Wd. at Fort Harrison, Va., Sept. 29, 1864, Dis. Jan. 31, 1865.
Rogers, Austin V., Pvt. Co. K, 2d h. Art.
Root, Nathan H., Corp. Co. H, 2d h. Art.
Ruby, Eli, Pvt. Co. D, 13th Inft., Dis. Disa. Sept. 29, 1862.
Ruby, George M., Pvt. Co. D, 13th Inft., deserted Aug. 27, 1864.
Sanford, Isaac L., Pvt. Co. A, 2d h. Art.
Savage, Edward P., Pvt. Co. G, 8th Inft., deserted Aug. 19, 1865.
Shultz, Myron, Pvt. Co. I, 8th Inft., Dis. Disa. Feb. 24, 1863.
Sherman, Lucius S., Pvt. Co. H, 2d h. Art., Wd. at Cedar Creek, VA.,
Oct. 19, 1864.
Sherwood, Asahel, Pvt. Co. D, 28th Inft.
Sherwood, Reuben H., Pvt. Co. H, 2d h. Art.
Schook, Louis, Pvt. Co. E, 8th Inft., Sub., deserted July 24, 1864.
Shove, Henry, Sergt. Co. D, 28th Inft.
Smith, Charles H., Corp. Co. K, 11th Inft., Sub.
Smith, William, 1st, Pvt. Co. F, 10th Inft.
Soule, David E., Corp. Co. H, Lieut. Co. F, 2d h. Art.
Soule, Henry, Band 4th Penn. Cav.
Sparks, Edwin, Pvt. Co. I, 8th Inft.
Spengler, Edward, Pvt. Co. E, 8th Inft., Sub., killed at
Fort Harrison, Va., Sept. 29, 1864.
Stephens, Edgar, Pvt. Co. K, 2d h. Art.
Stephens, Henry L., Pvt. Co. D, 28th Inft.
Stephenson, William, Pvt. Co. A, 5th Inft., Sub., deserted
July 11, 1865.
Sterling, Homer, Pvt. Co. H, 2d h. Art., Dis. Disa., Apr. 18, 1864.
Stevens, Franklin B., Pvt. Co. B, 2d h. Art., killed at Cold
Harbor, Va., June 1, 1864.
Stevens, George, Pvt. Co. E, 6th Inft., Sub.
Stevens, William H., Pvt. Co. K, 2d h. Art., Wd. Cold Harbor,
Va., June 1, 1864, Dis. Disa., June 6, 1865.
Stokes, Henry, Pvt. Co. A, 5th Inft., Dis. Disa, Jan. 30, 1862.
Tallman, Martin N., Corp. Co. K, 29th Inft., Col’d.
Tarr, James, Pvt. Co. E, 11th Inft., Sub., deserted July 7, 1865.
Taylor, Joseph, Pvt., Corp., and Sergt. Co. C, 13th Inft.
Thayer, Edward A., Pvt. Co. B, 20th Inft., deserted Sept. 29, 1862.
Thayer, John Q., Pvt. Co. I, 8th Inft.
Thompson, Edward E., Pvt. Co. H, 2d h. Art.
Tibbetts, Charles E., 2d and 1st Lieut. Co. C, 13th Inft.
Treat, Frederick M., Pvt. Co. D, 28th Inft., Wd. at Port
Hudson, La., June 14, 1863.
Turrill, Henry S., 1st Lieut. and Asst. Surg. 17th Inft.,
Cap. and held Pris. in Macon, Savannah, and Charleston.
Van Anden, William, Pvt. Co. D, 28th Inft.
Vanderwater, William G., Pvt. Co. H, 13th Inft., Wd. at
Irish Bend, La., Apr. 14, 1863.
Van Lone, Peter, Pvt. Co. D, 8th Inft., Sub.
Vorey, Charles, Pvt. Co. D, 11th Inft.
Walden, Edward, Pvt. Co. F, 2d h. Art., Wd. at Winchester, Va., Sept.
19, 1864.
Walker, Albert, Pvt. Co. D, 7th Inft., died on Morris Island,
S. C., Sept. 18, 1863.
Warner, William C., Pvt. Co. H, 2d h. Art., died at Washington, D. C.,
Dec. 23, 1862.
Waters, Alexander, Pvt. Co. C, 3d Inft.
Waters, Frank, Pvt. Co. G, 17th Inft., Sub.
Way, Charles A., Pvt. Co. H, 2d h. Art., Wd. at Winchester,
Va., Sept. 19, 1864, at Salors Creek, Va., Apr. 6, 1865.
Welch, Patrick, 1st, Pvt. Co. F, 8th Inft., Trans. to U. S. Navy.
Weller, Chester A., Band 4th Penn. Cav., Pvt. Co. H, 2d h. Art.
Wentworth, Jacob, Pvt. Co. K, 2d h. Art., Wd. at Cold
Harbor, Va., June 1, 1864, died June 20, 1864.
Wenzenger, Daniel, Pvt. Co. B, 8th Inft., Sub., killed at
Ft. Harrison, Va., Sept. 29, 1864.
Wiedmore, Paul, Pvt. Co. D, 8th Inft., Sub., deserted Sept. 10, 1863.
Wiley, James, Pvt. Co. D, 8th Inft., Sub. deserted Dec. 1, 1863.
Williams, Burr, Pvt. Co. H, 2d h. Art., Dis. Disa. March 27, 1865.
Williams, George S., Capt. Co. H, 2d h. Art.
Williams, James, Pvt. Co. A, 5th Inft., deserted Oct. 3, 1863.
Williams, John F., Pvt. Co. H, 2d h. Art.
Wilson, John, Pvt. Co. C, 20th Inft., Sub., deserted Oct. 5, 1864.
Wentworth, Hiram, Pvt. 1st Conn. Lt. Batt., deserted Jan. 24, 1862.
Wooden, Charles E., Pvt. Co. D, 28th Inft., Wd. at Port
Hudson, La., June 14, 1863, died of wounds, July 17, 1863.
Woodruff, Theron M., Pvt. Co. I, 2d h. Art., Wd. at Cedar Creek, Va.,
Oct. 19, 1864.
Worden, Richard T., Pvt. Co. I, 8th Inft., killed at Walthall Junc.,
Va., May 7, 1864.
Recapitulation: Number of men credited to New Milford, 282; killed in
battle, 17; wounded in action, 34; died in service, 35; discharged for
disability, 33; deserted, 44; dishonorably discharged, 1; shot for
desertion, 1. Casualties, honorable, 119; dishonorable 46; total 165.
There were thirty-seven drafted men and substitutes credited to the
town; of these, twenty-seven deserted, leaving seventeen as the number
of the town’s volunteers to desert their colors, and most of these were
of foreign birth.
THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR
Walter Campbell.
Wesley Collins.
Gabriel Erwin.
George Isaac Hine.
Charles A. Hull.
Charles Kellogg.
Andrew Nichols.
Cyrus Northrop.
Albert Piper.
Albert Timms.
Walter Thompson.
Arthur Wheeler.
Walter Wheeler.
RECOLLECTIONS OF OLD NEW MILFORD HOMES
CONTRIBUTED BY ALICE MERWIN BOSTWICK
Indelibly stamped on my memory are pictures of the old homes of my
ancestors, and the simple life within them, in which it was my privilege
to share in early childhood. These houses, built before the
Revolutionary War, were of the “salt box” style, two stories high except
at the back, where the roof sloped from the steep gables down so low
that my grandfather, a tall man, had to bow his head to go under the
eaves into the stoop. This made windows necessary on but three sides of
a house, and was designed to evade the heavy tax on every pane of glass
used. The shrewd colonist preferred to have less light, rather than add
to the King’s revenue. Every stick of timber was oak from the forest
primeval, felled and hewed by the strong arms of the men who, with stout
hearts, braved the perils and hardships of the wilderness for their
altars and homes. Every shingle was “rived out” by hand. The laths,
window sashes, doors, handles and latches, hinges and nails, were all
hand-wrought.
How well our forefathers builded, these old houses, still standing in
good habitable condition, after braving the summer suns, winter winds,
and storms of more than a century and a half, bear witness. The great
stone chimney was a tower of strength from its foundation in the cellar,
fifteen feet square, up to the garret, strong as granite rocks could
make it. It anchored the heavy beams and roof timbers, giving ample
space for the many fireplaces needed in the large rooms growing around
it. The kitchen fireplace was like those we read of, but seldom see. At
one side of the crane was a bench where I, as a child, often sat
watching the building of the fire--a work of skill. The big green
back-log was first rolled in: then, the back-stick, fore-stick, chips
and kindlings were added--a veritable woodpile, which, when kindled by
the aid of the bellows, sent sparks and flame crackling and roaring up
the cavernous chimney.
There may have been much poetry in “the hanging of the crane.” There
surely was much prose in cooking for a family, in pots and kettles hung
on its hooks and trammels, over the burning coals and smoke.
Long-handled frying pans, spiders, skillets, turnspits, bake kettles,
and Dutch ovens would be unknown quantities to graduates from modern
cooking schools; but they, with all their science and new appliances,
cannot surpass the savory dishes evolved by our grandmothers from the
limited means at their command, with the aid of these same out-of-date
utensils.
From out the arch-roofed old brick ovens came famous loaves of rye and
Indian bread, biscuits, pans of pork and beans, cards of gingerbread,
seed cookies, election and pound cakes, baked as none of our ranges can
ever bake. They had a flavor all their own, a color golden-brown as the
fallen autumn leaves of the maple trees, whose “fair white hearts” went
up in smoke out of the doorway, while the long-handled iron peel spread
the glowing coals over the worn floor of the old oven.
Those were not days of ease and idleness. From sun-up till sun-down,
there was work for each and all, indoors and out. “Hired help” was
scarce. Some neighbor, not so “well-to-do,” who had more children than
income, spared a daughter “to come as one of the family” to work for
board, clothes and winter’s schooling till of age. Then, she was paid
five dollars a month, and, at her marriage, was given a black silk dress
and a feather bed.
Country stores were few and far between. Every family made and kept on
hand their own supplies, loaning and borrowing in time of need;
exchanging spare-ribs, roasts of beef and lamb; arranging their
“butchering” in rotation, to accommodate each other. Fresh meat was a
luxury, salted meat, the main reliance. In the smokehouse hung hams,
shoulders, beef, tongue and sausage. Under these it was my task to pile
green hickory chips, pine sawdust and corncobs, which made a smoke of a
peculiar, pungent, spicy quality and odor.
Tallow candles, the only light in the long evenings, were to be dipped;
dozens and dozens, the whole year’s supply. To run out of candles was
“shiftless.” A few, partly wax, for the tall silver and brass
candlesticks on the mantels in parlor and keeping-room, were run in
moulds and hung to bleach.
Soap was to be made, hard and soft. An empty soap barrel was thriftless.
A cake of scented soap, brought from a distant city, was highly prized.
Of spinning and weaving there was no end. The mother and daughters,
instead of going to clubs and lectures, after the housework was done had
their stents, so many knots of yarn to spin. No need to walk for
exercise; back and forth they briskly stepped, as the wheel swiftly
whirled, the rolls stretching into miles of yarn, “single twisted” for
cloth, “double and twisted” for stockings and carpet warp. Then, the
yarn must be scoured and dyed, not with “Diamond Dyes” from the drug
store, but with vegetable dyes from fields and woods--white oak roots,
butternut bark, chestnut burrs, sumach “bobs,” onion skins, and the
wonderful indigo “dye pot blue.” Every good housewife was past master in
the art of dyeing, and looked with pride on the line and fence draped
with skeins of yarn of bright, unfading hues and shades. Flax wheels,
not then strictly ornamental, hummed evenings by the fireside, while
deft fingers drew from the flax-covered distaff fine linen thread for
sewing, and for sheets, pillow-cases, towels, and all the underclothing
of the family. The loom in the garret was never without its web of cloth
in process of weaving--wool, linen, or wool and linen mixed (called
linsey-woolsey). The linen was spread on the grass, bleached snowy
white, then laid away in oaken chests, ready for the wedding “setting
out” of the daughters, who made it up by hand, stitching “two threads
over, two under,” the rule of the good seamstress.
