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 Cornell University Library 
 F 104N5 C18 
 
 History of New Britain, with sicetches of 
 
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 3 1924 028 842 750 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of this book is in 
 the Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924028842750 
 
Col. Isaac Le- 
 
HISTORY 
 
 NEW BEITAIN, 
 
 WITH SKETCHES OF 
 
 FAEMINGTON AND BERLIN, 
 
 OOI^l^EOTIOUT. 
 
 1640-1889. 
 
 By DAVID ISr. CAMP, A.M. 
 
 NEW BRITAIN: 
 
 William B. Thomson & Company. 
 
 1889. 
 
 K3 
 
Copyright, 18^. 
 Bt David N. Gamp. 
 
 THE CASE, LOCKWOOD & BRAINARD COMPANY. 
 
 .1,1 ':\V\ Sill ;) 
 
 K H. W. 
 L. E. C. 462 
 
 ';ri;-HH vi Ml) ^)r\ 
 
 .<^D 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 AT the joint request of some persons who were natives 
 of the town, and also of others who, thougli not born 
 in the place, had been long time resident and were thoroughly 
 identified with its business and social interests, the gathering 
 of material for a history of New Britain was begun several 
 years ago. In the prosecution of the work, old records, 
 •manuscripts, and, in some instances, valuable collections of 
 papers pertaining to the early history of the place were dis- 
 covered. Some of these were in other towns and States, and 
 were liable to be scattered or destroyed. It was ascertained 
 .that important documents and original records* which were 
 long supposed to be missing or "irrevocably lost" were in 
 existence, and in a good state of preservation, and could be 
 referred to or copied at pleasure. 
 
 From these different sources enough was obtained to show 
 that there was much in the early history of the place credit- 
 able to its founders and their successors, and which might 
 inspire later generations to noble living. In the course of 
 investigations, it was soon found that the early history of 
 New Britain could not be given in its completeness, without 
 some account of Farmington, from which New Britain had 
 derived much of its early growth, and of which it had long 
 been an integral part; and of Berlin, with which it was still 
 
 *Andi-ews, in his " Genealogy and Ecclesiastical History " of the First Church, 
 in referring to the early records of the New Britain society, says; " The author is 
 constrained (though reluctantly) to disclose the fact that we have no authenti- 
 cated record of the society doings and acts in regard to building the (meeting) 
 
 house or supplying the pulpit, etc The original record, we fear, is 
 
 Irrevocably lost." This record, which has been found entire, gives minute details 
 of the above events, and it has been freely used in the preparation of this 
 volumeT , 
 
4 PREFACE. 
 
 longer and more closely associated in business and civil rela- 
 tions. While New Britain has the greater space, it is hoped 
 that there is much in the following pages which will be of 
 interest to the people of Farmington and Berlin. 
 
 In the preparation of this work, the original records of 
 the Connecticut Colony, and of Farmington, Berlin, and other 
 towns, were carefully examined; old deeds, wills, and other 
 ancient papers were deciphered, and whatever was found 
 throwing light upon the early history of the places described 
 was freely used. The original records of the New Britain 
 Society relating to the first meeting-house, and the steps 
 taken to secure a minister and a school, have been copied at 
 considerable length; extracts from other society and church 
 records have been made when necessary. It has been the 
 endeavor to preserve the memory of local events, traditions, 
 and enterprise, and of notable persons; to glean from old 
 records, from perishable manuscripts, crumbling monuments, 
 and the memory of the aged, material which would soon be 
 lost, but which furnished strong inducements for remember- 
 ing with gratitude the founders of society and institutions in 
 these towns. 
 
 The biographical sketches include brief biogi-aphies of 
 most of the early settlers of New Britain, and of some of 
 their descendants, and also of several of the pioneers and 
 most noted persons of the last two centuries in Farmington 
 and Berlin. The frequent recurrence of the names of Hart, 
 Stanley, Andrews, Lee, Smith, Judd, Booth, and North, indi- 
 cates the prominence of these families in the early history of 
 these towns. There have been included also sketches of a fe \v 
 of the more notable persons born in the present century, who 
 were in some way conspicuous in promoting the business, 
 civil, or ecclesiastical interests of New Britain. To these 
 have been added brief personal sketches, with portraits, of a 
 few of those who have more recently been prominently iden- 
 tified with the growth of the place, or have ^represented it in 
 some official capacity. The limits of the work have necessi- 
 
PEEFACB. O 
 
 tated the omission of a number of biographical sketches 
 which had been specially prepared for this volume. 
 
 It is hardly to be expected that in a work bringing 
 together and collating so many dates and names, there 
 should be entire freedom froni error, but great pains have 
 been taken to make every statement accurate, and as far as 
 possible the original records have been followed except 
 where there was obvious error. 
 
 The author with gratitude acknowledges his indebtedness 
 to the works, or manuscripts, of Hooker, Sraalley, Porter, 
 Goodrich, Barber, Robbins, Andrews, Stanley, and others, to 
 town clerks, pastors and clerks of churches, and officers of 
 other associations and societies. The great number of per- 
 sons in Farmington, Berlin, and New Britain who have fur- 
 nished information forbids a mention of names, but among 
 the non-residents who have assisted in the preparation of 
 this work, he would gratefully mention William H. Lee and 
 Amos, E. Eno of New York, the late Dr. John R. Lee, Charles 
 J. Hoadly of Hartford, and T. W. Stanley of Granby. 
 
PORTRAITS. 
 
 Col. Isaac Lee, 
 
 Frontispiece. 
 
 LIST OF STEEL PORTRAITS. 
 
 E. A. Andrews, . ... Facing pa 
 
 ge234 
 
 Alfred Andrews, . 
 
 ' 476 
 
 Elihu Btjreitt 
 
 ' 254 
 
 Datid ]Sr. Camp, 
 
 ' 240 
 
 Philip Corbin, 
 
 ' 364 
 
 Cornelius B. Erwin " 
 
 ' 358 
 
 Samuel Hart, M.D., " 
 
 ' 78 
 
 George M. Landers, " 
 
 ' 198 
 
 Charles E. Mitchell, . . . . " 
 
 ' 506 
 
 Sbth J. North, 
 
 ' 68 
 
 J. Andrew Pickett, . .... " 
 
 ' 206 
 
 John Smallby, D.D., . . . . " 
 
 ' 136 
 
 William H. Smith, .... 
 
 ' 278 
 
 Frederick T. Stanley, . . . " 
 
 " 284 
 
 H^NRY Stanley, . .... " 
 
 " 866 
 
 John B. Talcott, . . . " 
 
 ' 250 
 
 HteLIOTYPB. 
 
 Robert J. Vance, 
 
 876 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 The Original Tbbkitort and the Indians, .... 9 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 Settlement op Farmington, Great Swamp, or Kensington, 
 
 and New Britain, 18 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 New Britain prom 1750 to 1800, 38 
 
 Illustration. The " Old Lee House," 50 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 New Britain prom 1800 to 1850 59 
 
 Illustrations. The "Skinner House," . . . . . 71 
 View of New Britain in 1836, ... 81 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 Farmington and Great Swamp or Kjbnsington Churches, . 84 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 Kensington Society Divided, 109 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 New Britain Ecclesiastical Society 121 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 First Church op Christ, New Britain, 140 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 South Congregational Church, New Britain ; Berlin and 
 
 Unionville Congregational Churches, . . . 164 
 Illustration. View of Worthington, . 169 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 Baptist, Episcopal, Roman Catholic, and other Churches, 174 
 
 r 
 
o CONTENTS. 
 
 ■ CHAPTEK XI. 
 Civil and Political History, .... . 190 
 
 Town of Parmington. — Town of Berlin. — Town of New 
 Britain. — Borough of New Britain. — City of New Britain. — 
 Berlin. 
 
 ' CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Education and Schools 213 
 
 Public Scliools. — Academies and Private Schools. — Con- 
 necticut Normal and Training School. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 Libraries and Newspapers, .... ... 248 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 Ind.ustries, .... 259 
 
 Illustration. Original Building of the Russell & Erwin Manu- 
 facturing Company, ... . . 284 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 Social Life and Customs in Early Years, .... 294 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 Roads, Transportation, and Post-Ofpices, .... 305 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 Military History, . .' . . . .318 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 Societies and Associations, ... . . 341 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Manufacturing Companies, and other Business Corpora- 
 
 351; 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 Biographical and Personal Sketches, . . . . 379 
 
 Illustration. Ambrose Beatty, .... . . 505 
 
 Appendix, ... . . . 509 
 
 Index, .... 513 
 
CHAPTER I. 
 
 THE ORIGINAL TERRITORY AND THE INDIANS. 
 
 IT has been claimed that the title to the territory occupied 
 by the earlier settlements of Connecticut was obtained 
 both from the English and the Indians. The grant of 
 Robert, Earl of Warwick, to Viscount Say and Seal, Robert 
 Lord Brooke and others, dated March 19, 1631, old style, if 
 having authority, conveyed the territory of Connecticut, and 
 included Parmington, New Britain, and Berlin. About the 
 same time this grant was made, Wahginnacut, a sachem 
 supposed to be living near the site of Hartford, and other 
 Indians, visited the Massachusetts colony to, urge the English 
 to make settlements in the valley of the Connecticut River. 
 Though this invitation was declined, Sowheag, or Seguin, 
 known as the " sachem of Pyquaug," and the " sachem 
 of Mattabesett," sold Pyquaug (Wethersfield) and other 
 lands to the English. Other purchases were made, until 
 the English had a large tract for which they had paid 
 the Indians their price. One of these purchases, that made 
 of Sequassen, son of Sowheag, embraced the territory after- 
 wards occupied by Parmington, and the towns west of it. 
 In 1670, this grant was confirmed by the heirs and successors 
 of Sequassen. 
 
 The territory originally included in Parmington was 
 nearly fifteen ndiles square, but as some of the grants and 
 boundaries were indefinite, the town at no time seems to 
 have exercised jurisdiction over just that area. The present 
 towns of Parmington, New Britain, and Berlin occupy a 
 territory about twelve miles in extent from north to south, 
 with an extreme breadth of nearly six miles. Physically, 
 the town comprised a portion of the valley of the Tunxis 
 
 2 
 
10 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 River, with the lower part of the valley of the Pequabuck, 
 opening from the west, the upper portion of the valley of the 
 Quinnipiac, the upper part of the valley of the Mattabesett, 
 the Farmington and Blue mountains, and the meadows and 
 rolling land adjacent. The mountains with their wooded 
 slopes occupied a considerable part of the town, but a great 
 variety of surface and soil was included within its limits. 
 The valley of the Tunxis, nearly four miles in width, was 
 highly esteemed for the fertility of its natural meadows. 
 Other valleys of less extent, but rich in verdure, with the 
 slopes of the hills and the intervales, were also prized for 
 their productiveness under cultivation. 
 
 The mountains and hills were well wooded and afforded 
 rough stone for walls and foundations. The streams were 
 not large, but the Tunxis and Mattabesett and branches Sup- 
 plied water power for mills, and nearly all the streams were 
 well stocked with fish. Copper ore existed in several spurs 
 of the mountains, lead ore was found in some localities, and 
 small quantities of gold were discovered. The fertile mead- 
 ows produced grass which furnished hay for stock in the 
 winter ; and wheat, rye, barley, Indian corn, peas, flax, and 
 licnip were successfully raised. These, with pork, beef, tar, 
 lumber, pipe staves and hoops, were the chief products, most 
 of which in time became articles of export. Some attention 
 was given early to raising fruit, and cider and cider-brandy 
 were made for domestic use and for export. 
 
 The territory included in the old town of Berlin, as 
 incorporated in 1785, had an average length of between eight 
 and nine miles, and a breadth of a little more than five miles. 
 Its area of more than forty square miles included the 
 territory before constituting the southern part of Farmington, 
 with a part of the original towns of Middletown and Wethers- 
 field. The surface, though varied by hill and dale, is not 
 broken into rocky or mountain ridges, except in the south, 
 where it included a part of Lamentation Mountain, or in the 
 west and northwest, where the town bordered upon Southing- 
 ton and Farmington. The mountains are mostly trap or 
 
THE ORIGINAL TERRITORY AND THE INDIANS. 11 
 
 greenstone, and spurs of the same rock put out from the 
 mountains into each of the three societies. With this excep- 
 tion, the prevailing geological formations are red sandstone, 
 argillaceous schist, drift, "vvith alluvium in the meadows and 
 on the various water courses. The northern part, or New 
 Britain, constitutes a water shed. One of its streams dis- 
 charges its waters into the Quinnipiac River,.and thence into 
 the sound at New Haven ; a second forms an important 
 branch of the Mattabesett, joining the waters of the Connecti- 
 cut River at Middletown, while a third flows northeasterly 
 from the city, uniting with the Connecticut River at Hartford. 
 There are numerous springs and small streams in New 
 Britain, affording a supply of water for agricultural purposes 
 but not sufficient to furnish motive power for manufacturing, 
 uses. 
 
 In the southern part of the old town, Mill River, from the 
 Kensington society, affords water power, which has been 
 utilized in driving machinery for various purposes. Belcher's 
 Brook, in the southwestern part of the Worthington society, 
 formerly had some manufacturing upon it. These streams, 
 with Gilbert's River from New Britain, flow into the Matta- 
 besett River, upon which is good water power and. several 
 flourishing manufactories. 
 
 The soil is generally got)d, consisting of a gravelly loam 
 with argillaceous earths predominating in some portions of 
 the place. The supposed productiveness of the natural 
 meadows, and general fertility of the soil, were the chief 
 inducements to the early settlements made at Christian Lane, 
 or the Great Swamp. 
 
 The principal minerals found have been copper, lead, 
 gold, asphaltum, calcite crystals, and a few others, but none 
 in sufficient quantity to be of much commercial value. In 
 the New Britain society, on the Berlin road, a copper mine 
 was worked for some years, but abandoned as unprofitable. 
 In the Kensington society, near Mill River, lead and small 
 quanti.ties of gold have been found, the former in such quanti- 
 ties that in 1775 a committee was appointed by the General 
 
12 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Court " to contract for," ..." to dig and raise ore in said 
 mine if profitable and necessary for the use of the colony." 
 Fossil remains have been ta]?en from the deposits near some 
 of the streams. About 1 830, a vertebra, and about twenty years 
 later, nearly an entire skeleton of the Mastodon Americanus 
 was found near the center of New Britain. 
 
 When the English first settled in the Connecticut valley 
 the Indians were probably more numerous in that valley and 
 on the shore of Long Island Sound than in any other part of 
 New England. The Pequots, one of the most powerful tribes, 
 were located in what was afterwards the southeastern part of 
 Connecticut, but their predatory excursions often alai^med 
 the colonists and brought fear to the settlements in the valley 
 of the Connecticut. The Quinnipiacs, upon the shore of the 
 Sound, liad lodges between the Hammonasset and the 
 Quinnipiac Rivers, but their hunting and fishing grounds 
 extended for considerable distance inland. The Sequeen or 
 Wangunks wfere located on the banks of the Connecticut, but 
 some of their clans or families had lodges in Beckley Quarter 
 and Berlin. The Poduuks on the eastern bank of the river 
 north of Hartford, and the Poquonnocs north and west of 
 Windsor, were near the whites. The Mohegans and Narra- 
 gansetts, in the eastern part of the State, were less frequently 
 seen as far west as the Connetticut River, but they were 
 sometimes within the limits of the early settlements, and 
 their relation to the English was such as to call for the 
 action of the General Court. 
 
 The Tunxis, a considerable tribe living in the valley of 
 the Tunxis, or Farmington River, were brought in more im- 
 mediate contact with the early settlers of Farmington than 
 any other tribe. They were sometimes called " Sepos ", but 
 the more common name was the " Tunxis." 
 
 The different tribes or clans in the Connecticut valley 
 seem at times to have constituted a confederacy, with Se- 
 quassen as the chief sachem, when the earlier settlements 
 were made. In numbers, the Indians belonging to these 
 tribes were variously estimated at from ten to twenty thou- 
 
THE ORIGINAL TERRITORY AND THE INDIANS. 13 
 
 sand. The Pequots on the east and south, and the Mohawks 
 on the west, had often been trespassers upon the territory 
 and rights claimed by the central confederacy under Sequas- 
 sen, and this shxewd sachem evidently hoped, by the settle- 
 ment of the English in the Connecticut valley, to have allies 
 in his contests with the more powerful tribes. He was 
 accordingly quite willing to aid the immigrants from Massa- 
 chusetts, and sold them the territory from the Connecticut 
 River at Hartford to the land of the Mohawks. 
 
 The land upon which the Farmington settlement was 
 made was included in the purchase from Sequassen, but the 
 pioneers of this settlement bought it again of the Tunxis, 
 who conveyed it to the purchasers with the fields of corn 
 already planted. In the sale of lands, the Indians usually 
 reserved certain rights of hunting and fishing, and engaged 
 on their part to warn the English of danger, and not to 
 injure or disturb them. The Tunxis thus often warned the 
 English at Farmington of the plots of the Mohawks to cap- 
 ture or encroach upon the village^, while it was for many 
 years a frontier settlement. Pethuz, the chief of the Tunxis, 
 appears to have been a wise and prudent man, who was 
 friendly to the whites and also planned wisely for the 
 Indians. The latter had reserved fishing grounds, and care- 
 fully selected fishing places, within the limits of Farmington. 
 They had two burial places, one on the west, and one on the 
 east side of the Great Meadows. The latter was near the 
 settlement of the English. 
 
 The territory now embraced by the towns of Berlin and 
 the south part of New Britain was a portion of the hunting 
 grounds of the Mattabesetts, a clan of the Wangunks.* 
 They had a lodge at Beckley Quarter, and probably another 
 within the present limits of Kensington ; and they claimed 
 the right to hunt and fish in the territory now included in 
 New Britain. Evidences of their temporary occupancy have 
 been found in several places, and their trail passed near 
 
 * It seems that Sowheag, the sachem, had a residence in Beckley Quarter ; 
 his successor, Terramoogus, sold the territory to Richard Beeliley, the first 
 settler. 
 
14 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Christian Lane. The hunting grounds of the Quinnipiacs 
 extended as far north as Meriden, and individuals belonging 
 to this tribe not infrequently came as far as Berlin and New- 
 Britain. 
 
 The powerful Mohawks from the valley of the Hudson 
 less frequently were seen in the vicinity of the settlements, 
 but their visits were much feared by the English, and by the 
 weaker tribes of Indians, whom they ccftnpelled to pay 
 tribute. The Mohawks being under the control of the 
 French, and in alliance with them in case of war, during the 
 wars between France and England were in the habit of 
 making raids upon the colonies, and the exposed position of 
 Farmington, then on the frontier, made constant vigilance 
 necessary. At one time, when an attack was threatened, 
 and emissaries of the Mohawks were endeavoring to induce 
 the Tunxis tribe to join them in a raid upon fhe settlements, 
 for security, the Tunxis warriors were required to appear 
 each day and answer to their names, to the agent, Deacon Lee. 
 The daughter of the agent sometimes kept the book, and 
 checked off tlie names, and as she saw the poverty of some 
 of the Indians, she supplied them with food. By this act, 
 and her kindly manner, she gained such influence that the 
 chief reported that the " white squaw" had more influence 
 with his warriors than he had himself. 
 
 On account of the treachery, as was believed, of the 
 Indians near the settlements, the General Court had forbid- 
 den furnishing them with fire-arms, and in 1640 it passed 
 the following order : 
 
 " Forasmuch as our lenity and gentleness toward Indea-is hath made 
 the growe bold and Insolent, to enter into Englishemen's houses, 
 and unadvisedly handle sowrds & peeces and other instruments, many 
 times to the hazard of the lymbs & lives of English or Indeans, and also 
 to steal divers goods out of such houses where they resorte -^for the pre- 
 venting of such mischiefs yt is Ordered that vphatsoeur Indean shall 
 medle w*'" or handle any Englisheman's weapens of any sorte ether in 
 their houses or in the fyelds, they shall forfeit for euery such default 
 hidfe a fadom of wampu ; and if any hurt or injury shall therevpon fol- 
 lowe, to any persons life or lymbe (though accidentall) they shall pay life 
 for life, lymbe for lymbe, wound for wound . . and for anything that 
 they steale, to pay double.'' 
 
THE OEIGINAL TEKEITORY AND THE INDIANS. 15 
 
 This order was passed the year that Parmington was first 
 settled. Two years later, in September, 1642, the record of 
 the court says : 
 
 "Forasmuch as the Indeans growe insolent and combyne theselves 
 together, being suspected to prepare for warr, It is Ordered that no Smith 
 within these libertyes shall trade any Instrument or matter made of iron 
 or Steele w*' the, nor deliuer any that are allreddy made without lycense 
 fro two Magistrats." 
 
 A heavy penalty was affixed for repairing fire-arms for 
 Indians or selling them ammunition. 
 
 In 1656, a murder was committed in Farmington, and 
 some property belonging to the English was destroyed. The 
 murderer was supposed to be Mesapano, one of the Tunxis. 
 As he could not be found, the General Court ordered the pun- 
 ishment of the accessories by sending three of them to 
 prison. At the same time it was ordered : 
 
 "It shall not be lawful for above two Indiana at a time, and they 
 without any arms, to come into any town or house in this jurisdiction." 
 
 Finding that the use of intoxicants was injurious to the 
 Indians, making them more quarrelsome and disorderly, 
 a law was enacted as follows : 
 
 "It shall be unlawful for any one to sell, lend, barter, or give to 
 any Indian or Indians, whatsoever, any wine, liquors, beer, cider, or 
 metheglln, of any kind or sort, except it be household beer." 
 
 The part of the order relating to cider was afterwards 
 repealed for a time, but as some Indians were intoxicated 
 and made troublesome by its use, cider was again forbidden 
 them. 
 
 The people of the Great Swamp Society were annoyed 
 by the thefts and robberies of the Indians, and when first 
 located at Christian Lane were accustomed to gather within 
 the stockade at night for protection and safety. The General 
 Court had ordered a guard for every Sabbath day in each 
 of the towns, and also required that one person in every 
 house where there was a soldier should carry " a musket, 
 pistol, or some kind of arms, with ammunition," to meeting. 
 
16 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 both upon Sabbath and lecture days. In compliance with 
 this order and for personal safety, the men of the Great 
 Swamp parish were accustomed to go to Farmington to 
 church witli their families, with armed guards in the front 
 and rear for defense. Arms were also taken to the fields, 
 and the work of the farm or the gathering of wood went 
 on with arms at hand, in case of sudden attack. 
 
 Most of the orders and acts of the General Court relat- 
 ing to Indians were embraced in the code of laws of 
 1650. Other laws upon the same subject were included 
 in that code, all showing that the English in these early 
 settlements suffered from the willful wrongs and hostile 
 practices of the Indians. At the same time, the General 
 Court and the magistrates of the different settlements 
 carefully provided that justice should be rendered to the 
 red men. Efforts were also made to educate and Christian- 
 ize them. Comm,issioners were appointed to settle and 
 adjust difficulties between different tribes, and between 
 individuals of the same tribe. Regulations were made in 
 regard to trade, and the observance of the Sabbath by 
 such Indians as resided within the limits, or near the English 
 plantations. Drunkenness among the Indians was punished 
 by fine or imprisonment. Their lands and rights were care- 
 fully protected, and guardians were appointed for the 
 weaker clans: 
 
 "To inspect the carriages and manners of said Indians, and to use 
 their endeavors to encourage industry among them, and, if possible, 
 Christianize them." 
 
 At a session of the General Court, May, 1727, it was 
 enacted : 
 
 "That every person in this colony tliat hath taken, or shall take, 
 any Indian children into the care of their families, are hereby ordered 
 to use their utmost endeavor to teach them to read English, and also 
 to instruct them in the principles of the Christian faith by catechising 
 them with other proper methods. " 
 
 The selectmen and grand jurors of the different towns 
 were to make diligent inquiry and see that this order 
 was obeyed. 
 
THE ORIGINAL TERRITORY AND THE INDIANS. 17 
 
 The boy warriors of the Tunxis tribe were , gathered 
 together by their chief on Sundays and brought to the 
 settlement, to be taught by the Christian women, called 
 by tlie Indians " white squaws." The cliief wanted the 
 teachers '• to tell his people of the Great Being who was 
 all eyes ; could see all things, and could tell even the 
 thoughts," and thus was commenced probably the first 
 Sabbath school taught in this country. 
 
 An Indian school was conducted in Farmington for several 
 years. During this- time, from five to ten Indian youths, 
 besides those living in Farmington, were boarded and 
 schooled in this parish. Sometimes as m^iny as fifteen 
 or sixteen Indian pupils attended this school. After it 
 was given up the Indian children attended the district 
 school, and were, in some years, nearly equal in number 
 to the children of the English. Several persons of the 
 Tunxis and other tribes became sufficiently acquainted 
 with letters to do business requiring reading and writing, 
 and, according to tradition, a few were admitted as freemen. 
 Several Indians made a profession of religion, becoming 
 members of the church. The . Indians in Farmington and 
 Berlin were less warlike and disposed to be quarrelsome than 
 those in some other parts of the State. For many years a few 
 of them lived upon the reservations, or upon land which they 
 owned or rented, trading with the whites, but gradually tliey 
 passed away until the last vestige of these once powerful 
 tribes upon the Tunxis and Mattabesett was obliterated. 
 
 There is no decisive evidence that any Indian tribe or 
 clan ever had their residence or built their wigwams within 
 the present limits of New Britain. Indians, however, were 
 accustomed to hunt in the forests and fish in the streams of 
 this territory, and arrow-heads and other stone implements 
 have been found near the sources of the Quinnipiac River, 
 on the banks of the stream formerly known as Gilbird's 
 River, and in other places, in sufficient quantities to indicate 
 that there might have been temporary encampments at these 
 places. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 SETTLEMENT OF FAKIIINGTON, GREAT SWAMP, OR KENSINGTON, 
 AND NEW BRITAIN. 
 
 THE primitive towns of Connecticut may be included in 
 two groups — the Connecticut River group, comprising 
 Windsor, Wethersfield, Hartford, and Saybrook — all settled 
 between 1633 and 1635 ; and the Soimd group further west 
 on Lfong Island Sound, which included New Haven, settled 
 in 1638, and Guilford, Milford, Stratford, and Fairfield — 
 all settled in 1639. These towns were situated on navigable 
 waters, and had the advantage of direct communication by 
 sailing vessels, both with each other and with the towns of 
 Massachusetts Bay. 
 
 In 1640, or less than two years after the settlements were 
 begun in the shore towns, and only seven years after the 
 first settlement was made within the limits of the State, 
 Parmington was settled. This place had none of the advan- 
 tages of a location on the Sound or a large river, but the 
 fertile meadows upon the banks of the " Tunxis," and the 
 favorable situation of the adjoining land, attracted the 
 attention of some of the most enterprising men of the river 
 towns. 
 
 The purpose which led to this settlement may be seen in 
 part, in the following action of the General Court, at a 
 session held January 16, 1639 : 
 
 "It is ordered both for the satisfaction of those of Hartford and 
 Windsore, who formerly mooved the court for some enlargement of 
 accommodaeon, and also for o'' neighbo" of Wethersfield, who desire 
 a plantacon there, that Mr. Phelps, Mr. Plill, Thomas Scott, W"" Gibons, 
 Robert Rose, and James Boosy, shall as soon as with any conveniency 
 may be, view those parts by Vnxiis Sepos w^i" may be suitable for those 
 pui'poses and make return of their doings to the court which is adjourned 
 for that end to the 30* of Feb' att 10 of the clocke in the morning." 
 
FAKMINGTON — GREAT SWAMP, OK KENSINGTON. 19 
 
 At the session of the adjourned General Court, held Feb- 
 ruary 20, 1639, the following action was taken : 
 
 " O' neigbbo" of Wethersfield in regard the weather hath not hitherto 
 suited for the viewing of Vnxus Sepos, and that a General Court ere long 
 will fall in course, intimated their willingness to defer the issue of the 
 business until then ; only it was conceaued fltt and ordered accordingly, 
 that Mr. Wells, Capt. Mason and George Hubberd be added to the former 
 Committee who are with their view to vnderstand the desires of o' neighbo" 
 of Wethersfleld, and to consider of such bounds as they judge fitt for 
 them, and to return their opinions to the court." 
 
 The next General Court was held in June, 1640, the 
 session opening the eleventh, and on the fifteenth this 
 matter was taken up again, and referred to the particular 
 court to conclude the conditions for the planting of Tunxis. 
 The settlement was soon after made by persons from 
 Hartford, Wethersfield, and Windsor, who, a few years 
 before, had emigrated from Watertown, Roxbury, Dorchester, 
 and Newtown, in Massachusetts. Though the site selected 
 for the plantation had been included in the original purchase 
 of the territory from the Sachems of the Connecticut valley, 
 it was re-purchased of the Tunxis Indians. Pew families 
 made their homes here at first ; but in a few years, by acces- 
 sions from the older settlements, its growth indicated per- 
 manency. It was incorporated as a town in 1645, before either 
 Saybrook or Fairfield ; and for more than a quarter of a 
 century, it was the only town within the present limits of 
 the State which was not situated on navigable waters. 
 
 The following order of the court is from the public 
 records of the colony, the orthography unchanged : 
 
 " Deceber the first, 1645. Jo: Heynes Esq', Gou'. Ed. Hopkins Esq', 
 Dep. Its Ordered, that the Plantation cauled Tunxis shalbe cauled 
 Parmington, and that the bownds thereof shalbe as followelh ; The 
 Esterne bownds shall meet with the westerne of these plantations, w"" are 
 to be flue myles on this side the Great River, and the Northern bownds 
 shall be fiue myles fro the hill in the great meadow towards Massaco, 
 and the southerne bownds fro the said hill shalbe fiue myles, and they 
 shall haue liberty to improue ten myles further then the said fiue, and to 
 hinder others fro the lilte vntill the Court see fitt otherwise to dispose of 
 yt. And the said Plantation are to attend the generall Orders formerly 
 
20 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 made by this Court, setled by the Comittee to who the same was referred, 
 and other occations as the rest of the Piantatioas vpon the River doe. 
 And Mr. Steele is intreated for the p'sent to be recorder there vntill the 
 Towne haue one fltt among theselues. They also are to haue the like 
 libertyes as' the other Townes v^Don the River, for making Orders among 
 theselues, p'uided they alter not any fundamental! agreements settled by 
 the said Comittee, hitherto attended." 
 
 Farmington, as thus incorporated, was fifteen miles or 
 more in extent from north to south, and by additions after- 
 wards made, was twelve or thirteen miles in width, including 
 more than one twenty-fifth of the present area of the State.* 
 Bounded north by Simsbury (Massaco), and east by the 
 older settlements, Windsor, Hartford, and Wethersfield, it 
 extended southerly to the tract held by tiie New Haven 
 colony, now Meriden, and on the west to " the western 
 woods." A rate of ten pounds was assessed upon the plan- 
 tation. In 1685, the General Court granted a patent con- 
 firming to the proprietors of the town the tract originally 
 granted in 1645. 
 
 At first, house lots were laid out for dwellings on the 
 west end of the road from Farmington to Hartford, and 
 along the main street. Some of tliese lots were five acres 
 in extent, and those on the west side of Main Street extended 
 to the river. The first homes were cabins made of logs, 
 dovetailed and locked together and filled in with clay, with 
 a huge stone fire-place. The floors were the earth, or 
 flattened logs laid upon the earth, and the rooms were 
 formed by curtains of cloth suspended on wires. One 
 choice lot was set apart for the man who would erect a mill, 
 and about the time the place became a town, or in 1645 
 or 1646, a saw-mill and grist-mill seem to have been in 
 operation. After the mills were erected, sawed lumber 
 could be obtained for building, and corn and other grains be 
 converted into meal and flour for the use of the people. The 
 houses were at first plain ; the diet and clothing were simple ; 
 
 * As mea.surea from the first monumeuts aflixed, the town was found to be 
 about sixteeu miles by twelve. 
 
PARMINGTON — GREAT SWAMP, OR KENSINGTON. 21 
 
 there were no carriages and no occasion for display, and the 
 wants of the community were mostly supplied from its own 
 limited resources. The number of families was at first 
 small, but in a few years the number of settlers increased 
 more rapidly, so that in 1645 the plantation was deemed 
 worthy to become a town. 
 
 Some idea of the comparative value of the land in this 
 town may be obtained from the report of the committee 
 appointed by the General Court in 1676, " to put a value 
 upon all the lands in the several plantations, how they shall 
 be valued in the list of estates." There were at this time 
 twenty-six plantations in the State, whose land was appraised 
 by this committee. In Stonington, Saybrook, Killingworth, 
 New Haven, and some towns west, none of the land was 
 appraised at more than twenty shillings per acre. In New 
 London, Norwich, Guilford, and a few other of the shore 
 towns, the best house lots were appraised at twenty-five 
 shillings per acre, but no land of any kind south of Middle- 
 town and Farmington was valued at a higher price. In 
 Farmington, the home lots were appraised, one-half at twenty 
 shillings per acre, and one-half at fifteen shillings, while one- 
 third of the meadow land was valued at forty shillings per 
 acre, and two-thirds at twenty shillings. The only towns in 
 the State which at that time had a higher valuation put upon 
 their meadow land were Windsor, Hartford, and Wethers- 
 field. Meadow land was considered the most valuable of 
 any, and this fact may explain why so many settlements 
 were made near natural meadows. 
 
 The growth of thfs purely agricultural village, removed 
 from navigable waters, separated from the river towns by 
 mountains, and from the shore towns by twenty miles of 
 pathless woods, was for some years phenomenal. In 1655, 
 fifteen years after the original settlement of the place, and 
 ten years from its organization as a town, the number of 
 ratable persons in the town was forty-six, and the grand list 
 of their estates was ^5,519, while Hartford at the same date 
 had one hundred and seventy-seven ratable persons, or nearly 
 
22 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 four times as many as Farmington, and its grand list was 
 .£19,609, or more than three and a htllf times as great as 
 that of Farmington. One hundred years later, or when the 
 first recorded census of Hartford County was taken in 1756, 
 Middletown, then in Hartford County, was the most populous 
 town, with 5,664 inliabitants, Windsor, the second in popula- 
 tion, had 4,220, Farmington, 3,707, and Hartford, 3,027. In 
 1774, Farmington had become the first town in the county, 
 with a population of 6,069, while Hartford had 5,031, and 
 Middletown, having lost Chatham, had a population of 4,878. 
 During this period Farmington lost quite a number of its 
 citizens, who were in Major Paterson's company in the French 
 War, and died, yet its increase in popjulation was 2,362, or 
 nearly sixty-four per cent., while the increase in Middletown, 
 including Chatham, was less than thirty per cent., and in 
 Windsor, including East Windsor, which had been formed 
 from Windsor in 1768, but twenty-oiie per cent. Before the 
 census of 1782 was taken, Southington had been set off and 
 incorporated as a distinct town, but at that date Farmington 
 was still the most populous town in Hartford County. 
 
 The general character and standing of the founders of 
 Farmington may be learned by considering the social and 
 official position of the early proprietors of the soil of this 
 town. A list of the owners of house-lots, prepared from the 
 records in Farmington and Hartford by Eev. William S. 
 Porter in 1840, comprised the following, viz. : 
 
 "Mr. John Haynes, Esq., Mr. Samuel Wyllys, Mr. Edward Hopkins, 
 Mr. Thomas Welles, Mr. John Steele, Mr. John Talcott. Mr. John Web- 
 ster, Elder William Goodwin, William Pantry, Thomas Scott, Dea. 
 Andrew Warner, John White, Stephen Hart, William Lewis, Rev. Roger 
 Newton, Thomas Webster, Matthew Webster, Nicholas Jlason, Thomas 
 Barnes, John Pratt, Reuold Marvin, Matthew Marvin, John Brownson 
 Richard Brownson, George Orvice, Thomas Porter, Francis Browne, John 
 Warner, Thomas Demon, John Cole, Dea. Thomas Judd, Thomas Upson, 
 Dea. Isaac Moore, John Lomes, William Hitchcock, John Wilcock and 
 Nathaniel Watson." 
 
 John Haynes was Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony before 
 removing to Hartford. He was the first Governor of Connecticut, beino- 
 elected in 1639, and each alternate year until his death in 1653, and in 
 most of the other years was chosen Deputy-Governor. 
 
PAEMINGTON — GREAT SWAMP, OE KENSINGTON. 23 
 
 Edward Hopkins, a large landed proprietor of Hartford, was appointed 
 the first Secretary of the Colony in 1638, and in 1640 was appointed Gov- 
 ernor, alternating with Governor Haynes, holding the office alternate years 
 until his return to England in 1653. He was several times Deputy-Gov- 
 ernor, was one of the Commissioners of the United Colonies, and signed 
 in behalf of Connecticut the articles of Confederation in 1643. After his 
 return to Europe he was warden of the fleet, Commissioner of the admi- 
 ralty, and member of parliament. He had a house-lot and a farm in 
 Farmington, which, by his will, were devised to his daughter, Mary Hop- 
 kins Newton, wife of the first minister of Farmington. He also left 
 bequests which formed the foundations of the Hopkins Grammar Schools 
 in Hartford and New Haven. 
 
 Samuel Wyllys, the son of Gov. George Wyllys, married the daughter 
 of Governor Haynes, was magistrate for more than thirty years, was 
 repeatedly appointed moderator of the General Court, and for four years 
 was one of the Connecticut Commissioners for the United Colonies, and 
 was extensively engaged in trade, having several sugar plantations in the 
 West Indies. 
 
 Thomas Welles was a member of the Court of Magistrates, 1637-1654, 
 was the first Treasurer of the colony in 1639, was Secretary, 1640-1649, 
 Deputy-Governor for four years, and Governor in 1655 and 1658. 
 
 John Steele was Deputy in Massachusetts in 1634 and 1635, Secretary 
 of the Connecticut Colony, 1636-1639, town clerk of Hartford, and after 
 his removal to Farmington in 1645, was town clerk .of that town. 
 
 John Talcott was a Deputy and an assistant, was Treasurer of the 
 Colony, 1654-1659, one of the Commissioners of the New England Colo- 
 nies, a townsman, (selectman), of Hartford, and held other offices of trust. 
 
 John Webster was a member of the Court of Magistrates, 1639-1655, 
 then Deputy-Governor, and in 1656-1657, Governor. He was a Commis- 
 sioner of the United Colonies, and one of the committee to form a code of 
 criminal laws. 
 
 William Goodwin was a Deputy in Massachusetts, and a man of great 
 infiueuce in church and state, both in Massachusetts and in Connecticut. 
 He was a large landed proprietor in Hartford, and one of the agents 
 appointed to purchase Farmington from the Indians. He was ruling elder 
 of the First Church in Hartford, and afterwards of the church in Hadley, 
 where he had removed. His latter years were passed in Farmington 
 where he had a house lot and farm, and where he died in 1673. 
 
 William Pantry was one of the wealthiest original proprietors of Hart- 
 ford, was townsman in 1641, 1645, and constable in 1619. 
 
 Thomas Scott, one of the original proprietors of Hartford, was one of 
 the commission appointed by the General Court in 1639, "to view those 
 parts by Vnxus Sepos" (Tunxis or Farmington) "which may be suitable 
 for a plantation," and was as well acquainted as any one with the 
 advantages of the place. 
 
 Andrew Warner was one of the Commissioners for ordering affairs at 
 
24 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Connecticut, was deacon of the First Church, Hartford, hut afterwards 
 removed to Hatfield, and then to Farmington. 
 
 John White was townsman at Cambridge, and after removing to 
 Hartford, was townsman there for four years, was frequently a juror, and 
 was ruling elder in the church. 
 
 Stephen Hart, one of the original proprietors of Hartford, was deacon 
 of Rev. Thomas Hooker's church at Cambridge and at Hartford, and 
 afterwards was the first deacon of the church at Farmington. He was 
 Deputy from the latter place 1647-1655, and 1660, and ancestor of most 
 of the Harts of Farmington, Berlin, and New Britain. 
 
 John Wilcock, an original proprietor of Hartford, was chosen sur- 
 veyor of highways, and townsman. 
 
 Most of these proprietors were actual settlers, and all 
 were interested in the place, as owners of house lots. It 
 would be difficult to find anywhere a settlement or planta- 
 tion with founders of a higher character. There were after- 
 wards added others who contributed to the material 
 prosperity of the town, and the high intellectual and moral 
 character of society, by becoming householders and residents. 
 
 In 1672, the number of proprietors of the land included 
 in the various Farmington grants numbered eighty-four. 
 These were the survivors of the original owners, and of 
 others who had purchased lots later, or heirs of the deceased. 
 Three, Mr. Wyllys, and the heirs of Governor Haynes and 
 Governor Hopliins, were non-residents. These eighty-four 
 proprietors took possession of the unappropriated land 
 within tlie limits of the several grants, and, after reserving 
 certain portions for the Indians and for public uses, divided 
 the remainder into sections and sub-divisions, and distrib- 
 uted it among the proprietors according to their lists. 
 These sections and divisions are referred to subsequently in 
 the land records of Farmington, and the towns formed 
 from it. 
 
 The house lots first occupied were principally on the 
 main street of the village. Stephen Hart, one of the leading 
 pioneers of the place, if not the inspirer of the project which 
 led to its settlement, had his homestead on one of the largest 
 house lots, on the west side of the street, near the center ; 
 and directly opposite his homestead the plat for the meetino-- 
 
25 
 
 house was reserved. The lot next north of Hart's belonged 
 originally to Thomas Upson, but was sold and resold until it 
 became the homestead of John Lee, the son-in-law of Stephen 
 Hart. John Steele, the recorder, John Andrews, and John 
 and William Judd, and some others, lived further north, on 
 the west side of the highway. Governor Haynes' lot was 
 further to the north, on the road leading to Unionville, and 
 Governor Hopkins' lot was about as far south of Stephen 
 Hart's, on the west side of the path. Between Stephen 
 Hart and the Hopkins lot were the house lots of John Hart, 
 son of Stephen, Thomas Porter, John Wadsworth, and 
 others. On the east side of the path, commencing at the 
 north end of the street, were William Smith, John North, 
 Samuel Steele, Matthew Woodruff, Ventries, Barnes, and 
 some others. The homesteads of Rev. Roger Newton and 
 Rev. Samuel Hooker were on the east side of the path, 
 nearly as far south as Governor Hopkins' lot. Further east, 
 on a path leading to the mountain, were the Brownsons 
 and others, and on or near the path leading to Hartford 
 from the north end of the street, were Lewis, Moore, Norton, 
 Warner, Webster, and Woodford, and some others. East of 
 the main street, and towards the mountain, were the wood 
 lots and pastures of many of those owning house lots on the 
 principal streets, and a few homesteads ; but the houses of 
 the early settlers were chiefly on Main Street. 
 
 The first settlement within the present limits of Berlin 
 was made by Sergeant Richard Beckley,* a planter from 
 New Haven, about 1660. The General Court, October 8, 
 1668, granted to him " three hundred acres of land lying on 
 both sides of Mattabesett River, to run up from New Haven 
 path." This tract was within the bounds of Wethersfield, 
 
 * Richard Beckley appears to have been one of the first settlers of New- 
 Haven, and one of the members of Mr. Davenport's church. When the list of 
 planters, with their families, and estates, was taken in 1643, Richard Beckley 
 was given in as having a family of four persons, and an estate of £30. In 1646, 
 he and " Sister Beckley " were seated in the second seat, indicating prominence. 
 He seems to have been in New Haven as late as 1659, and in 1683 he was ap- 
 pointed a constable in Wethersfield, so that he probably came to Beckley Quar- 
 ter about 1660. He died August 5, 1690. 
 S 
 
26 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 and the grant was confirmed by that town, at a meeting held 
 February 23, 1670-71. Beckley had purchased the land of 
 Terramoogus, an Indian chief, who had succeeded the 
 sachem, Sowheag. He had upon it a house and barn, before 
 this confirmation by the town. Others by the name of 
 Beckley were settled about him, and the place was termed 
 " Beckley Quarter." This was included in the second 
 Wethersfield society in 1713, but in 1715 was united to the 
 society of Kensington, and this was consequently the first 
 settlement in Berlin. 
 
 It was not long after the incorporation of Farmington 
 as a town that a few of the proprietors made improve- 
 ments to the east of the center, on the Hartford road. 
 Gradually the 'settlement in this direction extended to the 
 southeast, until it included a portion of the present territorj- 
 of New Britain. This sectioii never belonged to the Great 
 Swamp Society, but was a part of the parish of Farmington, 
 or of Wethersfield, until the Xew Britain Society was organ- 
 ized. It included Clark Hill and Wolf Plain, or the north 
 part of Stanley Quarter ; and the settlement was afterwards 
 extended westerly towards Horse Plain, until it intersected 
 the farms taken up by persons who came directly over Farm- 
 ington Mountain. The cabins were built at irregular inter- 
 vals near the foot of the mountain as far south as Hart 
 Quarter. About the same time, or soon after, a few 
 families from Wethersfield settled in the northeast part 
 of what was afterwards the parish of New Britain, on the 
 north end of East Street.* 
 
 The settlement at Christian Lane was a separate enter- 
 prise. 
 
 In August, 1661, the General Court made the following 
 grant to Jonathan Gilbert, an officer of the court : 
 
 *In 17S(i, after Berlin was separated from Farmington, a commission 
 consisting of Selah Hart, Gad Stanley, Jonathan Hubbard, Elias Beckley," and 
 Jonathan Beldem as committee of Berlin, and John Robbins, Samuel W. '"Wil- 
 liams, Samuel Jlay, John Hanmer, ami ilurtin Kellogg, selectmen of Weth- 
 ersfield, run the boundary line between Berlin and Wethersfield, adopting in 
 part the Jiue established between Farmington and Wethersfield in IBTO. 
 
PAEMINGTON — GREAT SWAMP, OR KENSINGTON. 27 
 
 " Three hundred acres of upland and fifty acres of meadow, provided 
 it be not prejudicial where he finds it to any plantation that now is, or 
 hereafter may be settled." 
 
 In March of the next year a grant was made to Daniel 
 Clark, Secretary of the Court, and John Moore, of four hun- 
 dred acres, and in 1665 another grant was made to Daniel 
 Clark, as follows : 
 
 "An augmentation to his former grant to ye sum of one hundred 
 acres of upland ; and he hath liberty to take up for his meadow land the 
 remainder of the meadow that is not taken up at Jonathan Gilbert's farm, 
 if it there to be had with an hundred acres of upland adjoining, and 
 the rest to make up his former grant at some place upon Mattabesett 
 River, where he can Jiave it free from those limitations inserted in his 
 former grant. " , 
 
 The grants to Gilbert, Clark, and Moore were taken 
 up in the southeast- part of Farmington, within the present 
 towns of Berlin, New Britain, and Meriden, on the principal 
 " path " between Hartford and New Haven. Some question 
 seems to have arisen in regard to a portion of these grants, 
 and it was decided in the following manner : 
 
 "The Court of Election hearing what hath been alleged to the case 
 by Farmington, as also by Captain Clark, do judge that the true and 
 just right in the said land belongs to Captain Clark, provided it be 
 not within Farmington's first grant of five miles.'' 
 
 As Clark's grant was evidently beyond this " first grant," 
 the land was confirmed to Captain Clark, and James Steele 
 and Hugh Wells were appointed "to lay out the land where 
 Captain Clark first took it up at Mattabesett River." 
 
 In 1672, Jonathan Gilbert bought Clark's tract and 
 rights, and added to the territory which he then owned by 
 other grants from the General Court, and by purchases, 
 until he held title to more than one thousand acres, extend- 
 ing from the southeastern part of New Britain to the south- 
 ern part of Berlin, including a portion of the valley of the 
 Mattabesett River. This tract was much the longest from 
 north to south, the southern part extending as far south as 
 the present bounds of Meriden. Besides upland, it included 
 
28 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 three pieces of meadow, described in the Colonial Eecords 
 as the " North Meadow, Beaver Meadow, and the South 
 Meadow."* 
 
 Captain Andi-ew Belcher, a wealthy merchant of Boston, 
 when visiting Hartford was accustomed to stop at Gilbert's 
 tavern, and he married one of Gilbert's daughters. He 
 bought this tract of land of his father-in-law, and pro- 
 ceeded to make improvements by opening highways, build- 
 ing tenement houses, and in other ways making it invit- 
 ing to settlers. He made additions to the tract by pur- 
 chase until he owned a large territory, including land now 
 within the bounds of New Britain, Berlin, and Meriden. The 
 southern portion became known as " Merideen," or " Mori- 
 dan," and the northern part as the " Great Swamp." A 
 portion of one of the highways in the northern pai't, after- 
 wards known as " Christian Lane," was laid out parallel 
 with the boundary line between Wethersfield and Farming- 
 ton, and twenty-two rods west of it. It was upon this road, 
 extending directly north and south for about a mile, that the 
 first settlement of the Great Swamp parish was made. It 
 was upon Belcheris tract, and on a part of it which he had 
 opened for improvement. 
 
 In 1686-7, Richard Seymour and others began a settle- 
 ment a few rods south of the present boundary line between 
 New Britain and Berlin. Mr. Seymour's house was on 
 the west side of the road. Near it, and 'about four rods 
 from the road, the fort or stockade was built. This fort 
 was made by setting logs or palisades, sixteen feet high, 
 upright in the ground. These logs were sharpened at the 
 top, and, with the gate or entrance to the fort carefully 
 guarded, afforded protection against sudden attack from 
 Indians or wild animals. A well of never-failing water was 
 dug a few feet from the fort. The dirt and soil to the 
 depth of sixteen feet was thrown out by hand without 
 windlass or rope. This well was so thoroughly constructed 
 
 * Connecticut Colonial Records, May, KJTl. 
 
PARMINGTON — GREAT SWAMP, OR KENSINGTON. 29 
 
 that it has remained for two hundred years, and still affords 
 excellent water. 
 
 The town of Farmington voted to Mr. Seymour one 
 pound, as a gratuity for his effort in establishing tliis settle- 
 ment. It seems probable that this action may have been 
 induced by the following vote of the General Court, passed 
 at a special session held in January, 1686-7. 
 
 " This court grants Wethersfield, Middletown, and Farmington all 
 those vacant lands between Wallingford bownds and the bownds of those 
 plantations to make a village therein.'' 
 
 This doubtful territory not included in the grants to 
 these towns was thus occupied at first by Farmington, 
 and the settlement was afterward termed " Farmington 
 Village." After the settlement at Christian Lane had 
 existed for a few years, and Belcher, as well as others, 
 became impressed with the fertility of the laud, and its 
 favorable situation, questions arose as to his title to a portion 
 of the tract. Desiring to have the matter settled, and in 
 order to obtain an unquestionable title, he applied to the 
 General Assembly to have the title to the disputed part 
 confirmed. The General Assembly, at a session held in 
 October, 1703, passed an act referring to this tract. 
 
 After rehearsing the particulars of Gilbert's and Clark's 
 grants, this act or deed proceeds as follows : 
 
 This Assembly considering that the said Andrew Belcher hath ex- 
 pended a considerable estate upon the said land In building tenantable 
 houses, and settling tenants therein, and other improvements which are 
 like to be a public as well as private benefit, the said tenants being con- 
 veniently situate for the relief of travelers in their journeying from place 
 to place, for his encouragement to goe forward with his improvements doe 
 see cause to grant his petition, and doe now give and grant unto the said 
 Andrew Belcher all the said four hundred and seventie acres of meadow 
 and upland (as it is laid out and bounded, or described to be bounded in a 
 plot or survey thereof exhibited to this. Assembly under the hand of Mr. 
 Caleb Stanley, surveyor), to be to him the said Andrew Belcher, his heirs 
 and assigns forever ; and do order that the said Andrew Belcher shall 
 have a patent for the said four hundred and seventy acres of land so 
 butted and bounded as in the said plot is described, the patent to be signed 
 by the Governor and Secretary in the name and behalf of the Governor 
 
30 HISTORY OP NEW BEITAIN, ETC. 
 
 and Companie of this her Majesties Colonie, ■which patent shall be of full 
 force and virtue to all intents and purposes in the lawe for the ensureing 
 and sure making of all the said purchased and granted lands so butted 
 and bounded as aforesaid, and every part and parcel thereof, with all the 
 profits, privlledges and appurtenances thereunto belonging, and from time 
 to time thence arising, unto him the said Andrevr Belcher, his heirs and 
 assigns forever, according to the true intent and meaning thereof. Pro- 
 vided always, nevertheless, that there shall be a country road or highvray 
 through the said f arme or part thereof as there shall be occasion. " * 
 
 At the same session of the court, Captain Belcher peti- 
 tioned for an additional grant adjoining. This also was sur- 
 veyed at the direction of the Court, by Caleb Stanley, who 
 certified it to contain about two hundred and eighty acres. 
 Captain Belcher's petition was granted, and this tract was 
 added to his previous possessions. By these various pur- 
 chases, patents, and deeds, this wealthy Boston merchant be- 
 came the owner of a large and fertile tract composed both of 
 upland and meadows, with adjoining woodland and hill, some 
 of which was believed to be rich in mineral wealth. The title 
 of the territory having been cleared of doubt, the Christian 
 Lane settlement was extended both north and south, and the 
 land in the vicinity was cleared and improved. New houses 
 were erected, at first near the fort, but afterwards at some 
 distance north and south of it. The covering for these first 
 houses was obtained by splitting the clear white oak and 
 chestnut into plank or boards, and smoothing with an adze or 
 drawing knife.f The floors were made of similar material. 
 
 At first, the burials of the dead were in Farmington, but 
 Captain Richard Seymour donated to the settlement a plot of 
 ground, near the banks of tlie Mattabesett River, for a burial 
 place, and this became the first cemetery in Berlin or New 
 Britain. Soon after giving the lot, or in 1710, Capt. Sey- 
 mour was killed by the falling of a tree, and his body was 
 the first interred in the cemetery. This settlement being 
 near a lodge of the Mattabesett Indians, the first planters 
 suffered through fear of being attacked, and were in constant 
 
 * Colonial Records. 
 
 tSonie of these boards were in existence, and could be seen just as they 
 came from the buildings, since New Britain became a town in 1850. 
 
FARMINGTON — GREAT SWAMP, OR KENSINGTON. 31 
 
 watchfulness night and day. Though the Indians seldom com- 
 mitted personal violence, they were treacherous. Property 
 had to be guarded against them, the men went armed, and 
 the women and children were kept at their homes most of 
 the time. 
 
 After the little settlement was fairly begun, the liberal 
 terms for land offered by Belcher, and the grants of unap- 
 propriated lands made both by the General Court and the 
 town of Parmington, were inducements for settlers to come 
 to this place. The number of families increased, and, as 
 peaceful relations with the Indians became established, farnis 
 were taken up and buildings erected at some distance from 
 the fort. The settlement was thus extended southerly 
 towards Wallingford, easterly towards Beckley Quarter in 
 Wethersfield, and northerly in the direction of Parmington. 
 In the latter direction, the farms selected and the houses 
 erected on the north side of the meadow, were within the 
 present limits of New Britain. The persons locating in this 
 direction were Captain Stephen Lee, Sergeant Benjamin Judd, 
 Joseph Smith, Robert Booth, Anthony Judd, Isaac Lewis, 
 and some others. In the other direction were the Bronsons, 
 Coles, Gridley, Hart, Lankton, Norton, Porter, Root, Stan- 
 ley, and others. These families were not all located here 
 before the Great Swamp Society was organized, but they 
 were all early represented in the parish, and their names 
 have since been perpetuated in ,the families of their descend- 
 ants in Berlin and New Britain. The settlement after- 
 wards was extended to the southwest until it included a con- 
 siderable portion of the parish of Kensington, some of the 
 families having their homes near the Blue Hills. 
 
 As the Great Swamp village increased in population, the 
 inconvenience of attending public worship and transacting 
 business in Parmington, became more and more apparent, 
 and at last a number of the voters sought a change. They 
 asked the privilege of organizing a new society for themselves. 
 This was at first refused by Parmington, but when the diffi- 
 culties were fully explained, favorable action was taken, as 
 
32 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 indicated by the following record of a town meeting held 
 Sept. 28, 1705 : 
 
 "The town by vote did manifest their consent that so many of their 
 inhabitants, that do or shall personally inhabit at a place called ' Great 
 Swamp,' and upland belonging thereto and in the divisions of land on the 
 east side of the Blow Mountains, and in those lots called the Batcheller* 
 lots, and so much of the division of land against Wethersfield, as shall 
 extend northward from the ' Great Swamp ' until it shall include the lot 
 that was William Judd's and no more, so many of them as see cause (none 
 to be compelled) that they become a ministerial society when they do gain 
 a capable minister amongst them, and continue so to be, so long as they 
 shall, in a competently constant way, maintain such a minister among 
 them, and whom so long as they shall so do themselves, and what estate 
 they have there shall be freed from the charge of the ministry elsewhere, 
 always provided that they shall, for their own proportion of labor in the 
 highways, maintain the passages and highways they have occasion for 
 there among themselves, without involving the town in general therewith, 
 as also that they shall, at no time, endeavor to surprise their neighbors, 
 by endeavoring to obtain of the General Court other advantages, in which 
 the town in general may be concerned, without first acquainting the town 
 therewith, nor chalenge any interest in the sequestered lands for the 
 maintenance of the ministry there.'' 
 
 Having obtained consent of Parmington, application was 
 made to the General Assembly in session at New Haven, by 
 presenting the following petition : 
 
 "To the Eight Honorable and Worshipful General Assembly, now 
 sitting at New Haven, this 11th day of October, A. D., 1705, Greeting: 
 We, the subscribers hereunto, do humbly request this Hon. Assembly 
 to grant unto your humble petitioners a settlement and confirmation of a 
 society at a place called the ' Great Swamp ' within Farmington bounds, 
 having obtained a liberty from said Parmington for that. Your Honours 
 will determine the bounds for said society accordingly. The principal and 
 only moving cause of this our humble petition is the remoteness from any 
 town, whereby we are under great disadvantage for our soul's good by the 
 ministry of the word, and in that your humble petitioners may be under 
 the better advantage to set up and maintain ye worship & ordinances of 
 Jesus Christ, in that desolate corner of the wilderness, we humbly request 
 that your honors will please to annex into our bounds, for the only use of 
 said society, all those lands that are between our bounds southward and 
 Wallingford bounds northward, for the benefit of the taxes of said lands, 
 for ye support, of ye public charge, of said society, and our unanimous 
 
 *The Batcheller lots were to tlie east of the south part of East Street on a 
 road long ago given up, but near the present New Britain Home. 
 
FAEMINGTON — GREAT SWAMP, OR KENSINGTON. 
 
 33 
 
 desire is that tlie Worshipful Capt. Thomas Hart* will prefer, and declare, 
 this our humble petition, and the circumstances of the case in said court, 
 all which your Honor's petitioners humbly submit. Dated 16 Oct. 1705, 
 and signed, 
 
 John Hart, Sen., 
 Richard Seymour, 
 Stephen Roote, 
 John Lee, 
 
 Daniel Andrews, Jun., 
 Thos. North, 
 Nehemiali Porter, 
 Samuel Newel, 
 Isaac Norton, 
 John Norton, 
 
 Jacob Bronson, 
 Isaac Cowles, 
 Samuel Smith, 
 John Cole, 
 Samuel Cowles, 
 Isaac Lewis, 
 Joseph Smith, 
 Anthony Judd, 
 Benjn. Judd, 
 Caleb Cowles, 
 
 Jun., Nathl. Cowles, 
 Stephen Lee, 
 Daniel Dewey, 
 Samuel Seymour, 
 Bbenezer Seymour, 
 Joseph Lankton, . 
 Thomas Hart, 
 John Stanley, 
 Thos. Gridley."* 
 
 This petition was granted, and the " Great Swamp" 
 Society was fully organized. While the chief purpose of 
 seeking a separate organization is given in the foregoing 
 \iocuments, there can be little doubt that some of the most 
 prominent men of the place already contemplated the organ- 
 ization of a distinct town on the principal road from 
 Hartford and Wethersfield to New Haven. The action of 
 this new society in church building, and forming a church, 
 will be given under Ecclesiastical affairs. The old town of 
 Farmington seemed to favor this organization, by abating the 
 taxes in "Farmington Parish," and directing the payment of 
 rates in "Great Swamp " for " setting up and maintaining 
 the public worship of God," but opposed the organization of 
 a new town. 
 
 The General Court in 1708, upon petition of the inhab- 
 itants of " Great Swamp," granted them " release from the 
 payment of countrie rates for four years." In 1709, the 
 General Assembly ordered and enacted : 
 
 "That all those persons who do inhabit within the bounds and limits 
 of the village called ' Great Swamp ' shall pay their ratable proportion of 
 the charge of setting up and maintaining public worship of God there, as 
 it shall arise upon their persons and estates by list made as the law directs; 
 and all persons who improve lands within the said village limits shall for 
 such lands pay their ratable proportion of the said charge altho they do 
 not inhabit them." 
 
 *Capt. Thomas Hart was at that time Speaker of the House. 
 
34 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 The next year (1710) the General Court extended the 
 powers of the inhabitants of said village, authorizing them 
 
 "To levy a tax or rate on the owners and proprietors of all lands 
 ■whatsoever laid out and divided into lots within the bounds of said village 
 (although not improved) of a half penny current money per acre for four 
 years next ensuing." 
 
 The " Great Swamp " Society, or " Farmingtown Village," 
 as it was sometimes called, was gradually extended north- 
 ward toward Farmington, southerly toward Wallingford, and 
 to some extent easterly and westerly. In May, 1715, some 
 of the inhabitants of the west society of Wethersfield peti- 
 tioned the General Court to be set off to the Great Swamp 
 Society. Joseph Talcott, Col. Wm. Whiting, and Captain 
 Aaron Cook, were appointed a committee to go upon the 
 place, and " endeavor by all means to an agreement and^ 
 accommodation between the petitioners and other inhabitants 
 of said west society of Wethersfield." At the October 
 session of the General Court, the same year, it was enacted, 
 that : 
 
 " The part of Wethersfield from the north side of Hurlburt's lot and 
 the north side of Stephen and John Kelsey's land to Middletown bounds, 
 including Becldey's land* shall be annexed to the Great Swamp society 
 provided that they help finish the meeting house and pay fifty pounds to 
 the West Wethersfield Society.'' 
 
 Next, a portion of Middletown is desirous of joining the 
 Great Swamp Society, and in 1718, the General Assembly, in 
 consideration of several inhabitants in the northwest corner 
 of Middletown being within a mile and a half from said 
 corner, enacted as follows : 
 
 " All persons who inhabit or shall live within the mile and a half 
 squaref shall be freed from paying rates for ministers in Middletown and 
 shall pay rate to the Great Swamp Society." 
 
 In 1722, the General Assembly passed a resolution 
 changing the name of the society to Kensington. At this 
 
 *This compriserl Beckley Quarter. 
 
 t This included Berlin Street and a portion of tlie territory to the east and 
 south oJ: it. 
 
FARJMINGTON — GREAT SWAMP, OR KENSINGTON. 35 
 
 time, the society extended northward so as to include the 
 territory now embraced in the eastern and southern parts of 
 New Britain, and southerly to Wallingford (now Meriden). 
 The new accessions to the society had extended its limits 
 to the east and southeast, and its western boundary was on 
 the Blue Hills. The society had a meeting house, with a 
 pulpit, galleries, and other requisites. Prosperity seemed to 
 attend this new organization, and with the improvement of 
 the land and roads, there was increase in wealth and the 
 appearances of thrift. For a time, harmony prevailed, but 
 very soon it began to be suggested that a new and more 
 commodious meeting-house was needed. Some of the 
 members were in favor of immediate action, while others 
 advocated delay, and the differences in opinion at last became 
 so serious, that at a society meeting held December 2, 1728, 
 it was voted, as follows : 
 
 " That it be their mind to call in some wise, able, and indifEerent per- 
 sons to hear, consider, and determine the differences there are among them, 
 relating to a meeting-house for them." 
 
 But neither debate among themselves, nor counsel from 
 abroad, produced harmony. In January, 1729-30, a vote 
 was passed to build a new meeting-house on Sergt. John 
 Norton's lot, on the north side of Mill River. But this vote, 
 which was passed by a majority of six only in a vote of 
 seventy-eight, increased the dissension. Troubles arose 
 which continued for many years, but which belong more 
 particularly to Ecclesiastical history. The result was at last, 
 a division of the society by act of the General Assembly, and 
 the foundation of a new and distinct ecclesiastical society, to 
 be known by the name of " New Britain,"* and from this 
 date, 1764, New Britain commences its existence as an inde- 
 pendent, civil, and ecclesiastical organization, with all the 
 powers and privileges of other incorporated societies in the 
 colony. It still remained a part of the town of Parmington, 
 and for much of public civil business the inhabitants con- 
 
 *See page 110. 
 
36 
 
 tinued to resort to Farmington street. The New Britain 
 Society embraced nearly the same territory as that of the 
 town, when it was incorporated in 1850. 
 
 The founders of Farmington, Berlin, and New Britain were 
 men of intelligence, enterprise, and high moral character. 
 Thev cleared up the wilderness, constructed roads and 
 bridges, and wisely guided the planting of the institutions 
 of society. Many of the heads of families were God-fearing 
 men, who sought to maintain the worship of God in the new 
 settlements. The political condition of Europe had its 
 influence upon these early settlements. Farmington was 
 founded during troublesome times in England. Hampden's 
 trial occurred but three years before this settlement was 
 begun; Lord Strafford was beheaded the year following the 
 erection of the first house ; the war between King Charles 
 and the parliament commenced the next year, and seven 
 years afterwards Charles I was executed. The colonists, 
 though having little intercourse with the mother country, 
 were loyal to the English government. Many of them had 
 friends who were active in the army of the Protector, and 
 the intelligence received from the mother country was 
 watched with intense interest. Though friendly to Crom-- 
 well, and aided by his fleet and army, Connecticut was one 
 of the first of the colonies, after the restoration of the mon- 
 archy, to recognize Charles 11 as the rightful sovereign of 
 England. 
 
 The settlement at Christian Lane was made during the 
 short and inglorious reign of James 11, with whom the colo- 
 nists had little sympathy. During the troublesome times in 
 England, and especially after war broke out between England 
 and Holland, Farmington maintained an efficient " train 
 band," in which citizens of the " Great Swamp Society " 
 held honorable position. The names of Hart, Judd, Lee, 
 North, Stanley, and some others, were conspicuous in the 
 records of the colony, as well as of the town and society, and 
 some of the men bearing these names had military titles, 
 indicating their position in the military organizations of the 
 colony. 
 
PAKMINGTON — GREAT SWAMP, OR KENSINGTON. 37 
 
 In the settlement of these towns, and laying the found- 
 ations of society, there was little or no distinction between 
 church and state. They were eyer closely allied, and the 
 men prominent in organizing the church were the active men 
 in the councils of state. The same local organization or 
 society made provision for preaching and maintaining 
 worship, and also for the education of children, the care of 
 roads, and the mamtenance of law and order. The forming 
 of a new parish, the building of a meeting-house, and the 
 ordering of worship, were all subject to the legislation and 
 orders of the General Court, which represented the will and 
 voice of the people. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 NEW BRITAIN, irSO-lSOO. 
 
 FOR several years before New Britain was incorporated 
 as a distinct society, the little community had been 
 exercised by the discussions concerning the division of 
 Kensington, and the questions relating to the petitions and 
 other measures to secure preaching on East Street. The 
 death of Rev. William Burnham, in 1750, gave a new impulse 
 to the efforts which resulted in the incorporation of the 
 society. At that time there were less than forty houses in 
 the territory afterwards embraced in the parish, and in 1850 
 by the town, and the whole number of inhabitants was less 
 than three hundred. 
 
 The first settlers of New Britain were farmers with such 
 limited education as could be obtained at that day. Nearly 
 all had some property, which by frugality and industry was 
 increased after they occupied their new homes. In the 
 eastern part of the parish, commencing at the northern 
 boundary, tliere was a succession of farms — some large, and 
 others comprising but a few acres — extending southerly, 
 first on the Stanley Road, and then on both Stanley and 
 East streets, to the southern limits of the parish, or to Great 
 Swamp. On the north and west, at irregular intervals, were 
 similar farms, extending from Stanley Quarter and the 
 Farmington Road, along Horse Plain to Pond River, and the 
 source of the Quinnipiac, westerly and southerly, to Hart 
 Quarter, and thence to the Blue Hills in Kensington. In 
 the north part of Stanley Quarter, on East Street, and in 
 Hart Quarter, there were a few large farm buildings, and at 
 or about the time of the incorporation of the New Britain 
 Society, in 1754, most of these farms were provided with 
 comfortable frame houses and out buildings. Upon the less 
 
1750-1800. 39 
 
 frequented roads, and near the borders of the place, were a 
 few log cabins and lumbermen's huts. 
 
 In the north part of Stanley Quarter, John Clark, Daniel 
 Hart, Thomas Stanley, and his sons, Thomas, Noah, Tim- 
 othy, and Gad, Jonathan Griswold, and a few others, were 
 living upon farms, which already gave evidence of cultivation 
 and thrift. When the society was incorporated, the first 
 three of these men and their farms, were excluded from 
 New Britain, though located within the bounds of. the new 
 society. Thomas Stanley had a large landed estate in 
 Parmington and New Britain, and also land in New Cam- 
 bridge (Bristol). He had several slaves employed either as 
 field hands or help in the house, some of whom were men- 
 tioned in his will. He died before the first church in Now 
 Britain was organized, but three of his sons were members 
 of this church, and they and some of their descendants 
 became prominent in the affairs of the church and society. 
 His eldest son, Thomas, had his home on the east side of 
 the highway in Stanley Quarter ; Noah, the second son, who 
 was about thirty years old when the society was formed, 
 lived on the west side of the road, where his son, and then 
 his grandson, Noah W. Stanley, afterward lived. He kept a 
 tavern at the place. A younger brother, Timothy Stanley, 
 lived on the opposite side of the street, and had a tannery 
 near his house. Gad Stanley was not quite twenty years 
 old when the society was organized, and he was living at the 
 homestead of his father. Jonathan Griswold's place was on 
 the road extending east from Stanley Road near the brook. 
 
 On the corner south of Stanley's tavern, Thomas Richards, 
 a man about sixty years of age, had his house, and a black- 
 smith's shop near. He was a native of Hartford, but lived 
 in Southington twenty years or more before coming to 
 New Britain. His blacksmith shop, one of the first in the 
 place, was where James North and others learned the black- 
 smith's trade. John Richards, a son of Thomas, occupied 
 the shop after his father's death. He was about twenty-four 
 years old when the New Britain Society was organized. 
 
40 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Further south on the Stanley road, near the head of Spiritual 
 Lane, was the home of William Smith, a conscientious 
 farmer, about fifty-five years of age. He had a large farm, 
 and he and his brother, Ebenezer, built Churchill's mills, near 
 Wethersfield, afterwards Newington, bounds. Ebenezer 
 Smith, a nephew of William, who had charge of the mills 
 after his father's death, and became sole owner, was living 
 near the mills in 1754, in the prime of life. He identified 
 himself with the interests of New Britain, and was one of 
 the original members of the First Church. A few rods 
 south of the residence of William Smith were the house and 
 farm of Josiah Kilbourn. With the exception of a few 
 families who went to Farmington, the persons already men- 
 tioned belonged to the West Wethersfield or Newington 
 parish, until the New Britain Society was organized. There 
 were few other houses on- the Stanley road north of its inter- 
 section with East Main Street. 
 
 Next to Stanley Quarter, East Street was the most thickly 
 settled part of the parish. A little south of the crossing of the 
 New York & New England Railroad was the home of Rob- 
 ert Woodruff. A few rods further south. Major John Pater- 
 son, one of the most prominent men of the time, had a large 
 farm, his house being situated on the west side of East Street. 
 At the time the New Britain Society was organized, he was 
 about forty-seven years of age, and prominent in military 
 affairs and civil life. His large farm was worked partly, by 
 slaves. His son, John Paterson, graduated from Yale College 
 a few weeks before his father's death, and then lived at the 
 homestead for several years. He was a practicing attorney 
 and justice of the peace, and also taught school. Benjamin 
 Judd, one of the leaders in the Great Swamp Society, and 
 one of the prime movers of the division of that society, was 
 living on East Street, a short distance south of the Paterson 
 homestead, at the age of eigiity-four. He had a large 
 farm, and a family of twelve children, five sons and seven 
 daughters. His house was the northern limit of the Great 
 Swamp, or Kensington parish. Major Paterson, Robert 
 
NEW BRITAIN, 1750-1800. 41 
 
 Woodruff, and other families living north of them, belonged 
 to the West Wethersfield society previous to 1754, and that 
 part of New Britain was in the town of Wethersfield. 
 
 James Judd, one of the sons of Benjamin, was living 
 at the homestead with his father. He was about thirty- 
 seven years old, and owner of the saw-mill which was near 
 the intersection of North Street and Stanley Street, and long 
 known as Judd's mill. Benjamin Judd's youngest son, 
 Nathan, about thirty-five years old when the society was 
 formed, lived on the north corner of East Main and East 
 streets. An older son, Uriah, had married his second wife, 
 Mercy Seymour, a grand-daughter of the Captain Seymour 
 who began the settlement at Christian Lane, and was living 
 at the corner of East Main and Stanley streets.* 
 
 Captain Stephen Lee, one of the patriarchs of the Great 
 Swamp Society, and one of the seven pillars of the church 
 formed in Great Swamp in 1712, had his home on East 
 Street, near the Judds, and his farm extended from East 
 Street to Main Street, lying north of East Main Street. 
 He had been a noted leader in the Great Swamp Society, and 
 he was also one of the most active men to secure the organi- 
 zation of the New Britain Society, his name often heading 
 the petitions to the General Court. He died at the age 
 of eighty-seven, the year before the act of incorporation was 
 passed, but his widow, eighty-five years old, was still living 
 at the homestead, and she became a member of the First 
 Church when it was organized, in 1758. His youngest son, 
 Josiah Lee, inherited from his father half of the homestead 
 and half of all the land belonging to his father. He was 
 forty-three years old when the society was organized, and had 
 been married six or seven years. He lived for a few years at 
 the homestead, and then at the " Skinner House," still stand- 
 ing (1889) on East Street. He was chosen deacon of the 
 church, April 1, 1763, to supply the vacancy caused by the 
 death of Major Paterson. The oldest son of Captain Stephen 
 Lee, Isaac, became a physician, and lived in Middletown, but 
 
 *See biographical sketches. 
 4 
 
42 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 by his father's will he receis'ed half of the homestead of his 
 father, and half of the farm. This became the property of 
 Stephen Lee, son of Dr. Isaac Lee, and grandson of Captain 
 Stephen Lee. He bought his uncle's half of the homestead, 
 and made the place his home until his removal to Lenox, 
 Mass., in 1777. This noted place was sold to Elijah Hinsdale, 
 and was later known as the " Hinsdale House," while the 
 home of Josiah Lee, the " Skinner House," was sold first to 
 John Richards, then to John Hinsdale, and finally to Rev. 
 Newton Skinner. At the time the society was organized, 
 these two houses were among the largest and grandest in 
 New Britain. 
 
 A short distance south of the Lees was the residence of 
 William Paterson, a sturdy Presbyterian, native of Ireland. 
 Near him lived Ladwick Hotchkiss, a blacksmith from 
 New Haven. His shop on the east side of East Street was, 
 next to Thomas Richards's of Stauley Quarter, the oldest 
 blacksmith's shop in New Britain. In the immediate 
 vicinity, on East Street, was the home of the Smiths, 
 Joseph, Sr., and his sons, Joseph, Jr., Jedediah, and Elijah. 
 Joseph Smith, Jr., was forty-four years old when the society 
 was formed. He was at the time considered to be a man of 
 wealth, kept a tavern, and was prominent in society. He 
 was generally known as " Landlord Smith." His oldest 
 son, Eluathan, had one of the first stores in New Britain ; 
 it was on East Street, near his father's tavera. Jedediah 
 and Elijah Smith were younger than Joseph, but were both 
 married and living near their brother. 
 
 A short distance south of the Smiths, near the intersec- 
 tion of East Street and Kelsey Street, John Kelsey was living 
 on the south side of the highway. Further south, on a high- 
 way extending east from the site of the town house, Joseph 
 Woodruff, John Woodruff and his son, Simmons Woodruff, 
 had their homes, a part of their farms being taken from the 
 east end of the highway which they had bought of the town 
 committee. The remainder of this highway was long ao-o 
 given up by the town and fenced up. Near the south end of 
 
NEW BRITAIN, 1750-1800. 43 
 
 East Street, Robert Booth and Adonijah Lewis* were living 
 near each other, and but a short distance from the boundary 
 line between Berlin and New Britain. Opposite the Lewis 
 homestead was the home of Ebenezer Gilbert. There were 
 possibly one or two other houses near the south end of 
 East Street, for this street was, in 1754, one of the most im- 
 portant streets in New Britain. Its residents were the most 
 influential persons in the parish, and the cluster of houses 
 near the tavern and store of the Smiths, and the residences 
 of the Lees and Judds, was the most like a village of any 
 part of New Britain. 
 
 Near the lower end of Stanley Street, Phineas Judd, then 
 nearly forty years of age, a son of Deacon Anthony, the first 
 deacon of the Great Swamp parish, was living at the home 
 of his father; and Daniel Dewey, eight years older, was 
 living at the homestead of his father, a little further south 
 on the same street. These families on the south end of 
 East Street and Stanley Street constituted a smaller neighbor- 
 hood somewhat segregated from the families further north, 
 there being quite an interval, especially on Stanley Street, not 
 occupied with buildings, and a portion of it woodland. On 
 the division of the Great Swamp Society into districts, or 
 " squaddams," for school purposes, in 1718, these families 
 were assigned to the division northward of Gilbird's River, 
 while all the people north of Deacon Anthony Judd and 
 John Woodruff constituted a separate division or district. 
 
 In the southwest part of the new society was another 
 cluster of farm houses and farms known as Hart Quarter. 
 Judah Hart, a son of Deacon John Hart of Kensington, and 
 a great-grandson of the John Hart of Farmington, who was 
 burned to death in his own house, had settled in Hart 
 Quarter, nearly twenty years before tlie New Britain Society 
 was organized. His house was the west side of the road 
 leading from Berlin to Plainville, nearly opposite the site of 
 
 *The house occupied by Adonijah Lewis, and previously by his father, 
 Jonathan Lewis, is supposed to have been the first house of the Great Swamp 
 Parish within the limits of New Britain. 
 
44 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 tlie old school house in the Southwest District. He was 
 about forty-five years old when the society was incorporated. 
 His oldest son, Elias, had married in 1763, and was living in 
 the house with his father. Deacon Elijah Hart, son of 
 Deacon Thomas Hart, of the Kensington Church, had a large 
 farm in Hart Quarter. He was a neighbor of Judah Hart, 
 living a few rods south, with his large family. His oldest 
 son, the second Deacon Elijah Hart of New Britain, at this 
 time nineteen years of age, married a few years later, and 
 located to the southwest of his father ; but in middle 
 life he built the large house on the Kensington road near the 
 mills, which he and his son owned. Seven of the sons of 
 the senior Deacon Elijah Hart became members of the First 
 Church, and all but one of them located in New Britain, not 
 far from their father's home. A short distance from the 
 homes and farms of the Harts, John Lankton, afterwards 
 Captain of the Farmington train band, was living in 1765. 
 
 On West Main Street, a few rods west of the present rail- 
 way crossing, Moses Andrews, who had recently moved from 
 Newington, was living in a house built by his wife's brother, 
 Joseph Root. About a mile west of this place, Hezekiah 
 Andrews, a few years later, built a large house which he oc- 
 cupied, and near it he had a saw-mill on Pond River. Further 
 north on this stream, and near the present town line, was a 
 fulling mill known in 1754 as " the old fulling mill." 
 
 The home of Thomas Hart on West Main Street, a half 
 mile west of the Center, was built about the same time as 
 that of Hezekiah Andrews, and a few years afterwards two 
 or three other houses were located in the west part of the 
 society. In the northwest part of the place, near Horse 
 Plain, Gideon Griswold had a large farm and was living on 
 or near the Farmington Road, a mile north of the Center. 
 Between this road and the Stanley Road were two or three 
 houses and farms occupied by Robert Woodruff and John and 
 Thomas Lusk. 
 
 The center of the society, or that portion of New Britain 
 which constituted the borough in 1860 to 1870, and which 
 
NEW BRITAIN, 1T50-1800. 45 
 
 now comprises the most thickly settled and chief business 
 part of the city, was not occupied until some years after 
 Stanley Quarter, East Street; and Hart Quarter had been 
 peopled by thrifty farmers and were becoming the centers of 
 social life. About 1746, nearly sixty years after the settle- 
 ment at Christian Lane was commenced, and the east part of 
 New Britain was occupied, Nathan Booth, the eldest son of 
 Robert Booth of Great Swamp, made a clearing and built his 
 house where the South Church now stands. The land in the 
 vicinity of his house was, at that time, quite uneven, and 
 much of it low, but it was made suitable for tillage or 
 meadow, and became good farm land. He had inherited 
 some property from his father, and he became a lal-ge land 
 holder, and one of the wealthiest men in the parish. Soon 
 after he had his house and other buildings erected, his 
 brother-in-law, Joshua Mather, a descendant of the Suffield 
 and Windsor Mathers, also made his home in New Britain, 
 near the present southeast corner of Main and Park streets. 
 The house he built was afterwards known as the " Sugden 
 House," from Thomas Sugden, a deserter from the British 
 army, who married Mr. Mather's granddaughter, and lived 
 in the house after her grandfather's death. 
 
 John Judd, a son of Deacon Anthony Judd, of the Great 
 Swamp Society, who had been a friend and neighbor of Nathan 
 Booth in their childhood and youth, and who was but three 
 years older, soon after Booth was establislied in his home, 
 built near the corner of West Main and Washington streets, 
 and occupied a farm lying principally on West Main Street. 
 Colonel Isaac Lee, a son of Dr. Isaac Lee of Middletown, and 
 a grandson of Captain Stephen Lee of Bast Street and Great 
 Swamp memory, built on the east side of North Main Street, 
 near the foot of Dublin Hill, about 1745. The house is still 
 standing and known as the " Lee House." This house was 
 placed on the west end of the Captain Stephen Lee farm, and 
 Colonel Isaac Lee owned the land on the north side of East 
 MS,iu Street, and both east and west of Main Street. Three 
 of these persons living on or near Main Street, and those liv- 
 
46 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 ing on West Main Street and in Hart Quarter, had retained 
 their connection with the First Ecclesiastical Society in 
 Farmington, and paid their ministerial taxes to that society. 
 
 In 1752, Nathan Booth, John Judd, Joshua Mather, Judah 
 Hart, Elijah Hart, and Moses Andrews, with three or four of 
 the residents of Blue Hills, petitioned the General Assembly 
 to be set to the Kensington or Great Swamp Society. The 
 petition was not granted at the time, but these persons appear 
 afterwards to haVe joined the Kensington Society, for when 
 the First Church in New Britain was organized in 1758, they 
 all united with it from the Kensington Church. Nathan 
 Booth had married a daughter of Dr. Steele of the Great 
 Swamp parish ; John Judd had married Mary Burniiara, 
 daughter of Rev. William Bnrnham, the minister of the 
 Kensington Church, and Joshua Mather had married Hannah, 
 a sister of Nathan Booth ; it was therefore quite reasonable 
 that these families, so intimately connected with each other, 
 and having so strong ties in the Gi-eat Swamp parish, should 
 prefer to pay their ministerial dues there and belong there. 
 Elijah Hart and Judah Hart were also both from Kensington, 
 but belonged to the ecclesiastical society in Farmington, and 
 seemed to prefer to have their ecclesiastical connection 
 transferred to the parish which had been their first home. 
 
 As, however, the residents of Stanley Street and East 
 Street, as far north as Benjamin Judd, had, for several years, 
 been petitioning for liberty to have preaching in the part of 
 the parish within the limits of New Britain, and then for a 
 separate society ; and as a petition for the latter purpose, 
 bearing the same date as the petition of Nathan Booth and 
 others, was presented to the same General Assembly, tlie 
 inference is strong, that the residents of the central and west 
 parts of New Britain had been induced to make common 
 cause with their brethren of East Street in efforts to secure, 
 if possible, a division of the society. Their object was 
 attained, for, two years afterwards, the New Britain Society 
 was organized, and from this time, 1754, the interests of the 
 different parts of the society became drawn more closely to- 
 
1750-1800. 47 
 
 gether, and the place gradually became unified in action, and 
 to some extent in thought and feeling. The people, with the 
 exception of four or five families in the center, were living in 
 Stanley Quarter, on East Street, and the Stanley Road, or in 
 Hart Quarter. 
 
 The land in the center was in places uneven, some of it 
 quite rocky, other parts wet and swampy, and most of it sup- 
 posed to be unfavorable to cultivation. The stream from the 
 west flowed across Main Street near the Baptist church, and 
 then north of the west end of Church Street into the bushy 
 swamp back or east of Main Street. A small stream from 
 Walnut Hill, during a portion of the year, flowed across Main 
 Street, near the site of the High School building, and thence 
 into the swamp and united with the former stream. From 
 these and the springs around the swamp, was formed a brook 
 of considerable size, which flowed northerly and then north- 
 easterly, crossing Bast Main Street near the south end of 
 Hartford Avenue, and supplying Judd's mill-pond with 
 water. The saw-mill located there was, for a time, the prin- 
 cipal one in the place, and was capable of sawing, during 
 the year, the lumber needed in New Britain and some for 
 export. 
 
 A deep ravine extended across Main Street south of the 
 South Church, and still further south on South Main Street, 
 deep gullies and hummocks made the street dangerous to 
 travel in the night. On the south green was a high ledge of 
 trap rocks nearly filling the open space between South Main 
 and Kensington Streets, and extending southerly on Roberts' 
 farm for a considerable distance. There was another high 
 ledge of rocks south of East Main Street, and east of the 
 brook which crossed it; another ledge north of this street 
 extended past Judd's mills and formed a steep hill on Stanley 
 Street.* Elm, Chestnut, Orchard, Pearl, and other streets to 
 the south and east ; Arch, Walnut, and the streets to the 
 south and west of them, had not been opened. East Street 
 was the principal road to and from the Kensington Society, 
 
 * These ledges existed in part until after the eity was incorporated. 
 
48 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 but Stanley and Main streets were used between Berlin and 
 Farmington. Park Street was unknovvn, except as a crooked 
 lane turning south and meeting Stanley Street by the way of 
 Whiting Street. West Main Street was a crooked road 
 going over the hill where the park is now, and there were 
 few other streets opened until some years later. With the 
 exception of Booth and Mather's farms south and southwest 
 of the center, John Judd's on the west and Colonel Lee's on 
 the northeast, most of the central part, or business portion of 
 the city, as it is now, which was not rock or low marshy 
 land, was woodland, some of it quite heavily timbered. Por- 
 tions of these forests, as the woods where Washington Street 
 is and west of it, the woods where Chestnut Street is, extend- 
 ing north and south of it, the woods of Whiting Street and of 
 Grove Hill, were standing within the memory of many per- 
 sons now living. 
 
 On tlie organization of the New Britain Society in 1754, a 
 partial survey of the parish was made. After the committee 
 of the County Court had fixed the site for the first meeting 
 house near one of the northern ledges by Judd's mills, several 
 of the roads were altered and new highways opened to make 
 access to the meeting-house more feasible. The principal 
 highways, as first located, were very wide, and permitted 
 considerable alterations in the traveled paths without en- 
 croaching on private land. Some of the land included in 
 these wide highways was exchanged for other land for roads, 
 and some of it was sold or granted to individuals for services 
 rendered, or for gratuities, as the "ministers' grants." 
 Special committees were appointed by the town of Farming- 
 ton for exchanging highways in New Britain. At the time 
 the society was incorporated in 1754, and from that time 
 until tlie church was organized, and a pastor secured in 1758 
 New Britain was evidently a small struggling parish, com- 
 posed of scattered farms and homes, the principal residences 
 being gathered into three small hamlets at quite a distance 
 from each other, and from other settlements. The few resi- 
 dents had been accustomed to worship in three different 
 
NEW BRITAIN, 1750-1800. 49 
 
 parishes several miles apart. The roads were crooked and 
 uneven, and, at some seasons of the year, very bad. The 
 efforts to build a meeting-house, rude as it was, heavily taxed 
 the people. The prospects of success were so forbidding that 
 four years of earnest effort had failed to secure them a pas- 
 tor, then deemed of prime importance, even for material 
 prosperity. But new conditions and circumstances were soon 
 to have a new effect on the growth and prosperity of the 
 place. 
 
 It was not long after the location of the first meeting 
 house, as near as possible to the center of travel of the three 
 hamlets — Stanley Quarter, East Street, and Hart Quarter — 
 that tlie few families on or near Main Street began to have 
 neighbors near them. The four men who had occupied 
 farms on this street, previous to the organization of the New 
 Britain Society, were all men of influence. They were ac- 
 tive both in civil and ecclesiastical affairs, and each had a 
 son married and settled on the street, or near his father's 
 home, with a family of children growing up, before that 
 father's death. These sons were men of influence, some of 
 them leaders in the parish and town. 
 
 Joshua Mather, who lived near the junction of Main and 
 South Main streets, was several years older than either of 
 the other pioneers of this part of the parish, and his son, 
 David, was the oldest of the next generation who made his 
 home on the street. He was married three years after the 
 society was organized, and he settled just south of Osgood 
 Hill. He was one of the first board of selectmen of the 
 town of Berlin, was for many years one of the school visitors 
 of New Britain and a member of the standing coE#2iittee of 
 the church. 
 
 Colonel Isaac Lee, the next in age of the first four resi- 
 dents of the center, about 1768 built for his oldest son, 
 Theodore, a house on Main Street, on the site now occupied 
 by the Stanley Building, Nos. 326-340. For some reason, 
 Theodore Lee did not occupy this house, but settled in 
 Torringford, and the house became the home of James 
 
NEW BRITAIN, 1750-1800. 51 
 
 Ecclesiastical Society was built, and in other ways man- 
 ifested his liberality to the church and to the parish. 
 
 John Judd, a son of John Judd, Sr., was a few years 
 older than Isaac Lee, but was a companion and contem- 
 porary of all the second generation mentioned as living in 
 New Britain. He was married in 1769, and then had his 
 home a few rods west of his father, on West Main Street. 
 Seth Judd, a younger brother of John, was married three 
 years later, but soon after went into the army, and was 
 accidentally shot in camp in the war of the revolution. 
 
 About the time that these young men, who had been born 
 near the center of the parish, were starting in life, near 
 the homes of their parents, a person who, by himself and 
 his descendants, was to have an important influence upon 
 New Britain, was also induced to make his home in the 
 same vicinity. Among the first settlers of Farmington was 
 John North, who, with his son Thomas, became influential 
 in the church and society. Thomas North, Jr., a grandson 
 of John, became one of the early inhabitants of Great 
 Swamp, and was one of the seven pillars of the church 
 organized there in 1712. A grandson of Thomas North, Jr., 
 James North, who was but six years old when the New 
 Britain Society was organized, and but ten years old at 
 the time of his father's death, came to New Britain to 
 learn the blacksmith's trade in the shop of John Richards 
 of Stanley Quarter. While an apprentice with Mr. Richards 
 he became acquainted with the families in the center, and 
 particularly in the family of John Judd, who had married 
 Mary Burnham, a daughter of North's former pastor in 
 Great Swamp. 
 
 Mary Judd, the older daughter of John and Mary 
 Burnham Judd, was married to Colonel Gad Stanley, a 
 neighbor of Richards, while James North was learning his 
 trade. Her brother, Seth, married Lydia, a daugliter of 
 Richards, after North's apprenticeship had closed, and while 
 he was working at his trade as a journeyman. James 
 North was a few years younger than Colonel Stanley, or 
 
52 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Seth Judd's wife, but was older than Seth, and a few 
 months older than Colonel Stanley's wife. He was wel- 
 comed to both homes as an intelligent, popular young man, 
 and in 1774 married Rhoda Judd, sister of Mary Judd 
 Stanley and Seth Judd, and thus became connected with 
 two of the most influential families in the parish. Soon 
 after his marriage he built the house in which he after- 
 wards lived and died. It was on the east side of Main 
 Street, nearly opposite Myrtle, and was the first house 
 on that side of the street between East Main and South 
 Main streets. This house remained on the original site, 
 occupied most of the time after Mr. North's death by his 
 family or descendants, until 1884, when it was removed 
 to make room for business blocks. 
 
 James North had his blacksmith's shop at first near 
 the home of his father-in-law, on West Main Street, but in 
 a few years he removed it to Main Street, near his residence. 
 This shop was for many years the only blacksmith's shop 
 near the center of the place. Here a number of young 
 men afterwards noted in the parish learned their trade. The 
 place became a rendezvous where the farmers gathered, 
 not only to have their tools repaired and horses shod, but 
 to discuss questions of civil and ecclesiastical polity, and the 
 general news of the day. 
 
 Jonathan Belden, a son of Ezra Belden, and two years 
 younger than James North, was married the same year as 
 North, and soon after built a house on the west side of 
 Stanley Street, nearly west of his father's home on East 
 Street. He was a carpenter by trade, but had a large farm, 
 including the tract occupied by Chestnut Street, east of 
 the railway, the land both sides of it, and on both sides 
 of Stanley Street. A part of his farm was at that time 
 heavily timbered. This homestead afterwards was owned by 
 Seth Lewis, and then by Edmund Steele. A portion of this 
 farm near the house has been known as the " Steele farm," 
 and the gardens of the Steele Brothers. 
 
 At the close of the revolutionary war, the residents of 
 
NEW BRITAIN, 1750-1800. 53 
 
 New Britain, on Main Street, were Nathan Bootli, who was 
 living at the house he originally built, near the site of the 
 South church ; Isaac Lee, at the old Lee house, near 
 McCabe's Block ; James North, at the Henry North place, 
 opposite the east end of Myrtle Street ; James Booth, in a 
 house built by Isaac Lee, on the site of tiie Stanley building, 
 and Isaac Lee, Jr., who was living with his father in the 
 "Lee House." Nathan Booth, then sixty years of age, and 
 Colonel Isaac Lee, sixty -five years 'old, were the' two men 
 remaining of the four original settlers of the center. Isaac 
 Lee, Jr., the youngest son living of Col. Isaac Lee, was buf 
 twenty-nine years old. He had married a daughter* of 
 Nathan Booth, and in 1781 had three children. . James 
 North and James Bootli were each thirty-three years of age, 
 married, and had each three children. Jolm Judd, Jr., 
 two years older than James North and James Booth, was 
 living on West Main Street, his house standing on the site 
 more recently occupied by the residence of Charles Blalceslee. 
 He had three children living at the close of the revolutionary 
 war. His father, John Judd, Sr., died three days before 
 the surrender of Cornwallis. 
 
 Joshua Mather, the eldest of the four original settlers of 
 New Britain Center, died in 1777. His son, David Mather, 
 was in the war of the revolution, and at its close returned to 
 his home near the foot of Osgood Hill. He had inherited 
 the homestead of his father on South Main Street, and soon 
 after the close of the war he deeded a portion of this, 
 twenty-five rods square, including both sides of the north end 
 of Maple Street, and as far east as the Hosiery Works, to 
 his daughter, Percia, who married Thomas Sugden,* a 
 deserter from the British army. The house and five acres 
 adjoining David Mather were deeded to Percia's husband. 
 
 * Thomas Sugden, a soldier in the British army in the war of the revolution, 
 deserted from the army, and in 177T, the year that Joshua Mather died, came to 
 New Britain, where he remained several years. He married, December 7, 1780, 
 Percia, the daughter of David and Hannah Dunham Mather, and they had 
 their home at the homestead of hej- grandfather, Joshua Mather, at the corner of 
 South Main and Park Streets. 
 
54 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 A portion of the Mather farm south of the homestead was 
 deeded to James North in 1785. A few years after, Sugden 
 and his wife removed to Simsbury, and tlie farm was sold to 
 James North, who thus became the owner of the " Sugden 
 place" and the farm connected with it. Park Street was 
 then a mere lane turning south near Meadow Street, and 
 joining Wiiiting Street. The Sugden farm was between tliis 
 lane and Main Street, and included the site of the Corbin 
 Cabinet Lock Company and P. & F. Corbin. The five acres 
 on the corner of South Main and Park streets, with a 
 dwelling-house, were sold for £41. A.bout the time that 
 J allies North bought in the south part of the incipient village, 
 Daniel Ames from Rocky Hill, a carpenter and cabinet- 
 maker, built a house on the west side of South Main Street, 
 a few rods south of the present South Green. He sold this 
 place to Aaron Roberts of Middletown, a younger apprentice 
 in the same shop, wlio for some years owiied and worked 
 the farm afterwards belonging to 0. B. Bassett, Esq. 
 
 Wliile the foinidations were thus being laid in the center 
 for the business and wealth which were afterwards developed, 
 the descendants of the Stanleys in Stanley Quarter, of the 
 Judds and Smiths on East Street, and of the Andrews and 
 Harts in the west and southwest part of the parish, and 
 others were extending their lines, and coming nearer the 
 center, and nearer to each other. Another saw-mill had 
 been built on the Quinnipiac River, the grist-mill of the 
 Harts in the south part of the parish had been increased in 
 capacity and power, and other small mills for dressing cloth 
 and for other purposes, were established on some of the 
 small streams. 
 
 The taverns also became places of note and centers of 
 inflQence. In Stanley Quarter, the tavern of Noali Stanley 
 was the place of meeting of many who came together to 
 discuss the events of the wars and to gather the news of the 
 day. Its landlord was a lieutenant in the British army in 
 the French war, and often in public office. On East Street 
 
NEW BRITAIN, 1750-1800. 65 
 
 Joseph Smith was keeping a tavern, which became a center 
 of attraction for the news gatherei's, as well as travelers, and 
 which gave its proprietor the title of " Landlord Smith." 
 His oldest son was in the French war, and also in the war 
 of the revolution, and this tavern was often the meeting 
 place of soldiers and ofificers who were interested in these 
 wars. A few years later, a third tavern was in successful 
 operation in the southwest part of the parish, in a building 
 afterwards known as the " State House." The proprietor, 
 Elizur Hart, was a successful school teacher, who for seven- 
 teen winters taught in some one of the principal schools in 
 New Britain or Kensington. He was well acquainted with 
 the young people in both parishes, and his tavern became a 
 noted place for parties, especially in the winter season. The 
 dancing hall of this tavern was used for prayer meetings and 
 preaching services, before the second meeting-house was 
 built. 
 
 The first stores in New Britain were on East Street. 
 Joseph Clark, who was living on the street near the Wells 
 place at the time the society was organized (1754:), had a 
 small stock of such goods as were needed by the families in 
 the vicinity. A few years later, Elnathan Smith, a school 
 teacher of considerable experience, had a more extensive 
 collection of such goods as were found in a country store at 
 the time of the revolutionary war. He lived in the Rhodes 
 house, and his store was near his father's tavern. It was 
 opened first in his house, occupying one room, then two- rooms 
 together, and afterwards was kept in a small building near 
 the tavern. The business of a retail store at that time was 
 to a considerable extent barter, exchanging a few dry goods, 
 groceries, and other articles for the products of the farms. 
 Owing to the scarcity of money, farm products, as corn, rye^ 
 wheat, flax, and other articles, were used in its place. Not 
 only the trade at stores was conducted with these articles, 
 but traveling expenses at taverns, doctor's bills, minister's 
 rates, the hire of laborers, and other dues, were pai:d in 
 these commodities. A person driving out of town would take 
 
56 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 a bunch of flax, or a bag of grain, in his wagon, to pay his 
 tavern expenses wlien he stopped for the night.* 
 
 The early settlers of New Britain were many of them 
 heads of large families. Seth Stanley and wife had sixteen 
 children; Ebenezer Steele, Jr., fifteen; Benjamin Judd, 
 Lemuel Hotchkiss, and Adonijah Lewis, all living on East 
 Street, and Nathaniel Churchill, twelve each ; Colonel Gad 
 Stanley, Benjamin Hart, Jehudi Hart, and Ebenezer Steele, 
 each eleven ; a dozen at least of the other early inhabitants 
 had families of ten children each, and others of nine or eight.f 
 The children did not all remain at home, but in many in- 
 stances, all or nearly all of a whole family settled in New Brit- 
 ain, and reared large families near the homesteads of tlieir 
 parents. Sometimes a father with his eight sons, all full 
 grown, athletic men, could be seen in the old meeting-bouse, 
 standing with bowed heads in devotion, all members of the 
 same church, and representatives of the business and social 
 interests of the parish. Society was homogeneous, similar 
 aims and occupations, kindred interests and plans, conspired 
 to produce a quiet community favorable for the development 
 of its resources. 
 
 There was but one ecclesiastical organization, but this had 
 a leader in whom most persons had implicit confidence. His 
 influence and teachings tended to produce thoughtful men 
 and women, and to give to society its stabler virtues. The 
 influence of the French and Indian war and the revolutionary 
 war was felt in the colonies, and to some extent in the then 
 secluded parish of New Britain. The strict habits of the 
 puritans were somewhat supplanted by the looser practices of 
 later immigrants an^ the circumstances attending army life. 
 On Feb. 5, 1775, at a meeting of the civil authoi'ity and 
 
 *0n the occasion of a party in Middletown, it is said that « prominent 
 gentleman in New Britain tools a young lady to the party on horsebacls, she be- 
 ing seated on a pillion behind his saddle, and behind her seat was a bunch of 
 ready carded flax to pay the bills at the hotel. 
 
 t There were also large families in Kensington and Worthiugton, that of 
 Samuel Hart on West Street being larger than either of the above. He had 
 seventeen children, ten of whom were married siud had families. 
 
1750-1800. 57 
 
 infdrmmg officers of the parish, to take into " consideration 
 the many vices and increasing violations of the laws of God 
 and man," they mention as needing correction, " profane 
 swearing, sabbath breaking, and unseasonable night walking, 
 etc., which so greatly tend to corrupt' the morals of our 
 youth " ; and these officers issued an address to the public 
 stating their determination to exert themselves to bring 
 about a reformation, and to see that breaches of the law were 
 punished.* The records of the justice court, and the returns 
 of the constable and grand jurors, show that this was done. 
 After the treaty of peace of 1783 was signed, a tide of 
 immigration set in toward the west from the east, and from 
 Europe, and companies were formed in New England to 
 buy up lands in Pennsylvania and Ohio. One of these com- 
 panies, known as the Susquehanna Company, included a 
 number of proprietors from New Britain, and some of its 
 meetings were held in this parish. Among those interested 
 in this company were Colonel Gad Stanley, Captain Jonathan 
 Belden, "Esquire Churchill," James North, and a few others 
 from the eastern part of the parish. The meetings were 
 usually held at the inn of Elnathan Smith on East Street. 
 A few of the residents of the New Britain society became 
 interested in other enterprises abroad, but none of these 
 proved so remunerative to the shareholders, or so beneficial 
 to the parish, as the schemes to increase and develop the 
 resources of the place, by increasing the variety of its indus- 
 ti'ies and the intelligence of its people. f During the first 
 half century, the increase in population was slow and con- 
 sisted principally of the descendants of the first settlers. 
 The most rapid growth in the parish previous to 1820 was 
 during the two decades following the close of the revolution- 
 ary war and the peace of 1783. 
 
 Between 1760 and 1800, several houses were erected, a 
 few of them on Main Street, but chiefly in other parts of the 
 parish. The large families of Harts, in Hart Quarter, had 
 
 *See appendix for records of tbis meeting and of judgment of eourt. 
 f An account of tliese will be given under appropriate heads. 
 5 
 
58 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 generally settled about their ancestral homes ; the Judds 
 from East Street had extended their lines, and built on the 
 Stanley Road, and nearer the center. The Smiths and 
 Lewises from that road, and East Street, were also coming 
 nearer Main Street, while the Stanleys in the north, and the 
 Andrews in the west part of the parish, were multiplying 
 homes in their immediate locality, as well as contributing to 
 the wealth and intelligence of the place. A few new fami- 
 lies came into the parish, and the descendants of some of the 
 old ones had moved away, but with the exception of the 
 Norths, who had become prominent in matters of business, 
 and of political and religious interests, the same names were 
 prominent in 1800 as in 1758. The change in business, which 
 occurred soon after 1800, produced its results upon the 
 social condition of the place, but at the opening of the present 
 century, and for many years afterwards, Xew Britain was 
 only a small agricultural parish, without post-office or mail 
 route, with no commercial facilities, little water power, or 
 anything to predict its future growth. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 NEW BRITAIN FROM 1800 TO 1850. 
 
 rj^HE years -wliicli followed the revolutionary war were to 
 J- some extent years of trial to the parish of New Britain. 
 The disordered finances of the country, the struggle to 
 mainta,in the high moral character of the place, and to 
 support the institutions of education and religion, had taxed 
 the people very heavily. Before the close of the century 
 there was a slight reaction, and in 1800 there was some 
 promise of prosperity. The first movement to establish a 
 manufacturing shop, other than for making tinware, was 
 about this time. The effort was successful, and between 
 1800 and 1812 several attempts were made to introduce 
 other industries than agriculture or the rearing of stock, and 
 for a time these endeavors appeared to be successful. New 
 families came into the place, and residents were induced to 
 change their business and become interested in new enter- 
 prises. The war of 1812, by the temporary suspension of 
 communication with Europe, led to the establishment of 
 several small shops, for the manufacture of knives and forks 
 and various domestic utensils ; but at the close of the war, 
 nearly all these shops were closed, and business and social 
 life were again characteristic of an agricultural community. 
 The period immediately following the war was to New 
 Britain one of quiet recuperation and preparation for the 
 changes which soon came. 
 
 The growth of the parish had been slow ; the changes 
 which had occuri'ed before 1820 were not marked by great 
 transformation ; but from 1820 to 1825 causes were operat- 
 ing which stamped their impression upon the place, and 
 helped to give it a distinctive character. 
 
 Before 1820, nearly all of the immediate actors in the 
 
60 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 organization of the society had passed away. Many of their 
 descendants who had been prominent in laying the founda- 
 tions of social order, industry, and thrift, had died or 
 removed to other states ; but there were still living, in active 
 influence, some who contributed largely to the business 
 prosperity and general well-being of the place. Dr. Smalley, 
 who had been settled over the First Church at its organiza- 
 tion in 1758, died June 1, 1820. For more than sixty years 
 he had helped to form character and to mold society. A 
 business man and philosopher, as well as preacher and 
 pastor, he had been an acknowledged leader and helper, and 
 his words and life continued to influence the community long 
 after his death. His contemporaries who were most closely 
 associated with him, and had helped to reflect his opinions 
 and make hfs influence permanent, were mostly dead, or had 
 ceased to be active leaders. 
 
 Important changes had taken place in Stanley Quarter. 
 The farms and residences of Thomas Stanley, Daniel Hart, 
 and John Clark, which were excluded from the New Britain 
 Society when it was incorporated in 1754, were annexed to it 
 in 1765, but neither of these persons became members of the 
 church in New Britain. Thomas Stanley died before the 
 church was organized, but three of his sons, Noah, Timothy, 
 and Gad, were influential members, two of them, Noah and 
 Timothy, being deacons. Noah died in 1778, but Deacon 
 Timothy Stanley, who was twenty-seven years old when the 
 society was incorporated, united with the church ten years 
 after its organization, and for nearly half a century main- 
 tained, with the strictness of the early puritans, his regard 
 for the Sabbath and the divine law, and died in 1817. Col. 
 Gad Stanley, for many years a leader in civil and military 
 affairs, died two years before. Gad Stanley, Jr., the son of 
 Col. Gad, and the father of Frederic T. and William B. 
 Stanley, died at sea in 1820. He had lived in Stanley 
 Quarter, in the house next north of his father. His widow, 
 a sister of Prof. E. A. Andrews, sold the place in Stanley 
 Quarter and built the house on Washington Street in which 
 
NEW BRITAIN, 1800-1850. ■ 61 
 
 her sons, Frederic T. Stanley and William B. Stanley, lived 
 and died. Two of the daughters of Col. Gad Stanley had 
 married the two brothers, Alvin and Seth J. North, and lived 
 nearer the center. The younger, Anna, wife of Alvin North, 
 died a few months after her father ; the other, Elizabeth, 
 wife of Seth J. North, was in 1820 in the prime of life, at 
 her home at the corner of Main and Park streets. Cyrus, 
 the youngest son of Col. Gad Stanley, inherited the home- 
 stead of his father, and for a time carried on the cooperage 
 business near his home. He afterwards engaged in the brass 
 business in the same shop, and later in a shop near the bridge 
 on Kensington Street. 
 
 Daniel Hart, who lived at the north end of Stanley Street, 
 and his children, had all died before 1820. His grandchildren 
 had removed or died ; one, Mary Merrills, daughter of Stephen 
 Hart, was married and lived on the north side of Dublin Hill. 
 George Hart, a great-grandson of Daniel Hart, came to the 
 village to live. John Clark remained with the Farmiugton 
 Church ; after his death, his widow and four daughters 
 became connected with the church in New Britain. His 
 daughter Mary taught the first private school on Bast Street ; 
 Ruth, the wife of Seth Stanley, lived in Stanley Quarter, and 
 was the grandmother of John Mix Stanley, author of the 
 Indian Gallery of Paintings, and the two other daughters were 
 married, and for a time living in New Britain. Abel, the 
 son, and John Clark, a grandson of John Clark, lived at the 
 old homestead on Clark Hill. 
 
 In 1820, Amon Stanley, at the age of forty-two, had 
 become a leader in the parish, and was living on the corner 
 of Stanley Street and the " new highway."* The hatting 
 business, in which he had been successfully engaged, had, to 
 a considerable extent, been relinquished for the care of the 
 large farm which he inherited from his father. John Eells, 
 a weaver, was living on the new highway, but soon after 
 
 * The tenacity with which names once given to streets or localities are 
 retained, Is illustrated by the name of this road. When the French contingent 
 marched to Hartford at the close of the war, 1781, their route was by this road, 
 and it then had the name " new highway," which it still retains. 
 
62 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 removed to Lenox, Mass. John Stanley, a grandson of 
 Deacon Timothy Stanley, soon after 1820 built a house upon 
 the site of the old house of Col. Gad Stanley, and for a few 
 years carried on the fancy bead business, using the shop 
 which liad been vacated by Cyrus Stanley ; but having 
 married ^a daughter of Seth J. North, he was induced to 
 move to the Center, where he engaged in business with his 
 father-in-law. He built the Rockwell house at the junction 
 of Main and Elm streets, and this became his residence until 
 his death. In August, 1831, the homestead which he had 
 occupied in Stanley Quarter was sold to Heniy L. Bidwell, 
 who manufactured cook stoves in the old shop. In selling, 
 Mr. Stanley reserved to himself " the tannery, distillery, 
 cider-mill and appurtenances," and to his sister Laura " the 
 mill and water works." The latter were near the " new 
 highway." 
 
 Jesse Stanley, a successful farmer, was living upon the 
 place more recently occupied by Thomas Tracy. George 
 Francis' place was fui'ther south on the east side of the street. 
 At the tavern stand of Deacon Noah Stanley, his son Noah, 
 a substantial farmer over sixty years of age, and a revolu- 
 tionary soldier, was living in 1820. Further south, in a 
 house afterwards burned, his brother. Dr. Adna Stanley, was 
 living until 1825, engaged in the practice of his profession, 
 and in superintending his large farm. Wakeman N. Stanley, 
 son of Noah, had his home and farm south of Dr. Adna 
 Stanley. Sheldon Upson, a mason, was living on the east 
 side of the road in a house belonging to Dr. Stanley. There 
 were a few other families then living at the northeast part of 
 the society, but it was largely to the Stanleys and their 
 descendants that the town and city were indebted for the 
 influence which has made this part of the place memorable. 
 
 On the west side of the Stanley Quarter road, near the 
 head of Spiritual Lane, Abijah Smith was living at the home 
 inherited from his father and grandfather. His brother, 
 Moses, was living near. Both were prosperous farmers over 
 fifty years of age. A sliort distance south of their homes. 
 
NEW BRITAIN, 1800-1850. 63 
 
 James Francis, a man who had been much in public life, 
 was, in 1820, living at the age of sixty-three. On the same 
 side of the road, a short distance south. Professor B. A. 
 Andrews had his home and select school. After he was 
 appointed to a professorship in the University of South 
 Carolina, and his family had left this home, it was occupied 
 for several years by the pastors of the First Church. Rev. 
 Henry Jones made it his residence until his dismission in 
 1828, and Rev. Jonathan Cogswell resided in it during his 
 pastorate from 1829 to 1834. This place has, for several 
 years, been the residence of Charles S. Andrews, Esq., a son 
 of Professor Andrews. Very near it, and on the same side 
 of the street but a few rods south, was the residence of Levi 
 Andrews, the father of Professor Andrews. He had made 
 this his home in early life, and in 1820 was living here at 
 the age of seventy-three, one of the wealthiest farmers of 
 New Britain. He was, for many years, clerk and treasurer 
 of the ecclesiastical society, and one of the church committee. 
 
 South of the Andrews homesteads, and on the opposite 
 side of the road, was the residence of Lemuel Smith, for 
 many years the leader of the church choir. On the west 
 side of the street, farther south, at the intersection of the 
 east and west roads, was the shop of Captain Deming and 
 his son Asaph, who made plows. They resided upon the 
 street extending west to the road to Farmington. 
 
 South of the east and west street, on the west side of 
 Stanley Street, were the residence and brass shops of Joseph 
 Shipman. He bought the place of Nathan Booth, Jr., in 
 1803, and proceeded soon after to erect shops for his busi- 
 ness. These had been enlarged from time to time, until, in 
 1820, they occupied a considerable space on the west side of 
 the street. His son Ralph was married in 1825, and he soon 
 after built and occupied the house more recently owned by 
 L. A. Vibberts. Later, Joseph Shipman formed a partner- 
 ship with his sons, Ralph and Horatio, under the firm name 
 of J. Sliipman & Sons, built more extensive shops north of 
 Judd's mill, and enlarged the business, but the revulsion of 
 
64 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 1837 embarrassed the firm and the business was closed. 
 His residence was sold, and a few years later was burned. 
 
 In 1820, on the west side of Stanley Street, south of the 
 Shipmans, were the residences of James Judd and James 
 Judd, Jr. James Jndd built his house in 1779, and had 
 consequently resided in it more than forty years. He was 
 now sixty-four years of age, and one of the proprietors of 
 Judd's mills. His son was married in 1805, and then built 
 the house next' north of his fatlier's. South of the bridge 
 on Stanley Street were the houses of Daniel and Eri Judd, 
 and Daniel Luddington, and possibly two or three others, 
 before 1830. Near the intersection of North and Stanley 
 streets, the first meeting-house, built in 1756, was still 
 standing in 1820,* but it had already begun to show the 
 marks of age, and had ceased to be, as at first, the most 
 prominent building in the parish. Nearly opposite the 
 meeting-house, on the east side of the parade, was a mul- 
 berry orchard, which Elijah Hinsdale owned, and from 
 which he had fed silk worms. In a silk house near he 
 had reeled and manufactured silk for several years. After 
 the silk business was given up, the silk house was removed 
 to another site and became the residence of Elihu Burritt, 
 Sr. It was destroyed by fire, and he then resided in a 
 house built upon the mulberry orchard, and located nearly 
 opposite the meeting-house. On the west side of the road, 
 north of the meeting-house, was Judd's saw-mill. At the 
 corner of East Main and Stanley streets, Alvin North had 
 his residence, in a house built by Anthony Judd. In 1830 
 this liouse was removed to tlie east side of the street, and 
 soon after became the home of Orrin S. North, while his 
 father, Alvin North, built upon the site which it liad occu- 
 pied, a larger house for himself. Mr. North's shop was 
 upon the north side of East Main Street, where a portion 
 of the North & Judd manufactory is situated. 
 
 On Stanley Street, south of Alvin North's residence, 
 was the home of Hezekiah C. Whipple, and at the Steele 
 
 * The old meeting-bouse was torn dowu iu 1823. 
 
NEW BRITAIN, 1800-1850. 65 
 
 place Jonathan Belden was living, at the age of three score 
 and ten. The other residents of Stanley Street, at this time, 
 were Samuel Kelsey, living near the old homestead of 
 Deacon Anthony Judd, William Ellis, Josiah Dewey, and 
 L. Gilbert, the father of Rev. Eaphael Gilbert. The old 
 house of Deacon Judd was torn down soon after 1820, and 
 the stone house of William Ellis built upon the site. 
 
 East of Alvin North's residence, on East Main Street, 
 Deacon David Whittlesey was living in the house of Dr. 
 Smalley. He had married Rebecca Smalley in 1804, and 
 had been living in the house with his father-in-law, several 
 years before Dr. Smalley died. Nearly opposite the Smalley 
 homestead was the home of Solomon Butler, a house-painter 
 and chair-maker. Directly east, on the same side of the 
 street, was the residence of his brother, Horace Butler, 
 also a chair-maker. In 1820 the Butlers were both at 
 work at their trade on their premises. In 1822 Horace 
 Butler commenced work in Alvin North's shop, and, some 
 time after, went into partnership with Alvin North, under 
 the firm name of North & Butler. On East Main Street, 
 west of North's shop, Samuel Shipman had his house and 
 carpenter shop. There Avas no other house on this street 
 between Stanley and Main streets. 
 
 A few years later, Josiah Dewey established himself on 
 the north side of East Main Street, between Main and Elm 
 streets, where he had a house, and back of it a shop for 
 manufacturing furniture castors, window springs, and other 
 small articles. Isaac Lee, Jr., was living in the " Lee 
 house," on the east side of North Main Street, and man- 
 aging the large farm which he inherited from his father. 
 South of East Main Street, on the east side of Main 
 Street, and a few rods from the corner, was the resi- 
 dence of James North, who, in 1820, was seventy-two 
 years old, but still active in business and public life. His 
 son, Henry, who had married in 1810, was living in the 
 house with his father, and after James North's death 
 became sole occupant. The house was the residence of 
 
66 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Henry North until his death, and then of his widow and 
 son in-law, Thomas Ball, until removed in 1884 to make 
 room for business blocks. On the west side of the street, 
 nearly opposite the residence of James North, was the tav- 
 ern of James Booth, Jr. Mr. Booth was a tanner and shoe- 
 maker, his small tannery occupying the lot on the east side 
 of the street, north of the railway. He inherited a large 
 farm from his father, but for many years his tannery and 
 tavern occupied much of his time. His house was after- 
 wards the residence of his son Horace. On the east side 
 of Main Street, north of Booth's tannery, near where Com- 
 mercial Street begins, was the home of James North, Jr., 
 from 1820 to 1825. He had a small shop near his house 
 in which he carried on business after his return to New 
 Britain. 
 
 On the west side of Main Street, where the Stanley 
 Building is located, James Booth, Sr., was living, at the age 
 of seventy-two. He had a large farm extending from that 
 of Col. Isaac Lee on the north to the farms of John Judd 
 and Thomas Hart on the south and west, and embracing 
 most of that part of the city now occupied by the Russell 
 & Erwin manufactory, and other buildings between Main 
 and Curtis streets. His son, Oswyn Booth, was a cabinet- 
 maker, and had his shop north of his father's house, on 
 the present site of the Bassett House. He lived in the 
 house with his father. This comprised the buildings on 
 Main Street, between Dublin Hill and the present railway 
 crossing. The shop of Oswyn Booth, with forty feet square 
 of land, was bought by Alvin North, in 18:^3, for $250 ; and 
 in 1824, Alvin North, Amon Stanley, and 0. R. Burnham 
 bought a strip adjoining, and the partnership of 0. R. 
 Burnham & Co. was formed. About the same time the 
 first meat market in the village was established, near the 
 Bootli place, by John Clark, a farmer and butcher, who 
 had resided at the foot of Clark Hill, Stanley Quarter. 
 
 Commencing at the present railway crossing on Main 
 Street, in 1820, the first building on the right hand, or west 
 
NEW BRITAIN, 1800-1850. 67 
 
 side of the highway, was the small shop of Jesse Hart, who 
 was engaged in making cheap cutlery. His shop was near 
 the site of the Baptist Church, and his house occupied a por- 
 tion of the site of the Russwin Hotel, west of the New 
 Britain National Bank. Mr. Hart died in 1825, and the 
 business was soon after discontinued, but the dwelling-house 
 remained until removed in 1883, to make room for the 
 Russwin Block. The stream which supplied water-power at 
 Hart's shop crossed Main Street and furnished water-power 
 for Thomas Lee's shop and tannery, which were situated 
 near the present site of the First Church chapel and the 
 Herald building. On the site of the church, or a few yards 
 south of it, was a dwelling-house occupied by the widow 
 and family of Isaac Lee. This building had been a shop on 
 the west side of the square, but was bought by Isaac Lee and 
 converted into a dwelling-house before his death. The house 
 was for a time used as a hotel, and then removed to Cedar 
 Street. North of this building and near it, or at the west 
 end of Church Street, was the pound for restraining stray 
 animals. South of widow Lee's house, on the site of Dickin- 
 son's store, Philip Lee, the oldest son of Isaac Lee, tlien 
 living, had a shoemaker's shop. 
 
 To the east of widow Lee's and Main Street was a swamp 
 or low marshy land partly covered with bushes. A con- 
 siderable stream of water flowed from this swamp, furnishing 
 water-power for Judd's Mills. Nearly all the land on the 
 east side of Main Street as far south as the south side of 
 Hart's Block was owned by James North or the Lee family 
 until after 1825. In 1820 Thomas Lee was living on the 
 west side of the square, in a house which he built about the 
 time of his marriage, and which is still standing (1889). He 
 had a store north of his house, on tlie corner nearly oppo- 
 site the post-office. This was the only store in or near the 
 center of the parish in 1820. 
 
 A few rods south of the house of Thomas Lee was the 
 residence of Dr. Samuel Hart, at that time tlie leading phy- 
 sician in New Britain. The house stood on the present site 
 
G8 HISTORY OF NEW BEITAIX, ETC. 
 
 of Rogers' Block, and was removed to the west end of Court 
 Street to make room for the block. Cyrus Booth, a brass 
 founder, was living in a house also on the west side of Main 
 Street about ten or fifteen rods south of Dr. Hart's. Nor- 
 man Woodruff, who removed from New Britain about 1815, 
 returned in 1822, and built a house just north of the present 
 site of the Savings Bank. His shop for the making of brass 
 goods was in the lot west of his house. On the site of the 
 South Church was the old red house of Nathan Booth, the 
 first resident of this part of the parish. In 1820 it was oc- 
 cupied by his grandsons, Samuel Booth and Robert Booth. 
 Near by they had a blacksmith's shop and foundry, where 
 plows were cast. Robert died in 1823, and the business was 
 afterwards conducted by his brother. On the east side of 
 the street, the next building south of Philip Lee's shoe shop, 
 in 1820, was the Abner Clark house, owned and occupied by 
 Charles M. Lewis many years before his death. At that 
 time, 1820, this house, that of widow Isaac Lee, and the 
 shops of Thomas Lee and Philip Lee, were the only buildings 
 on the east side of Main Street south of the line of the rail- 
 way. Nearly opposite the Abner Clark place was a house 
 owned and occupied by William Bassett on the present site 
 of the Churchill residence. Mr. Bassett was a wagon- 
 maker, his shop being north of his house. In 1834, he sold 
 his place, including the shop, to William A. Churchill, and 
 built the liouse on the corner of West ilain and High streets, 
 more recently occupied by A. P. Collins, 
 
 At the, north end of South Main Street, near its intersec- 
 tion with Park Street, was the residence of Seth J. North. 
 He was, in 1820, forty years of age, and already one of the 
 leading business men of the place. His shops were at first 
 near his house on both sides of Soutli Main Street, but were 
 afterwards- removed and located some distance east and back 
 from the street, and reached by a lane extending east, which 
 afterwards became Pearl Street. He was at this time en- 
 gaged principally in the manufacture of bells and various 
 articles in brass. South of his house, on the east side of the 
 
NEW BRITAIN, 1800-1850. 69 
 
 street, was a small tenement house, the only building then 
 on that side of the street north of Ellis Street. 
 
 The present South Green was an uneven common with 
 high rocks on part of it, and a deep hollow at the north end 
 which was filled with water most of the year. Tliis was the 
 skating pond in winter. A few rods south of the common, 
 on the west side of the road, was the house built by Daniel 
 Ames soon after the revolutionary war, and afterwards sold 
 to Aaron Roberts, who, in 1820, was residing there at the 
 age of sixty-two. He was a joiner by trade, but owned the 
 0. B. Bassett farm, which he let or cultivated by the aid of 
 hired help. A short distance west of his house he had a 
 cider-mill, and over one end of it was the room in which the 
 town hearse was kept. At the present corner of Ellis and 
 Maple streets, Josiah Steele, a farmer who worked Mr. 
 Roberts' farm, was living at the age of forty-one. The only 
 other house on the Berlin Road, or South Main Street, was 
 that of Reuben Gladden. He had a large family of chil- 
 dren, among whom was Walter Gladden, for many years post- 
 master. At that time Main Street turned east at the sand 
 bank, and intersected Stanley Street some distance north of 
 the brick yard. 
 
 East Street still retained its character as being princi- 
 pally the residence of farmers. Smith's store was continued 
 a few years longer, and Lewis's tin-shop for awhile was occu- 
 pied by busy manufacturers of tin-ware; but agriculture was 
 the principal occupation of the residents of this part of the 
 parish. Manufacturing business was concentrating nearer 
 the center, and the store and shops of East Street were soon 
 closed. 
 
 The original settlers of this street had all passed away. 
 Some of the old families were represented by their descend- 
 ants, but in many instances the old homesteads had passed 
 into other hands, and new names were connected with these 
 first farms of New Britain. Near the north end of this 
 street, the farm which for some years had been occupied by 
 Timothy Kilbourne was, about 1800, bought by Levi Wells, 
 
70 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 and has since been held in the Wells family. In 1820, 
 Levi Wells was living upon it, at the old homestead. He 
 died in 1828, and the farm passed to his son, Horace, who 
 built a house on the opposite side of the street. Near the 
 Wells place, and on the west side of the street, was the 
 homestead of Solomon Clark, where had been kept for a few 
 years the first store in New Britain. At the time now con- 
 sidered his son, Solomon, was living in it. 
 
 South of the railway crossing was the Woodruff place, 
 occupied in 1820 by Amos Woodruff, a brother-in-law of 
 Solomon Clark. His son, Truman, had married in 1802, and 
 was living in the house with his father. A few rods farther 
 south, on the site of the old home of the Patersons, Andrew 
 Pratt was living in a house which he had built. These four 
 neighbors, living wit|iin a few rods of each other, were all 
 successful farmers, who had passed the meridian of life. 
 Amos Woodruff, the eldest, was seventy-five years of age, 
 Mr. Pratt was sixty-four, Clark sixty-two, and Wells fifty-six 
 years old. 
 
 A short distance south of the home of Andrew Pratt, 
 William Judd had his home at the place more recently occu- 
 pied by Mr. Thornily. The old homestead near it, on the 
 west side of the street, had been considered the north end 
 of the Great Swamp society, places north of it belonging to 
 Newington or Parmington. In 1820 this homestead was 
 owned and occupied by Daniel Judd, who with his brother, 
 James Judd, owned Judd's saw-mill. Sixty rods or more south, 
 on the same street, was the house built by Captain Stephen 
 Lee, and later known as the "Hinsdale Place";* and 
 farther south the house built for his son, afterwards called 
 the " Skinner House." These stately homes had both passed 
 from the Lee families, and were now occupied by persons 
 wlio may never have known the original owners. The 
 Hinsdale house and the land adjoining descended from 
 Capt. Stephen Lee to his son and grandson, and was by the 
 latter sold to Elijah Hinsdale, in 1777. Mr. Hinsdale owned 
 
 * Tills house was torn duwu some years ago. 
 
NEW BRITAIN, 1800-1850. 
 
 71 
 
 all the land from the homestead through to Stanley Street, 
 except the cemetery. Between the cemetery and Stanley 
 Street was his mulberry orchard, already mentioned. 
 
 SKINNER HOUSE.* 
 
 The Skinner house, built by Josiah Lee, with the barn 
 near it, and a farm of sixty acres upon whicli it was located, 
 was sold by him to John Richards, in 1776, for ^£655. The 
 deed also included half the irons of the saw-mill, by the 
 meeting-house. Five years later, Richards sold the place to 
 Captain Jolm Hinsdale, the father of Elijah, for £900. A 
 part of the Josiah Lee farm had been sold to Dr. Smalley, in 
 1788 ; the remainder, with the house and barn, was bought 
 by Rev. Newton Skinner, and the house was occupied 
 by him soon after his marriage, in 1815. He lived here 
 until his death, in 182.5, and worked the farm. Tliis house 
 is one of the oldest in New Britain. Near the Skinner place, 
 on the east side of the highway, was a small house occupied 
 
 *The Skioner House was built and occupied for several years by Josiah 
 Lee, father of Mrs. General John Paterson. It was afterwards owned and 
 occupied by Rev. Newton Skinner. 
 
72 HISTORY OP NEAY BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 by Dan Wright. South of the road leading east, on the east 
 side of the street, was the old homestead of Dr. Smalley.* 
 In 1820, it was occupied by Elnatlian Smith, who had owned 
 it nearly forty years. He was at that time more than eighty 
 years old, but had been a man of wealth and influence. His 
 store, the first in the parish except Solomon Clark's, was on 
 the opposite side of the street. It was a small building in 
 which a few dry goods, and a small but miscellaneous stock 
 of groceries, were kept for the convenience of the people who 
 could not well go to Farmington or Hartford. The store 
 was discontinued a few years later. 
 
 On the west side of East Street, near the store, was the 
 old tavern stand of Joseph Smith, the father of Elnathan. 
 After Mr. Smith's death, the tavern was closed and the 
 property was bought by Seth Lewis, who had near a shop 
 for the manufacture of tinware. Further south, on the west 
 side of the street, was the homestead of Leonard Belden, 
 which for three generations was owned and occupied by 
 farmers, all having the same name. A few rods further 
 south, on tlie east side of the street, was the school house of 
 the East District. East of the junction of East Street with 
 Kelsey Street, Joel Belden and Ira Belden had their homes. 
 After the street again turned south, the first house was 
 Linus Gilbert's, and a short distance south of it Thomas 
 Booth was living near the location of the New Britain Home. 
 Still further south, near the intersection of tlie street which 
 formerly passed over the ledge from South Stanley Street, 
 was the residence of Col. Joseph Wright. Roger Deming 
 was living near, and at the old home of the Lewis family 
 John Ellis had his home. The remaining residents of East 
 
 * X)y. Smalley beoame au owner of quite :i large tract of land In \ew Britain. 
 His first purcliase was of William Patcrson, in 17;V.), wlion he bought his home- 
 stead and twenty-six acres of land, extending from East Street to the Wethers- 
 field line, for £:il)0. He made several additions to this tract, and also bought 
 land in other parts of the parish, some of it being as far west as the Shuttle 
 Meadow Mountain. Between ITSl and 1789, he purchasetl, according to the land 
 records, eleven different pieces, amounting to more than 160 acres, for which 
 he paid more than £1,000. 
 
73 
 
 Street, in 1820, were widows Hannah Booth, Mary Gilbert, 
 and Asahel Blinn, all near the south end of the street. 
 Several of the families that first lived on that street had 
 gone to the center of the parish or to other places. 
 
 The cross-roads running east and west had a few houses 
 upon them. In the northern part of the parish, on the 
 cross-road connecting Stanley Quarter with the Farmington 
 road, and near the latter, there was living, in 1820, Elijah 
 Andrews, a man esteemed for his courteous manners, kind 
 disposition, and sincere piety. He had ten children. His 
 oldest son, Truman, was living with his father. The second 
 son, Ebenezer, lived near. Ira, the fourth son, after being 
 in Meriden several years, had returned to New Britain, and 
 was living in the house on the Farmington road which 
 had been built by Reuben Wright. 
 
 Farther south on this road was, first, Lester Osgood; 
 at the home of his father. Deacon John Osgood, and next, 
 Ebenezer Steele and wife, both over ninety years of age, 
 veritable patriarchs in the community.* Still farther south, 
 at the " Cassidy place," Josiah Dewey was living in 1820, 
 but soon after removed to the southeast district. East of 
 the Farmington road, in the valley, was the farm and home 
 of Elijah Francis, a shoemaker and tanner ; and further 
 south, but north of Dublin Hill, Chauncey Merrills and 
 John Recor were living in 1820. At this time, west of 
 Osgood Hill, on Horse Plain, were the homes of Bethel 
 Hart, Elisha Lewis, Benjamin Stanton, Ladwick Hotchkiss, 
 and a few others. 
 
 On West Main Street, John Judd, the grandson of 
 the John Judd who first settled in this part of the parish, 
 was living near where his son, Morton, afterwards built. 
 He was a blacksmith by trade, and his shop was nearly 
 opposite his house. His oldest son, John, was married 
 in 1822, a few months before his father's death, and, for 
 
 *They had thirteen children, seventy grandchildren, 171 great-grandchil- 
 dren, and there were twenty-four of the fifth generation before her death. 
 — Andkews. 
 6 
 
a time, lired west of his father, at the corner of West 
 Main and High streets. Twenty or thirty rods farther 
 west, also on the north side of the highway, was the res- 
 idence of William Smith, who had a large farm in the 
 vicinity, and had also been engaged to a limited extent 
 in the manufacture of tinware. The next house on West 
 Main Street was on the south side of the road, west of 
 Park Place, on the site where Horace Eddy built in 1882. 
 It was owned and occupied by Isaac Lewis. On the north 
 side of the highway, west of Curtiss Street, Thomas Hart 
 was still living, at the age of eighty-three. His son Abijah, 
 then about fifty-six years of age, had been engaged in mer- 
 cantile business in New York, but had returned to New 
 Britain, and was living in the house with his father, hav- 
 ing the general oversight of the farm. Some thirty rods 
 farther west, Charles Eddy was living in a house also on 
 the north side of the highway. 
 
 On the west side of Burritt Street, a few rods north 
 of its intersection with West Main Street, Joseph Andrews 
 had his residence, and on the opposite side of the road 
 were his cider-mill and still. A few rods west of Burritt 
 Street, on the north side of the Plainville road, was the 
 house built by Joseph Root seventy years before, and for 
 more than half a century occupied by Moses Andrews. 
 The house was bequeathed to his son, Nathaniel AndrcAvs, 
 but the latter, after his father's death, removed witli his 
 family to Michigan, and this house became the residence 
 of Harry Judd. A few rods west of it, on tlie same side 
 of the highway, was the residence of John Andrews, M.D., 
 who was for many years a practicing physician. In 
 1820 he was sixty-two years of age, and had relinquished 
 much of his practice to care for his farm. Nearly half 
 a mile farther west, Joseph Mather, a tanner and shoemaker, 
 who had passed much of his early life at sea, and had been 
 in the service of his country, both in the army and navy, 
 was, at the age of seventy, passing his years in the quiet 
 of his home. On the same street, a short distance west 
 
NEW BRITAIN, 1800-1850. 75 
 
 of the home of. Joseph Mather, David Booth and Theodore 
 Riley were residing near each other ; next west of the latter, 
 Rhoda Andrews, widow of Hezekiah Andrews, Jr., had her 
 home with her son, Selah Andrews, who inherited the farm 
 of his father. The next house west, also on the north 
 side of the road, had been built by the first Hezekiah 
 Andrews more than sixty years before. In 1820 it was 
 occupied by Ezekiel, his son, who inherited the homestead 
 and the mill west of it, which had also been built by 
 his father. Nearly opposite to the mill, Alfred Andrews, 
 the oldest son of Ezekiel, built his house in 1820, and lived 
 in it until his death ; and it has since been occupied by 
 some members of his family. A few rods west of this, on 
 the north side of the road, and near Pond River, Unri 
 Wright was living in a house built by Moses Andrews, Jr., 
 before 1780. The only house in New Britain on the Plain- 
 ville road, beyond the Wright place, was the gate house 
 on the Middletown and Berlin turnpike, which had been 
 opened ten years before. 
 
 In Hart Quarter, a lai-ge proportion of the farms re- 
 mained in the families of the descendants of the original 
 settlers. The first generation had died ; many of the next 
 had secured homes elsewhere, but others still occupied the 
 residences and worked upon the farms of their ancestors. 
 The old homestead of Judali Hart, opposite the old school 
 house in the southwest district, was occupied by his son, 
 Judah, and then by his grandson, Salmon Hart, who, in 1820, 
 was in the prime of life, managing the farm of his father and 
 grandfather. His cousin, Roger Hart, inherited a large farm 
 from his father, John Hart, who had lived neighbor of Judah, 
 but in 1820, Roger had removed from his father's homestead, 
 and was living in a small house on the mountain road west 
 of the turnpike, at the age of fifty-five. Samuel Gladden was 
 a near neigiibor of the same age. He died in 1823, and 
 Roger Hart afterwards married his widow. Beyond this 
 house was Selah Steele's home, and north of the latter, in a 
 small house since torn down, a family by the name of Brown 
 were living about 1 820. 
 
76 HISTORY OF NEW BEITAIX, ETC. 
 
 Near the homestead of Salmon Hart, but a little south, 
 and on the opposite side of the road, Simeon Lincoln, a brick 
 mason and farmer, had his home and farm. He had bought 
 land of Judah Hart in 1789, and of David Hills in 1796, and 
 built a house for himself which he occupied until about the 
 time of his death. His son, Simeon Lincoln, Jr., was the 
 first husband of Almira H. Lincoln Phelps, and he and his 
 wife resided at this place for some time. 
 
 A few rods farther south, and near the spot where the 
 first Elijah Hart lived, Selah Hart, his great-grandson, had 
 made his home. He was a farmer, and also kept a tavern ; 
 and later, had a hotel at Saratoga. About twenty rods south 
 of Hart's tavern, Jehudi Hart, the third son of the first 
 Deacon Elijah, had his home. He was a quiet farmer, 
 already aged eighty-one, but able to care for his farm, which 
 he seldom left even for a day. It is said that though living 
 in New Britain eighty-five years, he never went to Hartford. 
 
 On the road running north from its intersection with the 
 turnpike, the house in which Elizur Hart formerly kept a 
 somewliat noted tavern, had passed from the Hart family, 
 and the place since known as the " State House " was, for 
 some years, occupied by John Hamlin, Jr. Allen Francis 
 lived in the house next north, and but a few rods from the 
 "State House." The house of H. Doming, burned in 1886, was 
 farther north. Ool. Francis Hart, a tanner and shoemaker, 
 was living near the Shuttle Meadow road in a house which 
 had been built by Asahel Hart. Chester Hart, his bi'other, 
 also a tanner and shoemaker, was located near him in 1820, 
 but afterwards built on the corner made by the turnpike and 
 Shuttle Meadow road. 
 
 After the Middletown and Berlin turnpike was opened in 
 1810, Robert Cornwell established a tavern near the corner 
 where the turnpike crossed the Shuttle Meadow or Southing- 
 ton road. He had a coopei"'s shop opposite in which he 
 worked a part of the time. He died in the autumn of 1819, 
 but his widow resided at the homestead for many years. 
 Moses W. Beckley, a son-in-law of Mr. Cornwell, kept a tavern 
 
lSOO-1850. 77 
 
 ill the vicinity after Mr. Cornwell's death. Daniel Smith, a 
 cabinet-maker, had a house near the corner of the old road 
 and the Southington road, but it was burned soon after. This 
 cluster of houses, with the taverns and shops in the vicinity, 
 had given to this part of Hart Quarter an appearance of thrift 
 before 1820. 
 
 On the old road, south of the old house of Chester Hart, 
 Ira Stanley, a farmer in middle life, was living and cultivat- 
 ing his farm. He afterwards moved to the center of the 
 parish, and with his son John, built a house near the railroad 
 where the Stanley building was afterwards erected. Farther 
 south was the old homestead of the second Deacon Elijah 
 Hart, and nearly opposite the house which he built for his 
 son Aaron. In the latter house Aaron was living in 1820, 
 at the age of fifty-nine. His son, Aaron, soon after built a 
 new house on the site of liis grandfather's home. The large 
 farm and house were afterward owned by Horace Hart. 
 Elijah Hart, the son of Deacon Elijah, and brotlier of Aaron, 
 was living on Kensington Street in a house built by his father, 
 a short distance from the mill. The second Deacon Elijah 
 Hart had given to eacli of his three sons, Elijah, Aaron, and 
 Ozias, a home. His eldest son, Elijah, had the south part of 
 the large house which his father built on Kensington Street. 
 He engaged in the manufacture and export of corn-meal, even 
 more extensively than his father had done. Three of his 
 sons were clothiers or cloth dressers. Ira lived in the north 
 part of his father's house, and Norman in the house next 
 north on Kensington road. Their clothing-mill was near 
 their father's grist-mill. Ira Hart died in 1824, at the age of 
 twenty-six, and tlie business was continued by Norman Hart. 
 He removed to the Center about 1851. Ozias Hart, a brother 
 of Deacon Elijah, had a saw-mill north of the bridge near the 
 Shuttle Meadow road. His residence was near on the west 
 side of Kensington Street. His uncle, Benjamin Hart, more 
 than seventy years of age, had 'his house and farm on the 
 Shuttle Meadow road, near the head of the mill-pond which 
 supplied the saw-mill. Ozias Hart's house, a few years later, 
 
78 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 was bought and occupied by Calvin Winchell. Nearly oppo- 
 site, on the east side of Kensington Street, was the house 
 built by Moses D. Seymour some years before. He was a 
 clothier by trade, and had his shop near Ozias Hart's saw- 
 mill. He afterwards built a house on Main Street at the foot 
 of Dublin Hill. Cyrus Stanley lived in the house which 
 Seymour had occupied on Kensington Street, and had a shop 
 for manufacturing brass goods in the building formerly occu- 
 pied by Seymour as a clothing-mill. Tliese were the only 
 houses on Kensington Street between its junction with Main 
 Street and the Shuttle Meadow road. Arch Street had not 
 been opened, and there were no buildings west of Main Street, 
 between Shuttle Meadow road and West Main Street, until 
 those in Hart Quarter were reached. 
 
 The physicians who were born in the parish before 1800, 
 and practiced in New Britain previous to 1820, were Isaac 
 Lee, Josiah Hart, Isaac Andrews, John Andrews, Jesse 
 Andrews, Thomas Mather, Adna Stanley, and Samuel Hart. 
 Dr. Isaac Lee early removed to Middletown, and his practice 
 was principally in that town. Dr. Thomas Mather married 
 in Farmington, which became his residence, but his practice 
 extended to New Britain. 
 
 Dr. Josiah Hart, a son of the first Deacon Elijah, gradu- 
 ated from Yale College in 1762, and, though making his 
 residence for many years in Wethersfield, was the physician 
 of many families in Berlin and New Britain. Dr. Isaac 
 Andrews lived in Hart Quarter after Dr. Hart left ; he was 
 several years younger, and his practice was chiefly in the 
 western part of the place; he died in 1799. Dr. John 
 Andrews, a brother of Dr. Isaac, lived on West Main Street 
 west of Black Rock. He was a practicing physician many 
 years, but devoted most of his time in the latter part of his 
 life to his farm. Jesse, a younger brother, was also a physi- 
 cian, but died before he had established regular practice. 
 
 Dr. Adna Stanley graduated at Yale College in 1787, and 
 after studying medicine, entered upon his profession in New 
 Britain. He had an extensive practice in this and some of 
 
^2--^<s^5»^-ii-^:^-^ 
 
NEW BRITAIN, 1800-1850. 79 
 
 tlie surrounding towns. He lived in Stanley Quarter, con- 
 tinuing his practice until near the close of his life in 1825. 
 Dr. Samuel Hart, son of the third Deacon Elijah Hart, re- 
 ceived his medical diploma in 1808, and soon after com- 
 menced practice. He was the first physician to locate in the 
 center of New Britain, having his office at first in the house 
 of Cyrus Booth on the west side of Main Street. A few years 
 after, he built the residence in which he lived and died, on 
 the present site of Rogers' Block. He had an extensive 
 practice, being for many years the principal physician of the 
 place. 
 
