since my absence. May the choicest of Heaven's blessings
rest on you, your family, as well as on them, is the prayer of your ob't son, in haste,
J. B. WADSWORTH.
"N. B. I have now 21 under my care, sick with the measles, fevers, etc."
Dr. Wadsworth died in Ellington, March 12, 1784, in the 37th year
of his age. He had a high reputation as a physician and surgeon. His
house stood where Harlow Martin now lives.
JOSEPH KINGSBURY was born in Ellington in 1756. He was the
son of a farmer, and in his latter years often described the habits of
society in the days of his youth. Though residing more than a mile
from the meeting-house, he used in summer, until more than a dozen
years old, to attend service without hat or coat, and with breeches that
left the legs bare below the knees a simplicity of dress, however, that
was common to boys of his age in Ellington at that day. He wrote an
elegant hand, which he had acquired mostly by writing on birch bark,
then in general use among school boys as a substitute for paper. Under
similar disadvantages he acquired a good English education. At the
age of twenty-one he enlisted in Washington's army for three years as
VOL. I.-105
834
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSor.
a fifer. He was in the battles of Monmouth, Germantown, and other
engagements, and shared in the sufferings of that army during his time.
of service. He was also in the State troops as sergeant. It was his
settled resolve in early life to be a physician, and he did not relinquish
this purpose when he entered the service of his country, but improved.
his opportunities, when he had leisure, to frequent hospitals and learn
by observation, as well as by instruction, which many of the surgeons
willingly gave him. In this way he had obtained, before quitting the
army, a considerable amount of professional knowledge, and after study-
ing a while with Dr. J. B. Wadsworth he commenced practice. Dr.
Wadsworth died in the spring of 1784, and four years afterward Dr.
Kingsbury married his widow, who was a lady of wealth. As his
health was not vigorous, he gradually withdrew from practice. He was
considered an excellent physician, and was one of the original members
of the Tolland County Medical Society at its organization in September,
1792. He was, in most cases, partial to simple and botanic remedies;
his ideas on medical science were original; his success often indicated
a peculiar skill; he enjoyed a high rank in his profession; health and
poverty only were needed to urge him to exertions that must greatly
have extended his fame. He was a deacon of the church for about
twenty-five years before his death. He was a gentleman of the old
school, and adhered to the costume of the revolutionary age. He was
through life regarded with high respect and esteem by the whole com-
munity, and was a rare instance of one who had the good fortune to
ascend from comparatively humble life to the highest social rank in his
native town, and yet retain the warm friendship of the early companions
whom he had so greatly distanced. His residence was twenty or thirty
rods west of the corner where Harlow Martin lives. He died August
29, 1822, aged 66.
Dr. JAMES STEELE, a native of Tolland, was a resident in Ellington
as early as 1782, in which year he was married to Jemima Wolcott.
He lived about a mile east by north from the church, in the house after-
ward occupied by his son, Oliver Wolcott Steele, and now the residence
of R. A. Taft. He was, however, rather a merchant than a physician,
and the store in which he traded, a few steps north of his house, has
been taken down within a very few years. He died January 15, 1819.
RUGGLES CARPENTER, son of Dr. Joel Carpenter, above-mentioned,
was born in Ellington not later than 1769, for he was admitted an
elector in 1790. In 1791 he was collector of taxes in the ecclesiastical
society. He practiced medicine in Ellington till 1813, when he re-
moved to Tolland. After a few years he returned to Ellington, but
soon removed to some place in Massachusetts, and thence again to De
Ruyter, Madison County, New York, where he died about 1840. His
THE PHYSICIANS OF ELLINGTON.
385
:
residence in Ellington was about a mile and a half southeast of the vil-
lage, where Mr. Patzold now lives.
ALLYN HYDE was born in Ellington, April 5, 1773. He settled as
a physician in his native town, where he practiced successfully till old
age impaired his activity. He died August 28, 1855. He received the
honorary degree of M.D. from Yale College in 1824.
EPAPHRAS BIDWELL. In 1802 he was chosen treasurer of the
ecclesiastical society. No further information has been received con-
cerning him.
POTWINE. A physician of this name lived in Ellington
about 1822–25. [Probably Dr. Benjamin Potwine, grandson of Rev.
Thomas of East Windsor. See Potwine Genealogy in 2d volume of this
history. H. R. S.]
MILO L. NORTH was born in Sharon, Conn.; graduated at Yale Col-
lege in 1813, and settled in Ellington as a physician in 1822. He re-
moved to Hartford in 1828, and about ten years later to Saratoga
Springs, N. Y., where he died in 1856. He received the degree of M.D.
from Yale College in 1834.
FREDERIC MORGAN was a native of Groton, where he was born in
1792. He was graduated at Yale College in 1813; was tutor there
1816-18; graduated M.D. in 1819; began practice at Colchester Jan-
uary, 1820; removed to Middle Haddam in 1824, to Middletown in
1826, and to Ellington in 1829. He returned to Colchester in 1830, and
died there June 18, 1877.
CHAUNCEY BROWN was born March 14, 1802; came to Ellington
about 1830; removed to Farmington about 1833, and practiced there
till his death, August 9, 1879.
HORATIO DOW was born in Ashford, January 30, 1793. He studied
medicine with Dr. Joseph Palmer of Ashford, and with Dr. Gilbert of
New Haven, where he attended lectures. He was licensed to practice
by the Connecticut Medical Society March 28, 1818, and received the
honorary degree of M.D. from Yale College in 1833. He began prac-
tice in Vernon in 1818; removed to Ellington in 1832. In 1846 he re-
moved to New York, but returned to Ellington in 1849, and continued
there till his death, September 28, 1859.
JOSEPH Clark DowE, brother of the preceding, was born in Ash-
ford, July 7, 1805; studied with his brother in Vernon, and at Yale
Medical School. He practiced elsewhere for several years; then came
to Ellington in 1846. In the same year he received from Yale College
the honorary degree of M.D. He removed to Milwaukee, Wis., in 1848,
and died there August 21, 1857.
CALVIN PEASE was born in Ellington, November, 1820. He studied
medicine with Dr. Fisk of Broad Brook, and about 1850 settled in
836
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Lebanon. About 1857 or '58 he returned to Ellington. In 1862 he
represented Ellington in the General Assembly. In the latter part of
the same year he became Assistant Surgeon of the Twenty-second Regi-
ment, Conn. Vols., which served near Norfolk, Va. After being mus-
tered out, in 1863, he went South, and settled in Mississippi. In 1867
he disappeared, and was reported to be dead; but it was not certainly
known what had become of him, and some believed that he was living
at a later time.
JOHN H. MANNING was born in Lebanon, February 1, 1819, and
graduated at Berkshire Medical College, Pittsfield, Mass., in 1843. He
came to Ellington in December, 1844, and remained there till March,
1856, when he removed to Pittsfield, Mass., where he died, November
12, 1863.
LEVI S. PEASE was born in Wilbraham, Mass., February 12, 1823,
and graduated at Pennsylvania Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1846.
He practiced in Ellington from 1847 to 1850, and at Thompsonville
from 1850 till he died there, March 4, 1872, except that he was Assistant
Surgeon in the army from 1862 to 1866.
JOEL A. WARREN was born at Irasburgh, Vt., February 15, 1834.
He studied at Hanover, N. H., and at the College of Physicians and
Surgeons, New York, graduating there in 1860. He came to Ellington
in June of that year, and resided there till his death, Dec. 25, 1890.
OLIVER W. KELLOGG resided in Ellington two years, from 1867 to
1869. He was born in Hartland, July 9, 1817; studied medicine at
Hobart College, Geneva, N. Y., and at Jefferson Medical College, Phila-
delphia, graduating there in 1842. He has practiced in Suffield since
that time, except the two years when he lived in Ellington.
JOSEPH PARTRIDGE, a botanic physician, practiced in Ellington a
few years. He was born in Cheshire, Mass., January 14, 1812; studied
with a private teacher in Pittsfield; practiced a few years in Stoning-
ton, Conn.; came to Ellington in the fall of 1856, and remained there
till his death, January 24, 1864.
EDWIN T. DAVIS was born in Richford, Vt., October 8, 1863, and
graduated in medicine at Burlington, Vt., in July, 1888. In October
of that year he commenced practice in Rockville, Conn., and continued
there till he removed to Ellington in February, 1891.
XII. Ministers raised up in Ellington.
JOHN MCKINSTRY, son of the first minister in Ellington, was born
in Sutton, Mass., December 31, 1723; was graduated at Yale College in
1746, and ordained first pastor of the church at Chicopee, Mass., Sep-
tember 27, 1752. In 1789 he was released from preaching, but dis-
MINISTERS RAISED IN ELLINGTON.
837
charged the other duties of the pastorate till his death, at the age of 90,
November 7, 1813.
JOHN ELLSWORTH, grandson of the first minister in Ellington, and
nephew of the John McKinstry above-mentioned, was born in 1762;
graduated at Yale in 1785; was ordained the same year at East Wind-
sor, and became pastor of a Presbyterian church on the Island of Saba,
in the West Indies; but, his health failing, he returned to his native
town, where he died of consumption, November 22, 1791, aged 29.
ROSWELL SHURTLEFF, D.D., was born August 29, 1773; graduated
at Dartmouth, 1799; was tutor there, 1800-04; professor of theology,
1804-27; of moral philosophy and political economy, 1827-38; also
librarian, 1810-20. He was Emeritus professor from 1838 till his
death at Hanover, N. H., February 4, 1861, aged 87. He received the
degree of D.D. from the University of Vermont, in 1834.
WILLIAM ANDREWS was born September 28, 1782 (joined Ellington
church on profession, 1802); graduated at Middlebury College in 1806;
studied theology with Dr. Asa Burton of Thetford, Vt.; was ordained
pastor at Windham, Conn., August 8, 1808; dismissed April 20, 1813;
was pastor at Danbury, Conn., from June 30, 1813, to May 29, 1826;
was installed at Cornwall, Conn., July 25, 1827, and died there January
1, 1838, aged 56. Of his six sons, five became ministers, the other a
physician. One of his sons was connected with Marietta College as
Tutor, Professor, and President forty-nine years; another was Profes-
sor in the same institution eighteen years.
HORACE BELKNAP (Presbyterian), born December 10, 1791 (joined
Ellington Church on profession, 1810); graduated at Middlebury Col-
lege in 1816, and at Andover Seminary in 1820. He was ordained by
presbytery at Bradford, Mass., September 26, 1820; was a home mis-
sionary at the South, and a member of Harmony Presbytery, S. C.,
1825-29. He was afterward a physician at the South; in 1850 was
living in Ohio; thence he went to Iowa, and later to California; but re-
turned to Iowa, where he died.
NORMAN NASH (Episcopal) was born November 17, 1790; studied
theology in Virginia; was ordained deacon there by Bishop R. C.
Moore, and priest in Pennsylvania by Bishop Wm. White. He preached
in Hampshire county, Va. (now West Virginia); also in Pennsylvania,
New Jersey, and New York. In 1825-26 he was missionary to the
Menominee Indians, Green Bay, Wis. He last resided at Port Huron,
Mich., where he died in 1869.
SYLVESTER NASH (Episcopal), nephew of the preceding, was born
May 8, 1795; was ordained in Virginia, and begun his ministry there,
but officiated at St. Albans, in Vermont, several years; then in Rhode
Island, Maine, New York, Illinois, and other Western States. Failing
838
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
health caused him to return East, and he died at St. Albans, Vt., in
1859. He was able to sway great audiences by his powerful singing.
His wife, from Bristol, R. I., was a sister of Bishop B. B. Smith of Ken-
tucky.
FRANCIS BURDETT NASH (Episcopal), brother of the preceding, was
born November 16, 1812, in Springfield, Mass.; but his parents soon
returned to Ellington, and his boyhood was spent there. He graduated
in 1837 at an Episcopal Theological Seminary then existing in Lexing-
ton, Ky.; was ordained in that State, deacon in 1837, priest in 1839.
His active ministry was in Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Ne-
braska, Kansas, and Iowa, mostly in missionary work on the frontier.
For several years his home has been in Minnesota. Two of his sons are
Episcopal ministers: one, F. B. Nash, Jr., at Fargo, Dakota; the other,
H. S. Nash, is professor in the Episcopal Theological Seminary at Cam-
bridge, Mass. F. B. Nash, Sr., lives at Tinta, Minn.
RODOLPHUS K. NASH (Episcopal), cousin of the two preceding, was
born December 25, 1812; received his preliminary education in Elling-
ton; entered Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio, in 1830, but left the next
year, and taught three years in various places. He returned to Kenyon
College in 1834; graduated there in 1837, and entered the Theological
Seminary at Gambier, at the same time serving as tutor in the college.
His theological studies were interrupted by ill health, but he was or-
dained by Bishop McIlvaine in 1847. From that time till 1873 he min-
istered to various parishes in Ohio-for the most part missionary
parishes and a part of the time was also engaged in teaching. On
account of failing health he withdrew from active service in 1873, and
lived at Newark, Ohio, officiating occasionally at various places in that
vicinity, till his death. He died at Zanesville, Ohio, March 7, 1889.
NATHANIEL CHUBBUCK was born September 5, 1789, and removed
to Orwell, Bradford county, Pa., in 1811. As early as 1823 he be-
came a licensed exhorter in the M. E. Church, and was well known
through a large extent of territory for his power in public address. He
died in Orwell, August 1, 1865.
AUSTIN E. CHUBBUCK, brother of the preceding, was born in Elling-
ton, June 16, 1810, and removed with his father's family to Orwell, Pa.,
in 1818. A few years after reaching his majority he went into business
at Elmira, N. Y. In 1844 he entered the ministry of the M. E. Church,
and was a member successively of the Genesee and Central New York
Conferences. He died in Elmira, April 15, 1882.
FRANCIS S. CHUBBUCK, brother of the two preceding, was born
March 10, 1812, and removed with the family to Orwell in 1818.
In 1847 he joined the Wyoming Conference of the M. E. Church, and
continued in active service about twenty years, serving as a chaplain in
MINISTERS RAISED IN ELLINGTON.
839
the army in Texas in 1863–4. He now resides in Nichols, Tioga
county, N. Y.
JOSEPH ADDISON SAXTON (Presbyterian) was born November 27,
1810 (joined Ellington Church on profession, 1827); graduated at New
York University in 1835, and at Yale Theological Seminary in 1839.
He was ordained over the Presbyterian Church at Greenpoint, Long
Island, June 7, 1843; acting pastor New River, Ascension Parish,
Louisiana, 1845-50; pastor North ch., New Hartford, Conn., 1851–52;
acting pastor Manhattanville, N. Y., 1853; acting pastor So. Haven
and Belleport, L. I., 1854–55; in New Preston and Brookfield, Conn.,
1857-58; Principal of Collegiate Institute, Norwich Town, Conn.,
1859-62; preaching at Fitchville, 1859-61 and 1865-67; instructor in
Cooper Union, New York city, 1867-72; professor in New York Uni-
versity, 1871–72; and has since lived in New York city.
OTIS SAXTON (Methodist and Baptist), brother of the preceding,
was born August 31, 1818. He joined Ellington Church (Congre-
gational) by letter, 1844; became a Methodist preacher, and was sta-
tioned in various places in Western Connecticut. About 1865 he be-
came a Baptist, and preached thenceforth in churches of that denomi-
nation. He was killed by being thrown from a carriage in Simsbury,
Conn., April 25, 1887.
DARIUS MORRIS was born in South Wilbraham, Mass., April 27, 1815.
His father removed with his family to Ellington in the spring of 1837.
The son Darius (joined Ellington Church on profession, 1839) entered
Wesleyan University in the autumn of that year, and graduated in
1841. The next two years he studied theology in East Windsor (now
Hartford) Seminary; then preached and taught school a few years in
Willoughby, Ohio. In 1849 he went to California, where he served as
a minister, conducting funerals and religious services in forests and
open fields before the advent of home missionaries. He made geologi-
cal surveys in California and the Rocky Mountains, and published an
outline of a system of geology. He died at Ellington, August 31, 1864.
JUNIUS MARSHALL WILLEY (Episcopal) was born May 27, 1821.
He pursued classical studies in the Ellington School (joined Ellington
Congregational Church, 1841, on profession), and studied theology with
the Rev. Joseph Scott, rector of the church at Warehouse Point. He
was ordained deacon in New York city, May 1, 1844, and priest at Mid-
dletown, June 10, 1845. He officiated at Saybrook a short time; then
at Stonington; next at Bath, Me., one year; then at Litchfield, 1855–58;
at Waterbury, 1858-61. He then served three months as chaplain of
the Third Regiment, Conn. Vols., and was present at the first battle of
Bull Run. He was rector of St. John's Church, Bridgeport, from
840
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Christmas, 1861, till his death in that city, April 7, 1866. His grave is
in Ellington.
SOLOMON DWIGHT PITKIN (Presbyterian) was born June 20, 1822.
The family removed to Amherst, Mass., in his infancy, and he was grad-
uated at Amherst College in 1843. He studied at Union Theological
Seminary, New York city, 1843-45, but graduated at Yale Seminary in
1846. The next year he was ordained, and for three years preached in
Wisconsin. In 1850 he went to Battle Creek, Mich., where he subse-
quently became pastor. He died at Woodbridge, N. J., September 30,
1858.
-
EDWARD PAYSON HAMMOND (Presbyterian) was born September 1,
1831, and graduated at Williams College in 1858. He studied the next
year in Union Theological Seminary, New York city. He was ordained
January 2, 1863. He is well known as an evangelist, both in this coun-
try and in Europe. Residence, Vernon, Conn.
FREDERIC C. NEWELL (Methodist) was born August 21, 1836. He
studied at the Ellington High School, and entered the ministry as a
member of the Providence Conference, which includes Eastern Connec-
ticut to the Connecticut River. He died at Staffordville, Conn., April
4, 1891.
GEORGE R. WARNER (Episcopal) was born March 22, 1838. Hẹ
studied at the Ellington High School, and with private instructors, and
was a teacher for several years. He joined Ellington Congrega-
tional church on profession, March 7, 1850, and was ordained as a Con-
gregationalist in 1875. He studied theology with Rev. Dr. N. S. Rich-
ardson of Bridgeport three years, serving also as his assistant. He was
ordained deacon in that city by Bishop Williams, November 30, 1880,
and priest at Monroe, Conn., March 6, 1882. He was rector at Monroe
from October 1, 1881, to July 1, 1884; afterwards at Danielsonville;
and is now in charge of St. Thomas' church in Hartford.
ADELBERT PUTNAM CHAPMAN (Methodist and Episcopal) was born
October 17, 1844. He joined Ellington Congregational church on pro-
fession, September 2, 1860, graduated at Yale in 1865; studied at Bos-
ton Theological Seminary (Methodist), 1868-70; joined New York East
Conference in 1870; was ordained deacon at Bridgeport in April, 1872,
and elder at Brooklyn, N. Y., in April, 1874. Having changed his
ecclesiastical connection, he was ordained deacon in the Episcopal
Church at Norwich, December 19, 1879, and priest at Middletown, De-
cember 23, 1880. He officiated for a few years at Middle Haddam, but
is now at Putnam, Conn.
HENRY CHAPMAN MCKNIGHT was born in Enfield, Conn., March 13,
1859. His parents were from Ellington, and returned there in 1860.
He joined Ellington Congregational church on profession, May 4, 1873,
*
MINISTERS RAISED IN ELLINGTON.
841
graduated at Yale in 1882, and at Yale Seminary in 1885; and was
ordained pastor of the Congregational Church at Falmouth, Me., Octo-
ber 7, 1885; dismissed September 3, 1888; installed at North Guilford,
Conn., March 13, 1889.
RICHARD HUBBARD RUST (Methodist) was born September 5, 1842.
His father was a temporary resident of Ellington as principal of the
Ellington school. The son graduated at Wesleyan University in 1865;
studied in Union Theological Seminary, New York city, 1866-68; was
ordained in April, 1868; has been stationed at Brooklyn and Sag Har-
bor, N. Y., New Britain, Conn., and various other places.
Mention may also be properly made of Rev. SAMUEL R. BROWN,
D.D. (Reformed), who was born in East Windsor, June 16, 1810,
and lived in Ellington with his parents, 1813-18; afterwards at Mon-
son, Mass. He was graduated at Yale in 1832, and at Union Theologi-
cal Seminary in 1838; was a missionary teacher in China under the
Morrison Education Society, 1838-47, when he returned to America,
bringing with him three Chinese boys to be educated, one of whom was
Yung Wing. Mr. Brown was principal of an academy at Rome, N. Y.,
1848–51; pastor of a Reformed Dutch Church near Auburn, N. Y.,
1851-59; missionary in Japan, 1859-79; died in Monson, Mass., June
20, 1880.
HIRAM SMITH, born Westfield, Mass., Sept. 21, 1800; joined the
church in Ellington in 1817; graduated at Amherst in 1823; preached
at Hillsdale, Mich.
[Dr. ISAAC DAVIS, probably born in Windsor, and early connected
with Ellington parish, moved from there, late in life, to Somers, Conn.
He was probably the second child and first son of Isaac Davis of Col-
chester, and, if so, was born 13th June, 1716. He practiced medicine in
Somers, and died 14th November, 1777, aged 62 years; but is best
known from his religious views, having been the founder of a sect
peculiar to the colony, and known as the "Davisonians," alluded to by
Rev. Samuel Peters, in his (so-called) History of Connecticut, as a sect
who "teach universal salvation and deny the existence of a hell or
devils." Rev. Thomas Whittemore, who wrote a Memoir of Oxford
Parish, Conn., says: "The attention of certain individuals in this town
was first drawn to the subject of Universalism by the conversation of
one Dr. Isaac Davis, who visited this place from Somers, Conn." He
was at this time an aged man, and it is said he had written a book upon
the subject. The Davisonians seemed to have ceased as a sect with the
doctor's death.
Dr. Davis m. Rachel Sheldon of Suffield, Conn., 15 May, 1745. Children:
I.
MARTHA; m.
Hall.
II. RACHEL, born in Somers, Conn., 15 Apl., 1756; m. Thomas Faxon, b. Brain-
VOL. I.-106
{
842
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
tree, Mass., 19 Feb., 1765. She d. in Conway, Mass., Jan. 7, 1794. They had a son,
Isaac Davis Faxon, who was the father of the Hon. John H. Faxon of Elyria, Ohio;
and of a son, Isaac Davis, Jr.
III.
ISAAC.
IV. LOVE; m. Ebenezer Sheldon.
(Peters's Gen. Hist. Conn., ed. 1877, p. 199; Univ. Miscell., vi. 313; Whittemore's
Modern Hist. of Universalism, 361; Universalist Quart., v. 94, xxxv. 2; Sheldon Maga-
zine, 12; Faxon Family, Hinman Mss., and Mss. Notes of Rev. Anson Titus of Ames-
bury, Mass.) — H. R. S.]
XIII. Lawyers Raised up in Ellington.
AARON CHUBBUCK was born August 4, 1791. He removed to
Orwell, Bradford county, Pa., in 1813. Without special legal training,
he was appointed to a minor judicial office at the age of 28, and continued
to hold it by re-appointment and election more than twenty years.
1842 he was elected prothonotary of Bradford county, and thus became
clerk of the courts for three years. In 1856 he was elected Associate
Judge, and held the office five years. He died August 19, 1881.
JOHN HALL BROCKWAY. A sketch of him is given on a previous
page. He was one of the leading lawyers of this part of the State, and
had an extensive practice, especially in Tolland and Hartford counties.
In the "History of Tolland county," the Hon. Dwight Loomis of Rock-
ville says of him: "He had a ready command of language, great facil-
ity in illustration, a genial humor and a happy susceptibility of temper-
ament which kindled at once with the spirit of the occasion, which made
him very popular as an advocate and public speaker. He was faithful
to his clients and devoted to his profession, yet the Christian controlled
the lawyer, and he always discouraged litigation, and was eminently a
minister of peace. He became a member of the Congregational church
in 1827, and was always found in his place in all the assemblies of the
church. He was for many years teacher of a large Bible class in the
Sunday-school."
JUNIUS HALL, son of Judge John Hall, was born June 8, 1811;
graduated at Yale in 1831; studied law with his cousin, J. È. Brock-
way; also at Yale Law School in 1835 and '36. In the spring of 1836
he was admitted to the bar at New Haven, and soon after removed to
Alton, Ill. He practiced there and at St. Louis, Mo., till 1846, when he
removed to Boston, Mass. He was a representative from Boston in the
General Court of Massachusetts in 1851, and took a prominent part in
the proceedings of the session. His legislative duties seriously impaired
his health, and he died August 14, 1851. The newspapers of Boston
spoke of him, after his death, in terms of high commendation, one of
them said, "Although he had been but four or five years resident in
this city, he had, besides commanding general esteem in all his social
LAWYERS RAISED IN ELLINGTON.
843
""
relations, acquired an enviable reputation in his profession by those
qualities which recommend a lawyer to the confidence of his clients
and of the public, and gave promise of extended usefulness as a public
man. Another said: "He was a man respected by all who knew him.
He was a representative from the city of Boston in the late legislature,
and was one of the most efficient members of the House. His thorough
knowledge of parliamentary law, his quick perceptive faculties, his
analytic mind, his indomitable perseverance in committee, and his per-
suasive and unvarnished speeches in debate, rendered him one of the
most attractive members. He was not a frequent speaker, but always
spoke to the purpose; and no man's word had more weight, no man's
opinion on nice questions of law was more sought after. Few men in
that divided House won so many friends. The loss of such a man will
be deeply felt."
LEVI WELLS HALL, brother of the preceding, was born December
25, 1818. He entered Yale in 1836 as Sophomore in the class of 1839,
but after a few months left on account of ill health. He became a
bookseller in Springfield, Mass., and Syracuse, N. Y. In 1858 he was
admitted to the bar in Syracuse, and practiced there for about twenty
years. He was elected district attorney for Onondaga county in 1865,
holding the office three years. In 1878 he gave up practice on account
of impaired health, and engaged in the manufacture of plows and
other agricultural implements. He died very suddenly April 19, 1881.
The Journal of Syracuse, on the day of his death, contained the follow-
ing notice of him: "Mr. Hall was generally known throughout the
city and Central New York. He was an active citizen, and his voice
was often heard in public assemblages. During the war he was a promi-
nent member of the War Committee, and during a number of political
campaigns he was a favorite exponent of Republican principles. He
was connected with several organizations of a religious and benevolent
character, and took lively interest in all public enterprises. Much read-
ing made him familiar with a great many subjects, and his conversation
always showed that he had a large fund of information at his command.
He was of genial temperament, fond of good humor and social life. He
had become permanently identified with the business interests of this
city. He was a public spirited as well as an enterprising citizen, and
was first and foremost in many good works. His life was one of un-
usual activity."
ORLOW W. CHAPMAN was born in Ellington, January 7, 1832, and
graduated at Union College, N. Y., in 1854. In 1855 he entered the
law office of Parker & Gleason of Delhi, Delaware County, N. Y., and
was admitted to the bar at Owego in 1857. The following year he re-
moved to Binghamton, which city was afterward his residence. In 1862
844
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
·
he was appointed draft commissioner for Broome county; the same year
he was appointed by Gov. Morgan district attorney for Broome county,
and in the latter part of that year was elected to the same office, to
which he was re-elected in 1865. In 1867 he was elected to the State
Senate, and was re-elected in 1869. In 1872 he was appointed by Gov.
Hoffman a member of the Constitutional Commission of the State, and
at the same time was nominated superintendent of the insurance de-
partment, which nomination was unanimously confirmed by the State
Senate. He accepted the latter appointment, and declined the former.
He resigned the superintendency January 31, 1876. In 1880 he was a
delegate to the Republican National Convention which nominated Gar-
field for president. For several years he declined public office, prefer-
ring to practice his profession. In 1881, after the resignation of U. S.
Senators Conkling and Platt, he was one of a large number of promi-
nent citizens who were spoken of for that position. In 1889 President
Harrison appointed him Solicitor-General of the United States, which
position he held till his death in Washington, D. C., January 19, 1890.
He was a man of splendid physique, of superior ability, persistent in-
dustry, and unswerving integrity.
WILLIAM M. RANSOM was born August 12, 1833; studied law
two and a half years in the office of John H. Brockway in Ellington;
afterward in the Yale Law School; and was admitted to the bar in
August, 1855. In March, 1856, he opened an office in Galesburgh, Ill.,
and continued in practice there until 1863. He was also active in
politics, and was clerk of the Illinois State Senate in the Democratic
Legislature of 1863, which was prorogued by the Republican governor
June 10, 1863. On account of political proscription engendered during
war times, Mr. Ransom removed to St. Louis, and engaged in insurance
business. In the fall of 1871 he removed to New Orleans, and was duly
licensed by the Supreme Court of Louisiana. He made insurance law
a specialty, and continued the business of insurance. Exercising a gen-
eral and controlling supervision and responsibility in insurance interests
in Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas, he removed his
office in March, 1887, to Memphis, Tenn., where he now resides.
HENRY BILLINGS BROWN was for a few years a resident of Ellington.
He was born in Berkshire county, Mass., March 2, 1836, and graduated
at Yale in 1856. He studied law with John H. Brockway in Ellington,
and at Yale Law School in 1858-59. He resides in Detroit, Michigan.
He was chosen a Judge of the Superior Court of that State in 1868, and
in 1875 was appointed Judge of the U. S. District Court for the East Dis-
trict of Michigan. In December, 1890, he was appointed by President
Harrison Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. He re-
ceived the degree of LL.D. from Yale in 1887.
PHYSICIANS RAISED IN ELLINGTON.
845
EDWIN BURPEE GOODELL was born May 7, 1851; graduated at Yale
in 1877, and at Yale Law School in 1880; then entered upon practice in
New York city.
FRANKLIN M. CHARTER. A sketch of him is given among "lawyers
who have resided in Ellington."
XIV. Physicians Raised up in Ellington.
JOEL CARPENTER. See "Physicians who Practiced in Ellington."
WILLIAM MCKINSTRY, son of Rev. John McKinstry, was born Oct. 8,
1732, and was established as a physician in Taunton, Mass., previous to
1759. He was a man of delicate physical constitution and averse to
contention. In the turbulent times just preceding the Revolution he
preferred peace to strife. This subjected him to the imputation of being
a tory, and, though he had been generally a favorite, he was now insulted
and abused so, that, early in 1775, leaving his family in Taunton, he re-
moved to Boston, where they soon joined him. Gen. Gage appointed
him Surgeon-General of the hospitals in Boston. Being thus forced to
become a royalist, he lived on friendly terms with the British officers.
On the 17th of June in that year he gave, by previous arrangement, a`
dinner party, at which several of those officers were present. At the
dinner hour the sound of guns announced that the fight on Bunker Hill
had already begun. The guests ate hastily without taking seats at the
table, then hurried away to take part in the battle. Dr. McKinstry was
thus fully committed to the anti-American side in the conflict, and when
the British were compelled to evacuate Boston, March 17, 1776, he, with
his family, went on board one of the vessels. They were detained a few
days before putting out to sea, and he died on shipboard at Nantasket
Roads, March 21st, and was buried on George's Island. The family were
taken to Halifax, where they remained, except the oldest son, till 1778,
when they returned to the States, making their home at first in Newport,
R. I., as their property at Taunton had been confiscated. The next year
they removed to Haverhill, Mass. A daughter of Dr. McKinstry be-
came the wife of Caleb Stark, a son of Gen. John Stark, one of the
commanders in the battle of Bunker Hill. Her home was in Dunbar-
ton, N. H., where she died Sept. 11, 1839. The oldest son went to
England and entered the British navy. Having lost his right hand in
a naval engagement he withdrew from the service, graduated at Oxford,
and became an Episcopal clergyman.
ELI CARPENTER was a son of Dr. Joel Carpenter. He settled as a
physician at Orford, N. H., and was drowned in the Connecticut River
in 1811.
RUGGLES CARPENTER, another son of Dr. Joel Carpenter, practiced
in his native town. See "Physicians who Practiced in Ellington."
846
1
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
JOSEPH KINGSBURY practiced in Ellington.
EBENEZER PINNEY, youngest son of Capt. Benjamin Pinney, died in
Ellington, Aug. 6, 1786, in his 24th year.
Dr. EPAPHRAS BELKNAP died Oct. 30, 1787, in the 25th year of
his age.
SYLVESTER NASH, born Dec. 11, 1771, studied with Dr. Porter, of
East Windsor; removed to Augusta, Oneida county, N. Y., in Feb., 1802,
and to Otselic, Chenango county, in 1828; died in Palermo, N. Y.,
Aug. 29, 1847.
ALLYN HYDE practiced in Ellington.
OLIVER MCKINSTRY, great-grandson of Rev. John McKinstry, was
born July 14, 1791; practiced in Monson, Mass., where he died in
March, 1852.
JOHN CHUBBUCK was born in Ellington, Feb. 23, 1795. He studied
medicine with Dr. H. A. Hamilton, of Somers, and practiced several
years at Warehouse Point, Conn. He then removed to Nichols, Tioga
county, N. Y., and later to Binghamton, N. Y., where he continued for
many years. He was a surgeon in the Union army in Brazos and San-
tiago in Texas in 1863-4. He died at Binghamton March 18, 1878.
HOLLIS S. CHUBBUCK, brother of the preceding, was born March 13,
1809. He studied medicine with his brother in Warehouse Point, and
practiced for a time at Orwell, Bradford county, Penn.; afterward at
Elmira, N. Y., where he died March 4, 1883.
LATHROP MCCRAY, born Aug. 23, 1799, and Warren McCray, born
Aug. 21, 1803, were brothers. They practiced mostly in the vicinity of
Springfield, Mass., and the older brother probably died there. The
younger died in Ellington Dec. 26, 1876.
CALVIN PEASE practiced in Ellington.
CYRUS B. NEWTON, born in 1831, studied in Somers with Drs. Or-
son Wood and E. A. Hamilton; graduated M.D. at Yale in 1856, and
soon after settled in Stafford Springs. He has taken part in public life
as selectman, school visitor, representative in the legislature, and State
prison director.
HORACE P. PORTER was born Feb. 6, 1839. He was graduated M.D.
at Yale in 1861, and was soon after appointed Assistant Surgeon of the
7th Regiment Conn. Volunteers, and held the position two or three
years. In 1864 he became Surgeon of the 10th Regiment Conn. Volun-
teers. He was often detached on important service, having been surgeon
in charge of a hospital at Beaufort, S. C.; also surgeon in charge of the
10th Army Corps Hospital. He is now practicing at Oneida, Nemaha
county, Kansas, and an officer in the G. A. R.
ELI WARNER was born March 24, 1843, and graduated at the Col-
lege of Physicians and Surgeons, New York city, in 1867. He was In-
COLLEGE-EDUCATED ELLINGTONIANS.
847
terne at Blackwell's Island Hospital, 1867–68, and later was in Ward's
Island Hospital. He was afterward Assistant Resident Physician at
Kings County Lunatic Asylum for three years. In 1871 he commenced
practice in Hartford, where he continued till his death. He was chair-
man of the city Board of Health, city physician, post surgeon, and med-
ical examiner. He died of consumption May 28, 1884.
HAMILTON C. KIBBE was born in Somers Sept. 25, 1843. His
parents removed to Ellington when he was a few weeks old. He studied
medicine with Dr. Joel A.Warren in Ellington, at the Berkshire Medical
College, Pittsfield, Mass., and at Michigan University; then became
Assistant Surgeon in the army till the war closed, on hospital duty. He
then pursued additional medical and scientific studies at Michigan Uni-
versity, and was graduated there in 1866. Afterward he went to Europe
and studied at Berlin and Tübingen, and in hospitals at Paris. Return-
ing to America, he spent seven years at Osceola, Mo., two years at
Charleston, Illinois, and now resides at Oblong, Crawford county, Illinois,
where he is both druggist and physician.
JAMES F. GOODELL, born May 15, 1849; studied at Cornell Univer-
sity, and at the Homeopathic Medical College in New York city, where
he graduated in 1879. He is practicing at Mill Brook, Dutchess county,
N. Y.
EVERETT J. MCKNIGHT, born June 12, 1855; graduated at Yale in
1876, and at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York city
in 1879. He is settled as a physician at East Hartford, Conn.
LESLIE C. TILDEN was born in Enfield July 31, 1866. His parents
returned to Ellington in his infancy. He was graduated from the Medi-
cal Department of New York University, New York city, in 1888, and
is practicing in Oberlin, Decatur County, Kansas.
XV. Ellington Men who have received College Degrees.
The following list includes natives or residents of Ellington who
have received a college degree of any kind. Ministers of the churches
and physicians who have practiced here (except those born in the town)
are not included.
A-Graduates of Yale College.
1746. John McKinstry, clergyman.
1785. John Ellsworth, clergyman.
1802. John Hall, educator.
1820. John Hall Brockway, lawyer.
1824. Allyn Hyde, M.D., (honorary,) physician.
1829. James Wood, medical student (died early).
1831. Junius Hall, lawyer.
848
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
1845. Edward Hall, A.M., (honorary,) teacher.
1856. Henry Billings Brown, lawyer, judge.
1856. Cyrus Brownlee Newton, M.D., physician.
1861. Horace Philo Porter, M.D., physician.
1865. Adelbert Putnam Chapman, clergyman.
1866. Levi Wells Hall, A.M., (honorary,) lawyer.
1875. Frederic Noah Pease, Ph.B., chemist.
1876. Everett James McKnight, physician.
1877. Edwin Burpee Goodell, lawyer.
1877. Thomas Dwight Goodell, professor at Yale.
1882. Henry Chapman McKnight, clergyman.
1891. Arthur Chapin Pease, Ph.B., Civil Engineer.
B-Graduates of other institutions.
1799. Dartmouth, Roswell Shurtleff, clergyman, professor.
1806. Middlebury, William Andrews, clergyman.
1816. Middlebury, Horace Belknap, clergyman, physician.
1835. N. Y. University, Joseph Addison Saxton, clergyman, professor.
1837. Kenyon, Rodolphus Kibbe Nash, clergyman, teacher.
1837. Episcopal Theological Seminary, Lexington, Ky., Francis Burnett
Nash, clergyman.
1841. Wesleyan University, Darius Morris, clergyman.
1843. Amherst, Solomon Dwight Pitkin, clergyman.
1854. Union, Orlow W. Chapman, lawyer.
1858.
Williams, Edward Payson Hammond, evangelist.
1865. Wesleyan University, Richard H. Rust, clergyman.
1866.
University of Michigan, Hamilton C. Kibbe, M.D., physician.
1867. Coll. of Phys. and Surgeons, N. Y., Eli Warner, M.D., physician.
1867. West Point, Oliver E. Wood, 1st Lieut. U. S. Army.
1879. Homeop. Med. Coll., N. Y., James F. Goodell, M.D., physician.
1888. N. Y. University Medical Department, Leslie C. Tilden, M.D.,
physician.
XVI. Ellington in the War of the Revolution.
Ellington was included in East Windsor until after the Revolution-
ary War, and therefore has no separate record of men who served in the
Continental army. No complete list of such men can now be made.
The recently issued "Record of Connecticut Men in the War of the Rev-
olution" is incomplete because the rolls of many companies and regi-
ments are missing, except the names of commissioned officers.
The "Lexington Alarm" of April, 1775, called out thousands of
men from Connecticut who marched at once "for the relief of Boston."
ELLINGTON IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION.
849
The duty was necessarily temporary and brief. Some of the companies
returned home before reaching Boston, as their presence was not needed.
Upon the organization of regiments for service during the year many of
the same men enlisted, and continued for different terms during the
war.
The roll of the Ellington company that volunteered to march to
Boston, will be found upon page 634 of this volume.
It has been found impracticable to obtain a complete list of men
from Ellington who served in the War of 1812. Of the 11,500 names of
the "Connecticut Militia" who served in that war but a small number
can be positively identified as residents of Ellington. There seems to be
no doubt as to JABEZ COLLINS, CLARK FOSTER, and LYMAN FOSTER.
is preferable to claim none on mere probability.
It
In the Regular Army there were over 1,800 officers and men from
Connecticut, but none of them are credited to Ellington.
In the Mexican War there were very few enlistments from Ellington.
The Conn. Official Record gives the name of HENRY BUCKLAND, enl. 30
Apl. '47, Co. F, 8th Inf. U. S. A., wd. Sept. 8, '47, at Molino del Rey,
Mexico; dis. 24 Nov., '48, time ex.
XVII. Ellington in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-65.
The following votes in regard to the war are copied from the town
records:
1862, July 28. The town voted to pay a bounty of $100 to every
resident who should voluntarily enlist on or before August 20, 1862.
This seems not to have proved a sufficient inducement, for
August 16, The town voted a bounty of $200 in cash to each
able-bodied man who had enlisted or should enlist for the war within the
nine months previous to September 1, 1862.
1863, July 27. The selectmen were authorized to draw an order on
the town treasurer for not over $300 in favor of each person that should
be drafted.
December 17. A committee of four citizens was appointed to
encourage enlistments.
1864, April 4. A committee of five citizens was appointed to
encourage enlistments.
•
November 21. The selectmen were authorized to draw an order on
the town treasurer for $300 in favor of any citizen liable to draft who
has volunteered or who will volunteer to serve in the U. S. Army for
three years under any future call, or who has furnished or will furnish
an acceptable substitute.
1866, November 5. It was voted to give to every soldier who
VOL. I.-107
850
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
enlisted and counted on the quota of this town, and who has never
received the $100 from the town, the sum of one hundred dollars.
Below is given a list of the soldiers credited to Ellington in the
Record of Connecticut Men in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865.
The whole number is one hundred and forty-three. Of these, six re-
ënlisted, one was killed in battle, six died of disease, eight died of
wounds, and eighteen were wounded but recovered.
It is impossible to ascertain how many natives of the town participated
in the war, but other parts of this history contain the names of many
such persons.
LIST OF SOLDIERS FURNISHED TO THE UNITED STATES SERVICE
IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION, BY THE TOWN OF
ELLINGTON, CONN.
ABBREVIATIONS: d. died; des. deserted; disc. discharged; dis. disabled; enl. enlisted;
m. o. mustered out; n. f. r. A. G. O. no further reference in Adjutant-General's
Office.
AIKEN, ATWOOD A. (Corp.), recruit, enl. 30 Dec., 1863, Co. A, 2d Hy. Art.; m.o.
Aug. 18, '65.
EDMUND, recruit, enl. 30 Dec., 1863, Co. A, 2d Hy. Art; disc. June 23, '65.
ALLEN, JOSEPH, enl. Dec. 7, '61, Co. K, 11th Reg. Conn. Vols.; wounded Antietam;
disc. Dec. 6, '64.
BAKER, HORATIO R., enl. 25 Aug., '62, Co. F, 25th Conn. Vols.; deserted Nov.
12, '62.
RICHARD, enl. Mch. 23, 264, Co. E, 1st Conn. Cavalry; des. Apr. 5, '64.
THOMAS, recruit, enl. 22 Mch., '64, 12th Conn. Vols.; transf. to Reg. Mch. 26,
1864; failed to report.
BEEBE, ELISHA P. (musician), enl. 1 Aug., '62, Co. D, 14 Conn. Vols.; disc. disab.
Jan. 15, '63.
BEEBERT, JOHN C., enl. Nov. 30, '64, Co. A, 7th Reg.; substitute; m. o: July 20, '65.
BELKNAP, C. K., JR. (Corp'l), enl. 25 Aug., '62, Co. F, 25th Conn. Vols.; m. o. 26
Aug., '63.
ORVILLE P. (Corp'l), enl. Aug. 25, '62, Co.. F, 25th
26 Aug., '63.
Conn. Vols.; m. o.
BENNETT, WILLIAM H., enl. Co. F, 25th Conn. Vols., 20 Aug., '62; m. o. 26
Aug., '63.
BLODGETT, LAVALETTE C., enl. Co. G, 25 Conn. Vols., Aug. 25, '62; m. o. 26
Aug., '63.
BOHEN, PETER W., recruit Co. H, 1 Hy. Art., Dec. 30, 1863; m. o. Sept. 25, '65.
BRAMAN, NORTON M., JR., enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 9 Sept., 1862; disc. disab.
22 Mch., 1863.
BRANDEL, JOHN, enl. (substitute) Nov. 15, '64, Co. E, 10th Reg.; m. o. Aug. 25, '65.
BRENNAN, PETER, enl. Nov. 15, '64, Co. D, 6th Reg.; des. Feb. 6, '65.
BROWN, JEREMIAH U., enl. Co. C, 14 Conn. Vols., 4 Aug., '62; died April 5, '65.
JOHN, enl. 16 Mch., 1864, Co. K, 11 Conn. Vols.; des. July 15, '64.
PATRICK, enl. Nov. 4, '64, Co. G, 7th Reg.; m. o. July 20, '65.
BURNS, PATRICK, enl. Nov. 11, '64, Co. B, 7th Reg.; transf. to Co. A, 4th Reg. U.
S. Vols., Jan. 4, '65; detached as clerk; re-transf. to same Reg. Dec. 15, '65;
failed to report.
BURTON, CHARLES L., recruit Co. B, 10th Conn. Vols., 22 Mch., 1864; des. May
19, '65.
ELLINGTON SOLDIERS IN THE CIVIL WAR.
851
BURGESS, ISAAC, enl. 21 Aug., 1862, Co. B, 21 Conn. Vols.; disc. disab. 25 Dec., '62.
CAMPBELL, FREDERIC, recruit Co. F, 7 Conn. Vols., 15 Feb., 1864; transf. to Co.
G, 18th Reg., V. R. C., Apl. 12, 1865; disc. Aug. 14, '65.
CARRIGAN, JOHN, enl. Nov. 4, '64, Co. G, 7th Reg. Conn. Vols.; m. o. July 20, '65.
CARTER, GEORGE, enl. 7 Feb., '64, Co. B, 30 Conn. Vols. (col'd); afterward 31st
Reg. U. S. C. I.; m. o. Nov. 7, '65.
CHAPMAN, SAMUEL A., recruit Co. K, 1 Hy. Art., 22 Dec., 1863; disc. 7 Feb., 1864.
CHARTER, IRVING W., enl. 28 July, '62, Co. D, 14 Conn. Vols.; wounded Freder-
icksburg; transf. to Co. F, 3 Reg. V. R. C., July 13, 1863; disc. July 6, '65.
LEVERETT N. (Corp'l), enl. recruit Co. G, 11 Conn. Vols., 25 Jan., 1864; wound-
ed Petersburg, June 18, 1864; m. o. Dec. 21, '65.
CHISM, JOHN A., enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 18 Aug., 1862; m. o. 26 Aug., 1863.
CHARLES D., enl. Co. H, 16 Conn. Vols., 11 Aug., 1862; disc. dis. June 7, '65.
CLEARY, TIMOTHY, enl. Nov. 5, '64, Co. F, 7th Reg. Conn. Vols.; m. o. July 20, '65.
COMINGS, MARTIN, enl. Aug. 25, '62, Co. F, 25 Reg. Conn. Vols.; des. Nov. 12, '62.
CONNER, TIMOTHY, enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; deserted 2 Dec.,
1862.
CROSLEY, JAMES E. (Corp'l), enl. recruit Co. C, 10 Conn. Vols., 15 Feb., 1864;
wounded July 26, '64, Strawberry Plains, Va.; m. o. Aug. 25, '65.
CUMMINGS, NAPOLEON, enl. 24 Mch., 1864; recruit Co. E, 1 Conn. Cav.; failed to
report.
DEMARCY, WILLIAM, enl. recruit Nov. 17, '64, Co. E, 6th Reg.; des. Dec. 18, '64.
DENCOUS, AUGUSTE, recruit Co. E, 7 Conn. Vols., 15 Feb., 1864; m. o. July 20, '65.
DUNN, ALEXANDER, enl. recruit Co. G, 7 Conn. Vols., 16 Feb., 1863; wounded
Aug. 16, '64, Deep Bottom, Va., n. f. r. A. G. O.
FAY, MICHAEL, enl. Co. D, 14 Conn. Vols., 26 July, 1862; m. o. May 31, '65.
FERGUSON, JAMES, enl. recruit Co. B, 11 Conn. Vols., 24 Mch., 1862; wounded
June 18, '64, Petersburg; des. Aug. 22, '64.
FLINT, DANIEL W. (musician), enl. band 3d Brig., Jan. 1, '64; m. o. Sept. 25, '65.
GILLESPIE, JAMES J., enl. Nov. 15, '64, Co. D, 6th Reg. Conn. Vols. ; substitute;
m. o. Aug. 21,--'65.
GOHRING, BERNHARD (Corp'l), enl. recruit Co. E, 1st Hy. Art., 22 Dec., 1863; m. o.
Sept. 25, '65.
GRAY, ZEBULON, enl. Co. D, 25 Conn. Vols., 16 Aug., 1862; wounded at Irish
Bend, La., 14 Apl., 1863; died April 15, '63.
GRIGGS, WILLIAM W., enl. Co. H, 18 Conn. Vols., August 1, 1862; captured June
15, '63, Winchester, Va.; paroled July 14, '63; wounded June 5, '64, Pied-
mont, Va.; died June 15, '64.
GROVER, CHARLES D. (Sgt.), enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 27 Aug., '62; wounded
Irish Bend, La., April 14, '63; died 16 Apl., '63.
ELI, enl. Dec. 31, '63, recruit, Co. G, 2d Hy. Art.; m. o. Aug. 18, '65.
HALEY, EDWARD, enl. recruit, Co. A, 2d Hy. Art., 30 Dec., 1863; wounded Sept. 19,
'64, Winchester, Va.; transf. to Co. C, 21st Reg. V. R. C. Jan. 24, '65; disc.
July 28, '65.
HARRIS, BERNHARD I. (Corp'l), enl. Nov. 15, '64, as substitute, Co. D, 6th. Reg.;
des. Mch. 15, '65.
HASKINS, ENOCH C., enl. 29 Aug., 1862, Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols.; disc. dis. May
23, '63.
HATCH, FRANCIS, enl. Co. K, 1 Conn. Cav., 30 Dec., 1863; disc. May 23, '65.
HATTER, WILLIAM, enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 10 Oct., 1862; des. Nov. 12, 1862.
HENDERSON, JAMES, enl. Co. D, 14 Conn. Vols., 9 Aug., 1862; wounded Antietam,
Sept. 17, '62; d. 30 Sept., 1862.
HIGGINS, JOHN, enl. recruit Co. C, 11 Conn. Vols., 24 Mch., 1864; des. Aug. 25, '64.
HOY, FREDERIC, enl. Co. E, 1st Hy. Art., 22 Dec., 1863; m. o. Sept. 25, '65.
852
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR,
HOUSTON, GEORGE, enl. Nov. 18, '64, Co. A, 11th Reg. Conn. Vols., as sub-
stitute; des. May 15, '65.
HUSSEY, JOHN, enl. Nov. 18, '64, Co. A, 10th Reg., as substitute; n. f. r. A. G. O.
HYDE, ARTHUR A. (Corp'l), enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; wounded
Irish Bend, La., Apl. 14, '62; m. o. 26 Aug., 1863.
ELAM, enl. Co. D, 25 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; m. o. 26 Aug., 1863.
ELBERT F. (1st Sergt.), enl. Co. D, 14 Conn. Vols., 30 July, 1862; wounded,
Wilderness, Va, May 6, '64, and Petersburg, Va., June 17, '64; disc. June 8, '65.
ISHAM, JOHN W. (Sergt.), enl. Co. H, 16th Conn. Vols., 11 Aug., 1862; m. o.
June 24, '65.
JOHNSON, FRANK H., enl. Jan. 3, '65, Co. G, 1st Hy. Art.; m. o. Sept. 25, '65.
JACOBSON, FRANCIS, enl. recruit Co. C, 11 Conn. Vols., 29 Feb., '64; wounded,
Petersburg, June 18, '64; died Aug. 26, '64.
KAVANAUGH, JOHN, enl. Nov. 5, '64, Co. G, 1st Hy. Art.; m. o. Sept. 25, '65.
KEEGAN, JOHN, enl. recruit Co. I, 7 Conn. Vols., 17 Feb., 1864; capt'd May 16, '64,
Drewry's Bluff, Va.; disc. May 12, '65.
KIBBE, HARVEY E., enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 19 Aug., 1862; deserted Nov. 12,
1862.
KIES, HARRIS L., enl. Co. H, 16th Conn. Vols., 11 Aug., 1862; m. o. June 24, '65.
KIMBALL, HENRY (1st Lieut.), enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. 18
Feb., 1863.
LANCASTER, AUG. S. (Sgt.), enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., '62; des. Dec. 5,
1862.
LEWIS, ALLEN, enl. Co. D, 1 Hy. Art., 22 May, 1861; disc. disab. Nov. 17, '61.
LONG, MICHAEL, enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols:, 25 Aug., 1862; d. 19 May, 1863.
LYONS, JOHN, enl. recruit Co. H, 12 Conn. Vols., 22 Mch., 1864; des. 18 May, 1864.
MAHONEY, GEORGE, recruit Co. H, 12 Conn. Vols., 22 Mch., 1864; des. May 19,
1864.
MAINE, CAREY E. (musician), enl. Co. B, 11 Conn. Vols., Oct. 5, 1861; re-enl. Vet.,
1 Jan., 1864; wounded Cold Harbor, June 3, '64; disc. July 20, '65.
MARSH, HOWARD S., enl. recruit Co. G, 13 Conn. Vols., 9 Mch., 1864; transf. to
Co. D, 13th Batt., Dec. 29, '64; m. o. 25 Apr., '66.
MAYNARD, JAMES A., enl. Co. D, 14 Conn. Vols., Aug. 4, 1862; transf. to Invalid
Corps, Dec. 2, '63; disc. June 24, '65.
MELTZING, ADOLPH, enl. Nov. 18, '64, Co. I, 10 Conn. Vols., as substitute; wounded
Mch. 31, '65, Hatcher's Run, Va.; m. o. Aug. 25, '65.
MILLS, AUGUSTUS W. (principal musician), enl. 16 Conn. Vols., 12 Aug., 1862;
disc. 17 Jan., 1863.
MINER, CHARLES H. (Q.-M. Sgt.), enl. recruit Co. H, 1st Hy. Art., 1 Jan., 1864; m. o.
Sept. 25, '65.
MOODY, JOSEPH, enl. recruit Co. A, 2d Hy. Art., 30 Dec., 1863; wounded Oct. 19, '64,
Cedar Creek, Va.; disc. May 14, '65.
MOORE, JAMES, enl. Co. G, 6 Conn. Vols., as substitute, Dec. 3, '64; m. o. Aug.
21, '65.
MORGAN, FRANK M., enl. recruit Co. A, 10 Conn. Vols., 29 Feb., 1864; m. o. Aug.
25, '65.
NASH, GEORGE W. (Corp'l), enl. Co. H, 16 Conn. Vols., 11 Aug., 1862; m. o. June
24, '65.
NELSON, JAMES, enl. recruit Co. D, 11 Conn. Vols., 24 Mch., 1864; captured May 16,
'64, Drewry's Bluff, Va.; paroled Nov. 30, '64; furloughed Dec. 15, '64; failed
to return.
WILLIAM, enl. Co. C, 10th Reg., as substitute; was Corp'l Nov. 23, '64; des.
Feb. 18, '65.
NEWELL, ANSEL D., enl. Co. D, 14 Conn. Vols., 4 Aug., 1862; wounded Sept. 17,
'62, Antietam; disc. disab. 24 Oct., 1862.
ELLINGTON SOLDIERS IN THE CIVIL WAR.
853
KILBOURN E. (Sgt., musician), enl. Co. D, 14 Conn. Vols., 18 July, 1862;
wounded Feb. 6, '64, Morton's Ford, Va.; became 2d Lieut. Co. H, Jan. 22, '65;
m. o. May 31, '65.
NEWMAN, RICHARD (Corp'l), enl. Co. D, 30 Conn. Vols. (colored, afterwards Co. D,
31 U. S. Col. Troops), 15 Feb., 1864; died Feb. 20, '65.
NIEMAN, WILLIAM, enl. Nov. 25, '64, Co. C, 11 Conn. Vols., substitute; des. Sept.
13, '65.
NIK, JOHN, enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 21 Aug., 1862; m. o. 26 Aug., 1863.
NOBLES, ALONZO, enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 27 Aug., 1862; m. o. 26 Aug., 1863.
MARK, enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 27 Aug., 1862; deserted Nov. 12, 1862.
PATZ, AUGUSTUS, enl. recruit Co. E, 1 Hy. Art., 22 Dec., 1863; des. June 29, '65.
PEASE, BYRON W., enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; disc. June 27, '63;
Assist. Surgeon 95th U. S. C. I., May 28, '64; transf. to 81st Reg. Nov. 26, '64;
trans. to 87th Reg. Dec. 19, '64; disc. Jan. 25, '65.
CALVIN, JR. (2d Asst. Surg.), enl. 22 Conn. Vols., 23 Oct., 1862; prom. 1st Asst.
Surg.; m. o. 7 July, 1863.
HENRY R. (1st Sergt.), enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 21 Aug., 1862; disc. Apl. 4,
'63; Capt. Co. I, 75th U. S. C. I., Apl. 4, '63; transf. to Co. C, 84th Reg., Sept.
23, '63; Major by brevet Mch. 13, '65; transf. to Co. A, Aug. 31, '65; disc. Mch.
14, '66.
HORTON (musician), enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 3 Sept., 1862; m. o. 26 Aug.,
1863.
PERCEY, NICHOLAS, enl. Nov. 26, '64, Co. G, 11 Conn. Vols., substitute; m. o.
Dec. 21, '65.
PHILLIP, LOUIS, enl. recruit Co. E, 1st Hy. Art., 22 Dec., 1863; m. o. Sept. 25, '65.
PINNEY, ELEAZER W. (Corp'l), enl. Co. F, 5 Conn. Vols., 21 July, 1861; disc.
July 22, '64.
PRYOR, ISAAC T., enl. 7 Oct., '61, Co. B, 11 Conn. Vols.; re-enl. Vet., Jan. 1, '64; m.
o. Dec. 21, '65.
REA, JOHN, enl. Co. D, 7th Reg. Conn. Vols., Nov. 6, '64; m. o. July 20, '65.
REED, NORTON A., enl. Co. D, 14 Conn. Vols., 15 July, 1862; d. 14 Dec., 1863.
REYNOLDS, RANSOM M., enl. recruit Co. K, 1 H. Art., 30 Dec., 1863; died Oct. 7, '64.
RICHARDSON, SOLOMON L., enl. Co. D, 14th Reg. Conn. Vols., 4 Aug., 1862;
wounded Dec. 13, '62, Fredericksburg; disc. disab., 2 Apl., 1863.
RILEY, WILLIAM, enl. recruit Co. E, 1st Conn. Cav., 23 Mch., 1864; des. Apl. 5, '64.
MICHAEL J., enl. recruit Co. D, 11 Conn. Vols., 23 Mch., 1864; des. Aug. 13, '64.
ROBINSON, GEORGE R., enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 27 Aug., 1862; d. 24 July,
1863.
ROLFFS, WILLIAM, enl. recruit Co. G, 12 Conn. Vols., 23 Mch., 1864; trans. to Co.
D, 12th Batallion C. V., Nov. 26, '64.
