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YALE
UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

THE
ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD
PAST AND PRESENT

Published by
The Connecticut Daughters of the American Revolution
1907
One Hundred Years after the Death of Oliver Ellsworth
1807

A MEMORIAL

OF THE

OPENING

OF THE

ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD
AT
WINDSOR, CONNECTICUT :A
October Eighth, Nineteen Hundred and Three
UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE
Connecticut
Daughters of the American Revolution. Coww&cficiuf'.

New Haven ft#.
"A people which takes no pride in the achievements of remote
ancestors will never achieve anything worthy to be remembered by
remote descendants." — Macaulay.

Copyrighted by
The Connecticut Daughters of the American Revolution
1907

THE TUTTLE, MOREHOUSE & TAYLOR COMPANY

COMMITTEE ON COMPILATION.

Elizabeth C Barney Buel, Chairman, Mary Floyd Tallmadge Chapter,
(Mrs. John Laidlaw Buel.) Litchfield.
Marte Sperry Pickett, Mary Clap Wooster Chapter, New Haven.
(Mrs. Charles Whittlesey Pickett.)
Fannie M. Olmsted, Ruth Wyllys Chapter, Hartford.

PREFACE.

Believing that the exercises and addresses on such an historic
and suggestive occasion as the presentation of the Oliver Ells
worth Homestead by his descendants to the Connecticut
Daughters of the American Revolution should be preserved
in printed form, the State Regent, Mrs. Sara T. Kinney,
appointed a committee consisting of Mrs. John Laidlaw Buel,
Chairman, Mrs. Charles Whittlesey Pickett and Miss Fannie
M. Olmsted, to take charge of the work. This memorial is
submitted as the result of its labors. Before it was finished,
Mrs. Pickett was suddenly removed by death, but not before
she had accomplished her portion of the work, the account of
the day at Windsor with which the text of the pamphlet begins.
This was probably the last article ever written by Mrs. Pickett,
the bright and talented "Rhea" of the New Haven Leader, and
was found among her papers after her death. It is transcribed
here practically as it left her pen.
This preface should not close without paying a tribute of
honor and respect to Mrs. Sara Thomson Kinney, through
whose initiative and enterprise, in cooperation with that of
Mrs. Frank Chamberlin Porter, this invaluable gift of the
Homestead was alone made possible, and whose untiring and
self -abnegating labors resulted so brilliantly in the "Day at
Windsor." The Ellsworth Homestead stands to-day not only
as a memorial to Oliver Ellsworth, statesman and patriot, and
to the public-spirited generosity of his descendants, but also
as a witness, in the hearts of Connecticut Daughters of the
American Revolution, to the loyal devotion to their interests of
their beloved and honored State Regent.
Elizabeth C. Barney Buel,
Chairman.
March tenth, 1907.

"I have visited several countries and I like my own the best. I have
been in all the States of the Union, and Connecticut is the best State.
Windsor is the pleasantest town in the State, and I have the pleasant
est place in the town of Windsor.
I am content, — perfectly content, to die on the banks of the Connec
ticut river." Oliver Ellsworth.

"It is sufficient that God governs the world, and that his purposes
of grace will be accomplished." Oliver Ellsworth.

CONTENTS.

PAGE.
Preface  7
List of Illustrations  11
Fac-simile of Invitation  13-16
Additional Committees  17
The Day at Windsor. Mrs. Charles Whittlesey Pickett  18
Programme of Opening Exercises  25
Exercises and Addresses. Elizabeth C. Barney Buel  26
List of Gifts and Loans. Fannie M Olmsted  49
From Members of the Ellsworth family  50
Donors of the Ellsworth Homestead  51
Contributors to the Fund for Maintenance and Repairs  58
Made by or through the State Regent  60
By Chapters of Hartford County  64
By Chapters of New Haven County  74
By Chapters of New London County  78
By Chapters of Fairfield County  82
By Chapters of Windham County  86
By Chapters of Litchfield County  90
By Chapters of Middlesex County  96
By Chapters of Tolland County  102
General Gifts  105
Extracts from deed of 1665  109
Act of Incorporation — Ellsworth Memorial Association  no

ILLUSTRATIONS.

The Ellsworth Homestead  Frontispiece
Portrait of Oliver and Abigail Wolcott Ellsworth  Facing page 12
The State Regent and Governor Chamberlain )
The Drawing Room j
Washington's Letter 
Bedroom and Spinning Room 
The Gobelin Tapestry 
Coats of Arms
Ellsworth and Wolcott
Dining Room and Breakfast Room  " " 79
Old Deed  " " 109
New Deed  " " no

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HOUSE COMMITTEE.

Miss Jennie Loomis, Chairman
Mrs. Lucien B. Loomis Mrs. Timothy S. Phelps
Mrs. Walter W. Loomis Mrs. Nathaniel W. Hayden
Miss Mary E. Power
Abigail Wolcott Ellsworth Chapter.
Mrs. E. J. Ellsworth Geer
Ruth Wyllys Chapter.
Mrs. P. W. Street Mrs. Frederic T. Murless
Mrs. Warren W. Cooper Mrs. Arthur D. Coffin
Mrs. Charles C. Bissell Mrs. John R. Montgomery
Sibbil Dwight Kent Chapter.

SUB-COMMITTEE ON THE PAPERING OF THE HOUSE.

Miss Mary C. Spencer Mrs. E. J. Ellsworth Geer
Ruth Wyllys Chapter.
Miss Marian E. Gross
Nathan Hale Memorial Chapter.

THE DAY AT WINDSOR.
By Mrs. Charles Whittlesey Pickett.
October the eighth, 1903, marked without doubt the most
important event in the history of the Connecticut Daughters of
the American Revolution, and it may not be overstepping the
bounds of fact to add, the most important in this organization
in any state.
This was the acceptance, with appropriate ceremonies, of The
Ellsworth Homestead at Windsor, which was presented to the
Connecticut Daughters by the one hundred and sixteen heirs of
Oliver Ellsworth, and the gift of this old homestead, rich in
history, tradition and association, is almost without a parallel;
certainly this is true in the Society of the Daughters of the
American Revolution.
The conception of this project took place in the patriotic
brain and warm heart of Mrs. Frank Chamberlin Porter of
New Haven, one of the Ellsworth heirs.
To win over more than one hundred prospective heirs to
sign away their inherent right to a property valuable in mem
ories and history was no light task, but with beautiful tact, Mrs.
Porter succeeded in convincing everyone of them that its pre
sentation to the Connecticut Daughters would place the old
home in permanent and appreciative hands.
The last Ellsworth descendants residing there had passed
away and there was not one out of the large number of heirs
who desired to make their home at Windsor. Its preservation
materially and historically was assured if it were given to the
Society and in due time the willing signature of each was
obtained, the youngest compelled to make his mark, education
not having been begun.
The Ellsworth Homestead had descended in the family since
1665. Oliver Ellsworth, who made the place famous, was born
in 1745 and died in November, 1807.
He was a member of the Continental Congress, a United
States Senator from 1789 to 1796, third Chief Justice of the
United States, and Minister Plenipotentiary to France.

THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD 1 9
The house simply exhales interesting history and in every
room are suggestions of the fine old family life which made
its most distinguished member exclaim on one occasion as he
reached his home gate : "Windsor is the best town, in the best
state, in the best country in the world."
Passing lightly over the months of work on Mrs. Porter's
part, the writing of scores of letters to heirs scattered all
up and down the land, and waiting for replies which ever
necessitated an answer, and the corresponding amount of official
work on the State Regent's part in presenting the project to the
different chapters and awaiting their sanction and support, and
all this followed by the long summer of preparation, during
which the house was renovated and repaired, papered and
painted, rechimneyed and redrained and altogether put in a
state worthy the inspection of every critical Daughter in the
state, not to mention the Governor and his staff and the many
illustrious guests who were bidden to come and rejoice with
the Daughters over their new possession, all entailing an
immense amount of thought and wise judgment, let us come
to the day when all was ready for the great event.
Five hundred beautifully engraved invitations were issued
to Governor Chamberlain and staff and to other state officials,
to national officers of the Daughters of the American Revo
lution, military officers, clergymen and men prominent in busi
ness and educational circles, the Daughters themselves being
a kind of collective hostess with Mrs. Kinney, their official
representative. The weather, while not perfect, was far from bad as a ran
dom selection from the month of October, when warmth and
sunshine both can hardly be counted on with assurance. A
strong Windsor wind was blowing which disarranged feminine
fripperies and sent the dust and leaves swirling through the
air somewhat to the discomfort of the company, but after all,
the Daughters considered themselves fortunate that it was no
worse. The old house looked bright and shining in its new coat
of paint, dainty white muslin curtains finished with ball fringe
draping the small paned windows.
The Stars and Stripes waved from several of the large elm
trees in the yard, nine still remaining of the thirteen planted

20 EXERCISES AT THE OPENING OF
a century ago by Oliver Ellsworth's own hands, one for each
of the original states.
The Connecticut flag and the insignia of the Daughters of
the American Revolution were hung in effective places, and
over the "Porch" on which the speakers were seated, were
suspended two draped American flags framing a spinning
wheel and distaff, the emblem of the Society.
The guests arrived from every point by trolley, by train
and by private conveyance, and by eleven o'clock fully five
hundred persons were scattered about the house and lawn and
as many more were expected in the afternoon.
The morning was delightfully passed inspecting the house
and the large number of choice antiquities already in place.
The list has been added to until at the present time of writ
ing (ten months later) the house is fully furnished with a
most complete and valuable collection of Colonial and Revolu
tionary relics, and gifts of the chapters and individual mem
bers. Nothing has been offered save the choicest and most
historical articles procurable and the result is satisfactory to
the most critical connoisseur.
Between twelve and one o'clock a "pocket luncheon" was
eaten al fresco, little groups scattered about the lawn, chatting
as they enjoyed the informal picnic.
Soon after one o'clock a buzz of anticipation began to make
itself felt and expectant eyes were turned toward Windsor
station, from whence the Governor and his staff and the
speakers would appear.
After many false alarms the faint notes of Hatch's band
of Hartford could be heard and every one hastened to advan
tageous positions to see the procession arrive.
It was nearly two o'clock when the band appeared in view,
and closely following were the brilliant uniformed members of
the First Company, Governor's Foot Guard, organized in 1771.
And what a brave showing they made as they marched with a
long swinging stride, their red coats making vivid splashes of
color against the autumn landscape.
Following the Foot Guard were the carriages containing
Governor Abiram Chamberlain and members of his staff,
invited guests and members of the Ellsworth family, fifty in
number, who had been enjoying a reunion breakfast in Hart
ford in the morning. Among the number were some who had

DRAWING ROOM.
{For description of sofa, see page 54)

THE STATE REGENT WELCOMING THE GOVERNOR OF
CONNECTICUT TO THE ELLSWORTH HOME
STEAD, OCT. 8, 1903.

THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD 21
their first sight of their ancestral homestead simultaneously with
its going out of the possession of the Ellsworth family.
A most significant moment was when the Stars and Stripes
were unfurled from the new flag staff on the lawn at the
moment the Governor alighted from his carriage. The Amer
ican flag meant a great deal to those who, like Oliver Ells
worth, brought it into being. It seemed eminently fitting that
it should float from every tree on this occasion when the
Daughters of the American Revolution were met together to
receive into sacred custody the home of one who did so much
for American freedom.
Underlying all the exercises of the day was this beauti
ful thought, that "Honor was being given where honor was
due," and that even after a lapse of a century or more, the
worth and work of Oliver Ellsworth were being appreciated
and valued.
Another interesting moment was when the State Regent
descended the steps to welcome the chief executive of the state.
The photographer caught the group at exactly the right instant,
as the accompanying illustration will show and posterity can
enjoy the moment with those who saw it.
To one given to introspection there was plenty of food for
thought on that day. Looking at the well preserved, finely
built old mansion, how the mind would hark back to the days
when the Senator and Ambassador came back to his beloved
home on the Connecticut River. One could see in fancy his
strong featured and rugged physique as he alighted from his
horse at his gate and looked about with eyes softened with
pride and love for home. No other way to his remote abode
than by horseback or boat, what would he think if he could see
this great company gathered on his lawn, coming from all
over the state in two or three hours' time, and a trolley line soon
to pass his door?
And all of these years the house has stood there, until it
has been gathered into nearness with the outside world, through
the medium of two great modern inventions, steam and elec
tricity, both unknown factors in locomotion when Oliver Ells
worth lived.
Maybe the old house resents the publicity and the invasion
of its longtime seclusion — who can tell?

2 2 EXERCISES AT THE OPENING OF
And it was all of these things which came to the Daughters
of Connecticut along with the house and home lot on that
October day in 1903, the things which cannot be seen with
the eye, nor touched with the hand, but which are really the
largest and most valuable part of the gift they have received
in the Ellsworth Homestead.
One of the remarkable facts in connection with its trans
ference to the Daughters, is that since the first deed was drawn
up, giving to the first Ellsworth in 1665 a claim to that section,
there has been no deed or conveyance of an inch of land to
anyone until at the moment when Mrs. Frank Chamberlin
Porter handed to Mrs. Sara T. Kinney the signed deed of the
property. The house is a fine example of the old New England style of
architecture. Roomy, plain and dignified, it typifies most fit
tingly the kind of men and women who lived their upright,
wholesome, austere lives within its walls.
Especially loaned for the celebration were some valuable
heirlooms of the Ellsworth family, descriptions of which will
be found in the appended list.
One of the important features of the day was the registra
tion of visitors in the guest book, the State Regent heading the
list and followed by the Governor and other distinguished
guests. The book itself was a thing of beauty, bound in blue crushed
levant, the gift of Mrs. William H. Moseley, at that time the
Regent of the Mary Clap Wooster Chapter of New Haven ; but
I am warned that this is encroaching on another's territory,
as the superb collection of gifts presented to the Ellsworth
Homestead forms an adequate theme for the careful work of
another. About fifty descendants of Oliver Ellsworth were present
at the exercises.
The only representative of Oliver Ellsworth's oldest daughter,
Abigail, who married Professor Williams, who was present,
was Miss Augusta H. Williams.
The line of Martin Ellsworth, the oldest son, who owned
the homestead, was represented by Hon. Henry E. Taintor, Mrs.
Taintor, Miss Lucy Taintor, William Taintor and two
daughters, all of Hartford; Mrs. Frederick Wendell Davis,

THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD 23
Miss Dorothy Davis, Roger Wolcott Davis, Frederick Ells
worth Davis, Elise Pierrepont Davis ; Mrs. Hall, wife of Com
mander Martin Ellsworth Hall of the United States Navy;
Richards Wyckoff Hall, Somerville, Massachusetts ; George V.
Curtis, Springfield, Massachusetts, and Ruth Curtis, Windsor.
Descendants of Frances Ellsworth, who married Judge
Joseph Wood of New Haven, present were; Mr. and Mrs.
Washington Irving Vinal, of Washington, where Mr. Vinal
is coast surveyor ; George Wood Merwin Vinal of Wesleyan
College. Descendants of Frances Ellsworth's daughter, Delia,
who married Chester Lyman of the Sheffield Scientific School,
were Mrs. Charles D. McCandliss, Professor and Mrs. Frank
C. Porter, of New Haven, and Chester W. Lyman of New York
City. The line of Governor William W. Ellsworth, who married
Emily Webster, daughter of the famous lexicographer, Noah
Webster, was present in the persons of Attorney and Mrs.
Ernest Bradford Ellsworth, Mrs. Emily Ellsworth Anderson,
Mr. and Mrs. John Dobson Parker, Rev. Wolcott Webster Ells
worth, Mrs. Norborne Nicholas of Geneva, New York, a
daughter of President Jackson, formerly of Trinity College,
who married an Ellsworth; Mr. William Webster Ellsworth
of the Century Company, New York, Mrs. Ellsworth, Mrs.
Creevy of New York, Bradford Ellsworth, Helen Ellsworth,
Elizabeth Ellsworth and Waldo Hutchins of Geneva.
The only representative of Henry W. Ellsworth, son of
Henry Leavitt Ellsworth, twin to the Governor and the first
commissioner of patents, was Miss Marie Stuart, Smith College
'99, of Lafayette, Indiana.
The Henry L. Ellsworth branch was represented by Mrs.
George Inness, Jr., wife of the well-known artist and daughter
of Roswell Smith, founder of the Century Magazine, and Annie
Goodrich Ellsworth, who, under the direction of S. B. Morse,
sent the first telegraphic message May 24, 1844; and Miss
Juliet Inness.
Mrs. Mary Prout West of Rutland, Vermont, although not
of Ellsworth lineage, gave her inherited portion of "Elmwood,"
and was present, also Mrs. and Miss Richards, who are con
nected by marriage with one of the Martin Ellsworth branches.

24 EXERCISES AT THE OPENING OF
James W. Otis of New York, a collateral descendant of
Oliver Ellsworth, was one of the distinguished guests, as were
Mrs. Williston Walker, secretary of the Connecticut Society
of the Colonial Dames of America and representing that
society, and Mrs. Katharine R. (Wolcott) Verplanck, who
has been president of the New York Colonial Dames, as well
as a state regent for the New York Daughters of the American
Revolution.

By invitation of the State Regent the following gentlemen
served as a special committee to receive Governor Chamberlain
and his party and other guests at Windsor, and escort them to
the Homestead:
Mr. Nathaniel W. Hayden Rev. Frederick W. Harriman
Hon. D. Ellsworth Phelps Mr. Horace H. Ellsworth
Mr. William H. Filley

PROGRAMME.

Mrs. KINNEY, Regent of Connecticut, Presiding.

INVOCATION, . . Right Rev. Chauncey B. Brewster
Bishop of Connecticut.
HYMN, "For Home and Country," Singing by Consolidated Chapter
Glee Clubs.
Under the direction of Mrs. S. S. Thompson, of New Haven;
Mrs. Elmer Beardsley, of Bridgeport, and Mrs.
Louis R. Curtis, of Southington.
A GREETING, . . .By His Excellency Abiram Chamberlain
Governor of Connecticut.
ADDRESS,  Mr. William W. Ellsworth
Presentation of the deed of the Homestead by Mrs. Frank C. Porter.
Acceptance in behalf of the Connecticut D. A. R, by Mrs. Kinney,
State Regent.
SINGING, "The Star Spangled Banner," Soloist, Mrs. S. S. Thompson
Accompanied by Hatch's Military Band.
ADDRESS, "Oliver Ellsworth," . . Mr. Arthur L. Shipman
of Hartford.
SINGING, "The Darby Ram," By the Chapter Glee Clubs
LETTERS, . . . Read by the Hon. Henry E. Taintor
REMARKS, .... Mrs. John Marshall Holcombe
MUSIC, "America," . . . . To be sung by the audience
With Band Accompaniment.
BENEDICTION, . . . . By the Rev. Roscoe Nelson
of Windsor
Reception to Governor and Mrs. Chamberlain followed by an
inspection of the Homestead and Band Concert
on the Lawn.

The first Company Governor's Foot Guard of Hartford, acting on this occasion
as escort for His Excellency, was organized in 1771, and in point of continuous
service is the oldest volunteer military organization in the United States.

EXERCISES AND ADDRESSES.
Compiled by Elisabeth C. Barney Buel.
The exercises, which were held on the lawn in front of the
house, began at 2 o'clock. Mrs. Sara T. Kinney of New
Haven, State Regent of the Connecticut Daughters of the
American Revolution, presided. The Regent and speakers
occupied seats on the colonnade. The invited guests were
seated on chairs placed on carpet facing the colonnade, the lower
part of which was decorated with blue and white bunting.
The invocation was made by the Right Rev. Chauncey B.
Brewster, Bishop of Connecticut. The following hymn, "For
Home and Country," words by Miss Ella Fanning, was then
sung by the Consolidated Chapter Glee Clubs under the direc
tion of Mrs. S. S. Thompson of New Haven, Mrs. Elmer
Beardsley of Bridgeport, and Mrs. Louis R. Curtis of South-
ington : —
"For Home and Country."
Offspring of noble sires,
Proud of our heritage,
Ours to rehearse the deeds
Heroes have done.
Ours to repeat the cry
Fired them in days gone by,
"For home and country fair,"
To do or die.
Daughter, or Son, or Dame,
Ours in fond memory
Still to keep unimpaired
Glory they've won ;
Ours to restore to fame
Each half-forgotten name,
By home and country fair.
Not one shall die!

THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD 27
Hope of the land, arise!
Proud in your privilege,
Fondly the graves revere
Where heroes lie!
Each faded flag ye hoard,
Each rude and bloodstained sword,
Speaks in resounding tones
Which ne'er shall die.
God of the patriot
Heed our endeavoring
Thou who our fathers' prayers
Didst not deny;
Blest by thy love divine
Each haunt shall prove a shrine,
Source of true freedom's fire
Born ne'er to die.