 Dr. John R. Lee and Dr. Thomas G. Lee, brothers, were 
 born in New Britain, the first in 1804, and the second in 
 1808, but their practice was chiefly elsewhere. Both were 
 connected with institutions for the insane, and became emi- 
 nent in their specialties. The physicians of Parmington and 
 Berlin for many years had some practice in New Britain, and 
 were called in council after the latter place was provided with 
 loc"al physicians. The principal physicians in Farmington, 
 who were born before 1800, were Daniel Porter, licensed in 
 1654; Samuel Porter, 1665-1736;* Thomas Thompson, 1674- 
 1748; Isaac Lee, 1691-1780; Samuel Richards, 1726-1793 ; 
 Ebenezer Lee, 1727; Thomas Mather, 1741-1766 ; Timothy 
 Hosmer, 1745; Theodore Wadsworth, 1752-1808; Eli Todd, 
 1769-1833; Harry Wadsworth, 1780-1813; Asahel Thom- 
 son, 1790-1866. In Berlin were James Hurlburt, 1717-1794 ; 
 John Hart, 1753-1798 ; James Percival, 1767-1807 ; James 
 Gates Percival, 1795-1856 ; Horatio Gridley, 17 1864. 
 
 The principal professional lawyers resident in Farming- 
 ton or New Britain before 1825 were John Wadsworth, ad- 
 mitted as Attorney in 1708 ; William Judd, 1765 f ; Timothy 
 Pitkin, 1790; Daniel W. Lewis, 1791; John Hooker, 1803; 
 Samuel Cowles, 1804 ; Joseph L. Smith, 1804 ; Martin Welles, 
 1811; Ethan A.Andrews, 1812; Alfred Cowles, 1815; Ira 
 E. Smith, 1823. 
 
 *Date of birth and death. 
 
 t Date of admission to the bar. 
 
80 HISTORY OP NEW BRITjilN, ETC. 
 
 The decade preceding 1820 had been marked by no local 
 event of importance. Tlie war of 1812 with England, and 
 the events which attended it and followed the treaty of peace, 
 had their influence upon New Britain ; but it was incidental, 
 and affected but slightly the social condition of the place. 
 The growth in population had been slow in all the parishes 
 of the town. The increase in the number of inhabitants in 
 the whole town of Berlin, which then included New Britain, 
 was only seventy-nine in ten years. In 1820 and 1821 oc- 
 curred one of the most remarkable revivals New Britain ever 
 experienced. It seemed to pervade the whole community, 
 affecting especially the business men and most prominent 
 families in the place. Large accessions were made to the 
 church, and a larger and more commodious house of worship 
 became necessary. A new meeting-house at the corner of 
 North Main and East Main streets was erected in 1822. The 
 year following Thomas Lee built the stone store on Main 
 Street nearly opposite East Main Street, and soon after 0. B,. 
 Burnham & Co. built on the site of Oswyn Booth's shop, on 
 the west side of Main Street, near the present east end of 
 Myrtle Street. 
 
 In 1828, the Baptist Society built its first meeting-house, 
 a small building at the foot of Dublin Hill ; and the Metho- 
 dists, the same year, built the first house of worship of that 
 denomination on the site of the present Methodist church. 
 Neither of these buildings were completed in 1828, but they 
 were so far advanced as to be occupied for meetings. In this 
 year the building occupied for a time by P. T. Stanley & Co. as 
 a store, on the east side of Main Street, was erected. Thus, 
 -while in 1820 there were less than twenty houses on Main 
 Street south of Dublin Hill, in 1828 there were three meet- 
 ing-houses, a post-office, two stores, and an academy, all 
 located on or near Main Street, and all erected within about 
 six years. 
 
 In the latter part of this decade, 1820-30, and in the first 
 years of the next, a new impulse was given to manufacturing 
 in New Britain ; larger buildings were erected, other impor- 
 
NEW BRITAIN, 1800-1850. 
 
 81 
 
 tant improvements were made, and the parish was becoming 
 somewhat noted for its enterprise and thrift. In the. early 
 part of 1829, Frederick T. Stanley and Curtiss Whaples 
 opened their store on the east side of Main Street, nearly 
 opposite West Main Street. The upper part of the building 
 was fitted up for the manufacture of suspenders, by P. A. 
 Hart & Co , Mr. Stanley and Mr. Whaples being interested 
 in the business. The revival of business and the increase of 
 population seemed to require additional tavern accommoda- 
 
 NORTHWEST VIEW OF NEW BRITAIN (CENTRAL PART). 
 
 Note. — The above view, from a drawing made for the Connecticut Histor- 
 ical Collections, in 1836, represents the central part of the "village at that time. 
 The principal buildings shown are the Methodist meeting-house, theAbner Clark 
 and John Stanley houses, and the North & Stanley factory. 
 
 tion in the center of the place, and in the autumn of 1829, 
 the house since known as the Hendrick place, and situated 
 on the west side of Main Street, was erected by Dr. Samuel 
 Hart for a tavern. It was opened by Ezekiel Porter as land- 
 lord, and for a time kept as a temperance house. Previous to 
 this, the tavern of James Booth, at the Horace Booth house, 
 and of Samuel Booth on the site of the South Churcli, 
 had been the principal public houses on Main Street. The 
 latter place was kept as a tavern but a short time. 
 
82 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 The Rockwell house, at the junction of Main and Elm 
 streets, was built by John Stanley in 1831, and occupied by 
 him and his family when completed. A number of houses 
 on South Main Street, were built about the same time. 
 Pearl Street was then a lane-way, extending from South 
 Main Street easterly to the rear of the land of Wil- 
 liam H. Smith, fourteen rods. This passway afforded 
 access to the shops on Seth J. North's lot, and to a small 
 tenement-house in his orchard. The Kelsey house on 
 Orchard Street was built in 1831. The lot on which it 
 stands, five rods by nine, was sold by Mr. North that year, 
 for fifty-six dollars. The deed provided for an open pass- 
 way to the rear of the lot. The first brick house, that of 
 Lorenzo P. Lee, was built in 1832. The first use in New 
 Britain of anthracite coal for melting brass and iron was in 
 the shop of North, Smith & Stanley, at or near the corner of 
 South Main Street and Pearl Street, in 1881. The first 
 horse-power had, been introduced in the same shop. The 
 first steam engine in the place was in the factory of F. T. 
 Stanley and his brother William, and was put up in 1>32. 
 In 1884, Alvin North & Company had one put in their 
 shop, at the corner of East Main Street and Stanley Street. 
 Alvin North bought the first coal stove used in New Britain, 
 in Albany, had it shipped here by way of New York, and 
 put it up in his own house. 
 
 The increase in manufacturing business from 1830 to 
 1837 resulted in an increase of dwelling-houses and various 
 shops and stores, and some increase of population. The 
 financial depression which was felt so disastrously in many 
 parts of the country in 1837, paralyzed a large portion of the 
 business of New Britain. Several shops were closed, large 
 losses were experienced, and for a few years the growth of 
 the place was much checked. But renewed efforts and some 
 changes in the methods of business gave a new impetus to 
 the enlargement of the place, and new enterprises were 
 undertaken with courage and hope. 
 
 The organization of St. Mark's Episcopal parish, in 1836, 
 
180CWL850. 83 
 
 and the erection of the first building for the public woi'ship 
 of the Protestant Episcopal, Church the next year ; the organ- 
 ization of the South Congregational Church and Society, and 
 the erection of an edifice for its use in 1842, and the com- 
 mencement of regular services by the Roman Catholics about 
 the same time, were evidences of the activity of thought," 
 and the endeavor to provide religious privileges for all 
 denominations. The growth of the place, resulting largely 
 from the increase in manufacturing business, was much more 
 rapid during this decade, 1840-50, than ever before. Some 
 of the largest establishments in New Britain were organized 
 or begun, and the foundations laid for their development 
 during this period. 
 
 The establishment in 1849, by the General Assembly, of 
 the State Normal School, and the location of the institution 
 in New Britain, immediately brought the place into more 
 general notice in the State, and stimulated local improve- 
 ments. The opening of the New Haven & Northampton 
 Railroad to Plainville, in 1848, and of the Hartford, Provi- 
 dence & Fishkill Railroad from Willimantic to Bristol, in 
 1850, placed New Britain for the first time in direct railway 
 communication with New York, and with Hartford, New 
 Haven, Norwich, and New London, increasing the facilities 
 for business, and communication with the State capitals 
 and the metropolis. 
 
 The population of the society* of New Britain, which was 
 less than 300 in 1754, had increased to 946 in 1800, to 982 
 in 1810, to a little more than 1,000 in 1820, and to 3,029 in 
 1850, when the society was incorporated as a town. 
 
 * By " Society " must be understood the territory as incorporated in 1754, 
 with the small additions niade by the legislature, and which, in 1800, consti- 
 tuted the School society of New Britain. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 FARMINGTOX AND GREAT SWAMP, OR KENSINGTON, CHURCHES 
 Fabmington Church. 
 
 THE early settlers of Farmington, Kensington, and New 
 Britain not only provided the means for comfortable 
 living, but also held constantly in view the great purpose 
 which had led them, or their fathers, to emigrate to this 
 country. They were nearly all God-fearing men, who sought 
 to realize their ideas in their arrangements for establishing 
 the institutions of the gospel. 
 
 The pioneers of Farmington, coming principally from the 
 older settlements on the Connecticut River, seem for a few 
 years to have worshiped with the First Church in Hartford, 
 but within five years after the beginning of the Farmington 
 settlement, a pastor was obtained, and preaching services 
 were held regularly. The first pastor. Rev. Roger Newton, 
 ministered to this town several years before the church was 
 formed.* 
 
 In the organization of most of the colonial churches, the 
 plan so strenuously advocated by Rev. Tliomas Hooker of 
 Hartford, Rev. John Davenport of New Haven, and other 
 divines, was genei-ally followed. Seven men were chosen 
 from the whole body of believers, who constituted the seven 
 pillars ; these were organized into a church to which other 
 members were afterwards admitted in due form. The seven 
 pillars of the Farmington Church were Rev. Roger Newton, 
 
 *For many years it was iDelieved that the early records of the Farmington 
 Church were burned or lost, but they were discovered in Hartford, in the winter 
 of 1841-2, in a tcood state of preservation. The original record book, about five 
 and a half inches in length by four in width is closely written, but the paper is 
 frail from age. A careful copy of what pertains to the church was made by 
 Rev. W. S. Porter, in 1843, and the roll uf members, resolutions, etc., quoted 
 are taken from this copy. The church in Farmington has very wisely taken 
 care to have its records carefully preserved. 
 
PAEMINGTON AND KENSINGTON CHURCHES. 85 
 
 Stephen Hart, Thomas Judd, John Bronson, John Cole, 
 Thomas Thompson, and Robert Porter. These seven joined 
 in covenant October 13, 1652, and constituted the church. 
 Rev. Roger Newton was pastor, and Stephen Hart and 
 Thomas Judd were chosen deacons. About one month after 
 John Steele, the town recorder, joined the church, and was 
 appointed clerk. John Loomis, Mrs. Newton, the wife of 
 the pastor, Mrs. Stephen Hart, Mrs. Thomas Judd, Mrs. 
 John Cole, and Mrs. Thomas Thompson were soon after 
 admitted to membership, so that at the close of the year 
 1652 these fourteen persons, representing nine families, con- 
 stituted the Farmiugton Church. 
 
 The record then proceeds as follows : 
 
 "About the 30th of January, 1653(3), Nathaniel Kellogg and his wife, 
 John Steel, John Standley, Thomas Newell, and Thomas Barnes were also 
 joined to the congregation. 
 
 Upon February the 7lU John Laukton was joined to the congregation. 
 
 July the 12th, 1653, Thomas Newell's wife, and John Slandley's wife, 
 and Robert Porter's wife were joined to the congregation." 
 
 And thus this church was gradually built up by the 
 accession every year of a few new members. Rev. Roger 
 Newton 'remained in Farmiugton until 1658, when he 
 removed to Milford. He was succeeded by Rev. Samuel 
 Hooker, son of Rev. Thomas Hooker, of Hartford. During 
 Mr. Hooker's ministry additions were made until, in the 
 spring of 1680, the roll of church members included ninety- 
 one names, thirty-four families being represented by the 
 united head, or husband and wife, eight others by the hus- 
 band, and twelve by the wife. The original record has 
 the names of a number of children of tender years that were 
 admitted to the cliurch with their parents. The confession 
 of faith was in the form of a catechism, with between forty 
 and fifty questions and answers. 
 
 The meetings for worship were at first held in private 
 houses, principally at Deacon Hart's, opposite the site 
 reserved for a place of worship. A plain meeting-house 
 was soon built, which was occupied for more than fifty 
 
86 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 years. The second meeting-house, which was begun in 
 1709, was ready for use in 1714. It was fifty feet square, 
 with a cupola in the peak of the roof for a bell. Before the 
 bell was obtained the people were called together by the beat 
 of the drum. In 1731 it was voted that a bell be purchased, 
 and in 1738 that a town clock be provided. The form of 
 worship was simple, the truth was presented in a homely 
 style, suited to the circumstances of the infant church. At 
 a meeting held in January, 1668-9, it was voted by the 
 church : 
 
 "That with respect to the sacrament, each hrother of the church 
 should send to the deacons a peck of wheat, or the worth of a shilling, in 
 current pay for the defraying of the next sacrament, and also for paying 
 what was due on the last. . . As for the future, every brother of the 
 church should for each sacrament allow sixpence, except such of the 
 brethren whose wives come not to the supper, because not members of 
 the church ; and to them it is permitted to pay in 3 d. or b d. which they 
 please.'' 
 
 Rev. Samuel Hooker was much esteemed both as a 
 preacher and pastor, and his pastoral relation to the church 
 continued until his death, November 6, 1697. During his pas- 
 torate the church and parish were harmonious in action, and 
 members from the remote parts of the town came long dis- 
 tances to meeting without complaint. After Mr. Hooker's 
 death there was a controversy in the town in reference to a 
 minister, which finally called for the interference of the 
 General Court. It was during this controversy, and possibly 
 in consequence of it, that the few inhabitants at Great 
 Swamp, including those residing in the southeastern part of 
 New Britain, petitioned to be set off to form a new society. 
 The General Court directed the applicants for advice " to 
 seek counsel and help from Rev. Abram Pierson," first 
 rector of Yale College, and " Mr. James Noyes, Mr. Taylor, 
 Mr. N. Russell, Mr. Samuel Russell, and Mr. Thomas 
 Ruggles." Mr. Noyes was the minister at Wallingford, 
 Mr. N. Russell at Middletown, Mr. Samuel Russell at Bran- 
 ford, and Mr. Ruggles at Guilford. The result was an 
 application to Mr. Samuel Whitman, of "Nantascot near 
 
FARMINGTON AND KENSINGTON CHURCHES. 87 
 
 Boston," to become the minister. The salary offered " was 
 £90 a year, with the use of the parsonage in Pequabuck 
 Meadows, forty acres of land in fee, and a house, he finding 
 glass and nails." The next year £200 was voted as settle- 
 ment, the salary was increased to .£100, and fire wood. 
 Mr. Whitman was settled in 1706, and continued as pastor 
 until his death, in 1751. 
 
 During Mr. Whitman's pastorate the half-way covenant 
 was adopted ; after much debate and difficulty it was discon- 
 tinued during the ministry of his successor. The second 
 meeting-house was built during Mr. Whitman's ministry. 
 Mr. Whitman built a pew in it at his own expense, which 
 was purchased by the society after his decease. During his 
 ministry, a serious controversy occurred in regard to the 
 singing, which is explained in part by the following votes : 
 
 "April 7, 1724. It was proposed whether they should continue the 
 present way of singing or would admit of regular singing. May 9, 1724, 
 voted, to take a year's time to consider whether regular singing should 
 be tried or not. 
 
 Voted, that if any person or persons shall presume to sing contrary to 
 the lead of the Quoirister appointed by the church to the disturbance of 
 the assembly, and the jarring cf their melody, he or they shall be looked 
 upon and dealt with as oHenders. 
 
 March 1726-7. Voted, that we do declare our full satisfaction with 
 the former way of singing psalms in this society, and do earnestly desire 
 to continue therein." 
 
 But though so positive then in their adherence to the 
 " old ways," thirty years later the tables were turned, and 
 in 1757, the society voted and agreed that they would intro- 
 duce Dr. Watts' version of the psalms, to be sung on the 
 Sabbath, and at other solemn meetings. At the same time 
 Elijah Cowles was requested " to tune the psalm," and for 
 that purpose was assigned a seat in the fifth pew. In 1762, 
 Mr. Fisher Gay was appointed to assist Mr. Cowles " in 
 setting the psalm," and Stephen Dorchester was chosen "to 
 assist the chorister in reading the psalms." 
 
 Rev. Timothy Pitkin was installed pastor of the church 
 in 1752, and dismissed at his own request, June 15, 1785. 
 
88 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 During his ministry the practice of owning the covenant 
 was abandoned, and the method of singing psalms, already- 
 referred to, was changed. Some alterations had been made 
 in seating the meeting-house erected in 1709-14. About 
 fifty years after its erection, the question of extensive repairs 
 was considered. A committee appointed to examine it 
 reported that it was not worth repairing, and the society, at 
 a meeting held February 6, 1769, voted to build a new edifice. 
 Col. Fisher Gay and Capt. Judah Woodruff, in compliance 
 with a vote of the society, went to Boston for the timber, 
 which was procured from Maine, and was very good, as the 
 present condition of the building shows. The meeting-house 
 was completed so as to be used for worship November, 1772, 
 and the outside covering then on it is still sound. 
 
 The interior of the house at first had pews neai'ly square, 
 with a high pulpit and huge canopy or sounding board. In 
 the gallery were three rows of long benches in front, with 
 pews back of them. The building was not warmed except 
 by foot-stoves, until 1824, when wood-stoves were introduced. 
 In the winter of 1825-26, the pews and long seats in the 
 gallery were removed, and slips with doors substituted for 
 them, and in 1836 the pews were removed from the floor, 
 and the old pulpit with its sounding board gave way to a 
 more modern desk. New windows with blinds were also pro- 
 vided at the same time. 
 
 Rev. Allen Olcott was ordained pastor January, 1787, and 
 dismissed August, 1791. After his dismissal. Rev. Edward 
 Dorr Griffin received a call, which was accepted, but owing 
 to divisions in the society, the call was withdrawn, and he 
 was not settled. Soon after, Rev. Joseph Washburn was 
 called, and he was ordained May 7, 1795. He died at sea, 
 while on a voyage to Charleston, S. C, December 25,1805. 
 
 Rev. Noah Porter, D.D., was ordained November 5,1806. 
 A descendant of one of the original proprietors of the town, 
 son of a dehcon of the church,, fitted for college by its pastor, 
 and a resident of the place for his whole life, except while in 
 college, he was thoroughly identified with the history of the 
 
FAEMINGTON AND KENSINGTON CHURCHES. 89 
 
 town and church, and personally acquainted with nearly every 
 family. His long and successful pastorate of nearly sixty 
 years covered an important period of the history of the 
 church and town. For a part of this time, his parish em- 
 braced the entire population, which was almost exclusively 
 Congregational, and the Sunday congregations numbered 
 from six to nine hundred persons. The inception of the 
 temperance movement, of special iriterest in the anti-slavery 
 cause, and in Sunday-school work, occurred during his pas- 
 torate. The American Board of Commissioners for Foreign 
 Missions was organized at his house, and the American 
 Home Missionary Society begun its work while he was in 
 the vigor of manhood. In all these and similar enterprises 
 the church at Farmington was enlisted. During Dr. Porter's 
 ministry there were numerous revivals, and within fifty 
 years after his settlement one thousand one hundred and 
 thirty-eight members were received to the church. 
 
 A Sunday-school society was organized in May, 1818, 
 with Rev. Noah Porter, president, Timothy Pitkin, vice- 
 president, Horace Cowles, secretary, and George Cowles, 
 treasurer. The Sunday-school was managed by this society 
 until 1837, when it was commended to the immediate care of 
 the church, by which its affairs were subsequently admin- 
 istered. 
 
 Rev. Levi Leonard Paine became a colleague pastor 
 October 9, 1861, and after Dr. Porter's death, in 1866, 
 Mr. Paine was sole pastor until his dismission, March 
 
 22, 1870. The church was then without a settled pastor, 
 until the ordination and installation of Rev. James Fisk 
 Merriam, September 13, 1871. He remained less than two 
 years, being dismissed July 1, 1873. Rev. Edward A. Smith 
 was installed May 5, 1874. His pastorate was the longest 
 the church has enjoyed since the close of Dr. Porter's min- 
 istry. Mr. Smith was dismissed at his own request, October 
 
 23, 1888. Rev. Geoi'ge L. Clark was installed pastor the 
 same day. 
 
 7 
 
90 HISTORY OP NEW BEITAI>f, ETC. 
 
 The pastors of the Farmington Church have been : 
 
 Rev. Roger Newton, commenced, 1645, dismissed 1658. 
 
 " Samuel Hooker, installed, July, 1661, died Nov. 6, 1697. 
 
 ■' Samuel Whitman, " 1706, " 1751. 
 
 " Timothy Pitkin, " 1753, dismissed June 15, 1785. 
 
 " Allen Olcott, " Jan. 1787, " Aug., 1791. 
 
 " Joseph Washburn, " Jlay 7, 1795, died Dec. 25, 1805. 
 
 " Noah Porter, D.D., " Nov. 5, 1806, " Sept. 34, 1866. 
 
 " Levi L. Paine, " Oct. 9, 1861, dismissed Mar. 23, 1870. 
 
 '• James F. Merriam, " Sep. 13, 1871, " July 1, 1873. 
 
 " Edward A. Smith, " May 5, 1874, " Oct. 23, 1888. 
 
 '■ George L. Clark, " Oct. 33, 1888. 
 
 Kensington Chtjrch and Society. 
 
 Most of the first settlers of Great Swamp were from 
 Farmington, and nearly all the adults were members of the 
 church in that place, contributing their full share for the 
 preaching of the gospel in Farmington Street. To attend 
 meeting they were accustomed, on Sundays and lecture days, 
 to go with their families from six to eight miles, up East 
 Street, over or around the mountains, on roads which were 
 little more than Indian trails. The journey was made on 
 foot, or on horseback, and in obedience to the laws of the 
 colony, as well as for their own protection against Indians 
 or wild animals, the men were armed. 
 
 This weekly Sabbath-day's journey of twelve or fifteen 
 miles in going and returning, must have been toilsome from 
 the first, but there is no record of complaint, and no 
 expressed wish for a change until after the death of the 
 pastor of the Farmington Church, Rev. Samuel Hooker, in 
 1695. In the long interim between his death and the settle- 
 ment of his successor, when preaching services were some- 
 times intermitted, and attendance was irregular, the paths 
 being blocked by snow or otherwise rendered almost impass- 
 able, the people of East Street, New Britain, and of Christian 
 Lane, began to inquire whether they could not have a minis- 
 ter for themselves, at least a portion of the year. In 1705, 
 petitions were presented to the town of Farmington and to 
 the General Assembly for a new society. 
 
FARMINGTON AND KENSINGTON CHURCHES. 91 
 
 The petition to the General Assembly, after stating that 
 permission had been obtained from Farmington, proceeds : 
 
 "The principal and only moving cause of this our humble petition, is 
 the remoteness from any town, whereby we are under great disadvantage 
 for oui: soul's good by the Ministry of the word, and in that your humble 
 petitioners may be under the bettor advantage to set up and maintain ye 
 worship & ordinances of Jesus Christ, in that desolate corner of the wil- 
 derness, we humbly' request that your honors will please to annex into 
 our bounds, for the only use of said society, all those lands that are be- 
 tween our bounds southward, and Wallingford bounds northward, for the 
 benefit of the Taxes of said lands, for ye support of ye public charge of 
 said society." 
 
 The General Assembly made and confirmed the grant, 
 and the new society was incorporated. 
 
 The church was not organized until some years later, but 
 church members residing in the vicinity resolved to maintain 
 public worship and engaged Rev. William Burnham for their 
 minister. The town of Farmington, Dec. 23, 1707, passed a 
 vote as follows : 
 
 " Voted and agreed that those who inhabit in the limits granted to.be 
 a new society at Great Swamp, that their dues to a minister here be abated, 
 from March last, provided the select men certify who those persons are 
 who have there covenanted to each other, to support the present means 
 they have there." 
 
 The General Assembly then ordered : 
 
 "That all the inhabitants within the bounds and limits of Great 
 Swamp shall pay their ratable proportion for settin_g up and maintaining 
 a minister there." 
 
 A small plain meeting-house was built at Christian Lane 
 on the high ground on the east side of the present highway, 
 a short distance south of the track of the Middletown rail- 
 road. This building stood on land leased by the society of 
 Dr. Joseph Steele. It was covered, the floor laid, and the 
 interior so far completed as to be occupied in the latter part 
 of the year 1712. The General Assembly, in 1711, made the 
 following grant : 
 
 " Granted to the inhabitants of ' Farmington Village,' at and near 
 ' Great Swamp,' by and with the approbation of the neighboring elders and 
 
92 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 churches, to gather a church and call a minister to labor among them ac- 
 cording to the rules of the gospel and the order of discipline cstablishid 
 by the goverment." 
 
 Tliis persevering band having obtained consent of Farm- 
 ington and of the General Assembly, and the approbation 
 of the neighboring elders and churches, now proceed in 
 regular order to the organization of the church and the or- 
 dination of their minister. William Burnham, the first 
 minister, was from the neighboring parish of Wethersfield. 
 He appears to have commenced his regular ministrations at 
 Great Swamp about 1707. In December of that year the 
 town of Farmington voted liim the following grant : 
 
 "Fifty acres of land to be taken up in our sequestered lands, not 
 prejudicing highways, or former grants, and after Mr. Whitman hath 
 made his pitch for what the town hath granted him, this grant is upon 
 conditions that the said Mr. Burnham shall settle a pastor of church in ye 
 society of ye Great Swamp." 
 
 This tract was not set off and described to him until 
 after his ordination, as appears from the following extract 
 from the land records of Farmington : 
 
 "The above grant was laid out to the Rev. Mr. William Burnham, 
 Pastor of ye church at ye Great Swamp upon ye plains beyond ye boga:y 
 meadow southward, and lyeth in length 8 score rods Butting east on ye 
 highway 160 rods, west on common land, north and south on common 
 land 50 rods. Laid out this 10 day of April A. D. 1713. 
 
 Signed, Thos. Hart } p^„ . 
 
 Jo'n Wadsworlh ] ^°^^- 
 A true copy, John Hooker, Register. 
 Farmington 11 April, A. D. 1713." 
 
 After ministering to the parish for some time, Mr. Burn- 
 ham accepted the call to settle as pastor of the church upon 
 the following conditions, wliich appear to have been drawn 
 up by himself, and are dated "5 June, 1709." 
 
 " First, Articles proposed by Wm. Burnham, of Farmington village, 
 as conditions required in order to my continuance in the work of the min- 
 istry in that society ; ibat the land of John North that bath been dis- 
 coursed of, be made over to me, by a firm conveyance speedily, I paying 
 five pounds in current money to John North for the exchange, as also that 
 on the north end of Nehemiah Porter's lot, as also the society take care 
 that the 50 acres of land, that the town of Farmington, as is reported, 
 
FAEMINGTON AND KENSINGTON CHURCHES. 93 
 
 proposed for my encouragement, be in some suitable manner made sure to 
 me and my heirs, &c., upon my settlement. 
 
 Second, That the house begun by s'' society be finished in the manner 
 and to the degree th3.t is ordinary in this country for such sort of houses, 
 be finished by them speedily, that is to say the two ' Loer ' rooms, at or 
 before the last day of March that shall be in the year 1710, the remainder 
 ■within twelve months after, I only finding glass and nails. 
 
 Third, That for the first four years inclusively of the year past, my 
 salary be 50£ per annum in grain, that is to say "Wheat, Indian Corn, or 
 'Ry,' such as is merchanlable, at the prices that the General Court shall 
 annually state them at & from the period of the above-mentioned time 
 65£ at the same prices, till such time as the society shall see cause to raise it. 
 
 Fourthly, That so much labor be done for me by the society as may 
 amount to the value of 5£ per annum for the first four years inclusively 
 of the year past, and that a Comt be from time to time during s"! term ap- 
 pointed to see to the accomplishment of s"* labor for me on that part of 
 the land that I shall esteem most convenient. 
 
 Fifth, That the society from time to time procure me a sutflcient sup- 
 ply of fire wood for my family use brought home and made fit for the 
 fire." 
 
 At a meeting of the society at Great Swamp, held June 
 10, 1709, it was voted unanimously : 
 
 "Agreed freely and heartily to accept of the above written articles 
 offered by the much esteemed Mr. William Burnham unto the above sd 
 society as conditions required in order to his continuance in the work of 
 the ministry, provided the above sd Mr. Burnham at the confirmation of 
 the lands mentioned, do give sufflcient security to sd society." 
 
 It appears that in September of tlie same year, John 
 Hart and Benjamin Judd, a committee chosen by the 
 society for this purpose, entered into an agreement with Mr. 
 Burnham, that if he remained with the society for nine years 
 from November 11, 1707, the house and land mentioned 
 were to remain in his possession, and that of his heirs 
 and assigns forever, without any demand from the society ; 
 but if he did not remain that length of time he was either to 
 relinquish his right and title to them, or pay such sum as 
 arbitrator's should decide was sufficient. 
 
 Although Mr. Burnham had been regularly called by the 
 society, and had accepted the call in 1709, he was not 
 installed until the 10th of December, 1712, when a church 
 was organized, and the pastor ordained on the same day. 
 
94 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 The seven pillars of the church were Rev. William Burn- 
 ham, the pastor, Stephen Lee, Thomas Hart, Anthony Judd, 
 Samuel Seymour, Thomas North, and Caleb .Cowles. These 
 seven, with the wife of Stephen Lee, the wife of Thomas 
 Hart, and the wife of Samuel Seymour, constituted the 
 church, the first within the limits of Berlin or New Britain. 
 To this little company of ten, others were soon added. On 
 March 10, 1713, Anthony Judd was chosen " as probationer 
 for the deacon's office," and arrangements were made for 
 church work aside from the preaching services, as follows : 
 
 "At a meeting of the Church it was agreed that the membefs of 
 the same should hold conference meetings on the first days of every 
 Month in the year, to begin about 2 hours before sunset at the meeting 
 house; the s'' meeting shall begin with prayer by one of -the brethren, 
 who also shall propose a text of scripture, and a question or questions, on 
 the same, in writing, them to be discoursed on, by his next brother, by 
 House row, by word or by writing if s'' Brother shall see cause. And 
 the Pastor of the Church and the s'' brother from whom an answer is 
 expected at any meeting, shall at the same meeting lay down the Text of 
 Scripture, and the question or questions thereon arising to be discoursed 
 on at the next meeting, to his neighbor successively, fill every brother in 
 the church has taken his turn, then he shall begin again who first pro- 
 posed the question, and so on successively. It was also agreed that none 
 should be present at s'' conference, but those in full communion, but by 
 liberty from the Church.'' 
 
 When the church was organized, no pulpit or permanent 
 seats had been provided for the meeting-house. In 1713, 
 Benjamin Judd and Stephen Lee, both residing on East 
 Street, New Britain, were chosen a committee " to provide 
 suitable timber for a pulpit, and seats for the meeting- 
 house." At a society meeting held January 11, 1714, it was 
 voted : 
 
 " To build a pulpit and seats in number and form as followeth, to say, 
 two pues on each side of the pulpit, and three long seats on each side 
 of the brode alley to be left from the pulpit to the east door of said meet- 
 ing house, leaving convenient allies toward ye north and south dores. 
 The said pulpit and pues to be built battin fashen." 
 
 The work was delayed by various causes, and it was not 
 completed until 1716. On Sunday, November 28, 1714, 
 
FARMINGTON AND KENSINGTON CHURCHES. 95 
 
 Anthony Judd was confirmed and ordained to the deacon's 
 office, to which lie was chosen nearly two years before. A 
 few years later, January 27, 1718-19, at the request of 
 Deacon Judd, another deacon was chosen, Thomas Hart, 
 who, after some time of probation, was ordained to the 
 office. Deacon Hart was recorder of the society, and also 
 one of the rate-makers. He collected the earlier records, 
 which were upon loose papers, and transcribed them into 
 a book, for better preservation. At the annual meeting, 
 December 1, 1715, it was voted to give Mr. Burnham £70 in 
 money or grain per annum, provided he would release the 
 society from its former obligation to provide his fire-wood. 
 It appears from the records that the society paid Thomas 
 North ten shillings for sweeping the meeting-house, and 
 Nathaniel Winchell's son ten shillings for beating the drum 
 on the Sabbath for the year. 
 
 A portion of the West society of Wethersfield, now New- 
 ington, was so situated as more conveniently to come to the 
 Great Swamp meeting-house for worship than to any other, 
 and was annexed to this society in 1715, and a few families 
 in the town of Parmington were annexed to the Wethersfield 
 West Society. These changes helped to strengthen the 
 Great Swamp Society, and increase its influence. 
 
 The records of the society for January 7, 1716, read : 
 
 " At the same meeting Insiga Isaac Norton was appointed to take 
 care for the obtaining a fashionable and decent cushing for the desk 
 of our meeting house upon the society charge." 
 
 For some reason he seems to have failed to obtain it, 
 for in December, 1718, Ebenezer Gilbert was appointed " to 
 provide a convenient cushion for our meeting-house desk," 
 and Nathaniel Knot was to provide " a convenient lock and 
 key for ye meeting-house dore," both " at the charge of ye 
 society." 
 
 After the pulpit and seats had been erected, and before 
 all the improvements mentioned had been completed, the 
 society, at a meeting held January 7, 1716-17, finding that 
 " all former methods and acts taken and recorded in order to 
 
96 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 a regular seating our meeting-house " had proved ineffectual, 
 and that there was much disquietness and disorder appear- 
 ing, it was voted to seat the inhabitants of said society as 
 follows : 
 
 "In the first ' pue ' next the pulpit. Benjii Beckley, Lft Steven 
 Lee, Benin Judd, Mr. Ebenezer Gilbird, samuel smith, Isaac Noiton, 
 Tbos Hart. 
 
 2'' pue, John Woodruff, John North, Thos North, Saml seamer, 
 Hez, Hart. 
 
 3'' pue, samuel Bronson cooper, Joseph smith, Thos Curtice, Jonath 
 HurlbuTt, John Slandley, Johnalhan Lee. 
 
 4 pue east side, Isaac Hart, Samuel Thompson, Joseph Steale, Isaac 
 Lee, Gershom HoHiater, Jonathan Seamer, Robert Boothe. 
 
 1" seat, in the square body. Thos Hancox sen, Nehemiah Porter, 
 Nathl "Winchel sen, Saml Bronson, miller, Thomas Moreton, Richard 
 beckley. 
 
 2^ seat, saml peeke, saml Hubbard, daniel andrus, Stephen Cellsey 
 (Kelsey), Jacob Deming, Caleb cowls (Cowles). 
 
 S^ seat, Geo. Hubbard, John Morton, John Cellsie (Kelsey), Thos 
 Gridley, Samuel Galpin, Ebenezer Seamer. 
 
 4"i seat, W. M. Bronson, saml Cowls, John Gridley, John Roots, 
 John Andrus. 
 
 5* seat, daniel beckley, Joseph becly, Joseph Harris, Saml Gridley, 
 Daniel hancox. 
 
 In ye pue at the north end east side, John Rue, saml hart, Wm 
 hancox, John Gilbird, samuel Bronson jun. 
 
 In the fore seat, widow becly, goodde buck & widow duey, Dea. 
 Judd in the Deacon's seat & his wife in ye fore pue." 
 
 This church continued to add to its numbers, and the 
 congregation gradually increased so that it was determined 
 to put galleries in the meeting-house. A contract was made 
 October 18, 1720, with Richard Austin and Moses Bull of 
 Hartford, to build "galleries after the manner of the work 
 in the galleries of the Farmington meeting-house." There 
 were to be four seats in each of tlie side galleries and eight 
 seats in the front galleries. The contract for the work was 
 carefully drawn, apparently by the pastor, Rev. Wm. 
 Burnham. 
 
 When the alterations had been made, and the meeting- 
 house with its pulpit and galleries was completed, the 
 question of seating again arose, and threatened to cause 
 
PAEMINGTON AND KENSINGTON CHURCHES. 97 
 
 some disturbance. At a society meeting held May 23, 1721, 
 the following vote was passed : 
 
 " Voted and agreed that the meeting house should be seated on these 
 rules ; viz. age, list, and whatever makes a man honorable." 
 
 Two months later, at another meeting of the society, it 
 was, 
 
 " Voted and agreed that the fore seats in the square body shall for the 
 time to come be equal in dignity with those seats called the fore pues, and 
 that the pews next to the east door shall be equal in dignity with those 
 called the middle or second pews." 
 
 As the number of people in the parish increased, some of 
 the youth became irreverent, and the society, at its annual 
 meeting, in 1724 : 
 
 "Voted and agreed that Thos Hart and Saml Bronson Jr. be ap- 
 pointed to oversee the boys on ye Sabbaths in time of exercise to restrain 
 them from irreverent behaviors therein for the year ensuing." 
 
 This church now included in its membership most of the 
 families in the settlement at Christian Lane, Beckley Quar- 
 ter, and at Kensington and Blue Hills, and also those living 
 in the southeastern and eastern part of the present town of 
 New Britain. The people in the northeastern part of New 
 Britain attended meeting witli the WethersfielJ "West Society, 
 and most of the families in the central and western portions, 
 still went to Farmington. 
 
 The growth of the church and congregation under the 
 ministrations of Mr. Burnham had been such that the 
 meeting-house erected at Christian Lane, with all its im- 
 provements, was found to be too small for the needs of the 
 parish, and its location was not acceptable to many of the 
 parishioners. As tlie question of a new meeting-house began 
 to be discussed, it was found that there was so great diversity 
 of opinion in regard to its location, that a society meeting 
 held December 2, 1728, 
 
 " Voted to call in the assistance of some wise, able and indifferent 
 persons, to hear, consider, and determine the differences there are relating 
 to a meeting house for them." 
 
98 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 January 26, 1729-30, a vote was passed "to build a new 
 meeting-house in some convenient place on Sargt. John 
 Norton's lot on the north side of the Mill River." 
 
 At other meetings, other votes were passed, determining 
 the size of the house, changing the location of the site, and 
 affecting the building in other ways, but there was want of 
 harmony, and no progress was made. 
 
 The vote, forty-two in favor of building and a change of 
 location, and thirty-six against it, indicates a nearly equal 
 division of the society in sentiment. This action seems to 
 have been the beginning of difficulties which continued for 
 many years, and finally resulted in the organization of a new 
 society. The desire to obtain as many votes as possible 
 caused a petition to be presented to the General Assembly, 
 1729, praying that body to decide whether the persons resid- 
 ing in the limits of Middletown, who had been released from 
 paying rates in that parish, and directed to pay them in 
 Great Swamp, could also vote in this society. The General 
 Assembly resolved the question in the affirmative. The site 
 which had been selected by a vote of a majority of six, in 
 the society meeting, was situated about a quarter of a mile 
 southwest of the present Berlin railway station, and nearly a 
 mile from the location of the first meeting-liouse. The 
 objection to the new site was so strong on the part of a 
 portion of the society, that various efforts were made to have 
 it changed. After several meetings and conferences had 
 been held, and the vote in regard to a site had been reversed, 
 it was voted to decide the question by lot. The pastor, Rev. 
 Mr. Burnham, was present at the drawing of the lot, but the 
 result, which would have located the house at quite a distance 
 east of the site first selected, was still unsatisfactory. A 
 commission, consisting of Reverends Nathaniel Chauncey of 
 Durham, Samuel Hull of Cheshire, Jonathan Marsh of 
 Windsor, and Samuel Whittlesey of Wallingford, was called 
 in to consider whether the lot was binding. This commis- 
 sion decided that it was, and recommended that for peace 
 sake the meeting-house " be built where the lot fell." 
 
FARMINGTON AND KENSINGTON CHURCHES. 99 
 
 The advice was not followed, and the society, at a meeting 
 held October 19, 1731 : 
 
 "Voted & agreed to prefer a Memorial to the General Assembly, now 
 convened at New Haven, praying them to order, appoint & affix the place, 
 whereon our Meeting House shall he erected." 
 
 The Assembly complied with the request, and voted : 
 
 " To appoint Capt John Rigs, Capt. Isaac Dickerman & Mr. Ebenezer 
 West to repair to said parish, view the circumstances & fix the place for 
 building a Meeting-House." 
 
 The committee visited Kensington, examined the sites 
 proposed, heard the statements of the different parties, and 
 made their report recommending a site where they placed a 
 stake. The General Assembly accepted the report, and 
 passed the following order : 
 
 " This Assembly do order and appoint that the meeting-house in said 
 society (Kensington) shall be erected in Deacon Thomas Hart's home lot, 
 on the north side of the highway but adjoining thereto, to stand about one 
 rod south of an apple tree which is partly dead, at which place the said 
 West &c. have pitched a stake. And the inhabitants of said society are 
 hereby directed and ordered, with all convenient speed, to proceed to 
 raise and finish the said house at the above described place." * 
 
 Noth withstanding this direct order of the General Assem- 
 bly, the society, at a meeting held soon after the adjournment 
 of the Assembly, voted not to appoint a committee or pro- 
 ceed to build. In consequence of this action, which seemed 
 to have been considered disorderly, the General Assembly, at 
 its October session of the same year, after rehearsing its 
 former action, passed the following act : 
 
 " Whereas it has been certified to this court by Mr. Tomas Hart, 
 clerk of said society that at a meeting of the Inhabitants of said society on 
 the 14th day of June last past, it was Resolved by their vote that they 
 would not appoint suitable & meet persons to be a Committee to set up, 
 build & finish, a house proper & suitable for said Society to attend God's 
 publick worship in on the place the General Assembly hath lately 
 appointed for the same. 
 
 Be it therefore Enacted by the Governour, Council, and Represent- 
 atives, in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, 
 
 * Colonial Records of Connecticut. Vol. vii, p. 398. 
 
100 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 That the Treasurer of this OoloDy shall, in his warrant for gathering the 
 next country rate direct and command the constable of the town of 
 Farmington to Collect with the same of the inhabitants of the society 
 of Kensington, nine pence upon the pound of the polls and ratable estate 
 of said society. And the said constable is hereby ordered, directed 
 and impowcred, to assess and gather the same of said inhabitants of said 
 society, and the same, being so gathered, sliall deliver to the Treasurer, 
 who is hereby ordered and directed to pay out the same to Capt John 
 Marsh, Captain Thomas Seymour and Mr. James Church all of Hartford, 
 who are hereby appointed and empowered to be a committee or any two 
 of them, to erect and finish a meeting-house at the place aforesaid. And 
 said committee are hereby also ordered and directed, to make all con- 
 venient speed in the business aforesaid, and give an account to the As cm- 
 bly of their disbursements of the money, and how far they have pro- 
 ceeded therewith in the business aforesaid, that this A.ssembly may order 
 what money may be further nece.«sary for the finishing .said houfe to 
 be gathered of the inhabitants of said society and to be by said comj ittee 
 improved for that end."* 
 
 The meetiiifj^-house was erected by the above committee 
 according to the order of the General Court, on land 
 belonging to Thomas Hart, a short distance southeast of 
 Berlin railway station. The dimensions of the building were 
 sixty feet by forty-five, and it was described as " containing 
 in tlie whole about 1,500 persons." The society, at a meet- 
 ing held October 25, 1733, fixed a rate of twelve pence on 
 the pound, for the purpose of building a new meeting-house, 
 and in December, 1731, appointed Deacon Anthony Judd, 
 William Burnham, and Isaac Morton to settle the account 
 with the building committee. 
 
 In 1786 Deacon Judd and Captain Thomas Curtiss were 
 chosen : 
 
 "A committee to agree with Thos Hart about the price of the land on 
 which our new meeting-house stands and to agree about the fence around 
 the meeting-house." 
 
 In 1736 a grant oi £1 7s. 6d. was made to Joseph 
 Steele for sweeping the old meeting-house for the year past. 
 At the annual meeting of the society the next year, 1737, it 
 was voted : 
 
 * Colonial Records, vol. vii., p. 407. 
 
FARMINGTON AND KENSINGTON CHUKCHES. 101 
 
 " That the committee of the society provide a suitable drum and pro- 
 cure some meet person to bent it on Sabbath days, and also provide 
 an hour glass with a suitable frame for it, and put them up on the pulpit, 
 in ye meeting-house." 
 
 By the accounts rendered at the next annual meeting it 
 seems that the drum, hour-glass, and frame were duly pro- 
 cured. Nathaniel Winchell was paid 30s. for beating the 
 drum, and Thomas Hart £i for sweeping the meeting-house 
 the past year. A bier to carry the dead was also provided 
 at a cost of 10s. Arrangements were also made for the 
 care of the burying-ground and seating the meeting-house, 
 as follows : • 
 
 "Voted & agreed that Elisha Goodrich may talte within his own 
 enclosure the burying yard of this sociely, for five years, provided the 
 said Elisha Goodrich clear & keep the said yard from brush, & keep 
 swine from rooliug the same." 
 
 "Voted that Dea. Anthony Judd and Dea. Thomas Hart, bea com', 
 to seat as speedily as may be, the Inhabitants of this society in Ihe Meet- 
 ing house at their discretion." 
 
 Rev. Mr. Burnham's salary, which in 1715 was .£70, was 
 in 1730 increased to .£100, in bills of public credit, or in 
 grain at the market price ; and in 1735 to £140, " to be paid 
 in money, or in wheat at 10s., rye at 6s., and Indian corn at 
 5s." At the annual meeting in 1740 a rote was passed 
 granting to him a salary of £160, " to be paid in money 
 or grain at the market price for his good service in the 
 ministry the year past." 
 
 With a meeting-house completed, which, for the times, 
 may have been considered large and convenient, and pro- 
 vided with the accessories that were then deeiiied necessary 
 and important ; with the congregation orderly seated ; with 
 a faithful pastor, under whose ministrations the church 
 had largely increased in numbers, and with the friendship of 
 surrounding parishes and ministers, it would, perhaps, seem 
 that this church had entered upon an era of peace and 
 prosperity. But the promise of union and harmony indi- 
 cated by outward circumstances was not realized. The 
 people in the northern and extreme western part of the 
 
102 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 parish had at no time been satisfied with the location of 
 the meeting-house. Thougli they had acquiesced in tlie pro- 
 ceedings and rendered obedience to the orders of the General 
 Assembly, and the action of the majority of the society, 
 paying their rates with the others, it was with a feeling that 
 they were submitting to hardships which would sometime be 
 removed. Tlie new meeting-house was nearly a mile further 
 from East Street than the first one in Christian Lane, and 
 inconveniently located for the people in the northern part of 
 the parish. Accordingly, in 1739, the following petition was 
 presented to tlie General Assembly asking for relief : 
 
 " To tlie Hon. General Assembly of his Majesty's English Colony of 
 Connteticut in New Eng. to be convened at Hartford 10 May 1739, which 
 is to show that we the subscribers hereunto, Inhabitants of the North part 
 of Kensington parish in Farmington, are under great diflBculty to attend 
 the public worship of God by reason of the length and badness of travel 
 especially at some seasons of the year — — AVhereupon your memoralists 
 humbly pray that this Hon. Assembly would consider our difficulty and 
 afford us some relief, by granting us the liberty of four months to meet at 
 some convenient place for the ease of our travel to attend the public 
 worship of God — for the time above specified, we humbly pray that we 
 may be released from paying one third part of the year to our present 
 minister, provided we procure some suitable person to preach to us the 
 time above specified, or to find some other way as this Hon. Assembly in 
 their great wisdom shall think best for our ease and comfort to attend the 
 public worship, ifc we as our duty is shall ever pray. 
 
 Dated at Kensington 9 May, 1739. 
 
 Stephen Lee, Benjn Judd, Uriah Judd, James Judd, Zeb. Curtice, 
 Thomas Curtice, Isaac Lee Jun, Joshua Mather, Benjn Judd Jun., John 
 Judd, Phineas Judd, Anthony Judd, Daniel Dewy, Saml Hollister, 
 Elijah Bronson, Joseph Woodruff, Jonathan Lewis, Ebenezer North, 
 John Kelsey, Joseph Smith, Joseph Smith Jun. Azariah Smith, Jedediah 
 Smith, Josiah Lee, Simmons Woodruff, Isaac Lee." 
 
 The above signers are supposed to have lived east and 
 south of the center of New Britain, on East Street and 
 Stanley Street, but within the present limits of the town. 
 The prayer of the petitioners was not granted by the Gen- 
 eral Assembly ; but portions of the parish were not satis- 
 fied. Dissensions arose, and in May, 1742, a petition from 
 twenty-four of the principal men in the southern and 
 
FARMINGTON AND KENSINGTON CHUBCHES. 103 
 
 central portions of the parish was presented to the General 
 Assembly. The petitioners, after reciting the difficulties 
 which existed, and giving some account of what had been 
 done, say : 
 
 " Ynur Honor's memorialists are obliged in this manner to address 
 this Assembly, humbly praying your Honors once more to take the broken 
 & divided circumstances of poor Kensington into your wise consideration, & 
 if consistent with your wisdom appoint & authorize a judicious committee 
 (at the societies charge) to come and view our whole circumstances as to 
 the atlairs above mentioned, and make return of what they think best 
 to be done for the best good of each quarter of said parish, or some other 
 way prevent the confusion, we are in danger otherwise of falling into." 
 
 This petition seems to hare been caused by tlie division 
 of sentiment in tlie parish, the difficulty of maintaining the 
 ordinances of the gospel, and the feeling that the want of 
 union was disastrous to the prosperity of the society. But 
 as this petition did not secure the relief desired, further 
 action was taken in December : 
 
 Kensington, degbmbeb y^ - 1743. 
 " This may Certify whome it may Concern that we y" subscribers 
 Inhabitants of y" parish of Kensington considering the uneasiness tliat 
 appears in many of our neighbors about dividing this parish into several 
 pasishes notwithstanding the discouiagements their attempts therefor 
 have met with. We do hereby propose to our sd neighbors, for a final 
 issue of our debates on that affair, viz : that a committee be appointed by 
 y" whole parish if it may be to pray y° general assembly at their session 
 in May next to appoint us once more a Com'' of able and disinterested 
 persons to come into the parrish view y whole circumstances thereof 
 relating to the premises, here y* pleas and challenges of all parties 
 concerning the same and make report to y" same session, what they judge 
 will be the best good for the whole — all ways provided that our said 
 neighbors do now in some suitable manner & become bound with us to be 
 firmly concluded about y" premises by y° doings of sd. Court on or about 
 y same- otherwise we the subscribers do hereby agree that it is our duty 
 to meet & attend upon the publick worship of god at y<' House already 
 erected for that purpose, and Indavour that it may be supported there — 
 and in order thereto, with the consent of y= Rev''' M' William Burnham 
 our present pasture & y' advice of y" Rev'd Elders of y association to 
 which we belong first had & obtained we do agree that y" much estemed 
 M' David Judson may be settled in y" work of y" ministry among us if he 
 may be procured. 
 
 In Witness Whereof we here set our hands." 
 
104 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 There were thirty-five signers to tliis petition, nearly 
 all from the central and southern parts of the parisii. 
 
 In the meantime, the minister, Rev. William Burnham, 
 who had long had great bodily infirmity, on May 18, 1743, 
 signified to tlie society committee his inability longer to 
 discharge the pastoral office ; upon which, at a meeting of 
 tlie society held on the 26th of the same month, it was 
 agreed and voted, " If necessary, to call some person on 
 probation in order to settle among us in the ministry." 
 Other propositions were made with reference to applying to 
 the Association for more special advice, but the disagi-eemcnt 
 was so great, that the meeting broke up without deciding 
 the question or making provision for the future. Several 
 members of the society believing that the society committee 
 did not intend to call another meeting, petitioned the General 
 Assembly to empower some one else to warn a society meet- 
 ing and " To appoint some suitable person to lead and be 
 the moderator of such meeting." This petition also set 
 forth the great disorder in the parish, declaring : 
 
 " That so unbappy are our circumstances as not only to be actually 
 ■ destitute of the Gospel ministry among us ... . but unable to obtain a man 
 upon probation Tor the ministry, or so much as by any public vote or act 
 of the society to manifest our desire to have or call one." 
 
 The General Assembly complied with this request by 
 passing the following resolution : 
 
 " Resolved by this Assembly that Dea. Thos. Hart, Samuel Thompson 
 and Nathaniel Hart, of said Kensington shall warn all the inhabitants of 
 said society that have a right to vote in parish meeting, to meet on the 6th 
 day of June next, at tea o'clock in the forenoon of said day, at the meet- 
 inghouse in said parish, theu and there to transact in such affairs as may 
 relate to said society, and this Assembly do appoint and full}' empower 
 Mr. Joseph Buckingham of Hartford, to conduct and lead said meeting as 
 their moderator, and the said moderator is hereby directed to lead said 
 meeting in all such matters and things as he shall think proper, that 
 so peace and order (if possible) may be restored to said society and those 
 people conducted in a proper method to the gaining a suitable person 
 to settle with or supply the place of their aged and infirm minister 
 who h vth acquainted that parish that he is not able to serve them longer, 
 to be done at the cost of the parish."* 
 
 * Colonial records. 
 
PARMINGTON AND KENSINGTON CHURCHES. 105 
 
 Before Mr. Biirnhain signified to the society's committee 
 his inability to perform the parish work devolving upon him, 
 Mr. David Judson of Stratford had been employed to render 
 assistance in the ministry and had been paid for his services 
 by the society. On September 13, 1744, the society passed 
 the following vote : 
 
 " Voted to call in some suitable person to preach the gospel amongst 
 us, provided Rev. Mr. Wm. Burnhani will oblige himself to relinquish his 
 salary at or before y settlement of said person." 
 
 The 120 votes given upon this question indicate consider- 
 able interest, but the 43 votes in the negative, more than 
 one-third, show that there was by no means unanimity in 
 sentiment in regard to the matter. 
 
 "At the same meeting, it was voted to call the much esteemed Mr. 
 Edward Dorr on probation, provided the Rev. Elders of the South Asso- 
 ciation* advise thereto." 
 
 Mr. Dorr soon after commenced liis labors in Kensington, 
 and at a parish meeting held Nov. 22, of the same year, 
 it was voted, 91 to 56, to call and settle him. At a subse- 
 quent meeting the following votes were passed : 
 
 "Voted, it Mr. Edward Dorr be ordained to the work of the ministry 
 in this society, he shall have a salary of £50 lawful money for six years, 
 after that, £60 lawful money or grain equivalent thereto. 
 
 Voted, to desire and entreat the Rev. Mr. Samuel Whitman of Parm- 
 ington, the Rev. Mr. Wm. Russel and Mr. Edward Eells of Middletown, 
 the Rev. Mr. Ashbel Woodbridge of Glasenbury, and the Rev. Mr. James 
 Lock wood of Wethersfield, as soon as may be to come into this society 
 and hear and consider the circumstances and pleas of the inhabitants 
 in relation to the settlement of a minister, and to advise in the two follow- 
 ing particulars : first, whether it be for the honor of God and the interest 
 of religion for us in our particular circumstances to endeavor to settle 
 a minister among us over the whole parish ; and second, whether it be our 
 duty to proceed in- our endeavors to have Mr. Edward Dorr settled in the 
 gospel ministry among us." 
 
 These persons met in council at Kensington, Jan. 2, 1744, 
 and as a result of their deliberations, after hearing the state- 
 
 *Hartford South Association, organized in 1709, included the ministers 
 of Colchester, Glastenbury, Haddam, Middletown, Waterbury, Wethersfield, and 
 Windham. 
 
]06 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 ments of the committee and others, submitted the following 
 decision : 
 
 "Having heard your pleas, and considered your circumstances, with 
 respect to the first question, we are of opinion you are one entire 
 body under the obligations of maintaining the public worship of God 
 among you so long as he in his Providence continues you so, it is for the 
 honor of God and interest of religion among you that there be a pastor 
 over the, whole parish. With respect to the second question, considering 
 your divided circumstances, we advise that Mr. Edward Dorr be con- 
 tinued to preach among you till June next, by which time it may be God 
 in his Providence may more open and clear the way of his and your duly 
 with re.spect to his settlement among you, and that then application 
 be made to the Association for their advice in your further proceeding." 
 
 This document was signed by all the members of the 
 council. A committee was appointed to obtain the advice of 
 the South Association, and this was rendered tiie following 
 June, as follows : 
 
 "The society at Kensington applying to us for advice in respect 
 to Mr. Dorr, we advise them, to proceed to his settlement, with the care, 
 deliberation, and caution needful in so weighty an afEair, it not appearing 
 to us, there is any sufBcient objection against their proceeding to his 
 settlement, in case on a proper examination, he appears suitably qualified 
 for the work of the ministry." 
 
 A few months after receiving this communication from 
 the Hartford South Association, the society proposed terms 
 of settlement to Mr. Dorr, wliich were satisfactory to him, 
 but he was not settled over this church. Mr. Burnham's 
 health improved and he discliarged the duties of a pastor 
 a few years longer. His salary was increased' to £190 
 in 1746, to £200 in 1747, to £350 in 1748, and in 1749 
 fixed at £300. He died Sept. 23, 1750. 
 
 The last years of Mr. Burnham's pastorate were far from 
 being peaceful in the parish. The following extract from 
 the Colonial records. May session, 1747, indicates the wide- 
 spread dissatisfaction : 
 
 " Upon the memorial of the parish of Kensington, and on the part of 
 James Paterson and others in the west part of the parish of Newington, 
 and on the memorial of Thomas Stanley and others living on the south- 
 east part of Farmingtown old society, and on the memorial of Stephen 
 
FARMINGTON AND KENSINGTON CHUKCHES. 107 
 
 Lee and others living partly in Farmingtown old Society and partly in 
 Kensington Society praying to this Assembly for relief in respect of their 
 parish affairs in manner and form as set forth in said memorials : Re- 
 solved by this Assembly, that William Pitkin Esqr. Colo. Benjamin Hall 
 and Major Elihu Chauncey, be a committee to repair to said parishes and 
 places of said memorialists' residence, and to' notify all parties concerned, 
 to hear them thereon and view their circumstances, and to report their 
 opinion thereon to this Assembly, if it may be, or to the next Assembly." 
 
 No practical results were secured by the action of this 
 committee. Soon after the death of Rev. Mr. Burnham, in 
 1750, another committee of three was appointed by the Gen- 
 eral Assembly with similar instructions and results. For 
 several years the church had no pastor, but preaching from 
 "probationers" and others was somewhat regular. Rev. 
 Ezra Stiles, afterwards president of Yale College, was in 1751 
 requested to preach " as a candidate upon probation in order 
 to settel in ye work of the gospel ministry in this society." 
 Mr. Stiles came from his home in North Haven and preached 
 several times, but did not accept the call. Rev. Aaron 
 Brown,* Rev. Samuel Sherwood, f and Rev. Elizur Goodrich,^ 
 and perhaps some others, preached for a few Sundays, and to 
 some of these ministers a formal invitation to settlement was 
 given. 
 
 The want of harmony, and the increasing desire of some 
 parts of the society for a division, caused the place to present 
 no very hopeful field for ministerial work. The appeal to 
 the General Assembly had been unsuccessful, that body not 
 deeming it wise to order a division of the parish at this time. 
 The prudential committee were authorized to provide a min- 
 ister or ministers for a limited time, but whenever any ques- 
 tion relating to permanent arrangements arose, the vote 
 
 *Rev. Aaron Brown was licensed by Hartford North Association June 5, 
 1750, was settled in Granby in October of the same year, was dismissed In 1751, 
 preached in Kensington and other places, and was settled in East Putnam in 
 1754. 
 
 t Rev. Samuel Sherwood, after preaching a lew times in Kensington, re- 
 ceived a call to the church in Weston, where he was settled in 1757. 
 
 JRev. Elizur Goodrich, D.D., was ui-ged to come to Kensington, but he ac- 
 cepted the, call to Durham, where he was settled in 1756. 
 
108 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 usually indicated only a small majority in favor of such ar- 
 rangements. 
 
 In the meeting held Dec. 11, 1751, the vote to obtain 
 advice in regard to calling some suitable candidate upon pro- 
 bation was carried by only 82 to 63. At a meeting held five 
 months after this, or on May 19, 1752, when it was proposed 
 to send a committee to the General Assembly to remonstrate 
 against the memorials, asking for a division of the society, 
 the proposition was adopted by a vote of 81 to 64, and the 
 question whether the society would continue as one parish 
 and settle a minister over the whole was decided in the 
 affirmative by nearly the same vote, or 81 to 66. The ques- 
 tion of the division of the society was brought to the atten- 
 tion of the General Assembly every year by petition or 
 memorials, which were usually opposed by a committee of 
 the society, or by members residing near the meeting-house. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 KENSINGTON SOCIETY DIVIDED. 
 
 THE numerous society meetings held in the Kensington 
 parish, to consider the question of repairing tlie meet- 
 ing-house, or building new, or settling a pastor, had shown a 
 strong and increasing minority in the north part of the parish, 
 who were dissatisfied with the condition of things then ex- 
 isting. This minority endeavored to obtain permission to 
 have preaching witliin tlie present limits of New Britain for 
 a part of the year, and desired to be relieved of a portion of 
 the rates paid in Kensington. Their request in 1739 for this 
 permission was denied, as already shown, but the feeling of 
 uneasiness was not allayed, and the difficulties in the south- 
 ern part of the parish did not seem to lessen the dissatisfac- 
 tion in the northern part. It is possible that the death of 
 Rev. Mr. Burnham, the pastor, in 1750, led to greater 
 urgency of what were believed to be rightful claims. The 
 question of the division of the society began to be forcibly 
 presented to the attention of the General Assembly by peti- 
 tions or otherwise. At the October session, 1753, the Gen- 
 eral Assembly appointed Jonathan Trumbull, Jonathan 
 Huntington, and Shubel Conant a committee for the following 
 work : 
 
 " To go into said parish of Kensington & call a Society Meeting, or 
 meetings of the Inhabitants of said society, and to lead & Moderate in 
 said meeting or meetings, & also to use all proper measures to know the 
 minds, names and number of said Inhabitants that are of the miud to 
 divide said Society into several Societies, and also the forms & lines that 
 those who were for dividing said Society would have drawn to divide said 
 Society, .... also to hear the pleas of all parties, and upon the whole to 
 judge & determine whether or no, it would be for the best good & wel- 
 fare & peace of said parish to continue in one entire society or otherwise, 
 whether it would be so to divide said parish into several societies & if 
 
110 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 upon the whole the committee should judge that it might conduce most 
 for the peace & welfare & interest of said Society, then to divide said 
 society into so many societies and draw such lines as they should judge 
 might conduce most to the peace, good & welfare of said society." 
 
 This committee, in pursuance of the foregoing order, 
 went to Kensington, warned a society meeting which was at- 
 tended and moderated by the committee of the General As- 
 sembly, and was adjourned from time to time as found nec- 
 essary. The committee also notified the surrounding parishes 
 of the contemplated action, and invited them to be present 
 by committee at an adjourned society meeting in Kensington. 
 After patiently hearing all parties and carefully examining 
 the territory, the committee made its report recommending 
 that the Kensington Society be divided into three parts, each 
 part to constitute a separate society. When the report was 
 acted upon by the General Assembly it was not adopted, 
 there being a strong opposition to tlie setting off of a new 
 society in the south part of tlie parish, but the petitioners of 
 the northern part still pressed their claims. These were 
 heard by the Assembly, which passed the following act at the 
 May session, 1754, limiting the Society of Kensington and 
 constituting the new Society of New Britain. 
 
 "A General Assembly holden in Hartford in the Colony of Connec- 
 ticut, on ye S""" Thursday of May, A. D. 1754. 
 
 An Act limiting the bounds of the parish of Kensington and for 
 establishing one other Ecclesiastical society in Farmington, in the County 
 of Hartford. 
 
 Be it enacted by the Oomrnor & Council & Representatives in General 
 Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, 
 
 That the bounds of the parish of Kensington for the future shall 
 extend no further north than to the east and west line drawn across the 
 Bridge called the " Beach Swamp" Bridge from Weathersfleld Town line 
 to Southington Parish line, Easterly by the Antient line of said Kensing- 
 ton, including those two pieces of land taken ofE from "Weathersfleld and 
 Middletowu ; and from the southwest corner of the said Middletown part 
 of Kensington, to run "Westerly until it comes to the middle of the 
 highway where they cross each other, between the houses of Elisba Cole 
 & Stephen Cole, from thence westerly until it comes to the southwest 
 corner of John Cole's house lott, from thence due "West to said Southing- 
 ton society line, thence Northerly as that line runs, to the line first 
 
KENSINGTON SOCIETY DIVIDED. Ill 
 
 Mentioned, & that the Parish Taxes arising or that shall be Levied on the 
 Improved Land in said Kensington shall be paid to said Society only. 
 
 And it is further enacted by the Authority aforesaid, that said Parish 
 of Kensington shall have full power & authority is hereby Granted to said 
 Parish att their Legall Meetings to Tax all such Inhabitants as Live South 
 of said Society and within the Antient Bounds of said Kensington, Equily 
 with themselves for Defraying the Charge of Preaching only & that their 
 Colectors have full power to colect the same until tliis Assembly shall 
 Order otherwise. 
 
 And it is further Enacted by the Authority Afore said, that the 
 Society of Kensington exclusive of those Inhabitants that Live in Weath- 
 ersfield part, shall pay ye Society of Newington the Some of twenty 
 pounds Lawful! Money on the first day of May A. D. 1755 ; & twenty 
 pounds more on ye first Day of May, A. D. 1756, & twenty pounds 
 more on ye first day of May A. D. 1757 : Each payment to be made with 
 the Lawfull Interest Arising from such Sum from the first day of June 
 next, & said Society of Kensington Exclusive of said Weathersfield part, 
 shall have full power att their Legall Meetings to Tax themselves for ye 
 payment of sixty pounds & the interest thereof : And that the Society 
 committee Make a rate Accordingly : & that the colector chosen in said 
 society shall have full power to colect the same as other Society rates 
 by their colectors & pay the same to the Society committee for the Use 
 Aforesaid : And that the Inhabitants living south of said Parish of 
 Keasington shall have free liberty to attend the Publicli worship with the 
 said society of Kensington till this Assembly shall order otherwise. 
 
 And it is further enacted by the Authority Aforesaid : that there be 
 another Ecclesiastical Society Erected & Made & is hereby Erected & 
 Made within ye bounds of Farraington, Bounded and Described as foloeth, 
 viz : South on the North Bound of Kensington Parish and Easterly on the 
 Town Line as far north as the North side of Daniel Hart's Lott where a 
 Drinking trough now standeth & from thence to run w^est on the north side 
 of said Hart's lott to the west end of that Tier of Lotts, from thence to 
 run southerly to the old fulling mill so called on Pond river, & from thence 
 southerly to the east side of a lot of land belonging to the heirs of 
 Timothy Hart late deceased near " Bares Hollow " from thence due south 
 until it meets with the north line of Southington Parish, thence by said 
 Southington line, as that runs, until it comes to Kensington north line, 
 excluding Thomas Stanley, Daniel Hart & John Clark* & their farms on 
 which they now dwell, lying within the bounds above described, & the 
 same is created & made one distinct Ecclesiastical society & shall be 
 known by the name of 'New Britain,' with all the powers and priviledges 
 that other ecclesiastical societies by law have in this colony, & that all 
 the improved lands in said society, shall be rated in said society excepting 
 as before excepted." 
 
 * These three persons lived in the north part of Stanley Quarter. The farms 
 were included ia New Britain, in 1765. 
 
112 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Though this act of incorporation did not dismiss anj 
 members of the Kensington Church, it virtually removed 
 about fifty, for on the organization of the First Church in 
 New Britain, in 1758, fifty of the persons constituting that 
 church were from the church in Kensington. The old church 
 and society continued to worship in the meeting-house which 
 had been " set up in Thomas Hart's home lot." When the 
 New Britain Church was organized, 174 members were left 
 in the Kensington Church. Nearly six years after the death 
 of the first pastor, Rev. William Burnham, and a year after 
 the New Britain Society was established, at a meeting of the 
 inhabitants of the parish of Kensington, held September 26, 
 1755, it was voted nearly unanimously " to proceed by regu- 
 lar and suitable means to endeavor to obtain Mr. Samuel 
 Clark to be our gospel minister." The records of the society 
 show that : 
 
 " Att tlie same meeting the society made choice of Mr. Samuel Galpin 
 Jr. to go to Mr. Samuel Clark att Elizabeth town to show him thevoat of 
 the society and endeavour By all regular and suitable means to obtain the 
 much esteem'* Mr. Samuel Clark to preach with us in the Gospel ministry 
 in endeavour furthur proceedings settling of him amongst us." 
 
 After Mr. Galpin's return, another society meeting was 
 held, and a formal invitation with definite proposals for 
 salary and settlement were sent to Mr. Clark, to which he 
 returned the following reply : 
 
 " This may shew all whom it may concern that 1 having taken under 
 consideration the state of the church and congregation of Kensington, 
 with the society for my settling amongst them in the gospel ministry, and 
 the proposals of said society for settlement, salery, &c., though with a 
 Deep Sense of my bare unworthiness of so holy and important a place, I 
 think I cant consistent with duty as yet Refuse and therefore Doo 
 humbly declare my acceptance of said call on their conditions of the 11"' 
 of March A. D. 1756. Samuel Clark. 
 Kensington May 27 A. D. 1756." 
 
 Arrangements were soon after made for the formal 
 installation of Mr. Clark, an account of which from the 
 church records is as follows : 
 
KENSINGTON SOCIETY DIVIDED. 113 
 
 "Kensington, July 14", 1756. 
 I was this day set appart to the Sacred office of the Gospel ministry 
 by the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery, and the Kev"* ministers 
 officiating were 
 
 Ashbel Woodbridge of Glassenbury, 
 Daniel Russell of Stepney, 
 Glindel Rossen of Iladlyme, 
 Edward Bells of Middletown (upper houses), 
 Moses Bartlett of East Middletown, 
 Samuel Newell of New Cambridge, 
 Joshua Belden of Newington, 
 James Lockwood of Wethersfield, 
 Elijah Lothrop of Gilead, 
 Timothy Pitkin of Farmington, 
 And I took the solemn Charge of the Church of Christ my blessed 
 Lord and Master in this place. 
 
 Samuel Clark." 
 
 In 1762 and 1764, votes were passed by the society " to 
 do something at repairing the meeting-house," to shingle the 
 fore side of the " ruff," and " to repair windows and make 
 comfortable for the present ; " and in 1765, it was voted, 
 forty-five to thirty-two, to build a new meeting-house, but 
 at the same time it was decided to make the meeting-house 
 " comfortable for another season." 
 
 The society appears to have been divided in sentiment 
 in regard to building a new house, or repairing the old one, 
 and, at times, the dissension was great, and the efforts 
 to secure unanimity were unavailing. A part of the mem- 
 bers were in favor of general repairs, while others were 
 in favor of building anew on another site, and others still, 
 believing that a division of the society was inevitable, were 
 opposed to either building or repairing until the question was 
 finally decided. On Jan. 11, 1770, the following vote was 
 passed : 
 
 "Voted, that Messrs. Roger Norton, Matthew Cole, Elisha Savage, 
 Amos Peck, Oliver Hart, Matthew Heart, Capt. Isaac Hurlburt, Elias 
 Beckley, Ezekiall Kelsey, Capt. David Sage, Thomas Goodwin, and 
 Amos Porter be a committee in the behalf of the society and at the cost 
 of the same to prohibit and oppose any person or persons that may or 
 shall, contrary to the minds and intent of this society, pull down, destroy, 
 or carry away, any part or appendage belonging to our meeting house. 
 
114 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 being the property of ye society, and to pull down and separate from 
 said meeting house, Any boards, shingles, glass, window frames or other 
 thing or matter whatsoever, that is, may or shall be added or put to said 
 meeting house, without due order of the society, and in the name and 
 behalf of this society to prosecute to final judgment any such person 
 or persons for damages that hath, may or shall hereafter pull down, 
 destroy, break, or carry away any part of said meeting house, or that 
 hath, may, or shall add thereto as aforesaid without ' ye consent and order 
 of this society.' " 
 
 The foregoing vote was passed by 91 to 70, indicating 
 a full meeting, and revealing the divided state of the society. 
 
 Mr. Clark continued in charge of the church until his 
 death, Nov. 6, 1775. He was a faithful and laborious pastor, 
 but the dissensions which arose in the society embittered his 
 latter years. 
 
 At a meeting of the society held Feb. 25, 1767, it had 
 been voted that the society apply to the General Assembly to 
 be held the following May, " for a committy to divide 
 the society into two parishes by a north and south line." 
 The division was not made at this time, and the discussion 
 and action extended through several years. At last the 
 General Assembly having refused to comply with the 
 requests made, one hundred and thirty-seven men signed 
 a petition, setting forth the difficulties, and describing 
 the society by saying : 
 
 " The society has long been in a very unhappy, broken and divided 
 state, and various means have been unsuccessfully used to reconcile 
 the subsisting difficulties." 
 
 This petition, which proposed that the whole matter 
 be submitted to arbitration, was dated June, 1771, and sug- 
 gested John Worthington of Springfield, Oliver Partridge of 
 Hatfield, and Eldad Taylor of Westfield, as arbitrators. 
 The signers pledged themselves to abide by the decision 
 of the arbitrators, and not directly or indirectly to oppose it. 
 The arbitrators, after visiting the place and hearing the 
 statements of the parties interested, recommended the 
 division of the society, drew the boundary line, and fixed the 
 sites of two meeting-houses to be built, one for each society. 
 
KENSINGTON SOCIETY DIVIDED. 115 
 
 A memorial was presented to the General Assembly 
 at the October session, 1772, asking for the division and 
 incorporating a new society. The request was granted, the 
 division made, and a new society constituted, which was 
 named Worthington Society, from Colonel Worthington, 
 who had been instrumental in securing a settlement of the 
 difficulties. 
 
 Preparations for erecting a new meeting-house were soon 
 made in each society. The site fixed for the house in the 
 Kensington Society was nearly a mile west of the old 
 church. Materials were collected and the new building was 
 so far completed as to be dedicated Dec. 1, 1774. It was a 
 plain, substantial building, 60 feet in length and 42 in width, 
 without porch, steeple, or chimney, with a door on each 
 of three sides, and the pulpit on the north side, opposite the 
 principal entrance. An aisle led from the south or principal 
 entrance to the pulpit direct. Aisles from the east and west 
 doors intersected this. On either side of the aisles were 
 square pews. Stairs from the audience room ascended to 
 the galleries. The cost of this meeting-house was ^687 13s. 
 94d. 
 
 A committee, consisting of Thomas Gridley, Elijali Hoolier, 
 Asahel Cowles, Noah Cowles, Amos Peck, Hoger Norton, 
 Matthew Cole, Oliver Peck, and Steven Cole, Jr., was 
 appointed to seat the meeting-house, by the following rule : 
 
 "Elderly gentlemen above 70 years of age shall be seated according 
 to their age in the highest parts or seats. Men and women are to be 
 seated together in the pews." 
 
 The dedication sermon was preached by Rev. James 
 Dana, D.D., of Wallingford. 
 
 The building does not appear to have been completed at 
 the time of dedication, for in 1792 it was "voted to go 
 forward and finish it " ; and in 1793, the society gave liberty 
 to have "the meeting-house painted within side similar to 
 Worthington meeting-house, provided it could be done with- 
 out expense to the society." In 1807 a vote was passed 
 to paint the meeting-house. 
 
116 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 After the dpath of Mr. Clark in 1775, the church and 
 society were for some years witliout a settled pastor. Eev. 
 Timothy Dwight, D.D., afterwards president of Yale College, 
 preached several Sundays in 1777-78 ; and at a meeting 
 of the parish held Feb. 12, 1778, it was voted "to send 
 an invitation and a desire to Mr. Timothy Dwight to come 
 and preach for us in order for settlement." He, however, 
 was not settled as a pastor, and at a meeting of the society 
 held Dec. 21, 1778, a call was extended to Mr. Benoni Upson. 
 At the same meeting the society voted to give him as fol- 
 lows : 
 
 "For his Incouragement to settle in the work of the Gospel ministry 
 in this society, the sum of Three Hundred pounds to be paid in wheat at 
 six shillings pr. bushel or money equivalent thereto, the value of money 
 shall be determined by a Com'*" who shall be appointed annually for that 
 purpose, one half to be paid within six months and the other within 
 twelve months after settlement ; and for his yearly support and salary one 
 hundred and twenty pounds annually and sufficient fire wood for his 
 family use." 
 
 Mr. Upson returned the following answer to the call : 
 
 " To the Church and Society of the parish of Kensington, 
 
 "Brethren and friends, Your votes inviting me to settle with you 
 in the work of the Gospel ministry have been communicated to me by 
 your Committees appointed for that purpose. 
 
 To determine a question of so much importance requires time and 
 council. 
 
 That I might find the line of duty in an article so Interesting to you 
 and myself, and likewise the cause of religion, I have postponed my 
 answer to the present time. I have taken every opportunity to consult 
 with gentlemen of the ministry, and likewise with other friends, and 
 after the most mature considerations I have thought it the voice of God 
 that I should comply with your request. 
 
 The proposals you make of a pecuniary kind are generous, which is 
 an argument that you are disposed to take every step on your part for 
 re-settling the Gospel. 
 
 As the public taxes are liable to be greater this year, than were 
 expected at the time of your votes, I have thought it my duty to consent 
 that the people should have longer time for the payment of the settlement 
 than they proposed. I am willing that the settlement you propose to 
 give should be divided into three parts, and that one hundred pounds only 
 should be paid each year for the first three years after settlement. That I 
 may do still more to ease the burden of the people, I am willing that you 
 
KENSINGTON SOCIETY DIVIDED. 117 
 
 should pay for a yearly support, only £100 the first year after settlement, 
 £107 the second year, £114 the third year, and after that the yearly 
 salary you have proposed. . . . 
 
 That you and I may be directed in the way of duty, and have grace 
 to conduct as becometh Christians is the prayer of your affectionate 
 
 Benoni Upson. 
 Kensington, March 11th, 1779." 
 
 Mr. Upson was ordained and installed April 21, 1779, 
 the following clergymen constituting the ordaining council : 
 
 Rev. Mark Leavenworth, Waterbury; Rev. Timothy Pitkin, Farm- 
 ington; Rev. Samuel Newel, New Cambridge; Rev. .John Smalley, New 
 Britain; Rev. Joshua Belden, Newington; Rev. Enoch Huntington, 
 Middletown; Rev. Abner Benedict, Middlefield; Rev. Thomas Miner, 
 Westiield; Rev. Gershom Bulkley, Upper Houses; Rev. John Eels, 
 Glastenbury; Rev. Cyprian Strong, Chatham, and Rev. John Marsh, 
 Wethersfield. 
 
 After a successful pastorate of thirty-seven years, and 
 when sixty-six years of age, Mr. Upson expressed a desire 
 for a colleague. Mr. Royal Robbins received a call from the 
 church and society to settle as a colleague pastor with Mr. 
 Upson. 
 
 His reply was as follows : 
 
 "Kensington, March 7, 1816. 
 
 To the First Church and Ecclesiastical Society in Berlin. 
 
 Brethren and Friends, Through your Committees appointed for 
 that purpose, I have received copies of votes in which you have given me 
 a call to settle in the work of the Gospel Ministry among you as Colleague 
 Pastor with the Rev* Mr. Upson. I have taken the subject into serious 
 and prayerful consideration and endeavored as far as I was able to ascer- 
 tain my duty and the Divine will in regard to your invitation. The con- 
 clusion to which I liave arrived is that it is my duty not to accept it. I do 
 not feel sufBciently encouraged in regard to the article of pecuniary sup- 
 port to do what from the considerable unanimity which prevails among 
 you would otherwise be my duty. All I have to say is, that I cordially 
 desire your welfare spiritual and temporal, and though I do not see it 
 my duty under present circumstances to become your pastor, yet I 
 shall ever pray that the blessing of God may rest upon you and yours. 
 
 I am with much regard yours in our common faith. 
 
 Royal Robbins." 
 
 It being understood that provided four hundred dollars 
 were given to Mr. Robbins as a settlement, as was then com- 
 
118 HISTORY OP NEW .BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 moil, tliat he would consent to accept the call, the amount 
 was raised by subscription, and he was regularly settled. 
 On account of the difficulty of collecting the whole, he abated 
 at first $100, and then |75 annually, of his salary. 
 
 In 1821, several gentlemen contributed towards the 
 erection of a house for Mr. Bobbins, both in materials and 
 cash. The pastorates of Mr. Clark, Dr. Upson, and Mr. 
 Robbins, together covered a period of more than one hun- 
 dred years, comprising the period of several important wars 
 and great national changes. Kensington, during this time, 
 remained largely agricultural, and was an example of the 
 stability of a quiet country parish, only slightly affected by 
 the glitter and show of more ambitious places. There were 
 several seasons of special religious interest, accompanied by 
 accessions to the church, but little enlargement in numbers 
 in the aggregate. The deaths, removals to other towns, and 
 withdrawals to join the Episcopal, Baptist, or Methodist 
 societies, were about equal to the additions. 
 
 Dr. Upson died November 13, 1826, aged seventy-six 
 years, forty-seven years and six months after his ordination. 
 After Dr. Upson's death, Mr. Robbins became the only pastor. 
 His ministry, which was attended with several revivals, 
 continued until June 26, 1859, when he resigned. He died 
 March 26, 1861, at the age of seventy-three years. 
 
 Until 1811, the pastor appears to have used his own 
 Bible in the pulpit. In that year, a vote was passed to pur- 
 chase a Bible, to be kept in the pulpit, and to be the property 
 of the society. In 1820, individuals were granted the 
 privilege of placing a stove in the meeting-house. The plan 
 of renting the pews to raise a revenue to defray the expenses 
 of the society had been adopted two years before. In carry- 
 ing out this plan, it was voted in 1829, that besides the pews 
 reserved for the family of the pastor, and that of Dr. Upson, 
 No. 3 should be reserved for aged widows, and Nos. 30 and 
 31 for "youngerly widows." The library company were 
 permitted to keep their library in a pew under the north 
 
KENSINGTON SOCIETY DIVIDED. 119 
 
 stairs, and tliis for many years was the location of the Ken- 
 sington library.* 
 
 The necessity of some repairs on the meeting-house had 
 been considered for some time, when in 1837, Mrs. Ruth 
 Hai't, the widow of Gen. Selah Hart, proposed to make a 
 gift to the society of f500, on condition that f500 more 
 be raised by the society. It was voted to accept the gift, and 
 a tax of thirteen cents on the dollar was laid to raise the 
 amount. It was also voted to circulate a subscription paper 
 tliat an additional sum might be raised. The house was 
 thoroughly repaired, the position of the pulpit and galleries 
 was changed, slips were substituted for pews, and a belfry 
 built at an expense in the aggregate of about $1,500. Blinds 
 purchased by the Young Ladies' Society were added in 1849, 
 and a bell in 1852. In 1863 the roof was renewed, and 
 twenty years later extensive repairs and alterations were 
 made at a cost of about |4,000. The changes upon the 
 house were so great, that it was appropriately re-dedicated 
 February 28, 1884, Rev. Noah Porter, D.D., president of 
 Yale College, preaching the sermon. 
 
 After the close of Mr. Robbins' ministry, June, 1859, the 
 church was for nearly a year without a settled pastor. Rev. 
 Elias B. Hillard was installed as pastor May 16, 1860. His 
 pastorate of nearly seven years was marked by a prosperous 
 state of the church and society. He resigned Feb. 27,1867, 
 ■ and the church was again without a settled pastor until the 
 settlement of Rev. Alfred T. Waterman, June 23, 1869 ; but 
 Rev. Abraham C. Baldwin was acting pastor of the church 
 from July, 1868, until June, 1869. Mr. Waterman's resigna- 
 tion occurred June 15, 1874. Rev. J. B. Cleveland was acting 
 pastor from September, 1875, until July, 1879. Three months 
 later, or October, 1879, Mr. C. W. Morrow became acting pas- 
 tor, and coutinued in this position until March, 1882. Rev. 
 Arthur J. Benedict was installed pastor. May 3, 1888. The 
 church at that time had 124 members. On the first of January, 
 
 * Belonging to the Kensington Library Association, 
 
120 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 1888, there were 156. The Sunday-school increased from 
 123, January 1, 1883, to 207, January 1, 1887. 
 
 The pastors and ministers of this church who remained 
 with it one year or more have been : 
 
 Kev. William Burnham, settled Dec. 10, 1712, died Sept. 23, 1750. 
 
 " Samuel Clark, " July 14,1756, " Nov. 6, 1775. 
 
 " Benoni Upson, D.D., " April 21, 1779, " " 13, 1826. 
 
 " Royal Bobbins, " June 26, 1816, dismissed June 26, 1859. 
 
 " EliasB. Hillard, " May 16,1860, " Feb. 27, 1867. 
 
 " AbramC. Baldwin,* began July, 1868, finished June, 1869. 
 
 " J. B, Cleveland,* " Sept., 1875, " July, 1879. 
 
 " Alfred T. Waterman, settled .June, 1869, dismissed June, 1874. 
 
 " C.W.Morrow,* began Oct., 1879, finished March, 1882. 
 
 " Arthur J. Benedict, settled May 3, 1883, dismissed April, 1889. 
 
 " Henry L. Hutchins, " June, 1889. 
 
 * Messrs. Baldwin, Cleveland, and Jlorrow were acting pastors and not in- 
 stalled by council. 
 
• CHAPTER VII. 
 
 NEW BRITAIN ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY. 
 
 SOON after the Act of Incorporation making New Britain 
 - a separate Ecclesiastical society,* was passed by the 
 General Assembly, the first meeting of the new society was 
 held at a private house. The record of this meeting is as 
 follows : 
 
 "A Society Meeting Holden by y" inhabitants of yParisbof New- 
 Britain, Holden in said society on y" IS"" Day of June 1754, warned ac- 
 cording to y Direction of y" law. 
 
 At j°- same meeting y society made choyce of Benjeman Judd Junr, 
 to be Moderator to lead and moderate in said meeting. 
 
 At y« same meeting Isaac Lee was made choyce of for Society Clark. 
 
 At the same meeting Lieut. Josiah Lee and Lieut. Daniel Dewey & 
 Capt. John Paterson was Chosen a Comtt. to order the Prudentials of this 
 society for y« Present year. 
 
 At the same meeting Lieut. Josiah Lee was chosen Society Treasurer 
 for y« Present year." 
 
 The persons appointed to office were chiefly residents of 
 East Street, who had been prominent in securing the incor- 
 poration of the society. The record proceeds with the 
 following votes : 
 
 "Voted, whether or no it be your minds that it is Necessary for the 
 Inhabitants of this Society to build a Meeting house for Religious Wor- 
 ship. Voted in the affirmative by thirty two votes and in the negative by 
 fourteen. 
 
 Whether or no it be your Minds to chews Insn. Josiah Kilburn and 
 Insn. Elijah Hart a Commt. to Apply themselves in behalf of the Society 
 
 * Before the incorporation of New Britain aa a distinct society, the place 
 collectively had no nanie. There were but four houses within half a mile of the 
 present center of the city. Stanley Quarter belonged to Farmington, the north 
 part of East Street to Newington, and the south part of the place to Kensington. 
 The name "New Britain" seems to have been given to the society to distinguish 
 it, at the suggestion of Col. Isaac Lee. 
 9 
 
122 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 to ye county court to be Holden at Hartford fpr said County (court) to Aflx 
 a place to Build a Meeting House on, for Religious Worship in this Society. 
 Voted in the AfBrmative. 
 
 At the same Meeting it was voted that it was Necessary to have 
 Preaching Amongst us ; and that Ladwick Hotchkiss and John Judd be 
 a Comtt. to procuer a Suitable candidate to Preach ye Gospel Amongst 
 us." 
 
 This meeting held a few days after the society was incor- 
 porated was the first meeting held with legal authority 
 within the precincts of New Britain. In the few votes passed 
 the purpose which moved and governed the founders of this 
 new society is clearly indicated. There were at that time 
 less than forty houses in tlie parish, and no public buildings 
 of any kind what,ever, except a small brown school house on 
 East Street. By the votes passed at this first society meet- 
 ing, the first steps were taken toward securing a house of 
 worship and the regular preaching of the gospel. The un- 
 happy divisions in the Great Swamp Society in regard to the 
 location of a meeting-house had taught a lesson which was 
 heeded, and the new society referred the question of location 
 to the County Court, without even voting upon a site. 
 
 The society meetings, preaching services, and other pub- 
 lic meetings were held at private houses or barns, or at the 
 school house, generally at the former. During the summer 
 and autumn different ministers preached, among whom were 
 Rev. Elisha Webster, the first minister of the church at 
 • Canaan, Rev. Nicholas Street, who was settled in North 
 Haven the next year, Mr. Abel Newell, who was licensed 
 but a few months before by the Hartford North Association, 
 and was settled in Goshen in 1755 ; Rev. Mr. Pratt and Rev. 
 Stephen Holmes. The ministers were generally paid ten 
 pounds old tenor for each Sunday, with the exception of Mr. 
 Newell, who, being a licentiate, received only five pounds. 
 
 Another society meeting was held Oct. 25, 1754, at 
 which Capt. Jonathan Lewis was chosen moderator. The ob- 
 ject of this special meeting appears to have been to appoint 
 a committee to assist the surveyor in determining the center 
 of the parish, with reference to the location of the meeting- 
 
NEW BRITAIN ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY. 123 
 
 house, and also to direct the committee appointed to procure 
 preachers. The record reads : 
 
 "At the same meeting it was agreed by vote to chuse a number of 
 men to assist ye Survaier to make a map of this Society & find the Senter 
 of the same as Nigh as they can. Att the same meeting, Capt. Johna- 
 than Lewis & Sergt. Ebenezer Smith & Isaac Lee were chosen for the ser- 
 vice afor Said. 
 
 Att the same Meeting it was Agreed by vote that the first Monday 
 of December next shall be appointed a Meeting to Chuse pioper officers 
 for ye Year and anny other Business proper for A Society to do When 
 met, and that ye first Monday of December Annually for the f ulor shall 
 be a Meeting for the same Service until the Society Agree Other wise. 
 
 At the same Meeting it was voted that John Judd and Ladwick 
 Hotchkiss be a Committee to apply themselves to Mr. Stephen Holmes* 
 to preach the Gospel Amongst us imtil December Meeting next, and if he 
 be not to be obtained, to procuer som other suitable Candidate to preach 
 A Mongst us until ye said December Meeting." 
 
 During the autumn the survey of the parish was made 
 by Elijah Porter, of Parmington ; the lines were run in ac- 
 cordance with the vote, and the County Court, as requested, 
 fixed the site for the meeting-house, locating it on the west 
 side of what is now the northern part of Elm Street. Tliis 
 site was a few rods northwest of the present junction 
 of Smalley Street with Elm Street, but at that time neither 
 of these streets existed. The location was on high dry 
 ground, witli a grove of oak, hickory, and maple trees to the 
 east and north, and to the west and south a view of most of 
 the territory included in the present business portion of New 
 Britain. The ground about the place wliere the " stake " 
 was placed by the order of the County Court was uneven, 
 and in some parts of it rocky. Though the location was cen- 
 tral to the settled portions of the parish, it lacked convenient 
 roads or ways of approach. 
 
 At the first annual meeting of the society, held Dec. 2, 
 1754, a few weeks after the site for the meeting-house had 
 been determined, the record reads : 
 
 * Mr. Holmes had preached a few Sabbaths before this meeting was held. 
 He continued for a few weeks, preaching in all thirteen Sabbaths, and boarding 
 with Capt. John Paterson. He did not become a settled pastor here, but went 
 to Essex. 
 
124 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 "Voted that Capt. Johnathan Lewis and Sergt. Ebenezer Smith & 
 Mr. Noah Stanley be a Commit, to aply themselves to the Townd of 
 Farmington in behalf of this Society to Desier them to apoint a Commit, 
 fully Impowered to Lay out Highways by exchanging or otherwise, as 
 they can agree, with the oners, and where they judg most convenient for ye 
 accommodating ye Inhabitants of this Society to travail to ye Place 
 Apointed by ye County Court to build a House for Religious Worship." 
 
 As this was the first annual meeting held in New Britain 
 somewhat full extracts from the official records will help to 
 give an example of the method of conducting public busi- 
 ness at that time. 
 
 "Capt. Johnathan Lewis was Chosen Moderator to Moderate in said 
 Meeting. 
 
 At the Same Meeting Capt. John Paterson and Insgn. Elijah Hart & 
 Capt. Johnathan Lewis ware Chosen A Comtt. to order the Prudentials of 
 the Society for the Year Insuing. 
 
 At the same Meeting Mr. Ladwick Hotchkiss was Chosen Colector 
 for the Year Insuing, to Colect all the Rates that shall be Granted at the 
 Present Meeting. 
 
 At the Same Meeting Capt. John Paterson & Capt. Johnathan Lewis 
 & Insign Elijah Hart were Chosen Rate Makers for the Year Insuing. 
 
 At the Same Meeting Lieut. Josiah Lee was Chosen Treshurer for the 
 Year Insuing. 
 
 At the Same Meeting it was Voted that Capt. Johnathan Lewis 
 & Capt Jno. Paterson be a Comtt. to procuer som suitable Candidate 
 or Candidates to preach the Gospel Amongst us and to call in A Man on 
 Probation, as the Society Shall Direct.' 
 
 At the same meeting it was Voted & Agreed that Capt. Jonathan 
 Lewis & Capt. John Paterson be Directed to use all Proper Endeavoures 
 to Procuer Mr. John Bunnell to Com into this Society as A Probationer, 
 in order to Settil in the Work of the Ministry Amongst us." 
 
 The meeting then voted to grant to different persons, 
 some for preaching, and some for other services, different 
 sums, amounting in all to £205 5 shillings. Among these 
 grants was one of £18 " to ye Comtt that Stated the Meet- 
 ing house place," and one of £5 9s " to Insgn Josiah Kil- 
 burn & Capt. Elijah Hart," the committee that had been 
 appointed to apply to the County Court for direction where 
 to build the meeting-house. After specifying these grants, 
 the record .proceeds : 
 
NEW BRITAIN ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY. 125 
 
 "At the same Meeting it was Agreed by Vote to Grant a Rate to 
 be Colected of three Shiiings on the Pound to Defray the Publick charges 
 of the Society," &c. 
 
 "At the Same Meeting this Society Did by Vote Adjourn the same to 
 ye Sixteenth Day of December, at the House of Mr. Wm. Paterson,* at 
 one of the clock in ye afternoon." 
 
 At the adjourned meeting held December 16th, which 
 was opened at the house of Mr. Paterson on East Street, the 
 two matters which were most prominent were tliose relating 
 to the meeting-house and to the school. After providing for 
 the latter, the persons who, at the annual meeting, had been 
 chosen a committee to apply to the town of Farmington for 
 a change of roads, or laying out of highways, to make the 
 approach to the place selected for the meeting-house more 
 convenient, were continued a committee to make similar 
 application to the County Court, in behalf of the Society, in 
 the following request : 
 
 "That the Court may lay out Suitable Highways for the accom- 
 modating the Inhabitants of this Society to Com to ye Place appointed by 
 said Court to Build a Meeting House on, if the same Cannot be obtained 
 oiherways." 
 
 After this vote was passed, the meeting voted " to adjourn 
 forthwith to the house of Uriah Judd." This adjournment 
 was, evidently, to allow the members of the society to go 
 from Mr. Paterson's, on Bast Street, to view the site which 
 the County Court had fixed for the meeting-house. The site 
 was on a rough, rocky hill, in a wood lot, but at the place 
 decided to be near the center of the travel of the parish. 
 After viewing the site, the members of the society went 
 to the house of Uriah Judd, which was near, and the meet- 
 ing Was again opened the same afternoon ; the record pro- 
 ceeds : 
 
 " Att the Same Meeting itt was voted to Build a Meeting-House for 
 Religious "Worship at the Place whare the County Court have afixed 
 the Stak in this Society, fourty five feet in Length & thirty-five feet 
 in Wedth & twenty-two feet High Between Joysts ; and also that Capt. 
 
 •*William Paterson lived on East Street, and this house was later the 
 residence of Dr. Smalley. 
 
126 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Johnathan Lewis & Sergt. Ebenezer Smith & Lieut. JosiaL Lee and 
 Mr. Ladwick Hotchkiss & Mr. Jolin Judd be a Comt. to carry on the 
 Same so far as to Git the Timber for said House & Bring it to said 
 Stak, and also Bords Suffltient for floors & Bording the outsid in order 
 for Clabording & Shingling & also two thousand of white pine Bords 
 & also the said Comtt. are Directed to Alow every man in this Society to 
 work in proportion to their Lists, if they see caws, and that the value of 
 Each Man's work be computed by said Comtt." 
 
 This meeting was adjourned to the first Monday in March, 
 but some questions having arisen regarding the work, a 
 special meeting was held the 23d of January, 1755, when 
 the following action was taken : 
 
 "Voted That the men that Laboured at Giting the timber for the 
 meeting house agreeable to the vote in Decern' be alowed, the Hewers 
 Eighteen Shillings and Scorers or Narow ax men Sixteen Shillings 
 pv Day, and for the future according to the Discretion of ye Com". 
 
 Voted to Raise a Rate of two Shillings on the pound to Defray 
 the Charge of Giting the Timber for ye Meeting-House to be paid in 
 Work or Money according to the Direction of the Com". 
 
 At the adjourned meeting lield at the house of Ladwick 
 ITotclikiss, March 3, 17.55, the building committee were 
 authorized to provide : 
 
 "For the Building the meeting-house in this Society, Good Chestnut 
 Shingles Suffitient for covering ye said House ; and Good White Oak 
 Clabboards Suffitient for said House ; also Window frames & Sashes, all 
 well Seasoned and brought to the Meeting House Stake in this Society, by 
 the Last Day of September next and that the Window frames and 
 Sashes shall be made of White pine." 
 
 The alteration of highways did not proceed as rapidly as 
 was desired, and at this adjourned meeting : 
 
 " Sargt. Phineas Judd and Insn. Dan'l Dewey ware chosen as an 
 addition to the Comtt. for the Proouering Necessary highways for 
 ye Inhabitants of this Society to com to the place appointed by the 
 County Court for them to Build a Meeting House on." 
 
 In tlie winter of 1754-55, and the following spring, much 
 of the timber for the meeting-house was cut and brougiit 
 to the site of tlie building. It appears to have been hewn 
 on or near this place, and most of it prepared for the build- 
 
NEW BRITAIN ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY. 127 
 
 ing ill the spring. During the busy season for farmers, work 
 upon the meetiug-house was suspended, but after haying and 
 harvesting were finished, it was resumed. At an adjourned 
 society meeting, lield at the liouse of Ezra Belden, Aug. 18, 
 1755: 
 
 "Voted that Mr. Judah Wright, Mr. Moses Andruss, and Lieut. 
 Josiah Lee be a Comit. to cary on the Building the Meeting House in this 
 Society so far as framing and Raising and underpinning th« same, by the 
 10th of October next ; also Bord, Clabbord and Shingle ye same in ye fall 
 if the season will allow." 
 
 The timber prepared for the meeting-liouse was somewhat 
 longer than was necessary for a building of the size voted, 
 and the committee appointed to superintend the framing 
 took advantage of it and increased the size of the structure.* 
 The house was raised in October, a few days after the 
 time fixed. 
 
 A society meeting was held Oct. 22, 1755, when the 
 following vote was passed : 
 
 " Whereas the Comit. have Framed and Raised ye Meeting House in 
 this Society Larger than the vote, this Society agreed by vote yt was well 
 Done & Desier ye Comit. to proceed to finish ye same, as it now is, 
 so far as they were Ordered by this Society." 
 
 During the autumn and early winter the building was 
 covered, and at the annual meeting, held December 1, 1755, 
 provision was made for painting it in part, as appears from 
 the following extracts from the society records of that meet- 
 ing : 
 
 "Att the same Meeting it was Tryed by vote whether they would 
 culler the Meeting House, viz: the Windows and covering and Doors, &c. 
 Voted in ye affirmative. Mr. Joseph Clark was chosen to procuer coler- 
 ing stuff and culler the Meeting House, agreeable to vote above." 
 
 " Att the same meeting it was voted that Josiah Lee, Judah Wright 
 and Moses Andrews be a comtt to Lay the Floor in the Meeting house in 
 this Society Early in ye Springe." 
 
 While the meeting-house was thus slowly taking form, 
 new highways were laid out and old patlis altered, to make 
 
 *As finally built, it was 80 by ,64 feet, or more than three times as large 
 as first ordered. 
 
128 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 access to the building more convenient. At the death of 
 Captain Stephen Lee, in 1753, his land, extending west from 
 his home on East Street, descended to his two sons, Isaac 
 and Josiah. After the location of the meeting-house, they 
 deeded each one rod in width on the division line of their 
 land, from East Street west half a mile and six rods, to the 
 town of Parmington for a highway. This provided a high- 
 way two rods in width from East Street direct to the site of 
 the meeting-house, and was the origin of Smalley Street. 
 Dr. Isaac Lee also deeded a second piece, which included the 
 site of the meeting-house and the open space in front of it, 
 and a third piece which " run northly across the Mill Brook, 
 three rods below the bridge." Benjamin Judd deeded a piece 
 north of the plot deeded by Dr. Lee, and Uriah Judd, a son 
 of Benjamin, who lived south of the site, gave a piece which 
 is described as " three rods wide running past my house to 
 the site." The following action was taken at a society meet- 
 ing held May 13, 1775 : 
 
 "At the same meeting Mr. William Smith & Sergt. Judah Hart & 
 Mr. Noah Stanley & Jedediah Smith were appointed a committee to surch 
 for ye best place they can find for a Burying place for said Society & 
 see on what Terms it may be had and make report to the Society at their 
 next meeting.'' 
 
 Until this time the dead had been buried in the burying- 
 grounds at Parmington, or Great Swamp. Tlie place 
 selected for a cemetery for New Britain was on the highway 
 which had been donated by Dr. Isaac Lee of Middletown 
 and Deacon Joshua Lee, and which became known as 
 " Burying-ground lane," now Smalley Street. The same 
 persons deeded to the society the plot which became the New 
 Britain cemetery, and which comprised the older portion of 
 the present cemetery at the southwest corner, on Smalley 
 Street. 
 
 Ill the spring of 1756 the floor to the meeting-house was 
 laid, and temporary seats were provided so that the house 
 could be occupied for preaching services and other public 
 
NEW BRITAIN ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY. 129 
 
 meetings,* but it was several years before the building was 
 completed. It was only by self-denial and heavy taxes that 
 means were provided for carrying on the work.f 
 
 Among the entries of sums paid for work and materials, 
 the following bills copied from the society records are some- 
 what characteristic : 
 
 "Ye Parish of New Britain Dr. to Joseph Clark, for what I have 
 doQ to the Meeting House viz: to 30 window frames and for making 
 730 sashes, and for setting part of the glass, and clo=!ing ye sashes, & 
 to 100 feet of white pine Bord and for sixty feet of sill Dito, the whole in 
 Proklamation Bills in this Colony is £13. 18. 8, or £195 old Tenor, if paid 
 within three weeks from this Time, apart of which I have all Ready 
 Received of the Treshurer of said parish for which I have already given 
 him my Receipt. 
 
 Joseph Clark." 
 
 "Joseph Clark's second Bill is as foloeth, viz: 
 
 August ye 19th, 1756. Ye Parish of New Britain Dr. to Joseph 
 Clark for three Galons of Linset Oyle & for 24 pounds of White Lead & 
 for 2 p'd of Spanish White & for 3 pounds of Spanish Brown & for 3000 8 
 penny nails, all is in proclamation Bills of this Colony £3. 18. 6. 
 
 Joseph Clark." 
 (True copys as on file Examined pr. Isaac Lee, Society Clerk ) 
 At the same Meeting the Society Did by vote Grant to Mr. Joseph 
 Clark his two Bills as above expressed." 
 
 This meeting-house was undoubtedly dear to those who 
 aided in its erection and who worshiped within it. In out- 
 ward appearance it resembled a large barn, with doors and 
 window-frames painted. It was located where the County 
 Court fixed the site, nearly half a mile northeast of the city 
 square. It faced the east, and upon that side were large 
 double doors, opening directly into the audience room. At 
 the north and south ends were single doors, also opening 
 into the only room in the house, the audience room. On the 
 
 *The first society meeting held in the meeting-house was May 17, 17.56. 
 
 fThe first tax laid at the first annual meeting, December 2, 1754, was 
 "three shillings on the pound," for the general purposes of the society. A 
 month later, on January 23, 1755, " a tax of two shillings on the pound " to 
 defray the expense of obtaining timber for the meeting-house, to be paid ia 
 work or money, was laid. At the next annual meeting, held December 1, 1755, a, 
 tax of eight shillings on the pound was laid, "to defi'ay the expenses of the past 
 year and the year ensuing." 
 
130 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 west side, opposite tlie principal entrance, a higli pulpit was 
 placed, witli a sounding-board overhead, and narrow stairs 
 on eacli side leading to the two small doors of the pulpit; these 
 doors were fastened by wooden buttons. The galleries * 
 were added some years later, when permanent pews were 
 made ; but at first temporary seats were provided for the 
 main floor, and here the worshipers gathered for Sunday 
 services, and for otlier religious and business meetings. As 
 there was no basement, and the room had only partial under- 
 pinning, the room must have been very cold in winter, but 
 no provision was make for heating, except such warmth 
 as was derived from tlie foot-stoves carried in by some of the 
 women. The meeting-house had no chimney, tower, or 
 steeple, but was finished on tlie outside of the roof like an 
 ordinary barn or shed. 
 
 On the east side of the meeting-house was an open space, 
 somewhat irregular in surface, which was termed the 
 " Parade." This, for many years, was the rendezvous of 
 the local train band, and the place of their military evolu- 
 tions. A number of oak and hickory trees, left from the 
 primitive forest, afforded shade in summer, and were a 
 slight protection from the winds of winter. 
 
 Tlie erection of a house of worship was evidently under- 
 taken and carried on with gladness by this new society, but 
 the expense coming at the time when the community was 
 called upon to make extraordinary contributions for carry- 
 ing on the war in which the colonies were at that time inter- 
 ested, made the burden greater than it would otherwise have 
 been. At a society meeting held in October, 1755, it was 
 voted that ; 
 
 " Whereas we are a Small Parish and are at Grate charges in building 
 a Meeting-House, together with ye Extraordinary charges of the war, are 
 willing to Receive suitable Additions to this Society either South, North 
 or West, as the General Assembly shall in their Grate Wisdom see cause 
 to make.'' 
 
 * In 1758, " Mr. Judah Wright and Mr. Joseph Clark were appointed a 
 comittee to proeuer Guliry pilor's and place them in their proper Place.'' 
 
NEW BRITAIN ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY. 131 
 
 The next year, or February 25, 1756, Capt. John Pat- 
 terson and Ladwick Hotchkiss were appointed a committee 
 to prepare a memorial to the General Assembly praying 
 that a tax might be laid "on the unimproved lands in 
 the society to be improved in building a meeting-house and 
 settling a gospel minister amongst us." The petition was 
 granted, and a tax of one penny an acre on all unimproved 
 lands was granted for the purpose proposed, for the term 
 of four years. 
 
 The society, at the same time it was building this plain 
 meeting-house, was also endeavoring to provide for the reg- 
 ular preaching of the gospel. For a few months after the 
 organization of the society, the ministers of neighboring 
 parishes appear to have officiated in New Britain. The 
 preaching service was held at private houses on East Street, 
 or at the school house. Rev. Stephen Holmes preached 
 several successive Sundays, and at a society meeting held 
 October 25, 1764>it was voted that he be invited to preach as 
 a candidate for settlement. He continued to preach and 
 perform other parochial services for about three months, but 
 was not installed as a pastor. He afterwards married a 
 daughter of John Patterson, the first deacon of the First 
 Church. 
 
 When it was known that Mr. Holmes was not to become 
 the permanent minister. Rev. John Bunnell of West Haven, 
 a man of considerable experience, who had been commended 
 by the Hartford South Association, was invited to become a 
 candidate. He preached for several Sundays with so much 
 acceptance to the people that, at a society meeting held 
 March 17, 1755, it was voted tliat he be invited to settle, 
 and a settlement was voted, and also a salary of fifty-five 
 pounds per annum. Notwithstanding earnest and repeated 
 entreaties, Mr. Bunnell declined the call. At a meeting held 
 May 15th of the same year, he was requested to reconsider his 
 action, and a special committee was appointed to visit him, 
 and if possible, to remove his objections, and prevail upon 
 him to become the minister of this society. The vote of the 
 society is recorded as follows : 
 
132 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 " A-tt the same meeting, Sargt. Bbenezer Smith, Sargt. Woodroff, Mr. 
 Jobn Judd & Isaac Lee were appointed a committee to aply themselves to 
 Mr. John Bunnell in behalf of this society to pray him to Reconsider the 
 request of this society & our Needy circumstances & y« 111 consequences 
 of his Denial and see if there be any way to Remove the Objections 
 that lay in the way of his setteling in the work of y° Ministry 
 Amongst us. etc. But if he still continues to Denigh our Request 
 & pursist in a Negative answer after all our Impertunities, that 
 they be Directed to aply themselves in behalf of this Society to ]Mr. Elizer 
 Goodrich of y" parish of Stepney & pray him to com into this Society and 
 preach ye Gospel Amongst us ; and if he is not to be obtained, then to 
 procuer sum other suitable candidate or candidates to preach y" 
 gospel amongst us.'' 
 
 The repeated and earnest solicitations of the society for 
 Mr. Bunnell to become pastor were not successful, though 
 he preached for the society forty-four Sabbaths, and on Fast 
 day and Thanksgiving day. The society again applied to the 
 Association for counsel and aid. At a meeting held June 
 30, 1755, it was voted : 
 
 " That Sargt. Ebenezer Smith, Sargt. Robert WoodruflE, Mr. John 
 Judd, Isaac Lee and William Patterson, be a Comit. to apply themselves 
 to the South Association of Hartford County, for their Advice for some 
 sutable Orthodox Candidate to settel in ye Work of the Gospel Ministry 
 Amongst us as soon as they, (viz. the Comit.) think the Society under 
 sutable circumstances for setteling.'' 
 
 By this and similar votes of the society, by the repeated 
 efforts to provide means to meet its general expenses, and by 
 the hesitancy of ministers to settle over it, there are clearly 
 indicated some of the difficulties which met the pioneers of 
 New Britain, in their efforts to found a church and establish 
 preaching and gospel ordinances. The less tlian forty fami- 
 lies in the parish were scattered over nearly as large a 
 territory as is now occupied by the city and town. The site 
 of the meeting-house, though near the center, was a consider- 
 able distance from all the three clusters of houses which consti- 
 tuted most of the parish. It was not upon an open highway, 
 but in a field that was rough, rocky, and not easily accessi- 
 ble. Rocks were to be removed, roads made, and much 
 labor performed, to prepare a place for meeting, and the 
 
NEW BRITAIN ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY. 133 
 
 meeting-house, as it slowly took shape, was plain and barn- 
 like, with little to attract either minister or people. But the 
 men who took the lead were not dismayed. They perse- 
 vered in efforts to secure a pastor. The Hartford South 
 Association having commended Mr. Amos Fowler of North 
 Guilford to the society, at the annual meeting held December 
 1, 1755, a committee consisting of Robert Woodruff, John 
 Judd, and Isaac Lee, was appointed to procure the advice of 
 the Association, in reference to Mr. Fowler's " preaching as 
 a probationer in order to his settilment." 
 
 A favorable reply having been received, and Mr. Fowler 
 having preached several Sabbaths, at a society meeting held 
 February 29, 1756, a vote was passed as follows : 
 
 "It was Tryed whetlier by vote the Com", that was apointed to aply 
 themselves to y" South Association of Hartford County for their advice 
 for M' Amos Fowler to preach in this society, as a Probationer in order 
 to his settiling in the Work of y" Gospel Ministry Amongst us Should 
 proceed agreeable to said act. Voted in the Affirmative by 48 & in y 
 Negative by 3." 
 
 Two months later, or April 25th, the vote inviting him to 
 settle was thirty-nine' in the affirmative, and two in the 
 negative. The terms proposed were that he should receive 
 one hundred and forty pounds as settlement, to be paid 
 in two payments, one in one year and the other in two years 
 from settlement, and that liis salary should be fifty pounds 
 yearly for the first three years, and then should be raised 
 five pounds yearly, until it amounted to sixty pounds, to be 
 paid in 
 
 "Lawful money annually or Bills of Publick Credite or Grain, 
 aquivalent so long as he shall continue to be our minister." 
 
 A committee of twelve* men was chosen : 
 
 *The committee consisted of "Ensign Eobert Woodrufi, Isaac Lee, Mr. 
 Jolm Judd, Mr. W". Smith, Lieut. Elijah Hai-t, Sargt. Phinehas Judd, Lieut. 
 Daniel Dewey, Major Jno. Paterson, Capt. Johnathan Lewis, Sargt. Joseph 
 Smith, Capt. Josiah Lee, and Sargt. Judah Hart." Col. Isaac Lee, the clerk of 
 the society, though eareful-to give the titles of others, omits his own titles, not 
 even prefixing the Mr. which preceded the names of those who had no military 
 office. 
 
134 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 "To present the vols of this Society to Mr. Amos Fowler and use 
 their Influence with him to Tary amongst us, & if the Terms proposed ap- 
 pear Insuffltient, to Endeavor to Acquaint themselves with what will be.as 
 also Receive his Answer and Mak Report to this Society, at their next 
 Meeting." 
 
 The meeting was adjourned to May ITtli, and by re-ad- 
 ournment to June 7th, when the record says : 
 
 " It was Tryed by vote whether this Society still continued Desireous 
 that Mr. Amos Fowler should settill amongst us. Decided in the 
 afflrmative." 
 
 The meeting was again adjourned twice, to hear Mr. 
 Fowler's answer. Finally, at the second adjourned meeting, 
 held July 19, 1756, the following letter from him was read : 
 
 " New Britain, July ye lO"", 1756. 
 Dear Friends: — Agreeable to my promise made to you your last 
 Meeting, may this Inform you yt I am willing to Except of your kind 
 proposals with a Little Alteration in ye Form of ye Salary, viz ; to begin 
 ye first year with fifty pounds LawfuU money and from thence to proceed 
 Rising five pounds yearly untill itt Corns to Sixty pounds, and so to con- 
 tinue to Give Sixty pounds Lawfull money or Bills of Publick Credite in 
 this Colony Aquivaleut, so long as I shall continue to be your Minister. 
 And thus for the futore, provided you continue well United, & provided 
 there Happens Nothing which I shall Look upon sutBtient to Render my 
 setleling with you Not my Duty, I shall Endeavor to do my part in taking 
 ye properest Sieps in Order to Settle in ye Avork of the Ministry with 
 you. Tho as the work is grate & arduous I chuse some Length of Time 
 before I Actually Undertak. These from him who is your most affec- 
 tionate Friend. 
 
 Amos Fowler." 
 
 The meeting by vote agreed fully to comply to Mr. 
 Fowler's proposals, in altering time for paying the first 
 year's salary, and another committee was appointed to make 
 arrangements for his settlement, but circumstances occurred 
 which prevented the relation being consummated. He soon 
 after withdrew from the parish, and the next year was 
 ordained a colleague of Rev. Tliomas.Ruggles, pastor of the 
 church in Guilford. 
 
 At a meeting of the society held Oct. 6, 1756, Sergt. 
 Judah Hart, Mr. Noah Stanley, and Capt. Jonathan Lewis 
 were chosen a committee to supply tlie pulpit. A special 
 
NEW BRITAIN ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY. 135 
 
 meeting was lield Nov. 1, to consider tlie matter of a 
 minister, wlien the following action was taken : 
 
 " Att the same Meeting it was proposed to try ye Minds of the parish 
 which they cliose should be caled into the Society to preach amongst us, 
 Either Mr. Root or Mr. Taylor, and it was Universally agreed by vote. 
 Except one, to Introduce him that had ye Most Vols of ye two. Att the 
 same Meeting it was agreed by Vote which ye Society chose of ye 
 two Gentlemen above mentioned, should be introduced as above, and 
 they chose Mr. James Taylor provided thay could obtain the advice of the 
 Rev'd Comtt. of the South Association of Hartford County." 
 
 At the annual meeting held Dec. 6, 1756, a new commit- 
 tee was appointed to procure some suitable candidate, and 
 also to apply to the committee of the Hartford South Asso- 
 ciation for advice. At this meeting it was also voted that 
 Mr. James Taylor be introduced " to preach ye Gospel 
 as a probationer, in order for his setteling in ye Work of 
 ye Gospel ministry." Mr. Taylor preached in the society for 
 nearly nine months during 1756 and 1757, and the society 
 repeatedly voted upon the question of his settlement as 
 a pastor. The records of a society meeting held February, 
 1757, read: 
 
 " Att ye same Meeting ye Society agreed by Vote to settei Mr. James 
 Taylor in ye Work of ye Gospell Ministry amongst us as speedily as may 
 be convenient. Att ye same Meeting a comtt. was appointed to apply to 
 Mr. James Taylor and see if they can agree with him on ye Terms of his 
 settelling in ye Work of ye Gospell Ministry amongst us." 
 
 The meeting was adjourned until the 28th of March, "to 
 proceed further with Mr. Taylor." At this adjourned meet- 
 ing, a long and specific statement was adopted, in which the 
 society made the following proposal : 
 
 " Mr. Taylor shall receive as salary and settlement, two hundred and 
 seventy pounds for three years, ninety pounds to be paid at the close 
 of each year. Agreed by vote to give to Mr. James Taylor if he shall 
 so settle as mentioned above, for his salery for ye year fourty five 
 pounds Lawfull Money or ye value in Grain as mentioned hereafter, and 
 then to' Rise Annuallj' as ye List of ye Parish rises, until it comes to sixty 
 pounds, and so to continue to Give sixty pounds, Lawfull Money, annu- 
 ally, or ye value thereof in Grain so long as he shall continue to be 
 our Minister. And it is hearby understood that the said annual salery 
 
136 HISTORY OP NEW BEITAIN, ETC. 
 
 may yearly be paid in Grain, that is to say, in an equil quantity of "Wheat, 
 Rye or Indian Corn." 
 
 The grain was to be brought in the months of April or 
 May, and at no other time, and the price was to be fixed by 
 the parish committee. The Society also agreed to give Mr. 
 Taylor eighteen cords of wood annually. 
 
 There was still some opposition to his settlement, and 
 it was voted "that the whole matter be referred to a 
 committee to advise what should be done." The committee, 
 consisting of Rev. Timothy Pitkin of Farmington, Rev. 
 Joshua Belden of Newington, Rev. Ebenezer Booge of West 
 Avon, and Rev. Samuel Clark of Kensington, met in April 
 and advised that the society hear Mr. Taylor two months 
 longer as a probationer, and if there was then dissatisfaction 
 to call another council. Two months later, at anotlier meet- 
 ing of the society, held June 7th, Mr. Taylor having preached 
 the two months, and the dissatisfaction still continuing,* the 
 society, with his consent, called another council, consisting 
 of the members of the former and four other clergymen, 
 to give advice. This council recommended Mr. Taylor's 
 settlement ; and at a meeting held June 27tli, a committee 
 was appointed, and otlier steps taken to secure his ordina- 
 tion, but he was never settled over the New Britain parish, 
 and the society was again doomed to disappointment-! 
 
 At the annual meeting held Dec. 5, 1757, the following 
 action was taken : 
 
 "Voted that a committee be appointed to aply to the Rev'd South 
 Association of Hartford County for their advice for sum suitable candi- 
 date to preach ye Gospel in this Society as a probationer." 
 
 The records of this meeting later read : 
 
 " Att the same meeting Maj. John Paterson, Lieut. Dan'l Dewey and 
 Mr. Jno. Judd were chosen a Comtt. to use their endeavors yt Mr. John 
 SmiiUey be Prevailed on to preach in this Society as a probationer in Order 
 
 *The vote June 7th for settling Jlr. Taylor was, "aff. 41, neg. 13, nevptor 1." 
 + JIi-. Taylor, a few months later, was settled over a church in New Fairfield, 
 and In 1763 was eharged with Sandemanianism, tried by the Fairfield East Asso- 
 ciation, and silenced. 
 
^'^ bi/ Jthii- Sart^"' 
 
 {7//J1 o-Wy^//4^ 
 
NEW BEITAIN ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY. 137 
 
 for Setteling in tbe Work of the Gospell Ministry amongst us, provided 
 the advise of ye Rev'd South Association of Hartford County may be pro- 
 cured therefor.'' 
 
 The society was thus careful in all its action to proceed 
 regularly and with the full approval of the Association 
 of Ministers, which had so frequently given it advice. 
 
 Mr. Smalley had been licensed to preach by the Litchfield 
 South Association a few months before this vote was passed. 
 He accepted the invitation of the committee and came 
 to New Britain the same month, and commenced preaching as 
 a probationer. The people were so much pleased with 
 him that at an adjourned meeting, held Jan. 9, 1758 : 
 
 "Te Society Unanimously voted to choose Mr. John Smalley for 
 their Minester and to proceed to his settlement in ye Work of ye Gospill 
 Minestry amongst us, provided ye advise of ye Rev'd South Assotiation 
 of Hartford County may be obtained, together with Mr. Smalley's con- 
 sent." 
 
 At tbe same meeting the salary was voted and conditions 
 of payment named. On consultation with Mr. Smalley some 
 slight alterations in the conditions were suggested ; these 
 were readily adopted, and at a meeting held March 6th, 
 the final agreement was voted as follows : 
 
 "Att y same Meeting y= Society agreed by vote to give to Mr. John 
 Smalley if he settles in y Work of y" Gospel Ministry amongst us for 
 his Settlement, one Hundred and fifty Pounds, Lawful Money, or j' value 
 thereof in Bills of Publick Credite in this Colony : to be paid in three 
 Severall Payments, viz : y first payment to be fifty Pounds : & to be 
 paid in one year aftor he, y Said Mr. John Smalley Shall so Settle as 
 above mentioned : y« second payment is to be fifty Pounds and to be paid 
 in one Year after y first payment : y" third payment to be fifty pounds, 
 and to be paid in one year attor y second Payment. 
 
 Att y" Same Meeting y" Society agreed by vote to give to Mr. John 
 Smalley if he shall Settel as mentioned above for his Saliry y three first 
 years fifty pounds, Lawfull money each of said three years ; and then to 
 rise five Pounds, annually until it come to Sixty-five pounds, and so to 
 continue to Give to him y Said Mr. John Smalley Sixty-five pounds Law- 
 full money, annually, untill y' General List of this Parish Shall Rise to 
 Six Thousand pounds : and then to Give to him, y said Mr. John Smalley 
 Seventy pounds Lawfull money, annually so long as he shall continue to 
 be our Minister : and it is to be understood and is hereby understood it 
 10 
 
188 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 y annual Salary as Mentioned above may be Discharged & Payed by an- 
 nually Delivering y value thereof in grain to him, ye said Mr. Smalley, 
 in the foloing manner, viz : an equil quantity in Wheel, Rye or Indian 
 Corn, and that "What Grain Shall be Brought in or paid Shall be paid 
 either in y" Months of March or April, and y" price of Grain so Brought 
 in or Paid shall annually be stated by a Comtee of y" Parish agreeing 
 with him y* said Mr. Smalley and for a Rule to find said price it shall be 
 as Grain yrent for Money y" May or June preceding each yearly payment 
 — and also y= Society further agreed by vote lo Give to Mr. John Smalley 
 fifteen cords of wood annually from y time of his settling five years and 
 then to Give twenty cords of wood annually five year more ; and then to 
 Rise to twenty-five cords, if he, the said Mr. Smalley shall kneed so much 
 and so to continue to Give twenty-five cords annually if he kneeded so 
 long as he y" said Mr. Smalley shall continue to be our Minister . . . 
 and to prevent disputes in case Non agreement about y" price of Grain it 
 is hereby provided and agreed, it the said Deference shall be Desided by 
 ye judgment of Indifferent Men ; and it is hearby further to be under- 
 stood it all former Grants or Vots of this Nature heartfore made to him 
 the said Mr. Smalley are void and of no force." 
 
 This vote was communicated to Mr. Smalley, and he at 
 once returned the following answer, viz : 
 
 "The Parish of New Britain having given me a call to settel among 
 them in the Work of ye Gospel Ministry, I do hearby signify my com- 
 pliance therewith so far as to acquiesce in ye Terms, and to Refer ye mat- 
 ter to ye approbation and advice of ye Rev'd Association to which said 
 Parish belongs. 
 
 John Smalley. 
 
 New Britain, March 6th, 1758." 
 
 The same day the society appointed : 
 
 "A committee to assist Mr. John Smalley in gathering ye Rev'd 
 South Association of Hartford County in order for his Examination, and 
 if approved by sd association, then to appoint a day of Fast, and ye Or- 
 dination day, and every thing else Necessary previous to or on his ordina- 
 tion day."* 
 
 During the period of almost four years in which this new 
 and feeble society was endeavoring to secure a settled pas- 
 tor, in all the trials, vexations, and disappointments wliich 
 came, the faith of the members never, wavered. They re- 
 peatedly referred the matter to the Hartford South Associa- 
 tion for advice and counsel, and when brought to the most 
 
 *The committee consisted of "dipt. .Jonathan Lewis, Lieut. Elijah Hart, 
 Maj. John Patersou, Mr. Ebenezer Smith, and Mr. Jedidiah Smith." 
 
NEW BRITAIN ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY. 139 
 
 eventful crises, appointed days of fasting and prayer. Yet 
 tliey went forward, building their rude meeting-house and 
 making the necessary preparation for worship. 
 
 It is not strange that places with churches well organized 
 and with more compact communities, should have presented 
 to the various ministerial candidates, wider and more at- 
 tractive fields of usefulness than this parish. No church 
 had yet been gathered here; the plain meeting-house was 
 unfinished: the families composing the parish were much 
 scattered ; the people from whom the church must be formed, 
 if at all, were connected with churches elsewliere, some of 
 which were not willing these members should leave, and the 
 outlook of this " society in the wilderness " was not encour- 
 aging. But disappointment had apparently only nerved the 
 active members for continuous endeavors until success crowned 
 their efforts. In the selection of Dr. Smalley, Providence 
 had seemed to lead to the choice of a pastor who was emi- 
 nently fitted for the parish, and arrangements were made |or 
 his ordination at an early day. 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, NEW BRITAIN. 
 
 FOR nearly four years, provision for preaching services on 
 Sunday and for the ordinary ministrations of the gos- 
 pel had been made by the New Britain Ecclesiastical Society, 
 before any church was organized. The society had received 
 the frequent counsel of the Hartford South Association, 
 and had often been guided by this counsel in its action. 
 
 An Ecclesiastical Council having been called " To consider 
 the matter of organizing a church, and to ordain Mr. John 
 Smalley to the work of the gospel ministry, if deemed expe- 
 dient;" it convened at New Britain, April 18, 1758. The 
 council was composed of the following ministers and lay 
 delegates : 
 
 Rev. Moses Bartlett, Portland, 
 " Rev. Joshua Belden, Newington, 
 " Samuel Clark, Kensington, 
 " Edward Eells, Upper Middletown, 
 " James Lockwood, "Wethersfield, 
 " Timothy Pitkin, Farniington, 
 " William Russell, Middletown, 
 ", Ashbel Woodbridge, Glastonbury. 
 Deacons, Joshua Andrews, Thomas Hart, Isaac Lee, William Rock- 
 well, Hewitt Strong, and 'William Wadsworth; Col. Elizur Goodrich, 
 Col. Thomas Wells, Capt. John Rich, and Mr. Nathaniel Chauncey. 
 
 Rev. William Russell was moderator and Rev. James Lockwood 
 scribe. 
 
 The council was in session two days. After a thorough 
 and careful examination of the candidate, the members took 
 action as follows : 
 
 "Voted that Mr. John Smalley, agreeably to the votes and call of 
 this society, and his acceptance, be ordained to the work of the gospel 
 ministry, according to the Say brook platform, and he was so ordained by 
 
FIRST CHURCH OP CHRIST, NEW BRITAIN. 141 
 
 this council, this nineteenth day of April, 1758, by the imposition of the 
 hands of the Presbytery, with fasting and prayer. 
 
 Test. James Lockwood, Scribe." 
 
 The church was organized the same day, and consisted of 
 the following members : 
 
 "From the church at Cornwall, Conn., Rev. Hezekiah Gold, Pastor, 
 
 Rev. John Smalley. 
 
 Prom the church at Newington, 
 
 Maj. John Patterson & wife, Noah Standley, 
 
 Thomas Richards & wife, Ruth Kilbourn, 
 
 William Smith & wife, Experience, wife of Jonathan Gris- 
 Ebenezer Smith & wife, wold, 
 
 Thomas Lusk & wife, Ruth, wife of Robert Woodruff, 
 
 Sanauel Richards & wife, Mary, wife of Daniel Kilborn. 
 
 Prom the church at Kensington, 
 
 Widow Hannah Seymour, Nathan Judd & his wife, 
 
 Mary Andrews, Phineas Judd & his wife, 
 
 " Anna Booth, John Judd & his wife, 
 
 " Elizabeth Lee, Joshua Mather & his wife, 
 
 Benj. Judd & wife, Elijah Hart & his wife, 
 
 Joseph Smith, Judah Hart & his wife, 
 
 Rebeliah, wife of Daniel Dewey, Elijah Hart Junr., 
 
 Hannah, wife of Gideon Griswold, Moses Andrews & his wife, 
 
 Martha, wife of Samuel Goodrich, William Patterson, 
 
 Joseph Smith Jun. & his wife. Widow Hannah Root, 
 
 Jedediah Smith & his wife, John Kelly & wife, 
 
 Josiah Lee & his wife, Joseph Woodruff & wife, 
 
 Isaac Lee & his wife, Simeon Woodruff & wife, 
 
 Stephen Lee, Jedediah Goodrich & wife, 
 
 James Judd, Nathan Booth & wife, 
 
 Uriah Judd & his wife, Lad wick Hotchkiss & wife."* 
 
 At a meeting held soon after the incorporation of the 
 church, Maj. John Patterson and Sergeant Elijah Hart were 
 chosen and appointed to the office of deacon. 
 
 " Voted that the sacramental collection be only once a year when the 
 money is to be handed in, in enclosed paper with the giver's name written 
 thereon. If any are absent one or more sacraments to be set down on the 
 paper and there to be deduction." 
 
 . if Seven persons " owned the covenant " before the church was organized, 
 ten others in 1758, and seventeen afterwards. 
 
142 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 At a meeting held July 30, 1761, 
 
 " Deacon Elijah Hart, Josiah Lee, Daniel Dewey, Isaac Lee, Ladwick 
 Hotchkiss and Noah Standley were chosen a standing committee to advise 
 with the pastor in matters of Difficulty & particularly to assist him in 
 judging respecting complaints that may be exhibited, whether they ought 
 to be prosecuted and brought before the church or not." 
 
 The communion service seems not to have been perma- 
 nently provided at first, for at a meeting held September 3, 
 1772, it was voted : 
 
 "That the Deacons be desired to procure a platter & two cups for 
 the churches use." 
 
 The following is from the records of the annual meeting 
 of the society, held December 4, 1758 : 
 
 "Mr. Elijah Bronson was chosen to take care* of the meeting-house 
 and shut the Windows and Dors, and Sweap the same for ye year ensu- 
 ing. 
 
 Att the same meeting Capt. Jonathan Lewis, Lieut. Elijah Hart and 
 Lieut. Daniel Dewey were chosen a comtt to prepare a Memoriall to ye 
 Inhabitants of the Town of Farmington, praying them in their Wonted 
 Goodness to Grant to Mr. John Smalley our Rev'd Pastor about twelve 
 acres of land in ye 40 Rod Highway, or in some such Place or Places as a 
 comtt. appointed by ye Inhabitants of Farmington shall Judg most Con- 
 venient for ye said Mr. Smalley, and Least Detrimentall to ye Publick." 
 
 This committee presented the memorial to the town of 
 Farmington, and the request was granted by the following 
 vote of the town : 
 
 "At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the town of Farmington, held 
 the 1st day of December, 1758, upon the memorial of Capt. Jonathan 
 Lewis, Mr. Daniel Dewey, and Deacon Elijah Hart, as agents for the 
 parish of New Britain, the town granted to Rev. Mr. John Smalley about 
 twelve acres of land in the forty rod highway, to be in two pieces, if 
 it may there be had without damaging the road, and also made choice of 
 Left. John Strong, Capt. William Wadsworth and Mr. Elijah Porter, as a 
 committee to lay out said land, and deed it, so as may be best for said Mr. 
 Smalley, and least damageble to the said highway." 
 
 The land donated to Mr. Smalley was on the west side of 
 Main Street, and extended from Dublin Hill, or the present 
 Broad Street, southerly nearly to the stream of water which 
 formerly crossed Main Street near the line of the railway. 
 
FIRST CHURCH OP CHRIST, NEW BRITAIN. 143 
 
 Dr. Smalley sold it to Colonel Isaac Lee, and bought for 
 himself a house and farm of twenty -six acres on Bast Street, 
 which at that time was much nearer the most thickly settled 
 part of his parish. 
 
 With a church regularly organized and a minister settled, 
 this new parish began to look for prosperity, and one of its 
 first acts was to provide for finishing the meeting-house. 
 The rude structure had been occupied for more than two 
 years and a half as a place for religious services, and other 
 public meetings ; but it was still unfinished, and in inclement 
 weather, or in the winter, church and society meetings were 
 still held in private houses. At a society meeting held Jan- 
 uary 8, 1769, the following votes were passed : 
 
 " Voted that Lev' Dan' Dewey, Mr. In' Jiidd be chosen a Committee 
 to Procuer Bords and other stuii for ye Meeting House so far as the Tax 
 Money Procure. 
 
 Att the same meeting Cap' Jonth" Lewis Cap' Josiah Lee & Mr. Tho' 
 Stanley ware chosen Com" to Underpin the Meeting-House. " 
 
 The lumber and stone were procured and the work carried 
 forward slowly. The boards were procured at Farmington, 
 and the stone was drawn to the meeting-house on sleds. At 
 a society meeting held February 2, 1761, the following 
 accounts were approved: 
 
 " Agreed by vote to Grant the Com"f procuring about 8000 pine Bords 
 at Farmington, 
 For carting s"* 8000 Bords 
 
 To Lieut. Dewey for going to Farmington after B''s 
 To In'. Judd for same service 2 Days 
 To Com" for procuring stone for \inderpining 
 To Com" for Sledding s* stone to meeting house 
 To Com" for Going after s* stone 
 
 £43. 8.3 
 Att the same meeting Isaac Lee was appointed Comt. to procuer a 
 sufficiency of slit work and Bord and Banisters and any other Timber 
 needed for the Lower part of y meeting house and y" Galery floors. " 
 
 For some reason the work was much delayed, and a year 
 
 later, 1762, the record reads : 
 
 " A committee was appointed to go on to finish the Lower part of y 
 Meeting House and Pulpit and y" Galery floors and y" front Round y« 
 
 £16. 
 
 0.0 
 
 18. 
 
 0.0 
 
 
 10.0 
 
 
 13.0 
 
 3. 
 
 3.3 
 
 4. 
 
 1.0 
 
 1. 
 
 3.0 
 
144 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Galery, the Insuing summer, and that y"^ Square Body of said Meeting 
 House shall be finished by pews and not by long seats." 
 
 The work still went forward quite slowly ; the avails of 
 the tax were not sufficient to pay the bills for material and 
 work, and notes, were given in payment of a part of the 
 expense, but some of these were collected with difficulty. At 
 a society meeting held June 22, 1763, the record reads : 
 
 " It was agreed by vote that the Tresuror should pay to Zeb° Good- 
 rich & Nath' Churchill the Intrest of the money still Dew on the Notes 
 Given for the finishing the Lower part of the Meeting House from the 
 time said Notes ware out untill the same is paid. Also to pay 5' 6'^ for 
 there Charge of Sewing and being Sewed." 
 
 Another committee was appointed to see that the notes 
 and debts were collected. 
 
 At the annual meeting held December 3, 1764, it was 
 voted ; 
 
 " That the Prudenshall Comtt. shall Repare the meeting house, clap- 
 board, shingle and Ridg Bord and glass, and procuer a Decent pare of 
 Biers." 
 
 A committee was also chosen 
 
 "To Seel the Meeting House in Wholl or in part, as they shall think 
 kneedful." 
 
 At the annual meeting held in 1767, the prudential com- 
 mittee were ordered to procure springs for the meeting-house 
 windows and fix the same. At a meeting held in January, 
 1769: 
 
 "Voted that Capt. Johnathan Lewis, Moses Andrus & Tim^ Stanley 
 be directed to employ Capt. Judah Woodruff or some other workman to 
 finish the unfinished work of the Meeting House, viz : the Plastering the 
 Walls and overhead, besides the making the seats provided he will under- 
 take and completely finish the same for 41^ 10', or under that sum." 
 
 The work appears to have been done during the spring 
 and summer, so that in a little more than fifteen years after 
 this house was commenced, it was completed. 
 
 In outward appearance, and in its interior arrangement 
 this first meeting-house resembled similar buildings erected 
 
145 
 
 in Connecticut before the revolutionary war. Entirely plain, 
 but substantial, it was in harmony with its surroundings, 
 befitting the sturdy farmers who had erected it, and adapted 
 it to their needs. The interior arrangement was simple. 
 From the large or principal door, a broad aisle led to the 
 communion table, which was a plain board hung with hinges, 
 and when in use, supported by iron braces. Back of this 
 table was a seat for the deacons, in front of and partly below 
 the pulpit. Narrow aisles led from the broad aisle at the 
 principal door to the right and left, leaving a tier of pews next 
 the wall, and meeting the broad aisle at the communion 
 table. The pews were nearly square, with seats and vertical 
 backs, on each side except at the door. As the occupants of 
 each pew faced the center of the pew, some of the people nec- 
 essarily sat with their backs to the pulpit. There were 
 wide galleries with stairs ascending fi'om the audience room ; 
 the gallery at the right of the pulpit being for men and boys, 
 and the opposite one for women. The meeting-house was 
 seated according to certain regulations established by the 
 society. After the benches had been removed and pews 
 substituted, in 1773, at the annual meeting of the society, the 
 following vote was passed, according to the records : 
 
 " Voted to Seet the meeting house, and Dea" Dewey Noah Stanley 
 Lieut. Judd & Cap' Hotchkiss were chosen Seetors to Seet the same ; and 
 for a Genl Rule the Com" shall alow 6 pound in the List to be Equal to 
 one year of age Comparing Tax List viz. List 1773-1773." 
 
 When the minister entered the meeting-house at the 
 front door and walked up the broad aisle to the pulpit, it was 
 customary for the principal men, who occupied the dig- 
 nified seats in the square body, to rise, bow to him, and 
 sometimes to greet him with words of welcome.* 
 
 This meeting-liouse was for many years the place of 
 assembly for all in the parish, and it was used for public 
 meetings of all kinds. For more than fifty years there was 
 no other organized church or society than the one worship- 
 
 * Dr. Smalley would sometimes attract attention when entering by stamping 
 upon the floor. 
 
146 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 ing here, and all the people gathered to this house, as their 
 church home. It had no fireplace, stove, or furnace. Small 
 Sabbath-day houses, with a fireplace, a few chairs, and other 
 conveniences, were built near for the accommodation of 
 sucli of the parishioners as remained at the noon intermission. 
 In these houses friends and neighbors gathered about the fire 
 upon the hearth to eat their lunch, obtain a little warmth, 
 and discuss the morning sermon and the news of the parish. 
 At the society meeting held February 2, 1761 : 
 
 "Capt. Josiah Lee, Joseph Smith, and Judah Wright ware chosen a 
 Com" to state ye Place for Noah Stanley and Company to build a Sabbath- 
 Day house upon." 
 
 Similar provision was made for others. 
 1 About eighty rods east of the meeting-house, on Burying 
 Ground Lane, was the burying ground, on land originally 
 belonging to Capt. Stephen Lee's farm, and given to the 
 society by his descendants, in exchange for a part of the 
 higliway.* 
 
 In 1784 occurred one of the principal revivals during Dr. 
 Smalley's ministry, and in this year and the next there were 
 forty-six added to the church, and a new impetus was given 
 to the growth of the society. At the annual meeting in 
 1785 the following action was taken : 
 
 "Lieut. Jonathan Belden, Capt. James North, Ensign Lewis Andrus, 
 and Elnathan Smith were appointed to Shingle and Clabord the Meeting- 
 House with Pine Clabord and Shingles and also Coller the same with a 
 Fashenable Coller." 
 
 Over ninety pounds was expended in these alterations, 
 which were accompanied or followed by other improvements. 
 
 *At the annual meeting in 1771, a committee was appointed to present a 
 memorial "to the Inhabitants of the Town of Farmington, praying them to sell 
 so much of the Highways in said town as will procuer a couyenient Burying 
 Yard for this society." The request appears to have been granted, for at a 
 town meeting held a few days after the committee was appointed, the town 
 voted that " the committee for exchanging highways be empowered to convey 
 to Isaac Lee Esq. so much of said highway as may be best spared, as shall malie 
 him a meet recompense for the burying-place he has found for said society of 
 New Britain." The society, in 1773, voted that "the Publick Burying yard 
 should Lye iu common with the rest of Isaac Lee, Jun' Lot for the futor." 
 
FIRST CHURCH OP CHRIST, NEW BRITAIN. 147 
 
 Among these the cultivation of church music is especially 
 noteworthy. In August, 1786, the summer that the meeting- 
 house was repaired, the society determined to improve the 
 singing and authorized the prudential committee to draw on 
 the treasury : 
 
 " Not exceeding six pounds for tlie Incouriging of singing in tliis 
 Society to the Best Advantage." 
 
 Other and similar appropriations were frequently made, 
 and in 1789 the committee was instructed : 
 
 "To procuer sucli lustrewments of Musicli as they thinli Propper and 
 Decent by such Unappropriated Moneys as are due to this Society, if such 
 can he found, and when such Instrewments are thus procured to belong 
 to this Society as their property.'' 
 
 The arrangement and adjustment of the salary of Dr. 
 Smalley seem to have caused the society some trouble, and 
 this matter was often the occasion of action at the meetings 
 of the society. 
 
 At the first annual meeting after his ordination the fifty 
 pounds settlement was voted, and the salary for the first 
 year fixed at forty-five pounds.* The next year the salary 
 was raised to fifty pounds, and the five pounds deducted for 
 1758 was made up to him. At first, the price of grain was 
 to be the market price of the preceding June, but as the 
 price varied considerably, it was decided in 1759 that grain 
 should be brought to him in April, May, or June, and should 
 be estimated at the market price in the latter month. Wood 
 was estimated at six shillings per cord. It was difficult for 
 this small society to pay his salary and meet the expendi- 
 
 * The following receipts from Dr. Smalley the first year of his pastorate are 
 taken from the society records: 
 
 New Brittain, Decern'. y= 17, 1759. 
 
 Then Kec'd of y' Parish of New Brittain ye Sum of Seventeen Pounds ten 
 Shillings Lawfull money which is in full of my Demands on sd Society for 
 Preaching before my settlement ifec. I say Reed Pr me Jn° Smalley. 
 