From “homespun fulled cloth” the “every day” suits of men and boys were
made, with the help of the tailoress who came spring and fall with
press-board, goose, tailor-shears, and rolls of patterns supposed to
fit all figures. What wonder if these home-made garments looked their
name! Bedquilts were pieced in intricate patterns--baskets of flowers,
butterflies, peonies, chariot wheels, log-cabin, goose chase, double and
single Irish chain--and quilted in shells, circles, squares, diamonds,
sawteeth and herringbone. The quilt frames in the “spare bed room”
usually had one of these marvelous constructions on, ready for a
“Quilting Bee,” after which the company gossipped over _their_ cup of
tea as we over _ours_ after a card party.
The shoemaker came with work-bench, kit of tools, lap-stone and
boot-trees to make the common boots and shoes for the family (strictly
common sense, no French heels). A smell of leather and “black wax”
pervaded the room where he hammered merrily away at the heavy shoe soles
on the lap-stone, singing of “Captain Kidd as he sailed, as he sailed,”
and telling stories of haunted houses. One blood-curdling tale of a
ghost in a cellar, seizing the feet of everyone who went upstairs after
dark, still lingers in my mind--uncomfortably, if the truth be told.
The schoolmaster came, a welcome guest, “boarding around,” a week for
each scholar, and perhaps an extra week for the child of some poor widow
needing kindly help.
There came homeless wanderers silently claiming lodging and food. Under
the low sloping roof was the “Old Shack’s Room,” where a bed was always
kept in readiness.
One whom we knew only as “Old Shiver-to-bits” had been “crossed in love”
and his mind unbalanced. He never spoke, except to himself as he looked
up to the sky, muttering, “The air is full of women, all
shiver-de-bits.” Another would sleep only on the floor by the kitchen
fire, wrapped in a blanket, cooking his own food for fear of being
poisoned. He was an astrologer and philosopher. A woman came, who wore a
quilted hood, never taken off and kept drawn over her face, which was
always averted when she was spoken to. None of these unfortunates was
ever turned away from the open doors of those hospitable homes.
The Schaghticoke Indians, who came from the Reservation with squaws and
hounds on their fishing expeditions to the “Eel Rocks” at the Great
Falls, always expected the privilege of sleeping in the barn. Their
desire for cider was greater than their desire for food. They willingly
paid for both with splint baskets. Sometimes they became quarrelsome and
noisy, and then the “riot act” was read to them, whip in hand.
The visits of the parson were prized events. An atmosphere of dignity
and solemnity seemed to emanate from his black clothes, high stock and
white cravat. A reverence now unknown was felt for him, and he was
looked up to as the fountain head of theology and religion. The
doctrines of election, predestination and eternal punishment were talked
of, filling my childish mind with dire forebodings of literal fire and
brimstone. After a “season of prayer,” and dinner (always an extra good
one), he drove away, to my great relief.
Visits in those days did not mean calls. Company came from miles away to
spend the day, often uninvited, but not unwelcome. To “drop in and take
pot luck” was not, as to-day, a figure of speech, but literally true,
for a “boiled dish” was the regulation dinner. Corned beef, salt pork,
and vegetables were served together on a big pewter platter, with a
boiled bag-pudding of Indian meal. This may not sound as well as Beef _à
la mode_, _entrées_ and desserts; but, when well cooked, it was by no
means to be despised; and on it our ancestors lived; thrived, and were
content, thankful and happy. Possibly it _did_ give them bilious and
depressed views of the hereafter!
Sunday began Saturday night, when the sun went down behind the hills.
With the lengthening shadows came a seeming stillness, in advance of the
long day of rest to follow. The Sunday breakfast was early, giving
plenty of time for the long drive to “meeting.” Come sun, come rain,
snow or wind, nothing but sickness excused absence from the two long
sermons, morning and afternoon, with prayer meeting between. The day was
kept to the very letter of the old Sabbatical law. Dinner was prepared
Saturday, and eaten cold. For Sunday reading, the leather-bound Family
Bible and Psalm Book were brought out; also Baxter’s Saints’ Rest,
Pilgrim’s Progress, and the Book of Martyrs. A walk beyond the garden
and dooryard was not allowed, till after sundown; a drive, except in
case of necessity, was never thought of. Only “York State folks” did
that. A maiden aunt reproved me for cracking nuts on Sunday, giving me
to read the Fourth Commandment, and Isaiah 58: 13-14, “If thou turn away
thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day,” etc.
The remembrance of those well-kept, solemn Sundays still remains; and,
to this day, my inherited New England conscience never fails to accuse
any transgression of the Fourth Commandment. Howells says, “The devout
spirit of the old Puritans remained to their descendants long after the
stern creed that had embodied that spirit had passed away.”
Fast Day, too, was strictly kept in Puritan households, without
reference to Good Friday. We might ramble in the woods for wild flowers,
however, gather wintergreen, birch and sassafras for root beer, and have
fritters and maple syrup for supper.
Thanksgiving was _the_ great feast day of the whole year. Then, the
children to the third and fourth generation came trooping back, filling
the low-ceiled rooms under the old rooftree; and for them high festival
was held.
For days before, great preparations were made. The “buttery” was full of
good things. On the shelves were rows of mince, pumpkin and tart pies,
the last named made from cider apple sauce,--a lost art,--and pans of
doughnuts and crullers, flanked by the sage cheese, ready to be cut.
Baking in the brick oven was an immense chicken pie, made with cream
crust,--another lost art,--and an Indian pudding rich with suet--still
another lost art.
The turkey, the choicest young gobbler of the flock, stuffed with savory
dressing, also a pig with an ear of corn in its mouth, were roasting in
a Dutch oven on the hearth, all these together filling the house with an
odor of good cheer.
Oscar, of the Waldorf-Astoria, can do mighty deeds in his line, but,
with all his skill, cannot equal one of those real old-fashioned
Thanksgiving dinners.
After all the kin had come and gone, there was abundant “skippin” for
the worthy poor; yes, and for the unworthy, who might come to partake of
the free bounty of the ever charitable.
The winters were long, shutting families indoors by themselves. Books
and papers were few, but these early settlers kept abreast of the events
of the day, and they had clear-cut, strong opinions, which they
expressed with no uncertain sound. In the long evenings they gathered
around the great fireplace, listening with never-failing interest to the
oft-told tales of Indians, of Tory raids, and of hardships and suffering
in camp and field.
“Shut in from all the world without,
They sat, the clean-winged hearth about,
Content to let the north wind roar
In baffled rage at pane and door;
* * * * *
And for the winter fireside meet,
Between the andirons’ straddling feet,
The mug of cider simmered slow,
The apples sputtered in a row,
And, close at hand, the basket stood
With nuts from brown October’s wood.”
If neighbors joined the circle, promptly as the tall clock in the corner
struck nine they donned surtouts, mufflers and striped knit mittens,
lighted the candle in the pierced tin lantern, and trudged away over the
hills to their distant homes.
The back-log had by this time burned down to glowing coals, and from
these the shining brass warming-pan was filled, to warm the bed of the
great-grandmother, and the trundle-bed of the small great-granddaughter;
the remaining coals being carefully covered to kindle the morning fire.
“Early to bed and early to rise,” was a lived-up-to motto. Each one of
the household climbed the steep, draughty stairway, with flaring,
flickering candles, which dimly lighted the cold bedrooms, with their
frost-covered windowpanes, Hastily undressing, they hurried under the
blankets, and, burrowing into the deep feather beds, were soon lost in
sound sleep, such sleep as open air life, good digestion, and a clear
conscience alone can give.
This life of the early days may seem dull and humdrum to us in the rush
and whirl of ours. If it was sober by reason of struggles with the hard
conditions and stern emergencies contended with, it was cheerful,
kindly, dignified, full of high ideals, aims and works. Who shall say
our life is better?
None of us would willingly go back to the “good old times,” to their
seeming narrowness, inconveniences and discomforts; yet let us not
forget to give all honor to these, our forbears, through whose piety,
loyalty, courage and toil _we_ have received so goodly a heritage.
[Illustration: LEVI SYDNEY KNAPP
From a photograph taken about 1870, now in the possession of his son,
Mr. Frederick Knapp]
UNCHARTERED INSTITUTIONS
CONTRIBUTED BY FREDERICK KNAPP[7]
Among the unchartered institutions of the New England town, none has had
a greater influence than its general “sitting-down” place, where, by
common consent, the leaders of all classes gathered. It was to the town
what political and social clubs are to the city; it was an exchange
place, a go-as-you-please Lyceum, a modern market-place, where the
newspapers of the day were criticised, where affairs of Church and State
had to be discussed, where politics and politicians were weighed,
ticketed, and shelved for future reference, and where neighborhood
events were gone over and approved or disapproved. War, domestic or
foreign, and its generals, were subject to this trial by jury. The jury
consisted of lawyers, doctors, bankers, merchants, farmers.
Party-leaders of every shade of opinion--Whigs (later Republicans),
Democrats, Abolitionists (brass-mounted, or not mounted at all),
Prohibitionists, Independents--all met here on common ground. It was an
intelligent, earnest crowd, always good-natured, whose “give and take”
was without circumlocution or apology.
In no town in Litchfield County, I fancy, was there quite such a
sitting-down place as the store of Mr. Levi S. Knapp on Bank Street in
our own town of New Milford, which was conducted by him until his death
at the age of ninety-three, and, afterward, by his son, Gerardus Knapp.
The place was known to everybody in the towns around. During the
Kansas-Nebraska troubles in the late “Fifties,” a witty neighbor
christened it “Topeka Hall”; and the name was accepted as quite the
proper thing. For a half century, “Topeka Hall” was an informal
congress, where earnest men threshed out the problems of the hour. As
our late Governor Andrews said of it, “It was the place where the world
was wound up.” Had it been honored by a historian, like the late George
William Curtis, and a _Harper’s Magazine_ for record, its quips and
repartees might have furnished the “Easy Chair” with abundant and
amusing copy; and its “wise saws and modern instances” would fairly have
covered the history of the town. While its good stories made fun for the
day, the place became, none the less, an educator of public opinion, and
wielded an influence second to no institution in the town.
The remarkable longevity of the men who assembled there is worthy of
special record, covering, as it does, the greater part of the nineteenth
century. Below is a list of several of the prominent men, and their ages
at death. It is a matter of regret that a more complete list cannot now
be made:
Col. William J. Starr, 97.
William Roberts, 92.
Royal I. Canfield, 76.
William N. Canfield, 86.
Ralph E. Canfield, 85.
Judge David C. Sanford, 66.
Sheldon Blackman, 69.
Eli Mygatt, 86.
A. B. Mygatt, 80.
Augustine Thayer, 70.
Rev. John Greenwood, 85.
Rev. David Murdoch, 76.
John S. Turrill, 64.
Benjamin J. Stone, 78.
John Peck, 81.
Cornelius W. Peck, 78.
Elijah Hall, 70.
William Hartwell, 87.
Theodore Buck, 78.
Charles H. Booth, 81.
Frederick G. Bennett, 74.
Col. Gerardus Roberts, 70.
Levi S. Knapp, 93.
Gerardus Knapp, 74.
Charles C. Noble, 72.
John Glover Noble, 77.
Hiram B. Noble, 70.
Van Rensselaer Giddings, 79.
Merritt Beach, 79.
William Bostwick, 80.
Ethiel S. Green, 84.
Rev. J. B. Bonar, 79.
John P. Treadwell, 64.
Isaac B. Bristol, 84.
Anan Hine, 71.
Dr. James Hine, 80.
William H. Hine, 77.
Clark Hine, 84.
Eli Clark, 87.
Charles Sabin, 74.
Royal Buckingham, 81.
Samuel Randolph Hill, 62.
