Chapter XIII: Part II: The Bi-Centennial Exercises (7)

“The Second Company of Governor’s Foot Guards was born in that strenuous time when ideas were crystallizing, opinions taking shape, men beginning to realize something of the struggle that was before them; something of the real significance of the Mayflower, of the Colonial forms of government, and of those acts of protest by which the colonies had lifted their voices against the usurpations of the mother country. In 1775, when the clouds were beginning to gather, when men’s hearts were beginning to tremble within them for fear, this company was born. On the first roster, you will find the names of the leading citizens of old New Haven town. The first men of the town were its sponsors. Back of them was a patriotic and humane purpose, and, having that purpose in view, I am able to declare that we are the oldest military organization of the sort in the State.

“The First Company in Hartford antedates us by a few months, but the First Company was what its name implies, the Governor’s Guard. The Second Company came at the call of the danger to liberty and its first act was to make response to the call of Lexington and Concord. Under the man, then a magnificent patriot, Benedict Arnold, the company marched to the defense of their endangered brethren in Massachusetts.

“And these men, before they left, listened to a sermon by Jonathan Edwards, the benediction of which went with them throughout their march. They marched to the powder house--they asked for ammunition; the selectmen of the town denied their request. Arnold drew up his men before the door, and said: ‘We will give you five minutes to comply with our request; if the ammunition is not then forthcoming we will break down the doors and help ourselves.’

“That was the spirit with which they started on their march to Cambridge, and that spirit has animated the command through all these years. It has been our privilege to have been represented in every war the country has waged from 1775 to the present day, beginning with the attack upon West Haven, to repel which the company marched as a body under the command of Captain Hezekiah Sabin. Down through all the wars and in the most conspicuous battles, representatives of this Governor’s Guard have been found, shoulder to shoulder with the patriots of other States and other towns, contending for our liberties.”

The next speaker, Hon. Ebenezer J. Hill, was presented as one who needs no introduction to New Milford. Congressman Hill said:

“One year ago I united with some of your citizens in celebrating the fiftieth birthday of New Milford’s offspring, the town of Bridgewater.

“To-day I congratulate you that the parent has reached the hale and hearty age of two hundred years.

“While New Milford has had many trials and sore experiences, the old town shows no wrinkles, or scars, but is fresh and blooming and ready to enter upon the third century of its career with a courageous heart and unfaltering purpose to maintain in the future, as in the past, the splendid character of our New England civilization.

“There is no higher standard in the world than that, for it was established in the beginning of our history by men who feared none but God. Our fathers built upon the granite hills of New England communities and States, which, though small in area, have been mighty in influence, molding and shaping the destiny of the nation, and through it giving to the whole world an example of self-government, based on the sanctity of the home, the common school, freedom of religion, and the New England town meeting. With these maintained, the prosperity of the future is assured, for, while old age with all its weaknesses comes to _men_ with the passing years, the lapse of time, if rightly used, should make a community or a nation stronger and more enduring.

“Temporary success may come from many causes, but, in the long run, it is character which counts, not only in the individual, but in the nation as well.

“A few weeks ago I visited the site of old Panama, a city on the Isthmus to which it gave its name. It was founded in conquest and plunder, a century before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. A hundred and fifty years later, in conquest and plunder, Morgan and his pirate crews swept it from the earth; and now, nothing but an old church and tower, almost hidden in the tropical jungle, mark the spot where this once flourishing and populous city stood.

“A few years ago I walked from the ruined palaces of the Cæsars down the slope of the Palatine Hill into the Roman Forum. The way was paved with stones which were put there twenty-six hundred years ago by the shepherds and farmers from the Alban Hills. Their virtues were as strong and rugged as the stones with which their streets were paved, and their descendants, imitating those virtues, ruled the world for a thousand years. But at last, licentiousness, extravagance, and lust for wealth came in and rotted the moral fiber of the Empire, until the very men who had sworn to guard the nation sold the positions of honor and trust, and even the Empire itself, at public auction at the city gates, as cattle and sheep were sold in the open market; and Rome fell from its high estate never to rise again. It was a literal exemplification of the proverb which was old even then, that ‘righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.’