 New Brittain, Decern'' y' 17, A D 1759. 
 Then Reed of y° Parish of New Brittain y' Sum of Ninety four Pounds Law- 
 full IMoney and lifteen cords of Wood which is in full for my first years Salery 
 and Settlement according to Covenant. I say Reed 
 
 Pr. Me Jn" Smalley. 
 
148 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 tures for the meeting-liouse and for schools. In a few years 
 considerable arrearages had accumulated, and in 1762 his 
 salary was raised to seventy pounds, and a committee was 
 appointed : 
 
 " To agree with the Rev. Mr. Smalley what the Rearages are, and 
 how much is still due him from ye Society in there not making Payment 
 by the time agreed upon." 
 
 Dr. Smalley was a careful business man, and judged that 
 if his salary was not paid according to contract there would 
 be interest due him. He bought his place on East Street in 
 1759, but does not seem to have built his house until the 
 year before he was married, or in 1763, for at a society meet- 
 ing held April IStli of that year, the following record was 
 made: 
 
 "At the same IMeeting Cap' John Lewis, Joseph Smith, Noah Stanley, 
 Lad. Hotchkiss, Lieu' Dan' Dewey, Deacon Elij" Hart, Cap' Jos'" Lee & 
 Moses Andrews ware chosen a Commi' to Repare to the ReV Mr. Smalley 
 & with him make a Computation what his House will cos' and what Mr. 
 Smalley can Disburse towards the same, and say how much the re- 
 mainder ; how best to be paid and in How Many Rates ; and when each 
 rate must be paid." 
 
 At a society meeting held Sept. 7, 1763, the following 
 vote in regard to his salary was passed : 
 
 "Voted to add to y Rev'd Mr. Smalley's saliry Twenty five Pounds 
 annually so long as he continues to be our Minister, and to be paid and 
 Discharged as the former saliry, provided he Gives the Society a Dis- 
 charge from all Rearages Occasioned by the Depretiation of Money or 
 Rise of Things, or Pailyour in Point of payment by the Time coven3,nted. 
 And also voted y' provided the Society for the Putor fail in Point of 
 Payment by the Time covenanted, if the Society shall pay Interest at five 
 per cent, for the same untill the whole sum is paid, it shall Discharge the 
 debt." 
 
 In a few years this action of the society began to create 
 uneasiness, for at the annual meeting held in December, 
 1767, a committee was appointed as follows : 
 
 "To confer with Rev, Mr. Smalley Relitive to his saliry and the un- 
 easiness of the Parish about the same and inquier into his Circumstances 
 with Respect to his Living and make report to the Society at their next 
 meeting." 
 
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, NEW BRITAIN. 149 
 
 The salary was reduced to seventy-five pounds, but in 
 1768 it was raised to ninety pounds. In 1776 it was fixed 
 at eighty pounds, with the stipulation that it should " be paid 
 up soon after it became due," and lawful interest be allowed 
 from two months after it was due till paid. 
 
 The salary was paid some years according to these terms, 
 but the depreciation of currency during the revolutionary 
 war was so great that new arrangements were made which 
 are fully expressed in the following vote passed at a society 
 meeting held Feb. 1,1779: 
 
 " Wbereas, by Reason of tlie Depreciation of the paper currency and 
 the Rev'd Mr. Smalley's saliry being chiefly paid in the same, by which 
 means his support for three years last past has been greatly Diminished 
 from ye Real Desire of and Intrest of the Covenant subsisting between 
 us, and which prevented him from giving Discharges to the Parish for the 
 Last 3 years, and the Society by their Comtt. having applied to him for a 
 settlement in such an amicable manner as may obtain the discharge above, 
 and the Rev'd Mr. Smalley in his answer of the 25th of January, 1779, 
 having taken the Mater into Consideration and for sake of Peace and in 
 consideration of the Extraordinary publict expenses and Troubles of the 
 times has made such generous proposals as have done Honor to himself 
 and Advantageous to us, and if complied with Seems Likely to Maintain 
 that Love and mutual affection so necessary to be cultivated in such a Re- 
 lation ; We therefore, cordially comply with his proposals and by our 
 vote ingage to give to the Rev'd Mr. John Smalley for his Saliry for the 
 present year, and to make up for the Defalcation the three years last past. 
 One Hundred and Forty Pound, and to be paid in Wheat at six shillings, 
 Rie, at four, or Indian Corn at three shillings the Bushel, or a just equiva- 
 lent in currency, to be computed from time to time (as often as Mr. Smalley 
 shall desier) by a Comtt. of the Society agreeing with Rev. Mr. Smalley, 
 or in Silver, Reckoning one Dolar equal to one bushel of Wheat, or so 
 much of it in labour as he shall want to hier at the rate of three shillings 
 per day in the Summer season, and in a just proportion at other Seasons 
 of the year. And the time of Payment and maner of Collecting to be 
 agreeable to the former Covenant subsisting between us." 
 
 Committees were appointed from time to time to deter- 
 mine the price of grain offered for Dr. Smalley's salary and 
 other matters of detail, but no special change in the amount 
 paid seems to have been made until 1783, when on account 
 of the stringency of the times, he made another concession 
 as shown by the following communication sent to the annual 
 meeting in December of that year : 
 
150 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 "To the Moderator of the Parish Meeting in New Britain: I will ac- 
 cept of 65 pounds Salery for the Courant year, provided the one-half he 
 paid by the Time it is due, and the other half secured by a Note of hand 
 on a very Responsible Man, payable with Interest within six months after 
 said time, namely by ye 19th of October next. Provided also that if any 
 Individual need further favour by abating, lowering of Rates and the 
 
 like, they shall look to the Society for it, not to me. 
 
 John Smalley." 
 
 Dr. Smalley, in his intercourse with his brethren in the 
 ministry, had often expressed an opinion that a pastor should 
 retire from active service at the age of seventy, and when he 
 arrived at that age he proposed the matter to his people. 
 But they were not inclined to part with a pastor who had 
 served them so well and so long, and urged him to continue 
 his ministry. He remained for a time, though often unfit for 
 active duty. When, however, he had reached his seventy- 
 fifth year, or in 1808, it became evident that he could not 
 long continue to perform the work required of a pastor, or 
 fulfil his duties as a minister. In the latter part of the year 
 the question took more definite form, and at last a call was 
 extended to Eev. Horatio "Waldo to become the minister. 
 For a time it seemed that he would settle over the parish ; 
 the matter came up for discussion and vote at several meet- 
 ings of the society, and a long and carefully prepared 
 contract was written, adopted, and placed upon the society 
 records. While the matter was under consideration the 
 question arose whether Mr. Waldo should be settled as a 
 colleague with Dr. Smalley, or whether the latter should 
 resign and be dismissed, and Mr. Waldo be installed in his 
 place. A committee was appointed to call upon Dr. Smalley 
 with the question. Instead of giving his reply to the com- 
 mittee, he wrote a letter to the society, stating his views, as 
 follows : 
 
 Letter of Rev. John Smalley, D.D. 
 
 "New Britain, Jan. 17, 1809. 
 To the moderator and members of this day's Society meeting : 
 
 "Worthy Sir and Dear Brethren. 
 
 I have had your question proposed to me by one of your Committee, 
 whether I am willing to be dismissed previously to tlie ordination of 
 another pastor. Being somewhat surprised and very unwell, perhaps I 
 
NEW BRITAIN. 151 
 
 spoke unadvisedly concerning the very low estimation inwhich I thought 
 myself held, for, after the many things done and said to humble me, I 
 have not yet been cured of all pride :' to save the Committee from the 
 disagreeable business of making an ill report, and from the hard task of 
 giving a good one, I have concluded to return a reply myself in writing, 
 after more mature deliberation, and shall endeavor to do it with calmness. 
 My answer, however, must still be in the negative. I have taken it to 
 have been almost the Invariable custom, in such cases, to Ordain a second 
 Pastor as Colleague with the former and I know of no good reason for a 
 deviation from that custom. In this case, I am informed, it was said by 
 some out of doors, though not in the house, that were I dismissed my 
 property would go into the list for taxation, but this motive for desiring 
 my dismission appears to me not very generous, nor very reasonable all 
 things considered ; and let it be thought by my adversaries, ever so rea- 
 sonable, or ever so generous, it must be a motive of no great consequence 
 if it be considered that certainly 1 must die very soon, and may probably 
 enoagh before the commencement of another year. 
 
 But the principal cause of the appointment of a Committee, for the 
 purpose of such an uncommon question, I understand was this : some 
 who professed to be well pleased with Mr. Waldo appeared determined 
 not to vote for his settlement unless it should be preceded by my dismissal. 
 How many of these there are, I know not ; that there are very many who 
 wish, on their own account, that I should be cast down and trodden foot 
 on, or who care much about it one way or the other, I can hardly believe. 
 Nor can I think that many will make a point of it merely to gratify the 
 tender mercies of one or two, or to conciliate them that there may be a 
 universal vote. One thing I had like to have forgotten. It has been told 
 me that considerable number are much disaffected, on account of the pro- 
 posal and agreement made last spring concerning my salary, that it should 
 be continued until the settlement of another minister and then cease, and 
 it seems nearly half the parish do not mean to fuWll it, for I under- 
 stand that twenty-five, out of a little more than fifty, at your last meeting, 
 voted against getting any wood for the present year, and that, respecting 
 the salary, no mention has been made. If it will give general satisfaction 
 I am willing, and it is my wish, to have that proposal and agreement 
 mutually given up that matters between us may stand as they before 
 stood. 
 
 The settlement of a minister is a matter of great importance, and 
 unanimity in it is much to be desired. It ought, however, to be consid- 
 ered that, should you persuade all to vote for him you now have, if he 
 should be a faithful servant of Christ, his pleasing all men very long is far 
 from being certain. Of your present candidate, I have a very good 
 opinion. His settlement among you is, doubtless, an object for the 
 attainment of which great sacrifice of feeling and of interest ought to be 
 made on all sides. If it should fall through I am much afraid you will 
 not get another that is equal to him. Doubtless I ought willingly to be 
 further abased that he may abound in votes, were there no other way, and 
 
152 HISTOET OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 were this likely on the whole, to be for the best ; but for me to be' dis- 
 missed because j'ou refuse to settle a successor on any other conditions, I 
 am apprehensive would be a story to go abroad not very honorable to 
 either of us, and that such an event would not be of happy consequences 
 among ourselves. Still, however, wishing you wisdom, grace, mercy and 
 peace, I subscribe myself, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 J. Smalley." 
 
 Several meetings were held by the society to consider the 
 matter, but Mr. Waldo was not settled. 
 
 The pastorate of Dr. Smalley was a long and fruitful one, 
 and extended through an eventful period of history. It 
 included the latter part of the French and Indian war, the 
 whole period of the American revolution, the time of the 
 French revolution, and of other political changes, which 
 affected nearly all European countries, and cast their shadow 
 over the United States. The leading men of the parish 
 were intelligent, and were well acquainted with the political 
 history and development of thought in the times in which 
 they lived. They sometimes differed from their minister on 
 questions of policy, and they did not hesitate to express their 
 opinions frankly and sometimes emphatically, but with kind- 
 ness and courtesy. The relation of pastor and people was 
 kind and affectionate. Dr. Smalley's ministry resulted in 
 important gains to the church, in increasing strength to the 
 society, and in the growth of intellectual power and influence 
 in New Britain. There were several seasons of special 
 religious interest in the place during his ministry, that of 
 1784-5 being the most remarkable. 
 
 At a society meeting held May 29, 1809, Dr. Smalley 
 sent the following communication to the society : 
 
 ' ' To the members of the New Britain Ecclesiastical Society. 
 
 Dear Brethren. Not expecting to be able to preach much if any 
 longer, I have concluded to relinquish my salary ; and I do hereby dis- 
 charge the society of New Britain from all claim to the payment of it, by 
 me and my heirs forever except what was due at or before the nineteenth 
 day of April last. 
 
 As witness my hand this 29"> day of May A.D. 1809. 
 
 John Smalley." 
 
FIRST CHURCH OP CHRIST, NEW BRITAIN. 153 
 
 The date fixed by Dr. Smalley for relinquishing his salary 
 was just fifty-one years from the date of his settlement. He 
 continued, however, to preach and perform pastoral duties 
 during the summer and autumn, and until the settlement of 
 Mr. Newton Skinner as colleague pastor. He preached occa- 
 sionally some two years longer, his last sermon being 
 delivered September 26, 1813, nearly fifty-six years after he 
 began to preach in New Britain.* 
 
 The church, December 2, 1809, by a unanimous vote, in- 
 vited Mr. Newton Skinner to become pastor and teacher, as 
 colleague with Dr. Smalley. The call was accepted, and Mr. 
 Skinner was ordained and installed February 14,1810. The 
 Ecclesiastical Council which was convened on the 13th at the 
 house of Dr. Smalley, had Rev. John Smalley, D.D., as mod- 
 erator, and Rev. Israel B. Woodward, scribe. During the 
 ministry of Mr. Skinner, the changes which had begun in the 
 latter part of Dr. Smalley's pastorate became more marked. 
 The center of the parish was gradually changing from a 
 sparsely populated farraing district into a stirring business 
 hamlet, with numerous small shops in which the beginnings 
 of a manufacturing village were already noticeable. Tliought 
 was quickened ; new enterprises were planned ; the propor- 
 tion of young people was increased, and society was percep- 
 tibly changing. Through the efforts of Rev. Mr. Skinner and 
 a few others, the first Sunday-scliool society in Hartford 
 County was organized in this parish, in 1816, and Mr. Skin- 
 ner became its president. 
 
 The great awakening which in 1819 and 1820 had pro- 
 duced so great results in Saratoga and Albany counties, 
 N. Y., and in the latter year in New Haven County and some 
 other parts of Connecticut, in the winter of 1820-21 
 extended to New Britain. There was more than usual 
 attention of the whole community to the subject of religion. 
 The revival continued during the spring and summer of 1821,. 
 especially reaching many in active life. At the communion,, 
 August 5th, eighty-six, including many business men and 
 
 *For more extended account of Dr. Smalley see biographical notice. 
 II 
 
154 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 heads of families, united witli the church ; October 7th, 
 twenty-six more, and December 2d, eight others, or one 
 hundred and twenty in less than four months.* 
 
 The question of repairs of the meeting-house, then stand- 
 ing nearly opposite the head of Smalley Street, was presented 
 in society meeting several times. A portion of the society 
 were in favor of general repairs and alterations, while others 
 believed it to be wiser to build a new edifice. The increase 
 of farms and buildings west of Main Street caused the 
 center of population to be removed some distance from 
 the meeting-house. After some discussion, at a society 
 meeting held Dec. 24, 1817, it was voted to make some small 
 repairs on the old house, and a committee of ten, named the 
 " Measuring Committee," was appointed " to measure from 
 every house in the society, in order to find a center to deter- 
 mine the place to build a new meeting-house." 
 
 It had been more than sixty years since the first meeting- 
 house was raised and covered, and the need of a uew 
 and better building was, by some of the society, believed 
 to be urgent. Very little was done, however, until after 
 the revival of 1821, when the gains to the church and 
 the increase in the congregation led to more decided action. 
 The center of the society, as determined by measuring from 
 the houses in the parish, was found to be near the intersec- 
 tion of East Main Street with Main Street. A new site was 
 selected on the farm of Isaac Lee, who gave the laud to the 
 society. The location, though more central than that of the 
 old meeting-house, was upon a lot partly marshy and uneven. 
 As tire rough site needed much alteration and grading to pre- 
 pare it for a building place, the farmers came from different 
 parts of the parish, and with willing hearts and with teams and 
 tools prepared the site for the meeting-house erected in 1822. f 
 
 * Of those uniting with the church at this time, more than thirty were heads 
 of families. There were, over fifty years of age, seven ; between forty and tifty, 
 eighteen; between thirty and forty, twenty-five; between twenty and thirty, 
 thirty-eight ; and under twenty, thirty-one. 
 
 tAuios K. Euo of New Yorlc, then a boy living in New Britain, with his 
 grandfather's team brought the Hrst load of stone for the foundation of the new 
 meeting-house. 
 
FIRST CHURCH OP CHRIST, NEW BRITAIN. 155 
 
 The old meeting-house was torn down with a view to 
 using some of the timber in the erection of the new one, but 
 little of it was found suitable, and timber was cut from the 
 woods and hewn at the foot of Dublin Hill. The new house 
 cost about six thousand dollars in addition to what was 
 received for the old one. It was a neat and commodious 
 edifice,* occupying the site of the present Burritt scliool. 
 The architecture was that of similar buildings erected 
 at that time. When this house was completed, with its 
 steeple and bell, it was admired for its attractive exterior, 
 and for its convenient interior arrangements. After the 
 present edifice of the First Church was erected, this second 
 meeting-house of this society was sold, removed to the west 
 side of Main Street, converted into a hall, and afterwards 
 destroyed by fire. 
 
 The new church edifice had been erected with harmony 
 and cheerfulness, and the church and society, with a pastor 
 in whom they were united, seemed to have a prospect of 
 growth and prosperity. Mr. Skinner was happy in his pas- 
 torate, and his labors were being crowned with success, when, 
 after a short illness, he was removed by death, March 
 31, 1825, in the forty-third year of his age, and the sixteenth 
 of his pastorate. 
 
 A few months after Mr. Skinner's death, or Aug. 9, 
 1825, the church voted to invite Mr. Henry Jones of Hart- 
 ford to become its pastor. Six days after, the Ecclesiastical 
 Society passed a similar vote. In a letter dated at Hartford, 
 Aug. 30, 1825, Mr. Jones accepted the call, and an Ecclesias- 
 tical Council, convened at New Britain, Oct. 11, 1825, pro- 
 ceeded with his examination ; and on the following day, Oct. 
 12th, he was ordained and installed. Rev. Nathan Perkins, 
 D.D., for more than sixty-five years pastor of the church 
 in West Hartford, was moderator of the council, and Rev. 
 Joab Brace, D.D., for fifty years pastor in Newington, was 
 
 *This meeting-house was built by Ira Atwater of New Haven. Elnathan 
 Pecli and Henry Whiting were then young men working for Mr. Atwater. They 
 remained in the place after the church was completed and made New Britain 
 their home. 
 
156 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 scribe. Tlie sermon was preached by Rev. Noah Porter, 
 D.D., for sixty years pastor of the church in Farmington. 
 Rev. Leonard Bacon, D.D., then a young pastor, who had 
 been- settled but a few months over the First Church, New 
 Haven, was also a member of the council. At the time 
 of Mr. Jones's settlement, David Whittlesey and Elijah 
 Francis were the deacons of the church, and James North, 
 Alvin North, William Smith, Amon Stanley, and Alfred 
 Andrews, were the other members of the standing committee. 
 
 Mr. Jones had three hundred dollars voted him as a 
 settlement, and he received a salary of five hundred dollars 
 a year. The unanimous vote of the church and society, 
 inviting him " to take the oversight of the church and 
 people in the work of the gospel ministry," was indicative of 
 the cordial welcome extended to him as pastor and teacher. 
 He entered upon his work with enthusiasm and found 
 the people responsive to his wishes. In the spring of 182& 
 the system of Sunday-schools was introduced and adopted. 
 An interesting revival of religion occurred during this year, 
 and in the autumn and winter a large number of young 
 people united with the church. But in a little over two 
 years from the time of Mr. Jones's settlement, a mutual 
 council was called to consider the question of the dissolution 
 of the connection which was so hopefully made. The failing 
 health of the pastor, and his conviction that he was not able 
 to carry on the work so auspiciously commenced, led to 
 his dismissal Dec. 19, 1827. During his ministry of two 
 and a quarter years, sixty-three persons were admitted to the 
 church, fifty-eight of whom united on the confession, of their 
 faith. 
 
 Soon after the dismissal of Mr. Jones, Mr. Jason Atwater, 
 a member of the Theological Seminary of Yale College, was 
 employed to supply the pulpit. He continued until Novem- 
 ber, 1828. During his short ministry of a few months 
 an interesting revival occurred, which resulted in the addi- 
 tion of seventy-one to the church in the early part of 1829. 
 The church and society believing it to be very desirable that 
 
157 
 
 a settled pastor should be secured, at a meeting of the 
 church, held April 7, 1829, it -was voted, unanimously, to 
 extend a call to Rev. Jonathan Cogswell. Messrs. David 
 Whittlesey, Thomas Lee, and Seth J. North, were appointed 
 a committee to communicate with Mr. Cogswell, which they 
 did, and in a few days received his letter of acceptance, 
 as follows : 
 
 "To the Congregational Church of Christ in New Britain Society, 
 Berlin: 
 
 Fathers and Brethren, your votes of the 7th inst. have been com- 
 municated to me by your committee, and have been seriously and prayer- 
 fully considered. The unusual harmony and unexpected unanimity which 
 appear to prevail among you, connected with other circumstances which 
 seem clearly to indicate the mind of God, fully convinces me that 1 ought 
 to accept your invitation to settle among you in the ministry. The work 
 before me appears to be great, but my dependence is on Him in whom is 
 infinite fullness. Your assistance and prayers I most earnestly request. 
 Looking tp the great Head of the Church for all needed grace, your high- 
 est happiness will be the chief object of my daily pursuit. Wishing you 
 grace, mercy and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, permit me to_ subscribe myself yours in the fellowship of the 
 gospel. 
 
 Dated at Berlin, April 13, 1839. Jonathan Cogswell." 
 
 In response to letters missive an Ecclesiastical Council 
 was convened in New Britain, April 28, 1829, for the purpose 
 of installing Mr. Cogswell as pastor. Rev. Nathan Perkins, 
 D.D., was again moderator, and Rev. Joab Brace, D.D., 
 scribe. Rev. Noah Porter, D.D., Rev. Samuel Goodrich, 
 and Rev. Charles A. Goodrich were also members of the 
 council. The examination took place the first day, and was 
 pronounced satisfactory. On the following day, the installa- 
 tion occurred. Rev. Caleb J. Tenney of Wethersfield and 
 Rev. Royal Robbins of Kensington being present to partici- 
 pate in the installation services. Mr. Tenney preached the 
 sermon, and Mr. Robbins gave the right hand of fellowship. 
 The church had never before settled a pastor with so much 
 experience at the time of settlement, and much was hoped 
 from Mr. Cogswell's ministry. On the 21st of January, 
 1834, he was appointed Professor of Ecclesiastical History in 
 the Theological Institute at East Windsor. He accepted 
 
158 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 this position, and was dismissed from New Britain for that 
 purpose, April 29, 1834, just five years after his settlement. 
 
 For more than a year after the dismissal of Mr. Cogs- 
 well, the pulpit was supplied by different clergymen, among 
 whom were Rev. Charles A. Goodrich, Rev. Asahel Nettle- 
 ton, Rev. Horatio M. Brinsmade, Rev. Noah Porter,* and 
 Rev. Thomas H. Gallaudet, superintendent of the American 
 Asylum for Deaf Mutes. On the 7th of December, 1835, at 
 a meeting of the church, it was voted unanimously to give 
 Mr. Dwight M. Seward of Durham a call to settle ; a similar 
 vote was passed at a meeting of the society held the same 
 day. The call was accepted in the following letter : 
 
 " Durham, Conn., Dec. 24, 1835. 
 Brethren and Friends, The question presented b}' your recent vote, I 
 have made the subject of deep, prayerful reflection. The result is a 
 determination to accept of the call you have given me to settle among you 
 in the ministry. To this decision I have not come without anguish of 
 feeling and deep solicitude for the future; the objection arising from my 
 own conscious weakness, I could not easily dispose of; but the ardor of 
 youth bids me to try; the love of souls prompted a wish to try; 
 friends who had long prayed for my usefulness said, you may try; 
 and a voice from Heaven seemed to add, ' I am thy shield and thy 
 exceeding great reward.' And with the hope of such support, I am 
 willing to make the desired effort. I have a motive for thus speaking 
 to you of my fears. Methinks a people should know the state of feel- 
 ing with which their servant enters into his new relations. I- wish 
 you not to expect too much. I desire you to remember that you will 
 receive an untried and earthen vessel. I can adopt prospectively the 
 sentiment of Paul, ' I shall be with you in weakness, in fear, and in much 
 trembling.' And now permit me to say, in conclusion, that I shall claim 
 your sympathies, your prayers and 3'our assistance. With these the 
 office is one of fearful responsibility — without them, an angel might 
 shrink from the work. 
 
 Yours affectionately, Dwight M. Seward." 
 
 Mr. Seward was ordained and installed as pastor of 
 the church and people February 2d and 3d, 1836. Rev. 
 Noah Porter, D.D., of Farmington was moderator of the 
 
 *Some members of the elmrch and society desired that Dr. Porter be 
 invited to settle .as jiastor, but he discouniijed the effort, believing the parish 
 was too near his own home, Farmington, and rode to Durliam himself, and pur- 
 suaded his classmute, Dwight M. Seward, to accept an invitation to preach in 
 New Britain. 
 
FIRST CHURCH OP CHRIST, NEW BRITAIN. 15U 
 
 council, and Rev. Joab Brace, scribe. The sermon was 
 preached by Rev. Joel Hawes, D.D. Mr. Seward was pastor 
 a little more than six years, when, at his own request, and 
 by advice of a mutual council, he was dismissed June 15, 
 1842.* During his ministry there were two revivals in the 
 parish, and one hundred and ninety-four persons united with 
 the church, of whom one hundi'ed and thirty-six were on the 
 confession of their faith. 
 
 The expediency of organizing another Congregational 
 Church in New Britain had been under consideration for 
 some time, when, at a meeting of the church, June 14, 
 1842, the following petition was presented : 
 
 "Reverend and Beloved: whereas we the subscribers, being desirous 
 of forming a new church in this place, and having nearly completed a suit- 
 able edifice for our accommodation, request you to permit us peaceably to 
 withdraw ourselves from our particular connection with you, and to give 
 us an equal share in the property of the church, and Sabbath School 
 Library." 
 
 The signers of this petition were chiefly persons who 
 afterwards constituted the South Church. 
 
 The church then appointed a committee of twelve,! to 
 whom the petition was referred for consideration. At the 
 adjourned meeting, held June 21, 1842, the committee pre- 
 sented the following report and accompanying resolution : 
 
 "To the Congregational Church in New Britain: Dear Brethren, 
 your committee to whom was referred the petition of Deacon Elijah 
 Francis and others, praying for liberty to withdraw themselves from this 
 church, and share equally in the property of the Churcli and Sabbath 
 School books, having taken the important subject into serious considera- 
 tion beg leave respectfully to report: 
 
 *Mr. Seward was installed pastor of the church in West Hartford, January 
 14, 1845, and was dismissed December 18, 1850. In 1851, lie was called to a 
 church in Tonkers, N. Y., where he ministered for many years. In 1881 he was 
 installed over the Plymouth Church, Portland, Maine, and was dismissed from 
 the same June 18, 1884. He has since resided at Norwalk, Ct. He was made 
 Doctor of Divinity hy Union Theological Seminary in 18B3. 
 
 t The members of this committee were David Whittlesey, Matthew Clark, 
 Amon Stanley, Samuel Booth, Ira Stanley, Eli Smith, William Ellis, Ira Stanley, 
 Jr., William A. Churchill, Dan Clark, Alfi-ed Andrews, Timothy W. Stanley, 
 John Stanley, Horace Wells, Adna Hart, and Noah W. Stanley. 
 
160 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Your committee are very sensible that as a churcli and society we 
 have come to a crisis which is perplexing in the extreme ; just on the 
 point of taking a step which will be deeply deplored in all future time; 
 making a breach which neither we, our children, nor our children's chil- 
 dren will be able to heal. "We would meet it with all brotherly kindness 
 and affection. We are among those who believe in the right of petition, 
 and although it is our tixed opinion that we ought not to separate 
 families and beloved brethren and friends, your petitioners have the same 
 right to think and say, ' we can enjoy ourselves better apart, and we wish 
 you to let us go in peace.' We would call on our dear brethren and sisters 
 in the petition, to pause and inquire, are there any good and substantial 
 reasons why a division should be made in this church? jMany of us 
 have walked together in the fellowship of the gospel, and in brotherly 
 love for years; some almost to the end of our pilgrimage, and not a jar in 
 our affections has disturbed our peace. Your committee cannot discover 
 any just cause for granting the request of the petitioners at this time, and 
 especially in its present form, but would exhort all of our beloved sisters 
 and brethren in the Lord to stand still and hope unto the end. We 
 remember the difficulties and trouble in former years, and would also call 
 on our souls and all within us to bless and praise the Lord for his good- 
 ness, and for his wonderful works, in poiJring out upon us His Holy 
 Spirit, especially in the year 1831, and in subsequent years, thus reviving 
 us when were 'minished and brought low,' and delivering us from all our 
 distresses. Now, dear brethren, viewing with anxious solicitude our pres- 
 ent condition, and contemplating our future prospects, which so deeply 
 affect us all, we are united in our opinion, and do recommend the passage 
 of the following resolution, viz. : 
 
 Resolved, that the petitioners have leave to withdraw their petition, 
 or if they prefer, we consent that the whole case, all matters and things, 
 with all its load of consequences, be referred to the decision of the conso- 
 ciation, provided our friends, the petitioners, will relinquish all claim to 
 the property of the church, and pay their share of the debts contracted 
 for their benefit as well as ours." 
 
 The report was accepted, the resolution passed, and the 
 meeting adjourned siJie die, but in a week another meeting of 
 the church was called, when the following votes were passed : 
 
 "Voted, that this church unite in calling a meeting of the Hartford 
 South Consociation to assemble in this village on Tuesday, the 5th day of 
 July next, at nine o'clock A. M., in reference to forming and organizing a 
 new Congregational Church in this parish, provided they deem it expe- 
 dient. 
 
 Voted to appoint a committee to carry the above vote into effect.'' 
 
 Seth J. North, Elnathan Peck, Augustus Stanley, and 
 William A. Churchill, were the members of the committee. 
 
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, NEW BRITAIN. 161 
 
 They took the necessary steps to prepare for the meeting of 
 the Consociation, and it convened July 5, 1842. After hear- 
 ing the petitioners and remonstrants by counsel and other- 
 wise, and after due deliberation, the Consociation proceeded 
 to organize a new church, to be known as the " South Con- 
 gregational Church in New Britain." 
 
 The number of members withdrawing to form the South 
 Church was one hundred and twenty, leaving two hundred 
 and seven members, then constituting the First Church 
 of Christ in New Britain. For a few months the pulpit 
 of the latter church was supplied by B,ev. Nathaniel W. 
 Taylor, D.D., of New Haven. Dr. Taylor was, at that time, 
 Dwight Professor of Didactic Theology in the Theological 
 Department of Yale College, and his sermons were heard 
 with much interest and were quickening -and strengthening 
 to the church. He could not, however, long preach regularly 
 to this people, besides it seemed very desirable that a settled 
 pastor should be secured. At a church meeting held Dec. 
 13, 1842, a call was given to Mr. Chester S. Lyman, who had 
 graduated from Yale Theological Seminary a few months 
 before. The call was accepted, and an Ecclesiastical Council, 
 which convened Feb. 14, 1843, for the purpose, proceeded 
 with his examination, and on the following day, Feb. 16th, he 
 was ordained. During the first year of his ministry there 
 was a revival in the parish, and twenty-two persons were 
 added to the church. Mr. Lyman's health failing, he was 
 dismissed April 23, 1845. His sliort pastorate of two years 
 and two months resulted in the addition of forty to the 
 membership of the church. 
 
 About a week after the dismissal of Mr. Lyman, on May 
 1, 1845, the church voted to call Rev. Charles S. Sherman to 
 become its pastor. Tlie society united with the church in 
 this call, and voted the same salary as was paid to Mr. 
 Lyman, viz. : six hundred dollars a year. Mr. Sherman was 
 installed July 2, 1845, and was pastor of the church until 
 September 5, 1849. He was succeeded by Rev. Ebenezer B. 
 
162 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Andrews, who was installed June 26, 1850, and, on account 
 of ill health, was dismissed Nov. 12, 1851. 
 
 The church was then without a settled pastor for more 
 than a year. At a church meeting held Oct. 11, 1852, a call 
 was extended to Rev. Horace Winslow, and he was installed 
 Dec. 29, 1852. He was pastor for five years, his dismission 
 taking effect Dec. 20, 1857. During his pastorate one hun- 
 dred and twenty united with the cliurch, and the present 
 house of worship was erected. Rev. Lavalette Perrin was 
 called to the pastorate by a unanimous vote of the cliurch at 
 a meeting held Jan. 18, 1858, and was installed Feb. 3, 1858. 
 His pastorate continued until May 31, 1870, during which 
 three hundred and twenty-two persons united with the 
 church. Dr. Perrin was succeeded by Rev. John H. Deni- 
 son, who was installed Feb. 8, 1871. He was dismissed 
 Sept. 26, 1878, after receiving two hundred and ninety-five 
 members to his church during his pastorate. 
 
 January 7, 1879, Rev. Elias H. Richardson, D.D.. was 
 installed pastor, and he continued in office until his death, 
 June 27, 1883. During his pastorate of four and a half 
 years, one hundred and twenty-five were admitted to the 
 church, more than half of whom were by letter. Rev. 
 George Stockton Burroughs was installed Feb. 7, 1884. In 
 1886 he was appointed Professor of Biblical Interpretation 
 at Amherst College, and received a call to the College 
 Church. He was dismissed from the church at New Britain 
 Dec. 22, 1886. During Dr. Burroughs' pastorate of less than 
 three years, two hundred and six were added to the church. 
 
 The church was then without a settled pastor until Feb. 
 15, 1888, when Rev. William B. Wright, D.D., was installed. 
 The number of church members Jan. 1, 1889, was 714, and 
 of members of the Sunday-school, 592. 
 
 The settled pastors of this church have been : 
 
 Rev. Jolin Smalley, D.D., settled April 19, 1758, died June 1, 1820. 
 Rev. Newton Skiuner, settled Feb. 14, 1810, died March 31, 1825. 
 Rev. Henry Jones, settled Oct. 13, 1825, dismissed Dec. 19, 1827. 
 Rev. Jonathan Cogswell, D.D., settled April 29, 1829, dismissed April 
 29, 1884. 
 
NEW BRITAIN. 163 
 
 Rev. Dwight M. Seward, D.D., settled Feb. 3, 1836, dismissed Juue 
 15, 1842. 
 
 Rev. Ctiester S. Lyman, settled Feb. 15, 1843, dismissed April 23, 
 1845. 
 
 Rev. Charles S. Sherman, settled July 3, 1845, dismissed Sept. 5, 1849. 
 
 Rev. Ebenezer B. Andrews, settled June 26, 1850, dismissed Nov. 12, 
 1851. 
 
 Rev. Horace Winslow, settled Dec. 29, 1853, dismissed Dec. 20, 1857. 
 
 Rev. Lavalette Perrin, D.D., settled Feb. 3, 1858, dismissed May 31, 
 1870. 
 
 Rev. John H. Denison, D.D., settled Feb. 8, 1871, dismissed Sept. 36, 
 1878. 
 
 Rev. E. H. Richardson, D.D., settled Jan. 7, 1879, died June 27, 1883. 
 
 Rev. G. Stockton Burroughs, Ph.D., settled Feb. 7, 1884, dismissed 
 Dec. 23, 1886. 
 
 Rev. William B. Wright, D.D., settled Feb. 15, 1888. 
 
 In 1855 the large and commodious edifice now occupied by 
 the church and society was erected. It is one hundred and 
 thirty-eight feet long by sixty-three wide, including the 
 chapel as first built. The audience room is seventy-five feet 
 long by sixty-three feet wide, with galleries on three sides. 
 The chapel and social rooms were enlarged and remodeled in 
 1881. 
 
 The convenient location of this edifice on the east side of 
 the public square, its large audience room, and its complete 
 arrangement of cliapel and suboi-dinate rooms, make it to be 
 especially adapted to the needs of the church and parish. 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 SOUTH CHURCH, NEW BRITAIN ; JBERLIN AND UNIONVILLE CON- 
 GREGATIONAL CHURCHES. 
 
 South Congregationai. Church, New Britain. 
 
 T^HE South Congregational Church in New Britain was 
 ♦ organized at a meeting of the Hartford South Conso- 
 ciation, called by the Second Church in Berlin (now First 
 Church in New Britain), and held in tlie vestry of the 
 new church building July 5, 1842. The members of the 
 Consociation present were : 
 
 Rev. Calvin Chapin, D.D., and Jehiel Robbing, Rocky Hill. 
 
 Rev. Joab Brace and Jedediab Deming, Newington. 
 
 Rev. Royal Bobbins and Milo Hotchkiss, Kensington. 
 
 Rev. John R. Crane and John B. Woodford, Middletown. 
 
 Rev. I-Iarvey Talcott and Russell Penfield, Portland. 
 
 Rev. James H. Francis and Selah Galpin, Westfield. 
 
 Rev. James Smith, North Glastonbury. 
 
 Rev. Zebulon Crocker and Richard Warner, Upper Middletown. 
 
 Rev. Chauncey D. Cowles and Roderick Stanley, Plainvllle. 
 
 Rev. Aaron Snow and Leonard E. Hale, Eastbury. 
 
 William Woodruff, Southington. 
 
 Rev. Joseph Whittlesey and Rev. Dwight M. Seward, without charge. 
 
 The Consociation, after hearing the parties concerned and 
 receiving the documents presented, appointed a committee, 
 consisting of Messrs. Brace, Smith, Robbins, Talcott, and 
 Warner, to prepare a minute expressing the final decision of 
 the Consociation. The committee prepared a statement 
 rehearsing the circumstances in part, and closing their 
 report with the recommendation of the passage of the fol- 
 lowing resolutions : 
 
 " Resolved, First, That the Consociation judge it expedient to comply 
 with the request implied in the reference which the letters missive and the 
 vote of the church express.. 
 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. 
 
 165 
 
 Resolved, Secondly, That this Consociation will proceed to form the 
 new church in accordance with the call which has convoked this standing 
 mutual council. 
 
 Resolved, Thirdly, That the new church thus formed be designated 
 and Isnown by the name and style of the ' South Congregational Church 
 in New Britain.' " 
 
 The Consociation accepted the report |0f the committee 
 and adopted the resolutions, passing the following votes : 
 
 "Voted that the report of the committee be adopted and that the 
 Consociation proceed to organize the church accordingly at a quarter before 
 eight o'clock this evening. 
 
 Voted to adjourn to a quarter before eight o'clock. 
 
 Met according to adjournment and with suitable religious solemnities 
 the church was formed and constituted. 
 
 Passed as true minutes. 
 
 Attest, Zbbulon Crocker, Scribe." 
 
 Original Members of the South Congregational Church : 
 
 Aaron C. Andrews, I 
 Electa B. Andrews, ) 
 Ezekiel Andrews, ) 
 Sarah E. Andrews, ) 
 William Baasett, ) 
 Lois E. Bassett, ) 
 Mary S. Bassett, 
 Theodore A. Belknap, 
 Ann W. Burritt, 
 Horace Butler, ) 
 Orpha H. Butler, ) 
 Marilla C. Callender, 
 Joshua Carpenter, I 
 Betsy H. Carpenter, ) 
 Selina H. Churchill, 
 Polly B. Clark, 
 Nathan R. Cook, ) 
 Lucy B. Cook, ) 
 Chauncey Cornwell, } 
 Mary Gr. Cornwell, ^ 
 Sarah Q. Cornwell, 
 Mary P. Curtiss, 
 Julia A. Curtiss, 
 Josiah Dewey, / 
 Lydia S. Dewey, ) 
 
 Esther Dewey, 
 'Nancy M. Eddy, 
 Maria N. Erwin, 
 Abijah Flagg, 
 Honor Flagg, 
 Elijah Francis, ) 
 Jane C. Francis, ) 
 Romeo Francis, 
 Catharine A. Francis, 
 Catharine A. Francis, 
 Dorothy P. Francis, 
 Mary M. Gridley, 
 Chester Hart, ) 
 Elvey W. Hart, ) 
 George Hart, ( 
 
 Elizabeth F. Hart, f 
 Elijah Hart, ) 
 Louisa W. Hart, ) 
 Dolly S. Hart, ) 
 Francis Hart, ) 
 Ozias Hart, 
 Samuel Hart, ) 
 Orpha N. Hart, ) 
 Salmon Hart, [ 
 Rosetta N. Hart, ) 
 
 J 
 
 Samuel W. Hart, 
 Louisa Hart, 
 Mehitable D. Hart, 
 Sarah W. Hart, 
 Sylvia Hart, 
 John Judd, 
 Betsey H. Judd, 
 James Judd, ) 
 
 Gunilda B. Judd, J 
 Eliza H. Judd, 
 Esther M. Lee, 
 Charles M. Lewis, 
 Sarah M. Loomis, 
 Eliza A. Marshall, 
 Alvin North, ) 
 
 Clarissa B. North, ) 
 Henry North, ) 
 
 Lauretta S. North, i 
 Seth J. North, ) 
 
 Elizabeth S. North, ) 
 Georgiana M. North, 
 Julia A. North, 
 Louisa B. North, 
 Mary C. North, 
 Sarah C. North, 
 
166 
 
 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Sarah B. North, 
 Sarah E. North, 
 Elnalhan Peck, 
 Mary D. Peck, 
 Andrew P. Potter, 
 Hanoah E. Root, 
 Abigail Seymour, 
 Henrietta M. Seymour, 
 Jlary Ann Seymour, 
 Matilda W. Slater, 
 William H. Smith, ) 
 Lucinda H. Smith, ) 
 Elizabeth A. Smith, 
 Harriet S. Smith, 
 Lucretia M. Smith, 
 
 Abigail L. Stanley, 
 AloQZo Stanley, 
 Henry Stanley, 
 Catharine A. Stanley: 
 Charlotte N. Stanley, 
 Chloe A. Stanley, 
 Harriet A. Stanley, 
 Melvina C. Stanley, 
 William B. Stanley, 
 Edmund Steele, ) 
 Lucy N. Steele, ) 
 Maria W. Steele, 
 Dennis Sweet, 
 Caroline U. Sweet, 
 George L. Tibbah, 
 
 Charles A. Warner, ) 
 Matilda C. Warner, ) 
 ) Edward Warner, 
 i ElizalDeth W. Warner, 
 Almira W. Warren, 
 Cnrtiss Whaples, 
 Sarah K. Whiting, 
 Robert G. Williams, } 
 Amelia S. Williams. ) 
 Lucy H. Winchell, 
 Alma Woodruff, 
 Norman Woodruff, 1 
 Abigail B. Woodruff, i 
 Lucy Wright, 
 Olive B. Wright. 
 
 The first business meeting of the church was held July 
 9, 1842. At this meeting Romeo Francis was appointed 
 clerk, and Horatio Waldo Superintendent of the Sunday- 
 school. Rules and regulations for the Sunday-school were 
 adopted and general arrangements were made for church 
 meetings and services. At another church meeting held 
 July 15tli, Elijah Francis and Chauncey Cornwell were 
 chosen deacons. 
 
 For a few months the professors of Theological Semina- 
 ries and other clergymen supplied the pulpit on the Sabbath 
 and conducted other religious meetings, but on November 
 18th, less than five months from the organization of the church, 
 a call was extended to Rev. Samuel Rockwell by the church 
 and society, to which he made the following reply : 
 
 " New Britain, Dec. 5, 1842. 
 
 To the Church and members of the South Congregational Society in 
 
 New Britain. 
 Brethren and Friends, 
 
 I have received at the hands of your committee, your invitation to 
 settle with you in the work of the Gospel ministry. After the experience 
 which I have had, in the cares and responsibilities of the Pastoral office, I 
 cannot think of again entering upon it without deep solicitude. From the 
 limited attention which I have been able to bestow upon the subject of 
 your invitation — and not without prayer for Divine Guidance — I have 
 concluded (though with some hesitancy as to ray duty) to accept it, 
 hoping that in so doing, I may find increasing evidence that 1 am follow- 
 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. 167 
 
 ing the will of God. And if this relation should be carried into effect, it 
 is my earnest desire and prayer that my ministry may not be a fruitless 
 one. But that sustained by your united efforts and progress my labors 
 may promote the highest spiritual benefit of all this people. 
 
 With regard to the salary proposed, I can only say that its sufBciency 
 to my support must be entirely a matter of experiment. But in this re- 
 spect, I want to cheerfully commit myself to the disposal of the society, 
 not doubting that while I faithfully devote myself to the promotion of 
 your spiritual interests, you will make ample provision for my temporal 
 support. 
 
 Sincerely and Respectfully yours, 
 
 Samuel Rockwell." 
 
 Mr. Rockwell was installed January 3, 1843. Rev. Noah 
 Porter, D.D., of Farmington, was moderator of the council, 
 and gave the charge to the pastor. Rev. Horace Bushnell, 
 D.D., of Hartford, preached the sermon, Rev. Joab Brace, 
 D.D., of Newiiigton, made the installing prayer, and Rev. B. 
 C. Jones of Soutlungton gave the right hand of fellowship. 
 During Rev. Mr. Rockwell's ministry of fifteen and a half 
 years, two hundred and seventy members were added to the 
 church, one hundred and thirty-seven by profession, and 
 thirty-three by letter. At his own request, he was dismissed 
 June 20, 1858. 
 
 Rev. Constans L. Goodell was ordained and installed 
 pastor of the church February 2, 1859. His pastorate was 
 marked by great changes in the church and congregation. 
 At the time of his installation the church had two hundred 
 and twenty-seven members. During his ministry, five hun- 
 dred and sixty-one were added to the church, of whom two 
 hundred and eighty-nine were on the confession of their faith. 
 The ntimber removed by death, dismission, and discipline 
 was two hundred and forty-nine, leaving about five hundred 
 and forty members at the time of his dismission. During 
 his pastorate, a new house of worship and a parsonage were 
 erected. On account of the ill health of Mrs. Goodell, Dr. 
 Goodell presented his resignation in the autumn of 1.872, and 
 was dismissed November 18, 1872. 
 
 Rev. Henry L. Griffin was ordained and installed as 
 pastor of the church October 1, 1873. During his pastorate 
 
168 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 of four years and two months two hundred and thirty-eight 
 members were added to the church — one hundred and 
 ninety on confession of faith, and forty-eight by letter. At 
 his own request, in order to give him opportunity for travel 
 and study in Europe, he was dismissed December 20, 1877. 
 At the close of his pastorate, the membership of the church 
 was six hundred and seventy-seven. 
 
 Three months after the dismissal of Mr. Griffin, or March 
 20, 1878, Rev. James W. Cooper, D.D., was installed pastor. 
 
 The pastors of the South Congregational Church have 
 
 been : 
 
 Rev. Samuel Rockwell, settled Jan. 4, 1843, dismissed June 20, 1858. 
 " Constans L. Goodell.D.D., set. Feb. 2, 1859, " Nov. 18, 1872. 
 " Henry L. Griffin, settled Oct. 1,1873, " Dec. 20, 1877. 
 
 " James W. Cooper, D.D., settled March 30, 1878. 
 
 The first house of worship of the South Congregational 
 Society was built before the church was organized. It was 
 commenced in the autumn of 1841, and dedicated in the 
 spring of 1842. It was a substantial wooden structure with 
 basement rooms, and clock and beU. The galleries were 
 added subsequently, and the building then had five hundred 
 sittings. It was built by Elnathan Peck and cost about 
 $8,000. In the spring of 1864, it was removed a few yards 
 to the east to make room for the present church building, but 
 was occupied as a house of worship until November 3, 1867. 
 It was soon after converted into a public hall and used as 
 such until it was burned. The present stone church edifice 
 was commenced in April, 1865. The chapel was finished so 
 as to be used for evening services in the spring of 1867, and 
 the church was completed in the winter of 1867-68, and 
 dedicated January 16, 1868. The outside dimensions, includ- 
 ing the chapel as first erect^ed, were : length 175 feet, width 
 84 feet, with a tower surmounted by a spire, the pinnacle of 
 which is 175 feet above the ground. The main audience 
 room is 103 feet in length, 64 feet in width, and 45 feet in 
 height in the center of the nave. The chapel proper is 56 by 
 37 feet, with the main entrance through a turret on the south 
 side 75 feet high. There are smaller rooms on each side of 
 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. 
 
 169 
 
 the chapel designed at first for the ladies' parlor and pri- 
 mary class-room, but now occupied by the junior department 
 of the Sunday-school. The whole cost of the church as 
 completed in 1868 was about one hundred and forty tliou- 
 sand dollars. In 1888-89, an addition about seventy feet 
 square, for Sunday-school and parish uses, was made to tlie 
 chapel. The cost of the addition was twenty-five thousand 
 dollars. 
 
 The total membership of the church January 1, 1889, was 
 807, and of the Sunday-school 1,104. 
 
 Berlin Conqkegational Churou and Society, 
 
 The Ecclesiastical society of Worthington (Berlin) was 
 incorporated by the General Assembly at its October session,. 
 1772, when the Kensington Society was divided the second 
 
 NoRTHEBN View op Worthington in Berlin, 1835. 
 The most prominent building in this view is the Congregational Church as 
 it appeared after the steeple was added, but the Methodist Church erected in 
 1830 is also shown. 
 
 time, and the Worthington parish was separated from it. 
 The first meeting of the Wortliington Society was held No- 
 vember 23, 1772, at the house of Dr. James Porter. Cap- 
 
170 
 
 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC, 
 
 tain Samuel Hart was appointed clerk, and steps were taten 
 to erect a house of worship. The site of this building was 
 fixed by the arbitrators sent out by the General Assembly in 
 1771, to arbitrate between parties in the Kensington Society.' 
 After providing for a division of the society, they drove a 
 stake for the site of the Worthington meeting-house, 
 on tlie former boundary line between Wethersfield and 
 Middletown, in the north part of Berlin Street. Arrange- 
 ments were soon made for the erection of the building, and 
 it was so nearly completed as to be dedicated with appro- 
 priate services, October 13, 1774. 
 
 At that time, the meeting-house had neither steeple nor 
 bell, but these were added in 1790. A sweet-toned organ 
 was presented to the society and placed in the meeting-house 
 the next year, by Jedidiah Norton, as appears by the follow- 
 ing extract from the society records, November 1, 1791 : 
 
 " Voted, That the thanks of this society be given to our friend, Mr. 
 Jedidiah Norton, for so distinguished a mark of his good will in giving 
 us an elegant organ, and erecting it in the meeting-house at his expense." 
 
 The church was organized by the Hartford South Conso- 
 ciation, February 9, 1775, with thirty-eight male members, 
 who subscribed to the Confession of Faith and Covenant, and 
 were constituted a distinct church. 
 
 The original members 
 Church of Berlin were : 
 
 of the Second Congregational 
 
 John Allyn, 
 Theodore Beckley, 
 Josiah Burnham, 
 Jacob Deming, 
 Moses Deming, 
 Nathaniel Dickenson, 
 Solomon Dunham, 
 Jonathan Edwards, 
 Josiah Edwards, 
 Peat Galpin, 
 John Goodrich, 
 Isaac Heart, 
 Job Heart, 
 
 Zechariah Heart, 
 John Hinsdale, 
 Ephraim Hollister, 
 Dea. Richard Hubbard, 
 Samuel Hubbard, 
 Timothy Hubbard, 
 Charles Kelsey, 
 Ezekiel Kelsey, 
 John Kii'by, 
 Dea. John Lee, 
 Dea. Isaac North, 
 Jedcdiah North, 
 Samuel North, 
 
 Seth North, 
 Eloathan Norton, 
 Jedediah Norton, 
 Dea. Aaron Porter, 
 Capt. Samuel Porter, 
 David Sage, 
 Ebenezer Sanford, 
 Samuel Smith, 
 Joseph Spaulding, 
 John Squires, 
 James Steele, 
 David Webster— .38. 
 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. 171 
 
 On the 22d of February, 1775, this number was increased 
 by the addition of sixty-six others, each of the original 
 members, with the exception of N. Dickenson, Dea. Porter, 
 and Joseph Spaulding, having a wife, who joined at this 
 time. The total membership at the latter date was one hun- 
 dred and four — thirty-eight men and fifty-nine women. 
 
 John Allyn was appointed clerk. For some years the 
 churcrh had no settled pastor. Rev. Nathan Fenn of Milford 
 was ordained May 3, 1780. He had studied theology with 
 Dr. Smalley of New Britain, and was well acquainted with 
 the parish before his settlement. He died April 21, 1799, 
 much lamented by his parishioners. On June 9, 1802, Rev. 
 Evan Johns, a native of Wales, and for a time minister 
 in Bury St. Edmunds, England, was installed. He was 
 dismissed Feb. 13, 1811, after a ministry of nine years. 
 
 His successor. Rev. Samuel Goodrich, son of Rev. Elizur 
 Goodrich, D.D., of Durham, was installed May 29, 1811. 
 He was sole pastor for twenty years, when in 1881 Rev. 
 Ambrose Edson was installed as colleague. About three and 
 a half years later, Nov. 11, 1831, on account of ill health, 
 both pastors were dismissed. The following spring, or April 
 1, 1835, James M. Macdonald of Maine was ordained and 
 installed. He was a young man not twenty-three years 
 of age at the time, and two and a half years after was 
 dismissed to take charge of the Second Congregational 
 Church, New London. Rev. Joseph Whittlesey was installed 
 May 8, 183 S, but on account of failing health was dismissed 
 Aug. 9, 1841. 
 
 Rev. W. W. Woodwortli was ordained July 6, 1842. He 
 was dismissed at his own request in May, 1852, to accept 
 a call to the First Congregational Church in Waterbury. 
 Rev. William DeLoss Love was installed Oct. 5, 1853, and 
 dismissed Nov. 23, 1857. During the first year of his min- 
 istry in Berlin, one hundred and fifty-five were added to the 
 church on the confession of faith. The successors of Mr. 
 Love were Rev. Robert E Learned, installed Dec. 1, 1858, 
 and dismissed March 5, 1861 ; Rev. Wilder Smith, install»d 
 
172 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Jan. 15, 1862, and dismissed Nov. 5, 1866 ; Rev. Leavitt H. 
 Hallock, installed July 18, 1867, and dismissed Feb. 5, 1873 ; 
 and Rev. Jesse Brush, installed July 2, 1873, and dismissed 
 Sept. 22, 1875. Rev. W. W. Wood worth, D.D., returned 
 from the west, where he had been a successful pastor, and 
 was installed'Jan. 6, 1876. Dr. Woodworth had been absent 
 nearly twenty-four years. During this time the church had 
 five settled pastors, whose pastorates averaged less than, four 
 years each, and the longest of which was but five and a half 
 years. 
 
 The house of worship was injured by fire, the work, it is 
 supposed, of an incendiary, in 1818. The organ was 
 destroyed, but the building was repaired and afterwards used 
 as a school-house and town hall. The present church build- 
 ing was dedicated in 1851. It is of wood, pleasantly situated 
 on the west side of the principal street, and attractive 
 in appearance. A new organ was presented to the church 
 by William S. Brandegee in 1888. 
 
 The ministers of the Church in Berlin (Worthington 
 Society) have been as follows : 
 
 Rev. Nathan Fenn, settled May 8, 1780, died April 21, 1799. 
 
 Rev. Evan Johns, settled June 9, 1802, dismissed Feb. 13, 1811. 
 
 Rev. Samuel Goodrich, settled May 39, 1811, dismissed Kov. 11, 1834. 
 
 Rev. Ambrose Edson,* settled June 15, 1831, dismissed Nov. 11, 1831. 
 
 Rev. James M. Macdonald, D.D., settled April 1, 1835, dismissed 
 Nov. 27, 1837. 
 
 Rev. Joseph Whittlesey, settled May 8, 1838, dismissed Aug. 9, 1841. 
 
 Rev. Wm. W. Woodworth, settled July 6, 1843, dismissed April 36, 
 1852. 
 
 Rev. Wm. DeLoss Love, settled Oct. 5, 1853, dismissed Nov. 33, 1857. 
 
 Rev. Robert 0. Learned, settled Deo. 1, 1858, dismissed March 5, 1861. 
 
 Rev. Wilder Smith, settled Jan. 15, 1863, dismissed Nov. 5, 1866. 
 
 Rev. Leavitt H. Hallock, settled July 18, 1867, dismissed Feb. 5, 1878. 
 
 Rev. Jesse Brush, settled July 3, 1873, dismissed Sept. 23, 1875. 
 
 Rev. Wm. W. Woodworth, D.D., settled Jan. 6, 1876. 
 
 ' The membership of the church Jan. 1, 1889, was 299. 
 
 * Colleague pastor. 
 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. 173 
 
 UnIONTILLE C0NGRB3ATI0NAI, CHrTRCH. 
 
 The people from Unionville, or Union District, Farming- 
 ton, as it was termed, were, for many years, accustomed 
 to attend church services at Farmington, or at West Avon. 
 After the canal was opened the trip to the mother church at 
 Farmington, for a portion of the year, was made by boat. 
 Religious meetings had been held in Unionville for some 
 time, but the church was not organized until March 30, 1841, 
 when George Richards, Eber N. Gibbs, Edward K. Hamilton, 
 Eli D. Preston, William Bradley, and David B. Johnston, 
 were associated together, forming the Congregational Church 
 of Unionville. Twelve other persons were soon after added 
 to the membership, and both the church and congregation 
 continued to increase in numbers. The first house of 
 worship was erected on the park, and in 1852 was removed 
 and enlarged. But the congregation becoming too large for 
 this building, a handsome stone edifice was erected, which, 
 with the organ, cost $14,000, and was dedicated May 27, 
 1886. 
 
 The church was gathered largely through the efforts 
 of Rev. John R. Keep, who preached in the village in 1840 
 and 1841, and for some time after the church was organized 
 and officers appointed. The pastors who succeeded him have 
 been: 
 
 Rev. Ricliard "Woodruff, installed June 30, 1843, dismissed May 13, 
 1846. 
 
 Rev. Jaims C. Searle, installed Sept. 6, 1848, dismissed April 15, 
 1851. 
 
 Rev. Giles M. Potter, installed Oct. 14, 1853, dismissed Oct. 39, 1856. 
 
 Rev. Hiram Slauson, installed Dec 9, 1857, dismissed Dec. 7, 1858. 
 
 Rev. Charles Brooks, installed Dec. 31, 1864, died June 11, 1866. 
 
 Rev. Tliomas E. Davies, installed May 13, 1869, dismissed Jan. 14, 
 1883. 
 
 Rev. Cliarles S. Lane, installed May 37, 1884, dismissed March 33, 1888. 
 
 Rev. D. D. Marsh, installed Oct. 4, 1888. 
 
 The number of members of the church Jan. 1, 1889, was 
 237. 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 BAPTIST, EPISCOPAL, METHODIST, EOMAN CATHOLIC, AND OTHEE 
 
 CHURCHES. 
 
 First Baptist Church. 
 
 THE first Baptist in New Britain, and the founder of the 
 Baptist Society in this place, was Jeremiah H. Osgood, 
 from Westfield parisli, Middletown. About 1776 he was 
 baptized in a pond made by obstructing the flow of the brook 
 in the south part of Stanley Quarter. The next year his 
 wife, Lydia Churchill Osgood, and Elijah Francis were 
 baptized, and soon after several others, the immersions 
 usually taking place at Churchill's mill pond. The little 
 band, first known as " Separates," were accustomed to hold 
 meetings at the house of Samuel Smith, in the south part of 
 Stanley Quarter. As tlie number of persons increased, 
 religious meetings were held in the school-houses at Stanley 
 Quarter and East Street, and at the Hinsdale House on East 
 Street. The First Baptist Church of New Britain was 
 organized at the latter place on June 16, 1808. It comprised 
 the following twenty members : 
 
 Thomas Booth, Jeremiah H. Osgood, Jerusha Weldon, 
 
 Lois Booth, Lydia Osgood, Oliver Weldon, 
 
 Mary Booth, John Osgood, Sally Weldon, 
 
 Anna Daniels, Mary Osgood, Gideon Williams, 
 
 Elijah Pi-ancis, Moses Smith, Daniel Wright, 
 
 Sarah Hinsdale, Rebecca R. Steele, Rosanna Wright. 
 
 Sarah Hollister, Betsey Warner, 
 
 For many years this church had no settled pastor, but 
 there was occasional preaching in the school-houses, and at 
 private houses. The ordinances were administered by minis- 
 ters from other parishes. Rev. Enoch Green of Middletown, 
 
BAPTIST, EPISCOPAL, AND OTHER CHURCHES. 175 
 
 for a number of years, visited tlie place regularly, monthly, or 
 semi-monthly, holding religious services, and exercising 
 some pastoral supervision until near the time of his death, in 
 1825. In the spring of 1828, Rev. Seth Higby became the 
 first resident pastor. He continued his labors here for about 
 a year and a half, during which time the first Baptist meet- 
 ing-house was built. It was located at the foot of Dublin 
 Hill, near the north end of Main Street. This was a small, 
 plain building about 30 feet by 20. A few years later it was 
 enlarged and its seating capacity increased, so that it served 
 the society for public worship and other occasional meetings 
 until 1842, when the second place of worship for this society 
 was erected. This building, which was of wood, about 60 
 feet by 40 in size, was located near the site of the present 
 church, at the corner of Main and West Main streets. It 
 cost about five thousand dollars, and when erected and for 
 some years after, well accommodated all who were accus- 
 tomed to meet in it for worship ; but the increase of the 
 church and congregation the next twenty-five years made it 
 necessary to provide additional room. This second church 
 building was removed to East Main Street and converted 
 into residences, and in 1869, on the site it had occupied, the 
 present spacious and convenient brick edifice was erected. 
 It is about 100 feet in length by 60 feet in breadth, and 
 contains a commodious audience room, a chapel, ladies' par- 
 lor, dining-room, and kitchen, with the necessary halls and 
 ante-rooms. A new organ was provided, and the building 
 was newly slated and otherwise improved in 1884. In 1887 
 the chapel was improved, re-seated, and its capacity en- 
 larged. 
 
 The pastors settled over this society have been : 
 
 Rev. Seth Higby, 1838-1839 Rev. William P. Patlison, 1847-1850 
 
 " Nathan E. Shailer, 1839-18S3 " Robert J. Wilson, 1851-1852 
 
 " Amos D. Watrous, 1834-1836 " E. P. Bond, 1853-1865 
 
 " Matthew Bolles, 1838-1839 " Wm. C. Walker, 1865-1871 
 
 " Herman S. Havens, 1839-1841 " J. V. Schofleld, 1871-1876 
 
 " Levi F. Barney, 1841-1846 " George H. Miner, 1877-1884 
 
 " Elisha Cushman, 1846-1847 " I. F. Stidham, Ph.D., 1884. 
 
176 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 The church has been prosperous, the number of members 
 
 increasing from 20 in 1808, to 115 in 1837, 343 in 1870, and 
 
 550 in 1889. 
 
 Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 The first preaching in New Britain by a Methodist min- 
 ister appears to have been in 1815. Rev. Henry Bass of 
 North Carolina, while on a visit to this place that year, 
 preached in the Osgood Hill school-house, and held meetings 
 at private houses. The next year. Rev. William R. Jewett, 
 an itinerant, lield preaching services in the same school- 
 house. For the next two years, religious meetings for those 
 sympathizing with Methodism were held in private houses, 
 with the occasional presence of a preacher, or exhorter. In 
 the absence of a preacher. Captain Oliver Weldon usually 
 took the lead of these meetings. About 1818 Rev. David 
 Miller conducted services for a time, and formed a class. 
 Raphael Gilbert was appointed class leader May 6, 1820, 
 exliorter February 18, 1821, and local preacher October 9, 
 1823. He became specially interested in building up this 
 church, giving much of his time and attention to this work. 
 
 The first class included the following : 
 
 Phebe Bronson, Patty Kilby, Nancy Tryon, 
 
 Mai-y Eddy, Oliver Newell, Oliver TTeldon, 
 
 Linas Gilbert, John Steele, Sally Weldon, 
 
 Clarissa Gilbert, James Steele, Cecelia Weldon, 
 
 John R. Jewett, Kena Steele, Marilla Weldon, 
 
 Hester Jewett, Esther Steele, Samuel Wilson. 
 
 Daniel Kilby, William Steele, 
 
 On May 6, 1828, a lot of land four rods by ten, which 
 had belonged to Nathan Booth and his descendants, after 
 passing through several hands, was deeded to Raphael Gil- 
 bert, in trust for the Methodist Church, and by him and his 
 wife to Allen Judd, Ferdinand Hart, Samuel Richards, Moses 
 Cook, and Linus Burwell, trustees of the Methodist Church in 
 New Britain, with the following conditions : 
 
 " In trust that they shall erect or build a house or place of worship 
 for the use of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States of 
 America, according to the rules and discipline which fiom time to time 
 
BAPTIST, EPISCOPAL, AND OTHER CHURCHES. 177 
 
 may bs agreed upon and adopted by the ministers and preachers of the 
 said church at their General Conference." 
 
 The site at the corner of Main and Walnut streets was 
 an eligible one, and a plain house of worship was erected the 
 same year that the deed was given. Though not finished 
 until some years later, temporary seats were provided, and a 
 quarterly meeting held in the building late in the year. 
 
 In the earlier history of this church, it was reported in 
 different circuits. In 1821 it appears to have been on the 
 Burlington circuit ; in 1822 on that of Wethersfield, and after- 
 wards on other circuits. For some years its pastor also sup- 
 plied some other parish, or more than one. In 1839, Parm- 
 ington and New Britain had the same minister, and in 1840 
 and 1841, Berlin, Parmington, and New Britain were all sup- 
 plied by one preacher. Prom about this time the church 
 increased more rapidly, and the congregation became so 
 large that this parish occupied the entire time of a minister. 
 Tiie church building erected in 1828 could not accommodate 
 all who would attend service in it, and in 1854 it was 
 moved from the site and a larger and more commodious 
 structure was erected. This building was more attractive 
 in appearance, and furnished ample accommodations for the 
 congregation. In 1869 changes were made in its interior 
 arrangements, which improved the principal audience room. 
 A parsonage was also erected, at a cost of about forty-two 
 hundred dollars. For many years after the first meeting- 
 house was used, the seats were all free, but in 1848 they 
 were rented, under the following rules : 
 
 " Rule 1. That we provide for members who are not able to pay. 
 
 3. That all rented pews shall be free at quarterly and evening meet- 
 ings. 
 
 3. That the sexton shall have full liberty to seat people in all slips 
 that are not full, as occasion requires, notwithstanding they have been 
 rented." 
 
 In. 1889 the church building was sold, a new site was 
 secured on the east side of Main Street, and arrangements 
 were made for erecting a more commodious edifice. During 
 
178 
 
 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 the earl}'^ history of the Methodist Church in New Britain, 
 much self-denial was practiced by some of its members 
 to secure the means for carrying forward the enterprise and 
 providing for public worship. A debt which had been 
 carried in part for many years was finally entirely removed 
 in January, 1888. The membership of the church at that 
 time was 430, and of the Sundaj'-school 450. The follow- 
 ing is very nearly a correct list of the clergymen who have 
 preached in this church regularly since 1823. For the first 
 twenty years the preachers generally had other stations 
 besides New Britain, preaching here only a part of the time : 
 
 ev. Eli Barneit, 
 
 1823 
 
 Rev. David Miller, 
 
 1843-4 
 
 " John Lucky 
 
 '■ 
 
 " J. L. Morse, 
 
 1844 
 
 " Smith Dayton, 
 
 1824 
 
 " S. W. Low, 
 
 1845 
 
 " Wm. M. Willott, 
 
 " 
 
 " W. McAllister, . 
 
 " 
 
 " J. Z. Nichols, . 
 
 1835 
 
 " John A. Edmonds, 
 
 1846 
 
 " S. L. Stillman, . 
 
 " 
 
 " Mathlas E. Willey, . 
 
 1847 
 
 " Eli Deniston, 
 
 1826 
 
 " Stephen Rushmore, . 
 
 1848-9 
 
 " Theron Osborne, 
 
 " 
 
 " George "W. Woodruff, 
 
 1850-51 
 
 " Ebenezer Washburn, 
 
 1837 
 
 " B. Pillsbury, 
 
 18.53 
 
 " Valentine Buck, 
 
 1838-9 
 
 " Wm. Lawrence, 
 
 1853 
 
 " W. "Wolcott, . 
 
 1838 
 
 " Otis Saxton, 
 
 1854-5 
 
 " Raphael Gilbert, 
 
 1829 
 
 " H. E. Glover, 
 
 1856-7 
 
 " Timothy 'Benedict, . 
 
 1830 
 
 " W. H. Boole, . 
 
 1858-9 
 
 " L. A. Sanford, . 
 
 " 
 
 " Arza Hill, 
 
 1860-1 
 
 " Luman Andrews, 
 
 1831-2 
 
 " Joseph Smith, . 
 
 1862-3 
 
 " John Nixon, 
 
 " " 
 
 " George L. Taylor, . 
 
 1864-5 
 
 " L. 0. Cheeney, . 
 
 1831 
 
 " F. H. Newhall, 
 
 1866 
 
 " Bavis Stocking, 
 
 1833 
 
 " M. L. Scudder, . 
 
 1867 
 
 " E. E. Griswold, 
 
 1833-4 
 
 " L. W. Abbott, . 
 
 1868-9 
 
 " Alva Stone, 
 
 1833 
 
 " C. H. Buck, 
 
 1870-73 
 
 " S. H. Clark, . 1835 & 1838 
 
 " R, H. Rush, . 
 
 1873-5 
 
 " C. W. Turner, . 
 
 1836 
 
 " Geo. P. Mains, 
 
 1876-8 
 
 " Charles C. Keyes, 
 
 1837 
 
 " C. H. Bucit, . 
 
 1879-80 
 
 " E, S. Cook, 
 
 1839 
 
 " W.H. Warden, D.D., 
 
 1881-3 
 
 " W. W. Brewer, . 
 
 1839-41 
 
 " S. M. Hammond, 
 
 1884 
 
 " A. S. Hill, . 
 
 1840-41 
 
 " Geo. L. Tliompson, . 
 
 1885-7 
 
 " B. K. Reynolds, 
 
 1843 
 
 ' ' Joseph Pullman , D . D. 
 
 , 1888 — 
 
 Methodist Church, Berlin. 
 
 About the same time that the first distinctive Methodist 
 preaching occurred in New Britain, or in the latter part 
 
179 
 
 of the year 1815, Methodist meetings began to be held 
 in Berlin by Rev. William R. Jewett, an itinerant, who 
 preached both in this place and New Britain. A class of 
 twelve or more persons was formed, and regular class meet- 
 ings and preaching services were held. John R. Jewett, 
 a member of the first Methodist class in New Britain, Rev. 
 Smith Dayton, Rev. David Miller, and others, preached at 
 different times. The first Methodist house of worship in 
 Berlin was erected in the south part of Worthington village 
 in 1830. This was occupied for several years, but in 
 1871 the society bought the building which had been occu- 
 pied by the Universalists, remodeled it, and this has since 
 been the place of worship for the Methodists of Berlin. 
 
 There had, for several years, been a number of Metho- 
 dists in East Berlin, and meetings had occasionally been 
 held there. In March, 1864, meetings began to be held in a 
 hall regularly, and in May of the same year a Methodist 
 class was formed. The number of members increased, and 
 a chapel was built, which was dedicated in the spring of 
 1876. 
 
 Kensington Methodist Church. 
 
 The few persons in Kensington who attended Methodist 
 services were accustomed to go to New Britain or Worthing- 
 ton, though occasional meetings, under the lead of the Metho- 
 dists, were held in Kensington, either in private houses 
 or school-houses, previous to the civil war. In 1858 a class 
 of six persons was oi'ganized. Soon after the close of 
 the war, or in 1865, the corner-stone of a house of worship 
 was laid. The building was completed a few months later 
 and dedicated, the Rev. William H. Wardell, D.D., later pre- 
 siding elder of the New Haven district, preaching the dedica- 
 tion sermon. Tlie parish is not large, but has increased 
 in numbers since the church was dedicated. 
 
 St. Mark's Episcopal Church. 
 
 For many years after New Britain was incorporated there 
 were no communicants of the Episcopal Church residing 
 
180 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 there. Prom 18'25 to 1835, a few persons who preferred 
 the Episcopal form of worship, and were communicants 
 in the church, made New Britain their home. The first 
 Episcopal service was held in the Academy building, Jan. 17, 
 1836, Rev. Silas Totten, D.D., of Trinity College, officiating. 
 On April 17, 1836, Bishop Brownell held another service 
 in the same place. St. Mark's Parish was organized Aug. 
 28, 1836, Rev. N. S. Wheaton presiding. 
 
 The following were the original members, or communi- 
 cants, of this parish : 
 
 Mrs. Theresa Bassett, Mrs. N. Dickinson, Mrs. Emanuel Russell, 
 
 Solnraon Churchill, Andrew G. Graham, Emeline Russell, 
 
 Mrs. George Francis, Mrs. L. P. Lee, Hezeliiah Seymour. 
 
 The officers elected on the organization of the parish 
 were : 
 
 Wardens, Lorenzo P. Lee and Ira E. Smith ; Vestrymen, Emanuel 
 Russell, Frederick T. Stanley, Hezekiah Seymour, George Francis, Ralph 
 Dickinson, and Cyrus Booth ; Clerk, Charles N. Stanley. 
 
 The first church building erected was a small wooden 
 structure, situated on the north side of East Main Street, 
 near the residence of Hon. George M. Landers. It was con- 
 secrated Dec. 7, 1837, by the bishop, Rt. Rev. Thomas 0. 
 Brownell. This small building met the needs of the parish 
 for a few years, but the addition of new members and 
 the growth of the congregation soon made it necessary 
 to have more room, and in 1818 the building was sold, and 
 preparations were made for erecting a larger church edifice 
 on West Main Street. A few years later the increase of 
 communicants and the continued growth of the congrega- 
 tion made enlargement desirable, and in 1859 quite an addi- 
 tion was made to the building, and a chapel adjoining was 
 erected. Alterations and improvements have since been 
 made which have added to the convenience and attractive" 
 ness of the building. The parish has a convenient parsonage 
 adjoining the church. 
 
 Rev. N. S. Wheaton, D.D., officiated in the parish from 
 its organization until April 16, 1837. He was succeeded by 
 
BAPTIST, EPISCOPAL, AND OTHER CHURCHES. 181 
 
 Rev. Thomas Davis until June, 1838, when Rev. Z. H. Mans- 
 field, and Rev. John Williams, D.D., the Assistant Bishop of 
 the diocese, officiated until November, 1840. 
 
 Besides Rev. Silas Totten, D.D., and Bishop Brownell, 
 who officiated at different times in the early history of 
 the parish in 1836, the rectors and other officiating clergy- 
 men have been : 
 
 Rev. N. S. Wheaton, D.D., oflBciating, .June 19, 1836 — April 16, 1837. 
 " Thomas Davis, officiating, April 23, 1837 — June 1, 1838. 
 " Z. H. Mansfield, ) „ . . 
 
 " John Williams, D.D., [ofHciaUng, June, 1838 -Nov., 1840. 
 
 " John M. Guion, rector, Dec. 3, 1840— Dec. 29, 1845. 
 
 " Charles R. Fisher, officiating, Jan., 1846 — April, 1846. 
 
 " Abner Jackson, officiating. April 19, 1846 — Dec. 23, 1848. 
 
 " Alexander Capron, rector, Jan., 1849 — Easter, 1855. 
 
 " Francis T. Russell, rector, May 6, 1855 — Jan. 3, 1864. 
 
 " Leonidas B. Baldwin, rector, Aug. 31, 1864 — July 31, 1870. 
 
 " J. C. Middleton, rector, April 18, 1871 — Sept. 9, 1874. 
 
 " John H. Drumm, rector, March 1, 1875— March 31, 1877. 
 
 " William E. Snowdon, i;ector, April 10, 1877 — May 1, 1880. 
 
 " John Henry Rogers,* rector, Sept. 13, 1880 — Jan. 33, 1886. 
 
 " James Stoddard, rector, April 1, 1886. 
 
 In 1836 there were but nine communicants ; in 1862 
 there were 113, and in 1889 there were 861 communicants 
 registered and 237 families in the parish. 
 
 St. Mart's Roman Catholic Church. 
 There were few Roman Catholics in New Britain previous 
 to 1840, and at that time there had been no regular religious 
 instruction imparted by a Roman Catholic priest. Rev. 
 Edward Murphy came to New Britain in 1841, and for a 
 short time ministered to the few Roman Catholics residing 
 here. In 1842, Rev. John Brady, of Hartford, took charge 
 of the place, holding the first mass in a house which stood 
 on the site of the Russell & Brwin screw factory. Twenty 
 or twenty-five persons attended this mass. For eight or ten 
 years masses were held in different private houses, princi- 
 pally in William Cassidy's and Peter Skelley's houses on 
 Beaver Street. 
 
 Eev. John Henry Rogers died in office, Jan. 23, 1886. 
 
182 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 In 1848, Rev. Luke Daly came here and took charge 
 of the parish which then comprised New Britain, Farming- 
 ton, Berlin, Bristol, Forestville, Collinsville, New Hartford, 
 Simsbury, Tariffville, and Rainbow. There were, at that 
 time, but twenty-five Roman Catholic families in New 
 Britain. Mr. Daly gathered these together for instruction, 
 and held regular religious services in such rooms as he could 
 obtain. He made New Britain his permanent residence in 
 1849, and in 1850 began the erection, on Myrtle Street, of a 
 plain but convenient church building. Tliis was of brick, 84 
 feet in length by 45 feet in width. The church was com- 
 pleted in 1853, being dedicated August 11th by Rt. Rev. Ber- 
 nard O'Reilly, D.D., Bishop of Connecticut and Rhode 
 Island. In 1862, additions were made of a transept 75 feet 
 long by 32 wide, and a chancel 42 feet by 30. These were 
 dedicated by Rt. Rev. Francis P. McFarland, Oct. 11, 1863. 
 In 1863 a bell was procured for the church, and later a 
 sacristy, 40 feet by 20, was added to the rear of the church 
 building. 
 
 In 1862 a school-house for the parish schools was erected 
 on Myrtle Street near the church, and in 1877 the convent 
 on Lafayette Street was commenced. The parish had largely 
 increased in numbers before Rev. Luke Daly's death in 
 1878. He was succeeded by Rev. Hugh Carmody, D.D., who 
 carried on the parish work so successfully begun by his 
 predecessor. The convent was completed and occupied by 
 the Sisters of Mercy. The parochial schools, which had for 
 a few years been conducted as part of the public school sys- 
 tem, were in September, 1879, opened as parish schools. The 
 number of parishioners continued to increase, and Dr. Car- 
 mody planned for a new church edifice. He purchased an 
 eligible site on the west side of North Main Street, and ar- 
 ranged with an architect for plans for the building, but was 
 removed by death in 1888, before the structure was com- 
 menced. His successor. Rev. Michael Tierney, took up the 
 work and prosecuted it with vigor and success. 
 
 The lot purchased for the site of the new church has 
 
BAPTIST, EPISCOPAL, AND OTHER CHURCHES. 183 
 
 three hundred feet front on Main Street, and extends through 
 to Beaver Street. The church, which is of Gothic style and 
 built of brown-stone, is 127 feet long and 80 feet wide. The 
 main auditorium is 100 feet by 80, with a height of 60 feet 
 from the floor to ceiling, and can seat fifteen hundred per- 
 sons. The basement chapel has about the same capacity. 
 The whole number of souls connected with this parish in 
 1889, is 7,070. 
 
 The Pastors of St. Mary's Eoman Catholic Church have 
 been : 
 
 Eev. Luke Daly, 1848 — died 1878. 
 
 " Hugh Carmody, D.D., 1878, died 1883. 
 
 " Michael Tierney, 1883. 
 
 In 1889, the assistants were : 
 Rev. John T. McMahon, Rev. Wm. H. Gibbons, and Rev. Wm. J. 
 
 McGurk. 
 
 Roman Catholic Church, Unionvillb. 
 
 The Roman Catholic parish of St. Mary's, New Bi'itain, 
 for some years included Farmington and Unionville, and 
 Rev. Luke Daly, the pastor of the former place, had the 
 oversight of Roman Catholics in the latter. About 1854, he 
 inaugurated special Roman Catholic services at Unionville, 
 and continued them with considerable regularity until Rev. 
 Patrick O'Dwyer was assigned to the place in 1856. He 
 was succeeded by Rev. John Fagan in 1861, who was recalled 
 in 1868. He was followed by Rev. Lawrence Walsh, who 
 was succeeded in 1870 by Rev. B. O'R. Sheridan. A large 
 and attractive church edifice was dedicated in 1876. The 
 parish immbers about six hundred souls. 
 
 Pastors of Roman Catholic Church at Unionville : 
 Rev. Luke Daly, 1854^1856. Rev. Patrick O'Dwyer, 1856-1861. 
 
 " John Fagan, 1861-1868. " Lawrence Walsh, 1868-1870. 
 
 Rev. B. O'R. Sheridan, 1870-1876. 
 
 St. Paul's Roman Catholic Chuuch, Kensington. 
 There were few Roman Catholics in Kensington until 
 after the war of 1861-65. On the revival of business, a 
 number of families moved into the place, and with persons 
 employed in and about the factories were sufficient to con- 
 stitute a parish. A church building was erected in 1876. 
 
184 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Univeesalist Society, Berlin. 
 
 Soon after 1825, or about the time that the Church of the 
 United Brethren in Christ in this country began to include 
 persons using the English language, a few persons and fami- 
 lies under that name began to hold occasional meetings in 
 Berlin. In 1 829 a society termed " The Society of the United 
 Brethren" was organized. Two years afterwards a house of 
 worship was commenced. The building located on Main 
 Street was so far completed in 1832 as to be used for public 
 services, and, on occupying it, the name of the society was 
 changed to the " First Universalist Society of Berlin." The 
 first pastor, Rev. John Boyden, soon commenced holding 
 regular services in the new meeting-house. He was suc- 
 ceeded in 1836 by Rev. William A. Stickney, who was 
 the pastor for a few years. He was followed in 1840 by 
 Rev. Horace G. Smith, and a few years later, in 1843, Rev. 
 Daniel H. Plumb was ordained as pastor of this society. 
 He served in this position until 1845. After this date 
 the preaching services were iriegular, and in some seasons 
 occurred only at long intervals. Tlie society became reduced 
 in numbers, and, in 1870, the meeting-house was sold to the 
 school district and the proceeds paid to the treasurer of the 
 Universalist State convention of the State of Connecticut. 
 
 The pastors of the Universalist Society, Berlin, were : 
 
 Eev. John Boyden, 1831-1836. 
 " William A. Stickney, 1836-1840. 
 " Horace G. Smith, 1840-1843. 
 " Daniel H. Plumb, 1813-1815. 
 
 All Souls Church, Universalist. 
 
 About the year 1842, Rev. William A. Stickney, then set- 
 tled over the First Universalist Society of Berlin, in compliance 
 with the request of persons residing in New Britain, preached 
 in the school-house on South Main Street. Daring the 
 following years there was occasional preaching by Revs. 
 Geo. W. Quimby, D.D., G. V. Maxham, A. J. Patterson, 
 D.D., and Abraham Norwood. The latter being State mis- 
 
BAPTIST, EPISCOPAL, AND OTHEE CHURCHES. 185 
 
 sionary, gave some definite direction to the work, and 
 services were held with some regularity in the old North 
 Cimrch. Services were held subsequently by Rev. S. A. 
 Davis, State missionary, and Revs. P. Hitchcock, and C. A. 
 Skinner, either in halls or school-houses. On May 31, 1874, 
 the First Uiiiversalist Society was organized at the house 
 of L. P. Summers, on Chestnut Street. The first officers 
 chosen were : Trustees, G. W. Lunt, C. W-. Spring, P. 
 M. Scripture, and F. N. Guuneson ; treasurer, A. M. Bidwell. 
 
 Rev. S. A. Davis was then employed as a supply for about 
 seven years, preaching usually once in two weeks. In 1880 
 Rev. M. W. Tabor was engaged as a supply. He continued 
 with the society about one year. After he left, services were 
 held somewhat irregularly in Odd Fellows' Hall, the society 
 being supplied by the State missionary, or by different 
 clergymen settled elsewhere. The Mission Board of the 
 Universalist Church in the State finally decided to attempt a 
 positive work in New Britain. As the result of the delibera- 
 tions of this board, a formal call was extended to Rev. D. L.. 
 R. Libby, then p,astor of the Forest Street Universalist 
 Church, Medford, Mass., to become State missionary of Con- 
 necticut and take up the work of organizing a church- 
 and erecting an edifice in this city. Mr. Libby accepted the 
 call and entered upon his work here April 1, 1883. After 
 the new Odd Fellows' Hall was opened, the meetings were 
 held in this hall until the erection and completion of AH' 
 Souls' Church in 1885. 
 
 When Mr. Libby first came to New Britain to minister to- 
 this society, he found a small number of people who attended- 
 service and about twenty children for a Sunday-school. The- 
 congregation largely increased under his preaching, and. 
 arrangements were made for building a house of worship. 
 
 On June 10, 1883, the State missionary purchased a. 
 lot on Court Street for a site. At the annual meeting of the 
 society held March 1, 1884, it was voted to build, and a build-- 
 ing committee was appointed.* Ground was broken for the 
 
 *This committee consisted of Eev. D. L. E. Libby, F. M. Scripture, W. W.. 
 Woodruff, A. E. Johnson, J. Farnham, and E. Ashley. 
 13 
 
186 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 new church June 23, 1884, the corner-stone was laid August 
 18th, and the building was dedicated the next winter. 
 
 It is a neat brick edifice, containing a pleasant audience- 
 room and chapel. The cost of the lot and building was 
 about twelve thousand dollars. The enterprise was prose- 
 cuted with harmony among the members of tlie society and 
 with cheerful aid from other churches. There were at that 
 time about eighty voting members in the society, and there 
 were sixty-seven members in the Sunday-school. 
 
 Rev. D. L. R. Libby left in 1887, and preaching services 
 were somewhat irregular until 1889, when stated services 
 were re-established. 
 
 Second Advent Church. 
 The Second Advent Church building on Arch Street was 
 erected in 1848. The body of disciples worshiping there 
 had no distinctive creed, but for many years maintained 
 worship, with preaching services, on Sundays. There has 
 not been regular preaching for some time, as the association 
 has had no pastor, but meetings have been held, and the 
 organizatiou has been continued under the name of the 
 Advent Christian Union. 
 
 The People's Church of Christ. 
 
 The People's Church of Christ was organized Jan. 31, 
 
 1888, with thirty-two members. This church is indSpendeut 
 in principle, but connected with other churches organized 
 on the same basis, uuder what is called the Christian Union 
 of New England. Rev. Hezekiah Davis is the pastor. The 
 Sunday services are held in Bulkley's Hall. This church 
 has increased rapidly in numbers, its membership in June, 
 
 1889, being 57. 
 
 German Baptist Church. 
 
 Rev. W. C. Walker, while pastor of the First Baptist 
 
 Church, finding a number of Germans in New Britain who 
 
 did not attend any church, invited Rev. Mr. Dietz of New 
 
 Haven to preach to them in the German language. He 
 
BAPTIST, EPISCOPAL, AND OTHER CHURCHES. 187 
 
 came and held the first service February 2, 1871. He 
 found about two hundred German hearers, to whom he 
 preached every week for a few months. The first person 
 was baptized May 6, 1871. Mr. Dietz went to Germany soon 
 after, and Iiis place was supplied by Rev. Mr. Kohler. Mr. 
 Dietz returned in the autumn and was then assisted by Rev. 
 Mr. Rabe. A number of conversions were reported, and 
 several persons were baptized by Rev. J. V. Schofield, Avho 
 had succeeded Mr. Walker as pastor of the First Baptist 
 Church. The meetings for Germans were then for some 
 time conducted by Revs. Moehlmann of Meriden, A. 
 Hueni of Cleveland, 0., W. Rabe and J. P. Ingold of New 
 Haven, who in succession carried on the work among the 
 German Baptists. The meetings were usually held, in the 
 First Baptist Church ; the Sunday-school at 9.30 a. m. and 
 the preaching service at 3 p. M. A number of those attend- 
 ing were baptized and added to the Baptist Church in New 
 Britain. In 1877 some steps were taken towards securing 
 a permanent pastor. A call was given to Rev.. Charles 
 Schmidt, who accepted and entered upon his work here in 
 1878. The congregation gradually increased in numbers, 
 and it was determined to form a separate church and 
 secure a new place of worship. On the 9th of July, 1883, 
 the German Baptist Church was organized, and Rev. Charles 
 Schmidt was ordained as the regular pastor. A building lot 
 on Elm Street was bought, and a plain neat chapel was 
 erected. This was dedicated January 1, 1884. Rev. Charles 
 Schmidt resigned May 1st of that year, and was succeeded by 
 Rev. J. A. Weimar, who remained till 1887, when he re- 
 signed, and Rev. John Jaeger became his successor. 
 
 Swedish Evangelical Ltjthbban CHUEcn, Maria. 
 
 The first regular mission of the Swedish Evangelical 
 Lutheran Church was established in New Britain in the lat- 
 ter part of 1877. The meetings were held in the chapel of 
 the Methodist Church, the preaching services being con- 
 ducted by Rev. J. Medlander of Portland, Conn., Rev. T. 0. 
 
188 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Linell of Rhode Island, and Eev. A. P. Monten of Phila- 
 delpliia. Students from the Lutheran Seminary of the latter 
 place occasionally visited New Britain and assisted in the 
 services. In March, 1881, the congregation or church was 
 organized. There were different preachers for the first few 
 months, but Rev. 0. A. Landell was installed as pastor soon 
 after the organization of the church. In 1883-85, a small 
 but convenient church edifice was erected at the corner of 
 Elm and Chestnut streets. The corner-stone of this edifice 
 was laid in July, 1883, and the church was dedicated March 
 8, 1885. The building is of wood with a belfry and a base- 
 ment, which is used for Sunday-school and for other meet- 
 ings. The main audience room, including gallery, has seat- 
 ing capacity for about six hundred. Rev. 0. A. Landell was 
 dismissed in 18S6, and Rev. 0. W. Term was installed pastor 
 September 27, 1887. 
 
 Swedish Evanqblical Bethani Church. 
 
 In 1883 a number of Swedes who sympathized with the 
 Free Mission movement in Sweden, decided to hold meetings 
 in New Britain. In September of that year Rev. C. J. 
 Erixon of Boston came and held religious services with 
 this little band, gathering on an average about twenty-five to 
 each service. A society was organized January 7, 1884. 
 Soon after regular services were held in the Center or South 
 Church chapel every Sunday. Rev. Mr. Erixon resigned in 
 October, 1884, and ministers from other States came and 
 preached one Sunday at a time, and attended some of the 
 week-day services. Among those thus serving this society 
 were Rev. A. Lidman of New York, Rev. Emil Holmblad 
 and Rev. A. G. Nelson of Massachusetts, and Rev. C. W. 
 Holm of Rhode Island. 
 
 At an Ecclesiastical council of Congregational churches 
 convened at the First Church July 15, 1886, the Swedish 
 Evangelical Bethany Church was recognized, and Rev. Jonas 
 H. Ahnstrom from Holmstad, Sweden, who had for more 
 than a year been preaching to this society, was installed 
 
BAPTIST, EPISCOPAL, AND OTHER CHURCHES. 189 
 
 pastor of the church. The public services were usually held 
 in the chapels of the two Congregational churches until the 
 autumn of 1886, when the size of the congregation made it 
 necessary to hire a hall for the Sunday evening meetings. 
 The services were continued in Herald Hall until 1888 ; then 
 All Souls' Church was hired and the meetings held in it. In 
 October, 1888, Mr. Ahnstrom resigned and was dismissed to 
 minister to a Swedish church in Jamestown, N. Y. During 
 Mr. Ahnstrom's ministry, one hundred and fifty-four persons 
 joined the church, and fifty-eight took letters to churches in 
 other places. 
 
 A few weeks after Mr. Ahnstrom left. Rev. (1. B. Hjerpe 
 of Illinois came to New Britain and took charge of this 
 church. In May, 1889, the church became incorporated un- 
 der the general law, and soon after the Methodist Church 
 edifice was purchased for its use. The first service was held 
 in the present location May 26, 1889. 
 
 Swedish Baptist Chuhch. 
 
 The Swedish Baptist Church is a mission church formed 
 under the auspices of the Baptist State Missionary Society. 
 Its meetings commenced April, 1883, and in December of 
 that year a church organization was formed. The services 
 are usually held in Herald Hall. Rev. Torsten Clafford, a 
 native of Stockholm, came to New Britain in 1883, and 
 became the local preacher of this mission. He was regu- 
 larly ordained and installed as pastor February 10, 1884. 
 He was succeeded by Rev. Andrew Borgendahl. 
 
CHAPTER XI. 
 
 CIVIL AND POLITICAL HISTORY. 
 Town op Farmington. 
 
 THE first settlement at Parmington, then called the 
 " Tunxis Plantation," was made the year following the 
 adoption of the first constitution of the Connecticut Colony, 
 and the provisions of that constitution were extended over 
 the settlement, and it came at once under the jurisdiction of 
 the General Court. At the session of that Court held 
 December, 1645, the name of the place was changed to 
 Parmington, and it was ordered : 
 
 "Ye said plantation are to attend the General Orders, formerly made 
 by this Court, settled by ye Committee to whom the same was referred, & 
 other occasions, as the rest of ye plantations upon the River do : & Mr. 
 Steel is entreated for the present to be Recorder there, until ye Town 
 have one fitt among themselves; they allso are to have ye like Libertyes as 
 ye other Towns upon ye River for making orders among themselves; pro- 
 vided they alter not any fundamental agreements settled by ye s'd Com- 
 mittee hitherto attended." 
 
 Under this charter the town was organized, and its exist- 
 ence as a separate municipality was begun. Its jurisdiction 
 for more than a hundred and thirty years extended over 
 Avon, Bristol, Burlington, Plain ville, Southington, nearly the 
 whole of New Britain and Berlin, and parts of Bloomfield, 
 Harwinton, and Wolcott. The first tax paid by the new 
 town in 1645 was ^610. At first there was no distinction 
 between churcli and state, the freemen in their assemblies 
 voting the salary of the minister and taxes for building 
 or repairing the meeting-house with the same freedom that 
 they laid out highways, built bridges, or provided for any 
 secular affairs. The principal business of the town meetings 
 was making regulations for the common fields, appropriating 
 
CIVIL AND POLITICAL HISTORY. 191 
 
 house lots to new settlers, admitting associates as freemen, 
 locating roads, providing for the care of the meeting-house 
 and tlie support of the minister, and for the school, and the 
 appointment of the register or clerk, and the few other 
 officers or committees as needed to care for the general 
 interests of the community. Deputies to attend the General 
 Court at Hartford were chosen annually, and when the busi- 
 ness of the town at last seemed to require, " townsmen," 
 or selectmen, were chosen to perform many of the acts 
 at first determined by all the freemen in town meeting. 
 
 The records of the town show that Farmington, from the 
 earliest times, maintained a vigorous town life, intelligently 
 caring for public interests and fostering the institutions 
 of society and civic life. For nearly a hundred and forty 
 years the town remained undivided, the public business 
 for the large territory which it included being transacted 
 during this time where the first settlement was made. 
 Southington was set off and incorporated in 1779, Berlin 
 including New Britain in 1785, Bristol in 1785, Burlington 
 in 1806, Avon in 1830, and Plainville in 1869. 
 
 John Steele, who had been secretary of the Colony and 
 town clerk of Hartford before being appointed to that office 
 in Farmington by the General Court, appears to have been 
 reappointed to the same office by his fellow townsmen. He 
 died in 1665. The original town records are incomplete, 
 but a partial copy is in preservation, showing that the towns- 
 men (selectmen) appointed in 1682 were Thomas Hart, 
 John Orton, and John Hart. The town clerk in 1889 
 was Thomas L. Porter. 
 
 The situation of Farmington led to less frequent commu- 
 nication with other towns than was common with the towns 
 upon the Connecticut river. Its exposed position upon the 
 frontier, and the presence within its bounds of a tribe 
 of Indians more or less treacherous, led quite early to 
 the adoption of measures for self-defense and for the defense 
 of the colony. The compact nature of the settlement, each 
 freeman being provided with a house lot of limited area on 
 
192 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 or near the principal street, brought the people into closer 
 sympathy and enabled them to act more promptly than they 
 could if scattered, living at homesteads in the center of 
 large farms. 
 
 The town, in its annual and special meetings, made 
 provision for the defense of its territory, for the educa- 
 tion of its children, and for maintaining public worship. 
 The old town, also, by its corporate authority and acts, pro- 
 moted tlie development and growth of the new towns formed 
 from it, and Berlin and New Britain were both benefited 
 by this action. 
 
 Town of Berlin Incorpohated. 
 
 The three Ecclesiastical societies, which were afterwards 
 included in the town of Berlin, at first not only built meet- 
 ing-houses, provided for preaching and the expenses of 
 public worship, but also took charge of the schools, provided 
 and cared for cemeteries, and for highways and other matters 
 of public interest. They were allowed to lay taxes for all 
 these purposes, and conducted much of the local public busi- 
 ness which in Parmington and the older towns was con- 
 ducted in town meeting. So long as nearly the whole popu- 
 lation belonged to the standing order, there was little com- 
 plaint of taxes, or of the administration of trusts and 
 the distribution of funds. 
 
 As dissenters came in, and other denominations were 
 organized into societies or parishes, tlie work or authority of 
 each society was limited to strictly Ecclesiastical matters. 
 By the act of 1795, constituting school societies, the schools 
 and cemeteries passed from the superintendence of Ecclesi- 
 astical societies, and the authority of these societies was 
 confined still more exclusively to church affairs. 
 
 At the time the Great Swamp Society was organized 
 in 1705, and in the years immediately following, suggestions 
 were made in regard to the formation of a new town, but the 
 small number of inliabitants made it appear unwise. 
 
 It was during tlie war of the revolution, and but a few 
 years after the Worthinglon parish and society had been 
 
CIVIL AND POLITICAL HISTORY. 193 
 
 organized, that the subject of a new town began to be 
 seriously considered. Southington, the, first town detached 
 from Farmington, was incorporated in 1779. At the annual 
 meeting of the New Britain Society, held the same year, 
 or Dec. 25, 1779, the following vote was passed : 
 
 " Whereas, the Limits of the Town of Farmington are so Extensive 
 and the Business, as well as the Inhabitants, so Increased, and the neces- 
 sary meetings of various liinds so greatly multiplied, and the grate dis- 
 tance of many of the Inhabitants from the place of meeting, especially 
 the Society of Kensington and grate part of this Parish, whereby Grate 
 Inconveniences and Imbarisments attend the Administration of our 
 Publick afairs, for the Remedy and Relief of which it was Unanimously 
 voted that it is the Desier of this Society that one Intier new Township 
 may be Constituted and Made, containing the Societies of Kensington, 
 New Britain and Worthington, with the same Immunities and Privileges 
 as other Towns in this State are by law Invested. And to affect the same 
 Colonel Gad Stanly, Isaac Lee Jr. and Elnathan Smith are apointed 
 a Comtt. or agents in behalf of this society, in conjunction with the com- 
 mittee of Kensington and Worthington, to take all Necessary and Legal 
 Methods for accomplishing the same as soon as may be." 
 
 Similar committees for the same purpose were appointed 
 in the Kensington and Worthington societies. The commit- 
 tees met and prepared petitions to the General Assembly. 
 These were considered by that body, and by committees 
 appointed for the purpose ; but final action was not taken 
 until 1785, when the town of Berlin, embracing the three 
 societies, viz.: Kensington, New Britain, and Worthington, 
 was incorporated. 
 
 " Act incorporating the town of Berlin. 
 
 General Assembly, May Session 1785. 
 
 Upon the memorial of the inhabitants of the societies of Kensington, 
 New Britain and Worthington, shewing to this Assembly the many diflB- 
 culties and inconveniences they are subject to for want of being incorpo- 
 rated into a separate and distinct Town by themselves, and the great 
 necessity thereof, praying that the same may be done, accordingly as per 
 memorial on file, 
 
 Resolved by this Assembly, that all the lands lying within the limits 
 hereafler described, with the inhabitants residing thereon, be and the 
 same are hereby constituted a separate distinct town by themselves & 
 entitled to have and enjoy all the rights, privileges and immunities 
 that other towns in this State have and do enjoy, & shall have liberty to 
 
194 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 elect & appoint all officers necessary and proper for a town; to levy and 
 collect taxes in the same manner as other towns in the State are allowed by 
 law to do ; and to transact all other matters proper and necessary for 
 a town; that the limits and bounds of said Town shall be as followelh; 
 viz. — to begin at the northwest corner of the Society of New Britain, 
 thence westerly and southerly in the line of sd. society until it comes to 
 the northeast comer of the town of Southington; thence in the line 
 of Southington to Wallingford north line; thence easterly in Wallingford 
 north line until it comes to the town of Middletown, thence northerly in 
 Middletown west line until it comes to the south east corner of John 
 Kirby's home lot to the west side of the highway that leads to Samuel 
 Galpin'a dwelling house, thence northerly on the west side of the sd high- 
 way to the road running east & west; thence easterly on the south side of 
 the sd highway to the middle of Kirby's bridge so called; thence northerly 
 as the river runs to Wethersfield; thence easterly and northerly on 
 the lines of that part of the society of Worthington lying in said Weth- 
 ersfield until they come to the east line of the town of Farmington at the 
 first mentioned bounds; and shall be called and known by the name 
 of Berlin. And the sd town of Berlin shall be entitled to have and 
 receive from the several towns from which the same is taken their 
 due proportion of the town stocks of such respective towns; and be held 
 to pay their proportion of all the debts of sd towns already incurred 
 according to the list of the sd town of Berlin; and shall also take upon 
 them the support of their part of the town poor in each of sd towns by 
 the rule aforesaid." .... 
 
 A true copy of record, examined by 
 
 Geobge Wyllts, Secretary." 
 
 The portion of the act omitted was temporary in its pro- 
 visions, referring to the first meeting and to highways. 
 
 When Berlin was incorporated, and for many years after, 
 the principal places of business in the town were in Worth- 
 ington Society. At that time Middletown was the most 
 populous city, or town, in the State, and being nearer Worth- 
 ington than either Kensington or New Britain, business with 
 the city centered in the former. The first post-office in the 
 town, tlie town clerk's office, the principal tavern and stores, 
 and the chief place of popular assemblies, were all in Berlin 
 Street. 
 
 In accordance with the act incorporating the town, 
 the first town meeting was held at Kensington, June 13, 
 1785. Gen. Selah Hart was moderator, and the following 
 officers were chosen : Sylvester Wells, town clerk ; Selah 
 
CIVIL AND POLITICAL HISTORY. 195 
 
 Hart, treasurer ; Jonathan Belden, collector of State taxes ; 
 and Gen. Selah Hart, David Mather, and Elias Beckley, 
 selectmen. At this meeting Gen. Selah Hart, Elijah Hooker, 
 Gad Stanley, David Mather, and Jonathan Belden, were 
 appointed a committee to settle accounts with Farmington 
 and adjust all matters between the towns of Farmington and 
 Berlin. Similar committees for Middletown and Wethers- 
 field were also appointed. A committee consisting of Gen. 
 Selah Hart, Jonathan Belden, Jonathan Hubbard, Gad 
 Stanley, and Elisha Hooker, was also appointed to ascertain 
 the boundaries of the town and erect suitable monuments. 
 The selectmen were authorized "to erect a sign-post and 
 stocks between Mrs. Percival's and Steep Hill Lane." A tax 
 of half a penny on the pound was laid at this meeting. 
 
 The first annual meeting of the new town was held 
 at the old meeting-house in New Britain, Dec. 5, 1785. Col. 
 Gad Stanley was the moderator. The clerk, treasurer, and 
 collector appointed were the same as appointed at the 
 first meeting. The next year the annual meeting was held 
 in the Worthington Society, and thereafter the town meetings 
 continued to be held in rotation in the three societies, usually 
 in the meeting-houses. At the first annual town meeting it 
 was voted that the selectmen should " do the business of the 
 town without any reward, except it be for more extraordi- 
 nary service." The highways were to be kept in repair 
 under the direction of surveyors appointed for this purpose, 
 by a tax of one and a half pence on the pound, to be paid in 
 labor, and a half penny in money for plank or timber for 
 bridges. It was voted that the clergy be appointed to 
 visit schools in conjunction with the committee appointed by 
 law. 
 
 In 1788 the selectmen w;ere authorized to erect a pound 
 in New Britain and another in Worthington Society, for 
 impounding animals. The pound in New Britain was placed 
 on the east side of Main Street, near the present terminus of 
 Church Street.* There was a public whipping post near 
 
 *In 1768, by vote of the town of Farnilngton, a pound was ei-ected on East 
 Street, near the residence of Elnathan Smith, who was appointed keeper. 
 
196 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 it. After the old meeting-house on the north ledge was torn 
 down in 1822, the pound in New Britain was changed to that 
 locality and placed near the foundations of the meeting- 
 house. 
 
 At the annual meeting in 1790 it was voted that each 
 selectman be paid "thirty shillings a year" for services- 
 There appears to have been some question in regard to 
 the working of roads, for in 1791 it was voted : 
 
 " That surveyors warn no more men to work on highways than they 
 can oversee, and that they allow them no more than they can earn." 
 
 Tlie surveyors were allowed three shillings per day. 
 
 Birds and animals became so destructive to crops that 
 bounties for removing the destroyers were offered by the 
 town ; in 1792 the bounty was four pence on each crow 
 killed. 
 
 Ou account of the prevalence of the small-pox, the town, 
 Jan. 1-3, 1794, voted " that Dr. Stanley and Dr. Andrews 
 have liberty to erect a hospital for the purpose of inoculating 
 for small-pox." But the apprehensions from the disease 
 became such that a few weeks later the houses of Elisha 
 Savage, Solomon Sage, Seth Kilbourn, and Benjamin Hart, 
 were set apart for a similar purpose. The house first author- 
 ized was erected by Dr. Stanley in the woods, to the rear of 
 his house in Stanley Quarter. 
 
 When the United States census of 1790 was taken, 
 the population of the town of Berlin was 2,465. In 1800 
 the population of each parish, as taken by the enumerators, 
 was: Kensington, 764; New Britain, 9i6 ; and Worthington, 
 1,003, giving a total, when corrections were made, of 2,702. 
 According to the tax list, the wealthiest man in the town 
 was Barnabas Dunham of Kensington, with a grand list of 
 $640, while in New Britain, Levi Andrews had a grand list of 
 $505.89, and in Worthington, Roger Riley one of $:125.44, 
 these being the largest, respectively, in each parish. During 
 the next ten years Kensington lost eight in population, while 
 New Britain gained thirty-six, and Worthington forty-seven. 
 Town meetings had been held by rotation in the three 
 
CIVIL AND POLITICAL HISTORY. 197 
 
 parishes for many years, these meetings, being held in 
 the churches, but objections being made to this use of 
 the buildings, a vote was passed to build a town hall. This 
 was located in New Britain and completed in 1850. It was 
 on the east side of Main Street, was for many years after- 
 wards the State Normal School building, and is now occupied 
 by the New Britain High School. 
 
 Town of Nbw Britain. 
 
 In 1850 the citizens of Kensington and Worthington 
 petitioned for a division of the town. The petition was 
 granted, Berlin, including the two parishes mentioned, 
 retaining the old name, and the parish of New Britain, 
 by itself, becoming the town of New Britain. The last 
 town meeting before the division of the town was held 
 in Berlin. By the act of the General Assembly, the divi- 
 sion line, or boundary, between the two towns begins at 
 the center of Beach Swamp bridge and runs north 88° 20' 
 west to Southington line, and in the opposite direction to 
 Newington line. The property and debts were divided in 
 proportion to the taxable property of each division, and the 
 town deposit fund in proportion to the population. At the 
 time of the census, taken soon after the division was con- 
 summated, the population of Berlin was 1,869 ; that of New 
 Britain 3,029. 
 
 The first town meeting held in the town of New Britain 
 was called by 0. B. Bassett, and was held July 22, 1850. 
 Lucius Woodruff was chosen town clerk and treasurer, and 
 Joseph Wright, James F. Lewis, Gad Stanley, Noah W. 
 Stanley and Elam Slater, selectmen. By the act of in- 
 corporation New Britain was to have but one representative 
 to. the General Assembly, but at the first town meeting it 
 was voted that a protest be made.* This protest was carried 
 
 * When Berlin first petitioned tliat New Britain be set offl as a new town, 
 the division was opposed, and Gt. M. Landers, M. Clark, and a few others repre- 
 senting New Britain, appeared before the committee of the legislature to give 
 reasons for the opposition. New Britain had become more populous than the 
 two other parishes taken together, and cast the majority of votes. At the first 
 
198 HISTOBY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 to the General Assembly and heard there, and as a result the 
 town was allowed two representatives. The first representa- 
 tives elected to the General Assembly from the town of New- 
 Britain were Ethan A. Andrews and George M. Landers. 
 These men by their wisdom, firmness, and harmony secured 
 important advantages to the town. At the State election in 
 1851, when these men were chosen, 526 votes were cast for 
 Governor and 517 for Member of Congress. 
 
 For the next ten years after the division of the town, the 
 population of New Britain increased Seventy-seven per cent., 
 while that of the State increased only thirty-five per cent. 
 In 1860 the population of Berlin was 2,145, and that of New 
 Britain 5,385. The population of the latter had increased to 
 9,480 in 1870, and to 13,979 in 1880, and it was estimated to 
 be about 18,500 in 1889. The voting districts of the town 
 correspond nearly with the ward boundaries of the city, 
 extended to the town lines. In 1888-9 Samuel Bassett, J. 
 C. Bnsworth, and L. G. Rossiter, were selectmen ; Isaac 
 Porter was town clerk, A. P. Collins, treasurer, and W. E. 
 Latham, collector. 
 
 BoKODQH OF New Britain. 
 
 In 1850, upon the petition of a number of the inhabitants, 
 the " Borough of New Britain" was incorporated. The town 
 hall, afterwards the State Normal School building, was taken 
 as the central point, and the borough as originally consti- 
 tuted extended half a mile both east and west from this 
 point. It was thus a mile in extent from east to west and 
 four hundred and eighteen rods from north to south. The 
 first meeting for organization was held at the town hall 
 August 12, 1850. At this meeting the officers elected were 
 
 election New Britain elected two representatives, one of each party, to represent 
 the town in the legislature. Two were claimed as a matter of right, but the 
 claim might not have been allowed, had not the legislature been so equally 
 divided in politics that neither party cared (o lose a vote. In 1851 the Governor 
 belonged to the democratic party, the Lieutenant-Governor was a whig, the 
 Secretary and Comptroller were democrats, the Treasurer was a whii;. The 
 Spealcer of the House was elected by a majority of one vote only, and the con- 
 test was so close that no United States Senator was elected that year. 
 
OJJ^ 
 
CI\^IL AND POLITICAL HISTORY. 199 
 
 Frederick T. Stanley, warden; 0. S. Nortli, George M. Lan- 
 ders, Walter Gladden, Marcellus Clark, Timothy W. Stanley, 
 and A. L. Pinch, burgesses, and Joshua E. King, bailiff. The 
 first meeting of the Warden and Burgesses was held August 
 20, 1850. In accordance with the provisions of the charter, 
 arrangements were made for the better protection of property 
 and the maintenance of law and order. Police officers, fire 
 wardens, a street commissioner, and an inspector of weights 
 and of wood, were appointed ; provision was made for the 
 abatement of nuisances, and for the care of the streets, and 
 for a watch-house and lock-up. The powers granted by the 
 charter, though limited, were sufficient to meet the needs of 
 the community at the time, and afford protection to life and 
 property. 
 
 In a few years the necessity of making some provision 
 for a moi'e adequate supply of water became evident, and a 
 charter was obtained in 1857, which empowered the borough 
 to construct suitable water works. A sufficient quEtntity of 
 land at Shuttle Meadow, located principally in the town of 
 Southington, was purchased, the right of way secured, a dam 
 built, and over five miles of main and distributing pipes laid 
 in time for the water to be brought to the borough in Octo- 
 ber of the same year. The main reservoir, which covers 
 about two hundred acres, is in the northeast corner of 
 Southington, about two and a quarter miles from the city 
 park at Main Street, and about one hundred and seventy feet 
 above it.* 
 
 For twenty years the borough officers exercised their func- 
 tions in maintaining order, protecting property, and caring 
 for the welfare of citizens. This period covered a time of 
 prosperity and rapid growth in New Britain, both in business 
 and population. The gradual change of the place was some- 
 what affected by the civil war, but the years which imme- 
 diately followed were years of prosperity. 
 
 * A more fuU account of tbe water works and the organization of the de- 
 partment which has charge of the water supply is given under the history of the 
 city. 
 
200 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 City of New Britain. 
 
 The rapid increase in tlie population of the town and 
 borough, the enlargement of business, and the extension 
 of the more thickly settled portions of the place, during the 
 twenty years following the incorporation of the borough, 
 made it necessary to extend the police and fire limits, 
 and exercise additional authority to maintain good order and 
 promote the welfare of the community. Accordingly, appli- 
 cation was made to the General Assembly, and a city charter 
 was obtained in 1870. By the provisions of this charter the 
 city included a larger territory than the borough. The 
 northern boundary coincided with the borough line as far as 
 that extended, and the southern limits were conterminous 
 with the town. From east to west the. city extended six 
 hundred rods, or one hundred and forty rods in each direc- 
 tion beyond the borough boundary. The charter perpetuated 
 in the city the powers and privileges wliich had been 
 possessed by the borough, and also granted additional powers 
 to the Common Council and executive officers of the city. 
 
 The act of incorporation was approved by tlie freemen of 
 the borough at a meeting held January 13, 1871, there being 
 521 votes in favor of its adoption and 520 against it. By 
 the provisions of the charter, it took effect the second Mon- 
 day of April, 1871. The first city election was held April 
 10, 1871, when Frederick T. Stanley was elected mayor ; B. 
 L. Goodwin, clerk ; and A. P. Collins, treasurer. 
 
 Amendments were made to the charter in 1872-3-4-5-6, 
 conferring additional powers upon the Common Council and 
 certain city officers ; providing for sewerage ; for reorganizing 
 the police force ; for the issue of bonds ; and for other mat- 
 ters relating to the courts, the division of the city into four 
 wards, and the general administration of the departments of 
 the city. 
 
 The organization of the city government, clothed with 
 
 ■greater authority than had been exercised by the borough, 
 
 imposed new duties, and for the first year meetings of 
 
 the Common Council were held nearly every week. The 
 
CIVIL AND POLITICAL HISTORY. 201 
 
 mayor was absent from the city and State the early part 
 of the year, and Lucius Woodruff, alderman from the First 
 ward, was acting mayor. Ordinances for the government of 
 the city, and rules and regulations for the guidance of 
 the Common Council, were adopted. These were amended 
 by succeeding councils, and in 1885 there was a general 
 revision of the charter and ordinances. 
 
 For municipal purposes the city is divided into four 
 wards, each of which may have one alderman and four coun- 
 cilmen in the Common Council. The Mayor, City Cleric, 
 and Treasurer, are elected on the general ticket every second 
 year, and hold office two years. The aldermen and council- 
 men also hold office for two years, one-half being elected 
 annually. 
 
 The first Mayor of the city, elected in 1870, was Fred- 
 erick T. Stanley. His successors have been Samuel W. 
 Hart, David N. Camp, Ambrose Beatty, John B. Talcott, J. 
 Andrew Pickett, Ambrose Beatty, J. C. Atwood, and John 
 Walsh. The city clerks have been E. L. Goodwin, Robert 
 J. Vance, and Everett E. Bishop, and the treasurer, A. P. 
 Collins. 
 
 The location of New Britain, thirty miles from the sea- 
 coast, at a distance from navigable rivers and the principal 
 thoroughfares of the State, and where no considerable water- 
 power could be obtained, did not give it special advantages as 
 a manufacturing or commercial city. The inequalities of 
 the surface and the large expense incurred to secure efficient 
 drainage, were also serious obstacles which might have 
 become hindrances in the growth of the city. But these 
 and other obstacles have been overcome ; the city has been 
 found to be healthy ; direct and easy communication with 
 other cities and portions of the country has been secured, 
 and the growth of the city has been so rapid that additional 
 provision was necessary for the administration of its munic- 
 ipal affairs, which will be described under different depart- 
 ments. 
 
 Water- Works. — The importance of securing an adequate 
 14 
 
202 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 supply of water for New Britain was clearly seen by indi- 
 viduals for some time before any municipal action was taken 
 for that purpose. P. T. Stanley, Esq., and some others 
 devoted much time to the consideration of plans, and Mr. 
 Stanley employed engineers to make surveys and give esti- 
 mates of cost. As a result of his investigations, he submit- 
 ted to a special meeting of the citizens of the borough, held 
 at the hall of the Humphrey House, April 11, 1857, a com- 
 munication, which was ordered to be printed and placed 
 in the hands of the tax-payers, and which probably led 
 to the action taken. 
 
 At an adjourned meeting of the borough, held at the 
 same place a week later, a committee, consisting of Lucius 
 Woodruff, Philip Corbin, John Stanley, Wm. B. Smyth, 
 and Marcellus Clark, reported a series of resolutions, which 
 were adopted unanimously, as follows : 
 
 " Besolved, As the sentiments of this meeting, that we are in favor of 
 supplying this Borough with water, for the protection of the property of 
 the same from fire, and for other necessary, useful, and ornamental pur- 
 poses. 
 
 Resolved, That in the opinion of your committee from the examina- 
 tions, surveys, and estimates which have been made, and from informa- 
 tion which they have received relating to the supplying of cities and 
 villages with water, they are of the opinion that the supplying of this 
 Borough with water from ' Shuttle Meadow ' is practicable and unusually 
 feasible, and can be accomplished by an outlay of means so moderate and 
 reasonable, as to do no injustice to this community in a financial point of 
 view. 
 
 Besolve^d, That the Warden and Burgesses of this Borough be, and they 
 are hereby, authorized and instructed, at the expense, and in the name and 
 behalf of the Borough, to prepare and present to, and prosecute before 
 the next General Assembly, a petition for grant of power and authority to 
 introduce into and distribute through said Borough, Water from ' Shuttle 
 Meadow,' for public and private purposes, and for such additional power 
 and privileges as may be necessary or convenient for carrying the ob]'ect 
 aforesaid into full effect. 
 
 Renolved, That liberty be petitioned for in said grant to issue bonds in 
 the name of the Borough, to pay for the construction of said works.'' 
 
 i- A petition was prepared, signed, and presented to the 
 General Assembly in aid of the petition of the borough 
 officers. The Assembly granted the power asked for in 
 
CIVIL AND POLITICAL HISTORY. 203 
 
 an act entitled "An act to supply the Borougli of New 
 Britain with Water for Public and Private purposes." The 
 act was accepted at a borough meeting held Juue 4, 1857, by 
 a vote of 324 in favor to 45 against it. The borough officers 
 were authorized to issue bonds to the amount of fifty thou- 
 sand dollars, and a board of water commissioners, consisting 
 of P. T. Stanley, H. E. Russell, and Geo. M. Landers, 
 was appointed to carry out the provisions of the act. The 
 commissioners proceeded at once with the work, which was. 
 promptly executed according to the general plan submittedl 
 in the first report, but at a considerable less cost than 
 was first estimated. Ground was first broken July 6, 1857,, 
 and on Oct. 6th the work was closed, the men being dis- 
 charged, except a few engaged in finishing the dam. Over- 
 five miles of main and distributing pipe, from 4 to 10 inches, 
 in diameter, were laid. The water was first let in the 24th' 
 of October, 1857. To meet the expense of construction, 
 bonds known as " water bonds," and bearing seven per cent, 
 interest, were issued to the amount of 150,000. 
 
 In 1867 permission was obtained by an amendment to the 
 act to issue another series of bonds to the amount of $75,000,, 
 to provide for an extension of pipes. In 1869 an additional 
 main of twelve inches diameter was laid from the reservoir 
 at Shuttle Meadow to the city, at an expense of about forty 
 thousand dollars. 
 
 On the organization of the city, all the powers relating to 
 the water supply which had been exercised by the officers of 
 the borough were vested in the Common Council, and pro- 
 vision was made for the appointment, annually, by the 
 Council, of three water commissioners, to hold office for one 
 year. During the first year of the city administration, 8,600' 
 feet of cast-iron pipe was laid, making at the close of the 
 year, or March 1, 1872, about seventeen miles of main 
 and distributing pipes then laid. In 1878 the legislature 
 authorized the issue of a third series of bonds to the amount 
 of 175,000. 
 
 In compliance with orders of the Common Council iui 
 
206 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 March, 1876, the completion of five thousand seven hundred 
 and thirty -tliree feet of circular brick sewers, and four thou- 
 sand eight hundred and thirty-one feet of egg-shaped sewers 
 constructed, besides fourteen hundred and fifteen feet of cir- 
 cular pipe sewers, and eighteen hundred and eleven feet of 
 culvert, all thoroughly built. 
 
 The work, though expensive, had been economically and 
 successfully prosecuted, and by the constant vigilance of the 
 sewer commissioners, without any charge for their services, 
 had secured to the city a system of sewerage at once efficient 
 and generally satisfactory. 
 
 Lateral and branch sewers, as ordered by the Common 
 Council, were constructed in the same thorough manner, un- 
 til that portion of the city needing sewerage, whose water- 
 shed was included in the first sewer district, was mainly 
 reached and relieved of stagnant water and sewage matter. 
 The necessity of providing a system of sewerage for other 
 portions of the city became obvious, and in 1882 sewers 
 were constructed in that part of Park Street lying east of the 
 Cabinet Lock factory, and in Orchard, Maple, Meadow, John, 
 and Whiting streets, affording relief to the southeastern part 
 of the business portion of the city. Additional sewer bonds 
 to the amount of $15,000 were issued in 1883, and |5,000 
 more in 1885, making the whole amount of sewer bonds 
 issued to April 1, 1887, $150,000. 
 
 During 1887, a sewer was constructed in another sewer- 
 age district, which would drain Kensington Street, Glen 
 Street, and adjoining streets, and bonds to the amount of 
 fl5,000 were issued. On the first of April, 1889, there had 
 been constructed by the city ISy^Q^i. miles of sewers and 
 1^^ miles of pipe culvert. 
 
 The Board of Sewer Commissioners consists of Philip J. 
 Markley, chairman, Peter Long, and Thomas S. Bishop. 
 
 Police Department. — The charter of 1870, incorporating 
 New Britain as a city, provided for the appointment by the 
 Common Council of a captain of police and not exceeding 
 three active policemen, and " such other supernumerary 
 
^.^jM 
 
 '% 
 
 -2y « ij/JI£SaUS Sf/is X2^ 
 
CIVIL AND POLITICAL HISTORY.] 207 
 
 policemen as they shall deem proper not exceeding twenty," 
 all to hold office for one year and until others were chosen. 
 The police department organized under this provision con- 
 sisted of A. W. Spaulding, chief or captain, and three active 
 policemen, Lafayette Craw, P. J. Flannery, and Patrick Lee. 
 There were also eighteen supernumerary policemen ap- 
 pointed, one of whom, Edward E. Ryan, was detailed as 
 warden of the station-house and court-room. At the station 
 there were four cells, and the room which contained them 
 was the headquarters of the police force. 
 
 The necessity of more permanency to the force than was 
 secured by the charter became apparent, and an amendment 
 was passed and approved in 1873, which authorized the 
 council to elect a captain and a lieutenant of police, and 
 not exceeding eight active policemen, who were not to be re- 
 moved except for cause. Under this amendment, four men 
 were added to the active police, viz.: D. P. Barnes, James W. 
 Hanna, Lemuel Penfield, and Edward B. Ryan, and the 
 supernumerary force was increased to the full number, 
 twenty. During the next year the active force was dimin- 
 ished to five policemen, by the resignation of officer Craw 
 and the sudden death of officer Penfield. 
 
 The active force continued the same, until in 1878 the 
 protracted illness and subsequent death of officer Hanna left 
 a vacancy which was filled by tiie appointment of C. C. Cal- 
 lender as active policeman. In 1881, the election of Chief 
 Spaulding, Sheriff of Hartford County, created a vacancy 
 which was filled by the election by the Common Council of 
 W. L. Morgan to the position. In 1884, under the amend- 
 ment to the charter, the active police was increased so as to 
 consist of a chief, lieutenant, and six regular policemen, 
 and the number of supernumeraries, twenty, was also filled. 
 The same year, a police commission consisting of four per- 
 sons cliosen by the Common Council was constituted. This 
 commission was organized April 24, 1884, and then com 
 prised H. E. Case, Tliomas McCabe, John T. Dwyer, and 
 Henry Gussman. 
 
208 ' HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 The police force in 1889 consisted of Washington L. 
 Morgan, chief ; P. J. Flannery, lieutenant ; Patrick Lee, 
 Edward E. Ryan, Charles C. Callender, John Rowe, Adam 
 Seiple, Joseph Tateui, John T. Sloan, and John E. O'Donnell, 
 patrolmen, and nineteen men on the special force. The 
 Board of Pohce Commissioners included Henry Gussman, 
 chairman, J. W. Goodrich, Michael J. Coholan, and John C. 
 O'Brien. 
 
 Fire Department. — The fire department, ag organized 
 during the first year of the city government, consisted of 
 Patrick Brennan, chief engineer ; John J. Mulvihill, first 
 assistant; G. T. Greenleaf, second assistant; William N. 
 Carey, third assistant; and one hundred and twenty-two 
 men. When the. companies were full, the whole number of 
 men and officers would be one hundred and forty-five, having 
 one hand engine, with jumper, two hose carriages, and one 
 truck, in all four companies. The expenditures for the first 
 year were $547.77. In 1872 a new hook and ladder truck 
 was purchased, and the firemen were supplied with badges, 
 but the companies continued nearly the same. In 1873 the 
 department was reorganized as a paid fire department, with 
 three hose companies of twelve men each, a hook and ladder 
 company of twenty men, and three volunteer hose companies 
 of twelve men each, paid only while doing duty at fires. 
 The increased efficiency of a paid fire department soon 
 became evident, but the necessity of additional apparatus, 
 which had been well understood by some of the city officers, 
 was made more manifest at the large fire which on March 
 23, 1871, destroyed the JUtna works ; and the steamer S. W. 
 Hart was purchased, manned, and added to the fire appa- 
 ratus of the city that year. 
 
 Hose company No. 7 was disbanded, and the apparatus 
 belonging to the company was not in use for a time, but in 
 1878 two new hose companies. No 7 and No. 8, were organ- 
 ized. By the purchase of new hose, and the additions of fire 
 hydrants where needed, the ability of the fire department to 
 extinguish fires was increased. In 1879 the Gamwell fire- 
 
CIVIL AND POLITICAL HISTORY. 209 
 
 alarm telegraph was introduced, and thirteen signal boxes 
 put up. In 1881 Hose Company No. 7 was disbanded, and 
 in 1883 a new steamer was purchased. By an amendment 
 of the city charter in 1884 provision was made for the 
 appointment of a Board of Fire Commissioners. A new 
 engine house on Elm Street was also completed in 1884, and 
 in 1885 a new hook and ladder truck and new hose wagon 
 were purchased, Steamer No. 1 was thoroughly renovated 
 and repaired, and other improvements made which added 
 materially to the efficiency of'the department. 
 
 The Board of Fire Commissioners was organized May 8, 
 1884, and comprised John W. Carleton, W. F. Arnold, 
 George Hadley, and John J. Mulviliill. H. R. Walker jvas 
 then chief engineer, and William Sullivan assistant engineer. 
 
 A new steamer was purchased in 1888, and the available 
 apparatus of the department has been otherwise increased 
 within the last few years, and in 1889 consisted of three 
 steam fire engines, three hose carriages, and one hook and 
 ladder ti'uck, and 5,000 feet of hose. There were 190 
 hydrants in use, and twenty-seven fire-alarm boxes. The 
 officers of the depai'tment were John W. Carleton, chief 
 engineer ; William Sullivan, assistant engineer ; and George 
 Cooley, superintendent fire alarm. 
 
 The Board of Fire Commissioners in 1889 consisted of 
 John Garvey, chairman, Cromwell 0. Case, Charles H. 
 Beaton, and Lawrence Crean. 
 
 Berlis. 
 
 By the division of the old town of Berlin in 1850 the 
 original parishes of Kensington and Worthington were con- 
 stituted a new town, with the old name of Berlin. Berlin as 
 thus constituted is bounded on the north by New Britain and 
 Newington ; on the east by Rocky Hill, Cromwell, and Mid- 
 dletown ; on the south by Middletown and Meriden ; and on 
 the west by Southington. Its average length and breadth 
 are each a little more than five miles, and the area is a little 
 less than thirty miles. The surface, consisting largely of a 
 
210 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 series of rounded ridges, with intervening valleys and gentle 
 slopes, is varied, but little of it broken or rocky. The soil is 
 good, and particularly adapted to grazing and the production 
 of hay ; and garden vegetables and fruits are cultivated 
 with profit. The town has been noted for the variety and 
 excellence of its fruits. Its principal stream, the Matta- 
 besett River, with its numerous branches, has rich meadows 
 upon its banks, and furnishes power for mills and manufac- 
 tories in Beckley Quarter and East Berlin. It passes 
 through the central and eastern part of the town, forming 
 the boundary between Berlin and Cromwell, and thence into 
 the Connecticut River between Cromwell and Middletown. 
 
 J'he town of Berlin, as left by the division, held its 
 first town meeting in the meeting-house at Kensington, June 
 29, 1850. Samuel Hart was moderator, and Alfred North 
 was chosen town clerk. This meeting, by a vote of 211 to 
 27, voted to comply with the act of incorporation, and 
 relinquish all claim to two representatives. At a subsequent 
 meeting, held July 22d of the same year, the first board of 
 selectmen, consisting of Shubael Risley, Edwin Barnes, and 
 Alfred Norton, was elected. At this meeting Alfred North 
 was chosen treasurer. The first annual meeting of this 
 town was held October 7, 1850, when the officers before 
 chosen were re-elected, except that Cyprian Goodrich was 
 chosen one of the selectmen in the place of Alfred Norton. 
 Alfred North, who was re-elected town clerk and treasurer, 
 had held the office for six years in the old town before the 
 division, and he was re-elected annually to the same offices in 
 the new town, until age and physical weakness compelled 
 him to resign. 
 
 At the annual meeting in 1850, arrangements were made 
 for defining the boundary line between New Britain and Ber- 
 lin ; by-laws relating to cattle and horses were passed, and 
 the rates to be paid on tiie highways were fixed. Men were 
 to be allowed ten cents an hour, and teams twelve and one- 
 half cents for work on highways. In the division of prop- 
 erty finally made by the selectmen, the town hall and appur- 
 
CIVIL AND POLITICAL HISTORY. 211 
 
 teiiaiices were assigned to New Britain, and the town farm, 
 including wood on the mountain, to Berlin. . 
 
 The first electors' meeting for the choice of State officers 
 and member of Congress was held in the old Congregational 
 meeting-house, Worthington parish, April 7, 1851, when 
 the vote for Governor was : for Thomas H. Seymour 220, 
 Lafayette S. Foster 170, and John Boyd 7. For member of 
 Congress: for Loren P. Waldo 216, L. P. Waldo 1, Charles 
 Chapman 167, and Timothy Cowles 7. Alfred North resigned 
 the office of town clerk, treasurer, and registrar March 27, 
 1886. Francis Deming was appointed his successor. On 
 October 4, 1886, William Bulkley was appointed town clerk, 
 and Samuel P. Talmage, Albert Barnes, and Roswell A. 
 Moore, selectmen. 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 
 EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS. 
 
 A FEW years after the first settlement at Farmington 
 was made, the General Court directed collections to 
 be taken " for the maintenance of poor scholars at the col- 
 lege at Cambridge," at that time the only school within the 
 jurisdiction of the New England colonies where higher 
 education could be received. Contributions were made from 
 Farmington, and a few students were sent to this college for 
 education. The men who first settled Connecticut came 
 with their families to make their homes in the wilderness, 
 and establish the institutions of society. Their government 
 was republican in principle, with the sovereign power lodged 
 with the people, to be exercised by them, or by representa- 
 tives chosen by them. In their religious creed, the Bible 
 was received as the authoritative expression of the Divine 
 will, and its precepts were to be the guide in matters of civil 
 and ecclesiastical polity. There were consequently two 
 important reasons why all the community should be edu- 
 cated : first, that they might be able to read and understand 
 the scriptures, and second that they might be able better to 
 discharge their duties as citizens. 
 
 At the time Farmington was first settled, there was 
 already a school in Hartford to which children from the 
 former town could be sent for instruction, but the most of 
 the direct teaching was given in the family. In some 
 instances the children of two or three neighboring families 
 were gathered at one of the homes and there taught for a few 
 hours each day by an older brother or sister. A regular 
 school was established quite early in the history of the town, 
 and was supported partly by the town tax and partly by rate 
 bills. 
 
EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS. 213 
 
 The first ministers at Farmington, Mr. Newton and Mr. 
 Hooker, were especially vigilant in securing the education 
 of the children and youth of the place, and both of these 
 men taught in an Indian school in the town, and gave some 
 instruction to white children and youth. 
 
 The colonial laws, code of 1650, revised by Roger 
 Ludlow, made it the duty of the selectmen : 
 
 " To keep a vigilant eye over tlieir brethren and neighbors, to see 
 first that none of them shall suffer so much barbarism in any of their 
 families as not to endeavor to teach by themselves or others, their chil- 
 dren and apprentices so much learning as may enable them perfectly to 
 read the English tongue, and knowledge of the capital laws, upon penalty 
 of twenty shillings for each neglect therein, also that all masters of 
 families, do, once a week, at least, catechise their children and servants, in 
 the grounds and principles of religion, and if any are 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 catechisms by their parents or masters, or any of the selectmen." 
 
 The same code provided that — 
 
 "Every township within this jurisdiction, after the Lord hath 
 increased them to the number of fifty householders, shall then forth, 
 with appoint one within their town to teach all such children as shall 
 resort to him, to write and read." 
 
 These laws were evidently carefully obeyed by the town 
 of Farmington. In 1682 ten pounds was voted to the school, 
 and in 1683 a like sum, and the tuition was fixed at four 
 shillings a quarter for children in attendance. At the annual 
 town meeting, held December 27, 1685, the following vote 
 was passed : 
 
 "Voted that the town will give £30 for a man to teach schoole for 
 one year, provided that they can have a man that is so accomplished as to 
 teach children to read and wright and teach the grammar, and also to step 
 into the pulpit to be helpful their, in time of exigent! and this schoole to 
 be a free schoole for the town.'' 
 
 At another annual meeting, held December 27, 1687 : 
 
 " Voted, that the town will give £20 for the maintenance of a schoole 
 for the year insuing for the instructing of all such children as shall be 
 sent to it, to learn to read and wright the English tongue." 
 
214 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Apparently on account of misapprehension, or fear of it, 
 at a town meeting held the 12th of January, about two weeks 
 after the annual meeting, the following vote was passed : 
 
 " Whereas the town at a meeting held, 37 Dec. 1687, agreed to give 
 twentie pounds, as is their expresst, to teach all such as shall be sent, by 
 vote, the town declare, that aU such as shall be sent, is to be understood 
 only Male children that are throw their korning book." 
 
 It is possible that some earnest, thoughtful girl, suppos- 
 ing that she might attend school so as to learn " to read and 
 Wright the English tongue," presumed to go to the school for 
 that purpose. 
 
 At the meeting in which the above vote was passed, the 
 record proceeds : 
 
 " The town voted that they would have a town hous to keep Schoole 
 in, built this yeare of 18 foot square, besides the Chimney space, with a 
 suitable height for that servis, which hous is to be built by the towns 
 charg." 
 
 This apparently new interest, or revival of interest, in 
 education, which is found in Farmington about the time 
 the settlement at Christian Lane was commenced, was 
 possibly the result of a general interest which was mani- 
 fested in several towns in the colony, and is indicated by the 
 enactments of the General Court from 1677 to 1700. The 
 leading men of Farmington were many of them men of good 
 education for the times. Governor Edward Hopliins, 
 specially interested in the town, owning a farm, with houses 
 and other buildings, had manifested a deep interest in 
 schools, and by his will left a considerable sum to found and 
 support educational institutions. Other men of note were 
 equally interested in securing good schools. 
 
 While the minister was expected to take special interest 
 in the schools, and have a watchful care over them, it was 
 also expected that the teacher would be an aid to the minis- 
 ter, and, in certain circumstances, take his place in parochial 
 duties. Thus, at a town meeting held December 18, 1693, a 
 committee was chosen to agree with a man to teach school for 
 three mouths in the winter, and also to treat with a man that 
 
EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS. 215 
 
 had the capacity " to teach Latin and English, and in time 
 of exigency be helpful to Mr. Hooker in the ministry." Men 
 were also appointed in town meeting " to have inspection 
 over the youth " on Sabbath and other days of public exer- 
 cises, " that their manners and morals might be cai-efully 
 watched over." The school for Indians was maintained in 
 Farmington for some time, and Indians from other towns 
 were boarded near the school, at the expense of the colony, 
 that they might be properly educated. After this school was 
 broken up the Indian children attended the town or common 
 school with other children. 
 
 At first all the children of Farmington attending school 
 went to the single school on the principal street. As the place 
 increased in population a second school was established, 
 and these two schools appear to have been the only schools 
 of the old society for many years. In 1772 the division into 
 school districts was effected, and a school was maintaiued in 
 each district. The organization of new towns and the 
 changes, in population have altei'ed some of these districts, 
 but in 1888 there were in the town seven districts, with 
 about eight hundred children of school age, more than half of 
 whom were in Union district, where a thoroughly graded 
 school was maintained. 
 
 For some years after the settlements on the east side 
 of the mountain, at Stanley Quarter and at Christian Lane, 
 were begun, the children were taught at home or sent to the 
 school in Farmington, an4, even after the incorporation 
 of the Great Swamp Society in 1705, some of the children 
 attended school in Farmington, and property in the new 
 society was taxed for the support of schools, the same 
 as that in the older^village. As soon as there were children 
 enough to constitute a school, one was established near the 
 meeting-house at Christian Lane. When the obligation 
 to maintain a school was extended to societies (1717), the 
 Great Swamp Society assumed the responsibility of main- 
 taining a school, or schools, and in 1718 appointed a commit- 
 tee to inquire and ascertain the best method and report 
 to the society. This committee reported that: 
 
216 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 '•This society being so very scattering in distances and our ways 
 so very difficult for small Children to pass to a general School in the 
 Society a great part of the year, We the Subscribers advice is that 
 this society be divided Into 5 parts or 'Squaddams', for the more 
 convenient schooling the children. The first part or squaddam shall 
 be all the Inhabitants south of the river called 'betses', 'Honhius 
 or Honehus' river,* including Middletown neighbors with them — And 
 the Inhabitants in Wethersfield bounds shall be another part or squad- 
 dam — And all from ' betses ' River to the River called Gilbirds North- 
 ward be another part, & that from Gilbirds River Northward, till it 
 includes Dea. Judd, & John Woodruff be another part, & that the rest of 
 the Society North be another part, & further that the money allowed 
 by the country be divided to each 'squaddam' according to the List 
 of the Inhabitants within the limits thereof, and the rest of the charges so 
 arising shall be leaved on ye parents or Masters of ye children who 
 are taut." 
 
 The divisions were made as recommended, and the public 
 money was divided to each squaddam according to the lists 
 of the inhabitants, the remainder of the expense being paid 
 by rate bill, assessed on the parents and guardians of 
 the children attending school. This was the beginning of 
 the district system of schools in Berlin and New Britain. 
 School districts were recognized by the Colonial laws in 1766. 
 At the time of the organization of the Ecclesiastical Society 
 of New Britain in 1754, school societies having less than 
 seventy families were required to support a school for one-half 
 of each year. The sum of two pounds, or forty shillings, on 
 every thousand pounds of the lists of each town or parish, 
 was to be paid into the treasury for the benefit of schools. 
 The local school fund, created out of the avails of the seven 
 western townships, according to the act of 1733, and dis- 
 tributed among the several towns and societies, was to 
 remain a perpetual fund for the support of schools ; and in 
 the case of any deficiency in the means of supporting a 
 school according to law, from the above-fixed sources, the 
 sum required was to be made up, one-half by a tax on 
 the property of the town or society, and the other half by a 
 tuition or rate bill, paid by the parents or guardians of 
 the children attending school, unless the town or society 
 
 * Probably the Mattabessett River is intended. 
 
EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS. 217 
 
 cliose to agree on some other mode. In New Britain the 
 deficiency was made up from the treasury of the society. 
 The civil authority and selectmen were the constituted 
 inspectors, or school visitors, with these duties : 
 
 " To visit and inspect all public schools at least once a quarter, and to 
 inquire particularly into the qualifications of the masters and the pro- 
 ficiency of the pupils ; and to give such directions as they judge needful 
 to render the schools most serviceable for the increase of knovpledge, 
 religion and good manners." 
 
 The early inhabitants of the town of Farmington, and of 
 the Kensington and New Britain societies, were ever ready 
 to avail themselves of the benefit of these provisions of 
 the statutes, and, by the appointment of their best men 
 to supervise the schools, secured good teachers, and helped 
 to educate a generation of intelligent and upright citizens 
 capable of planting and fostering the institutions of society. 
 The influence of the generations thus educated is still felt 
 in the moral and intellectual character of their descendants. 
 
 The Society in Farmington, at a meeting held April 
 4, 1796, adopted a series of regulations prepared, it is 
 supposed, by Governor Treadwell, which were so comprehen- 
 sive in their provisions, so thorough in their requirements, 
 and so wisely adapted to the needs of society, that they were 
 not only efficient in securing good schools and general 
 education in Farmington, but, with slight alterations, they 
 became the law of the State, under which the Common 
 Scliools were so well cared for, and education became so 
 generally diffused, that Connecticut was one of the best 
 educated States in the world. 
 
 In the Great Swamp, or Kensington parish, a teacher was 
 first hired to teach by making a circuit of the different sec- 
 tions, teaching a few weeks in each. Afterwards a separate 
 teacher was employed for each district. 
 
 The first action of the New Britain Society in regard to 
 
 schools was taken at its first adjourned annual meeting, held 
 
 at the house of William Paterson, on East Street, Dec. 
 
 16, 1764, or about six months after the society was incorpo- 
 
 15 
 
218 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 rated by the General Assembly. The record of this meeting 
 referring to the school is as follows : 
 
 " Voted that there be a school kept in this Society accordiDg to Law." 
 " At the Same meeting, it was voted that Mr. John Judd & Sergt. 
 Robert WoodroflE & Sergt. Joseph WorfdrofE be a Comlt. to order the 
 Afairs of the School in this Society, for the Year Insuing, and that they 
 use proper Indeavours to procuer the County Money to Defray the Charge 
 of this School. 
 
 At the Same meeting, it was voted that Sergt. Joseph Woodroff 
 & Sergt. Robert Woodroff & Mr, John Judd & Isaac Lee be a Comtt. in 
 behalf of this Society to use all proper endeavors to procuer our Rights 
 of ye Loan Money that is Lodged in ye first Society of Farmington & ye 
 Society of Kensington, & when they have procuered the Same to Improve 
 it for the use of the School in this Society According as the Law 
 Directs." 
 
 At the next annual meeting, held in December, 1755, the 
 society voted grants to the amount of £68 8s. 6d. to several 
 persons who had taught or otherwise contributed to the suc- 
 cess of the school. The expense of the school, aside from 
 the amount received from the county and land money, was 
 paid, one-half by the scholars and one-lialf by the society, for 
 a few years, and then wholly by the society. Tliis school, 
 the only one in the New Britain Society for some years, was 
 originally the north " squaddam," or district of the Great 
 Swamp Society. A few families from the north part of the 
 Gilbird River district were also included in the New Britain 
 Society. After this society was incorporated, the children of 
 these families attended school in the New Britain district, 
 and this became the oldest district in the society. It included 
 the southern part of East Street and Stanley Street, and was 
 the basis of the Southeast school district of New Britain. 
 