Mrs. Kinney then introduced Governor Chamberlain as
follows : —
I do not intend to trench upon the province of the distinguished
gentleman who is to greet you in the name of the State of Connecticut,
but I cannot refrain from extending just a word of welcome from the
Connecticut Daughters of the American Revolution to the guests who
are with us today, and very particularly to the descendants of Oliver
and Abigail Wolcott Ellsworth, who have come from far and near
to join us in honoring the memory of one of Connecticut's most illus
trious statesmen and jurists, and that of his wife, Abigail Wolcott, the
patron saint of the local Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolu
tion. To the State of Connecticut the Ellsworth Homestead will here
after be what Mount Vernon is to the nation — a Mecca for patriotic pil
grims — a shrine dedicated to all that was noblest and purest in the
lives and homes of our forefathers and foremothers.
For the interest in our work and your presence here to-day, the
Daughters thank you heartily. You are as welcome as the flowers of
spring, and so, I pray you, think yourselves. A few days ago I received
a letter from Governor Chamberlain, in which he wrote : "The Daughters
of the American Revolution have done, and are doing so much in the
direction of keeping alive the spirit of patriotism, that there is no honor
too great for the state to confer upon them."
Perhaps I may say to you, though confidentially, of course, that I
entirely agree with the Governor on this point — and I may also add
that the highest honor in the power of the Daughters of the American
Revolution to confer upon their guests to-day is to introduce to them the
chief executive of the commonwealth of Connecticut — Governor Abiram
Chamberlain.

28 exercises at the opening of
Governor Chamberlain's Speech.
Through your kindness I have the great privilege of being with you
to-day to commemorate the services to the state and nation of Ohver
Ellsworth. I observe from your programme that I am to make an address
of welcome and I am more than willing to make it with the lowest
bow possible. Whatever I can do to make the day a success I am more
than anxious to do, and I must be careful or I shall make a speech. I
have attended so many fairs that I am in danger of talking of the vege
tables and fruits and live stock, when I ought to talk about patriotism.
Our national life depends on patriotism, and that is taught by our
mothers, who begin our education with the Lord's Prayer and follow
it with the story of George Washington and the cherry tree. Our state
commander of the Grand Army spoke truly when he said that the
women saved the country in '61, for they sent the men to the front
and suffered at home. I do not wish to close without reference to
the splendid work of your Regent, who is continuing that of her noble
husband. The Foot Guard attend me voluntarily to-day, but they do this
all the more willingly when they think of Major Jack Kinney, to whose
memory they are devoted. In the name of the State of Connecticut I
bid you godspeed, and salute and greet you.
In introducing Mr. Ellsworth Mrs. Kinney said: —
The gratification that is felt by the hostesses of this occasion in the
presence of some fifty descendants of Oliver and Abigail Wolcott
Ellsworth, is augmented by the fact that three of these descendants are
to take part in the exercises of the afternoon. The gentleman who
will now address us is a great-grandson of Oliver and Abigail Wol
cott Ellsworth, a Hartford man by birth, and a writer on historical
subjects, of whom it cannot be said — as of some prophets of old —
that he is not without honor save in his own country.
Hartford delights to honor Mr. Ellsworth, so does the State of
Connecticut, and the Daughters are honored in having him as their
guest on this occasion.
I take great pleasure in presenting to you Mr. William Webster Ells
worth of New York City.
Mr. Ellsworth's Address.
I am asked to say a few words as a representative of the family of
the man whom you have met to honor. That we are descended from
Oliver Ellsworth has always been our pride. There were other Ells
worths before him — good men and true, and useful in their genera
tion — but we have never cared to go back to them; to have come down
from the Chief Justice was enough. His father, David, and his earlier
ancestor, Josias, "both were pious," as the "New England Primer" says
of the first worthies who bore those names; but Oliver Ellsworth wa9
a great man, and in our human weakness that counts for more than
piety.

THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD 29
And one reason that we have rejoiced in our descent from the Chief
Justice is the fact that it has brought us a little nearer to the immortal
leader whom he loved and honored — and who in the wisdom of provi
dence left no descendants; coming from such an exalted source, they
would have been positively unbearable by this time. For many years
I felt an especial nearness to Washington, because I could say that I
used to sit upon my grandfather's knee while he sang me that song of
"The Darby Ram," which General Washington had sung to him, a little
boy, sitting upon the general's knee. But the unwelcome researches of
a relative have brought to light the fact that my grandfather was not
born until two years after General Washington visited Elmwood and
sang thai historic ditty to some of the Ellsworth children. And prob
ing my conscience, I am unable to remember that my grandfather ever
sang it to me at all. Doubtless, some recollections of your own children
rest upon an equally insecure basis.
That Washington was a friend of Oliver Ellsworth, that he trusted him,
appointed him to high office, and was even said to have desired to have
him for his successor, has been our just pride; and above all do we take
pleasure in a letter from Washington to the Chief Justice, written just
as the retiring President was about to seek his final rest at Mount Ver
non, with its closing words, "Affectionately yours." For Washington
was not demonstrative, and few of his letters written to those not of
his own family express a sentiment of affection. [See page 40.]
Here in this quiet home were passed the happiest hours of a life
devoted to his country's service. To this mansion, under the elms
planted by him in honor of the thirteen states whose existence he had
helped to secure, Oliver Ellsworth came again and again, wearied with
the cares of office and the party turmoils of his time. At yonder gate
way, before greeting his family, he bowed in prayer when he returned
from his mission to France. It is most fitting that this old mansion,
rich in memories of the days of our country's birth, should pass into
the hands of the Daughters of the American Revolution, whose unselfish
devotion has done more for patriotic effort than the work of any other
society in America, and nowhere have its results been more apparent
than in this noble old commonwealth of Connecticut.
May the occupancy of Elmwood — the home of an honest, God-fearing
patriot— be an inspiration to those who are to meet within its walls, that
they may continue to consecrate the places identified with those who
made our country's greatness possible, giving to generations that follow
a deeper veneration for noble deeds and noble men.
We are proud today of one at least of the living members of our
family. To Mrs. Delia Lyman Porter of New Haven the credit is due
for the labors which have made this gift possible. By her, almost alone,
the money has been raised, the work accomplished. I take great pleas
ure in introducing Mrs. Porter, who will present the deeds of the
house, in the name of the family, to the State Regent of the Daughters
of the American Revolution.

3° exercises at the opening of
Presentation of the Deed.
In presenting the deed Mrs. Porter said: —
Through the cordial cooperation and generosity of the descendants
of Oliver Ellsworth, this gift of Elmwood to the Connecticut Daughters
of the American Revolution has been made possible.
The names of those who have either surrendered inherited rights or
contributed sums of money for this object are written in this little
book, bound in Revolutionary chintz and homespun linen from the Elm
wood of a hundred years ago.
It contains the names of forty great-grandchildren of Oliver Ells
worth, fifty-nine great-great-grandchildren, and seventeen great-great-
great-grandchildren, numbering in all one hundred and sixteen, and com
prising every descendant of the Chief Justice. They are scattered from
Maine to California, from Canada to Louisiana, and extend even to
Japan and the Philippine Islands. There have also united in this gift
two who have given of their inherited share in Elmwood, though not
of Ellsworth lineage, and another whose interest has been promoted by
collateral relationship only.
As in the name of these donors, I give into your hands this deed of
the house and adjoining land, I wish to express to you their deep joy
and satisfaction that a spot so dear to them is to be henceforth in the
guardianship of so capable, so energetic and so patriotic a body of
women as the Connecticut Daughters of the American Revolution. Nor
can I refrain from a personal word of admiration at the unwearied
enthusiasm and unmeasured devotion with which their Regent has car
ried through the great labor of her part of this undertaking. To her,
as to her efficient co-workers, I would express the hearty appreciation
of Oliver Ellsworth's descendants.
In accepting the deed Mrs. Kinney said: —
As the official representative of the Connecticut Daughters of the
American Revolution, it is my happy privilege to receive from your
hands the deed of the Ellsworth Homestead, and in their behalf to
extend to you and to all interested descendants of Oliver and Abigail
Wolcott Ellsworth, their grateful acknowledgments for the unique
and most interesting gift which has been bestowed upon this historical
organization. The money value of the gift is generously large, but
the value of its striking historical associations and the tender mem
ories that cluster about it and will always be part and parcel of the
Ellsworth Homestead will never be listed on Wall Street, for such
values cannot be computed in coin of the realm. I know that I speak
for every Connecticut Daughter of the American Revolution, whether
present or absent, when I say that we are greatly touched by the earnest
and cordial unanimity with which the Ellsworth descendants have
decreed this gift to the care and custody of this Society. No higher
and no more significant compliment could possibly be paid this con-

THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD 3 1
tingent of the great national organization which it has the honor to
represent, than is implied in the bestowal of the gift, and the confidence
which the act indicates in our worthiness, as a society, to receive, and
our desire and ability to preserve it.
One of the special objects and aims of our organization as stated in
its constitution, is to perpetuate the memory of the spirit of the men
and women who achieved American independence by — among other
things — the acquisition and protection of historical spots. With the
acquisition of this Homestead it becomes possible for us to do much
to perpetuate the memory of the spirit of Oliver and Abigail Wolcott
Ellsworth — and thus to fulfill the obligation imposed upon us, not
only by our national constitution, but by the inheritance of Revolutionary
blood which flows in the veins of every Daughter of the American
Revolution. There is always a pathos overshadowing the passing of an ancestral
home into strange hands. For the Ellsworth descendants who know and
love this place, there are tongues in these trees, sermons in these
stones, and happy memories associated with every nook and corner
of the house. I doubt not that to-day many an Ellsworth heart is
beating a little faster than usual, and possibly there is an added sense
of homesick pain at the thought that the time has now come for
saying a last farewell to the dear old place. But why say it? Why
even entertain the thought that these exercises are in the nature of a
farewell? By the condition of this legal document the Daughters of
the American Revolution will provide for what may perhaps be called
the material welfare of the Homestead, but in a very true sense it
will still belong to the Ellsworths, for so long as these walls shall
stand, the Homestead will be redolent with the fragrant memory of its
early occupants, and perhaps no one can assert with any degree of
positiveness that the released spirits of Oliver and Abigail Wolcott
Ellsworth may not still keep watch and ward over the house in which
they spent so many happy years, and from which they passed out of life
into Life. You have honored us with a very sacred trust, and it shall
be as sacredly guarded.
Once again, ladies and gentlemen, in the name of the Connecticut
Daughters of the American Revolution, I thank you for the noble gift
of the Ellsworth Homestead.
After the singing of "The Star Spangled Banner" by Mrs.
S. S. Thompson, accompanied by Hatch's military band, Mrs.
Kinney, in the following words, introduced Mr. Arthur L.
Shipman : —
We are very fortunate in having with us to-day a gentleman who has
made a careful study of the private and public life of Oliver Ellsworth,
and of his influence as a Connecticut man and patriot in state, national
and international affairs. I am inclined to think that the wise, con-

32 EXERCISES AT THE OPENING OF
servative and altogether wholesome side of Oliver Ellsworth's charac
ter appeals to Mr. Shipman more strongly perhaps than his more
brilliant characteristics — but whatever he can bring out of his store
house of knowledge concerning the man whose memory is revered, not
only in Connecticut but throughout the United States, will be gratefully
appreciated by his audience.
I have the honor to present to you Mr. Arthur L. Shipman of Hart
ford, who will address us upon Oliver Ellsworth, Chief Justice of the
United States.
Mr. Shipman's Address.
The American people have been for one hundred and twenty-six years
so busy in making history that the duty of gathering and treasuring
memorials of the past has been largely overlooked. Neither we nor our
ancestors are much to be blamed for the oversight. The more praise
worthy, however, are the present efforts of the historical societies to
recover and preserve the honorable past, and of those societies none
deserve our larger gratitude than the Daughters of the American Revo
lution. It is not surprising, therefore, when the members of a distin
guished family planned to yield to the public one of its choicest treasures,
it selected as guardians our hostesses of today. Speaking although
unworthily as one of the beneficiaries both of the Ellsworth family and
the Daughters, let me in behalf of the public at large thank the donors
and congratulate our trustees.
Daughters of the American Revolution and fellow guests : It would
be more fitting, it seems to me, if one of Mr. Ellsworth's descendants
said something to-day in praise of his distinguished ancestor, for the
time is almost one hundred years later than when he breathed his last in
yonder house. Certainly one need not be sparing of praise of one's
relations after so long a family reticence.
This place is peculiarly adapted as the scene of a tribute to the char
acter and services of Oliver Ellsworth; for he was born in Windsor
on April 29, 1745. He died here in 1807, November 26. He wanted to
live and die here. He said he had been in many countries of the world
and he liked the United States best; and of all the United States, Con
necticut, and of all the towns of Connecticut, Windsor, his own home,
the best. A student for two years at Yale, he graduated at Princeton in
1766, in debt for his education, and his only asset a small piece of
timber land up the river and the use of a barren farm in Bloomfield.
He could not sell the land, and therefore cut the timber himself and
rafted it to Hartford for sale. He had deserted theology for the law.
But daunted not at all by the lack of clients he married Abigail Wol
cott — not a penny between them. For three years he worked his barren
farm, on court days walking ten miles to Hartford in search of a fee.
For the first three years his total professional income aggregated three
pounds, but he was fortunate enough to be called in an important case
for a neighbor and handled it so well that he heard it whispered about

THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD 33
the court room, "That young man speaks well," and from that time
forward his docket was full of causes. Indeed, at the height of his
career as a lawyer, he had between a thousand and fifteen hundred
matters on his books. He went to the general court from Windsor at
the outbreak of the war and was on an important committee on the con
duct of the war, known as the "pay table." He became state attorney
in 1776, a very important office in those days. A considerable portion
of his time was taken in confiscation proceedings against the land of
Tories. The notice of condemnation of the Rev. Samuel Peters' farm
in Hebron (Samuel Peters is not unknown to fame) is signed by Ells
worth as state attorney. He was but thirty-two when he went to the Conti
nental Congress as one of Connecticut's representatives. He was, however,
immediately made the head of the committee on admiralty appeals, and
there he learned his first lesson which he later put into concrete form
in the judiciary act. He labored in Congress, as all the members strove,
to make the articles of confederation workable. He kept "Brother"
Jonathan Trumbull at home informed of the progress, and most of
the time, the backward steps, taken by the revolutionists, but Jonathan
Trumbull responded with much more alacrity in behalf of Connecticut
than did the governors of the other states to the demands of the Con
gress for aid and supplies, and that is one great reason that we had
any constitution at all. But his services in the Continental Congress
were not all spent in debates and in correspondence with Governor
Trumbull and Lieutenant-Governor Wolcott. He was learning during
these days that the United States could not live as a confederacy, but must
be born again to live at all. When he went back to Philadelphia as a
member of the Constitutional Convention, although he was regarded as
the jealous advocate and leader in the cause of the small states, he
was nevertheless a strong supporter and advocate of the union idea.
When the constitution passed in practically the form drafted by the
committee of five, of which he was one, without waiting to sign it, he
rushed home to see that Connecticut did its part toward ratification.
He opened the debate, and his speech is preserved for us in the file of
the Connecticut Courant. He spoke in the First Church, which was
specially warmed by stoves for the gathering of the convention. He
became one of the governor's council, which meant that he was a
judge of our supreme court, and held that a married woman could not
make a will under the law as it then existed— pretty severe law for
the matrons of those days. He took office under the new constitution
as senator, and there continued until he was made chief justice in
1796. When he accepted the office of chief justice he wrote former
Governor Wolcott that he hoped that his action would not be regarded
as disrespectful to Connecticut. It is hard to realize that the state lines
were drawn so sharply one hundred years ago.
Ellsworth in this brief account seems to have risen so rapidly in the
state and national service that it may be best at this point, before we
discuss his monumental work, to review for a moment his natural
capacities and the use of his opportunities.

34 EXERCISES AT THE OPENING OP
We must not minimize his native common sense, nor even his theo
logical study with the Rev. Mr. Smalley, where he learned that God
made man in His own image but that the likeness is a pretty faint and
varying resemblance; nor the conviction that things cannot be made to
work of themselves which became knotted into his being as his shoul
ders swung the axe on our river bank and as his arms lifted the plough
to escape the stones of his rugged plains farm.
But he lived in exciting times. In congress he met the ablest men
of the colonies, conversed, studied and debated with them. Was it
nothing to have known John and Samuel Adams, Edmund Randolph,
John Rutledge and James Wilson, Patrick Henry and James Madison,
Gouverneur Morris and Alexander Hamilton, to say nothing of Roger
Sherman, Jonathan Trumbull and the two Wolcotts? The most
momentous problems of government were continuously before them.
The exigencies of the war were calling not only for theoretical but
practical dealings with men individually and in organization. The
defects in the articles of confederation were daily proving themselves.
Foreign complications were threatening the life of the infant state.
French influence, inspiring in part, but with miasmic elements, was
permeating our statesmen's conceptions of government. Problems of
credit, military policy and foreign relations met the Congress at every
hand. The members came from essentially different environments,
south, north, rich, poor, religionists of various sects, and men of no
religion. That was Ellsworth's school. Out of it came the Federal
Constitution. Gladstone has called it the greatest work ever struck off
at a given time by the brain and purpose of man. But it was not
struck off. It was forged in the furnace of war, and tempered in unquiet
waters of peace. It was not born, all armed, as Minerva, from the
head of Jove. It was written slowly, line upon line, precept upon
precept, out of the experience of thirteen years of national experiment.
Again, apart from life in the Congress, Ellsworth's lessons as a trial
lawyer taught him the elementary principles on which his great work
was constructed. When he was not engaged in Philadelphia he was
trying as a lawyer before, or as a judge behind, the bench, litigated
causes. He became profoundly convinced of one thing — that nothing
could so unite a people into a single nation as a uniform and ever-pres
ent judiciary, armed with the powers, appalling when one looks at
them, a priori, of courts of common law and equity.
With these teachings he went into the Senate. Now having helped
to lay the foundation of the new government, he was to aid in building
its superstructure. He was a masterful man — slow, perhaps — he had
not the lightning glance of Hamilton — but when he planted himself on
an opinion and grasped the bludgeon of his powers of statement ready
for use, the Senate belonged to him.
Adams called him the strongest pillar of Washington's whole adminis
tration. He is said to have been Washington's own choice as his suc
cessor. Burr, who was the cleverest man of them all, says that if a
resolution introduced by Ellsworth spelt the name of the Deity with

THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD 35
two "d's", it would take the Senate three weeks at least to expunge the
superfluous letter. We must not forget that he received eleven votes
as candidate for president, and his glance was said to have passed com
pletely through the foreheads of most men.
To return, however, to the judicial act. We have seen how feeble
was the federal government, in not only its lawmaking powers, but its
ability to enforce the acts which it could pass. We perhaps forget the
strength of the law's instruments to-day. We realize it when a strike
ties up every railroad running from Chicago. A United States judge
signs a paper and a battalion of regulars is dispatched by the president
to enforce the order.
The judicial power of the United States by the constitution was vested
in one supreme court and such other inferior courts as the Congress
might from time to time ordain and establish. We know that the
supreme court upheld its trust. Now let us look at Ellsworth's act,
the establishment of the inferior courts and their jurisdiction.
In the first place, he abrogated state lines, but preserved state pro
cedure, in common law lines.
Second, he provided for a common equity procedure.
In the third place, he made it possible for every non-resident citizen
in substantial matters to go into the federal court when sued by, or
suing a resident.
Fourth, he made the judges appointees of the executive, to be confirmed
by the Senate.
That, in small compass, comprises all his novel portions of the
statute. The rest was the invention of machinery to enable Article
HI. of the constitution to operate. The cleverest device of Ellsworth's
was the method by which matters involving constitutional questions
are taken from state tribunals to the Supreme Court of the United States.
The writ of error under Ellsworth's scheme goes from the Supreme
Court of the United States to that of a state only when the state is
in favor of the constitutionality of the law or ordinance.
A less astute draughtsman would have surely drawn the provision so
that the supreme court should review decisions of the state courts adverse
to constitutionality.
To be sure, the work of a draughtsman is not comparable with that
of a statesman; but oftener it takes more brains to show how things
can be done than to see that they must be done. But while Ellsworth did
actually write the judiciary act, it is said, in two weeks, he was at work
on it long before. We know that he was in correspondence with Oliver
Wolcott on the subject as early as June, 1789.
What Washington's administration was attempting was the unification
of the United States. Can one imagine a better method than throwing
a shuttle carrying the woof of federal law and jurisdiction of federal
courts through the warp of state life so that no man could divide the
fabric? When all other efforts failed, the knife was tried. It tore,
but did not part, in the Civil War. I have used the word "federal."
Ellsworth objected to its use. "This is an Union, the United States,"

36 EXERCISES AT THE OPENING OF
he would have said. In a speech in the Connecticut Convention, he said :
"We see how necessary for the union is the coercive principle. The
only question is, Shall it be a coercion of law, or a coercion of arms?
There is no possible alternative. . . . I am for coercion by law, that
coercion which acts only on delinquent individuals."
One of the provisions of the judiciary act, now long obsolete, was
that in each district there should be held yearly two sessions of the
circuit court, consisting of any two justices of the supreme court and
the district judge, any two of whom should constitute a quorum. Now
no supreme court justice especially enjoyed going on circuit. It was
a fearsome job, but Ellsworth knew that what was needed was not talk
about the federal government, to make the people believe that there
was such a government in existence, but that seeing was believing. The
charges of those justices to the grand juries were sometimes an hour
and a half in length, and when people flocked to see and hear a famous
judge, they saw and heard not only the man but the presence and
voice of the new government, which, but for his presence and that
of the clerk, marshal and jury, would have been as far away as the
parliament of the mother country.
But apart from the judiciary act, we get a few sidelights on his
services to the administration. Indeed, he was somewhat humorous in
his account of how he managed the New England end of the party.
When Jay's treaty was pending for acceptance, he wrote Wolcott,
who was secretary of the treasury, that the Federalists in New England
"thought it best only to stand prepared for defense if an attack should
(here) be made, which has not yet been the case, and in the meantime
to scrap and squib a little just to keep the humor the right way." Who
can say now that the word "scrap" is modern slang?
He watched the intrigues of Jefferson in Washington's cabinet, but
his strong Anglo-Saxon sense was always to be depended upon, to over
come by words and influence the Jacobinism of the more ardent repub
licans, whose leader was Jefferson, even in the midst of Washington's
council. He was a tower, as I have said, in Washington's administra
tion, and yet he was not blinded to the frailty which Washington pos
sessed with the rest of mankind. He impatiently wrote to Wolcott
when Jay's treaty lay before Washington: "If the President decides
wrong, or does not decide soon, his good fortune will forsake him."
Annoyed by the lack of harmony among the Massachusetts Federalists,
he writes : "New England is tolerably quiet and will be more so as
the subject becomes more understood. But I am responsible only for
Connecticut." Ellsworth was too much of a New England man to
really like a southerner, whether he sat in Washington's cabinet or was
his old associate in the Constitutional Convention, and then the Presi
dent's nominee for chief justice. He writes in the same letter: "That
E. R. (Edmund Randolph) should not act at all is less surprising than
that J. R. (John Rutledge) should act like the devil."
Ellsworth fought the confirmation of the latter in the Senate with
all his strength and was himself appointed to the same office when Rut-

THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD 37
ledge's name was withdrawn, but the two things had no connection,
and what is perhaps less important but seems more so, no one thought
for a moment that the connection existed.
When the commission of which Marshall was a member had failed to
negotiate a treaty for France, and Marshall had told the story of Talley
rand's attempting to extort a bribe from them, which resulted in Pinck-
ney's celebrated phrase, "Millions for defense, but not one cent for
tribute," suddenly the scales of blindness toward French character
dropped from American eyes. Ellsworth was nominated with two
others by Adams to try again, and they found a different man at the
head of affairs than the leaders of the French Revolution, in Napoleon
Bonaparte. When Napoleon first saw his dignified face and majestic
form in the crowd of envoys and representatives of foreign govern
ments, he said to a companion, "we shall have to make a treaty with
that man," and although his convention was not entirely satisfactory
to the people at home, it was soon accepted as the best which could have
been made under the circumstances and paved the way for Jeffer
son's magnificent coup d'etat, the Louisiana purchase. But the foreign
mission was too much for Ellsworth's health. His sufferings on the
ocean voyage were frightful. He struggled through this mission a sick
man. He tried to get some benefit from the English climate, but came
home broken in health to take up his work again as a judge, this time
as a state judge; but soon to die at Windsor. When he was in Eng
land, he was the object of much curiosity as the Chief Justice of the
United States. The English had expected to see in an American a
man of sharp features, high cheek bones and Indian aspect. Instead,
they saw a gentleman who was dressed as one of themselves; thinking
that he was an exception, one of the English judges inquired what
was the rule as to descent through the half-blood, referring, of course,
to the status of offspring of marriage between white and red.
Ellsworth had little imagination, but strong sense. He was an invet
erate worker and so intent on what he had in mind that he would
spend the time between Windsor and Hartford on his way to court
talking over to himself points in his causes, no matter who was his
companion. Often, sitting in his parlor, he did not notice the coming
of a guest and did not know the guest was there until he arose to
leave. His snuff was deposited in little piles about his chair. He was
so fond of it that he thought at one time he must give up the tobacco
habit, and, therefore, conscientiously left his snuffbox in the attic so
that he was compelled to go to the top of the house when he felt the
craving. He was a simple man. He went to Suffield many times, and the land
lady was. somewhat awed at first by having so distinguished an individ
ual under her roof, but when she found out that his needs at the table
were bread and milk she was reassured. He knew much about ordin
ary things. In the south one day at circuit, the stage coach broke down.
Ellsworth was a Yankee and knew how to repair it. A bystander
inquired, "Who is that gentleman who understands everything and is

38 EXERCISES AT THE OPENING OF
eloquent about a coach wheel?" "The Chief Justice of the United
States," was the reply.
Some one said that if the beauty of the moon at night was praised,
Ellsworth would immediately set about devising a patent lamp, and it
would be a very superior article, too.
He had an imperious disposition. One of his colleagues in the
Constitutional Convention wrote to a correspondent at the close of the
day that Ellsworth had lost his temper, as always. That was not true.
Ellsworth rarely lost his temper, but he so firmly believed that the
view which he decided after much thought was right, that he fairly
clubbed his arguments home to his hearers. It is said that while
William Johnson, who was his usual opponent at the Hartford bar,
talked to a jury he charmed them, but when Ellsworth began to speak
they sat up and opened their eyes. But he was not without graces of
social life, and one only has to read his letters to see how cleverly he
could turn a sentence and how loyally he could support a friend. From
Havre, when on a French mission, he wrote to Wolcott as follows, and
I ask you whether or not, even if these words show a strong self-con
fidence, they do not show that he was a man as strongly to be trusted?
"You certainly did right not to resign, and you must not think of
resigning, let what changes may take place, at least, until I see you.
Though our country pays badly, it is the only one in the world worth
working for. The happiness which it enjoys and which it may increase
is so much superior to what the nations of Europe do or ever can
enjoy, that no one who is able to preserve and increase that happiness
ought to quit her service while he can remain in it with bread and
honor; of the first, a little suffices you, and of the last it is not in the
power of caprice or malevolence to deprive you. They cannot do
without you and dare not put you out. Remember, my dear friend,
my charge, keep on till I see you."
After hearing the foregoing, one cannot think the following words of
the first President Dwight too eulogistic:
"In every assembly, public or private, in which he appeared after
he had fairly entered public life, there was probably no man, when
Washington was not present, who would be more readily acknowledged
to hold the first character."
But it must not be thought that he was without human characteristics.
To be sure, it is well attested to be a fact that when the coach set him
down before his home in Windsor, after his long absence abroad in
the French mission, unseeing, apparently, he walked to his front gate
and bent his head on folded arms thereon, in thanks to God for a safe
return, and then turned and kissed his wife and children. That may
well be, for he was a man of profound piety. But it does not seem
the act of a man who wrote to his twin boys from Paris (these were
the same boys whom Washington took on his knees and to whom he
taught the "Darby Ram" while dinner was waiting) as follows :
"Daddy is a great way off, but he thinks about his little boys every
day; and he hopes that they are very good boys and learn their books

THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD 39
well, and say their prayers every night, and then God will love them
as much as daddy does. There are a great many fine things here and
a great many strange things. Oliver writes them down and he will
have enough to tell the boys twenty nights. The robbers came round
the house where daddy lives the other night and the gardener shot off
his double-barreled gun and killed two of them; and daddy believes
if the robbers come into his room they will get killed, for he keeps
a gun and two pistols charged all the time and when he comes home
he intends to give his gun to Martin and his pistols to Billy and Harry.
This letter is from our daddy."
He breaks out into verse inspired by the memory of the twins, headed
"A letter from our daddy."
"The men in France are lazy creatures,
And work the women and great dogs;
The ladies are enormous eaters,
And like the best toadstools and frogs.
The little boys are pretty spry,
And bow when daddy's paid them,
But don't think they'll ever die,
Nor can they tell who made them.
But daddy's boys are not such fools,
And are not learned so bad,
For they have mamma and good schools,
And that makes daddy glad.
Daddy won't forget them pistols."
It does not seem as if the twins would have thought him a very
fearsome Puritan or awe-inspiring parent. Tradition says the pistols
had no locks, but I don't believe it. He was too much of a Yankee.
Even in Connecticut, I venture to state we know more about Roger
Sherman, Oliver Wolcott or Jonathan Trumbull than Ellsworth. He
has no monument or tablet in the state capitol. In the obituary notices
of the press at the time of his death, there does not seem to be much
personal sorrow expressed. To be sure, people didn't say in print and
in praise what they really thought about others in those days even after
they had gone. "He was a great man, indeed, Connecticut's first
citizen!" "He had conferred great honor upon the state," etc. But
except his wife and Oliver Wolcott, I imagine no one really knew
him. We can grow warm in admiration for Hamilton with all his weak
nesses. We somehow feel that we should have been fascinated by
Aaron Burr. We should like to have listened to Randolph's biting
sarcasm. John Adams would have seemed somewhat peppery, but
we should have understood him. Franklin, — don't you love to think of
him standing in his spotted velvet suit before the bar of the Commons
and listening with an unmoved face to the invective hurled against him?

4° EXERCISES AT THE OPENING OF
We have all seen Timothy Pickering, especially in New England, but
Ellsworth, we shouldn't have been drawn to, do you think? He had no
gift of eloquence. He started handicapped in the race of life. He
had our gnarled hickory nutshell of New England reserve. He talked
to convince. He never let himself go for the nervous joy of it. If
men hated him, as undoubtedly was the case with Jefferson, Pickering
and Burr, in some way they could not outflank him. He was one of
our unremembered heroes. Not that he worked for work's sake. For
he worked at the worth while. He had a conception of what the
United States should be, but he could not use the word "Empire" like
Marshall, but to make law, enforce law, — through law, train the people
to see the nation and its law as he saw it, although perhaps he could
not express his thought, — such was the duty that pressed itself home
on Ellsworth's conscience.
What is it that in this New England climate of ours holds us to
the serious, practical side of life? The hatred of waste, the love of
order, the supremacy of law. It is not the weather. Our skies in May
and September ought to call for every impulse of our human nature
to express itself. It is not the gray days of November and December,
for they are followed by the dazzling glory of a January sun on a snow
field. Far back it must lie in the peculiarity of the particular "id" which
in some way conquered the other embryonic "ids" in our English fore
fathers, and which for want of a better name we call "Puritanism."
But that particular "id" as typified in Ellsworth met Washington's
need. Good but shrewd sense commanded a large premium in the
mind of our first chief magistrate, particularly in the trying times of
his first magistracy. Ellsworth not only had the sense ; he had the power
to execute, as well. Is it any wonder then that Washington wrote to
Ellsworth just as he was retiring to Mount Vernon as follows, and a
person now present,* a lineal descendant of the recipient, has the original
letter. Philadelphia, 8th Mar., 1797.
Dear Sir: Before I leave this City, which will be within less than
twenty-four hours ; permit me, in acknowledging the receipt of your kind
and affectionate note of the 6th, to offer you the thanks of a grateful
heart for the sentiments you have expressed in my favour, and for those
attentions with which you have always honoured me. — In return, I pray
you to accept all my good wishes for the perfect restoration of your
health, and for all the happiness this life can afford. — As your official
duty will necessarily call you to the Southward, I will take the liberty
of adding, that it will always give me pleasure to see you at Mt. Vernon
as you pass & repass. — With unfeigned esteem & regard, in wch Mrs.
Washington joins me, I am always — & affectionately Yours,
GO. WASHINGTON.
Oliv'r Ellsworth, Esq., Chief Justice.
* Mrs. Frank Chamberlin Porter.

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//iy^-,.a*-£,ly_^ t? . yzayzz. /pay.

LETTER FROM WASHINGTON TO ELLSWORTH.

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BED IN WHICH OLIVER ELLSWORTH DIED AND WALL-PAPER
BROUGHT BY HIM FROM ABROAD.

SPINNING ROOM.

THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD 4 1
Could any man in 1797 want anything more in this life than that
particular letter?
It was but a few years later that Ellsworth followed his friend's
example and retired to his Mount Vernon. Thousands who turn their
steps to the southern home are but scores when they journey hither-
ward. They are seeking however, and will continue to seek, the perma
nent memorials, here preserved, of a Connecticut lawyer, but in the
welding of a national union through constitution and statute, the most
potent American.
The singing of the "Darby Ram" by the United Chapter Glee
Clubs followed Mr. Shipman's address. In introducing the Glee
Clubs, Mrs. Kinney said: —
Family traditions sometimes develop a curious tendency to twist
themselves away from the simple line of rectitude to which they are
supposed to strictly adhere. As an example I refer you to the visit
of General Washington to this house. It is said that on that occasion
he was discovered in an upper chamber, the Ellsworth twin boys, JWil-
liam and Henry, on either knee, and singing to them the blood-curdling
ditty called "The Darby Ram." Another president of the United
States, John Adams, was also — though on a different occasion, — a
guest in this house; and he, too, is credited with singing the same
popular melody to two small Ellsworth children, apparently not the
same children, but two little girls, Delia and Frances, instead of two
little boys, William and Henry. Some of the facts in the case are more
or less illusive, but I believe no one disputes the fact that both Washing
ton and Adams visited the Ellsworths in this homestead, nor does
anyone, much less their descendants who are present to-day, deny the
existence of William and Henry, or Delia and Frances. But, which of
these presidents of the United States sang "The Darby Ram" to the
children, and which two children listened to the singing? I have
tried faithfully to solve the mystery, but it's a clear case of "The Lady
and the Tiger," or rather of four little children and two great lions
who seem to be very much mixed up in their on-goings.
I have reached the point where it seems best to ask the audience to
settle for themselves the question of which was which. Such help as we
can give is freely granted and it consists in asking you to interview the
two children, either William and Henry or Delia and Frances, who may
be found at the close of these exercises in the upper chamber to which
I have referred. In addition to this testimony, which should be con
vincing as far as the children are concerned, our Glee Club will sing
for you "The Darby Ram." Those who have the ear of faith and
can hark back into the centuries, will doubtless detect a ghostly accom
paniment, and if so they will at once know whether it is the century old
voice of George Washington or John Adams.

42 exercises at the opening of
The Darby Ram.
As I was going to Darby
Upon a market day,
I spied the biggest ram, sir,
That ever fed on hay.
Chorus :
Oh, ho-key, don-key Darby Ram ;
Oh, ho-key, din-key da;
Oh, ho-key, din-key Darby Ram;
Oh, ho-key, din-key da.
He had four feet to walk, sir,
He had four feet to stand,
And every foot he had, sir,
Covered an acre of land.
Chorus :
With wool upon his back, sir,
It reaches to the sky,
And eagles built their nests there —
I heard the young ones cry.
Chorus :
The wool upon his back, sir,
I heard the weaver say,
Made three thousand yards of cloth,
For he wove it in a day.
Chorus :
The butcher that cut his throat, sir,
Was drowned in the blood,
And the little boy who held the bowl
Was carried away in the flood.
Chorus :
In introducing Judge Taintor Mrs. Kinney said: —
Some very interesting letters bearing upon to-day's celebration have
been received, and I wish to share their contents with you. Judge
Taintor of Hartford has kindly consented to read the more important
ones, and I take great pleasure in presenting to you the Hon. Henry
Ellsworth Taintor, a great-grandson of Oliver Ellsworth, Chief Jus
tice of the United States. Letters of Regret.
Judge Henry E. Taintor of this city then read the following
letters of regret: —

the ellsworth homestead 43
From the President.
Oyster Bay, N. Y., August 31, 1903.
My Dear Madam: — The President has received your letter of the
29th instant and requests me to express his great regret that he is
unable to accept your very kind invitation to attend the dedication of
the Oliver Ellsworth homestead by the Connecticut Daughters of the
Revolution. Very truly yours,
Wm. J. Loeb, Jr., Secretary to the President.
To. Mrs. Sara T. Kinney, Connecticut State Regent, Daughters of the
American Revolution, New Haven, Conn.
From the Chief Justice of the United States.
London, England, September 7, 1903.
Mrs. Sara T. Kinney.
Dear Madam : — I deeply regret my inability tp attend the dedication
of the homestead of Oliver Ellsworth in commemoration of that emi
nent statesman and patriot, the third chief justice of the United States
and author of the Judiciary Act of 1789. His valuable services to this
country should ever be held in remembrance, and it would have given
me sincere satisfaction, if circumstances had permitted, to pay tribute,
by my presence, to the memory of this great man.
Very truly yours, Melville W. Fuller.
From the Chief Justice of Connecticut.
Derby, Conn., September 19, 1903.
Mrs. S. T. Kinney, New Haven, Conn.
Dear Madam: — Your cordial invitation to be present at the dedica
tion of the Ellsworth homestead has just come to hand. Unfortunately
for myself, as the supreme court will be in session on the day set for
the dedication ceremonies, I shall be unable to be present. That being
the case, permit me to say that among the many good things brought
about by your society this preservation of the old historic homestead of
the third chief justice of the United States is by no means the least.
Your work will serve to keep alive the memory and influence of a
good man, one of Connecticut's great men, whose work was of inestim
able value to his state and to the nation and whose memory and char
acter we cannot afford to forget.
Thanking you for your cordial invitation, I remain,
Very sincerely yours, David Torrance.

44 exercises at the opening of
Senator Hoar.
Worcester, Mass., September 18, 1903.
My Dear Madam : — I should like very much to attend the dedication
of the Oliver Ellsworth homestead in Windsor, to which you kindly
invite me. In addition to the reason which every patriotic American
has to honor and reverence the memory of Chief Justice Ellsworth, I
have some strong personal reasons. But there is to be a meeting of the
Peabody trustees in New York on the 8th of October and I am a mem
ber of a committee charged with some important matters. So I cannot
well absent myself from that. I am with high regard, faithfully yours,
George F. Hoar.
Mrs. Sara T. Kinney, No. 46 Park Street, New Haven, Conn.
Extract from a letter written by Senator Hoar to Mrs. Frank C.
Porter : — Worcester, Mass., September 29, 1903.
My Dear Mrs. Porter : — I do not think that you can be as much dis
appointed as I am that I cannot attend the Ellsworth celebration. I
have long had the profoundest reverence for his character, and regret
that the story of his illustrious life has not been adequately told. I have
taken great pleasure in the prospect that that will now be done.
President Hadley.
Yale University, New Haven, Conn.,
October 5, 1903.
My Dear Mrs. Kinney: — It is a matter of great regret to me that I
am unable to be present at the opening of the Ellsworth homestead. It
is in no wise necessary for me to say any words concerning the life
and work of Oliver Ellsworth. Every student of American constitu
tional history knows how great and distinctive were his services. In
addition to his public reputation, his private character was so picturesque
and interesting that it adds a very distinctive charm to his life.
Faithfully yours,
Arthur T. Hadley.
From Judge Simeon E. Baldwin.
New Haven, September 27, 1903.
Dear Mrs. Kinney: — I shall probably be holding court on October 8.
Should this not be the case, I shall hope to be present at the Ellsworth
celebration. It is gratifying to all believers in the power of historical
traditions in keeping a people pure and patriotic, to note occasions
like this, that bind the present to the past. Should I be present, I should
be happy to say a word or two, as you request. Yours sincerely,
Simeon E. Baldwin.

THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD 45
Mrs. Kinney then introduced Mrs. John M. Holcombe of
Hartford, chairman of the general committee, in the following
words : —
Whenever I am called upon to introduce the Regent of the Ruth
Wyllys Chapter, I invariably find myself quoting the suggestive line,
"Good wine needs no bush." The Regent is too well known to us all to
require any formal presentation to an audience of Daughters of the
American Revolution and their friends. But now— as always— I am
happy to ask Mrs. Holcombe to take part in our ceremonies, and now—
as always — she has something interesting to say.
Mrs. Holcombe's Remarks.
Madame State Regent, Your Excellency the Governor of Connecticut,
Ellsworth Descendants, Daughters of the American Revolution and
Gentlemen and Ladies : — It is my privilege to-day to speak for the Con
necticut Daughters of the American Revolution and express our appre
ciation of the many kindnesses extended us, and to make our bow of
acknowledgment to a world which, by a sympathy both spontaneous and
generous, has helped to bring our labors to such completion as you see
here on this occasion.
Rarely does it fall to the lot of any house to enjoy such a felicitous
history as this Ellsworth homestead. Standing amidst the broad acres
purchased in 1665 by Josias Ellsworth, it became, a century later, the
abode of a good and great man, Oliver Ellsworth, and Abigail Wolcott,
his wife, and their domestic life forms an example we well may con
template with admiration and approval to-day. No type of woman will
ever be found better than she of whom I read in a trusty chronicle,
"She exercised such concern and thoughtfulness for her husband's needs,
that no anxiety regarding household cares ever disturbed his public
life;" and in return can any tribute of a husband's contentment in his
home be stronger than Oliver Ellsworth's own avowal: "I have visited
several countries and I like my own the best. I have been in all the
states in the Union, and Connecticut is the best state; Windsor is the
pleasantest town in the state of Connecticut, and I have the pleasantest
place in Windsor. I am content, perfectly content, to die on the banks
of the Connecticut."
In this ideal home dwelt gentleness and peace, and the blood of the
Ellsworths flowed on through an unbroken line of descendants until,
since the death of the last owner, it has been deeded, a free gift, to the
Connecticut Daughters of the American Revolution, by the heirs of
Oliver Ellsworth, a race now widely scattered, but uniting as one in this
gracious act, and the Daughters, accepting it as a sacred charge, have,
with an equal generosity, met the responsibility; their aim being to
accomplish a work worthy the eminent statesman and wife whose mem
ory we honor; worthy the gracious act of the descendants of this same
patriot who place his home in the possession of these women of Con-

46 EXERCISES AT THE OPENING OF
necticut, the state he nobly loved and ably served, and also worthy the
society they represent, and whose objects of existence are to preserve
history and promote patriotism.
The days of the past month have been crowded with deeds of kindness,
as the offerings from "Daughters" have poured in, and Ellsworth
descendants and a sympathetic public have joined in the general bringing
of good gifts. Within this historic building — now illumined with a
new and almost sacred light — are being gathered the visible expressions
of generous souls. There are contagions of many sorts, but I know of
none more irresistible than that of kindness and generosity. For a month
I have lived in an atmosphere seemingly charged with the donating
spirit, and my head has been in a whirl, as from all sides have come
showers of questions as to what was wanted for the Ellsworth house;
it has been a sort of perpetual Christmas. Already you can see the boun
tiful tokens of a spirit loving, loyal, patriotic, and surely it portends well
for the future that this twentieth century opens under the benign influ
ence of a general spirit of ministration and giving. Here in Windsor
the labor of love has enrolled many in its service and aid and gifts have
come from many sources. Hartford merchants have lengthened out our
meager purse-strings by a kindly amelioration in prices.
In a very brief time a great deal of work has been accomplished in
the thorough renovation of this ancient building. Although in fairly
good condition, it exhibited here and there the weakness of age. It has
been strengthened by a new sill and the floors have received strong sup
ports; with new leaders from the roof above and a new drain in the
earth beneath, we hope all floods may be led away from destruction of
our treasure; the well has been cleaned out, the chimneys, sometime
bricked up, have been cleared and put in perfect order. Within, the
painters and paperers have made the old walls to shine with the glow of
renewed youth. There were some ancient wall papers we wanted much
to save, but torn and stained they failed to harmonize with the youth
and freshness beside them and had to go. Two remain in the north and
south chambers; that in the former being the one (long an object of
curiosity in this section) which Judge Ellsworth brought from France
in 1801.
In this lovely home, by which (at the rear of the house) rolls one of
the most beautiful rivers in the world — our own Connecticut — Oliver Ells
worth passed a stately and gracious existence, surrounded by the blessings
of domestic life. Many objects in that home remain here to bind us in a
material association with a remote past. The bedstead on which he
slept many years, and died in 1807, has been put in perfect order and
draped as it was when his eyes rested upon the graceful hangings. The
cradle which soothed to slumber his many children, and the trundle bed
which accommodated them as they advanced from infancy to a larger
growth. A beautiful set of Chippendale furniture antedated 1792, for in
that year was painted the famous portrait (now hanging in the Hartford
Atheneum) where the distinguished judge and wife are represented
seated upon the chairs. The set was originally covered with a moire

THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD 47
linen material. One chair in the same dress is loaned for the day by
a descendant. The sofa remains in the house where it has been a con
spicuous ornament for more than a century. It has been given to the
Abigail Wolcott Ellsworth chapter of Windsor, in memory of the first
Abigail Wolcott Ellsworth, by the descendants of Abigail Wolcott Ells
worth Hall. It required covering, but the original treatment was fol
lowed and the color of the old cover was matched with a satisfying
exactness. This sofa, sufficiently rare and beautiful to thrill the pulse of
any "collector," will be one of the features in the Connecticut house at
St. Louis in 1904. Also the bedstead of Oliver Ellsworth will have an
honored place, both of which pieces are to be loaned for the great exposi
tion, where we expect that Connecticut in its house, which is a repro
duction of one of its own early dwellings, will present rare attractions in
its architectural graces and true antique furnishings.
The Gobelin tapestry presented by Napoleon Bonaparte to Oliver Ells
worth, and reputed to be the only piece of this kind ever owned outside
of royalty, hangs over the mantel in the drawing-room, while below it
stands the marble clock brought home from Paris. These treasures are
loaned for the day only.
A Sheraton card table, a candle stand, a lamp, mirrors, chairs and spin
ning-wheel long in the Ellsworth household are returned by the heirs to
once more fill their accustomed places.
I will here say, lest the house may be considered more fully furnished
than is really the case, that many things have been loaned us for the
occasion, either for the historic quality of the article or to meet certain
needs, as is the case of the rugs in the lower south rooms.
To the heirs of Oliver Ellsworth who have thus generously given his
historic home, I would most heartily express the gratitude of the Con
necticut Daughters of the American Revolution, for whom I would
pledge their faithful care and patriotic homage.
To Mrs. Delia Lyman Porter, whose spirit has been the inspiring force
to carry to successful issue the large undertaking, I would express not
only our thanks, but our admiration of that dual force of generous
impulse and energetic exertion, before which all obstacles have dis
appeared. In recognition of her services, the Mary Clap Wooster Chap
ter of New Haven has created her a life member.
To all persons — and their number is legion — who in various ways have
helped us in this most interesting work, I would give assurance of our
appreciation and cordial thanks.
It is no small favor to have for the honor of this celebration the
presence of the Governor of the State and his staff, state officers and the
Governor's Foot Guard. Not only for the hostess of the day, but for the
residents of Windsor and all here present, I feel I am authorized to
express our appreciation, our admiration for the gallant military, and our
thanks. What good Connecticut citizen can ever look upon the uniform
of the Foot Guard— a beautiful heritage from the true Colonial period—
without emotion!

48 EXERCISES AT THE OPENING OF THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD.
I cannot close without a word of the old cemetery in "Ancient Wind
sor." It is one of the most venerable and interesting in the country and
the town is to be congratulated not alone on the quality and number of
distinguished forefathers herein buried, but also upon the fine condition
of both grounds and stones. To-day you will find the monuments of
Oliver Ellsworth and Abigail Wolcott, his wife, draped with the national
colors and adorned with wreaths of laurel constructed by young ladies
of Windsor. The scroll top sarcophagus of Henry Wolcott, a most rare
and beautiful monument, is also draped. Those visiting the yard will
surely want to pay tribute to a memorial of renown — said to be the
oldest in New England — that of the Rev. Ephraim Huit, 1643. On the
other side, and inscribed at a much later date, is the epitaph to the Rev.
John Wareham, the progenitor of a very distinguished and numerous
posterity. Some of the best blood in old England came to this beautiful spot
on the Connecticut river; from here it has flowed westward, a mighty
force in carrying these germs of national life, which originated in a
state small in geographical limitations it is true, but large enough to have
created an original form of government, upon which are based the prin
ciples of constitutional liberty, and which should now receive the tardy
but well-merited title of the Constitution State.
"America" was sung by the audience with band accompani
ment and the exercises concluded with the benediction by the
Rev. Roscoe Nelson of the Windsor Congregational Church.
An informal reception to Governor and Mrs. Chamberlain
followed, the descendants of Ellsworth being the first to greet
the Governor.

A LIST

GIFTS AND LOANS

ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD

WINDSOR, CONNECTICUT

since its presentation BY the descendants of
Chief Justice Oliver Ellsworth and Abigail Wolcott Ellsworth,
his wife, to the Connecticut Daughters of the
American Revolution.

compiled by
FANNIE M. OLMSTED
ruth wyllys chapter.

1903-1907

GIFTS AND LOANS
FROM
MEMBERS OF THE ELLSWORTH FAMILY

GIFTS.
Manuscript Book — Containing the names of the donors of the Ells
worth Homestead, comprising every descendant of Chief Justice
Oliver Ellsworth and Abigail (Wolcott) Ellsworth, his wife, living
at the time; forty great-grandchildren, fifty-nine great-great-grand
children, and seventeen great-great-great-grandchildren, also two, who
gave inherited shares, though not of Ellsworth lineage, and one donor
interested through collateral relationship. The names, mostly auto
graphs, were collected throughout two continents, and bound by Mrs.
Frank Chamberlin (Delia Lyman) Porter. The red and white chintz
of the cover, bearing a figure of Washington, the guest of the Home
stead, on one side, and Revolutionary ammunition on the other, was
inherited by Mrs. Porter's grandmother, Frances, daughter of Oliver
Ellsworth, and wife of Judge Joseph Wood. The lining, of old
"Elmwood" home-spun linen, was contributed by Mrs. William Wol
cott Taintor, through Mrs. Frederick Wendell (Mary Taintor) Davis,
and was inherited through the line of Martin, son of Oliver Ellsworth.
DONORS OF THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD.
Descendant of
Abigail (Ellsworth) Williams, daughter of Oliver Ellsworth.
Augusta Hart Williams  Hartford, Connecticut.
"and in loving memory of Mary Howard Williams."
Descendants of
Martin, son of Oliver Ellsworth.
Gertrude (Reynolds) Riffel  New Orleans, Louisiana.
Geneve Ellsworth (Reynolds) Stuart  Lafayette, Indiana.
Sophie Wolcott Stuart  Lafayette, Indiana.
Edward Ellsworth Reynolds  Lafayette, Indiana.
George Varnum Curtis  Springfield, Massachusetts.
Ralph Curtis  Springfield, Massachusetts.
Ruth Alden Curtis  Windsor, Connecticut.
Alice Lindsly (Hall) Wyckoff  Buffalo, New York.
Ellsworth Hall  Des Moines, Iowa.
Richards Wyckoff Hall  Somerville, Massachusetts.
* Martin Ellsworth Hall  Commander U. S. Navy, retired.
Margaret Woodburn Hall  Lowell, Massachusetts.
* Deceased.

52 GIFTS PRESENTED TO
Annie Louise Hall  Lowell, Massachusetts.
Wolcott Ellsworth Hall  U. S. Navy.
Oliver Cushing Hall  Lowell, Massachusetts.
Fanny Elizabeth Hall  Buffalo, New York.
* Martha Wolcott (Hall) Hitchcock  New York City.
Roger Wolcott Hitchcock  New York City.
Ripley Hitchcock, Jr  New York City.
* Henry Ellsworth Taintor  Hartford, Connecticut
George Edwin Taintor  Hartford, Connecticut
Lucy Strong Taintor  Hartford, Connecticut
William Wolcott Taintor  Hartford, Connecticut
Arline Deolph Taintor  Hartford, Connecticut
Delia Ellsworth Taintor  Hartford, Connecticut
Frederick Taintor  Coin, Oklahoma.
Henry Cone Taintor  Coin, Oklahoma.
Oliver Ellsworth Taintor  Coin, Oklahoma.
Mary Ellen (Taintor) Davis  Hartford, Connecticut
Dorothy Wendell Davis  Hartford, Connecticut.
Roger Wolcott Davis  Hartford, Connecticut.
Frederick Ellsworth Davis  Hartford, Connecticut
* Elise Pierrepont Davis  Hartford, Connecticut
Descendants of
Frances (Ellsworth) Wood, daughter of Oliver Ellsworth.
Katherine Bontecou Wood  New York City.
Emily Merwin (Wood) Vinal  Washington, D. C.
George Wood Merwin Vinal  Washington, D. C.
Oliver Ellsworth Wood, Major, Artillery Corps, U. S. A., Military
Attache, Tokyo, Japan.
Norton Ellsworth Wood, Second Lieutenant, Artillery Corps, U. S. Army.
Elizabeth Ellsworth (Lyman) McCandliss ...New Haven, Connecticut.
Delia Wood (Lyman) Porter  New Haven, Connecticut.
Lyman Edwards Porter  New Haven, Connecticut.
William Quincy Porter  New Haven, Connecticut
Chester Wolcott Lyman  New York City.
Bessie Lawrence (Barnes) Watson  Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
Harold Butler Barnes  Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
Gladys Wolcott Barnes  Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
John Lawrence Wood  Dallas, Texas.
Henry Ellsworth Wood  Denver, Colorado.
* Katharine Earl (Wood) Manice  Denver, Colorado.
Katharine Wood Manice  Denver, Colorado.
Oliver Ellsworth Wood  Denver, Colorado.
Lawrence Matteson Wood  Denver, Colorado.
Alice Wolcott Wood  Dansville, New York.
Grace Lyman Wood  Joliet, Illinois.
* Deceased.

THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD 53
Descendants of
William Wolcott, son of Oliver Ellsworth.
Julia Sterling (Ellsworth) Lyman  Asheville, North Carolina.
Ellsworth Lyman  Asheville, North Carolina.
Emily Webster (Ellsworth) Anderson  Hartford, Connecticut.
Wolcott Webster Ellsworth  Johnstown, New York.
Louise Wolcott Ellsworth  Johnstown, New York.
Ernest Bradford Ellsworth  Hartford, Connecticut.
Frank Day Ellsworth  Hartford, Connecticut.
Edith Townsend (Ellsworth) Parker  Hartford, Connecticut.
John Dobson Parker, Jr  Hartford, Connecticut.
Alice Greenleaf (Ellsworth) Burnham  Portland, Maine.
Margaret Elizabeth Burnham  Portland, Maine.
Emily Elizabeth (Jackson) Nicholas  Geneva, New York.
William Webster Ellsworth  New York City.
Lucy Morris (Ellsworth) Creevy  New York City.
Carlotta Creevy  New York City.
Bradford Ellsworth  New York City.
Helen Adelaide Ellsworth  New York City.
Elizabeth Ellsworth  New York City.
Oliver Ellsworth  Hartford, Connecticut.
Emily Orah Ellsworth  New York City.
Julia Sterling (Hutchins) Wolcott  Munich, Bavaria.
Charles Moseley Wolcott  Munich, Bavaria.
Elizabeth Hutchins Wolcott  Munich, Bavaria.
Julia Hutchins Wolcott  Munich, Bavaria.
Augustus Schell Hutchins  New York City.
Waldo Hutchins  New York City.
Waldo Hutchins, Jr  New York City.
Margaret J. Hutchins  New York City.
William Ellsworth Hutchins  New York City.
Descendants of
Henry Leavitt, son of Oliver Ellsworth.
Edward Augustus Ellsworth  Lafayette, Indiana.
Annie Ellsworth  Lafayette, Indiana.
Ada Whittredge (Ellsworth) Stuart  Lafayette, Indiana.
Marie Stuart  Lafayette, Indiana.
Allison Ellsworth Stuart  Lafayette, Indiana.
Annie Florence Ellsworth  Lafayette, Indiana.
Oliver Ellsworth  San Francisco, California.
Beatrice Ellsworth  San Francisco, California.
Edward A. Ellsworth  Niles, California.
Edward A. Ellsworth, Jr  Niles, California.
Harriet Bryant Ellsworth  Niles, California.
Henry Goodrich Ellsworth  Oakland, California.
Rodney Ellsworth  Oakland, California.

54 GIFTS PRESENTED TO
Muriel Ellsworth  Oakland, California.
Jennie (Ellsworth) Price  Reno, Nevada.
Susan (Ellsworth) Oliver  Oakland, California.
Albert Ellsworth Oliver  Oakland, California.
Caroline Louise Oliver  Oakland, California.
Ellen Augusta (Ellsworth) Rose  Elmira, New York.
Robert L. Bachman  New York City.
Ellen Ellsworth Bachman  Knoxville, Tennessee.
* Kirke Rose Bachman  New York City.
Blanche (Rose) Higgins  Chicago, Illinois.
Ellen (Higgins) Dickey  New York City.
Alfred Kirke Higgins  Chicago, Illinois.
May Rose Higgins  Chicago, Illinois.
Charlotte Ellsworth (Rose) Stanley  Elmira, New York.
Alfred Holt Stanley  Elmira, New York.
Julia Goodrich (Roswell- Smith) Inness  Montclair, New Jersey.
"In loving memory of Annie Goodrich (Ellsworth) Roswell-Smith."
Elizabeth Inness  Montclair, New Jersey.
Julia Inness  Montclair, New Jersey.
* Goodrich Inness  Montclair, New Jersey.
also
Mary (Prout) West  Rutland, Vermont.
George W. Strong  Washington, D. C.
(Heirs through Ellen (Strong) (Prout) daughter of
Martin, son of Oliver Ellsworth.)
James W. Ellsworth  New York City.
(A kinsman.)
This Manuscript Book was presented, with the deed of the Homestead,
by Mrs. Frank Chamberlin Porter.
Knee Buckles — Brilliants set in silver. In the original satin-lined case
bearing the mark of "J. Anthony, Goldsmith & Jeweller, No. 76 Market
Street, Philad." Formerly owned by Chief Justice Ellsworth.
Presented by the only living descendant of his oldest child, Abigail, Miss
Augusta Hart Williams.
Sofa — Belonging to a set of Chippendale mahogany furniture, owned
by Chief Justice Ellsworth. A chair of this set is to be seen in the
portrait by Ralph Earl [page 12], and in an old photograph of
the drawing-room hanging in the present reception room. The
present cover of DuBarry rose brocade replaces the original one of
rose linen moire. The sofa was loaned to the Connecticut Building
of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis, 1904.
Presented in memory of Abigail (Wolcott) Ellsworth, wife of Oliver Ells
worth, to the chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in
Windsor which bears her name, by the descendants of her grand
daughter, Abigail Wolcott (Ellsworth) Hall, daughter of Major Martin
Ellsworth: Mrs. Cornelius C. (Alice Lindsly Hall) Wyckoff, Commander
Martin Ellsworth Hall, V. S. N., retired, Miss Fanny Elizabeth Hall,
George Varnum Curtis, Miss Ruth Alden Curtis, Ellsworth Hall,
Richards Wyckoff Hall, Roger Wolcott Hitchcock, Ripley Hitchcock, Jr.
* Deceased.

GOBELIN TAPESTRY PRESENTED BY NAPOLEON BONAPARTE TO OLIVER
ELLSWORTH.

THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD 55
Looking-Glass— 4 feet 2 inches x 2 feet Gilt frame, with balls under
the cornice; gilded landscape in upper panel. An original Ellsworth
piece. Presented by Mrs. Alice Lindsly (Hall) Wyckoff.
Looking-Glass— 24 inches x 13 inches. Gilt frame, with balls under the
cornice; quaint and crude picture of a cow in the upper panel. An
original Ellsworth piece.
Presented by Commander Martin Ellsworth Hall, U. S. N.
Card Table — Sheraton. Mahogany, inlaid with bird's-eye maple; fold
ing leaf; slender fluted legs. An original Ellsworth piece.
Presented by Miss Fanny Elisabeth Hall.
Chatr — Black frame, rush seat An original Ellsworth piece.
Presented by Miss Ruth Alden Curtis and George Varnum Curtis.
Flax Wheel — Old Ellsworth relic.
Presented by Ellsworth Halt and Richards Wyckoff Hall.
Astral Lamp — Old Ellsworth relic
Presented by the Hon. Henry Ellsworth Taintor, grandson of Major Martin
Ellsworth.
LOANS.
Clock — Louis XVI., white marble, with original and rare shade of glass
panels. Brought by Oliver Ellsworth from France in 1801.
Loaned for the opening day by Commander Martin Ellsworth Hall, U. S. N.
Mirror — Oval, rare design; gilt frame, with border of glass panels.
Brought by Oliver Ellsworth from France in 1801.
Loaned for the day by Miss Ruth Alden Curtis.
Portrait of Major Martin Ellsworth — (1783-1857) son of Oliver
Ellsworth, in whose line the Homestead came down. (Wood.)
Loaned for the day by Ellsworth Hall and Richards Wyckoff Hall.
Portrait of Sophia (Wolcott) Ellsworth — (1786-1870) wife of Major
Martin Ellsworth, and great-granddaughter of Governor Roger Wol
cott (King.)
Loaned for the day by Miss Fanny Elisabeth Hall.
Wolcott Coat-of-Arms — Embroidered in gold and colors on white satin,
by Sophia (Wolcott) ElLworth, great-granddaughter of Governor
Roger Wolcott, and bearing her monogram. Inherited as the oldest
daughter of an oldest daughter for four generations, and
Loaned for the day by Miss Ruth Alden Curtis.
Gobelin Tapestry— "The Shepherd." Presented by Napoleon Bona
parte, First Consul of France, to Chief Justice Ellsworth, when Envoy
Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to that country under
President Adams, 1799-1800.
Loaned for the day by the Hon. Henry Ellsworth Taintor, Trustee. tPresi-
dent John Adams was a guest of the Homestead October 3, 1799. Presi
dent Adams in Boston Pilot. Ellsworth to Pickering October 5, 1799-3

56 GIFTS PRESENTED TO
Coffee Urn— Silver and copper. Formerly owned by Oliver Ellsworth.
Loaned by the Hon. Henry Ellsworth Taintor.
Chair — Chippendale, mahogany, original cover of rose linen moiri;*
studded with brass nails. Owned by Oliver Ellsworth. To be seen
in the portrait by Ralph Earl. [See illustration, facing page 12.]
Loaned for the day by the Hon. Henry Ellsworth Taintor.
Shoe Buckles — Silver. Once the property of Oliver Ellsworth.
Loaned for the day by the Hon. Henry Ellsworth Taintor.
Tester Bedstead — Once the property of Oliver Ellsworth, and stood, as
it now stands, in the "drawing-room chamber."
Loaned indefinitely by Mrs. Henry Ellsworth Taintor.
Bedspread and Dressing Table Cover — For "drawing-room chamber."
White cotton, elaborately filled and quilted. The work of Sophia
Wolcott (Mrs. Martin Ellsworth), as part of her wedding outfit
Loaned indefinitely by Mrs. Henry Ellsworth Taintor.
Tester — White dimity, with netted chenille fringe accompanying the
above. Loaned indefinitely by Mrs. Henry Ellsworth Taintor.
Washstand— Bird's-eye maple, square, flat top, round brass handle to
drawer. Belonging in "drawing-room chamber."
Loaned indefinitely by Mrs. Henry Ellsworth Taintor.
Wrist Bag — White silk, embroidered in silver, shaped like a mitre.
Presented by Napoleon Bonaparte, First Consul, to Chief Justice Ells
worth, for Mrs. Ellsworth, when on his mission to France under
President Adams, 1799-1800.
Loaned for the day by Mrs. Frederick Wendell Davis.
Candlestand — Cherry; tripod, one of the early furnishings preserved
in the Homestead.
Loaned indefinitely by Mrs. Frederick Wendell Davis.
* In a charming paper read before the Buffalo Chapter, Daughters of the Ameri
can Revolution, on Washington's Birthday, 1893, and again at the reunion of
Ellsworth descendants, preceding the transference of the Homestead, Mrs. Alice
Hall Wyckoff describes her childish delight when, during their annual visit at
Elmwood, Major Martin Ellsworth would tell the little ones about President Wash
ington's call there. At the close, "a mighty sigh of relief went up from his
youthful listeners, that Grandpa had lived to tell the tale of such an ordeal as
actual speech with the great General Washington! Then all but the baby would
desert the old man's chair and scatter about the room, climbing into every one of
the red covered chairs, to be sure we sat in the very chair that Washington sat
in, — an instinct which is still strong within me when I go into the dear old room."