ROOT, HENRY A., enl. Co. K, 25 Conn. Vols., 28 Aug., 1862; m. o. July 7, '63.
ROYCE, JOHN M., enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., '62; m. o. 26 Aug., 1863.
SCHULTZE, LOUIS, (Corp'l), enl. Co. H, 22 Conn. Vols., Sept. 16, 1862; m. o. 7
July, 1863.
HERMAN, enl. Co. E, 1 Hy. Art., 1 Jan., 1864; des. July 29, '65.
SCHALK, JOSEPH, enl. Co. K, 1st Hy. Art., 2 Jan., 1864; m. o. Sept. 25, '65.
SHAW, HENRY, enl. Co. K, 22 Conn. Vols., 30 Aug., 1862; m. o. 7 July, 1863.
SMITH, SAMUEL A. (Corp'l), enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 29 Aug., 1862; m. o. 26
Aug., 1863.
SPENCER, HARLOW (Corp'l), enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 22 Aug., 1862; wounded
May, 1863, Port Hudson, La.; m. o. 26 Aug., '63.
ST. CLAIR, CHARLES, enl. Co. F, 5 Conn. Vols., June 21, 1864; re-enl. Vet. 21 Dec.,
1863; m. o. July 19, '65.
SULLIVAN, JOHN, enl. Co. K, 11 Conn. Vols., substitute, Nov. 15, '64; des. Dec.
12, '64.
854
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
+1
TAFT, ALFRED A., enl. Co. D, 14 Conn. Vols., Aug. 6, 1862; wounded Sept. 17, '62,
Antietam; disc. disab. 24 Nov., 1862.
FRANCIS M., enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; deserted Nov. 12, 1862.
TALCOTT, WALLACE S. (Corp'l), enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862;
wounded May, 1863, Port Hudson, La.; d. 6 July, 1863.
TARBOX, WILLIAM W., enl. recruit Co. G, 10 Conn. Vols., 22 Mch., 1864; disc.
Aug. 25, '65.
THOMAS, WILLIAM, enl. recruit Co. E, 11 Conn. Vols., 24 Mch., 1864; captured
May 16, '64, Drewry's Bluff, Va.; paroled Nov. 19, '64; disc. July 14, '65.
THOMPSON, JOHN, enl. recruit, 11 Conn. Vols., 24 Mch., 1864; transf. to Reg. Apl.
7, '64; failed to report; not on rolls.
JOHN (Corp'l), enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., '62; wounded Apl. 14, '63,
Irish Bend, La.; m. o. 26 Aug., 1863.
JOSEPH, enl. recruit Co. E, 11 Conn. Vols., 24 Mch., 1864; killed at Cold Harbor,
Va., June 3, 1864.
THRALL, ALVA T. (Corp'l), enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., '62; m. o. 26
Aug., 1863.
JASON, enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; d. 31 Jan., 1863.
CARLOS W. (Sgt.), enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., '62; m. o. 26 Aug., 1863.
TOBIN, THOMAS, enl. recruit Co. D, 11 Conn. Vols., 23 Mch., 1864; deserted 1 Apl.,
1864.
WALLACE, ERSKINE, enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; wounded May 27,
'63, Port Hudson; d. May 28, '63.
WARNER, GEORGE R. (musician), enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 30 Aug., 1862; m. o.
26 Aug., 1863.
HORACE, JR., enl. Co. B, 11 Conn. Vols., Oct. 5, 1861; wagoner, re-enl. Vet. 12
Dec., 1863; m. o. Dec. 21, '65.
LEMUEL, enl. Oct. 5, '61, Co. B, 11 Conn. Vols. (musician); re-enlisted Vet. Jan.
1, '64; m. o. Dec. 21, '65.
WEBB, WILLIAM R., enl. Co. F, 29 (col'd) Conn. Vols., 22 Dec., 1863; disc. disab.
Mch. 9, '65.
WHITING, MARCUS, enl. Oct. 5, '61, Co. B, 11 Conn. Vols.; re-enl. Vet. 1 Jan.,
1864; m. o. Dec. 21, '65.
WILLIAMS, JOHN, enl. Co. F, 7th Conn. Vols., Nov. 5, '64; m. o. July 20, '65.
WILLIKE, FREDERIC, enl. Co. I, 14 Conn. Vols., Aug. 7, 1862; disc. May 18, '65.
WILSON, JONAS E., enl. Co. F, 25 Conn. Vols., 25 Aug., 1862; m. o. 26 Aug., 1863.
WINNER, HENRY, unassigned recruit.
WOOD, RANSOM E., enl. recruit Co. A, 2d Hy. Art., 30 Dec., 1863; wounded June
1, '64, Cold Harbor, Va.; d. June 3, '64.
ZIEGLER, FREDERIC (Corp'l), enl. recruit Co. E, 1st Hy. Art., 22 Dec., 1863; m. o.
Sept, 25, '65.
ADDITIONAL NAMES.
town.
Persons not credited to Ellington, but natives or residents of the
MAYNARD, ALONZO, enl. 5 Oct., 1861, Co. B, 11 Conn. Vols.; transf. to Co. I Dec.
27, '61; wounded Sept. 17, '62, Antietam; disc. dis. March 23, '63.
WILLIAM C., enl. 27 Nov., 1861, Co. B, 11 Conn. Vols.; transf. to Co. I Dec. 27,
1861; transf. to Co. M, 3d Reg. U. S. Art., Oct. 24, '62; disc. dis. Feb. 15, 1864.
Both of the above enlisted from Ellington, but were wrongly credited to Stafford.
GOODELL, WILLIAM W. (Corp'l), born in Ellington, enl, from Vernon July 15, 1862,
Cò. D, 14 Conn. Vols.; killed July 3, '63, Gettysburg, Pa.
EARLY MERCHANTS IN ELLINGTON.
855
PORTER, HORACE P., born in Ellington, enlisted from New Haven 27 Aug., 1861,
Assist. Surgeon 7 Conn. Vols.; promoted Surgeon 10 C. V. May 1, '64; disc.
Nov. 5, '64.
WILLEY, JUNIUS M., born in Ellington, enl. from Waterbury June 14, 1864, Chap-
lain 3 Conn. Vols.; m. o. Aug. 12, '61.
WOOD, OLIVER E., resident for a time in Ellington, enl. from Guilford July 29, 1862,
Co. B, 1st Reg. Conn. Cavalry; disc. Sept. 2, '63, to accept appointment of
cadet at West Point; grad. 1867, 2d Lieut. 5th U. S. Art. June 17, '67; 1st
Lieut. June 11, "70.
[Merchants. A. McLean was the first in Ellington, and had a store
on the old road formerly leading to Job's Hill, and about west of the
former residence of Daniel Warner. He failed in business, however,
and his principal creditor was the celebrated John Hancock, of Boston,
to whom he had mortgaged his farm, which thus passed into Mr. H.'s,
hands, and has since been known as the Hancock farm.]
Capt. Sessions then traded near where Mr. Shippey lives, and
carried on the potash business. Dr. James Steele traded where Rodol-
phus Taft now lives.
[JOHN HALL, a native of Lyme, Conn., was for many years a success-
ful merchant in the southeast part of the town. His house and store
stood a little south of a house built by Lyman Ransom, and lately owned
by Nathan Doane. In those days a merchant did not seek a village, or
central portion of a town, for business, but relied on his own energy to
command trade, rather than upon any favorable location. To this store
farmers brought their beef, pork, and grain. Mr. Hall had many persons
employed in packing meat, transporting it to market, and carrying on
some mechanic arts. Wrought nails were made here. At one time
Nathan Hall, a brother of the merchant and father of Rev. Gordon Hall
(graduate Williams Coll. 1808), one of the first missionaries from this
country to heathen lands, had the care of the blacksmithing department.
He afterwards removed to Tolland, Mass. The varied business carried
on by Mr. Hall was very exhausting to the physical energies of one who
had the oversight of so much, and who carried it on under all the diffi-
culties of transportation and exchange of those days. Heavy loads were
drawn by ox teams, and exchange was in "hard currency." Goods
were purchased at Boston instead of New York, in those days, by mer-
chants in this region. Mr. Hall went to Boston on horseback, and car
ried his "hard money" in saddle-bags thrown upon the horse. The
weight of the specie was often greater than the weight of Mr. Hall, who
was of medium size.]
:
856
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
XVIII. Inscriptions upon Tombstones in the Ellington Cemetery.
The town of Windsor voted, March 13, 1733-34, to draw 40s. from
the town treasury to purchase a burial place "at the place called Great
Marsh in Windsor." In 1840-42 a large addition was made north and
northeast of the original cemetery. The first action toward this was
taken April 24, 1834.
The oldest inscription is the following:
“In Memory of Mr Joseph Thomson, who Died Decemb' ye 9th 1741 in ye 32ª year
of his Age."
"Here Lyes the Body of Mrs Margret Thomson, who Died Jan'y ye 20th 1752 in the
87th year of her Age."
'In Memory of Mr William Thomson, who Died August 3ª 1763 in ye 77th year of
his Age."
'In Memory of Mr. Samuel Thomson, who died February the 23 AD. 1782 in the
91st year of his Age."
"In Memory of Mrs. Elizabeth, wife of Mr Samuel Thomson, who Died on ye 22ª
of October, AD. 1776 in the 90th year of her Age."
Here lies ye Body of Mr James Wallos, who Dec'd Febry ye 2ª AD. 1746–7, aged
77 years & 10 months.”
In Memory of Mrs Kethorn, ye wife of Mr James Wallis, who died May ye 11th
1765, in ye 87th year of her Age.”
"In Memory of Mrs Agnefs Wallis, daughter of Mr James Wallis & Mrs Catorn
his wife, who died Feb. ye 21st 1761 in ye 40th year of her Age."
Here lies ye Body of Mr. John Bingham, who died Septr 9th 1747, aged 47 years
& 7 months."
"In Memory of Mr. Samuel Moulton, who died Decemb' the 17th AD. 1777, in the
67th year of his Age."
“Here lies ye Body of Mrs Sarah Moulton, ye wife of Mr Samuel Moulton, who
Died Oct. ye 4 1747 aged 36 years."
'Here lyes ye Body of Lucy, ye daught of Capt. Isaac & Mrs Hannah Hubbard,
who died June 9th 1751 in ye 8th Year of Her Age."
"Here lyes ye Bodyes of Freegrace & Sarah Booth, Son & Daughter of Mr Joshua
and Mrs Ruth Booth. Freegrace Died Oct 11th 1751, Aged 4 Years & 6 Months. Sarah
Died March 13th 1745, Aged 3 Years & 29 Days.”
"In Memory of Mrs Ann Smith, ye wife of Mr Philip Smith, who died July 27th
1754, in ye 26th year of her Age."
"In Memory of Mr Richard Smith Jun', who died Oct ye 22d 1751, in ye 34th Year
of his Age.”
'In Memory of Ens'g" John Burroughs, who died Feb. ye 14th 1757 in ye 72ª year
of his Age."
"In Memory of Mrs Pacients Newton, wife of Lieut. Phineas Newton, who died
Feb. ye 5th 1759 in ye 45th year of her Age.”
"In Memory of Lieut Ebenezer Belknap, who died Suddenly by a Fall From his
Horse, July ye 3ª 1760, in ye 26th Year of his Age.”
TOMBSTONE ·
857
INSCRIPTIONS IN ELLINGTON CEMETERY.
"In Memory of Mrs Susannah Belknap, wife of Lieut. Ebenezer Belknap, who
died Nov 18th 1759 in ye 22ª Year of her Age.”
"In memory of Margaret, wife of Dr Robert Morison, who died Jan'y ye 4th 1761,
in ye 27th year of her Age."
One Stone, { "Timothy Nash Esq. died March 18 1756, Æ 57.
Ebenezer Nash died 8 Dec, 1823 Æ. 80."
In Memory of ye Revd NATHANIEL HUNTINGTON, A.M. A 2ª Pastor of the East
church in Windsor six years & 6 months, who died April ye 28 1756 in ye 32ª Year of
his Age.
"In Memory of ye Revd SETH NORTON, 3d Pastor of ye Church of Christ in Elling-
ton in Windsor, who departed this life January ye 19th 1762 in ye 31st Year of his Age.
Behold as You Pass by as You are Now, So | Once was I, as I am | Now So You Must
be Prepare for Death | and Follow me."
"In Memory of the Revd JOHN BLISS, who Died Feby ye 12th 1790 in ye 54th Year
of his Age."
"Whener' you walk this hollow ground,
And ore my dust you tread,
O dont forget you soon must sleep
Upon this dustey bead."
In Memory of Mrs Marran, wife of Mr Joseph Harper, who died Feb'y ye 12th
1772 in ye 83ª year of her Age.”
:
· In Memory of Mr JACOB READ, who died May ye 28th AD. 1774, in the 72ª year of
his age.
"The sweet Remembrance of the Just
Shall flourish tho' they sleep in dust."
"In Memory of Mr JOSEPH READ, who departed this life April ye 24 AD. 1774 in
ye 67th year of his age.
"Behold all you that pass & see,
As I be now so must you be,
Prepare for death and follow me."
"In Memory of the Widow SARAH READ, Relict to Mr Joseph Read, who died April
25 1807 in the 90th year of her age.
"In faith she died, and thus she lies,
That faith foresaw that dust would rise.”
"Here lies the Body of Mr SIMON KINGSBERY, Jn', who Departed this life April ye
27th AD. 1776 in ye 33ª year of his Age.
My suddint call Invits you all
Cold Death for to Remember,
When Death Doth Come to Call you home
To Death you must Surrender.
O may you all both Great & Small
Remember you must Die,
So that you may Prepared be
To live with Christ on high.”
}
“In memory of Mr William McCray, who Died Oct 13th AD. 1776 in the 74th year
of his Age."
"In Memory of Mr Thomas Hall, he Died Jan'y 27th 1777 in ye 64th year of his
Age."
"In memory of Dea. John Hall, who died May 26 1796 Æ, 52.”
VOL. I.-108
858
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
"In memory of Capt. DANIEL ELSWORTH who died January ye 27 AD. 1782 in ye
82d year of his Age.
"Twas fourscore years I saw, Beheld this world as vain,
Resigned to nature's law, Immortal life to gain.
“In memory of CHARLES ELSWORTH Esq., who departed this life Jan'y 4th 1776 in
ye 47th year of his Age.'
"
"While yet alive his virtue shined,
The Product of a Pious Mind;
We trust his soul is now above,
Where all is peace, where all is love."
[According to the unanimous statements of old people, Mr. Ellsworth
fully deserved the eulogy implied in the first of the above lines. He
was the earliest justice of the peace in the parish, having received the
first appointment in 1769.]
Capt BENJAMIN PINNEY Died Nov. 25 1777 aged 62 years."
"Here lies ye Body of Doct™ EBENEZER PINNEY, who died of a consumption
August ye 6th 1786, in ye 25th year of his age.
"In vain you mourn and drop those funeral tears,
Death and the grave hath neither eyes nor ears.
""
"In Memory of ELEAZER PINNEY, who died July 15, 1835 Aged 83.”
[ELEAZER PINNEY was born in Ellington about sixteen years before
the incorporation of the township east of the river, and was consequently
a son of Ancient Windsor. He was a sergeant in the campaign against
Burgoyne, in a corps of Connecticut militia that distinguished itself for
bravery. He was engaged in the battle fought at Stillwater on the 19th
September, 1777, and also in the battle of Saratoga, 7th October, 1777,
which decided the fate of Burgoyne's army, and was one of the division
that stormed that general's camp.
Lieutenant Pinney (for in Ellington, the commission that he after-
wards held, conferred upon its possessor the title for life), Leftent Pin-
ney, until his active career was closed by age, ranked among the first
citizens of the place. He represented the town in the legislature, was a
selectman fourteen years, no other person having held that office so
long; and received his full share of other town meeting honors. In the
settlement of estates, guardianships, and other responsible trusts, he re-
ceived a marked preference, (although Ellington then contained an
unusual number of men well qualified for similar proofs of confidence,)
and was often jocularly called the administrator-general of Ellington.
For a week preceding his death he suffered much pain, which was
endured with true Christian patience and resignation. Few men in life
were more respected, or in death more universally regretted. His
funeral was numerously attended, for he was truly a friend of all,
especially of the poor.]
TOMBSTONE INSCRIPTIONS
859
BIOGRAPHIES.
"
This monument is erected in memory of Col. LEVI WELLS who died December
18th 1803 in the 69th year of his age.
Oh Death thou sole proprietor of man,
Since the sad hour apostasy began,
No patriot's love, no human worth can free
From the great tribute that is due to thee."
[After the close of the Revolutionary war, Col. Wells removed from
Colchester to Ellington, not having been previously a resident of the
latter town. During the siege of Boston, in 1776, he was a captain in
Spencer's Regiment, afterward a major; he was taken by the enemy in the
battle of Long Island, and underwent a painful captivity. His case, with
those of other officers, is described by Ethan Allen in his account of the
cruelties perpetrated by the British upon American prisoners. After
his exchange, while in command of a regiment of State troops distributed
as a guard near the southwest part of this State, Col. Wells was surprised
in the night by a vastly superior force, and again made a prisoner. On
this occasion John Lathrop, a respectable young man of Tolland, was
killed, and Lemuel King of Vernon, then a mere boy, but afterwards
one of the first citizens of that town, received a stiff knee for life. Dur-
ing his residence in Ellington Col. Wells was held in the highest estima-
tion. By a fortunate second marriage (with the widow of Charles Ells-
worth, Esq.) and the success in life of his children, unlike too many of
his brother officers, he spent the latter years of his life in abundance as .
well as honor. He was chosen a representative, and was for about ten
years before his death a justice of the peace, then an honorable and even
lucrative office. His gravestone was the first of marble erected in that
burial ground.]
This monument is erected to remind the living of the life and death of MATTHEW
HYDE, ESQ., who died Sept. 24, 1806, aged 72 years.”
Mrs. Roxalania Hyde, relict. of Matthew Hyde, Esq., died August 31st 1818, Aged
84 years."
[Mr. Hyde was a native of Franklin, married a Miss Stoughton of
East Windsor (a native of Windham), and settled in Ellington years
before the town of Windsor was divided. Besides his farm he fol-
lowed the trades of carpenter, joiner, cabinet maker, and general worker
in wood, all which, and sometimes others, were wrought at by the
same person. Having embraced the creed inculcated by Robert Sande-
man, and perhaps engrafted upon it some improvements of his own,
he was conscientiously opposed to all war, as contrary to the plain and
undoubted injunctions of the gospel; consequently was not an advocate
for the American Revolution. He even allowed his cattle to be distrained
for war taxes, though he would immediately redeem them. He also
opposed the war as impolitic on any ground whatever, declaring his
860
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR,
apprehensions that if independence were secured the large States would
eventually oppress the smaller ones. But it was evident that his actual
sympathies did not harmonize with those of the American adherents to
the British cause. He was not therefore deemed an enemy to his coun-
try, and never lost the confidence and favor of his fellow citizens, who,
in that war contributed even their personal services. As a practically
wise man, Mr. Hyde enjoyed a standing in Ellington similar to that of
Roger Sherman in a more extensive field. He was a representative from
East Windsor for four sessions while Ellington formed a part of that
town; was active in securing the organization of the town of Ellington,
and represented it in the legislature at fourteen of the twenty succes-
sive sessions held in the first ten years after its incorporation. On the
organization of the town he was appointed a justice of the peace and
chosen the town clerk, both which offices he held until his death, a period
of twenty years. Transacting the principal business of the former office
in a town then somewhat famous for its petty lawsuits, and in numer-
ous other offices and trusts, his good judgment and unquestioned integ-
rity rendered him a remarkably useful and influential man, while his
excellence as a private citizen gained him equal respect.
Upon his decease, his oldest son, ROBERT, succeeded him as justice
and town clerk, to which office he was annually re-elected from
1806-1835, and town treasurer 1816-1835, the records of the town
remaining in one house from 1786 to 1835. During much of the time
from 1806 until constitutionally disqualified in 1838, Robert Hyde, Esq.,
transacted the greater share of such business as is referred to a justice
of the peace. He also represented the town at the sessions of the Gen-
eral Assembly in 1801, 1802, and 1811, and received numerous other
proofs of the confidence of his fellow citizens.
DANIEL HYDE, second son of Matthew, and occasionally a representa-
tive, selectman, etc., was, like his father and elder brother, a man of ex-
tensive reading (besides their own library the Social Library was kept in
their house), and enlarged capacity for public usefulness. But undesir-
ous of public employment, he either wrought at his father's trades or
enjoyed a quiet home with his brother at the family residence, neither
of them having ever been married. He represented Ellington in the legis-
lature in 1807.
ALLYN, youngest son of Matthew Hyde (we have made no account
of three who died in infancy), inherited the family sense and intelligence
in full. He studied medicine, settled in Ellington, and stepped at once
into a very extensive practice, which he retained until superannuated.
Dr. Hyde married a Miss Mather of Windsor, daughter of Col. Mather
and niece of Chief Justice Ellsworth, by whom the Hyde family was
always held in particular respect. As property has no small share in
TOMBSTONE INSCRIPTIONS-
861
BIOGRAPHIES.
fixing a position in society, it may not be amiss to mention that during
the most exalted years of the Hyde family, in a town abounding in
wealthy men, their condition in life was that of the common farmer.
Shortly previous to Dr. Hyde's death all three of the brothers, each of
them being above eighty years old, went to the polls and voted the
Whig ticket. Two at least, if not all the three, daughters of Matthew
Hyde, had the family cast of character. The same was the case with
two grandchildren, brought up at the family residence, one, JOSEPH
WADSWORTH BISSELL, having been a representative and justice when
those offices yet conferred some honor on their holders. The wife of
Matthew Hyde, Esq., was a woman of a remarkably strong character
and highly cultivated mind. Her reading, even in old age, consisted in
works of the soundest character. She has many times been seen, when
above eighty years old, engaged in the perusal of Plutarch, Rollin, and
other similar authors.]
"To the memory of Col. JOSEPH ABBOTT, who died Jan'y 5th, 1814, aged 78 years."
[Col. JOSEPH ABBOTT moved to Ellington from Brooklyn at about
the close of the Revolutionary war, having purchased a tract of more
than a square mile of excellent land, situated in the southwest part of
the town. He was celebrated for his skill in farming; his equal in that
business, on so extensive a scale, probably never has been found in Tol-
land county. In conjunction with other favorable circumstances at the
time, it was by observing his success and imitating his example that the
farmers on the plain discontinued their ridiculously slovenish and un-
profitable mode of tillage; ambition and emulation were soon followed
by prosperity; in a few years the agricultural features of their part of
the town were changed, and Ellington became the pleasant place that
never fails to excite the admiration of a stranger. It is related of Col.
Abbott, probably with truth, that on one occasion he said he did not
know of a single bush on his farm, and that if he did he would instantly
send a man to cut it down. He brought his military title from Brooklyn,
having held a commission in the time of the Revolution, and having seen
service in that contest. See the account of his services in this volume
among Revolutionary Soldiers. Col. A. was twice a representative.
He had a son bearing his name who represented Ellington several times.
Col. LEVI WELLS also had a son LEVI, whose name among the repre-
sentatives might lead to a mistake by one who was not acquainted with
the circumstances.]
"In memory of Capt. ICHABOD WADSWORTH, who died March 31, 1815, aged 73
years.
Stop reader spend a mournful tear
Over the dust that slumbers here
And whilst you read the fate of me
Think on the glass that runs for thee."
862
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
[Capt. Wadsworth was raised in Ellington, " put out " until he was
sixteen years old; sold his hair for a shilling, the first he ever had, and
when his period of service was up, enlisted in the army (war of 1755);
was in the expedition to Cuba, 1762, and at the close of that war was a
sort of veteran of the age of twenty, like many of the soldiers in the
heroic days of our country, with his moral and religious principles.
entirely uninjured. He married a Miss Drake, who owned about forty
acres of poor land in the northern part of Ellington. Within a few
years after marriage she died, leaving one child, a son. Mr. Wadsworth
was by this time in sufficient standing to be welcomed for a second wife
into the family of Deacon Porter. The new wife was always one of the
kindest of step-mothers, having, however, no child of her own.
She sur-
vived her husband many years. In 1776 Mr. W. had arrived at the dignity
of orderly sergeant of the militia company, and went with it to New York,
where his former experience in camp and field duties and in taking care
of the sick elevated him so highly in the estimation of his comrades that
on the resignation of the captain, directly after, he was promoted
over the subalterns to the command of the company.
As a cap-
tain he was several times in actual service, and was one of the three
or four chief veterans of the town. Captain Wadsworth was extremely
well qualified to cut a path for himself through the world. He acquired
a large property, and for many years was one of the principal farmers of
the town. Punctual in attending church on Sundays, he used to ride in
a superior style that indicated the wealthy farmer, viz.: in a large, heavy,
two-horse farm wagon, set strong and stiff upon the axles, the sides built
like a cart and painted red, with movable end boards, and unpainted side
boards. The men were seated on a slip of board, while the females were
accommodated with chairs. In those days of comparative simplicity
Capt. W. occasionally attended meeting with his three-cornered, large,
old-fashioned military hat on, nobody dreaming of its being in any way
improper.]
In memory of Doctor JOSEPH B. WADSWORTH, who Departed this life March ye 12th
A.D. 1784 in ye 37th year of his Age.
When weeping friends draw near
And drop a sacred tear
My last Best counsel hear;
For Death, for Death prepare."
For biography of Dr. Wadsworth, see p. 833.
"In memory of Mr. John McKnight, who died March 16th 1785, in ye 73ª year of
his Age."
In memory of Mr. John Porter, who died June the 7th 1772 in the 89th year of his
Age."
TOMBSTONE INSCRIPTIONS — BIOGRAPHES.
863
"In memory of Deac" JONATHAN PORTER, who died July ye 5th 1783 in the 72ª year
of his Age.
Beneath this stone Death's prisoner lies.
The Stone shall move the Saint shall rise,
What's now concealed Beneath the dust
Shall then appear among the Just."
[Dea. Porter came to Ellington when a young man, from Ipswich,
Mass., bought a large tract of land, and, in 1747, built a house near the
junction of the West Stafford and old Somers roads, which was inhabited
by himself and his descendants for near a century. Its fashion, site, and
remarkably antiquated air inside and outside, during its latter years, would
strongly remind one of the garrison houses in early times. Dea. Porter
was one of a class of men in his time who had a taste for solid reading
otherwise than religious. Among his books were large quarto volumes
of history, besides other valuable and curious works of a smaller size.
Dr. DANIEL PORTER, who was in the action between the Trumbull and
the Watts, during the Revolution, and afterwards became a very respect-
able physician in the vicinity of Warehouse Point, was his son.]´
"In memory of Mr. Daniel Stoughton, who Died August the 16 A.D. 1788, Aged
89 years."
[He was father-in-law of Matthew Hyde.]
'In memory of Doct™ EPAPHRAS BUCKLAND who died Oct 30th 1787 In ye 25th year
of his Age.
My sudden Call Envites you all
Cold Death for to Remember,
When Death doth Come to call you home
To Death you must surrender."
"Sacred to the Memory of Doctr Joel Carpenter, who departed this life Jan. ye
25th 1789 in the 69th year of his Age."
"In Memory of Mr. James McKinney, who died July 10, 1796, in ye 95th year of his
Age."
“In Memory of Mrs. Margaret, wife of Mr. James McKinney, who died Oct. 26,
1798 in yº 101st year of her Age."
“In memory of Mr. Jonathan Grant, who died Dec² 2ª 1797, in yº 83ª year of his
Age."
"In Memory of Deacon Medin'h Fitch. Died Nov: the 14th 1792 in the 70th year
of his Age."
"In Memory of Mrs. Lydia, the wife of Deacon Medin'h Fitch, who Died Octbr 16th
A.D. 1762 in the 36th year of her Age.
You that do Read these lines must Die,
As well as I that here Doth lie."
“In memory of Mrs. Jerusha Skinner, wife of Dea. Daniel Skinner, and Daughter
to Daniel Bissell Esq., of Windsor, who died Nov 26 1797 in ye 80th year of her age."
"In memory of Mrs. Betty, wife of
Mr. Stephen Cross, who died Jany 16th
1789 in ye 92ª year of her Age."
In memory of Mr. Stephen Cross,
who died Nov 5th 1796, in ye 93d year of
his Age."
(Both on one stone.)
864
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
“In Memory of Mr. Simon Kingsbery, who died April 18th A.D. 1799 in ye 84th year
of his Age."
"In Memory of Doct. JOSEPH KINGSBURY, who died Aug. 29, 1822, Æ. 66.” — See
biography, p. 833.
"In Memory of Mrs. ROXANA KINGSBURY, wife of Dr. Joseph Kingsbury. Born
April 20, 1753. Died March 5, 1820."
[Mrs. ROXANA KINGSBURY was daughter of Mr. Josiah Allyn, of
Windsor, a descendant of Col. Matthew Allyn, and, as before mentioned,
was the widow of Dr. Joseph B. Wadsworth. As a humane, amiable,
considerate, worthy woman, and a lady in all the relations of life, she
was rarely equaled.]
'In memory of Levi Wells Esq., who died April 28 1828, Æ 63."
"To the Memory of Capt. Joseph Abbott, who died Feb. 5 1834, Aged 68 years."
'Proverbs, chap. VIII.
"Unto you, O man, I call.
Amos, chap. IV.
Prepare to meet thy God.
'To the Memory of TIMOTHY HOLTON, who died Aug. 18, 1822, Æ. 78.”
'In Memory of Dr. JAMES STEELE, who died June 15, 1819, Æ. 62.”
"Death gives us more than man in Eden lost;
The king of terrors is the prince of peace.”
'In Memory of Francis Belknap, a revolutionary pensioner, who died Nov. 22,
1838, Aged 84.”
'Allyn Hyde, M.D. Died Aug. 28 1855, Æ. 83." See biography, p. 860.
The three following names are on the same monument. The first
two were brothers of the preceding; the third was their niece.
'Robert Hyde Esq. Died June 13 1859, Æ. 91. See biography, p. 860.
"Daniel Hyde, Died Sept. 16 1867, Æ. 97. See biography, p. 860.
'Roxa Bissell, Died Aug. 15 1878, Aged 91 years, 8 mos."
'Asa Willey, Born Feb. 22 1774, Died Dec. 9 1851."
"Rev. JUNIUS M. WILLEY, Rector of St. Johns church, Bridgeport, Died April 7
1866, Aged 45.”
"Rev. DIODATE BROCKWAY, For Fifty Years Pastor of the Church in this Town,
Died Jan. 27 1849, Aged 72.”
"John Hall Brockway, Died July 29 1870 Aged 69."
"JOHN HALL, Born Feb. 26 1783, Died Oct. 2 1847.”
JOHN HALL, Esq., (son of John, see p. 855) whose name must ever be
prominently connected with the interests and history of Ellington. He
was born Feb. 26, 1783. His boyhood was spent at home, amid such
scenes as the traffic carried on by his father, and such as the culti-
vation of a large farm produced. This period of his life was marked
by activity and ingenuity in his father's affairs, although he was not a
robust lad. The father died when the son was thirteen years of age.
He was then sent abroad to school, and spent some time in preparation
TOMBSTONE INSCRIPTIONS - BIOGRAPHIES.
865
for college with Rev. Mr. Prudden, at Enfield. He entered college at
the age of fifteen, and graduated in 1802. He was a superior scholar.
At junior exhibition he received, for his appointment, the Latin oration.
The year he graduated appointments were not given out as they had
previously been given, nor as they have since been made. Parts were
assigned, according as it was thought that each appointee would excel,
and not according to his merit roll as a scholar. He received, at gradu-
ating, a dispute. Two years after this he was appointed a tutor in Yale
College, and remained in this position between two and three years.
As Mr. Hall's health was delicate, he did not take a profession.
He purchased a farm in his native town, and superintended from 1808
to 1829. During this period he spent much of his time in literary pur-
suits, and to the close of his life he cherished a great relish for books.
He was not only an extensive reader, but he was eminently an original
thinker. In college, and through life, he was fond of discussion; and
he analyzed truth more boldly than men of his times were accustomed
to do. He often employed himself in analyzing the sounds of the letters
in the English language. He left manuscripts on the structure of our
language, and arranged a grammar, in which he followed no author.
He devoted years to mental philosophy, and endeavored to make such
definitions as would be undisputed, and as would not need defining.
This subject he had completed in his own mind, but he died at the time
he was ready to commit his views in full to paper.
His farm showed that taste and adaptation of means to farming
were not wanting. In his day the products from a farm in Connecticut
did not compensate the man who carried it on through hired laborers.
He had too much love of the beautiful, in all his efforts, to render his
labors profitable in a pecuniary point of view. The large and beautiful
elms now adorning the village of Ellington he either planted or induced
others to plant.
Mr. Hall originated the Ellington School, and was its principal for
ten years from the autumn of 1829. The instruction was of the most
thorough kind, and a direct and positive influence was exerted by him
on his pupils. Mr. Hall's health began to fail about the time he relin-
quished the school. This fact, added to the consideration that the
school gave no pecuniary advantage, led him to resign his position.
The school had enjoyed a high reputation for fitting young men for col-
lege or for active business in life.
Mr. Hall was acknowledged as a man of strict integrity and of irre-
proachable purpose. His varied talent and reading rendered him agree-
able to gentlemen in any one of the professions, and his acquaintance
was much valued by those who were particularly intimate with him.
As he lived rejoicing to commit his ways to God, so he died rejoicing to
VOL. I.-109
866
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
commit himself to Him in whom he confided. His life closed and death
opened to him the reality of his trust Oct. 2, 1847, at the age of 64.]
His oldest son, EDWARD HALL, spent most of his life in his native
town. After teaching for a few years elsewhere, in 1844 he established
a school in Ellington, and devoted the remainder of his life to teaching.
Mention is made of his school on a previous page.
Like his father he was a man of earnest Christian character, and
his constant endeavor was to do good to those about him. Thus his ex-
ample and influence tended to promote the highest welfare not only of
his pupils but of the whole community. In his later years ill health
seriously impaired his vigor, but his active interest in the well-being of
others never faltered. His gifts for benevolent and religious purposes
were large in proportion to his income, but were never proclaimed to the
world. He died August 19, 1875, at the age of 66.
FRANCIS HALL of Elmira, N. Y., another son of John Hall, has been
a successful man of business. He was prepared for college at a very
early age, but entered upon a business career as clerk in a book store,
first in Springfield, Mass., afterward in Syracuse, N. Y. Before attain- .
ing his majority he established a book store in Elmira, and in a few
years built up a prosperous trade. ·
In the spring of 1859 he sailed for Japan and arrived there the 1st
of November in that year, when ports were open to foreigners under
Commodore Perry's treaty. Engaging in the tea trade at Yokohama,
he conducted for several years a very profitable business. His letters
from Japan published in the New York Tribune excited a wide-spread
interest. He also made an extensive collection of artistic articles of
Japanese manufacture of special interest and value.
He returned to America in 1866, and has since resided in Elmira,
though often absent on long journeys to different parts of the world.
He is esteemed one of the most valuable citizens of Elmira, and takes a
leading part in all benevolent and educational movements, especially in
connection with the Elmira Female College.
"Edward Hall, Born Aug. 10 1809, Died Aug. 19, 1875.”
"Benjamin Pinney, Born July 4 1780, Died June 9 1860."
"Dr. Horatio Dow, Died Sept. 28 1859, Aged 67 yrs.”
"Rev. LAVIUS HYDE, Born Jan. 29 1789. After he had served his own generation
by the will of God, fell asleep April 3 1865.
I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness."
'Wyllys Russell, Died March 12 1851, Aged 81."
"Oliver W. Steele, Died Nov. 9 1873, Aged 89.”
፡፡
Samuel Thompson, Died June 22 1875, Aged 93.”
"Daniel Kimball, Died April 25 1776, Aged 84."
TOMBSTONE INSCRIPTIONS BIOGRAPHIES.
867
The McKinstry Burial Ground, on the main street of the village,
is occupied by the graves of Rev. JOHN MCKINSTRY, the first minister of
the town, and some of his descendants, bearing the names of McKin-
stry, Ellsworth, and Morgan. It originated in the determination of the
minister not to be buried among his people, because he thought they had
treated him unjustly. In 1858 one of his descendants erected a new
granite monument to his memory, and enclosed the ground with an iron
railing. A part of the original monument now lies at the front door of
his descendant, Alexander McKinstry. The inscription on the new
monument is as follows:
“ROGER MCKINSTRY, a native of Scotland, the father of JOHN MCKINSTRY, who was
born in Antrim Co., Ireland, in 1677, a graduate of the University of Edinburgh, Scot-
land, arrived in Boston 1718, was the first. pastor of the church in Sutton, Mass., pas-
tor of the church in Ellington 1728 to 1744. Died Jan. 20th 1754, aged 77.
"A learned man, a popular preacher, a sound divine. 'The ear that heard him
blessed him; The eye that saw him gave witness to him.
[The following peculiar inscription is upon the gravestone of one of
his sons:
"Here Rests ye Last Rema-
ins of MR. ALEXANDER MCKIN-
STRY ye Kind husband ten-
der Parent Dutiful Son
affectionate Brother Faith-
ful Friend Generous Master
compassionate & obliging
Neighbor ye unhappy
hous looks Desolate &
Morns & Every Door
Groans doalful as it turns
ye Pillers Languish and each
Silent Wall in Grief lament
ye Masters fall, who Departed
this life Novem² ye 9, 1759
in ye 30th Year of his Age."
"In Memory of DANIEL ELLSWORTH Esq, who died July 28 1803, Aged 76 years.
Three skore years I saw
Beheld this world as vain,
Resind to natures law
Immortal life to gain."
“REV. JOHN ELLSWORTH, A.M. Minister of the Presbyterian Church in the Island
of Saba, West Indies, son of Daniel Ellsworth. Esq., and Mrs. Mary Ellsworth, who died
Nov. 22 1791, Aged 29."
See p. 837. The sermon at his funeral was preached by Rev. Mr.
McClure of East Windsor, and afterwards published.]
The original burying ground in the east part of the town was first
used about the middle of the last century. The Square Pond Burying
868
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Ground Association was formed May 5, 1860. The cemetery occupies
the summit and the gentle slopes of a hill of moderate elevation.
[On the road to Vernon, on the west side of the marsh, and a little
north of Mr. Nash's house, is a stone with this inscription (verbatim
et literatim):
"Killed in this place.
SAMUEL FIELD KNIGHT,
by a cart wheel roling
over his head in the
10th year of his age,
Nov. 8, 1812.
But O the shaft of death
was flung and cut the
tender flower down
Death's sharpened arrows
gave the wound And now
he moulders in the ground.”
The boy had been sent to Capt. Abbott's with a yoke of oxen and
cart for a barrel of cider.
Ellington seems to be somewhat noted for roadside epitaphs. On
the farm of Mr. R. G. Goodell a large slab reveals to the passing trav-
eler a grim death's head, surmounting the following:
This is ye place where
MR. JOHN ABORNS was
Killed by a Flash of
Lighnling From Heave
August 5th 1768.
Aged 46 Years this
Day all You yt Pass
this way Prepare For
Death while in Helth
For you must die
this was Erected by
Mr. Samuel Aborns of
Toland his brother."
A large immigration of Scotch-Irish (rigid Presbyterians) about the
middle of the last century formed a valuable element in the social form-
ation of the town, and their descendants, to this day, are among the
most influential and respectable of its population. These were the de-
scendants of those Scotch families with which King James I repeopled
the Province of Ulster, (the northern counties of) Ireland, which had
become sadly depopulated and wasted during the Irish Rebellions in the
reign of his predecessor, Queen Elizabeth. The Highland Rebellions of
1715 and 1745 also furnished great accessions to these Irish colonies;—
and when, by their industry, frugality, and skill, they had made the
deserted region into which they had moved a comparatively rich and
A LEGEND OF SNIPSIC POND.
869
flourishing country; they were recognized by the "paternal government"
of Great Britain as were the American Colonies, later on—by the
imposition of taxes, and embarrassing regulations upon their industry
and trade; which, with an extortionate advance in rents, etc., led them
to seek another country for the freer exercise of their industry and their
religion.
Emigrations to America commenced as early as 1684, mostly to the
Middle and Southern Colonies-and were the foundations of Presby-
terianism in the present United States. In 1718, a fleet of five vessels
arrived at Boston, and the families which they brought broke up into
several parties, which settled respectively at Portland, Me., and at
Andover, Pelham, Boston, and Worcester, Mass. In the Worcester
party (who fared worse than the others — their church being demolished
by a mob) came the McKinstrys. In another fleet of five ships, which
came from Ireland to the Kennebec river in Maine, probably came the
Harpers, Thompsons, Speirs, and other of Ellington's early settlers.
And in East Windsor, as in Massachusetts, they found, at first, a con-
siderable prejudice enlisted against them, both on account of their
religion and country, being called Irish, a term which they greatly re-
sented. "We are surprised to hear ourselves termed Irish people,"
wrote one of their ministers. But the hand of God was as clearly
visible in these Scotch-Irish immigrations to America, as it was in that
of the Mayflower to Plymouth, or of the Mary and John to Dorchester.
This influx gave to the American Colonies from Maine to the Carolinas
a backbone of religious, moral, and industrial strength which has been
visible in the history of these United States from that day to the present.]
The first blacksmith shop in Ellington was about eighty rods a little
northeast of the house now occupied by Mr. Nelson Warner. It was on
an ancient highway, now discontinued. Abner Burroughs, of famous
counterfeiting renown, once used this shop.
The former tavern, now occupied by Fenelon Dow, was built in
1790. Previous to that time, west of the meeting-house, there were only
the Davis house, about eighty rods west of Joseph Bancroft's house;
the house where Mr. Price's house now stands; the parson's house, where
the late Austin Tilden's house now stands (the well is there now); and
Deacon Fitch's house, a few feet east of Carlos E. Kibbe's house. John
Cross had a small house near the spot on which the district schoolhouse
stands.
[A Legend of Snipsic Pond. - There was an Indian family living at
the head of Snipsic Pond. The father of the family, Isaac Rogers, was
going to mill in a boat, and, being intoxicated, fell overboard. When
870
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
he rose he clung to the side of the boat, but was unable to get in. His
daughter was in the boat, but could not help him into it. She, however,
put a shingle under his chin to keep his head out of the water, and
then rowed the boat, with her father hanging to the side, to the shore.
When he was taken away he was found to be dead. He had so tight a
grasp of the boat that a piece of it was split off and remained in his
hand when he was carried to his house. This event happened in 1790.
He was the husband of Poor Sarah, mentioned (on page 120) in our
chapter on Indian history.]
APPENDIX A (Page 74).
MATTHEW GRANT'S OLD CHURCH RECORD.
(Collated and Revised with the Original Manuscript, by Miss RUTH T. SPERRY, for this Edition.)
TE
HIS valuable record may well be called the very corner-stone of
Windsor's early civil and religious history, as it gives us details
which can be found nowhere else. Its author tells us that he thinks
it unnecessary to record what the "Elders have a record of;" but it
is to be regretted that he did not tell us all that he knew, since this
is the only record which has been preserved, and the story of its preser-
vation is somewhat remarkable.
It is doubtful whether this book was ever the property of the
Church. Matthew Grant seems to have written it mainly for his own uses;
and it was evidently retained in his own family, and probably went into
the family of his oldest son, Samuel Grant, who was settled in East
Windsor, and with whom old Matthew spent the later years of his
life. From thence some of the family carried it to Ellington, for on
a blank leaf some one has recorded all the deaths in Ellington of the
first generation of settlers, between the years 1717 and 1740. From
thence it was brought back to Windsor, and probably by Mary Grant,
wife of Peletiah Birge, about 1767. They resided several years in
"the Molly. Birge house" before removing to Pine Meadow, now
Windsor Locks. About 1800, this house, which stood on the lot
now occupied by the house of the late Roswell Miller, was pulled down.
Oliver Ellsworth, Jr., who evidently had antiquarian tastes, picked up
among the rubbish a manuscript book which had been thrown aside, and
carried it to his father, the Chief Justice. Forty years later Mr. Jabez
H. Hayden heard of its existence, and that it gave an account of "a
great flood," and many other things which occurred during the early
years of the settlement; but none knew where it went to. It had,
however, passed from the possession of Judge Ellsworth to that of Rev.
Henry A. Rowland, and while there, was seen by Hon. Benjamin Hin-
man, who made a copy of it, which is now preserved among the Hinman
Papers, in the Library of the New England Historic-Genealogical So-
ciety, at Boston. At Mr. Rowland's death it came to the hands of his
son-in-law, Dr. Sill, and he loaned it to another party, from whom Mr.
872
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Hayden obtained it and made a copy, containing all that could be
deciphered. The late Col. James L. Loomis also had a copy made; and
another copy, made by a son of Mr. Rowland, is in the Windsor Town
Clerk's office. The original has, for many years past, found a safe
abiding place in the library of the Connecticut Historical Society. ·
MATH[EW] G[RA]NT.
Church things in general [as they have occurred since our] first
setting down here in Windsor, at least [since Mr.] Huit's first coming
up here unto us August [1639] and because the Elders of the Church
have [a record] of church proceedings in some things as they had,
therefore in such things as [there] be to speak to I shall set down
here in the [ord]er I can: Concerning the admission of per[sons
to] full communion I could give acount of [all, but] judge there is no
need of such as are dead and gone from us to other places.
and for children that have bin baptized that are with us I shall
name in their order and
And others that have not made out for full com[munion] only to
attaine baptism for thire children.
I here note down concerning br. Lieut. wil[ton] did remove
from Windsor church to goe to north [hampton] to help to further a
church thar ye beginning march 25, and now febu'y ye 6, 1677, he
was b[uried] here in windsor, he dyed the day before.
[A List of those members of the church that] were so in Dorchester,
and came up here with Mr. Warham and still are of us.
[Mr Wolcott
[Mr P]helps
[Mr Witc]hfield
[Mr G]aylard
[Dea. M]oore
[John] Fford
Filar
e
[Matthew Grant
Deble Senr
[Geo] Phillps
of Women.
Mrs. Phelps
Decon moore's wife
Ric. Vor wife
Jonath. Gillett's wife
Lieftn. filler's wife
Tho Deble wife
geo Phelps' wife
Gillet, sen
[Gi]llet
[Philip Randall
[Eg]ellston
[Phe]lps
APPENDIX A.
873
[tha]t have been taken
[fu]ll communion since we
[cam]e here. I set them down
[ac]ording to the year and
[da]y of the month they were
[ad]mitted and now remain
[Willliam PHELPS noum. 17, 39
[JOHN BISSELL sen may 3, 1640
[JOHN] LOOMYs oct. 11, 1640
[Bene]dicts ALLVARD octo 17. 1641
[Robard] HAYWARD. July 10. 1642
[Daniel C]LARK June 18 1643
[Stephen TA]YLAR march 31 1644
Women admitted here
Mrs. PINNEY Feby 9, 1639
Old Widow DRAKE, Feby 23, 39
Mrs. WOLCOTT Apl 26. 40
Sam. GAYLARS wife Apl 27, 45
Abr. RANDALL'S wife Aug 17, 45
Benedictus ALVORDS wife Jan 13 47
the widow HoSKINS Apl 9, 48
Old Mrs ALLYN Aug 5, 1649
Nicholas SENCHONS wife Jany 22 49
Will FILLEYS wife July 17, 1651
Nath. Cooks wife Aug 29 52
Wm. PHELPS wife Mar 11 54
Mrs NEWBURY Apl 1, 1655
the wife of John LooMYS
the wife of John DRAKE 3 55
the wife of Mr. D. CLARK 11 58
the wife of Thos. FFORD 30 60
55
the wife of Joseph LooмYS
of men
the wife [Walter Gaylar]
[O. Tudor's wife, April 16].´
[Several names gone, at the bottom of this page.]
Robart WATSON Jany 22, 49
Walter GAYLAR may 5, 51
John MOORE, ordayned
Deacon, Jany 11, 1651
John ROCKWELL July 31, 53
capen NEWBERRY Apl 11, 1658
Jacob DRAKE Apl 11 1658
Samuell ROCKWELL
& Jona GILLET both Apl 6, 1662
Peter BROWN and Nathanell
COOKE both June 22, 1662
Samuel LOOMYs noum™ 26, 1661
Samuel MARSHALL may 3 63
Nathaniel LOOмYS may 3 1663
cornelus GILLET &
timothy BUCKLAND June 16, 1665
John GAYLAR & Thomas
LOOMYS taken in Aug 3[0 ?] 66
John MADESLY octobr 7, 1666
Isark PHELPS January 27, 1666
Mr. Nathaniell
*Dr. Hoadly suggests 'fooks."
Packs (?) read Henry Fooks.— C. J. H.
VOL. I.-110
ye wife of Samuel LOOMYS
ye wife of John PORTER may 3 [63]
ye wife of Henry DENSLO Apl [65]
Thos ALLYNS wife &
return STRONGS wife &
Timothy BUCKLANDS wife Jan. [65]
Henry WOLCOTTS wife
John MOORES wife &
Thos LOOMISS wife Aprel, [66]
Jacob DRAKES wife June 3 [66]
Stephen TAYLORS wife Aug [66]
John STRONGS wife and
shee was baptized Agust [66]
Josias ELESWORT wife &
Samuel GIBBS wife Sept [66]
Samuel BAKERS wife octor 2 [70]
Samuel FILLEYS wife Dec [70]
Mary SAXTON & baptized [April, 71]
the wido *Fox June
nathanniel WINCH'S wife Aug [71]
cornelius GILLETS wife [Feb. 71]
ye wife of Nathaniel
LOOMAS Sept 28 [73]
elizabeth chapman
wido taken in church
communion Aprel 22 [or 28] 167[3]
See Col. Records, Vol. I. p. 56, where for Henry
874
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
of men
mr. NATHANIEL CHAUNCEY made
public declaration of his faith
in christian principles, & the
maner of gods working on
his sowle. Janury 12, 1667
Samuel FILLY taken into
full communeon Dec. 18, 70
Samuel fFORWARD Oct 8, 71
Samuel BAKER Aprell 7, 1672
Timothy HALL Aprell 28, 72
Nathaniel BISSELL
mr chauncy reding what
he tok from private
september 28 — -73
william FILLY taken into
church comunion march 8, 1673
Samuel GAYLAR taken into
church comunon June 18 [or 28], 1674
June 21, 1668 It was by vote of the Church assented to that | Adult persons be it
husban or wife that desired to have their | children Baptized by mr chancy, should, if
thay presented | themselves to the elders in privat, and declared to their | satesfaction
thire knowledg in the principles & owned the | fathers covinant, then there should
nothing be required of them | in publick until they presented themselves for full com- |
munion.
before this time it had been the practic to call such persons | in publiqu, to stand
forth and answer to questions of catechism | propounded to them and to own the
church covinant. | And the time which mr warham first begann this practic | was
january 31, 1657 and went onne in the practic of it untill march 19, 1664 which day
he declared to the | church that he had meet with such arguments against the | prac-
tice conserning the baptizing of members [chi]ldren, that he could not get throw at
present, and could not goe one in practis as hee had don without scrupiel of conscience,
therefore must forbare untill he had wayed arguments and advised with those that
were able to give [
not that he intended to cast of the practice holy, but only
to delaye it for a time till he could be better able to answer | his present scruples, for
if he should act and not of faith rom. 14 would be sin to him.
So the delaye of it from marh. 19, 64 was three years and | so much as from the 19.
of March to the 21 of Juen that mr chancy set | it one agayne.
I
february 16, 78 JOSEPH SKINNER having never bin baptized desired | that he might
be baptized and ye church granted it, so he would be tried concerning his holy and
blameles life, and one ye church | covinant, and come under dissipline, to be oned as a
(sub?) member, and so any others might come in, in like manner, men or womenkind,
one ye 2 of march there was none that lay | any blame on him in point of his conversa-
tion, so he oned ye [church] covinant and was baptized. |
APPENDIX A.
875
Here I note down the persons in order as they tendered | themselves publikly to
attayn baptism for their children, | from the time mr. warham first begann untill he
layed it | downe and remayne so still and have not put on for | full communion, nor
have not joyned themselves with the other company.
Thomas BISSELL
mary MARSHALL
Wife of Nathanel LOOMYS
Febury 28, 57 samuel GAYLAR
these Janu-
ary. 31. 57
Wife of John GAYLAR
Wife of Thomas BISSELL
may 22, 59. samuel GRANT
July 17, 59 Peter BROWNS wife
noum' 27, 59 John BISSELL
&
samuel BISSELL
noum 8, 63 Timothy PHELPS
decembr 27 63 wife of Tahan GRANT
decembr 11 64 ebenezer DEBLE
march 12 64 Return STRONG & samuel
GIBBS
since m' chancy begann as I can | judg
by his baptizing their children.
wife of Timothy HALL July 5, 68
David WINCHELL
& Isrel DEBLE septem 18, 70
Joseph GAYLAR July 16 71
samuel BARBER octo 12 71
Jurroball FFYLAR march 6, 69
samuel DEBLE octobr 12 1670
John GRANT octo 22, 71
Jonathan WINCHELL feb 67
John PORTER, Jun. Feby 7 70-1 (?)
nicolas BUCKLAND Mar 6. 72
Isrell DEBLES wife octo. 6. [72]
Here I set down the names and ages of
persons [menkind and] womenkind that
have been borne and baptized in windsor
church | and are yet unmarried and not
of those that have turned to the other
society but live still under ye church's
cognizance. |
menkind
Stephen TAYLAR march 16. 44
Thos EGELSTON noum 22, 46
Joseph PHELPS July 11 47
Thos DEBLE septem 3 47
samuel WOLCOT aprel 15 56
Jeremy GILLET feb 20 47
John GAYLAR febu 4 48
Josias ALVARD July 8 49
John BIRG Janur 20. 49
Josias GILLET July 14 50.
*
Thomas BUCKLAND feb 9 50
John LOMIS of Joseph octo 5. 51
Joseph BIRG noum 2. 51
John TAYLOR march (?) 28 52
John DRAKE born sept 14. 49. baptized
Aprel 15, 55
Job DRAK born Juen 15. 51 baptized Apl
15, 55
beniamn GAYLAR Apl. 15. 55
ephraim HAYWARD Jany 11. 56
Daniel LOMIS, of John Juen 21. 57
Thomas LOMISS of Tho. lomas borne Mar
17, 55 baptized Feby 7, 57
samuel MARSHALL born May 27, 53, bap-
tized Feby 7, 57
nathaniel LOOYмs of nathl baptised feb-
ury 7, 57
Thos BISSELL born octo. 2. 56 baptised
febury 7, 57
Josia ELESWORT baptized mar. 7, 57
Josia WOLCOT July 25. 58
samuel GRANT may 22. 59
Simon DRAK of John octor 30, 59
John BISSELL of samuell born aprel 5 59
baptized noumbr. 27, 59
John BISSELL of Thom Jany 27, 60
Josiah LOMYS of nathl febr 24, 60
Robart WATSON was taken into | church
fellowship in 49, and may | 11, 51
he was cast out and so stod | till
January 18, 56 betwixt | his casting
out & taking in he had MARY, JOHN
& SAMUEL which 3 children ware bap-
tized | January 25, 56
his dafter HANNA August 15. 58
ebenezer WATSON April 28. 61
nathaniel WATSON Janury 30. 63
Jedidia WATSON octo 7 66
John BISSELL of John May 12, 61
The wife of OWEN TUDOR | taken into
church fellowship Aprel 28. 61, and
then shee had five children baptized,
| SAMUELL, OWEN, SARA, JANE, MARY,
may 12, 61
enork DRAKE Decemb. 10, 55
Thomas ALLYN marc 15, 62
Eleezor GAYLAR marc 15. 62
Joseph of Thos BISSEL Apl 19, 63
* That is, with the other church, under Rev. Mr. Woodbridge.
876
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Timothy of Timothy PHELPS baptized
novmbr 8, 63
Thomas TAYLAR octo 12, 55
mathew of Joseph LOMYs nou 6, 64
nathanell Cook may 16, 58
John CooKE agust 10, 62
Josiah COOKE dessm. 25, 64
wakefeld sonn of ebenezer DEBLE septm.
15, 67 baptized may 17 68
Ebenezer of ebenezer DEBLE baptized au-
gust 17, 71
William of Will FILLY Nov. 12, 64.
Jonathan of Jonathan GILLET iunr bap-
tized febury 19, 70
Jeremy ALVARD of Bect baptized Jany 31,
55
Josias BARBER feb 15, 53
Thomas, of Tim BUKLAND Jan 21, 65
Josias CLARK Janur 28, 48
Danill CLARK aprel 10, 54
John CLARK aprel 15, 56
samuel CLARK July 7, 61
sara CLARK agust 9 63
nathanel CLARK septm 9, 66
Thomas ELESWORT baptized septm 9, 66
Jonathan ELESWORT July 4, 69
John ELESWORT otobr. 15, 71
Thomas FYLAR march 6, 69
John FILLE born dessm. 15, 45 baptized
agust 3, 51
samuell of samuel FILLY Aprel 3, 70
Hesecia of william GAYLAR febury 14, 52
Samuel of Samuel GAYLAR July 57
ephraym HAYWARD Janur 11, 56
Jeremy of Thos LOMYS July 10, 70
Jonathan of N. LOMYS aprel 3, 64
David of N. LOMYS Janury 12, 67
Hesekia of N. LOMYS feb 28, 68
moses of N. LOMYS May 21, 71
Joseph of John LOMYS noum 7, 51
Thomas of John LOMYS dess 3, 53
Timothy of John LOMYS July 28, 61
Nathaniel of J. LOMYS 12, 63
David of John LOMYS Juen 4, 65
Isack of John LOMYS Sept 6, 68
Samuel LOMIS Aug 19, 66
>
27, 77 Elisabeth CHAPMAN had 7 chil-
dren baptized her son HENRY was
born July 4, 1663
her Dafter MARY was born Oct 27 1665
her Dafter ELISABETH born Jany 15
1667
her son SIMON borne Apl 30, 1669
her Darter HANNA born May 3, 1671
her Darter MARGRET born Mar 7, 1672
her Daughter SARA borne May 24, 1675
Elisabeth of John GRANT July 15, 1677
Samuel of Samuel DEBLE baptized May
13, 1679
Sarah Dafter of John PORTER Jr. bap-
tized June 3, 77
Benjamin ELLSWORTH baptized Aug. 19,
77 born Jany 19, 76
and Stephen of Nat. WINCHELL bap. Same
day
Thomas of Thos DEBLE baptized Aug 26,
77
Hezekia of Isack PHELPS baptized Sept 9,
777
Samuel of Timothy PALMER baptized Dec.
2, 77
Thomas, son of Joseph SKINNER baptized
Dec. 23, 77
Nathaniel son of Tim PHELPS baptized
Jany 13, 77
Elisabeth Darter of Samuell BISSELL bap-
tized Jan 6, 77
Thomas son of Thomas NEWBERY and
Josep son of Isrell DEWEY baptized
Jany 27, 77
John son of Samuel FILLY baptized Feby
17, 1677
womenkind
Meriam DEBLE Dec 7, 45
Sara PINNE Dec. 3, 48
Sara Wolcot July 8, 49
Sara BUCKLAND Apl 1, 49
Elisabeth ALVARD Sept 21 51
Mary WOLCOrr Dec. 7, 51
Sara GAYLAR Jany 18, 51
Hanna FILLE July 3, 53
Abigail of Samuel GAYLAR baptized Oct.