[Illustration: ALANSON N. CANFIELD
Born Oct. 6, 1807. The oldest resident of New Milford.]
Albert N. Baldwin, 80.
James H. McMahon, 68.
Henry Merwin, 77.
Robert Ferriss, 87.
Eleazer T. Brewer, 81.
Cyrus Northrop, 95.
Robert Irwin, 88.
Ezra Ferriss, 90.
Joel W. Northrop, 74.
And, living with us to-day, the only survivor of the older men, Mr.
Alanson Canfield,[8] who will be one hundred years old on the eighth day
of October, 1907.
TRAINING DAYS IN THE FORTIES AS TOLD BY AN “OLD BOY”
CONTRIBUTED BY FREDERIC KNAPP
“I like boys, the masters of the playground and of the street--boys, who
have the same liberal ticket of admission to all shops, factories,
armories, town-meetings, caucuses, mobs, target-shootings, as flies
have; quite unsuspected, coming in as naturally as the janitor--known to
have no money in their pockets, and themselves not suspecting the value
of this poverty; putting nobody on his guard, but seeing the inside of
the show--hearing all the asides. There are no secrets from them, they
know everything that befalls in the fire company, the merits of every
engine and every man at the brakes, and how to work it, and are swift to
try their hand at every part; so, too, the merits of every locomotive on
the rails, and will coax the engineer to let them ride with him and pull
the handles when it goes to the engine-house. They are there only for
fun, and not knowing that they are at school in the courthouse, or the
cattle show, quite as much and more than they were, an hour ago, in the
arithmetic class.”
Our Emerson was right: he knew boys. And at no place or time was the boy
let loose to see and do, quite equal to the training days in the
“Forties.” This was his day, when school didn’t count, when the
schoolma’am or master wasn’t in it, the day long anticipated. When the
morning broke he was no laggard, but the wise mother would not allow him
to skip or hurry his breakfast, for she knew that when the day was done
her laddie would be too fagged to eat. So, breakfast over, she ties the
ribbon in his broad turn-down collar, and the father gives him two
fippenny bits for all his own to spend as he pleases, and then they
launch him forth with a “good time” for a blessing.
At the hill’s foot he meets his comrades, and, further down, more Johns
and Jims and Sams and Bills, and then the fun begins. On the village
Green things begin to take on a warlike aspect and the boys catch on to
every movement and miss nothing; while the girls--pshaw! they ain’t in
it to-day--keep in yards or on church steps. The darkey boys, as happy
as any, begin to bring on the warlike steeds, which are praised or
jeered as appearances demand. Presently there is a drum-beat on the big
bass drum, and every boy scampers for the band, which consists of a
fifer, a snare-drummer, and Charles Ford to beat the big bass drum. And
he just could beat it like Sam Hill! I tell you, if the Britishers could
have heard those fellows play, they would have got right off from Bunker
Hill, you bet! Sure! they all admit. Now, at the upper part of “The
Green,” a soldier in uniform appears, and soon another. It’s nine
o’clock, and the first parade begins at ten. Soon they come in, in
squads, until “The Green” seems to be covered with the mounts, after
which the soldiers dismount and take things easy. Our boys are in and
out amongst the horses, scooting, howling, criticising, or jeering, when
an officer rides up and gives an order. This means business, and the
small boy “gits,” nor does he “stand upon the order of his going, but
goes at once,” and the soldiers hold the field. This is only preliminary
work, however, a shaking down of the files preparatory to the reception
of the Colonel and his staff in the afternoon. This over, the troops are
off duty.
The soldiers take their ease as they please, some on “The Green,” but
more over at the tavern, where the boys flock in amongst them, until the
“barkeep” shouts to them, “Get out; there’s too many of you!” It’s lunch
time, too, for the boys, who begin to mass around Aunty Thatcher’s
gingerbread stand feeling about their jackets for the small coin.
Whether they have any or not--it’s all the same. The boys are democratic
and divide, paying just like grown-ups for what they buy with the coin
of the realm. No line drawn to-day between the boy with money and the
boy without, nor is the color line apparent. This cuts no ice with our
boys. Here’s Dandy Lazarus, Fred Wilson (afterward sold into slavery),
Joe Bassett, and Phil Jacklin. Black or white, the boys never think, or
care; so long as the fippenny bits last, no boy goes hungry.
Then they stroll over and wash the gingerbread down with some of
Jennings’ ginger pop, happy as lords. Simple pleasures these; but, as
Josh Billings says, the boys then got more fun out of a quarter of a
dollar than do boys now out of a five-dollar bill. The bugle sounds, and
every boy is off, for now the Colonel takes command. This is the
“crowner” of the day which no boy will miss. The troop is again in line,
with sabres drawn to receive its Colonel. A shout from the boys, and
down the line comes Colonel Starr with his staff. Hurrah! ain’t it
great! It’s Napoleon, or Old Put, or Ethan Allen, or Lafayette over
again! The Colonel is received and takes command. The small boy holds
his breath, for now you’ll see how it’s done in battle. The Colonel
gives his orders; by fours, by eights, they wheel, they turn, they go
_en masse_--it’s wonderful how they do it! Golly gracious! At last they
return to place, salute their Colonel, clang their sabres back into the
scabbards, and are dismissed, and Training Day is over. Our lads return
to their homes to relate to the fathers and mothers the excitements and
perils of the day.
Well, my lads of the Forties, you had your fun; but, without knowing it,
you learned much more than the pleasures of the day. You learned
patriotism, you learned what it was to subject yourselves to obedience
for the common good; what team work was, to work together, shoulder to
shoulder, for the achievement of a common purpose. You learned
self-control and discipline, which stood you in good stead later, on the
real battlefield, and for which we, the living, honor you as you sleep
in God’s acre, on each Memorial Day. And you also learned, without
knowing it, what we older boys are slow to learn, that no man liveth to
himself or dieth to himself, but that self-sacrifice, the greatest good
to the greatest number, is the cornerstone of republics, the goal toward
which the whole world is moving.
Lads of the “Forties,” I sing the “Sabre Song” to your honor, and may
“_Qui transtulit sustinet_” be your sheet anchor and your motto!
[Illustration: [William J. Starr]]
REMARKABLE LONGEVITY OF NEW MILFORD CITIZENS
A PARTIAL LIST COMPILED FROM THE RECORDS BY MINOT S. GIDDINGS
Samuel Wheeler Smith, 83.
Eli Mygatt, Jr., 80.
Zephaniah Briggs, 101.
Nathan Gaylord, 81.
David Sterling, 81.
John Gaylord, 90.
Gideon Camp, 79.
Stephen Ferriss, 1st, 102.
Stephen Ferriss, 2d, 88.
Dea. Russell R. Pratt, 78.
Lewis Allen, 80.
Dr. George Taylor, 78.
Samuel Buel, 83.
Joseph Ferriss, 98.
Benjamin E. Bostwick, 83.
Henry Hoyt, 88.
Lyman Hine, 89.
Orrin B. Marsh, 94.
John B. Peck, 77.
Henry Camp, 78.
Wm. Albert Knapp, 86.
Jair Morehouse, 87.
Eli Gaylord, 76.
Jabez Morehouse, 79.
Amelia Gunn, 82.
Gracia Minerva Merwin, 78.
Sarah B. Allen, 80.
Henrietta Hine, 88.
Marcia L. Baldwin, 79.
David D. Northrop, 79.
James A. Giddings, 87.
Daniel Gaylord, 83.
Peter Gaylord, 95.
Peter Waller, 84.
David Marsh, 82.
William A. Lewis, 77.
Adolphus Hallock, 80.
Benjamin Buckingham, 84.
Seymour Buck, 81.
George A. Ferriss, 78.
George W. Mallory, 80.
Isaac Hine, 82.
Harvey Jennings, 78.
Daniel Marsh, 82.
William H. Fairchild, 81.
Northrop Dunning, 94.
Irwin B. Gaylord, 93.
Charles Lake, 83.
Benjamin Treat, 78.
Darius Williams, 88.
William Couch, 78.
Albert S. Hill, 85.
William Cummings, 78.
Eliza Leavitt, 86.
Hetty Mygatt, 82.
Janett Force, 82.
Polly Canfield, 88.
Thalia M. Nickerson, 80.
Chloe Nichols Turrill, 83.
Betsey Evitts, 88.
Betsey Sterling, 90.
Ann Brownson, 85.
Martha Bennett, 81.
Mary Ann Boardman, 80.
Eliza S. Knapp, 87.
Mabel Baldwin, 87.
Lucia Tomlinson, 93.
Eliza Roberts, 84.
Betsey Sterling, 90.
Martha Gaylord, 88.
Lucy F. Lathrop, 79.
Marinda Ruby, 81.
Jerusha Sanford, 97.
Catharine Lewis, 82.
Lamira D. Clark, 88.
Mercy Canfield, 94.
Emily Weaver, 81.
Loretta Geer, 85.
Helen C. Marsh, 80.
Charlotte Evans, 87.
Harriet Smith, 80.
Armida Giddings, 96.
Cornelia A. Morehouse, 82.
Salome Williams, 88.
Anna Walker, 91.
Martha E. Dewey, 81.
Susan Buckingham, 78.
Harriet Hoyt Addis, 86.
Elizabeth M. Northrop, 76.
Adeline Buckingham, 76.
Elizabeth S. Hine, 85.
A. Maria Garlic, 84.
Julia A. Garlic, 80.
Lucy L. Crofut, 78.
Helen M. Giddings, 75.
Polly Bull, 94.
Anna Sheldon, 86.
Urania Marsh, 82.
Elizabeth Morehouse, 92.
Marthat Mygatt, 87.
Laura M. Hallock, 87.
Jerusha Roberts, 91.
Marthat D. Mygatt, 90.
Marietta Bryan, 89.
Elizabeth Monihan, 92.
Elizabeth C. Miner, 78.
Phœbe R. Stillson, 89.
Electa Thayer, 92.
Sara A. Sabin, 88.
Rebecca Buck, 97.
Emily Bostwick, 97.
Eliza Bristol, 99.
Polly M. Bishop, 90.
Lois C. Fairchild, 80.
Abigail D. Sturges, 90.
Jane Jennings, 82.
Mary A. Haviland, 85.
Emeline C. Morrison, 85.
Phœbe Briggs, 101.
Sarah Ann Canfield, 80.
Elizabeth Briggs, 85.
Betsey Baldwin, 75.
Fannie C. Warner, 78.
Mary M. Hine, 83.
Lucy Morgan, 79.
Mary A. Treat, 82.
Mary C. Wooster, 76.
Julia Brewer, 84.
Henrietta Nobel, 85.
Hannah Lake, 79.
Esther H. Wheeler, 83.
Laura M. Baldwin.
Maria Green, 84.
Nancy Newton, 83.
Eveline G. Marsh, 83.
Maria Marsh, 78.
Irene Hoyt, 82.
Betsey Platt, 77.
Minerva Franklin, 81.
Elsie Hoyt, 81.
Lucia H. Noble, 78.
Rebecca A. Phelps, 84.
Elsie O. Nickerson, 79.
Sally Northrop, 101.
Abigail Camp, 81.
Susan Merwin, 79.
Sophia McMahon, 89.
Mary Stephens Brewer, 81.
Mary Olcott, 82.
Sarah Kellogg, 77.
Laura L. Camp, 76.
Maria Gaylord, 83.
Caroline Erwin, 88.
Electa Morehouse, 84.
Eliza Roberts Knapp, 77.
ACTIVITIES OF NEW MILFORD IN LATER YEARS
CONTRIBUTED BY MINOT S. GIDDINGS[9]
The town of New Milford originally was of much larger extent than it is
at present. It contributed New Preston Society, on the northeast, to the
town of Washington; Newbury Society, on the south, to the town of
Brookfield; and “The Neck” (Bridgewater Society), in 1856, to form the
town of Bridgewater. Notwithstanding this depletion, it is still one of
the largest towns, territorially, in the State.