Photographed from copy on ivhite satin, embroidered in colors dy Delia,
daughter of Oliver Ellsivorth.

THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD 57
Plaster Model— From which was made the marble bust of Chief Justice
Ellsworth in the Supreme Court-room of the Capitol at Washington.
The sculptor, Hezekiah Augur, of New Haven, used authentic like
nesses of the jurist, and also had sittings from his daughter, Frances
(Mrs. Joseph Wood), who resembled him in certain features.
Loaned indefinitely by the grandson of Mrs. Wood, Colonel Oliver Ells
worth Wood, U. S. A., retired.
Autograph Letter — Original. From General George Washington to
Chief Justice Oliver Ellsworth. Dated at Philadelphia, 8th March,
1797 (within the week after the close of his second term as President).
Signed "always and affectionately yours, Go. Washington." [See
illustration, facing page 40.] Inherited through her mother, Delia
(Wood) Lyman, daughter of Frances (Ellsworth) Wood, daughter of
Oliver Ellsworth, and
Loaned for the day by Mrs. Frank Chamberlin Porter.
[President Washington was a guest of the Homestead October 21, 1789. See
Washington's Diary of same date.]
Ellsworth Coat-of-Arms — Embroidered in colors on white satin, about
one hundred years ago, by Delia, daughter of Oliver Ellsworth, and
wife of Thomas Scott Williams, Chief Justice df the Supreme Court
of Connecticut. Loaned for the day by Mrs. Frank Chamberlin Porter.
Photograph of Portrait — Of Chief Justice and Mrs. Ellsworth,
painted by Ralph Earl about 1792, as it formerly hung in the drawing-
room, showing the original furniture of the room, including Chippen
dale chairs.
Loaned for the day by Mrs. Frank Chamberlin Porter.
Cream Pitcher— Silver, beaded, with serpent handle. Brought from
France by Oliver Ellsworth in 1801, for Mrs. Phoebe (Lyman) Ells
worth, wife of his older brother David.
Loaned for the day by her granddaughter, Mrs. Elisa J. (Ellsworth) Geer.
Chair— 1690. Formerly owned by "Priest Russell." Bought from
the Russell estate by David Ellsworth named above.
Loaned for the day by Mrs. Eliza 7. (Ellsworth) Geer.
Quilt— Stitched in design of shells upon the first calico brought to this
country from India.
Loaned for the day by Mrs. Eliza J. (Ellsworth) Geer.
Plate— Old Delft.
Loaned for the day by Mrs. Elisa J. (Ellsworth) Geer.
Writing Desk— Maple. Four drawers set into low frame with bandy
legs and hoof feet; sloping top lets down upon pulls; inside compart
ments with secret drawer; willow brasses and escutcheons of simplest
design. Formerly owned by Jonathan Ellsworth r.1668-1749). grandfather of Oliver
Ellsworth, descending through lines of Giles and Roger to Mrs. Sarah
Halsey Hoyden, by whom it is loaned indefinitely.

58 GIFTS PRESENTED TO
Contributions to the Fund for Repairs and Maintenance of
the Ellsworth Homestead have been received from the follow
ing Chapters and Individuals :
CHAPTERS.
Abigail Phelps Chapter  Simsbury.
Abigail Wolcott Ellsworth Chapter  Windsor.
Anne Brewster Fanning Chapter  Jewett City.
Anna Warner Bailey Chapter  Groton and Stonington.
Anne Wood Elderkin Chapter  Willimantic.
Elizabeth Clarke Hull Chapter  Ansonia.
Elizabeth Porter Putnam Chapter  ,  Putnam.
Emma Hart Willard Chapter  Berlin.
Esther Stanley Chapter  New Britain.
Faith Trumbull Chapter  Norwich.
Fanny Ledyard Chapter  Mystic.
Freelove Baldwin Stow Chapter  Milford
Green Woods Chapter  Winsted.
Hannah Benedict Carter Chapter  New Canaan.
Judea Chapter  Washington.
Katherine Gaylord Chapter  Bristol.
Lucretia Shaw Chapter  New London.
Martha Pitkin Wolcott Chapter  East Hartford and South Windsor.
Mary Clap Wooster Chapter  New Haven.
Mary Floyd Tallmadge Chapter  Litchfield.
Mary Silliman Chapter  Bridgeport.
Melicent Porter Chapter  Waterbury.
Nathan Hale Memorial Chapter  East Haddam.
Norwalk Chapter  Norwalk.
Orford Parish Chapter  South Manchester.
Phoebe Humphrey Chapter  Collinsville.
Roger Sherman Chapter  New Milford.
Ruth Hart Chapter  Meriden.
Ruth Wyllys Chapter  Hartford.
Sabra Trumbull Chapter  Rockville.
Sarah Ludlow Chapter  Seymour.
Sarah Riggs Humphreys Chrpter  Derby.
Sarah Whitman Hooker Chapter  West Hartford.
Sarah Whitman Trumbull Ch?pter  Watertown.
Sibbil Dwight Kent Chapler  Suffield and Windsor Locks.
Stamford Chapter  Stamford.
Susan Carrington Clarke Chapter  Meriden.
Torrington Chapter  Torrington.
Wadsworth Chapter  Middletown.

the ellsworth homestead 59
Personal Contributions.
Mrs. Frank W. Benedict, New Haven  Mary Clap Wooster Chapter.
Mrs. Julia A. Bradley, Southington  Hannah Woodruff Chapter.
Mrs. Frank W. Cheney, South Manchester  Orford Parish Chapter.
The Misses Cheney, South Manchester  Orford Parish Chapter.
Mrs. Amos Culver, Naugatuck  Sarah Ludlow Chapter.
Mrs. Virginia T. Curtis, New Haven  Mary Clap Wooster Chapter.
Mrs. W. W. Farnam, New Haven  Mary Clap Wooster Chapter.
Miss Elizabeth Hubbell, Hartford  Ruth Wyllys Chapter.
Mrs. William H. Prescott, Rockville  Sabra Trumbull Chapter.
Mrs. Samuel R. Weed, Rowayton  Norwalk Chapter.
Messrs. Welles and Brinker, Windsor, contributed work on repairs.

GIFTS MADE BY OR THROUGH THE STATE REGENT
MRS. SARA THOMSON KINNEY.

GIFTS.
Proof Prints — Illustrations accompanying the record of work of the
Connecticut Chapters Daughters of the American Revolution, con
tained in the Fourth Report of the National Society to the United
States Government, of which Report the Connecticut State Regent,
Mrs. Sara T. Kinney, was editor; this annual report, made through
the Smithsonian Institution, being a provision of the act of incorpora
tion by the United States Government.
Presented by the State Regent, Mrs. Sara T. Kinney.
Les Combattants Francais de la Guerre Americaine, 1778-1783—
Listes etablies d'apres les documents authentiques deposes aux
Archives Nationales et aux Archives du Ministere de la Guerre.
Publiees par les Soins du Ministere des Affaires Etrangeres Paris.
Ancienne Maison Quantin Libraries. Imprimeries Reunies Motteroz,
Martinet 7, rue Saint. Benoit, 7. 1903.
Contains the name of every French soldier who fought in the War
of the American Revolution. Illustrated. One of 850 copies presented
for distribution in this country.
Gift of the Department of State of the United States Government through
the Regent of Connecticut, Mrs. Sara T. Kinney.
Gavel — A silver band bears this inscription: "This gavel of historic
Charter Oak was presented to the Connecticut D. A. R. by Sara T.
Kinney, State Regent: — February, 1904."
Gavel Block — This block, which is encircled by an inscribed silver band,
was cut from a beam of Mount Vernon "mansion house," the home of
George Washington, and is a gift through the Regent of Connecticut,
of Mrs. Eleanor Selden (Washington) Howard, Regent of the Vir
ginia Daughters of the American Revolution, who was the last daugh
ter born under its roof, her younger brother having been the last child.
Their father, John Augustine Washington, Jr., a great-great-nephew
of General Washington, was the last private owner of the estate, and
sold it to the association of women who have cared for it exactly half
a century.
Old English Print— In colors, framed. Subject, "An English Girl at
a Well." Drawn on stone by M. Gauci, from an original drawing by
J. Innes. London, Published and printed by Engelmann, Graf, Coin-
det & Co., Newman St. May, 1830.
Inherited from her mother, and presented by the State Regent, Mrs. Sara
T. Kinney.
Rocking Chair— Last part of Eighteenth Century. "Four-back," large
rush bottom, painted black. From the Kinney Homestead at Danen,
Connecticut, home of the Reverend Ezra Dennison Kinney.
Presented by the State Regent, Mrs. Sara T. Kinney.

62 GIFTS PRESENTED TO
Specimen of Handiwork — A notable example of the "masterpieces"
which young women of the early nineteenth century were expected to
produce as proof of their skill with needle and brush. The name of
the subject, "The Goddess of Liberty," and that of the maker, "Louisa
Hearne" — Mrs. Ezra Dennison Kinney, mother of Major John Cod
dington Kinney, — appear in gilt on the black mat within the gilt frame.
• Columbia attired in bespangled white silk embroidery, a wreath on her
flowing hair, which is carefully painted, stands with one foot on
various emblems of tyranny in gold thread, — a broken sceptre lying
near on the green chenille grass. She holds aloft a beaker from which
a ferocious eagle, descending through parted clouds that reveal a rosy
background, is about to drink. Above the clouds rises a pole sur
mounted by a Phrygian cap and flying a flag with seventeen stars.
Nearby is a cliff, below which one has glimpses of houses and spires
and a river with ships. Ominous streaks of lightning threaten some
thing, but just what they symbolize in the young artist's apotheosis
it is hard to determine.
Presented by the State Regent, Mrs. Sara T. Kinney.
Osage Orange Tree — Grown from one of thirteen seeds planted in the
first shovelful of earth turned for the foundation of Memorial Con
tinental Hall in Washington, October nth, 1902, the twelfth anniver
sary of the organization of the National Society Daughters of the
American Revolution. The plants from these seeds were propagated
in Washington and presented to the regents representing the thirteen
colonies. Connecticut's tree was planted in the grounds of the Ellsworth
Homestead, June 7th, 1904, at a meeting of the regents of the State,
every Daughter present assisting.
Presented through the State Regent, Mrs. Sara T. Kinney.
Trunk — 9 x 20 x n inches. Covered with cowhide with the initials
"S. B." in brass nails on the top. It held the wardrobe of the donor's
mother, Susan Belcher, when she went from her home in Granby,
Massachusetts, to attend the Hopkins Academy in Old Hadley, about
eighty years ago.
Presented by the State Regent, Mrs. Sara T. Kinney.
Trunk — Made for the doll's wardrobe of the donor's mother, when a
little girl.
Umbrella — 25 inches. Brown silk with border; silver ferrule chased,
ivory tips, elaborately carved ivory handle, bamboo stick.
Presented by the State Regent, Mrs. Sara T. Kinney.

GIFTS AND LOANS MADE BY OR THROUGH THE
CHAPTERS OF
HARTFORD COUNTY
Ruth Wyllys Chapter, Hartford  pages 58, 59, 65, 68
Abigail Phelps Chapter, Simsbury  pages 58, 68
Katherine Gaylord Chapter, Bristol  pages 58, 68, 69
Esther Stanley Chapter, New Britain  pages 58, 69
Abigail Wolcott Ellsworth Chapter, Windsor  pages 58, 69, 71
Emma Hart Willard Chapter, Berlin  page 58
Orford Parish Chapter, South Manchester  pages 58, 59, 71, 72
Sibbil Dwight Kent Chapter, Suffield  pages 58, 72
Hannah Woodruff Chapter, Southington  pages 58, 62, 72, 73
Martha Pitkin Wolcott Chapter, East Hartford, and South Windsor,
pages 58, 73
Phoebe Humphrey Chapter, Collinsville  page 58
Sarah Whitman Hooker Chapter, West Hartford  page 58

RUTH WYLLYS CHAPTER.
Sideboard— Hepplewhite. 3 feet 3 inches high; 5 feet 10 inches long.
Light mahogany, inlaid with satin wood in fans and lines ; serpentine
front; double-door cupboard in centre between two deep drawers;
over all four shallow drawers; slender, tapering legs, inlaid; flat
polished top ; original oval pressed brasses with bail handles. Brought
directly to the Homestead without necessity for repair or restoration,
from the house in Farmington where it had stood for over one hundred
years. Presented by Ruth Wyllys Chapter.
Serving Table— Maple throughout. 2 feet 7 inches high, top 2 feet 11
inches x 1 foot n inches. Small willow brasses mark three false
drawers, which are outlined with a moulding as are the double curves
of the lower edge having two drops; cabriole legs, hoof feet. Once
owned by Mrs. David (Jemima Leavitt) Ellsworth, who married
Captain Ebenezer Grant of East Windsor for her second husband.
She died 1 February, 1790, in the fine old Grant Homestead, whither
her son, Oliver Ellsworth, frequently went, over the ferry, which still
retains its primitive methods.
Presented by Mrs. John M. Holcombe.
Chair — Chippendale. Mahogany; square frame, traceried splat; straight
grooved legs; four underbraces, at sides, back, and near front;
upholstered in Du Barry rose brocade.
Presented by Miss Jane Tuttle.
Chair — Sheraton. Mahogany; open-work slat-back; round fluted front
legs, plain curved back ones ; no underbraces ; upholstered in tapestry.
Presented by Mr. Samuel J. Tuttle and daughter, Miss Alice Tuttle.
Writing Chair — Windsor. Early part of Nineteenth Century. Pine
painted black; two drawers, one in arm and one under seat. For
merly owned by the Reverend Thomas Robbins, D.D. (1777-1856).
Nineteen of the forty-six years of Dr. Robbins' ministry, 1808-1827,
were spent in connection with the South parish, East Windsor, now
South Windsor. He was one of the founders of the Connecticut
Historical Society and its first and longtime librarian, whose portrait
adorns its walls and whose great library enriches its shelves.
Presented by Mrs. Albert Hastings Pitkin.
Autograph Letter — Original. 3 pages quarto. Oliver Ellsworth,
while member of the Continental Congress, to his friend and fellow-
townsman, the Reverend Theodore Hinsdale of Windsor, Connecticut.
Signed and franked "Free O. Ellsworth."

66 GIFTS PRESENTED TO Philad.a Jany 26 1779
Reva & dear Sir
Your kind letter of the 29 dec.1 I have reed, & sincerely thank
you for.
I am waiting, Sir, as well as you, tho' perhaps with less concern &
more doubt, to see how the great events now taking place in the world
will affect the moral State of it. Whatever light you may obtain in
this matter from prophecies, I confess I have none from Congress nor
the book of nature. Of this only I am satisfied, that whatever be the
design of Providence in this respect, the powers at war have very little
design about it & terminate their views with wealth & empire, leaving
religion pretty much out of the question.
With regard to the court of France, in particular, if I am rightly
informed, they have themselves no religion at all; & care much less
than in former reigns, what or whether any the nation has. They are
shifting their policy from superstition to dessipation. Paris, a place not
of business but enjoyment, is made the gayest city in the world & fur
nished with every amusement and gratification in the compass of nature,
to draw together & drain & drain* there men that from having property
& time for brooding, might be dangerous in the country. A standing
army does for the rest, & they have less & less occasion for popery.
Nor do I apprehend there is any more danger of its visiting us* spread
ing in this Country since the alliance than before. I wish I could add
the same of Deism, which besides the advantage of high fashion, has
its way paved by a dissolution of manners too incident to a state of
war. — But it is sufficient, dear Sir, that God governs the world, & that
his purposes of Grace will be accomplished. —
For my thots. on the present state of our political affairs, especially on
the state of our paper currency, I will refer you to a short piece you
have seen or will see in Hartford paper under the signature of
observator. How Mr. Deans address, after which you enquire, has been rec.d by
the publick I can give but little acct. — but sure I am it was unnecessary
& injudicious; & I believe he joins with me in wishing it had never
made its appearance.
In the personal interviews he had with Congress soon after his
arrival from france, he had full opportunity to have criminated any of
their servants if had thot there was occasion for it; nor has he at any
time been precluded from doing it, or laying before Congress in writing
any information he pleased on any subject whatever. It might have been
expected perhaps that Congress should not so long have delayed a close
of his examination & expressing their sense of his conduct abroad; &
it has been truly unfortunate that any circumstances have concurred
to render that delay necessary. — Mr. Dean has now been fully heard
personally before Congress, pursuant to their resolution passed & which
he was made acquainted with, someday, before his publication, for a
full enquiry into the State & negociation of their foreign affairs, —
* The words in italics are erased in the original.

THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD 67
His attention to the business he was sent upon & skill & success in
the execution of it are very apparent; & I will not say but every part
of his conduct abroad is deserving of & will finally obtain the appro
bation of Congress and the publick.
I rejoice to hear that your & my father's family as well [as] people
in general in your quarter, are favoured with so great a blessing as
health, which I pray may be continued with the addition of all other
blessings. You will please to make my compliments to Mrs. Hinsdale, & believe
me to be Rev.a & dear Sir,
with much respect & esteem
your obe.a, humble Serv.
Oliv Ellsworth
The Rev.a Theod. Hinsdale.
Presented by the great-granddaughter of Mr. Hinsdale, Mrs. Duncan B.
(Mary Bartlett) Macdonald.
Tray Candlestick, Snuffers and Extinguisher — Brass.
Presented by Miss Ellen M. Case.
Chimney Jamb-Hooks — Brass.
Presented by Miss Mary Francis.
Snuffers, Tray and Extinguisher — Japanned.
Presented by Mrs. Frederick A. Francis.
Fruit Dish— Flowing blue. Mark: "Pellew. E. Challinor."
Presented by Mrs. Edmund Janes Cleveland.
Mortar and Pestle— Wood, of unusual size, for pounding corn. For
over one hundred years in the possession of a family in East Haddam,
Connecticut, and is doubtless much older.
Presented by Mrs. Daniel Waldo (Ellen Tuttle) Johnson.
Pastel— Done in 1815, while a schoolgirl of fifteen, in Waterbury, Con
necticut, by the donor's aunt, Esther Rowe Tuttle, whose name with
the subject: "Eruption of Vesuvius in 1794," appears in gold letters on
the black mat.
Presented by Miss Jane Tuttle.
Set of Three Prints— "By J. H." Frames gilded copper applied to
wood; black and gold mats,
Faith, with cross and chalice, an open Bible near, and Peter walk
ing upon the water in obedience to his Lord's command.
Hope, undismayed by the storm which rages around her, stands
calmly with an anchor by her side. .
Charity is seated under a tree with three little ones clinging to
^Formerly owned by Mrs. David (Susanna Pratt) Goodwin, 1769-
1855. Presented by Mrs. Frederick A. Francis.

68 GIFTS PRESENTED TO
Facsimile of Death Warrant of Charles I. — Framed.
Presented by Miss Emma Gleason Allen.
Pdsce of Wood from the Charter Oak.
Presented by Miss Ada M. Woodford.
"Grandchild'' of the Charter Oak — Grown in the Holcombe gardens.
Presented by Mrs. John M. Holcombe.
ABIGAIL PHELPS CHAPTER.
Press Cupboard — 1698. English oak. This piece is divided into three
sections. The upper one is unenclosed and overhung by a carved
cornice, the top being 2 yards 7 inches from the ground in front,
supported at the corners by two turned balusters and sloping toward
the back, which is carved. A carved cornice with large turned drops
at the front corners overhangs the middle section, beneath which
cornice a row of carving bears in the centre the date and initials
"R 1698 M." This section is undivided within, but is enclosed by
two 'doors separated by a panel, all elaborately carved. Below this
is another band of carving. The third and lowest section is wider
and deeper and is also undivided within. The two doors and
separating panels have each two carved designs. Most of the carving
has a stippled background and is flat. The handles of the doors are
small turned wooden knobs; the feet are continuations of the stiles.
The width of the piece is 1 yard 21 inches, and its greatest depth
22j^ inches. The cupboard was shown in the Connecticut Building
at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, St. Louis, 1904.
Presented by Mrs. Antoinette Eno Wood for the Abigail Phelps Chapter.
Foot Stove.
Presented by Mrs. David Childs Crafts.
Pestle and Mortar — Wood.
Presented by Mrs. David Childs Crafts.
Lantern.
Presented by Mrs. David Childs Crafts.
Candle Sconce — Tin.
Presented by Mrs. David Childs Crafts.
Toaster — Iron. To stand before the open fire.
Presented by Mrs. David Childs Crafts.
KATHERINE GAYLORD CHAPTER.
Escritoire — Virginia walnut, inlaid with lines of holly, 1 yard 9 inches
high. Four deep drawers around which is a moulding; bracket feet;
slant top lets down upon pulls ; six pigeonholes, ten small drawers
and cupboard within; oval pressed brass handles. Brought from
the South.
Presented by Katherine Gaylord Chapter.

THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD 69
Looking-Glass— 1 yard 5 inches x 18^ inches. Gilt frame. In the
upper panel, picture of Independence Hall in gilt on blue ground.
Presented by Katherine Gaylord Chapter.
Candlesticks, Tray and Snuffers— Sheffield plate.
Presented by Katherine Gaylord Chapter.
Plate— Davenport, 1806. White with decorations in light blue; border
of panels with roses in alternate ones ; ornate castle in center. Marks :
"Davenport," a circlet of ribbon enclosing the words "Friburg" and
"Ironstone," surmounted by royal crown; also trefoil, all in blue
print. A piece of the. wedding china of the donor's great-aunt,
daughter of a Revolutionary soldier. It was considered much choicer
in color and finish than the old blue Staffordshire at the time.
Presented by Mrs. Burdettc A. Peck.
Centerpiece— Embroidered on white linen; modern work on ancient
lines, the design, the dyeing of the threads (with vegetable dyes) and the
execution of the embroidery being entirely the donor's work.
Presented by Miss Alice M. Bartholomew.
Chair— Windsor. "Fan-back," stained cherry. Owned by Katherine Gay
lord, and used by her at Burlington, Connecticut, between 1800-1840.
Presented to the Katherine Gaylord Chapter by her descendant,
Edward Phelps Spencer.
Loaned indefinitely by Katherine Gaylord Chapter.
ESTHER STANLEY CHAPTER.
Teapot — Britannia, beautifully chased, stands on four feet; handle
restored. Mark: "Dixon and Son 5." Said to have been the prop
erty of Mrs. Daniel (Faith-Trumbull) Wadsworth, born in 1769, eld
est daughter of the second Governor Trumbull.
Presented as the most valued specimen from her personal collection, by
Mrs. William F. Brooks.
ABIGAIL WOLCOTT ELLSWORTH CHAPTER
Chair — Early Nineteenth Century. Japanned frame, black and gold,
rush seat.
Presented by Mrs. Thomas W. Loomis.
Cup and Saucer — Newhall. White, with gilt lines, design printed in
black; subject, a Swiss chalet on the cup, and on the saucer a chapel
in the Alps. Said to have been originally from the Ellsworth
Homestead. Presented by Mrs. Thomas W. Loomis.

¦JO GIFTS PRESENTED TO
Plate — Probably Chinese, possibly Delft About 9 inches in diameter;
octagonal in shape; heavy earthenware; blue-white ground, pattern
¦ in medium shade gray-blue; design, a basket of flowers, four sprays
on the rim, on the back of rim, light scrolls. Inherited by the donor
from her grandfather, Levi Hayden (1773-1839), of Windsor, who
purchased it at a sale of the effects of a neighbor, named Winslow,
who died in 1805. Mr. Winslow was born about 1726, and belonged
to the Plymouth family of that name, from whom Mr. Hayden under
stood he inherited the plate. Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Hayden, of
Windsor, have one of the same set
Presented by Miss Mary E. Power.
Bowl — Staffordshire. 3% inches in diameter; blue and white, varia
tion of the willow pattern. Owned by Mrs. Levi Hayden in 1800.
Presented by her granddaughter, Miss Mary E. Power.
Child's Service — Staffordshire. Consisting of five small pieces, all of
which are perfect, a sugar bowl with cover, creamer, and three little
cups with handles, the decorations being exact specimens in miniature
of the "old blue." The set was brought from England in 1819 to
Sarah Hayden (Mrs. John N. Power).
Presented by her daughter, Miss Mary E. Power.
Toddy Glass and Stick — The glass is 7^i inches high and s^i in diam
eter at the top. Engraved. Owned by Levi Hayden. (1800.)
Presented by Miss Mary E. Power.
Saltcellar — Pewter. Quality mark the crowned X.
Presented by Miss Mary E. Power.
Mug — Pewter. 6 inches high, unmarked.
Presented by Miss Mary E. Power.
Basket — Bought of a squaw, a member of the last tribe of Indians
living in Windsor, whose home was in the woods opposite the Hayden
Homestead. Presented by Miss Mary E. Power.
Pair of Gloves — These diminutive gloves were made about the year
1798, by a lady living in Manchester, Vermont. They are white kid,
yellow with age, exquisitely stitched, with corded turn-over cuffs.
Christening gloves. (?)
Presented by Miss Mary E. Power.
Table — Hepplewhite. Mahogany inlaid with various woods, circular
folding top; square, slender, tapering legs.
Loaned indefinitely by Mrs. Horace H. Ellsworth.
Rocker — Once the property of a Revolutionary soldier from Windsor.
Loaned indefinitely by Mrs. Horace H. Ellsworth.
Set of Seven Chairs— Windsor. Painted black, with orange lines.
Loaned indefinitely by Mrs. Horace H. Ellsworth.

THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD

71

Communion Cup— Pewter. Tankard shape with cover. Mark: "G. C.
L." "Belonged to the Church of Lebanon, Connecticut."
Loaned indefinitely by Mrs. Horace H. Ellsworth.
Washbowl and Pitcher— Blue and white. Mark "Goodfellow."
Loaned indefinitely by Mrs. Horace H. Ellsworth.
Andirons— Brass. From a house built shortly after the Revolutionary
War by Captain Martin Denslow, one of the Lexington Alarm men,
who served to the end of the war, and received the Order of the
Society of the Cincinnati.
Loaned for the day by his great-granddaughter, Miss Mary Louise Webb.
Lamp — Brass. From the home of Captain Martin Denslow.
Loaned for the day by Miss Mary Louise Webb.
Candlesticks— Brass. From the home of General Samuel Safferd of
Bennington, Vermont, who was Lieutenant Colonel in the Battle of
Bennington, and served to the close of the Revolution.
Loaned for the day by his great-granddaughter, liii Mary Louise Webb.
ORFORD PARISH CHAPTER.
All of the following gifts are made in the name of the Chapter.
Chair — Banister back, rush bottom, with arms, stained brown.
Chair — Frame japanned, gold on cream ground, rush seat.
Chair — Windsor. Tall slender back, curved top, painted green. All
the chairs had been for years in an old house belonging to Martin
Bidwell, who was born in Orford Parish, 4 August, 1794.
Candlesticks, Tray and Snuffers — Brass.
Candlesticks — Sheffield plate. Once owned by Benjamin Lyman of
Manchester Green (formerly Orford Parish), born 8 May, 1780.
The father of Mrs. Benjamin (Mary Millard) Lyman responded
from Coventry to the Lexington Alarm, and her maternal grand
father, Captain Ozias Bissell, of Bolton (Vernon) , his sons and grand
sons, gave one hundred and twenty years of military service to their
country.
Foot-Stove — From the Benjamin Lyman estate.
Teapot — Tall, cream ware, decoration in light blue in classical design.
Sugar Bowl — Staffordshire. White, decoration printed in black. Sub
ject: a sower with harrow. Only mark an impressed "T."
Sugar Bowl — White, decorations green and blue sprigs.
Cup and Saucer — White, polychrome decorations, a bird and flowers,
gilt band within.
Cup and Saucer— Newhall. White, decoration printed in mauve. Sub
ject: a child dressing her doll while her mother sews near by. Border
of lines painted in blue.
Plate — 6 inches in diameter, white, light blue decoration. Mark: "J.
Wedgwood," "Columbia," "Ironstone," registered.
Plate— Staffordshire. Dark blue and white. No mark.

72 GIFTS PRESENTED TO
Plate — Adams. Pink and white. Subject: a Highlander with gun,
bugle, dog and dead stag in centre, surrounded by conventional border ;
on the rim vignettes of Highland scenes. Marks : "Adams" impressed,
and "Caledonia" in pink print.
Plate — White, decoration light blue. Marks: "Damascus" and "H. &
Co." The china all came from old Connecticut families.
SIBBIL DWIGHT KENT CHAPTER.
Card Table — Pembroke. Mahogany inlaid with satinwood. Oval top
i yard x 30 inches; two semi-circular drop leaves; one drawer with
small brass knobs, which are also on the other side for false drawer;
square, tapering legs with lines of inlay, brass tips.
Presented by Sibbil Dwight Kent Chapter.
Chair — Chippendale. Virginia walnut; square back, traceried splat;
claw-and-ball feet; no crossovers; upholstered in tapestry.
Presented by Sibbil Dwight Kent Chapter.
Chairs — (Two.) White frame, chintz cushions.
Presented by Mrs. Hattie Beach Austin Jones.
Tea Table— ("Dumb waiter," "Runaround") English, Eighteenth Cen
tury. Mahogany; six circular graduated shelves.
Presented by Mrs. Philip Wadsworth.
Rag Rug — 70 x 35 inches.
Presented by Miss Isabella Emily Austin.
Platter — Pewter. 13^ inches in diameter. Mark illegible.
Presented by Mrs. Hattie Beach Austin Jones.
Reel — For woolen yarn. The yarn on this reel is from "wool grown
on the sheep of James Austin of Suffield, Connecticut; carded into
rolls by his wife, Aurelia Gregory Austin; spun and twisted for the
next generation; and given by the granddaughters,''
Mrs. Hattie Beach (Austin) Jones and Miss Isabella Emily Austin.
Bag — About one hundred years old; of blue beads in different shades.
Presented by Mrs. Charles J. Roadstrand.
Counterpane — Homespun wool, red and white. Woven by Hannah
Wilmarth (Mrs. John Wells), daughter of Shubael Wilmarth, an
officer in the Revolutionary War.
Loaned indefinitely by her granddaughter, Mrs. John R. Montgomery.
HANNAH WOODRUFF CHAPTER.
Art Rug — "Hit-or-miss" design. 10 x 8^4 feet. Woven for library
floor. Presented by Hannah Woodruff Chapter.
Portieres — (Two.) Woven of silk clippings.
Presented by Hannah Woodruff Chapter.

THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD 73
Photograph— Framed, of scene from Revolutionary play given by the
Chapter. Presented by Hannah Woodruff Chapter.
Photographs — Framed together, of the seven "Real Daughters" of the
Chapter. Nancy (Root) Potter, 1801-1899; Jennette (Carter) Hig
gins, 1803-1898; Betsey (Payne) Ives, 1803-1898; Emma (Dutton)
Quill, 1808-1899; Harriet (Reid) Crissey, 1809-1904; Emily (Par-
mele) Collins, 1814; Lois (Johnson) Upson, 1817-1900.
Presented by Mrs. Franklin B. Bradley.
"Author's Group."
Presented by Mrs. Franklin B. Bradley.
Rag Rugs — (Two) 1 yard 24 inches x 30 inches, and 1 yard square.
Shaded blue and white.
Presented by Mrs. Franklin B. Bradley.
Long Tongs — Brass.
Presented by Mrs. Franklin B. Bradley.
Waffle Irons — With long-handle, to use with open fire.
Presented by Mrs. Franklin B. Bradley.
Bottle — Similar to "Schnapps" bottle. Possibly made at the Pitkin
Glass Works, established in Orford Parish, now Manchester, in 1783.
Presented by Mrs. Franklin B. Bradley.
Cap Basket — 1800.
Presented by Mrs. Franklin B. Bradley.
Vase.
Presented by Mrs. Franklin B. Bradley.
Arm Chair — Large; banister back; frame stained brown; splint
bottom. Presented by Mrs. Franklin B. Bradley.
Chair — First Empire, mahogany.
Presented by Mrs. Franklin B. Bradley.
Chairs — (Two) First Empire, mahogany.
Presented by Miss Edna L. Woodruff.
Table— 1830. Mahogany, two drop leaves; top when extended mea
sures 1 yard 20 inches x 1 yard 6 inches; base measures 32 x 20
inches, the heavy stem leg branching into four supports, which curve
under. Loaned indefinitely by Mrs. Augustine M. Lewis and sister, Miss Alice H.
Tuttle.
MARTHA PITKIN WOLCOTT CHAPTER.
Andirons— Brass, from the old Grant Homestead, East Windsor.
Presented by Miss Maud M. Grant (Mrs. Thomas S. Howarth).

GIFTS MADE BY OR THROUGH THE CHAPTERS OF
NEW HAVEN COUNTY

Melicent Porter Chapter, Waterbury  pages 58, 75
Ruth Hart Chapter, Meriden  pages 58, 75
Mary Clap Wooster Chapter, New Haven,. . .pages 58, 59, 61, 62, 75, 94
Sarah Riggs Humphreys Chapter, Derby  pages 58, 76
Sarah Ludlow Chapter, Seymour  pages 58, 59, 76
Elizabeth Clarke Hull Chapter, Ansonia  pages 58, 76
Susan Carrington Clarke Chapter, Meriden  pages 58, 76
Freelove Baldwin Stow Chapter, Milford  pages 58, 76, 77

MELICENT PORTER CHAPTER.
Chair— Windsor. Early Nineteenth Century. Stained mahogany; tall,
narrow back, bow top. Once owned by Hannah Baldwin, niece of
Melicent Porter.
Presented by Miss Ida M. Lewis.
The Life of Oliver Ellsworth— William Garrott Brown. The Mac-
millan Company. 1905.
Presented by Mrs. Stephen W. Kellogg.
RUTH HART CHAPTER.
Bedspread — White cotton, elaborately filled and quilted; in the donor's
family for ninety years.
Presented by Miss Hannah K. Peet, Chapter Regent.
Table Mat— Embroidered.
Presented by Miss Hannah K. Peck.
Inkstand — Silver, double well. Engraved, "Presented by the Inter
national Silver Co., Meriden, Ct., to the Connecticut Daughters of
the American Revolution." Received through Miss Hannah K. Peck.
MARY CLAP WOOSTER CHAPTER.
Looking-Glass — 1810-1825. 1 yard 20 inches x 28 inches, double light.
Gilt frame, double pillars with capitals, surmounted by ornate cornice
under which are gilt balls.
Presented by Mary Clap Wooster Chapter.
Candlesticks, Snuffers and Tray — Sheffield plate.
Presented by Mary Clap Wooster Chapter.
Ye Women's Singing Book.
Presented by Mary Clap Wooster Chapter.
Visitors' Register — Bound in blue crushed levant, bearing the insignia
of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
Presented by Mrs. William H. Moseley.
Sofa Pillow— Blue and white, embroidered with the insignia of the
Daughters of the American Revolution.
Presented by Miss Harriet M. E. Law.
For gifts of the State Regent, a member of this Chapter, see pages
60-62. For gifts of Mrs. Charles W. Pickett, a member of this Chapter, see
page 94.

76 GIFTS PRESENTED TO
SARAH RIGGS HUMPHREYS CHAPTER.
Chair— Windsor. Latter half Eighteenth Century. Rocker with arms.
Hickory stained mahogany.
Presented by Sarah Riggs Humphreys Chapter.
Chair— Windsor with arms. Latter half Eighteenth Century. Hickory
stained mahogany.
Presented by Sarah Riggs Humphreys Chapter.
SARAH LUDLOW CHAPTER.
Chair— Middle of Eighteenth Century. Dutch-Spanish. Narrow, tall
back, unpierced splat; rush seat; turned rails and legs.
Presented by Sarah Ludlow Chapter.
ELIZABETH CLARKE HULL CHAPTER.
Hall Clock— Old Irish. Robert Wells. Ballinahinch. 7% feet high.
Original case, San Domingo mahogany, inlaid with lines of satin-
wood and medallions of marquetry ; further ornamented with carving
and brass rosettes ; broken-arch top, surmounted by eagle with wings
spread, — a later addition; fluted columns; bracket feet.
Face has brass cherub spandrels and round top. Centre dial of
brass etched, with second hand and calendar, surrounded by outer
band silvered, bearing the hours in Roman and the minutes in
Arabic numerals. The maker's name is engraved in script as follows:
between VII and VI "Robt."; between VI and V "Wells 12." In
the outer numerals, on either side of 30 — the half-hour point — is
printed "BALLINA 30 HINCH." Eight-day movement and brass
works. Presented by Elizabeth Clarke Hull Chapter.
SUSAN CARRINGTON CLARKE CHAPTER.
Escritoire with Bookcase Top — 7 feet 4 inches high x 3 feet 7 inches
wide. Mahogany, inlaid with lines of satinwood. Glass and lattice
face to bookcase, which has four shelves and flat top. Desk has
four large drawers and slant top which opens upon pulls, and
shows eight small drawers and four pigeon-holes; claw-and-ball
feet; oval pressed brass handles.
Presented by Susan Carrington Clarke Chapter.
FREELOVE BALDWIN STOW CHAPTER.
Arm Chairs — Two. "Fancy chairs." Frames painted yellow with
black lines ; ball and spindle backs ; rush bottoms. Their history
is known for over one hundred years.
Presented by Mrs. Mary A. Hepburn Smith.

THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD 77
Chatr — Black frame, square back with spindles ; rush bottom. A family
piece. Presented by Mrs. Mary A. Hepburn Smith.
Spinning Wheel and Flax — This wheel was bought by the donor
thirty years ago from a family in whose possession it had long been,
and the flax was given to her from the farm where it was grown
years before.
Presented by Mrs. Mary A. Hepburn Smith.

GIFTS MADE BY OR THROUGH THE CHAPTERS OF
NEW LONDON COUNTY

Lucretia Shaw Chapter, New London  page 58
Fanny Ledyard Chapter, Mystic  pages 58, 79
Anna Warner Bailey Chapter, Groton and Stonington  pages 58, 79
Faith Trumbull Chapter, Norwich  pages 58, 79
Anne Brewster Fanning Chapter, Jewett City  page 58

dining room.

1IKKAKKAST KO(<M.

FANNY LEDYARD CHAPTER.
Rag Carpet-t^ x 4 yards. "Hit-or-miss" pattern. Woven expressly
for the dining-room of the Ellsworth Homestead on a loom nearly
one hundred years old.
Made and presented by Mrs. Mary Jane (Davis) Burrows, 76 years old, and
her daughters, Mrs. Emma Jane (Burrows) Palmer and Miss Mary Ella
Burrows.
Rag Carpet Rug — Red, white and blue. Made for the Homestead from
a worn old flag.
Designed, made, and presented by Mrs. Mary Jane Burrows.
Photograph — Framed. Mrs. Mary Jane (Davis) Burrows weaving
rug on the loom made in 181 1 for her mother, Desire (Brown) Davis.
Presented by Mrs. Burrows and daughters.
ANNA WARNER BAILEY CHAPTER.
Combination Writing Desk and Work Table — About 1800. Top
22 x 16 inches. Dark mahogany. Two real drawers and one false;
top lifts for desk with compartments at one side; stem leg branch
ing into three grooved curves with gold bronze claws; brass willow
handles and plain escutcheons. Purchased many years ago by Mrs.
Slocomb in Washington, presumably from Virginia.
Presented by Mrs. Cuthbert H. Slocomb and Members of the Anna Warner
Bailey Chapter.
Platter — Pewter. 15 inches in diameter; no mark. From the Otis
family. New London, 1800.
Presented by Mrs. Henry H. Stoddard.
Autograph Quilt — Composed of blocks contributed by the different
chapters of the state, each containing the autographs of members,
some as many as seventy-nine; the blocks put together and finished by
the donors, who planned the work. The money earned through the
quilt— about eighty dollars, each "signer" paying a certain sum— was
donated to the Groton Memorial Annex Fund.
Presented to the Homestead by the Members from Poquonoc Bridge, of the
Anna Warner Bailey Chapter.
FAITH TRUMBULL CHAPTER.
Framed Print of the birthplace and homestead— now over two hun
dred vears old— in North Preston, now Griswold, Connecticut, of
Brigadier General John Tyler (1721-1804), whose miUtary service,
beginning for the colonies in 1752. lasted until the close of the
Revolutionary War, including many important engagements.
Presented by his great-granddaughter, Mrs. Thurston B. (Mary Tyler)
Barber.

8 O GIFTS PRESENTED TO
Candlestick — Steel; mark: "Shaw."
Presented by Misses Ellen and Lucy Geer.
Writing Chair — Windsor. Maple, oak and pine; "comb back"; two
drawers. Presented by Henry L. Hammond, MS).
Washstand — Square, scroll-top, brass rosette handle to drawer.
Presented by Henry L. Hammond, MS).
Andirons — Iron, small
Presented by Henry L. Hammond, MS).
Peel — Iron.
Presented by Henry L. Hammond, MS).
Peel — Wood.
Presented by Henry L. Hammond, MS).