1, 53
Ruth ROCKWELL Mar 11 54
Sara ROCKWELL born May 12, 5
Hanna of John DRAKE born Aug 8, 53,
baptized Apl. 10, 55
Rebecca NUBERY May 6, 55
Ledia MARSHALL born Feby 3 baptized
Feby 7, 57
Hanna LOOMYs of T. baptized Feby 14
Elisabeth ELLSWORTH Mar. 7,
Abigayl TAYLAR Nov. 28, 5
Mary CLARK Sept. 26, 5
Martha GAYLAR June 24, 6
Mary STRONG Apl. 25, 58
"
APPENDIX A.
877
Hanna STRONG, Sept. 2, 60
Mary BROWN July 24, 59
Hanna BROWN Sept. 30, 60
Abigayl BROWN Aug 10, 62
Hepziba BROWN Nov. 20 6
Mary BISSELL of John Dec. 4
Ruth of John DRAKE Dec.
Lidia of John DRAKE Febr 2, 61
The wife of John PORTER admited to
Church fellowship May 3, 63 and had 6
children baptized JOHN 12 years of age,
MARY 10 years SARA 8 years JAMES 6 years.
NATHANIEL 3 HANNA 5 months, May 10,
63
Samuel PORTER Mar 12, 64
Rebecca PORTER Mar 10 66
Hester PORTER May 9, 69
Ruth PORTER Apl 20, 71 Mr. Chancy
Mary TAYLAR June 23, 61
Mindwell TAYLAR Nov 8, 63
Mary of Samuel ROCKWELL Jany 26 61
Anna of Sam FILLE Sept 25, 64
Hanna of Joseph LOOмYS Feby 8, 61
Sara of Nathaniel Cook born June 28, 1650
baptized Oct 17, 52-
Lidia Cooke baptized Jan 17, 52
Hanna COOKE Oct 28 55
Abigayl CoOKE Mar 7, 59
Mary of Ebenezer DEBLE born Dec. 24,
64 baptized Dec 25, 64.
Abigayl of Will FILLY Aug 22, 1658
Debro of Will FILLY Nov 24, 61
Hepziba of Samuel GIBBS baptized Mar
12, 64
Patience Darter of Sam GIBBS baptized
Dec. 9, 66
Elisabeth GIBBS Jany 31 68
Joanna GIBBS Apl 2, 71
Mary of Jonathan GILLET Jun baptized
Oct 27, 67
Abigail BUCKLAND Nov 11, 67
Mary BUCKLAND Nov 17, 70
Sara of Walter GAYLAR
Apl 2, 55. The wife of Henry DENSLO
taken into church fellowship and had her
children baptized June 4, 65
SAMUEL 6 years old RUTH 12 years ABIGAYL
10 years DEBORA 8 years HANNA 4
years ELISABETH born Feb. 18, 65
Hanna BUCKLAND Sep. 18 54
Ruth DRAKE of John Dec. 6, 57
Mary DRAKE of John Feby 3, 66
Elisabeth DRAKE July 24, [64 ?]
Mary ELLSWORTH May 9, 60
Martha ELLSWORTH Dec 13, 62
William FILLYS wife admitted July 17,
51 and children baptized SAMUEL,
JOHN, MARY and ELISABETH. Aug. 3
Abigayl FILLY Aug 28, 58
Mary & Samuel FILLY Apl
Abigal of Samuel FILLY
Mary of John GAYLAR Jany 2
John of John GAYLAR Jan 25
Elisabeth GAYLAR Feby 26
Lidia HAYWARD June 16, 55
Mary of Thos. LOOмYS Jan 27, 5
Elisabeth of Thos. Looмys Jany 23, 6
Ruth of Thos. Looмys Apl 8, 66
Sara of Thos. LOOMYS Feby 2, 67
Abigail of Nat. LooмYs Apl 1, 5
Elisabeth of John Looмys May 14 7
Mary of John Looмys Aug 10 7
Mary of John GRANT May 13, 74
Joseph of John DRAKE June 28, 7
Dameres Darter of R. STRONG July 5
Josep son of Josep GAYLAR Aug
John son of John GRANT baptized 62
Samuel son of Samuel GIBBS baptized
Apl 22, 77
May 18, 1674 I here set down anew the time of [bap tizing] of children that have
been born and have come to my knowledge to enter upon the old book, that being full
there is not place to set in order to find them here I enter persons as they [were] upon
the latter.
[Here follow the records of births, marriages, and deaths, repub-
lished in the New England Genealogical Register, Vol. V. Also, the
items relating to the Great Flood of 1639; the number of births, deaths,
etc.; and the arrival of Mr. Huit at Windsor. These portions of this
old record having been incorporated in other parts of this volume, are
here omitted.]
878
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
born; 9th
Grant
died.
Thomas Senchons.
day
died.
Oct.
1640, Samuel Rossiter died.
June
7,
April 3d, 1639, the wife of Joseph Clark died. May 16, '39, two children died, John
Phelps and
'39, P[al]mers child died. July 8, Thomas child
Aug. 25th, John Hubbard died. Sept. 10, '39, young [?] Matthew
20th, Pressella Marshfield died. Dec. 3d, '39, Goode Buel died. June 10,
June 23d, John Dewey drowned in the re[vule]t. Aug.
22d, Elizbaeth Gunn died. Aug. 25th, Josias Terey died. Sept. 5th, Mr. Clark's sister
died. Sept. 18th, Joanna Hosford died. Sept. 23d, Abigail Carter died. Oct. 7th,
Dec. 17th, Stephen Tery died. Dec. 19th, Mary Pumery died. Feb.
29, 1640, the mother [of] Mathew Grant died [we may
Ann
Mason died.
11th, Robard Wilton died.
be mistaken
May
in this name]. May 31st, Samuel Deble buried.
May 23d, '76. Account of
The 40 year
2 persons
William Rockwell
Henry
41 year 4
Fookes
persons
Joseph Clark
Giles
John
Gibbs
Bissell's
wife
William Horsford's wife
42 year 3 persons
John
Griswold
Sara Hueit
Nathaniel Hueit
43 year 5 persons
Thomas Ford's wife
John Birg
Abigail Fylar
persons that
have died in Windsor
Josia Carter
John
to begin :
Porter sen.'s wife.
Caleb Carter
Richard Biddell
George
Phelps's child
Samuel Warham
Hoyte's
child
Thomas Bascom's child
Samuel
Sara
Pond's 2 children died.
Hayward
Sara Senchon
George Phelps another child.
Mary Hayward
Thomas Thornton
George Allixander's child.
John Orton
n
Anna Rockwell
Richard Birg a child
44 year 8
persons
Mr. Hueit
Old
Goode Hayt
John Thompson's child
Rafe
[or Rose] Newman
Mary Terey
One Hagar
The widow Webster
Anna Taylar
45 year 4 persons
Roger Williams's wife.
Thomas Moore
Georg Pa-rum [Putnam ?]
Susanna Hueit
46 year 6 persons
Nicholas Palmer's wife
Michell Tery's wife
Nicolas Oumpsted's child
Nathan Gillett's child
John Egelstone
Samuel Filar
On these
ز
7 years above the persons
died are 32.
The 47 year 27 persons died
Stephen Tery's wife.
Hepsibah Warham
Goodman Bidwell
Susanna Hanum
Anthony Howkens child
Priscilla Thornton
Ann Thornton
Henry Carter's child
Timothy Roseter
John Pomeroy
48 year 25 persons
John Porter sen. died
Thomas Dewy
Samuel Allyen
George Phelps his wife
John Haskens
Danell Clark's child
Samuell Allen's child
Benedict Alvard's 3 children
Henry Wolcott's child
Richard Sammais's child
Rose Porter
Ephraim Bartlet
James Enno's 2 children
Phillury Randall died
Abigayle Phelps
Abigayle Gillet
Edward Chakwell
Thomas Newell died
Thomas Orton's 2 children
APPENDIX A.
879
Abigayl Roseter
Thomas Holcom's child
49 year 3 persons
Samuel Cooke
Ester Roseter
Stephen Fylar
50 year 4 persons
Richard Samways died
Mary Hayward
Hanna Taylar
Johanna Fylar
51 year 5 persons
Peter Roseter
Richard Burge
Henry Stiles by a gun
Elizabeth Roseter
Joanna Dible
52 [year] Sarah Stowton died
Joseph Loomys sen., his wife
John Williams's daughter
52 year these three persons
53 year 3 persons dyed
The wife of William Gaylar, Jr.
Elias and Elisha Carter
54 year 4 persons died
The wife of Walter Gaylar
Thomas Holcom died
Ester Hayward
Sara, daughter of Joseph Loomys
Thomas, son of Thomas Loomys
Sara Holcom
Samuel Pond died
55 year 17 persons died
Henry Wolcot, sen.
Thomas Gunn's daughter Elizabeth
Nicholas Hoyt's wife died
Elwed Pumery's wife
Nicholas Hoyt died
`The wife of Henry Wolcot elder
Jefery Baker died
The wife of Robard Winchell
The wife of Richard W-er
Martha Winchell died
The wife of Anthony Hawkins
Nathan Gillet, a son and daughter
Daniel Hoyt died
John Hiller sen. died
Peter Tilton's daughter
The wife of William Hayden
56 4 persons died.
Benjamin Winchell
Jonathan Holcom
The son of John Gaylar ·
William Gaylar died
57 year 9 persons died
Mary Pumery
The wife of Simon Mills
The wife of William Gaylor sen,
Mary Egelston
Mary Buckland
The wife of James Enno
58 year only Joseph Loomys sen.
59 year 9 persons died
Mr. Witchfield's wife died
Joseph Clark died ·
Isack Hakes drowned
The wife of John Rockwell
The wife of Simon Milles
The wife of William Wadsworth
John Drake sen.
Abigall Parsons
Thomas Allyn's son John
The 60 year 2 persons
Ketron Gibbs [Catherine]
Richard Oldage
61 year 6 persons
Thomas Stoton sen. died
Mrs. Huit died
Samuel Milles
Sara Loomys
Rose Smith
፡
Thomas Parsons
47 to the end of 61, the number of
persons died are 121
62 year 16 persons
The wife of Thomas Loomys
Richard Saxston
Philura Randall
Frances Saxston
John Rockwell sen.
Wilmot, his wife
Wife of George Phillups
Pheby Winchell
Mr. Branker
Thomas Buckland
John Stilles
John Bancraff
Christopher Wolcot
The wife of Thomas Barber
Thomas Barber
Old widow Hoskins
63 year 3 persons
The wife of John Strong
Hanna Newbery
The son of John Rockwell
64 year 4 persons
Job Drake's son Joseph
:
Timothy, son of Tim Buckland
Mathew of Tahan Grant
Jacob of Jacob Gibbs
880
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
65 year 9 persons
The wife of John Bissell sen.
Son of John Owen
Daughter of Samuel Rockwell
Simon Rockwell
David, son of John Loomys
Mary of Edward Chapman
esay [Isaiah] Bartlet
John Williams Jun.
Old widow Randal, 87 old
66 year 4 persons
Mary Jones, wid. of Wm. Rockwell,
mother of Samuel and John R., &
wife of Mr. Grant Nicolas
Nicolas Denslow, 90 old
67 year 4 persons
Henry Wolcott's son, & Jos Gaylor's
[Samuel Filly's] son & Nat Win[c 11]
68 year only one person
Jeremy Burg
69 year Samuel Phelpes
Mrs. Witchfield
James Risings's wife
Old Widow Denslow, 84 old
John Share [Stare ?—R. T'. S.]
Isack Pond
John Loomys's son James
These 6 persons died in 69 year
70 year 7 persons
Mr. Warham died
John Bartlet
Ebenezer Debles Daughter
John Tery['s son.-R. T. S.]
Son of John Owen
Mr. Mathew Allyn
The wife of Nathan Gillet
71 year 2 persons
Henry Wolcot's daughter
Thomas Maskell
Mr. William Phelps
Nathanell Bissell's son
Thomas Loomys's son
Joseph Griswold
Nicholas Buckland's son
These 5 persons died in 72
73 year 13 persons
Widow Fox [wid. of Henry Fooks ?]
Deacon Gaylar, 88 old
Returne Strong's son
The wife of John Fitch
John Rockwell died
3 children buried one day
Son of John Osborn and son of Zuru-
babel Filer. Daughter of Nathaniel
Bissell.
Daughter of Anthony Hoskins
Daughter of John Tery
74 year six persons
James Risings wife
Widow Saxtone
Thomas Parsons wife
Begat Egelstone
John Stiles wife
Nicholas Bucklands daughter
75 year 12 persons
John Besum drowned
John Loomys daughter
Daniel Hayden son
Old Mrs. Allyn
William Phelps wife
The Widow Hoskins
Nicholas Bucklands son
Samuel Marshall in war
Edward Chapman in war
Ebenezer Deble in war
Nathaniel Pond in war
Richard Saxston in war
62 to the end of 75 are 91 persons and 153
in all 244 persons.
76 Lida Howard
John Fitch
Son of John Lewis
Son of Abram Deble
Samuel Barbers wife
Thomas Aulys child
Lidia Cook
Mes[se]nge[r']s Daughter
Thomas Buckland
George Sanders child
Elias Shadok
Samuel Gibbs daughter
Thomas Bissells son
William Trals wife
Timothy Trals son
Nathaniel Pinne
Joshua Wels wife
John Brooks wife
Hanna Bucklands child All are 19
77 William son of John Layton died May 7°
The wife of Abram Randal July 8
Aug 23, 77 Jonathan Gillet sen died
Ezekia Gaylar died Sept 12, 1677
Deacon Moore died Sept 18 1677
John Bissell sen died Oct 3 77
John Terys son Solomon died Oct 27 77
Ester daughter of Thomas Bissel died
May 9 78
Thomas son of Jonathan Gillet died
June 11, 78 a 11 days old
Georg Philups died July 9 78
A
APPENDIX A.
881
Isrell Dewey died Oct 23 1678
Sara wife of Return Strong, died Dec
26 1678
Mr Witchfield died March 16, 78 on
Sabbath morning buried 18th day
William Tral died Aug 3d Sabbath
day 1679, 73 old
Dec 2, 79 James Egelstone died the
evening before and buried that day
Samuel Gaylars wife died May 2, 1680-
The wife of John Williams died April
18, 81
Mary the wife of Joseph Lomys died
Apl. 22, 81
The wife of Thomas Deble sen, died
May 14, 1681
The old widow Buckland died July
26, 1681
[Here follows the account of the subscription in Windsor, in aid
of the sufferers by King Philip's war, which is given on p. 228 of this
history.]
August 17th 1677.
I herewith set down what children have been born in Windsor from
our beginning hitherto so far as I am able to find out :
Mr Thomas Allyn
Benedictus Alvard
Allixander Alvard
Georg Allixander
Edward Adams -
-
John Bissell sen -
John Bissell jr
Thomas Bissell
Samuel Bissell
Nathaniel Bissell
Thomas Barber sen
Thomas Barber Jr.
James Barber
John Barber,
B.
Thomas Buckland sen
Timothy Buckland
Nicholas Buckland
Thomas Buckland Jr.
Richard Birg
Daniel Birg,
Jeffery Baker,
William Buell
Samuel Buell
Thomas Bascom
John Bartlet
-
Benjamin Bartlett,
Esay Bartlet
John Brooks
John Bancroff
1
1
I
,
1
1
J
1
I
1
1
1
I
1
1
1
8
Mr. Clancy -
5
Edward Chapman
7
5
Henry Curtic
John Casse -
1 Joseph Clark
Joshua Carter
1
Seboun Coffen
8
D.
9
Thomas Dewey -
6
Thomas Deble
7
6
4
02 02 00
Isrell Deble
Ebenezer Deble
Samuel Deble
Job Drak
John Drak -
Job of John Drak
Henry Denslo
John Denslow
8
6
3
1
5
Josias Elesworth
Begat Egleston -
5 James Egleston
James Enno
E.
7
1
3
5 Walter Ffylar
6 Suroball Ffylar
F.
·
1
1
1
1
•
1
1
·
1
1
1
་
1
•
62 00
6
૭
02 00 1
3
5
6
4
5
5
17
11
8
9
ထာ
9
7
8
3
6
5
17
77
77
૭
2
1
William Filley
8
Samuel Fylley
Peter Brown
10
5 Ambros Fowler
Samuel Forward
-
C.
G.
Mr Daniel Clark
9
Samuel Grant
8
Aron Cook -
77
Mathew Grant
3
Nathaniel Cook -
7
Tahan Grant
6
VOL. I.-111-
882
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
1
I
1
I
1
ין
1
I
1
2
d
GYD
3
John Lewes
7
John Lundon
3
M.
Decker Moor
2
John Moore
7
Samuel Marshall
John Mawdsly
4
John Mosses
6
Edward Messenger
9
Andrew Moore
-
3
Thomas Maskell -
ལ
Simon Miller
7
6
N.
John Grant
Jonathan Gillet sen
Jonathan Gillet Jr.
Cornelius Gillet-
John Gillet
Joseph Gillet
Nathan Gillet
Thomas Gunn
Edward Griswold
Georg Griswold -
Joseph Griswold
William Gaylar Jr.
Walter Gaylar
Samuel Gaylar
John Gaylar
Joseph Gaylar
John Grifen
J
1
I
J
f
3
I
5
CO
9
I
5
10 a mo
9
3
p
2
6
6
·
4 Captain Newbery
9
0.
10
Thomas Orton,
4
7
John Owen -
11
7
Josias Owen
1
John Osborn sen
10
H.
8
Robard Ould
2
3
P.
2
Old Mr. Phelps -
છ
2
Samuel Phelps
3
I
1
2
9
2
·
1
1
1
Nathaniel Pinne
4 Nathaniel Phelps
Timothy Phelps
Georg Phelps
I
J
1
1
1
1
4
6
3
2
2
૭
1
1
1
1
}
1
1
}
1
1
I
4
5
Isack Phelps
11
Abraham Phelps,
10
77
3
5
9
1
Mr. Pinne
9
6
1
1
Joseph Phelps
John Phelps
-
Joseph of W. Phelps
John Porter Sen.
John Porter sen now
John Porter Jr.
Samuel Pinne
Eltwed Pumery
Calem Pumery
Nicholas Palmer
Timothy Palmer
Samuel Pond
J
I
I
J
J
1
Jacob Gibbs
Samuel Gibbs
Thomas Holcom
Joshua Holcom -
Nathaniel Holcom
Benaja Holcom -
William Hayden
Daniel Hayden
John Hosford
Nicholas Hayt
Robard Hayward
John Hake -
Josias Hull -
Mical Homfrey
Luke Hill
-
Anthony Hawkins
John Hodgs
Anthony Hoskins
Thomas Hoskins
John Hiller
Timothy Hall
Christopher Huntington
Thomas Henbury
J.
•
I
1
1
1
૭
૭
2
2
12
4
6
-
1
1
1
George Jeffery
-
GYD
3
Thomas Parsons sen
William Jess
1
Thomas Parsons Jr.
K.
John Pettebon
Mark Kelcy
1
L.
Humfery Prior
Isack Pond
William Parsons
John Loomys
Joseph Loomys
Thomas Loomys
Samuel Loomys,
Nathaniel Loomys
I
1
CO
Q2 20
5
1
}
R.
13
2
John Pettebon
10
5
John Rockwell
10
Samuel Rockwell,
1
4
6
4
8
3
3
2
1.
1
3
ry
|
1
+
6
APPENDIX A.
883
1
1
1
Thomas Ruly
Thomas Remington
Ebenezer Parsons
John Strong sen.
John Strong Jr.
Return Strong
Richard Saxston
Henry Stilles
John Stilles
Thomas Stoughton
John Shaw -
S.
t
Mr. Christopher Sanders
Stephen Terey
T.
John Terey
Peter Tilton
Stephen Taylar
Owen Tudor
Thomas Thornton
John Taylar
John Tomson
1
1
1
}
1
1
2 William Trall
1
Timothy Trall
1
V.
Richard Vore-
6
4
W.
7
6
Mr. Henry Wolcot
5
Henry Wolcot Jr
Simon Wolcot
2
Mr. John Warham
77
Robard Winchell
1
1
1
+4∞ ∞
8
Richard Weller
J
Nathanell Winchell
Jonathan Winchell
David Winchell -
Robard Watson
3 Arter Williams
8
5
10
10
5
3
-
-
Benjamin Woodbridge
John Williams
John Williams Jr
Nicolas Wilton, -
2 Samuel Wilson
:
1
1
I
:
1
2
1
1
1
10
1
77
6
77
4
|
1
1
1
1
6
6
1
3
17
1`
2
7
.3
02 02
141
Some omitted in former accounts being gone yet had children born
here, as,
Capt Mason
4 Richard Samways
8
1
1
1
50
Mr Roseter -
William Rockwell
Samuel Allyen
Simon Hayt
William Hulbard
Mr Ludlo
-
Elias Partman
Nicolas Palmer
Thomas Horton -
Mathias Senchon
Frances Stills
Mr. William Hill
Hr. Huett
-
Waltar Hayt
William Hanum
1
}
I
1
1
1
(
J
t
1
1
1
6
Richard Bidwell
1
John Banks
6
2
The whole sum
2
195
1
227
2
235
4
177
1
141
3
50
4
1
1025
1
3
of these died 128
4
1
The account of persons taken into church communion and years
when, that are now living Dec. 21, 1677.
Only yet living that came from Dorchester in full communion.
Mr Wolcot sen
Thomas Debles sen
Mr Witchfield
Mr Pinne
Walter Fylar
Mathew Grant
Georg Philups
•
Richard Vore
Abram Randall
Women from Dorchester
Mrs Phelps
Deacon Moors wife
884
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
The widow Gillet
Richard Vore's wife
Sister Fylar
Sister Deble
Men taken in here
William Phelps Nov. 1639
John Loomys Oct 1640
Benedictus Alvard Oct 1641
Robard Haward July 1642
Mr Daniel Clark June 1643
Stephen Taylar Mar. 1644
Robard Watson Jan. 1649
Walter Gaylar May 1651
Capt Newbery Apl. 1658
Jacob Drak Apl 1658
Samuel Rockwell Apl 1662
Jonathan Gillet Apl 1662
Peter Brow[n] &
Nathanell Cook June 22 1662
Nathanell Loomys May 1663
Cornelius Gillett &
Timothy Buckland both Jan 1665
John Gaylar &
Thomas Loomas both Apl 1666
John Mawdsly Oct 1666
Mr Nathaniel Chancy Jan 1667
Samuel Filly Dec 1670
Samuel Fforward Oct 1671
Samuel Backer Apl 1672
Timothy Hall Apl 1672
Nathaniel Bissell Sep. 1673
William Filly Mar 1673
Samuel Gaylar June 1674
Women taken in here
Mrs. Pinne Feb. 1639
Widow Drak Feb 1639
Mrs Wolcot Apl 1640
S. Gaylar's wife Apl 1645
Bucklands wife Jan. 1647
N. Senchon's wife Jan 1649
W. Fillys wife July 1651
N. Cooks wife Aug 1652
Mrs Nubery Apl. 1655
J Loomys wife Apl. 1655
Jo. Drakes wife Apl. 1655
Capt Clarks wife Apl. 1658
Jos Loomys wife Dec. 1660
Sara Gaylar &
O. Tuders wife Apl. 1661
J. Porters wife May 1663
H. Denslo's wife Apl. 1665
T. Allyns wife Jan. 1665
Return Strongs wife Jan. 1665
Timothy Buckland's wife Jan. 1665
H. Wolcots wife,
John Moores wife,
Thomas Lomas his wife Apl. 1666
Jacob Drak's wife June 1666
Stephen Tailers wife Aug. 1666
J. Strongs wife Aug. 1666
Ellsworths wife and
S. Gibbs wife both Sept 1666
Samuel Bakers wife Oct 1670
Samuel Fillys wife Dec. 1670
Mary Saxston Apl. 1671
Nat. Winchells wife Aug 1671
Cor Gillets wife Feb 1671
Nat Loomys wife Sep 1673
Elizabeth Chapman Apl 167
Here I set down the times of sacraments administered Feb. 16th,
69 a sacrament which the church had not had 2 years and 12 weeks.
Mar. 6, 69, a sacrament 7 weeks since.
June 5, 70, a sacrament 13 weeks since.
Aug. 14, 70, a sacrament 10 weeks since.
Oct. 16, 70, a sacrament 9 weeks since.
Dec. 25, 70, a sacrament 10 weeks since.
Feb. 26, 70, a sacrament 9 weeks since.
Apl. 23, 71, a sacrament 8 weeks since.
July 25, 71, a sacr. 9 weeks since.
Sep. 3, 71, a sacr. 10 weeks since.
Nov. 5, 71, a sacr. 9 weeks since.
Jan. 7, 71, a sacr. 9 weeks since.
Mar. 10, 71, a sacr., 9 weeks since.
May 5, 72, a sacr. 8 weeks since.
Nov. 17, 72, a sacr. 28 weeks since.
Feb. 23, 72, a sacr. 14 weeks since.
Apl. 27, 73, a sacr. 9 weeks since.
June 29, 73, a sacr. 9 weeks since.
Aug. 24, 73, a sacr. 8 weeks since.
Oct. 9, 73, a sacr. 11 weeks since.
Jan. 11, 73, a sacr. 9 weeks since.
Mar. 5, 73, a sacr. 9 weeks since.
July 5, 74, a sacr. 16 weeks since.
Sept. 6, 74, a sacr. 9 weeks since.
Nov. 8, 74, a sacr. 9 weeks since.
July 25, 75, a sacr. 28 weeks since.
Oct. 3, 75, a sacr. 10 weeks since.
Feb. 13, 75, a sacr. 10 weeks since.
Mar. 7, 76, a sacr. 12 weeks since.
Sept. 3, 76. a sacr. 17 weeks since.
Feb. 18, 76, a sacr. 24 weeks since.
May 6, 77, a sacr. 11 weeks since.
Aug. 12, 77, a scar. 14 weeks since.
APPENDIX A.
885
This was the last before Deacon Moore died. For Deacon Moore's accounts the
church debtor to him for bread from 15th June, 1666, to 11th Feb., 1673.
For 27 sacraments, -
More bread for 14 sacraments,
Moore's account, granted Feb. 10th, 73.
£2 14 0
1 8 0
£4 2 0
at 2
arson and by what he received of that levy and of former levies unpaid
6 40
Dr. for wine.
Samuel Baker
10
Aug. 14, 70,
£0 18 0
Mathew Grant
20
Oct. 16, 70,
0 13 4
Walter Gaylar
40
Dec. 25, 70,
0 13 10
Captain Newbery
40
Feb. 26, 70,
0 12.6
Timothy Hall
20
Apl. 23, '71,
0 14 6
Thomas Loomys
30
June 25, 71,
0 13 0
Mr. Forward
20
Sept. 3, 71,
0 15 9
William Filley
20
For cask of wine,
Mr. Chancy
20
To Sam Loomes,
2
60
Nathaniel Loomys
40
Nov. 17, 72,
0 14 0
Hanna Drak
20
Feb. 14, 72,
0 11 0
Stephen Taylar
4 0
Apl. 27, 73,
0 12 0
June 29, 73,
0 10 6
Aug. 24, 73,
0 13 1
Nov. 29, 73,
0 12 6
Jan. 11, 73,
0 11 6
11 11 6
Jonathan Gillet Jr.
Samuel Ffilley
John Mawdsly
Abraham Randall
Cornelius Gillet
Mr. Wolcott
Samuel Rockwell
20
4 0
20
40
20
4 0
20
More after this.
A 11 gal. and at 4s. per
Samuel Gaylar
36
Lieut. Fylar
40
gal.,
More wine,
260
Widow Buckland
30
0 12 6.
Hanna Moore
20
In 76 wine,
In 76 wine,
In 76 wine,
In 77 wine,
0 12 4
Samuel Gibbs
30
0 13 0
080
£6 6 6
070
Received of granted in 75, £2 3s.
Aug., 77,
A cask,
090
Abraham Randall
40
0 36
John Strong
20
5 11 4
John Loomys
40
of John Loomys for bott
70
himself
4 0
his own
40
Mr. Chancy
20
Richard Vore
40
Samuel Rockwell
20
Captain Clark
40
Samuel Gaylar
1 6
John Strong
20
Nathanell Loomys
40
George Phillups
20
Thomas Loomys
40
Timothy Buckland
7 0
Mr. Pinne
40
Nicholas Senshon
20
Walter Gaylar
4 0
Samuel Marshall
3 6
Mathew Grant
20.
Benedictus Alvord
40
Sergt. Alvord
40
Robard Watson.
60
William Filley
40
Mr. Pinne
4 0
John Mawdsly
40
Thomas Deble
3 6.
Jonathan Gillet sen.
40
Thomas Loomis
40
Richard Vore
4 0
Peter Brown
20
William Phelps
40
886
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Mrs. Phelps
Nathan Gillet
20
Samuel Filley
4 0
60
Samuel Gibbs
10.
Stephen Taylar
Peter Brown
Lieut. Fylar
40
Samuel Baker
50
20
Mrs. Allyn
59
40
Mr. Cornish
4 0
Hanna Moore
20
Hanna Drake
20
Mr. Wolcot
40
Jonathan Gillet Jr.
20
Cornelius Gillet
with former
5 13 3
2
2 19 9
Capt. Clark
40
The year 1717 I set down all that have died in Elenton [Ellington]
to the year 1740. [This is evidently written by another person.]
Lieut. Ellsworth was killed by the
falling of a tree
Isibe Penye died
John Burg died
Ensg. John Burah lost a child died
Samuel Gibbs lost a daughter died
Samuel Peney lost a daughter died
Nathaniel Grant a child died
Goode Graymes died
Ephraim Napes wife died
Nathaniell Taylor died
Daniel Eton died
Capt. Ellsworth a child died
-
Lieut. Hubbard a child died
Daniel Epeen a child died
William Carter two children died
Stephen Poaine a child died
Symon Chapman died
Ensg. John Burah six children born
Samuel Gibbs three children born
Nathaniel Taylor three children
Samuel Gibbs Jr. two children
Daniel Eton three children
Nathaniel Grant two children
Nathaniel Grant Jr. three children
Benjamin Grant two children
Capt. Ellsworth five children
Lieut. Hubbard two children
Carter one child
Simon Person one child
David Chapen three children
Strickland two children
Tim Scott one child
Samuel Porson one child
Zidon Skiner one child
two Dommans two children
Craa one child
three Pineys seven children
Davies one child
Mr. McKinster two children
Booth four children
two Drak four children
Pars [Pees?- R. T. S.]
Thompson's 3 children
John Burah one child
Records of the Windsor Church under its Second Pastor,
Rev. Samuel Mather.
Transcribed by Rev. Mr. Rowland, from the original record in the
handwriting of Mr. Mather.
The following year were admitted to
the Church, the 1st year, 1685
John Filer
Experience Filer
Jonah Barber
Sam¹ Tudor
Joseph Skinner & Mary his Wf
Hannah Loomis
Nath'l Loomis
Hester Eglestone
Sam' Grant
Martha Wolcott
Dan Loomis
Mary Brown
APPENDIX A.
887
Abigail Bissell
Sarah Porter
Elisabeth Loomis
Mary Loomis
Hannah Loomis
Johanna Porter
Job Drake
Joseph Baker and Hannah his Wf
John Porter Jr.
Joseph Loomis
Mary Grant Wf of Sam'
Dorkas Mills
Michael Taintor
Mary Rockwell
The Lord make the next year a good year.
Mary Rowley
Elisabeth Drake Wf of Job
Mary Loomis Wf of John
Abigail Dewey
Johanna Porter
Simon Wolcott
John Loomis
Elisabeth Denslowe
Sam Willson & Mary his Wf
Wm. Worman
James Porter
Ann Newberry
1686.
Hannah Harmon [Hannum? ]
Benajah Holcomb
Sam¹ Barber
Elisabeth Buckland
Ruth Barber
Johanna Taylor
George Griswold
Esther Bissell
Mary Loomis
John Mansfield
Israel Bissell
Lydia Loomis
Hannah Gillett
[Three names illegible.]
Johanna Wolcott
Mary Brown
Mary Gaylord
Mary Phelps
Abigail Bissell
Thos. Bissell
Rob Watson
Joseph Loomis
1687
Abigail Barber
Ruth Loomis
Mary Griswold Wf of George
Hannah Strong
The
“This year, 1688: not so much as one were added to the church this
year, but as many died out of it as were added the year before.
good Lord awaken and humble us." [See facsimile of this entry on
page 219].
Elisabeth Loomis
Mary Buckland
Martha Ellsworth
Sam' Loomis
1689
Abigail Hannam
Sarah Loomis ·
1690
Elezer Gaylord
888
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Henry Wolcott
Hannah Palmer
Cornelius Brown
Eliphalet Rowley [or Rowel]
Experience Gibs
Jacob Gibbs
Elisabeth Wf of [Jacob Gibbs]
Hephzebah Brown
Elisabeth Wf of Jas King
Elisabeth Wf
Abigail Kent
Allain
1691
Mary Rowel
1692
Nathan Harman
- Martha Gaylord
1693
Is Wolcott
Mr Stoughton
1694
Sarah Phelps
Joseph Griswold
1695
1
Edm. Marshall
[Names (about 13 in number) not legible.]
Mercy Westling [Westland ?]
Margaret Strong
Dorcas Mills
1696
Hester Phelps, Wf of Josiah
Ruth Loomis, Wf of Nath!
Jn Stoughton
Sarah Pinney
SAM MATHER, of Windsor.
Covenant of the Windsor Church, 1647.
(Reprinted from the Congregational Quarterly, April, 1862.)
[For this interesting document Creed and Covenant, for it partakes of both ele-
ments,— we are indebted to the kindness of Hon. J. H. Trumbull of Hartford. Mr. T.
says, "I found it a few weeks since in the MS. Note Book of Matthew Grant, along
with full notes of a sermon by Mr. Warham, August 15, 1647 (two months before this
covenant was adopted), 'on the matter and form of a church and of baptizing children.'
I was pleased with the discovery, as the covenant is of much earlier date than any I
have seen or known of in Connecticut. Mr. Warham was at the Cambridge Synod in
June, 1647; out of which, apparently, grew the sermon, and the sermon prepared the
way for the adoption of the Covenant. I may observe, however, that the sermon is in
great measure a digest of Hooker's Survey, which Mr. W. must have not only perused,
but thoroughly studied in MS., for it was not printed till the next year." This
Covenant is dated at Windsor, October 23, 1647. REV. H. M. DEXTER.]
APPENDIX A.
889
1. We believe though God made man in an holy and blessed condition, yet by his
fall he hath plunged himself and all his posterity into a miserable state. Rom. III, 23;
v. 12.
2. Yet God hath provided a sufficient remedy in Christ for all broken-hearted sin-
ners that are loosened from their sins, and selves and world, and are enabled by faith to
look to Him in Christ for mercy, inasmuch as Christ hath done and suffered for
such whatever His justice requires to atonement and life; and he doth accept His
merits and righteousness for them that believe in Him, and imputeth it to them
for their justification, as if they had satisfied and obeyed themselves. Heb. VII, 25;
Mat. XI, 28; XXII, 24; V, 4, 6; 1 Cor. I, 30; Rom. IV, 3, 5; V, 19.
3. Yet we believe that there is no other name or means to be saved from the guilt
and the power of sin. John, XIV, 6; Acts, IV, 12.
4. We believe God hath made an everlasting covenant in Christ with all penitent
sinners that rest on him in Christ, never to reject, or cease to do them good. Heb.
VIII, 6; VII, 22; 1 Sam. XII, 22; Jer. XXXII, 40.
5. We believe this Covenant to be reciprocal, obliging us to be his people, to love,
fear, obey, cleave to him, and serve him with all our heart, mind, and soul; as him to
be our God, to love, choose, delight in us and save and bless us in Christ; yea, as his
covenant binds us to love him and his Christ for his own sake, so to love our brethren
for his sake. Deut. X, 12; Hos. III, 3; II, 21; Deut. XXVI, 17-19; John, IV, 21.
6. We believe that God's people, besides their general covenant with God, to
walk in subjection to him, and Christian love to all his people, ought also to join
themselves into a church covenant one with another, and to enter into a particular com-
bination together with some of his people, to erect a particular ecclesiastical body, and
kingdom, and visible family and household of God, for the managing of discipline and
public ordinances of Christ in one place in a dutiful way, there to worship God
and Christ, as his visible kingdom and subjects, in that place waiting on him for that
blessing of his ordinances and promises of his covenant, by holding communion
with him and his people, in the doctrine and discipline of that visible kingdom, where
it may be attained. Rom. XII, 4 5, 6; 1 Cor. XII, 27, 28; Ephes. IV, 11, 12; Acts, II, 47;
Ecod. XII, 43, 44, 45; Gen. XVII, 13; Isɑ. XXIII, 4.
7. We for ourselves, in the sense of our misery by the fall and utter helplessness
elsewhere, desire to renounce all other saviours but his Christ, and to rest on God
in him alone, for all happiness, and salvation from all misery; and do here bind
ourselves, in the presence of men and angels, by his grace assisting us, to choose
the Lord, to serve him, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep all his commandments
and ordinances, and his Christ to be our king, priest and prophet, and to receive his
gospel alone for the rule of our faith and manners, and to [be] subject to the whole will
of Christ so far as we shall understand it; and bind ourselves in special to all the mem-
bers of this body, to walk in reverend subjection to the Lord to all our superiors, and
in love, humility, wisdom, peaceableness, meekness, inoffensiveness, mercy, charity,
spiritual helpfulness, watchfulness, chastity, justice, truth, self-denial, one to another,
and to further the spiritual good of one another, by example, counsel, admonition,
comfort, oversight, according to God, and submit our [selves] subject to all church
administration in the Lord. — FINIS.”
-
VOL. I.-112
APPENDIX B (Page 76).
THE FIRST MEETING-HOUSE OF WINDSOR.
BY DEA. JABEZ H. HAYDEN.
(Condensed from his Address at the Quarter-Millenial Anniversary of the Windsor Church, 1880.)
UN
NFORTUNATELY the records of town votes and town accounts, the first fifteen
years, have crumbled to dust, and we have no record of the meeting-house during
this period, except this simple reference to it on the Colony records. Probably
the records once told its cost, and perhaps its dimensions; but we have built a theory
from such facts as we gather under later dates, and feel confident that we know nearly
its dimensions, how it was covered, how it was seated, who sat in the wall slips, who
sat in the body of the house, and who sat in the Great Pew.
"2
Eighteen years after the house was built, we find among the recorded acts of the
Townsmen, now called Selectmen, the following item: 1658 "The Townsmen being
met on Monday, the 13th, September, Lieut. Newbury is desired to get such sills¹ for
the meeting-house as are wanting and to bring them to the water-side." In the town
accounts, 1659-60, is a credit to Mr. Newbury, "For the remainder of the work to the
silling and underpinning of the meeting-house, £10 9s 6d." They evidently dispensed
with underpinning at first, and probably built the house without sills, resting the posts
on some temporary foundation. It seems improbable that sills could have decayed
within eighteen years.
January 7, 1660-1, "The Townsmen met and agreed that the meeting-house should
be shingled, all the gutters on both sides of the lanthorn, and not alter the form of the
roof." A few weeks after we have the following entry: The Townsmen made a bar-
gain with Samuel Grant to shingle the inside roof [west side] of the meeting-house,
from end to end, on both sides of the lanthorn, with 18-inch shingle. He is to get the
shingle in the woods, and cut them and hew them, and lay them on one inch
and a quarter thick, generally, and seven inches in breadth, one with another, and he is
to have 48. per 100 for all plain work, and for the gutters, because of the more difficulty
of laying these, he is to have what he shall in equity judge to be worth more than 4s.
per 100; and for the time, he is to do the north side of the lanthorn before midsummer
next, and the other side by October following." Like the Dorchester meeting-house,
this one was at first thatched. The contractor was given from February to October to
¹ Sills were not always used as a support for the floor, but in early times the floor
was often on a level with the bottom of the sills, making a step down from the door sill
into the room. An example of this style of house was the Gaylord House of Windsor
Locks, built about 1711, and pulled down about 1820. The sills projected into
the rooms, as the corner posts and "summer beams" did, the sills forming a low,
narrow seat, very convenient for children. Mrs. Albert Denslow, of Windsor Locks,
still remembers this house, and the seat along the side of the room in which she and her
little friends played.
2 Town Records, Bk. I. 36. The "water-side" here referred to is the rivulet,
or Little River, bank.
APPENDIX B.
891
shingle one side, and this twenty-six years after the house was built. We are not sur.
prised that they did not shingle it at first.
"1
But what of the lantern spoken of, on the roof? It has been referred to be-
fore. On December 13, 1658, at a meeting of the five men [i. e. the Towns-
men previously appointed] "it was determined that provision should be made
upon the top of the meeting-house, from the Lanthorn to the ridge of the
house, to walk conveniently, to sound a trumpet or drum to give warning to
meetings. This lantern was an architectural ornament, a little dome set on
the ridge, in the middle of the house. They had no bell for it, but built a platform
out from it on the ridge of the house, for the convenience of the man who "beat
the drum to give warnings to meetings on the Lord's Day, twice in the morning, season-
ably, and once after dinner.” 2 I think you still follow their example, "giving
warnings to meetings on the Lord's Day, twice in the morning, seasonably, and
once after dinner." You have simply substituted a bell for their drum or trumpet.
Farther extracts from the town records are as follows:
1667. “The Townsmen agreed with Benjamin Griswold to get some good timber
fallen and cloven into bolts, and brought home by the latter end of the week following,
for the use of the meeting-house, and Samuel Grant is to cleave them when brought
home and fit them, and nail them about the meeting-house. Benjamin was to have for his
timber, when fetched and brought home in bolts, one length with another, 3s. 6d. per
100 as they would rise in number when cloven by Samuel Grant."
1668. Also, George Griswold is to get somebody to clap up the walls of the
meeting-house that are broken."
1669. Among the town expenses are these:
3
"To John Grant, for carting bolts from Pipe-stave Swamp for the meeting-
house, 7s. 6d."
“To John Owen, for the clabbing he did the meeting-house before winter, 78. 4d.”
These items for repairs, made twenty-five to thirty years after the meeting-house
was built, show us that the outside was at first covered with clapboards, or, as
they were at first called, cloveboards, because they were cloven or split. They were to
be brought from the woods in "bolts"-logs of suitable length for splitting:
then "cleave them" and "fit them," - split and hew them, - and "nail them about
the meeting-house," and so "clab up the walls that are broken." This must have
made a somewhat rough exterior, which could not have been marred by whittling.
Possibly the innocent indulgence of this propensity on the clapboards early crept into
the boys' gallery, and remained there through half a dozen generations.
1668. Deacon Moore is to speak with John Gibbard to get him to come and mend
the glass of the meeting-house windows."
The next year "Wm. Buel came and brought two new casements for the corner
windows of the meeting-house." I have as yet been unable to learn the number
or style of the windows.
We have now given you a rough outside view of the first meeting-house. It stood
about the middle of Palisado Green (as it then was), in front of the General Pierson
place. It had a thatched roof with a cupola on the ridge. The sides were covered with
clapboards split from the log. Let us now go inside.
I find this item in the town accounts in 1661.
1661. "For lath and nails for meeting-house, £5."
been plastered before, and probably none of it.
The house had not all
1665. "For other work done, as carting of timber out of the woods to the pit, and
from the pit to the meeting-house." Now the pit was a saw-pit, such as I think is still
1 ¹ See, also, item from Town Records, p. 176, date, September 1, 1656.
2 Town Records, Bk. i., 37.
³ Pipe-stave Swamp, near the southwest corner of the town, as now bounded.
892
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
used in ship-yards for some special work. A pit was dug, timbers laid across it to sup-
port the log when rolled over the pit. One man stood below, the other on top of
the log, the two performing in a small way the work of a modern saw-mill. We
readily see that it required long and patient `toil to produce one thousand feet of
boards.¹
Let us premise that the churches in which they had worshiped in England had no
seats for the common people, or, at most, but simple benches. The gentry, at their own
expense, put in pews for themselves. So here, the town built the meeting-house, and
laid a tax on the grand list to pay for it, but laid a poll-tax, a given sum on each house-
holder, or man and his wife, to meet the expense of putting in the seats. But let us
first learn where they were to get the lumber to make pews and slips. The cloven
boards would not answer this purpose; they must have sawn lumber,- something they
could plane both for ceiling and for seats.
Our first item relative to the provision for seats in the house bears date
1652, twelve years after that first notice that a meeting-house was being built.
"Accounts made with Wm. Buell for work done on the meeting-house. The Elder's
Pew, Deacon's Pew, Magistrate's Pew, and their wives' Pew, formerly paid, and
for the four rows of seats in the house, when the doors are up we find the work
£28 19s. Od.
comes to
•
And for the new work about altering the Magistrates' wives' Pew, and
others in that range, come to
The whole sum is
Of which he is paid £27 5s. 2d.”2
4 3 8
£33 2s. 8d.
At a later date, but referring to the same "four rows of seats," we have a note of
explanation, showing how many seats there were, and who had neglected to pay the
carpenter for his work.
Jan. 18, 1659–60. "A note [was] taken what dwelling-houses are in the town, that
the owners of them have paid for seats in the Meeting-house, and how much and by
whom; for those that have been placed in the two rows of long seats were first seated by
five in a seat, and were to pay Wm. Buell 3s. a person, or 6s. for a man and wife; and
that made up his pay when he had finished them with doors. Also those that
were placed in the short seats, at the first were to pay 3s. a person, as they in the long
seats; but when it was agreed that those seats should be raised higher, for more con-
venient hearing, they were to pay Wm. Buell 6d. a person more; so that for a man and
his wife 78."
"9 long seats with six in a seat."
"13 short seats with 3 in a seat."
First I set down those that have paid, and were placed in the long seats
when they paid." "
Then follows a list of fifty-five men, one more than the seating capacity; nearly all
of these paid 68.
“Those that were placed in the short seats, what they have paid.”
Then follow the names of thirty-nine men, just the seating capacity; about half of
these paid 78., others smaller sums. These men take the whole seating capacity of one
side, and I suppose their wives occupied corresponding seats on the other side, the
¹In the inventory of Rev. Mr. Huit's estate, 1644, we find this item: "Two thou-
sand planks at Elias Parkman's and 500 feet at the falls, £8 10s.” "Elias Park-
man's "
was in the northwest corner of the Palisado, where there was certainly
no water-power for a saw-mill, and the 500 feet at the falls were probably sawn there
because of some excellence of the timber which grew there. In a memorandum of his
property Mr. Huit says, "A rafte of Plank is going down, I think will be £40.”
2 Toron Records, i., 8.
3 This interesting document will be found in full on p. 178–180.
APPENDIX B.
893
men and women sitting apart as they were known to have done three-quarters of
a century later. Then 13 men are named, who sat in the pews, and 3 aged
widow women, Goodie Denslow, Goodie Gibbs, Goodie Hoskins, and Dea. Gaylord's
wife.
It will be remembered that the short seats were "raised higher for more convenient
hearing." Let us suppose these short seats are the wall slips a little raised, as your wall
slips are now. We learn elsewhere that the magistrate's pew was “raised equal with
the short seats." Let us place 13 slips 3 ft. 2 inches apart along the south wall occupy
ing 61 ft., an aisle 4 ft. between them and the magistrate's pew, and 5 ft. the width of
the pew, and we have the length of the room, 70 ft. There are sittings for 3 in each
of the wall slips, and six each in the long seats, 18 sittings abreast; allowing 19
inches for a sitting, and we have 28 ft., with two aisles of 4 ft. each, and wẹ
have a width of 36 ft., an audience room of 36 × 70. If we put the magistrate's pew
on the south side of the pulpit, we put their wives' pew on the north side ;
these pews
extended from the side walls nearly to the pulpit, and afterward each pew was made
into two. We have still to locate the elder's pew and the deacon's pew. We have four
more wall slips than we have slips in the center. Let us put the two pews in front of
the long seats (they are not raised like the magistrate's), then leave a space
between them and the pulpit to be occupied by the communion table and chairs or a
bench; - and we have the fathers and the mothers provided with seats, but where are
the children and the servants? There is a unique order¹ in 1650 relative to children
and servants crowding into the ferry-boat before the elders and magistrates on
their way home from meeting, so we know they went to meeting.
When we come down to 1665, we find a number of young men who have married
recently, paying for seats, several of them "in the gallery," - so that first house had
galleries and it was in the gallery that the boys and girls and servants sat. So long
as the meeting-houses were seated, the boys and girls had no seats assigned them
beside their parents, and the custom prevailed to a considerable extent long after the
custom of seating the meeting-house had gone out of date.
When a lad I sat in this front slip, and on one occasion received a sharp reprimand
at home for not sitting still. I had climbed so far over to see who sat directly under
me, that my mother was alarmed, lest I should lose my balance and intrude myself
among the old people below. The little boys occupied the front slip on the south side,
and the little girls the one on the north side; those of larger growth occupied the pews
which were ranged along against the wall. In due time I was promoted by some
unwritten law from the front slip to the pews. I fear if. I should tell of the carvings
which ornamented those pews, so like the carvings to be seen in the schoolhouses of
those days; the modern boy would judge us harshly. Tything-men were a necessary
provision for the well-being of the galleries, yet their authority was rarely exercised. I
remember the first piece of anthracite coal I ever saw, I saw in one of those gallery
pews, - a big boy brought it in his pocket, but none of us believed that would burn.
This seating the boys by themselves was a crying evil continued through two
centuries. Its origin is found in the measures adopted to secure a seat for each adult,
according to his official dignity, his age, personal worth, and estate. Possibly “there
is yet light to break out" on this question of seating the meeting-house, and the
historian of the semi-millenial of this church may have occasion to speak of an old-time
custom, of selling seats at auction to enable each man to rate, himself according to his
own estimate.
The first notice I find of "Seating the meeting-house," bears date of 1655, when
"The townsmen met and appointed somewhere to sit in the meeting-house." It seems
a little strange that it should have been thought necessary to carry these distinctions
1
¹ See p. 172.
2
See p. 175.
!
894
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
nto the church · into a church which knew no distinctions among the brotherhood.
The dignitaries of the church and the State had their pews, which were conspicuously
placed, and into which they were duly promoted when elevated to office. In 1651 Mr.
Clark was elected a magistrate, and at once the Townsmen met, and Mr. Clark
was appointed to sit in the great pew." 1
But the seating of the common people was a more difficult task, which taxed the
wisdom and patience of the committee. The difficulty was largely owing to the fact
that individuals estimated their own rank higher than the committee or their neighbors
rated them; and we must bear in mind that all the community must have a voice in the
matter, for the meeting-house belonged to all, and all were taxed for the support of the
ministry. After one or two generations had passed away, there was a large class who
were not members of the church, who had a pecuniary interest in the matter
which took them to meeting, and who were likely to be tenacious of their rights
to a proper recognition when there.
Before the end of twenty-five years after the first meeting-house was built, we find
that "
a request was made by some to set a housel to shelter their horses in on Sabbath
days, and other days when they ride' to meeting, on one side of the street, against.
Begat Egglestone's orchard, about 9 or 10 feet in breadth by his fence, and in length 23
or 24 feet, and it was granted." Those who came from a distance and had horses came
horseback, the man in the saddle, with his wife behind him on a pillion, and
not unfrequently with a baby in her lap. Sometimes a led horse and two or three more
children represented a single family. People also came to meeting from great distances
on foot.
1 See p. 173.
2 One-horse road wagons were not in use until since 1800. The first one owned in
Windsor was made by David Birge of Windsor Locks. Pung sleighs were in general
use; the runners were made of plank, the body much like a "lumber box wagon" body
of to-day. Less than a hundred years ago Seth Dexter and wife of Pine Meadow
[Windsor Locks] returned to Rochester, Mass., to visit their parents. She rode
on a pillion behind him and carried her babe in her lap.
APPENDIX C (Page 98).
By J. H. HAYDEN.
The Oldest Orthodox Congregational Church.
CONDENSED FROM TWO ARTICLES IN THE PURITAN RECORDER," IN REPLY TO ONE
CLAIMING THIS HONOR FOR THE CHURCH IN LYNN, MASS.
THE
HE present Congregational Church in Windsor was organized in Plymouth, Eng-
land, in 1630. The original members had assembled at that port, and while
awaiting the preparation of their ship the church was organized, and the Rev. John
Warham and Rev. John Maverick were chosen and installed pastor and teacher. The
Rev. Mr. White of Dorchester, rector of the Church of England there, assisted in the
exercises of the occasion and preached the sermon. The embarkation, which took place
soon after, occurred on the 20th of March, 1630; and on the 30th of May they were
landed at Nantaskett Point, several weeks before the arrival of Governor Winthrop at
Boston (see Clapp's Memoirs and Annals of Dorchester). Two of the assistants of Mas-
sachusetts, Mr. Roger Ludlow and Mr. Edward Rosseter, were among the original
members of this church. The location selected was named Dorchester, from which
place, after five years, the removal "of the Dorchester people" to Connecticut com-
menced. The new location was also named Dorchester, which name was afterwards
changed by the court to Windsor. The church organization was not left behind in
Massachusetts. Winthrop's Journal says a council was called to organize a church at
Dorchester, April 11, 1636, “a large part of the old one being gone to Conn.;" but the
council not being satisfied respecting the soundness of the views of those who proposed
to form a new one, "except Mr. Mather and one more," the matter was deferred. On
the 23d of August a church was organized, and a covenant, subscribed to by seven in-
dividuals, was adopted. (See Annals of Dorchester) That this was nothing less than
a new church organization is farther proved by a letter from John Kingsley (one of the
seven). The letter was sent to Connecticut in 1676, asking aid, after the destruction of
the town of Rehoboth. (See appendix to Public Records of Colony of Connecticut, 1852.)
He says: "Now being unknowne to you beloe on the river, I say I am the 1 man and
onely left of those that gathered the Church that is now in Dorchester, yet of lat have
lived at Rehoboth." We have a negative proof that the original church of the Dor-
chester people, which was gathered in England, was not disbanded, in the absence of
¹ The Lords and Gentlemen's pioneers under Mr. Francis Stiles, and the Dorchester
people, both went on to the Great Meadow in the summer of 1635. The Plymouth peo-
ple, who had already been in the occupation of Plymouth Meadow two years, had also
obtained an Indian title to the Great Meadow, which title they claimed should be re-
spected. In the negotiation which followed we find the Windsor pioneers designated
by the title of their church organization. Bradford tells us (page 341) that the Wind-
sor people complain that the Plymouth people had said that "they had rather give up
their rights [in the Great Meadow] to them [the Lords and Gentlemen] (if they must
part with them) than to the Dorchester Church.”
896
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
any reference to a new gathering of a church by Mr. Warham and his people, after
their arrival in Connecticut; and the following extracts from the old Record of the
Windsor Church, taken in connection with the foregoing, leaves no room for doubt on
this point. The Record to which I refer is now in possession of the Connecticut His-
torical Society, and forms Appendix A of this History. It is a copy, or rather a compi-
lation, from the original Records, and was made about 1670 by Matthew Grant, one of
the original members of the church. After this, from time to time, the doings of the
church are added until the death of Mr. Grant, about 1680. The first pages of this
Record Book are somewhat mutilated by the crumbling of the leaves, but enough re-
mains to show why the compiler of this Record did not give us a connected history of
the church from its organization, but only designed to give a record of "Church things
in general [as they have occurred since our] first settling down here in Windsor,
and because the Elders of the Church have [a Record?] of Church proceedings in some
things,
therefore in such things as [there] be to speak to, I shall set down
here in the [or]der I can. Concerning the admission of per[sons to] full communion, I
could give account of [all, but] judge there is no need of such as are dead and gone
from us to other places."
At the head of the list of members a part of two lines are still legible, were so in
Dorchester, and came up here with Mr. [Warham] and still are of us"; then follows a list
of 17 male and 7 female members, and on the next page over the column of the names
of the male members we read: "[Men tha]t have been taken [into full communion
since we [cam]e here. I set them down [acc]ording to the year and [da]y of the month
they were [adm]itted and now remain"; over the other column, Women admitted
here." Near the close of the record is another list of members, headed "The account
of persons taken into Church communion, and years when, that are now living, Decem-
ber 21, 1677.”
Only yet living that came from Dorchester in full communion"; then follow a list of
nine males. "Women from Dorchester," a list of six. "Men taken in here,"
Women taken in here." This was 42 years after the church removed to Windsor.
It now remains to show that this church has not since lost its identity. It has been
claimed that the First Church in Hartford is the oldest church in Connecticut in which
the ordinances have been regularly administered. This claim probably originated from
the Record Book, from which I have quoted. It says: "Here I set down the times of
sacraments administered. January, 1669–70, a sacrament; which the Church has not
had 2 years and 12 weeks." This was but two and a half months before Mr. Warham's
death. It is evident from the Record, which is continued seven years and a half after
the above date, that it was not the practice of the church at that time to have stated
communion seasons. The intervals range from "7 weeks" to "28 weeks." Our ex-
planation of the withholding the administration of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper
for more than two years is as follows: In the fall of 1667 the church, in consequence of
'Mr. Warham becoming ancient," sent to the pastors of Boston, Dorchester, and Cam-
bridge, soliciting their assistance in procuring a suitable person for a colleague, and
they recommended the Rev. Nathaniel Chauncey.
There was a want of unanimity among the people on the question of giving Mr.
Chauncey a call; and the legislature, then in session, came forward in its wisdom to
settle the difficulty, ordering a meeting of the freemen and householders of Windsor,
on the Monday following, to vote for or against giving Mr. Chauncey a call, and forbid
all discourse and agitation" at said meeting, of such "matters as may provoke or
disturb the spirits of each other." The result of that ballot was 86 votes for, and 52
against, calling Mr. Chauncey. The minority now appeal to the legislature, and obtain
an order authorizing them to procure another minister for themselves; and liberty was
granted to the church to settle Mr. Chauncey.
The next May, 1668, Mr. Warham inquires whether the legislature intended to au-
thorize any of members of the church to withdraw, which was answered affirmatively.
APPENDIX C.
897
At the next session, in the fall of 1668, a council of four ministers was designated to
meet the April following, and "settle an accommodation between the church and the
dissenting brethren in Windsor, if they can attain to it"; and in the meantime any
might, "without offense," attend the separate meetings held by the minority (who had
obtained the services of Rev. Mr. Woodbridge). The council was unsuccessful, and in
the fall of 1669 the dissenting brethren were authorized by the legislature to gather
themselves in a separate church. This permission was doubtless acted upon before the
16th of the January following, which comprised the whole interval of “2 years and 12
weeks," during all which time, we have shown, the shield of the civil authority was
held over the dissatisfied members, and they were now by the same authority removed
from the membership of Mr. Warham's church.
During this interval the church sustained Mr. Warham and a colleague; had regular
services on the Sabbath and lecture days, received members under the Half-Way Covenant,
and baptized children. Mr. Warham, his two deacons, and 22 others of the original
members, and about 70 admitted here, were at the close of this period in good and
regular standing; and if the omission of the sacrament under these circumstances
constitutes an irregularity, it by no means disbanded the church, but tends, when taken
in connection with subsequent events, to prove rigid adherence to the principles of the
Congregational order, and the practice of uncompromising discipline.