 " At a Society meeting held June 7th, 1756, the society agreed by Vote 
 yt the North part of this Society may have Liberty to start a School 
 Amongst themselves for this year, on their own cost, except the Land 
 money yt formerly Did belong to Newinglon Parish, which thay may 
 make use of as a part of pay for said School & said School is to be under 
 ye Direction of ye School Comtt. in this parish." 
 
 In accordance with this vote, a school was established in 
 Stanley Quarter which had, until 1754, been a part of New- 
 
EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS. 219 
 
 ington, or West Wethei'sfield Society. Tliis was the second 
 district formed in New Britain. 
 
 At the annual meetings of the New Britain Society, pro- 
 vision was usually made for the support and management of 
 schools, and committees were appointed to have charge of 
 the same. The committee in 1756-57 consisted of Elijah 
 Bronson, Samuel Goodrich, and Samuel Richards ; in 1757-58 
 of Elijah Hart, William Paterson, and Dr. Samuel Richards ; 
 and in 1758-59 of William Paterson, Noah Stanley, and 
 John Judd. In 1761 the society appointed Major John Pat- 
 erson and Isaac Lee a committee : 
 
 " To use all proper endeavours to procuer our share of all tlie moneys 
 of the Town of Norfolk and the Rest of the New Townships In this 
 Colony which were sold for and Granted by ye Hon'l Geu'l Assembly of 
 this Colony for the Incurredgment and Support of Schooling." 
 
 The School Committee appointed in 1764 consisted of 
 John Judd, Elijah Smitli, and Josiah Kilbourn. Provision 
 was made for a school in the western part of the parish, the 
 school-house being on West Main Street, about a half mile 
 west of the center, and receiving children from Hart Quar- 
 ter, West Main Street, and the Center ; this was the third 
 district formed in New Britain. At the annual meeting 
 December, 1772 : 
 
 "It was voted to Desier the Rev. John Smalley and Messrs. Isaac 
 Taylor, Noah Stanley, Lieut. Gad Stanley, Elijah Hart, Lemuel Hotch- 
 kiss, and Jonathan Belding as visitors to Inspect the severall schools' in 
 this Society, and to Regulate and Incurridge them in the best manner for 
 the promotion of Learning." 
 
 In 1775 a committee was appointed : 
 
 "To view the Society and form Lines for four School Districts in the 
 Society, having Regard to the severall school houses as they now stand, 
 and make report to them at the next meeting." 
 
 After the establishment of school societies by the legisla- 
 ture, the inhabitants of New Britain, in accordance with the 
 law, met October 30, 1796, and organized the New Britain 
 School Society, appointing Ool. Isaac Lee Moderator ; and for 
 school committee, Noah Stanley, Charles Eddy, Oliver Grid- 
 
220 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 ley, and Andrew Pratt. In 1798 the law was changed so as 
 to require each society " to appoint a suitable number of per- 
 sons not exceeding nine, of competent skill and letters to be 
 overseers or visitors of schools." Under this law, New 
 Britain appointed for its first School Visitors : Rev. John 
 Smaliey, Col. Isaac Lee, Col. Gad Stanley, Jonathan Belden, 
 Levi Andrews, Deacon Elijah Hart, James North, David 
 Mather, and Nathaniel Churchill, evidently selecting the first 
 men in the Society to have the charge of schools. It appears 
 from the records that the public schools were then supported 
 by the avails of the sale of surplus land in the highways,* 
 by the income from the school fund, by taxes, and by rate 
 bills. A part of the income from the scliool fund was, for a 
 time, used for the support of the ministry. Dr. Smalley's 
 name continued to stand first upon the list of School Visitors 
 until 1814, when the name of Rev. Newton Sjiinner, his suc- 
 cessor, takes its place. At that date the otJier members of 
 the board were: Dr. Adna Stanley, Dr. Samuel Hart, David 
 Wliittlesey, Elijah Francis, and Abijah Hart, most of whom 
 had been members with Dr. Smaliey. 
 
 Wlien the New Britain School Society was organized in 
 1796 it included four school districts — the East with a school 
 house on East Street, the West embracing Main Street and 
 all of the society west of it from Dublin Hill to the Kensing- 
 ton line, the northwest extending from Dublin Hill to Parm- 
 ington, and Stanley Quarter, in the nortlieast pai-t of the 
 society. In 1803, at the annual meeting of the school society, 
 it was voted that the committee " might spend one hundred 
 dollars in each district for schooling." This was thought to 
 be a very liberal appropriation at that time, but iu ItSOo, in 
 consideration of an increase in the number of children, the 
 
 * Portions of highwajs had been sold or granted to individuals previous to 
 1784. At a town meeting held in Fannington December 2~th of that }'ear, it was 
 voted to make sale of the highways not necessary foi- public use, and to apply 
 the avails to defray the expense of the schools iu each society. The parish of 
 New Britain appointed Col. Gad Stanley, David Matlier, Lemuel Hotchkiss, and 
 Jonathan Belden to make such sale. They sold from the highways of this parish 
 land deemed unnecessary for travel, to the amount of £963 13s. gd. besides ex- 
 pense of selling, and this sum was set aside as the society school fund. 
 
EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS.. 221 
 
 amount was increased to one hundred and twenty-five dol- 
 lars for each district. In 1807 the West district was divided, 
 the portion set off agreeing to build a school-house without 
 expense to the town. For twenty-five years afterwards the 
 public schools were maintained in these five districts, being 
 generally taught by men in the winter term, and by women 
 in the summer season. In 1832 the Northeast, or Stanley 
 Quarter district, was divided, and a new district formed, the 
 Sixth or Shipman district. Two years later, or in 1834, the 
 Middle district was divided by a line running east and west, 
 coinciding with the South side of the Methodist church on 
 Walnut Street. One of the school-houses was located on the 
 South Green, and the other at the corner of West Main Street 
 and Washington Street on a lot now owned and occupied by 
 St. Mark's Episcopal Church. In 1838 a new district was 
 formed from the North Middle district, called the Ledge dis- 
 trict, and a school house built on Elm Street, near a ledge of 
 rocks, at the intersection of East Main Street and Elm 
 Street. 
 
 After the organization of the Society of New Britain in 
 1754, there were four " squaddams " or districts left in the 
 Kensington parish. On the organization of the Worthington 
 Society in 1772, a part of these districts were included in 
 the latter society. When Berlin was incorporated as a town 
 in 1785, the addition of a portion of Middletown and of 
 Wethersfield increased the number of districts and schools 
 in the Worthington parish. The growth of this parish and 
 that of Kensington was less rapid than in New Britain, but 
 in 1888 Kensington had three school districts and Wor- 
 thington five, or both together the same as New Britain. In 
 the enumeration of children between four and sixteen, there 
 were at that time 190 in Kensington, 416 in New Britain, 
 and 321 in Worthington, or 927 in the whole town of Berlin. 
 
 The schools of the last century and the first quarter 
 of this were unlike the schools of the present day. The 
 earlier school-houses were generally unpainted buildings of 
 the simplest form, often showing the marks of time and the 
 
222 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 action of the elements in their brown exterior, loose clap- 
 boards, and general dilapidated appearance. The school- 
 room was sometimes entered directly from the street, but 
 more commonly a narrow entry on one end of the building, 
 which served both as clothes-room and a place for storing 
 wood and ashes, was also the hall-way of the school-room. 
 The latter was usually nearly square, with a fire-place on one 
 side. The writing-desks consisted of pine or oak boards, 
 fastened to the walls of the room and supported by braces. 
 About six inches of the back part of the desk was level, the 
 remainder was inclined an inch or more to the foot, and its 
 front edge was the support for the back of the pupils when 
 facing the teacher. The seats were benches as long as the 
 desks, or nearly the length of the room, often constructed of 
 slabs, supported on wooden legs. When writing, and gen- 
 erally in study, the children occupying these seats faced the 
 wall, with their backs to the teacher ; when reading or recit- 
 ing a lesson, the reverse. The younger pupils sat on lower 
 benches nearer the center of the room ; these were without 
 backs, and frequently so high that the feet of the children 
 did not touch the floor. In cold weather the huge fire-place 
 was filled with wood, making it uncomfortably warm for 
 those near it, while the temperature of some parts of the 
 room might be near the freezing point. 
 
 Tiiough the school-houses were rude structures, they were 
 nearly as good as many of the dwelling-houses. The chil- 
 dren were not accustomed to luxury. They came to the 
 school on a cold winter morning with the ruddy glow of 
 health and exercise. The larger boys had fed the cattle and 
 slieep, and the girls had milked the cows and made the beds 
 in rooms never warmed by artificial heat. On Sunday they 
 sat in the old meeting-house, which never had fire-place 
 or stove, and they did not mind the whistling of the wind 
 through the crevices of the school-house. In extreme cold 
 weather they wore sometimes allowed to " go to the fire," 
 that the snow might melt from their clothes while they 
 obtained a little warmth for their benumbed hands. 
 
EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS. 223 
 
 In the earlier schools the only branches pursued were 
 reading, spelling, writing, and sometimes a little arithmetic. 
 In the ordinary district school there would be a hRlf-dozen or 
 more classes in reading and spelling ; and the usual routine 
 was for the first or oldest class to read around in the Testa- 
 ment as the first exercise of the morning ; then the second 
 class, and so in order to the lowest or A B C children. 
 When all had read, or about the middle of the forenoon, 
 there would be a recess, first of the girls and then of the 
 boys, or vice versa. Then the recitations proceeded ia 
 inverse order, from the alphabet children to the oldest class 
 in spelling, which completed the morning exercises. 
 
 In the afternoon a similar routine was followed, except 
 that the reading book, filled with extracts from the orations 
 of British statesmen and excerpts from standard authors, 
 took the place of the Testament in the higher classes. The 
 first class, ' and sometimes the second, had permission to 
 write. The writing-book consisted of coarse, unruled foolscap 
 paper, from one sheet to half a quire, folded in the shape 
 of a writing-book and covered with stiff, brown paper by 
 mothers at home. For ruling lines, each boy had a plummet, 
 formed from running melted lead into a suitable mold. The 
 pens were made from goose quills, and, with most of the 
 pupils, required fi'equent mending. In one school, a boy who 
 was very near-sighted, was permitted to study a little 
 of arithmetic, as he could not see to work his examples 
 at the evening arithmetic school. But this was an excep- 
 tion, as it was supposed that this branch would interfere with 
 the pursuit of the common English branches of reading, 
 spelling, and writing. 
 
 The schools of New Britain and Kensington, including 
 what was afterwards the Worthington parish, were favored 
 by having some of the most intelligent young people of these 
 parishes for their teachers. The best educated farmers, who 
 worked upon the farms tlirough the summer, after the crops 
 were harvested would teach the winter school, as a matter of 
 duty, as well as for the emolument. Lawyers and physicians 
 were also to be found among the early teachfers. 
 
224 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Mrs. Emma Willard, in describing the early schools 
 
 of these parishes, says : 
 
 "There was also competition for the summer schools among the 
 young women of the best families, and it was no inconsiderable honor to 
 a young lady to be invited to take the school, much more to keep it — and 
 to keep it well." 
 
 The men who belonged in the place generally boarded at 
 home, and some of the young women did the same. A few 
 teachers from other towns " boarded around" with the fami- 
 lies who sent to school, remaining a few days with each 
 family, but this custom was never as prevalent in these 
 parishes as in some other parts of the State. 
 
 Among the early teachers of the district schools were 
 David Mather, the first selectman appointed in the old town 
 of Berlin ; Gen. John Paterson, a graduate of Yale College, 
 member of the first and second Continental congresses, gen-, 
 eral in the war of the revolution, and afterwards a member 
 of the United States congress; Rev. Timothy Langdon, 
 graduate of Yale ; Dr. Adna Stanley, also a Yale graduate, 
 Dr. John Andrews, James G. Percival ; and among the 
 women, Mary Smalley, daughter of Dr. Smalley ; Emma 
 Hart, afterwards Mrs. Emma Willard ; her sister, Almira 
 Hart, who became Mrs. Almira Lincoln Phelps, and others 
 who had a national reputation, and left their impress upon 
 the schools which they taught. 
 
 In these early schools, the influence of tlie teacher was 
 often felt over a whole parish. Each school district was 
 a neighborhood, somewhat like a larger family, where each 
 person possessing a knowledge of the affairs of others, and 
 meeting them on a common footing, would contribute to the 
 welfare of all. The teaclier, often one of the most intelli- 
 gent and honored persons in the district, become naturally 
 the leader, and by an acquaintance with each family, had an 
 intimate knowledge of the home-life of the children. 
 When to this was added a quick sympathy with them and 
 with all the young people, in their plans and actions, the 
 teachers were able to inspire many to high purpose, and 
 
EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS. 225 
 
 to develop those intellectual and moral traits which make 
 noble character and which distinguished so many of the 
 early, citizens who were educated in these schools. 
 
 Changes in the school laws made between 1794 and 
 1798, the establishment of the School Fund in 1795, and the 
 first apportionment of the income from it in 1799, had 
 tended to awaken a new interest in Common Schools. The 
 care and management of schools had at that time passed 
 entirely under the control of the school societies, but in the 
 three societies of Berlin the pastors of the churches were 
 continued as school visitors, and had the power of directing 
 the measures adopted for school improvement. Arithmetic 
 had become an accepted study in most of the day schools, 
 and some improvement had been made in teaching before 
 1800. 
 
 In the summer of 1804, Emma Hart taught in a little 
 school-house within the precincts of a mulberry grove on 
 Worthington Street. This school, then the central school of 
 Berlin, was, perhaps, a representative school of the town. 
 Miss Hart's first day's experience in it, in her own words, is 
 as follows : 
 
 "I began my work by trying to discover tlie several capacities and 
 degrees of advancement of the children, so as to arrange them into classes ; 
 but they having been, under my predecessor, accustomed to the greatest 
 license, would, at their option, go to the street door to look at a passing 
 cariiage, or stepping on tn a bencli in the rear, dash out of a window, and 
 take a lively turn in the Mulberry grove. Talking did no good. Reason- 
 ing and pathetic appeals'were unavailing. At noon, 1 explained this iirst 
 great perplexity of my teacher life to my friend Mrs. Peck, who decidedly 
 advised sound and summary chastisement. ' I cannot,' I replied ; ' I 
 never struck a child in my life.' 'It is,' she said, 'the only way and you 
 must.' I left her for the afternoon school with a heavy heart, slill hoping 
 I might find some way of avoiding what I could not deliberately resolve 
 to do. I found the school a scene of uproar and confusion which 1 vainly 
 endeavored to quell. Just then Jesse Peck, my friend's little son, entered 
 with a bundle of nice rods. As he laid them on the _table before me, 
 my courage rose, and in the temporary silence which ensued I laid down 
 a few laws, the breaking of which would be followed with immediaie 
 chastisement. For a few moments the children were silent, but they had 
 been used to threatening, and soon, a boy rose from his seat, and, as he 
 was stepping to the door, I took one of the sticks and gave him a moderate 
 
226 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 flogging ; then with a grip upon his arm which made him feel that I was 
 in earnest, put him into his seat." 
 
 She then exhorted the children to be good, etc., but in- 
 formed them that she must and would have their obedience. 
 But she says : 
 
 " The children still lacked faith in my words, and T spent most of the 
 afternoon in alternate whippings and exhortations, the former alwa3's in- 
 creasing in intensity, until at last, the children submitted, and, this was 
 the last of corporal punishment in that school." 
 
 Miss Hart was only seventeen years old, but her tact and 
 enthusiasm gave her such signal success that the school soon 
 became distinguislied in that neighborhood. The next sum- 
 mer she had a select school of the older boys and girls, in an 
 upper room of her father's house on the old road, or West 
 Street, Berlin. Her success was so marked, especially in the 
 management of children, that she was employed the follow- 
 ing winter "to keep the winter school" in the Southwest 
 district, Kensington. It was a great innovation then for a 
 woinan to be placed in charge of a winter school, but Miss 
 Hart was successful in this, as in her other efforts, and her 
 work gave a new impulse to education in Berlin. Miss 
 Almira Hart, afterwards the renowned authoress and teacher, 
 Mrs. Phelps, a younger sister of Mrs. Willard, a few years 
 later, both in Kensington and New Britain, did much to raise 
 the standard of education and improve the Common Schools, 
 by her enthusiasm and skill in teaching. In 1813 she was 
 principal of the academy in Berlin, where the progress of 
 scholars from New Britain was such that she was invited to 
 teach in the latter parish. She taught a select school for a 
 time on Main Street, and was afterwards induced to teach 
 the district school in the Center district, and still later to 
 teach a similar school in Hart Quarter. 
 
 The formation of new districts in the New Britain Society 
 between 1832" and 1888, and in some cases the erection of 
 new school-houses, seemed to awaken a new interest in 
 Common Schools. Efforts were made to secure competent 
 teachers, and the local interest excited resulted in frequent 
 
EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS. 227 
 
 visits to schools by parents and others. It was about this 
 time, or in the winter of 1838-89, that in the parish of 
 New Britain four thousand dollars was subscribed towards 
 establishing a County Seminary for the education and train- 
 ing of teachers for Common Schools.* 
 
 The next winter, 1839-40, Mrs. Emma Willard, who had 
 been absent from her native State more than thirty years, 
 and had won a national reputation by her work in Westfield, 
 Mass., in Middlebury, Vt., in Waterford, N. Y., but more 
 especially as the founder and principal of the Troy Female 
 Seminary, returned to her home on a visit, and being invited 
 by the school committee and by vote of the electors of Ken- 
 sington to take the oversight of the Common Schools of that 
 place, she did so. For months she devoted her entire energies 
 to the four schools of the parish. On alternate Saturdays 
 she met the four teachers and others, and gave them instruc- 
 tion in metliods and in some of the higher studies. On the 
 tenth of September a public examination of the four schools 
 was held in the church, which was crowded not only with 
 people from the different parishes of the town, but with 
 visitors from other parts of Connecticut and from other 
 States, f Hon. Henry Barnard, LL.D., then Secretary of 
 the Board of Commissioners of Common Schools, had co- 
 operated with Mrs. Willard in this work, often visiting the 
 schools with her, attending the public examination, and re- 
 porting the result of the experiment to the Board of Com- 
 missioners and to the General Assembly. 
 
 A Common School Association was formed in Kensing- 
 ton, which held semi-monthly meetings through the winter 
 of 1839-40, and did much to awaken the interest which 
 secured the call of Mrs. Willard, and so fully sustained her 
 in her work. At this time, 1840, probably no town or parish 
 in the State had better schools or a livelier interest in educa- 
 tion than Kensington. The Worthington parish, and, to 
 
 *This was one of the earliest movements of the kind in America. 
 
 t At this examination the exercises at the church were continued with un- 
 ahated interest from nine o'clock in the morning to half-past six in the after- 
 noon, with one hour's intermission. 
 
228 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 some extent, New Britain, participated in the interest and 
 in the advance made in Common Schools. 
 
 In New Britain, where the School Society had been 
 divided into so many small districts, it was seen, in a few 
 years, tliat the sub-division was a disadvantage to the scli,ools ; 
 they gradually deteriorated in character, and private schools 
 were established to provide better instruction for those who 
 were willing to support them. 
 
 In 1846 and 1847, several attempts were made by the 
 friends of education to improve the character of Common 
 Schools. In the latter year, a special committee, consisting 
 of Rev. S. Rockwell, Rev. C. S. Sherman, Rev. W. P. Patter- 
 son, Noah W. Stanley, C. W. Baldwin, Walter Gladwin, F. 
 T. Stanley, Marcellus Clark, and Hezekiah Griswold, was 
 appointed to consider the subject and report a plan for 
 the improvement of the Common Schools. The committee, 
 after several conferences and careful investigation, at an 
 adjourned meeting held Nov. 27, 1847, made an extended 
 report, in which the establishment of a High School and the 
 adoption of measures for the improvement of the district 
 schools were recommended. The report was accepted, and a 
 committee of nine, consisting principally of the members of 
 the former committee, was appointed to carry the proposed 
 measures into effect, but at a meeting held January 15, 
 1848, the whole matter was indefinitely postponed. 
 
 This action was a great disappointment to the friends 
 of school improvement, and their next I'ecourse was to 
 the General Assembly, which was considering the question 
 of establishing a State Normal School, with Model and Prac- 
 tice schools. This act establishing such schools was finally 
 passed in 1849. Soon after the passage of the act. New 
 Britain offered to provide a suituable building, apparatus, 
 and library, and to place all the schools of the village under 
 the management of the Principal of the Normal School and 
 model schools as schools of practice. This offer was accepted 
 by the trustees of the Normal School in February, 1850. 
 
 To provide for the new arrangement, a part of the plan 
 
EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS. 229 
 
 proposed by the special committee in 1847 was adopted, and 
 the First, Second, and Eightli districts were consolidated into 
 one school district, known as the First, or Central district. 
 A system of graded schools was organized, consisting of a 
 High School, an Intermediate School, and four Primary 
 Schools. As soon as the Normal School building could 
 be prepared, the High School was opened in that building in 
 the present Grammar School room, the Intermediate and 
 one Primary in the basement, and three of the Primary 
 Schools were taught in the old district school buildings. 
 The consolidation of the districts and the gradation of the 
 schools resulted in a largely increased attendance, which was 
 undoubtedly augmented by the fact that the schools in the 
 Central district were made free. Temporary rooms for 
 a part of the pupils were secured in the basements of two of 
 the churches, but as soon as the east wing of the Normal 
 building was completed, the Intermediate and one Primary 
 School were transferred to that building, and the High School 
 room was enlarged to provide seats for three hundred stu- 
 dents. 
 
 There were, in 1850, 671 children between the ages of four 
 and sixteen in the New Britain School Society, of whom 
 about 400 were in tlie Central district, and neai4y all were 
 in the schools. Pupils from other districts and from other 
 school societies were also received upon the payment of 
 a small tuition fee. The schools were all placed under 
 the charge and general supervision of tiie Associate Prin- 
 cipal of the Normal School, and the following teachers were 
 employed in the public schools : High School, Rev. J. M. 
 Guion, Rebecca B. Smith, and Mary Andrews ; Intermediate, 
 Ellen S. Cornwell and Ellen Andrews ; Primary schools. 
 Misses L. Dowd, A. J. Goodrich, and S. Dickinson. 
 
 The action of the Central district in establishing a 
 system of free graded schools was in advance of most places 
 in the State. The free High School was scarcely known 
 in Connecticut when the New Britain Higli School was 
 established, and the public schools of the State were not 
 
230 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 generally free, until nearly twenty years after the Central 
 district had decreed that its schools should be entirely free to 
 all within its limits. 
 
 Mr. Guion remained principal of the High School until 
 September, 1852. On the opening of the autumn term, no 
 principal had been appointed for the High School, and David 
 N. Camp, then a teacher in the Normal School, had charge of 
 the High School during the autumn and a part of the winter 
 term. In the autumn of 1852 the High School room was 
 divided by placing a partition across the room near its 
 center, and in the east, or rear portion of the room, the 
 Grammar School was organized and placed in charge of C. 
 Goodwin Clark, for many years a teaclier in Boston. 
 
 In December, John D. Pliilbrick, of Boston, was appointed 
 Associate Principal of the Normal School. He was then in 
 charge of the Quincy School, but in a few weeks he came to 
 New Britain, and passed much of the time in the High 
 School until the appointment of Moses T. Brown as Prin- 
 cipal, April 11, 1853. Mr. Brown remained through the 
 spring and summer, but resigned to teach in New Haven, 
 and was succeeded by J. W. Tuck, who was Principal until 
 1857. His successor, Rev. Charles Wheeler, filled the posi- 
 tion until 1858. J. N. Bartlett was then called to the place, 
 and remained in charge until his appointment as Associate 
 Principal of the Normal School in 186-1. J. R. Ci'eevy then 
 became Principal, and the next year was succeeded by J. H. 
 Peck, who has been Principal of the High School from 1865 
 to the present time. In 1885 Lincoln A. Rogers was 
 appointed assistant, taking the department of natural science. 
 The other teachers of the High School in 1889 were Annie 
 G. Bartlett, Mary E. Welles, and Mary E. Edwards. 
 
 After Mr. Clark retired from the Grammar School it was 
 placed under the charge of Miss A. Augusta Thompson. 
 Her successors have been Jane L. Thomas, Mary V. Lee, 
 Kezia A. Peck, Susan Martyn, and Lucy G. Angell. The 
 latter, in 1889, was assisted by Grace M. Langdon and Mary 
 J. Hanna. Mary L. Hale was then in charge of the Inter- 
 
EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS. 2'M 
 
 mediate, and Clara M. Vile of the Primary School in the 
 High school building, and E. K. Christ was teacher of draw- 
 ing, writing, and German. 
 
 On the completion of the building for the Normal and 
 Model Schools, the outside schools in the Central district 
 •were given up, and the children attended school at the Nor- 
 mal building, and in rooms opened in the basement of one 
 of the churches. The increase in population and in the 
 number of children led to the erection of the Rockwell school- 
 liouse on South Main Street in 1867. In. 1869, a new school- 
 house was erected in the sixth district to take the place of 
 one burned a few months before. The large Burritt School 
 building completed and opened in 1871, so increased the 
 school accommodations of the town that at that time ample 
 room was provided for all who attended school. 
 
 At a town meeting held October 18, 1873, the districts of 
 the town were consolidated into one school district, and the 
 schools placed under control of the town. A school com- 
 mittee of twelve persons appointed by the town has had charge 
 of the schools since the consolidation. This committee lias 
 appointed as Acting School Visitors, Charles Northend, 1873- 
 18a0, H. E. Sawyer, 1880-1882, J. N. Bartlett and John 
 Walsh since 1883. Mr.' Northend and Mr. Bartlett wei'e 
 superintendents. 
 
 In 1875-76 a new building with four school-rooms was 
 erected in the south part of the city; in 1877-78, one to ac- 
 commodate 220 pupils in the southeast part; in 1880 one 
 with accommodations for 420 at the corner of Grove and 
 Broad streets, and in 1883 a building with seating capacity 
 for 250 children was erected in the west part of the city, on 
 Lincoln Street. In 1889 the principals of these schools and 
 others were: 
 
 Burritt School, Mary J. Brown ; Rockwell School, Carrie E. Wil- 
 cox ; Northend School, Rachel H. Fales ; Smith School, Mary J. Tormay; 
 Bartlett School, Jane E. Barnes ; Lincoln School, Mary A.. McArdle ; 
 Osgood Hill School, Hannah C. Maloney ; Shipman School, Kate F. Rus- 
 sell ; Stanley Quarter, Mary Blake. 
 
232 HiSTORy OP new Britain, etc. 
 
 The change in the school law made in 1856, by which 
 school societies were abolished and the care of schools again 
 remanded to towns, did not affect the schools of New Britain, 
 especially, as the society had been conterminous with the 
 town ; but in Berlin it brought the schools of the two school 
 societies under the direction and supervision of one board 
 instead of two. Before the act was passed, there were four 
 districts in the First Society, or -Kensington, and five in the 
 Second, or Worthington. In the former, there were 202 
 children between the ages of four and sixteen, and in the 
 latter, 285, or in all, 487, of whom 395 were registered as 
 attending school some part of the year. 
 
 At that time the school committee reported the schools 
 as being in good condition with an increased interest on the 
 part of parents. The nine districts have been continued, 
 one new school-house Jias been erected in the South district 
 in Worthington, in which an old one was burned in 1886. 
 Some of the other school buildings have been improved and 
 the schools have been maintained with eflBciency, providing 
 for all except the most advanced pupils, who have been sent 
 to schools in New Britain, Hartford, and elsewhere. 
 
 Academies and Private Schools. 
 
 Though provision was made for Common Schools by 
 Farmington and by the three Ecclesiastical societies in the 
 town of Berlin, and afterwards by the corresponding school 
 societies, the people did not depend upon these schools 
 wholly for the school education of their children. By pri- 
 vate schools and academies they sought to supplement the 
 public schools and secure a better education than these 
 unaided could give. At a town meeting held in Farming- 
 ton, February, 1793, John Treadwell, afterwards Governor 
 Treadwell, John Mix, Timothy Pitkin, Jr., and Seth Lee 
 were appointed a committee " to devise a plan for the forma- 
 tion of a new school in the society to give instruction in 
 some of the higher branches of science not usually taught 
 in common schools." No record appears of the report of 
 this committee. It is possible that the ecclesiastical strife 
 
EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS. 233 
 
 which agitated the community between 1790 and 1795 
 diverted the attention for a time from school matters. 
 
 In 1816 an association of gentlemen residing in .Farming- 
 ton, desiring to secure opportunities for higher education, 
 contributed a thousand dollars, to which the society added 
 six or seven hundred. With this sum an Academy building 
 was erected, containing a convenient school-room and a 
 lecture room for the society. This Academy was maintained 
 with efficiency for more than twenty years, providing the op- 
 portunity for higher education to students from Farmington 
 and neighboring towns. Simeon Hart was for many years 
 the principal, and after retiring from this position, he had a 
 successful boarding school for boys in Farmington, in which 
 he was assisted by Edward Lucas Hart. The " Old Red 
 College," as it was often termed, located on the site of the 
 present Female Seminary, and once the residence of Colonel 
 Noadiah Hooker, under tlie charge of his son, Edward 
 Hooker, was noted ae a place of preparation for college and 
 professional life, especially for students from the Southern 
 and Soutliwestern States. 
 
 In 1844, Miss Sarah Porter, daughter of • Rev. Noah 
 Porter, D.D., opened a school for girls. Tliis school, small 
 at first, and composed entirely of students from Farmington 
 and a few neighboring towns, was soon noted for the excel- 
 lence of the instruction given and tlie pains taken to secure 
 the proper elements of character. Superior teachers were 
 employ.ed in the different departments, and the number of 
 students increased until the school became a Seminary with 
 a national reputation, receiving young ladies from all parts 
 of the country. The accommodations have been improved, 
 until a large number of students are provided with healthful 
 surroundings and favorable appliances for receiving an edu- 
 cation. 
 
 In the parish of New Britain, before the revolutionary 
 
 war, Mary Clark, a daughter of John Clark of Stanley 
 
 Quarter, had a Private School on East Street, then the most 
 
 populous part of New Britain. She liad pupils -from this 
 
 16 
 
234: HISTOItY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 parish and other places ; some scholars came from Hartford. 
 One of the earliest schools after 'Miss Clark's, of which a 
 record is found, is indicated by a subscription paper still pre- 
 served, which reads as follows : 
 
 "Whereas schooling is necessary for the education of children, and 
 we the subsciibers being desirous of having the school continued and 
 Ivept two months longer by Miss Polly Smalley, in the South East district 
 of New Britain, and as the society money is expended, we each of us 
 promise to pay Elijah Smith on demand our equal portion of the cost of 
 keeping the school the said term according to the number of scholars we 
 send. As witness our hands. Xew Britain, August 37, 1784." 
 
 To this paper were affixed the names of twenty sub- 
 scribers, having in all thirty-nine children, for whose school- 
 ing there was to be paid one shilling two and three-quarter 
 pence eacli, the salary of the teacher for two months being 
 two pounds and eight shillings. Tiiis school was on East 
 Street, and was taught by Polly Smalley, a daughter of Dr. 
 Smalley. She taught for some time in the public school. 
 Similar subscription schools were established at other times 
 and in otlier districts, particularly in Kensington, Worthing- 
 ton, and in Stanley Quarter. The ministers were interested 
 in education, visited the schools, and aided in establishing 
 and maintaining the subscription schools. Dr. Smalley also 
 took students into his own family, having more than twenty 
 during his pastorate. Some of these afterwards became 
 eminent as clergymen or jurists.* 
 
 In 1818, at the instance of Thomas Lee and Seth J. 
 North, a Select School was established nearer the center 
 of the town, and :\liss Almira Hart became its teacher. 
 Miss Hart had already taught in the Academy at Berlin, and 
 her thorough qualifications and winning manners drew to 
 her many of the elder girls and boys of the parish, who 
 were very much benefited by her instructions. At different 
 times during the next fifteen years, other select or private 
 
 *Amoustl,ese .tud.nts w.ro Xatbaniel Emmons, D.D., eminent as a theo- 
 loguu ; Ulivor Enswortb, atterunr.K Chief .Justice of the United States; J.re- 
 miali Maso.., LL D., an emment, jurist aud a United States Senator- and 
 Ebcnezer Porter, D.D., president of Andover Theological Seminary. 
 
iPiiilCIK, L9/,^,^.^^ „,9^ F -'y-^y^r^^y '^^r^^y J,]L 
 
EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS. 235 
 
 schools were established and maintained for a limited time ; 
 some of these were in the district school-houses, and opened 
 only during the vacations in the public schools. For several 
 years, between 1814 and 1822, Professor E. A. Andrews, 
 LL.D., had a Select School at his house in Stanley Quarter. 
 Three of the daughters of Joseph Shipman were school 
 teachers, and one of them had a Private School in her 
 father's house on Stanley Street, after Professor Andrews'' 
 school had closed. 
 
 In 1828, a new impetus seems to have been given td 
 the efforts for securing private instruction. A school was. 
 established in a room in the Smalley house, then Deacon, 
 Whittlesey's, located on East Main Street. It was designed, 
 chiefly for the younger class of pupils, and was so well 
 attended that Alvin Norlh fitted up a more commodious; 
 room for it at his own residence at the corner of East Main 
 and Stanley streets. The same year that this school was 
 established, an association, under the name of the "Conference 
 House Company," erected an Academy building near the 
 new Congregational church on East Main Street. Among 
 the largest contributors to this enterprise were Samuel Hart, 
 M.D., Seth J. North, Henry North, and Joseph Sliipman, 
 though many others contributed money, materials, or labor. 
 Alfred Andrews had tlie charge of the building, and when it 
 was completed he taught in it for two or three seasons. He 
 was succeeded by Nathaniel Grover and Levi Nelson Tracy, 
 both graduates of Dartmouth College. Lemuel Downing, 
 Nancy Smith, Sarah Voce, and Mary S. Patterson, were 
 teachers in this school. At first the school occupied but one 
 room, but the number of students became so great that the 
 rooms in both stories were filled. Thoroughly qualified 
 teacliers were employed, and tlie influence of the school was 
 felt not only in New Britain, but in surrounding parishes. 
 Several young men were fitted for college at this Academy, 
 four, all natives of New Britain, entering Yale College from 
 this school at one time, all of whom graduated with credit, 
 and lionor in 1842. 
 
236 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 At the time tlie Academy was filled witli older pupils, 
 a Primary Scliool was successfully taught in a school-liouse 
 built for the sciiool on Main Street, nearly opposite the South 
 Congregational church. Nancy Smith, Maria S. Thompson, 
 and Caroline Lee, successively taught in this school. Elijah 
 H. Burritt, an elder brotlier of Elihu Burritt, for a time 
 owned the building I^:nown as the " Stone Store," on Main 
 Street, and occupied it witli a Boarding and Day School, 
 wliere instruction was given in tlie higher English studies and 
 in the ancient and modern languages. 
 
 In 1848, Miss Thirza Lee established a Seminary for 
 young ladies in the building erected lor the purpose by 
 her father, Thomas Lee, at the corner of Main and West 
 Main streets. The school was popular for a few years. Li 
 IS-ty, Miss Lee married and removed from the place, and the 
 scliool was tiien given up. At the suspension of thisBchool, 
 or shortly before, a small but pleasant scliool-house was 
 erected by Henry North, near his home on Main Street, and 
 a school for girls was successfully taught by two young 
 ladies from Mt. Holyoke Seminary. Major A. Nickerson and 
 wife liad, for a short time, a Boarding School at the corner 
 of Park and Orchard streets. Tliere were also a few other 
 private schools for a brief period previous to 1860. These 
 efforts indicate the desire of the people for belter opportuni- 
 ties than the Common Schools afforded, and show the high 
 value placed upon education when the place was only a 
 village. Many of the men and women who afterwards gave 
 ciiaracter to New Britain were educated in these schools ; and 
 many others from surrounding towns received their school 
 education in them. 
 
 In 1852, Rev. T. D. P. Stone, who for two years had been 
 Associate Principal of the Normal School, established a 
 Family School in his own house on Elm Street. Rev. J. M. 
 Guion, about the same time, opened a Private School for 
 boys in tlie north part of the borough. As both these gen- 
 tlemen moved from New Britain soon, these schools were 
 continued buc a short time. Two or three small primary 
 
EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS. 2o7 
 
 schools were opened between 1860 and 1870, tlie one continu- 
 ing the longest time being taught by Miss Mary Porter, 
 on Orchard Street. 
 
 In 1869, in response to a written request signed by a 
 number of leading citizens, including several members of the 
 Board of School Visitors, steps were taken for the establish- 
 ment of the New Britain Seminary. A building was erected 
 at the north end of Camp Street, designed primarily as a 
 school for young ladies. Before it was opened, however, the 
 applications from the parents of boys were so numerous that 
 arrangements were also made for a boys' department. Tlie 
 school was opened in April, 1870, under the charge of David 
 N. Camp, principal, and Ellen R. Camp and Anna I. Smith, 
 assistants. A primary department was added in the autumn, 
 and for many years the school, kept as a boarding and day 
 school, was full, having pupils from surrounding towns and 
 from other States and countries, as well as from New Britain. 
 Mr. Camp retired from the school in the autumn of 1881, 
 and was succeeded by Lincoln A. Rogers, A.M. The semi- 
 nary was contiimed under the charge of Mr. Rogers until the 
 close of the summer term in 1885. In the autumn the 
 building was occupied by departments of the model and 
 practice schools connected with the State Normal School, and 
 these schools have been continued in it. 
 
 During the pastorate of the Rev. Luke Daly, a school- 
 house was erected near the Roman Catholic church for the 
 children of families belonging to the Roman Catholic com- 
 munion. The school was continued a few years by this 
 church, when by a special arrangement of the pastor and 
 the school visitors, the school was placed under the manage- 
 ment of the School Board, and was supported by the town as 
 a public school. In 1877, the Roman Catholic Church 
 erected a commodious building on Lafayette street, for a 
 school for girls. In 187'.), both these schools passed into the 
 care of Rev. Hugh Carmody, priest in charge of the Roman 
 Catholic Church, and they have since been under the sole 
 control and management of the priests of that church, by 
 
238 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 which they are supported. In 1889, the number registered 
 in the Roman Catholic schools was' 1,234, with an average 
 attendance of 1,175. 
 
 One of the first academies of Connecticut, incorporated 
 by the General Assembly, was Berlin Academy in Worth- 
 ington. It was opened in the autumn of 1801, Thomas 
 Miner, a graduate of Yale College, being principal. Worth- 
 ington Street was at that time becoming the business center 
 of the town. The school was well attended during the 
 winter of 1801-2, and at the May session of the legislature 
 it was incorporated as an Academy. The corporators were 
 Roger Riley, Giles Curtis, Samuel Porter, 2d, Joseph Galpin, 
 and others. The school was continued for some years by Dr. 
 Miner, and received students from Kensington, New Britain, 
 and adjoining towns, as well as from Berlin. Emma Hart 
 and Almira Hart were both students, and then teachers in 
 this Academy. 
 
 These two sisters, better known afterwards as Mrs. Emma 
 Willard and Mrs. Almira Lincoln Phelps, also had a Private 
 School which was attended by both sexes in the house of 
 their father, Captain Samuel Hart, on West Street. There 
 were other small private schools more commonly taught in 
 rooms in dwelling-houses in Worthington or Kensington, and 
 generally temporary in character. The old academy having 
 been suspended for some time, in 1831 a new company was 
 formed, styled the Worthington Academical Company. This 
 company erected a school building on Worthington Street, 
 and for several years a flourishing school was maintained in 
 it. Ariel Parish, afterwards Principal of the High School, 
 Springfield, and Superintendent of schools, New Haven, was 
 one of the teachers. Edward L. Hart, another graduate of 
 Yale College, and afterwards teacher of a private school in 
 Farming-ton, was also principal in this Academy. 
 
 Connecticut Noiuial and Tuaininq School. 
 In 1838, before a Normal School had been opened in 
 America, individuals in the parish of New Britain subscribed 
 four tliousand dollars " towaids establishing a County Semi- 
 
EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS. 239 
 
 nary for the education and training of teachers for common 
 schools." For some reason the plan contemplated was not 
 carried out at the time. When the General Assembly, in 
 1849, passed the act for establishing a Normal School or 
 seminary for the training of teachers, and the Board of 
 Trustees created by th^ act called for proposals from cities 
 and towns, New Britain, with a population of less than three 
 thousand, and at the time only a parish of Berlin, promptly 
 offered to provide a suitable building, apparatus, and library 
 for the use of the Normal School. There was raised by con- 
 tribution il6,250, and the New Britain Educational Fund Com- 
 pany was organized, to build, furnish, and prepare the neces- 
 sary buildings, and make all necessary provision for the school. 
 Proposals had been received by the trustees to locate the 
 school in the city of Middletown, and in Farmington, South- 
 ington, and some other towns ; and it was after the first of 
 February, 1850, before the persons in New Britain interested 
 in the enterprise were informed that their proposition would 
 be accepted ; but on the loth of May, or in about three 
 months, a building was prepared, and the school was opened. 
 To make the necessary provision, the Educational Fund 
 Company bought the town hall then in process of erec- 
 tion, made alterations to adapt it to the needs of the school, 
 secured additional land, and erected a larger building.* The 
 trustees in their first annual circular, issued in 1850, say : 
 
 *The original building, or town hall, 70 feet long by 43 wide, was two 
 stories high with a basement. The basement was occupied by entrance halls, 
 dressiDg-rooms, laboratory, and furnace rooms ; the first story by the high school 
 room, trustees' room, and principal's room, also used as recitation rooms ; and 
 the upper story by the Normal School proper, with a small principal's room, and 
 a gallery, in both of which recitations were held. The addition or east wing, 
 opened in June, 1851, was three stories above the basement, TB feet long by 48 
 wide. In the basement were school-rooms for the intermediate and primary 
 departments of the model schools, with additional halls and dressing rooms. On 
 the main floor the high school room was extended to thfe east side of the new 
 building, and with four additional rooms, afforded accommodations for three 
 hundred pupils in this department. The second story provided a Normal School 
 room, with seats for two hundred and twenty Normal students, and a public 
 lecture hall, so arranged as to be connected with folding doors with the Normal 
 Hall, placing nearly the whole area of the building in one audience room when 
 required. In the upper story was the library, four recitation rooms, and a hall 
 T3 feet by 30, for declamations, etc. 
 
240 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 "The Norma] Sobnol was located permanently in New Britain, on the 
 1st of February, 1850, after full consideialiou of the claims and offers of 
 other towns, on account of the central position of the town iu the State, 
 and its accessibility from every section by railroad ; and also in considcra 
 tion of the liberal offer on ilie part of its citizens to provide a suitable 
 building, apparatus, and library, to the value of $16,000, for the use of 
 the Normal Scliool, and to place all the schools of the village under the 
 management of the Principal of the Normal School, as schools of prac- 
 tice.' 
 
 The trustees appointed Heiirv Barnard, of Hartford, 
 Principal of the scliool. and Rev. T. D. P. Stone, of Worces- 
 ter, Associate Principal. The school was opened for the re- 
 ception of pujiils May 15, 1^50. The number of pupils in 
 attendance during the first term was sixty-seven : thirty-seven 
 ladies and thirty gentlemen. Tlie whole number of different 
 students during the first year of the school was one hundred 
 and fifty-four. In June, David X. Camp was appointed a 
 teacher in the school, and entered upon his duties a few weeks 
 later. 
 
 At the close of the short session in September, 1852, Mr. 
 Stone tendered his resignation, and in December of tlie same 
 year, John D. Phil brick, of Boston, was appointed to the 
 position made vacant by Mr. Stone's resignation. On the 
 first of January, is^o, Mr. Barnard resigned his official con- 
 nection with the scliool ; Mr. Philbrick was appointed Princi- 
 pal and Superintendent of Common Schools, and David N. 
 Camp was appointed Associate Principal. In January, 1857, 
 Mr. Philbrick resigned the offices of Principal and Superin- 
 tendent of Common Schools, and Mr. Camp was appointed 
 to fill the viicaiicy. licv. Charles F. Dowd was appointed 
 Associate Principal in 1857, and resigned in 1858. He was 
 succeeded by Henry P. Buckham, who resigned in 1865. 
 His place was filled by the appointment of John N. Bartlett. 
 
 Ihe change m the law in 1865 placed tlie Normal School 
 
 under the cbat-oc of the Stnte Rr.n,-,^ ,^f t?j i- 
 , ^, „ ,. . ^ ' "^'"° lioard ot Education, consisting 
 
 of the Governor, Lieutenanl-Oovernor, and one member from 
 
 each congressional district. Mr. Camp resigned as Principal 
 
 in looo. ^ 
 
/2;iM./V-«-«^ yJv^Tjfdyiy^yy^. 
 
EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS. 241 
 
 The General Assembly, in 1867, passed the following 
 resolution, which caused the suspension of the school : 
 
 "Resolved, That the comptroller of the State be, and he hereby 
 is, directed to draw no further orders on the Treasurer of this State in be- 
 half of tlie State Normal School-, than what is necessnry to pay the debts 
 incurred under contracts alread}' existing." 
 
 The school remained closed for two years, when by act of 
 the General Assembly provision was made for its re-opcning. 
 Homer B. Sprague was Principal in 1866-6/. J. N. Carleton 
 was Principal from the re-opening of the school in 1869 un- 
 til lb83, when he resigned and was succeeded by Clarence P. 
 Carroll. 
 
 The General Assembly in 1881 appropriated seventy-five 
 thousand dollars for a new building on condition tliat the 
 town of New Britain would appropriate twenty-five thousand 
 for the same purpose. The appropriation was made and the 
 building was erected on a commanding site overlooking the 
 city and the country to the east of New Britain. The new 
 building is 126 feet in entire length by 85 feet in width, the 
 foundations and underpinjiing being of Portland brown stone 
 and the walls above of brick. The building is heated 
 throughout by steam. It provides study, recitation, and other 
 rooms for the Normal School, and school rooms for a part of 
 the Model and Training Schools. It was opened and occu- 
 pied in the autumn of 1883. 
 
 Since the new building was finished much attention has 
 been given to the study of methods, and their application in 
 the Model and Training Schools. 
 
 In the Normal School building, besides the Nornaal School 
 proper, there were opened a Kindergarten and two depart- 
 ments of the Model School, and in another building near, 
 three other departments of the Model School, in all of which 
 the Normal students have lessons in methods. There has 
 also been a large increase in the appliances of the Normal 
 School since the new building was open. The introduction 
 of manual and industrial work, the opening of the gymna- 
 sium, and the careful and systematic training of the students 
 
242 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 in physical exercise have added to the opportunities pre- 
 sented by the school, and made its work more complete. 
 
 The teachers in the Normal and Model Schools in 1889 
 were, Clarence F. Carroll, principal, Ralph G. Hibbard, 
 Helen F. Page, Arthur B. Morrill, Clara W. Mingins, Carrie 
 A. Lyle, Mary M. McCann, Mary P. Poskett, Ellor E. Carlisle, 
 M. Gertrude Fenn. Emma L. Cartwright, Pannibelle Curtis, 
 Edith Gooding, Jennie Darlington, Lucy C. Catlin, Julia P. 
 Rockwell, Jeiinie E. Chapin, and Geo. P. Phenix. Misses 
 Page, Lyle, McCann, Cartwright, and Darlington, were each 
 in charge of a department of the Model Schools, and Misses 
 Mingins and Curtis of the Kindergarten. 
 
CHAPTEE ^III. 
 
 LIBRARIES AND NEWSPAPERS. 
 LiBEARIES. 
 
 rT">HE early settlers of Farnaington, New Britain, and 
 -L Berlin, had little access to books, except to the very 
 limited number of volumes owned by a few of the most intel- 
 ligent families. There were no public libraries of any kind, 
 no Sunday-schools, and no books in day-schools, except the 
 Bible or parts of it, the psalter, a speller, and sometimes a 
 reading book or catechism. Books were costly and not easily 
 obtained. 
 
 To supply to some extent the absence of books, and to 
 provide reading for themselves and their families, a few 
 neighbors or friends would associate, purchase a few volumes 
 and have them passed from family to family, under regula- 
 tions which secured the careful preservation of the books, 
 and, at the same time, gave each proprietor an equal privi- 
 lege in the use of these treasures. As an example of tliis 
 associated ownership of books, in Stanley Quarter, New 
 Britain, some years before the revolutionary war, four 
 brothers, Thomas Stanley, Noah Stanley, Timothy Stanley, 
 and Gad Stanley, with Nathaniel Churchill and Elijah 
 Francis, purchased Henry's Commentary in six volumes, by 
 sending to England, and the books were carefully read in 
 each family. 
 
 One of the first libraries of Farmington appears to have 
 originated with a few boys who met under the church horse 
 sheds, and organized a plan of joint ownership and exchange 
 of the few juvenile books which they could obtain. Their 
 scheme was perhaps as wise and successful for them as the 
 joint ownership of commentaries and other costly books by 
 their elders. 
 
244 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 The foundation of the old Farmington Library Company 
 was probably laid in the revolutionary period or soon after. 
 Its records have a " Catalogue of the Library begun in 1785." 
 In 1801, and afterwards for some vears, it was called the 
 " Monthly Library," perhaps in reference to the time of draw- 
 ing and holding the books. During the winter of 1813-14, 
 this library company was dissolved, and the Plioenix Library 
 was formed, the best booksof the old library being retained 
 in the new. Elijah Porter, who had been librarian of the 
 Monthly Library from 1796 to 1813, became librarian of the 
 Phojnix Library on its organization, and held the office 
 until 182(i. On March 17 of that year, the Village Library, 
 which had been established^before 1818, was united with the 
 Phoenix Library, and the librarian of the former, Capt. Selah 
 Porter, became librarian of the united library, until 1835, 
 when he resigned, and Simeon Hart, Jr., was appointed in 
 his place. Some dissatisfaction having been found with the 
 organization of the Phcenix Library Company, on February 
 18, 1839, a new association was formed to take its place, 
 under the name of " The Farmington Library Company." 
 . The books gathered by these different library associations, 
 while including systems of theology represented by the works 
 of Doddridge, Dwight, Hopkins, Edwards, Thomas Scott, and 
 others, also comprised the works of Walter Scott, Irving, 
 Headly, Prescott, Bayard Taylor, and other writers of his- 
 tory, biography, and general literature. The regular taking 
 of books from the library has fallen into disuse, and by sales, 
 transfers, or lapses of rights, the number of proprietors in tiie 
 Farmington Library Company has been reduced to less than 
 half a dozen ; but about fourteen hundred volumes, chiefly 
 standard works, are preserved in the town clerk's office, and 
 may hereafter become the nucleus of a Free Public Library 
 for the town. 
 
 In September, 1882, Miss Julia S. Brandagee, formerly of 
 Berlin, opened a library of over four hundred volumes, known 
 as the " Tunxis Free Library," near the north end of Farm- 
 ington Village. Wliile containing many standard works,. 
 
LIBRARIES AND NEWSPAPERS. 245 
 
 the books selected for this library have been of a popular 
 character, designed to interest and attract the young as well 
 as persons of mature years. Bound volumes of magazines, 
 the American Cyclopedia, and some other books of reference 
 are also found upon its shelves. The library is entirely 
 under the charge of Miss Brandagee, the room, in a quaint 
 old building, being opened twice a week for drawing books, 
 which in 1889, numbered over twelve liundred. 
 
 There is also a " Ladies' Circulating Library " in Farming- 
 ton. The association has twenty-five members who con- 
 tribute three dollars a year each into a common fund for the 
 purchase of books, which are circulated from house to house 
 among the members every two weeks. 
 
 In Miss Porter's Seminary is a valuable collection of 
 books designed primarily for the members of the school, 
 but available for otliers in some circumstances. 
 
 Contributions for the new town hall now building (1889) 
 have been made with the expectation that provision will be 
 made in the structure for a public library. 
 
 A public library was established in New Britain, either 
 during the revolutionary war, or soon after its close, and the 
 books were in general circulation among the proprietors. 
 The funds for this library were obtained from the contribu- 
 tions of a number of persons who were organized into an 
 association for the purpose of establishing and maintaining 
 a library. Dr. Fmalley, Col. Isaac Lee, and a few Other of 
 the leading persons in the parish were instrumental in found- 
 ing it. 
 
 Some inconvenience having attended the mode of con- 
 ducting the library, in the winter of 1791-92, several meet- 
 ings were held to consider what improvements could be 
 made. After considerable discussion, a new and somewliat 
 lengthy constitution drawn up by Dr. Smalley was adopted. 
 This instrument carefully guarded every privilege conferred. 
 The fee of each member at the time of subscribing was three 
 shillings, and an annual payment of two shillings was re- 
 quired. Rights or memberships could be assigned to any 
 
246 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 person approved by a majority of the proprietors, and the 
 shares could be devised by will, or descend by inheritance. 
 Five directors chosen annually had the general care of the 
 library, purchased books, and made the necesary by-laws and 
 regulations. The eighth and last article of the constitution 
 shows with what care the rights of members were guarded. 
 This article is as follows : 
 
 "Eighth. These articles shall be deposited in the Library room, in a 
 conspicuous place, for the inspection and perusal of all persons concerned. 
 And they are to be considered as a Maon^a. Ch.akta of the constitution, 
 and shall not be repealed, eilher together or in part, except by the votes 
 of three forths of those who shall be present at a general meeting warned 
 for that purpose ; and which three forths of the members met, shall 
 amount to more than one half of all the proprietors for the time being. 
 
 And the Librarian sliall read, or cause to be read, these articles, or 
 this constitution at the opening of every annual meeting on pain of such 
 fine for failure as the Directors shall see fit to assess." 
 
 There were fifty-six subscribers to this constitution, the 
 list being headed by Dr. Smalley. Though this library was 
 not a church library in the sense of being the property of the 
 church, it was considered an aid to parish work. Nearly all 
 the proprietors were members of the church, and the library 
 was kept at the meeting-house, or at Deacon Anthony Judd's. 
 It was open for drawing books on the days of conference 
 meetings and lecture before communion, for an hour or two, 
 either before or after such meetings. Dr. Smalley took 
 special pains to have the books distributed wisely, and read 
 by those who would be most benefited. This library was 
 continued during Dr. Smalley'slife, and for a few years after 
 his decease, but the books became worn and some of them 
 lost, and the remainder were distributed among the few 
 surviving proprietors. 
 
 Occasional volumes of the old library may still be seen in 
 the households of the descendants of some of the older 
 families. They have, usually, in addition to the original 
 cover, a strong covering of leather, neatly fitted and carefully 
 fastened with the flaxen thread of those early days. 
 
 The Library Association of New Britain, which was con- 
 
LIBRARIES AND NEWSPAPERS. 247 
 
 tinued until a few years after Dr. Fmalley's death, was not 
 allowed to pass wholly out of existence. On December 5, 
 1825, a new organization, composed principally of tlie mem- 
 bers of the New Britain Library Association, was formed, 
 and styled the Julian Society. This new society had thirty- 
 five members when first organized. The number soon 
 increased to one hundred, and in a few years there were 
 more than one hundred and fifty on the roll. The records 
 of the society for the first eight years are not all preserved, 
 but the meetings appear to have been held once in two 
 weeks, or oftener. At the bi-weekly meetings, books were 
 drawn or exchanged, essays read, and discussions conducted 
 with apparent interest and vigor. At a meeting held in 
 November, 1834, Elihu Bui-ritt read an elegy of over one 
 hundred and fifty lines upon the death of Miss Augusta 
 Stanley. The meetings of this society developed powers 
 in some of its members which afterwards made them cele- 
 brated as writers and speakers. At the annual meeting held 
 October 5, 1836, the name of the society was changed to the 
 New Britain Lyceum, a new constitution was adopted, and 
 arrangements made for more efficient prosecution of the 
 work of the association. 
 
 The presidents of the new organization were Emory A. 
 Parker, George M. Landers, F. B. Eggleston, and Charles M. 
 Lewis, successively. To the exercises which had been con- 
 ducted by the Julian Society, a course of lectures, principally 
 upon scientific subjects, was added ; the library was more 
 generally used, and a new interest was awakened in. the work 
 of the association. Town and county lyceums had been 
 formed in other parts of the State. The American Lyceum, 
 then in successful operation, invited the New Britain Lyceum 
 to send delegates to its meetings, and the subjects discussed 
 by the National and State lyceums were, to some extent, 
 considered by the local society. By means of the library 
 and the lectures and discussions, intellectual culture was pro- 
 moted and the foundations laid for general intelligence 
 in the community. With apparently some interruptions 
 
248 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 in holding tlie meetings, tlie lyceum was maintained with 
 varying interest for several years. At a special meeting 
 called for the purpose and held October 27, 1841, the 
 interests of the society and the condition of the library were 
 discussed at considerable length, a proposition to dispose of 
 the books and effects of the society was voted down by a 
 large majority, and a strong expression was made in favor of 
 "the necessity and propriety of making all honorable efforts 
 to sustain the lyceum, or some other literary institution, for 
 the dissemination of useful knowledge and the improvement 
 of the mind." At this meeting a vote was passed instruct- 
 ing the librarian to take measures to obtain all books belong- 
 ing to the library of the lyceum that were missing, and 
 arrange them in the best possible manner. 
 
 The lyceum continued its organization for some time 
 longer, but the interest was directed more to public lectures 
 than to books, the library was closed, and the books dis- 
 tributed. 
 
 After the suspension of the meetings and active work of 
 the lyceum, there was, for several years, little united effort 
 to maintain a library or any organized association for literary 
 culture or improvement. The division of the First Church 
 and the organization of the South Congregational Church, in 
 1842, for a time occupied the attention and absorbed the 
 interest of many of the prominent members of the lyceum. 
 
 Soon after the organization of the South Church, a parish 
 library of about four hundred volumes was established. 
 This library included not only religious books, but the best 
 works then published in biography, history, travel, practical 
 science, and general literature. Additions were made until 
 the library included over six hundred volumes, which were 
 kept in the conference room of the South Church. This 
 popular library was for many years quite useful to the 
 parish, and the books were generally circulated. The multi- 
 plication of Sunday-school books and the increase of the 
 Sunday-school library of the church, made this library less 
 necessary to the parish, and the books were transferred to the 
 
LIBRARIES AND NEWSPAPERS. 249 
 
 shelves of the New Britain Institute and loaned to that 
 association, to increase the usefulness of the public library. 
 
 After the incorporation of New Britain as a town and 
 borough, and the establishment of the State Normal School 
 in the place, it was felt that some provision should be made 
 for a public library. A library of several hundred volumes 
 had been provided for the Normal School by the Educational 
 Fund Company, but this was composed principally of text- 
 books, works ou the theory and practice of education, encyclo- 
 pedias, and other books of reference, and was designed pri- 
 marily for the use of the Normal School, though opened 
 to some extent for consultation to students generally. To 
 meet the need so clearly seen to exist, and to provide a 
 public library and reading room, the " New Britain Institute 
 and Library Association " was formed in 1853. At first the 
 organization of the Institute and Library Association were 
 somewhat distinct, the former providing for an annual fee of 
 two dollars to be paid by each of its members, which gave 
 them the use of the library and reading-room, and the right 
 to participate in the choice of officers to control the affairs 
 of the institute, but not to control or dispose of the library. 
 The payment of five dollars at one time, and an annual fee 
 of one dollar, constituted a person a member of the Library 
 Association, and entitled him to vote in its organization and 
 in the management of its affairs. Tliis association was 
 managed by a library committee of five, who purchased all 
 books and periodicals, and had charge of the same. The 
 members of the Library Association were also members of 
 the Institute. The latter could provide for lectures, when- 
 ever in possession of sufficient funds. A few hundred 
 dollars was raised by membersliips in the Library Associa- 
 tion, and by contributions; books were purchased by the 
 library committee, a room secured in Miller's Building, and 
 the reading-room and library were opened. The annual fees 
 were insufficient to maintain the institution, and, for several 
 years, these were supplemented by subscriptions, amounting, 
 in the aggregate, to more than one thousand dollars annually. 
 17 
 
250 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 The officers of the institute first elected were : John D. Phu- 
 brick, president ; G. M. Landers, vice-president ; B. N. 
 Comings, secretary ; Henry Ailing, treasurer ; and F. H. 
 North, James Stanley, and William B. Smyth, directors. 
 The officers of the Library Association were the library 
 committee, consisting of David N. Camp, J. B. Talcott, 
 Roger H. Mills, Henry E. Russell, and T. W. Stanley. In 
 185y the New Britain Institute was incorporated. 
 
 " Act of Incorporation : 
 
 General Assembly, May Session, 1858. 
 
 Besolved by this Assembly: That D. X. Camp, C. B. Erwin, F. T. 
 Stanley, G. M. Landers, Oliver Stanley, Lucius Woodruff, T. W. Stanley, 
 John B. Talcott, William A. Churchill, and W. B. Smylh, their associates 
 and successors, be and hereby are constituted a body corporate and politic, 
 by the name of The New Britain Institute ; and by that name shall have 
 perpetual succession, and be capable in law to purchase, receive, hold, 
 and convey, all kinds of property, the annual income of which shall 
 not exceed six thousand dollars ; * to establish, keep and maintain a Library, 
 Reading Room, and system of Public Lectures, and promote such other 
 literary and scientific objects as it may think proper ; to sue and be sued, 
 defend and be defended, in all courts and places whatever ; may have a 
 common seal and may change and alter the same at pleasure ; may elect a 
 President, and such other officers and agents as they may lind necessary 
 and couvenient : and make and carry into effect such By-Laws and regula- 
 tions as they ma3' deem necessary to promote and secure the objects of 
 the corporation. 
 
 The first meeting of the Institute shall be holden on the first Monday 
 in August next at such place as may be designated hy a majority of the 
 persons named by notice in the newspapers published in New Britain.'' 
 
 In 1872 the Institute received from the estate of Lucius 
 Woodruff a legacy of ten thousand dollars, which is held in 
 trust by the trustee of the estate, and the income appro- 
 priated for the benefit of the Institute. This income, with 
 an appropriation of five hundred dollars annually from the 
 town and the amount received from membership fees and 
 library tickets, has paid the annual expenses and admitted of 
 small additions each year to the library. 
 
 In 1866 and 1867 the rooms were closed for a short time 
 for lack of funds. When means were provided, the library 
 
 * 111 1884 this sum was increased to $15,000. 
 
LIBRARIES AND NEWSPAPERS. 251 
 
 and reading-room were re-opened in Hart's Block, where they 
 were maintained until March, 1886. At the re-opening of the 
 rooms the reading-room was made free. The full capacity 
 of the room was often tested by the number seeking its 
 privileges, and its benefits were extended to a large number 
 of young men wlio had no opportunity elsewliere for obtain- 
 ing the information which was here gained. In March, 1886, 
 a suite of rooms in the Russell & Erwin building, specially 
 prepared for the Institute, was occupied, and both the library 
 and reading-i-oom were better accommodated than ever be- 
 fore. Cornelius B. Erwin, one of the original corporators, 
 who died March 21, 1885, left to the Institute, by will, thirty 
 thousand dollars to be paid within eight years of his death, 
 and also made the Institute a residuary legatee to the 
 amount of one-third of. four hundred thousand dollars. 
 
 A portion of the Erwin legacy became available in 1887, 
 and was securely invested, the income being devoted to the 
 purposes of the Institute. Since the Institute began to re- 
 ceive this income, the number of books in the library has 
 been increased to a larger extent, and additional reading 
 matter has been placed in the reading-room. The reading- 
 room is entirely free, and the use of the books in the library 
 is free to those who read or study at the Institute rooms. 
 There is a small fee paid by persons who take books home 
 for reading. 
 
 The State Normal School has a library of 4,000 miscella- 
 neous books and 500 text-books for the use of teachers and 
 students, and its reading-room is supplied with magazines,, 
 educational journals, and miscellaneous papers. 
 
 There are in the libraries of the public schools: about 
 475 volumes in the schools of Farmington, 625 volumes in. 
 those of New Britain, and 800 volumes in the Berlin schools. 
 In the Sunday-schools of nearly all the churches there 
 are Sunday-school libraries, some of which contain a variety 
 of reading. The New Britain Scientific Association has a 
 small library of books relating principally to science, and the 
 Young Men's Christian Association has a public reading 
 room supplied with papers and magazines. 
 
252 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 From a few scattering volumes wbicli have been pre- 
 served, it would seem that collections of books existed 
 quite early in the other parishes, similar to those in Farming- 
 ton and New Britain. 
 
 Soon after the organization of the Worthington Society, 
 a village library was established, to which Samuel Hart, the 
 father of Mrs. Emma Willard and of Mrs. Almira Lincoln 
 Phelps, had access, and to which these accomplished edu- 
 cators attributed the origin, in part at least, of their great 
 love of books. This library contained such books as Plu- 
 tarch's Lives, Rollins' Ancient History, many books of travel, 
 and the works of Addison, Steele, Milton, Pope, Thomson, 
 Watts, and other celebrated Britisli poets and essayists. The 
 works of Gibbon and other historians were added when pub- 
 lished. Tliese books were read aloud by Captain Hart and 
 his contemporaries at the family fireside; their contents 
 were discussed, and their influence was seen upon the gen- 
 eration that enjoyed even this limited use of books. 
 
 Tlie Berlin Library Association located in the Worthing- 
 ton Society has over nine hundred volumes in the library, 
 and is open two afternoons and two evenings , each month 
 during the winter season. 
 
 In Kensington, there were valuable collections of books 
 in the libraries of Dr. Bobbins, Dr. Percival, and others, 
 which were read by an appreciative community, before a pub- 
 lic library was provided. The Kensington Library Associa- 
 tion, established in 1829, soon became an instrumentality 
 for good in that parish. The books were selected with care, 
 and embraced history, biography, travels, poetry, and works 
 on science and social economy, as well as fiction. For many 
 years the library was kept in the Congregational Church, in 
 a pew under the stairs. The books were sought by intelli- 
 gent and willing readers, and as late as IsTG, the library 
 meeting was said to be well attended by those who were in- 
 tei'ested in the contents of tlie library. It contains about 
 700 volumes, but has been closed to the public fur three or 
 four years. 
 
LIBRARIES AND NEWSPAPERS.' 253 
 
 Newspapers 
 
 For more than fifty years after the settlement of Farm- 
 ington, there were no newspapers published in this country. 
 None had been established when Kensington was first 
 settled, and in the earlier history of New Britain, the only 
 newspapers received were the few copies of the Boston and 
 New Yorli weekly papers, somewhat irregularly brought to 
 the place, generally by the way of Hartford and Middletown. 
 When the Hartford " Courant " was established ten years after 
 New Britain was incorporated as a distinct society, a few 
 copies of this journal were taken. It was the custom for 
 many years before the post-office was established, for some 
 person to go to Hartford once a week, usually on horseback, 
 and bring back the few weekly papers that were taken in the 
 parish. This service was sometimes performed by women. 
 Mrs. Mary R. Eno, who died at the age of ninety-eight, was 
 accustomed in her later years to refer to her experiences 
 when riding to Hartford for the papers, so that the men 
 should not be called from their labors in the fields. 
 
 In 1831, the publication of a bi-weekly periodical was 
 commenced in New Britain by a few young ladies.* The 
 manuscript essays which preceded the printed sheet had been 
 read with interest by friends, and the publication, periodi- 
 cally, of a printed paper was recommended and urged by 
 persons whose age and culture entitled them to be heard. 
 The character and object of this publication are indicated by 
 the following sentence which was placed at the head of the 
 paper : 
 
 "The 'Shepherdess' of New Britain, by a company of 
 Village Girls, is an Original Miscellany, undertaken for their 
 social gratification and improvement: Heretofore it has been 
 conducted in manuscript, and confined to their own circle, 
 but it is now printed to enable them to furnish their asso- 
 ciates and friends without the trouble of copying " 
 
 The articles were mostly upon moral and religious subjects, 
 seldom over si.K hundred words in length, and many much 
 
 * Its chief editor, Nancy Smith, was an accomplished teacher. 
 
254 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 shorter. The whole tone of the paper was elevating, and it 
 well indicates the general thought and aspirations of the 
 most cultivated young women of New Britain at that time. 
 Some of the productions having been ascribed to other 
 persons and more experienced writers, the ascription called 
 out the following disclaimer, wliich appeared in one of the 
 earlier numbers : 
 
 "Desiring to afford our critics and learned friends all the light in 
 regard to the origin and authors of The Shepherdens, within the power of 
 the association to impart, we desire them to he assured, that it was 
 actually devised and originated hy a company of 'viUnge girls,' and that 
 they alone are really and truly the responsible authors of every article and 
 paragraph and sentence contained in it, claiming originality." 
 
 The first dozen or more numbers gave no news items ; 
 afterwards notice was taken of important passing events, 
 generally with sliort comments on the same. This paper 
 was a four-page journal, the pages nine and a half by six 
 inches, published at cost of paper, composition, and press- 
 work, and distributed every alternate Tuesday evening from 
 the post-office. The last paper issued was probably in June, 
 1832, the publication being suspended on account of the 
 marriage of its editor, Nancy Smith, to Horatio Waldo. 
 
 For several years after the publication of the " Shepherd- 
 ess " was suspended, there appears to have been no direct 
 effort to publish a paper in New Britain. The financial 
 depression of 1837 was a severe blow to the business of the 
 place, and for some time there was so little indication of a re- 
 vival of business, that there was little encouragement to estab- 
 lish new enterprises. But, before New Britain was incorpo- 
 rated as a town or borough, a weekly newspaper had been is- 
 sued, called the " New Britain Advocate." The issue of March 
 23, 1850, had for its heading, " New Britain Advocate Extra," 
 and was mainly filled with an account of the celebration of 
 the return of Elihu Burritt to the place, after he had been 
 honored abroad, and of the welcome which was tendered him 
 by his fellow citizens. It was published by James M. 
 Phelps. 
 

LIBRARIES AND NEWSPAPERS. 255 
 
 The pages of this extra, after giving a full account of the 
 Burritt Jubilee, with the addresses made and letters read, 
 had clippings from the newspapers of Boston and other 
 cities, a few local notices, and several Hartford and New 
 Britain advertisements. 
 
 In the account which is given of the Burritt Jubilee, ref- 
 erence is made to New Britain as " Our Village" and to the 
 people as " Our Villagers." The subscription price of the 
 "Advocate" was fl.25 per annum. 
 
 During the next two or three years there were frequent 
 changes both in the proprietorship and name of the 
 weekly paper. The "Advocate " was discontinued ; the " New 
 Britain Chronicle " was published a short time, and in 1851, 
 the name of the paper became " The Journal and Chronicle," 
 the publication office being on the east side of Main Street 
 north of the railway crossing. 0. P. Brown, for a time one 
 of the proprietors, became interested in a patent medicine 
 and removed to Brooklyn, or the vicinity of New York. Mr. 
 Phelps first went to Middletown, and in 1852 to Meriden, 
 where he issued from the printing office of F. E. Hinman, 
 the " Connecticut Organ and New Britain Journal," edited 
 by 0. H. Piatt, now Senator from Connecticut, and published 
 both in Meriden and New Britain. This paper was after- 
 wards sold to James Lewis, publisher of the " Whig." Dur- 
 ing Eliliu Burritt's residence in New Britain, he published 
 and circulated a series of leaflets, pertaining to penny postage, 
 peace, and international arbitration, and for a part of the 
 time issued regularly a newspaper entitled " The North and 
 the South," in which the subject of compensated emanci- 
 pation, and other matters relating to the freedom of the 
 blacks at the South, were discussed, and the general news of 
 the day given. 
 
 " The New Britain News " was established by Valentine 
 B. Chamberlain in 1860, and published by him a year, or 
 until the breaking out of the civil war, when it was sus- 
 pended, the proprietor going to the front in the defense of 
 the government. 
 
256 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 " The True Citizen," which succeeded the " News," was 
 published by L. M. Guernsey from 1861 to 1866. This was 
 a weekly family journal of four pages, twelve by nineteen 
 inches, issued at two dollars a year. It covered the period 
 of the civil war, and kept its readers acquainted with the 
 stirring events of those years, as well as with local news. 
 A little more than half of its columns was occupied with 
 advertisements. 
 
 Upon the discontinuance of " The True Citizen " in 1866, 
 J. N. Oviatt became proprietor of the printing office, and, in 
 April of that year, issued the first number of the " New 
 Britain Record," a paper considerably larger than the " True 
 Citizen," but of the same general character, and published at 
 the same price. It was continued by Mr. Oviatt until 1868, 
 when Samuel Baker became a partner in tlie office, the firm 
 becoming Oviatt & Baker. The " Record " was published by 
 this firm until January 1, 1880, when Mr. Baker bought Mr. 
 Oviatt's interest and became sole proprietor until March, 
 1881, when the proprietorship was assumed by his son, Fran- 
 cis W. Baker, by whom the paper continued to be issued, 
 until his death in 1887. The publication was continued by 
 his widow, Mrs. M. P. Baker, until March, 1888, when the 
 office and business were purchased by James G. Bacon and 
 James L. Doyle, who formed a partnership under the firm 
 name of Bacon & Doyle, by whom the paper was afterwards 
 published. 
 
 The "New Britain Observer" was established March, 
 1876, and was publislied the first year by R. J. Vance and 
 J. 0. Stivers. The latter retired in 1877, and the publica- 
 tion was continued by R. J. Vance, and then by R. J. Vance 
 & Co. This paper was devoted to local news and general 
 intelligence, and especially to such information as would tend 
 to the advancement of the interests of the town and city. It 
 was published weekly at two dollars a year. After the elec- 
 tion of the editor and chief proprietor, Hon. R. J. Vance, as 
 representative to Congress from the First district, this paper 
 was consolidated with the " New Britain Herald." 
 
LIBRARIES AND NEWSPAPERS. 257 
 
 The "New Britain Herald" was started by the Adkins 
 Brothers, April 3, 1880. In September of that year the 
 ■Adkins Printing Company, a joint stock company, was oi'gan- 
 ized, which assumed tlie responsibility of the paper and con- 
 tinued its publication until 1881. It was then sold to C. E. 
 Woodruff, and was published first by him and then by the 
 Woodruff Publishing Company. Mr. Woodruff bought the 
 " New Britain Times," furnishing the subscribers of that 
 paper with the "Herald." In January, 1882, he added 
 a semi-weekly edition, which was continued until Dec. 2, 
 1882, when the " Evening Herald " was started, which took 
 the place of the semi-weekly. From that time the daily and 
 weekly have been issued regularly. 
 
 In September, 1887, the " Herald," with the type, presses, 
 machinery, and furnishings of the office, was sold to Frank 
 L. Blanchard of New York. Soon after it was consolidated 
 with the "Observer," a new "Herald Publishing Company" 
 being organised, consisting of Frank L. Blanchard, Robert 
 J. Vance, and James Cochrane, the two latter having been 
 connected with the " Observer." The new company took 
 possession of the "Herald" office October 1, 1887. The 
 publication office was continued in the "Herald " building. 
 Church Street, for a few months, but as more room was 
 needed, additions were made to the Stanley Building, and the 
 publication office was removed to that building in January, 
 1888. 
 
 The "New Britain Times" was first published in April, 
 1880, by Cornelius Maloney and Cornelius Loughery, as a 
 weekly, £tnd during the presidential campaign of 1880 a 
 daily edition was issued. In February, 1881, the " Times " 
 was sold to C. E. Woodruff, at that, time proprietor of the 
 " New Britain Herald." 
 
 The " Independent " is a weekly journal, devoted to the 
 discussion of questions relating to the moral, social, and 
 political welfare of the people, representing especially the 
 interests of labor. It was started in April, 1888, by Thomas 
 
258 HISTOEY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 H. Kehoe and Thomas Crosby, and is published every Satur- 
 day by the firm of Kehoe & Crosby, T. H. Kehoe, editor. 
 
 The " Circle," a weekly paper, containing the local news 
 of New Britain and surrounding towns, was established Nov. 
 24, 1886. It is published every Thursday afternoon by P. S. 
 Sneath, proprietor. 
 
 The " New Britain News," a weekly paper, having the 
 same name as one published in New Britain before the civil 
 war, was first issued Dec. 12, 1888. It is democratic in 
 politics, and is published by James W. Ringrose, editor and 
 proprietor. 
 
 The "Monthly Bulletin" of the Young Men's Christian 
 Association, started in 1887, gives a monthly summary of 
 the work of the association, with news items pertaining 
 to association work, and has a wide circulation among mem- 
 bers of the association. 
 
 The " Star," a small amateur paper, begun in 1887, is 
 edited and published by A. J. Osgood. 
 
 In Kensington, the "Church Record," started in 1885, 
 and published by the Congregational Church in Kensington, 
 has not only given the news of the parish, but has included 
 many items of general interest to its subscribers. It has 
 especially given full accounts of the meetings of the Young 
 People's Societies of Christian Endeavor, and general church 
 and Sunday-school intelligence. 
 
 The " Sunday Democrat " was issued for some weeks by 
 Cornelius Loughery. 
 
 Some of the churches issue quarterly sheets, which are 
 records and announcements of church work, rather than 
 newspapers. The New York and Hartford daily and weekly 
 papers have a large circulation in New Britain, and if to 
 these are added the numerous magazines and other periodi- 
 cals taken, there is evidence that New Britain is a reading 
 community. 
 
CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 INDUSTRIES. 
 
 AS has already been noticed, the fertile meadows of the 
 Tunxis valley invited the attention of the early settlers 
 of Farmington. In like manner, the pioneers who came over 
 tlie hills to Horse Plain, Stanley Quarter, Great Swamp, and 
 the valley of the Mattabesett and its branches, seem to 
 have been attracted by the supposed fertility of the soil and 
 the opportunity presented in these localities for the success- 
 ful prosecution of agriculture. The land was taken by allot- 
 ments, cleared and arranged into farms, with proper propor- 
 tion of upland and meadow for supporting the stock and pro- 
 ducing the crops necessary for supplying the wants of the 
 people. The Tunxis meadows realized the expectations of 
 the proprietors, the farms of Farmington were profitably 
 worked, the village street was gradually extended, and the 
 number of houses increased, until there were nearly as many 
 in the village in 1700 as now. 
 
 Mills for the manufacture of flour and meal, and saw-mills 
 for the preparation of lumber, were established quite early. 
 Spinning and weaving were usually carried on in the family, 
 but a shop for dyeing and fulling cloth was in operation 
 soon after the grist-mill and saw-mill. The mills and small 
 shops furnished lumber, nails, and facilities for building ; 
 better houses were erected, indications of thrift were seen, 
 and the population was increased until Farmington had 
 become the most populous town in Hartford County, if not 
 in the colony, before the revolutionary war. 
 
 The business interests of the place had, also. In the same 
 time, exhibited remarkable progress for an inland town. 
 From a small agricultural village it had grown to be a town 
 of considerable commerce, carrying on profitable trade with 
 
260 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 the new towns springing up on the west and northwest. 
 From Main Street, roads diverged to the north, the west, and. 
 the southwest, over which produce was brought from the 
 western part of Hartford County and from Litchfield County, 
 and exchanged for such goods as were needed in the newer 
 towns. The produce was then exported and sold at a good 
 profit by the merchants, and thus an active mercantile trade 
 was developed, which brought considerable wealth to Farm- 
 ington. Some of the merchants had large stores, with 
 branches in neighboring towns. The principal stores dis- 
 posed of goods at wholesale. At one time three West India 
 vessels were owned in Farmington, and one ship, at least, 
 was employed to bring goods from China, so that " East 
 India " and " West India goods " were imported direct in 
 original packages, bearing the names of the merchants of 
 this place.* Governor John Treadwell, speaking of this 
 trade in a sketch prepared in 1802, says that " a greater 
 capital is employed than in any other inland town in the 
 State." 
 
 About 1775 the manufacture of saltpeter was conducted 
 by John Treadwell and Martin Bull for a short time, and 
 about the same time, or a few years later, guns for the army 
 were made at Unionville. After the revolutionary war, and 
 in the prosperous times of commerce in Farmington, there 
 were a few manufactories established. In 1802 and 1803 
 fifteen thousand yards of linen, twenty-five hundred hats, 
 and fifteen tons of potash were produced ; and at four or 
 more tanneries, a considerable quantity of leather. The gun 
 factory was then still in operation, turning out about four 
 hundred muskets annually, and five shops were engaged in 
 the manufacture of tin ware. The shops and mills were 
 not all within the limits of the present parish of Farmington, 
 for this village lias never been extensively engaged in manu- 
 facturing. Of late years more attention has been given to 
 
 * Dr. Porti'i-'s discourse at the oue huiidredtli aiiuiver.sury of the erection of 
 the GoiiKiun'ational church, Farmington. 
 
INDUSTRIES. 261 
 
 agriculture, the rearing of fine domestic animals, and the 
 support of the school which has made the place noted. 
 
 The earlier settlements in Berlin and New Britain were 
 made with reference to the adaptation of the land for agri- 
 cultural purposes, and the facility with which the products 
 of the forests could be secured and talten to market. Thus 
 the line of farms extending from Stanley Quarter on the 
 eastern side of the New Britain parish to Great Swamp, and 
 across the natural meadows to West Street, Worthington, or 
 down the valley of the Mattabesett to Beckley Quarter and 
 East Berlin ; and on the western side of the town from Farm- 
 ington by Horse Plain, the sources of the Quinnipiac to 
 Hart Quarter, and thence through Kensington by the foot of 
 the Blue Hills to Meriden, included the finest farming land 
 in the town. A portion of this land was best adapted to 
 grass, and making butter and cheese and raising stock seem 
 to have been the chief pursuits, while in other, parts of 
 the town attention was directed more exclusively to tilled 
 crops. 
 
 At the beginning of the present century New Britain had 
 fifteen per cent, more working oxen tlian either of the other 
 parishes ; but, at the same time, when the comparison is 
 made in the number of cows and young cattle in each parish, 
 Worthington had sixteen and Kensington thirty-two per 
 cent, more than New Britain. 
 
 While the raising of the various grains, the cultivation 
 of fruit, the rearing of live stock, and the making of butter 
 and cheese seem to have received the most attention, flax and 
 flax-seed were produced, and beef and pork, lumber, pipe 
 staves, heads and hoops were exported and bartered for 
 •sugar, salt, and other necessaries. There were valuable 
 orchards in some parts of the town, and in the early part of 
 this century a great quantity of cider was made annually, 
 some of which was drank, and the surplus sold or converted 
 into cider brandy. In 1820 there were one hundred and 
 eighty-seven distilleries in Hartford County, an increase of 
 eighty-one in a single year. At that time there were twelve 
 
262 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 distilleries in Berlin, including New Britain, and twenty-two 
 in Farmington. 
 
 Mills for sawing lumber and grinding grain were estab- 
 lished quite early in Berlin. The Mattabesett and its 
 branches supplied the principal water-jjower, but there were 
 a few mills on smaller streams. A small number of black- 
 smiths' shops existed at the same time, generally rough, 
 un painted buildings, being little more than sheds. The 
 simpler tools were made and repaired, and such iron work as 
 was necessary in the construction of buildings was fashioned 
 in these shops, and in some was started the germ of the 
 manufacturing industries which afterwards became so im- 
 portant. 
 
 The thirty or forty early proprietors of the soil of New 
 Britain, so far as allotted, were engaged chiefly in clearing 
 the land and producing the crops most important for the 
 community. A few persons were employed in the prepara- 
 tion of builders' lumber, shocks and hoops, for export. These 
 articles and the surplus of agricultural products were sent to 
 Boston, New York, or the West Indies, and exchanged for 
 sugar, molasses, cloth, and such other articles as were needed 
 and could not be produced at home. Flax and wool were 
 converted into cloth by the use of hand spinning-wheels and 
 looms, and made into clothing for domestic use. Nearly 
 every farmer was able to repair his own buildings, make his 
 fences, keep the farm tools in order, and, if necessary, cut 
 and prepare timber for new buildings. 
 
 The shops and mills first established were designed to 
 meet the local needs of a small farming community. The 
 first blacksmith's shop in the northern part of the parish 
 was owned and occupied by Thomas Richards. It was on 
 the Stanley Quarter road at the corner south of. the first 
 school-house in that district, and it became distinguished for 
 the prominent men who learned their trade in it. John 
 Richards, a son of Thomas, succeeded his father at this shop, 
 and in 1776 bought the Josiah Lee house and farm on East 
 Street, and soon after erected a blacksmith's shop near, which 
 
INDUSTBIES. 263 
 
 was occupied first by himself and afterwards by John and 
 Elijah Hinsdale. A few rods south of this shop Ladwick 
 Hotchkiss had a blacksmith's shop on the east side of East 
 Street, and at the extreme south end of the street, near its 
 junction with Christian Lane, was the shop of Adonijah 
 Lewis. These shops were all occupied before the revolu- 
 tionary war. A few years later James North and John Judd 
 had each a blacksmith's shop on West Main Street; the for- 
 mer soon removed his shop to the west side of Main Street 
 opposite his house. 
 
 There were also several shoemakers within the New 
 Britain Society, when it was organized, or soon after. In 
 Stanley Quarter, the principal shop was on the east side 
 of the road in connection with Timothy Stanley's tannery. 
 Thomas Hart, a son of Deacon Elijah, worked at shoes at 
 his farm house on West Main Street, and there were a few 
 others who worked in the fields the greater part of the year, 
 but had a shoemaker's bench in a room in the house, where 
 they could work during the winter months. 
 
 Some of the other trades had representatives in the New 
 Britain parish quite early. Elisha Booth, a son of Robert 
 Booth of the Great Swamp parish, was a carpenter, living at 
 the homestead of his father at the south end of East Street. 
 Thomas Lusk, 2d, worked at the carpenter's trade in New 
 Britain soon after the organization of the society. Cabinet- 
 making was often combined with carpenter's work, so that 
 the same persons were able to build a house or construct a 
 bureau, table, or other article of furniture. John Woods, an 
 Englishman, was a skillful clothier in the western part of 
 the parish. A fulling mill on Pond River was known as the 
 " old fulling mill " before 1754. The principal mills in the 
 parish, at the. time the society was incorporated in 1754, 
 were Stanley's mill in Stanley Quarter ; Smith's or Churchill's 
 mills, a short distance east, in the bounds of Wethersfield ; 
 Judd's saw-mill, near the site of the first meeting-house, and 
 Hart's grist-mill on Kensington Street. Andrews' saw-mill 
 on the Plainville road, was built in 1757, and Hotchkiss' 
 
264 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 mill on Pond River near Horse Plain, a few years later. The 
 latter was built by Ladwick and Lemuel Hotchkiss near tlie 
 " old fulling mill," and was afterwards owned by Janna 
 Churcliill, Col. Gad Stanley, and others. Near this saw-mill 
 Lemuel Hotchkiss had a blacksmith's shop, in which, besides 
 doing the iron work for the mill and ordinary blacksmith's 
 work, he made wrought nails, spikes, window springs, etc. 
 
 At the other blacksmiths' shops, farmers' tools were made 
 and repaired ; at some of them, axes, hoes, shovels, tongs, 
 chains, and otlier tools were constructed which gave their 
 makers a reputation in otlier parishes, for good work. Thus 
 at the shops of Richards, Hotchkiss, Lewis, North, and others, 
 was commenced the manufacture of simple articles of hard- 
 ware before the revolutionary war, all the work being by 
 hand.* 
 
 At the saw-mills, lumber was prepared for sale in ad- 
 joining parishes, and at Hart's grist-mill, and possibly at 
 other mills in New Britain, corn was ground and the meal 
 kiln-dried and prepared for the West India market. At the 
 cider-mills cider was made, some of which was converted into 
 cider brandy at the distilleries. Corn meal, cattle, horses, 
 cider, and cider brandy, and hoops and shooks were all arti- 
 cles of export. Tlie meal and hoops and shooks, or staves, 
 were carted to New Haven, and thence shipped to tlie West 
 Indies. Hai'tford, Rocky Hill, and Middletown were also 
 shipping points for the produce of this parish, as well as for 
 otlier parts of the town. The few rude tools and articles for 
 domestic use made by hand, and the productions of the 
 farms and forests at that t^me constituted the products of 
 
 * The f oUowiiin- list of articles copied from the account book of James 
 North from entries made in 177.S-17S0, illustrates the variety of things made in 
 his blacksmith's shop. The charges were to "Benj. Heart," "Elijah Heart," 
 James Booth, Lot Stanley, Joseph Mather, Levi Judd, Dr. Smalley, etc., and 
 were for making "augurs, brads, bridle bits, bails, chest locks, compasses, 
 cranks, chisels, crow bars, boxes, bush scythes, grips, hoes, hooks, hinges, 
 knives, keys, pitchforks, shaves, spikes, shovel and tongs, ramrods, spades, 
 staples, steel landside, sleigh irons, wedges," etc. Under repairs were "gun- 
 locks, carts, various tools, sleighs," etc., showing a great variety of work done 
 in a blacksmith's shop. 
 
INDUSTRIES. 265 
 
 New Britain. While Berlin and New Britain were still in- 
 cluded in Farmiiigton, or previous to 1785, the people traded 
 largely in Farmington Street, and the products of the farms 
 and mills were exchanged for foreign goods from the Farm- 
 ington stores. 
 
 Tlie -French and Indian war and the war of the revolu- 
 tion somewhat interrnpted the quiet uniformity of experience 
 in this new society. Several men of the parish served in 
 one or the other of these wars, and the community was called 
 upon to furnish its quota of supplies. The revolutionary 
 war in particular, though taking a number of business men 
 from the society, created an increased demand for grain, 
 flour, meal, cattle and horses, and stimulated production. 
 Connecticut was at that time largely an agricultural colony, 
 and able to contribute of its products both for Massachusetts 
 and New York. New Britain and Kensington shared in this 
 trade. The revolutionary war also increased the price of 
 European goods, and finally cut off the importation of Eng- 
 lish manufactures. 
 
 The value of the industries of these parishes wlien com- 
 pared with those of a single manufacturing city now seems 
 small ; but at that time, when compared with the business 
 of other places in the Connecticut Colony, or in other colo- 
 nies, was considerable. In Farmington, were wholesale 
 stores in which the trade of neighboring parishes was con- 
 ducted, and later, there was at least one wholesale store and 
 a number of retail stores in Berlin, chiefly on Worthington 
 Street. 
 
 When New Britain was incorporated as a society, Farm- 
 ington, of which it was a part, was the third town in popu- 
 lation in Hartford County, and twenty years later, it had 
 become the first town in the county, with an increasing trade 
 and foreign commerce. 
 
 The first distinctive effort to establish a manufacturing 
 industry separate from the few and limited products of the 
 mills and blacksmith's shops, was in the manufacture of tin- 
 ware. This effort was successfully made before the first 
 18 
 
266 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 division of the Kensington Society took place. About 1740, 
 William and Edward Paterson and their sister, Anna, came 
 to this country from the County Tyrone, Ireland. The 
 brothers, William and Edward, began in a small way to 
 import sheet-iron and tin sheets, and to manufacture the 
 latter into tinware, the first made in this country. This 
 manufacture appears to have been begun on West Street, 
 Kensington, later in the Worthington parish, but it was 
 carried on quite early on East Street, in New Britain. 
 
 At the time the manufacture of tinware was begun by the 
 Patersons, vessels and wares of tin were a luxury, and were 
 either sold direct from the shop, or were peddled from 
 baskets carried about the country. As the value of the 
 articles became known, others engaged in the business, and 
 tlie wares were soon scattered over New England and New 
 York, and later, over the Southern States. The business as it 
 increased, led to the employment of hand-carts, then of one- 
 horse wagons, and finally of vehicles drawn by two and four 
 horses, by which the goods were distributed to all the settled 
 portions of the country, the Southern States especially fur- 
 nishing a good market. 
 
 At the shop of the Patersons in Kensington, other young 
 men learned the business, and other shops were established 
 for the manufacture of a variety of goods in tin. Shubael 
 Paterson, a son of Edward, succeeded his father in the 
 business on West Street, and others in the family were 
 engaged in this manufacture. A few years later, Blakesley 
 Barnes had a tin shop further north near where the alms- 
 house was kept in 1888. He had as many as six appren- 
 tices at one time in his shop. There were at different 
 periods a number of other shops in Berlin, in which the 
 manufacture of tinware was conducted. John Dunham and 
 Jolm Goodrich had opened shops nearer the center of Worth- 
 ington parish. John Hubbard, Benjamin Wilcox, and R. 
 Wilcox had similar shops further east, and there were other 
 shops in Berlin, and also in the New Britain society. In 
 Beckley Quarter, Elias Beckley had a shop for making tin- 
 
INDUSTRIES. 267 
 
 ware tools, and Jedediah North, Edward North, and some 
 others had shops for a like purpose in other parts of the 
 town. 
 
 During the war of the revolution, the manufacture of tin- 
 wai'e was suspended, as the tin plates could not be imported, 
 but on" the establishment of communication with Europe, it 
 was resumed, and for several years rapidly increased in 
 extent. It was again interrupted by the war of 1812, but on 
 the return of peace, assumed larger proportions tlian ever 
 before, so that it was said that "ten thousand boxes of tin 
 plates were manufactured into culinary vessels in the town, 
 of Berlin in one year." 
 
 The capital employed was not large, but from some of 
 the shops, from twenty to tliirty persons were employed at a 
 time in selling the wares. There were in 1816-1819, five 
 principal factories in tlie town, with some smaller shops. 
 Prom a portion of the shops the men took their tools to the 
 south in tlie winter, manufacturing and selling goods in that 
 section, returning to the north in the spring to resume work 
 in the shops at home. 
 
 It is somewhat uncertain whether William Paterson ever 
 made tinware in the New Britain parish. He was a resident 
 of the parish for several years after the manufacture was 
 commenced in Berlin, and while in New Britain owned the 
 Rhodes' place on Bast Street, and had a shop near his house. 
 He removed from New Britain about 1760. Three of the 
 sons of Adonijah Lewis, who lived at the south end of East 
 Street near the Berlin line, having learned the tinner's trade,' 
 established shops in the New Britain parisli. Tlie business 
 was at first conducted on East Street by Seth Lewis before 
 1800. A few years later, his brother Erastus Lewis had his 
 tin shop on the west side of Main Street, near where George 
 Hart's house now stands (1889). Another brother, Isaac 
 Lewis, about the same time, established the tin business in 
 Stanley Quarter. 
 
 Thomas Lee, who for a time sold goods for Paterson, and 
 was his agent in Baltimore in 1796-1798, soon afterwards 
 
268 
 
 manufactured tin himself in a shop on West Main Street, 
 New Britain, near the site of Hiclis' J31ock. There were a 
 few other persons engaged in this business, wliicli was then 
 very profitable. 
 
 At the same time that the manufacture of tinware was 
 being conducted, influences were operating which afterwards 
 led to the establisliment of other branches of manufacture, 
 and clianged New Britain from an agricultural to a manu- 
 facturing place. In the blacksmiths' shops, while consid- 
 erable skill had already been shown in making such tools and 
 utensils as were needed in tlie farm and mill work of the 
 place, in a few instances, hand bells, cow bells, harness and 
 slioe buckles, and other simple articles were made. One of 
 the most noted of these shops after the revolutionary war, 
 was that of James Nortii on Main Street. An intelligent 
 and enterprising mechanic himself, early taught to depend 
 upon his own resources, and with a large family of children, 
 he sought to secure for them the means of successful living, 
 and at the same time to benefit the parish where lie had 
 made his liome, by introducing a greater variety of occupa- 
 tions. He saw from the profits derived from the hand-work 
 in his own blacksmith's shop, possibilities of developed indus- 
 tries which might benefit his neighbors as well. He was 
 popular in the community and had little difficulty in enlisting 
 some others in the project. 
 
 He decided to send his oldest son, James, to Stockbridge, 
 Mass., to learn the brass business of Joseph Barton who was 
 considei'ed skillful in the manufacture of articles in this 
 metal. Two of his neighbors, Joseph Booth and Samuel 
 Shipman, sent their sons, Joseph Booth and Joseph Shipman, 
 with James, to Stockbridge, for a similai purpose. The 
 parents of Booth moved to New York State, and their son 
 went there, but North and Shipman, after serving an appi-en- 
 ticeship, returned to New Britain in the latter part of 17 99, 
 and in the spring of 1800 commenced the manufacture of 
 sleigh bells. They at first worked together in a room vacated 
 for tlic purpose, in the " Sugden House," then standing at 
 
INDUSTRIES. 269 
 
 the corner of South Main and Park streets, and owned 
 by James North, Sr. This was probably the first distinc- 
 tive manufacture of metals, excepting tinware, which was 
 conducted in New Britain, entirely separate from the black- 
 smiths' shops. From this humble beginning in a room in a 
 dwelling-house, by these two young men, have arisen the 
 various manufacturing enterprises which have made New 
 Britain noted on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. 
 
 In the autumn of 1800, the success of the business was 
 so well assured that each of the young men, with the advice 
 and aid of his father, set up business by himself. James 
 North, tlie older of the two, continued in the Sngden House, 
 belonging to his father, by whom his capital was furnished ; 
 and Joseph Shipman establislied similar works in one end of 
 his father's joiner's shop on East Main Street. Dr. Smalley, 
 the first minister of the parish, loaned Shipman fifty dollars 
 to commence business, and this constituted his capital. The 
 sleigh bells and other articles in brass were all made by 
 hand. Some were sold in this State, and a part were carried 
 to Bostop, Albany, or elsewhere, on horseback, where they 
 found a ready market. The profits of the business soon 
 enabled Shipman to repay the money borrowed of Dr. 
 Smalley, and to purchase raw material as needed. The 
 burning of liis father's shop was -a temporary interruption, 
 but in 1803 he bought Nathan Booth's homestead on Stanley 
 Street, and soon built near it more extensive shops for his 
 business. 
 
 Seth J. North, a younger brother of James, learned the 
 blacksmith's trade in his father's shop, bi^^ afterwards went 
 into the shop with his brother and assisted in making bells. 
 James soon after removed to Cherry Valley, N. Y., and Seth 
 succeeded to the business in New Britain. He continued for 
 a time in the rooms which had been occupied by liis brother 
 in the Sugden House, and then built shops near, affording 
 more room. The shops of North and Shipman soon became 
 the principal manufactories of brass goods in their line 
 in this country, and the products of these shops were not 
 
270 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 only distributed over New England, but were sent to New 
 York, Philadelphia, and the Southern States. Wagons were 
 fitted out with goods from the shops where brass goods and 
 tinware were manufactured, and the goods were sold directly 
 to the retail dealers or consumers by peddlers or traveling 
 salesmen, who both took orders and delivered the goods, 
 building up a lucrative and important trade in the South and 
 West. Erastus Lewis, after manufacturing tinware for some 
 years on the west side of Main Street, commenced making 
 clock weights and bells, and it was not long before clocks 
 and bells were sold in the Southern and Western States with 
 the brass goods and tinware. Lewis eventually moved 
 his business to Waterbury. 
 
 About 1800, James Booth, Jr., having learned the shoe- 
 maker and tanner's trade, established a tannery on the east 
 side of Main Street, north of the railway, and nearly oppo- 
 site his father's residence. 
 
 The branches of business which had been established 
 in Stanley Quarter and on East Street were continued 
 in those localities for several years, but at the beginning 
 of the present century, business began to concentrate upon 
 Main Street. In 1805-6, Thomas Lee and his brother, Isaac, 
 built the first store in this part of the parish. It was located 
 at the northwest corner of the public square, opposite tlie 
 site of the present post-office. This was the first store 
 in New Britain, west of East Street. 
 
 In 1807, Thomas Lee, Isaac Lee, Scth J. North, Joseph 
 Shipman, and William Smith, formed a company and erected 
 a building near the site of Porter's Block, for the manufac- 
 ture of various kinds of jewelry. This was probably the 
 first manufacturing company with more than two partners in 
 New Britain. The business was continued three or four 
 years, and was then given up and the partnership was dis- 
 solved. 
 
 About 1808, Hezekiah C. Whipple, a jeweler from Provi- 
 dence, R. I., en me to New Britain and occupied a small house 
 on Stanley Street. He commenced work by himself in a 
 
INDUSTRIES. 271 
 
 room in his house, but two or tliree years afterwards had 
 a small shop near the corner of East Main and Stanley 
 streets, in which he made a few silver-plated buckles, cloak 
 clasps, and otlier articles from plated wire. In 1812, Seth 
 J. North and Alvin North formed a partnership with Mr. 
 Whipple, and the firm continued the manufacture of such 
 articles as Whipple had made, and some others. During the 
 war of 1812 the business was quite successful, and several 
 new articles were added to their list. They made the wire by 
 plating copper bars with silver, and drawing into wire, first by 
 hand, and then by horse -power. At first the plated articles 
 were polished by hand, but having learned that a more rapid 
 process was in use in Middletown, it was soon adopted 
 by this firm.* This shop was the beginning of a manufac- 
 turing establishment which, under various names and by 
 different persons, has been continued at the same locality 
 until the present time. 
 
 Jesse Hart, a son of Deacon Elijah Hart, of Kensington 
 Street, having learned the blacksmith's trade, came to the 
 growing village, made his home where the Russell & Erwin 
 building stands, north of the green, and, turning the water 
 of the brook on the rear of his lot, secured a small water- 
 power where the Baptist church is located. He had a black- 
 smith's shop there, in which he used the water-power in 
 forging and finishing knives and forks and other hardware. 
 1 The stream of water then crossed Main Street, and passing 
 southerly, supplied Thomas Lee with water-power, which he 
 employed in the manufacture of coffee-mills, snaps, beads, 
 and other articles of hardware. His shop was on the east 
 
 *AlviQ North went to Middletown to learn what the new process was, but 
 he found that it was held as a secret, and would not he divulged without the 
 pavraeut of money. He paid twenty-five dollars and was then told to "take 
 old woolen stooliiugs, sew up the holes, put in pieces of soap cut small, have a 
 pail o£ warm water, till the stocking with the articles to be polished, then dip in 
 water and ruh the whole between the hands." The process was a simple one, 
 but the company found that it would save the labor of half a dozen girls. They 
 substituted canvas bags for stockings, and these were used until the introduction 
 of the tumbling-barrel. 
 
272 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 side of Main Street, near the site of the First Church. He 
 also had a tannery in the rear and near his 'Shop. 
 
 Norman Woodruff, a brass founder, living on the west 
 side of Main Street, north of the site of the Savings Bank, 
 had a shop at the rear of his house for the manufacture of 
 brass goods. A few rods further soutli, Samuel Booth, a 
 blacksmith, living at the home of his fatlier and grandfather, 
 where the Soutli Church is located, made bureau locks, sad- 
 irons, bellows pipes, and other similar articles. 
 
 Abner Clark married Polly Belden, a daughter of Capt. 
 Jonathan, in 1802. Her father built for them the house on 
 the east side of Main Street, occupied for many years by 
 Charles M. Lewis. In the chambers of this house Mr. Clark 
 carried on saddle and harness making for several years. 
 
 In Stanley Quarter, besides the business already de- 
 scribed, Lot Stanley and his son, Amon, manufactured fur 
 hats which were prized for their appearance and durability. 
 At times, a dozen or more men were employed, and hats 
 made at this shop found a ready market in this State and in 
 New York. In the winter, when a considerable stock of hats 
 had accumulated, Amon Stanley, with his two-horse team, 
 would take a load of hats, and proceeding to Western New 
 York, would sell them readily, and purchase beaver and 
 otiier furs, which were brought home and made into hats for 
 the sales of another season. 
 
 In 1812-1814, til's war with Great Britain, to a great 
 extent, cut off the importation of foreign goods and stimu- 
 lated domestic manufactures. The demand for goods led to 
 the establishment of a number of small shops for making 
 such articles as were required for domestic use, and for a 
 short time these shops were prosperous. After the treaty of 
 peace was promulgated in 1815, and importation from Europe 
 was resumed, these shops were generally closed or used for 
 other purposes, and manufacturing was again restricted to 
 the shops of Seth J. North, Joseph Shipman, and tiie North 
 & Wiiipple company. The almost entire destruction of the 
 commerce of the State by British cruisers, and the blockade. 
 
INDUSTRIES. 273 
 
 the suspension of specie payments by many of the banks 
 during the last year of the war, the general disturbance of 
 the finances, and the heavy debt incurred in carrying on 
 the war, affected all industries, and those of New Britain in 
 common with other parts of the country ; and for a few 
 years it appeared that manufacturing operations would be 
 generally suspended. 
 
 Attention was again directed more exclusively to agricul- 
 ture ; farm products were increased, and were exported in 
 considerable quantities, giving occupation to men and 
 animals. Hay, the various grains, flour and meal, apples, 
 cider, and timber, were sold in Hartford, Middletown, or 
 Farmington ; meal, shocks, and hoops were carted to New 
 Haven and shipped to the West Indies. The place gradu- 
 ally recovered from the effects of the war, and some indus- 
 tries were revived before the close of the decade, 1810-1820. 
 The coopers' shops again became a source of profit. Phine- 
 has Penfield, on the road to Farmington, Ephraim Royce, 
 two miles west of the Center, Selah Hart and Robert Corn- 
 wall, in Hart Quarter, and a few others in other parts of tlie 
 parish, followed the coopers' business actively at least for a 
 portion of the year. At Royce's shop, cedar pails, tubs, and 
 similar articles were made, but in most of the shops the 
 preparation of casks for shipping meal to the West Indies, or 
 of shooks and hoops for export, was the principal business. 
 
 The wool and flax from the farms were converted into 
 yarn and thread, there being spinning-wheels in most house- 
 holds, and hand-looms in some. Aaron Hart, who lived in 
 the south part of Hart Quarter, had tools which had been 
 used by his father for making weavers' reeds, and he used 
 them for the same purpose. A number of individuals from 
 Now Britain were for a few years engaged in peddling, and 
 well-stocked trunks and wagons fitted out from the shops of 
 New Britain, or the stores of Hartford, Berlin, and Farming- 
 ton, were sent into the country around New Britain. Some 
 of these traveling salesmen had valuable collections of 
 goods, and made extended trips to other States. 
 
274 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Moses D. Seymour had a clotliing mill near the bridge on 
 Kensington Stieet. At this mill, and. later in that of Nor- 
 man and Ira Hart, near their home, cloth was made. Otlier 
 local industries were started, and the place was gradually 
 preparing for tlie changes which followed in the next decade. 
 
 About 1820, there was a general revival of business in 
 the country. The adoption of the State constitution in 1818, 
 securing the extension of suffrage, and the voluntary support 
 of religion ; the admission into the Union of several new 
 States,* and the adoption of a tariff, to protect domestic 
 manufactures, may have contributed to this result. In New 
 Britain some of the old shops which had been closed were 
 reopened, and new buildings were erected. The few shops 
 in which manufacturing had been carried on for a number of 
 years without interruption were enlarged or improved, but 
 the progress, was slow, and it was not until near the close of 
 the decade that New Britain became distinctively a manufac- 
 turing village. Already a number of articles had been made 
 for export, and goods from New Britain had found a market 
 in many of the large towns of the country. 
 
 The shops of Seth J. North and Joseph Shipman, which 
 at first occupied but a few square feet, became a series of 
 founderies and finishing shops, in which sleigh bells, and 
 other articles in brass were cast and polished by hand or the 
 foot lathe. Mr. North and Mr. Shipman were both accus- 
 tomed to take their goods to market in New York and 
 Boston with their own two-horse wagons, returning with the 
 raw material or with groceries and other goods. Their shops 
 would seem small in comparison with the manufactories of 
 the present time, but at that time, they had an important 
 place in the industries of the parish. In these shops, a 
 number of young men were trained and fitted for business 
 who afterwards had shops of their own, or held important 
 positions in other larger establishments. 
 
 Tiiomas Lee, after the death of his brother, Isaac, in 
 
 *Inaiaiia was admitted in 1S16; Mississippi in 1817; Illinois in 1818; 
 Alabama in 1819 ; Maine in 1820, and Missouri in 1821. 
 
INDUSTRIES. 275 
 
 1818, had his son, L. P. Lee, associated with him, and they 
 were engaged in making buttons, curb cliains, snaps, hoolfs, 
 and rings, etc. They used seven different sizes of wire, sonae 
 of which cost one dolla,r per pound. They were also engaged 
 in the bead business, and in malcing hooI?;s and eyes. The 
 glass bead business was prosecuted with success about 1823 
 to 1825. The beads were strung into necklaces, bracelets, 
 and dress trimming, chiefly by women and girls. The lace 
 business was carried on in Stanley Quarter by Thomas 
 Stanley and others. The plating business, first established 
 by North & Whipple, had passed into the hands of Alvin and 
 Seth J. North, and had been increased in variety and amount, 
 until it included most of the articles made by the Lees and 
 a few others. 
 
 The manufacture of tinware, which had been introduced 
 by the Patersons, and which became an important industry 
 in the parish, was still continued on East Street and on the 
 west side of Main Street. Several smaller shops were 
 opened in which hand-bells, andirons, shovels, and tongs, 
 bellows-pipes, snuffers and snuffer-trays, carria'ge knobs, 
 coffee-mills, and similar articles were made. 
 
 A branch of business which was essentially a New 
 Britain enterprise, and was more fully developed a few years 
 later, was introduced in the early part of this decade. In the 
 shops of the Norths, where plated wire was made into clasps, 
 rings, and hooks, for men's clothing, there was begun the 
 manufacture of hooks and eyes for women's clothing. At 
 first, the wire was imported from Europe, drawn out by hand 
 until of the proper size, and then cut into the requisite 
 length, and formed into hooks and eyes. This last part of 
 the work was performed by women and girls, many of whom 
 took the wire to their homes, and by the aid of pliers pro- 
 duced the proper form. The first machine used in the 
 manufacture of hooks and eyes was constructed about 1830, 
 by Levi Lincoln of Hartford, to the order of Henry North. 
 This machine operated so well that others were made for the 
 same purpose. The original machines were improved by 
 
276 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Messrs. Lamb of Eerlin, and Ira Callendar and Thomas 
 Tracy of New Britain, until they reached such perfection as 
 to be nearly automatic. The silvered goods were made from 
 brass wire coated with pure silver. Henry North, Alvin 
 North, Seth J. North, Thomas Lee, Isaac Lee, and L. P. 
 Lee & Co., were all engaged in this manufacture, but about 
 1848, the entire business passed into the hands of Seth J. 
 North & Co., afterwards North & Stanley, and North, Stan- 
 ley & Co. These firms introduced improved machinery, 
 erected new buildings, and hooks and eyes were manufac- 
 tured in large quantities for an extended market. The prin- 
 cipal building occupied by North, Stanley & Co. was on the 
 south side of Park Street, and in 1889 was one of the build- 
 ings owned and occupied by P. & F. Corbin. 
 
 After the death of Seth J. North, the business was con- 
 tinued "by his son, Frederick H. North, and Oliver Stanley. 
 Tlie machines had been improved until a single machine 
 would talce the wire from the reel, cut it into suitable pieces, 
 and.form into complete shape ninety hooks or one hundred 
 and twenty eyes, in a minute ; and fifteen of these machines 
 in one room could be watched and superintended by a single 
 operator. Tlie hooks and eyes when finislied were fastened 
 to cards, usually by women, in New Britain and surrounding 
 towns. This work was sent as far as Simsbury and Canton, 
 to be performed by women at their homes. At one time 
 more than twenty girls were employed at the factory in 
 making paper boxes in whicli the goods were packed for 
 shipment. During the civil war, nineteen of the hook and 
 eye machines were at one time employed upon military goods. 
 The substitution of buttons for hooks and eyes led to the 
 closing up of tlie business, as there was no longer market for 
 the production. 
 
 The manufacture of fine jewelry in New Britain dates 
 from about 1S20, when William B. North, the youngest son 
 of James North, having learned the jewelry business in Hart- 
 ford, came to New Britain and commenced the manufacture 
 of jewelry. After the death of Rev.' Newton Skinner in 
 
INDUSTRIES. 277 
 
 1825, Mr. North bouglit the Abiier Clark place, which had 
 belonged to Mr. Skinner, and erected a shop south of it, on 
 the site of the Rockwell place, at the junction of Main and 
 Elm streets. Here he continued the manufacture of jewelry 
 for a few years, and then moved his shop to the north of his 
 house. William A. Churchill learned the jewelers' trade in 
 Mr. North's shop^ and in 1831 was admitted into partnership 
 with him. The firm then became North & Churchill, and 
 was soon distinguished for the excellence of its Work. The 
 partnership of North & Churchill was continued until the 
 death of Mr. Nortli in 1848. Soon -after this occurrence, Mr. 
 Cluirchill admitted into business with him James Stanley, a 
 former apprentice, and the firm became Churchill ct Stanley. 
 In a few months after, D. C. Pond became a partner, and the 
 firm was changed to Churchill, Stanley & Co. Charles M. 
 Lewis, another apprentice of William B. North, after work- 
 ing as journeyman in the shop of North & Churchill, 
 formed a partnership with Charles A. Warner for prosecut- 
 ing the jewelry business. They worked at first in a room in 
 Mr. Warn^i-'s house on the east side of South Main Street; 
 but this being too contracted, they removed to a small shop 
 back of Mr. Warner's house. About 1848, they built a 
 larger shop north of Mr. Lewis's house, and increased their 
 business. A few years later these two firms were merged 
 into one, with the place of business on the west side of the 
 street. 
 
 The business at the corner of East Main and Stanley 
 streets had also changed hands. Soon after the close of 
 the war of 1812, Alvin North bought out the other partners, 
 continuing the manufacture of wire, and, from this wire, 
 making rings, clasps, hooks, etc. Henry Stanley was in com- 
 pany with him for a short time, 1827-1829. About 1830, 
 Orrin S. North, the eldest son of Alvin, went into part- 
 nership with his father, the firm becoming A. North & 
 Son. Horace Butler commenced work for Mr. North about 
 1822, and after a time had an interest in the business as one 
 of the partners. 0. S. North, after some, years, withdrew, 
 and the firm became North & Butler. In 1846 Mr. Butler 
 
278 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 bought out a portion of the business and established a 
 separate sliop a few rods north on the west side of Stanley 
 Street. He continued business here as H. Butler, H. Butler 
 & Co., or H. Butler & Sons, until his death in 1870, when it 
 passed into the hands of A. E. Taylor and others, and be- 
 came the Taylor Manufacturing Company. One branch of 
 the business was continued at the old shop by Alvin North, 
 who had associated with him his son, 0. B. North, and after- 
 wards Hubert North under the name of A. North & Son. 
 
 Oliver B. North, who was for a time in company with his 
 father, bought Judd's mills with the water power, and at that 
 place made knobs, bitts, and other articles. In 1^52, he built 
 a larger shop near, which was burned in 1863. He after- 
 wards removed to New Haven. 
 
 The brass business which for many years had been almost 
 exclusively in the hands of Seth J. North and Joseph Ship- 
 man & Sons, was, from 1820 or 1825, carried on also in other 
 shops, some of them small, with a few specialties, and others 
 of considerable extent, employing twenty or twenty-five 
 hands, and including, besides the manufacture o* articles of 
 brass, those of otiier metals. Among the shops of this kind 
 were those of James North, Jr., Cyrus Booth, Norman 
 Woodruff, Samuel Booth, William H. Smith, and Chauncey 
 Cornwell, on Main and South Main streets ; Josiah Dewey 
 on East Main Street ; Cyrus Stanley in Stanley Quarter, and 
 Cyrus Stanley and Ira Stanley near the bridge on Kensing- 
 ton Street. A few years later, other shops were started and 
 a greater variety of goods was made. About 1829, Seth J. 
 North, William H. Smith, and Henry Stanley formed a 
 partnership for the manufacture of hardware, and built a 
 shop somewhat larger than had been erected before in New 
 Britain, on the east side of South Main Street, near the 
 present terminus of Pearl Street. The little machiueiy that 
 was used was run by horse-power, probably the first use of 
 this power for manufacturing purposes in New Britain. 
 Mineral coal for melting brass and iron was first used in this 
 shop about 1831. 
 
INDUSTRIES. 279 
 
 After Elm Street had been opened, S. J. North con- 
 structed a canal to take the water from the brook which 
 crossed Main Street to the fornier street, where lie secured 
 water-power and erected the first brick manufactory in New 
 Britain. This building, was occupied by Seth J. North, John 
 Stanley, and Henry Stanley, the firm being North & Stanley, 
 and then North, Stanley & Co. 
 
 The firm which had prosecuted the hardware business 
 near the present corner of South Main and Pearl streets 
 was dissolved, Seth J. North and Henry Stanley transferring 
 their interests to the new building of North & Stanley, and 
 William H. Smith going into business in shops which lie 
 built nearly opposite his house on the west side of South 
 Main Street. The building on the east side of the street, 
 which was vacated by the North, Smith & Stanley Co., was 
 soon after occupied by a new company consisting of William 
 H. Bclden, I. N. Lee, and C. B. Erwin, who formed a part- 
 nership, under the firm name of William H. Belden & Co., 
 for manufacturing hardware. Mr. Lee soon after bought 
 Mr. Erwin's interest, and the business was continued by Mr. 
 Belden and Mr. Lee, until the shop was burned in 1841. 
 
 Tiie store of the Lees opposite East Main Street, and of 
 0. R. Burnham & Co., were the only stores in the parish in 
 1825. A few years later, the store of 0. R. Burnham ct Co. 
 was moved to the corner of Main and South Main streets 
 and kept by Charles Stanley. Frederic T. Stanley and Cur- 
 tis Whaples opened the store on the site of Booth's Block 
 on the east side of Main Street in 1829, a room over the 
 rear of the store being occupied by F. A. Hart & Co. in the 
 manufacture of suspenders. F. T. Stanley was interested in 
 this business, furnishing a part of the capital.* In a few 
 years, F. T. Stanley sold out his interest both in the store 
 and shop, and engaged in the manufacture of hardware. Mr. 
 
 * When Andrew Jackson became President of the United States, Mr. Stanley 
 sent him a pair of suspenders finished in this shop as a sample of what could he 
 done in this department of manufacturing in this country. The President wrote 
 an autograph letter to Mr. Stanley, commending the workmanship and acknowl- 
 edging the gift. 
 
280 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Whaples continued the store, having as partners I. N. Lee, 
 Messrs. Fuller and Ward, who had a shop in the rear of the 
 store, and finally 0. C. Stanley. After the suspender busi- 
 ness was given up by P. A. Hart & Co., Curtis Whaples and 
 I. N. Lee occupied the rooms in the manufacture of stocks. 
 
 Li 1835 William Bingham and Charles Stanley were 
 admitted to this firm, forming a partnership for three years 
 for carrying on the business. At the expiration of that 
 time, I. N. Lee bought out the other partners and removed 
 the business to the rear of his house on North Main Street, 
 Mr. Whaples carrying on business with Mr. Winchester 
 in the rooms vacated. Mr. Bingham was also in this liusi- 
 ness with Stephen Strickland for a short time, and then 
 worked at it at his home. Seth J. North and John Stanley 
 were engaged in the stock business for several years, first in 
 a room over the south store, and afterwards in the upper 
 story of their new building on Elm Street. 
 
 The firms of Clapp & Hale and Parker & Co. were also 
 engaged in making stocks when the business in New Britain 
 was prosperous. In most of the shops there were usually two 
 or three men and a number of girls employed. A part 
 of the work was performed by women at their homes ; tiie 
 material having been cut in proper form at the shops, was 
 sent to families in New Britain and in towns around as 
 far as Canton and Avon to be finished. This business was, 
 for a few years, an important industry for New Britain, but 
 was given up about 1840. 
 
 Before the stock business was suspended a partnership 
 consisting of I. N. Lee and W. A. Churchill of New Britain, 
 and John Covvles and Prank Cowles of Parmington, was 
 formed for manufacturing pins in a shop on the east side of 
 North Main Street. The business did not prove successful, 
 but the shop was occupied by L N. Lee, then by I. N. Lee & 
 Co., and afterwards by I. N. Lee, in the manufacture of 
 shirts. This business was taken up partly to take the place 
 of the stock business when that was given up. The cus- 
 tomers who had bought stocks of New Britain manufacturers 
 
INDUSTRIES. 281 
 
 urged these manufacturers to also supply the trade with 
 ready-made shirts, and the business became an important 
 industry in New Britain, the principal establishments being 
 I. N. Lee & Co., Julius Parker & Son, and William Bingham. 
 
 About 1830, William B. Stanley, Henry W. Clark, and 
 Lora Waters commenced the manufacture of machinery on 
 the east side of Main Street, north of the present railway 
 crossing. Waters was a practical machinist, and the com- 
 pany made machinery for the shops in New Britain and 
 vicinity, and also fitted out a cotton factory in Vermont. 
 When the works had been running about a year, Frederick 
 T. Stanley bought out the company and commenced the 
 manufacture of door-idcks and house trimmings. Soon after 
 he took his brother, William B. Stanley, into partnership 
 with him ; the business was extended, and in 1832 a steam- 
 engine was introduced and run by Westell Russell as engineer. 
 This was the first use of steam as a motive power in New 
 Britain. At that time the parish had no railway facilities, 
 and all the coal used was carted from the docks at Hartford 
 or Middletown. The business was continued in this place 
 until 1837, when it was transferred to the shops of Stanley, 
 Woodruff & Co. 
 
 In 1836, Cornelius B. Erwin, George Lewis, and William 
 H. Smith, entered into partnership under the name of Erwin, 
 Lewis & Co., Mr. Smith being the silent partner and furnish- 
 ing most of the capital. For a few years the firm carried on 
 the business of manufacturing small articles of hardware, 
 and was located at the rear of the present site of the New 
 Britain Savings Bank. There were a few other shops in 
 which hardware was manufactured between 1830 and 1837, 
 but most of these were closed by the financial panic of 1837. 
 
 0. R. Burnham, after giving up his store on Main Street, 
 built a three-story shop on Elm Street, north of the site 
 which has recently been occupied by the Brand Manufactur- 
 ing Company, and had Messrs. Avery and Babcock associated 
 with him in business. They made silk hats, and later, fringe 
 dress ornaments and similar articles, but the business was 
 19 
 
284 
 
 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 ing this enterprise, George M. Landers, on East Main Street, 
 was beginning a business in the manufacture of hat and 
 coat hooks, which has been developed and extended into the 
 corporation of Landers, Frary & Clark. 
 
 A few years later, Philip Corbin and Frank Corbin, on 
 South Stanley Street, established a business which, though 
 limited at first, has grown with the growth of the place, and 
 
 FIRST OR ORIGINAL BUILDING OF THE RUSSfLL & ERWIN MANU- 
 FACTURING COMPANY. 
 
 the firm of P. & F. Corbin, since removing to Park Street, 
 has become one of the leading hardware manufacturing 
 companies of the country. These four large hardware com- 
 panies, which were started between 1837 and 1850, have 
 contributed largely to the business interests of New Britain. 
 There were, during this time, several other small manufac- 
 turing establishments started, some of which were suc- 
 cessful. 
 
Cf J^^^/tu^Ly 
 
 KryUy EB Bella Sms, Nj 
 
INDUSTRIES. 285 
 
 The establishment of the New Britain Knitting Company, 
 in 1848, introduced a new department of manufactures into 
 New Britain, which provided employment for a different class 
 of operatives than those required in the hardware manufac- 
 tories. Nearly all of the other manufacturing companies 
 which have been successful have been started since New 
 Britain became a town. 
 
 In 1850, when New Britain ceased to be a parish or 
 society in the old town of Berlin, and became itself, in law, 
 the town of wliich it before was but a part, a few leading 
 industries had become firmly established. The fostering 
 care which they received, under the impulse given by the 
 incorporation of the town, led to their further development. 
 
 When the assessment list was made up the year following 
 the division of the town, there were in the place sixty-eight 
 mills, manufactories, stores, or business places of some kind, 
 of which twenty-three were assessed as having invested two 
 thousand dollars or more, viz. : Russell & Erwin Manufac- 
 'turing Company, New Britain Knitting Company, North & 
 Company, 0. B. North & Company, A. North & Son, Butler 
 & Sons, Peck & Walter, Churchill & Stanley, Strickland it 
 Miller, Loomis, Smith & Company, Anderson & Ailing, Hub- 
 bard & Kellogg, Northrop & Lathrop, Bailey & Collins, P. T. 
 Stanley, G. M. Landers, Thomas Hall, I. N. Lee, C. L. Bald- 
 win, James Thompson, Henry North, Julius Parker, and 
 A. L. Finch. This list includes a few mercantile firms and 
 one lumber business, but most of the names were of 
 manufacturing companies. There were a few other shops 
 where the amount invested was less than $2,000. 
 
 In 1888, there were one hundred and seventy-six mills, 
 manufactories, and stores, with an assessed valuation of 
 $1,693,900 ; and at that time there was assessed as invested 
 in mechanical operations, $1,090,250, and as employed in 
 merchandise and trade, $270,789. 
 
 In the present town of Berlin, including that part of the 
 Great Swamp Society which was afterwards in the Kensing- 
 ton and Worthington societies, some of the earliest mechani- 
 
286 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 cal. industries were developed which were to be found in 
 either of the three societies which formed the original town 
 of Berlin. 
 
 One of the oldest mills in the Kensington Society was 
 the Bronson mill, located on the site of the principal shop 
 lately occupied by the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Company, on 
 Mill River, about a half mile southwest of the Berlin rail 
 way station. Samuel Bronson, the owner of this mill, fur- 
 nished sawed lumber for the first meeting-house built at 
 Christian Lane in 1710, and when this meeting-house was 
 seated in 1716, he was known as " Samuel Bronson, miller," 
 and was seated in the " first seat in the square body." He 
 also furnished sawed timber for the second meeting-house 
 built in 1732-83. At this mill-site there was a saw-mill and 
 also a grist-mill. These were probably the oldest mills 
 in the Great Swamp Society. 
 
 About a mile further up Mill River, and about a Iialf 
 mile west of the Congregational Church, in Kensington, was 
 a grist-mill owned by Solomon Winchell and known as 
 " Winchell's grist-mill." This mill was in use the latter part 
 of the last century. There was a carding-mill connected 
 with it. The grist-mills were at first used to grind the corn 
 and other grain for farmers in the vicinity, but they were 
 afterwards employed also in preparing kiln-dried meal for the. 
 West India market. The "Winchell mill" was sometimes 
 called the " Percival mill," half of it having been owned 
 by Doctor Percival. In 1801, Roswell Moore bought 
 Winchell's half of the mill for two hundred and fifty pounds, 
 and in 1817 it was wholly in the possession of R. Moore & 
 Sons, by whom it was improved. 
 
 A few years later this mill was burned, but was rebuilt, 
 and to the mill for custom work, a kiln-dry and oil-mill was 
 added. The kiln-dried meal was usually sent to Middletown 
 or New Haven by teams and then shipped to the West Indies. 
 Linseed oil was made from the flax raised in the vicinity. 
 This property, which was the upper or highest mill privilege 
 on this stream, was situated on the west side of the road 
 
INDUSTRIES. 287 
 
 ■wliicli leads from New Britain to Meriden or Soulbington. 
 It was for more than half a century in the Moore family, and 
 was known as " Moore's mills." On the south side of the 
 stream a saw-mill was built in 1831. This was destroyed in 
 1865, and the same year Moore's grist-mill and privilege were 
 sold to the Hart, Bliven & Mead Co. This firm occupied the 
 premises in the manufacture of edge tools, until their sus- 
 pension in 1879, when their successors, the Peck, Stow & 
 Wilcox Co., took possession of the premises, continued the 
 business for two or three years, and then removed the 
 machinery to Southington. The mill was afterwards burned 
 and has not been rebuilt. 
 
 About forty rods below these mills another mill was built 
 by E. Moore &, Sons, as early as 1825, for the manufacture 
 of kiln-dried meal, but it was soon after used for grinding 
 cement, which was quarried and burned in Southington, near 
 the town line. The cement business was continued at this 
 place with profit for more than thirty years. In 1865, the 
 property was bought by the Moore Manufacturing Company, 
 and employed in the manufacture of steelyards and floral 
 tools until about 1879, when the business was practically 
 closed. The building has been used as a cold storage, or 
 retarding house, for several years. 
 
 A little below the last-mentioned building and about 
 opposite the old lead mine, there was formerly a fulling-mill, 
 probably built by the Percival family about 1800. A part of 
 the old dam still remains, but the building has been gone for 
 fifty years or more. About fifty rods below this site, on the 
 west bank of the stream, was a tannery, built and owned by 
 Seth Dickinson, who also had a shoemaker's shop near. 
 The tannery was run by horse-power, so far as machinery 
 was used. The business was given up and the building 
 removed and converted into a dwelling-house more than forty 
 years ago. 
 
 The Bronson mill, further down the stream, which has 
 already been described as one of the oldest mills in the town, 
 was bought by R. Moore & Sons about 1836.. This purchase 
 
288 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 gave this company control of all the mill privileges then 
 existing on Mill River. They built at the last-mentioned 
 mill-site a new dam of stone and cement, which was one 
 of the first of the kind built, and one of the best in the 
 country. This property and mill privilege was, in 1842, 
 rented by Jonathan T. Hart, who used it in the manufacture 
 of brass goods. A few years later it was bought by a 
 Mr. Sanford. He erected a woolen-mill, but failing in busi- 
 ness, the mill passed into the hands of a joint stock com- 
 pany, which, for a few years, carried on the manufacture of 
 woolen goods. The business was then discontinued, and the 
 propei'ty was sold to the Hart Manufacturing Company and 
 converted into a shop for the manufacture of hardware. 
 
 A little more than a quarter of a mile below, on the same 
 stream, and on the road to the railway depot, the only 
 remaining factory on Mill River was erected before 1840, 
 for the manufacture of German silver spoons. This enter- 
 prise was a failure, but the building now known as " the 
 lower shop" was used as a wheel shop, then for shredding 
 and winding rubber, and finally for spinning silk. Milo 
 Hotchkiss had a saw-mill on the premises for a time. The 
 privilege was afterwards sold to J. T. Hart, and the prop- 
 erty passed to the Hart Manufacturing Company. It was 
 then owned by the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Company, and used 
 for the manufacture of brass goods until 1888. 
 
 On the east branch of the Carnelles stream, sometimes 
 known as the " Stocking Brook," there was formerly a tan- 
 nery, the business being conducted by William Stocking & 
 Son, in the early part of this century. Further up on the 
 same branch were two saw-mills, one built by Edward Peck, 
 and the other by Isaac Botsford. The latter mill was after- 
 wards converted into a shop for the manufacture of tin 
 buttons and other small articles. On the Carnelles streamr, 
 there was a saw-mill built by Hezekiah Judd, but it was used 
 only a short time. 
 
 About forty years ago, Kellogg Warner built a saw-mill 
 near Panther Swamp on the west mountains. It was soon 
 
INDUSTEIES. 289 
 
 abandoned, however, probably from lack of water. When 
 the railway station was located in its present position, the 
 old Berlin depot, half a mile south, was bought by D. C. 
 Spencer, moved to a site near his house, and for several 
 years used for the manufacture of wheels by the aid of steam 
 power. Since the removal of the machinery and business of 
 the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Company in 1888, there has been 
 very little manufacturing in Kensington. Attention has of 
 late been given more exclusively to agriculture, and the rais- 
 ing of fruit for market. The Connecticut Valley Orchard 
 Company has an orchard of several thousand trees, the 
 greater portion peach trees, in the south part of the town. 
 R. Moore and some others have cultivated the smaller fruits 
 ■quite successfully. 
 
 The origin and history of the early manufacture of tin in 
 the Worthington parish have already been noted. There 
 were in this parish several mills for sawing lumber and 
 grinding grain into flour and meal at an early date. One of 
 the most important of the grist-mills was on the Mattabesett 
 River, in the present limits of East Berlin. At this mill 
 and also at Blair's on Belcher's Brook, in the south part of 
 the parish, in addition to the custom work for farmers in the 
 vicinity, kiln-dried corn meal was prepared for the West 
 India market, and usually sent to Middletown for shipment. 
 The mill in Beckley Quarter was in Wethersfield until Berlin 
 was incorporated as a town in 1785. These mills and the 
 saw-mills in the south part of the parish were occupied 
 principally in supplying the local needs of the parish, but the 
 latter also prepared lumber for export. There was a carding- 
 mill in the southern part of the town, and another at East 
 Berlin. John Dunham and Seth Savage had each a tannery, 
 and some others had arrangements for tanning the leather 
 used in their own shoemaker's shops. There was a distillery 
 in Beckley Quarter, and another nearer the center of the 
 parish. 
 
 Quite early in the history of tiiis parish, Shubael Pater- 
 son, a sou of Edward Patersou, the tinman, after conducting 
 
290 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 the tin business near his father's shop for several years, 
 engaged in the manufacture of fur goods, making muffs and 
 other articles at his shop on West Street. Afterwards he 
 went into partnership with Benjamin Wilcox, and manu- 
 factured cotton-yarn in a shop in the eastern part of the 
 society. The yarn was spun at the shop, and then taken to 
 private houses where it was woven into cloth on hand-looms, 
 principally by women. Elishama Brandagee made spool 
 cotton at Blair's mills. There was also at this locality a 
 manufactory of agricultural tools, such as hoes, iron rakes, 
 etc., but the mill was burned and the business given up. 
 
 In the.s-outh part of the Worthington parish, on another 
 branch of the Mattabesett River, Simeon North had a pistol 
 factory, which was continued until the water in the stream 
 was insufficient, and the business was then removed to Stad- 
 dle Hill, Middletown. Elisha Cheney,, a brother-in-law of 
 Mr. North, made screws for the pistols until the business 
 was removed to Middletown, and he then engaged in the 
 manufacture of clocks, making at first tall, cased clocks, 
 and afterwards mantel clocks. In the eastern part of the 
 town, Levi North, in the early part of this century, made 
 scythes, by hand, which were noted for their excellence. A 
 few years later, Jedediah North made tinner's tools and 
 machines in the same locality. The shops afterwards passed 
 into the hands of Franklin Roys, S. C. Wilcox, and others, 
 and the business was continued by the Roys & Wilcox Com- 
 pany. In 1870, the business and premises became the prop- 
 erty of the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Company, which continued 
 the manufacture of tinner's tools and employed more than 
 one hundred hands at this place. 
 
 Franklin Roys also founded near the establishment last 
 mentioned, in Bast Berlin, a shop for the manufacture of 
 corrugated iron fire-proof shutters, doors, and metal covering 
 for buildings. The business increased in volume, and was 
 conducted by " The Metallic Corrugated Shingle Co.," and 
 then under the name of " The Corrugated Metal Co." until it 
 passed into the hands of the Berlin Iron Bridge Company in 
 1870. 
 
INDUSTRIES. 291 
 
 Elias Beckley for a time had a shop in Beckley Quarter for 
 the manufacture of tinman's tools ; and there were a few 
 other small shops for making small articles. 
 
 After the organization of Berlin as a distinct towJi, trade 
 centered largely in the Worthington Society. The stores of 
 Elishama Brandagee, Elisha Edwards, Beckley & Shipman, 
 Loveland, Alfred North, Henry Galpin, and others, were 
 popular, and some of them had a large custom, not only from 
 the parishes of Berlin, but from surrounding towns. Con- 
 siderable of the trade was barter, exchanging dry goods and 
 groceries for the products of the farm. 
 
 While the construction of the Farmington canal, 
 chartered in 1822, did not bring to the old parish the com- 
 mercial advantages which had been expected, by placing 
 Unionville in connection with canal navigation, it brought 
 to this village facilities which were improved to its rapid 
 growth and business importance. In 1830 the Farmington 
 River Manufactui-ing Company was chartered, with a capital 
 of two hundred thousand dollars, the incorporators being 
 James Cowles, Thomas Youngs, John T. Norton, and Abner 
 Bidwell. Mr. Youngs sold out his interest to the other 
 incorporators, who proceeded to construct a dam and canal. 
 About the same time James Cowles and Augustus Cowles 
 built a store, and a wharf was built on the river, back of the 
 store, for the convenience of loading and unloading boats on 
 the canal. In 1832, a factory for making patent wood screws 
 was erected, and in 1833, " The Patent Wood Screw Manu- 
 facturing Company " was incorporated by the General 
 Assembly, and, from about this date, manufacturing business 
 was well established in Unionville. 
 
 Screws were made for a time by Sherman Pierpont and 
 Elisha ToUes, but after about three years the business was 
 abandoned and the building was employed for the manu- 
 facture of clocks, spoons, oyster tongs, rivets, and other 
 small articles. 
 
 Between 1835 and 1837, the manufacture of saws was 
 carried on by L. R. Graves and others, and clocks were made 
 by Seymour, Williams & Porter. 
 
292 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 In 1837, Rufus Stone and E. K. Hamilton prejoared for 
 the manufacture of paper by leasing land and power for that 
 purpose. Afterwards a partnership, under the title of Stone 
 & Carrington, conducted the business until in 1848 it was 
 sold to William Platner and Samuel Q. Porter. The new 
 firm of Platner & Porter enlarged the business, erected new 
 mills, and became so successful that in 1860 the Platner & 
 Porter Manufacturing Company was organized under the 
 laws of the State, and the manufacture of a high grade 
 of book and writing papers was conducted by this company. 
 
 The manufacture of mincing knives, screw-drivers, and 
 other articles of hardware was conducted for a time by 
 David A. Keyes, but the business was subsequently removed 
 to Bridgeport. 
 
 The water-power was increased by James Cowles, James 
 L. Cowles, and others, by the building of new dams and 
 enlarging the canal and head-gates. For many years the 
 water-power was leased to the individuals and cojupanies 
 that used it, but in 1877 the reservoirs, dams, canals, etc., 
 forming the water-power, were bought by those using it, and 
 the Union Water-Power Company was formed. The power 
 was then increased by further improvements. 
 
 Furniture was made in the factory near tlie bridge as 
 early as 1844, and for several years following. 
 
 The manufacture of nuts and bolts, begun by Dwight 
 Langdon in 1857, after his death passed into the hands of 
 Andrew S. Upson and George Dunham. These gentlemen 
 having possession of an important invention for the manu- 
 facture of nuts, were able to increase the business, and 
 in 1864 the Union Nut Company was organized. Under this 
 title and that of the Upson Nut Company organized Janu- 
 ary, 1883, the business has been greatly enlarged and become 
 one of the most prosperous in Unionville. The capital of 
 the Upson Nut Company is 1300,000. Andrew S. Upson is 
 president and Samuel Frisbie secretary. 
 
 A turning shop, built in 1864, and occupied for a time by 
 John N. Bunnell, afterwards became the manufactory of the 
 
INDUSTRIES. 293 
 
 Standard Rule Company, organized in 1872, for making rules 
 and levels. The business subsequently passed into the 
 hands of the Upson Nut Company. The Ripley Manufac- 
 turing Company, organized in 1872, besides occupying the 
 old screw shop, have added a brick building, in which they 
 manufacture paper. 
 
 The paper business has also been carried on by some 
 other firms than those already mentioned. The Meach & 
 Hart Cutlery Company, now the Upson & Hart Com- 
 pany, make table cutlery. These various branches of busi- 
 ness, with, perhaps, a few not mentioned, have conspired to 
 make Unionville a thrifty manufacturing village. 
 
 There have been other industries, some of which have 
 been successful, but which cannot be described without 
 taking more space than can be allotted to this topic. 
 
 In New Britain the multiplication of stores, and the in- 
 crease in the variety and amount of merchandise sold ; the 
 erection of business blocks ; the capital invested and the 
 labor employed in market gardening, in raising fruits, 
 and in farming generally; the development of special in- 
 dustries, the success in professional life, and other matters 
 intimately connected with present industrial development, 
 might occupy several chapters, but they do not come directly 
 within the scope of this work. The history of the prin- 
 cipal manufacturing companies and other associations doing 
 business under national or State laws will be given in another 
 chapter. 
 
CHAPTER XV. 
 
 SOCIAL LIFE AND CUSTOMS IN EARLY TEAKS. 
 
 FOR many years after the first settlements of Farming- 
 ton, New Britain, and Berlin were made, society was, 
 to a great extent, homogeneous. The people, generally, were 
 engaged in similar pursuits, and to a considerable extent had 
 common aims. The differences in estates were much less 
 than at the present time. The modes of living of different 
 households were similar, modified by the peculiar circum- 
 stances of each. There were some distinctions in society, it 
 is true, depending partly upon ancestry, but more upon civil 
 or military office, or position, or upon those qualities of mind 
 which fit for leadership. 
 
 There were in all of the different parishes a. few acknowl- 
 edged leaders to whom deference was paid, and who were 
 expected, as a matter of course, to fill the principail offices, 
 or represent the town in the General Court. Theif position 
 was indicated partly by di-ess and other environment, and 
 partly by mSnner and general bearing. Distinctions were 
 recognized in seating meeting-houses, in precedence at social 
 gatherings and elsewhere, but there was less of classification 
 than in older communities. Rev. Samuel Hooker, Col. Fisher 
 Gay, and Gov. John Treadwell, in Farmington, Gen. Selah 
 Hart of Kensington, and Dr. John Smalley and Col. Isaac 
 Lee of New Britain, were notables in their time. It is said 
 of the two latter, that whenever they passed where children 
 were at play, the play would be stopped, and the boys would 
 make profound obeisance. The women of the leading fami- 
 lies were also distinguished for dignity and courtesy. 
 
 Labor was not considered degrading, and all classes and 
 nearly every individual in health had some definite work to 
 which attention was given. In large families, as the chil- 
 
SOCIAL LIFE AND CUSTOMS IN EARLY YEARS. 295 
 
 dren grew up, each child was assigned to some special ser- 
 vice on the farm or in the household, and all were expected 
 to aid in contributing to the welfare and comfort of the 
 family, or to the acquisition of property. The custom of 
 engaging in some manual labor was so general that men in 
 the learned professions frequently employed a portion of the 
 time in the care of a garden or farm. Dr. Smalley and Mr. 
 Skinner, the first ministers of New Britain, had farms which 
 they cultivated with profit, working themselves with their 
 hired men. The firsb lawyers and physicians of the place 
 also had gardens or farms, which received part of their at- 
 tention. 
 
 Young women assisted in household work or in the care of 
 children, or if their services were not needed in these duties, 
 they would engage in such work as could be readily per- 
 formed at their homes. After mechanical industries were 
 introduced, many young women were at work upon lace or 
 bead work, forming hooks and eyes, or doing some part of 
 other light manufacturing, which brought them a small in- 
 come. 
 
 The clothing was adapted to the circumstances of the 
 people, and much of it was made in the family. Sheep were 
 kept on the farms, the wool was carded and spun, and the 
 yarn sometimes woven into cloth at home. * Flannel was 
 made into dresses, underclothing, or sheets, or sent to the 
 fulling-mill to be changed into fulled cloth for winter gar- 
 ments. Flax was also a product of many farms. This was 
 broken and dressed by farm hands, spun and woven into 
 linen, the cloth bleached in the sun, and made into garments 
 or bed-clothing at home. The spinning-wheel was an ordi- 
 nary article of furniture, and wool, flax, and cotton were all 
 spun in the family. Brown tow cloth was made for working 
 trowsers and overfrocks, which were usually worn in the 
 summer by the men while at work. In the winter a woolen 
 shirt and buckskin breeches, woolen stockings and double- 
 soled cowhide slioes tied with leather strings, took the place 
 of the lighter clothing of summer, and a home-made woolen 
 vest and coat completed the winter dress. 
 
296 HISTOET OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 For Sundays and holidays, the men in summer had a check 
 or white linen shirt, home-made linen trowsers and vest, and 
 in winter, a woolen suit usually of some dark color ; but often, 
 the Sunday overcoat over the week-day suit served for Sun- 
 days and public days. The Sunday overcoat and boots some- 
 times did service for a dozen years or more. The dress of 
 the women, at first, corresponded with that of the men, but 
 as the town increased in wealth, and some of the merchants 
 of Parmington began to import goods in their own ships, 
 silks were worn by the women, and velvet and broadcloth by 
 men of wealth. For many years the clothing of each house- 
 hold was made in the family. A tailoress or dress-maker 
 would come to the home to cut and fit the garments for the 
 different members of the household, and these would be 
 finished by the mother and daughters, or by hired seam- 
 stresses living with the family. 
 