It is well watered and fertilized by the Housatonic River through the
whole length of the town; by the Aspetuck River, East and West branches,
from the north; by Still River and Rocky River from the south and west;
and by other streams.
The hills and vales of its rolling landscape present to the eye a
spectacle which equals, in some respects, the much-lauded scenery of the
Old World.
The growth of the town has been slow but steady. Agriculture is the
chief industry. The fertility of the soil and its adaptability to
grazing purposes make the production of milk and butter profitable.
There is a large creamery near the railroad in the south part of the
village, where farmers of the surrounding country bring their milk,
which is sent to the large cities. There is also a creamery at
Gaylordsville, and there are two private establishments in the village
to supply the local wants of the people.
Raising tobacco and preparing it for market are among the principal
occupations of the inhabitants, the Housatonic Valley being celebrated
for the fine quality and abundant growth of this plant.
[Illustration: NEW MILFORD HAT COMPANY]
Vincent B. Sterling, who has been engaged with one of the large tobacco
firms for many years, and is familiar with the tobacco business, has
contributed the following regarding it:
“Like most great enterprises, the raising of tobacco in New Milford
started from small beginnings. About the year 1848, the first tobacco in
New Milford was raised by George McMahon, who was soon followed by
Seeley Richmond and Elijah Hall. These three men were without doubt the
pioneers of the tobacco-raising in the Housatonic Valley.
“From that time it has been cultivated with more or less success, until,
to-day, it is the leading crop of the farmers of this and surrounding
towns. The amount grown at present is about one thousand three hundred
acres annually. The variety was Broad Leaf, up to 1883; since then, it
has been almost exclusively Havana Seed.
“Probably the amount invested in tobacco in the early fifties did not
exceed five thousand dollars per annum, while, at the present time, at
least five hundred thousand dollars is used annually buying and packing
it. No crop grown by the farmer requires such constant attention. From
the sowing in April, through the transplantation in June, until the
matured plant is harvested and placed in the curing sheds in August and
September the greatest care must be exercised. ‘Eternal vigilance’ is
the price of success, and a sharp hailstorm of a few minutes’ duration
may destroy the results of the summer’s labor. During the early fall the
plants are taken from the poles, the leaves are stripped from the stalks
and packed in bundles, and the tobacco is then ready for the buyer.
“It is probable that tobacco was first assorted and packed in New
Milford in 1848 by George McMahon, who was followed, a few years later,
by Perry Hall. These men were the first packers in the Housatonic
Valley. Space will not permit mention of the parties who have been
engaged in the business since that time. At present, it is one of the
leading industries of the town. There are twelve tobacco warehouses,
employing through the packing season in the neighborhood of four hundred
men.
“Most of the capital needed to pack the tobacco is furnished by the
large tobacco jobbing firms of New York and Chicago, who employ local
men as buyers and packers.
“The crop as a whole is an important source of wealth to the farmers, as
is evidenced by the many thrifty and beautiful homes of the successful
tobacco growers scattered over the hills and valleys of New Milford.”
There are some notable manufacturing industries in this town.
The manufacture of wool hats here dates back nearly a century. Glover
Sanford began making them in 1823, on a small scale, in Bridgewater
Society. The business steadily increased and was carried on by himself
and brothers till 1870, when the firm removed to Bridgeport, Conn.
Smith & Erwin opened a hat factory in Bridgewater in 1834, and removed
to this village in 1855, occupying the long building now used as a store
by the firm of Ackley, Hatch & Marsh.
Isaac Reynolds began hat manufacturing in Bridgewater in 1847,
afterwards removing to Lanesville. Joseph Sanford, Lyman B. Stone, and
Francis Callahan engaged in the business at different times. A company
was organized there in 1853 under the name of the Union Manufacturing
Company.
The modern hatting industry was established in this village in 1885.
Some of the leading citizens donated to the firm of Bates & Green a
piece of land on West Street Extension, where a building was erected,
and the making of hats of fur was carried on in a moderate way until
1898, when a fire destroyed the plant. It was not rebuilt, but the
business was reorganized as the New Milford Hat Company, which purchased
a tract of land a short distance north of the village, near the mouth of
the Aspetuck River, and erected there a large plant with modern
improvements. The officers of the company are: Andrew G. Barnes,
president; Seymour S. Green, secretary and treasurer, and William G.
Green, superintendent. Under their able management the enterprise has
been very successful. In 1906 the amount of business done was five
hundred thousand dollars; the pay-roll amounted to one hundred and
eighty-five thousand dollars, and there were two hundred and fifty
employees.
[Illustration: HONORABLE ISAAC BALDWIN BRISTOL
President of First National Bank, 1902-1905, and of New Milford Savings
Bank at time of his death]
Merritt W. Hill and E. W. Hanke formed a partnership and began making
hats, about 1890, in the Randolph Hill mill building on Mill Street. At
the end of two or three years they removed to the upper part of Maltby
Leach’s flour and feed store on Railroad Street, where they were
incorporated as a stock company in 1894. This company was dissolved in a
few years. Mr. Hill now has a jewelry store on Bank Street. Mr. Hanke
went to Bridgeport, Conn., and is doing a flourishing hat business
there.
The manufacturing of buttons from vegetable ivory was begun here in 1866
by Henry S. and Walter B. Bostwick, under the firm name of Bostwick
Brothers. The ivory nuts were at that time brought to this country as
ballast to ships and sold at a small price, so that the making of
buttons from them was quite profitable. Bostwick Brothers erected a
building on Railroad Street and carried on the business with great
success till 1884, when the plant was damaged by fire. Soon after the
firm dissolved. Walter B. Bostwick went to Bridgeport, Conn., where he
engaged in business, became prominent and was elected mayor.
Buttons were made at the old hat shop, corner of Bridge and Railroad
streets, for several years by Isaac B. Bristol, Robert H. Isbell,
William Schoverling, Rufus Leavitt, and perhaps others. About 1878 the
Noble Brothers purchased the business and carried it on for a few years.
After that, various mechanical inventions were developed there. A few
years ago, the building passed to the firm of Ackley, Hatch & Marsh, and
is now used for a general store.
A button shop was erected in 1884 on West Street Extension, in which
buttons were manufactured by William Schoverling, George W. Anthony, and
David E. Soule till 1889, when it was burned to the ground. This put an
end substantially to button making in the town, the cost of raw material
having increased so much that it became unprofitable.
Making lounges was begun in a small way many years ago by De Watt
Pepper. From this slight beginning, the business increased until it
became necessary to establish a large plant to meet the growing demands
of the trade. The Eastern Lounge Company was first housed in William
Schoverling’s brick building on Railroad Street, occupying, in addition
to that, the old hat building on the corner of Bridge Street. In 1895
the business was removed to the commodious plant built by William
Schoverling, on the site of the West Street Extension button factory,
where it has been large and flourishing. The company is composed of De
Watt Pepper, president, Mrs. William Schoverling, vice-president, and
William P. Landon, secretary and treasurer.
Roswell and Sheldon Northrop began in 1832 the manufacture of machinery
in a building, in Maryland District, near where the trout pond of Turney
Soule now is, using the waterpower to carry on their business. In a few
years they removed to the brook south, and erected a foundry and machine
shop, enlarging the business and admitting a younger brother, David, to
the firm. They made castings to order, cast-iron fences, and various
kinds of machinery. Changes in the firm occurred from time to time, but
it always continued in the Northrop family. In 1887 Jasper A. Northrop
removed the business to this village on West Street Extension, erecting
a foundry and machine shop. He invented and began making a heater for
warming houses, which he named the “Unique.” This heater is made for
both water and steam, and is sold extensively in this region.
Paper making from straw and rags has been carried on in this town for
many years. Albert S. Hill and Edward Barton erected a paper mill in
1852, about a mile above Northville, on East Aspetuck River, where they
made straw-board paper for hat and dry goods boxes. This business was
continued until within a short time. The site had been used for a
saw-mill more than seventy years before the paper mill was erected.
Just below this mill, on the river, was a grist mill, which was
purchased in 1862 by William W. Wells and his brother Edwin S. They
ground flour and feed there many years, and also constructed a saw-mill.
This property has been used as a mill site for more than one hundred and
twenty-five years.
Justus Miles came from Milford in 1742 and purchased the farm in Park
Lane where the old house known as “Miles’
[Illustration: UNITED BANK BUILDING]
Tavern” still stands, and where, from an ancient sycamore, still hangs
the old iron crane which bore the tavern sign a hundred years or more
ago. He built the works known as the “Miles’ Grist Mill” in 1748 “by the
north end of Henry Garlick’s home lot” on East Aspetuck River.
Manufacturing of some kind has been carried on there ever since, paper
having been made there for the last fifty years. A company organized as
the “New Milford Paper Company” recently purchased the property, and is
preparing to do a large business in making cardboard and paper.
The Merryall Plough Foundry was established soon after 1800 by Elijah
Hall. He made castings for ploughs and invented the “Hall Plough,” which
was very popular among farmers for many years. Mr. Hall was the first
man in the State to use bituminous coal for forge work.
In 1768 Angus Nicholson purchased land on West Aspetuck River, and, some
time after, built what was known for a long time as Nicholson’s Iron
Works. He erected a square marble stone, which is now standing, on the
corner of the road a short distance above Wellsville, with the following
inscription: “To Wm. Nicholson’s Ironworks, 2 miles from New Milford, 85
miles from N. York, 1788.” On the east side of the stone, the words, “To
Kent,” are inscribed, with an index hand pointing northward.
The manufacture of wool and linen into cloth was begun in the town at an
early date. Mills for that purpose were erected on various water
courses. Such a business was carried on near the mouth of Rocky River.
About 1820 William Roberts erected cloth works at Gaylordsville. A dam
across the river was constructed in the early part of last century, and
a saw-mill put into operation on the west side by Homer Gaylord, and on
the east side a grist-mill, by Peter Gaylord.
George Wells and brother established cloth works at Wellsville, where
they manufactured cloths quite extensively from wool and from wool mixed
with cotton. The plant burned down eventually, and was not rebuilt. The
property subsequently passed into the hands of Chauncey B. Marsh, who
erected a saw-mill and machine shop, which he carries on at the present
time. Mr. Marsh is also engaged in large operations in wood and lumber.
As many of the hills about New Milford are of lime rock formation, the
stone has been mined and burned for lime since an early date; but this
business has been somewhat neglected in recent years. In 1893 Charles E.
Griffin leased or purchased of Marshall Marsh a tract of land near
Boardman’s Bridge, much of which was composed of lime rock. There he
erected buildings and lime kilns, quarrying and burning lime
successfully until 1897, when a fire destroyed the property. It was soon
rebuilt and carried on until 1902, at which time the plant became
incorporated in the New England Lime Company. Under that name, the
business has greatly increased, and a large quantity of excellent lime
is produced.
The mill site at Little Falls, about one mile below the village, has
from early times been used as a grist mill. It was first known as
Ruggles’ Mill, then, for fifty years, as Stillson’s Mill, and, after
that, as Giddings’ Mill. The structure is substantially built of stone.
In 1884, William D. Black joined with Levi P. Giddings in establishing
an electric light plant there. Lewis F. Curtis joined the firm a few
years later. The New Milford Electric Light Company was incorporated in
1893 by Lewis F. Curtis, Mrs. William D. Black, and Levi P. Giddings. A
new dam of stone and concrete has been recently constructed across the
river, which furnishes abundant water power. This company furnishes
electricity for lighting the streets and public and private houses in
the village. A few years ago, an acetylene gas plant was established,
which is used to a limited extent.
For many years a company bought land and “rights” to use land on the
Housatonic River from Falls Village southward as far as Newtown. The
late Hon. Nicholas Staub was very active in this project. In 1898 a
company was incorporated as the New Milford Power Company. This company
built a high dam at Bull’s Bridge and constructed a canal for about a
mile down the river. At the lower end of the canal, on the border of
this town, they built a power-house and established on the river
electric machinery about one hundred and
[Illustration: MANUFACTURING PLANT OF THE BRIDGEPORT WOOD FINISHING
COMPANY]
ten feet below the level of the canal. Water is conveyed down this steep
declivity to the wheels through a huge cylinder thirteen feet in
diameter. The electricity generated here is carried on wires to
Waterbury, Bristol, and other cities, and moves the trolley systems of
those places.