That the old church was not swallowed up in the new we have abundant proof.
In January, 1678, a mutual council was called by the two churches. That council ad-
vised "that the two congregations reunite, and walk together in the same way and
order, and this way of order whereunto they shall meet in their future walk, shall be
the known and settled way of the First Church, which we understand to be the Con-
gregational way of Church Order." That "those who were originally members of the
First Church be admitted; and those who after the division joined the new Church, be
examined, if there was any objection to them, by the Rev. Mr. Rowlandson and Rev.
Mr. Hooker," neighboring ministers. The next August the Second Church send a com-
munication to the First Church, stating their understanding of the council to be, that
they be received in a body, "without any trial of their fitness by the Church." The
church voted that " they understood the council's act otherwise, and should wait the
council's session for the clearing up of the matter," July 1, 1680. The court of assist-
ants "prohibit all distinct meetings on the Sabbath and public days." It appears from
that order that the Second Church had complied in part with the advice of the council.
And it afterwards appears that part of those who separated from the First Church
had returned to her communion. October, 1680, the legislature ordered that the society
shall unite with the First on the terms proposed by the council of 1668; both of the
former ministers [Mr. Chauncey and Mr. Woodbridge] to be released, and a new one
sought." Then the Second Church complain to the legislature that the First Church
will not abide by the advice of said council. Our communicants are not entertained,
or objected against [if they had been objected against they could have applied to
Messrs. Rowlandson and Hooker for certificates of their Orthodoxy], neither we or our
minister could enjoy communion in sacraments, nay the sacrament was put by, that we
might not.”
Finally, at the May session of 1682, the legislature, “upon application of the
Church of Windsor, respecting the difficulties they met with in the settlement of Mr.
Mather [to whom they had given a call], all former orders and endeavors not being
effectual to remove the impediment that lies still in the way, that the matter of union
may be plainly stated, which is now mainly impedimenting to them, this Court see
cause to declare their ready owning the said Church, in the quiet practice of their pro-
fessed principles in point of order, and that the forementioned union be carried on in
manner following, viz.: That Mr. Mather being in due time called and settled in office
by the Church of Windsor, thereupon such of the Second Society as desire fellowship
with them in all ordinances (excepting those that were formerly in communion with
VOL. I.-113
898
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
that Church, that are returned, or to return to the same standing in it), address them-
selves to Mr. Mather; and having satisfied him about their experimental knowledge,
and the grounds of that satisfaction by him declared to the Church to their acceptance,
with encouraging testimony given in reference to their conversation, they be thereupon
admitted."
Thus ended a sad division which had continued through fifteen years, mainly stim-
ulated, I think, by the mistaken sympathy of the civil authority. From that time
there needs no citing of authorities to show the continued existence of this church,
and that "the ordinances have been regularly administered." Its present Confession of
Faith bears internal evidence of its antiquity and its orthodoxy. If I am not in error,
the present Congregational Church in Windsor is the oldest evangelical church in
America; and, except the Southwark Church, London, the oldest orthodox Congrega-
tional Church in the world.
We now touch upon one point in the history of the church in Windsor which has
been called in question, viz.: Its removal, with its original organization, from Dorchester,
Mass., to Connecticut.
The following extract is from the Life of Richard Mather, published with the sanc-
tion of his son, Rev. Increase Mather, in 1670, the very year of Mr. Warham's death,
and but thirty-five years after the date of the event in question, when there was no lack
of living witnesses. There were still living twenty-four members of the church in
Windsor, who "were so in Dorchester, and came up here with Mr. [Warham] and still
are of us." Captain Roger Clap, and probably others who came from England with
Mr. Warham and his people, and remained in Dorchester, were also living.
'Being thus by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm brought into New Eng-
land, motions from sundry towns were soon presented to him, desiring that he would
employ the talent which the Lord had enriched him with for the work of the ministry
amongst them; at the same time he was desired at Plymouth, Dorchester, and Rox-
bury. Being in a great strait in his own mind, which of these invitations to accept of;
considering that in difficult cases counsel is an ordinance of God, whereby he is wont
to discover his will, he therefore referred himself to the advice of some judicious
friends, amongst whom Mr. Cotton and Mr. Hooker were chief, who met to consult
this weighty affair; and their advice was, that he should accept of the motion from
Dorchester, which, being accordingly accepted of by him, he did (by the help of
Christ) set upon that great work of gathering a Church; the Church which was first
planted in that place being removed with the Rev. Mr. Warham to Connecticut. There
was an essay towards gathering a Church, April 1, 1636; but by reason that the mes-
sengers of neighboring churches were not satisfied concerning some that were intended
members of that foundation, the work was defererd until August 23, when a Church
was constituted in Dorchester according to the order of the Gospel by Confession and
Profession of Faith; and Mr. Mather was chosen Teacher of that Church.”
Blake's Annals of Dorchester, dated 1750 (the year of the author's death), 115 years
after the removal of Mr. Warham and his people to Connecticut, states (p. 13), under.
date 1636: "This year made great alteration in ye Town of Dorchester, for Mr. Mather
& ye Godly people that came with him from Lancashire wanting a place to Settle in,
some of ye People of Dorchester were willing to remoue & make room for them, & so
Mr. Warham and that half of ye Church removed to Windsor, in Connecticut Colony,
and Mr. Mather and his people came and joined with Mr. Maverick, and that half of ye
Church that were left, and from these people so united are ye greatest part of ye pres-
ent Inhabitants descended. When these two Companies of people were thus united,
they made one Church, having ye sd Rev. Mr. John Maverick, and ye sd Rev. Mr.
Richard Mather for their Pastors, and entered into ye following Covenant, viz.” [and
then follows the "Dorchester Church Covenant made ye 23d day of 6 Month, 1636].”
This statement, taken in connection with the fact that Mr. Warham and Mr.
Maverick were installed pastor and teacher over the old church before they left Eng-
APPENDIX C.
899
land, has seemed to militate against the evidence presented to sustain the claim that the
old church did remove to Connecticut in its organized capacity. But the author of the
Annals was certainly in error respecting Mr. Maverick's connection with the new
church; for Winthrop shows that he had been dead more than six months when the
new church was formed, and I think the author little nearer the truth in the statement
that half the old church remained in Dorchester.
In the present state of the question I see no necessity for abandoning the claim that
the church in Windsor is the oldest orthodox Congregational Church in America.¹ I
regret that in this discussion the church in Windsor had not an able champion. I am
not even a member of the church in Windsor; but a motive for my volunteer efforts
may be found in the fact that I am proud to trace my descent from the first pastor of
that church, the deacon, and several of the members "who came up from Dorchester
in full communion." Six generations of my ancestors have lived and died in that com-
munion, and “my friends and kindred" still "inherit the land, and dwell therein.
There I made a public profession of my faith in "the God of my Fathers"; and from
thence I consented (though with deep regret) to ask, with others, a letter of dismission
and commendation "to the Council to be convened at Windsor Locks, for the purpose
of organizing said members into a Church."
At the conclusion of the discussion, the editor of the Recorder summed up as fol-
lows:
"THE OLDEST CHURCH.
'Before we made our recent statement as to the church in Lynn being the oldest
church, we were aware that the First Church in Hartford — several years younger than
that in Lynn-claimed to be, and we supposed was conceded to be, the oldest church
in Connecticut. We have not the means of settling the question between Hartford and
Windsor. That in Hartford confidently rests in the conclusion that she is the oldest.
If her claim is well founded, the priority of Lynn is established. But if gentlemen in
Hartford and Windsor, living nearer the sources of original information, cannot settle
the question, it would hardly be modest in us to assume to do it.
·
"Then as to the other point, whether the Windsor Church, removing from Dorches-
ter, removed in an organized capacity — that it voted in church meeting to remove as a
church — and carried with them their church records, formally dismissing those left
behind, and continuing to keep their records as the same church- more light is re-
quired. It is true that, both here and at Cambridge, after the removal of some of the
first settlers to Connecticut with their ministers, another organization of the church
was had. For new immigrants had come in, and purchased the houses and lands of
those migrating to Connecticut; and so great was the change of people that there would
be occasion for a reconstruction of the church, whether the people who left went in an
organized body, or were organized anew in their new field.
"
We were led to conclude, from what Cotton Mather says, that they did organize
anew in Connecticut. Speaking of those Connecticut transplants, he says, of this and
that one, that it removed and became a Church' in Connecticut. Of the emigrants to
Windsor he says, 'They removed and became a Church.' It was on this authority
that we based our former position. But since we have had occasion to examine the
matter more critically, we have come to the conclusion that Mather uses a looseness of
expression here; not intending to inform us whether the church organization was
"Two Churches were organized earlier, the Plymouth and the Salem, but both of
these have joined the Unitarians, and left this Windsor Church the oldest Evangelical
Church in New England, and the oldest in America, except the Reformed Dutch
Church, New York city, organized 1628."
- Dea. J. H. Hayden's Centennial Sketch, etc.
900
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
transferred. Otherwise he would contradict himself; for in one passage he tells us
that the Dorchester people moved and became a church in Windsor, and in another
that the church planted in Dorchester was transplanted to Windsor. In one place he
tells us that Stone and Hooker went as colleagues to Hartford, and in another that
Stone was ordained teacher of the church at Hartford. Mather uses such vague-
ness of speech about the whole matter that his testimony is of little or no value
either way.
"As for the evidence produced by Mr. Hayden in his very acceptable article, it
proves clearly that another church was organized at Dorchester. Of this we were well
aware; but the expression, 'a large part of the old one being gone to Conn.,' would
seem to indicate that the church itself did not go. The difficulty about all the docu-
ments relating to this subject is that the writers seem to have treated the question as
to the preservation of the original organization as a matter of little consequence, while
they state the fact of the removal, and so use expressions which may be construed
either way. This defect appears in Mr. Hayden's extracts from the mutilated Compi-
lation of Records. The writer might have said the things there cited in either case.
Still we are not certain that there may not be proofs extant somewhere, which will
definitely settle this question; and, if any of our readers know of such proofs, we
should be grateful for the communication of them.
'Meanwhile, considering nothing upon these points to be definitely settled, we will,
in order to be sure that we tread on no one's toes, for the present modify our position;
and say that the church in Lynn is the oldest Orthodox Congregational Church in Massa-
chusetts, and the oldest remaining in its position, or place of its planting, of any in the
country."
APPENDIX D (Page 98).
THE PRESBYTERIANISM OF THE EARLIER CHURCHES OF
NEW ENGLAND.
THE
HE Presbyterian Quarterly, for January, 1859, in a review of a recent issue of the
German press entitled: "The New England Theocracy a History of Congrega-
tionalism in New England to the Revivals of 1740. By H. F. Uhden, with a preface
by the late Dr. Neander," makes the following remarks:
"As to the constitution of the individual church in the early history of New Eng-
land, it was Presbyterian rather than Congregational. This was the case with the
mother church of Leyden, of which Robinson was pastor, and Brewster a ruling elder.
They seem to have borrowed their ideas of the proper and Scriptural organization of
an individual church, with scarce a modification, from the writings of Calvin. In the
French Reformed Church, as is well known, the principles of the Genevese Reformer
were more perfectly and constantly carried out than in Geneva itself, and it is to the
French Reformed churches that the Leyden Church refers as the pattern from which
they had drawn. In response to certain honorable members of His Majesty's Privy
Council, Robinson and Brewster reply under their own signatures to the effect that
'touching the ecclesiastical ministry, namely of pastors for teaching, elders for ruling,
and deacons for distributing the Church contribution, as also for the two sacraments,
&c., we do wholly and in all points agree with the French Reformed churches, accord-
ing to their public confession of faith.' They add that some small differences were to
be found in their practices, but only such as were in some accidental circumstances,'
and 'not at all in the substance of the things.' Yet, in specifying these differences, they
say: 'We choose none for governing elders but such as are "apt to teach. 'Their
elders are annual, &c., ours perpetual.' 'Our elders administer their office publicly;
theirs more privately.' These are the only matters of difference between themselves
and the French Reformed churches, to which they refer in connection with the form of
government or the constitution of the individual church.
“That this distinction between the pastor and ruling elder was not one merely of
name, is obvious from a variety of evidence. After the branch of the Leyden Church,
which had removed to Plymouth, had remained some years without a pastor, waiting
the arrival of Mr. Robinson, Brewster, the ruling elder, and à man eminently 'apt to
teach,' wished to know or Mr. Robinson whether it were permissible for him to admin-
ister the sacraments. The reply of Robinson is: 'Now touching the question pro-
pounded by you, I judge it not lawful for you, being a ruling elder (as Rom. xii. 7, 8,
and 1 Tim., v. 17), opposed to the elders that teach and exhort and labor in word and
doctrine, to which the sacraments are annexed, to administer them, nor convenient if it
were lawful.' Again, in his reply to Bernard, he says: 'The contrary to that which
you affirm is to be seen of all men in our Confession of Faith, Art. 34, wherein it is
held, that
no sacraments are to be administered until pastors or teachers be ordained
to their office." Still again he says: 'We believe and confess that the elders which
Christ hath left in His Church are to govern the same in all things, provided always
the nature of ecclesiastical government be not exceeded, according to the laws by Him
prescribed, and that the brethren are most straitly bound to obey them.' And once
more to the same purport, he holds that the flock, both severally and jointly, is to
obey them that have the oversite over them.'
<
“In accordance with such views the Leyden Church was constituted. They were,
of course, reflected in the constitution of the Plymouth Church in this country. As to
the church in Salem, Hubbard says there is no small evidence that they took their
902
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
<
model from the Plymouth Church. To its constitution and covenant reference was
often made. Mr. Cotton's charge at Hampton was that they should take advice of
them at Plymouth, and Gov. Winslow wrote of others, they will do nothing without
our advice.' Baillie says the settlers did ‘agree to model themselves after Mr. Robin-
son's pattern,' and Cotton speaks of the Plymouth Church helping the first comers in
their theory, by hearing and discovering their practice at Plymouth.' The only point
which we find specified in regard to which the other churches diverged from those of
Plymouth is that 'they of Massachusetts choose mere ruling elders that is, as not
necessarily "apt to teach" - and gave them authoritative power.'
It would seem,
therefore, that in the Leyden Church we are to find the recognized model of the early
New England churches.
“The Cambridge Platform (1648) thus recognizes the Presbyterian constitution of
the church. It says: 'Of elders, some attend chiefly to the ministry of the Word, as
the pastors and teachers; others attend especially unto rule, who are therefore called
ruling elders.' Again: The ruling elder's office is distinct from the office of pastor
and teacher.' His work is, to join with the pastor in those acts of spiritual rule which
are distinct from the ministry of the Word and Sacraments.' Among the specified
duties are admission of members; convening the church; 'preparing matters in pri-
vate' for 'more speedy dispatch,' etc.
"The government of the church, moreover, is, according to the platform, vested
in 'its Presbytery' of elders. 'The Holy Ghost frequently-yea always
where it mentioned Church rule and Church government, ascribeth it to elders.' This
government of the church is a mixed government,' but 'in respect of the Presbytery
and the power committed unto them, it is an aristocracy.’
<<
<
In accordance with these principles the greater part of the early New England
churches were established. In Plymouth Colony the choice was not, as in Massachu-
setts, of mere ruling elders, but of those that were 'apt to teach.' In New Haven sev-
eral of the principal men called in Scripture phraseology 'the seven pillars ' — con-
stituted an eldership which was the base or nucleus of the church. 'It was the opinion
of the principal divines who first settled New England and Connecticut,' so Trumbull
remarks, 'that in every church completely organized, there was a pastor, teacher, rul-
ing elder, and deacons. These distinct offices they imagined were clearly taught in
these passages: Rom. xii. 7; 1 Cor. xii. 28; 1 Tim. v. 17; and Eph. iv. 11. From
this they argued the duty of all churches, which were able, to be thus furnished. In
this manner were the churches of Hartford, Windsor, New Haven, and other towns
organized. The churches which were not able to support a pastor and teachers, had
their ruling elders and deacons.
The business of the ruling elder was to assist
the pastor in the government of the church. He was particularly set apart to watch
over all its members, to prepare and bring forward all cases of discipline,' etc. 'It was
the general opinion that elders ought to lay on hands in ordination, if there were a
Presbytery in the church, but if there were not, the church might appoint some other
elders or brethren to that service.' As late as 1670, upon the organization of the
Second church in Hartford, one of the main principles of Congregational Church order
is stated to be 'that the power of guidance, or leading, belongs only to the eldership,
and the power of judgment, consent, or privilege, belongs to the fraternity of brethren
in full communion.' Of the importance of the eldership, Hooker speaks in very em-
phatic language: 'The elders must have a Church within a Church, if they would pre-
serve the peace of the Church.' Nor would he allow questions to be discussed before
the whole body till the proper course had been resolved upon in the Presbytery, or ses-
sion of the elders."
In these later days the Congregational churches seem to be tending toward a re-
turn to the custom of the earlier church in this respect. Certain churches in the West
have elected ruling elders, and the subject is now commanding much attention in the
Congregational denomination. — Ed.
APPENDIX E (Page 278).
RECORDS OF THE "7TH," OR "4тH,” OR NORTH SOCIETY OF WINDSOR
(Extracts from Rev. Mr. Hinsdale's Record.)
ON
N the 3d of September, 1761, the following persons were, by act of the Consocia-
tion of the North District in the County of Hartford, embodied into a church state :
Jonathan Stiles
Daniel Bissell
Samuel Hayden
Abrm Dibble
Josiah Bissell
Jabez Bissell
Benoni Denslow
The next day "the persons hereafter named were received by said church into full
communion."
Nathaniel Gaylord
Peletiah Allyn
Isaac Hayden
Joseph Gaylord
1762
Nath❜l Hayden
1765
Elijah Parker
Elizabeth Gaylord
Lydia Hoskins
Lydia Hoskins, jr.
Abigail Hayden
Naomi Hayden
Joseph Bissell
Joseph Wadsworth
Ralph Bissell
Ab Stoughton
Azubah Strong
Hannah Dibble
1762
Mercy Sheldon
Abigail Pinney
Lucy Denslow
Eunice Hayden
Jemima Ellsworth
Parsons
Deacons. - Nathaniel Hayden, Josiah Bissell, Esq.,
chosen Dec. 26, 1768.
The Half-Way Covenant. — "April 28th, 1776. It having been a usage formerly to
admit persons to own the Baptismal Covenant and have baptism for the children, when
neither the Covenanters nor the Church looked on them presently meet for and bound
to attendance on the Lord's supper, whereas at present we have but one Covenant or
Profession for all, the same are admitted who object against themselves and for scruples
of their own are tolerated in a non-attendance on the holy supper, though acknowledged
as members in complete standing — a question arose whether the covenanters, especially
the former sort, should be required to renew their Covenant in order to their coming to
the Lord's supper, and to exercise their right to act in matters of discipline, &c.
"This matter having been proposed and before disposed was this day agreed
and passed unanimously in a meeting of the Church as follows:
That all persons in explicit Covenant with the Church, whether they came in for-
merly or more latterly, are at liberty if they please to come to all parts of communion
with us without renewing the Covenant or Confession.
>
"However.
'That it would be more agreeable if such especially as owned their Covenant
according to the former usage, were to renew their profession before they came to all
parts of Communion.”
APPENDIX F (Page 460).
NATIVES OR RESIDENTS OF WINDSOR, EAST AND SOUTH WINDSOR,
WINDSOR LOCKS, AND BLOOMFIELD, WHO HAVE REPRESENTED
CONNECTICUT IN THE UNITED STATES OR IN THE STATE GOV-
ERNMENT.
Governors: Roger Wolcott, 1751-54, three years service.
Oliver Wolcott (Sen.) son of the above, was born in Wind-
sor, but removed to Litchfield, Ct.; served as Governor
1796 to his death in 1797.
Deputy-Governors: Roger Ludlow, 1639, '42, '48,-3 yrs.
John Mason, 1660-9,-9 yrs.
Roger Wolcott, 1742-51, — 9 yrs.
Lieutenant-Governor :
Oliver Wolcott, 1786–96.
George G. Sill, 1873-76.
Secretaries: Daniel Clark, 1658-64, 1665-67, -8 yrs.
Members of the Continental Congress:
1774: app'd by the Committee of Correspondence, July and August, any
three to attend: Erastus Wolcott.
1778: app'd by the General Assembly, Oct. sess., Oliver Ellsworth.
1779: 66
66
66
66
Oct., 1778,
66
1780: 66
66
66
66
66
att'd.
Jan., 1780, to serve till the first
Monday in Nov., Oliver Ells-
worth, attended.
1780-81: elected by the Freemen, May, 1780, to hold office for one year
in Nov. next, Oliver Ells-
worth,— attended.
1781-82: 66
66
66
66
1781, Oliver Ellsworth, — att’d.
1782-83 :
66
66
66
66
1782, 66
66
66
1783-84: 66
66
66
66
1783, 66
66
resigned
Oct., 1783.
1787-88:
66
66
66
66
1788-89:
(6
66
66
66
1787, Erastus Wolcott,
signed, Oct., 1787.
1788, Erastus Wolcott.
re-
APPENDIX F.
905
Delegates to the Convention for Framing the Constitution of the U. S.
1787, May, app'd by Gen. Assembly, Erastus Wolcott, E. W., declined.
(His place filled by Roger
Sherman.)
Oliver Ellsworth, W.
United States Senators from Connecticut :
Oliver Ellsworth, 1789–96.
John Milton Niles, 1835-39, 1843-49, W. (res. Hartford).
Francis Gillett, 1854-55 (res. Bloomfield).
William W. Ellsworth, 22d and 23d Congress, 1831-35. .
.
John H. Brockway (Ell.), 6th Dist., 26th and 27th Congress,
1839-43.
Members of General Assembly:
1776. May Session. Capt. Josiah Bissell, Capt. Henry Allyn, W.; Col. Erastus Wol-
cott (Speaker), Mr. Benoni Olcott, E. W.
October Session. Capt. Henry Allyn, Capt. Josiah Bissell, W.; Mr. Benoni Ol-
cott, E. W
Adjourned Session, Nov., 1776, in addition to the above, Col. Erastus Wol-
cott, E. W.
1777. May Session.
Capt. Henry Allyn, Capt. James Hooker, W.; Gen. Erastus
Wolcott, Mr. Benoni Olcott, E. W.
October Session. Dr. Alex. Wolcott, Capt. Edward Griswold, W.; Gen. Erastus
Wolcott, Mr. Benoni Olcott, E. W.
Also the same at an adjourned session, Jan., 1778.
1778. May Session.
Capt. Henry Allyn, Col. Roger Newberry, W.; Mr. William
Wolcott, Gen. Erastus Wolcott, E. W.
October Session. Gen. Erastus Wolcott, Mr. Frederick Ellsworth, E. W.; Col.
Roger Newberry, W.
Also, at an adjourned session, Jan., 1779, the above and Capt. Henry Allyn, W.
1779. May Session. Mr. Eliakim Marshall, Dr. Alex. Wolcott, W.; Capt. Amasa
Loomis, Mr. Frederick Ellsworth, E. W.
October Session. Mr. Eliakim Marshall, Mr. Alex. Wolcott, W.; Gen. Erastus
Wolcott, Mr. Frederick Wolcott, E. W.
1780. May Session.
Col. Roger Newberry, Mr. Eliakim Marshall, W.; Gen. Erastus
Wolcott, Mr. Frederick Ellsworth, E. W.
October Session. Mr. Eliakim Marshall, Capt. Josiah Phelps, W.; Gen. Erastus
1781. May Session.
Wolcott, Mr. Fred'k Ellsworth, E. W.
Mr. Eliakim Marshall, Capt. Josiah Phelps, W.; Br.-Gen.
Wolcott, Mr. Frederick Ellsworth, E. W.
October Session. Mr. Eliakim Marshall, W.; Gen. Erastus Wolcott, Capt. James
At an adjourned
1782. May Session.
Chamberlain, E. W.
session, Jan., 1782, also Capt. Josiah Phelps, E. W.
Capt. Henry Allyn, Mr. Horace Hooker, W.; Gen. Erastus
Wolcott, Capt. James Chamberlain, E. W.
October Session. Mr. Eliakim Marshall, Capt. Henry Allyn, W.; Capt. James
Chamberlain, Mr. Joseph Allyn, E. W.
1783. May Session.
Mr. Eliakim Marshall, Capt. Henry Allyn, W.; Gen. Erastus
Wolcott, Mr. Joseph Allen, E. W.
October Session. Capt. Nathaniel Loomis, Mr. Aaron Phelps, 2d, W.; Gen.
Erastus Wolcott, Mr. Joseph Allyn, E. W.
VOL. I.-114
906
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
1784. May Session.
Mr. Aaron Phelps, 2d, Gen. Roger Newberry, W.; Gen. Eras-
tus Wolcott, Mr. Joseph Allyn, E. W.
October Session. Gen. Roger Newberry, Mr. Aaron Phelps, W.; Mr. Joseph
Allyn, Mr. Matthew Hyde, E. W.
1785. May Session.
Gen. Roger Newberry, Mr. Aaron Phelps, 2d, W.; Mr. Matthew
Hyde, E. W.
October Session. Mr. Matthew Hyde, Mr. Joseph Allyn, E. W.; Gen. Roger
Newberry, Capt. Henry Allyn, W.
1786. May Session.
Mr. Matthew Hyde, Maj. Lemuel Stoughton, E. W.; Capt.
Henry Allyn, Gen. Roger Newberry, W.
October Session. Maj. Lemuel Stoughton, Capt. Roswell Grant, E. W.; Mr.
Matthew Hyde, Ell.; Capt. Henry Allyn, Mr. Solomon
Griswold, W.
1787. May Session.
Mr. Joseph Allyn, Mr. Benoni Olcott, E. W.; Mr. Matthew
Hyde, Ell.; Capt. Henry Allyn, Mr. Solomon Griswold, W.
October Session. Maj. Lemuel Stoughton, Capt. Roswell Grant, E. W.; Mr.
Matthew Hyde, Ell.; Capt. Henry Allyn, Mr. Solomon
Griswold, W.
1788. May Session.
Col. Lemuel Stoughton, Capt. Roswell Grant, E. W.; Mr.
Matthew Hyde, Ell.; Capt. Henry Allyn, Gen. Roger New-
berry, W.
October Session. Gen. Roger Newberry, Capt. Henry Allyn, W.; Mr. Matthew
Hyde, Ell.; Maj. Lemuel Stoughton, Capt. Roswell
Grant, E. W.
1789. May Session.
Col. Lemuel Stoughton, Capt. Roswell Grant, E. W.; Capt.
Henry Allyn, Gen. Roger Newberry, W.; Col. Joseph
Abbott, Ell.
October Session. Capt. Roswell Grant, E. W.; Capt. Henry Allyn, Gen. Roger
Newberry, W.; Col. Levi Wells, Ell.
1790. May Session.
Col. Lem. Stoughton, Capt.. Roswell Grant, E. W.; Capt.
Henry Allyn, Mr. Solomon Griswold, W.; Col. Levi
Wells, Ell.
October Session. Mr. Lemuel Stoughton, Mr. Roswell Grant, E. W.; Mr. Heze-
kiah Bissell, Mr. Oliver Mather, W.; Mr. Matthew Hyde, El.
Mr. Lemuel Stoughton, Mr. Roswell Grant, E. W.; Mr. Oliver
Mather, Mr. Hezekiah Bissell (also one of two clerks), W.;
Mr. Levi Wells, Ell.
1791. May Session.
•
October Session. Mr. Henry Allyn, Mr. Solomon Griswold, W. Mr. Lemuel
Stoughton, Mr. Roswell Grant, E. W.; Mr. Matthew
Hyde, Ell.
1792. May Session.
Mr. Caleb Booth, Mr. Daniel Rockwell, E. W.; Mr. Henry
Allyn, Mr. Solomon Griswold, W.; Mr. Matthew Hyde, Ell.
October Session. Mr. Oliver Mather, Mr. Hezekiah Bissell, W.; Mr. Caleb
Booth, Mr. Daniel Rockwell, E. W.; Mr. Matthew Hyde, Ell.
Mr. Fred'k Ellsworth, E. W.; Mr. Henry Allyn, Mr. Oliver
Mather, W.; Mr. Levi Wells, Ell.
1793. May Session.
October Session. Mr. Oliver Mather, Mr. Hezekiah Bissell, W.; Mr. Fred'k
Ellsworth, Mr. Samuel Treat, E. W.; Mr. Matthew
Hyde, Ell.
1794. May Session.
Mr. Fred'k Ellsworth, Mr. Samuel Treat, E: W.; Mr. Henry
Allyn, Mr. Hezekiah Bissell, W.; Mr. Levi Wells, Ell.
October Session. Mr. Fred'k Ellsworth, Mr. Samuel Treat, E. W.; Mr. Henry
Allyn, Mr. Solomon Griswold, W.; Mr. Matthew Hyde, Ell,
APPENDIX F.
907
1795. May Session.
1796. May Session.
1797. May Session.
Mr. Fred❜k Ellsworth, Mr. Erastus Wolcott, E. W.; Mr. Henry
Allyn, Mr. Hezekiah Bissell, W.; Mr. Matthew Hyde, El.
October Session. Mr. Caleb Booth, Mr. Daniel Rockwell, E. W.; Mr. Henry
Allyn, Mr. Oliver Mather, W.; Mr. Matthew Hyde, Ell.
Mr. Fred❜k Ellsworth, Mr. Erastus Wolcott, E. W.; Mr. Henry
Allyn, Mr. Alex. Wolcott, W.; Mr. Matthew Hyde, Ell.
October Session. Mr. Fred'k Ellsworth, Mr. Erastus Wolcott, E. W.; Mr. Alex.
Wolcott, Mr. Henry Allyn, W.; Mr. Isaac Wells, Ell.
Mr. Fred❜k Ellsworth, Mr. Roswell Grant, E. W.; Mr. Henry
Allyn, Mr. Oliver Mather, W.; Mr. Elijah Pember, Ell.
October Session. Mr. Fred'k Ellsworth, Mr. Daniel Rockwell, E. W.; Mr. Oliver
Mather, Mr. Henry Allyn, W.; Mr. Eleazer Pinney, Ell.
Mr. Fred'k Ellsworth, Mr. Daniel Rockwell, E. W.; Mr. Oliver
Mather, Mr. Henry Allyn, W.; Mr. Isaac Wells, Ell.
October Session. Mr. James Chamberlain, Mr. Alexander King, E. W.; Mr.
Henry Allyn, Mr. James Hooker, W.; Mr. Isaac Wells, Ell.
Mr. Caleb Booth, Mr. Daniel Rockwell, E. W.; Mr. Hezekiah
Bissell, Mr. Oliver Mather, W.; Mr. Isaac Wells, Ell.
1798. May Session.
1799. May Session.
October Session. Mr. Caleb Booth, Mr. Daniel Rockwell, E. W.; Mr. Alex'r
Wolcott, Mr. Daniel Talcott, W.; Mr. Joseph Abbott,
Jr., Ell.
1800. May Session.
1801. May Session.
Mr. Caleb Booth, Mr. Daniel Rockwell, E. W.; Mr. George
Wolcott, Mr. Isaac Owen, Jr., W.; Mr. Eleazer Pinney, Ell.
October Session. Mr. Caleb Booth, Mr. Daniel Rockwell, E. W.; Mr. Alex.
Wolcott, Mr. John Chaffee, W.; Mr. Joseph Abbott, Jr., Ell.
Mr. Caleb Booth, Mr. Daniel Rockwell, E. W.; Mr. Alex. Wol-
cott, Mr. Daniel Talcott, W.; Mr. Levi Wells, Jr., Ell.
October Session. Mr. Caleb Booth, Mr. Abiel Wolcott, E. W.; Mr. Daniel Tal-
cott, Mr. George Wolcott, W.; Mr. Robert Hyde, Ell.
1802. May Session. Mr. Caleb Booth, Mr. Abiel Wolcott, E. W.; Mr. Daniel Tal-
cott, Mr. Ebenezer F. Bissell, W.; Mr. Robert Hyde, El.
October Session. Mr. Charles Jenks, Mr. Abiel Wolcott, E. W.; Mr. Ebenezer
F. Bissell, Mr. Jonathan Palmer, Jr., W.; Mr. Levi Wells, Ell.
1803. May Session. Mr. Caleb Booth, Mr. Abiel Wolcott, E. W.; Mr. Jona.
Palmer, Jr., Mr. George Griswold, W.; Mr. Levi Wells, Jr.,
Ell.
October Session. Mr. Caleb Booth, Mr. Abiel Wolcott, E. W.; Mr. Elisha Moore,
Mr. John Chaffee, W.; Mr. Joseph Abbott, Jr., El.
Mr. Caleb Booth, Mr. Abiel Wolcott, E. W.; Mr. Elisha Moore,
Mr. Eliakim Marshall, W.; Mr. Levi Wells, Ell.
1804. May Session.
October Session. Mr. Caleb Booth, Mr. Abiel Wolcott, E. W.; Mr. Eliakim
Marshall, Mr. Ebenezer F. Bissell, W.; Mr. Levi Wells, Ell.
Caleb Booth, Daniel Rockwell, E. W.; Eben. F. Bissell, Jr.,
Isaac Pinney, W.; John H. Goodrich, Ell.
1805. May Session.
October Session. Caleb Booth, Daniel Rockwell, E. W.; Isaac Pinney, Samuel
1806. May Session.
Allen, W.; John M. Goodrich, Ell.
Caleb Booth, Daniel Rockwell, E. W.; Samuel Allen, Solomon
Allen, Jr., W.; Willis Russell, Ell.
October Session. Charles Jenks, Daniel Rockwell, E. W.; Daniel Talcott, Solo-
1807. May Session.
mon Allen, W.; Wyllys Russell, Ell.
Charles Jenks, Daniel Rockwell, E. W.; Daniel Talcott, Josiah
Phelps, W.; Daniel Hyde, El.
October Session. Noah Allen, Aaron Bissell, E. W.; Josiah Phelps, David
Gibbs, W.; Daniel Hyde, Ell.
908
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
1808. May Session.
Noah Allen, Aaron Bissell, E. W.; David Gibbs, Oliver
Thrall, W.; Wyllys Russell, Ell.
October Session. Charles Jenks, Roswell Grant, E. W.; Oliver Thrall, Eliakim
Marshall, W.; Wyllys Russell, Ell.
1809. May Session.
Charles Jenks, Roswell Grant, E. W.; Eliakim Marshall, Tim-
othy Phelps, W.; John H. Goodrich, Ell.
October Session. Noah Allen, Roswell Grant, E. W.; Timothy Phelps, John
Chaffee, W.; John H. Goodrich, Ell.
1810. May Session.
Noah Allen, Roswell Grant, E. W.; John Chaffee, John Hub-
bard, W.; Asa Willey, Ell.
October Session. Charles Jenks, Aaron Bissell, 'E. W.; John Hubbard, Daniel
1811. May Session.
Talcott, W.; Asa Willey, Ell.
Charles Jencks, Aaron Bissell, E. W.; Daniel Talcott, John
Griswold, W.; Wyllys Russell, Ell.
October Session. Asahel Stiles, Roswell Grant, E. W.; John Griswold, Ebenr. F.
1812. May Session.
Bissell, Jr., W.; Robert Hyde, Ell.
Asahel Stiles, Roswell Grant, E. W.; Ebenezer F. Bissell,
Oliver Thrall, W.; Wyllys Russell, Ell.
October Session. Joel Holkins, Roswell Grant, E. W.; Oliver Thrall, Eli
Wilson, W.; Wyllys Russell, Ell.
1813. May Session.
Joel Holkins, Roswell Grant, E. W.; Eli Wilson, Reuben
Barker, W.; Levi Wells, Ell.
October Session. John Stoughton, Jr., Eli B. Haskell, E. W.; Reuben Barker,
Levi Hayden, W.; Levi Wells, Ell.
1814. May Session.
John Stoughton, Jr., Eli B. Haskell, E. W.; Levi Hayden,
David Grant, W.; Asa Willey, Ell.
October Session. Noah Allen, Amasa Loomis, E. W.; David Grant, Christopher
Wolcott, W.; Asa Willey, Ell.
1815. May Session.
Noah Allen, Amasa Loomis, E. W.; Christopher Wolcott,
Ebenezer Hitchcock, W.; Peleg Martin, Ell.
October Session. Joel Holkins, Eli B. Haskell, E. W.; Elihu Mills, Isaac Owen,
Jr., W.; John Hall, Ell.
1816. May Session.
John Stoughton, Jr., Eli B. Haskell, E. W.; Ebenezer Hickox,
Oliver Mather, W.; Asa Willey, Ell.
October Session. John Stoughton, Jr., Eli B. Haskell, E. W.; Oliver Mather,
1817. May Session.
Elisha N. Sill, W.; Asa Willey, Ell.
John Stoughton, Jr., Abner Reed, E. W.; Elisha N. Sill,
David Grant, W.; Asa Willey, Ell.
October Session. John Stoughton, Jr., Abner Reed, E. W. David Grant,
1818. May Session.
William Alford, W.; Asa Willey, Ell.
Abner Reed, Joel Holkins, E. W.; William Alford, Eliakim
Marshall, W.; Asa Willey, Ell.
October Session. Timothy Ellsworth, Abner Reed, E. W.; Odiah Loomis, Joseph
H. Russell, W.; Asa Willey, Ell.
1819. May (An. Ses.). Timothy Ellsworth, Elihu Wolcott, E. W.; Joseph H. Russell,
Oliver Filley, W.; John Hall, Ell.
1820. Eli B. Haskell, Epaphras L. Phelps, E. W.; Cyrus Phelps, Henry Halsey, W.;
Asa Willey, Ell.
1821. Epaphras L. Phelps, Eli B. Haskell, E. W.; James Newberry, Hezekiah Chaffee,
W.; Joseph Abbott, Ell.
1822. Abner Reed, Epaphras L. Phelps, E. W.; Oliver Thrall, Henry Newberry, W.;
Asa Willey, Ell.
1823. Epaphras L. Phelps, Abner Reed, E. W.; Giles Ellsworth, Augustus Bolles, W.;
Benjamin Pinney, Ell.
APPENDIX F.
909
1824. Epaphras L. Phelps, Abner Reed, E. W.; Horace Palmer, Elisha N. Sill, W.;
Benjamin Pinney, Ell.
1825. Asher Allen, Augustus Mills, E. W.; James Loomis, Richard Niles, W.; Asa
Willey, Ell.
1826. Timothy Ellsworth, Eli B. Haskell, E. W.; James Loomis, James Newberry, W.;
Asa Willey, Ell.
1827. Timothy Ellsworth, Eli B. Haskell, E. W.; Henry Sill, Josiah Phelps, W.;
Joseph Abbott, Ell.
1828. Epaphras L. Phelps, Abner Reed, E. W.; Henry Sill, Oliver Thrall, W.; Asa
Willey, Ell.
1829. Epaphras L. Phelps, Eli B. Haskell, E. W.; Warren Marshall, Martin Ellsworth,
W.; Asa Willey, Ell.
1830. Speaker, Hon. Henry W. Edwards of W.; Epaphras L. Phelps, Éli B. Haskell,
E. W.; Warren Marshall, Josiah Phelps, W.; Oliver W. Steele, Ell.
1831. Timothy Ellsworth, Eli B. Haskell, E. W.; Giles Ellsworth, Oliver Filley, W.;
Oliver W. Steele, Ell.
1832. Epaphras L. Phelps, Abner Reed, E. W.; Henry Halsey, Francis Gillett, W.;
John H. Brockway, Ell.
1833. Horace Barber, Samuel Mills, E. W.; Warren Marshall, Guy Talcott, W.; Ben-
jamin Pinney, Ell.
1834. William Barnes, Theodore Elmer, E. W.; Wm. Alford, David Grant, W.; Asa
Willey, Ell.
1835. William Barnes, Theodore Elmer, E. W.; Giles Ellsworth, Samuel Cadwell, W.;
Joseph W. Bissell, Ell.
1836. Daniel Chapin, Chester White, E. W.; Richard Niles, James Loomis, W.; Asa
Willey, Ell.; Hiram Roberts, Blfd.
1837. Harvey Holkins, Fred. W. Grant, E. W.; Horace Birge, William Alford, W.;
Asa Willey, Ell.; Ammi L. Palmer, Blfd.
1838. Chester Belknap, Melancthon Hudson, E. W.; Henry Sill, Elihu Marshall, W.;
John H. Brockway, Ell.; Francis Gillet, Bifd.
1839. Nathan Brown, Blfd.; Erastus Ellsworth, Erastus Buckland, E. W.;
1840.
W.; Stedman Nash, Ell.
Bifd.; John Morton, James Moore, E. W.; Giles Ellsworth, Avery
Parsons, W.; Calvin Chapman, Ell.
1841. Reuben Bradley, Blfd.;
Jabesh Collins, Ell.
1842.
E. W.; Rob't M. Abbe, Samuel Mather, W.;
Blfd.; Asahel C. Stiles, Harvey Elmore, E. W.; Samuel Mather,
Rich'd Niles, W.; Joel W. Smith, Ell.
1843. Hiram Thrall, Blfd.; Eben'z'r Pinney, no choice, E. W.; Rich'd Niles, Gamaliel
W. Griswold, W.; Asa Willey, Ell.
1844. Elisha Moore, Blfd.; Bezaleel Sexton, Harvey Elmer, E. W.; Sidney Bower, Eli
Phelps, W.; Jabesh Collins, Ell.
1845. Geo. Newberry, Blfd.; Asahel Stiles, Harvey Elmer, E. W.; Nath' R. Alvord,
Horace Birge, W.; Daniel Kimball, Ell.
1846. Elisha B. Phelps, Blfd.; Lemuel Stoughton, Chauncy Ellsworth, E. W.; David
L. Hubbard, Isaac P. Owen, W.; Oliver W. Steele, Ell.; Benoni O. King,
S. W.
1847. Sam. T. Avery, S. W.; Benj. Graham, Blfd.; John Clark, Lemuel Stoughton,
E. W.; Samuel Clark, Freeman N. Brown, W.; Stedman Nash, Ell.
1848. David W. Grant, Blfd.; David Osborn, 2d, Ralph Blodgett, E. W.; Job Allyn,
James Loomis, 2d, W.; Austin Tilden, Ell.; John S. Clapp, S. W.
1849. Joseph Chapman, Blfd.; Chester Belknap, Levi Palmer, E. W.; Sanford Grant,
S. W.; John P. Ellsworth, Herman H. Holcomb, W.; Herman C. Griswold,
El.
910
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
1850.
1851.
1853.
Wm. L. Humaston, Blfd.; Daniel Chapin, H. W. Allyn, E. W., Horace Filley,
S. W.; Talcott Mather, Hiram G. Phelps, W.; Darius Crane, Ell.
Geo. W. Gorton, Blfd.; Samuel W. Bartlett, Chauncy Ellsworth, E. W.; Homer
P. Stedman, S. W.; Martin Palmer, Rich'd H. Phelps, W.; Horace Warner,
El.
1852. William Adams, Blfd.; Benjamin Hamilton, William Phelps, E. W.; Horace
Filley, S. W.; Eli Phelps, James Loomis, 2d, W.; Benjamin Pinney, El.
Amasa H. Jerome, Blfd.; Jonathan Colton, Marvin Fuller, E. W.; William Dart,
S. W.; Freeman M. Brown, David L. Hubbard, W.; Joseph Snow, Ell.
1854. Alden Cadwell, Blfd.; Jabez S. Allen, J. O. Ellsworth, E. W.; Eli R. Olcott,
S. W.; Alex. Clapp, Thos. R. Haskell, W.; Horace McKnight, Ell.
1855. Nathan F. Miller, Blfd.; Samuel W. Cook, Joseph T. Hull, E. W., Thos. H.
Bissell, S. W.; Spencer Clapp, Jr., Eli Phelps, W.; Isaac P. Owen, W. L.;
Henry Hollister, Ell.
1856. Hiram B. Case, Blfd.; Wm. T. Barber, Charles Bartlett, E. W.; Joseph M. New-
berry, S. W.; Lemuel A. Welch, John E. Griswold, W.; Luman Atwater, W.
L.; Julius A. Kibbe, Ell.
1857. A. W. Allyn, Blfd.; Nelson S. Osborn, Orrin Bissell, E. W.; Frank Grant, S. W.;
Henry B. Moore, Thos. W. Loomis, W.; John Moran, W. L.; Benj. Pinney,
Jr., Ell.
1858. Henry C. Hoskins, Blfd.; Buckley P. Barber, Arnold Hamilton, E. W.; Albert
W. Drake, S. W.; Alonzo M. Smith, Horace Thrall, W.; Geo. Willard Sayles,
W. L.; Asel Johnson, Ell.
1859. Henry McLean, Blfd.; Luman S. Allen, John F. Fitts, E. W.; Leonard Grant, S.
W.; Albert Morrison, Oscar J. Phelps, W.; Joseph Whipple, W. L.; Erastus
P. Pease, Ell.
1860. Jonathan E. Palmer, Blfd.; Luman S. Allen, John F. Fitts, E. W.; Samuel E.
Elmore, S. W.; E. S. Alford, Edwin Griswold, W.; Charles Carter, W. L.;
Cornelius Farmer, Ell.
1861. Thos. Gabb, Blfd.; Wm. W. Skinner, Wm. H. Thompson, E. W.; Lorin Loomis,
S. W.; Gilbert Clark, Joseph G. Denslow, W.; T. B. Persse, W. L.; Horace
M. Chapman, Ell.
1862. Jonathan E. Palmer, Blfd.; Wm. W. Skinner, Wm. H. Thompson, E. W.; Ed-
win Foster, S. W.; Thos. W. Loomis, Rich'd D. Case, W.; Alford C. Ware,
W. L.; Calvin Pease, Jr., Ell.
1863. Alex. D. McLean, Blfd.; Eli Gowdy, Jonathan Colton, E. W.; John N. Alexan-
der, S. W.; Oliver W. Thrall, Joel Palmer, W.; L. B. Chapman, W. L.;
Henry Gunn, Ell.
1864. John Wilcox, Blfd.; Eli Gowdy, Jonathan Colton, E. W.; Samuel E. Elmore,
S. W.; James M. Brown, H. J. Thrall, W.; F. M. Brown, W. L.; D. P.
Chapman, Ell.
1865. C. H. Case, Blfd.; Shadrach L. Fish, Benj. L. Bissell, E. W.; Seth Vinton, S. W.;
Warham A. Griswold, Orson B. Moore, W.; Theo. T. Miller, W. L.; John W.
Thayer, Ell.
1866. S. P. Newberry, Blfd.; J. H. Simonds, Edª. Dexter, E. W.; Jos. M. Newberry,
S. W.; Lonzo M. Smith, Eli Phelps, W.; James Coogan, W. L.; Asaph D.
McKinney, EU.
1867. C. Newberry, Blfd.; Bethuel P. Colton, Pliny C. Allen, E. W.; John M. King,
S. W.; William Mack, T. N. Griswold, W.; Edw. E. Mather, W. L.; Oliver
M. Hyde, Ell.
1868. Thos. E. Moore, Blfd.; Wm. H. Heath, Salmon North, E. W.; Geo. Foster, S.
W.; H. Sidney Hayden, R. D. Case, W.; F. M. Brown, W. L.; Robert Pat-
ten, Ell. (Seat-successfully contested by Henry Bissell.)
APPENDIX F.
911
1869. Wm. J. Gabb, Blfd.; Daniel Phelps, Caleb Leavitt, E. W.; Francis Jones, S. W.;
Alva Fenton, Alex. Clapp, W.; T. C. Coogan, W. L.; Guy P. Collins, Ell.
1870. Gad Wilcox, Blfd.; Jabez S. Allen, Francis Gowdy, E. W.; Lyman Grant, S. Ŵ.;
John Francis, Alex. Clapp, W.; Wm. B. Butler, W. L.; Nelson Warner, Ell.
1871. Martin Burr, Blfd.; Jabez S. Allen, Francis Gowdy, E. W.; Lloyd E. Baldwin,
S. W.; Horace P. Rockwell, John O. Phelps, W.; Robt. McCowen, W. L.;
Nelson Warner, Ell.
1872. Edward S. Brown, Blfd.; Wm. T. Barber, Arnold Hamilton, E. W.; Henry Hol-
man, S. W.; H. Sidney Hayden, Charles Fox, W.; Dwight J. Osborn, W. L.;
W. H. Cogswell, Ell.
1873. Grove Barnard, Blfd.; Joseph A. Pascoe, Orson S. Wood, E. W.; Oliver Clark,
S. W.; Sam. A. Booth, Hiram G. Phelps, W.; T. C. Coogan, W. L.; Henry
C. Aborn, El.
1874. Elisha B. Case, Blfd.; D. P. Leonard, Joseph Arnold, E. W.; Sidney W. Buck-
land, S. W.; Ellsworth N. Phelps, Jas. V. R. Strickland, W.; T. B. Persse,
Jr., W. L.; J. A. Thompson, Ell.
·
1875. Samuel J. Mills, Blfd.; Oliver M. Nelson, Charles E. Phelps, E. W.; Chelsea C.
Vinton, S. W.; Stebbins B. Holcomb, Thomas Duncan, W.; Thomas F. Car-
roll, W. L.; John Beasley, Ell.
1876. Norman Hubbard, Blfd.; Hiram Smith, E. R. Leonard, E. W.; Lewis Sperry,
S. W.; H. Tudor White, Thomas Duncan, W.; John Outerson, W. L.; Fran-
cis Pinney, Ell.
1877. J. Cleveland Capen, Blfd.; Dan'l W. Bartlett, Joseph T. Hull, E. W.; Lucius J.
Grant, S. W.; H. Tudor White, Wm. L. Bidwell, W.; John B. Windsor, W.
L.; Otis Snow, Ell.
1878. Eli Brown, Blfd.; James Price, Jr., Chas. A. Bissell, E. W.; Frederick A. King,
S. W.; Eli Phelps, Patrick Gilligan, W.; James T. Coogan, W. L.; Ira H.
Lewis, Ell.
1879. John E. Cox, Blfd.; Aaron Smith, Oliver Fleming, E. W.;. L. D. Chandler, S. W.;
Daniel W. Mack, Richard D. Case, W.; Francis J. Wedemeyer, W. L.; Rus-
sell Thrall, Ell.
-1880. Edgar W. Pinney, Blfd.; Aaron Smith, Byron O'Neil, E. W.; Sheldon J. Grant,
S. W.; George W. Barnes, William H. Harvey, W.; James W. Byrne, W. L.;
Elam S. Hyde, Ell.
1881. Wm. G. Hubbard, Blfd.; Sylvester D. Rockwell, Charles W. Davenport, E. W.;
George Dart, S. W.; Timothy S. Phelps, George W. Hodge, W.; Joseph
Whipple, W. L.; Ortive C. Eaton.
1882. Henry D. Barnard, Blfd.; Orson S. Wood, Charles E. Woodward, E. W.;
John P. Jones, S. W.; Daniel W. Phelps, Lemuel R. Lord, W.; John W.
Coogan, W. L.; J. Abbott Thompson, Ell.
1883. John Blackwell, Blfd.; Horace M. Bancroft, John N. Clark, E. W.; George A.
Bowman, S. W.; Samuel D. Drake, Fredus M. Case, W.; Ezra B. Bailey,
W. L.; Joseph A. Thompson, Ell.
1884. Henry Gray, Blfd.; Seth S. Allen, Clinton T. Inslee, E. W.; Frank Avery, S. W.;
Sidney M. Hollister, Stephen Lavery, W.; John Coates, W. L.; Alfred U.
Charter, Ell.
1885. George F. Capen, Blfd.; Clinton T. Inslee, Levi Parsons, E. W.; Olin Wheeler,
S. W.; Francis F. Curry, Henry J. Fenton, W.; Edward D. Coogan, W. L.;
John Thompson, Ell.
1886. Franklin B. Miller, Blfd.; Eugene T. Spooner, John H. Smart, E. W.; Jerome
Signor, S. W.; William T. Kennedy, Addison Lanphear, W.; Simon B.
Douglas, W. L.; Frederick A. Pierson, Ell.
1887-88. Charles C. Hoskins, Bifd.; Clinton T. Inslee, Luther H. Grant, E. W.; Henry
912
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Grant, S. W.; William W. Barber, D. Ellsworth Phelps, W.; Eugene E. La-
tham, W. L.; Otis Snow, El.
Đ
1889-90. Frederick A. Pinney, Blfd.; John B. Noble, George B. Goettler, E. W.; Wil-
liam W. Ripley, S. W.; Edson A. Welch, Albert E. Holcomb, W.; Timothy
F. McCarthy, W. L.; Marcus A. Pinney, Ell.
1891-92. John Keough, Blfd.; Aaron Smith, Edwin F. Thompson, E. W.; Joseph W.
Vibert, S. W.; Henry E. Phelps, Seneca O. Griswold, W.; John P. Healy,
W. L.; William Crane, El.
APPENDIX G (Page 577).
EARLY RECORDS OF THE EAST WINDSOR CHURCH.
(Collected from the Private Papers of its First Pastor, Rev. Timothy Edwards.)
THE
HE Covenant that those have owned that are under Church watch in ye Second
Church of Christ in Windsor.
You do now sollemly in the presence of ye most Great and dreadfull God, the
Holy Angells, and this Assembly, avouch the Eternall Jehovah, one God in three per-
sons, ye Father, ye Son, and ye Holy Ghost, to be your God; viz, you Own him to be
the Living and the true God, and desire to Choose him to be, & promise that by his
grace you will Serve him as your God, by Seeking of, and waiting upon him for his
grace in his Ordinances, and in the Constant and diligent Improvement of all his ap-
pointed means, and by faithfully and conscientiously endeavoring to avoid all Sin, and
yield Obedience to all his Commandments. And you also acknowledge yt you are by
nature Children of Wrath, being born into the World in a State of Sin and misery,
and that there is no way to obtain Mercy, and Salvation, but Only by faith in the
Righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the Eternall Son of God, and the alone
Saviour of Sinners, in whom you desire to trust for eternal Life & Salvation and
promise that by his grace you will above all earthly things Labour to make Sure of an
Interest in his Righteousness, and that he may be your Lord, and Saviour, that so you
may be found in him, at the great day, and not in your Sins or your own Righteous-
ness, And you also now Sollemnly promise and bind yourselves to Submit to his Gov-
ernment, In this Church, and by God's help to walk with his People therein in all
things according to the Rules of the Gospell.
The Persons ffollowing owned the Covenant &c
1700
Aug 25. Nath" Grant
Sept
Hez Porter
1700
Augt. 25.
Bathiah Grant Nath" wife
Oct. 27.
Eliz. Taylor, Jn° wife
Joseph Porter
Oct. 27 David Bissell
Nov. 10 Sam" Bancroft
(
"
Joseph Elmer
Ephraim Bissell
Joseph Phelps
<< Josiah Rockwell
John Bissell
34
པ
≈
Hannah Grant, Matthew's wife
Mary Skinner, Jospa wife
Abigail Rockwell
Ann Fitch
Sarah Taylor
Joanna Taylor
Nov. 10. Mary Elsworth, Job's wife
Abigail Strong, Jacob's "
Abigail Bissell, Thos. Daug
Hannah Phelps
Mindwell Phelps
Elisabeth Diggins
Abigail Bissell, Goody
VOL. I.-115
Tudor's Daughter
914
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
These ffollowing persons having owned The Covenant in other Churches & thereby
put themselves under Church watch, have entered into ye same state in this Church,
viz; ye Second Church of Windsor.
Sam" Grant, Jun'
Joseph Rockwell
1700
Joseph Skinner, Jun'
Job Ellsworth.
belonging all of them to ye first Church
of Windsor, owned ye Covenant in
this Church, sometime in Sept or
Oct
1700
Sam Rockwells wife viz: Eliza; of ye
first church in Windsor, Oct. 27
Ann Drake, Josphs 1 wife [and] Bridget
Fitch both of ye first church in Hart-
ford, Oct. 27.
Eben Lomis of ye first Church in Windsor, Oct 27.
Jno Taylor of ye first Church in Windsor, Oct™ 13.
đ
An Acctt of ye Members in full Communion belonging to ye 2d church of Christ in
Windsor, besides myself.
1st of ye Men:
* Deacon Sam" Bakar
Deacon Job Drake
* Sam¹¹ Rockwell, Sen'
Sam¹¹ Grant, Sen'
* Nath¹¹ Bissell.
Broth Stoughton.
Joseph Loomis
* John Stoughton
Sam Tudor
Nath" Loomis
James Porter
Thos. Bissell
Henry Wollcot, Jun' son of Simon
Edward Elmer
William Wollcot
Matthew Grant
John Rockwell.
John Strong
and
2. of ye Women:
* Mary Grant, Saml Sent wife
* Mary Rockwell, S. Sen' wife
* Sarah Bakar, Sam¹¹ wife
Elizabeth Drake, Job's wife.
* Liddia Loomis, Jos: wife
* Abigail Tudor, Sam¹¹ wife
Sarah Porter, James wife
Eliza Loomis, Nath" wife
Esther Bissell, Thos. wife
Mary Loomis, Josiah's wife
Ruth Colt, Josphs wife
*Hannah Elmer, Edd wife
Joanna Loomis, Moses wife
Mary Strong, Jn's wife
Esther Phelps, widow
*Elisa: Wells, Josha Jun' wife
Abigail Burge
*Ruth Stiles, Jnos wife
* Abia Sanders.
Grace Grant, Samll Grants wife
*Jane Wollcot, Henry's wife
Mindwell Loomis, James his wife
Sarah Wollcot, Simon's wife
* Egglestone Bens wife
Esther Bissell, Thos Daughter
An Account of the Children of those belonging to this Society baptized by me:
Sam¹¹ Grant, Juniors Child named Ephraim, Augt 98
Joseph Rockwell's Child namª Elizabeth, dead.
Edward Elmer's Child namd Edwd dead.
John Strong's Child, namd Esther about March 99
Robert Stedman's Child
¹ Mr. Timothy Drake of Hartford writes: "I find from pub. rec. of 1st Ch. of
Hartford, that Anne Ffoster joined that ch. 26 Feb. 1695/6; and that Anne Edwards
joined it 8 Mch., 1695/6. No other person by the name of Anne joined that ch. for
several yrs. before or after that date."
APPENDIX G.
915
Joseph Skinner's Child, March 99 namd
Joseph Fitch's Child namª Joseph, Ap'l 99
Joseph Drake's Child Benj" Aprill, 99
My own Child named Ann, April 28, 99
Cous" Moor's Child Abigail May 99
Joseph Loomis's Child Damaris July or Augt 99
James Loomis's Child James Aprill 99
Mindwell, May 99
Broth'r Stoughton's Child Dan¹¹ Augt 99
Moses Loomis's Child Joanna
Jabez Colts' Child, Ann, Autumn, 99
Sam" Burnham's Child
Cousn John Stoughton's Child Ann
Thos Burnham's Child of Hartford 1st Church
John Elsworth's Child
Simon Wollcot's Child James
John Stiles' Child Ebenezer 1700
Sam
Tudor's Child Elizabeth. ·
* Joseph Porter's Child Josph Sept 1700 dead
Josiah Loomis's Child Nath¹ Oct 27, 1700
Josph Rockwell's Child, Benj: Oct 27, 1700
Nath Grant's Child, Bathiah, Augt 25, 1700
John Taylor's Child Mary Spring 1700
Jacob Strong's Child Abigail Febry
Sam Bancraft's Child named Eunice in ye wint 1700
Math" Grant's Child Wm Jan'y 26 1700
Jos. Drake's Child Ann, febry 2, 1700
My Daughter Mary febry 11, 1700 on Tuesday about 10 of ye clock in ye morning,
baptized feb. 16, 1700
Job Elsworth Child Hannah, ffebr 23, 1700
Cousin Moor's Child Peletiah, March 1701–2.