“But why multiply illustrations? The history of the world is full of them, and, on the other side, none more marked than is shown in our own land in the marvelous progress which the New South has made since the curse of human slavery was lifted from her in the desolation and horror of the Civil War.

“This town, this State, this nation is just exactly what you and I, as individuals, are making it to-day. The past is unchangeable, the future is in the hands of God. Only the present is ours. We have come in our own experience to times of great unrest and discontent with existing conditions. I am glad of it. It shows that the world is growing better and that we are not satisfied to-day with the solution of the problems of yesterday, but it does not follow that the new problems of to-day are unsolvable. It simply proves that there is still room in the world for a large amount of civic righteousness and that it is for the individual citizen to prove that the supply has not been exhausted.

“There is an old hymn which we sing in our churches,

“‘We are building, building every day,
A temple which the world may not see,
We are building, building every day,
Building for eternity.’

So far as the immortal and divine in us is concerned, the hymn is all right, but so far as this work-a-day world is affected by our actions I would paraphrase it thus,

“‘We are building, building every day,
A temple which the world can see,
We are building, building every day,
Building for humanity.’

“A few days ago I read a story in a newspaper of a man who advertised that he wanted to buy a horse. In a day or two men came with all sorts and kinds, young and old, blind and lame and halt. They told him of the splendid records of the old hacks, and the great possibilities of the young colts, till he finally sent them all away, saying, ‘I don’t care anything about your “has beens” or your “to be’s,” what I want now, is an “is-er.”’

“The men of New England are the heirs to-day of more than two centuries of growth, and progress, and education, and we owe it to ourselves and to our children to add something in our lives to the sum total of human happiness and the public welfare; for there is a mighty difference between always trying to get the better of the community in which we live, and giving _to_ the community the best that there is in _us_.

“From the very beginning of our State, till now, there have never been lacking men, who, by their strength of character and devotion to the public welfare, have made an impress on their day and generation, until at length Connecticut is known among her sister States as “The Land of Steady Habits.” I can only refer now to two of them, Colonel Abraham Davenport of Stamford, and Hon. Roger Sherman of New Milford. Of the first, Timothy Dwight, in his book entitled ‘Travels in New England and New York,’ tells us that he was a judge in Danbury and a member of the Governor’s Council in Hartford, and cites this incident concerning him:

“‘The 19th of May, 1780, was a remarkably dark day. Candles were lighted in many houses, the birds were silent and disappeared, and the fowls retired to roost. The Legislature of Connecticut was then in session at Hartford. A very general opinion prevailed that the Day of Judgment was at hand. The House of Representatives, being unable to transact their business, adjourned. A proposal to adjourn the Council was under consideration. When the opinion of Colonel Davenport was asked, he answered, “I am against an adjournment. The day of judgment is either approaching, or it is not. If it is not, there is no cause for an adjournment; if it is, I choose to be found doing my duty. I wish, therefore, that candles may be brought.”’”

“Such a man would be a success at any period of the nation’s history.

“Of Roger Sherman, for many years a citizen of New Milford, time would fail me to properly speak of the long and distinguished public services which he rendered, not only to the community in which he lived, but to the nation at large.

“Some years ago, in studying his life and character, I collected from the Colonial Records of Connecticut every mention of his name, and will present the record[45] to the New Milford _Gazette_ for publication; for, of such a citizen, New Milford may well be proud.

“The lives which these men lived, and countless others in the early days, should be an inspiration to us all.

“Opportunity does not come alike to all, but these men simply did their duty honestly, faithfully, and well; and all of us can do the same to-day, in full confidence that the motto of our dear old State--‘_Qui transtulit_, _sustinet_’--has not yet lost its meaning or its power.”

After a witty speech by Rev. Marmaduke Hare, who spoke as an Englishman who is an American in the making, Mr. Beach terminated the exercises with these words:

“One brief thought in closing. As the sun sinks behind the hills of our western horizon to-night, we close the second century of the history of New Milford; but let us not linger too long in contemplation of the setting sun. Rather, let us turn our faces eastward and greet the rising sun, which will usher in the third century. Yes, it will be our privilege to enter the portals of another century, but certain it is that not one present will reach its exit. Let us press forward, doing faithfully each duty as it presents itself, placing our confidence ‘in the God of our fathers, from out whose hand the centuries fall like grains of sand.’”