GIFTS AND LOANS MADE BY OR THROUGH THE
CHAPTERS OF
FAIRFIELD COUNTY

Norwalk Chapter, Norwalk  pages 58, 59
Mary Wooster Chapter, Danbury  page 83
Dorothy Ripley Chapter, Southport  page 83
Mary Silliman Chapter, Bridgeport  pages 58, 83, 84
Eunice Dennie Burr Chapter, Fairfield  page 84
Hannah Benedict Carter Chapter, New Canaan  pages 58, 84
Stamford Chapter, Stamford  page 58
Putnam Hill Chapter, Greenwich  page 84

MARY WOOSTER CHAPTER.
Chair— Van Rensselaer. Oak, ash and bird's-eye maple; rounded top
and curved arms, unpierced splat; round under braces side and
back, slat brace in front, upholstered in brown leather
Presented by Mary Wooster Chapter.
Photograph— The house in Danbury in which General David Wooster
died, 2 May, 1777. Handmade nails from the house are mounted on
the frame.
Presented by Mrs. John Tweedy.
DOROTHY RIPLEY CHAPTER.
Dining Table— 1750. Mahogany top, two drop leaves, clef corners,
measures when extended 4 feet by 4 feet 8 inches; cabriole legs-
Virginia walnut, claw-and-ball feet
Presented by Dorothy Ripley Chapter.
Table Spread — Richardson's Irish linen, hemstitched and embroidered,
with padding for same. Marked "D. A. R. 1904," and "Dorothy Ripley
Chapter, Southport."
Presented by Dorothy Ripley Chapter.
Table Cover — Deerfield, blue and white, fringed.
Presented by Dorothy Ripley Chapter.
MARY SILLIMAN CHAPTER.
Work Table — First Empire. Two drop leaves; top measures when
extended 20 x 3354 inches; two drawers, brass bail handles; solid stem
leg on solid base resting on bulb feet
Presented by Mrs. Morris Beach Beardsley.
Bellows — Painted wood and velvet with brass nails and tube.
Presented by Mrs. Emily Warner Brown.
Vases — Pair. Dutch, enameled earthenware; decoration in polychrome
and gold on white ground ; semi-circular, standing 5^4 inches high, on
three gilded balls; body painted in conventionalized flowers, deep
blue and yellow shaded into brown, with touch of green, chocolate
band around the base; back rises in curve. Top removable and
pierced with five small holes for flower stems, also three large open
ings fitted with bobeches, presumably for candles. There is no
potter's mark on either, save figure "3" impressed on one. These vases
were an heirloom in the family of the donor, whose mother, Ann

84 CIFTS PRESENTED TO
Strong Stirling, daughter of David and Deborah (Strong) Stirling,
inherited them with a portrait in uniform of her father, Joseph Strong,
who enlisted in a company of "Householders" in Stratfield (Bridge
port), which did not disband until the close of the Revolution. "One
hundred and fifty years old."
Presented by Mrs. John B. (Annette Stirling Moore) Russell.
Petticoat — White cotton, quilted and tucked. Made when cotton was
a rarity, by Beulah Lewis, of Monroe, Connecticut, born in 1790, died
in 1816, whose grandfather, Samuel Lewis, served in the Revolution.
Loaned by Mary Silliman Chapter.
EUNICE DENNIE BURR CHAPTER.
Dressing Table — "Low-boy" — -1730. Cherry top and front Three
drawers, a deep one on either side of a centre one, which is made
shallow by the elaborate double curves of the lower edge; cabriole
legs of maple, hoof feet; very small willow brasses. From an old
Connecticut house.
Presented by Eunice Dennie Burr Chapter.
HANNAH BENEDICT CARTER CHAPTER.
Andirons — Iron.
Presented by Mrs. Lawrence D. Alexander.
Cup — Porcelain, polychrome decoration, rose lustre band within and
without. Presented by Mrs. Lawrence D. Alexander.
PUTNAM HILL CHAPTER.
United States Flag — Bunting. 12 x 6 feet.
Presented by Colonel and Mrs. Henry Herschel Adams.
Andirons — Brass.
Presented by Putnam Hill Chapter.

GIFTS MADE BY OR THROUGH THE CHAPTERS OF
WINDHAM COUNTY

Anne Wood Elderkin Chapter, Willimantic  pages 58, 87
Deborah Avery Putnam Chapter, Plainfield and Moosup  page 87
Elizabeth Porter Putnam Chapter, Putnam  pages 58, 87, 88
Sarah Williams Danielson Chapter, Killingly  page 88

ANNE WOOD ELDERKIN CHAPTER
Library Table — Tray top of finest light mahogany, 41 inches in diam
eter, solid raised rim, revolves and tips. Stem, apple-wood, branch
ing into three legs, carving at knees, claw-and-ball feet. Formerly
belonged to the Honorable Zephaniah Swift, "Secretary of a Lega
tion to France" at the time Oliver Ellsworth was one of the Envoys
Extraordinary that made the Convention of 1800 between the United
States and that country. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Con
necticut 1815-1819.
Presented by Mrs. Guilford Smith.
Sheets and Pillow Cases — Homespun linen. Woven in her girlhood
by Betsey Clapp (Wright) Preston, granddaughter of Major Earl
Clapp, promoted for his bravery at the Battle of Monmouth ; daughter
of Captain Nathan Wright; wife of Silas Preston, son of Deacon
John Preston, Sergeant; and mother of the donor.
Presented by Mrs. Edwin (Sarah M. Preston) Bugbee.
Rag Carpeting — Nine yards.
Presented by Mrs. Marcus Monroe Johnson.
DEBORAH AVERY PUTNAM CHAPTER
Candlestand — Cherry. Tripod with clef corners.
Presented by Deborah Avery Putnam Chapter.
Candlestick — Brass.
Presented by Deborah Avery Putnam Chapter.
ELIZABETH PORTER PUTNAM CHAPTER.
"The Plymouth Rug"— Containing twenty-six yards of carpeting, blue
and white, designed for the "drawing-room chamber." By solicita
tion and sewing-bees the members of the chapter obtained and pre
pared the rags, which are woven in a "hit-or-miss" central pattern with
a deep border.
Presented by Elizabeth Porter Putnam Chapter.
"A Homespun Yarn of a Plymouth Rug" — Poem in booklet form.
By Mrs. Helen Manning Kent. Illustrated in water-colors by Thomas
J. Thurber, 1905.
Chocolate Pot— Made at the Foley Works, England, for the Chapter.
Wolf-den decoration.
Presented by Elizabeth Porter Putnam Chapter.

88 GIFTS PRESENTED TO
Tablecloth — White linen, spun and woven by Mrs. Sarah Sharpe, grand
mother of the donor.
Presented by Mrs. George E. Shaw.
Counterpane — Homespun wool, light brown and white.
Presented by Mrs. John Addison Porter.
Club Telephone; — Installed and provided through the courtesy of
Mrs. Mary Bugbee Medbury.
The gifts of Dr. Henry L. Hammond (page 80) were reported also
through Mrs. Medbury.
SARAH WILLIAMS DANIELSON CHAPTER.
United States Flag — Bunting. 12 x 20 feet.
Presented by Sarah Williams Danielson Chapter.

GIFTS MADE BY OR THROUGH THE CHAPTERS OF
LITCHFIELD COUNTY
Roger Sherman Chapter, New Milford  pages 58, 91, 92
Torrington Chapter, Torrington  pages 58, 92, 93
Abi Humiston Chapter, Thomaston  page 93
Green Woods Chapter, Winsted  page 58
Judea Chapter, Washington  pages 58, 93
Mary Floyd Tallmadge Chapter, Litchfield  pages 58, 93, 94
Sarah Whitman Trumbull Chapter, Watertown  page 58

ROGER SHERMAN CHAPTER.
Photograph of Roger Sherman and Autograph — Framed, full-length
photograph of Sherman in velvet "small-clothes," from the painting
by Chappell, with autograph mounted on the margin.
Presented by Roger Sherman Chapter.
Rag Carpet— 12 x io$i feet. Blue and white. Made for the south
west chamber of the Homestead, furnished by the chapters of
Litchfield County.
Presented by Roger Sherman Chapter.
Autograph Document Signed — Roger Sherman, January 16, 1756.
— "people to whome these Presents Shall Come Greeting
Know ye that I Bushnell Bostwick of New Milford in Litchfield County
& Colony of Connecticut in New England for the Consideration of
Fifteen pounds money of the old Tenor Received to my full Satisfac
tion of Benjamin Gaylord of sd Town County & Colony aforesd Do
Give Grant Bargain Sell & Confirm unto him the sd Benjamin Gay
lord his heirs and assigns forever Five acres of Division Land in
New Milford Township which is part of my Eleventh Division in
sd Township & I do by these presents Impower him the sd Benjamin
Gaylord to Lay out said five acres of land in any of the common or
undivided Land in sd New Milford & the Same to record to himself
in New Milford Record —
"To have & to hold the above Granted & Bargained premisses
with the appurtenances thereof unto him ye sd Benjamin Gaylord his
heirs and assigns forever to his and their own proper Use & Behoof :
and also I the sd Bushnell Bostwick Do for myself my heirs
Executors and Administrators Covenant with ye sd Benjamin Gay
lord his heirs and assigns that at & until ye Ensealing of these
presents I am well seised of these premisses as a Good Indefeasable
Estate in fee Simple : & have Good right to Bargain & Sell the Same
in manner & form as is above written & that the Same is free of
all Incumbrances Whatsoever, & furthermore the sd Bushnell Bost
wick Do by these presents Bind my Self & my heirs forever to War
rant and Defend the above Granted & Bargained premisses to him
the sd Benjamin Gaylord his heirs and assigns against all claims &
Demand Whatsoever.
"In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this
l6«* Day of January in the 29th year of his Majesties reign A D 1756.
Bush11 bostwick
Signed Sealed & Delivered
in presence of
Roger Sherman
David Ferris

92 GIFTS PRESENTED TO
New Milford in Litchfield County Jany 16th
A D 1756 personally appeared the Granter
Signer & Sealer to the above written instru
ment & acknowledged the same to be his free
act and Deed before me Roger Sherman Jus
tice of Peace."
Roger Sherman was at this time not quite thirty-five years old, and
had been admitted to the bar two years previously, George the Second
being King. Through the generosity of members of this chapter, the
Homestead thus possesses these valuable autographs of the only man
who signed all four of the great state papers : the Address to the
King, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation,
and the Constitution. ,
TORRINGTON CHAPTER.
Chair — "Four-back" with arms, painted red, splint bottom.
Presented by Mrs. John M. Brooks.
Rag Rugs — (Two) 62 x 27 and 58 x 27 inches. Knit in her ninetieth
year by Mrs. Sylvia Price Gross of Torrington, whose two grand
fathers served on opposite sides in the Battle of Bunker Hill — Jonah
Gross of Southwick, Massachusetts, with the colonists, and Paul Price,
as a British aide-de-camp. The latter, taken prisoner at New York,
was sent to Litchfield on parole, where, lodging with the Widow Vail —
whom he later married — he became convinced of the righteousness of
the American cause, and after fighting valiantly for it was made
sergeant. Presented by Miss Mary E. Brooks.
Plate — Pewter. 8 inches in diameter. Marks : "Made in London," and
"198" in circle, around which "Shore Di — " only is legible.
Presented by Mrs. John M. Brooks.
Creamer — Staffordshire, blue and white.
Presented by Mrs. John M. Brooks.
Mustard Cup— Staffordshire. (1825.) "Blue-edged ware."
Presented by Mrs. John M. Brooks.
Molasses Cup — Mulberry and white.
Presented by Mrs. John M. Brooks.
Cup and Saucer — White, polychrome decoration in flowers.
Presented by Mrs. John M. Brooks.
Jug — Earthenware, brown glaze, small.
Presented by Mrs. John M. Brooks.
Churn — Wood, with dasher.
Presented by Mrs. John M. Brooks.
Lantern — Tin, pattern perforated.
Presented by Mrs. John M. Brooks.

THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD 93
Bellows — Wood, painted and lacquered, brass tube.
Presented by Mrs. John M. Brooks.
ABI HUMISTON CHAPTER
Bedquilt — 1847. Pink and green. Pieced and quilted by Catherine
Minor of Litchfield.
Presented by Abi Humiston Chapter.
JUDEA CHAPTER.
Hand Loom — One hundred and fifty years old.
Presented by Judea Chapter.
Washstand — Square, with drawer, opalescent glass handle.
Presented by Three Members of Judea Chapter.
Chair — Windsor. "Fan-back," painted black.
Andirons — Iron.
Presented by Miss Fanny P. Brown.
MARY FLOYD TALLMADGE CHAPTER.
Bureau — 1780-1790. Hepplewhite. Light mahogany, inlaid with satin-
wood, holly and lines of ebony effect; square front; the two small
upper drawers inlaid with oval panels of satinwood, below these three
large graduated drawers, curved bracket feet ; oval brass handles ; the
drawers fitted with sachets of sweet lavender.
Presented by Mary Floyd Tallmadge Chapter.
Card Table — Empire. Mahogany; folding leaf; top 3 feet x 3 feet,
revolves when open, fluted edge; pillar and ball base.
Presented by Mrs. John Laidlaw Buel.
Portiere Poles — (Two) The oak of which these poles are made was
taken from a house once standing near Bantam, owned and occupied
by Elisha Horton, a member of the Boston Tea Party.
Presented by Mary Floyd Tallmadge Chapter.
Portieres — (Two) Homespun tow; spun one hundred and ten years
ago. Presented by Mrs. Francis Bissell.
Specimen of Thread — From which the above linen was woven, and seed
from the flax plants from which it was spun.
Presented by Mrs. Francis Bissell.
Mantel — Handmade, painted white; from the "old Buel house" in
Litchfield, built in 1784 by Samuel Sheldon and later owned by Dr.
Samuel Buel.
Presented by Mrs. John A. Vanderpoel.
Field Bed— Once the property of the Reverend Truman Marsh (1768-
1851), rector of Saint Michael's Protestant Episcopal Church in
Litchfield for twenty-seven years.
Presented by Mrs. John A. Vanderpoel.

94

GIFTS PRESENTED TO

Chintz Hangings— For the above tester bedstead.
Presented by Mrs. John A. Vanderpoel.
Chair— Square back with spindles, frame painted dark green and gold;
rush seat. From Miss Pierce's famous "Litchfield Female Academy,"
the pioneer school for the higher education of young women in this
country, founded in 1792.
Presented by Mrs. John A. Vanderpoel.
Chair— Banister-back, splint bottom, stained brown.
Presented by Mrs. John A. Vanderpoel.
Chair— Rocker with arms; Dutch splat; rush bottom, stained brown.
Presented by Miss Alice Wolcott.
Homespun Linen Tick— For mattress. Belonged to Nicy Melinda
Hopkins. Descendant of Joseph Harris, a pioneer of Litchfield, who
was scalped by the Indians on Harris Plains, Litchfield; and second
wife of John A. Woodruff, son of John Woodruff, Revolutionary
soldier, who enlisted in 1776 at the age of sixteen.
Presented by her step-daughter, Mrs. Abbie Marie Woodruff Newcomb.
Bedquilt— Blue and white. Made by Nicy Melinda (Hopkins) Wood
ruff. Presented by Mrs. Abbie Marie Woodruff Newcomb.
Bedquilt — Calico. Owned by Nicy Melinda (Hopkins) Woodruff.
Presented by Mrs. Abbie Marie Woodruff Newcomb.
Blanket — Homespun wool, red and white, a rare variety. Belonged to
Nicy Melinda (Hopkins) Woodruff, by whom the wool was prob
ably spun on her wool-wheel, preserved in the collection of the
Litchfield Historical Society. (See "The Tale of the Spinning Wheel,"
pages 26-28.)
Presented by Mrs. Abbie Marie Woodruff Newcomb.
Homespun Linen — Sheets and pillow-cases, a pair each, with Pillows
from Cogswell Tavern, New Preston, Litchfield County, built before
1760 by William Cogswell, later Major in the command of Washing
ton, who several times occupied the room, where stood a cherry chest
from which this linen was taken. The old stone fire-place of the
kitchen is still well-preserved, in which was prepared the hasty break
fast for three hundred Revolutionary soldiers, of whose approach brief
notice had been given. The Judea Chapter, Daughters of the Ameri
can Revolution, recently placed a tablet on this house, to the memory
of Major Cogswell and his wife Anna (Whittlesey) Cogswell, the
Chapter's "patron saint," a descendant of Governor Welles of Connec
ticut, and Governor Dudley of Massachusetts.
Presented through Mrs. John L. Buel for the Litchfield County room, by
Mrs. Charles Whittlesey Pickett — of the Mary Clap Wooster Chapter —
to whom with Colonel Pickett, the house descended through four gen
erations. [See page 75.]

THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD 95
Catalogue — Loan Exhibition of Relics held by the Mary Floyd Tall
madge Chapter at Litchfield, August, 1902.
Presented by Mary Floyd Tallmadge Chapter.
Catalogue — Exhibition of Antique Silver and Glass by the Mary Floyd
Tallmadge Chapter at Litchfield, August 5-8, 1903.
Presented by Mary Floyd Tallmadge Chapter.
Series of Six Photographs — Cases filled with antique silver and glass,
part of the exhibition held by the Chapter, August, 1903.
Presented by Mary Floyd Tallmadge Chapter.
"The Tale of the Spinning Wheel."
Presented by the author, Elizabeth C. Barney (Mrs. John L.) Buel.

GIFTS MADE BY OR THROUGH THE CHAPTERS OF
MIDDLESEX COUNTY
Wadsworth Chapter, Middletown  pages 58, 97-100
Nathan Hale Memorial Chapter, East Haddam  pages 58, 100

WADSWORTH CHAPTER.
High Chest of DRAWERS-"High-boy." 1730-1740. Cherry. The upper
part has four large graduated drawers, above which is a rising-sun
drawer with narrow drawer on either side; broken-arch top with
three torches; rests in frame or table part having one large drawer,
below which is a rising-sun drawer between two square drawers-
acorn drops, cabriole legs, hoof feet; brass escutcheons and handles
of willow design, small bail handles on rising-sun drawers.
Presented by Wadsworth Chapter.
Work Table— Empire. Mahogany. Top 22^ x 1854 inches ; one drawer
without handles; sexagonal stem leg, swelling toward base and
branching into four feet which curve under.
Presented by Mrs. William W. Wilcox.
Chair— "Fancy chair," gilt lacquered wood frame, rush seat.
Presented by Miss M. Louise Hubbard.
Chair— Japanned black and gold frame, rush seat.
Presented by Miss Margaret Van Deursen.
Andirons — Brass.
Presented by Miss Frances Sage.
Shovel and Tongs — Brass.
Presented by Miss Lucretia Rockwell and sister, Mrs. Esther Bailey.
Candlesticks — Brass.
Presented by Mrs. Heman C. Whittlesey.
Warming Pan.
Presented by Mrs. Robert Pease.
Foot Stove.
Presented by Mrs. Wesley U. Pearne.
Foot Stove.
Presented by Mrs. Henry Gildersleeve.
Flute Case — Early Eighteenth Century. Mahogany, formerly lined with
white velvet. Brought by the donor from England.
Presented by Mrs. James Wood.
Tea Caddy — Early Eighteenth Century. Curious melon design, the alter
nate sections of light and dark wood; has lock. Brought by the
donor from England.
Presented by Mrs. James Wood.
Platter — Pewter. 17 inches in diameter. Marks: "MADE" over
the crowned rose. In three small shields: (1) device illegible: (2)
a lion passant: (3) Neptune with trident on sea-horse. There are
traces of another elaborate but illegible mark.
Presented by Mrs. Frank B. Newton.
7

98 GIFTS PRESENTED TO
Plate — India, stoneware, blue and white.
Presented by Mrs. Wesley U. Pearne.
Tea Saucer — Canton.
Presented by Mrs. O. Vincent Coffin.
Sugar Bowl — Wood. (1818.) Blue and white. Subject: hunter with
horse and dogs presenting game to woman at cottage door. Marks :
"Enoch Wood and Sons, Burslem," impressed twice in circles; blue
star in one, "44" impressed in the other.
Presented by Mr. Albert R. Crittenden.
Sugar Bowl — Adams. (1820.) Dark blue. Subject: children with
birdcage. Mark: "Warranted Staffordshire Adams," impressed in
horseshoe, eagle in the centre.
Presented by Mr. Albert R. Crittenden.
Plate — Adams. Blue. Marks : "Warranted Staffordshire Adams" in
horseshoe, eagle in centre, impressed; "Bamborough Castle, North
umberland," in blue print.
Presented by Mr. Albert R. Crittenden.
Wash Bowl and Pitcher — Adams. Red and white. Subject: two
ladies in remarkable costumes, one wearing a turban and the other
nodding plumes, are playing chess under a grape-trellis; one turns
for instruction to a gay gallant bending over her chair; a castle, lake,
and mountains add to the scene; flower border. Mark: "Adams"
impressed. Presented by Mrs. Henry Gildersleeve.
Tea Saucer — Newhall. (1824)
Presented by Mrs. Asel W. Hazen.
Teapot — Newhall. White, decorations printed in mauve with choco
late bands. Subject: the Spartan mother bidding her son return
with his shield or on it.
Presented by Mrs. Denison I. Chapman.
Teapot — Newhall. White, decorations printed in black, with gold lines
and sprigs. Subject: youth sitting on a garden wall playing a flute
to his lady.
Presented by Mrs. William W. Wilcox.
Plate— Davenport. (1825.) Pink and white. Subject: unidentified,
a castle on the mountains, river and boat below, city and trees, scroll
border, roses within. Marks: "Davenport" both impressed and in
pink print; anchor and "19" impressed.
Presented by Mrs. William W. Wilcox.
Plate— Davenport. Blue. Marks : "Davenport" and anchor impressed.
Presented by Mr. Albert R. Crittenden.

THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD 99
Platter— Mayer. (1833.) Pink and white. Marks: "T. Mayer, Stoke
upon Trent" and "Canova" printed in pink, as is also fine lion device.
Name of maker impressed likewise.
Presented by Mrs. Charles P. Graham.
Plate— Heath. (Joseph Heath & Co.) Blue and white. Marks : "J. H.
&. Co. Italian Villa" in blue print; trefoil impressed.
Presented by Mrs. William W. Wilcox.
Teapot — Staffordshire, maker unknown. Dark rich blue. A piece of
the famous set showing George Washington at Mount Vernon. The
General in uniform stands beside his prancing charger in front of
the mansion house, which is seen in its original form. The Potomac,
with artistic license, flows close to the walls, bearing a ship with all
sails set.
Presented by Mrs. William W. Wilcox.
Platter — Staffordshire. (1824.) Light blue and white, very small.
Presented by Mr. Albert R. Crittenden.
Plate — Sevres. Light blue and white. Mark: "Porcelaine Opaque,
Edwards" blue printed in circle, with "Sevres" in center.
Presented by Mrs. William B. Brewer.
Plate— Wedgwood. Modern. Blue. Subject: the Charter Oak.
Presented by Mrs. Julia A. Boardman.
Plate — Wedgwood. Modern. Blue. Subject: the Wadsworth Athe
naeum, Hartford.
Presented by Mrs. Julia A. Boardman.
Bag — White linen, embroidered.
Presented by Mrs. O. Vincent Coffin.
Bag — White linen with delicate sketch in pen and ink of swan on the
water. Presented by Miss Emma Gilman.
Bag — Worked in colored beads; the design, a lamb on one side and
flowers on the other.
Presented by Miss Emma Gilman.
Hank of Homespun Linen Thread.
Presented by Mrs. O. Vincent Coffin.
Kerchief — Blue and white. Homespun linen.
Presented by Mrs. O. Vincent Coffin.
Needlebook. Presented by Mrs. O. Vincent Coffin.
Basket — (1780.) Painted.
Presented by Mrs. William W. Wilcox.
Netted Mat — Linen centre.
Presented by Mrs. William W. Wilcox.

IOO GIFTS PRESENTED TO
Manuscript — 1776. Sarah Ellsworth.
"Tyranny and Oppression.
As Kits without Remors Devour their Prey
So Tyrants take their Subjects Lieys away
"To Americans.
Remember, O my Friends the Laws, the Rights,
The genrous Plan of Power delivered down,
From age, to Age, by your renowned Forefathers
So dearly bought the Price of so much Blood
O let it never perish in your Hands!
But piously transmit it to your Children.
Do thou great Liberty inspire our souls,
And make our lives in thy Posession happy,
Or our Deaths glorious in thy just Defense.
"Combine ye Sons of Freedom all Combine
The people are invincible who join
Factions and Feuds will overturn the State
Which union Renders florising and great
Sarah Ellsworth A D 1776"
[Sarah Ellsworth was born September 21, 1763, and died February 6, 1802.
On May 17, 1796, she married Abner Sage, whose first wife — her younger sister,
Ruth — died in 1793. The father of the Misses Ellsworth, Captain John Ellsworth,
Jr., was a second cousin of Chief Justice Ellsworth. Their grandmother, Ann
(Edwards) Ellsworth, was a daughter of the Reverend Timothy Edwards, and sister
of Jonathan Edwards.]
This manuscript is presented by a grand-daughter of Abner and Ruth
(Ellsworth) Sage, Miss Emily Ann Selden.
Manuscript — 1778. Sarah Ellsworth. An elaborate example of fine
penmanship, one of the "exhibition pieces" of the young women of
the day. 'Vive La Plume. S. Ellsworth, Middletown, 1778. Tis
to the Pen and Press we mortals owe all we believe, an most all
we know Sally E"
Presented by Miss Emily A. Selden.
Sermon — Preached at Middle Haddam on the 20th of January, 1825, at
the funeral of the Rev. David Selden. By Isaac Parsons, Junior
Pastor of the Church of Christ in East Haddam.
Presented by Miss Emily A. Selden.
NATHAN HALE MEMORIAL CHAPTER.
The Twins — For the Ellsworth cradle.
Presented by Mrs. John W. Hatstat.
Porringer — Pewter.
Presented by Mrs. E. Elmer Williams.

GIFTS MADE BY OR THROUGH THE CHAPTER IN
TOLLAND COUNTY
Sabra Trumbull Chapter, Rockville  pages 58, 59. i°3, i°4

SABRA TRUMBULL CHAPTER.
Looking-Glass — 1800. 24^ x 12 inches. Black and gold frame ; design
of painting in upper panel, a basket of fruit.
Presented by Mrs. Alvah Norton Belding.
Rundlet and Noggin — Over one hundred years old. Formerly used
to keep the water cool in the hay-field.
Presented by Mrs. Cyrus F. Jackson.
Platter — Pewter. i2$4 inches in diameter. Marks : "R B" in script
monogram, over which is a crest, a buck's head. This mark is
repeated. Another is "LONDON" printed. Still another is partly
illegible but ends — "B & Co.," followed by two squares and a pentagon.
(1) a female figure with spear holding out a spray of flowers, rose
and thistle (?) ; (2) a tree with fruit; (3) a rose. Another mark is
the monogram "M P" in large ornamental script. This plate was the
property of Marilla Porter of Coventry, Connecticut, daughter of
Colonel Noah Porter, who served in the Revolutionary War.
Presented by Mrs. Jessie Favor.
Plate — Pewter. g% inches in diameter. "Known to be over one hun
dred years old." Marks: two large ovals connected by "&." In
one is the touch-mark of John Townsend, a lamb below a dove volant;
the name "Townsend" being on encircling band. He was Warden in
1769-1782, and Master in 1784, of the Pewterer's Company. In the
other oval is the touch-mark of Thomas Giffin: a dagger piercing
a heart and ensigned with a ducal coronet between six mullets, the
name "Giffin" being on encircling band. He was Warden in 1751
and Master in 1753-1757. [Both names and devices are registered
upon Touch Plates III and IV, now preserved at Pewterers' Hall,
t j -, r, ,.• , - , , , "FENCHURCH .
London.] On this plate is also the mark „„_„„_,, in a par
allelogram. Formerly owned by Caleb Hopkins of Ellington.
Presented by Mrs. Edwin H. Woodford.
Porringer— Pewter. Mark : "T D & S B" on ear.
Presented by Miss Mary J. Kimball.
Framed Sampler— A rare example, done in black silk on very fine light
gray wool canvas; the border in green and brown.
"The Knowledge of Futurity Wisely Concealed. Pope.
"Heaven from all creatures hides the book of fate
All but the page prescrib'd, their present state,
From brutes what men, from men what spirits know;
Or who could suffer being here below?
The lamb thy riot dooms to bleed to-day,

104 GIFTS PRESENTED TO
Had he thy reason would he skip and play?
Pleas'd to the last, he crops the flowr'y food,
And licks the hand just rais'd to shed his blood.
Oh, blindness to the future kindly giVn,
That each may fill the circle markM by heaven
Who sees with equal eye, as god of all,
A hero perish, or a sparrow fall;
Atoms, or systems, into ruins hurl'd,
And now a bubble burst, and now a world!"
Worked by "Ann Cater, aged 12 years," born in Steepleton, Glouces
ter County, England, 25 March, 1794; emigrated October, 1836, set
tled in Thompsonville, Connecticut.
Presented by her granddaughter, Mrs. Edwin R. Holman.

GENERAL GIFTS
Chair — Windsor, with arms, low, rounded top, painted black. Origin
ally belonged to William Wolcott Ellsworth, Governor of the State of
Connecticut from 1838 to 1842; one of the twin sons of Chief Jus
tice Oliver Ellsworth and Abigail (Wolcott) Ellsworth, who was born
at the Ellsworth Homestead in Windsor, 10 November, 1791, and
died in Hartford, 15 January, 1868. The chair was owned later by
the Honorable Henry Barnard, LL.D., of Hartford. (1811-1900.)
Presented by the daughters of Doctor Barnard, the Misses Barnard, Hartford.
Escritoire — Connecticut cherry, 3 feet 15 inches high. Two large
drawers on high frame with straining rails, slant top which lifts, the
hinge being at the top; interior compartments; modern brasses.
Made for Benjamin Bushnell of Essex, Connecticut, who was born
in 1766 and lived to be eighty-nine, whose great-grandchildren
inherited it.
Presented by Major Granger Adams, U. S. Army.
Chair Table — Chair, the back of which is a table-top that can be
dropped into a horizontal position. Used in old times as a fireside
settle to keep the draughts off.
Presented by A. R. Welles, Windsor.
Chair — Windsor. Curved back, braced by two extra spindles, with
arms, of ash, seat of hickory; finished in the natural woods.
Presented by Miss Mary Eddye Benjamin, Groton.
Mortar and Pestle — Wood.
Presented by Miss Mary Eddye Benjamin.
Candlesticks — Sheffield plate. From the Grant Homestead in East
Windsor. Presented by Samuel Winek, Hartford.
Candle Moulds — Tin.
Presented by Edwin R. Holman, Windsor.
Platter — Blue and white, willow pattern ; with ears. Marks : "W. A.
Adderley" impressed, also "W. A. A." and a ship in blue print.
Donor unknown.
Warming Pan.
Loaned by Miss Mary P. Nott, Essex.
"Embroidery of 1776" — Part of a gown worn in Philadelphia by
Madame Martha (Devotion) Huntington, whose husband, the Honor
able Samuel Huntington, was chosen President of the Continental

106 GIFTS PRESENTED TO
Congress in 1779, and was one of the signers from Connecticut
of the Declaration of Independence. Her father's family came from
Rochelle, France, early in the seventeenth century; her mother was a
Lathrop, granddaughter of Simon Lathrop of Norwich, who com
manded a Connecticut regiment in the expedition against Annapolis
and Louisburg in the colonial wars.
Madame Huntington left no children, and this gown passed to
her niece and namesake, mother of the donor, who, in turn, received
it because of her name. It consisted of five breadths of white dimity,
elaborately embroidered in colored flowers, festooned over a yellow
satin petticoat. The overskirt has been used as a portiere for
years, but now, in dividing it that relatives may share an historic
relic, one piece is given to the Connecticut Daughters of the Ameri
can Revolution.
Presented by Mrs. Bryan E. (Martha Huntington Williams) Hooker, Hart
ford.
Bonnet — Antique, green satin.
Presented by Miss Mary Eddye Benjamin.
Cradle Quilt — Ancient patchwork.
Loaned by Mrs. Edwin R. Holman, Windsor.
Photograph — 13^ x g}i inches, framed in oak. The Ellsworth Home
stead, October 8, 1903, on the occasion of its presentation to the
Connecticut Daughters of the American Revolution.
Made and presented by Henry M. Adams, Warehouse Point.
* Photograph — 24 x 20 inches, finished in sepia and framed in Flemish
oak. From the original painting by Ralph Earl (about 1792) of
Chief Justice Oliver Ellsworth and his wife, Abigail (Wolcott) Ells
worth, seated in a room of their home, "Elmwood," through the
open window of which a view of the outside of the house is shown
surrounded by its thirteen elms. The painting, presented to the
Wadsworth Athenaeum by the Ellsworth heirs, now hangs in the upper
entrance hall of that institution. Reproduced expressly for this purpose
by the Randall Studios. [See illustration, page 12.]
Presented by Herbert Randall, Hartford.
* Mrs. Wyckoff wntes [see note, page 56], "He was dressed in a blue broad
cloth coat with scarlet lapels and cuffs * * * In his hand he held a copy of the
Constitution rolled outward so that the number of Articles was plainly visible over
which he had waged such valiant warfare in the Constitutional Convention. Great-
grandmother, opposite, is dressed in a dove-colored satin, opened in front to reveal
a petticoat of the same color. * * * Through an open window we see a pic
ture of the house as it was when the portrait was painted. The trees barely reach
the roof, and 'South Carolina' stands up as high as her peers. * * * Whether
it was through family tradition or from our own childish re-christening I know
not, but playing with my brothers, sisters and cousins, we revived our geography
by calling each tree by its state's name. I can not forget my awe when the tree
we called 'South Carolina' was struck by lightening at the beginning of the Civil
War. * * * My uncle planted another one to preserve the original number, but
its smaller size indicates which state first seceded from the Union" [page 12.]

THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD * °7
The following twenty-one numbers are gifts from the Connecticut
State Library through the courtesy of the State Librarian, George S.
Godard : —
Charter of the Colony of Connecticut, granted by Charles the
Second, 1662. Printed in 1900, from the original in the State Capitol,
with introductory note by the late Charles Jeremy Hoadly, LL.D.,
State Librarian, under the supervision of George S. Godard, Assistant
Librarian.
Journal of the Constitutional Convention of Connecticut held at
Hartford in 1818.
Historical Notes on the Constitutions of Connecticut and on the
Constitutional Convention of 1818. J. Hammond Trumbull (1873).
The Constitutions of Connecticut. Notes and Statistics regarding
Town Representation in the General Assembly, and Documents relat
ing to the Constitutional Convention of 1902.
Records of the State of Connecticut. 1 776-1 780.
Connecticut State Register and Manual. 1881-1904.
General Statutes of Connecticut. 1888 and Revision of 1902.
Connecticut Special Laws. Volume 14. Part I. 1903.
Public Acts of the State of Connecticut, passed January Session,
1903.
List of Bills General Assembly. 1903.
Connecticut Law for Improvement of Public Roads. 1903.
Connecticut Fish and Game Laws. August 1, 1903.
The Message of His Excellency Abiram Chamberlain, the Governor
of Connecticut, to the General Assembly. 1903.
Report of Connecticut State Librarian to the Governor. George S.
Godard. 1900, 1901, 1902.
Connecticut Historical Society Collections. Volume VIII. (1901.)
Revolutionary Rolls and Lists. 1775-1883.
Connecticut Historical Society Collections. Volume IX. (Vol. I.)
(1903.) Rolls of Connecticut Men in the French and Indian War.
1755-1757.
Annual Report of the Connecticut Historical Society. May, 1903.
History of the First Connecticut Artillery. 1861-1865.
History of the Fifteenth Connecticut Volunteers. 1861-1865.
Sheldon B. Thorpe.
Topographical Atlas of Connecticut. 1893.
Topographical Wall Map of Connecticut. 1893.

The Stone Records of Groton.
Presented by the New London County Historical Society.
Royal Standard English Dictionary. William Perry. 16 mo. 516
pages. Printed by E. Merriam & Co., Brookfleld, Mass., for Elijah
Burbank. October, 1809.
Presented by Mrs. George F. Fuller, Springfield, Massachusetts, ex-State
Regent of Massachusetts, and ex- Vice President General National Society
Daughters of the American Revolution.

108 GIFTS PRESENTED TO
Connecticut Magazine. Volume IV, Number I ; Volume VI, Number
7; Volume VIII, Number I. Two copies each, containing articles
upon the Windsors.
Connecticut Magazine. Volume VIII, Number n. December, 1903,
containing article upon Oliver Ellsworth, his Homestead, and its
presentation to the Connecticut Daughters of the American Revolution.
New England Magazine. Volume XXX, Number 5. July, 1904, con
taining article upon Oliver Ellsworth.
Sermon on the death of Mrs. M. B. [Marietta Bartlett] Ellsworth, wife
of Hon. H. L. Ellsworth [Henry Leavitt, one of the twin sons of
Oliver Ellsworth]. Preached in the Second Presbyterian Church
[Lafayette, Indiana] Sunday, April 20, 1856, by the Pastor.
Presented by Mrs. Adela Wheaton Van Boehove, Kalamazoo, Michigan,
whose family were life-long friends of Mrs. Ellsworth.

PHOTOGRAPHIC COPY FROM THE LAND RECORDS OF WINDSOR, FOR THE
YEAR 1665, OF PORTIONS OF THE ORIGINAL DEED TO JOSIAH
ELLSWORTH, OF LAND, A HOME LOT AND A HOUSE.

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PHOTOGRAPHIC COPY FROM THE LAND RECORDS OF WINDSOR, FOR
1666-7-8, OF ORIGINAL RECEIPTS FOR PAYMENTS ON HIS
PURCHASE MADE BY JOSIAH ELLSWORTH.
These photographs were secured through the courtesy 0/ Mr. George R. Maude,
Clerk, and Mr Nathaniel II'. Haytien, both of iriinfsor.
Town
THE ELLSWORTH HOMESTEAD io9
Extracts from Original Deed to Josiah Ellsworth, 1665.
Attest copy of extracts from the original deed (see facsimile on
opposite page) furnished in 1907 by the Town Clerk of Windsor.
March 31st 1665
Josiah Elsworth hath by purchas Land here in Windsor that formerly
was Frances Styles's and then from him to Robert Salkinstol then
purchased by Master Daveson, and now made over to Josiah Elsworth
by Joanna Davison, the Widow and Relieb and Sole Executrix to
the Said Mr Davison, Decd, Vidilleset the Dwelling house orchard,
with that part of the home Lott, which is on the East Side of the
Street, in bredth Eighteen rod, and now bounded North, by the Land
partaining to the Childeren of. William Gaylord, Decd. . South by the
Land of Henry Styles. . . .
Also four acres more or Less of meadow butting the home Lott, and
bounds North by the Land of the Children aforesd, South by the meadow
of Henry Styles, Easterly by the brook, according as it runs down
to the River and a Little part by the River. . . .
Whereas that part of the home Lott as Lyes on the East Side of the
Street, being not found, to have the bredth of Eighteen rod8 by the
Street, but fifteen and a half, it is now upon Trial found, that the
first proprietors ffrances Styles and William Gaylord, now both Decd
had made Some Exchange, betwixt them for what is wanting in bredth,
by the Street, is over and above its first bredth, next the meadow, So
that Josiah Elsworth takes up as Satisfied with it . . as it now is
bounded and the fence Stands. . .
Aprill 5th 1666, Witnessed by me Mathew Grant, Register.
Copies of Original Receipts.
Attest copy of original receipts to Josiah Ellsworth furnished in 1907
by the Town Clerk of Windsor.
Hartford May the 3d. 1666
Received in full for the first payment, of Josiah Elsworth, for a house
& Land bought of Mra. Joanna Davison, as pr her order
by me Joseph Lynde. . .
The 3d of Aprill : 1667 :
Received the full Sum of forty five pounds of Josiah Elsworth, of
Windsor as doth appear by his Receit, which is the full Sum that the
Sd. Elsworth is to pay for his Second years payment, for what he is
Engaged to Joanna Davison, of Charles-town for a house and Land
bought of the Said Davison, I Say Received, the Several perticulers,
in full that he was to pay, by his bill, I Say Recvd under favour of
my mother pr. me Daniell Davison . . .
Aprill the 4th 1668
Received of Josiah Elsworth of Windsor, forty five pounds in Wheat,
pease & Indian Corn, and poark at price Currant, being what he was to
pay in March 25th. past, Refering to a purchas bought of Mre. Joanna
Davison of Charles-town a house and Land at Windsor, and is Received
for her p per account pr. me Joseph Lynde
Aprill 20th 68: this Entred
This may certify that the within is a true copy of the original deed
of record. Attest George R. Maude,
Town Clerk.
Windsor, June 14th, 1907.

ELLSWORTH MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION.
ACT OF INCORPORATION.

Received October 30th, 1903, and recorded in Book of Stock Com
panies, page 176, Windsor Land Records. State of Connecticut,
Office of the Secretary.
Be it Known, That we, the subscribers, do hereby associate our
selves, as a body politic and corporate, pursuant to the statute laws
of the State of Connecticut regulating the formation and organization
of corporations without capital stock, and the following are our Articles
of Association: —
Article 1. The name of said corporation shall be The Ellsworth
Memorial Association, Incorporated.
Article 2. The purposes for which said corporation is formed are
the following, to wit: To maintain, and preserve, as an historic land
mark, the homestead, in Windsor, of Chief Justice Oliver Ellsworth and
of Abigail Wolcott, his wife, and also a museum therein of revolutionary
relics. Article 3. Membership in the Ellsworth Memorial Association shall
be restricted to members of Connecticut Chapters of Daughters of the
American Revolution.
Article 4. The said corporation is located in the town of Windsor,
county of Hartford, State of Connecticut.
Dated at New Haven this 20th day of July, 1903.
?Names of Subscribers.
Sara T. Kinney. Marian Ellen Gross.
Emily S. G. Holcombe. Cornelia Roff Pomeroy,
Amelia Medora Castle. Louise M. Beardsley.
Katharine Foote Coe. Julia C. Culver.
Hannah Ashby Rathbun. Elizabeth C. Barney Buel.
Isabel Webster Chappell. Margaret E. Backus.
Sarah M. Boyd Camp. Hannah K. Peck.
Florence Chamberlain Moseley. Mary J. Terry Clark.
Mary B. Kippen. H. Maria Talcott.
Mary H. Merwin Tibbals. Jennie Loomis.
Mary Josephine Blakeslee. Helen Phelps Cook.
Alice Norton. Sue Phillips Tweedy.
Frances Dunn Montgomery. Helen Louise Atwood.
Celia E. Prescott. Ellen S. Shaw.
Abby Day Slocomb. Helen Redington Adams.
Alice Chew. Martha P. W. Brown.
Agnes L. S. Vaughan. Anna M. Olmsted.
Roberta N. Burleson. Nellie Goodrich Eno.
Grace P. Browning. Estelle Corbin Wetmore.
Mary E. Brooks. Lulu A. Raymond.
Kate Taylor Boardman. Mary C. Fessenden.
Lucy Fayerweather Beardsley. Elizabeth Thompson Neide.
Eva V. M. Bissell.
* The above names represent the State Regent and the Regents of the forty-four
Chapters, Daughters of the American Revolution, then existing in the State of Connecticut.

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EXTRACTS FROM DEED OF -GIFT FROM TI1K KLLSWORTT-l
DESCENDANTS TO THE CONNECTICUT D. A. R.
(For full list of donors, see pages jv ^^.)

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