Sam" Piney's Child nama Sam¹¹ March 23, 1700
Thos Long's Child Sarah March 1700-1
Joseph Elmer's Child, March or Aprill 1701. Joseph
Brother Stoughton's Child, Benj: Aprill or May 1701
Joshua Willes' Jun' May or June, Joshua 1701
John Strong's Child Abigail, May or June 1701
Jacob
Mindwell, July 1701
Hez: Porter's Child, Hezekiah, July 1701.
Jno Spark's Child John, his wife of Hartford 1st Church viz: under C[hurch]
Watch, July, 1701
Benj: Colt's Child Jn° July 1701
Sam Grant's Child, Grace, Augt 1701
John Elsworth's Child Esther in ye former part of ye winter 1701
Jos. Skinner's Ann in Autumn 1701
John Rockwell's Child John in ye winter 1701
W
Math Grant's Child Mary about March or Aprill 1702
Cous" John Stoughton's Child Nath" June 1702
James Loomis's Henry Anno 1702 or 1701
James Younghiss, Hannah in ye Summer 1702
Edwa Elmor's Child, Edwd 1702 about Sept
Jn° Stiles's Child 1702 in ye winter as we take it. Noah
916
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Jn° Taylor's Child Zebulon, 1701 or 1701-2
Cousin John Moore's Child Eliza May 1703
Nath Grant's Child Ruth Febry or March 1702
Sam Rockwell's Child Sam" Janty 1702
Jos. Bakar's Child Josph, Aprill 1703
Jos. Drake's Child Jn° May 1703
Jn° Strong's Child Charles May 1703
Broth Stoughton's Child Timº June 1703
Hezb Porter's Child Deborah, 1702 Winter toward Spring
Jesp Porter's Child Joseph (Winter) 1701
Henry Wollcott's Thos April 1701
Josp. Fitch's Child Jn° March 1701
Ebenz Loomis's Child Jemima (Winter) 1702
Jerb Diggens Sen's Child 1702 Autumn
Jabezh Colt's Child Esther 1701
Jabesh
66
Jabesh
Sam" Bancraft's child July 25, 1703.
ላ
[Referred to on Page 550, 14th line from bottom of Page.]
THE PETITION OF INHABITANTS ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE GREAT RIVER, 1680.
(Copied from the State Archives.)
To The Honored The Genl Assembly of ye Colony of Connecticut now sitting in Hartford:
The Humble Petition of Sundry proprietors and Inhabitants of Lands on the East
side of Connecticott River in the Township of Windsor, Shows, et cetera.
That whereas by the good providence of God who hath appointed all men yº
bounds of their Habitations, and his blessing upon us, your Petitioners, have their
lands and many of us having dwellings on the East side of the Great River, and are
increased to very considerable number of Persons. And there being a continual acces-
sion of families to that side of the River, likely yet more to increase the number of
Dwellings etc; And it having pleased this Hon¹ Assembly at a late Session to Grant an
addition of five miles to our town, or former bounds, for ye Incouragement and accom-
odating of a Plantation there; and also to take notice by a committee (formerly) of the
capacity of that place for such end, and were by their return well (assured) satisfied
that with the aforesaid addition it would be well furnished both as to meadow and up-
land for a Particular township. Your petitioners by long experience having proved
the difficulty of attending the Public Worship of God, at so great a distance from hav-
ing the Great River always to pass, and that in every Great peril both by Storms in
Summer and Ice in winter and finding it also impossible to have the weaker persons in
their families along with them to the ordinances of God as is their duty and desire.
And considering also how ready this Honª Court hath been to forward the wealth of
the People in those and such like respects, we are upon these Premises both necessi-
tated and Incouraged Humbly to Petition the Hond Assembly to Grant that all those
lands on the said East side Connecticott River, at present in the township of Windsor,
may hence forward be a distinct and particular township; and that the Inhabitants &
Proprietors of those lands and that place may be by your authority invested with the
Power and Privileges of a Particular township, or Plantation, for the Settling the Or-
dinances of God in his Public Worship there and the attendance of such other public
occasions, &c. and duties as shall attending to your regulations be put upon us—which
as we hope will be much to the Glory of God, Our Edification with our family and be-
yond what we now enjoy so also an Increase of our outward prosperity and an Inabling
APPENDIX G.
917
us to be more serviceable to the Public weal of this Colony, which that we may obtain
we shall for this Hond Court ever pray, etc.
May 13, 1680.
Joseph Skinner
John Hosford
Thomas Newell
Samuel Baker
Samuel Grant
John Stoughton
Samuel Rockwell
Joseph Baker
Job Drake, Jr
George Griswold
John Denslow, Jr
Timothy Buckland
Samuel Gibbs
John Strong
James Gaylord,
Joseph Birdge
Thomas Burnham
Joseph Phelps
Nathaniel Bissell
Thomas Bissell, Jr
John Hoskins, Sr
Humphrey Pinney
Samuel Ffarnsworth
William Morton
Jas Loomis, Jr
Job Drake
James Cooper
Samuel Gaylord, Sr
Henry Styles
Nathaniel Gaylord
Thomas Powell
John Gaylord, Jr
John Pinney
John Gaylord, Sr
Thos Bissell, Jr
Abraham Phelps
Abraham Randall
John Denslow
Nathaniel Winchell
Samuel Dibble
Thomas Eggleston
Joshua Willes
Thomas Parsons
Humphrey Prior
Samuel Phelps
John Owen
Micael Tainter
Samuel Cross
Walter Gaylord
Timothy Thrall
Tahan Grant
Enoch Drake
Josiah Elmore
Nathaniel Bancroft
John Drake, Sr
Timothy Phelps
Thomas Loomis
Josiah Barker
Owen Tuder, Jr
Samuel Tuder
Owen Tuder, Sr
John Loomis
James Porter
Edward King
John Elmore
Simon Holbrook
Israel Loomis
Nathaniel Loomis
William Phelps
Nathan Gillet
James Eno
John Moses
Matthew Kelsey
William Howell
Timothy Palmer
Robert Howard
Samuel Filley
Anthony Hoskins
Benedict Alford
Thomas Newbery
Josias Ellsworth
John Porter, Jr
Obadiah Wood
Edward Elmore
Robert Stedman
Jeremiah Diggins
Samuel Olmsted
John Colt
John Porter
Joseph Ffitch.
ERRATA.
Page 181, 4th line from bottom, for Fuller read Fowler.
Page 280, 3d line from bottom, for 1872 read 1782.
Page 301 — To the List of Deacons of the Wintonbury Church, add the names of
William A. Gillette, 1850; Timothy G. Jerome, 1854.
Page 346, 19th line, for Lory, read Lemuel Drake.
Page 371, for Col. Shelburne, lines 4 and 6; as, also, on p. 373, line 7, and p. 374,
line 19, read Sherburne.
Pages 544 and 738-740- Saltonstall Park. Mr. JABEZ H. HAYDEN Sends the follow-
ing correction: "The accidental finding (since the above pages went to press) of the
1500 acres nearly opposite Francis Stiles's house-lot (and which long previous search
had failed to bring to light), proves that it constituted no part of the Park. The widow
of Nicholas Davison of Charlestown, Mass., in 1655 sold to Josiah Ellsworth 1500 acres
of 'land here in Windsor that formerly was Francis Stiles's, and then from him to
Robert Saltonstall, then purchased by Mather Davison, and now made over to Josiah
Ellsworth.' There is a break in the Land Records between Saltonstall and Davison."
Page 557, line 21, for Oct. 12, 1669, read 1699.
Page 681, for Ithamar Brigham, line 9, read Bingham.
Page 695; both records of Solomon Eaton on this page belong to one and the same
individual.
Page 712; the same remark as above applies to the two records of Ezekiel Osborn on
this page.
Page 713; ditto of the John and Abner Pierce of this page, and of p. 714.
Page 744, line 20, for Grint read Grant,
Page 766. Miss R. T. SPERRY convicts me of error in this statement as to this old
tavern sign. It seems to have been the sign, not the tavern, which changed hands so
often. She says: "David Bissell kept a tavern, whether on the Hill' or at the ferry, we
know not, and sold his sign to E. Wolcott, who made the changes upon it mentioned in
p. 766, and swung it in front of his own residence, about two miles 'down street.' After
the Revolutionary War, his wife having died, Gen. Wolcott sold his place and went to live
with his daughter, Mrs. Roswell Grant. About 1781-82, one Joseph Phelps, a young man
of means, builded unto himself a large house a few rods south of E. Wolcott's tavern,
and upon the site of John P. Jones's (1891) new house. Here he set up as a tavern-
keeper and hung up this sign, which he bought from Gen. Wolcott. Years after he lost
his property and sold his tavern to a Capt. Ward, and his sign to John Pelton, a young
man and aspirant to the honors of inn-keeping. Pelton repainted and hung the sign in
front of a house which he purchased in 1816 of Epaphras Bissell, and which is two miles
from either of the two houses where it formerly swung. Mr. Pelton's house was at
the ferry, and is now the South Windsor almshouse."
Page 767, to the date in line 30 add the month, February.
Page 768, for Beckman, line 23, read Beckman.
Page 774, for Mrs. Betsey (Pelton) Wolcott, line 12, read Mrs. Betsey (Wolcott
Bissell) Pelton. Betsey Wolcott m. (1st) Horace Bissell, (2d) James Pelton.
GENERAL INDEX.
A.
Bloodhounds used to hunt In-
C.
dians,
227
Abbreviations used in this
work.
Academy, at East Windsor
Bloomfield, Town of,
161
15, 16
Ag'l Description of, 486, 487
Soldiers from in Civil
Calves to be raised for bulls,
Canal, The Farmington,
at Windsor Locks,
175
429
505, 508
Hill,
541, 754, 764
War,
487-491
at Scantic, E. W.,
755
History of,
486-491
at Windsor,
405
Population of,
487
Cannon,
Carriages in E. Windsor,
in Windsor,
78
743, 772
443
tracts from,
Add's Brook,
Agawam settled,
Acts, The Windsor Town, Ex-
Adventist Church at Ellington, 827
Agawam, The, Steamboat, 430, 508
Agricultural Description of
Ave., 150, 151, 152, 153, 154
Cart Hill,
130
172-189
Bounds, Town of Windsor,
Cat, Whipping the,
11
501
498, 499, 500
34, 66, 188, 235
Catch Brook, see Brook.
54
-Goers,
Bounty, on Blackbirds,
on Crows,
87, 180, 181
233
Catechism, Perkins and the
Westminster,
100
233
Cattle,
40
on Wolves.
172, 177
Herding of,
175
Bloomfield,
486-7
Bolton Church and Town
col-
Brought to New Eng.,
54
Ainsworth's Version used in
Windsor Church, 100
onized from W.,
Society of North,
479
Loss of at W., 1636,
66
574, 587
Cato, the Negro bell-ringer
Alarm List, The Revolution'y, 651
Bonesetter, The,
181
of Windsor,
692
in E. W.,
685, 686
Allis House, The,
Almshouse at E. W.,
156
766
Books belonging to the Town
of Windsor, Law,
Cavalry, see Troopers.
236
Cedar Swamp,
129
Book of Figures,
166
Cedar, the old Stiles-Ellswt`h, 420
Ancestry, Windsor,
438-440
of Town Ways, The,
Cemetery of Windsor,
460
Huit,
Appendices see
Anecdotes, of Rev. Ephraim
of Windsor Slaves,
Annuity paid to Rev. Mr.
-
see Table of
76
435
Huit's widow,
73
Contents, Vol. I.
133, 160, 166, 536
Boom," a Real Estate, 1639, 75
Boston (Cook's Hill),
404
Boulder, The Denslow Mem❜l, 495
The Hayden Memorial, 532
Bowfield,
147, 152
Brander of Horses, The
Center Street, (W. L.),
Ellington,
856
Centennial Year, Windsor's
Celebration of,
465
158, 497
499, 500, 501, 502
Chapel, at Windsor,
151, 385
87
Cong'l at Windsor, 157
Apples, Early Windsor,
422
Branding,
95
Hayden Station,
497
Apprentices,
175
Brick-Hill Swamp,
Apprenticeship, Form of an
Bridge, at Hartford, The,
Ancient Bond of,
442
Rivulet, The,
Arbitrators,
91
Architecture, Domestic, in Old
Stone, The,
at Windsor,
145, 188, 230
427
415, 416
497
[Inset, p.1, 145
Charter of Conn., The,
20, 182
Cheese-making in E. W., 771
Chestnut Street (W. L.),
504
76
Christian Street (W. L.),
497
431
British Prisoners at E. W.
674
Church, Broad Brook (E. W.), 747
Art in South Windsor,
755, 794
Broad Brook (E. W.),
554, 746
at Dorchester, a New,
52
Assessors,
87
Assistants, The Court of,
451
Avenue, Bloomfield, 150, 152, 154
Broad Street, The (W.),
B.
Cong. Church of,
Manufacturing Co., 747
147, 152, 161, 162, 167, 168
Elms in, The,
747
E. Windsor, First at,
722
Revivals in,
733
37, 146,
Statistics of,
733
Ellington Ch. and Soc.,
812
422
Advent at,
827
Green,
428
Baptist at,
827
Backer Row (W.), The, 152, 154,
Brook, Add's,
498, 499, 500
Meth. Epis.,
826-
155, 156, 159, 163, 166, 167,
168, 179.
Bailiffs,
87
Edwards,
Ball at ordination of Rev. Mr.
Baptist Church, at Ellington, 827
at Wapping,
557
625
at Poquonnoc,
471
at South Windsor,
789
Windsor,
Baptists, in W.
Bar Asso'n of Htfd. Co., The, 452
Barkhamsted, colonized from
Barn, The Town (W.),
Barnet, The, Steamboat,
392, 471
Catch-see Ketch.
Dry, The,
Gunn's, inset, p. 145, 497
Hendrick's,
504
Ketch,
542, 591, 751
Kettle, 493, 494, 497, 499, 504
509, 515, 554, 738, 739, 740
Mill, The, 147, 149, 151, 157
160, 168
Pine Meadow, 111, 493, 509
Saltonstall,
Stoughton,
First Cong❜l of W. L.,
517
542
Fund, of W.,
388
Pine Meadow people go-
ing to,
506
Grace (Pr. Epis.) at W., 150
Poquonock Cong'l Ch., 468
Records of Ch. of W.,
12
Scantic, at,
612
So. Windsor, 1st Ch. of, 730
Wapping,
623
737, 738
412, 555
ing of,
481, 482
Stony,
111, 157, 740
139
Taylor's.
429, 430
Brotherton Indians, The,
762
120
Bell, First in Scantic,
in Windsor,
603
(เ
Brownism," a factor in the
383
Bench and Bar of Conn.,
Windsor rep. in,
controversy between
Dorchester and W., 59-63
Windsor, First at, build-
Alteration,
Civil Rebellion, The War of
the, Bloomfield Sol-
diers in,
E. Windsor Soldiers in, 868
Ellington
76
385
776, 777
850
450
"Buckets, The Two,"
425
So. Windsor
CC 795
Births in W. before 1671,
106
Bissell's Stage Tavern,
Bulls, Calves to be raised for, 175
Bundling,
439
Windsor Locks '
Windsor
<<
CC
800
472, 523
[Inset, p.], 145
Farms (Wapping),
618
Burglary, Punishment for, 95, 616
Burnside (S. W.),
542
Clerks, Ellington Town,
Clock, in East Windsor,
817
931
Blackbirds, Bounty on,
232
Burial Pl., Indian, at Podunk, 112
Blacksmith, the first in W.,
140
Ellington, The,
856
Shop, the first in W.,
140
South Windsor.
794
Blanchard, The, steamboat,
430
Blankets collected in E. W.
1776, for Soldiers in
the Army,
Blessing, The, barque,
648, 649
25, 28
So. Windsor, The Old, 734
The New, 734
Wapping, The Old, 625
Windsor, 137, 159, 166, 176
Scantic Ch.,
The Pound (W.),
Dress'g, 1st Mill in W.L., 509
Clothing of Troops,
Coaches, see Carriages.
Coats of Armor,
603
Close, The (W.),
155
163
Cloth Manufacture,
508, 509
606
72, 78
920
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Code of 1650, The,
College Graduates (Ell.),
Collectors,
91
847-8
Deacons in So. W. Ch., List of, 728
East Windsor,
in Wapping
C
624
List of 1720, The Tax,
562
87
in Windsor
tr
387
Loc'n of Early Settlers, 543
Colchester, settled from W.,
479, 481, 482
Collection in W., for the Poor
of other Colonies, 1676, 228
Colony of Conn. set apart from
Mass.,
54
Commerce, Trades, and Man-
424, 769
ufactures, etc.,
Commis❜ners to govern Conn.,
Deaths in Ellington, 1717-40, 886
in Windsor, bef. Mch.,
1639,
Deeds, of Plymouth to Dor-
chester,
in W. Locks
CC
522
Meeting House,
561, 563, 582, 729
The Second, 586, 729
73, 74
Merchants, Early,
767
Politics in,
759
34
Revolution, Share in,
627
1635/6,
54
Committees,
91
Commons, The (W.),
. 147
of Land at Poq. from In-
dians to Wm. Phelps, 124
of Indians at Windsor,
Deerfield (Mass.) colonized
from Windsor,
Defence of Dorchester's
Roads, The First in,
537
Schools of Art at,
755
34
Settlers, Autographs of
478
Districts,
of Pine Meadow,
493, 498
Prompt Action, A,
49
Singing,
The Palisado,
141
Distillery in E. W..
743
Some of the Early, 534
Schools of,
Settlement of, First, 535, 543
407, 749
752
731
Gin, in E. W.,
Men, 1673,
206
Distinct Plantations on E. side
of Conn. River,
Bloomfield,
Ellington,
292-301
820-826
Complaint of the New Church
Conn. Theol. Institute (E.W.), 521
Cong'l Church and Society,
>
E. Windsor, 535-589, 722-734
Poquonock, 281-291, 468
South Windsor, see East
Windsor.
Wapping (E. W.),
618-626
Windsor, 98-102, 169, 190-
219, 231–236, 270–
280, 376–395, 523
517-523
Distribution and Plan of An-
cient Windsor, 133-171 i
Division of Ancient Windsor, 614
Dogs (bloodhounds) used in
Indian Wars,
Domestic Architecture in W., 431
Dragoons, see Troopers.
of Revolution, 685
Ecclesiastical History of W.,
1776-1890 (W.), 376-395
of Bloomfield, 1734–
504
Shipbuilding in,
767
Soldiers in War of Civil
538
Rebellion,
7777, 800
Street, The,
Town Clerks,
227
1663-1684.
735
786
190-219
Sheldon's Light,
375
1891,
292-302
Dorchester (Mass.),
of East Windsor, 1662-
Composition of,
20
1768,
535, 589
Conclusion of Ply. Co.'s
1782-1848,
722-734
Windsor Locks,
negotiations with,
66
of Poquonnoc, 1724-
Parsonage Lot at W.,
Defence of,
49
1841,
281-291
138, 153, 154, 166
Emigration from to W.. 54
of South Windsor, 1845-
at W. L.,
500
Congress Mills at Rainbow,
467
Emigration fr. Eng., 22, 23
History of D.,
1891,
722-734
149
Conn., The First Constitution,
Location of,
138
Society, Name first used
in Windsor,
234
Adoption of,
73
Negotiations bet. D. and
First Commissioners ap-
pointed by Mass.,
54
Colonial Records,
11
the Conn.Patentees, 46, 47
Purchase Plym. Co.'s
Rights at W.,
Eddy Electric Co. (W.),
Ellington,
467
119, 129
Advent Church of,
827
34
Baptist
CC
827
Indians,
105
Route of,
52
Cong'l
tr
812, 820
at Pine Meadow, 111
Sufferings of at W.
Cemetery, Inscriptions
Line, 2d Regiment,
375
1635-36,
23, 53
from,
856
5th
375
River,
6, 429
Discovery of,
17
Windsor first n'd after D., 54
Dress-making, cost of in Old
Times,
Coll. Graduates from, 847-8
Deaths in, between 1717
505
and 1740,
886
Hartford,
Constables,
Navigation of, above
Co.'s Quarry, 508, 554
Mills,
Conveniences, Manners, and
Customs of Olden Time, 442
Convention Troops, The, 661, 673
Cook's Hill (Bloomfield), 404
428
Dress, Changes in, in W
Drum used to call to Sabbath
443
Graduates, see College.
History of,
807
511, 513
85, 180, 182
Services, 173, 176, 181, 184, 185
Drunkenness, Punishment for, 92
Dry Brook, The,
Incorporation of,
815
Indians in,
130, 554
542
Judges of Prob. Ct. in, 819
Dutch West India Co.,
18
Lawyers of,
832, 842
Point,
108
Meth. Epis. Ch.,
826
Send an Envoy to Plym., 19
Ministers raised in, 836
Parish Established,
814
Corn, Indian,
27, 28
E.
Probate Districts of,
819
Corn Mill,
147
Physicians,
832, 845
Cost of Dress-making in Old
Earthquake at Windsor,
72
Senators from,
818
Times,
505
East Farms,
813
Settlement of, The,
810
Cotton, a Purchase of,
78
East Windsor Academy, The, 754
Schools, The,
830
Cook's Record, The,
12
Attempt to Divide the
of High order,
830
County Court, Judges of, from
Parish,
361
Local Fund,
$29
Ellington,
819
Autographs of some of
Territory of, The,
807
Home for Children,
743
the Early Settlers of, 534
Town Clerks,
817
Country Road, The Old,
497
Carriages in,
745
Officers,
815
Cushion, A, in E. W. Meeting
Civil War, Share in,
776
Register,
817
House Pulpit,
561
Church, Dissensions in, 565
Treasurer,
817
Court, of Assistants, The,
450
Clock in,
731
School Dep. F'd, 829
of Errors, The Superior, 450
Covenant of,
913
Soldiers from, in War of
General, The,
450
Hist. of, 1783-1891, 722
Civil Rebellion,
849
Particular, The,
450
Meeting House, see
of Sessions, The,
450
Superior, The,
450
Membership, 733
Pews in,
Covenant of W. Ch., The,
99
Crooked Lane,
497
Crows, Bounty on,
233
Crystal Spring, Windsor's Wa-
ter Supply from,
466
Currier, a lot gr. for use of
for use of a,
175
Customs, Indian Burial,
112
Old Wedding,
420
Clerks, see Town Clerks.
Districts, see Schools.
Manners and Conven-
iences of Olden Times, 442
Distilleries in,
743
Hill,
735
731
Records of, 12, 913
Singing in, 730, 731
Seating of, at W., 173
175, 178-180, 271
at E. W., 563, 584, 604
Statistics of, 733
in Revolution,
Ellsworth Mansion and Place
(W.), The, 32, 102, 123, 135
145, 155, 162, 166, 217, 432, 451
773
Elms, The,
in Broad Street (W.), 422
Elm Street (W. L.),
499, 500, 501, 502, 507
Episcopal Ch. at Bloomfield, 302
848
War of 1812,
Mexican War,
462-849
849
Enfield Falls, The,
Eno House, The Old,
18, 544
153, 162
about 1820,
762
at Broad Brook,
743
D.
Academy at,
754
at W. Pt.,
606
Graveyards of,
786
at Windsor Locks,
531
Deacons, in Blfd. Ch., List of,
History of, 1790-1890,
735
at Windsor,
394
in E. W.
in Ellington
'
66
'
ឥតិ
728
Incorporation of, The, 614
826
Lands of, bo't fm. Inds., 129
GENERAL INDEX.
921
808
562,
Epitaphs and Tombstone In-
scriptions: John Aborns,
868; Peletiah Allyn, 306;
Rev. Hez. Bissell, 296;
Cook, 305; Henry Dens-
low, 495; Rev. Timothy
Edwards, 582; Daniel
Ellsworth, 867; Rev. John
Ellsworth, 867; Gillet, 306;
Rev. Hez. Goodwin, 305;
Wm. Hayden, 532; Rev.
Ephraim Huit, 79; Sam-
uel Field Knight, 868;
Rev. Jonathan Marsh,
275; Rev. John McKins-
try, 867; Rev. John War-
ham, 204; Skinner, 305.
Ellington Inscriptions
and Epitaphs, 856-865.
Equivalent, The,
Estate List of Rates (E. W.),
1720,
Gate, The Pine Meadow
Gaylord House, The Old,
General Court, The,
Training Day,
Geographical Description of
Windsor,
Funerals at Pine Meadow.
505
Hearse, The first introduced
Fund, School Fund at Ell.,
Windsor,
829
at Windsor,
385
406
Cemetery, at W.,
460
Heating the Meeting House at
E. Windsor,
729
Church, The (W.), 388-390
Music, of First Cong'l
Ch. (W.),
at Scantic,
**29
Hebron (Conn.) 'col'd f'm W., 479
390
Herding of Cattle, The,
175
Hessian Soldiers at E.W., 504, 675
G.
Higley Ferry, The,
412
Highway, The first in E. W., 538
497
、
Hill, The, at E. W.,
41
502*
about 1820,
762
90, 450
Job's (Ell.),
855
174, 182
Long, The (S. W.),
754
Rocky, The (W.), 144,145,158
461
Sandy, The (W.),
140
Gin Distillery,
504
The Meadow (W.),
164
Goffe House,
150
Hoccanum (Hockanum), Sig-
Going to Church from Pine
Meadow,
nificance of Name,
506
121, 129, 408, 542
Gospel Discipline,
100
Holcomb Place, The,
138
Expeditions against Ind'ns, 71, 77
Governor's House, The,
"Governor's Road, The,
774
Hollow Fall, The,
153, 164
"
against Havana,
243
Taylor's,
against Louisburg,
246
against Quebec,
257
F.
Fairfield
(Conn.) Colonized
from Windsor,
477
762, 764
149-171
Church,
231
in E. Windsor,
561
145, 156, 163
Place, The (W.),
154
Factory, Sequassen (W.),
405
Falls, Enfield,
544
Great Island, at,
111
528
33
Farist Steel Co., The,
513
Graduates from Y. C. (Ell.),
847
and Windsor Steel Roll-
Grave-digger,
174
ing Mill,
508, 518
Yards, Ellington,
786
178
787
from Windsor,
478.
Indians,
110, 119
River,
110
433
432
100
772.
Fence Viewers,
86
Farmington (Conn.) Colonized
Fasting, Church,
Fat Cattle in E. W.,
Fenton Trout Breeding Co.
at Poquonock (W.), 467
Ferry, Bissell's, 152, 160, 186, 188
408-412, 498, 536, 541
Road to, 141, 143, 151, 152
153, 154, 166, [Inset,p.] 145
Higley, see Wolcott Ferry..
Rivulet, The, 146, 151, 152
157, 161, 167, 172, 173
174, 175, 180, 183, 184
185, 186, 188, 414
Warehouse Point, The, 741
Windsor Locks, The,
504
Wolcott (or Higley), The 412
Ferryman at Rivulet Ferry,
The, 173, 174, 175, 177
Feuds bet. Mohawk and Po-
dunk Indians,
117
£3, 652
Fidelity, The Oath of,
413, 773, 774
Government of U. S., Reps. in
from W., App. F. Vol. I.
Conn. State, Reps. in
from W., App. F, Vol. I.
Grace Ch. (Prot. Epis.), W.
150, 160, 161, 169.
Grant House (E. W.), The Old, 768
Grand Army of the Republic,
The Joseph H. Con-
verse Post of,
Seantic (E. W.),
Prior St. (E. W.), 787
W. Pt. (E. W.), 787
Ketch M'ls (E.W.) 787
Great Flood, The,
74, 165
Island at the Falls, 111, 127
Awakening of 1740, The, 573
Marsh, The, 408, 811, 812
Meadow, The, 28, 30, 31, 37
40, 50, 160, 161, 171, 216
412, 413, 492, 895
Pew, The, in W. Ch., 180, 234
River, Lands E. of, bo't, 127
Swamp, The,
129, 171
Green, The Broad St. (W.), 428
The Palisado (W.),
424, 425, 426, 433, 891
161, 184
478
Grist Mills, Hayden & Dexter, 509
Poquonock,
Greenfield,
"Griffin's Lordship,"
Grove Street (W. L.),
Guard at Church, W.,
Road to the, 151, 157, 160
Home Lots, Distribution to
Settlers of,
Horse Block set up at the W.
Hosford Lane,
Hour-glass, used in E.W. Ch., 561
House, Description of the first
builded in Windsor,
in East Windsor, 542
Holders in Windsor,
1660, List of,
Allyn, The Old (W.) 431, 432
Chaffee,
Ellsworth, The Chief
Justice, at W.
of Good Hope at Htfd., 25
Grant, The Old, at E.W., 768
Herlehigh Haskell,

The, (W. L.),
Moore, The Old (W.),
Model Schoolhouse at
521
431
W. L., The, [Inset, p.] 145
Plym. Co.'s, The, at W., 164
Stoughton, The Old, or
Fort, at W..
166
The Number of Brick
and Stone in W., 1840, 443
138
140, 148, 159, 167, 617
Howard Place, The,
Hoyt's Meadow,
Hubbard Lot, The,
152
231
500
Hymns, Sternhold and Hop-
kins' Version,
100
176
Gunn's Brook, 124, 125, 144, 497
[Inset, p.],
I.
145
H.
223, 225
Haddam (Conn.), Colonized
from Windsor,
680
Hadley (Mass.),
<<
479
478
182
in E. W.,
Fight at Narragansett Fort,
The,
Financial Difficulties of E. W.
Selectmen during the
Revolutionary War,
Fire, Precautions against,
Firemen, see Constables.
First Actual Settlers of Wind-
sor, The Saltonstall
Party, the,
43-44
Cong'l Ch. of E. W., 554, 722
"
<<
So. W., 730
W.,
Ellington, 820
217, 892
Floods and Winters in E. W., 770
Forest, Original in W.,
145
Forgery, Punishment for, 95
Fornication, Punishment for, 95
Fort, The Old Stone (W.),
106, 141, 142, 143, 183
Indian, at W.,
183
Fight at Narragansett, 223-5
Half-Way Covenant, 190, 191, 196
Tree, The (W.),
815
112
Incorporation of E. Windsor, 674
of Ellington,
Indian Burial Customs,
Burial Place at Podunk, 112
in So. W., 794
at Poq., 110
Corn,
27, 28, 105, 111
202, 517, 518
Meadow,
132
730, 903
497
Neck (Poq.),
126
777
107
Hartford, Conn., 24, 34, 54, 147
Meadow, 28, 36, 37, 40, 50
and Spgflá. R. R.,
Paper Co.,
Times,
Harvey Place, The,
Regulations against,
Relics of,
at Pine Meadow, 111
at So. W., 112, 113
Rights, Reservation of, 130
Sarah, the (correction), 120
236
467
508
113
158
Wars,
481
Indians,
182, 183, 185, 186
Brotherton, The
120
Harwinton settled from W.,
Haskell Homest'd (W.L.), The, 528
Havana Expedition, The, 243
Hayden's, Chapel at, [Inset, p.] 145
Condition of, at coming
of the Whites, 103, 10g
Expeditions against, 71, 77
Map of [Inset, p.],
145
Memorial Stone,
532
in E. W. in 1774,
120
Quarry [Inset, p.],
145
in Ellington,
119
Fortune, The,
30
see Stone-pit.
in Torrington,
110, 119
"Forty-Acre Man," A,
37
Frank'n Pap. Mills, Poq. (W.), 467
Station at, R.R., 125, 385, 497
Stone-Pit,
at Massaco,
144, 158
Frog-Hall (Ell.),
129
Haynes Lot, The,
156
ber of,
110
105, 108, 120
in Windsor, the num-
VOL. I.-116
922
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Regulations against,
of W.
108
Lead Mines,
Lead-Mine Road,
at Pine Meadow,
111
Leather, Sealers of,
at Podunk,
at Poquonnoc,
The Colonial,
112, 119
110
64, 65
Indians, History of, in W., 103–112
King Philip's War, 220-230
Namerick,
Number of, in Conn., 103
Lead belonging to the Town
Meeting House, The, of E.W.,
508, 561, 563, 582, 586, 729
Ellington,
Scantic,
820
7729
South Windsor, 729,892
Windsor, 140, 164, 175, 178
180, 181, 184, 185, 231, 235
231, 637-639
129
130
175
Leonard Silk Mfg. Co. (B.B.), 743
Lexington Alarm, E. W., 630-636
Ellington,
634
892
Wapping,
633
Windsor Locks,
523
Windsor,
311
Melrose (E. W.),
735, 786
Licenses for Selling Liquor, 233
415
Membership of E. W. Ch.,
Statistics of,
723
at Enfield,
at Podunk,
Liquors, See Licenses.
List of Rateable Estates,
W., 1720,
Memorial Chapel, The Wol-
E.
cott (So. W.),
730
562
Memorial Hall, The Chaffee,
146, 492
(W. L.),
529
486
Merchants of E. W.,
767, 769
829
Ellington,
855
Windsor,
424-428
33, 543
Messhanip's Pond,
810
540-550
752, 779
Removal of, to the West, 120
Sell Lands at E.W., 127, 129
at Ellington, 131
127, 131
131
at Poquonnoc,
123, 124, 125, 126
to Plymouth Co., 123
at So. Windsor, 128
at Windsor, 122, 132
at Windsor Locks, 124
Little Meadow, The,
River, The,
Local School Fund at Ell..
Location of First Settlers in
Windsor,
in E. Windsor,
Loomis Institute (W.), The, 406
Lords and Gentlemen, Paten-
Small-pox among,
38
Scantic, The,
113
Long Hill (E. W.),
Stockbridge, The,
120
Tunxis, The
119
Traditions of,
112
Troubles with,
77, 174, 175, 182, 183
Indictment of Lydia Gilbert
as a Witch,
449
tees of Conn., The, 32, 43, 895
723
Lots, Distribution of Home,
am'g First Sett's of W., 149
Lying, Punishment for,
92
Inns, East Windsor,
766
Innkeepers,
417
See, also, Taverns.
M.
bacco,
Inspector and Presser of To-
Institute, Conn. Theo. at E.W.,521
Young Ladies at W., 406
769
Magistrates,
Main Street (W. L.),
91
500
Inventors in E. W.,
Iron Works,
Iroquois, The,
Ireland St. (E. W.),
793
Manners, Conveniences, and
Customs in W., in Old-
233, 443
en Times,
104
Manufactures,
591, 592
The,
795
Ireland Dist, Burial Ground, 786
Irish Element in the W. Towns,
Island, The,
146, 162, 163, 169, 171, 443
Road, 146, 160, 161, 167
and Commerce,
of Windsor Locks, 509, 517
Manuscript Authorities Con-
sulted, a List of the, 10
Map of Bolton (North) Ec-
clesiastical Society, 588
of Indian Purchases, W., 123
of Pine Meadow in 1776, 502
of Windsor, 1633-50,
Marsh, The Great (Ell.), 811, 812
Mass. and Conn. Boundaries,
442
466, 468
769
Messenger's Farms (Blfd.),
Methodist Epis. Ch., Ell'gton, 826
South Windsor,
Wapping (E. W.),
Windsor,
Windsor Locks,
Windsorville,
Mettarieug,
E. Windsor,
(L
Windsor,
393
625
393
523
746
30
Mexican War, Blfd. Sold'rs in, 487
Militia Training at E. W.,
776
"464
772
651
Military Reserves in the Rev-
olutionary War,
Mill, The Old (W.), 147, 149, 168 -
147, 149, 150
151, 154, 157, 160, 168, 181
Brook, The,
C. W. Holbrook's,
509
District, The,
162
English's Paper,
509
Ketch,
591
Hill, The,
404
New, The,
235
Niles & Marshall's (Poq.),
469
Osborn's,
597
Prouty's,
597
J.
149
Pond,
165, 152
Mary and John, The Ship,
22
Road, The 147, 150, 151, 152
Jeremy's Lane,
Jefferson Flood, The,
Job's Hill (Ell.),
of County Court,
503
153, 154, 156, 157
404
159, 160, 165, 168
855
Disputes about,
235
Sawmill, A,
591
Judges of Probate Ct. (Ell.),
819
Surveyors, The,
152
Tolls at,
177
819
The Steamboat,
430
White, The (B. B.),
747
Massaco,
K.
Kenilworth, Conn.,
479
Killingworth, Conn.,
479
Ketch Brook,
Kettle Brook, 231, 493, 497, 498
499, 500, 504, 509, 515
544, 554, 738, 139, 740
129, 751
115, 125, 126
Indians, The, 110, 185, 477
Matianuck, 30, 38, 54, 56, 66, 107
108, 109, 115, 123, 128
Matiancke, see Matianuck.
Matacomacock,
Miller, The, at W.
172
at Windsor,
at Wapping,
Minister's Resid'ce at Scantic, 609
Raised in E. Windsor, 731
i9
626
Matson's Store (W.),
126
427, 503
Model Schoolhouse at Hay-
den's [Inset, p.],
145
Mattabesic (Mattabesick), 50, 115
Mohawk, 104, 114, 115, 116, 117
Mattanaug,
30, 38, 108
Esther (Indian),
€25
Graveyard,
Mills,
787
Mattanucke,
30
Molly (Indian),
625
544, 591, 745, 746
Matumpseck,
26
Mohegan,
114
King's Attorneys,
459
Maypole Brook, The,
129
Mortality in Summer of 1697, 233
Island,
123
Meadow Brook, The, 135, 175, 176
Mystic Fort, The Battle of, 68, 69
Path, The (So. W.),
119
Great, The, 37, 40, 50, 160
King Philip'sWar,
221, 236, 531
L.
Laborers' Wages,
96
Land Slide in Poquonnoc,
Lands E. of the Great River,
Lane, Crooked,
Ladies' Institute, Y'ng, at W., 406
Grants, The Western,
Records of Windsor,
bo't of Indians, 127, 543
in Ell., bo't of Indians, 809
497
145, 156
497
Hosford's,
Pine Meadow,
Law Books bel❜g to T'n of W., 236´
617
48')
Phelps's, Mr.,
10
Pine,
161, 171, 412, 895
Hartford, The, 36, 37, 40, 50
Hill, The, 33, 135, 156, 164
Hoyt's, 140, 148, 159, 167, 617
Little, The,
Middletown, The,
Newton, The,
146, 492
50
37, 39
50, 156, 492
N.
Narragansett, Exped. against, 175
"L
Fort, Fight at,
National Issue, The,"
223-225
94
148
Negotiations bet. Dorchester
Plymouth, The, 36, 37, 33, 41
42, 50, 150, 171, 412, 492, 895
Podunk, The,
50
Negro Elections,
Reserved, The,
Sequestered, The,
South, The,
Strawberry,
141
50, 492
50, 108
163
Parades,
Brook,
Lawyers of W.,
of Ellington,
Law-Suit, Whiting vs. Bissell, 75
161, 187
450
832, 842
Weathersfield, The, 50, 471
Measures, Sealer of, The, 177
Medlicott Co., The (W.L.), 512, 530
Navigation of the Conn. Riv.
above Hartford,
and the Conn. Paten-
tees relative to Settle-
ment of Windsor, 41-47
New Bissell's Ferry Rd., The, 169
England Psalm Book, 100
River [Inset, p.],
Society at W., The Com-
plaint of,
423
433-438
436-438
125
Mills, The,
508
Newtown Meadow,
145
202, 206
37, 39
GENERAL INDEX.
923
587
590
469
Newspaper Extracts, 1767, 616
New Meet'g H'se (E. W.), The, 582
Niles & Marshall's Mills,
Norfolk, Conn., Sett. f'm W., 483
North Street (W. L.), 498, 499
Bolton Society,
Parish of E. W., 1784-
1890,
Northampton, Mass., Colon-
ized f'm Windsor, 497-498
Norwalk, Conn., Settled f'm
Pastor's Record,
12
Rev. Hez. Bissell's,
Rev. Shubael Bartlett's, 12
Path, Pine Meadow, The, 498
Sawmill, The,
Patackhouse,
Poetical List of Roger Wolcott's
Rateable Estates (E. W.), 89
Poetry, Political, in E. W.,
759
Point, Vore's (W.),
168
498, 499
Politics in E. W.,
759
124
Political Poetry in E. W.
759
Patentees of Conn., The,
32
Pomeroy Place, The (W.),
154
Occupation of W. by,
Negotiations bet. Dor-
chester and,
43
Pond, The Mill (W.),
159
Meshanip's,
810
46, 47
Porson,
130
Windsor,
Norwoct (Norwalk),
166, 478
Nowaas (Nowashe),
497
17, 128
Party, The, First to Set-
tle Windsor,
Patent of Town of W., The,
Pawtatuck,
56
231
Population of Windsor Towns,
77
Pennamite and Yankee War,
0.
The,
49
Porson Ponds, see Pond.
Pennsylvania, Settlement of
Oak Street (W. L.),
Oak, The Hayden,
Oath, Constable's, The,
305
786
504
418, 422
85
of Fidelity, The, 83, 652
Occupation of Windsor by
Patentees of Conn., 43
by Plymouth Trad. Co., 24
Officers of Town of Ellington, 815
Official Description of W. 461
Old Bissell's Ferry Road, The, 143
Burial Place, Bloomfield,
East Windsor,
Pequottoog, see Pequot. ·
Perambulator, The Town,
Persse & Brooks Pap. W'ks.,
(W. L.),
510, 514
99
916
Personal Religion,
Petition of E.W. Inh., 1689,
of Eno & Humphrey,
Pew, The Gr't, in W. Ch., 173, 234
in East W. Ch.,
Conn. Men in,
83
Pequot, 24, 77, 104, 105, 107, 114
War, The,
37, 66-71
South Windsor,
87
Poor of Other Colonies, Wind-
sor's Contribut'ns for, 228
The Relative, 1756-1880, 444
of Windsor, 1880-81,
Post Offices in Bloomfield,
East Windsor,
Windsor,
Poquonock, 80, 109, 110, 121, 123
125, 126, 128, 151, 157, 158
162, 181, 443, 467, 468, 617
461
487
735
789
461
Port of Entry, Windsor a,
Post-mortem, The First Held
in Conn.,
425
454
194
Potaecke, see Podunk.
731
Potatoes, The First Used in
É. Windsor,
772
Ellington,
856
Phelps Mfg. Co. (B. B.),
Philip's War, King,
746
Pound Close, The,
145, 163
221
Pounder, The,
86
South Windsor,
734
Phoenix, The Steamboat,
508
Pounds,
181
Warehouse Point,
(E. W.),
787
Physicians of Ellington,
South Windsor,
832, 845
Power of Attorney to Capt.
791
Holmes,
39
Windsor,
460
Wapping,
625
East Windsor,
Windsor,
749
Powquaniock,
125
453-459
Indian,
Church Record,
110
Windsor Locks,
531
Practicing Attorneys of Hart-
ford Co. res. in W.,
452
10
Country Road,
497
Pianos, The First in E. W. 772
Pickett's Tavern (W.), 418, 437
Prayer, Efficacy of, Belief in
the,
440
Ferry Road,
143, 166
[Inset, p.], 145
French War, The,
243
Pigeon Hill,
155
Preface to First Edition of
this Work,
5
Houses,
431
Road to,
Meeting House,
207-209
Pine Meadow,
166
50, 144, 156
to Supplement,
7
Mill, The, 147, 149, 165, 168
District, The, 162
Road, 147, 162, 165
Orthodox Cong'l Ch., 895
Rock,
498
Brook,
494, 509
Commons, 498
Funerals at, 505
Gate,
111, 493
to Present Edition,
Prior's Brook (E. W.),
8
129
Prior Street (E. W.) Burying
Ground,
787
Prisoners of War Billeted in
497
E. Windsor,
675
Smoking Tree,
422
Hearse, The First
Privies in Windsor,
442
Stone Fort,
141, 142
at,
505
Stoughton House,
166
History of, 1676–
See Stone Fort.
1890,
492
and New Styles,
Old Testament L't Horse, The, 661
14
Indians at, Corn
and Relics at, 111
One-Horse Wagons,
894
Map of, in 1776, 502
Bloomfield,
O'Neill, B.,
911
Path,
498
Windsor,
Onrust, The Yacht,
17
Road,
497
Probate Districts in Ellington, 819
Prosecuting Officers of Hart-
ford Co. from W., 450
Prospect St. (E. W.)
Protestant Epis. Soc'y in B.B., 747
Windsor Locks,
597
302
394
531
Orchard, The Town,
138, 235
Road to W.Ch., 506
Warehouse Point,
743
Ordination Ball, An,
557
Schools,
404, 506
Providences, Remarkable, oc-
Organization of Ch. and Soc'y
Pine Plains (Ell.),
130
curring in W.,
186, 187
of Ellington,
812
Osborn's Mill,
541, 542, 735
Pink St. (Pine Meadow),
Pipe-stave Swamp,
497
Rev. Tim. Edwards',440-442
Prouty Mill, The,
514
R. R. Station,
735, 746
P.
Palisado, The, at W., 76, 133–141
151, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157
159, 161, 162, 163, 164, 169
Green, The, 135, 141, 159
166, 167, 169, 217, 402, 424
-426, 433, 460, 554, 564
136, 137
The Plan of,
Road to the,
156
on the Hill, The, 162, 168
The Small,
146
Paper Mills, C. H. Dexter &
Sons',
510
Sam'l Williams', The,
510
at Windsor Locks, The
English's,
509
Paquaanock, see Poquonock.
436-8
Parades, Annual Negro,
Park River, The, (Htfd.), 486
The Saltonstall, 59, 737-740
Parsonage Lot, The (W.),
at Windsor, The,
Particular Court, The,
Pastor, The,
153
166, 385
90, 450
99
37, 127, 185, 404, 891
Pitch-pipe, The, used in E.W.
Church,
Plains, The (W.),
Plan of the Palisado (W.), 136, 137
Pleasant Street, 151, 157, 160, 165
Plymouth,
368
(Mass.) visited by the
Dutch Envoys,
Co.'s Trading House,
19
26, 33, 34, 37, 39, 41, 42, 66
72, 109, 111, 123, 146, 150
161, 164, 535, 536
House,
40, 109, 164
Meadow, 28, 34, 36, 37, 38, 41
42, 50, 150, 171, 412, 492, 895
Podunk (Potuncke, Potunk,
Potaecke), 37, 38, 112, 114
118, 127, 128, 130, 131
183, 230, 408, 536, 537
539, 541, 548, 549, 550
554, 556, 618, 749, 807
Brook,
130, 541
Burying-Ground at, 112
Indians,
108, 112, 119
Lands,
119
Meadow,
50
River,
17, 66, 540
The (E. W.),
Q.
Quarry of Conn. River Co.,
554
144, 158
145
144, 158
Hayden's (W.),
[Inset, p.]
Thrall's (W.),
Quarter-Millennial Celebra-
tion of W. Ch., 386, 465
of Adoption of State
Constitution,
Queen Anne's War,
Quenticute,
Quonehtacut River,
465
236-242
128
17
R.
Rainbow (Poq.), Descrip'n of, 467
Mills,
467
Psalm Singing,
100
Published Work of Rev. Eph-
730
418, 493
Purchase of Lands from the
raim Huit,
Punishments for Burglary,
for Lying,
Indians, 122,127,123-132, 543
616
29835
92
❤
924
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Railroad, Htfd. & Spgfd, The, 508
N. Y. &. N. Eng. R.
Roman Catholic Ch. at W.,
at Windsor Locks,
295
Settlement of Ellington,
810
523
Windsor, The,
20, 24
R.,
734, 768
Roxbury (Mass.),
54
Settlers, Location of First, be-
Stations in Bloomfield, 487
Ruling Elder, The,
99
in E. Windsor,
734
Rule for Finding Day of Week
in So. Windsor,
788
in W. Locks,
508
on which a given Date
falls,
in Windsor,
461
Rundall Mannscript,
Ransom Place, The (W.),
162
Rye Street (E. W.),
14
12
542
Rats in E. Windsor, A Scourge
of Wharf,
771
low Little River (W.), 33
Distribution of Home
Lots to,
Severe Floods in Windsor, 771
Sewing Silk Business (W. L.), 511
Manufactory,
Sexton, A, appointed,
Seymour Paper Co., The
149
505
183
Rebecca, The,
53
S.
(W. L.),
508, 517
Real Estate, The "Boom" of
1639 in Windsor,
Paper, Mill,
514
Rebellion,-see Civil War,
Recorder, The Town (W.),
Records of First Ch. (W.),
of No. Soc'y, W.,
Proprietor's Acts (W.)
of Town Acts,
of Town Rates,
75
795
12, 903
PEBARAAA
Sabbath, The Drum-call to
Meetings,
Shad, Great Catch of, at En-
100
field Falls,
85
Sacraments in Old W. Ch.,
12
A List of,
884
Sakers, see Cannon.
10
10
10
St. Gabriel (R. C.) Ch. (W.), 394
St. John Pr. Epis. Ch. (W.P.), 743
St.. Mildred Bradstreet, London,
of Town Ways,
10
44
Shoemaker, The,
Relics, Indian,
at Pine Meadow,
at So. Windsor, 112, 113, 114
Religious Organiz'n of W., 98-102
Statistics of Scantic Ch., 613
of Wapping,
Remarkble Pr'dences, 186, 440-442
82
111
St. Paul's (Pr. Epis.) Church, 531
Salary of Rev. Mr. Edwards
(E. W.),
of Rev. Mr. Perry (E.W.)
723
624
Salisbury Plains,
Saltonstall Brook,
723, 724
127, 134
737, 738
Removal of the E.W.Meeting
House,
729
Representatives from Ellington
Party of Pioneers, The,
134, 135, 151, 166
Park, The (E. W.),
in the Gen. Assembly, 817
Reserves of 1776,
651
Reserved Meadow,
41
59, 736-741
Sandy Bank, The (W.), 32, 135, 154
Sandy Hill (W.),
Price of in Olden Times, 502
at Warehouse Point,
Sheep-Commons,
Shenipset, Significance of,
Shipbuilding at E. Windsor,
Shipping,
Shop, The Blacksmith,
Siacock (Siacoag, Sicagogg),
Silk Manufacture in W. L.,
Dwight Allen,
515
Silver St. (W.), 151, 153, 155, 156
159, 160, 163, 164, 166, 168
Simsbury Colonized from W., 477
185
Incorporated,
Singing in E.W. Ch., 565, 730, 731
in Scantic Ch.,
743
233
121
767
827
501
140
108, 115
604
Signs, Old Tavern (E.-W.),
766
Slaves,
433, 723
Restless, The Yacht,
17
Revivals of Religion in W.,
391
32, 112, 140, 159, 160, 166
Road to, The,
Anecdotes of,
435
Cook Family, In the,
434
in Wapping,
624
in E. Windsor,
733
Saw Mills,
Revolutionary War, E. W.
Soldiers in,
685
Ellington Soldiers in,
848
River, Hockanum,
542
Indians,
104
Little, The,
486
755
150, 152, 156, 163, 167
42
Path,
498, 499
Scantic (Scantuck, Scantok),
37, 114, 115, 127, 128, 129
130, 152, 408, 410, 541, 542
563, 590, 604, 749, 807
Academy (E. W.),
Small-pox Epidemic among
Edwards "
555
Elmer
،،
ઃઃ
434
Ellsworth"
CC
434
Rockwell"
(C
434
Wolcott
(C
434
Windsor Indians, 26, 38, 50
Small-clothes for Rev. Tr'ps,
of Pines, The,
17
Ancient Well at,
113
supplied by E. W.
656
Farmington,
110
Graveyard,
787
Smoking Tree, The Old (W.),
Park,
486
Indians,
113
Scantic,
592, 751
Mills,
735, 751
Tunxis,
100
Wood's,
486
Rivulet, The, Bridge,
415-416
Ferry at the, 151, 152, 157
161, 171, 173, 174, 175
180, 183, 185, 186, 414
121
Fishware in the,
180
Schoolhouse, The Model,
Ferryman at the,
Road,
172
145
Ministers Raised in, 600
or North Parish (E.W.),
1754-1890, 590, 591, 592
River, 17, 540, 592, 729, 735
746, 751, 752
Significance of name,
[Inset, p.],
419, 497
Snipsic, Significance of, 120
Society and Ch. in Ellington, 820
Ecclesiastical, The, first
named,
234
"Sodom" (Poquonock, W.), 408
Soldiers from Bloomfield in
War of Civ. Reb., 487-491
from E. Windsor,
685
from Ellington,
850
138, 167
School of Art (E. W.),
Schools of E. W..
755
from So. Windsor, 800
396
· Art in,
794
of Windsor Locks,
Fund of Ellington,
Fund of Windsor, 225, 406
506
Baptist Church,
789
829
Burying Ground,
734
Civil Rebel., in War of, 795
Soldiers fr., in, · 777-880
403
First Church of,
730
Meadow Hill (E.W.),
537
North, To the [Inset,p.], 145
Pine M'd'w, The (W.L.), 497
Palisado, The (W.),
156
Pigeon Hill (Wby.),
166
Sealer of Leather, The,
of Measures, The,
Seating of the Meeting House,
175, 178, 180
Meeting House (E.W.), 586
Second Emigration to W. from
Dorchester,
175
History of
788
177
Indian Burying-ground, 794
Meadow,
50, 108
Physicians,
· Town Clerks,
791
789
Spencer Arms Co. (W.),
466
54
Springfield (Mass.),
54, 478
Poquon❜k, The (W.), 148, 151
150
152, 156, 163, 167
Rivulet Ferry, The (W.),
138, 167
141
in Windsor,
Upland, The (W.), 146, 147
498
Rock, The Old,
Rocky Hill, 50, 144, 145, 156, 158
162, 421, [Inset, p.] 145
Selectmen,
84
Sandy Hill, The (W.),
Difficulties of E.W. dur-
ing the Revolution,
Senators from Ellington,
Sequassen Factory (W.),
Woolen Co. (W.),
Sequestered Meadow, The,
680
818
Spring Street (W. L.), 467, 504, 506
Stamford (Conn.) Colonized
from Windsor,
State Government, Windsor
479
405
represented in, App. F.
466
Organization,
89
Constitution, 250th An-
34, 50, 492 [Inset, p.],
145
niversary of,
465
Servants,
Sessions, The Court of,
40
Attorneys, from W.,
451
451
Old,
Road, Bissell's Ferry, The
141, 142
The Present, 153, 166, 169
Country, The Old,
to Hartford (W.), 497
Hollow Fall, The (W.),
Island, The (W.),
157, 160
146, 160, 161, 167
Governor's, The (E.W.),
413, 733-774
Meadow, The (W.), see
Island Road.
Mill, The Old (W.), 147, 150
151, 154, 156, 157
159, 162, 165, 168
of Ellington,
of Bloomfield, see Win-
tonbury.
of a Higher Ord. in Ell., 830
of Pine Meadow, 404, 506
of So. Windsor, see East
Windsor.
of Windsor,
School-mistress, The First
in Windsor,
in War of 1812, 462-464
77, 108
South Windsor, 17, 33, 37, 112
113, 129, 131, 132, 789
407, 749, 752
from Windsor,
472
828
from Windsor L’ks, 523
from Windsor in Mex-
ican War,
487-491
Soheag (Sohiage),
GENERAL INDEX.
925
624
Steamboats,
429, 430, 508
Stern-wheelers,
508
of the Psalms,
100
Stocks, The,
94, 180
Stockbridge Indians, The,
Stone Bridge, The,
120
497
Fort, The Old,
141, 142, 166, 183
Pit, see Quarry.
Stony Hill,
403
Statistics of E. Windsor Ch., 733
of Scantic Parish, .613
Wapping Church,
Sternhold & Hopkins' Version
Teacher of Windsor Church, 99
Territory Comprised in Ell., 809
Theological Institute of Conn.
(E. W.),
556, 755
Thrall's Quarry (W.), 144, 148
Tilton's Marsh, 127, 134, 233
Tobacco, Insp'r and Pres'r of, 769
Laws against,
96
Tolland Colonized from W., 479
Topography of Windsor, 461
Torrington Settled fr. W., 481, 482
Town Barn (W.),
Book of Ways,
Clerks (W.),
War of Civil Rebellion, Sol-
diers from E. W.
777
from Bl'mfield, 487-491
from Ellington, 850
from So. Windsor, 800
from Windsor L’ks, 523
from Windsor.
Indian, The, of 1722-24,
of 1812,
472
237-242
461
Soldiers from Ell.. 849
139
Soldiers f'm W., 462-464
536, 537
King Philip's,
221, 539
472
French, The,
243
Brook,
111, 124, 125
157, 233, 740
Sò. Windsor,
Ellington,
789
Mexican, Ell. in,
849
786, 817
of Revolution,/
307, 777
Stores, Maj. Ellsworth's, 427
Court (W.),
90
Jonathan Ellsworth's,
H. S. Hayden's,
427
428
House, The, 138, 153, 154
184, 202, 467
Hooker & Chaffee,
Matson's,
Trade and Commerce,
429
Lead, The (W.),
231
427
424
Oldest, Windsor the, on
Conn. River,
31
Stoves, first Introduced in
So. Windsor Ch.,
Orchard, The (W.), 138, 235
603
Officers (W.),
84
Windsor Ch.,
386
Ellington,
815
Street, The (E. W.),
619, 735
817
Broad (W.),
162
Center (W. L.),
491, 500, 501, 502, 507
173-189
Chestnut (W. L.),
504
Christian (P. M.),
497
Elm (W. L.),
501, 502, 507
Trade, Mfrs. & Com., 424, 543, 769
Trading House, the Ply. Co.'s, 150
Training-Days,
175, 182, 712
Grove (W. L.),
500.
Ireland (E. W.),
591
Train Bands at Windsor, 189
Trees, Elm, on Broad Street
Treasurer, Ellington,
Ways, Book of (W.),' 133
Windsor, Acts of, Ex-
tracts from,
Tax, Levied in W., 1638, 72
Queen Anne's,
236
Warehouse Pt. (E.W.), Hist. of, 736
Warehouse P't`(E.W.), 18, 29, 131
235, 429, 430, 431, 542, 554
735, 737, 751, 741, 744
Graveyard,
Washington (Gen.) George,
Watches in E. W., No. of, 772
Water Supply of Windsor, 466
Ways, The Book of Town of
Wedding Customs, Old,
Watchman,
787
419, 432, 661
182
Windsor,
133, 536
Waywardens,
87
Weatogue Meadow,
497
420
Mill (W.),
160
Green (W.),
422
Welch House, The (W.),
Well, Old, at Bissell's Ferry,
158, 159
North (P. M.),
498
Tree, Half-way, The (W.), 420-497
Scantic,
113
Oak (W. L.),
504
Pink (P. M.),
497
Curious Graft upon,
Old Smoking, The,
443
Weller Lot, The (W.),
166
Wequash, Significance of,
121
Pleasant (W.),
160
419, 422, 497
Western Land Grants to W.