* * * * *

Tuesday evening was devoted to a magnificent display of fireworks in Riverside Park on the west bank of the Housatonic, and thus, in a blaze of glory, Governor’s Day, the last of the New Milford Bi-Centennial, came to an end.

THE AFTERMATH

The great event is over, and New Milford has excelled all records and exceeded all anticipations. This might sound egotistical, were it not a fact that it is only the plain truth, and corroborated by the speech of everyone who witnessed the Celebration. Our town stands higher to-day in public estimation than it ever stood before. As we look back, it is not possible to name an event which should have been omitted or a feature which should have been added. A four-days’ celebration has been held, covering every point which such a celebration should cover; dignified and formal, where dignity and formality were appropriate, informal, happy and homelike at all other times.

A celebration very carefully planned, ably financed, and splendidly conducted; with every contingency provided for and the most minute details planned in advance. Our townspeople have shown that they can accomplish great enterprises, for it is the universal verdict of our guests, especially of those who have traveled much and participated in such events, that this was a great enterprise, never equaled in some respects, and never excelled in the matter of perfect appointment. Our townspeople have found, too, that in oratory, music, and literature they have men and women of whom any community may well be proud.

Some special points should be noted regarding the celebration. Perfect order was maintained throughout; during the four days, some sixteen thousand different people have occupied our streets, but, during all that time, there has been no disturbance, no violence or theft, no accident of any kind, and a very noticeable absence of drunkenness. That such admirable order prevailed is a great credit to our town and its visitors, and this community owes a debt of gratitude to the Committee of Public Safety and the selectmen of the town.

Perfect system prevailed, so that every event occurred on time and exactly as planned, with no break or delay at any point. This fact appealed very strongly to our official guests, who had attended other similar events, and knew that delays and unforeseen contingencies almost always arise at such times.

The decorations, public and private, were beautiful and appropriate, and brought the warmest commendation from visitors.

The literary, religious, and historical exercises were of a very high class. Every address and sermon being most appropriate to the occasion and excellent of its kind.

The musical programme was splendidly conceived and carried out, and high praise is due the committee, the chorus, and, especially, Professor Edwin G. Clemence.

The pleasure and success of the Celebration were very largely added to by the presence of Gartland’s Tenth Regiment Band of Albany during the entire four days. Such splendid band and orchestral music was never heard here before.

The Loan Exhibit was a great success; admirably managed and very greatly admired.

The spectacular features were beyond any criticism. Both parades were perfect in appearance and in management, and the fireworks received the highest praise. The Civic and Military Parade was a surprise to everyone; newspaper men and guests, who had seen the world’s greatest parades, declared that the School Division had never been equaled in originality and attractiveness. Our prominent visitors stated that, while a great city undoubtedly could do as well, no great city ever had done as well.

New Milford has won a high place in the estimation of thousands, and has gained vastly in civic pride and public spirit; may these, and the good feeling engendered by the Celebration, last for the next two hundred years.--_New Milford Gazette._

* * * * *

The day after the close of the Bi-Centennial Celebration, the President of the Bi-Centennial Committee received the following letter:

“EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, STATE OF CONNECTICUT,

“HARTFORD, June 19.

“HON. H. S. MYGATT, New Milford, Conn.

“MY DEAR MR. MYGATT: Upon my return to Hartford, I want to say just
a few words to you in appreciation of the scope of the celebration
prepared by you and your fellow committeemen on the occasion of the
Bi-Centennial of the town of New Milford. It was a success in every
particular, and reflects great credit upon your community, and upon
the men who planned and carried it out.

“For myself, personally, and the members of my staff, let me say we
enjoyed every minute of our visit, and appreciate to the fullest
extent the hearty welcome and the unfailing courtesy of your
people.

“It was a source of regret to me, and I learned from others that it
grieved them, too, that you were ill and unable to see the fruit of
your thought and labor. I hope it will be a gratification to you to
know that what you wrought was so well carried out by those who
took up the work and followed your plans. You have reason to feel
very proud of the whole affair, and I trust that you will soon be
restored to health and strength, and be able to return to your
delightful home town.