 For diet, bread and milk were quite generally used for 
 breakfast and supper some part of the year ; when a more 
 substantial meal was desired, ham and potatoes in the morn- 
 ing, with eggs at times, were common ; at noon, the boiled 
 dinner of salt beef, mutton, or pork, with potatoes and 
 turnips, and boiled Indian pudding, was the established mid- 
 day meal for three-fourths of the year, varied in the autumn 
 by fresh meat for a time after the hogs or cattle were 
 butchered. It was the early custom in all the hamlets 
 which composed the town of Farmington for persons when 
 killing animals to lend portions to their neighbors, who 
 would return similar portions when they killed pigs or cattle, 
 thus prolonging the period in which a supply of fresh meat 
 was provided. Each farmer was accustomed to prepare a 
 quantity of hams and sausages, and also to salt down in 
 barrels beef and pork for the year's supply. Lambs and 
 young pigs were killed for the table, and in case of the 
 sudden arrival of company, nearly every family, at all 
 seasons of the year, could provide a fowl for an extra meal. 
 In the autumn and early winter, hominy or pudding, prepared 
 from the first ripe corn, was a favorite dish ; and the hominy 
 
SOCIAL LIFE AND CUSTOMS IN EARLY YEARS. 297 
 
 or pudding left from dinner was fried for the next morning's 
 breakfast. 
 
 Travel was limited to the immediate neighborhood ; some 
 men living for a life time, in New Britain or Berlin, within 
 a dozen miles of Hartford, never visited it. People passing 
 from village to village, or to the meeting-house, walked, or 
 rode on horseback. A whole family consisting of parents 
 and children might sometimes be seen on one horse. 
 
 For some years the houses constructed appear to have 
 been log-cabins, the crevices between the logs being filled 
 with clay; but before the settlement of Berlin or New 
 Britain was commenced, saw-mills had been established in 
 Hartford and Farmington, and as soon as passable roads 
 were made, boards from these mills could be procured, and 
 more convenient framed houses be constructed. Log-cabins 
 continued for several years in the western part of New 
 Britain and Berlin, near the foot of the mountain. These 
 were chiefly the abodes of persons engaged in cutting tim- 
 ber or preparing pipe-staves and hoops for the West India 
 market. In Farmington Street, along the Stanley Quarter 
 road and East Street, and both north and south from Chris- 
 tian Lane, framed houses were erected quite early. The tim- 
 ber for these buildings was usually cut in the woods, drawn 
 to the site selected, and hewn and framed while the cellar 
 and foundations were prepared, and then, by the aid of 
 neighbors and friends, the frame was raised and made ready 
 for the covering. Some of the earlier framed houses were 
 covered with boards and battened, but it was quite common 
 to shingle both roof and sides. The shingles were prepared 
 by hand from pine or chestnut trees, often riven in the 
 woods, and the floors were sometimes made of boards 
 similarly prepared. The first framed houses had but two 
 rooms, or at most three, besides the pantry on the first floor. 
 One of these was the kitchen with its huge fire-place. This 
 was usually the largest room, and served as cook room, wash 
 room, and general living room for the family. Most of the 
 indoor life of the family during waking hours was passed in 
 20 
 
298 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 this room, and in winter time it was not unusual for a bed to 
 stand in one corner, in which some of the family slept. The 
 "best room" was seldom used except when visitors were re- 
 ceived, or on rare festive occasions. 
 
 As the families increased and the wealth and facilities 
 for building were multiplied, the houses erected were gen- 
 erally double, with two " front rooms," and a small entry 
 and stairway between tliem. Under the stairway would be 
 a closet in which saddles, bridles, halters, and whips would 
 be kept ready for immediate use. This style of house, 
 later, usually had a " lean to " roof on the back side, which 
 covered the capacious kitchen, with a pantry at one end of 
 it, and a bed-room at the other. In one of the front rooms, 
 in the autumn, corn in husks as picked from the fields would 
 be brought, and the annual huskings, in which all the young 
 people of the vicinity participated, would take place, while 
 at the close, doughnuts, pumpkin pies, and apples were 
 served in the other front room. The outside front door of 
 the better class of houses was generally double or folding, 
 with a scroll or figure of some kind over the top. The 
 chambers were low, but quite large in the better class of 
 houses, with small windows and bare floors. Rude stairs or 
 a ladder provided means of ascent to the garret, where. the 
 years supply of corn was stored in the autumn, and where 
 might frequently be found old articles of furniture, swords, 
 old muskets, and other evidences of warfare. 
 
 The guns ready for use were usually hung up in the 
 kitchen, with the powder-horn and shot-bag near. In this 
 room, in the season, were suspended strings of dried apples, 
 red peppers, squashes, and sometimes sausages and hams. 
 In the corner of the huge kitchen fire-place, the farmer, or 
 head of the family, often had his seat during the long winter 
 evenings, and there mended his harness or shaped his ox- 
 bows and put his tools in order. 
 
 In the cellar, the vegetables and apples for winter use 
 were stored, witli a generous supply of cider. Here also the 
 beef and pork barrels were usually placed, and the amount 
 
SOCIAL LIFE AND CUSTOMS IN EARLY YEARS. 299 
 
 of salt pork and beef used through the year by some families 
 would surprise modern housekeepers. 
 
 Though labor was considered honorable, and all classes 
 participated in some kind of work, a few of the wealthier 
 families had negro servants or slaves, who were employed 
 either on the farm or in domestic service. These persons 
 were seldom bought and sold, but were mentioned in wills 
 and devises of property. They often became strongly 
 attached to the families in which their lives were passed ; 
 and were ministered to in sickness and old age by those 
 whom they had faithfully served. As this class of servants 
 passed away, " hired help " took their place. The farm 
 hands were usually Americans or English, of limited re- 
 sources, but with comfortable homes, who added to their 
 small income by hiring themselves out for a part of the 
 season. There were usually in each neighborhood two or 
 three persons, or more, who became noted as skillful wood- 
 choppers, mowers, cradlers, or tlirashers ; and could be 
 hired by the day or month. Boys and young men from 
 eighteen to twenty-five, of well-to-do families, would often 
 hire out for the season, or for a few months, and thus in- 
 crease the gains of the family. Girls and young women, 
 dependent upon their own resources, went out to service, 
 assisting in household work or in the care of children, 
 earning a few dollars for their own use. 
 
 Notwithstanding the industrious habits of the people 
 and their general handicraft, they found time for reading 
 and mental culture. There were but few books, but these 
 were well selected, carefully read, and, in some instances, 
 their contents were discussed and reviewed until treasured 
 in the minds of the readers. In some cases, several neigh- 
 bors would combine to purchase expensive books, or sets, 
 and the volumes would be exchanged or circulated from house 
 to house. The proprietors' library, which was in circulation 
 from about 1770, went into the greater part of the families 
 of the New Britain parish, and was a stimulus to thought 
 and inquiry. The discussion of civil and religious questions, 
 
300 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 the general tone of the preaching, and the prevailing tliought 
 of the people, tended to produce solid character and reflect- 
 ive habits. 
 
 There was, however, time for social enjoyment. Social 
 gatherings of the people of a neighborhood were not infre- 
 quent. The teas of the women and the suppers to which 
 both sexes, and often all the adult members of families, were 
 invited, were seasons of sociability and sometimes of con- 
 viviality. The corn huskings in the autumn, the quiltings in 
 the winter, and other neighborhood gatherings, primarily for 
 rendering friendly aid, were seasons of friendly greeting and 
 social enjoyment. Any occasion which brought several 
 neighbors together, as raising the frame of a new building, 
 " drawing " or moving a barn, or similar work which re- 
 quired cooperation, gave an opportunity for free interchange 
 of thought, and became a sort of holiday for young men, 
 and older men sometimes participated in the enjoyment. 
 Col. Isaac Lee was one of the leaders in athletic sports, and 
 was for many years the champion wrestler of the town. 
 
 When the second meeting-house in New Britain was to 
 be erected in 1822, the site, which was uneven, was graded 
 and prepared for the building by the willing hands and teams 
 of many parishioners, who were accustomed to assemble 
 daily, with hired help and tools, and plow, scrape, and 
 shovel, until the site was prepared for the building. Otliers 
 assisted in the preparation of the timber ; to avoid loss of 
 time, the women of the parish, true to the ideas wliich 
 enlisted the willing hands of their fathers and brothers, for 
 several days prepared a bountiful repast, which was spread 
 upon long tables placed in the orchard near the corner of 
 Main and East Main streets. Here the men at noon sat down 
 to dinner with their pastor, who was present and presided at 
 the meal. 
 
 The taverns in Farmington, Berlin, in Stanley Quarter, on 
 East Street, in Hart Quarter, on West Main Street, and 
 later at the center of New Britain, while established primarily 
 for the accommodation of travelers, were also rendezvous, 
 
SOCIAL LIFE AND CUSTOMS IN EARLY" YEARS. 301 
 
 where neighbors and others gathered to hear and speak of 
 the news of the day. These taverns, or public houses, 
 required but few extra rooms, as the travel through the town 
 brought few strangers here to pass the night. Some of these 
 inns had a distinctive character. Noah Stanley's, in Stanley 
 Quarter, and Joseph Smith's, on East Street, were, for a 
 time, houses where military officers and privates were accus- 
 tomed to gather on training-days and when recruiting was 
 going on. The " State House," in Hart Quarter, while kept 
 by Elizur Hart, was noted for its parties and social gather- 
 ings. His house had a dancing hall, which was often used 
 in the season for parties. The Booth taverns, near the 
 center, were patronized more by persons who met to talk 
 business or politics. As there were then no saloons or places, 
 except taverns, where liquors could be bought to be drank on 
 the premises, it is probable that a considerable portion of the 
 income of some of these places was derived from the sale of 
 drinks, and drunkenness, as appears from the records of 
 courts, was not uncommon. The tavern in Worthington 
 was the regular stopping-place of the post-riders, and after- 
 wards of the stages between Hartford and New Haven. 
 
 Respect for the majesty of the law and reverence for 
 God and for the Divine law, were enjoined from the pulpit 
 and taught by the minister of justice. Offenses against 
 public morals, or a violation of the statutes relating to the 
 Sabbath, often met with summary punishment. The penal- 
 ties for the less criminal acts were not usually heavy, but 
 were promptly imposed. Official records and papers furnish 
 abundant testimony of this practice.* 
 
 *In April, 1764, ten years after the New Britain parish was incorporated, the 
 constables and grand jurors presented to one of his majesty's justices the names 
 of persons who neglected to attend public worship, and they were arrested and 
 fined. 
 
 On the 32d of June, 1768, Elijah Smith, a grand juror, in his majesty's name 
 
 makes complaint "that of Wethersfleld, being in New Britain, did vainly 
 
 and profanely and repeatedly swear and rashly and wickedly speak and utter 
 improper words, and being reproved by said grand juror, he wickedly said, etc." 
 Being placed upon trial he confessed to the utterance of the words quoted, and 
 
302 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 A strict regard for the Sabbath was characteristic of a 
 majority of the people in each of the parishes of Farmington, 
 Kensington, New Britain, and Worthington. At first the 
 pioneers worshiped with the old church at Farmington, but 
 after the Great Swamp Society was organized, the families 
 from Kensington and from New Britain, as far north as the 
 present Smalley Street, with Beckley Quarter and the few 
 families in what was afterwards Worthington, attended wor- 
 ship in the meeting-house at Christian Lane. After the 
 division of the society, the southern part of the town 
 gathered at the Kensington meeting-house, a short distance 
 from the site of the railway station, while the New Britain 
 parish worshiped at the first meeting-house in that society. 
 
 At that time nearly every one of suitable age went to 
 meeting. The meeting-houses were none of them as well 
 protected from the inclemencies of the weather as modern 
 churches, and they had no artificial warmth, but the sturdy 
 farmers, with their wives and children, were present regu- 
 larly and punctually. Early on Sunday morning the neces- 
 sary farm and household duties were performed, and in good 
 time, on horseback or on foot, the congregation gathered from 
 the hamlets and separate farm-houses to the place of meet- 
 ing. A cold dinner was carried in the pocket, or in a bag, 
 and when wheeled vehicles began to be used, a bag or box of 
 oats was often taken for the horse. Then after the long ser- 
 vice, consisting of a long prayer and Psalm, with scripture 
 exposition and sermon, extended sometimes to what would 
 now be considered extraordinary length, and another long 
 Psalm and prayer, the lunch was eaten, while the " news " 
 
 was fined six shilling's and cost, two shillings and eight pence, or, in all, eight 
 shillings and eight pence. 
 
 Samuel Dickinson, a Tithiugman, makes complaint that " Bela Plum did on 
 the ath day of April, ITCill, it being Lord's daj', and he being in the meeting- 
 house in the Society of New Britain in said Farmington did profane the same 
 by laughing several times and scratching with a pin on the front of sd meeting- 
 house, several times, looking at those that sat by him each time, and laughing 
 and seemed disposed to iirovoke others to laugh, contrary to the peace of our 
 Lord the king, and to the bad example of others and contrary to the statute law 
 of the colony." He was fined. 
 
SOCIAL LIFE AND CUSTOMS IN EARLY YEARS. 303 
 
 was talked over. The afternoon service, which followed that 
 of the morning within an hour, was then attended, and after- 
 wards the congregation might again be seen wending their 
 way by different paths to the homes where cheerful open fire- 
 places afforded warmth to the faithful worshipers. 
 
 Holy time with these people commenced with the evening 
 of Saturday. Secular work was laid aside at sunset or 
 twilight, and in a few of the families more strict than others, 
 all ordinary daily duties relating to material things were, as 
 far as possible, performed on Saturday.* 
 
 It was the custom in many families, after the late Sunday 
 dinner, to gather around the fireside and " say the cate- 
 chism," the questions being put by the father, and the 
 answers given in rotation around the circle. After the even- 
 ing chores were done, secular work was resumed, though 
 generally only the more quiet kinds, as knitting and sewing 
 in the household, sharpening the tools or other preparation 
 by the men for the more active work of the week. In some 
 of the parishes, the Sunday evening conference meeting was 
 sustained with a good attendance. 
 
 While the seniors were strict in regard to the hours of 
 the Lord's-day, the juniors were sometimes irreverent, even 
 in the meeting-house. The galleries, with high square pews, 
 being set apart for the young people, afforded a convenient 
 place for play, and there would sometimes be a want of 
 decorum even in prayer or sermon time. The boys would 
 trade knives, fish-hooks and lines, and other contents of 
 capacious pockets, and sometimes engage in games. The 
 irreverence at last compelled the appointment of persons, 
 " who shall sit conveniently to inspect the youth in the 
 meeting-house on days of public worship and keep them in 
 
 * Deacon Elijah Hart, Deacon Timothy Stanley, and some others of similar 
 views and habits, were accustomed to have the farm work in the fields cease at 
 four o'clock, Saturday afternoons, and the remainder of the day devoted to 
 preparation for the Sabbath. The high boots were cleaned and blacked, faces 
 shaved, Sunday garments were dusted, and all possible preparation was made for 
 the following day. 
 
304 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 order." In Farmington, in 1716, Thomas North, Samuel 
 Orvis, and Simeon Newel, were appointed to this service. 
 
 After the revolutionary war there was somewhat of re- 
 laxation in the strictness of morals which characterized 
 earlier years. Misdemeanors were more frequent, and some 
 of the older families and more strictly disposed ofiScers dep- 
 recated formally the habits of the times. 
 
 With increase of riches there came an increase of luxury, 
 especially in the older parishes. Carpets were placed upon 
 the floors of the best rooms, silks were worn by the women, 
 and velvets and broadcloth by the men. Carriages were in- 
 troduced, and gradually clocks and watches. In 1800, there 
 were in the Worthington parish sixteen top carriages and 
 eight open carriages ; and in Kensington, there were five of 
 the former and three of the latter, and one phaeton ; while 
 in New Britain, there were four open carriages and only two 
 top carriages. The latter were brilliantly decorated and the 
 cause of some comment on account of their elegance. As 
 late as January, 1824, when, at the marriage of John Stanley, 
 two Boston chaises, one belonging to Mr. Stanley and one to 
 Seth J. North, were used by the wedding party, they were 
 objects of admiration for their bright yellow and red morocco 
 trimmings and general elegance. 
 
 In 1800, there were in Kensington three gold watches 
 and eleven silver ones; in Worthington, one of gold and 
 twenty-four of silver, whjle in New Britain there were four- 
 teen silver watches, but pone of gold. 
 
 There were at that time in Farmington more evidences 
 of wealth than in either of the parishes of Berlin; During 
 the period of the most active business in Farmington, and 
 for some years following, when wholesale and retail stores 
 were having a large and profitable trade, or between 1790 
 and 1820, the place was distinguished for its social life and 
 attractions. Evening parties and assemblies, formal dinners 
 and suppers, weddings, and other private and public gath- 
 erings, helped to mutual acquaintance and friendship. 
 
CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 ROADS, TRANSPORTATION, AND POST-OFFICES. 
 
 SOON after the first settlement of Farmington, the 
 " path " * to Hartford, through the notch in the moun- 
 tain, became distinctly marked, and a few years later a simi- 
 lar pathway to New Haven through Southington was in use. 
 As no w^heeled vehicles were employed at first, the marking 
 out of these ways would have been quite simple. When 
 carts began to be used for the transportation of goods or 
 farm produce, the preparation of the roads seems to have 
 consisted in removing obstructions as rocks and trees, leav- 
 ing the roadway to conform to the general contour of the 
 ground. The highways were .often laid out twenty rods, and, 
 in some cases, forty rods wide, giving an opportunity to 
 select a new path when one became water-worn or gullied. 
 The principal street of Farmington is said to have been 
 originally an Indian foot-path, and probably other early roads 
 conformed to some extent to Indian trails. At the north end 
 of the street, a canoe with ropes was furnished for crossing 
 the stream. The first bridge was erected at this place in 
 1725. The highway to Plainville was laid out in 1695, and 
 the roads to Stanley Quarter, New Britain, and to Great 
 Swamp were first in general use about the same time. Quite 
 early in the history of the town, or as soon as settlements 
 were made to the north and west, there was a path down the 
 valley of the Tunxis to Avon and Simsbury, and one up the 
 valley from the crossing to West Simsbury or Canton, Farm- 
 ington West Woods, and New Hartford. The Farmington 
 and Harwinton Turnpike Company was incorporated in 1812. 
 The main road from New York to Boston via Hartford 
 
 *Tlie early roads were called "paths." 
 
306 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 passed through Parmington, and at the time of tlie revolu- 
 tionary war this route was sometimes taken by Washington 
 and his officers, and by the soldiers. 
 
 Tlie first traveled ways in Berlin and its parishes were 
 merely paths through the forest or across the meadows, 
 where the contour of tlie land and absence of trees and 
 stumps made travel practicable. The path from Hartford to 
 Wethersfield was extended to Rocky Hill and Middletown, 
 and a branch to Beckley Quarter and Great Swamp. 
 
 On Belcher's tract in the southern part of Berlin, high- 
 ways were constimcted before 1690. In 1686, the town of 
 Farmington voted that highways should be laid " to and 
 tiirough Great Swamp." As early as 1687, a way called 
 " the path from Hartford to New Haven," passed through 
 Berlin west of Berlin Street and then southerly by the 
 Colony road past "Merideen " to Wallingford and New Haven. 
 It was on this road that Belcher's stone tavern* or half-way 
 house, was built in the southern part of his tract. This route 
 was taken by Washington when he passed the night in 
 Meriden. From this main path to New Haven, other ways 
 diverged to Middletown and Southington. 
 
 The first settlers of " Christian Lane " passed to and 
 from Farmington by a route which nearly corresponded with 
 the Indian trail between the lodges of the Tunxis and Matta- 
 besett Indians. As the settlement was extended, this path- 
 way was improved, and other routes gradually opened. The 
 principal road from Farmington to " Farmington Village," or 
 Great Swamp, was by the Hartford road east, and then south 
 by Clark's Hill and Stanley Quarter to Stanley Street and 
 East Street, and across the north end of the " Great 
 Meadows " to Cliristian Lane. Another route was over the 
 mountain by Horse Plain and Hart Quarter. A middle and 
 later route was over the mountain by Osgood Hill. The 
 roads were not " turnpiked up " and rounded at the center, 
 as now, but were left flat, or nearly so, to conform to the sur- 
 face of the ground. Travel was on foot or on horseback, 
 
 * This was a short distance fi-ora the boundary line between Berlin and Meriden. 
 
EOADS, TBANSPORTATION, AND POST-OFFICES. 307 
 
 and bags of grain, or flour and meal, and sometimes other 
 burdens, were taken from place to place on the backs of 
 animals. 
 
 One of the earliest turnpike charters granted in the State 
 was in 1798, for the Hartford and New Haven turnpike. 
 This turnpike was in almost a direct line between the 
 two places, and was the shortest route, afterwards connecting 
 the two capitals. When the arrangements were making for 
 laying out this turnpike, there was some opposition to 
 the route selected, and the town of 'Berlin appointed Gen. 
 Selah Hart, Elijah Hooker, Col. -Gad Stanley, James North, 
 Amos Hosford, and Jonathan Hubbard, a committee " to 
 look out for the interests of tiie town." The route selected 
 for this road, and its becoming a principal thoroughfare, 
 gave to Berlin Street a new importance. There was but 
 little change in the direction and general layout of the high- 
 ways of New Britain, after the alterations made to facili- 
 tate the approach to the first meeting-house, until about 
 1830. The principal roads extending in a northerly and 
 southerly direction were Main Street, terminating on the 
 north in the Farmington road over Osgood Hill, and on 
 the south uniting with Stanley Street, north of the brick- 
 yard ; Stanley Street, extending from Farmington line to Ken- 
 sington, in nearly the same locality as now ; East Street, 
 extending from Christian Lane through the eastern part of 
 the parish north to Churchill's mills ; and the west road, 
 extending from Kensington bounds northerly through Hart 
 Quarter and the western part of the parish, until it united 
 with the Farmington road in Farmington. 
 
 East Main and West Main streets had the same general 
 direction as at present, but the latter was more crooked and 
 irregular. Two cross-roads connected the north and south 
 roads ; Spiritual Lane and Brady's Lane, the first on the east 
 and the latter on the west, formed outlets of Stanley Street. 
 South Main Street was connected with Stanley Street by the 
 Sand Hill road, Ellis Street, and until 1828 by the very 
 crooked lane extending first east from the head of Park 
 
308 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Street, then south and southeast, connecting Avith Stanley 
 Street at the present east end of Whiting Street. Kensing- 
 ton Street was nearly the same as at present. The moun- 
 tain road on the southwest. Vine Street, and two or three 
 connecting lanes in the western part of the place, constituted 
 the highways of the New Britain Society. 
 
 In 1828, Park Street, from Maple Street directly east to 
 Stanley Street, was opened and worked. 
 
 About 1830, after much opposition, and it had been 
 declared that a road never could be built in that locality, 
 Arch Street was laid out and constructed from Main Street 
 to its junction with Kensington Street. After this street 
 was opened for travel in 1832, a person riding through it was 
 thrown out of his wagon by a stiimp and killed, and the 
 street was not entirely free from obstructions for a consider- 
 able time. Soon after work was commenced on Arch Street, 
 Elm Street, from the corner of Main and Park streets to 
 East Main Street, was laid out and soon after graded. This 
 street was principally on land of Seth J. Xorth, Thomas 
 Lee, and Alvin North, and was built with difficulty on 
 account of the nature and contour of the ground. These 
 three streets passed across land which, at the time, was con- 
 sidered quite unsuitable for road-making, some of it being so 
 soft that cattle and horses could not be driven upon it, 
 but the obstacles were overcome, and the roads have become 
 important thoroughfares of the town. Other highways and 
 connecting streets followed with the growth of the place. 
 
 The town of Earmington, at first, had the care of all 
 the roads within its limits. When the Great Swamp Society 
 was organized, the people were required " to maintain the 
 passages and highways tliey have occasion for there among 
 tliemselves." In the same manner each parish of Berlin had 
 the care of its own roads and kept them in ordinary repair, 
 but tlie erection of the larger bridges, laying out new high- 
 ways, and all extraordinary repairs, were provided for by the 
 town. The roads were sometimes much injured by freshets. 
 After the destructive spring freshet of 1798, a town meeting 
 
ROADS, TRANSPORTATION, AND POST-OFFICES. 309 
 
 was held April 9tli, at which Capt. James Noi'th, Amos 
 Hosford, and Gen. Selah Hart, were appointed a committee 
 to act, under the following directions : 
 
 " To iiiquire respecting the damages done by the late flood, and deter- 
 mine how much shall he paid to each parish out of the town treasury 
 to make good such damages, the town to be at the expense of repairing the 
 Beckley and Kirby bridges." 
 
 The Parmington canal, commenced in 1825 and completed 
 to the State line in 1828, and to Northampton in 1834, 
 afforded an opportunity for the cheap carriage of freight to 
 and from Parmington and New Haven. After this canal was 
 completed, the roads from New Britain to Parmington and 
 Plainville were improved. The Middletown and Berlin turn- 
 pike, which had been constructed about 1810, became a 
 thoroughfare, passing through Berlin and the west part of 
 New Britain. Other streets have been opened more recently, 
 as the demand for building lots and the necessities of travel 
 have seemed to require. 
 
 The products of the earliest manufactories of New 
 Britain were transported to New York and Boston on horse- 
 back. When suitable roads were made, until 1839, the farm 
 products sent to market, the articles made in the manufac- 
 tories, the raw material and coal used in Berlin and New 
 Britain, and the store goods, were transported by oxen or 
 horse team, to or from the place of shipment, or to their des- 
 tinations. Teams were employed in this cartage between 
 New Britain and Hartford, Middletown, Plainville, and even 
 New Haven. The first two-horse wagon was used in New 
 Britain about 1789. 
 
 In December, 1889, the New Haven & Hartford Rail- 
 road was opened from New Haven to Hartford, and a station 
 was located in Newington, about a mile and a half from New 
 Britain, on the extension of East Main Street. The men 
 most prominent in securing the charter and construction of 
 this railway were James Brewster of New Haven, Elisha A. 
 Cowles of Meriden, Richard Hubbard of Middletown, and 
 Seth J. North of New Britain. Mr. Hubbard wanted the 
 
310 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 line carried farther east in order that Middletown might 
 be better accommodated, and a route was twice surveyed 
 through Durham and Rocky Hill, which would have brought 
 the road near Middletown. Mr. North was desirous that the 
 route should be further west and pass through New Britain ; 
 but Mr. Cowles, then active and energetic, secured the. co-oper- 
 ation of Mr. Brewster, and the location of the road where 
 it now is, favoring Meriden. The decision is, perhaps, not 
 surprising, when it is remembered that at that time New 
 Britain had a population of less than 1,500, while Middle- 
 town had about 7,000, and Berlin was considerably larger than 
 New Britain. After the road was open, Berlin was as near 
 a station as now, and New Britain had railway communica- 
 tion brought within a mile and a half of the village. 
 
 In 1844, the New Haven & Hartford Railroad was ex- 
 tended to Springfield, and four years later, the New Yorjj 
 & New Haven Railroad was opened. The same year, 1848, 
 the New Haven & Northampton Company opened the rail- 
 way from New Haven to Plainville, near the line of the old 
 Parmington canal. In 1849, that portion of the present 
 New Yorli & New England Railroad which extends from 
 Hartford to Willimantic was opened, and the next year this 
 road was completed as far as Bristol. The Middletown 
 branch of the Hartford & New Haven Railroad was com- 
 pleted the same year, connecting Middletown with the latter 
 road at Berlin station. This station had been removed to 
 its present locality some time before. New Britain at this 
 time, 1850, had direct railway communication to New Haven 
 and New York, via Plainville or Newington, and also to New 
 London, via Hartford and Willimantic. 
 
 These means of communication gave increased facilities 
 for the transportation of freight, and were important in 
 their influence upon the industries of New Britain; especially 
 in furnishing cheaper and more expeditious routes for re- 
 ceiving coal and iron, and for sending away goods. In 1865, 
 the New Britain brancli was opened, and in 1866, this and 
 the Middletown Railroad were merged with the Hartford 
 & New Haven Railroad. 
 
ROADS, TRANSPORTATION, AND POST-OFFICES. 311 
 
 The Hartford, Providence & Fishkill Railroad, the pres- 
 ent New York & New England, was extended from Willi- 
 mantic to Providence in 1854, and from Bristol to Water- 
 bury in 1855. These extensions, connecting with other roads 
 at Providence and Waterbury, provided more ready and easier 
 communication, both east and west. These facilities were 
 still further increased in 1872, by the opening of the route 
 direct to Boston via Willimantic and Putnam; and in 1881, 
 by the extension of the road to Fishkill on the Hudson, 
 giving two independent routes from New Britain to Boston 
 and New York, and placing this city in more direct commu- 
 nication with the coal and iron mines of Pennsylvania and 
 the west. 
 
 For many years after the first settlement of Berlin and 
 New Britain, there seems to have been no regular and stated 
 communication with other towns. In 1717 the General 
 Assembly gave John Munson of New Haven the sole privilege 
 of transporting passengers and goods between Hartford and 
 New Haven for seven years, it being lawful, however, for 
 any other person to transport his own goods or any of his 
 own family in his own wagon. Captain Munson had been at 
 " the cost and charge to set up a wagon to pass and transport 
 passengers and goods," before tliis exclusive privilege was 
 granted by the Assembly, and when granted, it was con- 
 ditioned as follows : 
 
 "That said John Munson shall annually during the 
 
 term aforesaid, at least on the first Monday of every month, excepting 
 December, January, February, and March, set forth with the said waggon 
 from New Haven, and with all convenient dispatch drive up to Hartford, 
 and thence in the same week return to Xew Haven, — bad weather and 
 extraordinary casualties excepted, — on penally of ten shillings for each 
 neglect." 
 
 The route was via Wethersfield, Beckley Quarter, and the 
 old road, Berlin, a short distance east of Christian Lane. 
 Munson's wagon afterwards made the trip once in two weeks. 
 
 Some years later, Samuel Farnsworth seems to have been 
 employed as a carrier between Hartford and New York under 
 the following contract : 
 
312 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 "Whereas Samuel Farnsworth of Hartford hath undertaken to ride 
 as a carrier from Hartford to New Yorlj, from the first day of January, 
 1764, to the first day of January, 1765, to perform said service once a 
 fortnight, the three winter months, and once a week in every of the other 
 months in said year; the subscribers do each severally for himself, promise 
 to pay to said Farnsworth twelve shillings lawful money in consideration 
 of his procuring and bringing for each of us, the New York Thursday's 
 paper during said term, to pay one-half at the end of six months, and the 
 other half at the expiration of said year. Dated in Hartford, January 
 1, 1764." 
 
 In 1772 a stage began to run between Boston and New 
 York, by the way of Hartford, making the trip each way 
 every second week. About 1823 a line of four-horse stage- 
 coaches commenced running between New Haven and North- 
 ampton, passing through Farmington three times a week in 
 each direction. This line afterwards ran daily, and a line 
 to Litchfield was also established about the same time. On 
 the opening of the Hartford and New Haven turnpike, a 
 daily line of stages was run between the two cities, passing 
 through Berlin. 
 
 The first local package express between New Britain and 
 Hartford was started by John Judd. At first the trip was 
 made once a week, afterwards twice or three times a week, 
 and then daily. A small one-horse wagon was sufficient for 
 a time, but before the Providence & Fishkill Railrt)ad was 
 opened through New Britain, a large two-horse wagon was 
 required for the daily business. After the railroad was com- 
 pleted, the late Gilman Hinsdale and others had a local 
 express on the cars, in addition to the business done by 
 Adams Express. Several companies or individuals now do 
 express business for New Britain, Farmington, and Berlin. 
 
 The first passenger railway station in New Britain was 
 built by the Providence, Hartford ct Fishkill Railroad. 
 Though adequate at first, the increase of travel incident to 
 the growth of the city, and the construction of the New 
 Britain Railroad, rendered it entirely insufficient for the 
 demands of the public long before it was abandoned. The 
 present convenient passenger station was erected by the New 
 
313 
 
 York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company, and was 
 opened for public use in the summer of 1887. 
 
 Post-Offices. 
 
 The first arrangements for the transmission of letters 
 and packages from one principal town to another, were made 
 by the authority of the different colonies. On the first of 
 January, 1673, a sworn messenger was dispatched from New 
 York to Boston with instructions to make the journey tliere 
 and back within the month. Between New Haven and 
 Hartford, letters were dispatched once a week, the journey 
 usually being performed in two days. The principal stop- 
 • ping-places were at the tavern in Wallingford and the stone 
 house on the Belcher tract. The latter seems to have been 
 changed quite early for the old tavern in the Worthington 
 Society, thus dividing the distance between the two capitals 
 more equally. As some of the post riders patronized the 
 taverns too liberally, the General Court in 1674 passed the 
 following general order, and specifications for the routes 
 through Berlin and to Farmington : 
 
 " This court being made sensible of the great damage that may accrue 
 to the publique by a liberty or boldness which some persons may take to 
 themselves (when employed by order of authorityfor the conveyance of 
 letters, post afud other important occasions of this Colony) by profuse and 
 extravigent spending at the ordinaries and other places on the road upon 
 the country e's acco', and allso by great delayes on journeys very preju- 
 diciall to the Colony, which willing to prevent we therefore order that the 
 alowance for those persons (who shall be employed on such services) for 
 their wages and expenses of themselves and horses shall be as followeth 
 from the first of May to the midle of October; 
 
 From New Haven to Hartford, the horse hyer five shillings, the man 
 and expences eight shillings sixpence; all is thirteen shillings sixpence: 
 
 From Wallingford to Hartford, the horse hyer fower shillings, the 
 man and expences six shillings; all is ten shillings: 
 
 From Farmington to Hartford, the horse hyer one shilling sixpence, 
 the man and expences two shillings sixpence; all is fower shillings: 
 
 And from the midle of October to the last of April to be eight pence 
 more than the above, for every night they lye out for oates to the horses 
 wherein great care is to be had by the ordinary keepers, that hyred horses 
 are not deprived of their allowance.'' 
 21 
 
314 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 The post-ofifice system was first established in Connecti- 
 cut in 1693, by special authority from the Crown of Great 
 Britain. Under this authority, letters were delivered in the 
 principal towns. By act of Parliament in 1710, New London 
 was made the chief post-office in Connecticut. Farmington 
 letters were brought from Hartford, and letters for Berlin 
 and New Britain were received first from Hartford, and then 
 from Farmington. Berlin being upon the direct route from 
 Hartford to New Haven, a post-office was established in that 
 village quite early, the office being kept in the tavern where 
 the stages, or mail wagons, were accustomed to stop. 
 
 For more than seventy years after New Britain was or- 
 ganized as a separate society, letters were sent and received ■ 
 through the Farmington or Berlin post-offices. Correspond- 
 ence was infrequent, and the letters for a neighborhood 
 would all be brought from the office by one person. When 
 the increase of business made it desirable to have regular 
 and direct communication with the post-office, the people 
 would take turns in going, or sending, to Berlin once a week, 
 on mail day, for the New Britain letters, and by a similar 
 arrangement the newspapers were brought from Hartford 
 weekly. 
 
 As the Berlin office in the Worthington Society was 
 directly upon the line of the first stage route, it became a 
 convenient place of resort. Wheij the [turnpike from .Hart- 
 ford to New Haven was opened, and the tavern was removed 
 to Main Street, the office was kept for some years in this 
 tavern, and when removed afterwards, was still located on 
 Main Street, near the center of what was then the principal 
 business locality in the three societies. The mail for all 
 these societies, or the whole town, was distributed from this 
 office. 
 
 The following is a list of postmasters who kept the Berlin 
 post-office, some early names possibly omitted: 
 
 Samuel Porter, died Jan. 21, 1818; Jesse Hart, died March 15, 1827; 
 Norris Wilcox removed to New Haven; James M. Plumb removed to New 
 York; Edward Wilcox; Jacob S. Brandagee; Edward Wilcox; Henry N. 
 
AND POST-OFFICES. 315 
 
 Galpin; Sherlock C. Hall; Walter D. Atwater; Henry N. Galpin, and 
 Henry L. Porter. 
 
 The post-office in New Britain was establislied in 1825. 
 The inconvenience of going to Berlin, four miles, to post 
 letters and receive the mail had been felt for some time, but 
 as New Britain was not on a thoroughfare, or post-route, the 
 expense was supposed to be greater than the business of a 
 separate office in this village would justify. 
 
 On the change of administration in 1825, and the acces- 
 sion to the presidency of John Quincy Adams, by concerted 
 action and through the efforts and by the influence of Thomas 
 Lee* and a few other gentlemen, the department was induced 
 to establish a post-office in New Britain. It was considered 
 a doubtful experiment, and the request was granted on con- 
 dition that the office should be no expense to the government, 
 and at the same time, the government relinquished all claim 
 to revenue from it for the time being. The whole proceeds 
 from the office for the first quarter were about nineteen 
 dollars, a little less thaii the cost of carrying the mail to and 
 from Hartford. For three years or a little more the office 
 was kept in the stone store on the west side of Main Street, 
 opposite the head of East Main. It was then removed to a 
 small building, a few rods further north, near the present 
 corner of Main and Lafayette streets. These buildings 
 belonged to Thomas Lee, the stone store being occupied as a 
 store at the time, and the other building being the former 
 store of the Lees, removed from the corner opposite the 
 present post-office. 
 
 Lorenzo P. Lee was the first postmaster, and he held the 
 office through the remainder of Adams' administration and 
 through the administrations of Jackson and Van Buren, or 
 until 1841. Soon after the accession of Harrison, Henry 
 
 * It is quite evident that Tliomas Lee took the lead in securing the establish- 
 ment of the first post-ofBee. It was kept in his store, by his sou, and the ar- 
 rangement for carrying the mail to and from the distributing office at Hartford 
 seemed to have been made by him. John Francis was the first, mail carrier, 
 going to Hartford and back twice a week. 
 
316 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Nash was appointed postmaster, and he continued in the 
 position about two years, the post-office being removed to the 
 building for many years occupied as an office by S. W. Hart, 
 M.D., which at that time was south of the Hendrick house. 
 
 President Tyler appointed Marcellus Clark postmaster, 
 and he held the office also through the administrations of 
 Polk and Taylor. When Mr. Clark entered upon his duties, 
 the post-office was removed to the store of Curtis Whaples 
 on the east side of Main Street. About 1845, Mr. Clark 
 erected a building on the corner of Main and Church streets, 
 in which the office was kept until his term expired. 
 
 During Fillmore's administration, Frederick Knapp was 
 postmaster, and the office was kept in a building erected for 
 the purpose, on the east side of Main Street nearly opposite 
 the Baptist Church. This building was afterwards removed 
 to the railway crossing, and for several years was occupied 
 by J. 0. Deming for a news office and fruit store. On the 
 accession of Pierce in 1853, Marcellus Clark was again 
 appointed postmaster, and he held the position under Pierce 
 and also under Buchanan. Mr. Clark transferred the office 
 to the corner of Main and Church streets, where he had 
 previously kept it, and where it remained until Walter Glad- 
 den became postmaster in 1861. 
 
 After Mr. Gladden's appointment, the office was removed 
 to a small building standing on the west side of the site of 
 the Eussell & Erwin Building, north of the Green, and 
 which was afterwards known as " The Art Store." The 
 present post-office building was erected for this purpose in 
 1870, only a small part of the first floor being occupied by 
 the post-office. Mr. Gladden held the office of postmaster 
 through the administrations of Lincoln, Johnson, Grant, 
 Hayes, and Garfield, and during a part of the term of Arthur. 
 J. N. Bartlett had charge of the office for a few weeks before 
 and after Mr. Gladden's death. Julius H. Pease was ap- 
 pointed postmaster in 1884. 
 
 When Mr. Gladden became postmaster, he had three 
 hundred call boxes placed in the office. Before his death, 
 
ROADS, TRANSPORTATION, AND POST-OFFICES. 317 
 
 this number was increased to twelve hundred and seventy. 
 After Mr. Pease entered upon his duties as postmaster, the 
 office was enlarged to its present area, new boxes were put 
 in, and arrangements were made which added much to the 
 convenience of the public, and afforded increased facilities 
 for the business of the office. On July 1, 1887, Mr. Pease 
 was succeeded by Ambrose Beatty, appointed to the position 
 by President Grover Cleveland. Soon after the appointment 
 of Mr. Beatty, the postal delivery system was adopted and 
 letter carriers distributed the mail through the city. Five 
 letter carriers were employed, one for each ward, and one for 
 the central or business part of tlie city. In the spring of 
 1888, this number was increased to six regular carriers. 
 
 On May 1, 1889, Mr. Beatty was succeeded by Ira E. 
 Hicks, appointed by President Benjamin Harrison. 
 
CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 MILITARY HISTORY. 
 
 THOUGH no special military school or camp was located 
 in the parishes whose history has been given, except 
 temporarily at Farmington, these parishes were early repre- 
 sented in the military history of the town and State. As 
 early as 1649, four years after the incorporation of the town, 
 Farmington had a train-band under the command of a ser- 
 geant. This company, then small in numbers, was increased 
 until it became a full company of 64 men, entitled to be 
 commanded by a captain. In 1668, a "troope of dragon- 
 eers " in Hartford county, containing 163 members, had 22 
 enrolled from Farmington. In 1737 there were four com- 
 panies or train-bands in Farmington, including Berlin and 
 New Britain, whose captains were, Thomas Curtiss, Josiah 
 Hart, Thomas Hart, and Joseph Woodruff. In 1740 a train- 
 band was formed principally from New Britain, and the 
 next year, the General Court confirmed the officers, as 
 follows: Jonathan Lewis, captain; John Paterson, lieuten- 
 ant, and Daniel Dewey, ensign — all living in the eastern 
 part of New Britain. 
 
 Col. Fisher Gay, Col. John Strong, and others of Farm- 
 ington, were prominent in military affairs. Stephen Lee, 
 and his son, Josiah Lee, both of East Street, New Britain, 
 were captains in the Farmington train-band. Isaac Lee, a 
 grandson of Capt. Stephen Lee, was commissioned " Captain 
 of the Thirteenth company of Train Bands in the Sixth 
 regiment in this colony" in May, 1767. In October of the 
 same year, he was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the Fif- 
 teenth Regiment, and in March, 1775, Colonel of the same 
 regiment. Gen. Selali Hart of Kensington, had been prom- 
 
MILITARY HISTORY." 319 
 
 inent in the state militia before the revolutionary war. The 
 first Samuel Hart of Kensington, held the office of lieutenant, 
 and his son, Samuel, was captain in the local train-band. 
 Major John Paterson was captain of the second or New 
 Britain train-band, before the French War. Colonel Gad 
 Stanley of New Britain, was appointed captain of the Fifth 
 Company of the Fifteenth Regiment in May, 1773, serving 
 under Colonel Lee. John Lankton was appointed lieutenant 
 of the same company, at the same time. 
 
 Ladwiclc Hotchlciss and his son, Lemuel, John Hinsdale, 
 and Joseph Woodruff, all living on or near East Street, New 
 Britain, were successively captains of the local military com- 
 pany. Joseph and Elnathan Smith were military men, and 
 their tavern and store, on East Street, were the resort of 
 officers and soldiers. Jonathan Belden was commissioned 
 lieutenant of the Fifth Company of the Fifteenth Regiment 
 May 28, 1784, and afterwards became its captain. Noah 
 Stanley in Stanley Quarter, and later. Colonel Francis Hart 
 and Maj. Selah Hart of Hart Quarter, were noted military 
 men. 
 
 During the latter part of the seventeenth century and the 
 first half of the eighteenth, the American colonists were 
 frequently engaged in the wars between England and France. 
 Loyal to the mother country, as the strife between these two 
 great nations became transferred to America, the American 
 colonists were actively employed, either in fighting in the 
 English army with the regular troops, or in companies and 
 bands of colonial militia, enlisted for special service in par- 
 ticular campaigns. Samuel Richards, a son of Thomas 
 Richards, the first blacksmith in Stanley Quarter, served in 
 the old French war of 1744-1748, as servant to a surgeon 
 who for a time was stationed at Cape Breton with the British 
 army. Captain Josiah Lee and Lieutenant Noah Stanley, 
 both of them afterwards deacons of the First Church, New 
 Britain, were in military service against the French at the 
 north. Other members of the Great Swamp Society were in 
 the British army in the expedition against Louisburg in this 
 war. Timothy Root died in the service at Cape Breton. 
 
320 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Major John Paterson, the first deacon of the New Britain 
 Church, being "called of God," as he believed, to serve 
 against the French in the seven years war, held a captain's 
 commission under King George III, and collecting a company 
 of soldiers, chiefly from Farmington, New Britain, and 
 Wethersfield, with his faithful negro servant London, first 
 engaged in the expedition against the French, and then 
 against their allies the Spaniards. He was with the British 
 forces under Admiral Pocock and the Duke of Albemarle, 
 at the taking of Havana in 1762. Andrew Lusk was a drum- 
 mer in this company. 
 
 Deacon Noah Standley was also a lieutenant of the King's 
 troops in the French war. Blnathan Smith, his brother, 
 Gideon Smith, and other men of prominence in the New 
 Britain Society, were also in this war. The men who went 
 from Farmington and the Great Swamp parish were a portion 
 of the one thousand men furnished by the State. 
 
 Several of the men who served in the British army and 
 fought against the French and Spanish in the wars which 
 closed with the general peace of 1763, were again engaged 
 in the struggle for liberty in the war of the revolution. 
 Others too young to serve in the French wars, were also 
 active in the contest of 1776. The sentiment of the people 
 of Farmington, which then included New Britain and Ber- 
 lin, was strong in opposition to the tyranny of the British 
 government. This sentiment was repeatedly and emphati- 
 cally expressed. At a very full meeting of the inhabitants 
 of the town, held June 15, 1774, when persons were present 
 from New Britain and Berlin, it was voted: 
 
 "That the act of Parliament for blocking up the port of Boston is an 
 Invasion of the Rights and Privileges of every American, and as such, we 
 are Determined to oppose the same, with all other arbitrary and tyrannical 
 acts in every Way and Manner, that may be adopted in General Congress; 
 to the Intent we may be instrumental in Securing and Transmitting our 
 Rights and Privileges Inviolate, to the Latest Posterity." 
 
 " That the fate of American freedom Greatly Depends upon the Con- 
 duct of the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston in the Present Alarming 
 Crisis of Public affairs: We therefore entreat them by everything that is 
 Dear and Sacred, to Persevere with unremitted Vigilence and Resolution 
 till their labor shall be crowned with the desired success." 
 
MILITARY HISTORY. 321 
 
 A committee of thirty-four of the principal men* in the 
 different parishes of Farmington was appointed for the 
 following purpose: 
 
 "To take in subscriptions of wheat, Rye, Indian corn and otber pro- 
 visions of tlie Inhabitants, and to collect and transport the same to the 
 Town of Boston, there to be delivered to the Select Men of the Town of 
 Boston, to be by them Distributed at their Discretion to those who are 
 incapacitated to procure a necessary subsistence in consequence of the late 
 oppressive Measures of Administration.'' 
 
 At the same meeting, another committee was appointed 
 " to keep up a correspondence with the towns of this and the 
 neighboring colonies," and also to correspond with the town 
 of Boston, and transmit a copy of the votes of the meeting.f 
 At another town meeting held in Farmington, Sept. 20th of the 
 same year, the selectmen were directed to purchase " Thirty 
 Hundred weight of lead, Ten Thousand French flints, and 
 thirty-six barrels of powder, to be added to the Town Stock 
 for the use of the Town." Special encouragement was also 
 given for the manufacture of saltpeter. 
 
 Col. Fisher Gay, who had been one of the most active 
 in the public meetings, and had been a member of the prin- 
 cipal committees, on hearing of the conflicts at Concord and 
 Lexington, shut up his store, and accompanied by Peter 
 Curtiss, went to Boston, where at the head of about a hun- 
 dred volunteers, he was soon engaged in the continental 
 service. He was commissioned lieutenant-colonel, Jan. 23, 
 
 *The membei's of this committee, including, as will be seen, prominent 
 names in New Britain and Kensington, as well as Farmington, were "Fisher 
 Gay, Selah Hart, and Stephen Hotchkiss, Esqrs., and Samuel Smith, Noadiah 
 Hooker, Amos Wadsworth, Simeon Strong, James Percival, Elijah Hooker, 
 Mathew Cole, Jonathan Root, Josiah Cowles, Daniel Lanktou, Jonathan An- 
 drews, Jonathan Woodruff, Aaron Day, Timothy Clark, Josiah Lewis, Hezekiah 
 Gridley, Jr., Asa Upson, Amos Barnes, Stephen Barnes, Jr., Ichabod Norton, 
 Joseph Miller, William Woodford, Jedidiah Norton, Jr., Gad Stanley, John 
 Lankton, Elnathan Smith, Thos. Upson, Elisha Booth, Samuel North, Jr., Theo. 
 Hart, and Resen Gridley." 
 
 tThe members of this committee were "William Judd, Fisher Gay, Selah 
 Hart, and Stephen Hotchkiss, Esqrs., and John Treadwell, Asahel Wadsworth, 
 Jonathan Root, Samuel Smith, Ichabod Norton, Noadiah Hooker, and Gad 
 Stanley." 
 
322 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 1776, and colonel on June 20tli of the same year. 'He was 
 active in the service until his early death in August, 1776. 
 
 A number of other officers and men from the old parisli 
 of Farmington were actively engaged some time during the 
 revolutionary war. Three companies from this place were 
 in action against Burgoyne,* and almost every young man 
 was in the service. Large contributions of supplies were 
 sent to the seat of war from this town. 
 
 The other parishes also contributed both men and material 
 for the service with patriotic zeal, but Farmington being at 
 that time the most populous town in the county, the old 
 parish, or Farmington Street, became the center of military 
 operations in furnisliing material for the army, and in the 
 care of soldiers and prisoners of war. 
 
 Dr. Smalley, the pastor of the church in New Britain, 
 was at the commencement of the war believed to be in sym- 
 pathy with the King and parliament. Though generally 
 much respected by his people, some of whom had sat under 
 his ministry for nearly eighteen years, he did not turn them 
 from their devotion to the cause of liberty. When a mes- 
 senger arrived one Sunday afternoon, during service time, 
 with the news that two British ships of war had appeared off 
 New London, Captain Gad Stanley hardly waited for the 
 benediction to be pronounced before he gave notice for his 
 military company to meet the next morning on the parade. 
 As Dr. Smalley passed from the pulpit down the broad aisle, 
 he came to a group of his people gathered about the front 
 door, discussing the news which had just been received. As 
 he passed them, he remarked, "What, will you fight your 
 king?" In the excited state of feeling which then pervaded 
 the community, these words might have produced a tumult, 
 had not Col. Isaac Lee, with prudence and sagacity, poured 
 oil upon the troubled waters and hushed the rising tempest. 
 Dr. Smalley subsequently became fully loyal to the Ameri- 
 can cause. 
 
 * After the defeat of Burgoyne, a, eonsideraWe portion of the captured 
 artillery and other property was brought to Farmington for sate keeping, \Yhere 
 it remained until needed by the American army. 
 
MILITARY HISTORY. 323 
 
 Captain, afterwards Colonel, Gad Stanley very soon pro- 
 ceeded with his company to the seat of war, and did good 
 service for his country. He was at the battle of Long Island, 
 and it is said that at Washington's retreat, he led a regiment 
 safely past the British forces. Lemuel Hotchkiss of New 
 Britain was at this battle, a lieutenant, and was with Colonel 
 Stanley in guarding the retreat. He was also in later 
 engagements, and at the skirmish in Greenwich had a horse 
 shot under him. David Mather was at the latter battle and 
 in other engagements, and his title, ensign, was generally 
 given with his name after his return from the war. During 
 the second period of the revolution, from 1776 to 1778, when 
 the main operations were in the north, a large number, pro- 
 portionally, of the citizens of New Britain and Berlin were 
 in the army; and at White Plains, on the Hudson, in Con- 
 necticut, New York, New Jersey, and elsewhere, fought to 
 secure the independence of the nation. Colonel Selah Hart 
 of Kensington was appointed by the General Court one of a 
 committee to provide stores of lead for the use of the colony, 
 and in 1776 was in command of a regiment at New York, 
 where he was captured by the British and held as a prisoner 
 for two years. He was afterward appointed to the command 
 of a brigade and held this position until the end of the war. 
 Major Jonathan Hart of Kensington was also in the army 
 during the war, and at its close remained in the service 
 until slain by the Indians in Gen. St. Clair's defeat in 1791. 
 Dr. John Hart of the same parish was a surgeon and also an 
 ensign in the army at Yorktown, and witnessed Cornwallis' 
 surrender. Nathaniel Churchill and Benjamin Wright of 
 New Britain, were both captains in the revolutionary war. 
 Dr. Josiah Hart, son of the first Deacon Elijah Hart, was an 
 army surgeon. William Steele and Elias Brown were noted 
 fifers, the latter being a fife major. Noah Stanley, Asher 
 North, Josiah Andrews, and some others, belonged to the 
 light horse, and Josiah Andrus was one of the body-guard 
 of Count Pulaski. Joseph Mather, who in early life had 
 been a sailor, served both in the navy and the army. 
 
324 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 There were many instances of marked patriotism shown 
 by the citizens of all the parishes of Parmington during the 
 revolutionary war. The self-denial and heroism of some of 
 the officers have already been mentioned. There was also 
 self-denial and fortitude exhibited by men in the ranks, and 
 by those who remained at home. Moses Andrews had seven 
 sons who came to years of maturity, six of whom were fitted 
 out for the war by the self-denial and patient industry of 
 their mother. The oldest died in the service in 1776, at the 
 age of twenty-seven, and the next year his youngest brother 
 entered the army at sixteen years of age. 
 
 In the dark hours of the struggle of 1777, when Theo- 
 dore Stedman, who had been taken prisoner, had returned 
 from captivity to die in New Britain, and Seth Judd had 
 been killed by the accidental discharge of a gun in camp, the 
 uncle of the latter, Capt. Phineas Judd, nothing daunted, at 
 the age of sixty-two enlisted in the army and went to the 
 front. 
 
 Others had fallen in battle; there was much to discourage 
 the most ardent patriots; but in these days of gloom, old 
 men and young men pressed forward to enlist in the service, 
 and mothers, sisters, and wives prepared them to go. Cap- 
 tain Elijah Hart, Jr., at nineteen years of age, enlisted in 
 the service and was at the battles of Saratoga and Stillwater, 
 and at the surrender of Burgoyne. Elijah Smith, Jr., was 
 at the battle of Yorktown, and a witness to the surrender of 
 Cornwallis.* 
 
 Several of the soldiers from these parishes became emi- 
 nent for bravery. Some were killed in the service, or 
 suffered in British prisons; some were promoted for valiant 
 
 * After the capture by Benedict Arnold of Groton and New London, and the 
 wanton destructicjn of those phiees, contributions were raised in the colony for 
 the relief of the survivors. The following is a copy of a receipt still preserved 
 for money contributed in New Britain. 
 
 Reed. 20th of February, 1TS3, of Mr. Jonathan Belding for New Britton for 
 New London and Grotton Contribution, 
 
 Hard money £2- ls-3d. 
 
 State money 0-13 -0. 
 
 By Solomon Cowles, Town Treasurer. 
 
MILITARY HISTORY. 325 
 
 conduct or to fill the places of those who fell in battle. The 
 highest officer, who was a native of New Britain, and was 
 continued for a considerable time in the army, was General 
 John Paterson, a son of Major John Paterson. He was a 
 brigadier-general who, though for many years a citizen of 
 New Britain, entered the army from the State of Massachu- 
 setts in 1775. He was at first commissioned as colonel, 
 and commanded a regiment from Berkshire county, first 
 stationed near Boston, before the battle of Bunker Hill. He 
 was afterwards ordered to New Yoi'k, and then to Canada to 
 take part in the contemplated attack upon Quebec. He re- 
 turned by the way of Crown Point and Ticonderoga, and soon 
 after joined the army of Gen. Washington, and was engaged 
 in active service at the battles of Trenton and Princeton, 
 1776-7. Being commissioned brigadier-general soon after, 
 he was stationed at Morristown and then at West Point, and 
 participated in the battle of Saratoga and the capture of 
 Burgoyne. He also took part in the battle of Monmouth, 
 and was a member of the court which tried Major Andre.* 
 In the war of 1812, the people of New Britain had less 
 interest than in the preceding wars. The parish and the 
 town of Berlin, of which it was then a part, were, however, 
 represented in this war. Isaac Maltby, a graduate of Yale 
 College, and a member of the First Church,^ became briga- 
 
 * There are no records jtouncl which give a complete list of the persons from 
 New Britaiu and Berlin, who served in the revolutionary army ; but the follow- 
 ing, it is believed, comprises the most prominent persons from the place during 
 this war. General John Paterson, Colonel Gad Stanley, Major Elias Brown, 
 Captains Nathaniel Churchill, Lemuel Hotchkiss, Ladwick Hotchkiss, Phinehas 
 Judd, John Lankton, and Benjamin Wright ; Samuel Andrews, Joseph Andi-ews, 
 Moses Andrews, Isaac Andrews, John Andrews, Jesse Andrews, Nathaniel An- 
 drews, Josiah Andrews, Cornelius Dunham, Ebenezer Dickinson, James Francis, 
 Elijah Francis, Gad Fuller, Dr. Josiah Hart, Elijah Hart, Jr., Seth Judd, Josiah 
 
 Kilbourne, Colins Ludington, David Mather, Joseph Mather, Asher North, 
 
 North, Nathan Penfleld, John Kiley, Eluathan Smith, Noah Stanley, Ebenezer 
 Steele, Josiah Steele, William Steele, Jason Steele, Theodore Stedman. From 
 Kensington and Worthington parishes. General Selah Hart, Major Jonathan 
 -Hart, Dr. John Hart, and, at some time during the war, nearly all the able- 
 bodied men went into the service of the country in some capacity; several of 
 whom were killed in battle or died in camp. Dr. John Hart was in the naval 
 service also. 
 
326 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 dier-general soon after the war began. Ezekiel Andrews 
 was a captain in the war, and by his courage and military 
 spirit, infused enthusiasm into the company which he com- 
 manded. Cyrus Stanley was also an active officer of the 
 State troops. Salmon Steele was a soldier in the ranks, and, 
 in 1814, took part in the battles of Port Erie, Chippewa, and 
 Lundy's Lane. His brother, Jason Steele, was also in the 
 army, and died at Sackett's Harbor. There were others, 
 officers and privates, in the service for a portion of the time 
 of the war, but there was not that uprising of the people 
 that was manifested in the revolution, and also in the civil 
 war of 1861-1865. 
 
 Prom 1792 to 1815, a portion of Berlin and New Britain 
 belonged to the Sixth Regiment and another portion to the 
 Pifteenth, both in the Seventh Brigade and first division, 
 but after the close of the war in 1815, a new organization of 
 the militia was effected, and the system consisted of light 
 infantry, riflemen, cavalry, and artillery, formed into com- 
 panies, regiments, brigades, and divisions. As the different 
 organizations did not necessarily have boundary lines. New 
 Britain and Berlin were represented in several, but chiefly in 
 the Sixth and Pifteenth regiments of the Seventh Brigade. 
 Among the prominent officers of this period and later were, 
 Major Selah Hart, Major Seth J. North, Colonel Joseph 
 Wright, Colonel Prancis Hart, Captain J. R. King, Captain 
 Walter Gladden, and some others. 
 
 On the breaking out of the civil war in President Lincoln's 
 administration, there was a general uprising of the people of 
 New Britain, and the manifestation of patriotism was almost 
 universal. 
 
 The first regular war-meeting in Hartford County, and 
 one of the first in the State pertaining to the war of the 
 rebellion, was held in the Pirst Church, New Britain, Sunday 
 evening, April 14, 1861, a few hours after Major Anderson 
 had evacuated Fort Sumter. Rev. Samuel Rockwell pre- 
 sided. Resolutions to support the government were unani- 
 mously passed amid great enthusiasm, which was raised to 
 
MILITARY HISTORY. 327 
 
 its highest pitch when V. B. Chamberlain, Esq., presented to 
 the audience, accompained by a thrilling speech, a portrait of 
 Major Anderson. This handsome picture of the hero of 
 Port Sumter had been encircled with a laurel wreath pre- 
 pared by a few ladies of New Britain. An enlistment paper 
 was presented, and the enlistment of volunteers, headed by 
 Frank Stanley, who was afterward killed at Irish Bend, 
 Louisiana, was begun. 
 
 The enthusiasm awakened at this meeting increased; 
 enlistments continued, and on Monday, April 22, 1861, when 
 the first companies from Connecticut were mustered into the 
 United States service, Company G,* First Regiment, from 
 New Britain, was one of them. The first Hartford company 
 was started by Joseph R. Hawley and others, in the office of 
 the Evening Press, April 17th. There were two privates 
 from New Britain in this company. The volunteers from 
 this place were in different companies and regiments of this 
 State, and some residents of New Britain were enrolled in 
 regiments of other States. 
 
 Company G, of the Sixth Regiment Infantry, was recruited 
 largely from New Britain, having over seventy members 
 from this place, and was mustered Sept. 4, 1861, going into 
 camp at New Haven. f 
 
 Company A, of the Seventh Regiment, mustered about 
 the same time, had a number of members from New Britain, 
 among whom was Valentine B. Cliamberlain, lieutenant. 
 
 Company A, of the Thirteenth Regiment, mustered into 
 the United States service, Feb. 18, 1862, with Henry L. Bid- 
 
 * The officers of this company were : Frederick W. Hart, captain ; William 
 C. Cunningham, first lieutenant ; Oscar M. Butler, second lieutenant ; Thomas 
 H. Bingham, Henry M, Davis, Levi B. Stone, and William KinloclJ, sergeants ; 
 John Tracy, Edward S. Callender, Israel C. Bag-gs, and Willis A. Hart, corpo- 
 rals, all from New Britain, except Sergeant Davis. 
 
 The officers of Company G at time of muster were : Captain, John N. 
 Tracy ; Lieutenants, William H. Stowe and William G. Kinlock ; Sergeants, Wil- 
 liam Burritt, James Whiteley, Henry Kolbe, Matthew McMahon, and Orrin C. 
 Yale ; and Corponals, John P. Cannell, William Kenyon, Charles C. Callender, 
 Julius O. Deming, Joseph J. Buff, Henry Allen, Ernest Gussman, and William 
 Horsefall ; Musicians, J. Willard Parsons and Heury Gussman, — all fj-om New 
 Britain, except Sergeant Yale and Coiporal Allen. 
 
328 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 well, a former resident of New Britain, as its captain, had 
 over fifty men enlisted from this place.* 
 
 Company F, of the Fourteenth Kegiment, mustered in 
 Aug. 23, 1862, had sixty-five men, and its principal officers f 
 from New Britain. 
 
 New Britain, Farmington, and Berlin, furnished more 
 than their quota of troops, and raised large sums for bounties 
 and for the support of soldiers' families. 
 
 According to the official records, the number of men 
 furnished by New Britain was, of the three months volun- 
 teers, 60, and of the three years men, 645, or 105 more than 
 the quota from the town. The amount expended by the 
 town for bounties, premiums, and support of families was 
 $45,628.45; the estimated amount paid by individuals for 
 bounties to volunteers and substitutes and for commutation 
 was $49,400 or a total of $95,028.45. The grand list in 
 1864 was $2,608,418. 
 
 The quota for Farmington was 312, but the town fur- 
 nished of three months volunteers 11, and of three years 
 men or its equivalent, 360, or 48 more than its quota. Berlin 
 furnished 243 men, or 36 more than its quota. The expendi- 
 tures of the town of Farmington for bounties, premiums, 
 commutation, and support of families was $89,975.98, and 
 the estimate of the sum paid by individuals for bounties and 
 commutation was $15,000. The amount expended by Berlin 
 as published in the " History of the Rebellion " was $35,- 
 880.66. These sums differ slightly from the town records.^ 
 
 * The otBcei'S of Company A from New Britain were ; Lieutenants, John E. 
 WoodrnfE and Charles H. Cornwell; Sergeants, Frank E. Stanley, Nelson W. 
 Steele, and Charles R. Gladden; Corporals, Frank W. Stanley, Norman W. War- 
 ren, Devereaux Jones, Walter G. Carpenter, Newton W. Perkins, Mortimer H. 
 Stanley, and Bernard Fagan. 
 
 tThe otlicers of Company F from New Britain were: Captain, Jarvis E. 
 Blinn ; Lieutenants, Samuel A. Moore and Theodore A. Stanley ; Sergeants, Lev- 
 erett Howell, Frederick S. Seymour, John ^Y. Post, and Wilbur D. Fisk ; Corpo- 
 rals, Henry Cooley, Charles R. Bunnell, Henry B. Goodrich, Edmund D. Gilbert, 
 and Thomas Ilart ; Musicians, J. Willard Parsons, John luman. 
 
 lu a number of instances, the officers of these companies were promoted 
 during the war, some uf them several times. 
 
 t The total amount as given by town officials was, from Farmington $107,- 
 111.05, and from Berlin $39,966.57. 
 
MILITARY HISTORY. 329 
 
 Eighty of those who went from New Britain, either fell 
 in battle, were wounded and died of their wounds, or were 
 sick and died in hospitals or southern prisons. Many of 
 these were young men — the hope of their parents and 
 friends — active in the business establishments of the place, 
 and esteemed in social and civil life. Among those who 
 participated actively in the war and returned in safety to 
 their homes, were those who were commended for their 
 bravery, and some who were promoted to posts of distinction 
 and responsibility. 
 
 The interest manifested and the patriotism shown in 
 Farmington and Berlin, though not seen so early as in New 
 Britain, were none the less significant. Five men from 
 Berlin responded to the call for three months volunteers, 
 three going with the New Britain Company, and two with 
 a Bridgeport Company. There were few instances during 
 the war of a greater r(umber of casualties and a greater 
 sacrifice of life than occurred to the Berlin Volunteers in 
 Company G, of the Sixteenth Eegiment. There were twenty- 
 seven members of this company from Berlin, of whom two 
 were killed at the battle of Antietam, four died at Ander- 
 sonville, six others died in the war, nearly all in southern 
 prisons; six who were wounded lived to return home, and 
 two were captured but were afterwards released. 
 
 One of the first soldiers' monuments erected in the State 
 was at Kensington; it bears the names of fifteen volunteers 
 from that parish. There is also a soldiers' monument at 
 East Berlin, with thirty-five names, soine of persons- who 
 were from other towns. Farmington has also a soldiers' 
 monument. 
 
 [Note. — The following list comprises most of the officers, above sergeant, 
 who enlisted from New Britain, and a few others.] 
 
 Col. Samuel A. Moore enlisted July 16, 1862, as a recruit 
 for the Seventh Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers. He 
 raised a company of men and was by them elected second 
 lieutenant. He went into camp of the Fourteenth Regi- 
 ment at Hartford. He was promoted to the position of first 
 32 
 
330 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 lieutenant Aug. 15th, and was mustered into the United 
 States service with his company Aug. 23d. The regiment 
 left Hartford for Washington, and was first sent to Camp 
 Chase, on Arlington Heights, then to Fort Allen and across 
 Chain Bridge to Rockville, and was finally assigned to 
 French's Division of the Second Corps, Army of the 
 Potomac. 
 
 On Sept. 17th, Lieutenant Moore was 'in the thirty-six 
 hours' fight at the battle of Antietam, where, after Capt. 
 Blinn was killed, he became captain. On Sept. 22, 1863, he 
 ■was prom'oted to be major, and on October 11th, of the same 
 year, was made lieutenant-colonel. In the course of the war 
 he became acting colonel and brigadier-general, and was in 
 command of a provisional regiment at Washington, D. C, 
 ■when Gen. Early made his raid on the place in July, 1864. 
 During the war he was engaged in the following battles : 
 
 Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1863 ; in 1863, at Cbancellorsville, Va., May 
 1st, 2cl, and 3d ; Gettysburg, Penn., July 2d and 3d ; Falling Waters, Va., 
 July 14tli ; Auburn, Va., Oct. 14tb ; Bristoe Station, Va., Oct. 14tli ; 
 Blackburn's Ford, Va., Oct. 17th; Mine Run, Va., Nov. 29th;— in 1864, at 
 Morton's Ford, Va., Feb. 6th; Wilderness, Va., May 5th and 6th; Laurel 
 Hill, Va., May 10th; Spottsylvania, Va., May 12th; Petersburg, Va., June 
 80th; Deep Bottom, Va., Aug. 15th and 16th; Ream's Station, Va., Aug. 
 25th; Boydton Plank Road, Va., Oct. 37th;— in 1865, at Hatcher's Run, 
 Va., Feb. 5th and March 25th, and Farmville, Va., April 6th. 
 
 He was wounded at Spottsylvania and at Farmville. He 
 was mustered out of service June 6, 1865. 
 
 Capt. Jarvis E. Blinn enlisted in Company F, Fourteenth 
 Regiment. He was mustered in Aug. 23, 1862, and left the 
 State for Washington on the twenty-fifth of the same month. 
 He was killed at Sharpsburg, in the hard fought battle of 
 Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. 
 
 Capt. Valentine B. Chamberlain enlisted in Company A, 
 Seventh Regiment, Aug. 17, 1861, and was mustered in as 
 second lieutenant Sept. 5th. He went to Washington on the 
 eighteenth, was in the expedition sent to South Carolina in 
 October, and in the early part of November was with the 
 regiment when it made the first landing in South Carolina. 
 
MILITARY HISTORY. 331 
 
 He was in the siege of Port Pulaski in April, and of James 
 Island in June, 1862. On the first of July he was promoted 
 and became captain. He was with his company and regi- 
 ment in the remaining engagements of that year and in 
 1863, until in the assault upon Fort Wagner on Morris 
 Island, S. C, he was captured July 11, 1868, the second day 
 of the battle. He was confined as a prisoner at Charleston ' 
 and Columbia, S. C, and at Charlotte and Raleigh, N. C. 
 At Columbia, where his confinement was the longest, he 
 made his escape, but while on his way to East Tennessee and 
 near the North Carolina line, he was re-captured. He was 
 paroled and reached our lines again March 1, 1865, at Wil- 
 mington, N. C. He was honorably discharged April 27, 
 1865. Since returning from the war he has been Judge of 
 Probate, Judge of the Police and City Court, and State 
 Treasurer. 
 
 Capt. Charles H. Cornwell enlisted in Company A, Thir- 
 teenth Regiment, and was mustered in Feb. 18, 1862, as 
 second lieutenant. He was promoted to be first lieutenant 
 June 30, 1862, and to be captain Sept. 1 of the same year. 
 He remained with his regiment until the expiration of his 
 term of enlistment June 6, 1865, when he was mustered out. 
 
 Frederick W. Hart was captain of a military company 
 in New Britain, and on the breaking out of the civil war he 
 enlisted and went with Company G of the First Regiment, 
 as captain. He was mustered in April 23, 1861, and left for 
 Washington and the seat of war in May. For a time he was 
 stationed at Glenwood to guard Washington, but on June 
 1st, with his company and regiment, crossed Long Bridge to 
 Virginia. He was at the battle of Bull Run, but on the 
 expiration of the term of enlistment, July 31, was honorably 
 discharged. He was afterwards an insurance agent. He 
 died Feb. 16, 1883. 
 
 Capt. Ira E. Hicks was born at Rehoboth, Bristol County, 
 Mass., Sept. 22, 1838. After graduating from Bristol Acad- 
 emy he came to Bridgeport, Conn., and engaged in manufac- 
 turing. At tlie breaking out of the war he left a prosperous 
 
332 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 business and enlisted Sept. 9, 1861, in Company I, Seventh 
 Regiment, and was appointed second lieutenant, being 
 miistered in Sept. 13, 1861. He was promoted to first 
 lieutenant March 1, 1863. He continued with this regiment 
 until near the close of the war. At the battle of James 
 Island, S. C, June 16, 1862, he was wounded. At the battle 
 of Morris Island, nearly a year later, when four companies of 
 his regiment were leading in the assault on Fort Wagner, he 
 was acting adjutant of the detachment in which all the other 
 officers of his company were killed. He was then promoted 
 to be first lieutenant of Company B, and made provost mar- 
 shal of the Island. In 1861, when the regiment was ordered 
 to Fortress Monroe to take its part in the attack upon Rich- 
 mond, Lieutenant Hicks received orders to report to Gen. 
 Birney, commanding the Tenth Army Corps, and he remained 
 upon the staff of that officer until Gen. Birney's death. 
 The general, in appreciation of the services rendered by 
 Lieut. Hicks at the battle of Deep Bottom, recommended 
 him for promotion in the regular army, but his health being 
 impaired he declined. After receiving promotion as captain 
 of Infantry, he was mustered out Dec. 4, 1864. He is one 
 of the charter members of Stanley Post, G. A. R., and has 
 held the office of Commander of the Post, Commander of 
 the Department of Connecticut, and also been appointed 
 Junior Vice-Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the 
 Republic. He was appointed post-master by President Har- 
 rison in 1889. 
 
 Newton W. Perkins enlisted in Company A, Thirteenth 
 Regiment, Sept. 14, 1861. He was mustered in Dec. 22d, 
 was chosen corporal and afterwards second lieutenant of 
 Company C. He was first lieutenant and later captain of 
 Company D, and was appointed major by brevet for gallant 
 services at Port Hudson, La. He was mustered out April 
 25, 1866. 
 
 Eugene Tisdale enlisted in Company E, Thirteenth Regi- 
 ment, Nov. 1, 1861, and was appointed captain. He was 
 promoted lieutenant-colonel, First Regiment, New Orleans 
 Infantry, May 1, 1864. He was discharged June 1, 1866. 
 
MILITARY HISTOBY. 333 
 
 John N. Tracy enlisted in Company G, Sixth Regiment, 
 and was mustered in Sept. 4, 1861. He was chosen captain, 
 and left for Washington with his company and regiment 
 September 17th. He was wounded in the engagement at 
 Drewry's Bluff, Va., May 16, 1864. He was honorably dis- 
 charged at the expiration of his term of service, Sept. 12, 
 1864. 
 
 "William Burritt enlisted in Company G, Sixth Regiment, 
 was chosen sergeant, and mustered in Sept. 4, 1861. He 
 was promoted to second lieutenant March 14, 1862, and 
 resigned Oct. 9, 1862. 
 
 Frederick N. Campbell enlisted in Company D, Eleventh 
 Regiment, was mustered in Nov. 12, 1861, was appointed 
 first sergeant, promoted to be second lieutenant March 14, 
 
 1862, and afterwards to be first lieutenant. He resigned 
 October 80, 1862. 
 
 Wilbur D. Fisk enlisted in Rifle Company B, Third Regi- 
 ment, was appointed sergeant, and mustered in Aug. 23d. 
 He was promoted first lieutenant of Company F, Fourteenth 
 Regiment. He was wounded at Bristoe Station, Va., October 
 14th, and discharged Oct. 27, 1863. 
 
 Sidney S. Hicks was mustered in with the Sixth Infantry 
 Regiment, Sept. 13, 1861, as one of the principal regimental 
 musicians. He became sergeant of Company B, and second 
 lieutenant Company G. He re-enlisted as a veteran Jan. 4, 
 1864, and was promoted to first lieutenant Company K. He 
 was mustered out Aug. 21, 1865. 
 
 Isaac Porter enlisted in Company A, Sixty-eighth Penn- 
 sylvania Regiment, in 1862, and was mustered in as first 
 sergeant. He was promoted to be second lieutenant Jan. 7, 
 
 1863. He was wounded, losing an arm, at the battle of 
 Gettysburg, July 2, 1863, and transferred to Company D, 
 V. R. C, Nov. 15, 1863. He was discharged in 1866. He 
 was in the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, 
 and commanded a company at Chancellorsville and Gettys- 
 burg. He was for a time in defense of Washington, and 
 on duty in Indiana, Ohio, North Carolina, and New York. 
 He has been town clerk of New Britain for several years. 
 
334 HISTORY OP NEW BEITAIN, ETC. 
 
 William G. Kinlock enlisted in Company G-, Sixth Kegi- 
 ment, was mustered in Sept. 4, 1861, was chosen second 
 lieutenant, and resigned March 14, 1862. 
 
 Solomon P. Linsley enlisted in Company G-, Sixth Eegi- 
 ment, Aug. 26, 1861, and was discharged March 14, 1862. 
 He re-enlisted Aug. 9 in Company K, Fifteenth Regiment, 
 was mustered in Aug. 25th as second lieutenant, was promoted 
 to first lieutenant Nov. 16, 1863, and was captured at King- 
 ston, N. C, March 8, 1865. He was mustered out June 27, 
 1865. 
 
 Lucius F. Norton enlisted in Company F, Fourteenth 
 Regiment, Aug. 9, 1862, was appointed first sergeant in July, 
 and second lieutenant Dec. 5, 1863. 
 
 Frederick S. Seymour enlisted in Company F, Fourteenth 
 Regiment, was mustered in Aug. 28d. He was sergeant, 
 and Nov. 13th became quartermaster-sergeant. He was pro- 
 moted to first lieutenant. Company I, was wounded at the 
 battle of Gettysburg, and discharged on account of disability 
 April 30, 1864. 
 
 Francis H. Smith enlisted from Plainville in Company E, 
 Twentieth Regiment, Aug. 14, 1862, was chosen sergeant, 
 and promoted to second lieutenant by brevet. He was mus- 
 tered out June 13, 1865. 
 
 Theodore Augustus Stanley, second son of Henry Stan- 
 ley, was born July 22, 1833. He was successfully engaged 
 in business, when on the call of the President for three hun- 
 dred thousand volunteers, he enlisted July 15, 1862, and 
 became second lieutenant, and then first lieutenant, in Com- 
 pany F of the Fourteenth Regiment. In the battle of 
 Fredericksburg, Va., in the absence of his captain, he led his 
 company in the gallant charge of the Fourteenth, was 
 mortally wounded, and died Dec. 31, 1862, at Wasliington, 
 D. C. His body was brought to New Britain and his funeral 
 attended in the South Church, from which he was buried 
 with military honors, Jan. 6, 1863. 
 
 Mortimer H. Stanley, second child of James and Anna 
 North (Stow) Stanley, was born Nov. 2, 1839. He married 
 
MILITARY HISTORY. 335 
 
 Nov. 8, 1867, Theresa E. Bartholomew, daughter of J. C. 
 Bartholomew, of G-ranby. He was a volunteer in the civil 
 ■war, being a member of Company A, Thirteenth Regiment. 
 He went to Ship Island and New Orleans, was detailed to the 
 Medical Purveyor's office at New Orleans, and was promoted 
 to second lieutenant Company H, Ninety-sixth Regiment, 
 U. S. C. I. He resigned July 23, 1864. On his return he 
 was in business a short time, but died Dec. 9, 1867. 
 
 Fredericic N. Stanley enlisted in Company A, Thirteenth 
 Regiment, Sept. 24, 1861, was appointed sergeant-major Feb. 
 15, 1863, and second lieutenant Company C, July 1, 1864. 
 He was discharged January 6, 1865. 
 
 John Van Keuren enlisted in Company A, Seventh Regi- 
 ment, was mustered in Sept. 5, 1861, was chosen sergeant, 
 promoted to second lieutenant July 1, 1862, and to first lieu- 
 tenant Company I, Feb. 7, 1864, and discharged Dec. 25, 
 1864. 
 
 James Whiteley enlisted in Company G, Sixth Regiment, 
 and was appointed sergeant. He re-enlisted as veteran 
 March 7, 1864, and was promoted to lieutenant of Company 
 E. He was mustered out August 21, 1865. 
 
 John E. Woodruff enlisted in Company A, Thirteenth 
 Regiment, was mustered in Feb. 18, 1862, and chosen first 
 lieutenant. He resigned June 24, 1862. 
 
 Orville Campbell enlisted in Company I, Sixteenth Regi- 
 ment, was appointed first sergeant, and mustered in Aug. 24, 
 
 1862. He was one of the first members of the company, 
 his first muster dating July 21st. He was killed at Sharps- 
 burg, in the battle of Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. 
 
 Julius 0. Deming first enlisted April 18, 1861, in Com- 
 pany F, First Regiment, and was mustered out July 31, 1861. 
 He re-enlisted Aug. 26, 1861, in Company G-, Sixth Regi- 
 ment, and again re-enlisted as veteran March 7, 1864. He 
 was afterwards promoted to be sergeant, and was mustered 
 out Aug. 21, 1865. 
 
 Christopher C. Fagan enlisted in Company A, Thirteenth 
 Regiment, Dec. 27, 1861, promoted to be sergeant Aug. 10, 
 
 1863, and discharged Jan. 6, 1865. 
 
336 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Charles R. Gladden enlisted in Company A, Thirteenth 
 Regiment, and was mustered in Dec. 22, 1861. He was 
 appointed sergeant, and went with his company and regi- 
 ment to the South, and died at New Orleans, La., July 1, 
 1863. 
 
 Leverett Howell enlisted in Company F, Fourteenth Regi- 
 ment, Aug. 6, 1862, was mustered in as sergeant Aug. 23, 
 1862, and discharged Jan. 5, 1863. 
 
 Henry Kolby enlisted in Company G, First Regiment, 
 and was also in Company G of the Sixth Regiment. He 
 was appointed sergeant, and discharged for disability Nov. 
 11, 1862. 
 
 George H. Lewis enlisted Aug. 6, 1862. He was mus- 
 tered in as a member of Company F, Fourteenth Regiment, 
 Aug. 23, 1862. He was promoted to be corporal Oct. 17, 
 1862, was wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Fredericksburg, and 
 promoted to be sergeant Feb. 9, 1863. He was discharged 
 Oct. 2, 1863. 
 
 Henry Lydall enlisted Aug. 6, 1862, and was mustered in 
 Aug. 23, 1862. He became corporal Feb. 10, 1863, and 
 sergeant Nov. 1, 1863. He was mustered out May 31, 1865. 
 
 Charles McAlhatten enlisted in Company F, Fourteenth 
 Regiment, July 16, 1862. He was mustered in Aug. 23, 
 1862, and promoted to be sergeant Feb. 9, 1863. He was 
 killed Oct. 14, 1863, at Bristoe Station, Va. 
 
 Matthew McMabon enlisted in Company G, Sixth Regi- 
 ment, was appointed sergeant ; was wounded at Fort Wagner, 
 but re-enlisted as veteran Jan. 4, 1864. He was mustered 
 out Aug. 21, 1865. 
 
 Michael Myers enlisted July 28, 1862. He was mustered 
 in Aug. 23, 1862, was chosen corporal Feb. 9, 1863, and 
 appointed sergeant Nov. 4, 1863. He was wounded and cap- 
 tured Feb. 6, 1864, at Morton's Ford, Va., and died Sept. 20, 
 1864, at Andersonville, Ga. 
 
 John O'Brien enlisted in Company D, Fifth Regiment, 
 was mustered in July 23, 1861, was captured at Cedar Moun- 
 tain, Aug. 9, 1862, paroled Sept. 15th, captured again May 
 
MILITARY HISTORY. 337 
 
 2, 1863, at Chancellorsville, and again paroled. He was 
 appointed sergeant, re-enlisted as a veteran Dec. 21, 1863, 
 and was mustered out July 19, 1865. 
 
 John W. Post enlisted in Company F, Fourteenth Regi- 
 ment, July 19, 1862, and was appointed sergeant and then 
 quartermaster-sergeant. He died Nov. 1st of the same year 
 at Harper's Ferry. 
 
 Charles M. Scoville enlisted in Company F, Fourteenth 
 Regiment, Aug. 7, 1862, and was mustered in Aug. 23, 1863. 
 He was made corporal Nov. 1, 1863, and wounded at Mor- 
 ton's Ford, Feb. 6, 1864. He was appointed sergeant Feb. 
 17, 1864, and a second time was wounded at Spottsylvania, 
 May 12, 1864. He died July 14, 1864. 
 
 Francis E. Stanley, eldest son of Walter Stanley, was 
 born Nov. 7, 1842. He entered the service as a member of 
 the company of three months' men in 1861, and served upon 
 the Potomac. He re-enlisted in Company A of the Thir- 
 teenth Regiment in September, was appointed sergeant, and 
 went with the regiment to Ship Island, leaving the barracks 
 at New Haven March 17th. He was at the battle at Georgia 
 Landing, Oct. 27th, and on April 14, 1863, while, as orderly 
 sergeant, he was leading his com-pany against the enemy 
 at Irish Bend, La., he was killed. His body was brought 
 home, and his funeral was attended at the Center Church, 
 March 1, 1864. 
 
 Francis Wadsworth Stanley, son of Timothy W. Stanley, 
 was born Jan. 24, 1843. He was a young man of much 
 promise and pleasant prospects in life, but on the call for 
 volunteers in the civil war he enlisted in the Thirteenth Regi- 
 ment. He was wounded in the battle of Irish Bend, La., 
 April 14, 1863, and on the 29th of May died of his wounds 
 at Brashear City. He was a brave soldier and, as sergeant 
 of his company, had won the approbation of his superior 
 officers. His body was brought to New Britain, where he 
 was buried Aug. 16, 1863. 
 
 Nelson W. Steele enlisted in Company A, Thirteenth 
 
338 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Regiment, was mustered in Dec. 22, 1861, was appointed ser- 
 geant, and honorably discharged Jan. 6, 1865. 
 
 Charles W. Vensel enlisted Aug. 7, 1862, and was mus- 
 tered in Aug. 23, 1862. He was made corporal Oct. 4, 1862, 
 and promoted to be sergeant Feb. 9, 1863. He was trans- 
 ferred to Company A, Twenty-fourth Regiment, Y. R. C, 
 Dec. 12, 1863, and discharged June 28, 1865. 
 
 Edward H. Wade enlisted Aug. 8, 1862, and was mus- 
 tered in Aug. 23, 1862. He was promoted to be corporal 
 Feb. 10, 1863, and to be sergeant Nov. 12, 1863. He was 
 discharged May 31, 1865. 
 
 Edwin Westover enlisted in Company A, Eighth Regi- 
 ment, was mustered in Sept. 25, 1861, was appointed ser- 
 geant March 28, 1862, and discharged for disability, Oct. 25, 
 1862, at Pleasant Valley, Md. 
 
 Francis J. Wolff enlisted in Company A, Thirteenth 
 Regiment, Sept. 16, 1861. He was appointed corporal Nov. 
 1, 1862, and sergeant July 1, 1863. He was transferred to 
 Company A, Thirteenth Battalion, Dec. 29, 1864, and dis- 
 charged Aug. 12, 1865. 
 
 Mortimer S. Porter was master of a merchant vessel 
 trading in the East Indies in the first years of the war. On 
 his arrival in England he was directed to place his ship 
 under the English flag and offered an increase of pay. Not 
 choosing to sail under a foreign flag, he transferred the ship 
 to the mate, resigned, and came home. He enlisted in the 
 navy, was acting ensign, and was honorably discharged in 
 1865. He died in Australia in December, 1872. 
 
 Dr. Edward D. Babcock enlisted with the Fifth Regiment 
 in July, 1861, leaving Hartford for the seat of war a week 
 after the battle at Bull's Run. He became hospital steward, 
 and as the regiment went without adequate supplies, and 
 was subject during the autumn and early winter to weari- 
 some marches, exposures, and sudden surprises, his labors 
 were arduous. On the transfer of the regiment in Decem- 
 ber, 1863, to the Department of the Cumberland, he re-en- 
 listed as a veteran, and continued in the service until mus 
 tered out July 19, 1865. 
 
MILITARY HISTORY. 339 
 
 Ithamar W. Butler was mustered in with tlie Sixteenth 
 Infantry Regiment, Aug. 24, 1862, and was. made hospital 
 steward. He continued with the regiment until he was mus- 
 tered out at Newbern, N. C, May 13, 1865. 
 
 Dr. B. N. Comings was mustered in as surgeon^ of the 
 Thirteenth Regiment, Feb. 18, 1862. He was in barracks at 
 New Haven, and left for Ship Island March 17th. After three 
 weeks' service at this place he went to New Orleans, where 
 he remained with the regiment through the summer ; the 
 last of September he went to Camp Parapet, in the suburbs 
 of New Orleajis, and the regiment was brigaded with the 
 Twelfth. He was at the battle of Georgia Landing, Oct. 
 27th, where he cared for the wounded. He remained with 
 the regiment until Jan. 26, 1863, when he resigned. 
 
 Dr. George Clary was mustered in the Thirteenth Regi- 
 ment Feb. 18, 1862, as first assistant surgeon. He was with 
 tlie regiment in its varied fortunes at the South, and on the 
 resignation of Dr. Comings, was promoted to be surgeon 
 July 31, 1868. He was mustered out April 25, 1866. 
 
 Dr. Linus S. Ludington enlisted as private in Company 
 G, First Regiment, Artillery, Rev. Robert G. Williams, cap- 
 tain, was mustered in May 23, 1861, and left Hartford for 
 the front June 10th. On July 7, 1861, in the absence of the 
 surgeon, he entered upon surgeon's duty at Williamsport, on 
 the Potomac, and the same month became hospital steward, 
 and held this position first at Williamsport, and then at Arling- 
 ton Heights, and continuously until he was captured at Cold 
 Harbor, June 2, 1862. The next day he was taken to Libby 
 prison, where he remained until July 23, when he was 
 paroled and went to Annapolis, Md. Here, when able, he 
 served as hospital steward at the hospital which had been 
 established at St. John's College, and also had charge of the 
 drug store at Annapolis. While at Annapolis he collected a 
 quantity of books for the hospital at the college. He served 
 in the different positions td which he was called, by detail ; 
 and was several times under fire while attending to the sick 
 and wounded. He was transferred to the Invalid Corps 
 March 15, 186'4, and discharged June 8d. 
 
340 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Wm. B. North was appointed second assistant surgeon of 
 the Eighteenth Regiment March 20, 1863. He resigned May 
 9, 1864. 
 
 Rev. Emmons P. Bond enlisted Oct. 15, 1864. He was 
 mustered in Nov. 13, 1864, and was discharged April 26, 
 1865. He was chaplain of the Fourteenth Regiment In- 
 fantry. 
 
 John P. Connell enlisted Aug. 26, 1861, was sergeant and 
 second lieutenant Company G, was wounded at Deep Run, 
 Aug. 16, 1864, became captain Company E, Feb. 13, 1865, 
 and was mustered out Aug. 21st. 
 
 C. Myron Talcott was mustered in Company K, Twentieth 
 Regiment, Aug. 11, 1862, as sergeant, was appointed adju- 
 tant Dec. 17, 1864, was wounded March 16, 1865, and dis- 
 charged on May 10th. 
 
 Edward J. Murray enlisted in Company K, Twentieth 
 Regiment, Aug. 15, 1862, became lieutenant, was wounded 
 at Gettysburg, Peach Tree Creek, and Fayetteville, and 
 'discharged May 15, 1865. 
 
 Charles W. Newton enlisted in Company K, Twentieth 
 Regiment, was mustered in Sept. 8, 1862, as lieutenant, and 
 resigned May 28, 1863. 
 
 Dwight A, Woodruff enlisted Aug. 26, 1861, in Company 
 G, Sixth Regiment, became commissary-sergeant, then second 
 lieutenant Company C, afterwards first lieutenant Company K. 
 
 William H. Clements enlisted in Company F, Fifth Regi- 
 ment, became sergeant Dec. 1, 1863, re-enlisted as veteran 
 Dec. 21st, and was discharged July 28, 1864. 
 
 Albert Stillman enlisted Aug. 11, 1862, in Company K, 
 Twentieth Regiment, became sergeant and was killed at 
 Chancellorsville, Ya., May 3, 1863. 
 
CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. 
 
 THERE are few towns or cities wliere Societies and Asso- 
 ciations have been more numerous or varied in charac- 
 ter tlian in New Britain. Some of these organizations date 
 back to tlie time when New Britain was included in the 
 towns of Farmington or Berlin, but most have been estab- 
 lished within the last thirty years. No attempt will be made 
 to mention all these societies, but a sketch of the principal 
 representative ones seems necessary to a complete history of 
 
 the place. 
 
 Free Masons. 
 
 The oldest organization n6t distinctively ecclesiastical or 
 municipal was probably that of the Free and Accepted 
 Masons. Frederick Lodge, No. 14, consisting of several of 
 the fraternity residing in Farmington, was organized Sept. 
 18, 1787, receiving its charter from the Grand Lodge of 
 Massachusetts nearly two years before the Grand Lodge of 
 Connecticut was formed. The first master of Frederick 
 Lodge was William Judd, an officer of the revolutionary 
 war. He was a delegate to the convention which organized 
 the Grand Lodge of the State, was made chairman, and was 
 elected first Grand Master, and held the position fop seven 
 years. 
 
 Several of the members of Frederick Lodge were from 
 New Britain and Berlin. Its first secretary, Samuel Rich- 
 ards, Jr., was the son of one of the original members of the 
 First Church of the former place. The lodge has for many 
 years been located in Plainville. 
 
 Soon after Berlin was incorporated as a town it had a 
 lodge which was known as " Berlin Lodge, No. 20," and 
 which was represented in the Grand Lodge of the State. It 
 
342 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 received its charter from tlie Grand Lodge, and retained the 
 name of Berlin Lodge, No. 20, until 1797, when it was 
 changed to Harmony Lodge, No. 20. Dr. James Percival, 
 father of James G-. Percival, the poet and geologist, was 
 master for several years. The majority of its members 
 being in New Britain, the lodge was removed to that society 
 in 1848. Its meetings are held at Masonic Hall, Russell & 
 Brwin Building, on West Main Street. 
 
 Centennial Lodge, No. 118, F. and A. M., was chartered 
 March 6, 1877. 
 
 Giddings Chapter, No. 25, R. A. M., was instituted May 
 15, 1851. 
 
 These and the subordinate Masonic associations meet at 
 
 Masonic Hall. 
 
 New Britain Tract Society. 
 
 One of the first union benevolent associations of the 
 
 town for the benefit of the whole community, but especially 
 
 designed to reach the poor, the neglected, and the sick, was 
 
 the New Britain Tract Society. The special object of this 
 
 association may be seen from the following extract from its 
 
 twenty-fifth annual report : 
 
 " The Society was organized for the purpose of disseminating religious 
 truth in this place, and particularly among those not enjoying the ordinary 
 means of grace. It had been ascertained that there was a large number 
 of families, that, for various reasons, were not attendants on public wor- 
 ship; there were children unconnected with any Sunday School, and many 
 young people growing up without any knowledge of the Bible, or any 
 religious training whatever. To reach these families and households, to 
 bring them under the influences of religion, and, if possible, within the 
 sound of the gospel, and to distribute religious reading among them, 
 seemed to be objects worthy of united Christian effort. After consider- 
 able consultation in reference to the matter, it was resolved to commence 
 the work of systematic tract distribution, and this Society was organized 
 May 7, 1853. The active working members have been chiefly ladies con- 
 nected with the difEerent churches of the place, who are associated under 
 a brief and simple constitution, explaining the object and plan of the 
 Society, but bound together more by a common interest in the work, and 
 a desire to do something in the Master's service." 
 
 The prosecution of the work and the efforts to lead to the 
 study of God's truth, soon developed the fact that there 
 
SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. 343 
 
 were a number of families in town having no poi'tion of the 
 scriptures. Bibles and Testaments were procured and placed 
 in the visitors' hands with the request to supply every desti- 
 tute family with the same. Those families that were able 
 chose to purchase the Bibles at cost, but most were supplied 
 gratuitously. 
 
 The visitors from the first did an important work in gath- 
 ering children into the Sunday-schools. Such as needed cloth- 
 ing were supplied and then visited at their homes and led to 
 the different Sunday-schools. 
 
 It soon became evident that the society offered unusual 
 facilities for ministering to the physical wants of the desti- 
 tute. Food, clothing, and, in some cases, fuel was supplied 
 to those in need. The monthly calls of the visitors gave 
 them an opportunity to ascertain who were in want and 
 to whom aid would be a real blessing. 
 
 During the first twenty-five years of the history of the 
 society, 1,786,500 pages of tracts and 1,050 Bibles and 
 Testaments were distributed, and several hundred children 
 were gathered into the Sunday-school. The work was 
 entirely undenominational. The society was conducted with- 
 out any expense, except for the purchase of tracts, Bibles, 
 and other books distributed. This amount, which was small, 
 was received from the voluntary contributions of individuals, 
 or of churches. 
 
 For the purpose of securing regular visitation and prose- 
 cuting the various departments of the society's work, the 
 town was divided into nearly seventy districts, averaging 
 forty or fifty families each. These were visited monthly ; 
 cases of sickness or of need were noted, aid was rendered 
 where necessary, and the general design of the society was 
 prosecuted by personal work of the visitors in each district. 
 After being continued with success and with excellent results 
 for more than thirty years, circumstances led to suspension 
 of the work in this form, and it was, in part, taken up by 
 other organizations. The distinctive church societies, both 
 in the Protestant and Roman Catholic communions, have 
 
34:4 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 undertaken some branches of the work formerly included in 
 the plan of the Tract Society. 
 
 Young Men's Christian Association. 
 
 A few years after the incorporation of New Britain as a 
 town and borough, efforts were made to unite the friends of 
 good order and religion in devising some scheme to reach 
 those classes which, in a rapidly growing village, were sub- 
 ject to peculiar temptation and needed the encouragement 
 and counsel of friends. Besides the efforts of the Tract 
 Society, a work was undertaken, in some respects similar, 
 but designed especially to benefit young men. An associa- 
 tion was organized, called " The New Britain Young Men's 
 Christian and Social Union." It was composed of young 
 men from the different evangelical churches who were asso- 
 ciated together for their own improvement, and also for the 
 purpose of welcoming young men who came to the place as 
 strangers ; inviting them to the various Sunday-schools and 
 churches, and surrounding them with helpful and wholesome 
 influences. The Union secured the delivery of public lec- 
 tures and addresses in the different churches, and in various 
 ways cooperated with pastors and other individuals in direct 
 efforts for young men. 
 
 Seth B. Case was president of this association 1856- 
 1858, and E. B. Allen and M. J. Woodruff were successively 
 secretaries. 
 
 On the breaking out of the civil war many of the mem- 
 bers of the Union went into the army and tlie work was sus- 
 pended. While the war was progressing, there was little of 
 special effort for young men at home, except through the or- 
 dinary work of the churches ; but soon after its close, and the 
 community had fallen into its usual normal condition, atten- 
 tion was again directed to the needs of young men. After 
 several preliminary conferences, the " Young Men's Christ- 
 ian Association of New Britain " was organized, October 
 ber 2i, 1867 ; and a constitution and by-laws were adopted. 
 The first board of officens was as follows : 
 
SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. 345 
 
 David N. Camp, president ; Charles B. Mitchell, vice- 
 president ; L. M. Guernsey, corresponding secretary ; Fred- 
 eric G. Mead, recording secretary; Theron H. Camp, treasurer. 
 Board of directors, J. N. Bartlett, Albert Bennett, Waldo 
 Corbin, H. M. Dates, W. N. Felt, James McLean, Charles 
 Peck, A. E.Taylor, Bingham Taylor, and M S. Wiard. Sev- 
 eral committees were appointed, among which were the com- 
 mittee on devotional exercises, consisting of Albert Bennett, 
 John Wiard, Rev. W. C. Walker, Fhilo Andrews, and 
 Charles Northend ; committee on literary exercises, J. N. 
 Bartlett, H. B. Sprague, John H. Peck, Oliver Stanley, and 
 C. E. Mitcliell ; committee on rooms and library, Charles 
 Peck, George Clary, M.D., Eugene B. Eiplcy, H. P. Strong, 
 and Norman Eddy ; committee on ways and means, H. M. 
 Dates, L. Woodruff, Augustus Stanley, J. A. Pickett, and 
 Horace Eddy. 
 
 Rooms were obtained in Miller's Building, between the 
 Park Hotel and the First Church, in which papers, maga- 
 zines, and a few books for daily use were placed. This read- 
 ing room became quite popular and was visited frequently 
 by young men. In a few years, the reading room and office 
 of the association were removed to the basement of Union 
 Hall, where a greater variety of newspapers was provided, 
 but no attempt was made to establish a library, as the New 
 Britain Institute had a good selection of books which could 
 be taken out by young men who had time for reading. 
 The reading and social rooms were visited by many young 
 men, and the association seemed to meet with success. 
 After a few years the special work undertaken was partially 
 provided for by other means ; the building in which the 
 rooms were located was burned, and the active work of the 
 association was in a great measure suspended. Meetings of 
 members continued to be held, and for a time religious meet- 
 ings were held by the young men regularly in the outlying 
 districts of the town. Three mission schools which had 
 been sustained mainly by members of The Young Men's 
 Christian Association were continued after much of the 
 other work of the association ceased to be operative. 
 33 
 
346 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 The question of reviving the association or organizing 
 anew, had been discussed both by young men and pastors of 
 the churches, when at length, in tlie autumn of 1883, the in- 
 terest in tlie matter led to definite action, and again "The 
 Young Men's Christian Association of New Britain " was or- 
 ganized Dec. 29, 1883. A constitution and by-laws were 
 adopted, officers were elected, and in January, lfe84, the 
 association was ready to undertake its special work. The 
 following officers were elected at the time of the organiza- 
 tion : William Paiker, president ; John B. Tiilcott, R. G. 
 Hibbard, J. C. Atwood, vice-presidents ; L. A. Rogers, 
 recording secretary ; J. A. Pickett, treasurer. Tlie boaid of 
 directors consisted of H. E. Russell, Jr., Charles Peck, Oliver 
 Stanley, Alfonso Eddy, W. F. Walker, G^ L. Reynolds, F. L. 
 Hungei-ford, F. G. Piatt, Hiram Oldershaw, M. L. Bailey. 
 On April 1, 1884, J. F. Landgraff was appointed general 
 secretary, and suitable rooms in Central Block were engaged 
 and were opened with appropriate exercises April 22, 1884. 
 The work of the association was successfully prosecuted during 
 the summer. In the autumn, Mr. Landgraff, the general 
 secretary, resigned, and C. S. Ward was engaged to fill his 
 place. Mr. Ward took charge of the work Xov. 12th, and 
 soon introduced new measures which made it more effective. 
 It was growing in power and influence, when on February 
 20, 1885, Central Block, in which the rooms were located, 
 was burned, and the furniture and property of the associa- 
 tion were destroyed. The insurance of one thousand dollars 
 was promptly paid, enabling the directors to secure new 
 rooms and proceed with the work with little interruption. 
 
 The rooms temporarily occupied were near the Bassett 
 House. Soon more convenient rooms over the New Britain 
 Savings Bank were rented, and the work of the association 
 was prosecuted with vigor. 
 
 An act of incorporation was secured in 1885, giving the 
 association the requisite power to hold and dispose of prop- 
 erty, and make all necessary business arrangements for the 
 successful conduct of its work. In the autumn of 1886 a 
 
SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. 347 
 
 new building was commenced on the corner of Main and 
 Court streets. The location is central and desirable, and the 
 completion of the building in 18b9 has provided for the asso- 
 ciation convenient and inviting rooms, which have added 
 largely to the facilities for the prosecution of its different 
 lines of work. 
 
 The new building has a frontage of 41i feet on Main 
 Street, and is 45 feet wide in the rear and 112 feet long, 
 with the main entrance on Court Street. The first floor 
 is rented for business purposes. On the second floor 
 are the reception room, office of the secretary, reading 
 room, parlors, class rooms, and a small lecture room, with 
 cloak rooms and closets. In the third story are the prin- 
 cipal hall, one class room, and bath and dressing-rooms. 
 The rear of the fourth story, 57 by 43 feet, is occupied by the 
 gymnasium, and in the upper story is a tenement for the 
 janitor. 
 
 The cost of the lot and the new building was a little less 
 than $50,000. A committee of ladies, of which Mrs. J. A. 
 Pickett was chairman, had charge of raising funds for fur- 
 nishing. The building complete was dedicated with appro- 
 propriate exercises Feb. 11, 1889. At that time 0. E. 
 Mitchell was president of the association, L. A. Rogers was 
 recording secretary, and M. C. Stanley treasurer. C. S. 
 Ward was general secretary and the active executive officer. 
 
 New Britain Agricdltukal Cldb. 
 
 The farmers of New Britain, about 1850, began to give 
 more attention to the improvement of the land, the selection 
 of the best seeds, and the raising of the best stock. Local 
 fairs for the exhibition of fruits and agricultural products 
 were held and the spirit of inquiry and improvement was 
 stimulated. There was at first no formal organization, but 
 on December 21, 1858, the New Britain Agricultural Club 
 was organized and a constitution adopted. 
 
 William Whittlesey was chosen the first president and 
 Elihu Buri'itt secretary. Mf. Burritt was active in securing 
 
348 
 
 the organization of the club, and by his zeal and service con- 
 tributed very largely to its success. By its regular and special 
 meetings, its fairs and social gatherings, the club was the 
 means of diffusing information relating to agriculture and 
 horticulture, and became a benefit to the agricultural interests 
 of the vicinity. Mr. Burritt held the office of corresponding 
 secretary until his death. L. S. Wells has for many years 
 been president, and Arthur C. Blake secretary. 
 
 The New Britain, (Burritt,) Grange was organized Feb. 3, 
 1886. The principal officers chosen at its organization were 
 Levi S. Wells, master ; H. M. Clark, overseer ; Charles S. 
 Andrews, lecturer ; L. A. Vibberts, treasurer ; Arthur C. 
 Blake, secretary. 
 
 Stanley Post, G. A. R. 
 
 Stanley Post, No. 11, G. A. R., was organized in the 
 autumn of 1867, with eighteen members. After struggling 
 several years against misrepresentation and misapprehension, 
 it became firmly established and prosperous. The conditions 
 of membership are an honorable record in the army, an 
 honorable discharge, and the vote of the post upon admis- 
 sion. The presiding officer is post commander. The past 
 commanders living in 1889 were Ira E. Hicks, V. B. Cham- 
 berlain, Frederick S. Seymour, Burr A. Johnson, Charles H. 
 Beaton, William H. Gladden, Patrick Marr, and Francis H. 
 Smith. The present commander is George H. Beckett. 
 Tlie meetings of the post were for many years held in 
 the hall in the Post-office Building. In 1888 Grand Army 
 Hall was removed to 299 Main Street, where the meetings 
 were afterwards held. The post has' of late years been 
 active in its work, relieving the needs of its members and 
 ministering to their welfare. It has 216 members. Stanley 
 W. R. C, No. 12, is an auxiliary organization, composed of 
 wives and daughters of soldiers. 
 
 Ladies' Literary Cltjb. 
 The Ladies' Literary Club of New Britain was organized 
 Oct. 4, 1876. Its object, as stated in its by-laws, is "the 
 promotion of Literary and Scientific pursuits, and the 
 
SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. 349 
 
 increase of the social element among the ladies of our com- 
 munity." 
 
 The general plan of the club has been to take some 
 period of history as a subject, and connect with the sum of 
 human events which this period included, and the philosophy 
 which it illustrated, the art, literature, and science of the 
 epoch ; or, to take some particular department of art or 
 science, and make it the subject for investigation. In either 
 case, it has been the aim to give abundant time for the study 
 of the theme, and an afternoon, or more than one, if neces- 
 sary, for the presentation of the subject. Select committees 
 have sometimes been appointed for each period or subject, 
 who were held responsible for its development and proper 
 presentation. 
 
 As a consequence, definite and careful reading and 
 methodical study have been secured, and the results of 
 such preparation have been helpful to the members, and 
 through them, to the families which they represent, and the 
 community in which their work has been performed. Some 
 of the subjects of study have been as follows : 
 
 "Ancient Rome, English History, Elizabethan Age, Queen Anne 
 Period, Shakespeare, Boston, its Early History in Colonial Times, Mexico, 
 Egypt and the Eastern Question, Russia, Germany, Spain, Art, Schools 
 of Painting, Ceramics, and miscellaneous subjects in Art, Science, and 
 Sociology." 
 
 The meetings have been varied by musical performances 
 and conversazioni. The membership the first year was 
 eighty-three, and at some periods of the society has been 
 greater. The presidents of the club have been Mrs. Mahlon 
 Woodruff, Mrs. Thomas Conklin, Mrs. Emily A. Lyons, Mrs, 
 J. W. Tuck, Miss Alice Stanley, Mrs. Charles E. Mitchell, 
 Mrs. J. A. Pickett, Miss B. R. Eastman, Mrs. Charles Parker. 
 The other officers are a vice-president, and a secretary and 
 treasurer. The by-laws are few and simple, the annual fee 
 small, and the expenses trifling. 
 
 In a quiet and unostentatious way this , association is 
 exerting a healthful influence, not only in promoting an 
 
350 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, BTC. 
 
 enlarged and more liberal literary culture and more thorough 
 scientific inquiry, but in stimulating thought, increasing the 
 use of the best books, and awakening a desire for the most 
 helpful knowledge. 
 
 New Britain Scientific Association. 
 
 The New Britain Scientific Association was organized 
 Dec. 8, 1881, when its constitution was adopted and its first 
 officers were elected. The design of this association is 
 
 "To afford assistance. to its members in the study of science, and to 
 encourage in the community an increased interest in the progress and 
 results of scientific investigation. 
 
 It endeavors to accomplish this by essays, reports, and discussions, at 
 the regular meetings, and by public lectures or other exercises of general 
 interest from tin e to time. 
 
 In order to have the full range of science kept before the Association, 
 the following has been adopted as the order of reports, it being under- 
 stood, however, that no appropriate subject is excluded because not 
 specially mentioned. 
 
 A. Anthropology, Archaeology, Ethnology, Social Science. 
 
 B. Biology, Animal Histology, Zoology. 
 
 C. Botany, Vegetable Histology. 
 
 D. Chemistry. 
 
 E Geology, Paleontology, Mineralogy. 
 
 F. Mathematics, Engineering, Mechanics. 
 
 G. Microscopy, Photo Micrography. 
 H. Physics." 
 
 There is an admission fee of one dollar, and an annual 
 due of one dollar paid by members, who are at first elected 
 by votes of existing members. Members changing their 
 residence from New Britain can be retained as non-resident 
 members, without dues, by notifying the secretary annually 
 of their post-office address. The total number of members 
 admitted is 200. The number of active members in 1889 
 was 135. 
 
 The association has'a library of over fifty volumes, com- 
 posed chiefly of publications of the Smithsonian Institution, 
 and a few other reports from the departments of govern- 
 ment. It owns a stereopticon, a pair of gas cylinders, and 
 a few other articles of apparatus. 
 
SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. 351 
 
 Until March, 1886, the meetings were held in the High 
 School Building, then until March, 1889, in the Herald build- 
 ing, and after that time in the Y. M. C. A. building. Be- 
 sides its regular meetings and lectures, the association has 
 held more than a dozen " field meetings " at various places 
 of scientific or historic interest in other towns. By means of 
 these several instrumentalities and agencies, it has awakened 
 a spirit of scientific inquiry helpful not only to the members 
 but to others. 
 
 The presidents of the Association have been Elihu 
 Thompson, 1882 and 1889; John H. Peck, 1884 and 1885 ; 
 Rev. I. P. Stidham, Ph.D., 1886-1889. Martin S. Wiard has 
 been secretary from the organization of the association until 
 the present time. 
 
 Benefit Sociktjes. 
 
 There are in New Britain a large number of societies 
 whose leading feature is mutual benefit. Some of these 
 societies are secret orders ; others provide for some form of 
 life or health insurance, and others combine with the prin- 
 ciple of mutual pecuniary benefit, the idea of culture and 
 intellectual improvement, or of social enjoyment. 
 
 Phenix Lodge, No. 52, Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
 lows, was first instituted Feb. 15, 1848, and for a time was 
 flourishing. But in the general decline of the order between 
 1855 and 1860, there was diminished membership and 
 interest, and near the latter date the lodge practically ceased 
 active work. It was re-instituted Feb. 22, 1872, and has 
 since increased in numbers and efficiency. 
 
 Gerstsecker Lodge, No. 96, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted 
 June 3, 1875. 
 
 Comstock Encampment, No. 29,1. 0. 0. P., was instituted 
 May 26, 1876. 
 
 Stella Lodge, No. 11, D. of R., is mainly a social organi- 
 zation, which was instituted Sept. 5, 1873. 
 
 The lodges, encampment, and otljer organizations of Odd 
 Fellows, meet in Odd Fellows' Hall, Railroad Block. 
 
352 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 The New Britain Turner Society was organized in 1853. 
 It is designed for those who use the German language, and 
 is connected with the North American Turnerbund. It has 
 been prosperous, and since its organization has paid,' on an 
 average, $100 annually in benefits. 
 
 St. Patrick's Benevolent Society, organized in 1855, is 
 one of the oldest and strongest of tlie benefit societies. It 
 has for many years distributed from $300 to $400 each 
 year in benefits paid to its sick members and to the families 
 of those who have died. 
 
 St. Mary's Temperance Society, organized as a total 
 abstinence and benevolent society in 1865, is one of the 
 oldest temperance societies connected with St. Mary's 
 Church. With a small initiation fee and monthly dues, it 
 has been quite helpful to the families of its members. 
 
 The German Benevolent Society was organized Aug. 20, 
 1865. It provides a weekly benefit to its sick members, and 
 in the case of the death of a member a funeral benefit is paid. 
 In the event of the death of a member's wife, he receives a 
 stipulated amount from each member. The society pays out 
 several hundred dollars in benefits annually. 
 
 St. Elmo Lodge, No. 31, Knights of Pythias, was insti- 
 tuted in June, 1870. It has over one hundred members, and 
 pays in benefits more than $300 a year. The St. Elmo Sick 
 Benefit Society, connected with the lodge, also pays weekly 
 benefits in case of sickness. The Endowment Rank of the 
 Kniglits of Pythias furnishes mutual insurance. 
 
 The New Britain Caledonian Club was organized in 1871. 
 After experiencing various fortunes, it was re-organized Oct. 
 29, 1883. Though not large in numbers, it has proved help- 
 ful to persons of Scotch birth and their descendants, for 
 whom it is specifically designed. 
 
 Eintracht Lodge, No. 1, 0. D. H. S., was organized Dec. 
 18, 1871. It has nearly one hundred members, and pays a 
 benefit in case of sickness, or the death of a member or 
 a member's wife. 
 
 Vater Jahn Lodge, No. 301, D. 0. H., was organized 
 
SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. 353 
 
 Nov. 19, 1872. It provides a benefit weekly to sick mem- 
 bers, and on tlie death of either a member or member's wife, 
 a funeral benefit is paid. 
 
 Court Prosperity, No. 6230, Ancient Order of Foresters, 
 was organized in March, 1873. It provides a weekly sick 
 benefit, a funeral benefit, a payment of f50 on the death of 
 the wife of a member, and has two classes of insurance. 
 
 The Knights of St. Patrick is an association which was 
 establishied in 1874. 
 
 Phoenix Temple of Honor was instituted in New Britain 
 in August, 1876. Founded by members of the Sons of Tem- 
 perance, it has sought the diffusion of the principles of tem- 
 perance while securing a small pecuniary benefit. 
 
 The Concordia Society was organized Jan. 29, 1878. It 
 pays a weekly benefit to sick members and a grant to the 
 family of a deceased member. 
 
 Elilm Burritt Lodge, No. 1186, of the Knights of Honor, 
 was organized Sept. 4, 1878. Besides the sick benefits paid 
 from the local treasury, its members become interested in 
 the life insurance paid from the treasury of the Supreme 
 Lodge. 
 
 New Britain Council, No. 8, Order of United American 
 Mechanics, was organized in October, 1878, receiving its 
 charter fi'om the Council of 'the Order of the State of Con- 
 necticut. There were in all nearly one hundred and twenty 
 charter members. The objects of the Order are : 
 
 " To assist each other in obtaining employment, to encourage each other 
 in business; to establish a sick and funeral fund, and a fund for the relief 
 of widows and orphans of deceased members : and to aid members who 
 have been incapacitated from following their usual avocations in obtain- 
 ing situations." 
 
 The New Britain Council is prosperous, with 348 mem- 
 bers. It has pleasant rooms in Central Block, where its 
 meetings are held. • 
 
 The American Commandery, No. 5, Loyal Legion, the 
 Sick Benefit Association, and the Lady Putnam Council, No. 
 4, Daughters of Liberty, meet in the same building. 
 
354 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 The first labor, organization formed in New Britain was 
 the Holders' Union, organized in 1860. Its object was to 
 maintain a high rate of wages for molders, and to assist 
 members in time of sickness. Tlie Union was disbanded in 
 1867, but was reorganized iu 1879. 
 
 The Union of Carpenters and Joiners was organized in 
 March, 1885, the object being the same as that of the 
 Molders' Union. 
 
 The first assembly of the Knights of Labor, No. 1454, 
 was organized Feb. 24, 1880. Tlie order was then working 
 in secret, and its object could not well be made known 
 to outsiders. This, and the fact of its being organized in 
 the year of a presidential political campaign, led to the sus- 
 picion that it was a political party organization, and it dis- 
 banded in a few months. The next assembly, No. 2660, 
 was organized May 23, 1883. In 1886 there were eight 
 assemblies in the town, one of which was composed exclu- 
 sively of women. In 1887, when reaction in the order came, 
 the assemblies were consolidated into two. 
 
 The object of the order is stated to be : 
 
 "To secure to the workers the full eDJoyment of tlie wealth they 
 create ; sufficient leisure in which to develop their intellectual, moral, and 
 social faculties; and all of the benefits, recreations, and pleasures of asso- 
 ciation, — in a word, to enable them to share in the gains and honors of 
 advancing civilization." 
 
 At the meetings of the assemblies, questions relating to 
 political economy are discussed, and the members are taught 
 to look to legislation, rather than to strikes, for the redress of 
 their grievances. 
 
 The Young Men's Total Abstinence and Benevolent 
 Society, organized Oct. 13, 1881, is composed of young men 
 of the Roman Catholic communion. It has been quite pros- 
 perous, the health of its members having been such that but 
 limited demands have been made upon its treasury for sick 
 benefits. It nuiTibers 125 members, and is connected with 
 the Catholic Total Abstinence Union of Connecticut, and 
 also with the National Catholic Total Abstinence Union, 
 which has more than 300,000 members. 
 
SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. 355 
 
 A' number of other benefit societies have been organized 
 in New Britain since 1880, most of which are prosperous. 
 Among these are the German Aid Association, organized in 
 1880; Court Charter Oak, No. 7630, Ancient Order of For- 
 esters; Hearts of Oak Lodge, No. 105, Sons of St. George, 
 instituted 1882; New Britain Council, No. 738, Royal Arca- 
 num, organized 1883 ; St. Patrick's Mutual Aid Society, and 
 'Stanley Commandery, No. 248, United Order, of the Golden 
 Cross, organized the same year ; New Britain Council, 
 Knights of Columbus, instituted in 1884 ; Schiller Mannie, 
 No. 72, D. 0. U. ; Swedish Benefit Society, Fjidheim ; Scan- 
 dinavian Benefit Society, Vega ; and a number of temper- 
 ance societies and unions. 
 
 Miscellaneous Societies. 
 
 Among the miscellaneous societies, the New Britain Club, 
 organized Dec. 27, 1882, is one of the most prominent. It 
 was started with thirty-six members, and was very soon pro- 
 vided with pleasant rooms and the means of social enjoy- 
 ment. For several years it was located over the New 
 Britain Savings Bank, but on the completion of the Russell 
 & Erwin Building, it secured a much larger suite of rooms 
 in that building, had them tastily furnished and made con- 
 venient for the uses of the club, and occupied them in 
 November, 1885. It received a legacy of i.i,000 from the 
 estate of the late C. B. Erwin, whicli was devoted to the 
 general uses of the club. The number of members in 1889 
 was 88. John B. Talcott was president from its organiza- 
 tion until 1889, when he was succeeded by C. S. Landers. 
 W. L. Humason, Jr., has been secretary during the whole 
 history of the club, and active in promoting its interests. 
 
 The Young Men's Institute was organized Jan. 6, 1878. 
 It was composed of Roman Catholic young men and was 
 essentially a literary organization. It held weekly meetings 
 for debates, readings, and recitations, and for a few years 
 was well sustained. Tiie organization was disbanded in 1885. 
 The New Britain Wheel Club was established in 1884 and 
 
356 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 incorporated in 1887. It has convenient rooms in the 
 Savings Bank Building. 
 
 The Philharmonic Society of New Britain was organized 
 in the autumn of 1886, to cultivate a taste for good music 
 and especially to improve church music, and to secure that 
 vocal practice which is indispensable to correct performance. 
 The society has had three successful seasons with public 
 concerts of a high order. C. E. Mitchell was president for 
 two years. Philip Corbin is now president, J. P. Bartlett, 
 vice-president; W. B. Thomson, secretary; Oliver Stanley, 
 treasurer ; R. P. Paine, conductor ; and John Bishop, accom- 
 panist. 
 
 Among other miscellaneous societies are the Choral 
 Society, Calumet Club, Emmett Club, German Rifle Club, 
 and various sporting associations, social clubs, and political 
 clubs, most of which have regular periodical meetings. 
 
 Mflitauy Companies. 
 
 The New Britain City Guard, Co. D, 1st Regiment, C. N. 
 G., was organized in 1863, under Capt. L. L. Sperry. In 
 1889 its commissioned officers were Capt. Augustus N. Ben- 
 nett, who has been captain since 1877, Lieutenants Wm. E. 
 Allen and John McBriarty. 
 
 Battery E was organized in 1869, with Capt. George 
 Hadley commander, but was disbanded about 1875. 
 
 The Jewell Guard, Co. E, 1st Regiment, C. N. G., was 
 organized in 1871, under Capt. C. B. Erichson. In 1889 the 
 commissioned officers were Capt. Alfred L. Thompson and 
 -Lieutenants John J. Smith and Henry G. Upson. 
 
CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 JVIANUFACTUEING COMPANIES AND OTHER BUSINESS 
 CORPORATIONS. 
 
 AN account of the principal industries in Farmington 
 and Berlin, and in New Britain until it was incor- 
 porated as a town in 1850, has been given in chapter XIV. 
 The changes which marked the transformation of the latter 
 place from an agricultural hamlet to a busy manufacturing 
 village were also given. While no effort will be made to 
 describe all the business changes which have taken place 
 since 1850, some account of the principal manufacturing 
 companies now in existence seems important to a correct* 
 knowledge of the causes operating to produce tlie city of 
 New Britain as it is in 1889. 
 
 Russell & Erwin Manupactuking Company. 
 
 The first manufacturing business conducted on the pres- 
 ent site of the Russell & Brwin Manufacturing Company was 
 by " Stanley, Woodruff & Co." In 1835, F. T. Stanley, W. 
 B. Stanley, Emanuel Russell, Truman Woodruff, and Nor- 
 man Woodruff, formed a partnership for the manufacture of 
 plate locks. They bought several acres of land, including a 
 portion of the site now occupied by the buildings of the Rus- 
 sell & Erwin Manufacturing Company, and with a capital of 
 f 18,000 erected a brick building eighty-two feet by thirty- 
 four, in which they conducted a small business for three 
 years or more. This building is the oldest of the present 
 extensive buildings of the Russell & Erwin Manufacturing 
 Company.* 
 
 At the close of the year 1838, W. B. Stanley, Emanuel 
 Russell, and the Woodruffs, withdrew, and on the first 
 
 * See page 284. 
 
358 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 of January, 1839, Henry E. Russell and Cornelius B. Erwin 
 became partners in the firfti, and the name was changed to 
 Stanley, Russell (fc Co. On the first of January, 1840, F. T. 
 Stanley withdrew his interest, and Smith Matteson became 
 a member of the firm. The business was conducted by 
 Messrs. Russell, Erwin, and Matteson, the next year, and on 
 Jan. 1, 1841, John K. Bowen was admitted as a partner. 
 The firm was changed to Matteson, Russell & Co., and 
 organized as a partnership to continue five years. Mr. 
 Matteson died the next year, and at the close of the year 
 1845 his capital was withdrawn, and that of John K. Bowen 
 soon after. 
 
 In January, 1846, the company was reorganized as " Rus- 
 sell & Erwin," Henry E. Russell and Cornelius B. Erwin 
 being the partners, and the business was continued under 
 this title until January, 1851. During the year 1850 the 
 •hardware business of North & Stanley, William H. Smith, 
 and some others, in New Britain, and that of the Albany 
 Argillo Works, at Albany, N. Y., were bought by Russell & 
 Erwin, and on the first of January, 1851, the Russell & 
 Erwin Manufacturing Company was formed. This company 
 was organized as a joint stock corporation, with a capital of 
 $125,000. The business was prosperous, the capital was soon 
 after increased to |200,000, and in 1864 to 1500,000. The 
 capital for some years has been $1,000,000, and the business 
 has been very greatly enlarged. Tiiis was one of the first 
 establishments in this country to make a specialty of builders' 
 hardware. Tlie variety has been largely increased, until it 
 embraces all kinds of the best class, of hardware used in 
 building. The construction of solid bronze goods for orna- 
 mental purposes and for edifices has, for several years, been 
 an important department of the business. Through agencies 
 in the larger cities and in Europe, the products of this com- 
 pany are distributed to nearly all parts of the civilized world. 
 
 Tiie company having determined in 1875 to add to their 
 otlier business the manufacture of wood screws, a large 
 brick building was erected on the north side of Myrtle Street, 
 
Sny thy EE.balLs Sons.M'Y' 
 
MANUFACTURING COMPANIES, ETC. 359 
 
 in wliicli, in 1876, tliis brancli of tlie business was begun. 
 New niacliinery has since been added, until all varieties of 
 sci'ews in brass and iron, and steel nails, are itiade in quan- 
 tities. Tiie various buildings of the company in Xew 
 Britain, covering several acres, are located on both sides of 
 Washington, Myrtle, and High streets, on Grove and Lafay- 
 ette streets, and on tlie New York, New Haven & Hartford, 
 and the New York & New England railroads. 
 
 In 1885 the Russell & Erwin Manufacturing Company 
 purchased a large manufactory of wood screws in Dayton, 
 Ohio, and have since continued the business at tliat place, as 
 well as in New Britain. 
 
 On the organization of the firm of Matteson, Russell & 
 Co., a warehouse was established on John Street, New York. 
 This was afterwards transferred to Cliff Street, and in 186rf 
 to the spacious building on Cliambers Street, now owned by 
 this company. It has also warehouses in Philadelphia, Bal- 
 timore, and London, Eng. 
 
 From the time that Cornelius B. Erwin and Henry E. 
 Russell laid the foundations of this company in 1889, until 
 Mr. Erwin's death in 1885, these two gentlemen bad worked 
 together in harmony, with otliers cooperating, in building up 
 a business which has been distinguished for the honor and 
 integrity of its management, and has contributed largely to 
 the wealth of the city and town. 
 
 Cornelius B. Erwin was president of the company from 
 its organization until his death, and Henry E. Russell was 
 treasurer. After Mr. Erwin's death, Henry E. Russell was 
 elected president, Henry E. Russell, Jr., secretary, and Mahlon 
 J. Woodruff, treasurer, and these are still the executive 
 officers of the company. 
 
 Landers, Fkary & Clabk. 
 
 The manufacturing company of Landers, Frary & Clark 
 was founded by George M. Landers, ttie present vice-presi- 
 dent of the company. After working at his trade for several 
 years, in New Britain, and seeing the opportunities afforded 
 
360 HISTORY OF NEW BBITAIN, ETC. 
 
 by the manufacturing enterprises then developing ii\ the 
 place, he was induced to engage for a short time with Josiah 
 Dewey, in making furniture-casters and window springs, in a 
 shop which was located north of East Main Street, not far 
 from the corner of Summer and Winter streets. In 1841-42, 
 Mr. Landers built a shop on East Main Street, west of his 
 residence, and commenced the manufacture of coat and hat 
 hooks, and other small articles of hardware. He soon built 
 up a flourishing business ; later, Levi 0. Smith became a 
 partner. 
 
 In 1853, a company was organized under the joint stock 
 corporation act, known as the Landers & Smith Manufactur- 
 ing Company. Additions were made to the shop on East 
 Main Street, and the business was considerably enlarged. 
 In 1862 the business of Frary, Carey & Co., of Meriden, was 
 purchased, and the capital increased to #50,000. Mr. Smith, 
 at that time, retired from official connection with the com- 
 pany, and James D. Frary of the Meriden company came 
 in, the company being reorganized by special act of the 
 legislature as the Landers, Frary & Clark Manufacturing 
 Company. The line of articles made was increased, and the 
 amount of business became larger than before. 
 
 In 1866, to the variety of goods already made, table cut- 
 lery was added, and the J3tna Works, at the corner of Center 
 and Commercial streets, were built and new machinery 
 introduced. The works were destroyed by fire in 1874, but 
 were immediately rebuilt on a larger scale, and supplied 
 with improved machinery. The business has been largely 
 increased, the goods finding a market in all parts of the 
 country. The capital stock of the company is now 1500,000. 
 Hon. G. M. Landers was at the head of the different com- 
 panies until his resignation of the presidency in IjSTO, when 
 he retired from the active management. J. D. Frary was 
 president a few years, and he was succeeded by J. A. 
 Pickett, who held the ^office until his resignation in 1889. 
 The present officers of the company are Francis B. Cooley, 
 
MANUFACTURING COMPANIES, ETC. 361 
 
 president; G. M. Landers, vice-president; C. S. Landers, 
 treasurer; and J. C. Atwood, secretary. 
 Tlie New York office is at 298 Broadway. 
 
 Thk Stanley Works. 
 
 The manufacturing company known as tlie Stanley 
 Works, appropriately takes its name from its founder, Fred- 
 erick T. Stanley. After a few years' residence at the South, 
 he returned to New Britain and resumed manufacturing. In 
 1842 he commenced making wrought bolts, hinges, door and 
 chest handles, in a building on Washington Street, which 
 had been used as an armory. At first the business was 
 limited, and but few workmen were employed, but in a short 
 time the demand for the goods was such that the working 
 force was increased, additional buildings were occupied, new 
 machinery specially adapted to this work was employed, and 
 the products of the manufactory were soon introduced in 
 the principal cities. 
 
 In 1852 a joint stock corporation, with a capital of 
 f30,000, was formed. Additions have been made to the 
 paid-in capital until it amounts to |325,000 ; the most 
 improved machinery used in this business has been intro- 
 duced, and the facility for the rapid production of superior 
 goods Ifas been greatly increased. In 1871 new buildings 
 were erected on Myrtle Street. These have been enlarged, 
 until the main building is more than 450 feet long by 40 feet 
 in width, and three stories high. The boiler-house is 65 
 feet by 40, the storehouse is more than 100 feet long, and 
 other buildings complete the provision for the successful 
 prosecution of the business. 
 
 The lower floors of the main building are laid in con- 
 crete, and the other floors are so prepared that the flooding 
 of either floor may be secured without damage to others. 
 The lighting of the building at night is secured by a system 
 of Brush electric lights, run by this corporation. 
 
 The company has railway tracks connecting with the 
 New York & New England, and the New York, New Haven 
 34 
 
362 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 & Hartford railroads, by which it is enabled to receive the 
 raw material direct to its yards, and to ship its finished 
 goods to market without cartage or transhipment. 
 
 In 1883, in the old shop on Lake Street, the manufac- 
 ture of tacks, brads, and certain varieties of nails, was 
 added to the other business of the company. The manu- 
 facture of wrought-iron butts and builders' and cabinet hard- 
 ware was continued. Frederick T. Stanley was president of 
 the company from its organization until his death in 1883. 
 The present officers are William H. Hart, president and 
 treasurer, and L. H. Pease, secretary. The company has a 
 warehouse at 79 Chambers Street, New York, under the im- 
 mediate charge of Peter MacCartee, the vice-president. 
 
 New Britain Knitting Company. 
 
 The Xew Britain Knitting Company was organized in 
 March, 1847, mainly through the efforts of Seth J. North, 
 Henry Stanley, and Orson H. Seymour. A small factory in 
 Griswoldville having been stopped by the burning of the 
 building, a portion of the tools and machinery, which were 
 uninjured, were purchased and removed to New Britain. A 
 company, with a capital of $20,000, was formed, Seth J. 
 North being president, and Henry Stanley secretary and 
 treasurer. The manufacture of knit goods was begun in the 
 Sargent Building, then belonging to Nortii & Stanley. In 
 October, 1847, the capital of the company was increased to 
 $30,000, and afterwards, at various times, until it amounted 
 to 1200,000. A larger and more convenient building was 
 erected at the corner of Elm and Chestnut streets, new ma- 
 chinery was obtained, and the product largely increased. 
 The capacity of the manufactory was still further increased 
 by the erection of additional buildings, and the company, 
 for some years, was prosperous. The establishment of other 
 similar mills and the largely increased products of knit 
 goods, prevented a ready sale of all the goods made, the com- 
 pany became embarrassed, and was re-organized in 1887, 
 with a capital of 1150,000. John B. Talcott is president 
 
MANUFACTURING COMPANIES, ETC. 363 
 
 and treasurer, and E. H. Davison secretary and superin- 
 tendent. 
 
 The New York office is at 108 and 110 Franklin Street, 
 under the management of James Talcott. 
 
 P. & F. CORBIN. 
 
 The extensive hardware manufacturing business of P. & 
 F. Corbin began with a partnership, formed by Philip Corbin, 
 Frank Corbin, and Edward Doen. Philip Corbin, the lead- 
 ing partner and head of the firm, on coming to New Britain, 
 was first in the employ of Eussell & Erwin for a few months, 
 and then for about four years was with North & Stanley. 
 Becoming acquainted with the hardware business, in 1848 
 he and his brother, Frank Corbin, and Edward Doen, com- 
 menced the manufacture of a few small articles in metal, in 
 a shop built for the purpose by Henry W. Whiting. The little 
 machinery they had was run by horse-power, the proprietors 
 doing most of the manual work themselves. 
 
 In the autumn of 1849, Mr. Whiting bought out Mr. 
 Doen, and the firm became Corbin, Whiting & Co. In Jan- 
 uary, 1851, the Corbins purchased Mr. Whiting's interest, 
 and the name was changed to P. & F. Corbin, a title which 
 has ever since been borne both by the firm and by the corpo- 
 ration. 
 
 In 1853, the business of the firm was removed to the 
 shop on Park Street, formerly occupied by Seth J. North & 
 Co., and was considerably extended. In February, 1854, a 
 joint stock company was formed under the State law. The 
 capital was |50,000, and from forty to fifty hands were em- 
 ployed in making coffin handles, shelf hardware, and bolts, 
 principally of brass. 
 
 Andrew Corbin, after worliing for some time in the 
 jewelry manufactory of Churchill & Lewis, became a stock- 
 holder in the P. & F. Corbin Company, and took an active 
 part in the business, first as the company's agent in New 
 York, and afterwards in cooperation with his brothers in the 
 supervision of the business in New Britain. John M. Spring, 
 
364 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 superintendent of the manufacturing department, and others 
 in different positions, have also had a special interest in the 
 growth and development of the business. 
 
 Soon after the close of the civil war, or in 1865, addi- 
 tional land was bought, upon which a large iron foundry was 
 erected, and iron goods became an important branch of man- 
 ufacture. In the same year, a large four-story brick building, 
 adjoining the factoryj was purchased, and the capacity of the 
 works was increased by the erection of additional buildings. 
 The company was one of the first to introduce the manufac- 
 ture of brass and bronze goods in builders' hardware. In 
 1868 they added the manufacture of locks, latches, and a 
 variety of ornamental bronze goods ; largely increased the 
 size of their foundry, and extended the main building. 
 
 New shops have since been erected and new machinery 
 added, until the works cover an area of several acres on 
 Park and Orchard streets. In 1887, the manufactory and 
 property of the Francis Manufacturing Company, on North 
 Stanley and Bast Main streets, was purchased and soon after 
 fitted up for the business of the company. The goods manu- 
 factured include builders' hardware in its variety, ornamental 
 bronze door and house trimmings, iron and brass, wood, and 
 machine screws, and a variety of hardware. The line of 
 goods includes those needed from a palace to a peasant's 
 cottage. The company have furnished large government 
 buildings in Washington, and both public and private build- 
 ings in different parts of the country. It has warehouses in 
 New York and Chicago. 
 
 Philip Corbiu, the founder of the business, has been pres- 
 ident and treasurer from the organization of the company. 
 Oliver Stanley is secretary. 
 
 Stanley Rule and Level Company. 
 
 The Stanley Rule and Level Company has been formed 
 from the consolidation of several companies, and the union 
 of different interests into one corporation, with a business 
 which has become the largest of the kind in the country. 
 
MANUFACTURING COMPANIES, ETC. 365 
 
 In 1853, Thomas S. Hall and Frederic Knapp began the 
 manufacture of plumbs and levels in a small building on Elm 
 Street, which is now occupied by the Stanley Rule and Level 
 Company. The next year a joint stock company was organ- 
 ized under the name of Hall & Knapp, with a capital of 
 $15,000. This was increased in 1856 to $20,000. In 1854 
 Augustus Stanley, Timothy W. Stanley, and Thomas Conk- 
 lin, formed a partnership for the manufacture of rules. Mr. 
 Conklin had been engaged in this business in Bristol before 
 coming to New Britain. The business in Bristol was bought 
 by the new firm and the manufacture of rules was begun in 
 the upper story of the building erected by Seth J. North on 
 Elm Street, and known as the Sargent Building. 
 
 In 1855, the rule business of Seth Savage in Middletown 
 was purchased, brought to New Britain, consolidated with 
 that of the other firm, and all the works were removed 
 to the upper story, of the factory of North & Stanley, on the 
 south side of Park Street. The business was extended, the 
 number of workmen was increased, and the foundations laid 
 for a new company. 
 
 On the first of July, 1857, the several branches of the 
 business were united, and the Stanley Rule and Level Com- 
 pany was organized as a joint stock company, with a capital 
 of 150,000.. New buildings were erected, and the business 
 was established at its present location on Elm and Church 
 streets. In 1862 the handle business of Augustus Stanley, 
 which had been conducted in the building once a Methodist 
 church on Arch Street, was bought and united with the other 
 business of the company. 
 
 In February, 1868, the business of C. L. Mead, at Brat- 
 tleboro', Vermont, which was similar in character to that in 
 New Britain, was purchased by the company. At Mr. Mead's 
 Brattleboro' works some of the best rules made in this coun- 
 try had been manufactured, and the union of the two shops 
 gave the New Britain company a- large field for the sale of 
 the best goods. For a short time the business was carried 
 on simultaneously both in New Britain and Brattleboro' ; it 
 
366 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 was then removed to New Britain, and the goods were 
 all made at the factory on Elm and Church streets, and an 
 extensive warehouse for the, sale of goods was established in 
 New York. 
 
 Important additions have been made to the works by the 
 erection of new buildings and additions to the main factory. 
 In 1864 the capital was increased to 1100,000; in 1867 to 
 1200,000 ; in 1881 to $300,000 ; and in 1888 to 1400,000. 
 The business has been extended, botli in amount and variety, 
 and now includes the manufacture of rules, levels, bench 
 planes, try squares, bevels, etc. 
 
 Henry Stanley was president of the company from its 
 organization until his death in 1884. He was succeeded by 
 Charles L. Mead, who, for some time, had been in charge of 
 the New York warehouse, at 29 Chambers Street. Mr. Mead 
 is also treasurer, and Frederic N. Stanley is secretary. 
 
 Thb North & Judd Manufaoturikg Company. 
 
 On or near the site of the buildings of the North & Judd 
 Manufacturing Company, a manufacturing business has been 
 conducted since 1812. Alvin North, either with his brother, 
 Seth J. North, with his sons, or with others, was actively 
 engaged in manufacturing at this place for more than forty 
 years. For about half that time the business consisted 
 largely of making plated wire, or of articles formed from 
 such wire. In 1832 the business was partially suspended on 
 account of the prevalence of the cholera in this country. 
 When work was fully resumed the manufacture of brass and 
 plated saddlery articles was commenced, and this branch of 
 the work has been continued until the present time. In 
 1849, Hubert F. North bought the interest of his brother, 0. 
 B. North, and the business was continued by him and his 
 father, Alvin North, until 1855, when the interest of the 
 latter was bought by Lorin F. Judd and J. A. Pickett, and 
 the firm became H. F. North & Co. In 1863, Mr. Judd 
 bought Mr. Pickett's interest, and the name was changed to 
 North & Jiidd, and .soon after The North & Judd Manufac- 
 
ETC. 367 
 
 turing Company was organized as a joint stock corporation. 
 Since that time the business of the company has been largely 
 increased, new articles of manufacture have been added 
 from time to time, and new machinery introduced. Exten- 
 sive additions have been made to the original buildings on 
 the east side of Stanley Street, and within a few years new 
 and large brick buildings have been erected on the west side 
 of the street for the foundery. In February, 1888, the large 
 wooden factory was burned. In its place the company 
 erected a larger and more commodious brick building, 
 which was first occupied in the autumn of 1888. After the 
 erection of this building, improved machinery replaced that 
 destroyed by the fire, and the company was in a better posi- 
 tion than ever before to prosecute its business. 
 
 The officers of the company are L. F. Judd, president ; 
 M. N. Judd, secretary ; and Howard C. Noble, treasurer. 
 
 HuMAsoN & Beckley ]Manupact0ring Company. 
 
 The Humason & Beckley Manufacturing Company was 
 founded in 1863 by W. L. Humason. He had different per- 
 sons associated with him for the first few years, and the 
 name of the firm was changed until it became Humason, 
 Beckley & Co., the business being conducted on Washington 
 Street, north of Lafayette. The members of this firm, Wil- 
 liam L. Humason, F. W. Beckley, and Amanda 0. Vail, dis- 
 posed of the real estate and other property to the company 
 incorporated in 1863, which thus came in possession of more 
 than an acre of land, on which were a number of dwell- 
 ing houses and several shop buildings. These were removed 
 and extensive brick buildings, fronting on Washington 
 Street and extending through to High Street, were erected in 
 their place. A superior Corliss steam-engine, which took 
 the first premium at the fair of the American Institute 
 in 1869, has been placed in the factory, furnishing the motive 
 power for the machinery employed. Though much of the 
 fine work of the company is done by hand, a number of 
 ingenious machines, some of j:hem being invented and con- 
 
368 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 structed on the premises, and specifically adapted to tlie 
 productions of this company, are employed. The capital 
 stock was at first $35,000, but this has since been increased 
 to $105,000, from the earnings of the company. 
 
 The first board of directors consisted of W. L. Humason, 
 P. W. Beckley, H. E. Russell, and Philip Corbin. W. L. 
 Humason was chosen president at the organization of the 
 company, and held the office until his death in 1889. He 
 was treasurer until 1869, when he resigned this office, which 
 has since been filled by V. P. Humason, manager of the 
 New York store. F. W. Beckley was secretary until 1871, 
 when, on account of ill health, he resigned and was suc- 
 ceeded by H. B. Case. The present officers of the com- 
 pany are W. L. Humason, son of the founder of the company, 
 president ; H. B. Case, secretary ; and V. P. Humason, treas- 
 urer. The warehouse in New York is at 80 Chambers 
 Street. 
 
 The goods manufactured by this company include fine 
 pocket cutlery and a variety of miscellaneous shelf hard- 
 ware. 
 
 New Britain Gas Light Company. 
 
 The New Britain Gas Light Company was incorporated 
 by special act of the General Assembly in 1855. The incor- 
 porators were F. H. North, P. T. Stanley, Augustus Stanley, 
 Timothy W. Stanley, William A. Churchill, and their asso- 
 ciates, with $30,000 capital. At the first, meeting of the 
 stockholders, held April 1, 1857, a board of directors was 
 chosen, consisting of F. T. Stanley, H. E. Russell, S. L. 
 Strickland, and George M. Landers. S. L. Strickland was 
 appointed president, and H. B. Russell secretary and treas- 
 urer. Mr. Russell not being able to give time to this office, 
 William H. Smith was appointed in his place April 27th, and 
 at the annual meeting held tlie next December, A. P. Collins 
 was appointed secretary and treasurer, and has held the 
 office since. 
 