480
Rye (E. W.),
542
Silver (W.),
151, 155, 156
159, 163, 164, 166, 168
Spring (W. L.), 504, 506
West (W. L.), 500, 502, 506
Strawberry Meadow,
163
Tunxis,
Suckiage,
Suffield,
Sufferings of the First Emi-
Summer of 1697—one of great
Strong Drink, Licensed to Sell, 233
54, 108
Troopers, 176, 182, 184, 188, 189
Troubles in Ellington, 1735, 565
Trumpet, The, used to call to
Meetings,
Indians,.
Mills,
Western Reserve Settl. f'm W., 484
West St. (W. L.),
500, 502, 506
Wethersfield Meadows,
50
176, 177
28, 412, 415, 477
Wet Lands, The,
540
Wharf Rats, Invasion of
119
(E.W.),
771
467
"Whipping the Cat,"
501
River,
110
Whipping-post, The,' in W.,
95
Sepsus, Significat'n of, 121
White Mill at B. B., The,
747
grants to Windsor, 53
124
Worsted Co.,
467
Wickerman,
131
Tything-men,
101
Windermere,
mortality,
231, 233
Sumptuary Policy of our An-
U.
cestors,
95
Sunday-school House (W.),
385
Uncoroa,
Superior Court of Colony,
451
Union Street (W. L.),
162
1863
Supreme Court of Errors,
451
United States Army, Windsor
Support of Soldiers' Families
men enl. in, in War
during Rev. War,
658
of 1812,
463
Wilson's Station (W.), 34, 38, 107
Hills, The (Ell.),
Windsor, 24, 34, 54, 56, 66, 67, 72
75, 98, 122-132, 133, 228
231, 396, 406, 438-440, 453
-459, 461–476, 477–485
Goshen,
Windsor Locks, 144, 156, 492, 500
501, 504, 506, 507, 508
811
129
812
Surveyors, The Massachusetts,152
Government, Windsor
510, 511, 517, 523
Swamp, Brick Hill, 145, 188, 230
Men in,
460
Windsorville (E.W.),
129, 145
Great, The,
171
and Appendix F..
Pipe-stave,
Swearing, Punishment for,
185, 404
92
Upland Road to Hartford, 146, 147
Winter of 1635–6,
Swine, Laws regarding,
174
V.
T.
Vaccination (E. W.),
774
Tailoress, The Old Time,
501
Vermont, The Steamboat,
430
Tavern Signs, Old (E. W.),
766
W. Settlers in State of,
183
Windsor,
Tavern, Bissell's Stage House
Vernon,
129
Wood's River,
(W.), 420 [Inset, p.],
145
Verses by Jabez Colt,
560
Chapman's, Simeon,
418
Veteran Ass'n, G.A.R. (W.L.), 528
Memorial Chapel
Cook's, Nathaniel,
418
Vore's Point,
168
(So. W.),
Ellsworth's ("Capt.
Don't "), (W.),
420
Filley's, Hayden,
420
W.
Rateable Estate,
Grant's, Ebenezer,
418
Grant's, Grace,
418
Wages, Lab'rs', in Old Times, 96
Loomis's, Capt. Joel,
418
Wagons, see Carriages.
Wolves, Bounties Paid for
Marshall's, Eliakim,
418
Wapping,
408, 542
Mather's, Thaddeus,
420
Baptist Church at,
625
Severe Floods (E.W.),
Wine and Liquor,
Licenses to Sell,
Wintonbury Parish (now
Bloomfield),
Witches and Witchcraft in
Wolcott Houses, The (So. W.), 773
Gov. Roger House, The, 773
Poetical List of his
Ferry, The,
Slaves in the Family,
Killing, 172, 177, 178, 180
181, 183, 184, 185
542, 746
35, 53
772
97
233
292-307
444-450
486
730
89
412
434
Pickett's,
418, 437
Episcopal "
પ
600
[Inset, p.], 145
1st Cong'l"
623
Y.
Porter's, Nathaniel,
418
History of Parish,
618
Sill's, (Judge) H.,
Welch's, Lemuel,
Taylor's Brook,
Hollow,
Place, The,
420
Lexington Aların Party
Young Men not allowed to keep
420
from,
633
762
Meeting House,
586
house by themselves, 82-83
Young Ladies' Institute (W.), 406
762, 764
Methodist Church at,
628
154
Railroad Station at,
624
INDEX OF NAMES.
A.
Ira (Col.),
Abbe, Hannah,
745
Jabez S.,
Hezekiah,
65
Joseph,
Allen, H. O. (Dr.),
604, 606, 642, 649
627, 749
670
910, 911
Alvord, Benedict, 11, 69, 70, 85, 88
147
home-lot, 150; 152, 179
228, 241, 415, 873, 876
Lester G.,
777
650, 653, 687, 850
878, 881, 884, 885
Obadiah,
656
J1'.,
639, 741
Elizabeth,
876
Richard T.,
541, 670, 763
John (Dea.),
729
Frederick (Rev.),
728
Robert M.,
909
John P.,
540
Jeremy,
228, 876
Thomas (Capt.),
686, 688
John W..
777
Jonathan,
497
Abbot, Abial, 562, 564, 572, 575
Luman S.,
910
Josias,
88, 875
579, 649, 653
Moses,
Inset, p. 145
Howard &,
427
Joseph,
687, 908, 909
Nathaniel,
611, 654, 656
Jr..
818, 907
Col., 816, 818, 828, 906
Noah, 611, 631, 654, 656, 687
690, 741, 907, 908
Anderson, Asahel,
Nathan (Sgt.),
687
Pliny C.,
910
Nathaniel R.,
Amannawer,
Charles,
909
124
688
800
Abby, sée Atbe.
Richard,
462
John,
434, 562, 564, 578
Abel (negro),
668, 687
Samuel,
146, 147
635, 662, 68
Aborn, Henry C.,
818, 911
Ackley, J. B.,
827
Adams, (Sgt.) Calvin,
462
home-lot, 150; 159, 178
548, 606, 631, 654
656, 741, 878, 883
Theodore,
Timothy,
688
William, 501, 668, 670, 688
Charles C.,
777
Ji'.,
C Collard (Rev.),
7745
Capt.,
741, 907
158
William C.,
523
Andrews,
55
Edward,
228, 881
S. H. (Rev.),
520, 522
Ebenezer B. (Rev.),
608
Henry H.,
777
Seth S.,
777, 911
Edward W. (Rev.),
608
Henry M.,
777
Solomon,
907
Israel W. (Rev.),
608
John,
777
Solomon H.,
777
John,
170
John H.,
523
William,
800
Lorin (Rev.),
G09
John R. (Rev.),
469
Allain, Elizabeth,
888
Nathaniel,
€88
Samuel,
767
Alling, Edwin,
777
Samuel J. (Rev.),
GOT, 608
Sherman W.,
450
Allis,
156
William,
670
Solomon H.,
472
Alsop, Gardiner (Rev. Dr.),
205
Rev., biog., 608; 837, 848
William,
777, 910
Allyn,
75
W. W. (Rev.),
608
(Rev. Dr.),
469
Mr.,
139, 179
Andrus, Fred. M.,
488
W.,
89, 108
Mrs.,
Adamson, John,
488
Old Mrs..
886
873, 880
Jacob,
777
Nathaniel,
631
Adkins,
619
Capt.,
208, 211, 241
William,
688
Agon, Michael,
523
Ahlers (Capt.), C. A.,
675
Aaron,
Arnold,
687
Archer, Charles B.,
472
687
John,
777
Ahrend (Capt.),
675
A. W.,
910
Armbruster, Albert,
Aiken, Atwood A.,
850
Benjamin,
319, 390
Armstrong,
619
Edmond,
850
Chauncey M.,
472
Arnold, C. A.,
746
Albro, John E.,
777
Elizabeth,
458
Henry,
827
Alcorn, Hugh G.,
523
Giles D.,
472
Joseph,
911
Alden, John,
Daniel,
Alderman, John,
39, 41, 607
Henry,
383, 404, 415
- Robert,
826
687
472, 650, 907
Arowonuck,
807
764
Capt.,
905, 906
Arramemet,
37, 38, 107, 109, 115
Henry C.,
488
H. W..
910
116, 123, 128, 131
Aldrich, Nathaniel,
817
Job,
909
Ash, Charles,
523
William C.,
nnn
John,
404, 538, 879
Simeon,
80
Aldridge, F.,
$26
Sec'y,
35, 210
Ashwell, Samuel,
488
Alford see, also, Alvord.
`Mr.,
86, 88, 231
William,
438
Benedict,
917
Chauncey,
462
Josias,
Joseph,
390, 415
Astorga, Charles,
800
E. S.,
910
William,
908, 969
Alexander, George, home-lot,
149; 156, 179, 478, 878, 881
John N.,
597, 656, 661
Mr.;
905, 906
Matthew (Mr.), 32, 37, 39, 40
41, 93, 146
home-lot, 150; 151, 160, 164
Asuthew,
124
Attawanhood,
109
Atwater, Edward,
523
Luman,
910
Auburey (Mr.),
677
910
167, 171, 238, 242, 400
Auley, Thomas,
880
Thomas,
687
Allen, Abel,
741
402, 403, 448, 450, 477
482, 591, 808, 809, 880
Aushqua,
125
Austin, Elijah,
463
Abial,
668, 681
Moses,
687
Frank,
472
Alexander,
503
Jr.,
687
Avery, Alfred,
800
Asher,
909
Noah,
908
Charles,
800
Benjamin,
611
Peletiah,
415, 903
Frank,
911
David,
631, 654, 656, 687
Richard (Capt.),
462
Fr. W.,
911
Dwight,
Ebenezer,
505, 511, 515
653, 656
Edward O.,
488
Elihu,
687
Samuel, 390, 689, 878, 883
Thomas, 150, 151, 177, 228
231, 448, 873, 875, 879, 881
Timothy,
Henry.
Samuel T.,
Ayres, George W.,
801
797, 909
801
Eliphalet G.,
462
T.,
Ephestion,
687
William (3d),
688
884
462
Parlemon B.,
801
B.
Ethan,
659
Hannah (Mrs.),
Henry E.,
Hezekiah,
519
Zachariah, 653, 688, 690, 704
Alvord-see, also, Alford, 149, 151
Bachelor, Elijah,
$25
777
Alexander, home-lot, 149;
Backus, Azel,
$23
606, 611, 656
155, 160, 179, 881
Bacon, Leonard (Rev.),
387
928
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Bacon, Joseph,
Francis,
Bahr (Judge-Advocate),
831
675
564 Barber, Sam'l, 88, 151, 875, 880,887
Shadrach, 649, 653, 6S8
Simeon, 611,653, 656, 688, 751
Beebe, Edmond M. (Rev.),
Elisha P..
745
850
Beebert, John C.,
850
Bailey, Amasa,
462
Strong H.,
388
Henry,
811, 826
Ezra B.,
514, 911
Thomas,
44, 149
Beekman & Son,
767
Garrett T.,
472
home-lot,
151; 155, 160
Beers, Alfred,
523
Levi A.,
801
179, 228, 478, 482, 879, 881
Luke H.,
801
William,
386
Jr.,
164, 881
Beit, Charles,
463
Baird, John G. (Rev.), 9, 686, 807
Warren,
626
Belcher, Andrew,
434
Baker, Hannah,
881
William T.,
910, 911
Waldo,
622
Horatio R.,
850
Jeffry, home-lot,
150; 160
William W.,
& Reed,
912
Belknap, Chester,
909
14
C. K., Jr.,
850
John,
179, 547, 879, 881
916
Barker, Ethan,
394
David,
689
Jr.,
462
Ebenezer,
856
Joseph, 540, 562, 887, 916, 917
Jerusha,
393, 394
Elam,
801
Rainsford,
778
Joseph,
688
Epaphras (Dr.),
846
Richard,
850
Moses,
404
Francis,
689
Samuel, 88, 150, 228, 539, 540
Reuben,
908
Horace (Rev.),
609
547, 552, 873, 874, 884
885, 886, 888, 914, 917
Barnard, Bartholomew,
132
biog.,
837: 848
Charles,
801
Joseph,
801
Deal.,
914
Erastus,
463
Orvilie P.,
850
Sarah,
914
Grove,
911
Simeon,
654
Thomas,
850
Harlow,
463
Bell, Newton S. (Dr.),
459
William,
481, 778
Henry (Hon.),
401, 484
Robert C. (Rev.),
biog., 748
Baldwin, Lloyd E.,
911
Inset, p. 145, 726
Bellows, James,
689
Samuel,
668
Henry D.,
911
Bement, Jonathan,
689, 670
William H.,
472
Barnes, Allen,
827
Bemis, Alfred,
789
Bancroft,
Inset, p. 145
Charles C. (Rev.),
745
Benjamin (Indian),
689
Abel,
647
George W.,
472, 911
Bennett, John,
82
Abraham,
584
John,
626
home-lot,
151; 167
Charlés,
778
Philip,
464
King G.,
523
Edward,
656
William,
452, 909
Miriam,
394
Ephraim, 151, 288, 408, 562
Barrett, David,
523
Jr.,
562, 564, 741
James,
778
"Goode,"
92
John & Sons,
767
Hanna,
584
Bartlett,
239, 579, 772
Horace M.,
911
Anna,
610
Noble H..
William B.,
William (Rev.),
Bernewitz (Ens.),
523
850
Bentley, Lorenzo D. (Rev.),
745
789, 790
615
Isaac,
611, 649
Benjamin,
228, 881
Besum, John,
880
Jr.,
611, 656
Charles,
910
Bever, August,
523
John,
93
Daniel W.
611, 911
Bidwell, Epaphras (Dr.),
835
Dr.
home-lot, 151; 157, 163, 562
606, 611, 654, 879, 881
Mahlon H. (Judge), 9, 786
Nathaniel, 539, 562, 606
David E.,
609
Ephraim,
689
Edward,
230
"Goodman,"
878
749
Elijah,
653
Richard,
878, 883
Elizabeth Haskell (Mrs.)522
William L.,
911
Ephraim,
878
Bill, Frank N. (Rev.),
745
649, 917
Hannah,
612
Billman, Howard (Rev.),
609
Phrane,
564
Henry A.,
778
Billings, Elkanah,``
463
Rusha,
584
Isaiah,
880, 881
Bills, George,
801
Samuel, 241, 407, 412, 558
John,
80, 124
James,
801
562, 569, 572, 635, 644
home-lot, 151; 154, 175
Prosper B.,
801
672, 688, 913, 915, 916
177, 180, 463, 478, 562
Bingham, Ithamar,
681, 689
Sarah (Wid.),
611
563, 601, 751, 880, 881
816, 826, 828
Sarah P.,
733
Jonathan,
153, 597, 612
John,
856
Theodore,
765
649, 741
Binheimer, Andrew,
778
Theodore E.,
763, 797
Capt.,
604, 654
Bird, Joseph,
153
Thomas,
477, 606, 635, 688
Josias,
223
Birge,
548
Banks, John,
477, 883
P. M. (Rev.),
522
Abigail,
914
Barclet,
95
Barber,
112, 113, 117, 238, 440
Samuel W.,
Abel,
394
Abigail,
887
Sam'l, 604, 611, 612, 653, 751
Shubael (Rev.), 14, 590, 601
603, 606, 609, 610, 747
Cornelius,
562, 564
596, 910
Daniel,
88, 482, 881
David,
Horace,
Ashbel,
611, 631, 649
Stephen,
634, 668, 688
Jeremiah,
653, 656, 688
Stephen T.,
778
John,
Benjamin,
241
William,
751
Buckley P.,
910
Barthwick, Walter,
472
Jonathan,
Charles H.,
626, 778
Bartles, John,
883
David,
415
Bascomb, Elias,
688
Julius,
Edward L.,
472
Thomas, 148, 149, 151, 153, 155
Mary,
Eldad (Rev.),
609, 626
162, 167, 178, 478, 878, 881
Molly ("Old"),
Gideon,
390, 415
Bass, Nathan,
483
Henry,
626
Bassett, Thomas,
44, 138
Horace,
909
home-lot, 151; 159, 169,
477, 545
482, 894
501, 503, 506, 909
88, 130, 482, 545
Joseph, 88, 207, 228, 875, 917
Peletiah (auto.), 501; 506, 517
Richard,
home-lot, 152; 154, 159, 168
501, 880
875, 878; 886
765
765
· 517
152
147
H. H.,
461
Bates, Apollos D.,
452
Lemuel (Rev.),
626
Henry H. (Rev.),
744
Thomas,
179, 878, 879, 881
875
James,
881
Sebra,
778
Bissell,
Jerijah,
390, 611
Zephaniah,
667, 688
Jonah,
886
Battell, Anna,
727
Jonathan,
631, 649, 653
Robbins,
727, 831
John,
655, 668
151, 478, 881
Batterson, James G.,
487
619, 741, 745, 811
Aaron, 579, 751, 752, 765
autograph, 786; 907, 908
Capt.,
·Jr.,
763
654
Baugh, Eugene,
472
Abigail,
887, 913
John H.,
387
Baxter, Francis, 631, 667, 670, 689
John Warner,
J. L.,
Josias,
Nathaniel,
6, 95
832
228, 876
482
James,
Bayliss, Edmund G.,
Beach & Co..
778
778
Ann,
Anson,
Benjamin,
534
611, 624
482, 552
512
Benjamin L.,
910
Noah, 619, 633, 653, 663, 688
J. Wickliffe (Rev.),
Watson,
522
Benoni (Capt.),
406
512
Carlos F.,
778
Capt.,
626
i
Beall,
565, 605, 730
Charles, 585, 635, 654, 689
Oliver,
611, 653, 656
Beaseley, John,
818, 911
Charles A.,
911
Dea.,
611
Bedor, Peter,
778
Charles H. (Rev.), 471, 732
Ruth,
887
Bedortha, Quarles,
374
Cyrus,
462
INDEX OF NAMES.
929
Bissell, Daniel, 407, 415, 502, 540
584, 585, 611, 653, 903
Bissell & Tudor,
763
Brady, George,
778
Blackman, Col.,
650
Bragg, Albert F.,
778
Jr..
Eli,
741
David, 412, 452, 562, 565
578, 653, 767, 913
Ebenezer,
653, 752
Ebenezer F. (Capt.), 562
564, 579, 907, 808
Inset, p. 145
654, 764
Lieut.,
675
Chester H.,
801
Blackwell, John,
911
Frank,
778, 801
Blair, Francis P. (Gen.), `
831
John,
801
Blake,
52
Brainard, Thomas J.,
488
A. & G.,
511
Braman, Daniel,
656, 691
Ebenezer (Rev.),
745, 827
James,
801
Blakeslee, Charles L. (Dr.),
793
Norton M., Jr.,
778, 850
Ichabod,
793
Thomas H.,
801
Elihu,
668, 680, 778
Blanchard (Capt.),
462
Branch, James,
778
Ellis,
585
Thomas,
430
Brandel, John,
850
Elizabeth,
876
Blankhorn, Joseph,
778
Branker, (Mr.) John,
99, 146, 147
Elisha,
635, 689
Bliss, Ann (Wid.),
649
home-lot, 151; 161, 162, 308
Ephraim,
540, 913
Ebenezer,
595, 750, 767
547, 549, 879, 899
Epaphras,
764, 766
Henry A.,
394
Brandt, Henry S.,
472
Esther, 584, 880, 887, 914
John,
656
Braniger, John,
472
Fitch,
394
Rev., biog.,
823
Brayman (Col.),
677
Frances,
755
Jonathan,
562, 564
Breen, John H.,
778
"Goodman," 129, 536, 537, 591
Geo. P. (Col.), Inset, p. 145
George S. (Dea.),
Hezekiah,
729
William R.,
831
Brennan, Peter,
775, 850
Blodgett, Abner,
653, 656
Brewster,
39, 49
239, 391
452, 650, 778
Ebenezer,
Eleazer,
Josiah,
741
Mr..
34
606
Elder,
30, 33, 164
611, 612, 631
Rev..
Capt.,
12, 243, 578
656, 690, 741
William,
604, 653, 661
John R.,
778
Brigg, John,
auto., 667, 689, 906, 907
Henry,
Lavalette C.,
850
Jonath'n, 28, 33, 41, 56, 128, 164
Brinsmade (Rev.),
818, 910
Phineas,
631, 656, 690
Briskall, Nathaniel,
Henry N. (Rev.),
609
Phineas L.,
611, 785
Bristol, Henry B.,
Hiram,
Inset, p. 145
Gideon,
390, 415
Britt, Thomas,
Israel,
690, 741, 887
Ralph,
778, 909
Brockway, E. C. (Mrs.),
41, 128
691
623
539
778
778
831
Jabez,
903
Roswell,
631, 656, 690
Diodate (Rev.),
Jared,
563
Samuel,
776
754, 821, 823, 832
John Hall (Hon.), 754, 818
Boardman, John (Rev.),
Jr.,
J.,
Jeremiah, 562, 564, 572, 741
Jerijah, 653, 677, 741, 751
John, 75, 82, 87, 88, 92, 93
117, 144, 152, 161, 166, 174
177, 178, 179, 180, 187, 188
189, 210, 212, 221, 228, 398
409, 418, 451, 479, 494, 536
544, 545, 546, 667, 670, 764
873, 875, 878, 880, 881, 913
John, Jr., 130, 221, 228, 410
411, 537, 541, 690, 881
Jonathan, 412, 562, 564
654
88
Blood, Lorenzo W. (Rev.), 745, 827
Bohen, Peter W.
Boise, John M.,
Bolan, John,
Bolles,
Augustus,
824
824, 832, 842, 844, 847, 905, 909
850
Thomas (Rev.),
823
778.
Broderick,
497
778
Brodhead,
17, 24
500
Bromley, John,
523
908
Brownson, Hosea,
691
Bolton, John P.,
488
Brooks, John,
93, 880, 881
Bond, Richard,
857
Bonney, Nathaniel G. (Rev.), 471
home-lot, 152; 172, 228, 462, 478
Lord, The,
Booth,
812, 886
Brown,
Albert (Rev.),
610
Abigail,
Caleb,
594, 602, 604
Charles,
656, 906, 907
Charles D.,
46
747
877
711
488
Josiah, 614, 903: Inset, p. 145
Capt.,
415
Jr.,
Capt.,
631, 653, 690
Chauncey (Dr.), biog., 835
610
Cornelius,
888
Joseph,
875, 903
Chauncey (Rev.),
610
D. L. (Rev.),
745, 827
Joseph W.,
818, 909
Erastus,
667, 690
Edward S.,
911
Justus,
690
Freegrace,
856
Eli,
911
Lemuel,
155
Gaius N.,
611
F. A. (Mrs.),
792
Maria,
155
Henry,
690
F. M.,
466
Mary,
677,877
Joshua,
813, 856
Freeman M.,
909, 910
Matthew,
649, 653, 752
Levi, 653, 656, 688, 690, 740
George B.,
778
Moses, Jr.,
Noah,
631, 655, 690
Peter,
690
Hanna,
877
653
Ruth,
856
Hepzibah,
877, 888
Nathaniel, 81, 88, 117, 131
151, 183, 185, 186, 187, 189
217, 226, 228, 410, 411
auto., 534; 536, 539, 541, 542
543, 546, 551, 552, 556, 562
564, 585, 591, 606, 690, 807
874, 880, 881, 884, 914, 917
Obadiah,
Sarah,
Samuel,
690
Henry Billings (Esq.),
Samuel A.,
911
biography,
844, 848
856
James,
523, 779
Simeon,
741
James M..
910
Jr.,
690
Jeremiah U.,
850
Bornemann (Lieut.),
675
John,
779, 850
Bolton, Jacob,
634, 690
John M.,
779
662
Bourne, Shearjashub (Rev.),
Jonathan,
653
Orrin,
Oliver,
Peter,
910
biography,
825
Josiah (Lieut.),
631, 690
Bouton, Sanford (Rev.),
745
650, 668, 670, 691
478
Bowe, Asa,
762, 764, 765
Jude,
668, 670, 691
Rusha,
584
Bowen, Joseph,
523
Lieut.,
651
Ralph,
903
Bower (Bowers), Azel,
585, 690
Salome,
585
Horace,
465, 472
Mary,
Nathaniel,
877, 886, 887
909
Samuel,
88
John,
585, 691
Peter, 88, 159, 179, 228, 873
home-lot,
152; 228
Sidney,
472, 909
875, 881, 884, 885, 886
562, 875, 876, 881
Bowman, Geo. A. (Rev.),
728, 911
Robert,
59
Jr., home-lot,
152
Boyington,
585, 827
Samuel & Co.,
767
Samuel T.,
778
P. P. (Col.),
655
Samuel G. (Rev.),
830
Sarah,
584
Bradbury, Thomas E.,
Thomas H.,
Timothy,
Thomas, 88, 157, 187, 208, 209
212, 228, 231, 539, 546, 552
562, 563, 618, 690, 807, 875
880, 881, 887, 913, 914, 917
J?'.,
562, 564, 917
772, 910
633, 654, 690
488, 523
Bradford, 19, 24. 26, 28, 30, 31, 38
39, 41, 48, 51, 62, 63, 107, 109
Bradley, John,
biography,
841
Samuel R. (Rev.),
610
801
Col.
Hezekiah,
Josiah, Jr.,
375
William,
William E.,
Brownley (Brownlee), John,
688, 691
472
435
635, 636, 692
634, 691
Robert J.,
691
Reuben,
909
William,
631, €91
William,
606, 656, 690
Stephen,
691
Bronson, William A.,
463
William O.,
801
Bradstreet,
209
Browton, John, home-lot,
152
W.,
88
Simon (Mr.),
202
Bruce, Thaddeus C.,
891
& Haskell,
763
Stephen,
463
William (Rev.),
470
VOL. I.-117
!
930
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Buck, Daniel,
467, 470
Burroughs, John,
813, 814, 815
Case, Shubael,
*482
F. Clarence,
472
856, 886
William W.,
488
Winthrop D.,
472
Stephen,
692
Casey, Thomas,
779
Buckland,
160
Zebulon,
668, 692
Cashman, John,
501
Aaron.
691
Burrows. A. S. (Rev.),
472
Caslin,
524
Abigail,
877
John,
564
Cassidy, Hugh,
473
Elizabeth,
887
Burton, Charles L.,
850
Matthew,
779
Erastus,
611, 909
Burton, Edward,
779
Ham Buckland,
880
John,
449
Cattaramuggas,
Hannah,
877, 880
Busenhagen, Frederick,
488
Henry R.,
452
Bushman (negro),
723
Jonathan,
691
Bushnell, (Mrs.) Horace,
205
Mary,
877, 879, 887
Busket, James,
44
Chaffee,
Nicholas,
88, 154, 228, 875
Butler, Thomas,
230, 231
Cassoeum,
Catlin, Samuel,
Cato (negro),
Caulkins (Miss),
Charles E.,
127, 128
108
480
692
118
164, 166
512, 528, 529
Sarah,
880, 881, 886
228, 876
William,
William B.,
35, 463
portrait,
530
911
Charlotte Bradley,
435
Sidney W.,
911
Button, Daniel,
692
Hezekiah (Dr.),
Thos., 70, 87, 88, 141, 152, 181
home-lot, 167; 178, 539, 547
875, 879, 880, 881
Jr.,
539
Timothy, 88, 152, 165, 479
Jonathan,
654, 656, 692
390, 435, 459, 908
Richard,
779
John,
425, 907
Byrne,
775
Ralph T. (Dr.),
531
James W.,
911
(Drs.), The,
459
& Hooker,
426
873, 876, 879, 880
C.
Place, The,
138, 433
881, 884, 885, 917
Chaffin, John,
908
Wid., "The Old,"
881
Cadwell, Alden,
910
Lyman,
463
Wid.,
885
Charles S.,
488
Chalkwell,
879
William,
90, 186
John,
827
Chamberlain, James,
742, 907
& Co.,
467
John S.,
463
(Capt.), 504, 681, 742, 743, 905
Buckingham, Thomas
Samuel,
909
Jr.,
503, 604, 692
(Rev.),
239, 482, 559
Cady, William O. (Rev.),
745
& Son,
742
Buckley, Chester,
756
Cahill, Dennis,
779
Oliver,
584, 723, 752
Jonathan,
691
Cahoon (Capt.),
746
Champion (Col.),
673
Buell,
160
Nathan,
611
Chandler, L. D.,
911
tr
Goode,"
878
Calhoun, George A.,
755
David,
692
J. (Rev.),
744
George W.,
801
Chapin,
504, 812
Rev.,
758
Camp, Eady,
167
Aaron,
654, 662
Samuel, 153, 158, 164, 479, 881
William, 148, 153, 159, 164, 178
179, 180, 181, 881, 891, 892
Bulkley, Gershom,
Burchard, Wm. Metcalf
(Rev.), biog.,
Burgess, Albert J.,
Charles,
Isaac,
Nicholas,
167
Alonzó B. (Rev.),
121
Campbell, David,
616
Beulah,
744
(Comis'r) James,
675
Charles,
524
201, 202
Capen, George F.
911
Daniel,
611, 612, 909, 910
J. Cleveland,
911
David,
813, 886
748
Carew, Joseph,
757
Edward,
802
523
Cargill, George A.,
779
Eliphalet,
653
523
Carman,
78, 189
Elizabeth,
873, 876
851
Carmody (Rev. Dr.),
776
Ephraim,
813, 814
N. B. (Rev.),
744
Carney, John B.,
473
Jr.,
813, 814
Bumstead, John M.,
472
Carpenter, Daniel,
654
Gideon,
654
Burbank, R. S.,
523
Eli (Dr.),
634, 692
John,
695
Thomas,
579
biog.,
845
Joseph,
653, 656
Burke,
775
Joel (Dr.),
845
Leander,
779
John,
801
biog.,
832, 834
Mary,
880
Thomas,
779
Oliver,
692
Oliver,
503, 654
Richard J.,
472
Ruggles (Dr.), biog., 834; 845
Phineas,
741
Burland, Aaron,
463
Timothy,
692
Samuel,
776
Burley, Asaph.
691
Carrier, Ashbel J.,
524
Sarah,
876
Burnap, Daniel,
654
Carroll,
775
Solomon,
692
(Dr.),
Burnett, Frank,
494, 499, 531
John W.,
801
Timothy,
668, 693
793
Richard,
524
Chapman,
812
Burnham, Abner,
635, 684, 692
Thomas F.,
911
Adelbert P. (Rev.),
Augustus,
€92
(Mrs.),
770
biog.,
840; 848
Edward S.,
801
Carter,
812, 886
Calvin,
818, 909
Eli,
712
Abigail,
878
Deloraine P.,
818, 910
(Ens.),
561
Caleb,
878
Edward,
88, 153, 221, 225
Erastus W.,
801
Charles,
910
Gabriel,
584
Elias,
879
Edward D.,
George,
653, 827
Elisha,
879
Elizabeth,
Henry, ¿
849
Henry,
878
Frederic (Rev.),
Hiram,
801
Joshua,
141
Jane,
654
home-lot, 153; 158, 168
Hanna,
Nancy,
585
178, 478, 501, 545, 881
Henry,
Oliver,
692
Jr.,
153
Horace M.,
Roger,
692
Josia,
878
Hosea,
Samuel,
559, 915
Joseph W.,
801
Jabez,
Jr.,
564
Sidney S. (Rev.),
790, 801
John,
562, 880, 881
464
876, 884
38, 107, 393, 462
876
617, 876
817, 818, 910
634, 693
876
524, 653
Spencer H.,
801
Carver, Benjamin,
654
Joseph,
909
Thomas, 88, 89, 131, 132, 184
Patrick,
584
226,479, 536,539, 543, 549, 550
Willard G.,
Case, Chester W.,
488
114
Burns, Patrick,
850
William,
711
John, Jr.,
473
C. H.,
Edward,
Elisha B.,
Fredus M.,
910
L. B.,
Margaret,
Mary,
510, 512, 910
876
876
473
Orlow W.,
843, 848
911
Salathiel,
693
911:
Samuel (Col.),
681
Burr, Allen,
463
Harlow.
Charles E.,
488
Hiram B.,
462
7,910
Simon,
225, 418, 562, 876
Jr.,
813, 814
Daniel, Jr.,
585
John,
151, 478, 881
Taylor,
404
Isaac,
415
John W. (Rev.),
745, 827
Martin,
911
Newton,
Burroughs,
Abner,
812
Richard D.,
757
910, 911
692, 815
Lockwood & Brainard
Jr.,
634
Co., The,
9
T. J.,
(Wid.),
Thomas,
Charles, Aaron,
49,484
228
Charlton, Jesse,
684, 763, 764
779
693
1
INDEX OF NAMES.
931
Charter, Alfred U., biog., 818; 911
Cleveland, Rufus,
693
Cooke, Oliver D., Jr.,
764
Franklin M., biog., 845
Clinton, Henry,
473
Reuben,
462
George,
693, 817
Clifford, Michael,
802
Records, The,
12
John,
634, 644,
692, 816
Coates, John,
911
Roswell,
462
Levi.
668, 693
Coburn, Jonathan,
463
Samuel W.,
910
N. W.,
811
Cockernoset, see Coggerynosset.
Shubael,
462
Samuel,
693
Coffen, Seborn,
881
Theophilus,
404
Wellington,
812
Coffin, Herbert R.,
522
Timothy,
693
Chase, Austin S. (Rev.),
609
Coggerynosset,
37, 110, 117, 124
William,
387
William,
473
125, 127, 128, 129, 739
William (Rev.),
531
Chatham, William,
463
Cogswell, Jonathan (Dr.),
756
Slaves in the family,
434
Chatman, Nathaniel,
Chauncey, Nathaniel (Rev.),
154, 169, 185, 197, 198, 199
200, 202, 206, 209, 210, 212
214, 228, 874, 877, 881, 884
885, 896, 897
Coleman, Thomas,
Collicot, Richard,
Collins,
Ebenezer,
693
William H.,
516, 818, 911
Coolidge, Susan,
204
88
Cortly, John,
779
Cooley, Horace E.,
393
767
James C.,
512
21
William (Dr.),
114
13
Cooper, Erwin L.,
473
504
George A.,
473
Cheever, Ezekiel,
169
Guy P.,
818, 911
James,
917
Chester (Mr.),
174
Jabesh,
818, 849, 909
John (Rev.),
745
Childs,
797
Loren C.,
827
Thomas,
44
Thomas S. (Rev.),
522
Mary (Wid.),
148
Copley, Nathaniel,
496
Christmas (negro),
625
home-lot, 153; 155, 168, 545
Corbin, Wiliam,
473
Chubbuc), Aaron (Esq.),
842
Rufus,
826
Cornish, Gabriel,
229
biog.,
William,
802
James,
229
Austin E. (Rev.), biog., 838
Colt, Ann,
915
Schoolmaster, The, 398, 399
Ebenezer,
654, 693
Benjamin,
William,
886
Francis S. (Rev.), biog., 838
559, 560, 562, 564, 915
Cortiss, George W.,
827
Hollis S., biog.,
846
Dolly,
585
Corstiænsen, Hendrick,
17, 18
John (Dr.), biog.,
846
Esther,
916
Costello, Brien,
524
Nathaniel (Rev.),
838
Jabez,
543, 559, 560
Thomas,
779
Churchill, Elijah,
Clare, John,
Clapp, Alexander,
635, 636, 668, 670, 693
802
91, 467, 910
562, 564, 915, 916
John, 221, 539, 541, 552, 917
Cotten, John (Capt.),
669
Cotter, William,
779
Joseph,
Molly,
Carlos W.,
E. S.,
Increase,
763
152, 465
763
Ruth,
552, 559, 560, 914
585
562, 564, 914
Coulter, James,
524
Covell, William C.,
779
Cowcharowind,
126
Colton, Bethuel P.,
910
Cowles, Edward C.,
488
George,
693
John Selden (Dea.),
George N.,
779
Cox, John E.,
729, 765, 909-
John,
779
Martin D.,
Coxe, Arthur C. (Rt. Rev.),
488
911
394
Roger (Capt.),
21, 61, 898
Jonathan,
910
Coy, Samuel,
517
Seth A.,
524
Combe, Foster W.,
488
Sarah,
500, 517
Spencer, Jr.,
910
Sylvester,
463
Coyle, A. W. (Dr.),
531
Clark,
873
Conant, Henry W. (Rev.),
745
Craa,
886
Aaron,
741
Condon, Patrick,
524
John,
581, 694
Ansel B.,
Daniel (Mr.),
179, 192, 193, 449, 817, 873
876, 878, 881, 884, 894, 904
Capt. (same person as
above),
80, 89, 125
home-lot, 153; 154, 168, 175
177, 179, 188, 199, 210
212, 221, 229, 231, 450
451, 594, 595, 885, 886
David,
George F.,
473
Cone, Stephen,
594
139, 166, 173
William H.,
7.79
Conelly, Martin,
524
Conner, John,
802
John, Jr.,
Craddock (Mr.),
Crane, Aaron,
Mrs.,
653
62
612
612
Converse, Alfred W.,
513, 524
Adonijah,
606, 638
& Co.,
512, 513
Curtis L.,
802
Burbank & Co.,
510
Darius,
818, 910
(Dr.),
584, 791
David,
611
H. A.,
510
Elisha,
611
Iron Foundry,
508
Francis,
693
668, 693
J. P. & H.,
512
Hezekiah, 611, 612, 653, 656
779
Joseph H. (Maj.),
528
James M.,
779
George I.,
488
Conway, John H.,
524
Lucius,
779
George P.,
516
Joseph H.,
524
Rufus,
611, 612, 693
Gilbert,
910
Coogan,
775
Wareham,
611, 612
Grove,
473
Edward D.,
911
William,
818, 912
Henry, 138, 145, 153, 154, 161
James, 910;
Dr., 775, 776
William C.,
743
lot,
397, 399, 450, 451, 462, 547
Mr. et Dea., home-
153; 180, 478
James T.,
911
Cribb, Jo,
44
Joseph (Dr.),
531
John W.,
911
Horton S.,
524
T. C.,
911
Cromell (Cromwell), Judith,
Cromwell, Oliver,
82
Cromer, Jeremiah C. (Rev.),
749
57
John,
524, 876, 909
John N.,
911
Cooley, Eunice,
Cooke,
584
Crosley,
488
13, 155, 159
John,
88, 816
(Maj.),
482
Jonathan,
612
Joseph,
141
home-lot,
153; 165, 547
Aaron, 126, 154, 163, 178
463, 478, 545, 549
Capt.,
139, 141
home-lot, 153; 154, 175, 177
Samuel,
227, 229, 539, 917
Crossett, John W.,
779
Crouch, Aaron,
694
Crow, Christian,
221
876, 878, 879, 881
181, 478, 480, 881
John,
226
Laban (Rev.),
394
Benjamin,
654, 752
Crowley, Michael,
524
Mary,
876
C.,
179
Cruse (Lieut.),
675
Nathaniel,
876
Ebenezer,
241
Cuewince,
128
Oliver,
911
Eliakim, Jr.,
229
Culick (Capt.),
31
Mrs.,
612
Elizur,
9
Culver, Nathan F.,
827
Penuel,
463
Edward W.,
473
William,
635, 636, 694
Samuel.
876, 909
Hanna,
877
Cumming,
660
Sanford,
473
James,
741
George,
450, 649, 653
Thomas,
779
Jemima,
731
William,
473
Warren G.,
473
Job,
693
Cunningham,
775
Welcome,
817
John,
387, 482, 876
Curtis, David,
776
William D.,
88, 147
Josiah,
William H.,
789
Lydia,
415, 876
877, 880
Henry,
home-lot,
93
154, 163
Zenas,
462
Nathaniel, 88; home-lot, 154; 180
175, 179, 881
Clay, Hugh,
473
Clemmens (Mrs.),
469
Cleveland, Charles,
524
Jr.,
Chester (Rev.),
744
Oliver,
229, 230, 404, 415, 418
766, 873, 876, 881, 884
463
554, 799
Curry (Mr.),
519
Cushman, Jonah,
694
E. (Rev.),
Nathaniel,
789
694
932
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
D.
Dacy, Cornelius,
Dakes (Rev.),
524
881, 917; Jr., 152, 165, 917
Joseph, 495, 498, 517, 910
Denslow, John, 89, 154, 158,163,229
Diamant, John,
Dixon, Charles,
548
827
William,
827
211
Lois,
518
Doane, Geo. W. (Rev.),
744
Daly,
775
Lucy,
903
Drake, 44, 458, 625, 672, 812, 886
Dennis,
524
Martin (Capt.), 498, 499, 518
Inset, p. 145
Patrick,
802
Nicholas, 138, 141, 152, 153
Amasa,
635, 695
Damon, Aaron,
817
home-lot,
Aaron,
635, 636, 695
Jonathan,
634, 694, 816
154; 179, 494, 496, 880
Albert W. (Col.),
Dane, Francis,
827
"Old Widow,
880
452, 800, 802, 910
Danforth,
518, 519
Ruth,
877
Ann,
914
Jonathan,
509
Samuel (auto.), 495; 498, 499
Benjamin,
562, 915
Daniels,
672
501, 503, 504, 509, 517, 877
Betsey,
584
Charles,
473
Mrs.,
469
Charles W. (Rev.),
624
Horace,
473
Widow,
496
David,
649
Darby, Frank, Jr.,
524
& Chase,
467, 510
Dudley,
404
Darrah (Lieut.),
675
Memorial Boulder, The, 495
Elihu,
390
Dart, George,
911
De Rasiere (Capt.),
19
Elijah,
463
Oliver, Jr.,
802
Desmont, Thomas,
802
Elizabeth,
877, 887, 914
William,
910
Desbrough,
453
Enoch,
875, 917
Davenport, Charles W.,
George M.,
Davidson, Joanna,
Nicholas,
Davis (Davies),
911
Devine, Dennis,
779
Frederick,
394
779
John,
779
F. A.,
405
155, 156
Dewey, Israel, 154, 164, 229, 876, 881
Gideon,
503, 584, 656, 695
155, 156
John,
878
Hannah,
-
812, 886
Joseph,
876
Barnabas,
48, 57, 58
Josiah,
154, 478
Daniel,
694
Thomas,
74, 141
David,
694
home-lot, 154; 163, 167, 178
Edwin T. (Dr.), biog., 836
545, 548, 878, 881
James,
Fred. A.,
802
Dewitt, Charles,
463
Jeremiah,
Henry,
827
William,
524
Humphrey,
779
Dexter,
59, 60, 62
Isaac, 562, 813, 814, 815
Charles H. (biog.),
Jr., 813; (Rev.), 826, 841
511, 513, 518, 519
John,
7779
& Sons,
508, 509
Nathaniel,
813, 814
Paper Works,
Samuel (Rev.),
419
508, 510, 521, 522
(Sgt.),
69
Deborah,
517
Thomas,
694
Edward,
910
William,
Day, Adonijah,
Jonathan,
488
E. D.,
501
Dawson, Henry A.,
779
Harriet,
518
694, 816
Henry M. (Rev.),
888, 890
562
Jacob,
463
Justus,
584
Lydia,
519
(Mrs.) Mary,
765
Molly,
584, 765
Nathan,
442, 649,
653, 694
Nathaniel,
Norris (Rev.),
767
745
Oliver, 584, 635, 654, 694, 765
Orson,
473
Squire S.,
463
Seth, 500, 501, 503, 507, 509
517; biog., 519; 894
Mrs., 501; "Wid., 518
Dibble (Debble), Ab'ham, 229, 482
auto., 496; 498, 499, 880, 903
Ebenezer, 87, 88, 184, 225
875, 876, 877, 880, 881, 884
Hannah,
876, 885, 886
Jacob, -87, 88, 93, 94, 129
home-lot, 154; 157, 158, 165
179, 185, 189, 207, 208, 212
229, 495, 545, 807, 873, 884
Inset, p. 145
562, 564
653
Joel,
Job, 88, 147, 148, 152, 153
home-lot, 154; 179, 207, 212
415, 540, 543, 546, 547, 552
555, 557, 558, 563, 728, 875
879, 881, 887, 914, 917
Dea., 734, 914; Jr., 88
home-lot, 154; 229; 547, 917
John, 82, 144, 147, 149, 151
152; home-lot, 154; 157, 165
178, 179, 186, 448, 545, 873
875, 876, 877, 879, 881, 884
Inset, p. 145; 917; Jr., 154, 229
Jonathan,
752
Joseph, 540, 552, 562, 564
877, 879, 914, 915, 916
Josiah,
J., Sen.,
Lydia,
Mary,
Moses,
814
89
229, 877
877
695
903
Nathaniel, 387; Dea., 393
Thomas,
878
Israel,
694, 741, 875, 881
Jr., 584, 619, 633, 695, 814
Hon., 824;
Dr.,
81
Joanna,
879
Nezr
585
d'Anniers (Lieut.),
de Ehren Krook (Maj.),
de Lohneysen (Capt.),
de Mayer (Lt.-Col.),
de Muzek (Lt.),
de Roi (Lieut.),
Dean, Charles,
Nathan S.,
John Ward,
675
Jno.,
88
"Old Widow,"
873
675
Mary,
877
Phineas,
415
675
Miriam,
876
Rebecca,
557
675
675
675
488
779
214
876.
W. R. (Rev.),
472
Zachariah,
154
Sam❜l, 875, 876, 878, 881, 917
Thomas, 154, 159, 165, 168
179, 184, 482, 496, 517
875, 876, 881, 883, 885
Sen., 881, 883; Jr., 88, 229
Wakefield,
Ruth,
Samuel G.,
Simon, 543, 626, 633, 695, 875
Richard G.,
114, 452
877
Samuel D.,
911
44
Shubel,
695
Silas,
585, 649
Dearing, A. L. (Rev.),
745
Hollow,
496, 498
Debble, see Dibble.
Place, The,
· 158
De Forest,
109, 113
Dicet, Philemon,
694
De Lancey,
473
George,
779
Elizabeth,
Deming, Henry C. (Hon.),
831
Timothy,
564
Demmaris,
886
Dennison, Albert,
746
Jr.,
John,
Diggens (Dickens), Augustus, 584
Jeremiah, 552, 559, 560, 562
564, 579, 916
559, 560, 562, 917
579
Dresser, Horace,
Dryer,
v. Dobenck (Lieut.),
Thomas,
Timothy,
Widow,
William,
653, 695
914
752, 873, 884
473
913
6
660
675
Doig, David,
779
Dolman, Elizabeth,
169
Denslow,
158, 159, 496, 503
Joseph,
570, 571, 638, 653
Donnell, Rich. S. (Hon.),
831
Abigail,
877
(Lieut.),
660
Donahan, James,
524
Albert (Mrs.),
891
Martin,
694
Donohue, Daniel,
524
Benoni,
903
Naomi,
584
Dorchester,
619
Charles,
467
Thomas,
560
Anthony,
179
Charles W.,
469, 523
Dickerman, Charles,
Deborah,
877
Dickinson, Noadiah,
654
Eliza,
503
Obadiah,
649
home-lot,
Daniel,
John,
154
827
146
Elizabeth,
517, 877
Dickson, Joseph,
462
Dorman,
619, 812
Gaylord,
404
J. N. (Dr.),
459
Charles A.,
488
"Goodie,"
179, 893
Dill, William L.,
779
"Goodman,"
455
Dimmock, Amasa,
694
Elliot L.,
Stephen,
473
668, 697
Hannah,
877
John,
694
Dormer, Caleb,
670, 694
Henry, 88, 154, 230, 493, 494
495, 497, 493, 499, 501, 509
517, 873, 877, 881, 884
Dimond, Paul,
Diman, William,
694
Dorr, Joseph,
524
524
Doty, E. (Rev.),
790
Moses (Capt.),
241
Douglass, B. M.,
504
INDEX OF NAMES.
933
Douglass, Simeon B.,
911
Eggleston, Samuel,
William K. (Rev.),
744
Thomas,
173
88, 155
Ellsworth, Rev., 732;
biog., 837,
847; Lt.,
242, 811
Dow, Daniel,
7755
188, 229, 875, 917
John O.,
769
Horatio (Dr.), biog.,
835
Widow,
229
John P.,
909
Joseph Clarke (Dr.),
Ela
see Ely.
Jonathan, 235, 390, 808, 876
biog.,
835
Elcock, Alfred,
525
Capt.,
Dowd, James W.,
473
Eldredge, Azariah (Rev.),
831
Lieut.,
John,
524
Eelester (prob. McElester or
JOB.,
412, 420, 437
427, 482
88
Downie, John,
524
McAllister), James,
207
Doyle,
775
Elgar, Thomas,
225
Mrs.,
469, 470
Eliot, "The Apostle" John,
Josias, 88, 126, 143, 149
home-lot, 155; 166, 229, 545
548, 873, 875, 888, 917
H. Henry,
Dudley, Edward G.,
Duff, William,
524
100, 119
J. O.,
910
488
(Mr.) John,
233, 579
Martha,
877
7779
Joseph, 201, 202;
Rev., 453
Martin (Maj.),
Dumbleton,
40
Ellis, Benjamin,
415
158, 162, 462, 909
home-lot,
155; 161, 478
Stephen,
695, 698
Mary,
877, 913
Dunbar, James (Capt.),
675
Ellison, Lawrence; home-lot, 155
Mary L.,
Duncan, Nathaniel,
21
-Orton Place,
151
Moses,
Thomas,
911
Thomas,
162
Nathaniel.
792
667, 696
593, 741
William,
695
Elmer (Elmore), Alexander,
Oliver (Chief Justice),
143
Dunham, Austin & Sons,
584, 633, 653, 654, 696
144, 378, 385, 390, 410
467, 513, 515, 516
Amos,
562
Eliza,
578
Anna,
564
Durfee, Joseph,
695
Dutting, Henry,
473
Dwight, H. C. & Co.,
516
& Co.,
508
Erastus (Dea.),
Edward, 88, 89, 230, 479
539, 549, 559, 562, 563
914, 915, 917; Jr., 539
729
419, 427, 451, 452, 632
Jr., 142, 143, 144, 238, 442
S. W. (Col.),
Samuel,
166
Solomon, 599, 611, 631, 650
633, 634, 636, 904, 905
562, 572
Holbrook & Co.,
515, 516
Caleb,
562, 564
Moseley,
827
Chloe,
584
Sereno E.,
577
Daniel,
584, 626, 653
654, 656, 696, 743
Sgt.,
563
Theodore,
780
Skinner & Co., 514, 516, 517
(Rev.),
610
Timothy (Rev. Dr.),
Hannah,
914
115, 204, 607, 613
Dyer, George,
Jo.,
John,
22485
Harvey,
789, 909
21
Jacob,
653, 741
44
John,
539, 541, 552, 559
69
562, 917;
Joseph,
Jr., 552, 562
560, 562
Thos., 235, 541, 562, 741, 876
William H.,
William Wolcott (Gov.), 451
Slaves in the family, 434
Timothy, 746, 748, 908, 909
William,
572
780
Ely, Benjamin,
696
E.
564, 687, 913, 915
Daniel,
500, 518
Josiah,
917
Ephraim,
631, 696
Eames, Henry,
$26
J.,
89
John C.,
513
Easton, Charles H.,
524
Martha,
585
Jonathan,
696
John,
537
Orrin E.,
488
Mary,
518
Oliver, Jr.,
524
Samuel,
541, 543
Zebulon (Rev.),
607
Eaton,
77, 812
559, 560, 562, 564
Emerson, Jabez,
817
Daniel,
585, 695, 741, 813
Rusha,
584
Warren,
87
Jr.,
813
Samuel,
Mary,
612
Stephen,
Ortive C.,
818, 911
Theodore,
654, 662, 696, 910
696
798, 909
Endicott (Gov.),
40, 61
English,
503, 775
William,
509
Solomon,
695
Thomas,
767
Edmonds, John,
94
Edwards, Ann,
914, 915
William,
564
Daniel,
580
Henry W.,
909
Eno (Enno, Enos), James,
126, 127, 140, 152, 153
home-lot, 155; 166, 179, 183
192, 193, 194, 195, 207
225, 878, 879, 881, 917
88
Howard,
79
John,
525
Mrs.,
577, 582
William,
175
Eells, Ozias Sheldon (Rev.),
755
Egan, Michael,
525
Jonathan, 733; Rev., 204
auto., 534; 556, 580, 731
Martha,
Mary,
Richard (Mr.),
621, 749, 750
915
480, 553, 556, 569, 571, 576
Timothy, (Rev.), 6, 10, 13
118, 239, 407, 440
auto, 534; 535, 552, 553, 554
555, 556, 557, 558, 561, 565
567, 568, 573, 574, 575, 576
577, 579, 581, 582, 615, 723
728, 731, 733, 750, 757, 767
769, 812, 813, 814, 913
Timothy, 585, 635, 653, 696
Slaves in the Family, 434
Ellsworth, 129, 590, 606, 649, 745
884; Lt., 886; Capt., 886
Benj'n, 562, 564, 695, 741, 876
Charles,
633, 634, 636
Capt.,
Chauncey,
Chauncey B.,
Danièl, 564, 649, 683, 811
813, 814, 815, 816, 822
Jr., 628, 632, 640, 653, 654
669; Capt., 769
David, 143, 156, 159, 166
Eli P.,
473
Erastus,
759, 876, 909
Hon., 758, 764, 774, 792
Esther,
915
Frederick, 650, 656, 669, 672
696; auto., 786; 905, 906
Giles,
390, 908, 909
Gurdon, 634, 696, 780, 816
817, 826, 828
Epstein, Albert,
Erwin,
Etson, Joseph,
Evans, Abiathar,
Moses,
Samuel,
Frederic B.,
488
John,
207
Samuel,
153, 415, 614
642
909, 910
780
Ensign, Robert E.,
473
Epeen (Eton), Daniel,
886
780
802
696
696
697
559, 562
Evart, Jeremiah,
756
Everest, Cornelius B.,
299, 470
Sherman,
William C.,
452
473
F.
Fahey,
775
Fairchild, Jay,
662
Eggleston, Arthur F.,
528
Hannah,
915
Fairfield, Miss,
822
Begat, 39, 145; home-lot, 155;
162, 166, 167, 178, 185, 546
547, 741, 880, 881, 894, 914
Benjamin, 88, 155, 562, 563
Jr.,
Esther (Wid.),
Havilah I.,
780
John,
282
Henry Leavitt (Hon.),
452
Fallon,
775
Henry W. (Hon.),
831
Fanton, Henry N.,
528
Hezekiah,
661, 696
Farnell, James,
473
562
Horace H.,
217
404
James,
463
Hannah (Mrs.)
612
James B.,
488
James,
John,
Joseph,
70, 88, 163, 207
229, 544, 881
878
545, 606
611, 648, 684, 741
Jemima,
903
Job, 481; Sgt., 412, 562, 564
Dr.
Mary,
Nathaniel (Rev.),
749
879
8.25
913, 914, 915
Jr., 562, 572, 600, 603, 696
Joel,
631, 656, 696
John, 408, 535, 557, 558, 562
563, 564, 593, 594, 656, 741
780, 808, 811, 823, 915
Farnham, Edgar A.,
Edwin H.,
E. Dwight,
Farnsworth, Samuel,
Farmer, Cornelius,
Ransom J..
Farrall, James,
William,
Fassett, Norman,
795, 800, 802
167, 917
661, 802
802
Fargo,
Aaron,
818, 910
697
667, 697
789
488
780
525
934
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Faxon, Isaac Davis,
842
Thomas,
841
Fay, Stephen,
878
Fitch, Capt.,
Medina,
Nathaniel (Capt.),
Feichel (Lieut.),
675
Felshaw, John,
601
Samuel,
481, 556, 579
741, 826
559, 560, 562, 564
559, 560, 562, 564
Frink, Elisha (Rev.),
Frisbie, Lemuel T.,
Nathan,
Frory, Ephraim,
Frost, Aaron,
745
388
463
88
611, 612, 656
Feneren, Patrick,
780
Fitts, John F.,
780, 910
Jr.,
612
Feney, William F.,
473
Fitzgerald,
775
Joseph,
698
Fennis, John,
7780
Flagg, Joseph,
697
Joseph B.,
698
Fenton,
428
Levi W. (Dr.),
831
Fuller (Dr.),
61
Alva,
911
Flanders, Charles N. (Rev.),
624
Jacob,
817
George A.,
473
Flemming, Elliott,
780
Jere (?),
653
Henry J.,
468;
biog., 825
Oliver,
911
Joseph,
463
John M.,
473
Fletcher, Dan L.,
745, 827
Joseph H.,
512
Fergason, Frank A.,
525
E. S. (Rev.),
745
Marvin,
910
Ferguson, George,
489
Fling, Lemuel,
678
Furey,
775
Fessenden, Frank K. (Rev.),
Flint, Alvin,
802
Thomas,
525
biog,
825
Asahel,
653
Fyler,
873, 884
Field (Dr.),
711
James,
556, 684
Abigail,
878
Edmund J.,
489
Royal,
657
John,
88, 138, 155, 169
Fifield, Moses,
744, 827
Flora (negro),
716
229, 231, 879
(Rev.),
745
Floro (negro,)
723
(Lieut.),
885, 886
Filer, see Fyler.
Florange, Michael,
473
Samuel,
878
Finn, John,
473
Peter,
473
Thomas,
876
Fillen, Timothy,
465
Flower, Augustus,
489
Walter,
88, 93
Filley, Abigail,
877
Flynn, Nicholas,
802
home-lot, 155;
169, 178, 229
Albert D.,
489
Foote, Ebenezer,
635, 697
338, 881, 683
Anna,
877
George W.,
473
Lieut.,
88, 186, 545
Amos,
404, 415
Forbes, Isaac,
827
Zerubabel, 88, 155, 156, 229
Deborah,
877
Elizabeth,
877
Samuel,
Elnathan,
390
Hanna,
876
Horace,
910
Horace H.,
391
Jacob,
207
Jay,
487
Jennie H.,
391
John,
229, 390, 876, 877
Foster,
Ford, James Thomas (Rev.), 732
Thomas, 21, 76, 87, 93, 124
150, 153, 154, 155
home-lot, 156; 160, 161, 167
168, 178, 465, 478, 493, 494
496, 500, 548, 549, 873, 878
Forward, Samuel,
89, 229, 874, 881, 884, 885
709
Gabb, Thomas,
William J.,
Gage, Charles E.,
500
875, 880, 881
G.