A company was formed in 1888 for the purpose of making pottery.
Buildings were erected a short distance east of Giddings’ Mill, which
received their power from the mill by means of a long wire cable
connected with a water-wheel. Quite a large business was carried on for
a few years; then the plant passed into other hands for other purposes.
George B. Calhoun contributes the following concerning one of the large
industries of the town, the Bridgeport Wood Finishing Company:
“This company was incorporated in Bridgeport, Conn., on October 7, 1876,
with a silex manufacturing plant at Fort Ann, N. Y. In 1881 the company
removed to its present location at Still River, and erected there a
large silex, filler and paint, and japan and varnish plant. The
principal portion of this plant was destroyed by fire in February, 1902,
and was rebuilt with better facilities for meeting its business
requirements. The products of the company are ground silex and feldspar,
Wheeler’s Patent Wood Filler, Breinig’s Lithogen Silicate Paint,
Breinig’s Water and Oil Stains, Japans, Varnishes, etc. The business of
the company has steadily increased in volume from year to year, and its
products now have a world-wide reputation, so that, at the present time,
agencies have been established in all the principal cities of the United
States and Canada, as well as in Porto Rico, South America, and the
principal European cities. With an auxiliary silex manufacturing plant
at Branchville, Conn., and branch offices and warehouses in New York
City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Chicago, the company is well equipped to
care for its largely increasing interests at home and abroad. The
officers of the company are: David E. Breinig, president and general
manager; Edward E. Porter, vice-president; George B. Calhoun, secretary;
Henry S. Mygatt, treasurer.”
The cause of education has always received the earnest attention of the
citizens of New Milford, and the little brown schoolhouses, planted a
few miles apart, in which the boys and girls received all their book
learning, were landmarks in the New England colonies, as are to-day the
more pretentious structures which have supplanted them. In the early
days, the Bible was read every morning at the opening of school and
religious instruction was given; it was also thought proper to invoke
the blessing of the Great Ruler of the Universe.
New Milford was divided into twenty school districts, the schools of
which taught the elementary branches. In later years, as the population
increased and a greater desire for knowledge was manifested, private and
select schools and academies were founded in different parts of the
town; at Gaylordsville, at Northville, and in this village.
The most noted school, established in the early part of the last half
century, was the Housatonic Institute, which was carried on many years
by Benjamin J. Stone and Mary A., his wife. It was situated on the site
now occupied by Memorial Hall. This school was known far and wide and
received pupils from the surrounding towns. Many of the older people of
the town received their education there.
A famous school for boys was the Adelphi Institute, which removed from
Cornwall, Conn., to this town in 1860. Ambrose S. Rogers put up fine
buildings on the sightly hillside southeast of the village, and
conducted for many years an educational institution which took the form
of a military school during the Civil War.
The Center School is graded. Its several departments range from the
kindergarten to the high school, which last prepares students for
college. It is estimated that there are about one thousand one hundred
children in the town between the ages of four and sixteen years.
The first kindergarten school in the town was opened in 1873 by Mrs.
Andrew Bristol, assisted by Miss Mary C. Wells. Miss Wells succeeded
Mrs. Bristol in 1878, and removed the school to her own home on Elm
Street. It is called “Sunny Nook.” She prepared herself for teaching at
the New York Normal Ingleside School was established in 1892 by Mrs.
William D. Black, a daughter of Hon. David C. Sanford and a native of
New Milford.
It is a school for girls and has been patronized by prominent families
in most of the states.
The literary standard is high. The best specialists are employed as
teachers and the regular course exceeds the college entrance
requirements. It is especially a finishing school and its Post-Graduate
Department gives unusual opportunities for specializing in music, art,
literature, languages, etc. Physical training is a popular feature. The
number of pupils is limited to one hundred.
[Illustration: POST-GRADUATE DEPARTMENT]
[Illustration: INGLESIDE BUNGALOW]
[Illustration: FOUNDATION HOUSE
VIEWS OF INGLESIDE SCHOOL]
Kindergarten, at which she graduated in 1878. Miss Wells conducts her
school with great success.
The Ingleside School for girls, which was established by Mrs. William D.
Black, in 1892, and is the pride of the town, is described in another
place.
There are six churches in the village--the First[10] Congregational, the
parent church; St. John’s (Episcopal); the Methodist Episcopal; St.
Francis Xavier (Roman Catholic); All Saints’ Memorial (Episcopal); and
the Advent Christian. There is a Baptist church at Northville, a
Methodist Episcopal church at Gaylordsville, and the old Quaker
Meeting-house at Lanesville. Boardman and Merryall have each a chapel,
in which Sunday schools and religious meetings are held weekly. A
Sabbath school is conducted in Chestnut Land District.
The Memorial Hall and Library was erected in 1897 as a memorial to the
soldiers and sailors of New Milford. Egbert Marsh contributed ten
thousand dollars toward the building and gave part of the lot. He also
gave the fund for supplying books to the library. Individuals
contributed the balance of the cost of this memorial. The upper story is
the headquarters of Upton Post, Grand Army of the Republic, which was
organized December 20, 1882, with twenty-six charter members.
The first newspaper in this village was the _New Milford Republican_,
established in 1845, by J. K. Averill, who carried it on for a year,
then removed to Litchfield, Conn.
Messrs. Bailey and Donavan of Danbury, publishers of the _Danbury News_,
began, in 1872, to publish the _New Milford Journal_, which was soon
after sold to J. R. Johnson, and, later, to Marcus L. Delevan, who
changed its name to the _Housatonic Ray_. The _Gazette_ was started by
Gee and Hale in 1877, and passed shortly after into the hands of Robert
Erwin. Joshua A. Bolles and Franklyn Henry Giddings of Great Barrington,
Mass., purchased the _Ray_ in 1882 and, a little later, the _Gazette_,
and merged the two papers into the _New Milford Gazette_. Mr. Giddings
soon withdrew from the paper, not finding sufficient scope probably as
an editor of a country newspaper for his great ability. He has since
attained world-wide fame as Professor of Sociology at Columbia
University, having written several works on sociology and kindred
subjects, some of which have been translated into many languages. Mr.
Bolles continued to conduct the _Gazette_ with much ability till he was
stricken with a disease which suddenly caused his death, to the sorrow
of the whole community. The paper then passed into the hands of Philip
Wells, the present proprietor.
New Milford has had a brass band most of the time during the last half
century. The original band was organized in 1855 by Earl Buckingham, who
was its first leader. At the breaking out of the Civil War, the band
engaged with the Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry. It was discharged by Act
of Congress after having served about eleven months. In 1872, a
reorganization was effected, with Winfred Soule as leader. Under
different leaders, the band has continued, with occasional lapses, to
the present time.
Roger Sherman Hall was built in 1875, at a cost of nearly fifty thousand
dollars. It is of brick, and has a large hall on the second floor; a
courtroom, probate, town offices, and a law library on the first floor;
and a town courtroom and “lockup” in the basement. It stands on the site
of William Sherman’s store, where Roger Sherman had his shoe shop. On
the twenty-sixth of October, 1897, a bronze tablet to the memory of
Roger Sherman, which had been placed on the north side of the front
entrance of the building, was unveiled in the presence of a large
company. The tablet was the gift of the Roger Sherman Chapter, Daughters
of the American Revolution, organized May 15, 1893. Mrs. Sara T. Kinney,
State Regent, D. A. R.; Senator George F. Hoar, a nephew of Roger
Sherman; Senator Joseph R. Hawley; and Henry S. Sanford made addresses.
The first bank was started here in 1852 with one hundred thousand
dollars capital, under the name of the Litchfield County Bank. It
occupied a small brick building near the Boardman residence on Main
Street. Frederick G. Chittenden was president. The first cashier was A.
McAllister of Bridgeport, Conn. George W. Whittlesey succeeded Mr.
McAllister
[Illustration: ANDREW B. MYGATT
Born 1820, died 1901]
as cashier, and Eli Mygatt and Henry W. Booth were successively
presidents. In 1865 it was changed to a national bank and called the
First National Bank of New Milford. The presidents were successively
Daniel Marsh, Henry W. Booth, Andrew B. Mygatt, Isaac B. Bristol, and
Henry S. Mygatt; the cashiers, John J. Conklin, Henry Ives, Henry S.
Mygatt, and Everett J. Sturges. The present officers are: Henry S.
Mygatt, president; Seymour S. Green, vice-president; and Everett J.
Sturges, cashier. The clerks are Robert E. Murphy, Roland F. Mygatt, and
Ray W. Leach.
The New Milford Savings Bank was organized in 1858. Eli Mygatt was
president, Silas Erwin vice-president, and John S. Turrill secretary and
treasurer. Mr. Turrill was succeeded by Charles Randall, who was
succeeded, in turn, by his son, H. LeRoy Randall, the present incumbent.
The present officers are: Turney Soule, president; Seymour S. Green,
vice-president; H. LeRoy Randall, treasurer; Edwin J. Emmons, assistant
treasurer. When Dr. James Hine was president, a fine building for the
bank was built on Bank Street, which was destroyed in the great fire. On
completion of the new United Bank Building, the bank was installed
there.
The Agricultural Society of New Milford was formed in 1858, and, since
that time, has held fairs and cattle shows each year--with a few
exceptions. It now occupies a fine site at Conetia Park.
The New Milford Water Company was chartered in 1873, and organized with
a board of directors. Charles H. Booth was chosen president, Charles H.
Noble, secretary and treasurer, and Henry O. Warner, superintendent. A
reservoir was located on the hill about one mile and a quarter northeast
of the village, near the source of Cross Brook, which is fed by springs
of pure water. Three other reservoirs have since been built of such
capacity that the supply of water is ample for the public and private
uses of the village. The present officers of the company are: Albert H.
McMahon, president; Verton P. Staub, superintendent; and Harry S.
Sanford, secretary and treasurer.
The first fire company, organized in 1830, was disbanded in 1863, and
succeeded by the Water Witch Engine Company No. 2. This company was
succeeded, in its turn, in 1876, by the Water Witch Hose Company, No. 2,
which now occupies a commodious building on Church Street.
New Milford has had several ruinous fires in its history. A fire swept
through Bank Street in 1860, and another, a few years later; but the
most destructive conflagration occurred on May 5, 1902, when the village
was startled by the ringing of bells, the tooting of steam whistles, and
the cry of “Fire!” Smoke and flames were seen issuing from the stables
back of the New Milford House. The hose company hastening to the scene
put forth great efforts, and for a time seemed to have obtained control;
but the flames spread in all directions, to the alarm of the
inhabitants, who were removing their goods to supposed places of
security. The solid block on Bank Street was soon in flames. Then, in
spite of the strenuous exertions of the firemen, the fire leaped across
the street to the north side and ignited the roofs of brick buildings
where merchandise had been placed for safety. The neighboring city of
Danbury sent a gallant band of firemen with one of their best engines,
with which they labored with great zeal to subdue the flames. With the
aid of our own brave boys, this was finally accomplished, but not until
the whole block and both sides of Bank Street were smoking ruins. Three
hotels, two bank buildings, the Post Office building, and the largest
mercantile establishments in the town, with their contents, were
destroyed. The only building in the whole square that was saved intact
was the fine mansion on the southeast corner of Main and Bridge streets,
the residence of State Bank Commissioner Charles H. Noble and his
brother, Town Clerk Russell B. Noble--worthy descendants of the pioneer
settler of the town.
Did the brave merchants and men of affairs, who could do nothing while
they saw their property go up in smoke, sit down in despair? Not they!