 The capital stock has been increased as follows : On Feb. 
 
ETC. 369 
 
 1, 1869, to $60,000 ; on Feb. 1, 1871, to 175,000 ; on April 
 29, 1872, to $112,500 ; and on Feb. 2, 1885, to 1150,000. 
 The works were first established near Commercial Street, 
 but in 1870 were removed to the present location at the cor- 
 ner of Pine and Meadow streets. 
 
 The present officers are G. M. Landers, president; A. P. 
 Collins, secretary and treasurer; and B. C. Learned, superin- 
 tendent. 
 
 New Beitain National Bank. 
 
 The New Britain National Bank was incorporated by the 
 General Assembly in 1860. Its capital stock was fixed at not 
 less than one hundred thousand dollars, with privilege of in- 
 crease to two hundred thousand dollars, divided into shares 
 of one hundred dollars each. All the subscribers were to be 
 residents of the State, and no one person or corporation 
 could take more than one-tenth of the stock. William 
 Mather of Simsbury, Henry A. Mitchell of Bristol, and 
 Chauncey Rowe of Farmington, were the commissioners to 
 receive subscriptions. 
 
 The first meeting of stockholders was held Aug. 20, 
 1860, when the following board of directors was chosen : 
 Cornelius B. Erwin, George M. Landers, Oliver B. North, 
 Timothy W. Stanley, Darius Miller, Lucius Woodruff, Philip 
 Corbin, William J. Bulkley, and Lot D, Vansands. At the 
 meeting of the board of directors, held the same day, C. B. 
 Erwin was chosen president and A. P. Collins cashier. The 
 bank was opened in rooms which had been occupied by the 
 New Britain Building Association. 
 
 In 1860-61 Henry E. Russell and Cornelius B. Erwin 
 erected a bank building, which was accepted by the directors 
 Oct. 1, 1861, and the business of the bank has since been 
 transacted at this building. It was purchased by the direc- 
 tors Jan. 13, 1863 On Feb. 28, 1868, the capital stpck was 
 increased to $200,000. By vote of the stockholders April 
 21, 1865, the bank was changed to a National bank, and in 
 August of the same year the capital was increased to 
 $310,000. The present officers (1889) are A. P. Collins, 
 
370 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 president ; D. N. Camp, vice-president ; A. J. Sloper, cashier ; 
 and B. N. Stanley, assistant cashier. 
 
 The Union Manufactuking Company. 
 
 The Union Manufacturing Company, located near the 
 junction of the New York, New Haven & Hartford, and the 
 New York & New England railroads, was organized in 1866, 
 with a capital of 1100,000. T. W. Stanley was president 
 and M. J. Woodruff secretary. The capital was afterwards 
 increased to $150,000, and then to $200,000, and its business 
 extended. It has been engaged in the manufacture of door 
 springs, butts and hinges, chucks, pumps, buckets, and other 
 articles in iron, brass, and copper. Its location at the junc- 
 tion of two railroads gives it special facilities for transporta- 
 tion. It has a warehouse at 103 Chambers Street, New 
 York. J. A. Pickett is president and M. L. Bailey secretary 
 and treasurer. 
 
 The American Hosiery Company. 
 
 The American Hosiery Company was organized in 1868, 
 under the general law relating to joint stock corporations. 
 Two large brick buildings, parallel with each other and con- 
 nected by a third building, were erected on Park Street, and 
 adjoining the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. 
 The business of the company required additional room, and 
 in 1881, a new mill, fifty feet longer than the first main build- 
 ing, was erected and connected with the others. The offices 
 are located in the new mill. 
 
 The buildings are thoroughly constructed and provided 
 with the most approved defenses against fire. The ma- 
 chinery employed is the best of its kind, much of it being 
 made to order in England and embracing the latest improve- 
 ments. It is specially adapted to the production of a fine 
 qualityof goods, in which this company excel. The card- 
 ing, spinning, and knitting, are all done by the company 
 in their own buildings. Employment is given to over one 
 thousand persons, and some of the finest knit goods in the 
 country are sent out from this establishment. The capital 
 
ETC. 371 
 
 of the company is 1300,000. The officers are J. B. Talcott, 
 president and treasurer ; and E. H. Davison, secretary and 
 superintendent. 
 
 The Berlin Iron Bridge Company. 
 
 The Berlin Iron Bridge Company, which succeeded Tlie 
 Corrugated Metal Company in East Berlin, was incorporated 
 in August, 1870. Its capital stock is $125,000 — all paid in. 
 The principal articles manufactured are iron highway and 
 railroad bridges, iron roofs,^ corrugated iron fire-proof doors 
 and shutters, iron girders and iron buildings. The company 
 does a business of |500,000 a year, and employs about two 
 hundred men at its shops in East Berlin and an equal num- 
 ber outside in putting up work. The business extends over 
 the whole United States, but the greater portion of the work 
 done is east of Pittsburg. 
 
 The officers of the company are Charles M. Jarvis, presi- 
 dent and chief engineer ; , Burr K. Field, vice-president and 
 treasurer; and George H. Sage, secretary. 
 
 The Cohbin Cabinet Lock Company. 
 
 The Corbin Cabinet Lock Company originally consisted 
 chiefly of the stockholders of P. & P. Corbin. The business 
 had, for a time, been conducted by that company in connec- 
 tion with its other business, but in 1882 a new company was 
 organized with a capital of $200,000, to make a specialty of 
 cabinet hardware. The business has been conducted in one 
 of the large shops of P. & P. Corbin, located at the north- 
 east corner of Park and Orchard streets. Besides the man- 
 ufacture of cabinet locks and other cabinet hardware, the 
 company is engaged in making post-office lock-boxes, having 
 important contracts with the government. 
 
 Philip Corbin has been president and treasurer from the 
 organization of the company. Oliver Stanley is secretary. 
 
 Mechanics National Bank. 
 
 The Mechanics National Bank of New Britain was organ- 
 ized March 29, 1887. It has a capital of $100,000. It was 
 
372 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 first opened in the Savings Bank Building, near the Metho- 
 dist church, but in 1889 was removed to its present location 
 on Booth's Corner, on the East side of Main Street. Its 
 officers are Y. B. Chamberlain, president; W. E. Attwood, 
 
 cashier. 
 
 J. T. Case Engine Company. 
 
 The J. T. Case Engine Company was organized in 1887, 
 to manufacture and construct steam-engines upon a new- 
 model invented by J. T. Case of Bristol. The company oc- 
 cupy the premises on Chestnut Street formerly occupied by 
 the Bank Lock Company, and then by the Kempshall Manu- 
 facturing Company. The capital stock of the company is 
 $300,000. Philip Corbin is president, F. G. Piatt treasurer, 
 and M. C. Swift secretary. 
 
 The following companies have less than $100,000 capi- 
 tal, but were organized under the law for joint stock corpora- 
 tions, and have contributed to the prosperity and growth of 
 New Britain : 
 
 The company styled the Malleable Iron Works was 
 organized in 1863, with a capital of $50,000, for the manu- 
 facture of malleable and gray iron castings. The business 
 is located near the railroad at the corner of Grove and 
 Myrtle streets. M. C. Swift is president and treasurer, and 
 Morris C. Webster secretary. 
 
 The Wire Web Bed Company was organized largely 
 through the efforts of the late Dr. Lucius Woodruff in 1871, 
 with a capital of $30,000, which was subsequently reduced 
 to $20,000. The business at first consisted of the manufac- 
 ture of woven wire beds. To this has been added the man- 
 ufacture of iron bedsteads. 
 
 The officers are Norris Bailey, president and treasurer ; 
 and William E. Parker, secretary. 
 
 The National Wire Mattress Company, at the corner of 
 Lake and Washington streets, was organized in 1872. It 
 has a capital of $30,000, which is employed in manufactur- 
 ing wire mattresses. William I. Fielding is president and 
 manager, Joseph A. Davis secretary,, and Darius Miller 
 treasurer. 
 
MANUFACTURING COMPANIES, ETC. 373 
 
 The business of the Vulcan Iron Works, manufacturers 
 of refined malleable iron castings, is favorably situated on 
 John Street, the grounds extending to the New Britain 
 branch of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. 
 This company was organized in 1878, and has a capital of 
 ^75,000. William Foulds is president, and Hiram Older- 
 shaw secretary and treasurer. 
 
 The Adkins Printing Company, successor to Adkins 
 Brothers, was organized in 1880, to publish the New Britain 
 "Herald," and to conduct a general job printing office. The 
 paper was sold out in 1881. D. N. Camp is president, and 
 A. J. Sloper secretary and treasurer. 
 
 The American Button Fastener Company was incorpo- 
 rated in 1885, to manufacture the Kempshall patent button 
 fastener and button attaching machines. The capital in 1889 
 was 160,000. Charles Peck is president, and Theron H. 
 Camp, secretary and ti'easurer. 
 
 The Brand Manufacturing Company was organized in 
 1885 with a capital of $50,000, to manufacture piano 
 and organ hardware, and light machinery and metallic 
 goods. William H. Hart is president, and T. W. Wilbur is 
 secretary and treasurer. 
 
 The New Britain Schuyler Electric Light Company was 
 organized in 1885 to supply the city with electric lights. It 
 has a capital of 160,000, and its officers are J. M. Spring, 
 president; R. J. Vance, treasurer; and Samuel Bassett, 
 secretary. 
 
 The Skinner Chuck Company was organized in May, 
 1887, to manufacture Skinner's patent drill and lathe chucks, 
 of various kinds, and other machinery. The capital stock is 
 $36,000, and the business is located on East Main Street, 
 near Stanley Street. David N. Camp is president, E. J. 
 Skinner secretary, D. 0. Rogers treasurer, and James N. 
 Skinner superintendent. 
 
 Tliere are a few small manufacturing companies with a 
 less capital than $10,000, which have been organized under 
 the law relating to joint stock corporations. The principal are 
 
874 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 the Dyson Needle Company, the American Spring Needle 
 Company, and the Crescent Knitting Company. Some im- 
 portant manufacturing companies, incorporated since 1850, 
 have been removed, or been succeeded by others. 
 
 The New Britain Bank Lock Company, organized in 
 1857, was for a few years an important industry. It was en- 
 gaged in manufacturing the Isham lock and the Pillard dial 
 lock, both invented by persons at the time residing in New 
 Britain. The capital, which was at first but $12,000, was 
 increased to $30,000, and in 1882 the company was changed 
 to the Kempshall Manufacturing Company, and other busi- 
 ness introduced. The buildings in 1889 were occupied by 
 the J. T. Case Engine Company. 
 
 Other manufacturing companies incorporated since 1850, 
 and which at one time employed a number of men, have been 
 closed up, or have been succeeded by those already mentioned. 
 
 There are also a number of corporations with a capital 
 greater than f 10,000, which have been organized under the 
 joint stock law for other purposes than manufacturing. 
 
 The lumber business, which in 1850 was carried on prin- 
 cipally by Anderson & Ailing, in 1857 passed into the hands 
 of the firm of Giddings, Minor & Strong, afterwards Gid- 
 dings & Strong, who, with some changes in the firm, con- 
 tinued the business, dealing in lumber and coal, until 1871, 
 when the New Britain Lumber and Coal Company was incor- 
 porated, with a capital of f 20,000. The company is located 
 on Park Street, its land having a frontage of about 800 feet 
 on the Berlin branch of the New York, New Haven & Hart- 
 ford Railroad. A. N. Lewis is president, M. C. Stanley sec- 
 retary, and F. G. Piatt treasurer. 
 
 The New Britain Opera House Company is a joint stock 
 corporation, organized in 1880 to build and maintain the 
 New Britain opera house, and the halls, stores, and offices 
 connected therewith. It has a capital of $20,000. Bernard 
 Moffitt is president, and Francis Dobson treasurer. 
 
 The Railroad Block Company, which consisted prin- 
 cipally of stockholders of the New Britain Lumber and Coal 
 
MANUFACTURING COMPANIES, ETC. 375 
 
 Company, was organized under the law relating to joint 
 stock corporations, in 1881, with a capital of #24,000, to 
 build a business block. The land purchased for the purpose 
 was on Main Street, north of the railway, and the building 
 erected is known as the Railroad Block. H. P. Strong is 
 president, and P. G. Piatt secretary and treasurer of the 
 company. 
 
 The Wilcox & Judd Coal and Lumber Company, which 
 was incorporated in 1882, with capital of §30,000, had T. 
 B Wilcox for president, and D. B. Judd treasurer. In a 
 few years Mr. Judd removed to Bristol, and the business has 
 been conducted since by Mr. Wilcox and W. L. Damon. 
 
 The Commercial Stock Compiany was organized in 1883, 
 with a capital of f 20,000, to erect Giddings Block, at the 
 corner of Main and Commercial ^treets. George W. Gid- 
 dings is president, and Frederic W. Giddings secretary and 
 treasurer. 
 
 The Connecticut Valley Orchard Company was organized 
 in April, 1884, for the purpose of planting and conducting 
 orchards and fruit farms, and raising and marketing fruit 
 and vegetables. It has about 150 acres in fruit in Deep 
 River and 100 acres in Berlin, with the necessary buildings, 
 tools, and working force in both places. Its capital stock 
 was §30,000 at the time of organization, and it has been in- 
 creased until it now amounts to $50,000. John B. Smith is 
 president, and A. R. Plumley secretary. 
 
 The city is indebted largely to Lorin P. Judd and a few 
 others associated with him for the inception of the effort 
 which led to the building of the New Britain Tramway. 
 After securing its construction and successful operation, the 
 original owners sold the property, and the stock mainly 
 passed into the hands of others, who have improved the track 
 and cars, and now conduct the enterprise. The New Britain 
 Tramway Company was incorporated in 1886. Peter C. 
 Dolan is president, and Patrick H. Dolan is secretary and 
 treasurer. 
 
 The Central Block Company was organized January 1, 
 
376 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 1887, under the law relating to joint stock corporations, to 
 erect and hold the block of stores, offices, etc., situated on 
 the east side of Main Street, Nos. 273-279. The capital 
 stock i.s 152,000, and is held by four stockholders. Jared 
 Goodrich is president, and L. G. Rossiter secretary. 
 
 The " Herald " Publishing Company was organized in 
 
 1887, with a capital stock of iflSjOOO, to publish the New 
 Britain " Herald " and to do job printing. Robert J. Vance 
 is president, Frank L. Blanchard treasurer, and James Coch- 
 rane secretary. 
 
 The Russwin Corporation was organized in September, 
 
 1888, with a capital of $80,000. It owns the Russwin build- 
 ing and real estate adjoining. By the articles of incorpora- 
 tion it is authorized to have a hotel, opera house, etc. H. E. 
 Russell is president, and T. S. Bishop secretary. 
 
 Some other corporations, with less than ■'^10,000 capital, 
 have been organized and are successful in mercantile and 
 otlier business. 
 
 The savings banks have been important auxiliaries of 
 the industrial progress of New Britain, and of Farmingtoii 
 and Berlin. 
 
 The Farmington Savings Bank was incorporated in 1851. 
 Its deposits have steadily increased, until on October 1, 
 1888, they amounted to $2,0^7,698, and the number of 
 depositors at that time was 3,489. William Gay is president, 
 and Julius Gay is treasurer. 
 
 Tlie Savings Bank of New Britain was incorporated in 
 1862. At the time of the annual statement, Oct. 1, 1888, 
 its deposits were #1,798,065, held by 6,713 depositors. For 
 several years William H. Smith was president, and Rev.. 
 Samuel Rookwell treasurer. The present officers are Levi 
 S. Wells, president, and W. F. Walker, treasurer. 
 
 The Berlin Savings Bank is located at Kensington. It 
 was incorporated in 1873. The whole amount of its de- 
 posits, Oct. 1, 1888, was 1180,340, and the number of de- 
 positors 532. Alfred North is president, and Willis H. 
 Upson treasurer. 
 
ROBERT J. VANCE. 
 
MANUFACTURING COMPANIES, ETC. 377 
 
 Individuals and firms not incorporated have contributed 
 largely to the business prosperity of New Britain, especially 
 in the erection of blocks for stores, offices, and tenements, in 
 the conduct of mercantile business, and in some departments 
 of manufacturing. Sketches can be given of only one or two 
 of the oldest of these firms. 
 
 One of the places of business which has been the longest 
 in the same family is that of 0. S. Judd, on West Main 
 Street. At the beginning of the present century, the site of 
 his manufactory was occupied partly by the blacksmith shop 
 of his father, John Judd. Morton Judd, after working for a 
 time in Southington and in the shops of Seth J. Nortli and 
 Ira. Stanley in New Britain, engaged in business by himself, 
 at first on the north side of West Main Street, nearly oppo- 
 site his father's shop. About 1833, his brother, 0. S. Judd, 
 went into partnership with him, and the firm of M. & 0. S. 
 Judd soon established the business at the present locality of 
 the shop, where they manufactured plated harness hames. In 
 1846 this part of their business was sold to Henry North, and 
 they commenced the manufacture of sash fasteners, window 
 springs, etc., some of the articles being invented by them- 
 selves. In 1853 H. L. Judd and Albert D. Judd became 
 partners, and the firm was M. Judd & Co. Two years later, 
 H. L. Judd disposed of his interest to the other partners, and 
 in 1863 Morton and A. D. Judd sold their shares to Oliver S. 
 Judd. Charles Blakeslee was for a few years associated with 
 the latter under the firm name of Judd & Blakeslee. Some 
 years before his death, Mr. Blakeslee retired from the firm, 
 and the business, which of late years has consisted of the 
 manufacture of builders' and saddlery hardware, has been 
 conducted by 0. S. Judd. 
 
 The jewelry business begun by William B. North about 
 1820, and continued by him and William A. Churchill until 
 Mr. North's death in 1848, and afterwards by Churchill, Stan- 
 ley & Co., has been continued in the same locality until the 
 present time. D. C. Pond, who was a member of the firm in 
 1850, retired in 1853 ; Charles Warner a few years later, and 
 25 
 
378 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 in 1863 James Stanley went out, leaving of the former part- 
 ners only William A. Churchill and Charles M. Lewis. E. B. 
 Dana, who had been in charge of the New York office, was 
 soon admitted as a partner, and the firm name was changed to 
 Clmrchill, Dana & Co. Mr. Dana retired in 1871, and William 
 W. Churchill and Frederic Wessell became members of the 
 firm, and its name was changed to Churchill, Lewis & Co. 
 William A. Churchill died in 1874, and in 1885 William W. 
 Churchill retired, and the firm was afterwards Churchill, 
 Lewis & Wessell, the estate of William A. Churchill retain- 
 ing an interest, and Charles M. Lewi§ and Frederic Wessell 
 being the active partners. Mr. Lewis died in 1886, leaving 
 Mr. Wessell the sole active partner. The interest in the firm 
 held by the Churchill estate was purchased, and Charles J. 
 Leward of New York, became a partner, the firm name being 
 Lewis, Wessell & Leward. During nearly seventy years the 
 successive firms doing business at this locality have main- 
 tained the high character of their goods, and the company 
 has become one of the oldest firms of manufacturing jewel- 
 ers in this country. 
 
 For many years manufacturers who used paper boxes for 
 packing goods had them made by hand in their own shops, or 
 sent to other cities for their supply. By the use of improved 
 machinery and tools, the firms of J. H. Minor & Co., on Arch 
 Street, and H. H. Corbin & Son, on Church Street, making a 
 specialty of paper boxes, have been able to produce them in 
 quantities for manufacturers in New Britain and elsewhere. 
 The demand for other specialties has been met by individuals 
 or firms making the articles needed ; while the merchants 
 and tradesmen, by constantly increasing the variety of their 
 goods and anticipating the needs of their customers, and by 
 honest dealing, have largely increased the mercantile business 
 of the city. 
 
CHAPTER XX. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 1. John Andrews, -1681. 
 
 THE Andrews families of Berlin and New Britain, 
 though not among tiie earliest settlers of these towns, 
 were chiefly descendants of John Andrews, one of the origi- 
 nal proprietors of Farmington. He was an extensive land- 
 holder owning tracts in different parts of the town. He be- 
 came a member of the church in Farmington May 9, 1658. 
 He was made a freeman by the General Court in Hartford, 
 May 20, 1658. He died in 1681, and his wife, Mary, in 1691. 
 
 Children. 1. Mary, h. 1643, m. Thomas Barnes, and (3), Bronson; 
 
 3. John, b. 1645; 3. Hannah, b. Feb. 26, 1647, m. 1666, Obadiah Richards; 
 
 4. Abraham, b. Oct. 31, 1648, m. 1683, Sarah Porter; 5. Danie], b. May 
 27, 1649; 6. Joseph, b. May 36, 1651; 7. Rachel, b. 1654, m. March 18, 
 1675, EzekielBuck; 8. Stephen, b. 1656; 9. Benjamin, b. 1659, m. May 
 26, 1683, Mary Smith. 
 
 2. Stephen Hart, 1605-1683. 
 
 No family name seems to have been borne by a greater 
 number of the early inhabitants of the original parishes of 
 Kensington, New Britain, and Worthington, than that of 
 Hart. All or nearly all of the early families having that 
 surname were descendants of Stephen Hart. 
 
 Stephen Hart of Farmington was born in the small mar- 
 ket town of Braintree, Essex County, Eng., in 1605. He 
 came to Newtown (Cambridge), Mass., in 1632, and was 
 there a member and deacon of Rev. Thomas Hooker's church, 
 and in 1634 became a freeman in Massachusetts. He re- 
 moved with members of Mr. Hooker's church to Hartford in 
 1635, where he was one of the original proprietors of the 
 town, having his homestead on the west side of the road to 
 
380 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 the Neck, near the corner of Front and Morgan streets. He 
 was one of the first settlers of Farmington, having for his 
 liouse-lot a tract on the west side of Main Street, opposite 
 the site of the meeting-house and extending to the river. 
 His house-lot contained fifteen acres, being four or five times 
 as large as the others. In consideration of holding so large 
 a house-lot he was to erect and maintain a mill. He also 
 owned large tracts of land in other parts of the town, one of 
 these being in " Great Swamp," Kensington. He was one of 
 the foremost men in the new settlement, one of the first 
 representatives to the General Court at Hartford in 1647, and 
 was re-elected each succeeding year, with one exception, until 
 1655, and again in 1660. He was active in securing the 
 organization of the church in 1652, was one of the seven 
 pillars, his name standing next to that of the pastor, Mr. 
 Xewton, and he was appointed the first deacon. His influ- 
 ence, both in civil and religious matters, was quite extensive 
 for the times. He was one of the eighty-four proprietors 
 by whom the township was divided in 1672. 
 
 After the death of his first wife, whose name is unknown, 
 he married Margaret, first the widow of Arthur Smith, and 
 second of Sergeant Joseph Nash, both of Hartford. His 
 will, which was dated March 16, 1682-3, a short time before 
 his death, divided his estate among his children and grand- 
 children. His house lot was given to his two sons, the north 
 part to John, and the south part to Thomas. 
 
 He died March, 1682-3 ; his widow died March 1, 1693-i. 
 
 Children. 1. Sarah, m. Nov. 30, 1644, Thomas Porter; 2. Mary, m. 
 
 .John Lee, and (2) Jan. 5, 1672, Jedediah Strong; 3. John, m. Sarah ; 
 
 4. Stephen; 5. Mehitabel, m. John Coles; 6. "Thomas, b. 1643, m. Ruth 
 Hawkins. 
 
 3. John Lee, 1630-1690. 
 
 The Lees of New Britain and Berlin were the descend- 
 ants of John Lee, a native of Colchester, Essex County, Eng. 
 He was born about 1620, came to Massachusetts in 1634 with 
 his guardian, William Westwoode, and the next year was one 
 of the Hooker company that, removed to Hartford. About 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 381 
 
 1641, he went to Farmington, and this place was afterwards 
 his home. He was one of the original town proprietors, his 
 " town lot " of three acres being on the north side of 
 Farmington Street, north of the church, and next Stephen 
 Hart's homestead. He married in 1658, Mary, daughter of 
 Stephen Hart. He united with the church in Farmington 
 with his wife, July 15, 1660. He died Aug. 8, 1690.* His 
 property, which included land at Great Swamp, was inven- 
 toried at £359 lis. Sd. 
 
 Childeen. 1. John, b. June 11, 1659, m. Dec. 27, 1683, Elizabeth 
 Loomis of "Windsor; 2. Mary, b. Aug 14, 1664, m. Dec. 28, 1682, Stephen 
 Upson of Waterbury; 3. Stephen, b. April, 1669, m. Oct. 1690, Elizabeth 
 Royce of Wallingford; 4. Thbmas, b. 1671, m. Sept. 11, 1707, Mary Camp 
 of Hartford, and (2), Eliza Hubbard; 5. David, b. 1674, m. Sept. 5, 1695, 
 Lydia Strong of Northampton; 6. Tabitha, b. 1677, m. Oct. 23, 1701, 
 Preserved Strong of Northampton. 
 
 4. John Stanley, 1624-1706. 
 
 In the early history of the northern part of New Britain, 
 no name occurs more frequently than that of Stanley. Oc- 
 cupying at first almost exclusively the rich district which 
 lias ever since borne the name of Stanley Quarter, the repre- 
 sentatives of these early families, both in church and state, 
 had an honorable position in the history of the colony and of 
 the parish. The Stanleys of Farmington, New Britain, and 
 Berlin, were chiefly the descendants of John Stanley, an emi- 
 grant from England, who left the mother country in the 
 spring of 1634, and died during the voyage, leaving two chil- 
 dren, John andKuth. John Stanley, the eldest child of John 
 Stanley, was born in England, in January, 1624. He left his 
 native country with liis father, who died on the passage in 
 1634, and soon after his arrival in Massachusetts, was placed 
 in charge of his uncle, Thomas, with whom he came to Hart- 
 ford in 1636. He married Dec. 5, 1645, Sarah Scott, who 
 
 *A few years ago in the old cemetery at Farmington, the gi-ave and ancient 
 headstone of John Lee were discovered. The latter was partially covered with 
 earth, but upon the place being identified, William H. Lee, Esq., of New York, 
 one of the descendants of John Lee, caused an appropriate monument to be 
 erected upon which the inscription upon the old headstone was placed. 
 
382 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 died June 26, 1661, and he naarried, second, April 20, 1663, 
 Sarah Fletcher of Milford. Soon after his first marriage 
 he removed to Parmington, where he acquired a handsome 
 property. He was much respected and chosen to various 
 offices of trust and honor. He was elected a deputy to the 
 General Court nearly every year from 1669 to 1696, was con- 
 stable in 1654, and served on various committees appointed 
 by the town or colony. He was also active in military affairs, 
 being appointed sergeant of the Farmington train band in 
 1669, ensign in 1674, and captain in 1676. He was, when 
 quite young, in the expedition against the Pequots, and was 
 also active in King Philip's war. During the latter years of 
 his life, he generally had his military title of captain. He 
 died Dec. 19,1706. 
 
 CniLDBEN — by his first wife: 1. John, b. Nov. 4, 1647, m. Nov. 18, 
 1669, Esther Newell; 2. Thomas, b. Nov. 1, 1649, m. May 1, 1690, Anna 
 Peck; 3. Sarah, b. Feb. 18, 1651, m. July 14, 1670, Joseph Gaylord; 
 4. Timothy, b. May 17, 1654, m. 1676, Mary Strong; 5. Elizabeth, b. 
 April, 1657, d. in infancy; 6. Isaac, b. Sept. 23, 1660; — by his second 
 wife: 7. Abigail, b. July 25, 1669, m. Nov. 24, 1687, John Hooker; 
 8. Elizabeth, b. Nov. 28, 1672, m. Aug. 20, 1696, John Wadsworth. 
 
 5. John Hart, 1630?-1666. 
 
 John Hart, eldest son of Dea. Stephen Hart of Farming- 
 ton, was born in England, but when quite young came to this 
 country with his parents, residing first in Cambridge, Mass., 
 then in Hartford, and at last in Farmington, where he was 
 admitted to the church April 2, 1654. He bought a house- 
 lot of one of the original settlers of Farmington. It was on 
 the west side of the main street near the homestead of his 
 father, and here he had his home and became one of " the 
 eighty-four proprietors." He was much respected in the 
 conamunity, being appointed to offices of responsibility by the 
 town and by the General Court. His house was burned to 
 the ground in 1666, and he and all his family, except his son 
 John, perished in the flames. 
 
 Children. 1. Sarah, b. 1658; 2. John, b. 1655, m. Mary Moore; 
 3. Stephen, b. July, 1657. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 383 
 
 6. Ret. SAMnsL Hooker, 1633-1697. 
 
 Rev. Samuel Hooker, son of Rev. Thomas Hooker, tlie 
 first minister of Hartford, was born in 1632. He graduated 
 at Harvard College in 1653, and studied theology with his 
 father. He preached for a time at Plymouth, Mass., where 
 he married, Sept. 22, 1658, Mary Willett, daughter of the 
 first mayor of New York. In July, 1661, he was ordained 
 pastor of the church in Farmington. He was an excellent 
 preacher, esteemed in his parish, and respected wherever he 
 was known. He twice preached the annual election sermon, 
 for which he received a special vote of thanks. He was a 
 fellow of- Harvard College, and in 1662, was one of the com- 
 mittee of four to treat with New Haven in reference to a 
 union with Connecticut. After the English revolution of 
 1688, his name, with the names of three others, was appended 
 to the address to King William of Orange. He was a large 
 landholder, had eleven children, some of whose descendants 
 became distinguished in the annals of New England. He 
 died Nov. 6, 1697. 
 
 7. John Stanley, 1647-1729. 
 
 John Stanley, eldest son of Capt. John and Sarah (Scott) 
 Stanley, was born Nov. 4, 1647. He married Nov. 18, 1669, 
 Esther Newell. He was first settled in Farmington, but re- 
 moved about 1678 with others to form a settlement at Matta- 
 tuck (Waterbury). He took great interest in this settlement, 
 was one of the assignees to wliom the first Indian grant of 
 lands was made, laid out the lots of the first settlers, and was 
 prominent in the management of the local affairs of the new 
 town. He held the highest office of the Waterbury train- 
 band for some years, and was a representative to the General 
 Court. He returned to Farmington in 1695, became justice 
 of the peace in 1704, and deacon of the church in 1711. He 
 died May 16, 1729. 
 
 Childkbn. 1. Esther, b. Sept. 3, 1673, d. young; 3. John, b. April 
 9, 1775, d. in infancy; 8 Samuel, b. June 7, 1677, m. July 15, 1703, Eliza 
 beth Bronson; 4. Nathaniel, b. Sept. 35, 1679, m. Dec. 3, 1714, Sarah 
 
384 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Smith ;^ 5. John, b. Feb. 17, 1683, m. Aug. 1710, Hannah Porter, and (3), 
 Dec. 9,1714, Mary Wright; 6. Thomas, b. Feb. 1684; 7. Sarah, b. 1686, 
 m. Daniel Hooker; 8. Timothy, b. June 6, 1689, m. Dec. 35, 1718, Martha 
 Smith; 9. Ruth. 
 
 8. Richard Seymour, 1648-1710. 
 
 Richard Seymour, the fourth son of Richard Seymour of 
 Hartford, was born about 1648. He removed to Farmington 
 where he was freeman in 1669, and in 1672 was one of the 
 eighty-four proprietors who divided the town. He married 
 Hannah, daughter of Matthew Woodruff of Farmington. He 
 was the leader of the Great Swamp settlement at Christian 
 Lane, and was captain of the fort at that place, and of the 
 company constituted for its defence. He gave the plot for the 
 old cemetery at Christian Lane, and was the first person 
 buried there. He was killed while felling a tree in 1710. 
 He was one of the wealthiest men in the new settlement, the 
 inventory of his estate after his death being J) 416 5s. 3d. 
 
 9. Daniel Andrews, 1649-1731. 
 
 Daniel Andrews, the third son of John and Mary An- 
 drews, was born May 27, 1649. He was probably the only one 
 of his father's children who remained in Farmington and had 
 a permanent residence there. He was a large landholder, 
 inheriting some land from his father, and increasing his hold- 
 ings by purchases, both in Farmington parish and in the Great 
 Swamp, society. He was one of the early landed proprietors 
 of the latter place, and also one of " the eighty-four proprie- 
 tors" of Farmington. He was townsman (selectman), and 
 held other public offices. He died April 16, 1731. 
 
 Children. 1. Daniel, b. March 9, 1672, m. Oct. 30, 1707, Mabel Goff; 
 3. Mary, b. Dec. 9, 1674, m. Jan. 3, 1694, Isaac Cowles; 3. Joseph, b. 
 Aug. 10, 1676, m. Feb. 10, 1707, Susanna Hough; 4. Thomas, b. June 3, 
 1678, d. young; 5. John, b. June 10, 1680, m. June 26, 1713, Mary GoCf; 
 6. Martha, b. July 17, 1683; 7. Hannah, b. Jan. 13, 1684; 8. Paul, b. Jan. 
 2, 1686; 9. Stephen, b. Aug. 3, 1689, m. Dec. 39, 1730, Abigail Porter; 
 10. Ebenezer, b. Aug. 38, 1693, d. in infancy. 
 
 10. John Hart, 1655-1714. 
 John Hart, eldest son of John and Sarah Hart, Farming- 
 ton, was born in 1656. He was absent from home at the 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 385 
 
 time of the burning of liis father's liouse and thus his life 
 was preserved, when all the other members of the family 
 perished. He married Mary Moore, and in 1686, with his 
 wife, was admitted to the Parmington Church. He held va- 
 rious offices in the town and colony, was successively ensign, 
 lieutenant, and captain of the Farmington train-band, was for 
 four successive years deputy from Farmington to the General 
 Court, was one of thfe auditors of the colony in 1705, and 
 was appraiser on his uncle Stephen Hart's estate. He died 
 Nov. 11, 1714. 
 
 Children. 1. John, b. 1684, m. March 20, 1706, Esther Gridley; 
 3. Isaac, b. 1686, m. Nov. 24, 1721, Elizabeth Whaples; 3. Sarah, b. 1687, 
 m. Feb. 15, 1705, Ebenezer Steele; 4. Matthew, b. 1690, m. Jan. 10, 1725, 
 Sarah Hooker; 5. Samuel, b. 1692, in. Dec. 5, 1723, Mary Hooker; 
 6. Nathaniel, b. 16D5, m. Dec. 3, 1719, Abigail Hooker; 7. Mary, m. 
 John Leffingwell. 
 
 11. Benjamin Andeews, 1659-1727. 
 
 Benjamin Andrews, the youngest child of John and Mary 
 Andrews of Farmington, was born in 1659. He married, 
 May 26, 1682, Mary Smith, who died in 1707, and June 14, 
 1710, he married, second, widow Dorcas (Wright) Wetmore. 
 She died Dec. 4, 1716, and he married, third, Sarah, who was 
 living at the time he made his will in 1724. He resided at 
 the old homestead of his father, in the north part of Farm- 
 ington. He died in 1727. 
 
 Childken. 1. Benjamin, b. Aug. 20, 1688, m. Dec. 6, 1711, Elizabeth 
 Gridley; 2. John, b. May 8, 1685, m. April 26, 1716, Elizabeth Orvice; 
 
 3. Mary, b. Aug. 34, 1688, m. Feb. 26, 1712, Nathaniel Cowles; 
 
 4. Stephen, b. Sept. 20, 1690, m. Ruth Barnes ; 5. Daniel, b. Sept. 7, 
 1693, m. Feb. 8, 1720, Mary Cowles; 6. Samuel, b. Nov. 20, 1695, m. 
 Nov. 8, 1721, Mary Scott; 7. Johanna, b. May 24, 1698, d. young; 
 8. James, b. Aug. 1, 1700, m. Dec. 9, 1730, Elizabeth Gillett. 
 
 12. John Lbe, 1659-1723. 
 
 John Lee, the oldest son of John, the emigrant, and Mary 
 Hart Lee, was born June 11, 1659. He married, Dec. 27, 
 1682, Elizabeth Loomis of Windsor. He was a man of in- 
 fluence in Farmington, being appointed street and land sur- 
 
386 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 veyor, committee to treat with the Indians, and also to other 
 offices of honor and trust. He had considerable property which 
 was devised by will dated 1723. He died April 24, 1723. 
 
 Children. 1. John, b. Dec. 7, 1683, d. young; 2. Jonathan, b. March 
 20, 1686, m. June 4, 1713, Mary Root; 8. Mary, b. March 15, 1689, m. July 
 2, 1713, Thomas Newell; 4. Elizabeth, b. Jan., 1693, d. young; 5. Samuel 
 b. March 23, 1694, m. Dec. 4, 1713, Eunice Goodwin; 6. Hezekiah, b. 
 June 6, 1697, m. Dec. 23, 1728, Sarah Porter; 7. Elizabeth, b. March 6, 
 1700, m. Dec. 28, 1721, Samuel Lankton; 8. Ruth, b. June 14, 1703, m. 
 March 24, 1723, William Judd. 
 
 13. Samuel Smith, 1664-1725. 
 
 Samuel Smith, youngest child of William and Elizabeth 
 (Stanley) Smith, was born May, 1664. He married March 
 24, 1687, Euth, daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Hart) Por- 
 ter. He appears to have been one of the early members of 
 the Great Swamp Society and Chui"ch,for at the annual meet- 
 ing, held Dec. 8, 1713, he was appointed one of the commit- 
 tee of three " to preserve our former records, on loose papers, 
 & transcribe such as they think needful." When the first meet- 
 ing-house was seated, he was honored with a seat in " the 
 first pue " next the pulpit, with Lieut. Stephen Lee, Thomas 
 Hart, and others. In the rate bill for support of the min- 
 ister in 1720, he has, with one exception, the largest 
 credit of three bushels wheat, 16s. 6d. Besides working his 
 farm he seems to have given attention to weaving, for in the 
 records of those days he is called " Samuel Smith, weever." 
 He died Jan. 6, 1725. 
 
 Children. 1. William, b. Jan. 8, 1688; 2. Sarah, b. Aug. 2, 1690, m. 
 Nathaniel Stanley; 3. Ruth, b. Feb 24, 1693, d. in infancy; 4. Samuel, b. 
 Feb. 26, 1694; 5. Martha, b. Jan. 20, 1697, m. Timothy Stanley; 
 6. Thomas, b. Oct. 12, 1699; 7. John, b. Feb. 4, 1702, m. Abigail Wads- 
 worth; 8. James, b. Oct. 9, 1704; 9. Stephen, b. Aprils, 1707; 10. Ruth, 
 b. July 13, 1710; 11. Elizabeth, b. July 21, 1713. 
 
 14. John Hooker, 1665-. 
 
 John Hooker, son of Rev. Samuel and Mary (Willett) 
 Hooker, was born Feb. 20, 1665. He married, Nov. 24, 1687, 
 Abigail Stanley, and made his home in Farmington. He re- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1 387 
 
 ceived a good education, and took an active interest in the 
 welfare of the town and of the colony. He was for many 
 years the chief magistrate of the town, and was also judge 
 of the Superior Court of the colony from 1724 to 1732. He 
 represented the town in the General Court for many years, 
 was clerk of the assembly two sessions, and speaker six ses- 
 sions. In 1723 he was chosen assistant, and for eleven years 
 was re-elected. He served on many important committees, 
 and was the recipient of many evidences of the trust reposed 
 in him, in affairs both of church and state. 
 
 Childken. 1. Hezekiah, b. Oct. 14, 1688, m. Abigail Cowles; 3. Abi- 
 gail, b. May 25, 1691, d. in infancy; 3. John, b. Nov. 17, 1693, d. in in- 
 fancy; 4. John, b. March 16, 1695; 5. Abigail, b. Jan. 14, 1698, m. Dec. 
 3, 1719, Nathaniel Hart; 6. Mary, b. June 11, 1700, m. Dec. 5, 1723, Sam- 
 uel Hart; 7. Sarah, b. Sept. 11, 1702, m. Jan. 10, 1725, Matthew Hart; 
 8. Joseph, b. Feb. 15, 1705, m. Sarah Lewis; 9. Ruth, b. April 16, 1708, 
 m. Asahel Strong; 10. Roger, b. Sept. 17, 1710. 
 
 15. Stephen Lee, 1668-1753. 
 
 Stephen Lee, son of John and Mary (Hart) Lee, and one 
 of the most distinguished of the early residents of the Great 
 Swamp Society, was born April 2, 1669. His father, John 
 Lee, the emigrant, was one of the first settlers of Farming- 
 ton, and also an owner of property in Great Swamp. Be- 
 sides inheriting land from his father, Stephen Lee also re- 
 ceived a grant from the town of Farmington in January, 
 1689, of five roods of land on the west side of East Street. 
 He was an extensive farmer, and became one of the most 
 distinguished men of the " Great Swamp " Society. He 
 married, Oct. 1, 1690, Elizabeth Royce of Wallingford, and 
 soon after moved into the house which he had built on the 
 west side of East Street, New Britain.* He and his wife 
 were members of the church in Farmington, but on the or- 
 ganization of the church at Great Swamp in 1712, they be- 
 came members of that church, his name standing next to 
 that of the minister as one of the seven pillars of the church. 
 
 *This house, afterwards known as the "Hinsdale House," was for many 
 years one of the grandest houses in New Britain. It was taken down in 1834. 
 
388 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 He was one of the petitioners for the organization of the 
 Great Swamp Society, one of the committee to erect and pro- 
 vide seats and a pulpit for the meeting-house in 1713, and 
 from 1739 to 1753, one of the most active in procuring a di- 
 vision of the society, and the organization of the New Britain 
 Society. He was a captain in tlie militia and had the title of 
 " Captain Lee." He died June 7, 1753, and his widow died 
 May 3, 1760. 
 
 Childkbn. 1. Isaac, b. Sept. 5, 1691, m. Dec. 8, 1713, Mary Hubbard, 
 and (2) Susanna Wolcott; 3. Elizabeth, b. April 18, 1693, d. same day. 
 
 3. Elizabeth, b, July 13, 1694, m. Dec. 28, 1721, Samuel Langdon; 
 
 4. Sarah, b. Nov. 8, 1696, m. Jan. 18, 1721, John Langdon; 5. Stephen, 
 b. April 18,; 1700, d. Sept. 17, 1718; 6. Martha, b. Feb. 17, 1701, m. 
 Nathaniel Hart, and (2), Joseph Francis; 7. Mary, b. Sept., 1704, m. Ben- 
 jamin Beckley; 8. Ebenezer, b. Sept. 14, 1706, d. Aug. 28, 1735; 9. Han- 
 nah, b. Oct. 15, 1708, m. Nathaniel North, and (2), William Barber; 
 10. Josiah, b. Aug. 13, 1711, m. Nov. 3, 1737, Hannah Warren. 
 
 16. Benjamin Judd, 1671-1764. 
 
 Benjamin Judd, son of Benjamin and Mary (Lewis) Judd, 
 and grandson of Thomas Judd, the emigrant, was born in 
 
 1671. He married, Jan. 18, 1694, North. He was 
 
 one of the petitioners to the General Assembly in 1705, for 
 the organization of the Great Swamp Society, was a promi- 
 nent member of that society, and frequently appointed on com- 
 mittees for service in the church and society. In the seating 
 of the meeting-house, he was assigned a place of honor in the 
 " first pue." He was a member of the committee to provide 
 for the instruction of the children, and held other civil offices. 
 He was a sergeant in the military company, and honored by 
 his neighbors and townsmen. He was a large land-holder, 
 living upon Bast Street, at what was considered the north 
 end of the Great Swamp parish. He was one of the peti- 
 tioners for the organization of the society of New Britain, 
 and one of the original members of the First Church. He 
 was eighty-eight years of age when the church was consti- 
 tuted. He died March 9, 1764. 
 
 Children. 1. Benjamin, b. March 3, 1697, m. Nov. 9, 1737, Sarah 
 Hollister; 3. Susannah, b. Aug. 13, 1699, m. July 1, 1756, David Bronson; 
 
BIOGRAPHTCAL SKETCHES. 389 
 
 3. Mary, b. Feb. 6, 1703, m. 1723, Joseph Beckley; 4. Abigail, b. Sept. 
 5, 1703, m. May 20, 1746, George Kilbourn; 5. Kezia, b. Sept. 14, 1705, 
 m. June 12, 1739, Amos Judd; 6. Bathsheba, b. Aug. 30, 1707, m. 1738, 
 David Sage; 7. Joanna, b. Oct. 16, 1709, m. 1731, Samuel Hubbard; 
 8. Catherine, b. Oct. 36, 1711; 9. Uriah, b. Dec. 38, 1713, m. Dec. 30, 
 1744, Mabel Bidwell, and (3), Feb. 19, 1747, Mercy Seymour; 10. James, 
 b. 1717, m. 1749, Hannah Andrus; 11. Nathan, b. Aug. 34, 1719, m. Feb. 
 
 3, 1743, Thankful Wright; 13. Hezekiah, b. June 19, 1732, d. young. 
 
 17. Daniei, Andrews, 1672-1748. 
 
 Daniel Andrews, Jr., of tlie Great Swamp Society, son of 
 Daniel Andrews, was born March 9, 1672, in Farmington. 
 He married, Oct. 30, 1707, Mabel Goff of Wethersfield. He 
 lived near the Wethersfield and Farmington town line, east 
 of the south end of East Street, and a short distance from 
 the Hartford and New Haven turnpike. The Great Swamp 
 Society was organized two years before his marriage and the 
 church a few years after ; and he and his brother desiring to 
 join this society gave a bond or note of .£50 to Newiugton to 
 be released from that parish that they might do so. He be- 
 came a member both of the church and society at Great 
 Swamp, and when the first meeting-house was seated was 
 assigned to the second seat. He was a prominent member 
 of the society, being one of the special building committee to 
 contract for putting in galleries and making other improve- 
 ments on the meeting-house. He died Aug. 21, 1748, and 
 was buried in Christian Lane Cemetery. 
 
 Childken. 1. Joseph, b. 1711, m. Dec. 13, 1733, widow Elizabeth 
 Wilcox; 2, Abigail, b. July 22, 1713; 3. Mabel, b. June 6, 1715, m. March 
 
 4, 1741, Charles Kelsey; 4. Eunice, b. Sept. 18, 1717, m. Nov. 10, 1737, 
 James Kelsey: 5. Daniel, b. May 13, 1720, ra. Feb. 6, 1766, widow Eunice 
 Kelsey;' 6. Hannah, b. Sept. 8, 1723, m. 1749, James Judd; 7. Jacob, b. 
 Jan. 24, 1729, m. Feb. 2, 1758, Eunice Emmons; 8. Hezekiah, b. Aug. 14, 
 1731, m. May 26, 1757, Anna Stedman. 
 
 18. Thomas Habt, 1680-1773. 
 
 Thomas Hart of Kensington, second son of Captain 
 Thomas and Ruth (Hawkins) Hart of Farmington, was born 
 April, 1680. He married, Dec. 17, 1702, Mary Thompson ; 
 she died and he married, second, Jan. 2, 1764, widow Eliza- 
 
390 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 betli Norton, he being eighty-four and she seventy-nine years 
 of age. He was admitted to the church in Farmington 1706, 
 and on the organization of the church at Great Swamp in 
 1712, he and his wife were among the original members. 
 He was chosen deacon of the latter church in 1719. He was 
 active in church and society matters, was clerk and rate 
 maker of the society, and often served upon committees. 
 When the second meeting-house was built, " it was set up & 
 finished on Deacon Thomas Hart's home lot." 
 
 He lived about a quarter of a mile southeast of the Berlin 
 railway station. He was one of the most influential men in 
 the Great Swamp or Kensington parish, and was frequently 
 employed to present before the General Court matters relat- 
 ing to the society. He was a justice of the peace, and repre- 
 sented the town in the General Court six sessions between 
 1739 and 1747. He was a farmer, and also made weaver's 
 reeds for house looms. He died Jan. 29, 1773. 
 
 Children. 1. Mary, b. Sept. 29, 1703, m. July 4, 1728, John Hooker; 
 2. Ebenezer, b. April 13, 1705, m. June 9, 1741, widow Elizabeth Law- 
 rence; 3. Elijah, b. Feb. 1, 1707, d. young; 4. Hannah, b. Feb. 1, 1709, 
 m. July 11, 1728, Joseph Porter; 5. Elijah, b. June 18, 1711, m. Dec. 26, 
 1734, Abigail Goodrich; 6. Ruth, b. Aug. 14, 1713, m. May 15, 1740, Wil- 
 liam Wadsworth; 7. Mercy, b. Jan. 13, 1724, d. young. 
 
 19. Joseph Smith, 1682-. 
 
 Joseph Smith, son of Joseph, Sen., and Lydia Smith, and 
 grandson of William and Elizabeth (Stanley) Smith, was 
 born in 1682 and was baptized in Farmington, Aug. 10, 1684. 
 He was married, Jan. 19, 1707-8, to Mary Royce, daughter 
 of Isaac Royce of Wallingford. He owned the covenant in 
 Farmington, Sept. 24, 1710. He lived on East Street at the 
 place which was owned and occupied by the family of Smiths 
 for many generations. He was one of the petitioners for the 
 Great Swamp Society in 1705, and also one of the petitioners 
 for the relief of the families on East Street and Stanley 
 Street, May 9, 1739, and for the division of the society in 
 1752. He was one of the original members of the First 
 Church of Christ in New Britain, organized April 18, 1758. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 391 
 
 Children. 1. Joseph, b. July 13, 1710; 2. Azariah, b. Dec. 28, 1713; 
 3. Jedediah, b. Feb. 12, 1716; 4. Esther, d. May 18, 1825; 5. Elijah, b. Oct. 
 29, 1721. 
 
 20. John Stanley, 1683-1750. 
 
 John, fifth child of John and Esther (Newell) Stanley, 
 was born Feb. 17, 1682. tie married, Aug., 1710, Hannah 
 Porter, who died without leaving children ; and he married, 
 (2), Mary Wright. He was one of the early proprietors in 
 the Christian Lane settlement, his house being some distance 
 south of the fort. He had been a member of the Farming- 
 ton Church, but in 1705 was one of the petitioners to the Gen- 
 eral Assembly for the Great Swamp Society. When the first 
 meeting-house was seated he was assigned to the third " pue" 
 with Samuel B. Cooper, Joseph Smith, and others. On the 
 rate bill of 1720, his contribution for the support of the min- 
 ister was given as one busBel of wheat, 5s. Qd. In 1730 he 
 was appointed one of the " committee to order the pruden- 
 tials for a school," in the Great Swamp Society. The agree- 
 ment for the settlement of his estate was filed in court Feb. 
 9, 1750. 
 
 Children. 1. John, b. 1716, m. Sarah ; 2. Thomas, b. June 
 
 30, 1726, m. Hannah Hart; 3. Mary, b. 1729, m. "Watts Hubbard. 
 
 21. Rev. Wilx-iam Buenham, 1684-1750. 
 
 Rev. William Burnham, son of William and Elizabeth 
 Burnham, was born at Wethersfield about 1684. He gradu- 
 ated at Harvard College in 1702, and married Hannah Wol- 
 cott of Wethersfield, May 1, 1704 ; she died March 16, 1747, 
 and he married (2) widow Buckingham of Hartford. He 
 commenced preaching to the few families at Great Swamp, or 
 Farmington village, about 1708, and was so well pleased with 
 the people, and they with him, that a mutual arrangement 
 was made for his settlement as pastor. He was ordained 
 Dec. 10, 1712, the day that the church was organized, and 
 became its settled pastor. He was a sound preacher, accus- 
 tomed to refer frequently to the scriptures for support of his 
 doctrines and for instruction. He was a faithful pastor, de- 
 
392 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 voted to his flock. He was one of the members of the Gen- 
 ei'al Association of Connecticut, and was its moderator in 
 1738. With his pastoral duties he managed a farm and ac- 
 quired a competency. He died September, 1750.* 
 
 Childken. 1. William, b. April 5, 1705, m. Ruth Norton; 3. Samnel, 
 b. May 28, 1707; 3. Hannah, b. Nov. 18, 1708, m. Rev. Jeremiah Curtiss; 
 4. Joaiah, b. Sept. 28, 1716, m. Ruth Norton; 5. Sarah, b. May 28, 1719; 
 6. Mary, b. Feb. 7, 1721, m, John Judd of New Britaio; 7. Appleton, b. 
 April 28, 1724, m. Mary Wolcott; 8. Lucy, m. Jacob Root; 9. Abigail, b. 
 Sept. 14, 1713, m. Robert Wells. 
 
 22. John Hakt, 1684-1758. 
 
 John Hart, Kensington, the eldest child of Capt. John 
 and Mary (Moore) Hart of Farmington, was born in 1684. 
 He married, March 20, 1706, Esther, daughter of Samuel 
 Gridley of Farmington. In his childhood and youth, and for 
 several years after his marriage, he lived upon his father's 
 place, and in 1718 was chosen deacon of the cliurcli in Farm- 
 ington. He subsequently removed to Kensington, and was 
 chosen deacon of the Kensington Church. His wife died 
 July 10, 1743, and he married (2) Jan. 11, 1744, widow 
 Hannah Hull. Deacon Hart was repeatedly appointed to 
 public office, being town clerk for several years, and was 
 elected to the General Court twenty -three times between 
 1717 and 1743. He acquired considerable property in addi- 
 tion to what he inherited from his father. His estate was 
 inventoried at £1,342 16s. Sd. He died Oct. 7, 1753. 
 
 Childken. 1. Esther, b. Sept. 19, 1707, m. June 29, 1727, Nathaniel 
 Newell; 2. Judah, b. Oct. 25, 1709, m. Feb. 20, 1735, Anna Norton; 
 3. John, b. Oct. 11, 1714, m. Anna Hall; 4. Mary, b. March 9, 1717. m. 
 Dec. 6, 1739, Timothy Root, and (2) Rev. Samuel Newell; 5. Sarah, b. 
 June 19, 1719, m. June 19, 1740, Stephen Root, and (2) Eldad Lewis; 
 6. Solomon, b. Oct. 1, 1734, m. March 3, 1750, Experience Cole; 7. Ruth, 
 b. Oct. 25, 1729, d. Oct. 13, 1745. 
 
 * In his wijl, which>vas dated July 15, 1748, he gives to each of his three sons 
 then living one-third of his real estate. In the enumeration of his personal es- 
 tate he mentions two servants, one a Spanish Indian woman and the other a mu- 
 latto boy which his daughter Abigail was to have " at the price he shall be 
 valued at." 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 893 
 
 33. Jonathan Lee, 1686-1756. 
 
 Jonathan Lee, grandson of John, the emigrant, and 
 second son- of John Lee, second, was born March 20, 1686, 
 and he married, June 4, 1713, Mary Root. His father was a 
 street and land surveyor, and one of the petitioners for the 
 organization of the Great Swamp Society in 1705. Both of 
 his grandfathers, John Lee and Deacon Stephen Hart, were 
 owners of land in the Great Swamp Parish.* Jonathan Lee 
 was in 1714 chosen "lister" and rate maker of the parish. 
 In 1742, he was one of the petitioners from the south part of 
 the parish for relief for '^ poor Kensington." At the time of 
 his death, Jan. 16, 1756, he was a deacon of the Kensington 
 Church. 
 
 Children. 1. Mary, b. Oct. 4, 1714, ra. May 23, 1735, Andrew 
 Hooker; 3. Elizabeth, b. Jan. 10, 1716; 3. Lucy, b. Jan. 10, 1730; 4. Ruth, 
 b. Aug. 3, 1723, m. John Gridley; 5. John, b. April 23, 1735, m. May 7, 
 1753, Sarah Cole; 6. Eunice, b. May 24, 1733, m. 1760, Caleb Galpin. 
 
 24. Isaac Hart, 1686-1770. 
 
 Isaac Hart, Kensington, second child of Capt. John 
 Hart of Parmington, was born in 1686. He married, Nov. 
 24, 1721, Elizabeth Whaples. He moved to the Great 
 Swamp Society and became one of the leaders of that society, 
 being one of the petitioners for its division in 1753. He 
 lived on West or Hart Street, and became a deacon of the 
 Kensington Church. It is said tliat while at work on his 
 father's farm in Parmington, he killed a bear which came 
 into the lot in which lie was laboring. He died Jan. 27, 
 1770. 
 
 Children. 1. Ebenezer, b. Nov. 7, 1732; 3. Isaac, b. 1724, m. Ann 
 Mather of New Britain; 3. Elizabeth, b. July 13, 1726, d.'in infancy; 
 4. Mercy, b. April 4, 1739; 5. Job, b. Jan. 3, 1733, m. Eunice Beckley; 
 6. John, b. 1734; 7. Lois, b. 1744, m. Hezekiah Judd. 
 
 * John Lee, 2d, conveyed to his son, Jonathan Lee, certain land at ' ' Great 
 Swamp," including a tract designated as " the Island," which was elevated above 
 the surrounding land. 
 
 26 
 
394 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 25. Robert Booth, 1689-1750. 
 
 Robert Bootli, at first spelled " Bootlie," was a descend- 
 ant of Sir Richard Boothe. He was one of the early inhabi- 
 tants of the Great Swamp Society, and when the first meet- 
 ing-house was seated in 1716, he was assigned to the fourth 
 " pue," east side, as " Robert boothe." He was one of the 
 petitioners to the General Assembly for the division of the 
 society. His home was at the south end of East Street. He 
 appears to have been much respected in Great Swamp, and 
 was for a time one of the officers of the society. He was 
 one of the wealthiest members, his estate being inventoried 
 at ^591. He married, Nov. 27, 1712, Anna, the d&ughter 
 of Capt. Stephen Hollister of Glastonbury. He was the an- 
 cestor of most of the Booths of New Britain, among whom 
 were some of the first settlers of the center of the place. 
 He died Dec. 17, 1750, and was buried in the Christian 
 Lane Cemetery. 
 
 CniLDBEN. 1. Hannah, b. July 23, 1716, m. Joshua Mather; 2. Anna, 
 b. Sept. 16, 1718, m. Joseph Mather; 3. Nathan, b. Aug. 6, 1721, m. Abi- 
 gail Steele; 4. James, b. May 35, 1733; 5. Robert, b. Aug. 20, 1730, m. 
 May 9, 1757, Ruth Kilbourn, and (2), May 5, 1774, Anna B ronso n; 
 6. Elisha, b. May 30,-1733, m. Dec. 5, 1751, Esther Hollister, and (2), 
 Nov. 19, 1778, widow Mary Gilbert. 
 
 26. Dit. Isaac Lee, 1691-1780. 
 
 Dr. Isaac, the eldest son of Stephen and Elizabeth 
 (Royce) Lee, was born Sept. 5, 1691. He became a physi- 
 cian of some celebrity. He commenced his practice in Farm- 
 ington, but soon removed to Middletown, where he married, 
 Dec. 3, 1713, Mary Hubbard. She died, and he married 
 Susannah Wolcott, also of Middletown. While residing in 
 Middletown, he deeded to the town of Farmington, Feb. 1, 
 1755, three pieces of land in the parish of New Britain — 
 one was the north half of Smalley Street, the second con- 
 tained the site for the meeting-house and a part of the 
 " Parade " in front of it, and the third provided a highway 
 to the same. Some time before 1771, Dr. Lee and his wife 
 returned to his place on East Street, New Britain, where he 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 395 
 
 died Aug. 6, 1780. He always took a deep interest in all that 
 related to the parish of New Britain, and after his return he 
 served upon committees of the society, and in other ways 
 contributed to the prosperity of the place. His real estate in 
 New Britain was divided between his sons, Isaac and 
 Stephen. 
 
 Children. 1. Timothy, b. Nov. 8, 1714, d. Sept. 14, 1731; 3. Isaac, 
 b. Jan. 7, 1717; 3. Mary, b. Aug. 6, 1718, d. Sept. 29, 1731; 4. Stephen, 
 b. JIarch 6, 1723; 5. Jerusha, b. March 18, 1734, d. 1725; 6. Thankful, b. 
 Nov. 9, 1726; 7. Jerusha, b. Feb. 15, 1731; 8. Jacob, b. 1737; 9. Sarah, 
 b. 1739; 10. Susannah, b. June 10, 1743, d. Feb. 1, 1759; 11. Josiah, b. 
 1745; 13. Mary, b. April 37, 1746. 
 
 27. Thomas Richards, 1694-17—. 
 
 Thomas, son of Thomas and Mary (Parsons) Richards, 
 was born at Hartford, April 3, 1694. He married, June 16, 
 1717, Abigail Turner, and (2) Dec. 28, 1738, widow Rachel 
 Orvice. He learned the blacksmith's trade, and resided in 
 Southington for more than twenty years-, but moved to Stan- 
 ley Quarter about 1750, and located on the west side of the 
 street near the school-house. His blacksmith's shop, one of 
 the first in New Britain, was the place where several young 
 men, afterwards prominent in public affairs, learned their 
 trade. He first took a letter from the Southington Church of 
 which he was a member, to the Newington, then West Weth- 
 ersfield Church. When the First Church in New Britain was 
 organized in 1758, he was one of the original membei's, his 
 name standing next to those of Deacon Paterson and wife. 
 
 Childrbst. 1. Susannah, b. May 12, 1718, m. June 5, 1735, Jonathan 
 Andrews; 2. Abigail, d. young; 3. Abigail, b. Feb. 3, 17^3, m. Oct. 9, 
 1742, Thomas Lankton; 4. John, b. 1724, d. young; 5. Samuel, b. Oct. 
 23, 1736, m. Dec. 8, 1747, Lydia Buck; 6. Elizabeth, b. Nov. 23, 1738, m. 
 Dec. 24, 1750, James Horsington; 7. John, b. March 31, 1730, m. April 
 14. 1753, Mary French; 8. Lydia, b. March 23, 1732; 9. Experience, b. 1736. 
 
 28. Thomas Stanley, 1696-1755. 
 
 Thomas, the eldest child of Thomas and Anna (Peck) 
 Stanley of Parmington, and ancestor of the Stanleys of New 
 
396 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Britain, was born Oct. 31, 1696. He married, Jan. 2, 1718, 
 Esther, daughter of Samuel Cowles of Kensington. He 
 lived in Stanley Quarter, in the northern part of New Britain, 
 but at the organization of the New Britain Society in 1754, 
 his house and farm were excluded, and he did not become a 
 member of that society. He was a man of considerable 
 wealth, having land in Farmington, New Britain, and New 
 Cambridge (Bristol). He owned several negroes which were 
 devised by will to his wife and children. He died Oct. 13, 
 1755. He had eight children, of whom three sons and one 
 daughter were living at the time of his death. 
 
 Children. 1. Anna, b. Oct. 30, 1718, m. Ozias Griswold, d. Nov. 6, 
 1732; 3. Thomas, b. Nov. 27, 17:20, m. Mary Francis; 8. Noah, b. Jan. 
 16, 1724, m. Kuth Norton; 4. Ruth, b. July 8, 1726, d. Aug. 3, 1776; 
 5. Timothy, b. Aug. 13, 1727, m. Lydia Newell; 6. Abigail, b. March 7, 
 1720, m. Capt. Johu Griswold; 7. Job, b. Aug. 4, 1733, d. July 5, 1740; 
 8. Gad, b. March 21, 1735, m. Mary Judd. 
 
 39. William Smith, 1690-1779. 
 
 William Smith, son of Jonathan, was born March 30, 
 1699, and married, July 22, 1725, to Rebecca Hunn. He 
 was a conscientious farmer living on Stanley Street, at the 
 head of Spiritual Lane. His large farm was kept in the fam- 
 ily for several generations. He, with his brother Ebenezer 
 of Newington, built and owned Churchill's Mills, near New- 
 ington bounds. Though not a petitioner for the new society 
 he was one of the original members of the First Church. 
 His first wife died, and he married (2) July 11,1771, widow 
 Mary Wells of Newington. He died Jan. 9, 1779. 
 
 Children. 1. Elijah, b. May 1, 1736; 2. Sarah, b. March 3, 1737; 
 3. Abijah, b. Sept. 3, 1738; 4. Lydia, b. Sept. 18, 1729; 5. Samuel, b. 
 Sept., 7, 1733, m. Dec. 6, 1759, Mary Goodrich; 6. Moses, b. Sept. 21, 
 1735, and died at age of 21 in French war. 
 
 80. Jonathan Lewis, 1699-1774 ? 
 
 Jonathan Lewis was one of the prominent members of the 
 Kensington Society for nearly thirty years before the division 
 and the organization of the New Britain Society ; and after 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 397 
 
 the division he was one of the leaders of the latter society. 
 He was married to Elizabeth Newell about 1720, and soon 
 after had his home at tlie south end of East Street, near 
 Christian Lane. His farm, after his death, passed into the 
 hands of his son, Adonijah. He was prominent in military 
 and civil affairs, holding various offices in the military com- 
 pany until he was commissioned as Captain. The title was 
 afterwards associated with his name. He was a member of 
 the school committee of Kensington in 1730 and 1731, was 
 one of the petitioners for relief to the north or New Britain 
 part of the parish in 1739, and yet was appointed by the 
 Kensington Society one of the committee to seat the new or 
 second meeting-house in Kensington in 1743. He was a pe- 
 titioner for a division of the society from 1745 to 1752, and 
 strongly advocated the measure. After the New Britain So- 
 ciety and .Church were organized, he was, in 1758, chairman 
 of the committee that as agents of the parish memorialized 
 the town of Farmington for a grant of land to Rev. John 
 Smalley, pastor of the church. He was much respected and 
 esteemed. 
 
 Child. Adonijali Lewis, b. July 12, 1723, m. July 31, 1760, Mary 
 Bronson. 
 
 31. John Hinsdale, 1706-1792. 
 
 John, son of Barnabas and Martha (Smitli) Hinsdale, 
 of Hartford, was born Aug. 13, 1706. He married Nov. 8, 
 173-3, Elizabetli Cole. He was a blacksmitli by trade, and 
 for some years resided in Berlin Street, having his black- 
 smith's shop near his house. He came to New Britain about 
 1780, and bought of John Ricliards the Josiah Lee home- 
 stead, afterwards the " Skinner Place," and owned a large 
 portion of the Lee farm. He occupied the blacksmith's shop 
 which Richards had built until he sold a part of the farm to 
 Dr. Smalley. He was at first a member of the Kensington 
 Church, and in 1766 was one of the standing committee. He 
 made the frame for the meeting-house glass in 1738. When 
 the Worthington Society was constituted, and the church 
 
398 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 organized, in 1775, he became one of the constituent mem- 
 bers of that church and was received at the First Church, 
 New Britain, by letter, in 1780. He died Dec. 2, 1792. 
 
 Children. 1. Jolin, b. Aug. 19, 1734, d. young; 3. Elizabeth, b. 
 June 29, 1736, m. April 38, 1758, David Atkins; 3. Theodore, b. Nov. 25, 
 1738, graduated at Yale College, was a minister of the North Windsor 
 Church, and missionary of General Association, m. Anna Bissell; 4. Lucy, 
 b. July 16, 1741, m. Jan. 27, 1763, Samuel Plumb; 5. Elijah, b. April 1, 
 1744, m. Ruth Bidwell; 6. Lydia, b. Aug. 11, 1747, m. Oct. 4, 1770, 
 Samuel Hart of Kensington; 7. John, b. Aug. 21, 1749, m. Philomela 
 Hurlburt. 
 
 32. John Kelsey, 1706-. 
 
 John, son of John and Mary CBuck) Kelsey, of Wethers- 
 field, was born Nov. 22, 1706. He married, April 26, 1739, 
 Martha Bronson. He was one of the inhabitants of the 
 Great Swamp Society, who was set off to that society from 
 Wethersfield West Society by act of "the Governor and 
 Council and Representatives in General Court assembled," at 
 New Haven, Oct. 13, 1715. The tract then set off extended 
 from the " north side of John Kelsey's lands to Middletown 
 bounds." When the meeting-house at Christian Lane was 
 seated, in 1716, he was assigned to the third seat as "John 
 Cellsie." He was one of the petitioners, both in 1739 and 
 1744, for a new parish or society. His home was in the South 
 East School District, nearly opposite the old school house. 
 
 Child. Amos, b. April 11, 1748. 
 
 33. Joshua Mather, 1706-1777. 
 
 Joshua, son of Atherton and Mary Mather of Windsor, was 
 born Nov. 26, 1706. He married Hannah, daughter of 
 Robert Booth of East Street, and came to the center of New 
 Britain to live when it was unimproved. He had his home 
 near the present corner of South Main and Park streets. 
 His farm joined that of Nathan Booth, his brotlier-in-law, and 
 e.Ktended east, occupying the site of the P. & P. Corbin man- 
 ufactory and shops. His house, after his death, became the 
 home of his grand-daughter, and was known as the " Sugden 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 399 
 
 house," from Thomas Silgden,har husband, who was a deserter 
 from the British army. Joshua Mather was one of the orig- 
 inal members of the First Church, and sometimes preached, 
 thougli his only credentials appear to have been clerical 
 ancestors, a ministerial bearing, and a consistent Christian 
 life. It is said that while upon a journey, he stopped at a 
 village over Sunday, where his clerical appearance so impressed 
 the people that he was invited to preach. He did so in the 
 morning with such unction that he was again invited to 
 preach in the afternoon. As he had but one sermon with 
 him he was in a dilemma, until, opportunely, a deputation 
 from his morning audience was sent to him with the request 
 that he would repeat the morning sermon. He died May 16, 
 1777. 
 
 CniLDRBN. 1. Cotton, b. Sept. 19, 1737; 2. David, b. Oct. 7, 1738, 
 m. June 1, 1767, Hannah Dunham; 3. Thomas, b. Sept. 7, 1741, m. 
 March 12, 1764, Huldah Bull; 4. Hannah, b. Jan. 2.5, 1745, m. Oct. 1, 
 1767, William Lewis. 
 
 84. Daniel Dbwey, 1707-1786. 
 
 Daniel, son of Daniel and Catharine (Beckley) Dewey, 
 was born Aug. 24, 1707. He married, Jan. 27, 1731, Rebecca 
 Curtice. He lived near the south end of Stanley Street, 
 where he had inherited the farm of his father. He was quite 
 young at the time of his father's death, and his mother, who 
 is mentioned in the society records in 1717, as " Widdow 
 duey," appears to have resided at the homestead with him 
 until her second marriage in 1731. He was lieutenant of the 
 train-band before the organization of the New Britain Society, 
 and was called Lieut. Dewey in the records. He was one of 
 the petitioners for the division of the Kensington Society, 
 and was prominent in the early history of New Britain. At 
 the first meeting of the new society, ih 1751, he was appointed 
 one of the prudential committee, and was soon after appointed 
 one of the committee on new highways, and was also on the 
 committee that furnished material for the meeting-house. 
 He was a member of the committee to procure a pastor, and 
 
400 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Avas acting on such committee when Mr. Smalley was first 
 induced to come to New Britain. He became a member of 
 the First Church in 1760, was appointed one of the standing 
 committee in 1761, and chosen deacon in 1772. He died 
 Oct. 28, 1786. 
 
 Children. 1. David, b. March 16, 1732, m. Feb. 12, 1755, Esther 
 Bunham; 2. Rhoda, b. Nov. 24, 1736, d. young; 8. Josiah, b. July 7, 
 1737, m. Aug. 11, 1756, Experience Smith; 4. Hannah, b. March 9, 1740, 
 m. April 7, 1757, John Goodrich; 5. Lucy, b. Nov. 1, 1742, d. young. 
 
 35. John Paterson, 1708-1762. 
 
 John, son of James and Mary (Talcott) Paterson, was 
 born in Wethersfield, Feb. 14, 1708. His mother died Sept. 
 28, 1712, and soon after he came to East Street, New Britain, 
 then in Wethersfield, with his father. He received a liberal 
 education, and on Jan. 28, 1731, married Ruth Bird of Farm- 
 ington. He early evinced an inclination for military life, 
 and when under thirty years of age was commissioned an 
 officer of the 5th company or train-band of Farmington, and 
 soon after lieutenant of the 2d company of Kensington. In 
 October, 1752, he received the commission of captain of the 
 13th company of the 6th regiment, and was afterwards major. 
 He had in connection with his homestead on East Street, a 
 large farm, on which he employed some slaves. He was 
 prominent in civil matters and in the ecclesiastical society, 
 and was the first deacon of the First Church, New Britain, 
 being appointed soon after the organization of the church. 
 On the incorporation of the New Britain Society he was 
 chosen a member of the prudential committee, and was made 
 chairman of the first annual meeting. He was rate-maker, 
 and one of the committee to secure preaching, being chair- 
 man of this committee when Mr; Smalley was invited to 
 preach in New Britain. His house on East Street was the 
 boarding place of the first ministers of the parish, and one of 
 the places in which the first preaching services were held. 
 
 He was in the service of the British government in its 
 wars with France, and in the French and Indian war was given 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 401 
 
 a command in the British army mider General Wolf, and for a 
 time did good service in the defence of the northern frontier. 
 Later he raised a company of picked men, principally in 
 Farmington and Wethersfield, which he commanded on the 
 expedition under Admiral Pocock to Havana, where he died 
 of yellow fever, Sept. 5, 1762. 
 
 Children. 1. Mary, b. Dec. 5, 1731, m. April 18, 1751, John Pierce 
 of Litchfield; 2. Sarah, b. Jubb 13, 1734, m. Dec. 30, 1754, James Lusk 
 of Farmington; 3. Anna, b. Dec. 37, 1736, m. Jan. 34, 1759, Rev. Stephen 
 Holmes of Essex; 4. Ruth, b. June 10, 1739, m. April 7, 1774, Jedediah 
 Strong of Litchfield; 5. John, b. 1743, m. June 2, 1766, Elizabeth Lee. 
 
 86. Daniel Hart, 1708-1784 ? 
 
 Daniel, son of Stephen and Sarah (Cowles) Hart, was 
 born March 21, 1708. He married, July 18, 1734, Abigail 
 Thompson. She died Dec. 7, 17G0, and he married, second, 
 May 21, 1761, Comfort Stephens. He lived at the foot of 
 Clark Hill, Stanley Quarter, at the north end of the parish. 
 When the New Britain Society was organized, in 1754, he 
 and his farm were excepted and left belonging to Farmington, 
 though within the bounds of the society as described in the 
 act of incorporation. He preferred to retain his connection 
 with the old society, but after his death his widow united 
 with the First Church, New Britain, and most of his descend- 
 ants made their home in that parish. 
 
 Children. 1, Eldad, b. June 6, 1735, d. in infancy; 2. Eldad, b. 
 March 33, 1736, m. July 8, 1761, Achsa Stevens; 3. Stephen, b. March 5, 
 1739, d. in infancy; 4. Stephen, b. December 8, 1744, m. Oct. 8, 1767, 
 Rhoda Stedman. 
 
 37. JuDAH Hart, 1709-1784. 
 
 Judah, eldest son -of Deacon John Hart of Kensington, 
 and Esther (Gridley) Hart, was born Oct. 25, 1709, before 
 his father moved from Farmington. He married, Feb. 20, 
 1735, Anna Norton. She died, and he married, second, Sept. 
 27, 1759, Sarah North, widow of James North of Kensington. 
 Mr. Hart removed to New Britain, making his home in Hart 
 Quarter soon after his marriage. He had a large farm, his 
 homestead being nearly opposite the old school house in the 
 
402 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Fourth District, New Britain. He was a man of more than 
 ordinary intelligence, much force of character, and often 
 employed in public affairs. He was a member of the First 
 Ecclesiastical Society in Farmington, when, in 1752, with ten 
 others, he petitioned the General Assembly to be set to Ken- 
 sington. The petition was not granted, but he was one of 
 the original members of the New Britain Ecclesiastical Soci- 
 ety and Church. He died Sept. 14, 1784, leaving most of 
 his property to his son, Judah. 
 
 Children. 1. Elias, b. Feb. 25, 1735, m. Oct. 17, 1753, Hope Wlia- 
 ples; 2. Judah, b. Sept. 5, 1737, d. Nov. 3, 1745; 3. Anna, b. May 22, 
 1739; 4. Esther, b. April 4, 1742, m. Nov. 29. 1764, Eliphaz Alvord; 5. 
 Lois, b. April 4, 1742, d. at birth; 6. John, b. Jan. 20, 1744, m. Oct. 1764, 
 Anna Deming; 7. Roger, b. May 10, 1745, d. in infancy; 8. Ruth, b. Jan. 
 19, 1748, d. in infancy; 9. Judah, b. Sept. 10, 1750, m. Sarah North. 
 
 38. Joseph Smith, Jr., 1710-1792. 
 
 Joseph, son of Joseph and Mary (E.oyce) Smith, was 
 born July 13, 1710. He married March, 1737, Thankful 
 Hubbard of Middletown. She died May 21, 1764, and he 
 married (2) Sept., 1766, widow Esther Deming. He inher- 
 ited a portion of his father's estate and kept tavern at the 
 homestead on East Street. He had the title of landlord, and 
 for many years was generally known as Landlord Smith. 
 His name appears upon the petitions for relief of New Britain 
 and for a division of the Great Swamp Society, from 1739 to 
 1752, and he was one of the original members of the New 
 Britain Society and of the First Church. He was prominent 
 in civil affairs and in matters connected with the cliurch. 
 He died March 25, 1792. 
 
 Children. 1. EInathan, b. Nov. 3, 1738; 2. Gideon, b. Dec. 1, 1740, 
 d. at Havana in French war, one of Captain Paterson's company; 3. Jo- 
 seph, b. Oct. 11, 1744, was in the war of the Revolution; 4. Thankful, b. 
 Nov. 17, 1746; 5. Gurdon, b. Aug. 12; 1749, died in the army of the Revo- 
 lution; 6. Abigail, b. April 15, 1752; 7. Rhoda, b. Sept. 15, 1753; 8. Dolly, 
 b. 1762. 
 
 39. Elijah Hart, 1711-1772. 
 
 Elijah, third son of Deacon Thomas and Mary (Thompson) 
 Hart of Kensington, was born June 18, 1711. He married, 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 403 
 
 Dec. 26, 1734, Abigail Goodrich. He came to New Britain 
 to reside about the same time as Judah Hart, and built his 
 house in Hart Quarter, a short distance south of the latter's 
 home. He was one of the original members of the First 
 Church, and was chosen deacon soon after its organization. 
 He was a healthy, prosperous farmer, and his death resulted 
 from an accidental fall while carrying a piece of fencing tim- 
 ber on his shoulder. He died Aug. 8, 1772. The epitaph 
 upon his tombstone says : 
 
 "In memory of the greatly esteemed and much lamented Deacon Elijah 
 Hart, who provided for his own, and served his generation with great dili- 
 gence and fidelity, even to the last day of his life, was taken suddenly to 
 his inheritance above." 
 
 Children. 1. Elijah, b. Sept. 26, 1735, m. Sarah Gilbert; 2. Thomas, 
 b. Jan. 12, 1738, m. Feb. 2, 1758, Mehitabel Bird; 3. Jehudah, b. Dec. 12, 
 1739, m. July 9, 1767, Mary Munson; 4. Josiah, b. April 28, 1742, m. 1765, 
 Abigail Sluman ; 5. Mary, b. Oct. 26, 1744, m. Jan. 7, 1765, Jonathan Eno; 
 6. Benjamin, b. Oct. 16, 1747, m. Aug. 19, 1772, Mary Fuller; 7. Joseph, 
 b. Mary 17, 1750, m. Nov. 5, 1772, Huldah Smith; 8. Elizur, b. Dec. 25, 
 1752, m. Jan. 1, 1778, Sarah Langdon; 9. Aaron, b. Oct. 1, 1756, d. 
 young. 
 
 40. Edwahd Pateksojt or Pattison, -1787. 
 
 The Patersons * of New Britain and Berlin were of 
 Scotch-Irish descent. As early as 1650, mention is made of 
 families of Patersons in the county of Dumfries, Scotland. 
 William Paterson, the founder of the bank of England, and 
 one of the most distinguished financiers of that time, was 
 born in 1658 in this county, but in middle life resided awhile 
 in America. A branch of the Paterson family from Scotland 
 removed to Ireland, making their home in the County of 
 Tyrone, nearly west of Dumfries, Scotland. Between 1730 
 and 1740, a family of these Scotch-Irish Patersons arranged 
 to emigrate to America, partly to escape political and 
 religious persecution. A short time before they were ready 
 to sail, the father, Edward, sickened and died, after requesting 
 
 * This name is found spelled in various ways as Paterson, Patterson, 
 Patteson, Pattison, and Patison. Members of the same family seem to have used 
 different orthography, yet it is probable that two distinct families were repre- 
 sented in Berlin and New Britain. 
 
404 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 liis family to carry out the plan which had been made. 
 Edward, the eldest son, was left in charge of the family. In 
 compliance with his father's request, he first came to America 
 and selected a place for the family, and then returned to 
 Ireland and brought over the others, viz.: his brothers, 
 William and Noah, and his sisters, Anna and Jennie. It is 
 said that Edward came from Boston to Berlin with only 
 eighteen cents in his pocket. William first resided in 
 Wethersfield, then in Kensington, New Britain, and Worth- 
 ington. Noah and Jennie went south, and Edward and Anna 
 settled in Berlin. Anna married Thomas Galpin. Edward 
 made his home on West Street, or the old highway, Berlin, 
 and there, near his house, established the manufacture of tin 
 ware, the first made in this country. He imported the tin 
 plate and at first peddled his ware from house to house from 
 a basket. At that time articles of tin were as great a luxury 
 and as much sought as silver ware since. His business was 
 afterwards extended, and was the beginning of the manufac- 
 turing industries of New Britain and Berlin. 
 
 He had six children, Edward, Shubael, Lucretia, Lois, 
 Elizabeth, and Rhoda. The descendants of these are now 
 living both in Berlin and New Britain. 
 
 41. JosiAH Lbb, 1711-1797. 
 
 Josiah, the youngest son of Stephen and Elizabeth (Royce) 
 Lee, was born August 13, 1711, and he married Hannah 
 Warren of Glastonbury, November 12, 1737. He inherited 
 from his father half of his dwelling-house, and half of the 
 barn, garden, and orchard. He built, a short distance from 
 the homestead, the Skinner House, still standing, 1889. 
 After the death of Major Paterson, he was appointed deacon 
 of the New Britain Church. He was captain of the Farming- 
 ton train-Jpand and was in King George's war, in the expedi- 
 tion against Canada. He deeded to the society half of the 
 lane from East Street to the meeting-house, now Smalley 
 Street. Deacon Lee was much respected and esteemed. His 
 home on East Street was near that of Dr. Smalley, his pastor. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 405 
 
 He had a good farm, and an interest in the saw-mill by the 
 meeting-house, but his love for his daughter was such, that 
 when she and her husband, John Paterson, removed to Lenox, 
 Mass., he sold his property in New Britain, and went with 
 them ; and afterward, when General Paterson and his family 
 took up their residence in Central New York, his home was 
 with them there. He died at Binghamton in 1797. 
 
 Child. Elizabeth, m. June 3, 1766, John Paterson, afterwards an 
 oflBcer in the revolutionary army, member of Congress, etc. 
 
 43. Phineas Jtjdd, 1715-1790. 
 
 Phineas, son of Deacon Anthony Judd of the Great Swamp 
 Parish, was born Feb. 4, 1715. He married Euth Seymour, 
 and had his home near the south end of Stanley Street. He 
 inherited the homestead of his father, half the house and 
 five pieces of land being given to him in 1748, for parental 
 love ; the remainder by will made in 1750. He was an 
 efficient farmer, much respected ; was one of the petitioners 
 for the division of the Great Swamp Society and the incor- 
 poration of New Britain, and one of the original members of 
 the First Church. He was captain of the local military 
 company, and enlisted into the revolutionary army, Feb. 24, 
 1777. He died Dec. 22, 1790. 
 
 Children. 1. Phineas, b. Dec. 13, 1750, m. Dec. 17, 1780, Elizabeth 
 Mazuzen ; 3. Anthony, b. Aug. 1, 1753, m. Aug. 39, 1783, Rebecca Belden; 
 3. Ruth, b. March 31, 1754, m. Oct. 11, 1772, Gordon Smith, and (3) 
 Elijah Root; 4. Susanna, b. Feb. 7, 1756, m. July 7, 1774, Elijah Smith, 
 Jr.; 5. job, b. Oct. 31, 1757, m. Miss Andrus ; 6. Isaac; 7. Hannah, 
 b. March 15, 1761, m. March 17, 1785, Martin Hooker ; 8. Selah, b. July 
 17, 1763, m. Elizabeth Andrews. 
 
 48. William Patekson ob Pattison. 
 
 William Paterson, son of Edward, Sr., was born at 
 Dungannon, county of Tyrone, Ireland. He is supposed to 
 have been of Scottish origin and probably related to the 
 Patersons of Dumfrieshire. He was a sturdy Scotch Pres- 
 byterian, and came to this country with his brother Edward 
 and sister Anna, making his home in Wethersfield, the 
 
406 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 residence of James Paterson. He was a member of the 
 Great Swamp parish and Kensington Church before tlie First 
 Church in New Britain was organized. He was one of the 
 original members of the latter church, but was dismissed 
 from it to tlie Kensington Clmrch in 1762. He lived on East 
 street in New Britain, and was at that time one of the 
 wealthiest men in the parish. He sold his homestead and 
 about twenty-six acres of land with buildings to Dr. Smalley 
 in 1759, and this was the residence of the first pastor of the 
 New Britain Church for about thirty years. William Pater- 
 sou and his brother Edward are believed to have been the first 
 manufacturers of tin ware in this country, having introduced 
 the manufacture about 1740. He was married to Sarah 
 Dunham. 
 
 Children. 1. Esther, b. July 36, 1752 ; 3. John ; 3. Elizabeth, b. 
 Jan. 18, 1757 ; 4 and 5. Sarah and Susanna, b. Nov. 21, 1758 ; 6. William, 
 b. Nov. 14, 1T60 ; 7. Thomas, born March 7, 1763 ; 8. David, b. Aug. 7, 
 1763; 9. George, b. Jan. 7, 1765. 
 
 44. Col. Isaac Lee, 1717-1803. 
 
 Isaac, the second son of Dr. Isaac and Mary (Hubbard) 
 Lee, was born Jan. 7, 1717. He married July 10, 1740, 
 Tabitha Norton of Kensington, the heroine of Mrs. Willard's 
 " Stealing the Bride." She died Nov. 2, 1770, and he 
 married Dec. 30, 1772, (2) Elizabeth Grant of East Wind- 
 sor, who died May 17, 1782. He married Oct. 9, 1783, for 
 his third wife, Mary, widow of Amos Hall, and daughter of 
 Ephraim Johnson, both of Wallingford. Col. Lee was thirty- 
 seven years of age, in the vigor of manhood, when the New 
 Britain Society was incorporated, and he soon became one of 
 the most influential men of the place. With a vigorous body and 
 commanding mien, in youth, he had been a leader in athletic 
 sports, and in manhood, he was prominent in shaping the civil 
 and religious affairs of the parish and of the town. At the first 
 meeting of the new society, he was appointed clerk, and held 
 the office for nearly forty years. He was one of the original 
 members of the First Church, a member of the standing com- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 407 
 
 mittee from its organization, and was appointed deacon, 
 Sept. 3, 1772. He was active in securing the incorporation 
 of the town of Berlin, being cliairman of the first committee 
 appointed by the society to petition the General Assembly for 
 a new town. 
 
 For thirty years, Col. Lee was the principal magistrate in 
 New Britain, and administered justice with wisdom and 
 impartiality. Controversies among the people were submitted 
 to his judgment, and so great was the confidence of all in his 
 intelligence and integrity, that his decisions were universally 
 accepted, and his word had almost the force of law. With 
 tiie exception of four years, he was a member of the Colonial 
 Assembly from 1761 to 1775. He was a representative from 
 the town in the General Assembly of the State at its first 
 session in 1776, and with the exception of two years, 1779 
 and 1782, he continued to be a member of the Assembly, fiist 
 from Farmingtoii and then from Berlin until 1791.* He 
 was a member of the Assembly which, headed by Gov. 
 Jonathan Trumbull and other officers of the State, met in 
 Hartford, October, 1776, and took the " oath of fidelity of 
 allegiance " to the new government of the United States. He 
 was also a delegate from the town of Berlin to the conven- 
 tion which met in Hartford, January, 1788, to ratify the 
 constitution. 
 
 During the important period of our country's history 
 which followed the French and Indian war, and immediately 
 preceded the revolution, during that war and the years which 
 followed it and the adoption of the constitution, he held 
 intimate relations with the leading patriots of the times, and 
 shared with them the labor and responsibility of moulding 
 our civil institutions. He was identified with the military 
 organization of the town and of the colony. After holding 
 subordinate offices in the company, he received his commis- 
 sion as captain of the Thirteenth company of the train-band 
 in the Sixth Regiment of the colony, May, 1767. In October 
 of the same year, he was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the 
 
 * He was a member of the legislature twenty-four years in all. 
 
408 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Fifteenth Regiment, and in March, 1775, promoted to the 
 office of colonel. When New Britain, in 1754, became a 
 separate society it received its name from Col. Lee, in honor 
 of Great Britain. In general matters, both civil and religious, 
 he was a leader. In manners, he was courtly and dignified, 
 conforming in dress to the habits of the times in which lie 
 lived. He wore a cocked hat and white wig, a blue coat with 
 metal buttons, white cravat, black velvet breeches with silver 
 knee buckles, white silk stockings, and shoes with large 
 silver buckles. He was treated with reverence; children 
 upon the streets and men in the fields uncovering their heads 
 and making obeisance as he passed. He held the office of 
 justice of the peace, then one of dignity, until he was more 
 than eighty-one years old.* He died Dec. 13, 1802. 
 
 Extract from a sermon preached by Rev. John Smalley, 
 D.D., at the funeral of Col. Isaac Lee, who died, aged 86 
 years and 11 months : 
 
 " The venerable man whose cold remains are inclosed in that coffin, 
 now to be laid low in the dust, has performed many laborious and im- 
 portant services, for a long time, of a public as well as private nature, and, 
 to many of us he has been one of the kindest, firmest, and most able friends 
 w.e have ever had in this world. Not only in the relations of a husband, 
 parent, neighbor, and parishioner, have his kind attentions and faithful 
 exertions been singular ; but of this society he has been very much the 
 father, from the beginning. In its first formation, he had a principal hand ; 
 
 * Resignation of the office of Justice of the Peace by Col. Isaac Lee. 
 " To the Representatives of the County of Hartford in the General Assembly in 
 
 their present sessions. 
 
 Gentlemen : It has given me sensible pleasure to feel that I had the confidence 
 and approbation of so respectable a body who have nominated me to the office of 
 Justice ot the Peace for about thirty years successively. To possess such con- 
 fidence has given me animation, and I hope you will believe that I have endeav- 
 ored to answer your just expectation in executing said office with integrity and 
 dignity according to my best abilities. 
 
 I have now by an indulgent Providence arrived to my eighty-second year. 
 I find my powers of body and mind are much debilitated, and the office is become 
 a burthen and I wish to be relieved from all public employment, that I might 
 have more opportunity to think of my very soon approaching dissolution. 
 
 These are therefore to request that you will leave me out of the nomination 
 for the future, and sufEer me, Gentlemen, to subscribe myself your most obedient 
 and very humble servant, I. Lee." 
 
 Berlin, May, 1798. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 409 
 
 and for more than forty years, he has been more active, and had more in- 
 fluence, than almost any other man, in building it up and promoting its 
 prosperity. In the church also, and in the town and state, he has sustained, 
 and well executed important offices. And, as in life, he has been much 
 honored and beloved, it cannot reasonably bo otherwise than that, in 
 death, he should be respectfully lamented. 
 
 There are considerations, however, which may well moderate our grief. 
 He goes to the grave full of days, as a shock of corn that coraeth in its 
 season. He had little more of comfort to expect in this life. He may be 
 taken away from great evils to come, of which he was anxiously appre- 
 hensive. And, we have reason to hope and trust, he is entered into peace, 
 where the wicked cease from troubling. He early made a profession of 
 religion ; and has given good evidence ever since of the sincerity of his 
 profession. For constancy in attending ufjon the public worship of God, 
 and a very close attention to the ministry of his word he has liad few 
 equals. Even to old age, he was rarely ever absent from the solemn 
 assembly. No inclemency of weather, or slight indisposition of body, 
 would detain him from the sanctuary, on appointed seasons. Equally 
 constant was he likewise in the more private duties of devotion. Nor was 
 he one of those who seem to be religious, while very deficient in morality 
 and the social virtues. In his public, civil capacity, he exerted himself 
 with more than common zeal, for the suppression of vice, the support of 
 justice and the preservation of peace. And in his private intercourse and 
 dealings with mankind, his character was unimpeachable. It is true, he 
 escaped the woe of our Saviour, unto whom all men speak well of. In him 
 was verified the proverb of Solomon, He that is upright In the waj-, is 
 abomination to the v^icked. There were not wanting those who reviled 
 him, and said evil of him. Nor can it be denied that he was subject' to 
 like passions as others ; but I know of nothing ever plausibly alleged 
 against him, which ought to shake our charity for him as an honest and 
 good man." 
 
 Children. 1. Theodore, b. May 31, 1741, d. March 5, 1742; 3. 
 Theodore, b. Sept. 36, 1748, m. Nov. 10, 1768, Olive Boardman; 3. Chloe, 
 b. Jan. 15, 1746, m. July 9, 1767, Elnathan Smith; 4. Isaac, b. Jan. 11, 
 1749, d. young; 5. Isaac, b. March 39, 1753, m. May 25, 1773, Abigail 
 Goodrich ; 6. Asahel, b. Feb. 33, 1759, m. April 30, 1773, Sarah Hun, d. 
 in revolutionary army, 1776. 
 
 45. JohnJudd, 1718-1781. 
 
 John, son of Deacon Anthony and Susanna (Woodford) 
 Judd, was born April 25,1718. He married Mary Burnham, 
 daughter of Rev. William Burnham, the first pastor of Great 
 Swamp. He was one of the first settlers of the central part 
 of New Britain, having his house on the north side of West 
 Main Street, a few rods back from the highway, and nearly 
 37 
 
410 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 on the site of the Erwin parsonage. His farm occupied the 
 tract soutli of the Booth farm and west of Main Street. He 
 was a lieutenant in the local militia and also held some civil 
 offices. He was, in 1752, a member of the ecclesiastical society 
 in Farmington, but on the organization of the First Church 
 in New Britain, he and his wife were among the constituent 
 members, and were, by Dr. Smalley, mentioned as from the 
 church in Kensington. He died Oct. 16, 1781. 
 
 Children. 1. John, b. Feb. 14, 1746, m. Nov. 33, 1769, Lydia Mather ; 
 2. Mary, b. Aug. 31, 1748, m. Oct. 29, 1767, Gad Stanley ; 3. Seth, b. 
 April 8, 1751, m. Oct. 1773, Lyflia Richards ; 4. Rhoda, b. Jan. 9, 1754, 
 m. Sept. 29, 1774, James North. 
 
 46. JuDAH Woodruff, 1720-1799. 
 
 Judah, the youngest son of Joseph Woodruff of Farming- 
 ton and a descendant of Matthew Woodruff, one of the eighty- 
 four proprietors of the town, was born about 1720. He learned 
 the carpenter's and joiner's trade and became expert in the 
 use of tools and in planning buildings. He was tlie architect 
 and master builder of the present church edifice in Farming- 
 ton erected in 1771-72, and he also built ten or fifteen of the 
 principal dwelling-houses of the place, some of which are still 
 standing in excellent repair. He served in the French war, 
 receiving a commission as First Lieutenant, dated March 22, 
 1759. He was at the battle of Ticonderoga, and continued 
 with the army until the close of the war, when he returned 
 to his home in Farmington to work at his trade. 
 
 At the opening of the Revolutionary war, he entered the 
 army, his experience in the French war fitting him for good 
 service as an officer in the American army. He had great 
 energy of character, and by his persevering industry was able 
 to accomplish work that would have been difficult for an 
 ordinary mechanic. He was a man of taste as well as skill, 
 and did much to improve the style of architecture in Farm- 
 ington. He was earnest in his piety and consistent in his 
 life. He died, 1799. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 411 
 
 47. John Clabk, -1782. 
 
 John, son of Matthew Clark, was one of the three persons 
 who, with their farms, were excepted in the organization of 
 the society in 1754. He lived on Clark Hill at the north 
 end of Stanley Quarter. He married, Sept. 2, 1742, Elizabeth 
 Newell, daughter of Capt. John Newell of Parmington, and 
 though living within the present limits of New Britain, and 
 identified with the interests and people of Stanley Quarter, 
 he preferred to retain his connection with the society in 
 Farmington, and he and his farm were specially excepted 
 when the parish of New Britain was incorporated. After 
 his death his widow became connected with the First Church, 
 New Britain, and some of his descendants became influential 
 citizens of that parish. He died June 10, 1782. 
 
 Children. 1. Mercy, b. 1743, m. Dec. 1766, William Wadsworth; 
 
 2. Mary, b. Feb. 23, 1745, had the first private school in New Britain; 
 
 3. Marvin, b. Nov. 26, 1746, m. Jan. 18, 1773, Sarah Woodruff; 4. Dan, 
 b. Aug. 11, 1748, m. Jan. 24, 1771, Lucy Stanley; 5. Abel, b. 1751, m. 
 Jan. 6, 1774, Abigail Judd; 6. Ruth, b. March 19, 1752, m. Jan. 6, 1774, 
 Selh Stanley; 7. John, b March 18, 1754; 8. Huldah, b. 1756, m. Caleb R. 
 Walker; 9. Elizabeth, b. May 14, 1758, m. Moses Andrews, Jr.; 10. Jane, 
 b. Nov. 20, 1763, m. Dec. 21, 1785, Elijah Francis. 
 
 48. Nathan Booth, 1721-1802. 
 
 Nathan, eldest son of Robert and Ann (HoUister) Booth, 
 was born Aug. 6, 1721. He married, 1745 or '46, Abigail 
 Steele, daughter of Dr. Joseph Steele, and soon after made 
 his home in what was then a wilderness but is now the cen- 
 tral part of the city of New Britain. He became the owner 
 of a large tract of land extending from Walnut Hill to South 
 Main Street, and from the junction of Main and Arch streets 
 to quite a distance to the southwest. A part of the tract was 
 heavily wooded, much of it broken but well watered, and 
 some of it fertile. He cleared away the forest and built his 
 house, supposed to be the first house near the center, nearly 
 on the present site of the South Church. He was engaged 
 extensively in farming and getting timber. His tax list in 
 1775 was the largest in New Britain. He died Dec. 31, 
 1802. 
 
412 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Children. 1. James, b. March, 1747, m. Nov. 33, 1775, Thankful 
 Winchel; 3. Abigail, b. Oct. 3, 1748, m. March 34, 1773, Joshua Webster 
 and (3) March 15, 1813, Sylvanus Dunham; 8. Nathan, Jr., b. March 1, 
 1749, m. June 34, 1773, Frances Smith; 4. Joseph, b. Oct. 1, 1751, m. Dec. 
 18, 1777, Elizabeth Francis; 5. Anna, b. 1754, m. Sept. 6, 1781, Seth 
 Lusk; 6. Robert, b. June 33, 1758, m. May 80, 1783, Abigail Barton; 7. 
 Lucy, b. March, 1760, m. April 15, 1790, Stephen Booth; 8. Chloe, b. 
 1763, m. Jan. 11, 1804, Asahel Hart. 
 
 49. Moses Andrews, 1733-1806. 
 
 Moses Andrews, the first of the Andrews family to live 
 in New Britain, was the second son of John Andrews of 
 Wethersfield, but of the Great Swamp parish. He was born 
 May 12, 1722, and married Nov. 10, 1748, to Lydia Root. 
 Soon after their marriage he and his wife came to New Britain 
 and occupied a house on West Main Street, about a mile west 
 of the post-office. This house was given to Mrs. Andrews by 
 her brother, Joseph Root, who built it, but died before he was 
 ready to live in it. Mr. Andrews learned the carpenter's 
 trade, and after his marriage worked at his trade and in the 
 care of the farm. He bore the military title of sergeant, but 
 was noted principally for his kind disposition, earnest piety, 
 and active benevolence. He was one of the original members 
 of the First Church of New Britain, and was appointed one 
 of the standing committee September 3, 1772. He had nine 
 sons ; two of them died in infancy ; six of the others were in 
 the revolutionary war, fitted out for the army by the indus- 
 try of their parents. Three of his sons were physicians, two 
 of whom practiced in New Britain. He died May 17, 1806. 
 
 Children. 1. Samuel, b. Nov. 3, 1749, m. Dec. 17, 1769, Abigail 
 Smith; 3. Moses, b. Dec. 15, 1750, d. in infancy; 8. Joseph, b. Dec. 33, 
 1751, m. Feb. 6, 1777, Lydia Judd, and (3) Amy Cowles; 4. Moses, b. 
 April 7, 1755, m. Elizabeth Clark; 5. Isaac, b. Jan. 81, 1757, m. Betsey 
 Talbot; 6. John, b. Nov. 2Q, 1758, m. May 10, 1793, Phebe Lewis, and 
 (3) Caroline Bronson ; 7. Jesse, b. Dec. 19, 1760; 8. Nathaniel, b. Oct. 15, 
 1763, m. 1786, Polly Lewis, and (3) Oct. 7, 1790, Jerusha Sage; 9. Seth, 
 b. Aug. 19, 1765, d. in infancy. 
 
 50. Adonijah Lewis, 1733-1799. 
 
 Adonijah, son of Captain Jonathan and Elizabeth (Newel) 
 Lewis, was born July 12, 1722. He married, July 31, 1760, 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 413 
 
 Mary B ronso n of Soutliington. His home was at the south 
 end of East Street, on the farm inherited from his father. 
 He worked upon the farm a part of the time, but he had 
 learned the blacksmith's trade, and this occupied a portion of 
 his time. He was active in public matters and especially 
 interested in the welfare of the new society of New Britain. 
 He had a large family, several members of which became 
 residents of the center of the society. He died Dec. 22, 
 1799. 
 
 Childben. 1. Lucy, b. Dec. 18, 1761, m. Noah Stanley; 3. Lydia, 
 b. 1763, m. March 33, 1780, Amos Richards; 3. Polly, b. Nov., 1765, m. 
 1786, Nathaniel Andrus; 4. Phebe, b. May 15, 1768, m. May 10; 1793, 
 John Andrus; 5. Elizabeth, b. 1770; 6. Seth, b. May 3, 1773, m. Feb. 15, 
 1795, Lydia Wright; , 7. Erastus, b. June, 1774, m. May 38, 1801, Salome 
 Booth; 8. Sally, b. Sept. 15, 1776, m. Nov. 6, 1796, William Smitl); 9. 
 Gad, b. 1779; 10. Isaac, b. 1780, d. young; 11. Isaac, b. 1783, m. Oct. 
 38, 1804, Ursula Francis; 13. Abi, b. 1785, m. Nov. 5, 1803, Thomas 
 Eddy. 
 
 51. Ladwick HoTCHKiss, 1733-1803. 
 
 Ladwick, son of Josiah and Abigail (Parker) Hotchkiss 
 of Wallingford, was born Jan. 18, 1723. He married, Dec. 23, 
 1743, Molly North, who died Feb. 21, 1776 ; he married, sec- 
 ond, Aug. 9, 1775, widow Mercy Hills, who died Feb. 7, 1777, 
 and he married, third, widow Lydia Hart of Bristol. From 
 Wallingford he went to New Haven, where he lived for a 
 time, coming to New Britain about 1750. He was a black- 
 smith, and had a shop on East Street, near the residence of 
 William Paterson. When the latter sold his homestead to 
 Dr. Smalley, in 1759, he reserved the shop of Ladwick Hotch- 
 kiss and the ground upon which it stood. Mr. Hotchkiss 
 worked in this shop for a time, but later in life, with his son 
 Lemuel, built a shop in the western part of the parish, and 
 had his residence in Plainville. He was one of the original 
 members of the First Church in New Britain, joining from 
 the Kensington Church. His name does not appear with 
 those of his neighbors on East Street for a division of the 
 society until 1762. After that time he was interested in the 
 organization of the new society, his name appearing upon 
 
414 HISTOEY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 petitions, and when tlie society was organized he was active 
 in securing such things as were necessary for its growth and 
 prosperity. He was placed upon committees, and the meet- 
 ings were sometimes held at his house. He was appointed a 
 member of the standing committee of the church in 1761. 
 He held numerous civil offices in the town and society, and 
 was captain of the local train-band. He removed to New 
 Durham, N. Y., where he died March 7, 1803. 
 
 Childbed. 1. Lemuel, b. Nov. 8, 1741, m. March 26, 1764, Penelope 
 Mather; 2. Molly, b. July 21, 1747, m. Dec. 17, 1769, John Stedman; 3. 
 Ladwick, b. May 25, 1753, m. May 17, 1773, Martha Lee; 4. Josiah, b. 
 Nov. 7, 1757, m. Feb. 22, 1781, Mary Root, and (2) widow Esther 
 Carrlngton. 
 
 52. Noah Stanley, 1724-1778. 
 
 Noah, the second son and third child of Thomas and Esther 
 (Cowles) Stanley, was born Jan. 16, 1724. He married, 
 Nov. 2, 1749, Ruth, daughter of Thomas Norton of Stratford. 
 His residence was some distance south of his father's, in 
 Stanley Quarter. He was a farmer, but kept a tavern for 
 several years. He was one of the original members of the 
 First Church, New Britain, and was chosen deacon about 
 1774. He served in the French war as lieutenant of the 
 king's troops. He had a large Bible in which were recorded 
 in his own handwriting the names, births, and baptisms of 
 his children and the number of times he had read the Bible 
 through. He died May 5, 1778. 
 
 Children. 1. Seth. b. March 13, 1751, m. Ruth Clarke; 3. Sylvia, b. 
 Oct. 24, 1753, m. James Francis; 3. Ruth, b. July 15, 1756, m. John Mix; 
 4. Noah, b. April 25, 1759, m, Lucy Lewis, (2) Experience Wells, (3) 
 Naomi Burritt; 5. Adna, b. Jan. 28, 1763, m. Nancy Deming; 6. Asa, 
 b. 1766, d. in infancy; 7. Cynthia, b. Dec. 29, 1767, m. Asa Butts. 
 
 53. Ebenbzeb Steele, 1727-1821. 
 
 Ebenezer, son of Dr. Joseph and Elizabeth (Hollister) 
 Steele of the Great Swamp Society, was born May 12, 1727. 
 He married Sarah Sage, and resided for many years in the 
 Great Swamp or Kensington Society. The first meeting- 
 house in that society had been built upon his father's land. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 415 
 
 He was for a time in tlie revolutionary army, and when 
 advanced in age removed to New Britain, and had his home 
 on Osgood Hill. He had been married over seventy years 
 before his death, which occurred Jan. 22, 1821. His wife 
 survived him about two years, and before her death there 
 had been born to eight of her children seventy grandchil- 
 dren, and to them one hundred and seventy-one great-grand 
 children. If to these were added twenty-four of the fourth 
 generation, born before her death, the number of her descend- 
 ants born during her lifetime was 278. 
 
 Children. 1. Ebenezer, b. 1749, m. Lucy Wright, and (3) Hannah 
 Brewer; 3. Sarah, b. March 26, 1750, m. Ezra Belden, and (2) Lewis 
 Seymour; 3. Mary, b. Sept. 7, 1754, m. Aug. 19, 1773, Elisha Booth; 4. 
 William, b. 1757, m. Oct. 36, 1780, Rebecca Rena Penfleld; 5. Josiah, b. 
 1758, m. Susanna Lewis; 6. Charles, b. 1760 ; 7. Allen, b. 1762; 8. Selah, 
 b. April 19, 1764, m. April 14, 1786, Trial Stedman; 9. Huldah, b. 1768, 
 m. June 34, 1784, Bethel Hart; 10. Rebecca, b. May 30, 1769, m. June 19, 
 1781, Cotton Mather; 11. Salmon, b. 1771. Two others d. young. 
 
 54. Timothy Stanley, 1727-1817. 
 
 Timothy, son of Thomas and Esther (Cowles) Stanley, 
 was born Aug. 13, 1727. He married May 5, 1757, Lydia, 
 daughter of Captain John Newell of Farmington. He resided 
 on the east side of Stanley Street in Stanley Quarter, nearly 
 opposite the home of his father. He was a shoemaker by 
 trade, and had a tannery where he could tan his own leather. 
 He was a man of strict habits and a careful observer of the 
 Sabbath, having his face shaved on Saturday afternoon when 
 all preparations were made for observing holy time. He 
 united with the church Aug. 28, 1758, and was elected 
 deacon in 1795. In the latter part of his life he was quite 
 deaf, and, when attending Sunday services, was accustomed 
 to stand in the pulpit with his ear trumpet, the better to hear 
 the minister. He died April 28, 1817. 
 
 Children. 1. Oliver, b. July 5, 1758, d. in infancy; 3. Rachel, b. 
 March 20, 1761, m. E. Curtiss, and (3) J. Eells; 3. Lydia, b. April 26, 
 1763, m. Joel Smith; 4. Abi, b. Aug. 9, 1765, m. J. Francis, and (3) J. 
 North; 5. Timothy, b. June 29, 1771, m. Abigail Robbins; 6. Oliver, b. 
 May 1, 1775, m. Frances Booth; 7. Jesse, b. Oct. 26, 1779, m. Almira 
 Lee, and (2) Lucy Clark. 
 
416 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 55. John Woods, 1728-1798. 
 John, son of Elixoder Woods, an Englishman, was horn 
 October 15, 1728. He married, Jan. 18, 1753, Hepzibah 
 Beckley. He was a clothier by trade, reputed to be quite 
 skillful in his business. He bought a small piece of land 
 north of the site of the railway bridge on West Main Street, 
 and built a log house in which they lived. After carrying on 
 tlie clotliing business for some time in New Britain he removed 
 to Bristol, where he died Oct., 1798. 
 
 Children. 1. Eli, b. Oct. 33, 1753; 3. Huldah., b. Oct. 18, 1754; 3. 
 Hepzibah, b. Jan. 8, 1756, m. Nov. 3, 1774, Judah Barnes; 4. Ruth, b. 
 March 13, 1757; 5. Silas, b. Feb. 7, 1759; 6. Charlotte, b. April 21, 1763; 
 7, Silence, b. Oct. 10, 1764; 8. Abigail, b. Oct. 10, 1766; 9. John, b. 
 April 1, 1768, d. in infancy; 10. Thankful, b. Oct., 1770; 11. Zadoc, b. 
 April, 1772. 
 
 56. John Richards, 1730-1821. 
 
 John, son of Thomas and Rachel (Andrus) Richards, 
 was born March 31, 1730. He married, April 14, 1752, 
 Mary French, and, second, Dec. 26, 1776, Elizabeth Dickin- 
 son. He had learned the blacksmith's trade of his father 
 before the family moved from Southington. On the death of 
 his father he succeeded to the business, occupying the black- 
 smith's shop and living at the homestead opposite the school- 
 house. James North and others, afterwards prominent in 
 the affairs of New Britain, learned their trades of Richards 
 in this shop. After the death of his first wife he bought of 
 Dea. Josiah Lee the Skinner house and farm on East Street, 
 and on his second marriage came there to live. He built a 
 blacksmith's shop near his house and conducted business in 
 it for a few years, when he sold his farm and shop and 
 moved to New Hampshire. Here his second wife died, and 
 at the age of seventy-two he married, third, Hannah Bear. 
 He was an industrious mechanic, and in his later years a 
 successful farmer. He became deacon of the church at 
 Piermont, N. H. He died in 1821. 
 
 Children. 1. Lydia, b. April 10, 1754, m. Oct., 1772, Seth Judd, and 
 (2) Samuel Huggins; 2. Elijah, b. July 10, 1756, died in revolutionary 
 army, 1776; 3. Amos, b. April 7, 1759, m. March 20, 1780, Lydia Lewis; 
 4. Esther, b. May 15, 1764, m. Joseph Ford. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 417 
 
 57. Hezekeah Andrews, 1781-1796. 
 
 Hezekiali, third son of Daniel and Mabel (Goff) Andrews, 
 and great-grandson of John Andrews, one of the first settlers 
 of Parmingtou, was born in Wethersfield, Aug. 14, 1731. 
 He married, May 26, 1757, Anna Stedman. He moved to 
 New Britain soon after marriage, and built on the Plainville 
 road, about two miles west of the center, a commodious 
 dwelling, which remained in the possession of the family for 
 three generations. He built a saw-mill on the Quinnipiac, a 
 short distance west of his house. By means of his mill and 
 farm he acquired quite a property, which was well managed. 
 He was one of the first who owned the covenant known as 
 the " lialf-way covenant," in 1758, but ten years later he came 
 into full communion with the church, and was much respected 
 and beloved. He died April 19, 1796. 
 
 Children. 1. Hezekiah, b. Jan. 22, 1758, m. June 25, 1787, Rlioda 
 Porter; 2. Anna, b. Sept. 6, 1760, m. Dec. 31, 1780, Elijah Hart; 3. Lois, 
 b. Dec. 1, 1763, m. Nov. 9, 1786, Justus Francis; 4. Elizabeth, b. June 8, 
 1766, m. Dec. 16, 1790, Roger Francis; 5. Hannah, b. June 11, 1768, m. 
 June 12, 1796, Andrew Pratt; 6. Eethankful, b. April 7, 1771, m. June 6, 
 1793, Jonathan Wells; 7. Rebecca, b. March 31, -1773, m. Jan. 12, 1801, 
 Amzi Porter; 8. Ezekiel, b. May 25, 1775, m. Dec. 11, 1796, Roxana 
 Hinsdale. 
 
 58. Selah Hakt, 1732-1806. 
 
 Selah, second son of Nathaniel and Abigail (Hooker) 
 Hart, was born in Kensington, May 23, 1732. He married 
 March 4, 1756, Mary Cole. She died, wlien he married, 
 second, Dec. 22, 1763, Ruth Cole. He lived in the eastern 
 part of Kensington, and cultivated a farm, but was engaged 
 in public business much of the time. He represented the 
 town of Farmington in the General Assembly during four 
 sessions, and filled other offices of trust in the old town 
 before Berlin was incorporated. He \yas moderator of the 
 first town meeting in the latter town, was elected the first 
 treasurer and chairman of the first board of selectmen. He 
 was also chairman of the committee to ascertain the bounda- 
 ries of the town and erect monuments to mark the same, and 
 was called to other positions of usefulness. As a magistrate 
 
418 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 he sought to maintain regard for law and order, and as a 
 man and citizen he endeavored to promote the interests of 
 the community; 
 
 III May, 1775, he was appointed on a committee to pro- 
 vide stores of lead for the colony, and to contract for and 
 take lead ore that should be raised out of the mine of Mat- 
 tliew Hart, for the use of the army. He held the office of 
 colonel before the revolution, but he served in tliat war in 
 tlie capacity of general. He was taken prisoner and held in 
 New York by the British for two years. He was a deacon 
 of the Kensington Church. He died June 10, 1806, and his 
 widow, Mrs. Ruth Hart, died at the age of 101, Jan. 15, 
 1844. 
 
 59. Samuel Smith, 1732-1802. 
 
 Samuel, son of William and Rebecca (Hun) Smith, was 
 born Sept. 7, 1732. He married, Dec. 6, 1759, Mary Good- 
 rich. He lived upon the homestead of his father at the 
 south end of Stanley Quarter, near the head of Spiritual 
 Lane, and devoted his time principally to farming. The 
 earlier meetings of. the Baptists were first held at his home, 
 but his death occurred before the Baptist Cluirch was organ- 
 ized. He died May 16, 1802. 
 
 Children. 1. Sarah, b. April 5, 1761, m. April 21, 1791, Francis 
 Cosslett; 2. Chloe, m. Cornelius Bassett; 3. Moses, b. Jan. 1, 1766, m. 
 Oct. 31, 1779, Sally Judd; 4. Abijali, b. Nov. 14, 1767, m Jan. 18, 1792, 
 Chloe Hotchkiss; 5. William, b. Sept. 2, 1771, m. Nov. 6. 1796, Sally 
 Lewis, -who died Feb. 4, 1810, and he married (2) Feb. 10, 1812, Lucretia 
 Moore; 6 Levi, b. Sept 29, 1773, m. Mary Olmsted; 7. Mary, b. Sept. 9, 
 1777, m. Roger Hurlburt. 
 
 60. Solomon Donham, 1732-1811. 
 
 Solomon Dunham was born Sept. 20, 1732. He married, 
 March 2, 1758, Elizabeth Ives. He was a tinner by trade, 
 was working at New Britain at the time of his marriage, 
 and became a member of the First Church soon after 
 its organization; but the next year removed his church 
 relation, and was, received into the Kensington Church. 
 When the Worthington Society was organized, and a meet- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 419 
 
 ing-house erected, he became connected with the chnrch 
 in that society. His residence after leaving New Britain 
 was in the north end of Berlin village, within the original 
 bounds of Wethersfield. He carried on business in Berlin 
 after his removal to that village, and was prominent in 
 ecclesiastical and civil affairs, being a civil magistrate for 
 many years. He died Jan. 22, 1811. 
 
 CHtLDEBN. 1. Elizabeth, b. Dec. 3, 1758, m. Abel Porter; 2. War- 
 ren, b Dec. 4, 1759, m. widow Mary W. Andrews; 3. Solomon, b. Jan, 
 18, 176-3; 4. Elisbama, b. Feb. 17, 1764; 5. Lucy, b. March 5, 1766; 
 6. Mary, b. Oct. 25, 1768, ra. Lardner Deming; 7. Reuben, b. Feb. 13, 
 1773, m. Dec. 14, 1797, Betsey Norton. 
 
 61. Col. Fishek Gat, 1733-1776. 
 
 Fisher Gay, son of John Gay, Jr., was born in Litchfield, 
 Oct. 9, 1733. By his father's aid he received a good educa- 
 tion, graduating from Yale College in 1759. It is said that 
 on his return home after graduating his father addressed 
 him somewliat formally, saying, " I have done all that I can 
 for you pecuniarily; you have capacity and a good educa- 
 tion ; if you use the means within your reach, you may 
 become a useful and respected member of society. I now 
 give you. an English guinea and a parent's blessing, and bid 
 you go forth and carve your way in future life." Col. Gay 
 first came to Farmington to teacii school, but after following 
 the employment for two or three years he started a small 
 store, and by his energy and skill soon built up a mercantile 
 business which became profitable to himself and a benefit to 
 the town. He was accustomed to ride to New York on 
 horseback, making the journey there, or in return, in a day 
 and a half, and sometimes in less time. 
 
 His education and talents specially fitted him for public 
 service, and he was frequently appointed to important offices 
 in the town. When the colonies began to take a stand 
 against the oppressions of, the English government, he was 
 one of the foremost to express his opinion, calmly but 
 decidedly. He took an active part in the measures adopted 
 by the town in support of the cause of liberty, drafted the 
 
420 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 resolutions passed by the town, and was placed on the com- 
 mittees raised to prepare for the anticipated struggle of the 
 colonies. While lie was in Hai'tford on private business the 
 news of the conflict at Lexington reached the place. He 
 mounted his horse and returned home by way of Stanley 
 Quarter, to consult with his friend. Col. Gad Stanley, and 
 others, on the course to be taken. As a result he closed his 
 store in Farmington and proceeded to Boston to confer with 
 General Warren and other patriots on the situation, while 
 Colonel Stanley and Peter Curtiss raised a company of 
 recruits for the service. 
 
 Finding that no steps had been taken to replace the 
 stores of ammunition destroyed at Concord, Col. Gay urged the. 
 importance of providing at once powder and ball, or the 
 patriot troops arriving would be nearly helpless. He was 
 persuaded to undertake the service, and visited the towns of 
 Rhode Island and Connecticut to secure a supply. He was in 
 a measure successful, collecting several tons of ammunition, 
 either at this time, or later, when employed in a similar ser- 
 vice by General Washington. The company of militia was 
 raised and sent to Boston, and Capt. Gay received his com- 
 mission as lieutenant-colonel Jan. 23, 1776, and that of 
 colonel June 20, 1776. After General Washington's arrival 
 at Cambridge, Colonel Gay was employed with his regiment 
 to cover the party detached to fortify Dorchester Heights, 
 and on the evacuation of Boston, he, with others, was 
 ordered to march in and occupy the town. He remained 
 with the army at Boston until his regiment, which belonged 
 to Wadsworth's Brigade, was ordered to New York. Being 
 ill at tlie time he passed two or three days in Farmington 
 with his family, but went to New York to join his regi- 
 ment before he had recovered. He became worse, and died 
 in New York Aug. 22, 1776. On his sword were engraved 
 these words: "Freedom or Death." He was a true patriot, 
 zealous, self-sacrificing, giving himself for his country. 
 Before engaging in the war he had been active in every 
 good work, both in church and society, and in his death was 
 much lamented by the community. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 421 
 
 62. Rev. John Smalley, D.D., 1734-1830. 
 
 Rev. John Smalley, D.D., son of Benjamin and Mary 
 (Baker) Smalley, was born in Columbia, June 4, 1734. His 
 father, an humble English weaver, who came to this country 
 in early life, died while John was in college, and the latter 
 decided to give up his studies, and assist in the support of 
 the family left dependent, but he was advised to proceed with 
 his studies, being assisted by Dr. "VVheelock, with whom 
 he prepared for college, and by others. He graduated at 
 Yale College in 1756, with Dr. Chandler Robbins' and Dr. 
 Simeon Strong, and immediately entered upon the study 
 of theology with Rev. Joseph Bellamy, D.D., of Bethlehem. 
 The next year he was licensed by the Litchfield South Asso- 
 ciation. In the autumn he came to New Britain, and 
 preached for a few Sundays as " a' probationer." He was 
 ordained and installed over the church April 19, 1758, the 
 day the church was first organized. He married, April 24, 
 1764, Sarah Garnsey, of Bethlehem. He soon won the con- 
 fidence of the people, and also took a prominent positioii 
 in the Hartford South Association, of which he became 
 a member. Though naturally of a cold nature and severe 
 disposition, his relations with tlie church and society wei'e 
 cordial, and his opinions, particularly on theological matters, 
 had much weight. 
 
 He was a careful reader, a diligent student, and a deep 
 thinker. In preparing his sermons he took pains to aim 
 at a specific impression, and to lead his hearers to a thought- 
 ful consideration of the truths which he deemed ess^n- 
 ti^l. His sermons were logical, and dwelt much upon the 
 doctrines which he proved by constant reference to the 
 scriptures. In 1769 two of his sermons on " Natural and 
 Moral Inability " were published, and soon after reprinted in 
 •London. In 1786 his two sermons on " Universal Salvation " 
 appeared, and a year later one on " The Perfection of the 
 Divine Law." These and a celebrated election sermon had 
 a wide circulation. Two volumes of his sermons were pub- 
 lished, one volume in 1805, and the other in 1814, and these 
 
422 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 contained the great efforts of his life. He was esteemed as 
 one of the most eminent of New England divines, and 
 wielded a commanding influence. His manner of delivery 
 was not attractive. He preached by reading his written ser- 
 mons, closely following the notes, with somewhat of a 
 drawling utterance. He had no popular oratory, and he des- 
 pised all tricks of art with a view to attract the attention of 
 his audience. 
 
 In all matters he was scrupulously punctual, exceedingly 
 vigilant, and ever watchful of the interests of his parish. 
 During his pastorate of fifty-two years the church increased 
 in numbers* and in spirituality, and the whole community 
 was stimulated in thought. In 1800 he received the degree 
 of Doctor of Divinity from the College of New Jersey. Sev- 
 eral young men were educated by him, some of whom he 
 trained for the ministry, and others, as Chief Justice Oliver 
 Ellsworth, became eminent in civil affairs. 
 
 At the breaking out of the war of the revolution he was 
 a pronounced royalist, and might have suffered from the 
 excited feelings of some of his parishioners and other citizens 
 of the town had not tiie wise judgment and pacific measures 
 of Colonel Lee prevented the outbreak. Later in his minis- 
 try his political views were somewhat modified. When 
 he came to New Britain he had little or no property. He 
 received as settlement <£150, and a salary of ,£50 a year 
 for three years, and then £60 annually, and twenty cords 
 of wood each year. Soon after his ordination the town 
 voted him twelve acres of land taken from the highway, and 
 located on the west side of Main Street, between the present 
 line of Myrtle Street and Dublin Hill. After his marriage 
 he bought a place on East Street, which became his home 
 for many years. He also bought lands in different parts of 
 the society ; within three years he paid more than a thou- 
 sand pounds for land, buying five different pieces in a single 
 year. He had a farm which he managed well, and he 
 became one of the wealthiest men in the parish. His dress 
 when in public was usually of velvet, with knee buckles, silk 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 423 
 
 hose, large shoe-buckles, and a three-cornered cocked hat, 
 after the old English style. In the latter part of his life 
 his home was at the Whittlesey place on East Main Street, 
 which he bought in 1788. He died June 1, 1820. 
 
 Children. 1. Sarah, b. Feb. 23, 1765, d. May 5, 1770; 2. Mary, b. 
 Dec. 20, 1766, m. Oct. 30, 1794, Rev. Isaac Porter of Granby, who had 
 been a student with Dr. Smalley; 3. Anna, b. Feb. 24, 1768, m. Oct. 6, 
 1793, Roger Whittlesey; 4. Pliebe, b. Sept. 7, 1770, d. same day; 5. Sarah, 
 b. June 19, 1773, m. Oct. 32, 1792, Rev. Israel B. Woodward, and (2) in 
 1814, Simeon Lincoln; 6. Rebecca, b. Dec. 3, 1778, m. Oct. 15, 1804, 
 David Whittlesey. 
 
 63. Col. Gad Stanley, 1735-1815. 
 
 Gad, the youngest son of Thomas and Esther (Cowles) 
 Stanley, was born March 21, 1735. He was a large farmer, 
 inheriting a portion of his father's estate, and by energy and 
 thrift adding to his inlieritance. By his father's will, he 
 was to have a house in New Cambridge (Bristol), to be built 
 by his brothers, in consideration of their having the home- 
 stead ; but his brothers, Noah and Timothy, were married 
 and had homes, of their own in Stanley Quarter; so he took 
 the homestead, and after a few years built a larger and 
 better house on the site of the old one. He married, Oct. 29, 
 1767, Mary Judd, daughter of John and Mary (Burnham) 
 Judd,and granddaughter of Rev. WiUiam Burnham, the first 
 pastor of the Great Swamp Clmrch and Society. 
 
 By his intelligence and ability he was well fitted to be a 
 leader in the parisli, and he was appointed to various offices 
 of trust and responsibility in the town. He was a representa- 
 tive to the General Assembly, from Farraington, from 1778 
 to 1782, and from Berlin, from 1785 to ,1804. He was active 
 in securing the incorporation of Berlin as a distinct town, 
 and was prominent in school and society affairs. He was a 
 civil magistrate for many years, and one of the two wealthiest 
 men in the parish. 
 
 He became interested in military affairs and was captain 
 of the local militia. In the days preceding the revolutionary 
 war, he warmly espoused the cause of the colonies, and was 
 
424 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 frequently appointed on committees for raising subscriptions, 
 or attending to other matters relating to the interests of the 
 colonies. When the war actually broke out, he entered the 
 army with most of his military company. Important news 
 relating to the movements of the British was brought to New 
 Britain one Sunday afternoon during service. As soon as the 
 benediction was pronounced, and before the congregation had 
 time to go out, Captain Stanley stepped into the aisle near 
 the pulpit and gave notice to his company to appear on 
 parade before the meeting-house, the next morning. The 
 announcement shocked Dr. Smalley, who was then a royalist, 
 and he demanded of some of the company whether they would 
 fight against their king. 
 
 Capt. Stanley was present at the battle of Long Island, 
 and by his heroism and skill in covering the retreat of the 
 American forces won the approbation of his superior officers. 
 He was subsequently made colonel and retained the title 
 during the remainder of his life. He died Jan. 10, 1815. 
 
 Children. 1. Esther, b. Sept. 31, 1768, m. William S. Judd ; 3. Amzi, 
 b. Oct. 23, 17T0, m. Lucy Webster ; 3. Mary, b. Aug. 2, 1772, m. Oliver 
 Dewey; 4. Abigail, b. Aug. 18, 1774, m. Stephen W. Corn well; 5. Gad, 
 b. Aug. 13, 1776, m. Chloe Andrews; 6. Pbebe, b. Aug. 38, 1778. m. Thomas 
 Stow; 7. Elizabeth, b. July 17, 1780, m. Seth J. North; 8. Anna, b. .Jan. 
 15, 1783, m. Alvin North ; 9. Orin, b. Nov. 6, 1784, d. in infancy ; 10. 
 Cyrus, b. July 29, 1787, m. Abigail Lee ; 11. Emily, b. Aug. 31, 1791, d. 
 in infancy. 
 
 64. Elijah Hart, 1735-1800. 
 
 Elijah, eldest son of Deacon Elijah Hart, was born Sept. 
 26, 1735. He married Sarah Gilbert, daughter of Ebenezer 
 and Mercy (Cowles) Gilbert. He came from Keusington to 
 New Britain with his parents, and with his father was one of 
 the original members of the First Clmrch. He first located 
 on the old road about half a mile south of his father's resi- 
 dence ; but later he built the large house on -Kensington 
 Street, near tlie brook. He had a large farm which was suc- 
 cessfully cultivated in the family for many years. He 
 provided a home for each of his thi'ee sons ; he gave his oldest 
 son, Elijah, the south half of the house which he built on 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 425 
 
 Kensington Street ; Aaron had the first homestead of his 
 father in Hart Quarter, and the father built for Ozias, the 
 youngest son, the house on the west side of Kensington 
 Street, next north of the bridge. This second Elijah Hart 
 was deacon of the First Church for more than twenty years. 
 He had a good voice and led the singing for several years. 
 He was a man of strict habits and stern virtue, and especially 
 careful in the observance of the Sabbath. It was his invari- 
 able custom to have work on the farm laid aside by four 
 o'clock Saturday afternoon, and have his face shaved, his 
 boots brushed, and other preparation made for Sunday. He 
 died Dec. 10, 1800. 
 
 Children. 1. Elijah; b.' May 7, 1759, m. Dec. 21, 1780, Anna Andrews ; 
 3. Aaron, b. Oct. 16, 1761, m. March 4, 1790, Sarah Francis ; 3. Sarah, 
 b. Feb. 21. 1765, m. Maich 3, 1785, Robert Cornwall ; 4. Ozias, b. Aug. 8, 
 1768, m. Sarah Lee ; 5. Selina, b. Aug. 30,, 1770, m. Dec. 30, 1790, Solomon 
 Churchill ; 6. Olive, b. 1775, m. Aug. 8, 1803, Seth Merrill. 
 
 65. BENJ.4MIN Wright, 1737-1813. 
 
 Benjamin, son of Benjamin and Hannah (Holmes) 
 Wright, was born at Stepney (Rocky Hill), Conn., July 25, 
 1737. He married Elizabeth Culver, and removed to New 
 Britain in 1795, and bought a house and farm of Elisha 
 Booth at the south end of East Street. He worked the farm 
 during his lifetime. He was appointed a deacon of the First 
 Church in 1801. Before he came to New Britain he had 
 been in the military service and was a captain in a militia 
 regiment in the war of the revolution. He was also deacon 
 of the church in Rocky Hill. He died Sept. 23, 1813. 
 
 Children. 1. Joseph, b. Oct. 7, 1779, m. Feb. 13, 1814, Dorothy Hart; 
 2. Huldah, m. Isaac Jones; 3. Ruhamah, d. in infancy ; 4. Ruhamah, m. 
 June 20, 1804, Eleazer Wheeler. , 
 
 66. Samuel Hart, 1738-1813. 
 
 Samuel Hart, Berlin, yo^mgest child of Lieut. Samuel and 
 Mary (Hooker) Hart, was born in Kensington, Jan. 21, 1738. 
 He married, Oct. 10, 1757, Rebecca Norton, who died July 28, 
 1769, and he married (2) Oct. 4, 1770, Lydia, daughter of 
 
 28 
 
426 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Capt. John Hinsdale. He lived on Hart or West Street, 
 Berlin. Being tlie only son living to tlie age of twelve, he 
 had been designed for a liberal profession. But at the age of 
 thirteen, by the deatli of his father, he was left with the care 
 of his mother and sisters. He gave up the project of going 
 to college and devoted himself to providing for the family. 
 Marrying at nineteen, at thirty-three he was left a widower 
 with six children living. In a little more tlian a year, he 
 married again, and had ten children by his second wife. 
 With a large family of children, both he and his wife prac- 
 ticed prudence and economy and labored continuously to 
 provide for their children the comforts of life and tlie oppor- 
 tunity for a good education. He was a great reader, and was 
 accustomed, on the long winter evenings, to gather his wife 
 and children around the ample fire-place, and read to them 
 from such books, as Milton, Thomson, Young, Locke, and 
 Berkley. He was the first clerk and treasurer of the 
 Congregational Church of Worthington, but his religious 
 views not being in full accord with the greater part 
 of the church, he withdrew. He was connected with the 
 local military company, having the rank and title of captain. 
 He also represented the town in the General Assembly and 
 held other civil offices. He died Aug. 21, 181B. 
 
 Children. 1. Rebecca, b. .Tan. 30, 1760, m. William Cook ; 2. Samuel, 
 b. May 17, 1761, m. April 8, 1791, Mary Wilcox ; 3. Charlotte, b. Oct. 17, 
 1763, m. Dec. 3, 1784, Orrin Lee ; 4. Asaliel, b. May 6, 1764, m. Sept. 23, 
 1790, Abigail Cowles; 5. Anna, b. Feb. 16, 1766, d. March 25, 1784; 6. 
 Jesse, b. Jan. 3, 1768, m. Nov. 28, 1792, Lucy Beckley ; 7. James, b. March 
 5, 1769, d. in infancy:— By his second wife, 8. Mary, b. Sept. 23, 1771, m. 
 John Lee; 9. John, b. Jan. 23, 1773 ; 10. James, b. .Dec. 26, 1774; 11. 
 Theodore, b. Aug. 30, 1776 ; 13. Lydia, b. Sept. 18, 1778, m. Elislia Treat; 
 13. Betsey, b. Sept. 21, 1781; 14. Hiildah, b. July 12, 1783, d. in infancy; 
 13. Nancy, b. March 8, 1785, m Joshua Simmons; 16. Emma, b. Feb. 
 33, 1787, m. John Willard, M.D. ; 17. Almira, b. July 13, 1793, m. Oct. 5, 
 1817, Simeon Lincoln, (3) John Phelps. 
 
 67. David Mather, 1738-1817. 
 David, son of Joshua and Hannah (Booth) Mather was 
 born Oct. 7, 1738. He married June 2, 1757, Hannah Dun- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 427 
 
 ham, and (2) 1783, widow Jemima Kilbourn. He had a farm 
 on the road to Farmington, near the foot of Osgood Hill. He 
 had only a common-school education, but was a keen olbserver 
 and good reader, and he became more than ordinarily gifted 
 with the power of expressing his thoughts clearly and tersely. 
 He is said to have been the only layman whom Dr. Smalley 
 ever asked to pray in public. He taught school several 
 winters and was for many years one of the school visitors of 
 the society. He was an ensign in a military company, was a 
 soldier in the revolutionary war and present at the skirmish 
 at Horse Neck, Greenwich. He owned the covenant in 1758 
 and came into full communion in the First Church in 1774, 
 and in 1779 was appointed one of the standing committee of 
 the church. He was one of the first selectmen of the town 
 of Berlin and was appointed to other civil offices. He died 
 May 27, 1817. 
 
 Children. 1. Blenor, b. March 14, 1758; 3. -Percia, b. Jan. 2, 1760, 
 ni. Dec. 7, 1780, Thomas Sugden, a deserter from the British army; 3. 
 Cotton, b. Aug. 3, 1764, d. young; 4. Mary Ann, m. Libeus Hungerf ord, and 
 (2) David Hills; 5. Elizabeth, b. Nov. 30, 1767, m. Sage Churchill ; 6. Han- 
 nah, b. Aug. 10, 1769, m. March 30, 1794, Seth Hungerford; 7. Cotton, b. 
 Sept. 3, 1771, m. June 19, 1791, Rebecca Steele; 8. Thomas, b. Dec. 10, 
 1773, d. same day; 9. Rhoda, b. Oct. 37, 1776, m. Orrin Goodrich; 10. 
 Polly, b. Dec. 37, 1778, m. April 33, 1800, Ebenezer Gridley. 
 
 68. Ei.NATHAN Smith, 1738-1836. 
 
 Elnathau, the eldest son of Joseph Smith, Jr., was born 
 Nov. 3, 1738. In early life, lie taught school in winter, near 
 his father's home. He was in the French and Indian war, 
 and after its close and the peace of Paris, 1763, returned to 
 New Britain where he was married July 9, 1767, to Chloe, 
 the only daughter of Colonel Isaac Lee. His home was near 
 that of his father on East Street, in the house known for many 
 years as " the Rhodes place." He had a retail store, the first 
 in the parish after Joseph Clark, and for many years the only 
 store in New Britain. He acted as commissary in the revo- 
 lutionary war, and occupied other positions of responsibility 
 and influence. In 1788, he bought Dr. Smalley's homestead, 
 
428 
 
 paying £400 for the house, barn, and other buildings, and 
 twenty-five acres of land. He had other landed estate, and 
 was a man of wealth, and of comnaanding physique. He died 
 March 6, 1826. 
 
 Children. 1. Elnatban, Ij. May 6, 1768, m. Lois Beckley; 3. Nancy, 
 b. March 17, 1770, m. Benjamin D. Galpin, and (2) Simeon Lincoln ; 3. 
 Sylvia, b. Jlay 23, 1772, d. April 26, 1773; 4. Sylvia, b. April 5, 1774, m. 
 Oliver Goodrich; 5. Chloe, b. May 23, 1776; 6. Joseph Lee, b. May 28, 1779, 
 m. Frances M. Kirby ; 7. Lydia, b. March 28, 1783 ; 8. Mary, b. July 1, 
 1784; 9. Ira Elliott, b. Deo. 21, 1786. 
 
 69. Lemuel Hotchkiss, 1741-1803. 
 
 Lemuel, eldest son of Captain Ladwick and Molly (North) 
 Hotchkiss, was born Nov. 8, 1741. He married, March 26, 
 1764, Penelope Mather. He learned the blacksmith's trade 
 in his father's sliop on East Street, and for some years lived 
 near his father, and worked in the shop with him. He then 
 had a shop on Pond River, a branch of the Quinnipiac. 
 With it he had iron works, bi'inging iron ore from Bristol, 
 and making wrought nails of different sizes, window springs, 
 and other small articles of hardware by hand. He furnished 
 articles for buildings, and he also had a saw-mill near of 
 which he was part owner. He was a man of great energy, 
 one of the leaders in the early business enterprises of New 
 Britain. He taught school in winter for some years, was a 
 school visitor, and an officer in the military company. He 
 was in the war of the revolution, had his horse shot at Green- 
 wich, and as lieutenant, was with Col. Gad Stanley in cover- 
 ing the retreat from Long Island. He had the military title 
 of captain. He lived for some years in New Britain near his 
 shops and saw-mill, and then moved to New Durham, N. Y., 
 where he died Feb. 18, 1802. 
 
 Children. 1. Lemuel, b. July 11, 1764, d. young; 2. Chloe, b. April 
 24, 1767, m. Jan. 18, 1793, Abijah Smith; 3. Lydia, b. March 15, 1769, m. 
 Jan. 18, 1791, Harvey Peck ; 4. Penelope, b. June 25, 1771, m. Joseph 
 Crane; 5. Lemuel, b. Nov. 30, 1773, m. Abigail Ellis; 6. Joseph, b. Oct. 
 33, 1775, d. young; 7. Nancy, b. Feb. 16, 1778, d. young ; 8. Jason, b. 
 Nov. 30, 1779, m. Nancy Parker; 9. Anna, b. June 33, 1783; 10. Henry, b. 
 Aug. 9, 1785; 11. Nancy, b. Feb. 18, 1788, m. Rev. John B. Whittlesey; 
 13. Joseph, b. July 24, 1791, d. young. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 429 
 
 70. Major-Gbnbhal John Pateeson, 1744-1808. 
 
 John, the son of Major John Paterson and Ruth (Bird^ 
 Paterson, wais born in New Britain, in 1743 or 4. He was 
 fitted for college, and graduated at Yale in 1762, in the class 
 with John H. Livingston, Joseph Huntington, and other 
 eminent men. On his graduation he returned to New 
 Britain, to the home of his parents, on the north end of East 
 Street. A few weeks after, he received news of the death of 
 his father at Havana, and at once decided to remain in New 
 Britain with his mother and youngest sister, Ruth. He gave 
 some time to the settlement of his father's estate and the 
 care of the farm, but soon carried out his purpose of studying 
 law. While engaged in preparation for legal practice he 
 taught school several seasons. His neighbors upon East Street 
 were the Judds, the Lees, the Smiths, and Dr. Smalley, and 
 in these families he found pleasant and congenial acquaint- 
 ances. Oliver Ellsworth, LL.D., afterwards Chief Justice 
 of the United States, and Nathaniel Emmons, D.D., an 
 eminent theologian, were students with Dr. Smalley during 
 this time. They were both a year younger than Paterson, 
 but were among his friends. He commenced the practice of 
 law in New Britain, though still teaching in the public 
 school a part of the year. He was married, June 2, 1766, to 
 Elizabeth, only daughter of Deacon Josiah Lee. He soon 
 became distinguished in his profession. Early in 1774 he 
 removed to Lenox, Mass., with his family, his father-in-law ac- 
 companying him. He became at once identified with the in- 
 terests of Lenox, and was appointed a representative to the first 
 provincial congress, which met in Boston, in Sept., 1774. He 
 also represented the town in the second provincial congress, 
 which was conveTned at Cambridge February 1, 1775, and 
 which was continued by adjournment until May 29th. In these 
 two congresses he served on ten different committees, some of 
 them of the most important character. On his return from 
 the first provincial congress, in December, 1774, he immedi- 
 ately, as agent of the town of Lenox, began to procure ammu- 
 nition, and to make preparation for the war which he believed 
 
480 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 to be inevitable. While a member of the second congress, 
 and even before it met, he was engaged in raising a regi- 
 ment for service if needed. Two days after the adjourn- 
 ment of congress he went into the field with his regiment as 
 its colonel. On arrival at Cambridge the regiment was re- 
 organized, enlarged, and stationed near Roxbury to build a 
 fort for the defense of Boston. After the evacuation of Bos- 
 ton by the British troops, March 17, 1776, his regiment was 
 ordered to New York, and for awhile was stationed on Staten 
 Island. It was then ordered to Canada, where disasters had 
 occurred before its arrival which compelled its retreat by 
 way of Crown Point and Ticonderoga to Fort Independence, 
 where it remained until November. It was then summoned 
 to join the army of Washington, and Colonel Paterson with 
 his regiment proceeded to Newtown, Pa., and afterwards 
 crossed the Delaware with Washington, and took part in the 
 battles of Trenton and Princeton. 
 
 His undaunted courage and heroic conduct were recog- 
 nized by the commander-in-chief, and on Feb. 21, 1777, he 
 received the appointment of Brigadier-General, in the depart- 
 ment of the Northwest. He was present at tlie surrender of 
 Burgoyne and at the battle of Monmouth. He became the 
 intimate friend of Washington, and was appointed a member 
 of the court to try Major Andre. He remained in the serv- 
 ice until the close of the war, forming the acquaintance of 
 Kosciusco and many other officers, and was one of the active 
 officers to organize the Order of the Cincinnati, in 1783. 
 After the close of the war he commanded a detachment of 
 the Berkshire militia called out for the suppression of Shay's 
 rebellion. 
 