910
911
780
Gaines (Gains), Benoni,
John,
698
655
Gale, Benjamin,
457
Jon.,
88
Lewis J.,
489
Mark,
668, 697
Abraham,
Ann,
Betty,
625, 649, 653
Rev. Dr.,
457
914
Gallup (Capt.),
224
585
Gamerson (Capt.),
675
Mary,
877
Charlotte,
697
Gandy, John,
499, 525
M.,
89
Chauncey,
668, 697
Garden,
158
Nathaniel,
415, 483, 697
(Commissioner),
675
Gardner, Abel (Rev.),
745
Oliver,
487, 908, 909
Edwin,
910
Garrett, Daniel,
562
Samuel,88, 156, 478, 873, 874
Edwin C.,
802
Gates, Herbert M.,
780
876, 877, 880, 881
884, 885, 886, 917
Sylvester,
William,
88, 149, 152
home-lot, 156; 160, 179, 229
George,
910
Gavin, John,
489
Hecaliah,
585, 698
Gay, Fisher (Col.),
644
697
Isaac (Rev.),
210, 211
Levi,
619, 626, 633, 698
John,
585
Gaylord,
152, 498, 499, 918
Peletiah,
584, 698
Abel,
525
767, 873, 874, 876
877. 881, 884, 885
Philip H.,
802
Abial,
653
Thomas,
Abigail,
876
Fischer, Joseph,
525
Fish, Andrew J.,
780
584, 626, 653, 715, 751, 802
Warham, 634, 668, 698, 817
Benjamin,
875
Charles,
606, 656, 767
Betsey,
519
Foulfoot, Thomas,
44
(Dea.),
880
Francis O.,
780
Foulkes (Fookes),
813
Eleazur,
229, 387, 402
Franklin (Rev.),
745
Henry, home-lot,
156
503, 517, 875, 887
Horace S.,
780
159, 388, 548, 873, 878, 880
Eliakim,
495
John F.,
611
Fowler, Ambrose,
146
auto.,
500; 503, 517, 518
Jona.,
606
home-lot, 156; 167, 171, 181, 881
Elizabeth, 517, 877, 903
Luke,
501, 519
Elijah,
698
Hannah (Wid.),
564
Shadrach L.,
910
John,
498
Hezekiah,
876, 880
Thomas W.,
170
John J.,
525
Ithamar,
495
Fisher, C. R. (Rev.),
744
Jonathan,
698
James,
917
Joyce,
170
William C. (Prof.), 387, 728
John, 546, 562, 698, 767, 873
Mary,
170
Fox, Charles,
463, 911
Richard,
170
Elizabeth,
153
Sen.,
Fisk, John,
455
Hiram S.,
473
Jr.,
875, 877, 879, 882, 884
495, 605, 668, 917
229, 917
Marcus L. (Dr.),
749
Jabez,
654
Joseph,
Fitch,
619, 742
James F.,
780
88, 875, 877, 880, 882, 903
Ann,
913
Nathaniel,
498
Josiah,
741
Augustus,
584, 653, 697
Widow, The,
Bridget,
914
Foxon,
128, 131
Charles,
463
Foxan, John H. (Hon.),
842
Chloe,
585
Francis (Mr.),
111, 494, 498
Eleazer T. (Rev.),
754
Elizabeth,
406
Elnathan,
656, 667
James,
789
Ebenezer, Jr.,
402
John,
911
Elizabeth,
697
Frank, Frederic W.,
780
James (Rev.),
201
Leander,
780
873, 880
J.,
Martha,
Mary,
455, 780, 877
Nathaniel, 140, 229, 542, 495
496, 498, 517, 903, 917
Rev., 291; Jr., 495
Samuel, 87, 165, 167, 179, 873
874, 876, 881, 882, 884, 885
Jr.,
88
876, 887, 888
917
Jeremiah (Capt.),
481, 482
Franklin, Benjamin,
660
Sara,
876, S77, 884
Jesse,
631, 697
William (Gov.),
660
S.,
884
John,
86, 207, 225, 399
Freeman H. B. (Judge),
9
Seymour C.,
780
Jonathan,
400, 406, 584, 676
792, 793, 880, 916
641
Joseph A. (Rev.),
748
Stephen,
388
biog.,
Sylvia,
517
French, Ephraim,
207
Walter, 88, 140, 141, 166, 184
Joseph, 539, 541, 549, 551
552, 559, 807, 915, 916, 917
Lieut.,
Allen D.,
Manasseh,
473
698
229, 873, 877, 879
882, 884, 885, 917
676
Fresenius, Charles,
780
Widow,
495
+
INDEX OF NAMES.
935
Gaylord, Wilbert,
495
Wm., 387, 397, 495, 876, 879
William, Sen.,
879
145, 166, 179, 450
545, 546, 879, 882
21, 143, 153
Jr.
Dea.,
home-lot, 156; 159, 161, 166
174, 175, 179, 181
465, 482, 495, 546
Gladen (Lieut.),
675
Gladdy, Adney B.,
473
Glass, Alexander,
698
Grant, John, 88, 157, 185, 222, 229
235; auto., 534; 542,552, 562
564, 875, 876, 877, 882, 891
Glasgow, John A.,
802
Jonathan,
649, 813
Glazier, Henry,
489
Josiah,
552
Gleason, Martín,
780
Joseph W.,
589
Glover, A. W.,
515
Justus, 626, 633, 654, 661, 699
George,
515, 517
Leonard,
910
Godard, Nicholas,
229
Lucius,
911
Geary, Patrick,
775
Goehring, Bernhard,
802, 851
Luther H.,
911
George, William H. (Rev.),
581
Goettler, George B.,
912
Lyman,
911
Geer, Curtis M. (Rev.),
Gette, William,
609
Gondar, Herman,
780
Mary,
501, 877, 887, 915
473
Goodell, Edwin B. (Esq.),
845, 848
Matthew,
Gibbard, John,
184, 891
biog.,
848
Gibbons, William,
448
James F. (Dr.),
George E.,
746
biog.,
847; 848
John,
746
John H. (Rev.),
522
Gibbs,
159, 166, 169, 619, 812
Leonard S.,
827
C.,
David,
179
908, 909
Thomas D. (Prof.),
848
Goodman, A. C.,
467
Elizabeth,
877, 888
Richard,
448
Francis, 138;
home-lot, 156
Goodrich, Chauncey (Rev.),
831
Giles,
88, 145
(Dr.),
763
home-lot, 156; 545, 813, 878
E. S.,
467
"Goodie,
179, 893
James B. (Rev.),
395
Jr.,
Gregory,
174, 175
John H.,
816, 817, 818
(Mr.),
Hepzibah,
877
826, 907, 908
Ichabod,
698
Goodridge, Edward (Rev.),
744
Jacob, 126, 209, 229, 880, 882
Goodwin, David W.,
489
Joanna,
877
Elizabeth,
610
Peter,
Katherine,
157
Joseph O.,
537
Reuben,
Levi,
654
Nathaniel,
65
Ret,
879
Goodyear (Dep.-Gov.),
423
Sam'l, 154, 158, 165, 229, 418
Gordon, Francis H.,
780
562, 564, 813, 814, 873, 875
Gorham, Nathaniel,
485
877, 880, 882, 884, 885, 886, 917
Gorton, George W.,
910
Jr.,
813, 814
Gosling, Philip,
473
Seth,
634, 698
Gouclers,
775
Stephen,
635, 636, 698
Gove,
826
S..
88, 884
Gowdy,
591, 786
Jr.,
10, 35, 36, 37, 42
74, 85, 86, 87, 89, 90, 106, 124
125, 128, 129, 133, 134, 135
136, 138, 139, 149, 153, 154
home-lot, 157; 159, 164, 170
auto., 171; 174, 178, 181, 183
189, 201, 207, 208, 229, 424
433, 447, 472, 495, 536, 540
544, 546, 547, 548, 552, 562
563, 633, 699, 767, 877, 878
879, 880, 881, 883, 885, 888
890, 896, 913, 914, 915
878
811, 812
Nathaniel, 564, 813, 814, 815
886, 913, 916; Jr., 813, 886
Oliver, Jr.,
Roswell (Capt.), 627, 699, 704
Ruth,
916
Sam'l, 74, 87, 88, 180. 424, 479
auto.,
534; 539, 542
543, 547, 551, 552, 562, 564
591, 699, 767, 875, 881, 886
887, 892, 914, 915, 917
540, 542, 552, 914
699
699
699
743, 767, 906, 907, 908
Widow,
537
Edward G.,
780
Sanford,
Gibson, Daniel G.,
780
Eli,
910
Sheldon J.,
Gifford, Ziba,
816
Francis (Col.),
787, 911
Sidney A.,
909
802, 911
452
Gilbert, Daniel R.,
802
George W.,
802
James N.,
802
Graham (Graymes), Benj.,
909
Sylvester (Hon.),
832
Goode,
Thomas,
144, 152
John.
570
home-lot, 157; 179, 449, 450
Joseph,
780
William,
Tahan, 88, 159, 164, 184, 189
Thos., 534, 562, 564,-578, 731
482, 584, 625
216, 229, 400, 875
879, 880, 881, 917
Inset, p.
145
William E.,
473
633, 682, 700, 915
Lydia,
449-50
Granger, Gideon, Jr.,
484
Graves,
812
William H.,
799, 802
Lorenzo,
802
John,
813
Gillespie, Morris,
462
Grant,
619, 880
Joseph,
813
Walter,
394
Aaron,
653, 672, 752
Gray, Henry,
911
Gillet, Aaron,
698
Jr.,
635, 699
Grayson, William,
676
Abigail,
878, 879
Alexander,
584
Greatorex, William,
780
Ashbel (Dea.),
Benjamin,
Cornelius, 88, 149, 155, 212
873, 882, 884, 885, 886
Daniel, 387, 390, 562, 564
Francis (Hon.), 487, 905, 909
Horace C. (Dr.), 9, 113, 616
636, 643, 646, 647, 648
659, 660, 662, 673, 675
677, 686, 688, 752, 791
Betty,
487
Alfred,
625
Green, Asahel,
626, 633, 700
769
Alfred P. (Rev.),
744
Austin L.,
802, 804
Algernon S.,
452
Bartholomew,
45, 46, 47, 48
Azariah,
649, 654
662, 670, 699
Barzilla,
Benjamin E.,
619, 654
654
Bathiah,
Benjamin,
913, 915
813, 814, 886
Chas. (Comd'r, U.S.N.), 803
Charles G.,
803
584
Daniel,
634, 700
(Capt.),
752
Edmund B.,
474
Clayton,
619
Joseph,
700
Horace F.,
Jabez (Capt.).
Jeremiah,
525
Daniel,
562, 564
Leonard A.,
803
677
157, 875
Griffin, John,
Leonard B.,
827
Nathaniel,
home-lot, 150; 157, 160, 179
Elisabeth,
Ephraim,
Frank,
876
(Rev.),
756
914
Griffith, Jesse R.,
803
910
Grimes, John,
489, 700
229, 241, 478, 548, 878
879, 880, 882, 886, 917
Thomas, 880; Inset, p. 145
Grace,
Frederic W. (Maj.), 129, 554
584, 659, 723, 769, 909, 914
418, 562
Grimpa (Lt.),
675
Griswold,
467, 766, 812
Widow,
884
766, 767, 914, 915
Gilligan,
7775
Gideon, Jr.,
699
Patrick,
911
Gustavus,
699
Benjamin,
Edward,
42, 891
75, 80, 126, 882 ·
home-lot, 157; 159, 179, 180
474, 479, 497, 882, 910
Gilman, Benjamin,
654
Hannah,
913
Everett,
474
Edward (Rev. Dr.),
831
Henry,
912
Francis,
80
Elijah,
698
Hezekiah,
699
Fredus,
462, 464
Gipson, Robert A.,
489
Isaac,
584, 699
Gamaliel W.,
900
John, 88, 229, 415, 677, 882
Jr.,
88
Jonathan, 87, 88, 126, 149
157, 178, 482, 548, 873, 876
877, 880, 852, 884, 885
Jr., 229, 877, 882, 885, 886
Josiah, 157, 225, 229, 479, 875
Joseph,
158, 882
Mary,
877
70, 140
David, 626, 699, 908, 909
David W..
Ebenezer (Mr.),
909
418, 542
579, 583, 585, 586, 627, 628
638, 640, 648, 649, 650, 653
659, 662, 667, 669, 670, 671
678, 685, 766, 767, 769
Edward Chapman, 620, 628
629, 632, 633, 634, 636
641, 649, 653, 669
Gregg, Hiram,
Gridley, Thomas,
home-lot,
home-lot, 157; 477, 478, 525, 882
Richard C.,
780
Samuel T..
803
William W..
803
Greensmith (Mrs.),
447
827
70, 92
157
82, 93
936
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Hezekiah,
Griswold, George,
80, 125
126, 158, 165, 184, 201, 203
207, 212, 229, 231, 398, 424
152, 882, 887, 891, 907, 917
Grove,
452
Herman C.,
818, 909
462
Hammond, Edward Payson
Hamilton, David,
525
Hayden, Ebenezer,
Elizabeth,
494
500
(Rev.), biog.,.
840, 848
Ezra, 158;
Inset, p. 145
Marvin,
776
Eunice,
903
Hammond, Julius S.,
826
Hammonoscett,
479
"
Hampden, John,
57
James,
88
Hancock, John,
768
John,
525, 878, 908, 910
Thomas C.,
525
John C.,
525
Joseph, 88, 158, 207, 229, 241
Hanks, Stedman W., (Rev.), 830
Hanna and Hannam-see Han-
880, 882, 888; Ens., 231, 233
num.
Maria (Mrs.),
469
Hannum, F. W. (Rev.),
395
Matthew,
75, 187, 188
Susanna,
878
Moses G.,
489
Nathaniel,
241
William, 141; home-lot, 158;
165, 169, 179, 478, 883
Norris,
474
Hansell, W. F. (Rev.),
Peletiah,
225
Harden, Gerrels (Jerrold?),
471
625
Rhoda,
765
Harper,
591, 745
Roger,
467, 813
George,
474
Selina (Mrs.),
469
James,
Seneca O. (Hon.),
450, 902
604, 611, 631
650, 653, 655, 700
George P., 157; Inset, p. 145
Goodman,"
H. Sidney (Hon.), 6, 33, 150
161, 162, 406, 465, 466, 910, 911
Isaac,
Jabez H.,
Inset, p. 145
6, 7, 10
portrait, 24; 33, 55, 76, 98
105, 106, 111, 122, 135, 140
auto., 140; 143, 144, 145
151, 171, 197, 217, 378, 384
386, 410, 412, 429, 465, 492
494, 505, 511, 519, 522, 523
544, 737, 892, 895, 899, 900
Inset, p. 145
James L., 158; Inset, p. 145
John,
130
500, 502, 903
Levi, 405, 418,
424, 428, 781
474, 503, 908
Shubael,
242, 482
John L.,
781
Levi G.,
517;
Inset, p. 145
Thomas,
765
Joseph,
593, 594, 741
(Lieut.),
233
T. N.,
910
Jr.,
631, 656, 700, 741
Lucinda H., Inset, p. 145
Warham A.,
910
Harrell, Henry,
781
Mary Ann,
300
Warham, 2d,
462
Harris,
71
(Mr.),
89
Wolcott,
489
Jo.,
44
Naomi,
903
& Co.,
510
& Co.,
467
Nath'l (Capt.), Inset, p. 145
Grosvenor, William,
817
William,
474
(Dea.),
145
Grove, Jacob,
463
Harrison, Catherine,
446
Oliver,
95
Grover, Edmond,
700-
Hart, Henry Elmer (Rev.),
624
Peter,
781
Matthew,
700
Hartley, Edwin L.,
525
Peletiah (Rev.),
554
Harvey, Horace L.,
474
Sam'l, 143, 903; Inset, p. 145
Sam'l B., 143, 386;“
145
Grube, Martin H.,
780
James H.,
474
Samuel (Sgt.),
418
Guinney,
775
Joseph,
755
Gunn, Deborah,
158
William H.,
911
William,
Elizabeth,
878, 879
Haskell (Hascall),
504, 919
George,
547
Abraham,
519
"Goodman,"
164
Deborah,
500
Henry,
818, 910
& Dexter,
509
Thos., 82, 141, 157, 158, 178
home-lot, 479; 547, 879, 882
Eli B.,
763, 908, 909
Samuel S. (Capt.), 504, 525
34, 69, 70, 82, 93
125, 141, 144
home-lot, 158; 177, 179
181, 465, 479, 494, 496, 497
Memorial boulder, 552
879, 882; Inset, p. 145
Elizabeth,
518
Hayes,
Ephraim,
500
H. C.,
775
618, 619
H.
Harris (auto.),
520
James,
656
Herleheigh, 505, 511, 518, 519
Julius,
803,
Hadlock, John,
656, 667, 900
auto.,
384; 385, 520
Loren,
802
Samuel,
668, 700
biog., 520-1;
Thomas,
656
Mrs..
Hagan, Patrick,
781
& Hayden,
Hagen, "One," 878; (slave), 433
house, 521
518
504, 505
508, 511, 515
Martin,
525
Waldo,
803
Haynes (Haines), Gov. John,
32
51, 52, 75, 158
Hake (Hakes, Hawkes?),
Jabez, 500, 501, 503, 518
home-lot, 160; 477, 479, 492, 546
John,
178, 882
(Wid. of),
518
Ruth,
158
Isaac,
879
James B.,
781
Hayward,
88, 873
Hale, Charles O.,
Haley, Martin,
474
Jefferson,
827
Charles, 827; (Rev.),
745
Cyrus (Rev.),
755
(Mrs.),
502
Ephraim,
870
David,
823
Square B. (Rev.),
745
Esther,
879
525
Thomas,
455.
Lydia,
877
Hall,
28, 841
Thomas R.,
910
Mary,
878, 879
Austin,
462
T. R.,
511
Robert, home-lot,
159
Edward,
6, 831, 848
Hastings, Judson W. (Dr.),
793
163, 172, 179, 229, 882
George,
21, 124
John (Rev.),
789
Sara,
878
Gurdon (Rev.),
831
Hathaway, A. M. & Co.,
467
Hazen, Timothy Allen (Rev.),
Herman,
626
Mrs.,
469
biog.,
748
John, 754, 809; biog.,
816
Samuel,
462
Hazzard,
700
817, 818, 819, 826, 830, 847, 908
Judge, biog.,
Hatton,
44
Healy,
775
842
Hawes (Rev. Dr.),
73
John,
489
Josiah,
152, 813
Hawks (see, also, Hakes),
John P.,
912
Levi Wells (Esq.),
Junius (Esq.), biog., 842; 847
843, 848
John,
143, 168, 645
Patrick,
525
Philo (Rev.),
745
Heath, Jabez,
504
Moses,
700
Winfield S. (Rev.),
624
William H.,
910
Nathan,
634, 700
Hawkins (Howkins), Anthony,
Hedge (Mr.),
70
Ogden (Rev.),
471
Samuel (Capt.),
620, 623
54, 86, 143, 153, 154
home-lot, 158; 165, 167, 168
—
Helier see Hillyer.
Helmecke (Lieut.),
675
Timothy,
229, 874
875, 882, 884, 885
169, 178, 448, 478,
544, 878, 879, 882
Heminway (Rev.),
519
(Maj.),
795
T.,
88
Hallock,
812
Joel,
Joseph,
744
Hempstead (Rev.),
469
408
Charles (Sgt.),
462
Hallet, James,
95
Hawksworth, Thomas,
44
William A.,
525
Halsey, Christopher H.,
465
Hawley,
50, 521
Hein, Adam,
781
Henry,
908, 909
Anne,
519
Hengst (Surgeon's Mate),
675
Henry A.,
474
Oliver,
James R. (Lieut.),
462
Hayden,
500, 519
37-63, 144
Henry, Lemuel P.,
830
Hepburn,
675
Mary,
42
Abigail,
903
Hessler (Lt.).,
675
Philip,
390, 462
Abby Loomis,
467
Hewitt, Nathaniel,
755
Noah C.,
William,
Hamblin (Hamlin), Geo. C.,
Hamilton, Arnold, 747, 910, 911
489
474
900
Benjamin,
910
Daniel, 88, 127, 129, 131, 143
158, 177, 184, 207, 221, 230
400, 494, 500, 502, 509, 736
737, 739, 753, 880, 882
Inset, p. 145
Hicox, Wait,
Hickey, John,
William,
Heylei, Richard,
44
Hibbard, Daniel,
700
462
489
781
INDEX OF NAMES.
937
Hide-see Hyde.
Holcomb, Stebbins B.,
911
Hosmer, Charles,
645
Higley, Hannah,
229
Thomas,
80, 141, 151
James,
645
John,
539
home-lot,
159; 160
James B.,
767
Elijah,
503
178, 527, 879, 882
Joseph,
645, 701
Nathaniel, Jr.,
684
Victor,
489
Hotchkiss,
773
Higgins, Abigail,
170
William F. (Dr.);
387
Leander,
513
Hannah,
170
Holders, Charles H.,
474
Houghton (Lieut.),
675
John,
851
Holkins, Harvey,
909
House,
649, 769
Rebecca,
170
Joel,
908
Charles H.,
781
Sarah,
170
Holley, James,
525
Nathaniel (Capt.),
653
Higginson (Rev.),
453
Hollister, C. P.,
50
Houston, John L. (Hon.),
528
Hill, 169; (Mr.),
151, 161
Edward H.,
474
Howe (How), Cyrus,
462
Benjamin A.,
489
Henry,
746, 818, 910
William,
781
Henry,
803
Henry H.,
803
Uriel,
463
John,
700, 701
Orrin G.,
803
Howard, see, also, Hayward.
Luke,
183, 184
Samuel O.,
469
Benjamin,
241
186, 478, 882, 883
Sidney M.,
911
(Dr.),
454
William (Mr.),
883
Holman, Ebenezer,
654
Ephraim,
229, 875
Hillman, Levi N.,
.525
Henry,
789, 911
Lydia,
880
Andrew,
James,
Hillyer (Hillier, Hilliard),
John, 76, 148, 149, 153, 159
160, 174, 175, 879, 882
Jonathan,
879
Nathaniel,
426
239
Holmes, Maria,
793
Robert,
146, 154
159, 176
William (Capt.), 26, 38, 39
home-lot,
159; 884, 917
40, 41, 42, 72, 107, 109
William,
426, 427, 472
150, 164, 429, 430
Maj.,
426, 462
Jr.,
478
Holt, Mary,
94
Rev.,
471
Jonathan,
88
Moses P.
744
William E.,
474
•
Joseph,
740
Thomas R.,
452
& Alford,
427, 428
Philo,
763
Holton, Timothy,
816
Howell, William,
917
Simon,
175
Holway, Abraham (Rev.), 745, 827
Howland, John,
4,39
& Tudor,
Hills, Addison M.,
763
Hooker,
902
Howson, John (Rev.),
745
William,
479
Cornelius (Prof.),
764
Hoxie (Hoxsie), Edward B.,
525
489
Benjamin A.,
489, 826
Edw'd (Comd'r U.S.N.), 425
Edward T. (Rev.), biog., 728
Franklin,
781
George L.,
525
Benoni,
668, 700
732, 748
Martin B.,
525
Bros., The, 151; Inset, p. 145
Elias C. (Rev.),
728, 732
Hoy, Fred.,
851
Daniel, Jr.,
464
biog.,
Hoyte,
878
Elijah,
653, 701
Horace,
390, 425
Daniel,
879, 880
Erastus,
701
James (Capt.),
378, 390
Ezekiel,
463
405, 425, 905, 907
Old Goode,"
Family, The, Inset, p. 145
Nathaniel, 425, 480, 767
Henry,
152
Samuel,
211
Hezekiah,
410
Chaffee,
424, 425
John,
587
Jonathan,
814
Thomas (Rev.), 11, 52, 54, 58
68, 76, 191, 209, 453, 455
Nicholas, 155, 159, 879, 882
Simon, home-lot,
167, 168, 179, 477, 883
Walter, 159, 163, 171, 883
Hubbard (Hulbard), 663, 812, 826
Benjamin, Jr.,
878
159
668
Oliver, 634, 653, 668, 700
Hopewell, Thos. (the Indian), 184
Charles E.,
489
Samuel,
587
Hopkins,
32
David L.,
909, 910
Stephen,
152
Caleb,
819
Elijah,
657
Hisserich, Emil,
781
Hugh,
169
Elizabeth H.,
610
Hinckley, G. W. (Rev.),
472
Mary,
169
Hannah,
856
Hinsdale, Theodore (Rev.), 12, 105
William,
169
John,
878, 908
379, 382, 617, 903
Horlicky, Daniel,
489
(Lieut.),
886
Hinman, John F.,
525
Horton, Benjamin,
483
Lucy,
856
William,
826
Christopher,
635, 668, 701
Nathaniel,
669
Hitchcock, Ebenezer,
908
Eli,
514
Norman,
911
Eliakim,
654
& Son Co.,
508, 514
John,
489
James,
425, 426
Samuel J.,
832
John A.,
489
William, 138, 145, 150, 154
home-lot, 159; 171, 178
447, 478, 548, 883, 911
Hoadly, Charles J. (LL.D.),
6
Mrs.,
501
Hudson, Edward,
11, 544, 722, 873
Stoddard E.,
514, 525
Hobson, Henry,
George W.,
James L.,
John,
J..
& Co.,
Hogan, William,
Hogernosset,
781
Thomas,
883
Hodge, George L.,
471
Horwood, James,
44
911
Hosford,
156
474
Jane (Mrs.),
388
882
Joanna,
878
89
John, 154, 156, 159, 177, 179
467
209, 221, 229, 556, 882, 917
803
J.,
88
185
Obadiah,
455
Melancthon,
Huebner, William,
Huit,
877, 878, 883
Ephraim, 879; (Rev.), 11, 74
75, 76, 79, 127, 129, 135, 138
140, 144, 146, 153, 155, 157
159, 163, 164, 165, 166, 173
176, 547, 549, 878, 883, 892
Nathaniel,
781
909
781
Holbrod, C. W.,
515
Sarah,
167
Sarah,
Holbrook,
500
William,
99, 141, 145, 156
Susanna,
Charles W.,
509, 525
home-lot,
159
Hull,
Inset, p. 145
878
878
878,879
157
David S. (Rev.), biog., 825
Samuel,
917
Hoskins,
167, 388, 546, 878
160, 773
George,
Holcomb, Albert E.,
912
Anna,
143
Benajah,
882, 887
Anthony, 88, 143, 161, 162
165, 184, 207, 221, 462
548, 880, 882, 917
Hope,
Josiah,
George,
498
Charles C.,
911
Herman H.,
909
Goodie,"
Jonathan,
879
Henry C.,
Joseph,
241, 701
John,
179, £93
910
159, 229
Michael,
Joshua,
159, 478, 882
493, 546, 878, 911
141, 143, 152, 158
home-lot, 160, 167, 517
Joseph T..
143, 159, 164, 178
183, 184, 545, 882
Humaston, William L.,
Humphrey, Edward G.,
184, 192, 193, 194, 195
826
910, 911
910
489
62, 150, 160
Lambert E.,
489
Joseph,
482
421, 477, 478, 547, 882
Mortimer,
474
Lydia,,
C03
(Rev.),
756
Nathaniel,
882
Jr.,
903
Hunn,
619
N.,
88
Thomas, 152, 178, 493, 544
David L. (Rev.),
623
Oliver R., 390; (Maj.), 164
546, 880, 882
Horace,
803
Pliny A.,
474
Widow, The,
873, 879, 880
Tip,
626, 701
Pyrannus,
462
William,
Sarah,
879
Hosmer, Albert,
88, 179
474
Hunt,
462, 469
John (Rev.),
790
VOL. I.-118
938
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Hunt, J. Burleigh,
827
Johnson, William H.,
781
King, John,
Hunter, Nathaniel,
781
Jones, Abigail,
654
John M.
>
Huntington, Christopher,
882
Bros.,
766
Joseph,
Jabez,
583
David E. (Rev.),
749
Oliver H.,
781, 895
910
813, 825
819
John,
562
Evan,
479
Samuel,
Nathaniel (Rev.), biog., 823
Francis,
911
Thomas,
Hurd, John,
146
Franklin,
474
Titus,
816, 817
526, 827
654
home-lot, 160, 161, 162, 548
George E.,
489
William,
93, 816
W. W.,
827
Isaac,
587
Zebulon,
646, 649
Hurburd-see Hubbard.
John P.,
911
654, 663, 672
Hurlburt, Samuel F.,
781
Joseph J.,
474
Timothy H.,
803
Mary,
168, 880
Kirk, Edgar A.,
Wm. T. (Rev.), biog.,
825
Margaret,
445
Kinny, Michael,
Henry E.,
526
474
474
Waldo,
142
Newton I. (Rev.),
728
Roderic,
474
Huse, Nathaniel (Rev.),
744
Solomon,
659, 660
Kirkman, M.,
675, 676
Hussey, John,
852
William,
668, 701
Kneeland, Edmund,
653
Hutchinson, Aaron,
579
Jocelyn, Justus,
826
Joseph,
653
Huxley, Moses,
707
Joshua (Indian),
109, 115, 809
Knight, Merrick (Rev.), biog., 748
Hyde (Hide, Hydes), Allyn,
Joynt, Hugh,
526
Thomas,
745
Austin A.,
852
Judd, B. (Rev.),
744
Kohle (Chaplain),
675
(Dr.), biog.,
835, 846, 847
Judkins, Benjamin (Rev.),395, 465
Konze (Surgeon),
675
Daniel,
818, 907
Judson, Ephraim (Rev.),
725
Kramer, Frederic,
526
David,
489
Junius H. (Rev.),
391
Kriener, Benedict,
781
Edward,
827
Elam,
852
K.
L.
Elam S.,
818, 911
Elbert F.,
852
Kapser, William,
474
Lacey, James E.,
526
Ephraim H.,
818
Kavanagh, John,
852
Ladd,
157
Higley,
150
Keegan, John,
852
David,
654
Humphrey, 151, 156, 160, 165
Patrick,
781
Elisha,
653
Matthew,
Lavius (Rev.), biog, 824
815, 816
818, 828, 906, 907
Keenan, Henry P.,
781
Ezekiel (Dea.), 653; Jr., 654
Keeney, Buell,
474
Ephraim,
653
Kellie,
454
Jesse,
702
Nathaniel,
903
Oliver M. (Hon.), 817,818, 910
Robert, 817, 818, 907, 908
Kelly, Andy,
489
Lafayette,
616, 661, 773
Charles W. (Dr.),
531
Lamb, Henry J. (Rev.),
470
Michael (Rev.),
776
Lambard, Benj. F. (Rev.), 745, 826
Peter,
526
Lambert,
826
I.
E. N. & Co.,
516
Lamphear, Addison,
911
Michael,
395
biog.,
526
Ingersoll, Colin M. (Hon.),
831
Kellogg, A. S.,
443, 587, 589
Lamson, Charles B.,
489
Ingraham,
150
Charles,
781
Lancaster, Aug.,
852
Inslee, Clinton T.,
911
Oliver W. (Dr.), biog., 836
Lancton, Horace,
464
Ireson, Joseph,
827
Kelsey, Mark,
207, 882
Landrine, Abraham,
489
Irish, Ezra,
803
Matthew,
917
Lane, Ebenezer,
452
Isham, Benjamin,
816
Michael,
88
James,
701
Kendall, Sylvanus C. (Rev.),
Latham, Eugene C.,
E. E.,
912
517
John W.,
852
biog.,
825
Martha (Mrs.),
517
Ives, Chauncey (Capt.),
776
Kennedy, Andrew,
634, 701
Lathrop - see Lothrop
Levi (Dr.),
831
William T.,
911
Latimer, Edward A.,
489
Kent, Abigail,
888
William P.,
489
J.
Jonathan,
462
Lavery, Stephen,
911
Keogh, John,
912
Law, Samuel,
702
Jacobs, Henry,
803
Kerwin, James,
526
Jacobson, Fr.,
852
Ketcham, Silas (Rev.),
471
Lawrence,
James,
767
474
Jacoby, James,
525
Kettner (Lieut.),
675
Layton, John,
880
Jackson (Rev. et Prof.),
531
Kibbe, Elisha,
634, 701
Thomas E.,
803
Jaeger (Capt.),
675
E. Brainard,
817
William,
880
Jeffrey, George,
882
Harvey É..
852
Leavitt, Caleb,
911
Jencks (Gen.),
742
H. C. (Dr.), 848;
biog., 847
Charles,
907, 908
Julius A.,
818, 910
Jenks, Elisha,
510
Kies, Harris L.,
852
Jennings, John,
701
Russell (Rev.),
791
Jerome, Amasa H.,
910
Kilbourn, Ashbel,
Edgar B.,
Edward,
701
526
675
Hannah,
Lemuel (Rev.),
Lazarus (Dr.),
Ledly, Margaret (Mrs.),
Lee, Chauncey G. (Rev.),
500
Le Baron, Francis (Rev.),
725
7726
725
752
13
Jerrols, Harden,
701
Kimball, Daniel,
817, 818, 909
biog.,
727
Jess, William,
882
Henry,
Jewett, Levi (Dr.),
526
Kimberly, Thomas,
852
809, 811
Elijah,
634, 702
Graham (Dr.),
459
Spofford D. (Rev.),
Eleazur,
455, 481, 555, 557
(Sgt.),
653
biog,
384; 386
Ora A.,
526
Leete,
453
Johannot, Andrew,
658
Kimmis (Lieut.),
675
Theodore A. (Rev.),
384
John (Indian),
Johnson, Abiel,
668
Kingsbury, Elijah,
702
William W. (Rev.),
392
701
Asel,
818, 910
Joseph,
(Dr.),
668, 702
Leffingwell, Lyman,
827
833, 846
Leonard, Asa,
668, 702
Albert H.,
781
King, Alexander,
D. P.,
911
Barry L.,
474
636, 645, 646, 702, 790
E. H. (Dr.),
749, 786, 627
Charles,
781
(Lt.), 627, 662, 684, 685, 907
E. R.,
911
Charles L.,
781
Andrew,
816
Jedidiah,
702
David, 701; (Lient.),
643
Benoni,
789
Fenn,
701
Benoni O.,
909
Joshua (Rev.),
Lerman, Wendal,
823
489
Frank H.,
852
Charles,
781
Lester,
87, 775
Galen,
526
David,
207
Letchford,
32, 40, 57
George R.,
781
Edward,
John,
803
82, 113, 479, 541
550, 759, 766, 917
Lewes, Mary,
701
Lewis, Allen,
852
Mary,
444, 445, 446, 447
Matthew,
178
Elizabeth,
Frederic A.,
888
Ira H..
818, 911
Michael,
179
638, 672, 677
679, 774, 789, 911
John, 127, 702, 738, 880, 882
Mary,
169
Nathan (Gen.),
765
Harriet,
790
Thomas,
124
Richard,
539
James,
888
Lilly, David,
702
Samuel, 701; (Rev.),
446
¡
James, Jr.,
816
Lincoln, George W. (Rev.),
531
INDEX OF NAMES.
939
Lind (Lt.-Col.),
Littlefield, John,
Livingston, Amaziah,
Lt.-Col.,
Lloyd, John,
London, John,
Long, Michael,
676
Loomis, Luke,
464
(Mr.),
584, 591
179
Maguire. B.,
773, 774
Edward,
782
781
Mary (Wid.),
562, 564
Maher, John,
782
239
877, 881, 887, 914
Mahoney, John,
782
782
Matthew.
Londergan, James R.,
474
!
188, 207, 882
852
Sarah,
560, 915
Samuel,
Thomas,
•
Zachariah,
(Mr.),
552, 915
562, 564
40
Loomis,
33, 69, 709, 745, 873
Aaron,
482
559
876
Mindwell,
914, 915
Moses, 552, 560, 564, 584
658, 670, 703, 876, 914, 915
Jr.,
562, 564
Nathan'1, 87, 88, 160, 162, 177
186, 221, 235, 415, 451, 479
547, 552, 558, 562, 563
654, 808,873, 875, 876
877, 882, 884, 885, 886
888, 905, 914, 915, 917
Main, Frank (Dr.),
531
Makpeace, Seth,
703
Maloney, James,
489
Mammanash, Betsey,
120
Mamanto,
477
Mandeville, Enos,
489
Mandell,
828
Mann, Horace (Hon.),
727
William,
526
Mannahanosee,
477
Manning, John H. (Dr.), biog., 836
Abigail,
877
Noah,
560, 562
Phineas,
703
Abigail Sherwood,
438
Odiah,
918
Mansfield, Z. (Rev.),
744
Amasa, 635, 647, 649, 669
Oliver,
585, 703
Marble, Amos M.,
475
670, 680, 681, 702, 751, 908
Osbert B.,
406
Elias,
829
Dec.,
729, 754
Ozias,
390
Morrow,
776
Dea., Jr.,
729
Rachel,
584
Marden, Edward F.,
526
Rev., biog.,
732
Rocksey,
584
Margery,
127
Capt.,630, 653, 685; Jr.,702
Roger,
751
Marisosas, Guenio,
804
Anson (Mrs.), 139, 140, 166
Russell,
591, 791
Markham, Isaac,
703
Benajah,
653, 654
Ruth,
887, 888
Levi,
462
Benj'n, 559, 560, 562, 564, 604
Samuel,
479, 873
Marsh, Azel,
464
Bule,
585
876, 879, 882, 885, 887
Elizabeth,
389
Damaris,
915
Samuel O.,
394
E. D. (Mrs.),
831
Daniel,
229, 560
Samuel T.,
464
Ezekiel (Rev.), biog.,
824
702, 875, 880, 886
Sarah,
877, 879, 887
Hannah S.,
852
David,
Dwight,
876, 880
819
Simeon,
474
John,
480
Sirajah,
390
Jonathan (Rev.),
12, 216
Ebenezer,
482, 914, 916
Thomas,
Edward W.
474
560, 562, 563, 873, 875, 876, 877
Elijah,
653
Elihu,
542, 656, 702
Eliphalet,
702
160, 177, 466, 559
879, 880, 882, 884, 885, 917
Thomas W.,
910
Timothy, 87, 89, 234, 241
234, 389, 391
Joseph,
389, 703
Mr. (Rev.),
723
Mrs.,
394
Proctor,
827
Elisabeth,
877, 887, 914
243, 403, 415, 424, 428
Samuel,
184
Enoch,
Ezekiel,
Ezra,
564
585, 753
703
472, 537, 542, 560, 876
William,
827
T.,
88
Marshall,
139, 153, 398
Ursula,
585
Abraham (Rev.),
393
George,
390, 580, 754
Watson,
703
Daniel (Rev.),
393
Gideon,
585, 653
William, 3d,
85
Daniel,
462
Giles,
635, 703
& Sheldon,
428
Edward C. (Rev.),
6
Capt.,
418, 654, 766
Zuriah,
585
Edmund,
888
G. Gilbert,
474
Lopez, Charles,
803
Eliakim,
225, 390, 418, 905
Hannah,
584, 876
Lothrop (see Lathrop),619, 633, 703
907, 908; Rev.,
391
877, 886, 887
Thatcher,
625, 654
Elihu,
469, 909
Henry,
Hezekiah,
647, 915; Jr., 584,
559, 560
Lord, Charles A.,
781
Eunice,
404
Elijah,
668
Francis,
44
562, 563, 876
Henry L.,
782
Ichabod,
479
Hezekiah B.,
405, 406
Jeremiah,
601
James,
75, 146, 150, 152
Hiram C.,
803
Joseph,
703
home-lot,
161, 548
Ichabod,
482
Lemuel R.,
782, 911
Joseph (Rev.),
393
Isaac,
876
Orton S.,
782
Lydia,
876
Israel,
917
Samuel L.,
782
Mary.
229, 875
James, 428, 480, 880, 909, 910
Sylvester O.,
803
Mr. (Rev.),
789
915, 917; 2d, 909
Thomas (Dr.),
454
James C., 405, 406, 435, 474
Lovell, James (Capt.),
675
Jemima,
916
Joseph,
826
Jeremiah,
876
(Master),
724
Capt.,
Jerijah,
404, 703
William A.,
466
Capt.,
644, 766
Loveland, Ziba,
807
Stephen,
Joanna,
914, 915
Lucas, George A.,
803
Thomas,
Sam'l, 110, 126, 153, 160, 161
165, 167, 175, 185, 189, 221
S07, 873, 875, 880, 882, 885
88, 138, 177, 188
224, 225, 482
526
184, 235, 389
Job,
Joel,
404
418, 462, 482
583, 586, 639, 652, 672
John, 160, 180, 189, 207, 208
212, 229, 387, 399, 400, 474
540, 541, 549, 552, 562, 564
591, 653, 656, 695, 873, 875
876, 877, 880, 882, 884, 885
887, 917; Jr., 631, 653, 703
Sr., 880; 3d, 656
John Mason,
406
Joseph,
88, 90, 146
home-lot, 160; 162, 164, 171
179, 180, 221, 404, 408, 540
541, 547, 548, 549, 552, 560
562, 563, 564, 579, 873, 875
876, 877, 878, 879, 880, 881
882, 884, 887, 914, 915
Jr., 229, 540, 548, 549, 562, 579
Josiah, 415, 552, 875, 914, 915
Jonathan,
88,876
Joshua, 562, 564, 569, 580
John,
Ludlow, Roger, 20, 22, 32, 35, 40
41, 45, 47, 49, 51, 54, 68, 71
73, 75, 77, 91, 94, 136, 146
147, 150, 154, 155, 160, 161
165, 187, 450, 466, 477, 480
546, 883, 895, 904
Lush, Henry,
Lyman,
Marshfield, Priscilla,
Thomas,
home-lot,
Martin, Harlow,
Maskell, Thomas,
Mason, 68, 69, 70, 71, 129, 161, 179
Ann,
John (Capt.), 21, 67, 73, 77
95, 105, 125, 138, 153, 174
464
478, 482, 543, 880, 882
Warren,
909
Widow, The,
424
878
35, 146, 160
161, 162, 548
834
Levi (Mrs.),
Lidea,
Lorin,
503
887, 914
797, 910
74
775
1
Chester S. (Rev.),
John,
Richard, home-lot,
830, 831
703
161 i
Lynch, James,
474
Thomas,
489
Lyon, Edward A. (Rev.),
Lyons, John,
745
878
852
M.
176, 224, 450, 883
Maj.,
142
Macauley,
Mack (Mac),
57
Dempster H.,
490
154, 462, 763
Ebenezer P.,
831
Daniel W.,
911
George,
782
Henry C.,
John,
William,
474
Isaac,
703
703
James,
475
910
John,
782, 904
Henry A. (Rev.),
745
John,
526, 804
Peleg,
818, 90$
Silvanus,
635
Sylvester,
703
880, 882
940
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Mason, Joseph D.,
464
Massaqua,
125
McKinstry, Ezekiel, 649, 816, 828
John (Rev.), 591; biog, 821
Mitchell, Jonathan,
198
Moses,
393, 394
Massey (Lieut.),
675
Mather,
189, 440
Family, The,
217
823, 836, 837, 846, 847, 886
Oliver (Dr.),
William (Dr.), biog., 845
Oliver,
462
846
Stephen E.,
804
Mix,
55
Allyn M.,
423
McKnight,
591
Allyn (Rev.),
391
Everett J. (Dr.), biog., 847, 848
Mixter, George (Rev.), biog., 828
Modrach (Lieut.),
675
Atherton,
216
Henry Chapin (Rev.), 840, 848
Moffat, Russell A.,
475
Azariah,
391, 412, 518
Horace,
818, 910
William,
676, 804
Charles,
458, 459, 482
John,
816
Moffit, Asa,
42
Dr.,
653, 752, 1791
John M.,
654
Molley, Timothy,
705
Cotton,
535
Thomas,
704
Moncur, John T.,
782
Daniel,
464
McKowan, Duane,
782
Monroe, William,
475
Edward E.,
910
McLean,
855
Montgomery, J. R. & Co.,
512,
Elijah,
390, 458
Alexander D.,
910
513, 514,
528, 575
Epaphras,
107
Henry,
910
Lewis O:,
475
Frederic E. (Gen.), 42, 394
James,
526
Mooney, John,
475
425, 428, 460
Increase, 390; Rev., 186
James, 526; Rev., 745
Martha,
394
Nathaniel, 415, 455, 488
Oliver, 378, 390, 906, 907, 908
Col.,
McMahon,
775
Michael,
782
Patrick,
804
Moore,
775
McMann, Michael,
775
Abigail,
570, 915
McMaster, C. H.,
522
Andrew,
88, 207, 882
McMoran, Elizabeth,
500
Ann,
585
John,
775
Asa,
390
455
McNally,
475
Deborah,
404
Oliver W. (Rev.),
391
Meacham, Gaylord O.,
490
Decker,
882
Richard,
198, 757
Morris O.,
490
Dulcena,
469
Rev.,
895, 892
Mead, John,
480
D.,
88
Roland,
757
Roswell P.,
Inset, p. 145
Ebenezer,
649
Samuel,
404, 909
Samuel,
633, 704
Rev., 40, 100, 139, 210, 211
Timothy,
804
Edward, 387, 390, 415, 782
Elizabeth,
916
215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 223
Medlicott & Osgood,
512
234, 455, 482, 535, 886, 888, 897
Meriville, D., Jr.,
767
Elisha, 377, 390, 907, 909
"Goodman,"
87
Talcott,
500, 910
Merrill, Ethan,
462, 464
Hannah,
885, 886
Thaddeus,
147
Meltzing, Adolph,
852
Hiram,
431
Timothy,
217, 501
Meier (Lieut.),
675
Henry B.,
910
Dr.₂
389, 458
Melville (Surgeon's Mate),
675
James,
786, 852, 909
Matterson, William J.,
804
Merritt, Leonard G.,
782
James M.,
782
Mattock, Thomas,
140
Merwin (Murwin), 155, 161, 179, 206
Maudsley-see Moseley.
Messenger,
886
Maverick, John (Rev.), 20, 22, 47
56, 61, 194, 895, 898, 899
Daniel,
880
Edward,
88,93
Jr.,
Samuel,
21, 56
home-lot,
161; 882
May, Samuel,
764
Mey, Cornelius Jacobsen,
17, 18
Maylett, Theodore,
804
Meyer (Lieut.),
675
Maynard, Alonzo,
854
Miantonomah,
118
John, 126, 169, 174, 177, 178
231, 387, 448, 451, 478, 563
564, 873, 882, 884, 916
540, 552, 563
Dea., 90, 146, 161, 162, 180
181, 184, 185, 212, 229, 398
415, 464, 469, 538, 873
880, 882, 883, 885, 891
James A.,
852
Mickel, James,
490
J.,
William C.,
854
Milketh (Lieut.),
675
Orson B.,
McAuley,
395, 500, 504
Millard, Leavitt,
704
Peletiah,
McCabe, William,
782
Millen, Patrick,
782
Samuel (Sgt.),
88
910
915
562, 563
McCall,
475
Miller,
812
McCarter, James,
814
Franklin B.,
911
McCarty, Charles,
526, 782
Heman,
804
Florence,
782
Lovisa,
882
Thomas, 146; home-lot, 161
221, 235, 236, 481, 482
547, 548, 562, 578, 878
Thomas E.,
Timothy F.,
912
Moses M.,
475
Wareham,
McClary, H. (Rev.),
744
Nathan,
910
Moran, David,
McClintock, Rachel,
724
Theodore T.,
910
John,
McClure, David (Rev. Dr.), 52, 118
Richard,
475
Morden,
119, 602, 629, 645, 703, 724
Roswell,
152, 156,
725, 730, 750, 753, 772
164, 170, 501
Morehouse, David,
McComb, Lawrence,
826
Simon,
81
McCook, J. J., biog.,
755
McCowen, Robert,
911
Millinton, Phebe,
McCray,
812
William (Rev.),
Millington, John,
487
Jr.,
585
Frank M.,
186, 188
John,
John,
817
Mills,
541, 760, 772
Lathrop (Dr.), biog.,
846
Alfred W.
"
Reuben,
7704
Augustus,
478
769, 909
Morehead, John (Rev.),
Morgan, Dea. Jasper, 159, 167, 173
Moroney, William,
Morison (Morrison), Albert
910
635, 653, 705
526
910
44
724
705
(Dr.,)
William,
654, 817
Dorcas,
887, 888
Norman (Dr.),
McCue, Frank,'
McDermott, John,
526
Elihu,
908
Robert,
804
Elijah,
387
Sylvester P.,
McDonald, John,
526
Francis D.,
475
William,
387, 475
852
430, 490
490
459, 910
456
526, 832
475
490
McElroy,
782
Frank V. (Rev.),
391
Morris, Darius (Rev.) bio., 839, 848
McElwain, Timothy,
656
Jacob,
563
G. R.,
826
McGuire, Bartholomew,
413
Jedidiah (Rev.),
391
Henry,
204, 623
John,
490
Nathaniel B.,
826
Sylvester,
817
McIntire, Abel, 667, 688, 690, 704
Peletiah,
Charles C. (Rev.),
522
Peter,
John,
704
McKee, Andrew,
767, 822
Joel W.,
827
McKenney (Kinny), Alex.,
649
Simon,
Andrew,
653
451, 483, 614
88, 207, 634, 704
Jr.,
543
Samuel,
879.909
Samuel J. (Rev.), 725, 911
152, 160,
161, 179, 223, 879
Morse, Alexander,
705
Charles,
827
C. S. (Rev.),
745
Daniel,
705
Morton,
89
Abner,
705
Alexander,
602, 611, 705
Asaph,
812
Stone,
815, 816
Diodate,
635, 705
James, Jr.,
William,
634, 649
634
McKing, Asaph D.,
McKinstry,
818, 910
Miner, Charles H.,
David,
Edward,
852
John,
558, 559,
625
562, 564, 705, 909
624
Lucy,
584
James,
704
Jesse L.,
804
Mary,
559
William,
704
John G.,
804
Samuel,
562, 564
Alexander,
812, 886
741
Mingo, Henry,
489
Thomas,
12, 734
Mitchell, Donald G.,
831
William, 539, 624, 705, 917
INDEX OF NAMES.
941
Moseley (Maudsley), Henry B.,
804
Nelson, Oliver M.,
518, 911
Horace (Rev.),
745
(Rev.),
789
Salmon,
North, Milo N. (Dr.), biog.,754, 835
910
Horace,
827
William,
852
Northrop, Birdsey G. (Rev.), 831
John,
873, 882, 884, 885
Nepeaseeateke,
128
Norton,
Joseph,
852
Stephen (Col.),
873
Nettleton, Asahel (Rev.), 755, 756
Newberry (Nubery), 75, 413, 619
Hugh,
John,
·
- Abigail,
Notebock,
Moses,
Nowell, Christopher,
67
782
464
127
162
501
Martin, 501, 503; Jr., 503
Moss, Daniel,
631
Moulton, Sarah,
856
Samuel,
856
Mowry, Elisha (Col.),
743
882, 884, 885
223
John, 81, 87, 88, 127, 151
166, 194, 212, 221, 501
home-lot, 162, 229, 882, 917
John C. (Rev.), biog., 825
Lydia,
206
Amasa, 654, 684; Capt., 711
Ann,
887
Benjamin, 154, 165, 180, 206
217, 239, 451; Capt., 90, 125
129, 146, 162, 168, 181, 185
188, 209, 210, 212, 214, 216
221, 226, 227, 231, 424, 478
538, 547, 563, 568, 649, 653
407
873, 882, 884, 885
Thomas, 139, 160, 161, 178
Oakenhead, James (Provost-
Marshal),
O'Brien, Edward,
675
526
Brook,
George,
782
Capt.,
Obgois, Charles,
782
Cassius M.,
Mullen, Henry,
526
Chauncey,
541
635, 654,
Occum, Sampson,
120
O'Callaghan,
17, 24, 26
Mulligan,
775
662, 711, 910
Offer, George,
186, 189
Thomas,
804
Dyer,
660
O'Hara, James,
804
Munger, Philip,
826
Elihu,
462
Munroe, Leonard,
668, 705
George,
711, 909
Olcott, Asahel,
Munsell,
745
Hannah,
163, 548, 549, 879
Alpheus,
Inset, p. 145
Henry,
179, 490, 908
A. A.,
Inset, p. 145
Horace H.,
804
O'Keefe, Frederick I.,
Benoni, 585, 627, 628, 632, 634
638, 639, 640, 647, 649, 650
651, 653, 662, 729, 905, 906
475
635, 684, 712
Benjamin,
•
656
James,
908, 909
Eli (Dea.),
685, 712
Calkins,
741
Edwin,
804
John, 162, 548, 549, 638, 711
Joseph, home-lot,
Eli B.,
789, 910
162
Elizabeth,
684
Eliakim Stiles,
705
168, 540, 559, 563, 572
James,
741
Elijah,
782
577, 573, 684, 910
Jerijah,
767
Elisha,
654, 656, 711
Mary,
206, 548, 549
Sidney A.,
7785
Elizur,
804
Noadiah,
711
Oldage,
163, 167, 879
Gurdon,
Hezekiah,
668, 705
626, 631,
Oliver,
Rebecca,
712
Ann,
162
548, 549, 876
Rich'd, 143, 162, 175, 179, 545
653, 656, 705, 711
Jacob, Jr., 412, 414, 562, 564
572, 650, 653, 656, 741
Joel,
439, 711
Ruth,
Roger, 450; Lieut., 378
390, 424, 451, 452, 481, 891
Col., 905; Gen., 906
563
Oldekop (Lieut.),
675
Oldham,
55
John,
28
Olmsted, Frederic Law,
831
John,
741
Sarah,
548, 549
Henry (Rev.),
744
Jonathan, Jr.,
711
Seth (Rev.), biog.,
823
Jane,
700
Martin,
711
Spafford B.,
782
John (Mrs.),
796
Silas,
626, 711
S. P.,
910
Nicholas,
878
William,
804
Thomas,
37, 162, 164
Samuel,
917
Zaccheus,
Murray, James,
Patrick,
656
home-lot,162; 876, 884, 917
Op Dyck, Gysbert,
423
782
Widow, The,
564
Orcutt, Jane,
· 786
490
Mr.,
884
Mure (Capt.),
675
Mrs.,
873
Orton, Thos., 148, 155, 162, 163, 169
Murll,
766
Capt.,
873, 882, 884, 885
Samuel (Rev.), 160, 446, 482
170, 179, 478, 878; 879, 882
Jacob,
764
Newell, Ansel D.,
Murphy, Charles,
804
Daniel,
852
711, 817
Osborn, Abel,.
650, 656
Ann,
162
Cornelius,
475
Frederick C. (Rev.),
Benjamin,
563, 593
Thomas,
804
biog.,
Timothy,
475
Jacob,
827, 840
711
Daniel,
612, 631, 649
653, 656, 712, 826
1
Mygatt, Jacob,
132
John,
668, 711, 826
David, 631;
2d, 909
Joseph,
423
Kibourn E.,
853
David W.,
7783
Nathaniel,
816
Dwight J.,
911
N.
Thomas,
878, 917
Ezekiel,
631, 653
Newcomb, George B. (Rev.),
77
Ezra,
712
Nagonce,
128
Newman, Rafe,
878
Henry,
Inset, p. 145
Namarick,
108, 129, 130, 163
Richard,
855
Isaac,
563, 786
Nance, Old (slave),
435
Newport, Edward,
526
Israel,
667, 712, 741
Naomes,
132
Otto,
526
Jacob,
404, 563, 564
Napes, Ephraim,
886
Newton, Alexander,
711
Nassacowen,
37, 110, 129
Cyrus B. (Dr.), biog., 846, 848
Nash, Ebenezer,
653, 711, 816
Isaac,
711
Francis Burdett (Rev.),
biog., 837, 848; Jr., 837
Isaac,
654, 670, 711
Phineas (Lieut.),
856
George W.,
852
Stephen,
741
H. S. (Rev. Prof.),
837
Joel,
633, 662, 711
Nichols, Cyprian (Lieut.),
480
Norman (Rev.), biog., 837
Rudolph K. (Rev.), biog. 838
James,
782
Nicholas, St. John, Inset, p. 145
John, 88, 162; home-lot, 163
179, 479, 541, 563, 564
579, 606, 712, 880, 882
Jonathan, Jr.,
J..
James,
181
Job,
88
Joseph, 572;
88, 539
.88
biog., 601
Martha,
558
Nicholson, Henry,
782
Moses,
609
Stedman,
818, 909
Niemann, William,
853
Nathaniel,
594, 741
Sylvester (Rev.), biog., 837
Nik, John,
853
Nelson S.,
776, 910
Dr..
Timothy,
846
Niles,
69, 510
Phineas,
712
826
Asa,
827
Richard,
70
Nassahegan,
110, 121, 123, 124
John M. (Hon.),
905
Sam'l, 229, 563, 564, 650, 712
125, 126, 127, 739
Richard,
909
Jr.,
656, 631
Nattaranut,
34, 109, 123
William W. (Rev.),
744
Widow, The,
563
Naughton, James,
563
Ninigret,
175
William A.,
783
Nautahan,
115
Nipsic,
121
Zebulon, 653;
Jr., 656
Nawaas,
17,38
Noack, T. G.,
513
Otis, Erastus,
745, 827
Nearing, Henry T.,
490
Noble, Hezekiah B.,
782
Ould, Robert,
882
Nearowanocke,
130, 737
John B.,
912
Nehano,
111, 124, 125
Nobles, Alexander,
853
Neisener, Mary,
782
Mark,
853
Outterson, John,
Overton, William,
911
James,
510
80
Nelson, George H.,
526 Norris,
775
Owen, Apollos,
462
852
North, Erastus,
755
Isaac, Jr.,
903, 907
942
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Owen, Isaac P.,
John,
909, 910
82, 145, 156
home-lot, 163; 183, 185 207
229, 479, 880, 882, 891, 917
|
Parum, George,
878, 886
Patterson, D. Williams,
James,
7, 13
783
Perry, William (Rev.),
William Lawrence,
124
714
Persse,
775
Patton, Robert,
818, 910
T. B.,
810, 911
Josias,
88, 207, 882
Pasco, Daniel A.,
783
Peter, Andrew,
714
Nathaniel,
163
George D.,
783
(negro),
668, 714
Obadiah,
239
James,
563, 572
Peterson (Lieut.),
675
Jonathan,
563, 712
Peters, Hugh,
47
P.
J.,
604
Pettingill, Stephen B.,
475
Jonas,
649
Petter, Gilbert W.,
475
Page (Rev. Mr.),
Paine (Payne),
215
Joseph A.,
911
Pettibone, George,
804
Henry A.,
804
Julius N.,
783
George O.,
783
886
Theodore W.,
783
John,
229, 478, 882
Daniel,
712
Patackhouse,
124
Pettigrew, Alexander,
616
Dea.,
386, 388
Pattison, Edward,
69, 70, 128
Pfeifer, John,
783
Edward (Capt.),
713
John,
464
Phelps,
62, 75, 88, 169
John,
712
Patz, Aug.,
853
Mr.,
94, 148, 176, 179
Nathan,
827
Payne, Edward,
634
Aaron, 2d,
905, 906
Rufus,
712
Peabody, Josiah (Rev.),
471
Abigail,
879
Solomon,
612, 712
Pearson,
812
Stephen,
654, 712
Daniel,
814
Abraham, 88, 129, 163, 165
389, 402, 406, 682, 917
Palmelee, Calvin Z.,
763, 765
Frederic A.,
818
Austin,
377
Palmer,
878
Simeon,
813
Bildad, 451; Inset, p. 145
Ammi L.,
909
Pease (Pearse, Peas, Pees),
886
Benjamin C. (Rev.),
745
F. G.,
746, 747
A. Chapin,
848
Bethuel,
746
"Goodwife,"
229
Abner,
713
Caleb,
415.