They cleared away the rubbish before it was cold. They worked with a
will to bring order out of chaos. They erected on “The Green” cheap
wooden buildings, in which they gathered the remnants of their goods;
and
[Illustration: _Photograph by C. D. Hine, May 7, 1902_
NEW MILFORD AFTER THE FIRE]
soon the beautiful square looked like a mushroom city in some mining
district of the West. They named it “Shanty Town,” and for several
months business was transacted there.
After the fire, streets were improved, and the system of drainage was
extended. Stores were enlarged--some to double their former size--their
business increased, and in less than two years no trace of the terrible
catastrophe was visible.
The town was rebuilt of brick, iron, and stone, more beautiful and
substantial than before. The three hotels, which had been of wood, were
replaced by much larger buildings of brick. On the site of that famous
hostelry, the New England Hotel, now stands the magnificent United Bank
Building, one of the best equipped banking establishments in Western
Connecticut. The National Bank occupies one side, and the Savings Bank
the other side of this structure, while in the second story are
handsome, commodious offices.
The railroad station was partly burned, but was soon renovated, and at
that point in the town great changes are now in progress. A new freight
depot is being erected and more tracks are being laid. In the near
future, a new passenger station is to be built, and other improvements
will be made.
The population of the town is increasing, being estimated at the present
time as fifty-five hundred inhabitants. A Board of Trade was organized
many years ago. A commercial club now occupies the fine rooms over the
new Post Office. The Town Court was established in 1901, and Postmaster
George H. Jackson was appointed the first judge. J. Edwin Hungerford
succeeded him, and J. Butler Merwin is the present incumbent. The wooden
bridges that spanned the Housatonic, and were at times swept away by
floods, have given place to graceful iron structures, which are above
the reach of high water. The town possesses an excellent telephone
system. The facilities for supplying all the needs of the inhabitants
are adequate. In a word, to quote Newell Calhoun, “Wealth, learning, and
religion have their abiding places here, and have helped to make this
village the resting place of the weary, and the working place of the
industrious.”
THE STORY OF NEW MILFORD TOLD IN CHRONOLOGICAL EPITOME
CONTRIBUTED BY RUSSELL B. NOBLE AND MINOT S. GIDDINGS
1702. Indian Deed to the Proprietors of New Milford was given, signed by
fourteen Indians. Consideration, Sixty pounds current money of the
Colony of Connecticut, and twenty pounds in goods.
There were 109 proprietors who owned Rights.
The Committee were Robert Treat, Sen., Thomas Clarke, Sen., George
Clarke, Joseph Treat, Joseph Peck, Jonathan Baldwin.
New Milford was called a Plantation till 1712.
1703. The Legislative title called the “Patent” was granted by the Grand
Court to New Milford.
1706. Zachariah Ferriss came to New Milford and plowed a piece of land
near Roger Sherman Hall--the first work done by a white man here.
1707. The names of the three earliest settlers of New Milford are: John
Noble from Westfield, Mass., John Bostwick, from Stratford, Ct., John
Noble, Jr., from Westfield, Mass.
1708. Daniel Bostwick was born; the first male child born in New
Milford.
Dea. Samuel Brownson, Farmington, Ct., Major John Bostwick, Jr.,
Stratford, Ct., and Zachariah Ferriss, Stratford, Ct., settled in New
Milford.
1709 or 1710. Roger Brownson, Farmington, Ct.; John Weller, Springfield,
Mass, and Thomas Weller, Westfield, Mass., settled in New Milford.
1710. Sarah Ferriss was born; the first female child born in New
Milford.
1711. Benjamin Bostwick, Stratford, Ct.; Isaiah Bartlet, and Samuel
Prindle, Milford, Ct., settled in New Milford.
1712. The General Assembly of Conn. granted the powers and privileges of
a Township.
1712 and 1713. Samuel Beebe and John Weller were chosen grand jury and
sworn.
Benoni Stebbins and Stephen Noble were chosen haywards, or
field-drivers.
William Gaylord was chosen inspector and brander, and sworn.
John Bostwick, Sen., was chosen Collector.
Voted: that the inhabitants should pay Six pounds, fifteen shillings
towards the minister’s board, Zachariah Ferriss, Jr., holder, Samuel
Brownson, town treasurer.
1713. Ensign Wm. Gaylord came to New Milford, residing on the lot
subsequently owned by Rev. Nathaniel Taylor.
The town voted to lay out a pastor’s lot and dig and stone up a well for
Mr. Boardman, if he became the settled minister.
Voted: to grant a twenty-four shilling lot to Mr. Daniel Boardman, a
preacher of the Gospel at the said place, to his heirs and assigns
forever, upon a condition that he shall become their settled minister of
the place, and continue so for the space of twenty years, or during his
natural life and ability so to be.
Voted: that a dwelling house, forty feet in length and twenty-one in
breadth and two stories high, and fourteen feet between joints, be
forthwith built upon the land at New Milford, proposed to be granted to
Mr. Boardman.
John Noble was chosen the first Town Clerk. Zachariah Ferriss, Samuel
Brownson, and Samuel Hitchcock were chosen Selectmen. John Bostwick was
chosen constable and sworn. Zachariah Ferriss, surveyor. John Noble,
Sen., and John Bostwick, Jr., were chosen collectors to join with Mr.
Jonathan Law to collect 12 shilling tax for the year.
1714. Main Street, Bridge Street, Elm Street and Bennitt Street laid
out.
Voted: that there shall be five shillings and sixpence allowed by the
week for the minister’s board for the time to come.
Voted: that there shall be six shillings cash allowed by the town to
David Noble, in case he beat the drum the year coming upon all public
meetings.
John Noble died Aug. 17. He was the first adult to be buried in the
graveyard.
1715. In view of the need of a grist mill in the town, the proprietors,
in a meeting held at Milford, Feb. 24, 1715, made this arrangement.
Voted: that Ens. Samuel Clark, Sergt. Samuel Beard, and Samuel Brownson,
are chosen a committee to agree with some person to build a mill on some
part of Still river or elsewhere at his own charge.
1716. John Griswold came from Wethersfield and built a mill at what is
now Lanesville.
The “First Church of Christ” was organized by Council on the day of the
ordination of Mr. Boardman, and his call and acceptance of the ministry.
Religious meetings were held in the house built by Mr. John Reed until a
new meeting house was built.
The burying place laid out--Center Cemetery.
1718. Highway laid out from Danbury road to Mill at Lanesville.
Highway laid out across Indian Field from river on west side.
Highway laid out from Park Lane eastward.
1719. Highway from Main Street to Great Falls on east side river laid
out 30 rods wide.
1722. June 12th, the New Milford North Purchase was made. It was taken
from Waramaug’s reserve.
The first highway on west side of river to New Fairfield line through
Gaylordsville laid out.
Highway laid out on west side of Great River from Rocky River by marked
trees to Winnisink Brook.
Highway laid out northward.
1723. Ensign Wm. Gaylord went to Gaylordsville and built a log cabin.
1724-5. Capt. John Warner was the first settler at the “South Farm”
(lower part of New Milford).
1728. Ensign Wm. Gaylord erected a frame house which is still standing.
The first Grand List made in New Milford.
1730. John Noble, 2d, one of the first three settlers in New Milford,
sold his house and lot in the village Nov. 6, to William Gillett of
Milford, and soon after settled at Gallows Hill, New Milford plains, and
resided there during his life. He was the first permanent settler below
Gallows Hill.
1733. Capt. Joseph Ruggles was the third or fourth settler at the Iron
Works (Brookfield).
1734. A burying place laid out in South Farms, New Milford, called
Gallows Hill, lying on the country road to Danbury.
1736. “Capt. Stephen Noble, Dea. John Bostwick, Samuel Canfield, Sergt.
Nathaniel Bostwick, and Joseph Ferriss were chosen a committee to order
all the prudentials in building a bridge over the Great River in said
New Milford at the place the town hath agreed upon, &c.”
This was a free bridge and was partly carried away by the floods in
about three years, when a toll bridge was erected in its place.
Rev. Daniel Boardman was granted the privileges of the bridge free of
cost.
1737. The Great Bridge across the Housatonic river was built in
1737--the first to be built from its source to its mouth.
1741. The first Quaker Meeting House built in or about this year, on
Danbury road west side of river, nearly opposite Little Falls.
1743. Roger Sherman came to New Milford from Newton, Mass.
Feb. 6. “Voted: that Mr. Roger Sherman shall pass and repass over the
bridge and his family; he paying ten shillings.”
December. “Voted: that the Indian natives shall pass and repass over the
bridge toll-free.”
December. “Voted: that all persons that shall pass or repass on the
Sabbath or Lord’s Day between sunrise and sunset, in order to attend the
public Worship of God in a lawful congregation in New Milford, shall
pass free from payment over the great bridge in said town for the coming
year.”
1744. Until 1744 there was but one military company in the Town. The
officers were as follows: Capt. Stephen Noble (served 20 years), Lieut.
John Bostwick, Ensign Wm. Gaylord, Capt. Theophilus Baldwin, Lieut.
Joseph Bostwick, Ensign Samuel Canfield.
1746. The first Episcopal Church was established in New Milford about
this time.
1746. Roger Sherman settled with his brother William on the west side of
Winnisink brook, the place called New Dilloway.
1754. Rev. Solomon Palmer, the first resident Episcopal clergyman, came
to New Milford.
Voted: “that the meeting-house ---- shall be erected in the town street,
east from Joseph Northrop’s dwelling house and west from Samuel
Comstock’s well, where there is a heap of stones erected.”
Voted: “that the inhabitants of this Society will raise the
meeting-house by free will offering.”
Voted: “that the committee shall provide what liquors they shall think
necessary to be used at the raising of the meeting-house at the cost of
the Society.”
The second Congregational meeting-house was built.
The Newbury Society was incorporated.
1755. The bridge was carried away by flood, and a new bridge built by
the taxpayers of the town, and the Assembly granted the privilege of
taking toll of all persons except taxpayers.
Ezekiel Payne settled on the east side of the Housatonic, at Gaylords
Ville.
Lazarus Ruggles settled at Lanesville and erected the Iron Works.
1756. “Voted: that the old meeting-house which belongs to this Society
shall be disposed of as follows, viz.: three-quarters of the body seats
and two pews shall be given to the Church of England, and the remainder
of the body seats to the Quakers in this Society, and the pulpit to
those of Newbury (Brookfield),
[Illustration: CAPTAIN GARRY BROOKS
Grandson of Rev. Thomas Brooks, first pastor at Brookfield, Connecticut,
and the oldest living person born in New Milford]
and the gallery seats to those of New Preston Society which belong to
New Milford, and the remainder to be disposed of and the avails of it
improved toward the new meeting-house in this Society.”
1757. Mary Roberts gave her negro slave, Dan, his freedom upon his
paying her £3, 2s. 5d. annually during his life.
The church was organized in Newbury Society Sept. 28th.
Mr. Thomas Brooks was ordained the first minister.
1758. Capt. Joseph Canfield raised a company and served with them under
Col. David Wooster. They marched to Albany in May.
1760. Gaylordsville School District laid out.
Upper Merryall burying ground laid out.
1761. The Separatists or Strict Congregationalists built a house of
worship near the Center Cemetery.
An effort made to clear the Housatonic River for navigation. A committee
appointed and liberty granted to raise 300 pounds money by lottery.
1766. The bridge was carried away and rebuilt, and in three years a part
of it went off again. It was again repaired but did not remain a year.
1769. School District organized. Jared Lane introduced the Lombardy
poplar tree into New Milford the latter part of the century.
1770. Voted: “that the town relinquish all their right to any part of
the bridge to the proprietors, who shall rebuild the same in any place
between Little Falls and Wannipee Island.”
1771. School District on east side of the river laid out.
1774. Partridge Thatcher liberated his slave Sibyl on her marrying Amos
Lewis, a negro man.
1775. Capt. Isaac Bostwick was sent with a company of sixty-five
officers and men from New Milford to Boston in the autumn and winter of
1775, and remained there during January and February, 1776. They were in
Colonel Webb’s Regiment.