 About 1789 or 1790 he removed to Lisle, Broome County, 
 N. Y., where he was made chief-justice of the county court. 
 He was for four years a member of the New York Legisla- 
 ture, and was also a member of the New York Constitutional 
 Convention of 1801. He was a member of the eighth 
 United States Congress, 1803-1805, and held various local 
 civil offices of trust. He was one of the proprietors of 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 431 
 
 the Boston purchase of 230,000 acres of land in Broome 
 and Tioga Counties, N. Y. He was eminent as a lawyer, and 
 much respected as a useful and worthy citizen, and was 
 probably one of the most distinguished of the early citizens of 
 New Britain. He had seven children, most of whom were 
 born at Lenox, Mass. He died at Lisle, N. Y., July 19, 
 1808, aged sixty-four. A monumental tablet to the memory 
 of Gen. Paterson was erected in the new Episcopal Church, in 
 Lenox, Mass., by his grandson, Thomas Eggleston, in 1887. 
 
 Children. 1. Josiah Lee, b. Oct. 8, 1766, m. Jan., 1788, Clarissa 
 Hyde; 2. Hannah, m. — Eggleston; S.Polly; 4. Ruth, b. Aug., 1774, m. 
 Nov. 14, 1797, Ira Seymour; 5. Betsey; 6. John Pierce, b. May o, 1787, 
 m. Sept. 16, 1809, Sally Osborn; 7. Maria, b. 1789, m. April, 1808, 
 Samuel Kilborn. 
 
 71. Elijah Hinsdale, 1744-1797. 
 
 Elijah, son of John and Elizabeth (Cole) Hinsdale, was 
 born April 1, 1744. He learned the blacksmith's trade 
 in his father's shop, on East Street, and worked at it for 
 some years. He married Ruth Bidwell. In 1777 he bought 
 the Stephen Lee place, at the corner of East and Smalley 
 streets, and then owned the Lee farm extending from 
 East Street to the parade ground in front of the old meeting- 
 house, except the plot already set apart for the burying- 
 ground. He was successfully engaged iu farming and in the 
 silk bu.siness. He had a mulberry orchard in the lot west of 
 the burying-ground, and a silk-house where the worms were 
 fed, and where the silk was reeled and manufactured. He 
 received a bounty from the State 'for several years as an 
 encouragement for the silk industry which he developed. 
 He was the grandfather of Elihu Burritt, " the learned 
 blacksmith." He died June 26, 1797, and after his death 
 his daughter Elizabeth, who was married four years before, 
 resided in the silk-house with her family. 
 
 Child. Elizabeth, b. Feb. 6, 1775, m. July 30, 1793, Elihu Burritt. 
 
432 HISTOEY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 73. Jonathan Hakt, 1744-1791. 
 Major Jonathan Hart, Kensington, second son of Deacon 
 Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Lawrence) Hart, was born in 1744. 
 He graduated at Yale College in 1768. He married in 
 1777 Abigail Riley. He went to New Jersey soon after his 
 graduation, and taught school for several years. The Hart 
 Biography says : " He returned to Kensington and entered 
 into trade with the minister, with whom he had a serious 
 quarrel, and was thrown into jail." At the time of the 
 revolutionary war he joined the army, and was in the service 
 from 1775 to 1791. He was a gallant and distinguished 
 officer, and was killed in the unfortunate defeat of Gen. 
 St. Clair by the Indians, November 4, 1791. In obedience 
 to orders he was leading his command to a charge with the 
 bayonet, when almost every man in the party was slain. 
 
 Child. Alces Evelin, b. Oct. 10, 1782, m. Charlotte Overton. 
 
 73. John Treadwell, 1745-1833. 
 
 John, son of Ephraim and Mary Treadwell, was born in 
 Farmington, Nov. 23, 1745. He graduated from Yale Col- 
 lege in 1767, and afterwards took a thorough course in the 
 study of law, but being averse to professional life he never 
 presented himself for examination for admission to the, bar. 
 He passed some years at his home in Farmington, and in 
 1776 was chosen to represent the town in the General 
 Assembly. With the exception of one session he continued 
 by successive annual elections to be a representative from 
 Farmington until 1785. He was then elected one of the 
 assistants, and continued to be chosen annually to that office 
 until 1798, when he was appointed Lieutenant-Governor. 
 On the decease of Governor Jonathan Trumbull, in 1809, 
 Lieut.-Gov. Treadwell was chosen by the Legislature to fill the 
 vacancy, and by reappointment also held the office the 
 following year. He had at that time been twenty years 
 a judge of the Court of Probate, three years judge of the 
 County Court, and twenty years a judge of the Supreme 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 433 
 
 Court of Errors. In 1793 lie was appointed on the commit- 
 tee for the sale of the lands belonging to the State in Ohio, 
 known as the " New Connecticut Lands." As chairman of 
 this committee his duties in correspondence and in travel 
 were many, but were cheerfully performed, and when at last 
 the sale was concluded in the autumn of 179.5, by his energy 
 and faithfulness the fund was wisely managed, and the 
 income secured until, in 1800, he was appointed chairman of 
 the " Managers of the funds ai'ising in the sales of the West- 
 ern Eeserve." (School Fundj) 
 
 He manifested a deep interest in education, drew up the 
 regulations for the scliools in the First Society in Farming- 
 ton, in 1796, and revised the school laws of the State in 
 1799, and by his acts and influence probably did more than 
 any other one man to lay the foundation of the State system 
 of common schools as it existed during the first half of 
 the present century. He was a member of the corpora- 
 tion of Yale College, and for many years one of the pruden- 
 tial committee of the corporation active in efforts to secure 
 the prosperity of the college. He was ever active in secur- 
 ing the best interests of his native town and the State, with 
 whose affairs he was well acquainted. He united with the 
 church in Farmington in 1772, and by his example and 
 counsels did much to promote its welfare. He was deacon 
 for more than twenty years, performing the ordinary duties 
 of this office while holding the highest office in the State. 
 He was frequently called to sit in ecclesiastical councils, was 
 one of the original trustees of the Missionary Society of 
 Connecticut, and for many years the chairman. He was one 
 of the commissioners to draft the constitution of the Ameri- 
 can Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, one of the 
 corporators, and its first president, continuing in office from 
 his first election in 1810 till his death. Though not bril- 
 liant as an orator or in conversation he was an upright 
 Christian citizen, faithful wherever duty called, whether in 
 church or State. He died Aug. 18, 1823. 
 
434 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 74. John Judd, 1746-1796. 
 
 John Judd, second of the name, son of John and Mary 
 (Burnham) Judd, was born Feb. 14, 1746. He married, 
 Nov. 2-3, 1769, Lydia Mather. His home was on West Main 
 Street, a few rods west of his father's, on the site of the late 
 Charles Blakeslee's residence. He was the grandson of 
 Deacon Anthony Judd, the first deacon of the Great Swamp 
 Church, and grandfather of Deacon Morton Judd and Oliver 
 S. Judd. He died Jan. 6, 1796. 
 
 Childrek. 1. Bela, b, Aug. 4, 1770, m. Rachel Lusk; 2. John, b. 
 May 8, I773, m. May, 1793, Ursula Stanley; 3. Alvin, b. June 24, 1774, d. 
 young; 4. Anna, b. July 17, 1776, d. young; 5. Lydia, b. .Tan. 7. 1779, m. 
 Seth Smith; 6. Oliver, b. June 9, 1783, m. March 11, 1804, Elizabeth 
 Belden. 
 
 75. Levi Andrews, 1747-1826. 
 
 Levi, the eldest son of Joseph and Sarah (Wells) Andrews 
 of Newington, was born Feb. 23, 1747. He married, Dec. 20, 
 1770, Chloe Wells, a granddaughter of Rev. William Burn- 
 ham. About the time of his marriage he bought a farm in 
 New Britain in the south part of Stanley Quarter. It was 
 one of the best farms in New Britain, and he improved it by 
 cultivation and made it productive and profitable. He was a 
 man of peaceful liabits, much esteemed, and frequently 
 called to positions of trust and honor. He was for many 
 years clerk and treasurer of the ecclesiastical society, and 
 was one of the standing committee of the First Church. 
 After the revolutionary war he was appointed by the town of 
 Farmington an agent to care and provide for soldiers' fami- 
 lies. He was an ensign in the New Britain militia company, 
 and generally was called- by that title. He died May 8, 
 1826. 
 
 Children. 1. Levi, b. Oct. 8, 1771; 2. Chloe, b. Nov. 16, 1774, d. in 
 infancy; 3. Chloe, b. Aug. 29, 1777, m. Gad Stanley; 4. Ethan Allen, b. 
 April 7, 1787, m. Lucy Cowles. 
 
 76. James North, 1748-1833. 
 
 James, son of James and Sarah (Seymour) North, of the 
 Great Swamp or Kensington Society, was born Jan. 18, 1748. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 435 
 
 He was but ten years old when his father died. He came to 
 New Britain a few years after the organization of tlie First 
 Church and lived with John Richards in Stanley Quarter, of 
 whom he learned the blacksmitli's trade. He married, Pept. 
 29, 1774, Rhoda Judd, who died March 15, 1824, and lie 
 married (2) Feb. 26, 1828, widow Abi Francis. Soon after 
 his first marriage he moved into the new house which he 
 had built on the east side of Main Street, nearly opposite 
 Myrtle. His blacksmith's shop was at first on West Main 
 Street, nearly opposite the present Episcopal Church, and 
 near the home of his father-in-law, but he afterwards removed 
 it to Main Street, near the head of Myrtle Street. Ele was 
 successful in bflsiness, enterprising and ever awake to pro- 
 mote the interests of the parish. He was a representative of 
 the town to the G-eneral Assembly, was a civil magistrate, 
 and clerk and treasurer of the ecclesiastical and school soci- 
 eties, and a school visitor. He for a time was captain of a 
 military company. He was much respected for his intelli- 
 gence and good judgment, and had a commanding influence 
 in the affairs of New Britain. He was appointed a member 
 of the standing committee of the church in 1795, and was 
 active in securing a new meeting-house in 1822. He had his 
 sons learn different trades, and it may be supposed that his 
 own industrious habits, business talent, and integrity were 
 instrumental, by example, in fitting them for the spheres of 
 usefulness which they occupied. He died May 14, 1833. 
 
 Children. 1. Rhoda, b. Feb. 10, 1776, m. June 27, 1793, Matthew 
 Clark; 3. James, b. Dec. 19, 1777, m. May 1. 1800, Rhoda Belden; 3. 
 Seth Judd, b. Aug. 13, 1779, m. Sept. 37, 1801, Elizabeth Stanley; 4. 
 Alvin, b. Aug. 13, 1781, m. July 15, 1804, Anna Stanley, and (3) May 1, 
 1816, Clarissa Burnbam ; 5. Henry, b. Nov. 3, 1788, d. young; 6. Abi, 
 b. Nov. 31, 1784. m. Oct. 10, 1803, Amon Stanley; 7. Nancy, b. Jan. 11, 
 1787, Tti. Oct. 11. 1807, Cyrus Booth; 8. Henry, b. Sept. 24, 1789, m. Dec. 
 26, 1810, Sarah Cosslet, and (3) Jan. 34, 1821, Lauretta Smith; 9. Orpba, 
 b. Aug. 12, 1793, m. March 18, 1812, Dr. Samuel Hart; 10. William 
 Burnbam, b. Deo. 6, 1797, m. Aug. 16, 1824, Sarah Burgess. 
 
436 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 77. James Booth, 1748-1830. 
 James, son of Nathan and Abigail (Steele) Bootb, was 
 born March, 1748. He married Nov. 23, 1775, Thankful 
 Winchel of Torringford, and soon after occupied for his 
 liome a house built upon the present site of the Railroad 
 Block by Col. Isaac Lee for his son, Theodore. The latter 
 went to Torringford to live, and James Booth brought liis 
 wife to occupy the house which he bought of Theodore's 
 father. He was an extensive farmer, his farm extending 
 from Main Street west as far as the Stanley Works. His 
 house was removed, and is still, standing on the south side of 
 Walnut Street. He died Sept. 18, 1830. 
 
 m 
 
 Children. 1. James, h. Sept. 11, 1776, m. Dec. 22, 1800, Olive "Wil- 
 cox; 3. Ebenezer Winchel, b. July 8,- 1778, m. June 14, 1802, Betsey 
 Benliam; 3. Aurelia, b. 1781, m. Dec. 8, 1801, Timothy Percival, and 
 (2) .Io!=eph H. Flagg; 4. Osmyn, b. 1796, m. Dec. 22, 1819, Frances 
 Hempsted. 
 
 78. Dan Clark, 1748-1827. 
 
 Dan, son of John and Elizabeth (Newell) Clark, was 
 born Aug. 11, 1748. He married, Jan. 24, 1771, Lucy Stan- 
 ley. He lived on Clark Hill in Stanley Quarter. He was 
 grand juror and titliing man, and vigilant in enforcing the 
 laws and in bringing supposed transgressors to justice. Some, 
 who were afterwards prominent and influential citizens, were 
 brought by him before Governor Treadwell of Farmington, 
 charged with " playing and talking in the time of public wor- 
 ship," or " playing one or more Games at Cards against the 
 Peace and Laws of the State." Others he arrested and had 
 fined for haying neglected to attend public worship. He 
 died Dec. 9, 1827. 
 
 Child. Matthew, b. Oct 2, 1773, m. Rhoda North. 
 
 79. JosiAH Andrews, 1749-1824. 
 
 Josiah, son of Elijah and Phebe (Hurlburt) Andrews of 
 Wethersfield, was born May 16, 1749. He was in the war of 
 the revolution, serving in the army as light horseman^ and as 
 one of the body guard to General Pulaski, for whom he had 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 437 
 
 high regard. After returning from the war, on March 18, 
 1784, he married Abigail Flagg. She died, and he married 
 (2) Nov. 28, 1814, widow Phebe Bronson, daughter of Joseph 
 Mather. His home was a half mile or more north of that 
 of his father-in-law at Horse Plain. He afterwards lived on 
 the mountain road, south of the Plainville road, on a farm 
 which he sold to Dr. Smalley, and then rented. He died, 
 Oct. 16, 1824. 
 
 80. Samuel Andrews, 1749-17T6. 
 
 Samuel, eldest son of Moses and Lydia (Root) Andrews, 
 was- born Nov. 2, 1749. He married, Dec. 17, 1769, Abigail 
 Smith, and had his home west of Ezekiel Andrews, and 
 nearly opposite tlie residence occupied by Alfred Andrews 
 some years later. He was a soldier in the revolutionar 
 war, but died in the service of camp distemper, Sept. 20, 
 1776. 
 
 Children. 1. Seth, b. May 4, 1770; 2. Samuel, b. March 7, 1772; 
 3. Lydia, b. Feb. 18, 1774; 4. William, b. Feb. 9, 1777. 
 
 81. Jonathan Belden, 1750-1824. 
 
 Jonathan, son of Ezra Belden, who lived on Bast Street, 
 was born Jan. 11, 1750. He I'eceived such limited scliool 
 education as was afforded at that time, and was an extensive 
 reader and a close observer of men and events. He was but 
 four years of age when the New Britain Society was organ- 
 ized, but grew up with the society, and was often called to 
 public office. He was one of the first board of school visitors, 
 and quite active in the management of common schools. He 
 lield other civil offices, and was considered a prodigy of learn- 
 ing. It was said of one of the noted schoolmasters of the 
 time that " he knew everything, he knew almost as much as 
 Captain Belden." He was also a military officer in the fifth 
 company or train-band in the fifteenth regiment, being pro- 
 moted from one office to another until he held the commis- 
 sion of captain, and was afterwards known as Captain Bel- 
 den. He was a carpenter by trade, but had a large farm, 
 
438 HISTORY 0? NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 owning atone time much of the land between East Street 
 and Ehn Street, south of the New York & New England 
 Railroad. For many years he was prosperous in business, 
 and public-spirited and liberal, but he lost most of his prop- 
 erty. He was married to Mary Allen Dec. 29, 1774. He 
 died Sept. 10, 1824. 
 
 CnrLDREN. 1. Polly, d. young; 2. Jonathan, d. Sept. 13, 1780; 
 3. Polly, b. April 9, 1780, m. Feb. 14, 1802, Abner Clark; 4. Rhoda, b. 
 Dec. 22, 1781, m. May 1, 1800, James North, Jr. ; 5. Elizabeth, b. April 3, 
 1784, m. March 11, 1804, Oliver Judd; 6. Jonathan, b. 1786, m. May 1, 
 1803, Cathiivine Andrews; 7. An infant; 8. Nancy, b. Aug. 31, 1792, m. 
 May 5, 1813, Nathan Booth. 
 
 83. Daniel Ames, 1751-1833. 
 
 Daniel, son of John Ames, was born Feb. 1, 1751. He 
 married, Sept. 7, 1780, Mercy Langdon. After learning the 
 trade of joiner and cabinet-maker at Rocky Hill he came to 
 New Britain and built a house on the west side of Main 
 Street, a few rods south of the South Green. Soon after, he 
 sold, his place to Aaron Roberts, a joiner, who had learned 
 his trade in tlie same shop, and built another house in Hart 
 Quarter. He lost an arm by the bursting of a gun in 1788, 
 after which he kept school for a time. He died Nov. 19, 
 1822. 
 
 Children. 1. John, b. Jan. 34, 1781, d. young; 3. Laura, b. Feb. 23, 
 1784, m. March 35, 1807, Timothy C. Cressy; 3. Anne, b. April 33, 1786, 
 d.in infancy; 4. Horace, b. July 31, 1788, m. Sophia Lloyd; 5. John, 
 b. June 10, 1790, d. young; 6. Amon Langdon, b. Aug. 16, 1798, m. Feb. 
 17, 1825, Rosanna Hurt; 7. Ira, b. May 7, 1800, m. May 33, 1833, Hannah 
 Clark. 
 
 83. Joseph Andrews, 1751-1831. 
 
 Joseph, son of Moses and Lydia (Root) Andrews, was 
 born Dec. 23, 1751. He married, Feb. 6, 1777, Lydia Judd, 
 and (2) Amy Cowles, and built a house, which he occupied 
 as his home, a short distance east of his father's, and near 
 the south end of what is now Burritt Street. He learned the 
 carpenter's trade of his father and worked at it for several 
 years, being considered a good mechanic. At different times. 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 439 
 
 he had several apprentices, working with him. He had a 
 large farm on which were extensive apple orchards. He had 
 a cider mill and a cider-brandy distillery near his house. He 
 was one of the six sons of Moses Andrews, who went into the 
 revolutionary war. He died Nov. 23, 1831. 
 
 Children. 1. Lydia, b. Dec. 5, 1777; 3.,Joseph, b. June 27, 1780, d. 
 young ; 3. Ursula, b. Jan. 28, 1781 ; 4. Lucy, b. June 23, 1786. m. April 
 21, 18U8, Benjamin Slater; 5. Nancy, b. May 22, 1783, m. Jesse Barthol- 
 emew; 6. Sally, b. June 23, 1788, d. in infancy; 7. Joseph, b. Jan. 4, 1791, 
 nil. Dec. 20, 1812, Clarissa Langdon, and (2) Clarissa Osgood; 8. Amon, b. 
 Jan. 24, 1794, d. in infancy. 
 
 84. Lot Stanley, 1753-1807. 
 
 Lot, son of Thomas and Mary (Frances) Stanley, was 
 born March 3, 1752. He married Rhoda Wadsworth of 
 Farmington. He had a farm in Stanley Quarter, his home- 
 stead being at the corner of the "Stanley road and the "new 
 highway." He engaged in the manufacture of fur hats, 
 employing several workmen and selling his hats in New 
 England and New York. He was one of the first to engage 
 in this business, and the hats made by him and his son 
 were noted for their excellence. He died March 8, 1807. 
 
 Children. 1. Ira,-b. Oct. 12, 1773, m. Abi Langdon, and (2) widow 
 Elizabeth (Booth) Lincoln; 2. Ursula, b. Jan. 24, 1776, m. John Judd ; 3. 
 Anion, b. March 10, 1778, m. Abi North ; 4. Sally, b. April 15, 1780, m. 
 Samuel Sheldon; 5. Lucy, b. July 11, 1782, m. William Kelsey; 6. Rhoda, b. 
 July28, 1783; 7. Lot, b. Jan. 3, 1785, d. young; 8. Almira. b. Dec. 31, 1786, 
 m. Ansel Stocking; 9. James, b. July 1, 1789, d. young; 10. Polly, b. Feb. 
 13, 1791, m. Ezra Carter; 11. Dolly, b, Nov. 1792, d. young; 12. Dolly, b. 
 Feb. 15, 1794, m. Francis Hart ; 13. Lot, b. Dec. 6, 1795 ; 14. Maria, b. 
 Sept. 23, 1797, d. young. 
 
 85. Isaac Lee, 1753-1828. 
 
 Isaac Lee, son of Col. Isaac, born March 29, 1752, married 
 March 25, 1773, Abigail Goodrich. She died April 9, 1811. 
 Oct. 29, 1812, he married Betsey, daughter of Peter Curtis 
 and widow of David Lusk. He inherited the homestead of 
 his fatlier which stood on the east side of North Main Street, 
 near the foot of Dublin Hill. He was a farmer and for a 
 
440 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 time owned a large part of the land in the northern part of 
 wha,t has since become the city of New Britain. He was 
 greatly interested in the welfare of the church and society, 
 and donated to the latter the site upon which the second 
 church edifice was built in 1822, at the corner of North 
 Main and East Main streets. He died April 11, 1828. 
 
 CniLDRBN. 1. Isaac, b. April 13, 1775, m. Sept. 27, 1799, Nancy Lusk; 
 3. Thomas, b. Nov. 28, 1776, m. Oct. 10, 1797, Electa Riley; 3. Almira, b. 
 July 17, 1780, m. Sept. 37, 1801, Jesse Stanley; 4. Polly, b. Dec. 23, 1783, 
 m. July 11, 1803, Joseph Shipman ; 5. Josiah, b. Aug. 6, 1786, d. young; 
 6. Abigail, b. May 14, 1788, m. Sept. 7, 1806, Cyrus Stanley; 7. Josiah. b. 
 1791, d. young ; 8. Chloe, b July 34, 1793, m. Oct. 8', 1820, Treat Deming; 
 9. Lorenzo, b. Dec. 28, 1795, d. young. 
 
 86. Elizuk Hart, 1753-1794. 
 
 Elizur^ seventh son of Deacon Elijah Hart, was born Dec. 
 25, 1752. He married, Jap. 1, 1778, Sarah Langdon. His 
 home was near that of his father and was known for many 
 years as the "state house." He became somewhat eminent 
 as a school teacher, having taught seventeen seasons, chiefly 
 in Kensington and New Britain. He 'kept tavern for several 
 years, and his place, the " state house," became celebrated 
 for parties. He died while on a trip to the West Indies, in 
 1794. 
 
 Chcldrbn. 1. Sally, b. Nov. 9, 1778, m. Manly Clark, and (3) Martin 
 Lee ; 3. Polly, b. Oct. 5, 1781, m. Sept. 8, 1800, John Hills ; 3. Sophia, b. 
 Sept. 3, 1785, m. Nov. 30, 1809, Franklin Hitchcock ; 4. Erastus, b. May 
 8, 1787, m. Sept. 13, 1810, Mary Parmelee. 
 
 87. Robert Cornwall, 1757-1819. 
 
 Robert, son of Captain Timothy and Mary (Warner) 
 Cornwall of Middletown, was born Aug. 30, 1757. He mar- 
 ried March 3, 1785, Sarah Hart, eldest daughter of Deacon 
 Elijah Hart. He located in Hart Quarter near the first resi- 
 dence of his father-in-law. He was a cooper and had his shop 
 near the Shuttle Meadow road. After the Middletown and 
 Berlin turnpike was opened in 1810, he kept tavern in his 
 house, which was opposite his shop at the corner of the 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 441 
 
 Shuttle Meadow road and the turnpike. He died Oct. 5, 
 1819. 
 
 Children. 1. Sally Gilbert, b. June 3, 1786, m. Oct. 1, 1&13, Erastus 
 Storrs; 2. Robert, b. Oct. 7, 1788, d. young ; 3. George, b. Nov. 7, 1791, 
 m. Aug. 34, 1815, Hannah Hooker ; 4 Chauncey, b. Sept. 33, 1795, m. 
 July 15, 1819, Mary Cosslett ; 5. Mary, b. July 13, 1798, m. April 4, 1816, 
 Moses W. Beckiey; 6. Robert, b. Aug. 16, 1801; 7.' Julia Ann, b. Feb. 16, 
 1804, m. Oct. 3, 1831, Harvey Bunliam, Jr. 
 
 88. Aakon Roberts, 1758-1830. 
 
 Aaron, son of Dr. Aaron Roberts of Middletown,Avas born 
 April 20, 1758. He married, Feb. 17, 1785, Ruth Hart, eldest 
 daughter of Thomas Hart. She died, and he married (2) 
 May 20, 1829, Mary Wadsworth. While young, he learned 
 the trade of joiner and cabinet-maker at Rocky Hill. He 
 bought of a fellow apprentice, Daniel Ames, a house which 
 had been built by the latter on the west side of South Main 
 Street. He also became owner of the Bassett farm, and for 
 many years worked the farm with hired help, in connection 
 with his trade. He became a member of the First Church 
 in 1784, and was ever active and interested in providing for 
 its needs and for the society. He gave thirty dollars towards 
 the communion service, and when the second church was 
 built, in 1822, he furnished his team gratuitously to aid in 
 grading the site and preparing the foundation. He died 
 Sept. 27, 1831. 
 
 89. Robert Booth, 1758-1796. 
 
 Robert, youngest son of Nathan and Abigail (Steele) 
 Booth, and grandson of Robert Booth of East Street and the 
 Great Swamp parish, was born June 20, 1758. He married. 
 May 30, 1782, Abigail Barton. He lived with his father, 
 near the site of the South Church, for twenty years after his 
 marriage and before his father's death. When his father 
 died Robert received the homestead and a large portion of 
 his feather's farm, and he lived at the old home and worked 
 the farm until his sudden death May 8, 179G. 
 
4'12 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Children. 1. Salome, b. March 15, 1785, m. May 28, 1801, Erastus 
 Lewis; 2. Rhoda, b. Oct., 1787, m. July 5, 1810, IraSlrong; 3. Samuel, b. 
 Jan. 23, 1790, m. May 5, 1812, Nancy Belden; 4. Abigail, b. July 5, 1793, 
 m. March 17, 1818, Norman Woodruff ; 5. Robert, b. Dec. 8, 1794; d. in 
 infancy; 6. Robert, b. Aug. 1, 1796, m. Nov. 26, 1818, Sally Whaples. 
 
 90. Solomon Clark, 1758-1824. 
 
 Solomon, son of Joseph and Sarah (Curtiss) Clark, was 
 born 1758. He married, June 3, 1784, Elizabeth Smith. He 
 inherited the homestead of his father on Bast Street, just 
 north of the railway, and passed the most of his life upon tlie 
 farm. At this home, his father kept the first store in New 
 Britain, in which a few small articles for domestic use, and 
 a few groceries, were sold or bartered for produce. Solomon 
 Clark died March 29, 1824. 
 
 Childebn. 1. Chauncey, b. April 15, 1787, m. Sept. 15, 1818, Eunice 
 Hart, who died Oct. 16, 1819, and (2), m. Dec. 22, 1824, Mary Smith ; 21 
 Anna, b. March 20, 1790; 3. Betsey, b. Dec. 20, 1794, m. March 31, 1819, 
 Cyrus Hart. 
 
 91. Dr. John Andrews, 1758-1833. 
 
 John, son of Moses and Lydia (Root) Andrews, was born 
 Nov. 29, 1758. He married, May 10, 1792, Phebe Lewis, and 
 (2) March 16, 1800, Caroline Bi'onson. For several years in 
 early life, and before his marriage, he taught school ; he tlieu 
 engaged in the practice of a physician, and was contempora- 
 neous with Dr. Adna Stanley of Stanley Quarter. His 
 practice was chiefly limited to the southwestern part of the 
 parish, and was mostly given up the latter part of his life for 
 the care of his farm. His home was near that of his father 
 on West Main Street. He died June 19, 1833. 
 
 Children. By first wife, 1. Phebe Lewis, b. Oct. 28, 1797, m. March 
 18, 1823, Asa Cowdry; by second wife, 2. Milton, b. Nov. 12, 1801, m. May 
 4, 1827, Charlotte Osgood ; 3. John, b. Oct. 10, 1803, m. Nov. 8, 1836, 
 Lucy Foot ; 4. Abigail Bronson, b. May 16, 1806, m. May 4, 1827, Aaron 
 Hart; 3. Hiram, b. April 7, 1808, d. young ; 6. Caroline Porter, b. Sept. 
 21, 1813, d. young. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 443 
 
 93. Lemuel Smith, 1759-1839. 
 
 Lemuel, son of Ebenezer and Meliitable (Buck) Smith, 
 was born March 11, 1759. He married, Oct. 10, 1790, Dolly 
 Smith. Soon after his marriage, he went to live on East 
 Street in a house situated at the corner below the residence 
 of his father-in-law. He had built the house on East Main 
 Street afterwards occupied by Dr. Smalley and Deacon 
 Whittlesey, but before he was married sold it to Dr. Smalley 
 for £168. He afterwards built in Stanley Quarter, a short 
 distance south of the residence of Prof. Andrews. He was 
 tall, of commanding form, somewhat striking in appearance, 
 and was for many years the chorister of the First Church. 
 He died Jan.. 17, 1839. 
 
 Children. 1. Anson, b. 1791 ; 3. Desdemona, b. 1797 ; 3. Lester ; 4. 
 Bela, b. 1800. 
 
 93. Noah Stanley, 1759-1829. 
 
 Noah, the fourth child of Deacon Noah and Ruth (Norton) 
 Stanley, was born April 25,~ 1759. He was a substantial 
 farmer, industrious, and a man of scrupulous integrity. His 
 first wife, Lucy Lewis, died in 1784, at the age of twenty- 
 three. He married (2) Experience Welles, daughter of 
 Joshua Welles of Wethersfield. She died Aug. 9, 1789, aged 
 thirty-one ; and he married as his third wife, Naomi Burritt 
 of Stratford. He lived at the home of his father in Stanley 
 Quarter. He was but sixteen years old when the war of the 
 revolution began, but entered the service during the war, 
 serving as a light horseman. He died May 4, 1829. 
 
 Children. 1. Noah, b. March 36, 1783, d. in infancy ; 3. Lucy Lewis, 
 b. Sept., 1787; 3. Pede Welles, b. 1793, d. in infancy; 4. Naomi Burritt, b. 
 Sept. 34, 1793, m. Riley Griswold; 5. Wakeman Norton, b. March 9, 1793, 
 m. Elizabeth N. Hart; 6. Noah W., b. Nov. 19, 1794, m. Laura F. Booth; 
 7. Jason, b. Aug. 13, 1796; 8. Pede, b. 1798, d. young; 9. Horatio, b. 1801, 
 d. in infancy. 
 
 94. Elijah Hart, 1759-1837. 
 
 Elijah, son of Deacon Elijah, second, and Sarah (Gilbert) 
 Hart, was born May 7, 1759. He married, Dec. 21, 1780, 
 Anna Andrews. He lived in the soutli part of the double 
 
414 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 house built by his father on Kensington Street, near the sand- 
 bank road. He had a largo farm and was alsp the owner of 
 Hart's mills, near his home, in which he manufactured kiln- 
 dried corn meal for the West India trade. He held the office 
 of captain in the military company ; enlisted into the revolu- 
 tionary army for three years ; and was present at the sur- 
 render of Burgoyne. In 1805, he was chosen deacon of the 
 First Church, of which he had been a member for twenty 
 years. In, 1824, he was dismissed from this church to the 
 church at Mount Carmel, Conn., where he had built a 
 house and mill and where he resided several years. 
 He returned to New Britain, and died at his old home, 
 from the sting of a bee, Aug. 4, 1827. 
 
 Childken. 1. Elijah, b. Feb. 11, 1783, d. May 13, 1803; 2. Selali, b. 
 Nov. 6, 1784, m. Oct. 5, 1805, Jemima Webster ; 3. Samuel, b. April 7, 
 1786, m. March 18, 1812, Orpha North ; 4. Jesse, b. April 20, 1789, m. 
 April 5, 1810, Lucina Cowdry; 5. Jonathan, b. Feb. 20, 1793; 6. Norman, 
 b. Aug. 5, 1794, m. Sept. 8, 1818, Minerva Lee ; 7. Anna, b. Dec, 5, 
 1796, d. young; 8. Ira, b. July 22, 1798, m. May 3, 1820, Orpha Hart; 9. 
 Anna, b. Nov. 17, 1801, d. young; 10. Elijah, b. Sept. 11, 1804, m. March 
 15, 1826, Louisa Warner. 
 
 95. Elijah Pbancis, 1760-1846. 
 
 Elijah, son of Elijah and Eannah (Buck) Francis, was 
 born Jan. 6, 1760. He married, Dec. 21, 1785, Jane Clark. 
 He lived in the valley east of Osgood Hill, had a farm, and was 
 also a tanner and shoemaker. At sixteen years of age, he 
 was engaged as a teai^ster in the war of the revolution. He 
 was respected for his public spirit, and was several times 
 elected as a representative from the town of Berlin to the 
 General Assembly. When fifty-seven years of age, he united 
 with the First Church, was elected deacon of that church in 
 1822, and often served on committees of the church. In 
 1842, he headed the petition for the organization of a new 
 church; and when the church was organized, he was appointed 
 deacon at its first meeting. He was active in church work 
 at both churches. He died Oct. 30, 1846. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 445 
 
 96. Nathaniel Pennfjeld, 1760-1838. 
 
 Nathaniel, son of Natlianiel and Lydia (Barnes) Penn- 
 lield, was born at New Haven Nov. 14, 1760. He married, 
 Oct. 22, 1780, Eunice Kelsey, and (^2) widow Polly Ru^g. 
 He was a cooper, working a part of the time at his trade 
 and a part of the time upon a farm. He lived in the north- 
 west part of the place, on Horse Plain. He was industrious, 
 carefully husbanding his time. He was a soldier in the war 
 of the revolution, and was in the engagements at Horse Neck 
 and White Plains. He died Feb. 6, 1838. 
 
 Children. 1. Nathaniel, b. Feb., 1781, m. Nov. 5, 1798, Polly Steele; 
 2. Silas, b. 1782, m. March 1, 1804, Huldah Hart ; 3. Polly, b. Sept. 4, 
 1786, m. Aug. 11, 1801, Shubel Curtiss ; 4. Eunice, b. May 13, 1789, m. 
 May 32, 1808, William Pennfield; 5. John, b. Oct. 18, 1791, m. March 13, 
 181.5, Elizabeth Hart; 6. Betsey, b. AprH13, 1793, m. Feb. 6, 1820, Enos 
 Penniield, and (3) Joseph Langdon; 7. Chester, b. Jan. 33, 1796, m. June 
 4, 1830. Aurelia Carrington ; 8. Sally, b. Nov. 8, 1800, m. Aug. 5, 1831, 
 David Northrop. 
 
 97. Daniel Judd, 1761-1834. 
 
 Daniel, son of James and Hannah (Andrus) Judd, was 
 born Aug. 14, 1761. He married Irene Hitchcock, who died 
 June 17,1790, and he married (2) ^Hannah Bartholomew. 
 He had his home, which he inherited from his father and 
 grandfather, on Bast Street. The house had been considered 
 the extreme north end of the Great Swamp parish, the houses 
 further north belonging either to Farmington or Wethersfield. 
 He was a farmer, but part qf his time was occupied in the 
 care and management of the saw-mill, which he owned 
 in company with his brother James, and which was known as 
 Judd's saw-mill. He died Oct. 17, 1834. 
 
 Children. 1. William, b. Dec. 9, 1787, m. April 33, 1807, Polly Eddy ; 
 2. Daniel, b. April 14, 1790, m. Abigail Squire ; by second wife, 3. Irene 
 b. Nov. 13, 1793, m. Dec. 5, 1810, John Eliis; 4. Polly, b. Dec. 15, 1795 
 m. April 33, 1833, William Bassett; 5. Eri, b. Jan. 13, 1798, m. Jan. 31, 
 1819, Lovisa Bronson ; 6. Amon, b. Oct. 37, 1800, m. Aug. 4, 1834, Jerusha 
 Belden; 7. Betsey, b. Aug. 13, 1804, m. Oct. 3, 1833, Henry Gladden; 8. 
 Richard, b. Jan. 38, 1807, m. Jan. 39, 1836, Eliza Howd ; 9. Rhoda, b. 
 Nov. 4, 1809, m. July 38, 1830, William Hart. 
 
446 HISTOEY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 98. Dr. Adna Stanley, 1763-1825. 
 
 Adna, the fifth child of Noah and Ruth (Norton) Stanley, 
 was born in Stanley Quarter, Jan. 28, 1763. He graduated 
 at Yale College in the -class of 1787, studied medicine and 
 became a practicing physician in New Britain, having his 
 residence in Stanley Quarter. He married, April 26, 1809, 
 Nancy Deming of Newington. His practice was in New 
 Britain, Newington, and Farmington, and to this practice was 
 added the care of a large farm which he owned, and which 
 was cultivated under his direction. He was a man of 
 vigorous mind, but of few words. His appearance and man- 
 ners were those of a man of refinement and dignity. He left 
 what was then a large estate, amounting to nearly $18,000. 
 He died Dec. 30, 1825. 
 
 Childben. 1. Julia Ann, b. Feb. 13, 1810, m. Henry L. Bidwell ; 3. 
 Augusta, b. Nov. 3, 1811; 3. Sophia, b. June 14, 1818; 4. Nancy, b. Aug. 
 18, 1815, m. Nov. 1, 1831, John H. Goodwin; 5. Cordelia, b. Jan. 33, 1830. 
 
 99. Abijah Hart, 1764-1839. 
 
 Abijah, eldest son of Thomas and Mehitabel (Bird) Hart, 
 was born April 7, 1764. He married, Sept. 22, 1794, Anna 
 Hall, and (2) Oct. 26, 1826, Lucy Dunham. He taught 
 school in Middletown, and in 1795 received from Yale 
 College the honorary degree of A. M. He engaged in mer- 
 chandise and commerce in New Yorlc city, and became a 
 partner in the firm of Hicks, Yanderbilt & Hart. About 
 1808, he returned to the old home of his father on West 
 Main Street and engaged in farming. He died May 3, 
 1829. 
 
 Childrej!^. 1. Julia Ann, b. Sept. 1, 1795, ni. Dec. 16, 1818, Seth 
 Lewis; 3. Caroline Bird, b. April 15, 1798, m. Dec. 16, 1818, Alfred 
 Andrews; 3. Thomas Giles, b. Dec. 3, 1800; 4. Henry Abijah, b. Aug. 9, 
 1805, m. April 34, 1837, Eliza Shipman; 5. Samuel Mansfield, b. Aug. 30, 
 1807. 
 
 100. Levi Welles, 1764-1833. 
 
 Levi, son of Elisha and Lydia (Deming) Welles, was born 
 in 1764. He married, Dec. 9, 1790, Hannah Welles, who 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 447 
 
 died March 1, 1809, and he married (2) Betsey Mather. He 
 was a farmer and lived in Newington for a few years after 
 his marriage, and then removed to New Britain. He bought 
 of Timothy Kilbourn, in 1800, a farm with house and other 
 buildings on East Street, and made New Britain his home. 
 He was a member of the standing committee of the First 
 Church. He died Oct. 23, 1823. 
 
 Children. 1. Lydia, b. Oct. 24, 1792, m. Jan. 20, 1814, Augustus 
 Flagg ; 2. Levi, b. Sept. 7, 1793, m. Ann Ames ; 3. Horace, b. Aug. 11, 
 1795, m. Dec. 24, 1833, Pamela Sedgwick; 4. Hannah, b. Aug., 1797, m. 
 Sept. 19, 1831, Chester Hart; 5. Elva, b. Sept, 11, 1800, m. May 13, 1824, 
 Chester Hart ; 6. Lemuel Watts, b. July 4, 1803, m. Nov. 15, 1837, Abi 
 Stanley ; 7. Marilla, b. Sept. 36, 1805, m. Nov. 2, 1835, Ralph Shipman. 
 
 101. Elihtj B0RRITT, 1765-1827. 
 
 Elihu, son of Elihu and Eunice (Walceman) Burritt was 
 born Dec. 13,, 1765, at Stratford, Conn. He was a shoe- 
 maker by trade, but also worked on a farm or engaged in 
 other business. He married, July 20, 1793, Elizabeth Hins- 
 dale. He had his home for a time on the west side of Main 
 Street, near the site of Porter's block, but afterwards lived in 
 other localities, the latter part of his life in a house belong- 
 ing to his father-in-law, Elijah Hinsdale, near the junction of 
 Elm and Stanley streets. He was in the war of the revolu- 
 tion for a short time before its close. He died Jan. 29, 
 1827. 
 
 Children. 1. Elijah Hinsdale, b. April 20, 1794, m. Oct. 28, 1819, 
 Ann W. Watson; 2. Betsey Hinsdale, b. July 23, 1796, m. Aug. 34, 1829, 
 Hezekiah Seymour; 3. Emily, b. Aug. 12, 1798, m. 1838, Capt. Taylor; 4. 
 George, b. Dec. 5, 1800; 5. Mary, b. Feb. 18, 1803, m. May 26, 1825, Wil- 
 liam Williams; 6. William, b. July 8, 1805, m. May 5, 1826, Clarissa Cole; 
 7. Isaac, b. May 31, 1808, m. Oct. 16, 1832, Nancy Barnes; 8. Elihu, b. 
 Dec. 8, 1810 ; 9. Eunice Wakeman, b. May 2, 1813, m. April 34, 1833, 
 Jabez Cornwell, and (2) A. J. Sawyer ; 10. Almira Bidwell, b. July 37, 
 1816, m. Nov. 34, 1836, Stephen L. Strickland. 
 
 103. Dr. James Pbrcival, 1767-1807. 
 James, son of James and Dorothy (Cates) Percival, was 
 born in East Haddam, April 20, 1767. He was a lineal 
 descendant of John Robinson, the famous Leyden pastor of 
 
448 
 
 the Puritan Fathers. He married, January, 1790, Elizabeth, 
 daughter of Matthew Hart of Kensington. Having studied 
 medicine he commenced practice in Kensington, liaving his 
 home near the Methodist Church. As was the custom in 
 those days, he carried his medicines with him in his saddle- 
 bags, when calling on his patients. He soon became eminent 
 as a physician, and was useful as a public-spirited citizen. 
 He was a man of great industry, much esteemed in the com- 
 munity. After an Illness of a few days, he died Jan. 22, 
 1807. 
 
 CHiLnKEN. 1. Harriet, d. Feb. 16, 1807; 3. Edwin, b. 1793; 3. James 
 Gates, b. Sept. 15, 1795; 4. Oswin Hart, b. 1797. 
 
 103. Dr. Eli Todd, 1769-1833. 
 
 Eli, son of Michael and Mary Todd, of New Haven, was 
 born in that city in 1769 or 1770. He graduated from Yale 
 College in 1787, and soon after went to the West Indies. 
 On his return he studied medicine with Dr. Beardsley, an 
 eminent physician of New Haven, and in 1790 came to 
 Parmington, where he was engaged in practice nearly thirty 
 years. He attained eminence in his profession, and had the 
 full confidence of the community. He removed to Hartford 
 in 1819, where, with his regular practice, he became deeply 
 interested in the care and management of the insane, and 
 by his influence and exertions contributed largely to the 
 establishment of the Connecticut Retreat for the Insane. 
 On the 7th of January, 1823, lie was unanimously chosen 
 superintendent, with' a salary of one thousand dollars, and 
 the use of a dwelling-house near the institution. He was 
 already familiar with the literature of insanity and the 
 methods of treatment in European institutions. He now 
 studied the subject still more carefully, and acquainted 
 himself with the little that had been done in the . treatment 
 of the insane in this country. His rare ability and skill in 
 the treatment of diseases both of body and mind, and the 
 clear and full statement of his plans, at once secured the 
 confidence of the medical fraternity and of the public, 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 449 
 
 and the institution was a success from the start. He 
 remained connected with it as physician and superintend- 
 ent until his deatli, in the autumn of 1833. 
 
 Dr. Todd was not only eminent in his profession, but 
 as a man he possessed those rare mental endowments Avhich 
 always command respect. He had a retentive memory, 
 a vivid imagination, and refined taste, with remarkable con- 
 versational powers, which made him ever welcome in refined 
 society. He was also kind hearted and specially sympathetic 
 with the sick, at once winning their confidence. In early 
 life a skeptic, he was led in later years to a careful investi- 
 gation of the subject of religion, and a careful study of the 
 Bible, and " he became a sincere and ardent disciple of 
 Clirist, and enjoyed in his later years, and especially in 
 his last long and distressing illness, the peculiar supports and 
 consolations of the gospel." 
 
 104. William Smith, 1771-1838; 
 
 William, son of Samuel and Mary (Goodrich) Smith, 
 was born Sept. -2, 1771. He married, Nov. 6, 1796, Sarah 
 Lewis, who died Feb. 4, 1810, and he married (2) Feb. 
 10, 1812, Lucretia Moore. He was brought up on his 
 father's farm, in the south part of Stanley Quarter, but 
 came to the center, bought a farm on West Main Street, 
 west of the Judds, and made this his home. He worked 
 upon the farm for a time, and then engaged in the manufac- 
 ture of tin ware, contemporaneous with his brother-in-law, 
 Erastus Lewis. He was a partner in the firm of North, Lee, 
 Smith & Shipman, organized in 1807 for the manufacture of 
 jewelry, and was also interested in some other concerns. 
 He was a representative of the town in the General 
 Assembly, was justice of the peace, and held other civil 
 offices. He was for several years one of the standing com- 
 mittee of the church, and active in promoting its interests. 
 He died Nov. 2, 1838. 
 
 Children. 1. Betsey Lewis, b. Nov. 24, 1797; 2. William Henry, b. 
 Oct. 23, 1800, m. Aug. 7, 1835, Marcia North, and (2) April 37, 1843, 
 
450 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Lucinda Hart; 3. Lauretta, b. Sept. 24, 1802, m. Jan. 24, 1831, Henry 
 
 North; 4. Samuel Walter, b. May 15, 1805; by second wife, 5. 
 
 Sarah Maria, b. April 11, 1816, m. May 1, 1832, Grove W. Loomis, and 
 (3) July 25, 1860, Oilman Hinsdale; 6. Levi Olmsted, b. March 25, 1818, 
 m. Oct. 26, 1847, Sarah E, Whiting; 7. Harriet Strong, b. Sept. 29, 1820, 
 m. May 14, 1845, Horace Brown; 8. Elizur Newton, b. Dec. 13, 1822, 
 m. Dec. 22, 1846, Laura L. Clark; 9. Elizabeth Augusta, b. Dec. 18, 1822. 
 
 105. John Judd, 1772-1822. 
 
 John, son of John and Lydia (Mather) Judd, was born 
 May 8, 1772. He married, May, 1792, Ursula Stanley. His 
 residence was on West Main Street, on the site of the house 
 built by Deacon Morton Judd, and afterwards occupied 
 by Charles Blakeslee. He was a blacksmith by trade, hav- 
 ing learned of his uncle, James North. He had his shop 
 opposite his home, where his sons afterwards engaged in 
 manufacturing business. He died July 18, 1822. 
 
 Childbkn. 1. Nancy, b. Sept. 17, 1798, m. Dec. 12. 1813, Austin 
 Woodford; 2. Aurora, b. March 20, 1795; 8. John, b. March 25, 1796, 
 m. April 10, 1822, Betsey Hart; 4. Polly, b. Sept. 24, 1797, m. Sept. 
 2, 1816, Pliny Slater; 5. Marilla, b. May 7, 1799, m. Dec. 10, 1820, 
 Rollin Dickinson, and (2) Dec. 5. 1852, Oilman Hinsdale; 6. Minerva, b. 
 July 11, 1801, d. in infancy; 7. Marinda, b. Nov. 11, 1802, d. young; 
 8. Harry, b. Nov. 2, 1804, m. May 8, 1828, Julia A. Lewis; 9. Anna, b. 
 Nov. 4, 1807, m. March 36, 1826, Lawrence Richards, and (2) Sept. 9, 
 1840, Oilman Hinsdale; 10. Morton, b. Nov. 5, 1808, m. Jan. 26, 1828, 
 Lucinda Dunham, and (2) Feb. 21, 1855, Julia Ann Blinn; 11. Lydia, b. 
 Feb. 9, 1810; 13. Oliver Stanley, b. Nov. 30, 1816, m. April 15, 1838, 
 Emily A. Lewis, and (2) Jan. 5, 1860, Evelina Atkins. 
 
 106. David Whittlesey, 1775-1851. 
 
 David, son of Eliphalefc and Comfort (Waller) Whittle- 
 sey, was born Feb. 14, 1775. He married, Oct. 15, 1804, 
 Rebecca Smalley, youngest daughter of Rev. John Smalley, 
 D.D., and had his home with Dr. Smalley, on East Main 
 Street. In early life he taught school several winters, but 
 liis time was principally occupied with his farm. He was 
 much respected for his integrity and public spirit, and 
 was frequently appointed to offices of trust and responsi- 
 bility. He was a civil magistrate, represented the town 
 of Berlin in the Legislature, and was repeatedly appointed 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 451 
 
 one of the school visitors of the society. He became a mem- 
 ber of the First Church, Oct. 13, 1805, was ap}Doiuted to 
 the standing committee in 1807, and elected deacon tlie 
 same year. In 1816 he was largely instrumental in organ- 
 izing the Sunday-school, the first in Hartford Coiinty, and 
 was elected the first superintendent. He was actively 
 engaged in the anti-slavery and temperance reforms, and 
 in many ways sought to benefit society. He died July 21, 
 1851. 
 
 CHiLDRBr^. 1. William, b. Sept. 19, 1805, m. Sept. 9, 1845, Louisa 
 Hart; 2. Nancy Smalley, b. Feb. 19, 1807, m. Feb. 19, 1827, Thomas 
 Stanley; 3. Sarali Guernsey, b. Sept. 15, 1808; 4. Mary, b. Sept. 2, 1809, 
 m. Sept. 4, 1827, Dan Clark; 5. John Smalley, b. Jan. 8, 1811, d. in 
 infancy; 6. John Smalley. b. Oct. 2, 1812, m. March 19, 1834, Eliza 
 Haskell; 7. Rebecca Smalley, b. June 26, 1814, m. Daniel Fairchild; 
 
 8. David Waller, b. March 31, 181G, m. Sept. 4, 1839, Dolly B. Averill; 
 
 9. Calista Curtiss, b. Nov. 7, 1818, m. Oct. 10, 1843, Amos M. Ebersnl; 
 
 10. Eliphalet, b May 14, 1821, m. Oct. 31, 1854, Ann A. Pattin; 11. 
 Elizabeth Pamela, b. Nov. 1, 1822, m. Oct. 27, 1847, Rev. Charles W. 
 Camp. 
 
 107. EzEKiEL Andrews, 1775-1853. 
 
 Ezekiel, youngest son of Hezekiah and Anna (Stedman) 
 Andrews, was born May 25, 1775. He married, Dec. 11, 
 1796, Ro.xana Hinsdale. He inherited the homestead of his 
 father, with the saw-mill near, and a large farm, much of it 
 uncultivated. He was a hard working, successful farmer, 
 accumulating what, at that time, was considered a good 
 property. He was patriotic, and exhibited his indomitable 
 spirit in public matters, as well as for the promotion of 
 his private interests. In the war of 1812 he held a cap- 
 tain's commission, signed by Jonathan Trumbull. His first 
 wife died in 1832, and he married (2) Oct. 20, 1833, Huldah 
 Goodrich, widow of Luther Moses. He died Sept. 3, 1852. 
 
 Childebn. 1. Alfred, b. Oct. 16, 1797, m. Dec. 16, 1818, Caroline 
 B. Hart and (2) Mary L. Shipman; 2. Thesta, b. Dec. 16, 1T98, m. Nov. 
 27, 1823, Bryan Porter; 3. Allura, b. April 16, 1801; 4. Edwin Norton, 
 b. June 27, 1804; 5. Mary Bid well, b. April 13, 1807, m. April 21, 1830, 
 Samuel E. Curtiss; 6. Ezekiel, b. July 19, 1809, m. Aug. 7, 1833, Sarah 
 E. Parker; 7. Nathan Hosmer, b. June 22, 1812; 8. Roxana, b. April 6, 
 
452 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 1815, m. May 20, 1835, Enos M. Smith; 9. Jane Louise, b. Feb. 2, 1818, 
 m. Sept. 11, 1837, William Miles; 10. Elijah Hinsdale, b. Aug. 11, 1820, 
 d. in infancy; 11. Ellen Maria, b. Sept. 18, 1824. 
 
 108. Jambs Booth, 1776-1859. 
 
 James, son. of James and Thankful (Wincliell) Booth, 
 was born Sept. 11, 1776.^ He married, Dec. 22, 1800, Olive 
 Wilcox. He was grandson of Nathan Booth, the first set- 
 tler of the central part of New Britain. He learned the tan- 
 ner and shoemaker's trade, and carried on the business 
 opposite his father's homestead, having his tannery on the 
 east side of Main Street, north of the present railway cross- 
 ing. His home was on the west side of Main Street, north 
 of Myrtle Street, where he kept a tavern and boarding-house 
 several years. Since his death his house has been occupied 
 by his son, Horace. He died Jan. 2, 1859. 
 
 Children. 1. Aurelia, b. Feb. 10, 1802, d. young; 3. Lyraan 
 Wilcox, b. Feb. 9, 1804, m. May 5, 1825, Keziah L. Andrews; 8. George 
 W., b. Jan 30, 1806, m. Oct. 2, 1828, Abigail S. Cornwell; 4. Ealph, 
 b. April 29, 1811, d. young; 5. Lucetta, b. Aug. 6, 1814, m. Sept. 28, 
 1836, Henry B. Phelps; 6. Ralph, b. May 25, 1818, m. Jan. 26, 1846, 
 Julia Daily; 7. Horace, b. Nov. 6, 1821, m. May 5, 1847, Almira Beckley. 
 
 109. Thomas Lee, 1776-1840. 
 
 Thomas, son of Isaac and Abigail (Goodrich) Lee, born 
 Nov. 28, 1776, married Electa Riley, Oct. 10, 1797. She 
 died and he married Laura, daughter of Martin Kellogg, 
 of Newington, and widow of Asaph Whittlesey, Feb. 2, 1831. 
 Four years afterwards she died, and he married (3), Jan. 3, 
 1888, Esther, daughter of John Meigs, Middletown, and 
 widow of Solomon Lusk, New Britain. Thomas Lee was one 
 of the first manufacturers iu New Britain. He had traveled 
 in the Southern States, selling goods sent from the North. 
 He had been an agent of the Patersons, of Berlin, and soon 
 after his first marriage he established a shop for the man- 
 ufacture of tin ware, on West Main Street. He was associ- 
 ated with his brother, Isaac, and after their tin shop was in 
 successful operation they built and opened the first store in 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 453 
 
 the village. He was also engaged in the manufacture of 
 jewelry for a short time, and had an interest in other manu- 
 factures. He represented the town of Berlin in the legisla- 
 ture several sessions, was justice of the peace, judge of pro- 
 bate, and held other public .offices. He was an active pol- 
 itician, and was instrumental in securing the establishment 
 of a post-office in New Britain. He died Aug. 20, 1840. 
 
 Children. 1. Minerva, b. April 32, 1798, m. Sept. 8, 1818, Norman 
 Hart; 3. Lorenzo P., b. April 13, 1800, m. Nov. 3, 1828, Jennette Hills; 
 
 3. Thirza, b. Nov. 19, 1801, m. Sept. 20, 1849, Rev. David Tilton; 
 
 4. John R., b. April 22, 1804; 5. Electa, b. March 24, 1806, m. Aug. 20, 
 1826, Wella Hubbard; 6. Thomas G., b. Sept. 1, 1808, m. April 21, 1835, 
 Susan Clark; 7. Caroline, b. Nov. 8, 1810, m. Oct. 18, 1840, Rev. Joshua 
 Phelps; 8. Almira S., b. Aug. 9, 1813, m. Oct. 17, 1836, Andrew K. Hunt; 
 9. William H., b. Feb. 10, 1816, d. young; 10. William H., b. May 19, 
 1818, m. Jan. 6, 1849, Louisa Northam; 11. Angeline, b. Jan. 4, 1824, m. 
 Oct. 13, 1852, Mark Howard. 
 
 110. James North, 1777-1825. 
 
 James, eldest son of James and Rhoda (Judd) North, 
 was born Dec. 19, 1777. He married, May 1, 1800, Rhoda 
 Belden. He worked for a time in his father's blacksmith 
 shop, but in accordance with his father's wishes, went to learn 
 the business of manufacturing articles of brass of Joseph 
 Barton, at Stockbridge, Mass. A few months before his mar- 
 riage he commenced manufacturing sleigh-bells in a room of 
 a dwelling-house belonging to his father, and located near the 
 corner of South Main and Park streets. He commenced 
 business with Joseph Shipman, but he soon carried it on by 
 himself, and then with his brother, Seth J. North, until he 
 removed to Cherry Valley, N. Y., leaving to Seth the business 
 in New Britain. He was, for a time, quite successful at 
 Cherry Valley, but at last lost his property and returned to 
 New Britain. He commenced again in the brass business ■ 
 near his father's residence, and continued for a few years, 
 respected and beloved for his unselfish, generous spirit. He 
 died Sept. 9, 1825. 
 
 Children. 1. Marcia, b. Aug. 27, 1801, m. Aug. 7, 1825, William H. 
 Smith; 2. Maria, b. Sept. 10, 1803, d. young; 3. William, b. Sept. 23, 1805, d. 
 
454 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 in infancy ; 4. Nancy, b. Nov. 22, 1806, m. Dec. 28, 1833, Philip Lee ; 5. 
 William, b. March 13, 1809 ; 6. Mary, b. Aug, 21, 1811, m. May 28, 1834, 
 Samuel Raymond; 7. Henry, b. Oct. 19, 1813 ; 8. Maria, b. June 14, 1816, 
 m. May 18, 1836, Cornelius B. Erwin ; 9. Augustus, b. March 8, 1819, m. 
 May 12, 1845, Martha Stanley ; 10. Adeline, b. May 26, 1823, m. 1847, 
 Robert R. Kimbal. 
 
 111. Amon Stanley, 1778-1846. 
 
 Amon, the second son of Lot and Rhoda (Wads worth) 
 Stanley, was born March 10, 1778. 'He learned the hatter's 
 trade of his father, and worked at it first with his father and 
 then by himself, collecting furs from the west, and after 
 making them into hats, sending these to New York State and 
 elsewhere for sale. He married, Oct. 10, 1802, Abi North, 
 daughter of James North. He bought of the other heirs 
 their interest in the homestead of his father, at the corner of 
 the Stanley road and the " new highway," and this became 
 his home. He for a time carried on the business of distilling 
 cider-brandy, which was then considered respectable and 
 right, but his wife having scruples in regard to the business, 
 he was induced to give it up, first selling the distillery to 
 others, and then re-purchasing it that he might destroy the 
 establishment and stop the manufacture. He did this at a 
 sacrifice, but it was indicative of his purpose to be guided by 
 principle rather than interest. The latter part of his life 
 was occupied principally in the care of his farm. He died 
 Feb. 2, 1846. 
 
 Children. 1. Julia, b. Dec. 24, 1803 ; 2. Thomas, b. Sept. 22, 1805, 
 m. Feb. 19, 1827, Nancy Smalley, and (2) widow Cordelia S. Cornwell ; 3. 
 Henry, b. Sept. 24, 1807, m. June 10, 1829, Eliza S. North, and (2) Sept. 
 5, 1838, Catharine A. Stanley; 4. James, b. Oct. 23, 1809, d. in infancy; 5. 
 James, b. March 31, 1813, m. July 5, 1836, Anna N. Stow, (2) widow 
 Minerva E. Case, and (3) widow A. D. Gaylord; 6. Augustus, b. April 11, 
 1814, m. Oct. 5, 1842, Elvira A. Conklin; 7. Timothy W., b. July 13, 1817, 
 m. Oct. 24, 1841, Adaline G. Cornwell, and (2) Theresa B. Stanley; 8. Lot, 
 b. July 8, 1830; 9. Martha, b. Aug. 11, 1822, m. May 12, 1845, A. W. 
 North; 10. Amelia, b. Jaa. 1, 1835, m. Feb. 29, 1848, Henry Walter; 11. 
 Mary A., b, Sept. 23, 1828. 
 
 112. Joseph Lee Smith, 1779-1840. 
 
 Joseph Lee, second son of Elnathan Smith, was born May 
 28, 1779. He studied law at Litchfield and Hartford, and prac- 
 
BIOGRAPHK'AL SKETCHES. 455 
 
 ticed law in Connecticut until the war with England of 1812. 
 When this war broke out, he was appointed major in the 
 twenty-fifth U. S. Infantry, and had the command of the 
 regiment in the invasion of Canada. For gallant service, he 
 was soon appointed lieutenant-colonel and brevetted colonel. 
 He remained in the army an efficient and much valued officer 
 until 1819, when he resigned his commission to accept the 
 position of United States Judge of the Superior Court of 
 Florida, to which he was appointed by President Monroe. 
 He was an eminent jurist ; his thorough knowledge of law 
 and his excellent judgment led him to render decisions which 
 commanded the attention of the bench and were seldom or 
 never reversed. In physical appearance, he was six feet two 
 inches in height, with great breadth of shoulders and chest, 
 attractive features, and pleasant manners. He was married, 
 in 1804, to Frances Marvin Kirby, daughter of Col. Ephraim 
 Kirby,* a distinguished citizen of Litchfield. Col. Smith 
 died in St. Augustine, May 27, 1846. 
 
 Children. 1. Ephraim, b. at Litchfield, graduated at West Point, 
 served through the Mexican war, and was liilled storming the works at 
 Molino del Key ; 2. Frances Marvin, b. at Litchfield and m. Col. L. B. 
 Webster; 3. Josephine Lee, b. 1818, d. Nov., 1835; 4. Edmund Kirby, b. 
 May 16, 1824. 
 
 113. Seth J. North, 1779-1851. 
 
 Seth J., son of James and Rhoda (Judd) North, was born 
 Aug. 13, 1779. He married, Sept. 27, 1801, Elizabeth Stanley. 
 He learned the blacksmith's trade in his father's shop 'On 
 Main Street, and worked in that shop until about twenty- 
 one years of age, when he engaged in the manufacture of 
 sleigh-bells with his brother James, on South Main Street. 
 He enlarged the business after his brother moved away, 
 building new shops and adding to the variety of articles 
 manufactured. In 1807, he was a partner witli Thomas Lee, 
 William Smith, and othfers, in the manufacture of articles of 
 
 * Colonel Kirby was the author of Kirby's Law Eeports, Supervisor of U. S. 
 Revenue in Connecticut, U. S. Land eommissioner, and U. S. Judge of Missis- 
 sippi, and Judge of the Superior Court of New Orleans. 
 
456 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 jewelry. In 1812, he entered into partnership with his 
 brother, Alvin North, and H. C. Whipple, in making plated 
 wire, coat and cloak clasps, etc. He was afterwards associated 
 with John Stanley, William H. Smith, Henry Stanley, Oliver 
 Stanley, and others, in hardware and other manufactures. 
 He was for several years successfully engaged in the manu- 
 facture of neck stocks and hooks and eyes. He was instru- 
 mental in the organization of the New Britain Knitting Com- 
 pany, and was its president at the time of his death. He was 
 interested in other manufactures, and contributed largely to 
 the business prosperity of New Britain. 
 
 He was one of the projectors and original stockholders of 
 the Hartford & New Haven Railroad, and also of the Hart- 
 ford, Providence & Fishkill Railroad. He was active in 
 military affairs, held the office of major, and was usually 
 known in the community as " Major North." He was one of 
 the leaders in securing the organization of the South Congre- 
 gational Church in 1842, and in procuring its first place of 
 worship, and was a liberal contributor to its support. He 
 was an active friend of educatiisn, and was largely instru- 
 mental in the establishment of the State Normal School and 
 of other schools and academies. He was an intelligent 
 business man, shrewd in planning, and generally successful 
 in his business projects ; and before liis death had become 
 one of the wealthiest men of Hartford County. He died 
 March 10, 1851. 
 
 Children. 1. Charlotte, b. April 5, 1804, m. Jan. 1, 1834, John 
 Stanley, and (2) July 39, 1844, Rev. Samuel Rockwell ; 2. Eliza Stanley, 
 b. Nov. 37, 1807, m. June 10, 1829, Henry Stanley; 3. Walter Judd, b. 
 Aug. 3, 1810, d. Aug. 28, 1828; 4. Frederick Henry, b. Aug. 10, 1834, m. 
 Aug. 28, 1850, Mary Elizabeth North. 
 
 114. E,MANUEL Russell, 1779-1868. 
 Emanuel Russell was born at Litchfield, Conn., in 1719. 
 He had a store in the village, and at the same time superin- 
 tended his farm. He removed to New York in 1835, where 
 he engaged in trade with Smith Matteson under the name of 
 Russell & Matteson. His son, Isaac, afterwai-ds became a 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 457 
 
 partner, and the firm was Russell, Matteson & Co. Emanuel 
 Russell removed to Middletown and then to New Britain, 
 where he was a member of the firm of Stanley, Woodruff & 
 Co. On the first oi January, 1839, his interest was tranferred 
 to his son, Henry E Russell, and he retired from active 
 business. He was one of the original members of St. Mark's 
 Parish, his name standing first in the list of vestrymen 
 appointed on the organization of the parish. He died in 
 1863. 
 
 115. Joseph Weight, 1779-1855. 
 
 Joseph, son of Deacon Benjamin and Elizabeth (Culver) 
 Wriglit, was born Oct. 7, 1779. He married, Feb. 3, 1814, 
 Dorothy Hart. He inherited the farm of his father at the 
 south end of East Street, and lived upon it many years, but 
 in 1850 he sold the homestead and built on the south side 
 of Chestnut Street in the city. He was much in public life, 
 was one of the selectmen, judge of probate, a member of the 
 school committee, and he represented the town in the General 
 Assembly. For several years he was connected with the 
 military, holding at last the office of colonel. He died July 
 19, 1855. 
 
 Children. 1. Lucy Hart, b. Dec. 11, 1814 ; 2. Benjamin Gaylord, b. 
 Oct. 26, 1816, m. Prudence Hubbard, and (2) Frances E. Trowbridge; 3. 
 Oliver Cromwell, b. Sept. 16, 1819, m. Oct. 6, 1841, Mary H. Jones ; 4. 
 Edwin Culver, b. Dec. 4, 1821, m. July 27, 1852, Louisa C. Jessup ; 5. 
 Emily Elizabeth, b. Dec. 11, 1828, d. young; 6. Hercelia Ann, b. April 
 21, 1833. 
 
 116. Joseph Shipman, 1779-1859. 
 
 Joseph, son of Samuel and Sarah (Stanliff) Shipman, was 
 born Dec. 23, 1779. He married, July 11, 1802, Mary Lee. 
 He learned his trade of working in brass and other metals, 
 of Joseph Barton of Stockbridge, Mass. At the expiration of 
 his apprenticeship, and when but twenty years of age, he 
 commenced business with James North, Jr., in the room of a 
 dwelling-house, at the corner of South Main and Park streets, 
 but in less than a year was in business by himself, on a capital 
 of fifty dollars borrowed of Dr. Smalley. He now occupied 
 30 
 
458 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 one end of his father's joiner's shop on Bast Main Street, and 
 mantifactured sleigh-bells until the shop was burned. In 
 January, 1803, he bought a place on the west side of Stanley 
 Street, a short distance south of the school-liouse in Shipman 
 District, and gradually extended his business, building new 
 shops and adding to the variety of articles manufactured. In 
 1827, he bought a new site near the north end of Hartford 
 Avenue, built larger shops, and enlarged his business, having 
 his sons in partnership with him. His shop became the place 
 where many young men who were afterwards quite successful, 
 were trained to business. Mr. Shipman, by his public spirit and 
 generous manner, won the esteem of his fellow citizens. Un- 
 fortunately, in the financial revulsion of 1837, his business 
 was closed, and he passed the last years of his life with his 
 children at Yonkers and New Hartford. He died at the latter 
 place, March 9, 1859. 
 
 Children. 1. Ralph, b. March 4, 1803, m. Nov. 3, 1835, Marilla 
 Welles; 2. Mary Lee, b. April 14, 1805, m. Sept. 15, 1834, Alfred Andrews; 
 3. Eliza, b. Feb. 18, 1807, m. April 24, 1837, Henry A. Hart, M.D., and 
 (2) Feb. 23, 1837, David Martin, M.D., and (3) Sanford Brown; 4. Abigail 
 Goodricb, b. Oct. 13, 1809, m. Dec. 33, 1830, Rev. SpofEord D. Jewett; 5. 
 Horatio Waldo, b. Sept. 10, 1811, m. Nov. 4, 1835, Elizabeth Wadsworlh; 
 6. Orpha, b. Dec. 12, 1813, m. Oct. 20, 1833, Isaac N. Lee. 
 
 117. Alvin Nokth, 1781-1865. 
 
 Alvin, son of James and Ehoda (Judd) North, was born 
 Sept. 4, 1781. He married, July 15, 1804, Anna Stanley, 
 who died June 26, 1815, and he married (2) Clarissa Burn- 
 ham. Soon after marriage, he moved into the house whicii 
 Anthony Judd built but had vacated, which was at the 
 corner of East Main and Stanley streets. Some years later, 
 he moved this to the east side of the street and built a larger 
 and more commodious house. He engaged in manufacturing, 
 his principal shop being near his house, but he became in- 
 terested in several companies. His partners at different 
 times were Hezekiah Whipple, his brother, Seth J. North, 
 Henry Stanley, Horace Butler, his sons, and perhaps some 
 otliers. He was quite successful in business, a man of ster- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 459 
 
 liug integrity, one of the original members of the South 
 Church, and ever interested in its prosperity. He was the 
 first member appointed on the standing committee, in 1843, 
 and was in office at the time of his death. After he was un- 
 able to meet with the committee at the church, the meetings 
 were held at his house. He died Sept. 1,1865. 
 
 Children. 1. Orrin Stanley, b. July 13, 1805, m. Feb. 3, 1831, Sarah 
 Clark; 2. Harriet A., b. March 5, 1807, d. in' Infancy ; 3. Henrietta, b, 
 Aug. 16, 1809, d. in infancy; — by second wife: 4. Oliver Burnham, b. March 
 13, 1817, m. 1843, Martha E. Post; 5. Harriet A., b. Sept. 38, 1818, m. 
 July 17, 1839, Roger H. Mills; 6. Sarah Rogers, b. Aug. 28, 1820, m. Aug. 
 19, 1847, Samuel Brace; 7. Hubert Franklin, b. Nov. 13, 1822, m. Sept. 1, 
 1852, Jane M. Hendrick; 8. Mary Cordelia, b. July 1, 1825, m. Sept. 1, 1852, 
 Rev. Joseph Emerson; 9. Henrietta Clarissa, b. Sept. 16, 1829, m. July 18, 
 1855, Josiuh Shepard. 
 
 118. Samuel Kelsey, 1782-1861. 
 
 Samuel Kelsey, son of William and Dorothy (Goodrich) 
 Kelsey, was born in Kensington, Feb. 2, 1782. He married, 
 Dec. 17, 1804, Lydia Bronson, daughter of Luke Bronson. 
 He lived for some years after his marriage in Kensington, 
 making and repairing wagons and carts, his residence being 
 about half a mile south of New Britain line on the Kensing- 
 ton road. In 1819, he bought a farm on South Stanley Street, 
 New Britain, and became a resident of this parish. He was 
 often called to public business, being appointed assessor and 
 selectman of the town of Berlin and representing the town in 
 the legislature. He died April 23, 1861. 
 
 Childkek. 1. Sarah A., b. Sept. 14, 1805, m. H. W. Whiting; 2. 
 Amelia, b. April 20, 1807, m. Philo Andrevfs. 
 
 119. Moses D. Sbymouk, 1782-»1839. 
 
 Moses D. Seymour, New Britain, son of Aaron Seymour of 
 West Hartford, was born June 3, 1782. He married, Jan. 
 29, 1807, Abigail Hart. He learned the clothier's trade 
 before he left West Hartford, and after coming to New 
 Britain, had a clothier's shop near the bridge on Kensington 
 v'^treet. He built a house on the east side of the street some 
 rods north of his shop. He lived at this place for several 
 
460 . HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 years, and then sold it and built anotlier house near the foot 
 of Dublin Hill, where he afterwards lived. He died July 7, 
 
 1839. 
 
 Children. 1. Orson Hart, b. Sept. 1, 1807, m. Sept. 17, 1827, Hen- 
 rietta M. Stanley; 2. and 3. twins, d. in infancy; 4. Mary Ann, b. July 8, 
 1811, d. young; 5. Mary Ann, b. Oct. 14, 1813, m. June 8, 1844, William 
 Palmer, and (2) Bradford Bullock ; 6. Henry Phtlps, b. Aug: 2, 1818, m. 
 Jim. 31, 1844, Laura A. Pierce, and (2) May 8, 1848, Isabel O. Taylor; 
 7. Oliver Dewitt, b. Dec. 31, 1820, m. Oct. 18, 1843, Harriet H. Marsh. 
 
 120. Selah Hart, 1784-1851. 
 
 Selah Hart, New Britain, second son of Deacon Elijah and 
 Anna (Andrews) Hart, was born Nov. 6,1784. He married, 
 Oct. 5, 1805, Jemima, daughter of David Webster of Berlin. 
 His home was in Hart Quarter, a few rods from that of his 
 great-grandfatlier, the first Deacon Elijah Hart. He learned 
 the cooper's trade and worked at it part of the time, but he 
 gave his attention principally to farming, except when en- 
 gaged in the care of his public houses, fie kept tavern in 
 Hart Quarter, and for a time had a hotel in Saratoga, N. Y. 
 He was actively engaged in the military service, having the 
 rank of major. He died Sept. 7, 1851. 
 
 Children. 1. Edward, b. Sept. 4, 1806, m. March 26, 1834, Viana 
 Perry; 2. Selah, b. Nov. 25, 1808, m. Nov. 11, 1829, Sarah North; 3. Nelson, 
 1i. Nov. 25, 1812, m. Oct. 8, 1834, Lucy Jane Dewey ; 4. Lura Ann, b. 
 Nov. 15, 1816, m. April 13, 1837, Anson W. Francis ; 5. Harriet, b. Dec. 
 10, 1821, m. Oct., 1835, Cary B. Moon. 
 
 121. Dr. Samdel Hart, 1780-1863. 
 
 Samuel Hart, M.D., New Britain, third son of Deacon 
 Elijah and Anna (Andrews) Hart, was born April 7, 1786. 
 He married, March 18, 1812, Orpha, daughter of James North. 
 He studied medicine, receiving his diploma dated Oct. 27, 
 1809. New Britain was at that time but a straggling village, 
 and Dr. Hart thought of establishing himself in Farmington, 
 then a much larger place. But he was induced to locate in 
 New Britain, building his house upon the west side of the 
 public scjuare, .whe.r.e Eogers' Block now stands. He was of 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 461 
 
 slender form and constitution, but had an extensive practice, 
 being for many years the principal physician of the town, 
 and often answering calls from neighboring parishes. " His 
 medical practice was characterized by thorough and careful 
 research, by long and familiar observation of the nature of 
 diseases and by prompt and efficient treatment, without being 
 blindly wedded to any fanciful theory." He became a mem- 
 ber of the First Church in 1802, and in 1842 was one of the 
 original members of the South Church. He was an active 
 supporter of religious and benevolent institutions, was deeply 
 interested in the cause of education, and was instrumental in 
 the establishment of the Academy and other schools. He 
 was much afflicted in his later years by rheumatic affection, 
 but retained the full use of his mental powers. He died June 
 20, 1863. 
 
 Chjldrbn. 1. Anna, b. Sept. 9, 1813, d. young ; 2. Samuel B., b. 
 Sept. 23, 1818, d. in Infancy ; 8. Luciada Andrews, b. Aug. 30, 1820, m. 
 April 27, 1842, Williain H. Smith; 4. Samuel Waldo, b. May 23, 1825, m. 
 Oct. 22, 1851, Cordelia M. Smith, and (2) Nov. 10, 1864, Margaret C. 
 Smylhe ; 5. Louisa, b. Oct. 5, 1828, m. Dec. 1, 1846, Rev. Jared B. 
 Flagg. 
 
 132. Isaac Botsfokd, 1786-1831. 
 
 Col. Isaac, son of Isaac Botsford of Berlin, was born Oct. 
 7, 1786. His father owned a farm of six hundred acres in 
 the south part of Berlin and extending into Wallingford, now 
 Meriden. He was the prime mover in securing the building of 
 the road through the famous Cat Hole mountain pass, and his 
 residence was a short distance north of the pass. His son, 
 Col. Isaac, assisted in constructing this difficult road, and 
 also worked upon his father's farm. In 1821, he married 
 Melissa H. Porter of Middletown. His business consisted 
 principally in the management of his large farm, which was 
 cultivated witli care, but in the later years of his life he was 
 engaged to some extent in manufacturing, and was himself 
 the inventor of important tools and machinery for working 
 metals. He was lieutenant-colonel of the Fourteenth Regi- 
 ment of Infantry, receiving his appointment in 1820. He 
 
462 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 was a deacon in the Kensington Church and superintendent 
 of the Sunday-School. He was one of the pioneers in the 
 anti-slavery cause, suffering pecuniarily for his advocacy of 
 the cause. He was active in religious work and in efforts 
 to benefit the general public. He died Aug. 14, 1851. 
 
 Children. He had seven children, five of whom died in infancy. 
 One son, Isaac P. Botsford of East Berlin, and one daughter survived 
 him. 
 
 123. iKA E. Smith, 1786-1849. 
 
 Ira Eliott, youngest son of Elnathan and Cliloe (Lee) 
 Smith, was born Dec. 21, 1786. He was never married, but 
 lived at the homestead of his ancestors on East Street witli 
 his sisters most of his life. He had a large farm, which was 
 cultivated under his direction, but having studied law and 
 received the counsel and assistance of his brother, Joseph L. 
 Soiith, much of his time was devoted to public business. 
 He was a lawyer of ability, and for many years the principal 
 practicing attorney of New Britain, his practice extending 
 from 1823-1849. His office was on Main Street, nearly 
 opposite West Main, where he was much employed in draw- 
 ing up legal papers. He was considered very accurate in 
 legal forms, and at the same time was good in logic and was 
 slcillful in jihe management of court cases, being often 
 opposed to Charles Chapman, Esq., of Hartford. He was 
 a judge of probate, and also chief judge of the County Court. 
 He was for many years the leader of the Democratic party in 
 town. In 1825 he was a member of the committee of the First 
 Ecclesiastical Society appointed to extend a call to Rev. 
 Henry Jones to become pastor of the church and society. 
 In 1824 he drafted the first subscription .paper for building 
 the Methodist church, and was one of the largest contribu- 
 tors to the object ; and in 1836 he was present at the organi- 
 zation of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, and was one of the 
 first wardens of the parish. He was tall, being six feet 
 four inches in height, slender in form, polite and courteous 
 in manners. He died Sept. 6, 1849. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 463 
 
 124. Mils. E-M-MA Hart Wii.labd, 1787-1870. 
 
 Mrs. Emma Hart Willard, tlie daughter of Samuel and 
 Lydia (Hinsdale) Hart, was born Feb. 23, 1787. Her 
 parents were industrious, frugal, and honest, striving to train 
 a large family of children to similar virtues. Mrs. Willard's 
 early life was passed in tiiis simple farmer's home, where 
 she had the influence of older brothers and sisters, and the 
 example of her revered parents. She attended the district 
 school in Worthington Center, but few of her teachers prop- 
 erly understood her or gained much influence over her. 
 Her inspirations were^ drawn more from her father's teach- 
 ing, and from such books as Milton, Thomson, Young, 
 Locke, and Berkeley, which were read aloud in the family 
 during the winter evenings. She obtained from the village 
 library such books as Plutarch's Lives, Rollin's History, 
 Gibbon's Rome, and the most celebrated English poets and 
 essayists, and read them with avidity. 
 
 When nearly sixteen years of age she attended the 
 academy just opened, about three-quarters of a mile from 
 her father's house, and for a part of two years was under the 
 tuition of Dr. Thomas Miner, a graduate of Yale College. 
 In the spring of 1804, when just past seventeen, she toolc 
 charge of the village school, on Berlin Street. Soon after the 
 close of this, her first school, she attended a young ladies' 
 school in Hartford, and for the next few years passed the 
 time in alternate teaching and attending school. In 1807 
 she accepted a call to Westfield Academy, Mass., where she 
 won the esteem and confidence of her pupils and the inhab- 
 itants. She soon after had an invitation to Middlebury, 
 Vermont, and there took charge of a school for young ladies, 
 and the next year was married to Dr. John Willard of that 
 place. 
 
 (Jpon her marriage slie gave up her work of teaching, 
 but her husband having met with financial reverses, she 
 opened a boarding school in Middlebury, in 1814. She was 
 eminently successful, her school increasing rapidly in num- 
 bers and influence. She soon conceived the idea of present- 
 
464 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 inff to legislators and others a " Plan for Improving Female 
 Education." She studied, she thought, and wrote, and 
 in two years had her plan completed. It was presented 
 to Governor De Witt Clinton of New York, and other gentle- 
 men, by whom it was approved. Governor Clinton referred 
 to this plan in his next message to the legislature, and the 
 institution at Waterford was incorporated. Mrs. Willard 
 removed her school to Waterford in the spring of 1819, and 
 conducted the academy there for two years, when disap- 
 pointed in financial aid she was induced to remove to Troy 
 in 1821, and the Troy Female Seminary was founded. 
 
 Slie now devoted her time and energies to the develop- 
 ment of her plan at this institution. She took up new 
 courses of study for herself an<i trained up a corps of teach- 
 ers educated under her eye, and in full sympathy with her 
 work. She introduced new studies for young ladies, and 
 new methods of presenting old studies. The death of her 
 husband, in May, 1825, was a great affliction to her, but she 
 went forward with her work, carrying additional burdens. 
 She infused entliusiasm into her -school, and it became so 
 celebrated that applications for admission came from all 
 parts of tlie country. For several years the number of 
 students in attendance was about four hundred, of whom 
 one-third were boarders. 
 
 Mrs. Willard went to Europe for the restoration of 
 health and professional inquiry in October, 1830, where she 
 remained eight months. On her return she interested her- 
 self in a scheme for establishing a school in Greece for the 
 improvement of the women of the East, and contributed 
 largely in time and financial aid to its success. In the sum- 
 mer of 1838 she resigned to otliers her position and work in 
 the Troy Female Seminary, to find needed rest. In 1840 
 and 1841 she was again in Kensington, aiding in the 
 improvement of common schools. She became superintend- 
 ent of the schools of that parish, devoting her untiring 
 energies to securing their highest excellence. 
 
 The principal literary works of Mrs. Willard were : 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 465 
 
 "Plan for Improviug Female Education, The Woodbridge and Wil- 
 lard Geographies and Atlas, History of the United States, Journal and 
 Letters from Europe, Universal History in Perspective, Abridgment of 
 American History, Temple of Time, or Chrouographer of Universal His- 
 tory, Chronographer of English History, Chronographer of Ancient His- 
 tory, Histoiic Guide to accompany charts, A Treatise on the Circula- 
 tion of the Blood, Respiration and lis Effects, Last Leaves of American 
 History, Astronomy, and Morals for the Young.'' 
 
 Child. John H. Willard, who succeeded Mrs. Willard in the Troy 
 Seminary. 
 
 125. John Clark, 1787-1835. 
 
 Jolin Clark, son of Abel and Abigail (Judd) Clark, was 
 born March 20, 1787. He was grandson of the John Clark 
 in the north part of Stanley Quarter, who was excepted with 
 his farm when the New Bi-itain society was organized. He 
 lived at the old home of his grandfather and father, at the 
 foot of Clark Hill, and worked the farm so long in the 
 family of his ancestors. He also conducted the butchering 
 business, sending his meat cart to the village, and estab- 
 lished a meat market, the first in New Britain. It was 
 located near the site of the Stanley Block. He married, 
 Aug. 26,' 1812, Prudence Woodruff. He died Jan. 2.5, 1835. 
 
 Children. 1. Jane, b. Nov. 14, 1813, d. young: 2.' Matilda, b. Oct. 
 24, 1815, m. Dec. 11, 1836, Charles A. "Warner; 3. George, b. June 20, 
 1817, m. Jan. 16, 1845, Sarah E. Castlon; 4. Abel Newel, b. June 12, 
 1:819, m. April 37, 1810, Emily I. Braddock; 5. John Woodruff, b. July 
 3, 1823, m. April 7, 1858, Caroline Beckley; 6. Jane Louisa, b. Oct. 3, 
 1837. m. March 2, 1845, Deming W. Sexton; 7. Mary Prudence, b. Nov. 
 2, 1830, d. young; 8. Ellen, b. Dec. 3, 1833, m, April 10, 1856, Cornelius 
 Everest. 
 
 136. Ethan A. Andrews, 1787-1658. 
 Etlian A., son of Levi and Chloe (Wells) Andrews, was 
 born April 7, 1787. He married, Dec. 19, 1810, Lucy Cowles. 
 His early years were passed at home on the farm of his' 
 father. He attended the academy at Berlin, and continued 
 his preparation for college with Dr. Porter and Samuel 
 Cowles of Parmington and Dr. Whiton of Litchfield. He 
 graduated from Yale College in tlie class with Governor 
 Ellsworth and Professors Pitch and Goodrich in 1810; and 
 
466 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 at once entei'ed upon the study of law with his former pre- 
 ceptor, Samuel Cowles He commenced the practice of law 
 in New Britain in 1812, was admitted to the Hartford bar in 
 1813, and his name is continued on the list of lawyers until 
 1824, although much of this time he was engnged in teaching 
 or in other work. In 1813, during the war with England, he 
 was appointed aid to Gen. Lusk, and passed some months at 
 New London, connected with the army service, but after- 
 wards returned to the practice of law at his home. Not 
 being fully occupied in Iiis profession, he opened a scliool in 
 a room of his house where he fitted young men for college. 
 
 In 1822, he was appointed professor of ancient languages 
 in the University of North Carolina. He filled this position 
 with distinguished ability for six years and then accepted the 
 professorship of ancient languages in the New Haven 
 gymnasium. 
 
 The next year he established the New Haven Young 
 Ladies' Institute, which he conducted so successfully that 
 pupils were entered from nearly all parts of the Union. In 
 1833, he removed to Boston with his family, where he suc- 
 ceeded Jacob Abbott in the care of a Young Ladies' School. 
 He continued in charge of this school for about six years, 
 when he resigned to give his time more exclusively to the 
 preparation of a series of Latin books, which he had already 
 commenced. He returned to New Britain and became estab- 
 lished again at the old homestead, where he devoted his time 
 largely to authorship. His largest and -most elaborate work 
 was his Latin-English Lexicon, but he had previously pub- 
 lished his First Lessons in Latin, First Latin Book, Latin 
 Grammar, and Latin Reader. Thirty-four editions of the 
 First Lessons had been published in 1862, and many editions 
 of most of his other works. In addition to these books, he 
 edited and prepared several works by Latin authors, adapting 
 them for use as school text-books. 
 
 Thougli devoting much time to classical studies, he was 
 fond of the sciences, and investigations in some branches of 
 natural science were to him a pleasant recreation. His taste 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 467 
 
 was refined, and he had a keen relisli for the beautiful iu 
 nature or art. He took an active interest in all matters per- 
 taining to the parish and town. He was chosen representa- 
 tive from Berlin to the General Assembly several times, and 
 on the division of the town he was one of the first represent- 
 atives from New Bi-itain. He was judge of probate for two 
 years. He was for many years a member of the board of 
 school visitors and active in securing the establisliment of 
 the State Normal School and the town high school. He was 
 president of the Educational Fund Company, organized to 
 provide a building for the Normal School, and made the 
 official presentation of the completed building to the State. 
 He received the degree, LL.D., from Yale College in 1848. 
 The latter years of his life were passed at his New Britain 
 home in the circle of friends by whom he was esteemed and 
 beloved. He died March 24, 1858. 
 
 Children. 1. Levi, b. Oct. 13, 1811;- 3. Isaac Cowles, b. Oct. 3?, 
 1813, m. Sept. 1, 1859, Jane L Thomas; 3. Ann Lucy, b. Apr. 37, 1815, 
 m. Aug. 34, 1842, E. D. Sims; and (3), William McKinley; 4, Julia 
 Hooker, b. Apr. 16, 1817, ra. Oct. 9,' 1848, Archelaus Wilson; 5 Horace, 
 b. Apr. 37, 1819, m. June 1, 1847, Julia R. Johnson, and (3), Anna Maria 
 Hoover; 6. Grace, b. Apr. 1, 1831, m. March 20, 1839, E. D. Sims; 7. 
 Charles S., b. Aug. 5, 1823, m. Elizabeth Alden; 8. Mary, b. Nov. 25, 
 1835. m. 1869, Philip O'Riley; 9. Ellen Arfelia, b. May 87, 1839; 10. 
 Elizabeth Cowle§, b. Dec. 9, 1833, m. Dec. 36, 1855, Pedro P. Ortez. 
 
 -127. Cyrus Stanley, 1787-1844. 
 
 Cyrus, the youngest child of Colonel Gad and Mary 
 (Judd) Stanley, was born July 29, 1787. He married, Sept. 
 7, 1806, Abigail Lee, daughter of Isaac Lee. He inherited 
 the liome of his father in Stanley Quarter, and it was his 
 residence for many years while he carried on the coopering 
 business, making casks for shipping corn-meal to the West 
 Indies. He then engaged in the brass business, first in 
 Stanley Quarter, and later » on Kensington Street near the 
 bridge. He was a land surveyor and also worked upon a 
 farm. He was an officer in the State troops in the war of 
 1812. The last years of his life were passed at the house of 
 his father-in-law, where he died March 25, 1844. 
 
468 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, 'ETC. 
 
 Children. 1. Don Alonzo, b. June 34,1807; 3. Emily Rowena, b. 
 Sept. 11, 1810, m. Henry W. Clark; 3. Cliiirles Norton, b. Aug. 18, 1812, 
 m. Eliza S. Moore; 4. Harriet Aurora, b. March 35, 1815; 5. Isaac Lee, 
 b. Dec. 39, 1817; 6. Gad, b. April 17, 1831, m. Fanny Moore; 7. Amzi, 
 b. Nov. 37, 1824, m. Esther Hughes. 
 
 138. Horace Butler, 1789-1870. 
 
 Horace, son of Moses and Elizabeth (Forbes) Butler, was 
 born Feb. 4, 1789. He married. May 14, 1814, Betsey Howd, 
 and (2), May 2, 1835, widow Orpha Hart. He was by trade 
 a chair-maker, and had his home at first on East Main Street, 
 near that of his brother, Solomon, also a chair-maker. He 
 worked at his trade for some years after coming to New 
 Britain, but in 1822, turned his attention to manufacturing. 
 He was for a time in the employ of Alvin North, then a part- 
 ner with him in the business of North & Butler. About 
 1846, he went into manufacturing business by himself on the 
 west side of Stanley Street, and soon associated two of his 
 sons with him, under the name of H. Butler & Sons. After 
 engaging in manufacturing on Stanley Street, he built a new 
 residence near his shops. He was one of the original mem- 
 bers of the South Congregational Church, and for fourteen 
 years a member of the standing committee. He died April 
 19, 1870. 
 
 Children. 1. Ruel Howd, b. May IG, 1816, m. 1838, Lucetta Finch; 
 3. Horace, b. Aug. 23, 1820, d. young; 3. Edwin Benjamin, b. Nov. LO, 
 1822. m. Fanny IStevens; 4. Hubert Miils, b. Aug. 31, 1825, m. Harriet 
 Wliaples; ij. Horace Brainard, b. Aug. 31, 1835, d. young; 6. Elipbalet 
 Newel, b Feb. 10, 1829, d. young ; 7. Mary Elizabeth, b. Aug. 21, 1831, 
 m. Dec. 9, 1863, Edwin VVestover. 
 
 139. Henry North, 1789-1858. 
 
 Henry, son of James and Rhoda (Judd) North, was born 
 Sept. 24, 1789. He married, Dec. 26, 1810, Sarah Cosslett. 
 She died Sept. 11, 1814, and he married (2), Jan. 24, 1821, 
 Lauretta Smith. He learned the wagon-makers' trade, but 
 the success of his older brothers in manufacturing turned 
 his attention in the same direction and he relinquishe'd his 
 trade to prosecute with greater energy the business of manu- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 469 
 
 facturing hardware, which was then in its infancy. He lived 
 in the house with his fatlipr on tlie east side of Main Street, 
 near the head of Myrtle Street. A short distance away was 
 his shop in which he manufactured by hand small articles of 
 hardware for domestic use. He was one of the first to en- 
 gage in making hooks and eyes. After manufacturing them 
 by hand for some time, he invented a machine which was 
 built for him by LeVi Lincoln of Hartford about 1830, and 
 which operated so well that Others similar were afterwards 
 constructed. Mr. North was interested In education and 
 established a private school near his home for the better 
 education of his own children and others. He was one of 
 the original members of the South Church, served on its 
 standing committee, and was respected for his integrity and 
 benevolence. He always lived at the homestead of his father, 
 where he died Feb. 1, 1853. 
 
 Children. 1. Sarah, b. Dec. 34, 1811, m. Nov. 11, 1839, Selah Hart, 
 Jr.; 3. Augusta, b. Feb. 1, 1814, d. in infancy; — by second -wife: 3. 
 Henrietta, b. July 10, 1823, d. young; 4. Waldo S., b. Nov. 35, 1836, d. 
 in infancy; 5. Julia Ann, b. Ailg. 11, 1838, in. June 11, 1851, Tiiomas S. 
 Hall; 6. Augusta Maria, b. Jan. 15, 1831, m. Oct. 36, 1853, Henry C. 
 Bowers; 7. Mary Elizabelli, b. Oct. 9, 1833, in. Aug. 38, 1850, Frederic 
 H. North; 8. Walter H., b. March 12, 1836, d. in infancy; 9. EllenLouisa, 
 b. Jan. 21, 1838, d. young; 10, Georgiana L., b. July 19, 1840, d. young; 
 11. Cordelia B., b. March 11, 1843. 
 
 130. Samdel Booth, 1790-1846. 
 
 Samuel, son of Robert and Abigail (Barton) Booth, was 
 born Jan. 23, 1790. He married. May 5, 1812, Nancy 
 Belden. He was but six years old when his father died, and 
 he remained with his mother until old enough to learn the 
 blacksmith's trade, when he went tO work in the shop of 
 James North. He inherited the homestead of his father and 
 grandfather, situated on the site of the South Church, and 
 after learning his trade had a blacksmith's shop near his 
 house. He added to the usual work of tlie shop, the making 
 of plows and some other tools, and also the manufacture of 
 cow-bells. He was appointed one of the standing committee 
 
470 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 of the church in 1843, and was active in church work. He 
 died May 11,1846. 
 
 Children. 1. William Belden, b. April 13, 1813, .m. March 31, 1837, 
 Betsey Blio, (3). Jan. 1, 1846, Maria A. Keacli, and (3), May 39, 1855, 
 widow Mary C. Raid; 3. Mary Ann, b. March 34, 1815, d. in infancy; 3. 
 "Walter Henry, b. Dee. 36, 1816, d. young; 4. Nancy, b. July 38, 1819, d. 
 same day; 5. Nancy, b. Aug. 38, 1831, m. Sept. 4, 1851, Samuel S. Knox; 
 6. Hubert H., b. Dec. 13, 1833, m. July 18, 184G, Rebecca Pretlove; 7. 
 Albert, b. July 13, 1838, d. in infancy; 8. Samuel Albert, b. June 39, 
 1830, d. In infancy; 9. JIary Allen, b. June 1, 1833, m. 1866, George 
 Gladwin. 
 
 131. RoswBLL Moore, 1793-1856. 
 
 Roswell Moore was born in Southington, June 28, 1793. 
 He was educated at Yale College, graduating in 1818. He 
 studied law, but on account of his feeble health was com- 
 pelled to relinquish the practice. He devoted much of his 
 time to literary pursuits, being well versed in astronomy and 
 some of tlie other sciences. He married, Oct. 14, 1823, 
 Lucy Diedema Allen. After removing to Berlin, he was 
 occupied partially with his farm, but also engaged in manu- 
 facturing. He became interested in the Winchell mill, half 
 of which had been purchased by his father in 1801, and this 
 mill afterwards known as "Moore's mill" was for fifty years 
 owned in the family. He was also interested in other mill 
 privileges, and improved the property while in his hands. 
 
 He was much in public life, presiding at public meetings, 
 filling the offices of selectman, justice of the peace, and other 
 local offices, and representing the town in tlie legislature for 
 several years. He was deacon of the Congregational Church 
 and active in church work. He died very suddenly on the 
 night of Dec. 31, 1856. 
 
 His pastor. Rev. Royal Robbins, in a sermon preached 
 the Sunday following his death, says : 
 
 " Deacon Moore was a man to be loved. God endowed him with true 
 nobleness of heart. Yuu could trust him entirely. He would enter into 
 your feelings at once, and do for you anything to which he felt himself 
 competent. He was .i man of many cares, and had much business laid 
 upon him. Hence he was seen almost always stirring, fulfilling engage- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 471' 
 
 ments at home or away from it. He was a center of various interests and 
 a subject of various trusts. Perliaps no man among us was belter known 
 in tliis county, witli the reformatory, industrial, philanthropic. Christian 
 portion of it than he." 
 
 Children. 1. Nelson Augustus, b. Aug. 2, 1834; 3. Ellen Elizabeth; 
 3. Roswell Allen, b. Sept. 3, 1833. 
 
 133. Mks. Almira H. Lincoln Phelps, 1793-1884. 
 
 Mrs. Almira H. Lincoln Phelps, the seventeenth child of 
 Capt. Samuel Hart of Berlin, was born July 13, 1793, and 
 was a descendant of Stephen Hart of Farmington and Rev. 
 Thomas Hooker of Hartford. She was educated in the 
 schools of Berlin, and for three years was a pupil of her 
 sister, Mrs. Emma Willard. She was also for a short time 
 at the Pittsfield Female Academy. At the age of nineteen, 
 she began teaching, having a small school in her father's 
 house in Berlin, and afterward taught in the academy. In 
 1813, she was in New Britain, where she taught both in a 
 private school and in public schools. For a short time after, 
 she had charge of an academy for young women at Sandy 
 Hill, N. Y. 
 
 She married, Oct. 15, 1817, Simeon Lincoln of New 
 Britain, a printer and editor of a literary paper published in 
 Hartford. Her husband, Mr. Lincoln, died in 1823, and she 
 was left with two small children. She again commenced 
 teaching in the West district. New Britain, where she studied 
 Latin, making rapid progress, and the next year she became 
 a teacher in tlie Troy Female Seminary, then under the 
 charge of her sister, Mrs. Emma Willard. 
 
 In 1831, she married Judge John Phelps of Vermont, and 
 resided in Guilford, and then in Brattleb'oro', in that State. 
 In 1838, she took charge of a seminary at West Chester, 
 Penn., and soon after of a similar school at Railway, N. J. 
 In 1841, she was invited by the Bishop of Maryland and 
 others to found a " Church school for girls " in connection 
 with the Patapsco Institute. She labored here with her 
 husband until 1847, when he died, and she conducted the 
 school alone for eight years longer. She then settled in 
 
472 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Baltimore, where she passed most of the remaining years of 
 her life. She was a member of the American Association 
 for the Advancement of Science, and read papers before it. 
 She wrote articles for periodicals, and also several text-books, 
 among whicli were tlie following : 
 
 "Familiar Lectures on Botany, Dictionary of Chemistry, Botany for 
 Beginners, Geology for Beginners, Chemistry for Beginners, Lectures on 
 Natural Philosopby, Lectures on Chemistry, Natural Philosophy for 
 Beginner^," and of other books, the " Female Student, or Fireside Friend," 
 "Ida Norman," "Christian Households," and " Our Country in Relation 
 to the Past, Present, and Future." 
 
 She ever remembered with interest her friends and resi- 
 dence in New Britain. In a letter to the author of this 
 volume, dated at Baltimore, Dec. 28, 1882, written when she 
 was in her ninetieth year, she says : 
 
 "In regard to my educational labors in New Britain, and my relations 
 ■with the society of the place, its business and its extent, 1 go back cheer- 
 fully to that interesting period of my own life. It was in the summer of 
 1813, that Minerva Lee (Jlrs. Norman Hart), was sent to Berlin Academy 
 of which I was then principal. The improvement of their daughter was 
 gratifying to the parents, and her father. Judge Thomas Lee, proposed to 
 his neighbor, Maj. Seth North, that JNIiss Hart should be called to teach a 
 select school in their neighborhood. This led to my going to New 
 Britain. . . Later it was proposed that I should teach the district 
 school. It was at this time (so far as the writer understands), that there 
 was commenced the mode of normal education which now renders New 
 Britain celebrated by the State Normal School. The school in which I 
 was in 1815 was very large, some sixty pupils or more, and 1 was induced 
 to call to my aid some of the older scholars, and found that by assisting 
 they were benefited. . . Years passed on, and in the autumn of 1833, 
 I was again teaching In the Western District, New Britain, in a district 
 school where I practiced the normal system more extensively than in the 
 former school." 
 
 Mrs. Phelps died July 15, 1884, leaving one child, Charles 
 Edward, chief justice of Maryland. 
 
 133. ELi.r.\ir H. Burritt, 1794-1838. 
 
 Elijah H., son of Elihu and Elizabeth Hinsdale Burritt, 
 was born in New Britain, April 20, 1794. Ele learned the 
 blacksmith's trade of Samuel Booth, and after working at it 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 473 
 
 f 
 
 for a time, he studied for, college, and entered Williams, at 
 Williamstown, Mass. After his graduation he taught school 
 for a while, having a private school in the stone store. He 
 became a distinguished naathematician and astronomer, was 
 author of Burritt's Geography of the Heavens, and several 
 other works. He was a writer for periodicals, and for some 
 years edited a weekly paper in Georgia. He went to Texas 
 with a colony in 1837, and died there January 3, 1838. He 
 was married, October 28, 1819, to Ann W. Watson of 
 Milledgeville, Georgia. 
 
 131. Norman Hart, 1794-1878. 
 Norman Hart, New Britain, sixtli son of Deacon Elijah 
 and Anna (Andrews) Hart, was born Aug. 5, 1794. He 
 married, Sept. 8, 1818, Minerva, daughter of Thomas Lee. 
 He was a cloth dresser by trade, carrying on the business of 
 wool carding and cloth dressing. on Kensington Street, below 
 the bridge. He first lived on the west side of the street near 
 the mill, but in 1851 sold his residence and mill, and bliilt 
 on the north part of Main Street, near the foot of Dublin 
 Hill. He sold this place and removed to Walnut Street, 
 where he died in 1878. He was deacon of the First .Church 
 from 1843 to 1851. 
 
 ChiiIdben. 1. Rev. Burdett, b. Nov. 16, 1821, m. Aug. 31, 1849, 
 Rebecca W. Fiske; 3. Norman Lee, b. Feb. 2, 1826, m. Dec. 6, 1854, 
 Lavinia M. Kellogg; 3. Ellen, b. Feb. 23, 1828, m. June 15, 1853, Lemtiel' 
 R. Wells. 
 
 135. Noah W. Stanley, 1794-1868. 
 
 Noah W., son of Deacon Noah and Naomi (Burritt) 
 Stanley, was born Nov. 19, 1794. He married, Oct. 26, 1824, 
 Laura F. Stanley, daughter of Oliver Stanley. He inherited 
 the home of his father in Stanley Quarter, and was a success- 
 ful farmer, taking much interest in agricultural societies and 
 improvements. He taught school several winters, and was 
 for many years a school visitor. He was for some time oiie 
 of the standing committee of the church, and held other pub- 
 lic offices. He died Aug. 19, 1868. 
 
 Child. Helen Melissa, b. Jan. 28, 1836. 
 31 
 
474 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 136. James Gates Peecival, 1795-1856. 
 
 James Gates Percival, second son of James Percival, was 
 born in Kensington, Sept. 15, 1795. He graduated af Yale 
 College in 1815, in the class with Chief Justices John M. 
 Clayton and Thomas A. Marshall, Senator Truman Smith, 
 and other eminent jurists and divines, at the head of the 
 class. He studied medicine, and practiced for a short time, 
 first in Kensington, and then in Charleston, S. C. Through 
 the influence of John C. Calhoun, then Secretary of War, he 
 was, in 1824, appointed assistant surgeon in the United 
 States army, and detailed to West Point, as professor of 
 chemistry, in the military academy. He soon resigned and 
 became surgeon in connection with the recruiting service at 
 Boston. 
 
 His tastes were more for literature and science than for 
 medical practice, and he soon gave up the latter. At the age 
 of fourteen, he had written a burlesque poem on the times, 
 and while in college, his tragedy of Zamora had formed a 
 part of the commencement exercises. In 1820, he published 
 a volume of poetry which contained the first part of Prome- 
 theus. While in Charleston in 1822, he issued the first 
 number of Clio, and soon became one of the most popular of 
 American poets. The second part of Clio soon followed, and 
 in 1827, while at New Haven, tlie third and last part. After 
 going to New Haven in 1827, he assisted Noah Webster for 
 two years in the preparation of his quarto dictionary. He 
 soon after began a revised translation of Malte Brun's Uni- 
 versal Geography, which was published in three large quarto 
 volumes in 1834. 
 
 He had ah-eady devoted considerable time to the exami- 
 nation of the trap rock of Connecticut, especially the ranges 
 passing through New Britain, Berlin, and Meriden, when 
 in 1835, in connection with Prof. Charles U. Shepard, he was 
 appointed to make a geological and mineralogical survey of 
 the State. In the prosecution of this work, he directed all 
 his energies, crossing and re-crossing the State at intervals 
 of two miles, thus becoming acquainted with each mile of its 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 475 
 
 territory. He made a careful examination of the rocks and 
 minerals, collecting specimens from nearly eight thousand 
 localities, and making careful notes of the progress of the 
 work. From the lack of appropriations the work was never 
 completed to his satisfaction, but an outline report was pub- 
 lished in 1842, which gives some idea of the magnitude of 
 the undertaking. In 1854, he was appointed State geologist 
 of Wisconsin. While engaged in work at the West, his 
 health gave way and he died May 2, 1856. At intervals 
 during his life, he had published several works, and had con- 
 tributed very acceptable articles to magazines and news- 
 papers. His attainments in many branches of knowledge 
 were extraordinary. He was a proficient in modern lan- 
 guages, writing readily in a dozen of the most difficult, and 
 was well acquainted with natural history, but will be remem- 
 bered especially for his poetry. In his private life, he was 
 modest and reserved. 
 
 137. C:^ADNCEY CORNWELL, 1795-1863. 
 
 Chauncey Cornwell, son of Robert Cornwell and Sarah 
 (Hart) Cornwell, was born in New Britain, Sept. 22, 1795. 
 At the age of sixteen, he was apprenticed to Seth J. North, 
 with whom he acquired a thorough knowledge of the brass 
 business. After serving his apprenticeship, he continued 
 working in the manufacture of articles of brass, and about 
 1817, he began business for himself, and built a brick shop 
 on the west side of South Main Street. He married, July 
 19, 1819, Mary Goodrich Cosslett. His home was at first 
 nearly opposite his shop on South Main Street, and after- 
 wards on Orchard Street. .'He became a member of the First 
 Church in 1816, was chosen deacon in 1837, was one of the 
 original members of the South Church, and was chosen 
 deacon of that church, and held the office until his death. 
 He was ever active in church work, and particularly in the 
 prayer meetings and Sunday-school, his last public address 
 being at a Sunday-school concert. He was a man of strong 
 faith, and after a useful life and long and painful illness, 
 died Sept. 18, 1863. 
 
476 
 
 Children. 1. Adaline, b. July 8, 1830, m. Oct. 34, 1841, Timothy 
 W. Stanley; 2. Francis Edwards, b. Sept. 29, 1822, m. Sept. 23, 1847, 
 Catharine L. Howe; 3. Sarah Gilbert, b. Aug. 3, 1834; 4. Julia Ann, b. 
 Nov. 9, 1837, m. Sept. 4, 1849, William S. Booth; 5. Elizabeth Augusta, 
 b. May 19, 1830, m. June, 1850, Henry P. Peck; 6. Ellen, b. Feb. 35, 
 1833, m. Oct. 30, 1853, Leverett L. Camp; 7. Charles Henry, b. April 1, 
 1836, m. Martha E. Stanley. 
 
 138. Simeon Hakt, 1795-1853. 
 Simeon, son of Simeon and Mary (Warner) Hart of Bur- 
 lington, was born in that town Nov. 17, 1795. He graduated 
 at Yale College in 1823, and soon after became the teacher 
 of the academy at Farmington. He married, Dec. 9, 1824, 
 Abigail Maria Andrews. She died Aug. 23, 1888, and he 
 married, Nov. 6, 1839, Abby Eliza Langdon. He commenced 
 teaching while preparing for college, and though he expected 
 to study for the ministry, he was led to resume teaching after 
 he graduated, and he devoted most of his life to this work. 
 He was principal of the Farmington Academy for several 
 years, and then established a private boarding-school for 
 boys, ^(rhich he continued as long as he was able to teach. 
 He was a skillful teacher and fitted many boys for college. 
 He held several civil offices in the town, and was a represent- 
 ative in the General Assembly several years. He was active 
 in establishing the Farmington Savings Bank, and was its 
 first secretary. He united with the Farmington Church in 
 1825, and was chosen deacon in 1827. He died April 30, 
 1853. 
 
 Children. 1. Adaline Fanny, b. Sept. 39, 1835, m. Sept., 1858, 
 Rufus C. Crampton; 2. Harriet Morris, b. July 2, 1837, d. young; — by 
 his second wife, 3. Mary Elizabeth, b. Oc,t. 30, 1840; 4, Charles Langdon, 
 b. April 8, 1843, m. Aug. 10, 1865, Sarah Franlcs; 5. Ann Gilbert, b. 
 March 10, 1845; 6. Simeon, b. Aug. 5, 1847; 7. John Hooker, b. May 6, 
 1851. 
 
 139. Alfred Andrews, 1797-1876. 
 
 Alfred, eldest son of Ezekiel and Roxana (Hinsdale) 
 Andrews, was born Oct., 16, 1797. He married, Dec. 16, 
 1818, Caroline Bird Hart. She died Aug. 22, 1823, and he 
 married .second, Sept. 15, 1824, Mary Lee Shipman. He 
 
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 u. 
 
 ■i-'-Z-^L-'-Z---^ 
 
 X . ■:/ 
 
 ■2 .^1 ^x'.?-^-'!? 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 477 
 
 received a good common school education, and attended 
 school one winter at an academy. For fifteen years he 
 "taught school winters, chiefly in Kensington and New Britain. 
 The last two years of his teaching were in the academy in 
 New Britain. 
 
 He had learned the wagon and carriage business, and 
 carried it on with his brother under the firm of A. & E. 
 Andrews. He also made some cast-iron ploughs. He had a 
 farm which occupied a portion of his time. His residence 
 was nearly two miles west of the post-office. 
 
 When the first Sunday-school in New Britain was insti- 
 tuted in 1815, he became one of the teachers, and was for 
 fifty-five years engaged in Sunday-school work as teacher, 
 superintendent, and secretary of the Wethersfield and Berlin 
 Sunday-school Union. He was active in church work, becom- 
 ing a member of the First Church in 1821, a member of the 
 standing committee in 1823, and was elected deacon in 1851- 
 He was also active in temperance work, and in the anti- 
 slavery cause. 
 
 For the last twenty years of his life, he was engaged in 
 genealogical researches, commencing about 1855. In 1867, 
 he published his " Genealogy, and Ecclesiastical History," giv- 
 ing the history of the First Church and record of its members 
 with other interesting historical notes. He also edited the 
 " Genealogical History of John and Mary Andrews," and the 
 " Genealogical History of Stephen Hart and his Descendants." 
 He was a member of the Connecticut and Wisconsin Histori- 
 cal Societies. He died in 1876. 
 
 Children. By first wife, 1. .Julia Ann, b. Nov. 15, 1819; 2. Caro- 
 line Hart, b. Dec. 4, 1822, m. Jan. 31, 1852, ElishaB.Bridgman; — by sec- 
 ond wife, 3. Margarette, b. Aug. 30, 1836, m. Oct. 17, 1850, .lames B. 
 Merwin; 4. Eliza Shipman, b. April 8, 1838, m. Sept. 18, 1850, Sidney 
 Smith; 5. Edwin Norton, b. Sept. 1, 1832, m. April 29, 1869, Mary Eliza 
 Berry; 6. Cornelius, b. Nov. 1, 1834, m. June 35, 1862, Ann Eliza 
 Andrews; 7, Alfred Hinsdale, b. Dec. 25, 1836, m. Feb. 6, 1873, Ella 
 Cornelia Matson; 8. Jane Louisa, b. Apr. 33, 1843, d. in infancy; 9, 
 Herbert Lee, b. June 6, 1844; 10. Jane Louisa, b. Aug. 10, 1847, m. June 
 6, 1886, Lyman Allen Mill?. 
 
478 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 140. John Stanley, 1798-1839. 
 
 John, the eldest child of Oliver and Francis (Booth) 
 Stanley, was born Sept. 26, 1798. He was for a time a clerk 
 in a store in Hartford, but returned to New Britain and 
 built a house in Stanley Quarter on the site of the homestead 
 of Col. Gad Stanley. He married, Jan. 21, 1824, Charlotte 
 North, daughter of Seth J. and Elizabeth (Stanley) North. 
 He was for a time engaged in manufacturing near his home 
 in Stanley Quarter, but he sold out his homestead and shop 
 to Henry L. Bidwell, and removed to the center, where he 
 built the house at the junction of Main and Elm Streets, 
 which was for a time since his death the residence of Rev. 
 Samuel Rockwell. He engaged in business with his father- 
 in-law and others, under the firm name of North, Smith & 
 Stanley, North & Stanley, and perhaps some others. He was 
 a man of few words, liberal views, and was much respected. 
 He died Feb. 1 9, 1839. His widow afterwards married Rev. 
 Sam"uel Rockwell. 
 
 Children. 1. Frances Louise, b. Dec. 8, 1834, d. young; 2. Oliver, 
 b. March 24, 1827; 3. Walter North, b. Dec. 29, 1828; 4. Jane, b. June 
 1, 1831, d. young; 5. Emily Louisa, b. Dec. 25, 1834; 6. Edward, b. Jan. 
 21, 1837, d. young. 
 
 141. Lorenzo Porter Lee, 1800-1889. 
 
 Lorenzo Porter, son of Thomas and Electa (Riley) Lee, 
 was born in New Britain, April 12, 1800. He married, Nov. 
 3, 1828, Jennette Todd Hills. He passed most of his life in 
 New Britain, being early engaged in the manufacturing 
 enterprises of his father, with whom he was in company for 
 several years, and afterwards, in the firm of L. P. Lee & Co. 
 He had great inventive talent, and designed many of the 
 articles which he manufactured. He was repeatedly appointed 
 to public office. He was the first postmaster in New Britain, 
 being appointed in 1825, and holding the office until 1841. 
 He belonged to Harmony Lodge of New Britain, and was one 
 of the oldest members of the Masonic order in Connecticut. 
 He was one of the first wardens of St. Mark's Episcopal 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 479 
 
 parish, having been elected to the office on the organization 
 of tlie parish. He died June 17, 1889. 
 
 Children. 1. Lorenzo T., b. Jan. 27, 1830, d. young; 3. Franklin 
 Hins, b. Nov. 3, 1832 ; 3. Jennette Todd, b. Mar. 9, 1834, m. Mar. 27, 
 1856, William G. Coe ; 4. James Todd, b. Dec. 9, 1835 ; 5. Theresa, b. 
 Nov. 20, 1837; 6. Lorenzo Porter, b. Jan. 17, 1889, m. June 20, 1878, 
 Clara L. Smith; 7. Susan, b. Got. 4, 1841, d. young; 8. Alice, b. June 6, 
 1843, married Sept. 8, 1868, Albert S. Wells; 9. Ella, b. Aug. 16, 1846, m. 
 June 10, 1873, Leonard Doig. 
 
 142. William II. Smith, 1800-1873. 
 
 William Henry, eldest son of William and Sarah (Lewis) 
 Smith, was born Oct. 22, 1800. He married, Aug. 7, 1825, 
 Marcia North, who died June 16, 1841, and he married (2), 
 April 27, 1842, Lucinda Hart. His home was always in 
 New Britain, which he first knew as a small country parish. 
 He early engaged in manufacturing, being a member of the 
 firm of North, Smith & Stanley, at that time the leading 
 brass founders of the parish. He withdrew from this firm 
 and was in business by himself on the east side of South 
 Main Street for a few ytears. In 1851, his business was sold 
 to the Russell & Erwin Manufacturing Company, and he was 
 not actively engaged afterwards, tliough interested in a num- 
 ber of the principal companies of New Britain, and a director 
 in some of them. 
 
 He was president of the New Britain Savings Bank from 
 its organization until liis death, and a director in the New 
 Britain National Bank. He was selectman of the town from 
 1862 to 1864, during the time of sending recruits to the army, 
 was warden of the borough, and after the incorporation of 
 the city, a member of the board of water commissioners. 
 In these various positions his fidelity, good judgment, and con- 
 scientious attention to the trusts committed to him won the 
 respect and confidence of the community. 
 
 In 1842, he withdrew from the First Church of which he 
 had been clerk, to unite with others in the organization of 
 the South Congregational Church. He was a member of the 
 standing committee for fifteen years, and deacon of this 
 
480 
 
 church at the time of his death. He was prompt in duty, 
 liberal in gifts to charitable objects, sympathizing with the 
 unfortunate, and wise in rendering aid. By his genial 
 nature, cheerfulness, and regard for others, he had gained 
 a large circle of friends. He died Aug. 20, 1873. 
 
 Cfiildren. 1. Thomas Henry, b. April 1, 1826, d. March 4, 1852; 2. 
 Cordelia, b. June 7, 1828, m, Oct. 22, 18ol, Samuel W. Hart, M.D.; 3. 
 James North, b'. Nov. 17, 1833, d. Nov. 36, 1855; — by his second wife, 
 4. Willie Hart, b. June 11, 1846, d. young; 5. Annie Louisa, b. Oct. 19, 
 1848, m. Frederick H. Churchill. 
 
 143. MiLO HoTCHKiss, 1802-1874. 
 
 Milo, son of Charles Todd and Leva H. Hotchkiss, was 
 born at Homer, Courtland County, N. Y., Oct. 10, 1802. 
 He married Rhoda Barrett, a native of Kensington, Jan. 22, 
 1826. Mr. Hotchkiss improved the limited advantages for 
 education which he had in youth, and acquired habits of 
 careful observation and thinking which characterized him 
 through life. He early developed a natural taste for draw- 
 ing and painting, and devoted several years to portrait paint- 
 ing, which brought him steady employment until other in- 
 terests required his constant attention. He removed to 
 Kensington in 1831, where he passed the remainder of his 
 life. He had the care of a farm upon which he worked a 
 part of the time, but was largely occupied in the settlement 
 of estates and in public business. He was for many years 
 justice of the peace, and was notai-y public until his death. 
 For more than forty years he was a member of the board of 
 school visitors, and for much of the time acting visitor. He 
 was untiring in efforts to advance the cause of education, and 
 especially to increase the efficiency and usefulness of public 
 scliools. He united with the Congregational Church soon 
 after coming to Connecticut, and was ever a liberal supporter 
 of gospel ordinances. He was an ardent advocate of the 
 temperance and anti-slavery reforms, sometimes suffering in 
 person and property from the attacks of opponents of these 
 causes. He died Oct. 12, 1874. 
 
B.IOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 481 
 
 Children. 1. Edwin Barrett, b. Dec. 8, 1827; 2. Harriet, b. Feb. 
 25, 1830; 3. Eliza, b. Sept. 5, 1833; 4. Mary, b. April 20, 1836; 5. Sam- 
 uel Milo, b. March 5, 1839, m. Emma J. Slone; 6. Fanny, b. Oct. 6, 1847. 
 
 144. Frederick T. Stanley, 1802-1883. 
 
 Frederick Trenck Stanley, second son of Gad and Chloe 
 (Andrews) Stanley, and grandson of Colonel Gad Stanley, 
 was born Aug. 12, 1802. He received such education as was 
 generally obtained from the schools at that time. When 
 about sixteen years of age, he entered a store in New Haven 
 and remained there as clerk for five years, and then went to 
 Payetteville, North Carolina. At that place, he engaged in 
 mercantile business, but in about three years sold his estab- 
 lishment and returned to the North. For one season or 
 more, he served as clerk on the Connecticut River steamboat, 
 Oliver Ellsworth, which made trips between Hartford and 
 New York. .He was for a short time clerk in the store of 
 0. R. Burnham, New Britain, and in 1829 was engaged in 
 mercantile business with Curtis Whaples. He also manu- 
 factured suspenders in the same building. In 1830, he was 
 associated with his brother, W. B. Stanley, and som'e others, 
 in manufacturing machinery. The next year he bought out 
 his partners, and commenced the manufacture of locks, the 
 first made in this country. He introduced a steam engine in 
 this shop, carting his coal from Middletown. In 1835, he 
 became a partner in the firm of Stanley, Woodruff & Co. 
 He sold out his interest in this company in 1841, and for the 
 next two years was in business in the State of Mississippi. 
 Upon his return to New Britain, he commenced the manu- 
 facture of bolts arid hinges, and laid the foundation of the 
 " Stanley Works." When this company was organized as a 
 joint stock company in 1852, he became president, and con- 
 tinued in this office until his death. 
 
 He was methodical in business matters, but at the same 
 time enei'getic and progressive. He gave of liis means and 
 time for the benefit of others, with a generosity unusual, and 
 especially when public interests were at stake. He planned 
 the city water works built in 1857, and by unceasing energy 
 
482 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 and indomitable perseverance, secured the execution of the 
 plans against much opposition. He was one of the active 
 men in obtaining the town park, and having it set apart for 
 the benefit of the public. He advocated the building of the 
 branch railway, and the first engine run from New Britain 
 to Berlin bore his name. He was active in securing the 
 location of the N'^ormal School at New Britain, and in pro- 
 moting other public enterprises. 
 
 He generally declined public office, but consented to 
 represent the town of Berlin in the legislature in 1834. He 
 was elected the first warden of the borough of New Britain 
 in 1850, and the first mayor of the city in 1871. He was 
 conversant with the early history of the place, always inter- 
 ested in hearing about it, and in the later years of liis life 
 was urgent that it should be written and published. Though 
 never an active politician, he was well informed on national 
 questions. He united with the South Church late in life, and 
 continued to attend its services after his eyesight had failed. 
 He was married July 4, 1838, to Melvina A. Chamberlain. 
 He died 'Aug. 2,1883. 
 
 Children. 1. Alfred Hubert, b. Aug. 2, 1839, m. Dec. 21, 1863, Sarah 
 J. Lozier; 2. Frederick Henry, b. Feb. 9, 1841, d. Oct. 10, 1843; 3. Wil- 
 liam Chamberlain, b. April 14, 1843, d. July 31, 1844. 
 
 145. Rev. Samuel Rockwell, 1803-1881. 
 
 Rev. Samuel Rockwell, son of Alpha and Rhoda (Ensign) 
 Rockwell, was born in Winchester, Conn., April 18, 1803. 
 On his father's side, he was a direct descendant, the seventh 
 generation, of Deacon William Rockwell, one of the members 
 and deacon of the Congregational Church originally organized 
 in Plymoutli, Eng. On his mother's side, he was the eighth 
 generation in descent from Governor William Bradford of 
 the Plymouth colony. He entered Yale College at the age 
 of eighteen, and graduated in 1825. He studied theology at 
 Andover and at New Haven, and was licensed to preach in 
 1828. His first pastorate was at Plainfield, Conn., where he 
 was ordained and installed over the Congregational Church 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 483 
 
 April 11, 1832. He was pastor of that cliurch about nine 
 years. 
 
 On June 4, 1843, he was installed over the South Church, 
 New Britain, being its first settled pastor. After a success- 
 ful ministry of fifteen and a half years in this church, at his 
 own request he was dismissed June 20, 1868. During tliis 
 ministry, two hundred and seventy members were added to 
 the church. 
 
 Mr. Rockwell was a faithful pastor, and became endeared 
 to his people by his kindly sympathy in trial and his constant 
 interest in whatever concerned his church and parish. He 
 was a close and careful student, and an extensive reader. 
 He was respected as a citizen, and repeatedly chosen to places 
 of honor and trust. He was a member of the House of 
 Representatives of the State in 1862 and 1869, and of the 
 Senate in 1865. 
 
 On the incorporation of the Savings Bank of New Britain 
 in 1862, he was appointed treasurer, and held the office until 
 his health compelled him to resign in 1879. He was elected 
 judge of probate in 1864, and held the office for eight years, 
 and in 1872 was an alderman of the common council. He 
 was for several years a member, of the board of school 
 visitors. 
 
 He was first married to Julia Ann Plummer of Glaston- 
 bury, June 6, 1833. She died in 1838, and he married (2), 
 May 5, 1840, Elizabeth Eaton of Plainfield, who died April 
 18, 1842. He married, July 29, 1844, Mrs. Charlotte Stanley, 
 who died in 1887. 
 
 Mr. Rockwell visited Europe in 1872, with Rev. L. Perrin, 
 D. D., and brought back several works of art which he always 
 gladly explained to his friends. He was a lover of the 
 beautiful, eitlier in nature or art, and was especially fond of 
 flowers which he delighted to cultivate. He took a great 
 interest in children, and one of his last visits on the street 
 was to purchase gifts for the loved ones with whom he hoped 
 to pass the holidays ; but after an illness of less than one 
 week, he died on Christmas night, Dec. 25, 1881. 
 
484 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Children. 1. George Plummer, b. May 9, 1834, m. June 18, 1857, 
 Eliza S. Ames, and (3), 1874, ClaraHigby; — by second wife, 2. Elizabeth 
 Eaton, b. April 9, 1843, d. March 11, 1866. 
 
 146. Elnathan Peck, 1803-1865. 
 
 Elnathan, son of Michael and Mary (Marshall) Peck, was 
 born at Milford, Aug. 11, 1803. He married, June 20, 1827, 
 Mary Dewey. He first came to New Britain as an appren- 
 tice to a carpenter in 1822, to worlc upon the .second house 
 of worship of the First Church. After its completion and 
 the expiration of his term of apprenticeship he engaged in 
 tlie carpenter's business by himself, and then with Gustavus 
 West, and built several houses in New Britain and else- 
 where. He erected the first house of worship for the South 
 Church in 1841—12. Soon after he was engaged in manu- 
 facturing, was in partnership with George Dewey, then witli 
 Henry Walter, as Peck & Walter, and later ;n the Peck & 
 Walter Manufacturing Company. After this business was 
 sold he made plumbers' goods, and with his sons laid the 
 foundation of the company of Peck Brothers, now of New 
 Haven. He died in that city Dec. 28, 1865. 
 
 Chtldren. 1. Henry Franklin, b. March 21, 1829, m. .Tune 4, 1851, 
 Elizabeth A. Cornwell; 2. Charles, b. March 16, 1830, m. Sept. 7, 1853, 
 Miiry Davis; 3. Abigail Bryan, b. June 8, 1833, m. Oct. 26, 1855, 
 Isaac N. Lee; 4 Mary Jane, b. April 13, 1835, m. Sept. 7, 1854, Walter 
 H. Stanley; 5. Martha, b. May 13, 1837, m. Sept. 19, 1855, William H. 
 Hart; 6. John Marshall, b. Feb. 25, 1840; 7. Ann Eliza, b. Sept., 1842, 
 d. in infancy; 8. Oliver Dewey, b. Aug. 15, 1844; 9. Louisa Frances, h. 
 July 15, 1816, m. Martin S. Wiard. 
 
 147. Dr. John R. Lee, 1804-1884. 
 
 John R.,- son of Thomas and Electa (Riley) Lee, was 
 born April 22, 1804, and he graduated at Yale College in 
 1826, at the age of twenty-two. He studied medicine in the 
 Yale Medical School, graduating from the same in 1829. 
 He practiced medicine for a time in New Britain, and while 
 there accepted an invitation to a position on the medical 
 staff of the Retreat for the Insane, Hartford, where he be- 
 came familiar with the special practice required in such in- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 485 
 
 stitutions. He received an invitation to become superintend- 
 ent of tlae McLean Hospital for tlie Insane at Somerville, 
 Mass., and to a similar position in the Hospital for the In- 
 sane at Worcester. He declined both, but afterwards be- 
 came resident physician at the latter institution. He re- 
 mained in this position several years, and then passed two 
 years abroad in travel in Europe, Egypt, and Syria. On liis 
 return he resided for over twenty years in Hartford, inter- 
 esting himself in historical matters, especially such as per- 
 tained to his native town and State. He was a member of 
 the First Church, New Britain, was one of the first in Con- 
 necticut to espouse " freesoil " principles, and was an ear- 
 nest advocate of human rights and the temperance reform. 
 He died in Hartford in 1884. 
 
 148. OziAS B. Bassbtt, 1806-1878. 
 
 Ozias B., son of Nathan and Mehitable (Buel) Bassett, 
 was born March 7, 1806, and he married. May 23, 1830, 
 Emeline Eno. He was a farmer by occupation, but gave 
 much of his Dime to public business. He was justice of tlie 
 peace for nearly fifty years, holding local courts and draw- 
 ing legal documents, and for a part of the time was the prin- 
 cipal magistrate in New Britain. He called the first town 
 meeting by authority of the legislature, and for many years 
 presided at most public meetings. He represented the town 
 of Berlin in the legislature in 1839, and was frequently ap- 
 pointed to public office. He died Feb. 19, 1878. 
 
 Children. 1. Helen Jane, m. April 25, 1855, Edward Doen; 3. 
 Charles, d. 1q infancy; S.Aaron Eno, I). May 4, 1835; 4. William, d. in 
 infancy; 5. Mary Ann, d. young; 6. Frederic H., b. Nov. 4, 1889, m. 
 1866, Margaret Anderson; 7. Milton H., b. Dec. 15, 1840, m. Prudence 
 Butler; 8. Mary Eno, b. May 9, 1841, m. May 9, 1866, Joseph P. Mum- 
 ford; 9. Ozias B., b. July 5ri844, m. Alice Brockett; 10. Julia Emeline, 
 b. Nov. 34, 1846, m. Isaac S. Lee ; 11. Franklin M., b. Feb. 38, 1849, m. 
 Celia Shearer; 13. Kosie Augusta, d. young. 
 
 149. Henry Stanley, 1807-1884. 
 Henry, son of Amon and Rhoda (Wadswortli) Stanley, 
 was born Sept. 24, 1807. He married June 10, 1829, P]liza 
 
486 HISTOEY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 S. North, and (2) Catharine A. Stanley. He obtained his 
 school education in Xew Britain and at Manson Academy, 
 Mass., and then became a clerk in a dry goods store, Hart- 
 ford. He returned to New Britain and commenced the 
 study of medicine with Dr. Samuel Har,t, but was soon in- 
 duced to engage in manufacturing. He was in company with 
 Alvin North, then an active member of the firm of North, 
 Smith & Stanley, and later of that of Nortli & Stanley, and 
 of H. Stanley & Co. He was active in 1847 in securing the 
 introduction of the manufacture of knit goods into New 
 Britain, and became secretary, treasurer, and superintendent 
 of tlie New Britain Knitting Company. He was also con- 
 nected with several other manufacturing companies, and at 
 the time of his death was president of the American Hosiery 
 Company, the Stanley Works, and the Stanley Rule & Level 
 Company; and director in other corporations. He was nat- 
 urally conservative, and his careful judgment and intelligent 
 counsel were often called in aid. He was clerk of the South 
 Congregational Society. He died May 3, 1884. 
 
 Children. 1. Walter Henry, b. June 25, 1830, m. Sept. 7, 1834, Mary 
 Jane Peck; 3 Theodore Augustus, b. July 23, 1833, killed in civil war; — 
 by second wife, 8. Mary Louisa, b. May 8, 1840, d. in infancy; 4. Louisa 
 Catharine, b. April 7, 1843, d. young; 5. Frederic North, b. March 17, 
 1844, m. April 15, 1866, Mary Welch, and (2) Alice Moore; 6. Catharine 
 Amelia, b. Oct. 10, 1849. 
 
 150. Dr. Thomas Goodricii Lkb, 1808-1836. 
 
 Thomas Goodrich, the third son of Thomas and Electa 
 (Riley) Lee, was born Sept. 1, 1808. After attending the 
 academy in New Britain he continued his general education 
 at the military academy, Middletown. He graduated from 
 the Yale Medical School, New Haven, in 1830, and subse- 
 quently continued the study of medicine with Dr. Todd of 
 Farmington and Hartford. He became assistant physician 
 in the Retreat for the Insane, Hartford, and afterwards 
 superintendent and pliysician of the McLean Asylum, 
 Charlestovvn, Mass. He married Susan Clark, Apr. 21, 1835. 
 He was a close student of liistory and a successful collector 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 487 
 
 of historical facts. He had made a special study of insanity, 
 and was eminent in the successful treatment of the insane. 
 He seemed to gain that power over disordered minds whicii 
 enabled him to sway them as he chose. His great skill and 
 deep sympathy with this class made even maniacs subject to 
 him. He was not only a careful observer, but a close stu- 
 dent, and his views respecting the cause and cure of insanity 
 commanded the careful attention of physicians much older 
 than himself. His supreme faith and unostentatious piety 
 gave additional grace to his scientific acquirements. At tlie 
 very lieight of his usefuluess, while in charge of the McLean 
 Asylum, he started upon a journey to his former home at 
 New Britain, for needed rest. While stopping with his 
 friend, Dr. Woodward, at Worcester, on the way, lie was 
 taken sick, and died Oct. 29, 1836. 
 
 151. Elihu Burritt. 1810-1870. 
 Elihu, the youngest son of Elihu and Elizabeth (Hins- 
 dale) Burritt, was born Dec. 8, 1810. He was early 
 dependent upon his own resources. When fifteen years of 
 age, by his father's death, he was deprived of the limited 
 advantages which he had before enjoyed, and a few months 
 after apprenticed himself to a blacksmith, but continued his 
 studies at his room. He had acquired a great taste for read- 
 ing, having read all the liistorical works in the society 
 library, and when about half through his apprenticeship lie 
 suddenly conceived the idea of studying Latin. His progress 
 is indicated in the following extract from a letter written by 
 himself : 
 
 "Through the assistance of mj' elder brother, who had liimself 
 obtaiued a collegiate education by Lis own exertions, I completed my 
 Virgil duringvthe evenings of one winter. After some time devoted to 
 Cicero and a few other Latin authors, 1 commenced the Greek. At this 
 time it was necessary that 1 should devote every hour of daylight and a 
 part of the evening to the duties of my apprenticeship. Still I carried my 
 Greek grammar in my hat, and often found a moment for study. At 
 evening, I sat unassisted and alone to the Iliad of Homer, twenty books of 
 which measured my progress in that Lingusige during the evenings of 
 another winter." 
 
488 HISTORY OP NEW BEITAIN, ETC. 
 
 When twenty-one years of age he attended his brother's 
 private school in New Britain for one quarter. He then 
 resumed work at his trade at home, but soon went to New 
 Haven, where he studied French, German, Italian, and 
 Hebrew, still working at the forge. He was for a short time 
 traveler for a manufacturing company, and in 1836 had a 
 store on Park Street. In the financial panic of 1837, he lost 
 all he had invested and again returned to his trade and 
 studies. He went to Worcester, where he had access to 
 books in ancient, modern, and oriental languages. Dividing 
 his time between the shop and the library. he pursued the 
 study with so much zest as to be able to read " upward of 
 fifty languages with facility."* He wrote in several lan- 
 guages — a letter of his in the Celto-Breton language is sup- 
 posed to be the first in that language written from America. 
 He soon became known as " The Learned Blacksmith." 
 
 In May, 1846, upon invitation, he went to Europe, pro- 
 posing to be absent three months, but remained three years, 
 addressing large audiences in England and Ireland. In 
 September, 1848, he was vice-president of the Peace Congress 
 at Brussels. The next year he was secretary of the Peace 
 Congress at Paris, and also present at the great meeting held 
 in Exeter Hall, London, in June. In the early part of 1850, 
 he was lecturing in different parts of the United States, but 
 was in Europe in May, arranging for the Peace Congress at 
 Frankfort ; and he was also a member of the Fourth Peace 
 Congress, held at Exeter Hall in 1851. 
 
 In 1853 he addressed public meetings in America, in 
 behalf of Ocean Penny Postage. He was in England in 
 1854-55, but returned to America the latter year, and 
 lectured upon Compensated Emancipation. He visited Eu- 
 rope in 1863, making journeys through England and Scot- 
 land, gathering material for books which he wrote. In 1865, 
 he was appointed Consular agent for the United States at 
 Birmingham. After leaving this office, he passed several 
 weeks at Oxford and other points in England, returning to 
 
 * Elihu Burritt's letter quoted by Governor Everett. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 489 
 
 America in 1870. He edited a paper called the " North and 
 South," and also published leaflets in the interest of Com- 
 pensated Emancipation, Peace, and Penny Postage. While 
 in England or after his return, he wrote "A Walk from ton- 
 don to John O'Groat's," " A Walk from London to Land's 
 End and Back," " Walks in the Black Country and its Green 
 Border Lands," " The Mission of Great Sufferings," and 
 some smaller works. A part of his books were first pub- 
 lished in London. 
 
 After his return to America in 1870, he passed most of 
 his time in New Britain, living in the family of his sister, 
 Mrs. Stephen Strickland. He established a Mission in his 
 own building on Burritt Hill, and another on Maple Street, 
 in a chapel built at his expense and mostly by his own hands. 
 He was interested in the cause of education, in the improve- 
 ment of agriculture, and 'in other objects relating to the 
 public welfare. He died March 6, 1879. 
 
 152. Cornelius B. Erwin, 1811-1885. 
 
 Cornelius Buckley, son of Peter and Lydia (Buckley) 
 Erwin, was born at Booneville, N. Y., June 11, 1811. His 
 advantages of education were limited, but he was fond of 
 reading and made good use of such books as he could obtain. 
 He worked for a few years in his father's shop and tannery, 
 biit at the age of twenty-one he sought more active employ- 
 ment as assistant to a drover. With five dollars received 
 from his father, and fifteen loaned by a neighbor, he pro- 
 cured the necessary clothing and left Booneville in 1832 
 with a consignment of horses, in the employ of Franklin 
 Hurlburt. He came to Hartford, and, after the horses were 
 sold and a short visit was made to his mother's home at 
 Rocky Hill, came to New Britain. He sought and found 
 work, and, with the exception of a few weeks when in New 
 York State for more horses, he made New Britain his home. 
 He was in the employment of Philip Lee, North & Stanley, 
 and others, then a partner in the firm of W. H. Belden & 
 Co., and in 1836 of Erwin, Lewis & Co. In 1839, with 
 33 
 
490 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Henry E. Russell and others, he helped to lay tlie founda- 
 .tion of the Russell & Erwin Manufacturing Company, of 
 which he was president from its organization in 1851 until 
 his death. 
 
 He was a director and president of the New Britain Na- 
 tional Bank from its organization in 1860, a director of the 
 New Britain Savings Bank, of the American Hosiery Com- 
 pany, The Stanley Works, Stanley Rule & Level Company, 
 Jjanders, Frary & Clark, and Union Works, in New Britain; 
 and of the Phoenix Fire Insurance Company, Travelers' In- 
 surance Company, Connecticut General Life Insurance Com- 
 pany, Hartford Trust Company, and Willimantic Linen Com- 
 pany of Hartford. 
 
 Though seldom holding public office, by wise counsels 
 and the judicious use of his wealth, he aided public improve- 
 ments, especially such as contributed to the welfare of New 
 Britain. He was active in securing the branch railroad to 
 Berlin, the water works, and next to Seth J. North, was one 
 of the largest original contributors to the building for the 
 State Normal School. He was one of the incorporators of 
 the New Britain Institute, and its warm friend and counsel- 
 lor. He united with the South Congregational Church in 
 1857, and remained a consistent member until his death. 
 He was married. May 18, 1836, to Maria, daughter of James 
 North, New Britain, who died seven months before him. He 
 had no children. He died March 22, 1885, in the seventy- 
 fourth year of his age. His estate, accumulated chiefly in the 
 last forty years of his life, was inventoried at $1,087,222.17. 
 
 He was benefioent while living, and by his last will and 
 testament devised most of his large property to the cause of 
 education, and to public and charitable uses. 
 
 153. Walter Gladden, 1815-1883. 
 Walter Gladden, son of Reuben and Sally (Hotchkiss) 
 Gladden, was born April 12, 1815. He learned the joiner's 
 trade, and married, July 30, 1840, Charlotte Dayton of Glas- 
 tonbury. He had a shop on Washington Street, and was for 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 491 
 
 a few years in company with Gustavus West, building sev- 
 eral houses in New Britain. He was captain of a military 
 company and generally addressed by his title. He took an 
 active interest in politics, and was for a time one of the 
 leaders of the republican party. He was appointed post- 
 master by President Lincoln, and he entered upon the duties 
 of the office July 1, 1861. He held the position through the 
 administrations of Lincoln, Johnson, Grant, Hayes, Garfield, 
 and a portion of that of Arthur. His honest service and 
 courteous demeanor won for him the confidence of the de- 
 partment and of the community. He took a special interest 
 in whatever promoted the welfare and prosperity of New 
 Britain. He died Aug. 18, 1883. 
 
 Children. 1. S. Louisa; 2. Frederic. 
 
 154. Rev. Lavalettb Pekrin, D.D., 1816-1889. 
 
 Rev. Lavalette Pen-in, D.D., son of Aaron and Lois (Lee) 
 Perrin, was born at Vernon, Conn., May 15, 1816. He 
 worked a while in the mills and then sought an education. 
 He graduated at Yale College in 1840, and at Yale Theolog- 
 ical Seminary in 1843. On Dec. 13th, of the same year, he 
 was ordained and installed pastor of the Church at Goshen, 
 Conn. He remained there for fourteen years, when, on ac- 
 count of ill health, he resigned. He was installed as pastor 
 of the First Church, New Britain, Feb. 3, 1858, and in 1870 
 ill health again compelled him to resign. In 1869 he was 
 made D.D. by Yale College. He was installed at Tor,rington, 
 July 31, 1872. He continued in this pastorate until 1887, 
 when he gave up the principal duties, but still continued 
 pastor emeritus. 
 
 He was largely instrumental in securing Memorial Hall, 
 Hartford, for the Congregational Churches of the State, and 
 had the management of the property. He was annalist of 
 the General Conference from 1876 until his death. He was 
 treasurer of the National Council from 1876 to 1889^ and for 
 seven years was editor of the Religious Herald. He was a 
 member of the corporation of Yale College, and in other 
 
492 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 positions liad been actively engaged in the cause of educa- 
 tion. 
 
 He was married, June 4, 1844, to Ann Eloise, daughter 
 of William Comstock, of Ridgefield. He was residing in 
 Hartford with his wife, boarding at the Park Central Hotel, 
 and both lost their lives in the destruction of that building, 
 Feb. 18, 1889. He left one child living, Prof. Bernadotte 
 Perrin of Adelbert College, Cleveland, Ohio, who was born 
 Sept. 15, 1848. 
 