Hannah,
888
Anna,
792
Charles,
484, 504
Horace,
909
Byron W.,
853
Charles E.,
211
Joel,
910
Calvin, Jr.,
818, 853, 910
Cyrus,
908
Jonathan E.,
910
Dr., biog.,
835, 846
(Col.),
164
Jonathan, Jr.,
907
Charles N.,
797
Daniel,
390, 415, 647, 911
John,
387, 215
Charles W.,
783
D. Ellsworth,
912
Levi,
909
Edgar,
812
Edward,
44
Martin,
910
Edmund M.,
804
Edward F.,
783
Nicholas, 70, 86, 89, 148, 159
Edward,
713
Eldad,
714
163, 178, 878, 882, 883
Eli,
631, 713
Eli,
909, 910, 911
Osbert H.,
475
Ephraim,
783
Elisha B.,
909
Samuel,
876
Erastus P.
818, 910
Elizur D.,
475
Thomas,
712
Frederic N.,
848
Ellsworth N. (Col.), 465
Timothy,
153, 163
Gideon,
713
466, 475, 911
186, 189, 876, 882
Henry R.,
853
Pantry, John,
537
Horton,
853
Epaphras L., 504, 908, 909
Esther,
914
Park, Josiah,
656
Joel,
656
Parker, Elijah,
903
John (Lieut.),
631, 812
Ephraim,
654, 712, 816
Joseph,
713
Jr.,
816
Lathrop,
812
George, 138, 146, 154, 163
165, 169, 170, 171, 177, 178
181, 198, 210, 212, 229, 390
423, 424, 547, 548, 878, 879
John,
712
Levi S. (Dr.), biog.,
836
880, 882, 883, 885
Nelson,
783
Noah,
826
Halsey F. D.,
783
Oscar F. (Rev.),
624
Peter,
713
Hannah,
913
Parkhurst, Joseph,
634, 712
Stephen,
656
Henry,
154, 165
Parkman, Elias, 71, 139, 145, 153
Thomas,
713
Henry E.,
912
154, 155; home-lot, 163
Peck (Peek), Samuel, 631, 634, 713
Hester,
888
545, 883, 892
Jasper,
462
Hezekiah,
876
Parish, Ariel,
830
Zedidiah,
668, 713
Hiram G.,
910, 911
Parmenter, Nathaniel,
464
Pedro, John,
475
Horace,
394
Parsons (Persons),
885, 903
Peering, Abigail,
903
Horace E.,
526
Aaron,
803, 804
Peetoosoh,
108
Isaac,
143, 479, 584
Abigail,
879
Pegan, Darius,
713
647, 653, 873, 876, 882
Arthur H.,
783
Pelton, Betsy Wolcott,
774
Isabella,
162
Avery,
462, 909
Enoch W.
773
James,
876
Benjamin (Rev.), biog., 385
Benjamin B. (Rev.), 385, 616
Ithamar,
653, 656
Jerijah,
649
J.,
766
Job,
563, 564
Clifford D.,
783
George S. (Rev.), biog., 733
Ebenezer,
88, 883
Martha,
677
Ephraim,
813, 814
Nathan,
George,
878
612, 653, 656
647, 698, 770
Joshua,
Jesse,
712
N. (Mrs.),
John,
188, 207
Pember, Andrew,
Jonathan (Rev.),
610
Elijah,
611
634, 713
816, 818, 907
Josiah,
Capt.,
Joseph, 88, 163, 229, 241, 407
478, 539, 540, 555, 559, 563
564, 866, 875, 882, 913, 917
482
20, 483, 907, 909
John, 482, 563, 564, 878, 882
905
J.,
88
Harry N.,
475
Pemberton (Surgeon),
Pendal, Elisha,
675.
John D.,
911
585, 633, 713
J. F.
462
Heman,
490
Percy, Nicholas,
853
Mindwell,
913
Hezekiah,
564, 632
John,
585
Levi,
911
Perkins, Aaron,
714
Mary,
Moses,
887
783
Lines H.,
526
Frederic B.,
6
Mrs.,
886
Peter,
599
Gideon,
714
Nathaniel,
159, 163
Robert (Rev.),
745
Hester,
464
179, 478, 876, 882
Samuel,
822
Jason,
714
Noah,
714
Samuel H.,
6
(Rev. Dr.),
7756
N.,
706
Simon,
814, 822
William H.,
452
“Old Mr.,"
882
Shubael,
656
William M.,
475
Oliver,
484, 485
Stephen,
886
Perry, Joseph (Rev.), 576, 577, 587
Oscar J.
910
Timothy,
886
619, 653, 674, 713, 716, 722
Richard H.,
910
Thomas, 70, 88, 140, 165, 167
723, 724, 733, 750, 752, 769
Roger,
Wiliiam,
882
Jr.,
714, 715
Ruth,
Jr.
173, 179, 188; home-lot, 163
Partridge, Joseph (Dr.), biog., 836
Frank W.,
819
Samuel,
151, 387, 390
124, 126, 163
394
879, 880, 882, 917
882
Herman,
827
179, 880, 882, 917
H. (Rev.),
Jonathan,
7745
Samuel E.,
472
715
Samuel H.,
9
INDEX OF NAMES.
943
Phelps, Sarah,
239, 875, 876, 882, 908, 917
Timothy,
Timothy, 2d,
Timothy S.,
888
Pole, Charles,
783
Pratt, Timothy,
88, 163, 229
Pomeroy,
156, 159
635, 715
Prescott, Richard (Gen.), 659, 769
Caleb,
164, 882
Preston, Edward,
44
Walter,
William, 88, 92, 125, 146, 151
154, 162, 163, 174, 179, 229
450, 482, 547, 827, 873, 889
883, 884, 885, 910, 917
Mr. or Sen., 21, 35, 54, 123
124, 148, 159, 163, 466, 883
886; Jr., 148, 152, 155
500
William Harvey,
& Gorham P'chase, The, 485
207
466, 911
763
Eltwood,
91, 164
Henry B.,
805
178, 418, 547, 879, 882
Price, James, Jr.,
911
Goodman,
33
154
Primus, "Manumit " (negro),
Hannah,
724
368, 458, 586, 666
John,
878
Prince (negro),
715
Joseph,
164, 235
(Mr.),
34, 35, 40
Mary,
878, 879
Amasa T.,
475
Pond,
160
Thomas,
39, 41
Isaac,
880, 882
Prior, Allyn,
368
Nathaniel,
148, 151
Ebenezer,
716
153, 164, 179, 880
Elmer A.,
7783
Samuel,
148, 151, 153
Philip (slave),
434
164, 179, 878, 879, 882
Franklin S.,
Henry,
783
917
Phillips,
879, 880, 883, 885
Poor (Ensign),
675
Humphrey,
88, 229, 882
Phippany, Daniel S.,
804
Porson, Samuel,
886
Phipps, William H. (Rev.),
471
Porter, Abiezur,
540, 753
Isaac T.,
John,
853
593, 596
Pickering, George,
826
Chauncey, 462;.
Jr., 526
604, 653, 656, 741
Pickett, Eliza,
519
C. A.,
500
Joel,
596, 600
Mary A.,
519
(Dr.),
454, 846, 791
Roswell,
656, 716
Samuel (Sgt.),
418
Deborah,
916
Prosser, Benjamin,
805
419, 427, 437
(Dea.),
729
Prouty, Royal,
511
Pierce (Pearce), Abner,
714
Ebenezer (Rev.),
756
(Mrs.),
111
Daniel,
670, 714
Edward,
475
Providence (negro),
368
John,
667, 713
Hannah, 877; Wid., 563
Puell, Thomas,
229
Ephraim,
649
Hester,
877
Purple, Ezra,
826
Loren,
827
Hezekiah,
540, 559, 560
Putnam,
878
Luther,
464
Pierson,
76
Abraham (Rev.),
459
Daniel,
813
Israel,
Frederick A.,
911
Olivia,
390
William S. (Dr.),
466
Piersons, Ephraim,
Pinney,
Dr., 390, 405, 831, 891
714
129, 882, 886
Azariah,
242
Benj'n, 649, 811, 813, 817, 818
biog., 819; 826, 908, 909, 910
Jr.,
808, 910
Capt., 846;
Hon., 6
Daniel,
461
Jr.,
Joseph,
543, 559, 563
David,
462
584, 913, 915, 916
563, 569, 572, 654, 668
670, 715, 913, 915, 916
Horace P. (Dr.), 846, 848, 855
James, 229, 549, 552, 557
563, 877, 887, 914, 917
Johanna,
877, 887
John, 85, 88, 93, 160, 171, 177
178, 217, 221, 229, 398, 478
home-lot, 164; 548, 549, 584
715, 873, 875, 877, 878
882, 884, 917; Jr., 229
539, 876, 882, 887, 917
88, 826, 827
Jonathan,
634, 715
Quinn, Patrick,
Quockhom,
Radcliff, Charles G.,
Amos H.,
522
Charles S. (Rev.),
744
(Gen.),
709
715
Richard A.,
783
Pynchon,
54, 136, 153
Mr., 29, 68, 158, 183, 221
William,
54, 429
Q.
Quachabuck,
124
526
125
R.
475
Ebenezer,
660, 676
J.,
884
Rainey (Hon. Mr.),
157, 167
714, 789, 909; Dr.,
846
(Landlord),
766
Ramsdell, Hezekiah S. (Rev.),
Edgar W.,
911
Leroy L.,
805
745, 827
Eleazer,
654, 715
Mary,
877
816, 818, 907
Eleazer W.,
853
Francis,
818, 911
John,
Frederic A.,
George B.,
Humphrey (Mr.), 88, 124
143, 160; home-lot, 164, 229
448, 546, 882, 883, SS5, 917
Isaac, 239, 241, 715, 907
Isabel,
811, 886
552, 917
Joseph, 811, 816; Jr., 634, 654
912
Nathaniel, 229, 418, 552, 559
560, 563, 564, 635, 649, 653
654, 661, 665, 715
716, 766, 769, 877
Ramond, Matthew.
Randell (Randle), Abraham,
74
11
490
Rebecca,
Reuben,
877
Philip,
817
}
87, 88; home-lot, 165; 178
229, 537, 545, 546, 873
880, 883, 885, 917
141, 163
home-lot, 165; 178, 546
Rose,
878
Philury,
878, 879
Ruth,
877
Ephraim,
744
Samuel, 876, 877; Rev., 576
'Old Wid.,"
880
Sarah,
(Sgt.),
876, 877, 914
Rankin, Edw'd E. (Rev. Dr.), 831
Thomas B.,
233, 887
776
Ransom, Lyman,
855
William M. (Esq.),
844
Judah,
715
Solomon,
661, 676
Rawdon, H.,
462
Jonathan,
631
William,
146, 526
Rawlins, Jasper, 147, 149, 156, 165
Lemuel, 649, 654, 715, 816
Poseen (Pozen),
128, 131
Raymond, John W.,
475
Marcus A.,
818, 912
Potter, Albert H.,
783
Thomas,
668
Mr., 873, 882, 883, 884, 885
Horatio (Rev.),
744
Raynesford, William H.,
496
Mrs..
Nathaniel,
873, 884
88, 185
Potwine, Benjamin, 661; Dr., 835
Raynor, Menzies (Rev.),
826
Caleb,
787
743, 744
241, 880, 882
Ellsworth &,
746
Reade- see Reed.
Nelson,
811
John,
598, 665, 715
Reader, Cornelius,
490
Orator L.,
490
Jr.,
599, 600
Recor, George D.,
475
Phebe,
585
Lemuel S.,
610
Samuel, 82, 119, 478, 490, 540
Lydia,
611
Reardon,
Dennis,
775
783
563, 634, 811, 812, 813, 814
Rachel (Mrs.),
612
Reed (Read, Reade, Reid),
234
882, 886, 915; Jr., 813, 814
Thomas (Rev.), 542, 583, 594
Abner (Dea.), 585, 586, 676
Corp'l,
Sarah,
564
229, 876, 888
595, 596, 601, 602, 603, 612, 750
684, 729, 752, 755, 766
J1'..
604, 746
769, 786, 908, 909
William,
809, 811
Thomas S. (Rev.),
610
& Barber,
14
Pitkin,
194
Powell, Thomas,
189, 917
Barzilla H.,
783
Evelyn,
660
Powers, Charles W.,
783
Ebenezer,
653, 676
G.,
662
John,
783
Elijah F. (Dr.),
765, 791
George (Col.),
644
Philander D. (Rev.),
728
Erastus,
504
Joseph (Capt.),
820
Portowcke,
37
Jacob (Dr.),
455
Ozias,
814
Pratt, Edward,
783
Julius A. (Rev. Dr.),
Solomon D. (Rev.),
Eli,
715
biog.,
732, 830
biog.,
840, S48
Frank D.,
783
Justus,
716
William, 193, 194, 542, 551
Pletzer (Surgeon's Mate), 675
Job,
827
Lucien W.
784
Reuben K.,
805
Maro McL. (Dr.),
755, 791
Pockettercote,
128
Russell,
668
Matthew,
716
944
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Reed, Newton A.,
853
Rockwell, Dea.,
515, 729
Rowel, Daniel,
369
Ralph R.,
784
Ebenezer, 633, 654, 662, 716
Grace,
404
Silas,
816
Edward F., Jr.,
805
John,
369
William,
475
Elijah,
584
Mary,
888
Reid, William (Rev.),
790
Eliza,
914
Philander,
369
Reeve, Robert,
194
Elizabeth,
578, 914
Roger,
369
Reeves, Jo.,
44
Remington, Thomas,
883
Ephraim,
Ezra,
649
Rowland, Alvah,
146, 387
654
David,
33, 37, 87
Renard, John,
230
George S.,
490
Repequam,
123
Henrietta,
731
Rewen,
128
Horace P.,
911
Reynolds, Charles,
452
Isaac,
585, 653, 716
Geo. C. (Rev. and M.D.),
Jabez J.,
776
biog.,
733, 805
James,
716, 760
George O.,
799
Joel,
654, 662
James,
527
Ransom M.,
853
Reuben,
716
Walter,
475
Reysner,
716
Josiah,
John, 143, 153, 164, 165, 178
179, 184, 547, 557, 563
564, 585, 873, 879, 880
882, 914, 915
563, 564, 572, 913
157, 162, 168, 369
David S. (Rev.), 12, 197, 376
379-381, 386, 518, 886
Henry A. (Rev.), 12, 379
George C.,
James (Rev.),
Sherman,
Rowlandson (Rev.),
Rowley, Job,
Mary,
381-383, 391
475
391
369
209, 398
369
John,
369
887
Rhenius, (Lieut.) P. W. L.,
675
Joseph,
407, 483, 552, 563
Silas,
369
Rice, Chauncey (Rev.),
470
914, 915;
Jr., 563, 564, 767
Shubael,
479
Daniel,
368
Lester A.,
805
Thomas,
229, 883
Josiah,
513
Lidia,
584
Rudolph (Lieut.),
675
Nelson,
490
Mary,
877, 887, 914
Ruggles, Mary,
Rodney H.,
784
Matthew (Rev. et Dr.), 13
Rundall, Eliza Mills (Mrs.),
7
Wayne H.,
763
572, 573, 574, 575, 578, 586
Russell,
812
Richards, George,
784
Solomon L.,
853
620, 649; biog., 731
734, 739, 765
Abraham,
885
Cornelius,
369
James,
86, 210, 211
Miriam,
584
Cornet,
369
Richardson, Daniel,
611
Molly,
585
Daniel,
826
Francis H.,
784
Nabby,
584
Esther,
518
John,
775
William H.,
745
Nath'l, 654, 662, 684, 716, 760-
Newell P.,
Hezekiah, 634, 717, 817, 828
475
Jacob, auto.,
503; 518
Richmond, George E.,
527
Ruth,
876
James,
158
Riley, George,
805
John,
490
Michael J.,
853
William,
853
Ripley, Edwin J.,
513
Philip,
513
Sam'l, 81, 165, 185, 229, 236
407, 479, 483, 532, 539, 540
542, 547, 552, 563, 618, 638
873, 875, 877, 880, 882, 884
885, 914, 916, 917
Dea., 728, 731; Jr., 540
Martin,
John,
369
Joseph H.,
452, 909
772
Nathaniel,
717
Noadiah,
551
Samuel,
741
William W.,
912
Sarah,
585, 876
Stephen,
634, 717
Rippaquam,
127
Sibil,
585, 662
William,
390, 527
Rising, Hanna,
229
Simon,
880
Rev.,
12, 576
James,
229, 880
(Sgt.),
579
Wyllys,
818, 907, 908
John,
229
Sydney W. (Dr.),
791
Rowse,
620
Risley, S. W.,
513
Sylvanus,
654
Samuel,
369
Rix, Widow,
82
Sylvester D.,
911
Royce, Daniel,
369
Roach,
775
Wm. (Dea.), 14, 21, 152, 153
John M.,
853
Roberts, Benjamin,
670
home-lot, 165; 387, 483, 541
Lydia Bull,
755
Clark,
368
578, 716, 878, 880, 883
Ruly (Rowly),
883
Eliphalet,
716
Wilmot,、
879
Rust, Richard H. (Rev.),
John, 368, 404, 415, 631, 716
Rodemore, Hendrick,
504
biog.,
841, 848
Jonathan,
412
Rodgers - see Rogers.
Ryan, John,
490
Geo. (Rev.), 393, 394, 670, 826
Roe, Azel S. (Dea.), 590, 591, 596
Nicholas,
527
Hiram,
909
599, 611, 750
Patrick,
490
Lester A.,
487
(Maj.),
673, 676, 678
John,
Roehmer, Emrai,
784
Ryle, Edward,
82
784
Lemuel,
368
William H.,
784
S.
Mary (Wid.),
Rogers, Evan,
826
Nathaniel (Rev.),
842
Harry G.,
475
Sabin, Benjamin,
827
Oliver,
462, 464, 827
Lemuel,
716
(Capt.),
52
Paul,
368
Leonard,
668
Sackett, Norman A.,
490
Peter,
368
Nathaniel,
716
Sadd, Elijah,
611
Robertson, Angustus,
805
Nehemiah,
827
Franklin A.,
805
Robbins, Ammi Ruhamah
William,
784
(Lieut.),
653
(Rev.),
725
William F.,.
475
Daniel,
464
Rohr (Lieut.),
675
Elijah,
645
Roinick, William,
127
St. John,
Gurdon (Rev.),
790
Rolff, William,
853
Orrin,
805
Root, Henry A.,
853
Thomas (Rev. Dr.), 556
Marvin (Rev.),
618, 624
576, 623, 725, 729, 730
William,
475
750, 760, 774, 787, 790
Roote, John,
207
Robinson,
61
Ross, John,
784
Charles L.,
784
Rosseau (Commissioner),
675
George R.,
853
Rossiter (Mr.),
883
Henry (Rev.),
824
Abigail,
879
Robert,
Rockwell,
Abigail,
Maro L.,
Abner, 585, 633, 654, 716
784
Edward (Mr.),
453, 895
44
458, 619
913
Bryan (Mr.), 20, 35, 85, 146
154, 163; home-lot, 165
178, 453, 472, 548, 549, 883
Samson, Hills &,
Richard,
Elizabeth,
Alpheus,
784, 805
Esther,
Amasa,
716
Samuel,
Anna,
483, 584, 878
Timothy,
Benjamin,
915
Roster, John,
Betsy,
755, 772
Roth, William,
879
879
813, 878
878
490
784
Thomas, 534, 563, 626, 633
717; Jr., 564; Dea., 729
St. Nicholas, John (Mr.), 75, 144
544, 545, 546; Inset, p. 145
Saffrey,
52
Saltonstall, Richard (Sir), 33, 43
45, 46, 47, 48, 57, 59, 62, 78
544, 546, 736-740, 741
Robert, 78, 157, 166, 737
Jr.,
Gurdon (Gov.),
Samways (Sammis, Samos),
59
home-lot, 165; 169, 545
547, 878, 879, 883
Sanders (Saunders), Abia, 914
Christopher (Mr.), 424, 883
George, 229, 424, 552, 880
Henry (Mr.),
370, 545
59, 238
240, 809
826
141, 158
Charles,
584, 647
Rouse, Thos. É. (Rev.), biog., 470
Daniel, 534, 619, 653, 906, 907
Rowe, Julia,
Joseph,
527
Mrs.,
221
88
89
INDEX OF NAMES.
945
Sargent, John,
Sanford, Fred R. (Rev.), 744
Sarah (the converted Indian), 120
Sarsfield, John,
Shadock (Shadrack), Elias, 207, 880
Herman,
229
387, 452
Shaehan, John,
784
475
Shakespeare, John,
170
Sasamin,
108
Shallen, William,
239
Sassacus,
114
Shanahan, Richard,
527
Jonathan,
Sassowen,
128
Shanley, Thomas,
805
Mary,
Saunders -see Sanders.
Shanz, Baltas,
476
Savage,
169
Sharp, William,
476
Savory, Jonathan,
784
Share, John,
880
Skinner, Joseph, 174, 229, 387, 478
540, 543, 557, 563, 572
575, 579, 717, 874, 876
886, 913, 815, 917
Jr., 552, 914; Dea., 728
578
Oliver, 584, 625, 633, 717
Prudence (Wid.),
Richard, 540, 563, 564, 572
886, 913
649
Sawn, Edmund G.,
527
Shaw, David,
631, 654, 656, 717
Roswell,
635, 717
William H.,
527
Gilbert,
717
Ruth,
579
Saxton (Sexton),
165, 547
John,
880, 883
Samuel,
579, 606, 649, 656
Bezaleel,
999
Shay, Michael,
527
Samuel, Jr.,
631, 717
Charles,
826
Sheat,
37, 110, 128
Samuel S.,
527
Ezekiel,
649, 653
Shebosman,
132
Sarah,
584
Frances,
879
Sheffield, John F. (Rev.),
745
Thomas,
540, 559, 876
Henry M.,
784
Sheldon, H. S.,
59, 737, 740
560, 563, 564, 653
John,
229
Isaac,
81
Timothy,
585
Jonathan,
634, 717
John (Capt.),
480
William (Dea.),
564, 584
Joseph Addison (Rev.),
Mary,
903
Wells G.,
784, 805
biog.,
839, 848
Rachel,
841
W. W.,
910
Mary,
873, 884
Remembrance,
370
Ursula,
764
Otis (Rev.), biog.,
839
Shelton, Charles M.,
784
Zidon,
886
Rich'd, 152, 153, 160, 163, 164
George T.,
476
Skillman, John,
784
home-lot,
165
Shepard, James A.,
784
Slack, Thomas,
527
167, 225, 879, 880, 883
(Rev. Mr.),
396
Slade (Sled), Aaron,
717
T.,
88
Levi L.,
490
Abner,
370, 668, 717
Woodward & Co.,
570
Sumner,
746
Daniel,
717
Widow, The,
880
Theron,
490
James,
634, 717
Say & Seal (Lord), 43, 46, 56, 58, 59
Sheppion, Daniel,
490
Slate & Brown,
510
Sayles, George Willard,
910
Sheridan, Edward,
490
Sled-see Slade.
Scales, Samuel J.,
475
J. O'R.,
395
Smart, John H.,
784, 911
Scanlon, John,
805
Sherman, Daniel Austin
Smith,
619
Scarborough, Godfrey,
452, 765
(Rev.),
469
Aaron,
462, 911, 912
Scatoaps,
128
Isaac,
827
Albert M.,
784
Schaffer, Leonard,
529
John (Hon.),
204
Alonzo M.,
394, 910
Schenck,
853
Nathaniel (Rev.),
681
Ann,
856
Schwab, Isaac,
784
William T. (Gen.),
204
Benajah E.,
476
Schat,
124
Shinners, Edward,
527
Caleb,
238
Schmidt (Judge),
675
James,
476
Charles,
476
Schroeder (Surgeon),
675
William,
527
Charles E.,
784
Schoolcraft,
121
Shippey,
855
David,
408, 587, 653
Schultz, Louis,
853
Shirtliff-see Shurtleff.
Ebenezer,
635, 717
Herman,
853
Shivee, "Friend,"
94
Elijah,
370
Schlosser, Adolf (Dr.),
459
Shurtleff, John,
828
Elisha,
826
Scott,
812
Lothrop,
634, 717
Erastus,
114, 452
Charles W.,
465
Roswell (Rev. Dr.),
George D.,
476
John,
784
biog.,
837, 848
George H.,
529
Joseph (Rev.),
744
Signor, Jerome,
911
Henry,
54
biog.,
840; 886
Sikes, Alfred,
462
Hiram, 911; Rev., biog., 841
Robert,
579
Horace,
462
James,
95, 784, 805
Timothy,
886
Zenas,
462
Rev.,
776
Scully, William F.,
527
Sill, Elisha N. (Dr.),
370, 452
James M.,
527
Seacet,
110, 127
459, 472, 908, 909
James W.,
527
Seager, Elizabeth,
447
Geo. G. (Gov.), 465, 795, 904
Joel W.,
818, 819, 909
Searles, John,
408, 587
Henry,
909
Sedgwick (Mr.),
480
Horace H.,
452
Seeley (Capt.),
224
James,
107
John, 21, 370, 462, 476, 563
564, 579; Jr., 585, 752
John Cotton (Gov.), 527, 756
(Lieut.),
71
Theodore (Dr.),
459
John O.,
529
Selby, Henry,
527
Simmond (Simonds), J. H.,
910
Joseph,
649, 653, 827
Semple, Alexander,
747
Abel (Dr.),
456, 459
Joseph M.,
476
John W.
475
Silas,
656
Joshua,
650
Sension (Senchion, St. John?)
Simons,
787
Josiah,
469
Matthew, home-lot, 166
John,
717
J. Frank,
490
479, 883
Capt.,
643
Jonathan (Ens.),
462
Nicholas,
88, 140, 155
Paul,
653
Levi (Rev.), biog.,
717-
168, 184; home-lot, 166
Samuel,
784
Lonzo M.,
910
229, 545, 873, 884, 885
William S. (Rev.),
745
Lemuel,
826
Sara,
878
Simpson, Timothy D.,
527
Molly,
764
Thomas,
878
Sinclair, William,
805
Moses, Jr.,
817
Seoket,
121, 127
Sisson, Charles W.,
527
"Old Mr.,"
433
Sepanguet,
110, 126
Skinner,
619, 812
Peter,
476
Sequassen, 38, 77, 107, 115, 121, 123
Abigail,
653, 654
Philip,
856
Sequeen,
108
Abijah,
578
Prudence,
585
Sargeant, Albert,
476
Abiram,
Sessions (Capt.),
855
Abraham,
654, 662
635, 717
Rafe (Ralph?),
879
Ralph,
61
Samuel,
717, 816
Ann,
915
Remember,
717
Severance, Melvin A.,
476
Azariah,
717
Richard, 519, 563, 564, 784
Sewall, Samuel,
217
Benjamin,
Sexton-see Saxton.
Charles B.,
654, 660
784, 805
Richard, Jr.,
856
Robert,
784
Seymour, Charles N. (Rev.),
Daniel, 578; auto., 534, 572
Rose,
879
biog.,
747
David, 594, 653; 741, 750, 826
Samuel,
620, 654, 718
John,
370, 483
593, 611, 640, 606
Samuel A.,
853
Joseph,
370
Elisha H.,
527
Thomas (Ens.),
480, 481
Hezekiah,
527
T.,
632, 633, 634, 636
James,
370, 578
William,
370
Joel,
646
Zebulon,
583
John,
584
Samuel C.,
Seth,
Theodore,
Theophilus,
Thomas,
784
370
718
826
718
VOL. I.-119
946
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
biog.,
Rufus (Rev.),
748
745, 827
Spear, William,
634, 649, 718
Spencer, George,
785
Henry R. (Dr.),
853
Isaac (Rev.),
490
Israel,
394
Israel Harper,
370
Jane M. (Mrs.),
763-765
805
785
Lewis (Mrs.),
792, 911
Ruth T.,
9, 538, 627
685, 686, 765
755
527
911
Lucretia,
577, 582
Lucinda,
Spry, Christopher,
826
Mary,
Squires, Charles W.
785
Misses, The,
Sherman (Sgt.),
464
Nancy,
St. Clair, Charles,
853
21, 236,413, 808, 809
auto., 534; 535, 538
552, 580, 626, 635, 654, 778
888, 908, 914, 915, 917
129, 148, 204, 205
468, 538, 541, 554, 569
573, 578, 579, 582
605, 622, 731, 729
Sneathing, Nathaniel,
826
Steele, Jemima,
719
Snow,
462
Joel,
826
Frederic E. (Rev.),
728
John,
54
Stoughton, Hardin,
Harvey,
Israel,
George H.,
527
(Lieut.)
678
John,
Joseph,
818, 910
Oliver W., 817, 818, 834, 909
Joseph M.,
803, 805
Steffen, Henry,
805
Nathaniel,
462
Steinmetz, Christopher,
785
John A.,
Otis,
818, 911, 912
Stephens, Thomas W.,
462
Snyder, Philip,
Solon, Michael,
476
Stevens, George,
464
785
Nicholas (Mr.),
93
Soper, Chester,
462
Stevenson, Silas,
585
Jonathan,
David,
636
Stiles,
69, 443, 445, 590
Edward B.,
476
Abel (Rev.),
391
Henry L.,
465, 476
Asahel, 606, 631, 656, 718
Maria (Mrs.),
469
Asahel C. (Hon.),
909
Rebecca (Mrs.),
469
Ashbel,
370
Timothy,
370
Benoni,
611, 718, 741
William,
469, 476
Delia,
394
Sonquassen,
108, 109
Ebenezer,
Sougonosk,
109
Souwonckquawsir,
108
545, 563
564, 579, 915
580, 732
Southcote, Richard (Capt.),
21
Southergill, Robert,
476
Souther, Nathan,
41
Sparks, Jno.,
915
Noah,
563, 564
Spaulding (Spalding), George, 394
Lysander Tower (Rev.),
Henry,
Imri A.,
John,
Sperry, Ambrose,
Daniel G.,
Gilbert D.,
Joseph R.,
Samuel (Dr.),
Theodore B.,
Spooner, Eugene T.,
Sprague (Dr.),
Ezra (Pres.),
Francis (Mr.), 29, 32, 34, 43
44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 58, 59, 93
123, 128, 134, 135, 143, 145
151, 153, 155, 156, 157, 166
178, 184, 449, 544, 546, 737
738, 739, 740, 875, 883, 884
Henry, 44, 64, 88, 143, 144,
157, home-lot, 166
179, 448, 450, 545, 736
737, 739, 879, 883, 917
439
Joan,
John,
J.,
391, 580, 732
home-lot, 166; 179, 207, 545
563, 564, 579, 631, 718, 879
880, 883, 913, 914; Jr., 718
143
903, 915
406, 556
Jonathan,
Joseph (Lieut.),
442, 621
633, 654, 718
656, 657
728
Joseph,
Judson Brown,
Lemuel, 597, 604, 627, 628
630, 631, 632, 633, 634, 636
640, 644, 648, 649, 650, 653
655, 656, 658, 671, 682, 685
750, 909; Capt., 642, 706
713, 718, 906
Mehitable,
749, 750
Mr..
Nancy,
Nathaniel,
Norman F.,
Oliver,
Oscar (?),
Russell,
Sanford,
Samuel,
Samuel B.,
Sarah,
Sidney E.,
Shem,
Thomas,
888
585
656, 741, 915
643, 806
579, 635
636, 662, 718
547
654
806
371
806
879
806
643, 718
87, 93, 141
home-lot, 166; 184, 189, 203
207, 229, 407, 412, 413, 442
451, 535, 538, 556, 558, 809
879, 883; auto., 534; 547, 552
553, 555, 561, 562, 563, 564
Jr., 443, and Mary, 142
Timothy,
684, 916
William, 538, 563, 570, 579
635, 653, 654, 684, 718, 769
Stow (Stowe), Frederick W.,
6
141
6, 155
>
(Lieut.),
138
394, 915
Stowell, Seth, 611;
Strickland,
Samuel (Rev.),
1
797
462
656, 741, 751
746
14
44
44, 88, 144, 162
785
677
213
Mrs., 612
Stannard,
370
Noah, 579, 606, 689; Jr., 656
President-see Ezra.
812, 886
Standish, Edward A.,
827
Rachel,
44, 908
James V. R.,
Sidney E.,
911
476
John,
827
Ruth,
Miles,
39
Samuel,
Stanley, Albert U. (Rev.),
744
914
462, 601
612, 654, 894
Timothy B.,
462
Strong, Abel (Sgt.),
462
Abigail,
913, 915
Caleb,
480, 538, 737, 809
Sarah,
403
Adolph,
785
Nathaniel,
370, 538
Thomas,
Sidney,
6
44, 70, 144
home-lot, 163
Azubah,
903
Charles,
479, 916
Timothy,
479
Staples, Seth P.,
832
Party, the Saltonstall,
William L.,
Damaris,
877
5
Daniel,
479, 633, 718
Starke, Aaron,
99
or, 35, 43, 56
Edward (Rev. Dr.),
830
Starks, George A.,
805
Stillman, Allen (Capt.),
658
Elisha,
394
Robert,
370
Stirmmer, Charles,
476
Ephraim,
185
Thomas,
636, 718, 785
Stocking, Daniel,
504, 619
Esther,
914
Starkweather, Benjamin, 619
Stoddard (Rev. Mr.),
204
Experience,
156, 633
Thomas,
626
Solomon (Mrs.),
204
Hannah,
877
Starr, George,
490
Elizabeth,
604
Harvey,
718
Stayres (Staires) Thomas
Moses, 827;
Rev., 745
J.,
884
(Sgt.),
70, 138, 156
Isaac, (Rev.),
745
home-lot, 159; 166, 545, 546
Stone, George,
827
Steamer, John,
476
(Rev.),
745
Stearns, Edwin,
6
(Rev. Mr.),
Stebbins, Augustus,
462
11, 67, 68
76, 77, 185, 453
Edward,
448
Storrs (Rev. Dr.), R. S.,
Samuel Stiles (Rev.),
754
204
Stoughton, 47, 88, 144, 158, 179, 407
John,
482, 540, 563
564, 579, 913, 915
35; auto., 88; 153
home-lot, 166; 167, 168, 174
175, 229, 482, 540, 552, 563
584, 647, 873, 879, 883, 884, 885
914, 915, 916, 917; Jr., 883
Jacob,
Sted.nan, Eliphalet,
620
540, 542, 610, 914, 915
Jonathan,
Homer P.,
910
Ab.,
903
Margaret,
John,
104, 194, 560
Alexander,
654
Mary,
Jonathan,
619
Ann,
915
Mindwell,
479
888
876, 914
915
Joseph, 408;
auto., 534
Benjamin,
625, 915
Nathaniel,
539, 563, 564,579, 618
Bissell,
684
Matthew,
586
Daniel,
564
>
Robert,
552, 559, 563
Edward,
769
564, 914, 917; Jr., 560
Samuel,
Stephen, 408, 586, 620, 719
Elijah,
370
560
Erwin,
805
Francis,
805
Samuel,
635, 636
649, 653, 654, 718
Phineas, 654, 719; Jr., 670
Return, 88, 125, 129, 206, 229
231, 451, 873, 875, 877
880, 881, 883, 884, 885
413
Steele, James,
503, 654, 718, 816
Dr., biog., 834, 855
Frank E.,
805
Sara,
Franklin,
805
Thomas,
831 881
177, 220
INDEX OF NAMES.
947
Strong, Timothy,
177, 221, 647
Terry, John,
88, 167, 207
Tilly, Edith,
William (Judge),
755
478, 880, 883
William H.,
527
Josias,
878
Strobridge, E.,
827
Mary,
878
William,
Stuckey, George;
home-lot, 167
(Mr.),
89, 179
John, cruel fate of,
Tilton, Peter, 143, 151, 163, 167, 168
167
67, 148, 169
141
Sutherland, Daniel,
635, 719
Nicholas,
878
178, 478, 879, 883
George (Rev.),
745
Seth (Hon.),
756
Tingier, Lyman T.,
819
Sullivan, James,
476
Samuel, 659;
Jr., 684
Tinkham, John,
826
John,
853
Solomon,
504, 880
Tobin, Thomas,
854
Sunckquassen,
Swarne, James,
Jesse,
108
Stephen,
141, 145
490
490
home-lot, 161; 167, 177
178, 239, 448,
Todd, John (Rev. Dr.),
Mrs.,
205
205
878, 883
Tontomino,
113, 114, 115
William,
54
Thain, Charles H.,
476
116, 118, 130, 131
Swan, George P.,
476
Thayer, David H. (Rev.), 609
Toquash,
128
John W.,
818, 910
Tormina, Peter,
371
O. E.,
827
Tosgel (Chaplain),
675
T.
Taft, Alfred A.,
854
Thirlkell, Thomas,
Thomas, Alexander,
John,
476
Toto,
110, 127, 129, 223
806
Toutops,
127, 131
806
Towano,
125
Alpheus (Hon.),
830
Noble W.,
826
Towne, Clinton,
527
Fr. M.,
854
Capt.,
82
Edward S. (Rev.),
791
Rodolphus,
855
William,
854
Townsend, Paul,
827
R. A.,
834
Thomessen (Thomlinson
Timothy,
462
Taintor, Charles M.,
235
Tomlinson) Dan'l (Rev.), 823
Tow Tonneman,
127, 128
Michael,
479, 887, 917
Thompson (Tomson, Thomson),
Trask, William B.,
158
Talcott, Alvan (Dr.),
755
591, 812, 886
Treat, D.,
88
Capt.,
447
Alexander,
667, 711, 719
(Major), 110, 208, 223, 227, 494
Daniel,
907, 908
Asa,
719
Robert (Gov.),
Edwin,
820, 826
Benoni,
635, 636
Samuel,
(Gov.),
578
654, 656, 660, 719
Selah B.,
Guy,
909
Edwin F.,
912
William,
John (Mr.),
449, 549
Elizabeth,
856
Trott (Lieut.),
Sec'y,
35
James,
579, 649, 656
Troy, Timothy,
231
906
452, 765
675
371
Joseph,
559, 809
Job,
606, 635, 719, 741
(Major),
227, 480
John,
638, 719, 818, 854
Mary K.,
480
878, 883, 911; Jr., 604, 741
Phineas,
819
John 2d,
656
Samuel,
578
John 3d,
649, 653, 656
T. G. (Mrs.),
796
Jonathan,
719
Wallace S.,
854
Joseph,
854, 856.
Tangaroosen,
129
Joseph Abbot,
818, 911
Tantonimo (Tontonimo),
807
Margaret,
858
Taquis,
131
Tarbox, Increase N. (Rev. Dr.),
Sam 1, 579, 649, 813, 817, 856
Samuel H.,
806
387, 610, 726, 727, 758
Thomas,
603
William W.,
854
Tasker, John C.,
464
749, 910
Wm., 579, 809, 813, 814, 856
Rev., 157; Prof., 733, 756
William A. (Rev.), biog., 733
William H.,
Trumbull (Trumble), 40, 55, 105
106, 107, 113, 114, 567
Ammi, 412, 563, 564, 593
597, 767; Jr., 741
Benjamin (Dr.),
David, 631, 655, 656, 719
J. Hammond (Hon.), 6, 11,
Jude,
17, 30, 88, 99, 112, 165
422, 476, 873, 888, 890
(Col.),
52, 53
196, 202, 445
579, 783
Hanna,
230
230
John (Judge),
204
Joseph,
650
Jonathan,
464
Thornton, Ann,
878
Jonathan (Gov.),
673
Tatobam,
109
Thos., 138, 479, 545, 878, 883
Try, Michael,
139, 163
Taylor,
812
Thrall (Trall), Alvah T.,
854
165; home-lot, 167
Abigail,
876
Charles,
408
Tucker, James,
785
Anna,
878
Carlos W.,
854
James W.,
831
Augustus,
527
David, 371, 404, 482, 617
Samuel,
462
Charles L.,
490
Edward F.,
476
Thomas,
827
Ebenezer,
504, 579
Elizabeth (Mrs.),
741
Tuckquease,
128
Elizabeth,
913
Elijah,
371
Tudor,
913
Hannah,
879
Ezekiel, 371, 500; auto., 518
Abigail,
914
Henry,
88
Giles,
371
David M.,
795
Joanna,
913
Hiram,
909
Edward,
436
John, 88, 139, 145, 155;
Horace,
910
Elihu (Dr.),
456, 457
home-lot, 167; 371, 539, 540
545, 552, 563, 634, 719, 875
883, 913, 914, 915, 916
H. J.,
910
660, 719, 791
Isaac,
371
Elisha,
915
Jason,
854
Jane,
875
Jr.
668
Jerusha,
617
Mary,
629, 875
John E.,
785
Jesse,
371, 404, 719
John L. (Rev. Dr.), 830, 831
Joel,
145, 482
Mary,
877, 915
Lemuel,
719
Mindwell,
877
Luke,
371
Nathaniel,
239, 564, 579
Mary,
617
813, 814, 886
Moses,
Nathaniel W.
(Prof.), 756
Oliver,
479, 587
908, 909
Owen, 88, 93; home-lot, 167
171, 179, 230, 457, 760, 873
875, 883, 884, 917; Jr., 912
Samuel, 230, 540, 555, 557
563, 579, 584, 635, 647, 653
719, 749, 763, 875, 886
914, 915, 917; Rev., 456
Rhoda,
155, 179
Oliver W.,
910
Sarah,
875
Samuel,
371, 668
Russell,
818, 911
Woodbridge & Co,
763
Sarah,
619, 913
Samuel,
Thomas,
Stephen, 88, 129, 156, 159, 165
home-lot, 167; 179, 184, 230
371, 479, 539, 547, 552, 873
875, 883, 884, 885, 886
Jr.s
Thomas,
Zebulon,
William,
Tehano,
Ten Brook, John,
Tennant, Charles J.,
Eli,
Rufus,
Terry,
Éli,
230
876
916
371, 540, 883
111, 124, 125
643
476
464
464
88, 157, 160
793, 794
Timothy, Sr., 139, 153, 158
167, 203, 207, 209, 212
217, 230, 482, 547, 751
880, 883, 883, 917
William,
Thurston, John,
88
88, 91, 148, 159
163, 167, 168, 178 .
184, 880, 881, 883
371, 742, 785
880, 881
230, 413, 414, 462
Tilden, Austin, 818, 822, 830, 909
812
Lieut.,
Egbert,
Leslie C. (Dr.), biog., 847; 818
Tuttle (Tuthill), Reuel H. (Rev.),
169, 395, 465, 621, 622
Twomey, Thomas,
527
Twining, George A.,
806
Tyler, Bennet (Rev. Dr.),
728, 756, 764
Franklin (Dr.),
774
J. E. (Rev.),
541
William S. (Prof.),
205
239, 719
167, 178
Tupper, Solomon,
719
Turhune, John,
476
Turkington, Wm. H. (Rev.), 745
Turner (Capt.),
227
Turramuggas,
108
948
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
U.
Ulig (Lieut.),
675
Ulmenstein (Ens.),
675
Uncas, 68, 77, 109, 114, 115, 116
121, 128, 131
Underhill, Isaac,
394
Underwood, Joseph,
785
Uppard,
619
Upton, Edwin,
517
V.
Van Curler (Comm'r),
26
Van der Meulen, Peter Wou-
terse,
207
Abigail (Mrs.),
Vanduzer, Thomas,
372, 670
Ward, Winsor (Rev.),
Wardwell, Abner,
Ebenezer,
Isaac,
Warham, John (Rev.), 11, 20, 21
biog., 22; 37, 52, 54, 61, 74
135, 146, 147, 149, 150, 151
157, 162, 168, 172, 173, 176
177, 180, 181, 182, 183, 185
192, 193, 194, 196, 197, 198
death and biog., 204; auto,
200, 201, 203, 205, 206
217, 388, 546, 547, 548
549, 577, 883, 878, 880
890, 895, 896, 897, 898
147, 150
201, 202, 206
Zephaniah,
Wedemeyer, Fr. J.,
Weed, Avries,
Welch, Ebenezer,
Edson A.,
745
Webster, Mrs.,
92
372
Micah,
372
372
Samuel,
653, 720, 752
372, 670
Timothy,
872
*
(Wid.),
878
372
911
528
372
912
Henry B.,
785
Lemuel,
101, 102, 141, 372
Lemuel A., 910; Mrs., 157
Martin,
476
Peter,
490
Weld, L. (Mrs.),
14, 577
Mr.,
· 100
Vane, Henry (Sir),
37, 46, 47
Hepzibah,
878
Weller, Richard,
148
Verstille, Nancy,
723
Samuel,
879
home-lot, 167; 168, 179
Peter,
426
Warner,
506
478, 879, 883
William,
719
Daniel,
817, 855
Wells (Welles, Willes, Wills), 765
Vibert, Charles W.,
794
Ebenezer,
563, 564, 579
Abigail,
563
George,
476
Eli (Dr.),
848; biog., 846
Abraham,
720
Joseph W.
902
Francis R.,
476
Andrew,
491
(Lieut.),
675
George,
372, 390
Elisabeth,
914
Vining, Alexander,
611, 653, 656
Geo. R. (Rev.), bio., 840, 854
Elisha,
765
John,
655
Horace,
818, 910
Frank,
476
Molly,
584
Israel,
372
Hezekiah, 606, 610, 611, 643
Vinton, Chelsea C.,
789, 806
John,
415
644, 654, 656, 720
911; & Son, 541
Lemuel,
854
Isaac,
818, 907
(Dea.),
618, 627
Loomis,
372
Henry (Rev.),
610
Randolph J.,
806
Moses,
720
James,
527
Seth,
797, 910
Nelson,
818, 911
James H., Jr.,
511
Vore, Richard,
89, 146, 149, 167
Philip,
817
John,
631, 721, 917
883, 884, 885
Ransom (Rev.),
744
John F.,
511
168, 230, 883, 884, 885
Samuel,
786
Jonathan (Capt.),
643, 820
Vurnan,
476
Stephen,
649
Col.,
670
Thomas,
720
W.
William, Jr.,
720
William C.,
742
Joshua, 82, 540, 552, 563, 558
610, 720, 880, 915; Jr., 914
Lamson, 579, 606, 611, 649
Wadsworth, Ebenezer,
374
Warren, Joel A. (Dr.),
653, 654, 656, 741
Ichabod (Capt.), 632, 634
biog.,
836, 847
Levi (Col.),
685, 719, 720, 817, 828
Warriner,
476
720, 816, 817
818, 906, 908; Jr., 818, 907
Jeremiah,
641
William D.,
786
Molly,
585
Joseph,
-222, 903
Waronyes,
127
Moses,
653, 662, 752
(Capt.),
811
Washburn,
672
Noah,
635, 720
Joseph B. (Dr.),
668
Isaac,
635
Roswell,
451
670, 833, 834
Waterman, John,
720
Samuel R.,
487
William,
879
Waters, Henry T.,
56
Solomon,
741
Wagner, Bernhard,
785
William A.,
786
Thomas (Capt.),
814, 820
Wahquinnacut,
24, 104, 113
Watkins, William R.,
490
William,
449
Wainwright, W. A. M. (Dr.), 454
Watshemino,
130
West, A. G.,
510
Wakefield, Patteshall,
372
Watson, Amelia M.,
794
Gelon W.,
819
Walcott, Solomon (Rev.),
391
Ann,
53
Gershom,
372
Waldo, Daniel,
767
Ebenezer, 563, 579, 741, 767
Joel (Rev.), biog.,
732
Rebecca,
756
875; Jr., 647, 706, 720
Randall B.,
785
Samuel Putnam,
452
Jr., 604, 631, 632, 653
Samuel,
563
Wales, 163;
Ebenezer,
678
Hannah,
875
Stephen (Rev.),
725
Walker, Abraham,
372
Harriet,
772
Zebulon,
*594
B. M.,
827
Henry,
762, 763, 764
Westland, Amos,
373
Charlés (Rev.),
383, 384
Jedidiah,
563, 653, 875
Charles U.,
490
biog.,
384
John,
Dyer,
719
452, 763, 764
765, 772, 875
Joseph,
373
Mary,
888
Joseph,
372
Mary,
William C. (Rev.),
790
Wall, Jesse,
372
Wallace (Wallis), Abraham,
649
653, 668, 670, 720, 816
Agnes,
Erskine,
856
854
James,
720, 856
875
Nathaniel, 242, 632, 720, 875
Robert, 88, 154, 158, 165, 168
169, 179, 230, 631, 653
873, 875, 881, 883, 884, 885
Samuel, 593, 594, 596, 631
653, 656, 741, 767, 875
Jr., 653, 656, 720
Westling, Mercy,
Westover, Jonas,
Westwood, William,
Wheaton,
Hezekiah,
Jared,
Robert,
373
888
194
51, 54
619
373, 720
785
Joshua,
720
John,
634, 720
Timothy,
720
John,
373
Joseph,
720
Wattman,
125
John N.,
785
Katherine,
856
Watts (Capt.),
224
Olin,
911
William,
668, 720
Wongum,
180
Weaseapano,
Weaxskashuck,
115, 116
Samuel (Capt.),
482
811
William C.,
806
Wanochocke,
128
Webb, Carlos,
495
Wheelock, Eleazer (D.D.),
724
Wappanoush,
125
Charles,
528
Wapyquart,
24, 108
Ezra,
426
Whelpley, Samuel W. (Rev.),
577, 623; biog.,
727
Ware, Alford C.,
910
Myron S., 22, 493, 495, 496
Whipple, Abraham,
741
Mary,
11
498, 499, 505, 513, 519
Benton S.,
785
Ward, Edward,
720
(Mr.),
522
Joseph,
910, 911
Elijah,
785
William H.,
806
White, Charles,
785
James W. (Rev.),
824
William R.,
854
Daniel,
177, 402
John,
787
Webster, Aaron,
372
George M.,
528
Lawrence,
786
Chloe,
584
H. Tudor,
911
Michael,
806
Cyrenus,
653
James,
649, 650
S. S.,
757
Eunice,
585
Joel,
479
Thomas M.,
786
Lucy (Mrs.),
765
INDEX OF NAMES.
949
White, John, 448; Rev.,
20, 22
Wilton, Nicholas,
82, 89, 93, 230
47, 61, 895
883
Joseph,
479
Robert,
878
Lemuel,
479
Wilmarth, Apollo,
513
Robert,
408, 721
Edmund D.,
528
Samuel (Lieut.),
462
Gardner,
528
William,
721
Winfield S.,
528
Whitefield, John,
35
Willey, Asa,
774, 816, 918
Whitehead, Edward,
170
Joane,
170
Mary,
170
Matthew,
170
Nathan,
819, 829, 832, 908, 809, 855
Junius M. (Rev.),
831
832; biog., 839
797, 806
Richard (Goodman), 146, 169
Newton,
799, 806
170; wid. of,
163
Winchell,
165
Whittlesey, F. H.,
508, 516
Benjamin,
879
George W.,
528
David,
230, 875, 883
Whiting,
152, 187
Ebenezer,
482
Wolcott, Henry,
158, 160
home-lot, 171; 174, 178
180, 450, 451, 455, 478, 482
647, 774, 808, 873, 878, 879
880, 883, 884, 885, 914, 916
Henry (Mr.), 125, 129, 187
199, 221, 231
Henry (Sen.), 21, 75, 146, 163
169, 209, 212, 217, 230, 422″
423, 455, 456, 540, 541, 547.
548, 552, 558, 559, 560, 563
579, 879, 883
72, 75, 82, 99
146, 150, 169, 170, 171, 212
223, 230, 231, 405, 424, 434
435, 479, 545, 548, 654
656, 879, 883
Henry (Jr.),
Caleb,
464
John,
374
Hepzibah,
750
(Capt.),
189
Jonathan,
539, 875, 883
Is.,
888
John, 373; Mr.,
-
211
Joseph,
374, 496
James,
564, 579
Marcus,
854
Justín H.,
491
Jane,
914
-Susannah,
161
Martha,
879
Jemima,
834
William,
161, 165, 410
Nathaniel, 88, 169, 189, 844
Joel,
827
Mr., 40, 75, 155, 480, 482, 546
873, 876, 880, 883, 884, 917
Johanna,
887
Whitney, John,
634, 721
Oliver,
374
John, 231, 540, 543, 559, 560
Whiton, Flavel,
818
Phebe,
879
563, 579, 769; Jr., 540, 879
Lester,
491
Robert,
141, 158, 167
Jonathan,
875
Tudor,
491
home-lot, 169; 178, 879, 883
Josiah,
584, 750
Wiard, Lois,
499
Shaylor,
464
Joseph,
875
Wiggins, Josiah,
464
Stephen,
876
Lorany,
584
Wilbur, Charles,
528
Winchester, Salmon,
827
(Maj.),
413, 414
Wilcox, Gad,
911
Windsor, John B., 911; Mrs., 531
Mary,
876
William P.,
491
Wing, Hannah,
517
Martha,
886
John,
806, 910
Joanna,
501
Wilcoxson, John,
Wilkins, G. M. (Rev.),
179
Joseph,
374
Mr., 87, 88, 89, 90, 92, 95, 164
176, 179, 181, 184, 186, 449
531
Moses,
374, 517
884, 885, 886; Mr's., 873, 884
Will, Jesse,
548
Roger,
374
Molly,
584
William (Indian),
74
Samuel,
374, 501, 506
Naomi,
716
Wills- see Wells.
Winner, Henry,
854
Oliver,
451, 648, 671, 904
Williams, Arthur,
147, 153, 154
168, 178, 478, 883
(Bishop),
Eliphalet (Rev.),
204
576
Ezekiel,518, 632, 633, 634, 636
Harris,
785
Henry,
806
James,
785
John, 94; home-lot, 168, 177
230, 819, 854, 878, 879
Julia S.,
Samuel,
Robert O.,
881, 883; Jr., 880
Roger, 104, 108, 121, 146
406
510, 514
785
827
827
721
161, 162; home-lot, 168
178, 182, 547, 549, 878
Withrell, Edwin,
528
Wolcott,
69, 75, 150, 181
(Rev.),
117
549, 574, 886
Walter S.,
791
William (Gen.),
204
Wilson,
605
Abiel,
Abigail,
Alexander, 907; Jr., 390, 451
684, 907; Maj., 766
584
Abiel,
373
Dr., 416, 455, 459, 579, 905
Alexander,
528
Albert,
654, 684
Calvin,
373
Amasa (Capt.),
905
Eli,
394, 908
Arodi,
654
Gowen C. (Rev.),
21, 199
Benjamin,
584, 654
203, 385, 386, 444, 465
Charles, 390, 564, 579, 879
Winslow, 24, 27, 34, 109; Gov., 63
John, 41; Gov. Josias, 35, 223
Winthrop, 28, 35, 36, 43, 51, 52, 53
54, 55, 56, 62, 66, 118
Gov., 22, 51, 182, 448
Gov. John, Jr., 33, 34, 47, 48
Mr. John, 45; Robert C., 206
Wise, Martin W.
491
Witchfield, John (Mr., or
"Goodman "), 93, 99, 146
147, 160; home-lot, 169; 179
198, 388, 528, 879, 880, 881, 883
Whitcutt, William,
Withey, Ezra,
M.,
451, 482, 540, 559
561, 721, 808, 904
Gen. & Gov., 89, 233, 241, 407
408, 412, 451, 455, 478, 563
568, 572, 575, 579, 733, 774
787, 904; Jr., 451, 619, 663
Samuel, 230, 400; auto., 534
672, 673, 773, 779, 875
Samuel (Rev. Dr.), 732
Samuel Tudor (Col.),
Sarah, 750, 875, 876, 914
Simon, 87, 125, 163, 169, 171
730
177, 179, 185, 478, 541, 548
552, 558, 559, 560, 563, 564
597, 604, 635, 653, 679, 721
741, 883, 914, 915
Capt., 642, 644, 647, 707
684
770, 916
755
William, 415, 540, 559, 563
569, 572, 575, 579, 614, 619
620, 628, 629, 666, 683
826
Geo. I. (Rev.), biog., 825; 832
James (Dr.),
Peter,
741
Roger,

Talcott,
Thomas,
Ursula,
Wood, Abner,
James,
373
Chloe,
774
John,
847
559, 560, 563
Joel, Jr.,
373
John (Rev.),
198, 528
Christopher, 163, 169, 179.
374, 547, 684, 908
Jonathan, 721;
John,
371, 387
Christopher (Dr.), 456, 459
Luke (Rev.),
Jonas E.,
854
David,
766
Kate,
391
Edward,
413
Obadiah,
Oliver E. (Dr.),
564, 579, 721
Jr., 721
792
132, 721, 917
848, 855
Mary,
887
Elihu,
764, 908
Orson S.,
911
Moses,
373
Elizur,
654, 684
Ransom E.,
854
Phineas,
390
Ephraim,
Robert,
162, 167
home-lot, 168; 179
Samuel, 230, 373, 883, 887
Samuel A. (Dr.),
138
140, 386, 391, 459
S.,
88
Stephen L.,
462
Timothy,
462
William, 476; (Rev.),
531
Wilton (Lieut.), 88, 89, 93, 138, 156
158, 159, 160, 169, 174, 175, 176
177, 178, 181, 478, 517, 519, 548
Mary,
Gideon (Ens.),
Giles,
93
Helen,
483, 585, 654
677, 773, 774
Epaphras,
655, 750
Erastus (Gen.), 414, 415, 451
583, 586, 614, 615, 635, 638
640, 644, 653, 654; auto.,
655, 659, 661, 668, 672, 678
679, 682, 721, 730, 750, 766
904, 905, 906, 907; Col., 905
Frederick W.
806
George, 179, 374, 548, 907
579, 611
584, 721
755
& Talcott,
Oliver (Mrs.),
Robert,
Solomon,
· William (Dr.),
William R.,
Woodbridge,
Benjamin (Rev.),
200, 201, 202, 204, 209, 210
212, 213, 214, 215, 875
Jona. Edwards (Rev.), 204
Timothy (Mr.), 551, 559
Woodcock,
40, 57, 58, 740
Woodford, John B., 386, 387, 472
501
654
374, 658, 721
764, 792
792
897
88, 139
763
950
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Wright, Abel,
David,
Henry,
Ira S.,
Jonathan,
Luther,
Moses,
Richard,
Woodruff, Samuel,
Woodward, Ashbel (Dr.),
374, 452
6
Charles (Dr.),
459
Charles E.,
911
David,
721
Oliver,
374
Woods (Rev.),
756
Asa B. (Dea.), 518, 519, 522
Elizabeth,
519
Woodworth, Horace B. (Rev.),
biog..
825
Wyatt,
Woolsey (Ex-Pres.),
204
Worcester, J. M. (Rev.),
745
Worden, Jane,
44
Wordsworth, James,
809
Worts, John H.,
785
U
William (Rev.),
William C.,
John,
home-lot,
James,
374
Y.
633, 721 Yardley,
741 Young,
204
785
Youngs,
168
626
830
Achsah,
Ebenezer,
447
374
721
John,
159, 171, 179, 447
806
915
624
415
785-
741
150
Younglove, James,
749
146, 167
171
Z.
34
854
Wyllys (see, also, Willis), Mr., 226
Hezekiah,
670
Samuel, 86, 447; Col., 655
Seth,
William,
Zequassen,
Ziegler, Fred.,
Says
house grat wayed 524 pounds
mon way
it was
:1684 The towwmen
war and
wayed & Form Lead

LEMO O
it
tum Strongs-
FACSIMILE SPECIMEN OF WINDSOR TOWN RECORDS, 1684.
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