1776. Josiah Starr served in the Revolution. In May, 1776, he was
appointed Captain. In June he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel,
Commission dated January 9th, 1777, signed by John Hancock. He was
commissioned as Colonel, 1780. Died Oct. 15, 1813.
1776. Capt. Couch’s Company, in Col. Andrew Ward’s Regiment, containing
seventy-six officers and men, were sent to New York. The company was in
the service two months and twenty-three days.
At an annual meeting of the inhabitants of the town of New Milford
holden on the 9th day of December, 1776, the committee of Inspection and
Correspondence appointed were: Mr. Samuel Comstock, Mr. Israel Baldwin,
Capt. Abram Camp, Daniel Everitt, Esq., Capt. James Terrill, Mr. John
Comstock, Mr. George Smith, Doct. Jonah Todd, Joseph Ruggles, Esq., Col.
Bushnell Bostwick, Samuel Bostwick, Esq., Col. Samuel Canfield, William
Cogswell, Esq., Abel Hine, Esq., Mr. Amos Northrop, Capt. Sherman
Boardman, Mr. Reuben Booth, Mr. Asahel Noble, Dea. Benjamin Gaylord, Mr.
Oliver Warner, Mr. Caleb Bennett, Mr. Samuel Warner, Dea. Ebenezer
Hotchkiss.
1777. Public town meeting held Mar. 10. Voted: “That the regulations
contained in the late Acts of Assembly respecting the laying of
embargoes and the stating of prices now in force are good and wholesome,
and such ought to be strictly adhered to and that it is the indefeasible
duty of all informing and executive officers to prosecute in the most
effectual manner all violations of said regulations; and that it is the
duty of the inhabitants of this town to give all the assistance in their
power to such officers in the discharge of their aforesaid duty.”
Mar. 31. “Voted, that a committee be appointed according to the advice
of His Honr., the Governor, &c., for the purpose of furnishing the quota
of soldiers in the Continental service for said New Milford.
“Lt. Zadock Noble, Capt. Joseph Ruggles, Jr., Jeremiah Canfield, Mr.
Ithiel Stone, Dea. Israel Baldwin, Mr. Thomas Brownson, and Mr.
Zachariah Sanford, were chosen the committee.
“Voted, that the town of New Milford will give twelve pounds lawful
money, bounty, for the first year’s service in addition to all
encouragement already given to such inhabitants of this town as shall
enlist into the Continental service for three years, or during the
present war, within ten days from this time, including those who belong
to this town who have already enlisted, subducting only their wages from
the time they enlisted to this day, and such private donations as they
have received.
“That for the second and third years, said soldiers who shall so enlist
shall have six pounds lawful money pr. year to be paid out of the town
treasury.”
Sept. 30. “Capt. Sherman Boardman, Mr. Samuel Warner, Mr. Simeon
Baldwin, Capt. Benjamin Brownson, Capt. Ebenezer Couch, Mr. Ithiel
Stone, Dea. Ebenezer Hotchkiss shall be a committee to procure clothing
for the soldiers in the Continental service.”
1778. A meeting held in January was recorded as follows:
“1st. The articles of _Confederacy_ as proposed by _Congress_ stiled,
_The United States_ of _North America_, was read in said meeting and
taken into serious consideration by Articles separately, and in
succession, and no objection made to said Articles, except some part of
ye 5th Article, which respects the mode of choosing our _Delegates_ in
_Congress_.
“Voted: that the Freemen will always hold the Prerogative and sole power
choosing our Delegates in Congress by vote.
“2d. Said Articles of Confederacy was approved as good, and adopted in
full by the members of sd. meeting without one dissenting voice.”
The Revolutionary Army under General McDougall encamped at Dea. Benjamin
Gaylord’s. Some time during the War Generals Washington and Lafayette
were said to be guests of Dea. Benjamin Gaylord.
Army under General McDougall was encamped on Second Hill.
The committee of inspection and correspondence, which was a kind of home
police of patriotism, were:
Capt. Elizur Warner, Lt. Isaac De Forest, Lt. Benjamin Seelye, Capt.
Reuben Bostwick, Capt. Paul Yates, Mr. Daniel Everett, Capt. James
Terrill, Mr. Amos Northrop, Mr. John Porter, Mr. Nathan Gaylord, Mr.
Samuel Merwin, Jr.
The committee to procure supplies for the soldiers in the Continental
army were: Capt. James Terrill, Mr. Reuben Booth, Lt. David Smith, Mr.
Simeon Baldwin, Capt. Benjamin Brownson.
To provide clothing for the soldiers in the Continental army were: Ens.
Jeremiah Canfield, Mr. Ebenezer Hotchkiss, Mr. Simeon Baldwin, Mr.
Asahel Noble.
1779. Received, Litchfield, 28th Sept. 1779, of the First Society of New
Milford by the hands of Col. Samuel Canfield, ninety-four pounds,
sixteen shillings money, which was contributed by said Society for the
relief of the suffering and distressed inhabitants of the towns of New
Haven, Fairfield and Norwalk, £94-16.
Per Reuben Smith, County Treasurer.
Nathan Dayton purchased of Enos Camp a piece of land lying “southeast of
the lime kiln,” and on it his father and brother Abraham Dayton built a
Saw Mill. Col. Josiah Starr and Abel Hine owned a grist-mill there at
that time.
1780. The town voted that every soldier who shall voluntarily enlist to
serve in the Continental Battalions for the space of six months, or
until sooner discharged shall be paid four bushels of wheat or an
equivalent in money in addition to the bounty already given by the
State. They also voted to give three bushels of wheat or its equivalent
in money to all militia men who might be called to serve one month, in
addition to all other pay, and when they should serve more than a month,
then three bushels of wheat for every month.
Two months later the town offered ten bushels of wheat per month for
every soldier who should enlist for four months.
It was voted that none of the persons who had voluntarily gone over and
joined the enemy, shall be suffered to abide and continue in the town
during the present situation of affairs.
March 13. A committee of inspection on provisions, agreeable to a late
act of Assembly, was chosen as follows: Mr. Simeon Baldwin, Capt. Noble
Hine, Mr. Daniel Everitt, Capt. Paul Yates, Mr. Ebenezer Hotchkiss, Mr.
George Smith, Capt. Sherman Boardman, Mr. Ithiel Stone, Mr. Thomas
Lewis, Capt. Benjamin Brownson, Capt. Reuben Bostwick, Mr. Israel
Baldwin, Joseph Hartwell, Doct. Reuben Warner, Benjamin Gaylord,
Ebenezer Gaylord, Asahel Noble, Capt. Elizur Warner, Israel Camp, Lemuel
Warner, Capt. Joseph Ruggles, Dea. Abram Camp, Ephraim Buck, Samuel
Merwin, Martin Warner, Uri Jackson, Robert Bostwick, Nehemiah Hawley.
In June, upon the call from Congress for more soldiers, the town voted
that “every soldier who shall voluntarily enlist to serve in the
Continental Battalions for the space of six months, or until the first
day of January next (unless sooner discharged) shall be paid out of the
town treasury of said New Milford by the first day of January for every
month they are in said service, four bushels of wheat, or an equivalent
thereto in money in addition to the bounty and encouragement already
given by the State.”
The first burial in the Northville burying ground was that of Abraham
Dayton.
Partridge Thatcher liberated his slaves Jacob and Dianah _gratis_.
Capt. Sherman Boardman liberated his negro slave Nehemiah.
John Treat liberated his negro man named Mingo.
1782. Jemima Wilkinson came to New Milford, held meetings, taught
peculiar doctrines and gained some adherents. She was considered an
impostor.
1788. The Society of Newbury was organized into a town and named
Brookfield in honor of Rev. Thomas Brooks. The town was formed of
portions of the towns of New Milford, Newtown, and Danbury. New Milford,
Newbury Society contributed nearly one-half of the territory.
The Baptists built a small church in the “Neck,” now Bridgewater.
Nicholas Wanzer deeded land to a Society of People called Quakers, it
being the same on which the building known as the Quaker Meeting-house
now stands.
1789. Town and School house built north of the cross highway at north
end of Main street.
1790. Prof. Nehemiah Strong had a private school for boys about this
date.
Rev. Stanley Griswold was ordained by the Consociation of Litchfield Co.
Colleague pastor with Rev. Nathaniel Taylor of the First Church of New
Milford.
A troop of horse formed, belonging to New Milford, Woodbury, and
Litchfield; Captains belonging to the town, were William Taylor, Stephen
Chittenden, Jr. & Hermen Canfield.
1792. Bridge built at Little Falls.
A company of Light Infantry was formed, of which the Captains have been
Daniel Boardman, Nicholas S. Masters, Briggs Ingersoll, Abraham Hayes.
1793. New Milford divided into two military divisions, line running just
north of the Levi S. Knapp residence. The new South Company was
organized in that year and Nathan Bostwick was made Captain and James
Hine, Lieutenant.
A company of militia was formed belonging to the “Neck” (now
Bridgewater).
The second Episcopal Church begun in 1765 was finished and consecrated
this year.
1794. June 19. A destructive tornado crossed New Milford; blew over
houses, barns, apple trees, destroyed timber, killed a child of Mr.
Cole; some others wounded, much grain destroyed.
New bridge across Great River in the Neck.
1796. Watering place for horses and cattle established on Danbury road
between Israel Camp’s and Ephraim Buck’s.
The Union Circulating Library established.
1797. Col. Samuel Canfield’s name stands at the head of the tax list of
the town. He was the son of Samuel Canfield, Esq., who was the first
Canfield in New Milford and one of the Judges of the General Court.
At the annual town meeting, Dec. 11, question put, whether this meeting
will remit and give in the fines which are laid upon a certain number of
persons for laboring upon the Sabbath at harvest work the year past, and
the town treasurer be directed to give up the obligations for sd. fines
which are lodged in his hands. Voted in the negative.
1800. Up to this date there had been eight military field officers in
the town, viz.: Major John Bostwick, Col. Bushnell Bostwick, Col. Samuel
Canfield, Col. Josiah Starr (in ye Army), Col. Elisha Bostwick, Maj.
Daniel Boardman, Maj. Reuben Warner, Maj. William Taylor.
The Merryall Plough Foundry established by Elijah Hall, the first
foundry established in Conn., and the first that used Blacksmith coal
(bituminous). Mr. Hall went about the country disposing of his own wares
and, one trip, he collected a bushel basket of coppers in payment.
Perry Smith and William Terrill established a store near Upper Merryall.
1802. After stages began to run for carrying the mail, the bridge was
carried away, and the Stage Coach Company sued the town for damages in
failing to make a crossing. The town employed Homer Boardman to build a
boat to be run across by a large rope to meet the emergency, and the
next Spring they applied to the Assembly for the privilege of a
toll-bridge.
1803 or 1804. Bridge built at Gaylordsville.
1807. A dam was built across the river. Saw mill erected and Grist mill
at Gaylordsville.
Peter Gaylord built a store on the east side of the river about this
time.
1809. Church organized in Bridgewater. Meeting-house begun to be built
by lottery instituted 1807.
1810. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church organized in Bridgewater.
1812. A fever epidemic occurred that carried off by death fifty-eight
persons in two and a half months.
1814. St. Peter’s Lodge No. 21, F. A. M. leased land of Eli Starr to
build Lodge on.
1814. Baptists at Northville organized a Church known as the New Milford
Baptist Church. Eleazer Beecher was licensed to preach the Gospel to
them.
1816. Upon the petition of sundry inhabitants in the vicinity of what is
called Gaylord’s Bridge praying a grant of money from the town to
rebuild the bridge upon Ousatonic River at Gaylords Falls, it was put to
vote that a sum of $400 be granted which was negative; another vote was
then put for a sum of $300 which was also voted in the negative.
1818. The New Milford and Sherman Turnpike Company incorporated.
1819. Wm. Roberts settled in Gaylordsville, erected clothing works.
1822. A convention of delegates met to consider the advisability of
building “The Housatonic Valley Canal.” Funds were raised and an
estimate of the expense of construction made. The enterprise failed.