 155. Marcellus Clark, 1816-1868. 
 
 Marcellus, the youngest son of Abner and Polly (Belden) 
 Clark, and grandson of Jonathan Belden, was born June 18, 
 1816. He was but nine months old when his father died, 
 and, while a boy, he went to live with Horace Wells on East 
 Street. He acquired a good common school education, was 
 a great reader and had a retentive memory, and his mind 
 was well stored with facts in history and practical science. 
 He was apprenticed to the jewelry business with North & 
 Churchill, and worked at his trade, but at the same time was 
 connected with the literary society of the village, and became 
 a ready speaker, strong in debate. He studied law with Ira 
 E. Smith, and afterwards devoted his time mostly to public 
 business. He was a justice of the peace, and was often 
 called upon to draft legal documents. He represented the 
 town in the legislature, and was appointed postmaster by 
 President Tyler in 1841, and remained in office during the 
 administrations of Tyler, Polk, and Taylor, and again under 
 Pierce and Buchanan. He married. May 31, 1858, Mary 
 ToUes. He had prominence as a leading Free Mason. He 
 died March 26, 1868. 
 
 156. Rev. William Caret Walker, 1818-1886. 
 
 Rev. William C. Walker, son of Rev. Levi Walker, was 
 born in Warwick, R. I., Dec. 24, 1818. His childhood and 
 youth Avere passed principally in the eastern part of Con- 
 necticut, to which his parents had removed. At the age of 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 493 
 
 twenty-one he became clerk in the store of Carlos Glazier, 
 his brother-in-law, at Hartford. In 1839 he was married to 
 Almira L. Palmer, of North Stonington. He made prepara- 
 tion for entering the ministry, was licensed in 1842, and in 
 1843 and 1844 preached in East Windsor. In 1845 he was 
 ordained at the First Baptist Church at Mystic. In 1851 he 
 removed to Groton Bank, and in the autumn of that year ac- 
 cepted a call to Willington, where he was pastor until No- 
 vember, 1857, when he accepted a call to the pastorate at 
 Putnam. At the time of the civil war he resigned, enlisted 
 in the 'army, and was commissioned by Gov. Buckingham 
 chaplain of the Eighteenth Regiment C. V. He became pas- 
 tor of the Baptist Church, New Britain, Oct. 18, 1865. 
 During his pastorate here of five years and nine months, two 
 hundred and six were added to the cliurch and a new house 
 of worship was erected. Soon after closing his labors in New 
 Britain he entered upon Domestic Mission work, establishing 
 missions at Fair Haven, Plantsville, and elsewhere. He was 
 an earnest preacher, a faithful pastor^ and a successful mis- 
 sionary. He died Oct. 28, 1886. 
 
 Children. 1. Levi C. Walker; 8. L. Josephine, m. John Coats; 3. 
 William F., m. Cornelia Sloper; 4. Almira L., m. N. B. Remington; 5. 
 Edwin P. 
 
 157. Rev. Luke Dalt, 1830-18T8. 
 
 Eev. Luke Daly was born in. Virginia, County of Craven, 
 Ireland, in 1820. He studied in All Hallows' College, Dub- 
 lin, before coming to this country. After being ordained he 
 was engaged in service for six months in Hartford under 
 Bishop O'Reilly. He came to New Britain in 1848, when 
 there were but twenty-five Roman Catholic families in the 
 place, and took charge of a parish which comprised at that 
 time, Berlin, Kensington, Parmington, and some eight other 
 places, extending as far north as Simsbury, and west as .far 
 as Forestville. During his pastorate of thirty years he se- 
 cured the building of St. Mary's Church, the parochial 
 school, and the convent in New Britain, and churches at 
 Bristol, Collinsville, and Tariffville. The rapid increase of 
 
494 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 Eoman Catholics led to the organization of several new par- 
 ishes out of his original parish, but he remained with St. 
 Mary's, New Britain, which was the largest. He was deeply 
 interested in the welfare and growth of his church, and in 
 the education of the children and youth of the parish. He 
 died, after a short illness, June 30, 1878. 
 
 158. Rev. Elijs Huntington Richakdson, D.D., 1827-1888. 
 
 Rev. Elias H., son of Daniel and Mary (Huntington) 
 Richardson, was born at Lebanon, N. H., Aug. 11, 1827. 
 When about two years old he was baptized at the bedside of 
 his dying mother, and this incident made a deep impression 
 upon him. With the limited aid which his father could give 
 he sought a liberal education, graduating at Kimball Union 
 Academy in 1846, at Dartmouth College in 1850, and at 
 Andover Seminary in 1853. He was married. May 15, 1854, 
 to Jane Maria Stevens, and on May 18th was ordained pastor 
 at Goffstown, New Hampshire. He was dismissed from this 
 charge Oct. 30, 1856, and on Dec. 10th of that year was in- 
 stalled pastor at Dover, N. H., where he remained seven 
 years. He was afterwards pastor at Providence, E. I., from 
 Dec. 30, 1863, to April 8, 1867, and at Westfield, Mass., from 
 May 1, 1867, to April 5, 1872. He became pastor of the 
 Fii'st Church, Hartford, April 24, 1872, and was dismissed 
 Jan. 1, 1879, to go to the First Church, New Britain, where 
 he was installed the 7th of the same month. He received 
 the degree of D.D. from Dartmouth College in 1876. He was 
 a delegate to the National Council in 1880, and by that body 
 appointed a delegate to the Congregational Union of England 
 and Wales. He was scrupulously conscientious, sincere, 
 and earnest, and an effective preacher. He died in New 
 Britain, June 27, 1883, leaving his widow and four sons with 
 the church and community to mourn their loss. 
 
 159. Rev. Hugh Cakmodt, 1838-1883. 
 
 Rev. Hugh Carmody, D.D., was born in the County 
 Clare, Ireland, Jan. 26, 1828. He was educated at All Hal- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. , 495 
 
 lows' College, Dublin, Ireland, but added to his knowledge 
 by a broad course of reading and by extensive travel in 
 Europe, Asia, and Africa. He had charge of a parish in 
 New Haven for several years, coming to New Britain as the 
 successor of Rev. Luke Daly in 1878. While in New Haven 
 he largely increased the means of his parish and provided 
 for the education of the children and youth ; and in New 
 Britain he paid the debt which was upon the church prop- 
 erty, purchased the residence of his predecessor on Lafayette 
 Street, and secured the purchase of the lot on North Main 
 Street for the new church. He died April 23, 1883. 
 
 161. Rev. Constans L. Goodell, D.D., 1830-1886. 
 
 Rev. Constans L., son of Aaron and Elvira (Bancroft) 
 Goodell, was born in Calais, Vt., March 16, 1830. His early 
 years were passed at home, except when completing his prep- 
 aration for college at Bakersville Academy. He graduated 
 at the University of Vermont in 1855, and at Andover 
 Theological- Seminary in 1858. He was ordained and in- 
 stalled pastor of the South Church, New Britain, Feb. 2, 1859. 
 
 He remained with this church nearly fourteen years, and 
 during the last nine years of this pastorate the membership 
 of the church was doubled, a aew church edifice was erected, 
 and the work of the church was largely" extended. 
 
 He commenced his work in the Pilgrim Church, St. Louis, 
 in November, 1872. During his pastorate of fourteen years 
 in that city the membership of the church was increased 
 from 118 to nearly 900, and its beneficent work was corre- 
 spondingly enlarged. At the same time Dr. Goodell had 
 been instrumental in the organization of several other churches 
 in St. Louis. He had also responded to the many demands 
 to address large audiences at anniversaries and other public 
 occasions. He visited Europe five times during his ministry, 
 twice extending his trip to Egypt and the Holy Land. On 
 his last visit he was very ill with the Assyrian fever, and de- 
 tained abroad many months. 
 
496 
 
 He was married May 5, 1859, to Emily Fairbanks, daugh- 
 ter of Gov. Erastus Fairbanks of St. Jolmsbury, Vt. His 
 winning manners drew around him a large circle of personal 
 friends. His mind was enriched by reading, study, and 
 travel, and in private conversation as well as public address 
 he was ever entertaining and instructive. He was emi- 
 nently successful as a pastor, his influence being felt far be- 
 yond the boundaries of his own parishes. He was one of the 
 most prominent of Congregational clergymen. He died sud- 
 denly on the morning of Feb. 1, 1886. 
 
 Children. 1. Oliver Fairbanks, b. April 20, 1865; 2. Laura, b. 
 April, 1869. 
 
 162. Eev. John C. Middleton, 1883-1888. 
 
 Rev. John C. Middleton, D.D., was born in New London, 
 Conn., February, 1833. He attended school in New London, 
 completing his preparation for college at Williston Seminary, 
 Bast Hampton, Mass. He graduated at Yale College in 1 859. 
 
 Soon after graduating, he became connected with the 
 Berkeley Divinity School, Middletown, where he completed 
 his theological studies. He was ordained deacon in the 
 spring of 1860, and in 1861 was advanced to the priesthood.' 
 
 He began his ministry as assistant of the rector of the 
 Church of the Holy Trinity at Brooklyn, N. Y. In 1864 he 
 was invited to the rectorship of the parish in Stonington, 
 Conn., where he ministei'ed with marked success and ap- 
 proval. In April, 1871, he became rector of St. Mark's parish, 
 New Britain, where he remained until Sept. 9, 1874, much 
 esteemed. He soon after was chosen rector of the parish at 
 Glen Cove, L. I., where he passed the remainder of his life. 
 
 "While at Glen Cove he was chairman of the committee on 
 Christian education in the diocese of Long Island, was corpora- 
 tor and trustee of the Cathedral of the Incarnation, and had the 
 supervision of the Cathedral school. He wrote numerous 
 hymns for the feasts of the Church, and while at Glen Cove 
 prepared leaflets and the scheme of instruction for nearly 
 100,000 children. He was ever active in parish and benevo- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 497 
 
 lent work. He was married to Miss Anderson of New 
 London. He died from a stroke of apoplexy, July 7, 1888. 
 
 163. Rev. John H. Rogers, 1833-1886. 
 
 Rev. John H. Rogers was born in 1833 at Providence, 
 R. I. He graduated at Brown University and at the Berke- 
 ley Divinity School, Middletown. He was for a short time 
 an assistant of Bishop Littlejohn, and then assistant rector 
 of a parish in Philadelphia. He married Elizabeth Brown. 
 He passed several years in travel in Europe and Palestine, 
 and after his return he was for a time in Schenectady, N. Y., 
 and from that place came to New Britain and became rector 
 of St. Mark's parish Sept. 12, 1880. Here he endeared him- 
 self to his parishioners by his devotion to their interests, his 
 sympathy with those in trial, and his welcome visits at their 
 homes. His sermons ever breathed a Christ-like spirit, and 
 his discussion of profound questions in theology and morals 
 was always in devout manner. In organization and general 
 parish work he exhibited great tact, superintending the 
 smallest details with great wisdom. The church building 
 was enlarged under his supervision. The Sunday before his 
 death he preached twice, attended the session of the Sunday- 
 school, officiated at a funeral, and was also present at a special 
 meeting. After a few days' illness he died of pneumonia, 
 Jan. 23, 1886. 
 
 Catherine Goodrich, daughter of Oliver and Sylvia Smith 
 Goodrich, and great-granddaughter of Col. Isaac Lee, was 
 born in 1812. She was married in 1835 to James Phalan 
 (O'Phelan) of Boston. They removed to New York in 1838, 
 where Mr. Phalan was a prominent broker and patron of the 
 fine arts. ~ In 1848 the family removed to France, and have 
 since made Paris their permanent residence, with occasional 
 visits to this country. Mr. Phalan died in Paris Jan. 20, 
 1887. The family still keep up correspondence with friends 
 here, and by the position which they occupy, deserve notice 
 
498 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. , 
 
 as representing one of the oldest families of Farmington and 
 New Britain. 
 
 Florence, the oldest daughter of James and Catherine 
 Phalan, was married in 1861 to Count Paul de Gabriac, of 
 an old family of Languedoc, closely connected with the De 
 Gramont and De Polignac families. 
 
 Kate Phalan, another daughter, was married in 1866 to 
 Count de Narbonne Lara, grandson of the Marquis de Cau- 
 sans, peer of France, member of a family dating from the 
 time of Charlemagne. (The name Lara is from the Spanish 
 royal families of Arragon and Castile.) 
 
 Charles James Piialan, son of James and Catherine Pha- 
 lan, married in 1873, Julia de Zakrewsky, daughter of Platon 
 de Zakrewsky, who was Colonel in the Russian Imperial 
 Guard, and was elected Marechal de La Noblesse in the 
 Province of Poltava. 
 
 Mina,the only grandchild of Catherine Goodrich Phalan, 
 daughter of the Count and Countess de Gabriac, was married 
 to the Marquis de Monteynard. 
 
 The Marquis and Marquise de Monteynard have one cliild, 
 Diana. 
 
 George M. Landers, son of Marcellus Landers, was born 
 at Lenox, Mass., Feb. 22, 1813. In 1820 he came to Hart- 
 ford with his father, who for several years was a teacher in 
 that city. He remained in Hartford until his father's death 
 in 1826, when he returned to Lenox to live with his grand- 
 father. At sixteen years of age he became an apprentice of 
 Aaron Hart, New Britain, learning the carpenter and join- 
 er's trade. He worked for a time as a journeyman and was 
 theiji in business for himself, building his own house and 
 other buildings in New Britain. He soon saw that manu- 
 facturing promised more prompt and sure returns than his 
 trade, and he engaged in this business, first with Josiah 
 Dewey, and then by himself in liis own name, having a shop 
 on East j\Iain Street, near his house. The business was suc- 
 cessful, and in a few years was changed into the joint stock 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 499 
 
 corporation of Landers & Smith, Levi 0. Smith being inter- 
 ested in the company. Mr. Landers was president of this 
 corporation, and afterwards of the corporation of Landers, 
 Frary & Clark, which office he held until he retired from ac- 
 tive business in 1870. He is still a director and the vice- 
 president of this company, and a director and the president 
 of the New Britain Gas Company. He was for many years 
 a director of the New Britain National Bank, resigning to 
 accept his appointment as bank commissioner. He was one 
 of the incorporators of the New Britain Bank, of the Gas 
 Company, the New Britain Eailroad, and the New Britain 
 Lastitute, all of which received special charters from the- 
 General Assembly. He has for many years been a director 
 in the New York & New England Railroad Company. He 
 has been identified with most of the important measures of 
 progress in the town and city since their incorporation. He 
 was one of the water commissioners when water was intro- 
 duced into the borough, was one of the original members of 
 the board of sewer commissioners, remaining in office until 
 the principal trunk sewers were constructed. He served for 
 several years on the school committee. He has several times 
 been elected to the General Assembly, being a member of 
 the House of Representatives in 1851, 1867, and 1874, and 
 of the Senate in 1853, 1869, and 1873. He was elected to 
 Congress in 1874 and again in 1876, being a member of the 
 forty-fourth and forty-fifth congresses. He has twice been 
 appointed State bank commissioner, was chairman of the 
 committee having charge of the erection of the Normal 
 School building, and has been called to other offices, in all of 
 which he has done much to advance the interests of New 
 Britain and of the State. 
 
 William Henry Lee of New York, youngest son of Judge 
 Thomas and Electa (Riley) Lee, great-grandson of Col. Isaac 
 Lee, and descendant of the eighth generation of John Lee of 
 England, was born in New Britain May 19, 1818. He mar- 
 ried, Jan. 6, 1849, Louisa Maria, niece and adopted daughter 
 
500 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 of Charles H. Noi-tham, Hartford. Educated at the high 
 scliool, New Britain, and at tlie academy at Hamilton, N. Y., 
 he entered the dry goods store of Bliss & Lee, Troy, in 1835, 
 and the English and Scotch importing house of Robert Jaf- 
 fray. New York, in 1839. His duties in the latter position 
 gave him the opportunity of visiting, upon business, all the 
 large cities from Boston to New Oi'leans, and forming an 
 acquaintance with leading merchants. In 1845 he became a 
 partner in the firm of Lee & Case, with capital furnished by 
 Amos R. Eno and John Jay Phelps, and commenced in a 
 small way the importing and jobbing of foreign goods ex- 
 clusively, then the only house except Jaffray's in the jobbing 
 trade which did not include domestic with foreign goods. 
 The business was continued under the firm names of Lee, 
 Case & Co., William H. Lee & Co., Bliss & Co., and in 1870, 
 of Lee, Tweedy & Co., Mr. Lee being the senior partner in 
 all the firms, and passing every financial crisis with credit 
 unimpaired. He early resolved to invest any surplus beyond 
 the needs of his business in real estate in New York. He 
 soon became an expert in the value of such property, and 
 acquired valuable holdings on the central line of the city's 
 growth. His New York residence is on Fifth Avenue, on the 
 historical ground of the Colored Orphan Asylum, purchased 
 by him soon after the destruction of the buildings by a mob 
 in 1861. His summer residence is on Washington Avenue, 
 Hartford. He has been active in the formation of many 
 business corporations, was the originator of a principle of fire 
 insurance and classification of risks, and was one of the cor- 
 porators £^nd is a director of the Fifth Avenue Bank. Mr. 
 Lee was prompt and active in supporting the government 
 and aiding in maintaining the Union in the time of the 
 civil war. He was one of those who organized the Union 
 League Club in 1868, was a member of the sanitary commit- 
 tee, was one of the number that put the First Colored Regi- 
 ment in the field, and one of the persons who volunteered to 
 march with it from the Club House to the point of embarka- 
 tion when prejudice was rampant with the masses. He is a 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 501 
 
 member of the New York Historical, Genealogical, and 
 Biographical Societies, and of the Connecticut Historical 
 Society, and has contributed papers to each, and also to 
 magazines and other periodicals. He has devoted much time 
 to biographical and genealogical researches, and is the author 
 of Reminiscences of the Early Life of Elihu Burritt. 
 
 Gen. Edmund Kirby Smit'h, the youngest son of Col. 
 Joseph Lee and Frances M. (Kirby) Smith, and a descendant 
 of two of the oldest families of New Britain, was born at St. 
 Augustine, Florida, May 16, 1824. He graduated at the 
 West Point Military Academy, June, 1845, and was commis- 
 sioned brevet second lieutenant Fifth U. S. Lifantry, and on 
 Aug. 22, 1846, second lieutenant Seventh U. S. Lifantry. In 
 the Mexican war he was with Gen. Scott's army in the 
 memorable campaign of 1847, and for gallantry at Cerro 
 Gordo was made brevet first lieutenant April 18, and for gal- 
 lantry at Contreras, brevet captain Aug. 20. He had been 
 present at the principal battles of the preceding year, and 
 was also at the siege of Vera Cruz and of the City of Mexico. 
 ASter the close of the war he was appointed professor of 
 Mathematics at the West Point Military Academy. He be- 
 came first lieutenant of the Seventh U. S. Infantry March 9, 
 1851, and captain of the Second U. S. Cavalry in 1855, and 
 afterwards major. He was engaged with the Mexican 
 boundary survey in 1854-5, was in battles with the Caman- 
 ches and Kioway Indians, and was wounded 'by the Caman- 
 ehes in 1859. On the secession of Florida he resigned his 
 office in the United States army, and in May, 1861, was ap- 
 pointed lieutenant-colonel in the army of the Confederate 
 States. On June 17 he became brigadier-general and chief 
 of staff, and on Oct. 11, major-general of the C. S. army of 
 the Potomac. He was wounded at the battle of Bull Run. 
 On Oct. 9, 1862, he was appointed lieutenant-general com- 
 manding the Department of East Tennessee, Kentucky, North 
 Georgia, and West Carolinas, and on Feb. 19, 1864, he be- 
 came general, having command of the Trans-Mississippi De- 
 
602 
 
 partment, including the districts of Louisiana, Texas, Arkan- 
 sas, and Indian Territory. In the Kentucky campaign of 
 1862 lie commanded the corps of nearly 30,000 men, which 
 was so successful against tlie Union troops. He directed the 
 movements opposing Banks' Hed River campaign, and in 
 many ways brought strength to the Confederate forces. He 
 received the thanks of the Legislature of Texas and of the 
 Confederate Congress for meritorious service. 
 
 After the war closed he was president of the Atlantic & 
 Pacific Telegraph Co., 1886-68 ; president of the Western 
 Military Academy, Ky., 1868-70, and chancellor of the Uni- 
 versity of Nashville, 1870-75. In the latter year he was 
 appointed professor of mathematics in the University of the 
 South at Sewanee, Tenn., where he has since resided. He 
 was married to Cassie Selden at Lynchburg, Va., Sept. 24, 
 1861. 
 
 Children. 1. Caroline Selden, b. Oct. 5, 1863; 2. Frances Kirby, b. 
 July 9, 1864; 3. Edmund Kirby, b. Aug. 28, 1866; 4. Lydia, b. April 4, 
 1868; 5. Rowena Selden, b. Oct. 2, 1870; 6. Elizabeth Chaplin, b. Jan. 3, 
 1872; 7. Reynold Marvin, b. June 14, 1874; 8. William Selden, b. Feb. 
 27, 1876; 9. Josephine, b. Oct. 11, 1878; 10. Joseph Lee, b. April 16, 1882; 
 11. Ephraim Kirby, b. Aug. 30, 1884. 
 
 John B. Talcott, son of Seth Talcott, was born at Thomp- 
 sonville Sept. 4, 1824. In 1828 he went to West Hartford 
 with his father, and when of proper age worked upon the 
 farm or in his father's shop, attending school in the winter. 
 He attended the Hartford Grammar School three winters, 
 working on the farm summers, but keeping up with his 
 classes. He graduated at Yale College in 1846, the saluta- 
 torian of the class. He studied law with Francis Fellowes, 
 paying his expenses by serving as clerk of the Probate Court 
 and hearing Latin recitations in the Hartford Female Sem- 
 inary for about a year and a half. While thus engaged, he 
 received an appointment as tutor in the Middlebury College, 
 Vermont, where he remained for a year, then returning to 
 Hartford was admitted to the Hartford County bar. He soon 
 received an appointment as tutor in Greek in Yale College, 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 503 
 
 and filled the position for three years, at the same time pur- 
 suing his law studies, expecting to follow the legal profes- 
 sion. 
 
 Partially on account of impaired health from close con- 
 finement he was induced to change his plans and accept an 
 offer of S. J. North, to come to New Britain and engage in 
 the manufacture of hooks and eyes, then a flourishing busi- 
 ness. He became a partner with Mr. North, and soon after 
 was interested in the manufacture of knit goods, and was 
 appointed treasurer and manager of the New Britain Knitting 
 Company, holding this position for fourteen years. In 1868 
 he was largely instrumental in organizing the American 
 Hosiery Company, and became its secretary and treasurer. 
 He has for several years been president of this company and 
 of the New Britain Knitting Company. He is president of 
 the New Britain Institute, and for many years was president 
 of the New Britain Club. He is a director in the New Brit- 
 ain Savings Bank, the Mechanics' Bank, the Hartford City 
 Bank, and in several manufacturing companies. He was 
 elected to the common council in 1876, alderman in 1877-79, 
 and mayor in 1880 and 1881. He has for many years been 
 a deacon of the South Congregational Church. In social and 
 business life he is respected and esteemed. - 
 
 Philip Corbin was born in Willington, Oct. 26, 1824. He 
 married, July 4, 1848, Francina T. Whiting. In 1842 he 
 came to New Britain and commenced work with Matteson, 
 Eussell & Co. (afterwards Russell & Erwin), and a few 
 months later he was in the employ of North & Stanley. At 
 this place he was accustomed, of his own choice, to go to the 
 shop, evenings, where, by observing the work of S. Bucknall, 
 a skillful machinist, and afterwards working with him, he 
 became so thoroughly acquainted with the work that he took 
 contracts of the firm and had several men working for him 
 before he was of age. In 1848, with his brother. Prank, and 
 Edward Doen, he began manufacturing upon his own account 
 and laid the foundation for the manufacturing company of 
 
604 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 P. & F. Corbin. He has been president of the company 
 since its organization, and also president of the Corbin Cabi- 
 net Lock Company. He is a director of the New Britain 
 Savings Banli and of the Mechanics National Bank. He 
 was warden of the borough in 1819, and for eleven years was 
 a member of the board of water commissioners. He repre- 
 sented New Britain in the legislature in 1884, where he was 
 house chairman of the committee on insurance. He is now 
 (1889) senator from the Fourth District, and at the session 
 of the General Assembly, 1889, was chairman of the Commit- 
 tee on Finance. The intelligence, -skill, and sagacity which 
 have made him so successful in business have enabled him to 
 do good service in the legislature, where he has been recog- 
 nized as one of the most intelligent and valuable members. 
 
 J. Andrew Pickett, son of Albert Pickett, was born in 
 New Milford, Litchfield County, Conn., March 9, 1829. He 
 married Sept. 9, 1857, Caroline B. Stanley, and (2) Emma 
 C. Lawrence. He came to New Britain Sept. 11, 1851, and 
 was employed in the establishment of A. North &, Sons, sad- 
 dlery hardware manufacturing company. In 1855, he, with 
 L. F. Judd, bought k one-half interest in the establishment. 
 
 January 1 , 1876, he was elected president of the manu- 
 facturing company of Landers, Frary <fe Clark, and held the 
 position by repeated re-elections until his resignation in 1889. 
 He was also president of the Union Manufacturing Company 
 from lb78 to 1889. He is vice-president and director of the 
 Shelby Iron Works, Shelby, Alabama, and was for many 
 years director and vice-president of the New Britain National 
 Bank. He is director in the Russell A: Erwin Manufacturing 
 Company, in Landers, Frary & Clark, Stanley Rule & Level 
 Company, American Hosiery Company, Union Manufacturing 
 Company, Mechanics National Bank, and the New Britain 
 Savings Bank. 
 
 He has been repeatedly called to offices of trust and 
 responsibility by his fellow citizens. He was elected town 
 assessor for several years, and was city auditor in 1871, and 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 505 
 
 1872. On the adoption of the system of sewerage by the 
 city he was appointed one of the sewer commissioners, and 
 held the office from 1874 to 1882 inclusive. He was elected 
 mayor of the city in 1883, 1884, and 1885, and represented 
 the town in the legislature in 1884, ■when he was chairman 
 on the part of the house of the committee on insurance. 
 By his knowledge of business and insight into the needs of 
 the town and city, he has been able in these various positions 
 to contribute much to the welfare and prosperity of the 
 place. 
 
 Ambrose Beatty was 
 born at Clughill, Coun- 
 ty Longford, Ireland, in 
 June, 1831. He passed 
 three years in the mili- 
 tary service of Great 
 Britain, and came to 
 this country in 1852, 
 settling at Cherry Val- 
 ley, N. Y. He at first 
 engaged in farming, but 
 in a short time was in 
 the hardware business 
 at Albany, and in 1856, 
 came to New Britain, where he has been in the employ of 
 the Russell & Erwin Manufacturing Company and of Landers, 
 Frary & Clark. He has also been engaged in the grocery 
 business both on Lafayette Street aAd on Main Street. He has 
 held many public offices in the town and city. He has been 
 a member of the school board, assessor, and was first select- 
 man of the town for several years. He was seven years 
 chief of the fire department, was alderman in 1875, and 
 mayor of tbe city in 1879, '82-'86. He was appointed post- 
 master by President Cleveland in 1887, and held the office 
 until 1889, during which time the postal delivery system was 
 introduced. He has three times represented the town in the 
 legislature, where he served on important committees. His 
 33 
 
506 HISTORY OP NEW BRITAIN, ETC 
 
 sympathies witli the poor and unfortunate, his ardent temper- 
 ament and his natural eloquence have ever made him a tower 
 of strength to his party, and given him many personal 
 friends. 
 
 Charles E. Mitchell, son of G. H. and Lurene (Hooker) 
 Mitchell, -was born in Bristol in 1837. He passed his youth 
 in his native town, was a student at Williston Academy, 
 Easthampton, Mass., where he fitted for college. He grad- 
 uated from Brown University in 1861, and from the Albany 
 Law School in 1864. 
 
 Soon after, he came to New Britain to practice law, and 
 in 1866 married Cornelia A. Chamberlain. In a few years 
 he had built up a successful practice, and when New Britain' 
 became a city, in 1870, he and his partner, F. L. Hungerford, 
 drew the charter. Mr. Mitchell was appointed the first city 
 attorney, and had much to d,o in preparing the code of by- 
 laws for the council and city. In 1880 and 1881 he repre- 
 sented the town in the General Assembly, where, as house 
 chairman of the Committee on Incorporations, he, with Hon. 
 John R. Buck, re-drafted the joint stock laws. In 1881 he 
 was a prominent member of the judiciary committee. He 
 was also a member of the commission to consider and report 
 upon the necessity of a new normal school building, and was 
 largely instrumental in securing a favorable report and the 
 appropriation necessary for its erection. For many years he 
 has been a member of the firm of Mitchell & Hungerford. 
 In his legal practice he has made patent law a specialty, and 
 had for several years taken rank among the first patent law- 
 yers of the country, practicing principally in the United 
 States courts, when, in 1889, he was selected by President 
 Harrison to be Commissioner of Patents. His familiarity 
 and thorough acquaintance witii patent law gave him special 
 fitness for this position, and enabled him to make reforms in 
 the administration of the business which secure greater effi- 
 ciency in the service. He has been identified with the 
 growth of the city of New Britain in many ways. He was 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 507 
 
 one of the leaders in securing a large and commodious build- 
 ing for the Young Men's Christian Association, and was 
 president of the association when the building was completed 
 and dedicated. 
 
 Robert J. Vance was born in New York March 15, 1854. 
 When eleven years of age he removed to New Britain to 
 reside with his grandparents. He was educated in the public 
 schools of New York, and in tlie New Britain High School, 
 and by his love of reading gained much general information 
 which prepared him for his future work. He founded the 
 New Britain Observer in 1876, was editor and proprietor, and 
 when it was consolidated with tlie Serald in 1887, he stilL 
 retained an interest in the establishment. He was elected city 
 clerk in 1878 and by successive re-elections held the office un- 
 til 1887, when upon election to congress he resigned. He 
 made the revision of the city charter and ordinances which 
 was published in 1885 and was the first clerk of the boards 
 of police and fire commissioners created by the revised 
 charter. He represented New Britain in tlie legislature in 
 1886 and was member of the committee on cities and 
 boroughs and of constitutional amendments. In 1886 he 
 was elected to congress from the First District and as mem- 
 ber of the Fiftieth Congress had much influence and rendered 
 important service. He is president of the Herald Publishing 
 Company and treasurer of the New Britain Electric Liglit 
 Company. 
 
 Others whose portraits are not given have had an honor- 
 able part in the government of the town and city. 
 
 A. P. Collins, son of Rev. A. B. Collins, and at the time the- 
 town was incorporated, one of the firm of Bailey & Collins, was 
 for several years clerk,- registrar, and treasurer of the town,, 
 and has continued to hold the office of treasurer until the 
 present time (1889). He has been treasurer of the city 
 since the city government was organized. He has been 
 secretary and treasurer of the New Britain Gas Company 
 
508 HISTORY OF NEW BRITAIN, ETC. 
 
 since 1857, was cashier of the New Britain National Bank 
 from 1860 to 1885, and has since been its president. 
 
 Valentine B. Chamberlain, a graduate at Williams College 
 in 1857, studied law, edited and published the New Britain 
 News in 1860-61, and was in the civil war, 1861-65. He 
 represented New Britain in the legislature in 1865, was pen- 
 sion agent for several years, was State treasurer in 1886, 
 judge of probate for six years, and he has been judge of , the 
 city and police courts most of the time since their organiza- 
 tion. He is president of the Mechanics National Bank. 
 
 S. Waldo Hart, M.D., born in New Britain in 1825, a son 
 of Dr. Samuel Hart, and for many years a practicing phy- 
 sician in the town and city, was the second mayor of tlie city, 
 holding office for five years, 1872-76. 
 
 John Walsh, attorney and counselor at law, the present 
 mayor of the city, has repeatedly been appointed to offices of 
 trust and honor in the city and town. He was alderman in 
 1877, city attorney 1879-1882, and was elected mayor in 
 1888. He has been a member of the town school committee 
 and its secretary and financial agent for several years, and 
 also an acting school visitor. He was elected judge of 
 probate for the Berlin district in 1884, and is still in office. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 Note to Pages 36 and 27. — Jouathan Gilbert, who had so important 
 an influence in the first settlement of " Great Swamp " (Berlin or Ken- 
 sington), was born in 1618. He married, January 39, 1645, Mary, daugh- 
 ter of elder John "White, and after her death, about 1650, (3), Mary, 
 daughter of Hugh Wells. He was one of the prominent men of Hart- 
 ford, was townsman five years, commencing in 1658; was deputy collec- 
 tor of customs and marshal of the colony. He had a tavern and ware- 
 house in Hartford, and " estates on the east side of the Great River over 
 against his warehouse." His oflBcial duties seem to have required his 
 attendance occasionally in New Haven, and when the General Court 
 made him a special grant of land, giving him the privilege of selecting 
 it, he took it up at the southern part of Berlin, on the New Haven road. 
 He had eleven children, and died Dec. 10, 1682. 
 
 Daniel Clark, or Clarke, another of the early proprietors of Great 
 Swamp, or Kensington, was married in 1644 to Mary Newberry, and 
 after her death to the widow of Simon Wolcott and mother of Governor 
 Roger Wolcott, in 1689. Mr. Clark was lieutenant in 1658, and after- 
 wards captain of the first cavalry company in Connecticut. He was a 
 member of the Particular Court, the highest judicial body in the colony, 
 before 1665, and afterwards was member of the Court of Assistants, was 
 secretary of the General Court, attorney, member of the committee to 
 treat with the Indiana, and of the committee to commission officers of 
 the militia, and one of the standing council with the governor and lieu- 
 tenant governor. 
 
 Note to Page 28. — The owner of the most extensive tract of laud in 
 Berlin or New Britain, and the person who contributed so largely to the 
 early improvement of Great Swamp, was Andrew Belcher, son of Andrew 
 Belcher of Sudbury, Mass. He was bom January 1, 1647. He became 
 a wealthy merchant of Boston and was engaged in trade with the Con- 
 necticut and New Haven colonies. He owned vessels employed in 
 transportation, and was the agent of Connecticut in purchasing " armes 
 and ammunition " for the colony, and was also employed by Massachu- 
 setts to carry provisions from Connecticut to Boston for the supply of 
 the army and the Massachusetts Colony. He married, July 1, 1670, 
 
510 APPENDIX. 
 
 Sarah, daughter of Jonathan Gilbert, and had seven children, two sons 
 and five daughters. His youngest son, Jonathan, born in 1681, gradu- 
 ated at Harvard College in 1699, and soon after visited Europe, where 
 he made the acquaintance of the princess Sophia, and her son, after- 
 ward George II. On his return, he entered upon business as a merchant. 
 He was chosen a member of the common council of Boston, and in 1729 
 again went to Europe as agent of the Massachusetts Colony. He was 
 Governor of Massachusetts and New Hampshire from 1730 to 1741, and 
 afterwards Governor of New Jersey. He was instrumental in enlarging 
 the charter of Princeton College, of which he was patron and benefactor. 
 His son, Jonathan, grandson of Captain Andrew Belcher, graduated at 
 Harvard College, studied law in London, and was Lieutenant-Governor 
 and Chief Justice of Nova Scotia. Sir Edward Belcher, a grandson of 
 the preceding, was a commander in the British navy, commanding the 
 expedition which was in search of Sir John Franklin in 1853-54. 
 
 Note to Page 317. — The old records of the post-office at Washington 
 having been destroyed by fire many years ago, it was not practicable to 
 obtain from that office the date of the establishment of the post-offices 
 in Farniington and Berlin, but from the accounts on file in the auditor's 
 office it appears that returns were made from the post-offices in tliose 
 towns from July 1, 1799. Assuming that to be the correct date of the 
 establishment of these offices, the diflierent post-offices in Earmington 
 and Berlin were established as follows : 
 
 Farmington, July 1, 1799, Samuel Eicliards, Postmaster. 
 
 Berlin, July 1, 1799, Samuel Porter, " 
 
 New Britain, July 1, 1835, Lorenzo P. Lee, " 
 
 Unionville, April 16, 1834, Edward Seymour, " 
 
 Kensington, October 1, 1840, Theron Hart, " 
 
 East Berlin, March 10, 1852, Ada A. Savage, " 
 
 The first two dates are believed to be correct by the first assistant 
 postmaster-general, the others, later than that of New Britain, are from 
 the records of the office at Washington. 
 
 AGREEMENT OF THE CIVIL ATJTHOEITY AND INFORMING OFFICBES 
 OF THE PARISH OF NBW BRITAIN. 
 
 At a meeting of the authoi-ity and Informing officers of the Parish of 
 New Britain and Taking into their Seoreous Consideration the many 
 Vices and Increasing Violation of the Laws of God and iftan that abound 
 amongst us Such as Prophan Swaring, Sabath Brakeiug and Unseasona- 
 ble Night Walking, &c. Whicli so greatly Tends to corrupt the morals 
 
APPENDIX. 511 
 
 of our Youth amongst us and so Bminantly Exposes us to the Divine 
 
 Displeasure, wad when we are so Threatened by the hand of 
 
 Providence, in those awful Judgments that Impend us, and seem so 
 ready to Light upon us, and as there seems no probable way of Escaping 
 them, but by the Interposition of Divine Providence, and as we have no 
 Reason to hope, or Expect Such a Deliverance but in a way of Repent- 
 ance and Reformation and as every one in there Several! Sphears are 
 Loudly called upon to put to an helping liand in so necessary a work, 
 and more Especially those that are appointed and Solemnly Sworn to 
 Endevour to keep the Peace and good order of the Community, and to 
 see that the Laws of this Colony against vice and Imorality are duly 
 Executed. And we do^gree each one of us in our Severall Sphears to 
 exert our selves to the utmost of our Powers to Briug about a Reforma- 
 tion in this Regard and Indeavor that all Breaches of Penal Laws that 
 come to our kuolidg be Informed against and duly Executed and we 
 ' would earnestly Recommend it to all Heads of familys in this Society 
 to use their endeavour that all under their care be duly warned and for- 
 bid the Braking the good and holsom (wholesome) laws of this Govern- 
 ment, and if any shall be so hardy as to Brak them we desir that all 
 that are knowing to the same would think themselves Obligated in 
 point of duty to give Information of the Same. And we take this 
 Opportunity to Let the Publick know that we are all determined and 
 agreed to Exert our selves in the manour mentioned above in Witness 
 whereof we have hereunto set our hand. 
 
 New Britain, Feb. 6, 1775. 
 
 Isaac Lee, Jtjn. , Justice of Peace. 
 Elnathan Smith, Constable. 
 
 ' i Grand Jurors. 
 Levi Andrews, S 
 
 Joshua Webster, ) ^.y^^ngmen. 
 JuDAH Hart, Jr., ) 
 
 walnut hill park. 
 
 It having been discovered by careful examinations and surveys, that 
 a supply of water for New Britain could probably be obtained at Shuttle 
 Meadow, it was determined in 1856 to make an effort to secure a sys- 
 . tem of water works adequate for the place. To make the system com- 
 plete, it was deemed absolutely essential to have a reservoir on Walnut 
 Hill. About the same time, the property embracing the summit of the 
 hill was offered for sale as part of a bankrupt estate. A few public- 
 spirited- gentlemen determined, if possible, to secure it for the uses of 
 the contemplated water works and also for a public park. The property 
 was sold at public auction October 15, 1856, and was bid off by Henry E. 
 
512 APPENDIX. 
 
 Russell for himself and others. Ten leading men of the town invested 
 in the property, each holding an equal share, agreeing to convey to the 
 borough authorities gratuitously the land for a reservoir and its 
 approaches, and ultimately to transfer to the people the whole property 
 for a public park. The water works were built the next year, the reservoir 
 on Walnut Hill was completed and the ground on which it stood legally 
 transferred to the borough. The remainder of the property was held 
 by the Park Company for thirteen years, during which time it had 
 largely increased in value and could have been sold at a profit to the 
 proprietors, but was still offered at cost and interest for public uses. 
 
 At a town meeting held January 11, 1869, after hearing a report 
 from a committee appointed at a previous meeting, it was voted " that 
 the selectmen be instructed to accept the liberal proposal of the Walnut 
 Hill Park Company, and to contract for said property together with 
 property of individuals adjacent thereto, " with whom negotiations had 
 been made by the committee appointed at a previous meeting. In 
 accordance with this vote the land now constituting the park was 
 secured by the town. This tract embraces about eighty acres, including 
 the reservoir on Walnut Hill. It lies on West ^lain Street, and extends 
 to Grand Street and Hart Street, there being entrances to the park by 
 driveways from all these streets. The land included in the park is 
 agreeably diversified by nature, and if the plans for improvement are 
 carried out the place will eventually become an attractive feature of the 
 city and town. 
 
 The first park commissioners appointed May 31, 1809, were H. E. 
 Russell, G-. M. Landers, and Julius Fenn. Puring the first five years 
 the work done for improving the park was mainly in the direction of 
 drainage and in making suitable roads. Numerous trees were planted 
 in the park in 1876 by citizens of the town, and others have since been 
 added. The income of the bequest of $50,000 left by the will of the 
 late C. B. Erwin will provide for further improvements by supplement- 
 ing whatever amount is appropriated by the town for that purpose. 
 
INDEX 
 
 Abbott, Jacob, 466. 
 
 Rev. L. W., 178. 
 Academy, Berlin, 288; Farmin^on, 233; 
 
 New Britain, 335. 
 Acts, of General Court, 15, 16, 29, 33, 
 
 34, 99, 110. 
 Adams, Jolin Quincy, 315. 
 Adkins Printing Company, 257, 373. 
 Aetna Works, 360. 
 Agreement of Civil Authority, 510. 
 Alinstrom, Eev. Jonas M., 188, 189. 
 Advent Church, 186. 
 Allen, E. B., 344. 
 
 Henry, 3'27. 
 
 William E., 356. 
 Ailing, Henry, 250. 
 
 All Souls' Dniversalist Society, organ- 
 ized, 185; church building, 186. 
 AUyn, John, 170, 171. 
 American Board, 89, 433. 
 American Button Fastener Co., 373. 
 
 Commandery, 353. 
 
 Hosiery Co., 370. 
 
 Spring Needle Co., 374. 
 Ames, Daniel, 54, 69, 441. 
 
 - John, 438. 
 Anderson, Major Robert, 326. 
 Anderson & Ailing, 285, 374. 
 Andr6, Major John, 325, 430. 
 Andrews, Aaron C, 165. 
 
 Alfred, 75, 156, 159, 335, 437. 
 
 Charles S., 63, 348. 
 
 Daniel, 33, 96, 389, 417. 
 
 Ebenezer, 73. 
 
 Eev. Ebenezer B., 161, 163. 
 
 Electa B.. 165. 
 
 EUen, 329. 
 
 Elijah, 73, 436. 
 
 Ethan A., 60, 63, 79, 198, 335, 443. 
 
 EzHkiel, 75, 437, 476. 
 
 Ezekiel, 75, 165, 336. 
 
 Hezikiah, 44, 75, 451. 
 
 Andrews, Hezekiah, 75. 
 
 Ira, 7'3, 
 
 Dr. Isaac, 78, 325. 
 
 Dr. Jesse, 78, 335. 
 
 John, 35, 96, 384, 385. 
 
 Dr. John, 74, 78, 196, 224, 325. 
 
 John,. 412. 
 
 Jonathan, 321. 
 
 Joseph, 74, 335, 434. 
 
 Joshua, 140. 
 
 Josiah, 323, 325. 
 
 Levi, 63, 196, 220, 465, 511. 
 
 Lewis, 146. 
 
 Eev. Luman, 178. 
 
 Mary, 141. 
 
 Mary, 339. , 
 
 Moses, 44, 46, 74, 127, 141, 144, 
 148, 324, 325, 437, 438, 442. 
 
 Moses, 75. 
 
 Nathaniel, 74, 325. 
 
 Philo, 345. 
 
 Rhoda, 75. 
 
 Samuel, 325. 
 
 Sarah E., 165. 
 
 Selah, 75. 
 
 Truman, 73. 
 Angell, Lucy G., 330. 
 Arnold, Benedict, 334. 
 
 W. F., 309. 
 Ashley, E., 185. 
 Attwood, W. E., 373. 
 Atwater, Ira, 155. 
 
 Rev. Jason, 156. 
 
 Walter D., 315. 
 Atwood, J. C, 301, 346, 361. 
 Austin, Richard, 96. 
 
 Babcock, Dr. Edward D., 338. 
 Bacon, James G., 356. 
 
 Rev. Leonard, 156. 
 Bacon & Doyle, 256. 
 Baggs, Israel C, 337. 
 
514 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Baker, Francis W., 256. 
 
 Mrs. M. P., 256. 
 
 Samuel, 2.56. 
 Bailey, M. L., .S46, 3T0. 
 
 Norris. 37;.'. 
 Bailey & Collins, 2s.'',. 
 Baldwin, Rev. Abram C, 119, 120. 
 
 Kev. Leonidas B., 181. 
 
 C. L., 238, 285. 
 Bank Lock Co., 372, 374. 
 
 Baptist Ctmreh, 174; church huilding^ 
 80, 175; meetinp;s, 174; members, 174; 
 organization, 174; pastors, 175. See 
 German JSnpHst Church. 
 Barnard, Henry, 227, 340. 
 Barnes, Albert, 211. 
 Amos, 321. 
 Blakesley, 366. 
 
 D. P., 207. 
 Edwin, 210. 
 Jane E., 231. 
 Stephen, 331. 
 Thomas, 22, 25, 85. 
 
 Bamet, Rev. EU, 178. 
 Barney, Rev. Levi F., 175. 
 Barter,, 55. 
 Bartholomew, J. C, 385. 
 
 Theresa R., 335. 
 Bartlett, Annie G., 330. 
 
 John N., 330, 231, 240, 316, 345. 
 
 John P., 356. 
 
 Rev. Moses, 113, 140. 
 Barton, Joseph, 268, 453. 
 Bass, Rev. Henry, 176. 
 Bassett, Lois E., 165. 
 
 MaryS., 165. 
 
 Nathan, 485. 
 
 0. B., 54, 69, 197. 
 
 Samuel, 198, 273. 
 
 Mrs. Theresa, 180. 
 
 William, 68, 165. 
 Battery E., 856. 
 
 Beaton, Charles H., 204, 309, 348. 
 Beatty, Ambrose, 201, 317. 
 Beckett, George H., 348. 
 Beckley, Benjamin, 96. 
 
 Daniel, 96. 
 
 Elias, 26, 113, 195, 266, 391. 
 
 F. W., 367, 368. 
 
 Joseph, 96. 
 
 Moses W. , 70. 
 
 Beckley, Richard, 35, 36, 96. 
 
 Theodore, 170. 
 Beckley Quarter, first settled, 26; Indi- 
 ans in, 12; in Wethersiield, 26; united 
 to Great Swamp, 36. 
 Beckley & Shipman, 391. 
 Belcher, Andrew, 509, 510; buys large 
 tract of land, 28, 30; makes 
 improvements, 80. 
 Edward, 510. 
 Jonathan, 510. 
 Belden, Ezra, .52, 127, 437. 
 Ira, 73. 
 Joel, 72. 
 Jonathan, 26, 52, 57, 65, 146, 195, 
 
 219, 330, 272, 319, 324, 492. 
 Rev. Joshua, 113, 117, 136, 140. 
 Leonard, 73. 
 William H., 379. 
 William H. & Co., 379. 
 Belknap, Theodore A., 165. 
 Bellamy, Rev. Joseph, 431. 
 Benedict, Rev. Abner, 117. 
 
 Rev. Arthur J., 119, 120. 
 Rev. Timothy, 178. 
 Benefit societies, 351-355. 
 Bennett, Albert, 345. 
 
 Augustus N. , 356. 
 Berlin, 9; boundaries, 194, 209; deseiip- 
 tion of, 10; divided, 197; first settle- 
 ment, 25; first town meeting, 194; 
 industries, 286; incorporated, 193; 
 library, 2.52; population, 196; post- 
 oiHce, 510; productions, 210; schools, 
 225; size of town, 209; town meet- 
 ings, 195; town officers, 210, 211; 
 volunteers, 328. 
 Berlin Church and Society, 169; mem- 
 bers, 170; pnstors, 172. 
 Iron Bridge Co., 390, 371. 
 Savings Bank, 876. 
 Bethany Church, 188. 
 Bidwell, A. M., 185. 
 Abner, 291. 
 Henry L., 62, 337, 478. 
 Bingham, Thomas H., 337. 
 
 William, 280, 281. 
 Bishop", Everett E., 201. 
 John, 356. 
 
 Thomas S., 306, 876. 
 Blake, Arthur C, 348. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 515 
 
 Blake, Mary, 331. 
 Blakeslee, Chartes, 377, 450. 
 Blancharti, Frank L., 357, 376. 
 Blian, Asahel, 73. 
 
 JarvislE., 338, 330. 
 Bolles, Rev. Matthew, 175. 
 Bond, Eev. E. P., 175, 340. 
 Boole, Eev. W. H., 178. 
 Boosy, James, 18. 
 Booth, Anna, 141. 
 
 Cyrus, 68, 180, 278. 
 
 David, 75. 
 
 Elisha, 263, 331. 
 
 Hannah, 73. 
 
 Horace, 66, 80. 
 
 James, 49, 50, 58, 66, 80, 364, 453. 
 
 James, Jr., 66, 370. 
 
 Joseph, 50, 368. 
 
 Joseph, Jr., 368. 
 
 Lois, 174. 
 
 Mary, 114. 
 
 Nathan, 45, 46, 50, 53, 63, 68, 141, 
 170, 398, 436, 441, 453. 
 
 Nathan, Jr., 50. 
 
 Oswyn, 66, 80. 
 
 Richard, 394. 
 
 Robert, 411, 441. 
 
 Robert, 31, 43, 45, 68, 96, 263, 469. 
 
 Samuel, 68, 80, 159, 372, 278. 
 
 Thomas, 72, 174. 
 Booze, Rev. Ebenezer, 136. 
 Bnr^endahl, Rev. Andrew, 189. 
 Borough of New Britain, 198. 
 Bottsford, Isaac, 388, 461. 
 Bowen, John K , 358. 
 Boyd, John, 211. 
 Boy den, Eev. John, 184. 
 Brace, Eev. Joab, 155, 157, 159, 164, 167. 
 Bradford, William, 482. 
 tradley, William, 173. 
 Brady, Eev. John, 181. 
 Brand Manufacturing Co., 373. 
 Brandegee, William S., 173. 
 
 Julia S., 344. 
 
 Elishama, 290. 391. 
 
 Jacob S., 314. 
 Brennan, Patrick, 208. 
 Brewer, Eev. William W., 178. 
 Brewster, James, 309, 310. 
 Brinsmade, Eev. Horatio N., 158. 
 Bronson, Elijah, 103, 143, 219. 
 
 V 3-7 
 67 f 
 
 y/3 
 
 Bronson, Elisha, 96. 
 
 Jacob, 31, 33. 
 
 John, 85. 
 
 Luke, 459. 
 
 Phebe, 176. 
 
 Samuel, 96, 386. 
 
 Samuel, Jr., 96, 97.' 
 
 W. M., 96. 
 Brooks, Eev. Charles, 17.3. 
 Brown, Eev. Aaron, 107. 
 
 Elias, 333, 335. 
 
 Mary J., 331. 
 
 Moses T., 330. 
 
 0. P., 355. 
 Browne, Francis, 33. 
 Brownell, Eev. Thomas G., 180. 
 Brownson, John, 33. 
 
 Richard, 23. 
 
 Samuel, 35. 
 
 William, 25. 
 Brush, Rev. Jpsse, 173. 
 Buchanan, James, 316. 
 Buck, Rev. C. H., 178. 
 
 JohnR., 506. 
 
 Rev. Valentine, 178. 
 Buckham, Henry P., 340. 
 Buckingham, ..Joseph, 104. 
 
 William A., 493. 
 Bucknal, S., .503. 
 Bulkley, Eev. Gershom, 117. 
 
 William, 311. 
 
 William J., 369. 
 Bull, Martin, 360. 
 
 Moses, 96. 
 Bunnell, Charles E., 328. 
 1 Eev. John, 134, 131, 133. 
 
 JohflN.,392. 
 Burgoyne, Gen. Johtf, 333, 430. 
 Burnhani, Josiah, 170. 
 
 Mary, 46. 
 
 O. E., 66, 80, 381. 
 
 0. E. & Co., 66, 379. 
 
 William, 391. 
 
 Rev. W illiam, 38, 46, 91-98, 103- 
 107, 109, 113, 120, 409, 423, 434. 
 Burritt, Ann W., 165. 
 
 Elihu, 64, 236, 347, 254, 347, 447, 
 472, 487. 
 
 Elihu, 431. 
 
 Elijah H., 236. ' 
 
 William, 327, 333. 
 
516 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Burroughs, Rev. George S., 163, 163. 
 Burwell, Linus, 176. 
 Bushnell, Rev. Horace, 167. 
 Butler, Horace, 65, 165, 277, 378, 383, 
 458. 
 
 H. & Co., 378. 
 
 II. &.-ons, 378, 383, 385. 
 
 Ithamar W., 339. 
 
 Moses, 468. 
 
 Orpha H., 165. 
 
 Oscar M., 337. 
 
 SolomoD, 65, 468. 
 
 Calhoun, John C, 474. 
 Callender, C. C, 307, 308, .327. 
 
 Edwards., 337. 
 
 Ira, 276. 
 
 lV'arillaC.,16.5. 
 Camp, David N., 201, 230, 337, 240, 250, 
 345, 370, 373. 
 
 Ellen E., 337. 
 
 Theron H., 345, .373. 
 Campbell, Frederic N., 333. 
 
 Orville, 335. 
 Capron, Rev. Alexander, 181. 
 Carleton, I. N., 241. 
 
 John W., 309. 
 Carlisle, EllorE., 343. 
 Carmody, Rev. Hugh, 183, 183, 237. 
 Carroll, Clarence F., 241, 343. 
 Carpenter, Betsey H., 165. 
 ■ Joshua, 165. 
 
 Walter G., 328. 
 Cartwright, Emma L., 343. 
 Cary, "William N., 208. 
 Case, Cromwell O., 209. 
 
 Harvey E., 207, 368. 
 
 J. T., 372. 
 
 J. T. Engine Co., 373, 374. 
 
 SethE., 344. 
 Cassidy, William, 181. 
 Catlin, Lucy C, 343. 
 Cattle, number i^ each parish, 261. 
 Central Block Co., 375. 
 Chamberlain, V. B., 355, 337, 330, 348, 
 
 372. 
 Chapin, Rev. Calvin, 161. 
 
 Jennie E., 243. 
 Chapman, Charles, 211, 463. 
 Chaunccy, Elihu, 107. 
 
 Rev. Nathaniel, 98, 140. 
 
 Cheney, Elisha, 390. 
 
 Rev. L. C, 178. . " 
 Christ, E. K., 331. 
 
 Christian Lane, first meeting-house, 91 ; 
 settled, 11, 26, 28; settlers attend 
 meeting, 90; site of cemetery, 30. 
 Churches, organized, 84, 93, 141, 164, 
 
 170, 173, 174, 176-189. 
 Church, James, 100. 
 Church music, 87, 147. 
 Churchill, Janna, 264. 
 
 Nathaniel, 56, 57, 143, 330, 343, 
 
 323, 325. 
 Selina H., 165. 
 Solomon, 180. 
 William A., 68, 159, 160, 350, 277, 
 
 280, 368, 377, 378. 
 William W., 378. 
 Dana & Co., 378. 
 Lewis & Co., 378. 
 & Lewis, 363. 
 & Stanley, 377, 3So. 
 Stanley & Co., 277, 377. 
 City Guard, 356. 
 
 City of New Britain, 300; chart'^r 
 adopted, 200; officers, 201. See de- 
 partments. 
 Civil War, 336. 
 Claflord, Rev. Torsten, 189. 
 Clapp & Hale, 280. 
 Clark, Abel, 61, 465. 
 
 Abner, 68, 273, 493. 
 
 C. Goodwin, 230. 
 
 Dan, 159. 
 
 Daniel, 37, 29, 509. 
 
 Rev. George L., 89, 90. 
 
 Henry W.,28L 
 
 H. M., 348. 
 
 John, 39, 61, 111, 333, 436, 465. 
 
 John, 61, 66. 
 
 Joseph, 55, 137, 129, 130, 427, 443. 
 
 Marcellus, 197, 199, 203, 328, 316. 
 
 JIary, 61, 238, 334. 
 
 Matthew, 159, 411. 
 
 Polly B., 165. 
 
 Rev. S. H., 178. 
 
 Rev. Samuel, 113, 113, 114, 116, 
 
 118, 130, 136, 140. 
 Solomon, 70, 72. 
 Solomon, Jr., 70. 
 Timothy, 331. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 517 
 
 Clary, Dr. George, 339, 345. 
 Clayton, Joha M., 474. 
 Clements, Wm. H., 340. 
 Cleveland, Grover, 317, 505. 
 
 Rev. J. B., 119, 130. 
 Clothing of first settlers, 395. 
 Cochrane, James, 376. 
 Coe, William G., 383. 
 Cogswell, Rev. Jonathan, 68, 157, 163. 
 Coholan, Michael J., 308. 
 Cole, Elisha, 110. 
 
 John, 33, 33, 85, 110. 
 
 Mrs. John, 85. 
 ' Matthew, 113, 115, 331. 
 
 Stephen, 110, 115. 
 College, collections for, 813. 
 Collins, A. P., 68, 198, 300, 301, 368, 869. 
 
 Rev. A. B.,507. 
 Comings, Dr. B. N., 350, 339. 
 Commercial Stock Co., 875. 
 Comstock Encampment, 351. 
 Comstock, William, 493. 
 Conant, Shubael, 109. 
 Concordia Society, 353. 
 Conference Meetings, 94. 
 Conklin, Thomas, 365. 
 
 Mrs. Thomas, 349. 
 Connecticut, first settlers, 19; loyalty, 
 36; primitive towns, 18; title to terri- 
 tory, 9. 
 Connecticut Valley Orchard Co., 389, 
 
 375. 
 Connell, John, 337, 340. 
 Cook, Aaron, 34. 
 
 Rev. E. S., 178. ' 
 
 Lucy B., 165. 
 
 Moses, 176. 
 
 Nathan B., 165. 
 Cooley, Francis B., 360. 
 
 George, 309. 
 
 Henry, 338. 
 Cooper, Rev. James W., 168. 
 
 Samuel B., 96, 391. 
 Copper ore, 10. 
 
 Corbin Cabinet Lock Co., 371. 
 Corbin, Frank, '884, 363, 503. 
 
 H. H. & Son, 378. 
 
 Philip, 303, 384, 356, 363, 364, 
 368, 869, 371, 373. 
 
 P. & F., 384, 363, 371. 
 
 Waldo, 345. 
 
 Corbin, Whiting & Co., 363. 
 Cornwell, Charles H., 328, 881. 
 
 Chauncby, 165, 378. 
 
 Ellen S., 839. 
 
 Mary G., 165. 
 
 Robert, 76, 77, 873, 475. 
 
 Sarah G., 165. 
 Corrugated Metal Co., 890, 371. 
 Court Prosperity, 353. 
 Cowles, Dr. Alfred, 79. 
 
 Asahel, 115. 
 
 Augustus, 391. 
 
 Caleb, 38, 94, 96. 
 
 Rev. Chauncey D., 164. 
 
 Elijah, 87. 
 
 Elisha A., 309, 310. 
 
 Frank, 880. 
 ■ George, 89. 
 
 Horace, 89. 
 
 Isaac, 33. 
 
 James, 891, 893. 
 
 James L., 393. 
 
 John, 880. 
 
 Josiah, 331. 
 
 Nathaniel, 33. 
 
 Noah, 115. 
 
 Samuel, 83, 79, 96, 396, 465, 466. 
 
 Solomon, .334. 
 
 Timothy, 811. 
 Crane, Rev. John R., 164. 
 Craw, Lafayette, 307. 
 Crean, Lawrence, 809. 
 Creevey, J. R., 830. 
 Crescent Knitting Co. , 374. 
 Crocker, Rev^ Zebulon, 164, 165. 
 Crosby, Ihomas, 858. 
 Cunningham, William C, 867. 
 Curtice, Thomas, 96, 108. 
 
 Zeb, 108. 
 Curtiss, Fannibelle, 848. 
 
 Julia A., 165. 
 
 Mary P., 165. 
 
 Peter, 381, 480, 439. 
 
 Thomas, 100, 318. 
 Cushman, Rev. Elisha, 175. 
 
 Daly, Rev. Luke, 183, 183, 337, 495. 
 Damon, W. L., 375. 
 Dana, Rev. James, 115. 
 
 E. B., 378. 
 Daniels, Anna, 174. 
 
518 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Darlington, Jennie, 342. 
 Dates, H. M., ;^45. 
 Daviea, Rev. Ttiomas E., 173. 
 Davis, Henry M., 327. 
 
 Rev. Hezekiah, 186. 
 
 Joseph A., 373. 
 
 Rev. S. A., 185. 
 
 Rev. Thomas, 181. 
 Davison, E. H., 363, 371. 
 Davenport, Rev. John, 8i. 
 Day, Aaron, 321, 
 Dayton, Rev. Smith, 178, 179. 
 Deming, Asaph, 63. 
 
 Francis, 311. 
 
 Jacob, 96, 170. 
 
 Jedediah, 164. 
 
 Julius 0., 337, 335. 
 
 Moses, 170. 
 
 Roger, 73. 
 Demon, Thomas, 33. 
 Denison, Rev. John H., 163, 163. 
 Deniston, Rev. Eli, 178. 
 Dewey, Daniel, 33, 102, 131, 136, 133, 
 136, 141-143, 145, 148, 318. 
 
 David, 511. 
 
 Esther, 165. 
 
 George, 383, 484. 
 
 Josiah, 65, 78, 165, 378, 360, 498. 
 
 Lydia S., 165. 
 
 Rehekah, 141. 
 Dickerman, Isaac, 99. 
 Dickinson, Ebenezer, 385. 
 
 Nathaniel, 170. 
 
 Ralph, 180. 
 
 Samuel, 303. 
 
 Sarah, 339. 
 
 Seth, 387, 
 
 Dietz, Rev. , 186, 187, 
 
 Dobson, Francis, 374. 
 Doen, Edward, 363, 503. 
 Dolan, Patrick H., 375. 
 
 Peter C, 375. 
 Dorchester, 19. 
 Dorchester, Stephen, 87. 
 Dorr, Rev. Edward, 105, 106. 
 Dowd, Kev. Cliarles F., 340. 
 
 Miss L., 339. 
 Downing, Lemuel, 235. 
 Drumm, Rev. John H., 181. 
 Dunham, Barnabas, 196. 
 
 Cornelius, 325 
 
 Dunham, fieorge, 292. 
 
 John, 266, 289. 
 
 Solomon, 170. 
 Dunlay, John E., 204. 
 Dwight, Rev. Timothy, 116. 
 Dwyer, John T., 207. 
 Dyson Needle Co., 374. 
 
 Eastman, Elizabeth R., 349. 
 East Street, 40, 43, 45, 47, 58, 69, 390. 
 Ecclesiastical History, 84; of Berlin, 
 169; Farmington, 84; Great Swamp, 
 93; Kensington, 90; New Britain, 131. 
 See under each cJiurch. 
 Eddy, Alfonso, 346. 
 
 Charles, 74, 219. 
 Horace, 74, 345. 
 Mary, 176. 
 Nancy M., 165. 
 Norman, 345. 
 Edmonds, Rev. John A., 178. 
 Education, 213; a day in school, 335; 
 academies and private schools, 333; 
 Berlin academy, 338; collections for 
 eoUege at Cambridge, 213; colonial 
 laws, 313; committee, 219; early 
 schools in Berlin, 316; — Farming- 
 ton, 313; — Great Swamp, 315; — New 
 Britain, 316-331; graded schools, 229; 
 model schools, 339; New Britain sem- 
 inary, 337; Roman Catholic parish 
 schools, 337; school districts formed, 
 316; — consolidated, 229 ; school- 
 houses, 333, 231; school societies, 
 219; State Normal School, see Xoimal 
 School; subscription schools, 234; see 
 schools under each town. 
 Edson, Rev. Ambrose, 171, 172. 
 Edwards, Elisha, 291. 
 Jonathan, 170. 
 Josiah, 1(0. 
 Mary E., 230. 
 Eels, Rev. Edward, 105, 113, 140. 
 Rev. John, 117. 
 John, 61. 
 Eggleston, Thomas, 431. 
 
 F. B.,247. 
 Eiutracht Lodge, 353. 
 Elihu Burritt Lodge, 353. 
 Ellis, John, 73. 
 
 WUliam, 65, 159. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 519 
 
 Ellsworth, Oliver, 234, 429. 
 Elm Street opened, 308. 
 Emmons, Nathaniel, 234, 429. 
 English obtain territory, 9. 
 Eno, Amos R., 154, 500. 
 
 Mary R., 253. 
 Ensworth, J. C, 198. 
 Episcopal Church, St. Marks, New 
 Britain, 179; church buildings, 83, 
 180; first services, 180; parish organ- 
 ized, 18; rectors and other clergy- 
 men, 181. 
 Erichson, C. B., 3.56. 
 Erixon, Kev. C. J., 188. 
 Erwiu, Cornelius B., 250, 251, 281, 283, 
 355, 358, 859, 369, 512. 
 Maria E. , 165. 
 Peter, 489. 
 Lewis & Co., 281. 
 Express, 311, 312. 
 
 Fagan, Bernard, 328. 
 
 Christopher C, 335. 
 Rev. John, 183. 
 Fairbanks, Erastus, 496. 
 Fairfield, 18. 
 Fales, Eachel H., 231. 
 Farmiugtou, 9; academy, 233; boun- 
 daries of town, 20; character of 
 founders, 22, 36; description of town, 
 21; incorporated, 20; Indians in,' 12; 
 industries, 260; population, 22; prod- 
 ucts, 10; I'oads, 20; schools, 212; 
 secures settlement at Christian Lane, 
 28; settlement of, 18; title to terri- 
 tory, 9, 190; towns formed from, 191. 
 Farmington Canal, 291, 309. 
 
 Church, 84; church members, 85; 
 , meeting-houses, 85, 86, 88; or- 
 ganization, 85; pastors, 84, 86, 
 88, 89, 90; records, 84. 
 Kiver Manufacturing Co., 291. 
 Savings Bank, 376. 
 ViUage, 29, 91. 
 Farnham, J., 185. 
 Farnsworth, Samuel, 311, 312. 
 Fellowes, Francis, 502. 
 Felt, W. N., 345. 
 Fenn, Julius, 205, 512. 
 M. Gertrude, 242. 
 Eev. Nathan, 171, 172. 
 
 Ferm, Eev. 0. W., 188. 
 Field, Burr K., 371. 
 Fielding, William I., 372. 
 Finch, A. L., 199, 289. 
 Fire Commissioners, 209. 
 Fire Department, 208. 
 First Church of Christ, 140; appoints 
 officers, 141; meeting-houses, 144, 155, 
 163; members, 141; members with- 
 draw, 161; pastors, 162. See under 
 names of pastors and of society . 
 Fisher, Eev. Charles E., 181. 
 Fisk, Wilbur D., 328, 383. 
 Flagg, Abijah, 165. 
 
 Honor, 165. 
 Flannery, P. J., 207, 208. 
 Fort at Christian Lane, 28. 
 Foulds, William, 373. 
 Foskett, Mary P., 242. 
 Foster, Lafayette S., 211. 
 Fowler, Rev. Amos, 133, 184. 
 Francis, Catharine A., 165. 
 
 Dorothy P., 165. 
 
 Elijah, 73, 156, 159, 165, 174, 220, 
 243. 
 
 George, 62, 181. 
 
 Mrs. George, 181. 
 
 James, 63, 825. 
 
 Rev. James H., 164. 
 
 Jane C, 165. 
 
 John, 315. 
 
 Romeo, 165, 166. 
 Frary, James D., 360. 
 
 Carey & Co., 360. 
 Free Masons, 341. 
 Frederick Lodge, 341. 
 Frisbie, Samuel, 292. 
 Fuller, Gad, 225. 
 
 Gallaudet, Rev. Thomas H., 158. 
 Galpin, Henry N., 291, 315. 
 
 Joseph, 338. 
 
 Peat, 170. 
 
 Samuel, 96, 112, 164. 
 
 Thomas, 404. 
 Garfield, James A., 316. 
 Garvey, John, 209. 
 Gay, Fisher, 87, 88, 294, 318, 321. 
 
 John, 419. 
 
 Julius, 376. 
 
 William, 876. 
 
520 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 General Court, orders of, 14, 15, 18, 19, 
 
 20, 25, 26, 27, 29, 34, 313. 
 Geological Formations, 11. 
 German Baptist CJiureh, 186. 
 
 Benevolent Society, 352. 
 Gerstaeclier Lodge, 351. 
 Gibbons, Rev. William H., 183. 
 Gibbs, EberN., 173. 
 Gibons, William, 18. 
 Giddings, Frederic W., 375. 
 
 George W., 375. 
 
 Minor & Strong, 374. 
 
 & Strong, 374. 
 Gilbert, Clarissa, 176. 
 
 Ebenezer, 43, 95. 
 
 Edmund D., 328. 
 
 Jonathan, 509, 510; buys land, 
 27; grant to, 26; sells, 28. 
 
 Linus, 65, 73, 176. 
 
 Mary, 73. 
 
 Rev. Raphael, 65, 176, 178. 
 .Gilbert's River, 11. 
 Gilbird, Ebenezer, 96. 
 
 John, 96. 
 Gladden, Charles R., 328, 336. 
 
 Reuben, 69, 490! 
 
 Samuel, 75. 
 
 Walter, 69, 199, 228, 316, 326. 
 
 William H., 348. 
 Glazier, Carlos, 493. 
 Glover, Rev. H. E., 178. 
 Gold, Rev. Hezekiah, 141. 
 Goodell, Aaron, 495. 
 
 Rev. Constans L., 167, 168. 
 Gooding, Edith, 242. 
 Goodrich, Miss A. J., 229. 
 
 Rev. Charles A,, 157, 158. 
 
 Cyprian, 210. 
 
 Elisha, 101. ' 
 
 Rev. Elizur, 107, 182, 140, 171. 
 
 Henry B., 328. 
 
 Jared, 376. 
 
 Jedediah, 141. 
 
 John, 170, 266. 
 
 J. W., 208. 
 
 Martha, 141. 
 
 Olivei-, 497. 
 
 Samuel, 141, 157, 171, 172, 219. 
 
 Zobuloa, 144. 
 Goodwin, E. L., 200, 201. 
 
 Thomas, 113. 
 
 Goodwin, William, 22, 23. 
 Graham, Andrew G., 181. 
 I i rant. Gen. U. S., 316. 
 Graves, L. R., 291. 
 
 Great Swamp, first settled, 28; includes 
 Beeliley Quarter, 34; named Kensing- 
 ton, 34; people of, annoyed by Indi- 
 ans, 30; petition for incorporation, 
 32, 91; taxes abated, 33, 91. 
 Great Swamp Church and Society, 33; 
 agreement with Mr. Burnham, 92; 
 authorized to lay taxes, 34; church 
 organized, 92; conference meeting^ 
 established, 94; 'first meeting-house, 
 91; name changed, 34; new meeting- 
 house, 35, 97; seating meeting-house, 
 96, 101; seats and pulpit for, 94. 
 Green, Rev. Enoch, 174. 
 Greenleaf, G. T., 208. 
 Gridley, Hezekiah, 321. 
 Dr. Horatio, 79. 
 John, 96. 
 Mary M., 165. 
 Oliver, 219. 
 Rezen, 321. 
 Samuel, 96, 393. 
 Thomas, 31, 33, 9i, 115. 
 GrifiSn, Rev. Edward Dorr, SS. 
 Rev. Henry L., 167, 168. 
 Griswold, Rev. E. E., 178. 
 Experience, 141. 
 Gideon, 44, 141. 
 Hannah, 141. 
 Hezekiah, 328. 
 Jonathan, 39, 141. 
 Grover, Nathaniel, 235. 
 Guernsey, L. M., 256, 345. 
 Guilford, IS, 31. 
 
 Guion, Rev. John M., 181, 229, 330.236. 
 Gunneson, F. N., 185. 
 Gussman, Ernest, 337. 
 
 Henry, 307, 3US, 337. 
 
 Hadley, George, 209, 356. 
 Hale, Leonard E., 164. 
 
 Mary L., 230. 
 Hall, Amos, 406. 
 
 Benjamin, 107. 
 
 Sherlock C, 315. 
 
 Thomas S., 66, 285, .865, 
 Hall & Knapp, 365. , 
 
INDEX. 
 
 521 
 
 Hallock, Kev. Leavitt H., 172. 
 Hamilton, Edward K., 173, 293. 
 Hammond, Rev. S. M., 178. 
 Haucox, Daniel, 96. 
 
 Thomas, 96. 
 
 William, 96. 
 
 Hanua, James W., 207. 
 
 Mary J., 230. 
 Hanmer, John, 26. 
 Harris, Joseph, 96. 
 Harrison, William H., 315. 
 Hart, Aaron, 77, 278, 425, 498. 
 
 Abijah, 74, 320. 
 
 Adna, 159. 
 
 Almira. See Mrs. Almira H. 
 Lincoln Fh^ps, 
 
 Asahel, 76. 
 
 Benjamin, .56, 196, 364. 
 
 Benjamin, 77. 
 
 Bethel, 73. 
 
 Chester, 76, 77, 165. 
 
 Daniel, 39, 61, 111. 
 
 Dolly S., 165. 
 
 Ebenezer, 433. 
 
 Edward L., 233, 238. 
 
 Elias, 44. 
 
 Elijah, 44, 46, 76, 78, 121, 124, 
 133, 138, 141, 142, 148, 319, 220, 
 263, 264, 803, 328, 424, 440. 
 
 Elijah, 44, 77, 141, 165, 271, 334, 
 835, 443, 473. 
 
 Elijah, 77, 78, 460. 
 
 Elizabeth F., 165. 
 
 Elizur, 55, 76, 801. 
 
 Elvey W., 165. 
 
 Emma. See Sirs. Emma H. 
 Willard. 
 
 F. A., 81, 380. 
 
 F. A. & Co., 379, 280. 
 
 Ferdinand, 176. 
 
 Francis, 76, 165, 819, 836. 
 
 Frederick W., 337, 331. 
 
 George, 61-, 165. 
 
 Hezekiah, 96. 
 
 Horace, 77. 
 
 Ira, 374. 
 
 Isaac, 96, 170. 
 
 Jehudi, 56, 76. 
 
 Jesse, 67, 271, 314. 
 
 Job, 170. 
 
 Dr. John, 79, 338, 325. 
 
 34 
 
 Hart, John, 25, 31, 33, 43, 75, 93, 191, 
 
 384, 893, 401. 
 Jonathan, 823, 835. 
 Jonathan T., 288. 
 Dr. Josiah, 78, 825. 
 Joeiah, 818. 
 Judah, 43, 44, 46, 75, 76, 128, 133, 
 
 134, 141. 
 Judah, 75, 511. 
 Louisa W., 165. 
 Matthew, 113, 418, 448. 
 Mehitabel D., 165. 
 Nathaniel, 104, 417. 
 Norman, 77, 274. 
 Oliver, 113. 
 Orpha N., 165. 
 Ozias, 77, 78, 165, 435. 
 Roger, 75. 
 Rosetta N., 165. 
 Salmon, 75, 76, 165. 
 Samuel, 56, 96, 170, 310, 238, 253, 
 
 319, 425. 
 Samuel, 319. 
 Dr. Samuel, 67, 68, 78, 79, 81, 165, 
 
 230, 335, 486. 
 Dr. Samuel W., 165, 301, 316. 
 Sarah W., 165. 
 Selah, 36, 119, 194, 195, 294, 307, 
 
 309, 318, 319, 321, 333, 335, 326. 
 Selah, 76, 27.3. 
 Mrs. Selah, 119. 
 Simeon, 333, 344, 476. 
 Stephen, 32, 24, 25, 85, 381, 883, 
 
 393, 471. 
 Stephen, 401. 
 Mrs. Stephen, 85. 
 Sylvia, 165. 
 Theodore, 321. 
 Thomas, 81, 33, 44, 66, 74, 93, 94^ 
 
 97, 99-101, 104,, 140, 191, 363, 
 
 818, 386, 389, 441, 446. 
 Thomas, 403. 
 Thomas, 828. 
 Timothy, 111. 
 WiUiam H., 363, 373. 
 Willis A., 337. 
 Zechariah, 170. 
 Bliven & Mead Co., 387. 
 Manufacturing Co., 288. 
 Quarter, 43, 57, 75, 77. 
 Hartford, 18, 19, 31, 33. 
 
522 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Havens, Eev. Harmon S., 175. 
 Hawes, Key. Joel, 159. 
 Hawley, Joseph R., 827. 
 Hayes, Eutherford B., 316. 
 Haynes, John, 19, 32, 24. 
 Herald Publishing Co., 376, 507. 
 Hibbard, R. G., 243, 346. 
 Hicks, Ira, 317, 331, 348. 
 
 Sidney S., 333. 
 
 VanderbUt & Hart, 446. 
 Hig-by, Rev. Seth, 175. 
 Hill, Rev. A. S., 178. 
 
 Mr., 18. 
 HiUard, Rev. Elias B., 119, 130. 
 Hinman, F. E., 255. 
 Hinsdale, Barnabas, 397. 
 
 Elijah, 42, 64, 70, 71, 263. 
 
 John, 42, 71, 170, 263, 319, 436. 
 
 Sarah, 174. 
 Hitchcock, Rev. F., 185. 
 Hjei-pe, Rev. G. E., 189. 
 Holm, Rev. C. W., 188. 
 Holmblad, Rev. Emil, 188. 
 Holmes, Rev. Stephen, 132, 133, 181. 
 HoUister, Ephraim, 170. 
 
 Gershom, 96. 
 
 Samuel, 103. 
 
 Sarah, 174. 
 
 Stephen, 894. 
 Hooker, Edward, 333. 
 
 Elijah, 115, 195, 307, 331. 
 
 Elisha, 195. 
 
 John, 79, 93. 
 
 Noadiah, 388, 831. 
 
 Rev. Samuel, 25, 85, 86, 90, 294, 
 386. 
 
 Rev. Thomas, 24, 84, 85, 318, 379, 
 883, 471. 
 Hopkins, Edward, 19, 23, 33, 24, 25, 214. 
 Horsefall, William, 337'. 
 Hosford, Amos, 307, 309. 
 Hosmer, Timothy, 79. 
 HotchkiSs, Charles T., 480. 
 
 Josiah, 413. 
 
 Ladwick, 42, 73, 123-124, 126, 181, 
 141, 143, 145, 148, 319, 330, 268, 
 364, 319, 335, 438, 
 
 Lemuel, 56, 364, 319, 328, 335, 
 
 Milo, 164, 288. 
 
 Stephen, 331. 
 Houses, 30, 30, 397, 
 Howell, Leverett, 828, 336. 
 
 Hubbard, George, 19, 9G. 
 
 John, 366. 
 
 Jonathan, 26, 195, 307. 
 
 Richard, 170, 309. 
 
 Samuel, 96, 170. 
 
 Timothy, 170. 
 
 & Kellogg, 285. 
 Humason, Beckley & Co., 367. 
 Humason, William L., 367, 868. 
 
 William L., Jr., 855, 368. 
 
 V. P., 368. 
 
 & Beckley Manufacturing Co.; 
 367. 
 Huepi, Rev., 187. 
 Hull, Rev. Samuel, 98. 
 Ilungerford, F. L., 346, 506. 
 Huntington, Rev. Enoch, 117. 
 
 Jonathan, 109. 
 
 Joseph, 429. 
 Hurlburt, Isaac, 118. 
 
 Dr, James, 79. 
 
 Jonathan, 96. 
 Hutehins, Rev. Henry L., 130. 
 
 Indians, 12; confederacy of, 12; dan- 
 ger from, 14, 16; education of, 17; 
 friendly disposition, 9, 13; laws for, 
 14, 16; Mattabesetts, 18, 80; Mohawks, 
 14; Mohegans and Naragansetts, 12; 
 Pequots, 13; Podunks, 12; Quinnipi- 
 acs, 13, 14; principal in Connecticut, 
 13; school for, 17, 315; sell land to 
 English, 9; treachery, 14, 31; Tunxis, 
 13, 17, 19; Wangunks, 13, 13. 
 
 Industries, 359; agriculture, 11, 361; 
 agricultural tools, 264; blacksmiths, 
 262, 264; clocks, 390; clothiers, 368; 
 coopers, 273; distilleries, 261; early 
 manufactures, 59, 68, 363, 269; edge 
 tools, 364; effect on by war of 1813, 
 373; — by financial crisis of 1837, 383; 
 — by incorporation of town, 385; first 
 tin-ware made, 365; first stores, 43, 
 55, 72; fruit growing, 10, 310, 261, 
 289; hats made and sold, 273; horse 
 power, 378; increase of business, 274; 
 mills in Berlin, 262, 390; — Farming- 
 ton, 20, 360; — Kensington, 386;— 
 New Britain, 41, 44, 77, 363; tanneries, 
 63, 66, 370; trades, 363; workmen, 
 399. See Manufactures. 
 
 Ingold, Rev. J. P., 187. 
 
INDEX.- 
 
 523 
 
 Inman, John, 328. 
 Isham Lock, 374. 
 
 Jackson, Rev. Atiner, 181. 
 
 Andrew, 379, 315. 
 Jaeger, Rev. John, 187. 
 Jarvis, Charles M., 871. 
 Jewell Guard, 356. 
 Jewett, Hester, 176. 
 
 John R., 176, 179. 
 
 Rev. Williana R., 176, 179. 
 Johns, Rev. Evan, 171, 172. 
 Johnson, A. E., 185. 
 ^ Burr A., 348. 
 
 Ephraim, 406. 
 Johnston, David B., 173. 
 Jones, Devereaux, 338. 
 
 E. C, 167. 
 
 Rev. Henry, 63, 155, 156, 162, 462. 
 Judd, Albert D., 377. 
 
 Allen, 176. 
 
 Anthony, 31, 33, 43, 45, 64, 65, 94, 
 95, 96, 100-103, 316, 405, 409, 
 iU. 
 , Anthony, 64, 246, 458. 
 
 Benjamin, 31, 33, 40, 41, 46, 56, 
 93, 94, 96, 103, 121, 128, 141, 143, 
 388. 
 
 Benjamin, 102. 
 
 Betsey H., 165. 
 
 Daniel, 64, 70. 
 
 Eliza H., 165. 
 
 Eri, 64. 
 
 GimildaB., 165. 
 
 Harry, 74. 
 
 Hezekiah, 288. 
 
 Hubert L., 377. 
 
 James, 41, 64, 103, 141, 445. 
 
 James, 64j 70, 165. 
 
 John, 45, 46, 48, 61, 53, 73, 102, 
 123, 133, 126, 133, 133, 136, 141, 
 318, 263, 450. 
 
 John, 51, 53, 377. 
 
 John, 73, 165, 313. 
 
 Levi, 364. 
 
 Lorin F., 366, 367, 375. 
 
 Mary, 51. 
 
 Mortimer N., 367. 
 
 Morton, 73, 377, 434, 450. 
 
 M. & Co., 377. 
 
 M. & 0. S., .377. 
 
 Judd, Nathan, 41, 141. 
 
 Oliver S., 377, 434. 
 
 Phinea=, 43, 103, 136, 133, 141, 
 145, 324, 325. 
 
 Rhoda, 52. 
 
 Seth, 51, 53, 324, 335. 
 
 Thomas, 33, 85. 
 
 Mrs. Thomas, 85. 
 
 Uriah, 41, 102, 125, 138, 141. 
 
 William, 35, 70, 79, 331, 341. 
 Judd'e Mill, 41, 64, 67. 
 Judd & Blakeslee, 377. 
 Judsou, Rev. David, 103, 105. 
 Julian Society, 249. 
 
 Keep, Rev. John R., 173. 
 Kehoe, Thomas H., 258. 
 
 & Crosby, 258. 
 Kellogg, Martin, 26, 453. 
 
 Nathaniel, 85. 
 KeUy, John, 141. 
 Kelsey, Charles, 170. 
 
 Ezekiel, 113, 170. 
 John, 34, 43, 96, 102. 
 Samuel, 65. 
 Stephen, 34, 96. 
 William, 459. 
 Kempshall Manufacturing Co., 372^ 374. 
 Kensington, 90; actions of General 
 Assembly, 34, 91, 104; applies for 
 committee, 109; committee report, 
 110; council called, 35; dissensions 
 in society, 35, 102; division, 35, 111; 
 drum provided, 101; hour glass, 101; 
 meeting-house built, 91, 115; — seated, 
 46, 97; new meeting-house, 97, 100; 
 schools, 215, 217; society named, 34. 
 Kensington Church, 90; first pastor, 
 93; Jist of pastors, 130; membership, 
 97; organized, 94; the seven pillars, 
 94. 
 Kenyon, William, 337. 
 Keyes, Rev. Charles C, 178. 
 
 David A., 292. 
 Kilbourn, Daniel, 141. 
 
 Josiah, 40, 121, 124, 219, 325. 
 Mary, 141. 
 Ruth, 141. 
 Seth, 196. 
 Timothy, 69, 446. 
 Kilby, Daniel, 176. 
 
524 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Kilby, Patty, 176. 
 Killingworth, 31. 
 KiDg, Joshua E., 199,326. 
 Kinlock, William G., 327, 834. 
 Kirby, Epbraim, 455. 
 
 Jobn, 170. 
 Knapp, Freaeriek, 316, 365. 
 Knigbtg of Labor, 354. 
 KnigbtB of St. Patrick, 353. 
 Knot, Nathaniel, 95. 
 KoMer, Rev., 187. 
 Kolbe, Henry, 327, 336. 
 
 Ladies' Literary Club, 348. 
 Land, -value of, 31. 
 Landell, Rev. C. A., 188. 
 Landers, Charles S., 355, 361. 
 
 George M., 180, 197-199, 203, 205, 
 347, 250, 2.'il,'285, 359-361, 368, 
 369, 513. 
 Mareellue, 498. 
 Prary & Clark, 3S4, 359, 360. 
 & Smith Manufacturing Co., 360. 
 Landgi-afE, J. F., 346. 
 Lane, Rev. Charles S., 173. 
 Langdon, Dwight, 292. 
 Grace M., 230. 
 Rev. Timothy, 224. 
 Lankton, Daniel, 831. 
 
 John, 44, 85, 319, 821. 
 Joseph, 31, 33. 
 Samuel, 31. 
 Latham, W. E., 198. 
 Lawrence, Rev. William, 178. 
 Lawyers before 1825, 79. 
 Lead ore, 10. 
 Learned, E. C, 369. 
 
 Rev. Robert C, 171, 172. 
 Leavenworth, Rev. Mark, 117. 
 Lee, Caroline, 286. 
 
 Dr. Ebenezer, 79. 
 Elizabeth, 141. 
 Esther M., 165. 
 
 Col. Isaac, 45, 48, 50, .53, 66, 96, 
 
 103, 131, 123, 129, 133, 138, 140- 
 
 143, 218-330, 345, 294, 319, 333, 
 
 437, 436, 497, 499. 
 
 Dr. Isaac, 41, 43, 45, 78, 79, 128, 
 
 406. 
 Isaac, Jr., 50, 51, 53, 65, 67, 68, 
 103, 1-Kl, 154, 193, 270, 274, 276, 
 318, 452, 467, 511. 
 
 Lee, Isaac N.; 380, 381, 385. 
 L N. & Co., 380, 281. 
 John, 35, 38, 385, 887, 893, 499. 
 John, 170, 393. 
 Dr. John R., 79. 
 Jonathan, 96. 
 Josiah, 41, 42, 71, 103, 131, 134, 
 
 136-128, 133, 141-143, 146, 148, 
 
 319, 416, 429. 
 Lorenzo P., 83, 180, 375, 276, 315. 
 Mrs. Lorenzo P., 180. 
 L. P. & Co., 276. 
 Mary V., 230. 
 Patrick, 207, 208. 
 Philip, 67, 68, 489. 
 Seth, 233. 
 Stephen, 31, 33, 41, 42, 45, 70, 94, 
 
 96, 103, 128, 141, 146, 318. 
 Stephen, 43, 886, 394. 
 Theodore, 49, 436. 
 Thirza, 286. 
 Thomas, 67, 68, 80, 157, 384, 286, 
 
 267, 270, 271, 374, 276, 283, 308, 
 
 315, 455, 478, 478, 484, 486, 499. 
 Dr. Thomas G., 79. 
 William H., 381. 
 Leward, Charles J., 378. 
 Lewis, Adonijah, 48, 56, 263, 267, 397. 
 A. N., 874. 
 Charles M., 68, 165, 317, 272, 377, 
 
 378. 
 Daniel W., 79. 
 Elisha, 73. 
 
 Erastus, 267, 270, 449. 
 George, 281. 
 George H., 336. 
 Isaac, 31, 33, 74, 267. 
 James F., 197, 255. 
 Jonathan, 43, 102, 122-134, 126, 
 
 133, 134, 138, 142-144, 148, 318, 
 
 413. 
 Josiah, 331. 
 Seth, 53, 73, 267. 
 William, 32. 
 Wessell .'c Leward, 378. 
 Libby, Rev. D. L. R., 185, 186. 
 Libraries: Library association, 346, 349 
 charter, 350; constitution for, 246 
 first public Ubrary, 244; Berlin, 353 
 Farmiugton, 344; Kensington, 353 
 Lyceum, 247; New Britain, 315, 249 
 New Britain Institute, 349; Normal 
 
INDEX. 
 
 525 
 
 School, 349, 251; parish, 245, 248; 
 Sunday-school, 251; "Tunxis," 244; 
 Young Men's Christian Association, 
 251. 
 Library Company, Farmington, 244. 
 
 Phoenix, 344. 
 Lidman, A., 188. 
 Lincoln, Abraham, 316. 
 
 Levi, 275, 469. 
 
 Simeon, 76. 
 
 Simeon, Jr., 76, 471. 
 Linell, Eev. T. 0., 187. 
 Linsley, Solomon F., 334. 
 Livingston, John H., 429. 
 Lockwood, Eev. James, 105, 113, 140, 
 
 141. 
 Lomes,'John, 33. 
 London, 820. 
 Long, Peter, 206. 
 Loomis, John, 85. 
 
 Sarah M., 165. 
 
 Smith & Co., 285. 
 Lothrop, Eev. Elijah, 113. 
 Loughery, Cornelius, 257, 358. 
 Love, Kev. William De Loss, 171, 172. 
 Low, Eev. S. W., 178. 
 Luckey, Eev. John, 178. 
 Luddington, Colin, 325. 
 
 Daniel, 64. 
 
 Dr. Liniis 8., 339. 
 Ludlow, Eoger, 213. 
 Lunt,'G. W., 185. 
 Lusk, Andrew, 330. 
 
 David, 439. 
 
 John, 44. 
 
 Solomon, 453. 
 
 Thomas, 44, 141. 
 Lydall, Henry, .336. 
 Lyle,(Carrie A., 342. 
 'Lyman, Eev. Chester S., 161, 163. 
 Lyon, Mrs. Emily A. , 349. 
 
 MacAUister, Eev. William, 178. 
 MacCartee, Peter, 362. 
 MacDonald, Eev. James M., 171, 173. 
 MacFarland, Eev. Francis P., 182. 
 Mains, Rev. George P., 178. 
 Malleable Iron Works, 372. 
 Maloney, Cornelius, 257. 
 
 Hannah C, 231. 
 Maltby, Isaac, 335. 
 
 Manners and Customs, 394; clothing, 
 295; corn huskings, 298; distinctions 
 In society, 294; food, 296; hired help, 
 299; houses, 397; labor universal, 294; 
 leaders, 294; log houses, 397; luxury, 
 304; meals, 296; mental culture, 299; 
 respect for law, 301; social life, 300; 
 society homogeneous, 394; taverns, 
 300; union efforts, 300. 
 Mansfield, Eev. Z. H., 181. 
 Manufactures, beginning of, 59, 65, 69, 
 364, 269; growth, 385; in Berlin, 288; 
 in Unionville, 291. 
 Manufacturing companies, 3.57. 
 Markley, Philip J., 306. 
 Marr, Patrick, 348. 
 Marsh, Eev. Dudley D., 173. 
 John, 100. 
 Eev. John, 117. 
 Eev. Jonathan, 98. 
 Marshall, Eliza A., 165. 
 Thomas A., 474. 
 Martyn, Susan, 230. 
 Marvin, Matthew, 32. 
 
 Eenald, 33. 
 Mason, Capt., 19. 
 
 Jeremiah, 334. 
 Nicholas, 32. 
 Mather, Atherton, 398. 
 
 David, 49, 53, 195, 230, 234, 333, 
 
 325. 
 Joseph, 74, 75, 264, 323, 325, 437. 
 Joshua, 45, 46, 49, 53, 103, 141, 
 
 426. 
 Peroia, 53. 
 Dr. Thomas, 78, 79. 
 William, 369. 
 Mattabesett Indians, 13, 30; sachem 
 of, 9. 
 Eiver, 11, 17, 30. 
 Valley, 27. 
 Matteson, Smith, 353. 
 
 Eussell & Co., 358, 359. 
 Maxham, Eev. G. V., 184. 
 May, Samuel, 26. 
 McArdle, Mary A., 231. 
 McBriarty, John, 356. 
 McCabe, Thomas, 307. 
 McCann, Mary M., 342. 
 McGurk, William J., 183. 
 McLean, James, 345. 
 
526 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 MoMahon, Rev. John T., 183. 
 Matthew, 327, 336. 
 
 Meach it- Hart CutleryCo., 293. 
 
 Mead, Charles L., 365, 366. 
 Frederic G., 34.5. 
 
 Mechanics National Bault, 371. 
 
 Medlander, Rev., 187. 
 
 Meeting House at Farmingfton, 86, 87; 
 Great Swamp, 91; Kensington, 99, 
 115; New Britain, 64, 131-130; Worth- 
 ington or Berlin second, 170. 
 
 Meigs, John, 453. 
 
 "Merideen,"28. 
 
 Meriden, 37. 
 
 MeiTiam, Rev. James Fislc, 89, 90. 
 
 Merrills, Chauncey, 73. 
 
 Metallic Con-ugated Shingle Co., 390. 
 
 Methodist Church in Berlin, 178. 
 
 Methodist Church in KensiDgt,on, 179. 
 
 Methodist Church in New Britain, 176; 
 church edifices, 80, 175, 177; first 
 class, 176; meetings, 176; parsonage, 
 177; pastors, 178. 
 
 Meylert, Dr. A. P., 305. 
 
 Middleton, Rev. J. C, 181. 
 
 Middletown, 22. 
 
 and Berlin Turnpike, 76. 
 
 Milford, 18. 
 
 Military, 818; Berlin, 32.5, 839; civil 
 war, 336; Farmington, 318-321; New 
 Britain, 333, .336; enlistments, 337; 
 first companies, 318, 337; war meet- 
 ing, 326; men from Berlin, 328; — 
 Farmington, 338; — New Britain, 338; 
 militia organizations, 318; officers, 
 318; old French war, 319; patriotism, 
 334; Patersou's company, 320; per- 
 sonal sketches, 339; seven years' war, 
 330; train bands, 31S; war of 1813, 
 335; war of Revolution, 330-325. 
 
 Mill River, 11. 
 
 Miller, Darius, 369, 372. 
 
 Rev. David, 176, 178, 179. 
 Josephj 321. 
 
 Mills, Roger H., 250. 
 
 for grinding grain, 30, 259, 364; 
 for sawing, 20, 2.59, 3(i:i 
 
 Miner, Rev. George II., 175. 
 J. H. & Co., 378. 
 Thomas, 117, 238, 463. 
 
 Minerals, 10, 11. 
 
 Mingins, Clara W., 342. 
 
 Mitchell, Charles E., 205, 345, 347, 356. 
 
 Mrs. Charles E., 349. 
 
 G. H., 506. 
 
 Henry A., 369. 
 
 & Hungerford, 506. 
 Mix, John, 333. 
 Moehlman, Rev. J. H., 187. 
 Moffitt, Bernard, 374. 
 Molders' Union, 354. 
 Monten, Rev. A. P., 188. 
 Moore, Isaac, 33, 35. 
 
 John, 37. 
 
 Roswell, 386, 387. 
 
 R. & Sons, 280, 387. 
 
 Roswell A., 311, 289. 
 
 Samuel A., 338,339. 
 Moreton, Thomas, 96. 
 Morgan, W. L., 307, 308. 
 Morrill, Arthur B., 342. 
 Morrow, Rev. C. W., 119, 130. 
 Morse, Rev. J. L., 178. 
 Morton, John, 96. 
 
 Isaac, 100. 
 Moses, Luther, 451. 
 MulvihiU, John J., 208, 209. 
 Munson, John, 311. 
 Murphy, Rev. Edward, 181. 
 Murray, Edward J., 340. 
 Myers, Michael, 336. 
 
 Nash, Henry, 315. 
 Joseph, 380. 
 National "Wire Mattress Co., 373. 
 Nelson, Rev. A. G., 188. 
 Nettleton, Rev. Asahel, 158. 
 Newberry, Mary, 509. 
 New Britain, 9; act incorporating, 110; 
 boundaries, 110; chanses in, 59, 
 80; families, 56; farms, 38; first 
 town meeting, 197; growth, 57, 
 59, 80; highways in, 307; in 
 1750-1800, 38-58; in 1800-1850, 
 58-83; name, 121; population, 
 38, 57, 198; - settled, 26, 38; 
 schools, 217-242. 
 New Britain Agricultural Club, 347. 
 Bank Lock Co., 372, 374. 
 Borough, 198. 
 Caledonian Club, 352. 
 Club, 355. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 527 
 
 New Britain Council, Q. U. A. M., 353. 
 
 Ecclesiastical Society, 121; ap- 
 plies to County Court to fix site 
 for meeting-house, 123; — to 
 lay out highways, 135; applies 
 to Hartford South Association 
 for advice, 133, 136; bills paid, 
 129; building committee ap- 
 pointed, 136; caUs a pastor, 
 131-136; committees appointed, 
 131-186; first meeting, 131; 
 meeting-house described, 129, 
 144; — raised and covered, 137; 
 ^repaired, 146; ministers in- 
 vited to preach, 131; ministers' 
 salaries, 135, 137; new roads to 
 meeting-house, 137; procure 
 cemetery, 128; Sabbath Day 
 houses, 146; salaries paid in 
 grain, 136; singing improved, 
 147; site of meeting-house, 133, 
 154; survey of society made, 
 ' 48, 123, 154; taxes laid, 125, 139; 
 timber for meeting-house, 136. 
 
 Electric Light Co., 373. 
 
 Gas Light Co., 368. 
 
 Institute, 349; bequests to, 350, 
 351; charter, 350; library, 349; 
 reading-room, 251. 
 
 Knitting Co., 285, 862. 
 
 Lock Factory, 283, 284. 
 
 Lumber and Coal Co. , 374. 
 
 National Bank, 569. 
 
 Opera House Co., 374. 
 
 Scientific Association, 350. 
 
 Seminary, 337. 
 
 Tract Society, 843. 
 
 Tramway Co., 37'5. 
 
 Turner Society, 353. 
 
 Wheel Club, 855. 
 Newell, Abel, 133. 
 
 John, 411, 415. 
 
 Oliver, 176. 
 
 Samuel, 33. , 
 
 Eev. Samuel, 113, 117. 
 
 Simeon, 304. 
 
 Thomas, 85. 
 Newhall, Rev. F. H., 178. 
 New Haven, 18, 21. 
 New London, 31. 
 Newspapers, 258; Advocate, 354; Chron- 
 
 icle, 355; Church Secord, 258; Circle, 
 258; Connecticut Organ, etc., 255) JTer- 
 ald, 257, 507; Independent, 357; News, 
 255, 358; ''Worth ami South," 353; 
 Observer, 356, 507; Becord, 356; Shep- 
 herdess, 353; Star, 258; Times, 357; 
 True Citizen, 356. 
 Newton, Charles W., 340. 
 
 Rev. Roger, 23, 35, 84, 85, 90, 313. 
 Mrs, Roger, 33, 85. 
 Newtown. 19. 
 
 Nichols, Rev. Jarvis C, 178. 
 Nickerson, A., 336. 
 Nixon, Rev. John, 178. 
 Noble, Howard C, 367. 
 Normal School, building, 339, 339, 341; 
 established, 339; location, 340; offi- 
 cers, 340, 341; teachers, 240, 243. 
 North, Alfred, 310, 311, 291, 308, 376. 
 Alvin, 61, 64, 65, 66, 82, 156, 165, 
 , 235, 271, 275, 377, 378, 366, 456. 
 Alvin & Co., 82. 
 A. & Son, 277, 378, 385. 
 Asher, 823, 335. 
 Clarissa B., 165. 
 Ebenezer, 103. 
 Edward, 367. 
 Elizabeth S., 165^ 
 Frederick H., 250, 376, 368. 
 Georgiana M., 165. 
 Henry, 53, 65, 66, 165, 235, 236, 
 
 375, 376, 385, 377. 
 Hubert F., 278, 366. 
 H. F. & Co., 366. 
 Isaac, 170. 
 James, 401, 484. 
 
 James, 39, 51, 52, 53, 54, 57, 65, 
 66, 146, 156, 330, 363, 364, 368, 
 369, 376, 378, 307, 309, 416, 450, 
 453. 
 ■ • James, Jr., 66, 368, 369, 455, 457. 
 Jedediah, 170, 267, 390. 
 John, 35, 51, 92, 96. 
 Julia A., 165. 
 Lauretta S., 165. 
 Levi, 390. 
 Louisa B., 165. 
 Mary C, 165. 
 0. B., 378, 866, 369. 
 O. B. ^ Co., 285. 
 Orrin S., 64, 199, 377. 
 
628 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 North, Samuel, ITO, 331. 
 
 Sarah B., 166. 
 
 Sarah C, 165. 
 
 Sarah E., 166. 
 
 Seth J., 61, 68, 83, l.'ST, 160, 165, 
 234, 235, 269-273, 374-276, 378- 
 280, 283, 304, 308-310, 326, 362, 
 365, 366, 37T, 453, 458, 475, 478, 
 503. 
 
 Seth J. & Co., 376, 363. 
 
 Seth (Berlin), 170. 
 
 Simeon, 290. 
 
 Thomas, 33, 51, 94-86, 304. 
 
 Thomas, Jr., 51. 
 
 William B., 276, 277, 340, 377. 
 
 Smith & Stanley, 82, 279. 
 
 Stanley & Co., 276, 279. 
 
 & Butler, 65, 277. 
 
 & Churchill, 277. 
 
 & Co., 285. 
 
 & Judd, 64, 366. 
 
 & Jndd Manufacturing- Co., 366. 
 
 & Stanley, 81, 276, 279, 358, 362, 
 365. 
 
 & Whipple, 272, 275. 
 Northend, Charles, 331, 345. 
 Norton, Alfred, 310. 
 
 Elnathan, 170. 
 
 Ichabod, 321. 
 
 Isaac, 31, 33, 95, 96. 
 
 Jededjah, 170, 321. 
 
 John, 25, 31, 33, 98. 
 
 John T., 291. 
 
 Lucius F., 334. 
 
 Roger, 113, 115. ' 
 Northrop & Lathrop, 385. 
 Norwich, 31. 
 
 Korwood, Rev. Abraham, 184. 
 Noyes, Eev. J ames, 86. 
 
 O'Brien, John C, 208, 336. 
 O'Donnell, John E., 208. 
 O'Dwyer, Rev. Patrick, 183. 
 Odd Fellows, 351. 
 Olcott, Rev. Allen, 88, 90. 
 Oldershaw, I-Iiram, 346, 873. 
 O'Reilly, Rev. Bernard, 182, 493. 
 Orton, John, 191. 
 Osborne, Rev. Theron, 178. 
 Osgood, Albert J., 258. 
 Jeremiah H., 174. 
 
 Osgood, Jolm, 73, 174. 
 
 Lester, 73. 
 
 Lydia C, 174. 
 
 Mary, 174. 
 Oviatt, J. N., 256. 
 
 & Baker, 2.56. 
 Orvice, George, 33. 
 
 Samuel, 304. 
 
 Package Express, 311, 313. 
 Page, Helen F., 342. 
 Paine, Rev. Levi L., 89, 90. 
 
 R. P., 346. 
 Pantry, William, 23, 23. 
 Parish, Ariel, 338. 
 Parker, Mrs. Charles, 349. 
 
 Emory A., 347. 
 
 Julius, 381, 385. 
 
 Julius & Son, 281. 
 
 William, 346. 
 
 William E., 372. 
 
 cfcCo.,380. 
 Parsons, J. Willard, 337, 328. 
 Partridge, Oliver, 114. 
 Patent Wood Screw Co., 291. 
 Paterson, Anna, 266. 
 
 Edward, 403, 405. 
 
 Edward, 266, 289, 404, 405. 
 
 James, 106, 400, 406. 
 
 Maj. John, 40, 41, 70, 131, 123, 
 134, 131, 138, 1.36, 138, 141, 219, 
 318, 320-325, 429. 
 
 Gen. John, 40, 71, 324, 325, 405. 
 
 Ruth, 429. 
 
 Shuhael, 266, 289, 404. 
 
 William, 403. 
 
 William, 43, 73, 135, 132, 141, 317, 
 219, 266, 267, 418. 
 Patterson, Rev. A. J., 184. 
 
 Mary S., 235. 
 Pattison, Rev. William P., 175, 228. 
 "Paths," 305, 306. 
 Pease, Julius H., 316, 317. 
 
 L. Hoyt, 862. 
 Peck, Amos, 113, 115. 
 
 Charles, 383, 345, 346, 373. 
 
 Edward, 288. 
 
 Elnathan, 155, 160, 166, 168, 283. 
 
 Henry, 282. 
 
 Jesse, 225. 
 
 John H., 230, 351. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 529 
 
 Peck, Kezia A., 330. 
 Mary D., 166. 
 Michael, 484. 
 Oliver, 115. 
 & Walter, 282, 385. 
 Brothers, 382. 
 
 Stow & Wilcox Co., 386-390. 
 Peeke, Samuel, 96. 
 Penfield, Lemuel, 307. 
 Nathan, 335. 
 Nathauiel, 445. 
 Phineas, 373. 
 Russell, 164. 
 People's Church, 186. 
 Percival, James, 447. 
 
 Dr. James, 79, 353, 386, 331, 343, 
 
 474. 
 Dr. James G., 79, 234, 342. 
 Perkins, Eev. Nathan, 155, 157. 
 
 Newton W., 328, 333. 
 Perrin, Bernadotte, 493. 
 
 Rev. Lavalette, 163, 163, 483. 
 Petition for society at Great Swamp, 
 32; — for New Britain, 102;— for new 
 church, 159. 
 . Phalan, Charles J., 498. 
 Florence, 498. 
 James, 497, 498. 
 Kate, 498. 
 Phelps, Mrs. Almira H. Lincoln, 324, 
 226, 234, 338, 353. 
 Charles Edward, 473. 
 James M., 354, 355. 
 John, 471. 
 John Jay, 500, 
 Phenix,- George P., 243. 
 
 Lodge, 351. 
 Philhrick, John D., 230, 340, 350. 
 Philharmonic Society, 356. 
 Physicians in Farmington before 1800, 
 79; — in Berlin, 79; — in New Britain, 
 78. 
 Pickett, Albert, 504. 
 
 , J. Andrew, 201, 205, 345, 346, 360, 
 370. 
 Mrs. J. Andrew, 347, 349. 
 Pierce, Franklin, 316. 
 Pierson, Eev. Abram, 86. 
 Pierpont, Sherman, 291. 
 Pillsbury, Rev. Benjamin, 178. 
 Pitkin, Rev. Timothy, 87, 90, 113, 117, 
 136, 140. 
 
 Pitkin, Timothy, Jr., 79, 89, 2.32. 
 
 William, 107. 
 Platner, William, 393. 
 
 & Porter, 393. 
 Piatt, Frederick G., 346, 373, 374, 375. 
 
 Orville H., 255. 
 Plum, Bela, 303. 
 Plumley, A. R., 375. 
 Plumb, Rev. Daniel H., 184. 
 
 James M., 314. 
 Police, 307. 
 
 Commissioners, 207, 308. 
 
 Department, 306. 
 Pocock, Admiral, 330, 401. 
 Polk, James K., 316. 
 Population of Berlin, 196-198; — Farm- 
 ington, 32;— New Britain, 83, 196, 
 198. 
 Pond, D. C, 377, 377. 
 Porter, Aaron, 170, 171. 
 
 Amos, 113. 
 
 Daniel, 79. 
 
 Ebenezer, 234. 
 
 Elijah, 123, 142, 344. 
 
 Ezekiel, 81. 
 
 Henry L., 315. 
 
 Isaac, 198, 333. 
 
 Dr. James, 169. 
 
 Mary, 337. 
 
 Mortimer S., 338. 
 
 Nehemlah, 33, 93, 96. 
 
 Rev. Noah, 88, 89, 90, 156-158, 
 167, 333, 465. 
 
 Rev. Noah, 119, 158, 360. 
 
 Robert, 85. 
 
 Samuel, 170, 338, 314. 
 
 Dr. Samuel, 79. 
 
 Samuel Q., 393. 
 
 Sarah, 383. 
 
 Selah, 244. 
 
 Thomas, 23, 25. 
 
 Thomas L., 191. 
 
 Rev. William S., 22, 84. 
 Post, John W., 328, 337. 
 Postmasters in Berlin, 314;^ New Brit- 
 ain, 315. . 
 Post-office, 313; first in Berlin, 314, 510; 
 — East Berlin, 510; — Farmington, 
 510; — Kensington, 510;^ New Brit- 
 ain, 315, 510; — Unionville, 510; letter 
 carriers, 317. 
 
530 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Post Eiders, 313. 
 Potter, Andrew P., 166. 
 
 Rev. Giles M., 173. 
 Pratt, Andrew, 70, 230. 
 
 Jolin, 32. 
 Preston, Eli D., 173. 
 Primitive Towns, 18. 
 Private Schools, in Berlin, 338; Farm- 
 
 ington, 2.33, 233; New Britain, 233-337. 
 Productions of Berlin, 310, 261, 2S0; — 
 
 Farmins'ton, 10, 260; — New Britain, 
 
 38, 361, 263, 364, 373, 385. 
 Proprietors of Farmington, 33. 
 Pullman, Rev. Joseph, 178: 
 Pyquaug, 9. 
 
 Quimby, Rev. George W., 184. 
 Quinnipiac River, 11. 
 Valley, 10. 
 
 Rabe, Rev. 0. W., 187. 
 Rail Road Block Co., 374. 
 Railroads, benefit to New Britain, 310; 
 Hartford, Providence & FishlcUl, 83, 
 311, 456; Middletown, 310; New Brit- 
 ain, 310; New Haven & Hartford, 
 309, 310, 456; New Haven & North- 
 ampton, 83, 310; New York & New 
 England, 311; New York & New 
 Haven, 310. 
 Railway station, 313. 
 Eecor, John, 73. 
 Rectors of St. Mark's, 181. 
 Revivals, 80, 153. 
 Reynolds, G. L., 346. 
 Rev. B. K., 178. 
 Rice, A. W., 305. 
 Rich, John, 140. 
 Richards, George, 178. 
 
 John, 39, 51, 71, 363, 397, 435. 
 Lydia, 51. 
 
 Samuel, 79, 141, 176, 319, 341. 
 Thomas, 39, 43, 141, 363, 319, 416. 
 Richardson, Daniel, 494. 
 
 Rev. Elias H., 163, 163. 
 Riggs, John, 99. 
 Riley, John, 325. 
 
 Roger, 196, ;S8. 
 Theodore, 75. 
 Ringrose, James W., 304, 358. 
 Ripley, Eugene, 345, 
 
 Manufacturing Co., 393. 
 
 Risley, Shubael, 310. 
 Roads, 305; Arch Street laid out, 308; 
 Elm Street, 308; Farmington canal, 
 309; first paths, 305; in Berlin, 306; 
 in Farmington, 305; in Great Swamp, 
 306; in New Britain, 307; Hartford & 
 New Haven turnpike, 307; Middle- 
 town turnpike, 309; stage routes, 313. 
 Robbins, Chandler, 421. 
 
 Jehiel, 164. 
 
 John, 36. 
 
 Rev. Royal, 117-130, 157,164, 352, 
 470. 
 Robert, Earl of Warwick, 9. 
 
 Lord Brooke, 9. 
 Robinson, John, 447. 
 Roberts, Dr. Aaron, 441. 
 
 Aaron, 54, 69, 438. 
 Rockwell, Alpha, 482. 
 
 Julia P., 243. 
 
 Rev. Samuel, 166, 167, 168, 228, 
 326, 376, 478. 
 
 William, 140, 482. 
 Rogers, D. 0., 373. 
 
 Rev. John H., 181. 
 
 Lincoln A., 230, 237, 346, 347. _ 
 Roman Catholic Church, St. Mary's, 
 181; St. Paul's, 183; Uniouville, 183. 
 Root, Rev. Benjamin, 135. 
 
 Hannah, 141. 
 
 Hannah E., 166. 
 
 John, 96. 
 
 Joseph, 44, 74, 413. 
 
 Stephen, 33. 
 
 Timothy, 319. 
 Rose, Robert, 18. 
 Rossen, Rev. Glindel, 113. 
 Rossiter, L. G., 198, 376. 
 Rowe, Chauncey, 369. 
 
 John, 208. 
 Roxbury, 19. 
 Royce, Ephraim, 273. 
 Roys, Franklin, 290. 
 
 it Wilcox Co., 290. 
 Rue, John, 96. 
 Ruff, Joseph J., 337. 
 Ruggles, Thomas, 86, 134. 
 Rushmore, Rev. Stephen, 178. 
 Rush, Rev. R. H., 178. 
 Russell, Rev. Daniel, 113. 
 
 Emanuel, 180, 357. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 531 
 
 Russell, Mrs. Emanuel, 180. 
 
 Emellne, 180. 
 
 Rev. Francis T., 181. 
 
 Henry E,, 203, 250, 283, 346, 358, 
 359, 368, 869, 376, 457, 490, 511, 
 512. 
 
 Isaac, 456. 
 
 Kate E., 231. 
 
 Rev. N., 86. 
 
 Rev. Samuel, 86. 
 
 Westell, 281. 
 
 Rev. William, 105, 140. 
 
 & Erwin, 358, 363. 
 
 & Erwin Manufacturing Co., 283, 
 285, 357-3.59. 
 
 & Matteson, 456> 
 
 Matteson & Co., 457. 
 Russwln Corporation, 376. 
 Ryan, Edward E., 207, 208. 
 
 Sabbath Day Houses, 146. 
 Sage, David, 113, 170. 
 
 George H., 371. 
 
 Solomon, 196. 
 Sanford, Ebenezer, 170.' 
 
 Rev. Luman A., 178. 
 Sargent, J. B., 282. 
 Savage, Elisha, 113, 196. 
 
 Sett, 289. 
 Savings Bank of New Britain, 376. 
 Sawyer, Henry E., 231. 
 Saxton, Rev. Otis, 178. 
 Say and Seal, Viscount, 9. 
 Saybrook, 18, 19, 31. 
 ■Schmidt, Rev. Charles, 187. 
 Schofield, Rev. J. V., 175, 187. 
 School Districts, 216, 220, 329. 
 
 Houses, 214, 231, 231. 
 
 Indian, 215. 
 
 Private, 232-238. 
 
 State Normal, 238-242. 
 
 Societies, 317, 319. 
 
 Teachers, 329-231, 240, 242. 
 Schools, in Berlin, 325; — Farmlngton, 
 313, 215; — Kensington, 217;— New 
 Britain, 217; laws concerning, 313, 
 325; made free, 229. See Education. 
 Scott, Thomas, 18, 23, 23. 
 Scoville, Charles M., 337. 
 Scripture, F. M.', 185. 
 Scudder, Rev. M..L., 178. 
 
 Searle, Rev. Jairus, 173. 
 Seiple, Adam, 208. 
 Sequassen, 9. 
 
 Settlement, of Beckley Quarter, 25; — 
 Berlin, 26; — Christian Lape, 38; — 
 East Street, 31; Farmington, 18; — 
 Kensington, 38; — New Britain, 36, 31; 
 — Stanley Quarter, -26. 
 Seward, Rev. Dwight M., 158; 163, 164. 
 Sewer' Commissioners, £05, 206. 
 ■Sewers, 205. 
 Seymour, Aaron, 459. 
 
 Abigail, 166. 
 
 Ebenezer, 33, 96. ■ 
 
 Frederick S., 328, 334, 348. 
 
 Hannah, 141. 
 
 Henrietta M. , 166. 
 
 Hezekiah, 180. 
 
 Jonathan, 96. 
 
 Mary Ann, 166. 
 
 Mercy, 41. 
 
 Moses D., 78, 374. 
 ' Orson H., 363, 
 
 Richard, 28, 30, 41. 
 
 Samuel, 33, 94, 96. 
 
 Thomas, 100. 
 
 Thomas H., 311. 
 
 Williams & Porter, 391. 
 Shailer, Rev. Nathan E., 175. 
 Shepard, Charles U., 474. 
 Shepherdess, The, 253. 
 Sheridan, Rev. B. O'E., 183. 
 Sherman, Rev. Charles S., 161, 163, 228. 
 Sherwood, Rev. Samuel, 107. 
 Shipmati, Horatio, 63. 
 
 Joseph, 168, 335, 368, 269, 370, 
 273, 374, 
 
 J. & Sons, 63. 
 
 Ralph, 63. 
 
 Samuel, 65, 368, 457. 
 Silk Business, 64, 431. 
 Skelly, Peter, 181. 
 Skinner Chuck Co., 373. 
 
 Rev. C. a;, 185. 
 
 E. J., 373. 
 
 James N., 373. 
 
 Rev. Newton, 42, 71, 153, 155, 162, 
 220, 2T6, 295. 
 
 House, 41, 71. 
 Slater, Elam, 197. 
 
 Matilda W., 166. 
 
532 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Sloan, John T., 208. 
 Sloper, Andrew J., 370, 373. 
 Slosson, Rev. Hiram, 173. 
 Smalley, Rev. John, 60, 65, 71, 73, 117, 
 135, 136-143, 145-153, 163, 171, 
 219, 320, 224, 234, 345-347, 364, 
 269, 294, 295, 333, 408, 439; 
 called to New Britain, 137; 
 ordained, 140; letter, 150; pas- 
 torate, 152; salary, 137, 149; 
 withdraws, 153. 
 Mary, 224, 234. 
 Rebecca, 65. 
 Smith, Abijah, 62. 
 Anna I., 337. 
 Arthur, 380. 
 Azariah, 103. 
 Daniel, 77. 
 Ebenezer, 40, 50, 123, 124, 126, 
 
 132, 138, 141, 443. 
 Ebenezer, 40. 
 
 Rev. Edward A., 89, 90. 
 
 Eli, 159. 
 
 Elijah, 42, 219, 301, 324. 
 
 Elizabeth A., 166. 
 
 Elnathan, 43, 55, 72, 146, 193, 195, 
 
 319-321, 825, 454, 463, 511. 
 Francis H., 334, 348. 
 Gideon, 320. 
 Harriet S., 166. 
 Rev. Horace G., 184. 
 IraE., 79, 180. 
 Rev. James A., 164. 
 Jedediah, 42, 102, 128, 138, 141. 
 John K., 375. 
 John J., 356. 
 Jonathan, 396. 
 Joseph, 403, 427. 
 Rev.' Joseph, 178. 
 Joseph, 31, 33, 42, 55, 73, 96, 102, 
 
 133, 141, 146, 148, 301, 319, 390. 
 Joseph L., 33, 42, 79, 462, 501. 
 Lemuel, 63. 
 
 Levi 0., 360. 
 
 LucindaH., 166. 
 
 Lueretia M., 166. 
 
 Moses, 62, 174. 
 
 Nancy, 335, 236. 
 
 Rebecca B., 229. 
 
 Samuel, 33, 96, 170, 331, 449. 
 
 Truman, 474. 
 
 Smith, Rev. Wilder, 171, 172. 
 
 William, 40, 74, 128, 138, 141, 156, 
 
 270, 886, 455, 479. 
 WiUiam H., 83, 166, 378, 379, 381, 
 358, 368, 376. 
 Smythe, William B., 303, 350. 
 Sneath, T. S., 358. 
 Snow, Rev. Aaron, 164. 
 Snowden, Rev. WiUiam E., 181. 
 Societies and Associations, 341. 
 Soldiers' Monuments, 329. 
 South Congregational Church, 164; 
 church buildings, 83, 168; first meet- 
 ing, 166; members, 165; pastors, 168. 
 South Green, 69. 
 ;fouthington, 33. 
 Sowheag, 9, 36. 
 Spaulding, Joseph, 170, 171. 
 
 A. W., 207. 
 Spencer, D. C, 289. 
 Sperry, L. L., 346. 
 Sprague, Homer B., 341, 345. 
 Spring, C. W., 185. 
 
 John M., 363, 373. 
 " Squaddams," 216, 218. 
 Squires, John, 170. 
 St. Elmo Lodge, 853. 
 St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 179; 
 church buildings, 180; first service, 
 180; members, 181; parish organized, 
 180; rectors, 181. 
 St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 
 181; church buildings, 183, 183; 
 convent, 183; parish organized, 
 181; parish school, 182; pas- 
 tore, 183. 
 Temperance Society, 353. 
 St. Patrick's Benevolent Society, 352. 
 Standard Rule Co., 293. 
 Stanley, Abigail L., 166. 
 
 Lr. Adna, 62, 78, 196, 219, 320, 
 
 231, 443. 
 Alice G., 349. 
 Alonzo, 166. 
 
 Amon, 61, 156, 159, 272, 485. 
 Augusta 347. 
 
 Augustus, 160, 345, 365, 868. 
 Caleb, 80. 
 Catharine A., 166. 
 Charles, 880. 
 Charles N., 180. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 533 
 
 Stanley, Charlotte N., 166. 
 Chloe A., 165. 
 Cyrus, 61, 63, 78, 2T8, 336.- 
 Edward N., 370. 
 Frank, 327. 
 Frank E., 328, 337. 
 Frank W., 338, 337. 
 Frederick N., 835, 366. 
 ■ Frederick T., 60, 61, 80, 81, 82, 
 
 180, 199-204, 228, 250, 279, 281, 
 
 283, 285, 357, 358, 361, 362, 368. 
 Cad, 26, 39, 51, 52, 56, 57, 60, 61, 
 
 62, 193, 195, 219, 220, 243, 264, 
 
 307, 319, 331-323, 328, 430, 438, 
 
 467, 4r8. 
 Gad, Jr., 60, 197, 481. 
 Harriet A., 166. 
 Henry, 166, 377-379, 334, 362, 366, 
 
 456, 458. 
 Ira, 77, 159, 278, 377. 
 Ira, Jr., 159. 
 
 James, 350, 377, 334, 378. 
 Jesse, 63. 
 John, 33, 85, 383. 
 John, 62, 81, 96, 159, 379, 380, 304, 
 
 391, 456. 
 John, 77. 
 John, 202. 
 John Mix, 61. 
 Laura, 62. 
 Lot, 264, 373, 454. 
 Melvina C, 166. 
 Mervin C, 347, 374. 
 Mortimer H., 328, 334. 
 Noah, 39, 54, 60, 63, 134, 138, 134, 
 
 141, 143, 145, 146, 148, 319, 243, 
 
 301, 319, 333, 325, 443, 446, 473. 
 Noah, 63. 
 
 Noah W., 39, 159,197,338. 
 Oliver, 478. 
 Oliver, 250, 376, 345, 346, 356, 371, 
 
 456. 
 O. C, 380. 
 Roderick, 164. 
 Seth, 56, 61. 
 Theodore A., 328, 334. 
 Thomas, 39, 60, 106, 111, 143, 248, 
 
 414, 428, 439. 
 Thomas, 375. 
 Timothy, 39, 60, 63, 144, 243, 263, 
 
 303. 
 
 Stanley, Timothy W., 159, 199, 350, 337, 
 365, 368-370. 
 
 Wakeman, N., 63. 
 
 Walter, 337. 
 
 William B., 60, 61, 83, 166, 281, 
 357, 481. 
 Stanley Post, 348. 
 
 Quarter, 38, 39, 54, 60, 381. 
 
 Eule & Level Co., 364, 865. 
 
 Russell & Co., 283, 358. 
 
 Woodruff & Co., 381, 383, 357. 
 
 Works, 388, 861. 
 Stanton, Benjamin, 73. 
 Stedman, Theodore, 324, 3&5. 
 Steele, Ebenezer, 56, 73, 325. 
 
 Ebenezer, Jr., 56. 
 
 Edmund, 52, 166. 
 
 Esther, 176. 
 
 James, 27, 170, 176. 
 
 Jason, 325, 826. 
 
 John, 22, 28, 25, S5, 176, 190, 191. 
 
 Dr. Joseph, 46, 91, 96, 100, 411, 
 414. 
 
 Joaiah, 69, .325. 
 
 Lucy N., 166. 
 
 Maria W., 166. 
 
 Nelson W., 828. 
 
 Rebecca R, , 174. 
 
 Rena, 176. 
 
 Salmon, 336. 
 
 Selah, 75. 
 
 William, 176, 333, 335. 
 Stella Lodge, 351. 
 Stickney, Rev. Wm. A., 184. 
 Stidham, Rev. I. F.,'l75, 851. 
 Stiles, Rev. Ezra, 107. 
 Stillman, Albert, 840. 
 
 Rev. Stephen L., 178. 
 Stivers, J. O., 356. 
 Stocking, Rev. David, 178. 
 
 William, 288. 
 
 William & Spn, 288. 
 Stoddard, Rev. James, 181. 
 Stone, Rev. Alva, 178. 
 
 Levi B., 827. 
 
 Rutus, 292. 
 
 Rev. T. D. P., 236, 340. 
 
 & Carrington, 393. 
 Stonington, 31. 
 
 Stores, 55, 67, 72, 80, 260, 265, 293. 
 Stow, William H.,337. 
 
534 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Stratford, 18. 
 
 Street, Rev. Nicholas, 123. 
 
 Strickland, Stephen L., 368. 
 
 Mrs. Stephen L., 489. 
 
 & Miller, 285. 
 Strong, Rev. Cyprian, 117. 
 
 Hewitt, 140. 
 
 H. P., 345, 375. 
 
 John, li:l, 318. 
 
 Simeon, 321, 431. 
 Sugden House, 45, 54. 
 
 Thomas, 45, 53, 399. 
 Sullivan, William, 309. 
 Summers, L. P., 185. 
 ' Sunday Schools, 89, 153. 
 Susquehanna Company, 57. 
 Swedish Baptist Church, 189. 
 
 Bethany Church, 188. 
 
 Lutheran Church, 187. 
 Sweet, Caroline U., 166. 
 
 Dennis, 166. 
 Swift, E. R., 305. 
 
 M. C, 373. 
 
 Tahor, Rev. M. W., 185. 
 Talmage, Samuel P., 211. 
 Talcott, C. Myron, 340. 
 
 Rev. Harvey, 164. 
 
 James, 363. 
 
 John, 33, 33. 
 
 John B. , 201, 350, 346, 355, 363, 371. 
 
 Joseph, 84. 
 
 Seth, 503. 
 Tatem, Joseph, 308. 
 Taverns, .54, 
 Taylor, A. E., 378, 345. 
 
 Bingham, 345. 
 
 Eldad, 114. 
 
 Rev. George L., 17'8. 
 
 Isaac, 319. 
 
 Rev. James, 135, 136. 
 
 Rev. Nathaniel W., 161. 
 
 Zachary, 316. 
 Tenney, Rev. Caleb J., 157. 
 Terramuggus, 26. 
 Territory, Original, 9. 
 Thomas, Jane L., 330. 
 Thompson, A. Augusta, 230. 
 
 Alfred L., 356. 
 
 Elihu, 351. 
 
 Rev. George L., 178. 
 
 Thompson, James, 285. 
 
 Maria S., 336. 
 
 Samuel, 96, 104. 
 
 Thomas, 79, 85. 
 
 Mrs. Thomas, 85. 
 Thomson, Asahel, 79. 
 
 W. B., 356. 
 Tibbals, George L., 166. 
 Tierney,.Rev. Michael, 183, 183. 
 Tisdale, Eugene, 333. 
 Todd, Dr. Eli,' 79, 486. 
 
 Michael, 448. 
 ToUes, Mary, 493. 
 Tormay, Mary J., 231. 
 Totten, Rev. Silas, 180, 181. 
 Townsmen, 23. 
 Tracy, John, 337. 
 
 John N., 337, 333. 
 
 Levi N., 2.B5. 
 
 Thomas, 63, 376. 
 Train Band, Farmington, 318; Kensing- 
 ton, 319. 
 Treadwell, Ephraim, 432. 
 
 John, 317, 332, 260, 294, 436. 
 TrumbulJ, Jonathan, 109, 407, 433; 451. 
 Tryon, Nancy, 176. 
 Tuck, J. W., 230. 
 
 Mrs. J. W., 349. 
 Tunxis Indians, 12-19; river, 10, 18; 
 
 settlement, 19; valley; 9, 13. 
 Turner, Rev. C. W., 178. 
 Tyler, John, 316. 
 
 Union Carpenters and Joiners, 354. 
 
 Union Manufacturing Co., 370. 
 
 Union Nut Co., 392. 
 
 Union Water Power Co., 393. 
 
 Unionville Congregational Church, 173; 
 members, 173; pastors, 173. 
 
 Unionville, Industries in, 391. 
 
 Roman Catholic Church, 183. 
 
 United Brethren, 184; church building, 
 184; society organized, 184. 
 
 Universalists, Berlin, 184; — pastors, 184; 
 New Britain, 184; — church building, 
 186; — meetings, 184; — society organ- 
 ized, 185. 
 
 Unxus Sepos, 18, 23. 
 
 Upson, Andrew S., 393. 
 Asa, ;331. 
 Rev. Benoni, 116-118, 120. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 535 
 
 Upson, Henry G., 356. 
 Sheldon, 63. 
 Thomas, 23, 331. 
 Willis H., 376. 
 Nut Co., 393. 
 ct Hart Co., 293. ' 
 
 Vail, Amanda O., 867. 
 
 Van Buren, Martin, 315. 
 
 Vance, Robert J., 201, 256, 257, 373, 876. 
 
 R. J., >t Co., 2.56. 
 Van Keuren, John, 385. 
 Vansands, Lot D., 369. 
 Vater Jahn Lodge, 352. 
 Vensel, Charles W., 338. 
 Vibberts, L. A., 63, 348. 
 VOe, Clara M., 231. 
 Voce, Sarai), 285. 
 Vulcan Iron Works, 878. 
 
 Wade, Edward H., 338. 
 Wadsworth, Amos, 821. ■ 
 
 Asahel, 331. 
 
 Dr. Harry, 79. 
 
 John, 79, 93. 
 
 Dr. Theodore, 79. 
 
 William, 140, 142. 
 Wahginnacut, 9. 
 Waldo, Rev. Horatio, 150-152, 166, 254. 
 
 Lorin P., 211. 
 Walker, H. R., 309. 
 
 Rev. Levi, 493. 
 
 Rev. William C.,175, 186, 187, 345. 
 
 W. F., 346, 376. 
 Walnut ftill, 511, 513. 
 Walnut Hill Park, 511. 
 walnut Hill Park Co., 512. 
 Walsh, John, 301, 331. 
 
 Rev. Lawrence, 188. 
 Walter, Henry, 382, 484. 
 War, American colonists engaged in, 
 819; between England and France, 
 265, 820; civU war, 336; of the revo- 
 lution, 265, 321; of 1812, 825. 
 Ward, C. S., 346, 847. 
 Warden, Rev. W. H., 178, 179. 
 Warner, Andrew, 33, 33. 
 
 Betsey, 1 74. 
 
 Charles A., 166, 277, 377. 
 
 Edward,, 166. 
 
 Elizabeth W., 166. 
 
 John, 22. 
 
 Warner, Kellogg, 388. 
 
 Matilda C, 166. 
 
 Richard, 164. 
 Warren, Almira W., 166. 
 
 Norman W., 838. 
 Washburn, Rev. Ehenezer, 178. 
 
 Rev. Joseph, 88, 90. 
 Washington, George, 430. 
 Water Works, 301. 
 
 Commissioners, Board of, 303, 204. 
 Waterman, Rev. Alfred T., 119, 130. 
 Water power, 11. 
 Waters, Lora, 381. 
 Watertown, 19. 
 Watrous, Rev. Amos D., 175. 
 Watson, Nathaniel, 33. 
 Webster, David, 170, 460. 
 
 Rev. Elisha, 133. 
 
 John, 32, 38. 
 
 Joshua, 511. 
 
 Matthew, 33. 
 
 Morris C, 873. 
 
 Noah, 474. 
 
 Thomas, 33. 
 Weimar, Rev. J. A., 187. 
 Weldon, Cecelia, 176. 
 
 Jerusha, 174. 
 
 Marilla, 176. 
 
 Oliver, 174, 176. 
 ■ Sally, 174, 176. 
 Welles, Mary E., 230. 
 Wells, Elisha, 446. 
 
 Horace, 159, 492. 
 
 Hugh, 509. 
 
 Joshua, 443. 
 
 Levi, 69, 70. 
 
 Levi S., 348, 376. 
 
 Mr. , 19. 
 
 Martin, 79. 
 
 Mary, 509. 
 
 Sylvester, 194. 
 
 Thomas, 22, 33, 140. 
 Wessell, Frederick, 378. 
 West, Gustavus, 491. 
 
 Ebenezer, 99. 
 West Main Street, 73. 
 West Wethersfield, 40, 41. 
 Westover, Edwin, 838. 
 Westwoode, William, 380. 
 Wethersfield, 18, 19. 
 Whaples, Curtis, 81, 166, 279, 280, 316, 481. 
 
636 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Wheaton, Rev. N. S., 180, 181. 
 
 Wheeler, Rev. Charles, 330. 
 
 Whipple, Hezekiah C, 64, 3T0, 271, 456, 
 
 458. 
 White, John, 22, 509. 
 Whitely, James, 327, 335. 
 Whiting, Henry W., 155, 363. 
 
 Sarah K., 166. 
 
 William, 34. 
 Whitman, Rev. Samuel, 86, 87, 90, 92, 
 
 105. 
 Whittlesey, Asaph, 452. 
 
 David, 65, 156, 157, 159, 220, 443. 
 
 Eliphalet, 450. 
 
 Rev. Joseph, 164, 171, 172. 
 
 Rev. Samuel, 98. 
 
 William, 347. 
 Wiard, John, 345. 
 
 Martin S., 345. 
 Wilbor, T. W., 373. 
 Wileock, John, 22, 24. 
 Wilcox, Benjamin, 266, 290. 
 
 Carrie E., 231. 
 
 Edward, 314. 
 
 Norris, 314. 
 
 R., 266. 
 
 S. C, 290. 
 
 T. B., 375. 
 
 & Judd, 375. 
 Willard, Mrs. Emma H., 234-227, 238, 
 252, 471. 
 
 John, 463. 
 Willey, Rev. Jlatthias E., 178. 
 Williams, Amelia S., 166. 
 ' Gideon, 174. 
 
 Rev. John, 181. 
 
 Rev. Robert G., 166, 339. 
 
 Samuel W., 26. 
 Willott, Rev. William M., 178. 
 Wilson, Rev. Robert J., 175. 
 
 Samuel, 176. 
 Winchell, Calvin, 78. 
 
 Lucy H., 166. 
 
 Nathaniel, 95, 96, 101. 
 
 Solomon, 286. 
 Windsor, IS. 22. 
 
 Winslow, Rev. Horace, 162, 163. 
 Wire Web Bed Company, 372. 
 Wolcott, Roger, 509. 
 
 Simon, 509. 
 
 Rev. W., 178. 
 
 Wolff, Francis J., 338. 
 
 Woodbridge, Rev. Ashbel, 105, 113, 140. 
 
 Woodford, John B., 164. 
 
 • WilUam, 321. 
 Woodruff, Abigail B., 166. 
 
 Alma, 166. 
 
 Amos, 70. 
 
 Charles E., 257. 
 
 Dwight A., 340. 
 ev. George W., 178. 
 
 John, 42, 43, 96, 216. 
 
 John E., 338, 335. 
 
 Jonathan, 321. 
 
 Joseph, 42, 102, 141, 218, 318, 319. 
 
 Joseph, 410. 
 
 Judah, 88, 144. 
 
 Lucius, 197, 201, 202, 250, 345, 
 369. 
 
 Mahlon J., 344, 359, 370. 
 
 Mrs. Mahlon J., 349. 
 
 Matthew, 384, 410. 
 
 Norman, tiS, 166, 272, 378, 357. 
 
 Rev. Richard, 173. 
 
 Robert, 40, 44, 132, 133, 141, 318. 
 
 Ruth, 141. 
 
 Simeon, 141. 
 
 Simmons, 42, 102. ~ 
 
 Truman, 70, 357. 
 
 William, 164. 
 
 W. W., 185. 
 
 Publishing Co., 257. 
 Woods, John, 263. 
 Woodward, Rev. Israel B., 153. 
 Woodworth, Rev. W. W., 171, f72. 
 Worthington, John, 114, 115. 
 
 Society, constituted, 169; meet- 
 ing-house, 170. 
 
 View of, 169. 
 Wright, Benjamin, 333, 335, 457. 
 
 Dan, 73. 
 
 Daniel, 174. 
 
 Joseph, 73, 197, 326. 
 
 Judah, 137, 130, 146. 
 
 Lucy, 166. 
 
 Olive B., 166. 
 
 Reuben, 73. 
 
 Rosanna, 174. 
 
 Uni, 75. 
 
 Rev. William B., 162, 163. 
 Wyllys, George, 194. 
 
 Samuel, 32, 23, 24. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 637 
 
 Tale, Orrin C, 327. 
 
 TouDg Men's Christian Association, 
 344; incorporated, 346; new buiding, 
 34T; oiHcerB, 344r-347; organization, 
 344; re-organization, 346; rooms 
 opened, 847. 
 
 Young Men's Christian and Social 
 Union, 844; object, 344; oflacers, 344. 
 Toung Men's Institute, 355. 
 Toung Men's T. A. B. Society, 354. 
 Toungs, Thomas, 391. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL AND PERSONAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Ames, Daniel, 438. 
 
 Andrews, Alfred, 476; Benjamin, 385: 
 Daniel, 384: Daniel 2d, 389; Ethan A.; 
 465; Ezekiel, 451; Hezekiah, 417: 
 John, 379; Dr. John, 443; Joseph, 438: 
 Josiah, 436; Levi, 434; Moses, 412: 
 Samuel, 437. 
 
 Bassett, Ozias B., 485. 
 
 Beatty, Ambrose, 505. 
 
 Belden, Jonathan, 487. 
 
 Booth, James, 436; James, 453; Nathan, 
 411; Robert, 894; Robert, 441; Samuel, 
 469. 
 
 Botsford, Isaac, 461. 
 
 Burnham, Rev. William, 391. 
 
 Burritt, Elihu, 447; Elihu, 487; Elijah 
 H., 473. 
 
 Butler, Horace, 468. 
 
 Carmody, Rev. Hugh, 494. 
 
 Chamberlain, Valentine B., 508. 
 
 Clark, Dan, 486; John, 411; John, 465; 
 Marcellus, 492; Solomon, 442. 
 
 Collins, A. P., 507. 
 
 Corbin, Philip, 503. 
 
 Cornwell, Chauncey, 475; Robert, 440. 
 
 Daly, Rev. Luke, 498. 
 
 Dewey, Daniel, 399. 
 
 Dunham, Solomon, 418. 
 
 Erwin, Cornelius B., 489. 
 
 Francis, Elijah, 444. 
 
 Gay, Fisher, 419. 
 
 Gladden, Walter, 490. 
 
 Goodell, Rev. C. L., 495. 
 
 Goodrich, Catharine, 497. 
 
 Hart, Abijah, 446; Daniel, 401; Elijah, 
 403; Elijah, 424; Elijah, 443; EUzur, 
 440; Isaac, 898; John, 382; John, 384; 
 John, 392; Jonathan, 483; Judah, 401; 
 Norman, 473; Samuel, 425; Dr. Sam- 
 uel, 460; Dr. 8. Waldo, 508; Selah, 
 35 
 
 417; Selah, 460; Simeon, 476; Stephen, 
 
 379; Thomas, 889. 
 Hinsdale, Elijah, 431; John, 397. 
 Hooker, John, 386; Rev. Samuel, 383. 
 Hotchkiss, Ladwick, 413; Lemuel, 428; 
 
 Milo, 480. 
 Judd, Benjamin, 388; Daniel, 445; John, 
 
 409; John, 434; John, 450; Phineas, 
 , 405. 
 
 Kelsey, John, 398; Samuel, 459. 
 Landers, George M., 498. 
 Lee, Dr. Isaac, 394; Col. Isaac, 406; 
 
 Isaac, 439; John, 380; John, 885; Dr. 
 
 John R., 484; Jonathan, 393; Josiah, 
 
 404; Lorenzo P., 478; Stephen, 387; 
 
 Thomas, 452; Dr. Thomas G., 486; 
 
 William H., 499. 
 Lewis, Adonijah, 413; Jonathan, 896. 
 Mather, David, 426; Joshua, 898. 
 Middleton, Rev. John C, 496. 
 Mitchell, Charles E., 506. 
 Moore, RosweU, 470. 
 North, Alvin, 458; Henry, 468; James, 
 
 484; James, 453; Seth J., 455. 
 Paterson, Edward, 403; Major John, 400; 
 
 Gen. John, 439; WiUiam, 405. 
 Peck, Elnathan, 484. 
 Penfleld, Nathaniel, 445, 
 Percival, Dr. James, 447; James Q., 474. 
 Perrin, Rev. Lavalette, 491. 
 Phelps, Mrs. Almira Hart Lincoln, 471.- 
 Pickett, J. Andrew, 504. 
 Richards, John, 416; Thomas, 395. 
 Richardson, Rev. Elias H, 494. 
 Roberts, Aaron, 441. 
 Rockwell, Rev. Samuel, 483. 
 Rogers, Rev. John H., 497. 
 Russell, Emanuel, 456. 
 Seymour, Moses D., 459; Richard, 384. 
 Shipman, Joseph, 457. 
 
.538 
 
 "INDEX. 
 
 Smalley, Rev. John, 421. 
 
 Smith, Gen. Edmund Kirby, 501; Elna- 
 than, 437; Ira E.,' 463; Joseph, 390; • 
 Joseph, 403; Joseph Lee, 454; Lem- 
 uel, 443; Samuel, .386; Samuel, 418; 
 William, 396; William 449; William 
 H., 479. 
 
 Stanley, Dr. Adna, 446; Amon, 454; 
 Cyrus, 467; Frederick T., 481; Gad, 
 423; Henry, 485; John, 381; John, 
 383; John,- 391; John, 478; Lot, 439; 
 Noah, 414; Noah, 443; Noah W., 473; 
 Thomas 395; Timothy, 415. 
 
 Steele, Ebenezer, 414. 
 
 Talcott, John B., 503. 
 
 Todd, Dr. Eli, 448. 
 
 Treadwell, John, 4.33. 
 
 Vance, Robert J., 507. 
 
 Walker, Eev. William C, 493. j . , 
 
 Walsh, John, 508. 
 
 Wells, Levi, 446. 
 
 Whittlesey, David, 450. 
 
 Willard, Mrs. Emma Hart, 463. 
 
 Woodruff, Judah, 410. 
 
 Woods, John, 416. 
 
 ht, Benjamin, 435; Joseph, 457 
 
 CORRECTIONS. 
 Page 75, line 14, for '.'Unri" read TJni ; page 138, line 9 from bottom, jfor 
 " Joshua " read Josiah ; page 388, line 13, for " C. W." read C. L.'; and for 
 " Gladwin '.' read Gladden ; page 258, line 5, for " E. S.'-' read T. S. ; page 337, 
 line 4 from bottom, for " Cannell " read Connell.