1823. A Baptist meeting-house erected near Lower Merryall burying place.
Glover Sanford began making hats in Bridgewater.
1824. The first Methodist Church organized by Rev. C. Silliman.
1826. Peter Gaylord appointed first Postmaster, Gaylordsville.
Union Church building erected, Gaylordsville.
The trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Northville bought of
Henry Benson a piece of land for erecting a house of worship.
1827. Sylvanus Merwin erected a store and hotel on west side.
1828-9, A Methodist meeting-house was built at the Corners at the old
John Warner place in Lanesville.
1830. Anan Hine, James S. Clark, and George Taylor, and such other
persons as they shall associate with them, not exceeding twenty in the
whole, be and they and their successors
[Illustration: REV. NOAH PORTER, D. D., LL.D.
Pastor Congregational Church, New Milford, 1836-1843; President of Yale
College, 1871-1886]
are made a corporation by the name of “The New Milford Fire Company.”
A Baptist Church was organized.
1832. Roswell and Sheldon Northrop started Machinery business and
Foundry in Maryland District, now carried on by Jasper A. Northrop in
this village.
1833. Congregational Church erected.
1835. New Milford Toll Bridge Company incorporated with liberty to erect
and maintain two toll bridges, one at the present in the village, the
other at the great falls.
1836. A special town meeting held February 29, to take into
consideration the propriety of making an appropriation not exceeding
$500 to defray the expense of surveying a route or routes for a railroad
to pass through the town. It was voted that the Treasurer be authorized
to borrow on the credit of the town a sum not exceeding five hundred
dollars to be devoted to the accomplishment of this object.
1837. A special town meeting, May 12, voted to grant the request of New
Milford and Sherman Turnpike Company upon the consideration that said
company or some other company for that purpose to be formed shall build
and keep in repair a toll bridge at the place commonly called Boardman’s
Bridge.
1840. The Housatonic Railroad was opened from New Milford to Bridgeport.
Daniel Marsh was the first station agent.
Highway from near railroad station to village of Northville, laid out by
commissioners, commencing at land of David S. Boardman.
1841. The New Milford Washingtonian Temperance Benevolent Society
organized. Within three years 900 names were recorded as members.
1842. Town appropriated one hundred dollars to assist in paving water
courses in village provided two hundred and fifty dollars be expended by
the inhabitants of said village.
1843. Erected the Housatonic R. R. station which was called
Merwinsville.
The first elm trees in the park were set by Solomon E. Bostwick in front
of his residence.
Doct. George Taylor and Albert N. Baldwin appointed a committee to
purchase a farm for the town.
1845. The _New Milford Republican_, the first newspaper in the village,
was established by J. K. Averill.
1846-50. “The Housatonic Institute” erected.
1847. Highway laid out now called Bank street.
1849. Bridgewater and Brookfield Toll Bridge Company, incorporated.
1850. The present Methodist Episcopal Church erected.
1852. Bank of Litchfield County organized.
Albert S. Hill erected a paper mill across the road from the Wells Grist
Mill.
Mr. and Mrs. B. J. Stone took charge of “The Housatonic Institute.”
1854. The first week in May occurred a great freshet that carried away
the dam at Gaylordsville; also the Boardman’s bridge and the town
bridge.
1855. New Milford Brass Band organized, Earl Buckingham leader.
1856. Bridgewater set off from New Milford as a separate town.
1858. The New Milford Savings Bank organized.
The Housatonic Agricultural Society formed.
1860. The Adelphic Institute established by Ambrose S. Rogers, A. M.
In Nov., fire destroyed business portion on south side of Bank St. and
east side of R. R. St., to the property now owned by Ackley, Hatch &
Marsh.
1861. The town voted to pay for the support of the wife, children,
father or mother of those persons who enlisted, such sums as the
Selectmen deemed necessary.
St. Francis Xavier’s Church erected.
1862. The town voted a bounty of $200 for each resident who should
enlist, for a certain time.
William Wells and Edwin S. Wells, sons of Philip Wells,
[Illustration: JOHN PRIME TREADWELL
A Native of New Milford. Born 1812, died 1876.]
purchased the grist-mill on the Aspetuck River a mile above Northville.
1863. The town offered $300 to each person who might be drafted.
Water Witch Engine Company organized.
1864. The town offered a bounty of $500 for each soldier accredited to
the town.
The town authorized the issue of bonds to the amount of $21,000 to meet
war expenses.
1865. Bank of Litchfield County changed to First National Bank of New
Milford.
1870. The Glover Sanford firm removed to Bridgeport, Conn. Ousatonic
Chapter, No. 33, R. A. M. organized.
1872. The _Housatonic Ray_ (newspaper) established.
1873. Kindergarten school established by Mrs. Andrew Bristol, Miss Mary
C. Wells, assistant.
The New Milford Water Company chartered, authorized capital $25,000.
1875. Roger Sherman Hall erected.
1877. The Good Shepherd’s Lodge, No. 65, I. O. O. F., instituted.
The first New Milford Savings Bank building erected on north side of
Bank St.
The _New Milford Gazette_ established.
1878. Miss Wells established kindergarten school in her home in Jan.
1882. Upton Post, G. A. R., organized Dec. 20th, with 26 charter
members.
St. John’s Church erected.
All Saints Memorial Church erected.
1884. Sunday School established in Merryall.
1886. Board of Trade established.
1887. New Milford made a Shire town.
Iron bridge built at Boardman.
1888. The great blizzard, March 13.
1889. The New Milford Button factory burned.
1890. The new hose house built.
Union Chapel built, Lower Merryall.
1893. Roger Sherman Chapter, D. A. R., organized.
1893. Congregational Church remodeled at a cost of $18,300.
The New Milford Electric Light Company incorporated.
1897. Public Library and Memorial Hall erected on the site of Housatonic
Institute, it being the same site that Eli Starr leased to St. Peter’s
Lodge No. 21, F. & A. M., to build lodge on in 1814.
Lime Works at Boardman destroyed by fire.
A bronze tablet to the memory of Roger Sherman was placed on Roger
Sherman Hall by Daughters of the American Revolution.
1900. Great Fireman’s parade, 1,300 men in line.
1901. A Town Court established. George H. Jackson, appointed first
Judge.
1902. Great fire destroyed the business portion of the village, May 5.
President Roosevelt stopped at the station and made a speech.
The Boardman Sunday School Society organized.
Bridgeport Wood Finishing Company plant burned.
1903. The New Milford Power Company plant established at Gaylordsville.
RECORD OF THE PUBLIC SERVICES OF ROGER SHERMAN
AS REFERRED TO IN THE COLONIAL DOCUMENTS OF CONNECTICUT
CONTRIBUTED BY HON. EBENEZER J. HILL OF NORWALK, CONN.
October, 1745, Roger Sherman appointed to be surveyor for the County of
New Haven.
Roger Sherman, surveyor for the County of New Haven, appointed in
October, 1750, to lay out lands for certain parties from ungranted lands
of the Colony.
May, 1751, appointed to layout certain lands for Williams and Crary.
May, 1751, appointed as one party to view and appraise certain lands in
the town of Kent.
May, 1752, made Surveyor for Litchfield County, instead of New Haven.
May, 1752, paid £82, 9s. 10d., in full for his bill for laying out land
and highways on the west side of Ousatonick River. As one of a Committee
appointed previous October.
October, 1753, Roger Sherman, Surveyor for Litchfield County, ordered to
run the Northwest line of town of Litchfield.
October, 1754, mentioned as the fifth Selectman of New Milford.
May, 1756, costs of £2, 17s. 4d., assessed against him and other
proprietors of common land in New Milford in certain case.
May, 1755, Representative in Assembly for New Milford, 2d.
August, 1755, Representative in Assembly for New Milford, 2d.
October, 1755, Representative in Assembly for New Milford, 1st.
January, 1756, Representative in Assembly for New Milford, 1st.
February, 1756, Representative in Assembly for New Milford, 1st.
March, 1756, Representative in Assembly for New Milford, 1st.
February, 1756, ordered to eject one Macantire from certain public land.
October, 1756, ordered to inspect certain complaints in regard to land
and report. Report made May, 1757.
May, 1755, Appointed Justice of Peace for Litchfield Co.
May, 1756, Appointed Justice of Peace for Litchfield Co.
October, 1757, Appointed to make deeds for certain public lands.
March, 1758, With others incorporated as Toll Bridge Company to own and
maintain toll bridge over Ousatonick River in New Milford.
May, 1758, Representative for New Milford, 1st.
October, 1758, Representative for New Milford, 1st.
February, 1759, Representative for New Milford, 1st.
March, 1759, Representative for New Milford, 1st.
May, 1759, Representative for New Milford, 1st.
October, 1759, Representative for New Milford, 1st.
March, 1760, Representative for New Milford, 1st.
May, 1760, Representative for New Milford, 1st.
October, 1760, Representative for New Milford, 1st.
March, 1761, Representative for New Milford, 1st.
May, 1761, Representative for New Milford, 1st.
May, 1757, 1758, 1759, 1760, and 1761, Justice of Peace, Litchfield
County.
October, 1760, 1761, 1762, 1763, 1764, 1765, 1766, and 1767, in
Nomination for Governor.
October, 1762, Guardian of two Carpenter children authorized to sell
land.
October, 1765, Appointed as Committee to investigate certain legal
questions. Report made October, 1766.
October, 1764, Representative for New Haven, 1st.
May, 1765, Representative for New Haven, 1st.
October, 1765, Representative for New Haven, 1st.
May, 1766, Representative for New Haven, 1st.
May, 1766 and 1767, Chosen Assistant.
May, 1765, Justice of Peace for New Haven County.
October, 1765, Justice of Peace for New Haven County.
May, 1766, Justice of Peace for New Haven County.
May, 1766 and 1767, Judge of the Superior Court; also, May, 1773, 1774,
1775, 1776, 1777, 1778, & 1779.
May, 1768, 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772, 1773, 1774, 1775, 1776, 1777, 1778,
1779, Chosen Assistant.
Nominated for Governor, 1768, 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772, 1773, 1774, 1775,
1776, 1777, 1778, 1779, 1780.
October, 1768, Appointed to make index of laws.
May, 1769, Appointed to layout highway from New Haven to Windham. Report
accepted May, 1770.
May, 1771, Appointed to layout highway, New Haven to East Hadam.
October, 1771, Appointed to purchase some elegant plate to present to
Richard Jackson, Colonial Agent. Afterwards bought in England on account
of duty if bought here.
October, 1771, Assessed in the construction of addition of
Meeting-house.
October, 1772, One of joint Committee on Collegiate School.
January, 1774, One of Committee to adjust certain land questions near
the Delaware and Susquehannah Rivers.
October, 1773, One of Committee to consider Earl of Dartmouth’s letter.
April, 1775, Wrote and offered resolution appointing Committee to
present letter of Gov. Trumbull to Gen. Gage, demanding explanation of
attack of 19th of April and his future plans.
August 3, 1774, Chosen Representative in Congress.
February 27, 1775, Purchased 90 kegs of powder, 3,500 lbs. lead, 30,500
flints for the Colony.
October, 1775, Representative in Congress.
October, 1776, Committee to visit Army and grade the officers appointed
by the Assembly.
May, 1777, Named as member of the Committee of Safety.
October, 1776 and 1777, Representative in Congress, 1st man.
July, 1777, One of a Committee to confer with Mass., New Hampshire, R.
I., and New York on the state of the currency.
January, 1778, Committee to inquire into conduct of foreign traders in
this State.
January, 1778, Commissioner to New Haven Convention. Chairman of
Committee to draw report of Convention.
May, 1778 and 1779, Council of Safety.
October, 1778, Representative in Congress.
January, 1780, Representative in Congress.
February, 1780, Delegate to Philadelphia Convention to regulate prices.
Representative in Congress 1789 and 1791. Senator 1791 to 1793. Mayor of
New Haven.