“With best wishes, I am sincerely yours,

“ROLLIN S. WOODRUFF.”

The same day, the following letter came to Charles M. Beach:

“EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, STATE OF CONNECTICUT,

“HARTFORD, June 19.

“MR. CHARLES M. BEACH, New Milford, Ct.

“MY DEAR MR. BEACH: Upon my return to Hartford I want to
congratulate you and your fellow committeemen, and, in fact, the
entire town, upon the magnificent celebration of New Milford’s
Bi-Centennial. I wish also to thank you for your unfailing courtesy
and your thoughtfulness for the comfort of myself and staff during
our delightful stay there.

“I enjoyed it myself very much, and I am proud that Connecticut
holds New Milford as one of her communities. The enterprise of your
citizens, and the scope of their celebration, is equal to what much
larger places might have attempted, but few of New Milford’s size.
We shall remember our visit there with much satisfaction.

“Sincerely yours,

“ROLLIN S. WOODRUFF.”

Another letter of similar purport came to H. LeRoy Randall (Chairman of the Bi-Centennial Finance Committee) a few days later:

“DANBURY, June 22, 1907.

“H. LEROY RANDALL, Esq., New Milford, Conn.

“MY DEAR SIR: New Milford has reason to feel proud over the success
of the Bi-Centennial. The Governor said he had the time of his
life, and so say we all of us.

“Yours very truly,

“J. MOSS IVES,

“Of the Governor’s Staff.”

THE FINANCES OF THE CELEBRATION

The work of the Finance Committee and Treasurer was not only of the most vital importance to the success of the Bi-Centennial, but was so remarkable in many ways as to deserve a chapter to itself.

When the first estimates of cost were made, about $4000 was, in round figures, the amount asked for. To many this seemed a large sum to raise by subscription, but the Finance Committee stated without hesitation that the amount would be raised, and more if needed; and the promise was made good by a total subscription of about $5000, secured in an almost incredibly short time. This was accomplished without any noise or public display, and was the result of careful planning and perfect system. The funds were paid out by the Treasurer to the several committees, on approval of the Executive Committee, and a most accurate and detailed account of all expenditures was kept by the Treasurer, and may be inspected by subscribers at any time. There remained a substantial balance on hand after all bills were paid, and while this will probably be devoted to publishing the Book of the Bi-Centennial, the sales of the volume--when published--should return to the treasury the amount expended, and more. No appropriation was asked for from the town treasury, and the only items of expense met by the town were the necessary ones of decorating its own buildings and furnishing the police force during the Celebration. It is safe to state that no enterprise of this nature was ever more ably and successfully financed than was the New Milford Bi-Centennial of 1907.

INDEX

NOTE. Names given in lists, such as soldiers in the wars, members of committees and contributors to the loan exhibit, may be found by reference to the pages under “Soldiers,” “Committees,” “Loan Exhibit,” etc.

Adams, John, 16

Addis, John F., 276

Addresses
Charles M. Beach, 283, 285, 288
Simeon E. Baldwin, 232
Rev. George S. Bennitt, 171, 208, 215
Daniel Davenport, 255
Charles N. Hall, 137
Samuel Hart, 228
Ebenezer J. Hill, 290
Rev. John T. Huntington, 171
W. Frank Kinney, 170
Rev. Timothy J. Lee, 284
Edwin W. Marsh, 171
Timothy Dwight Merwin, 171
Rev. Watson L. Phillips, 288
Rev. Charles J. Ryder, 202, 208
Henry C. Sanford, 171
Frederic W. Williams, 228, 232
Rollin S. Woodruff, 286
Boardman Wright, 171
Frederick A. Wright, 202

Adelphi Institute, 92, 112

Agriculture, 84

Allen, Ethan, 42

Andrews, Governor, 76

Anthony, George W., 87

Aunty Thatcher, 79

Automobile Parade, 226

Averill, J. K., 93, 112

Baldwin, Albert N., 112
Ashel, 32
Hezekiah, 32, 33
Israel, 32, 33, 104, 107
Jared, 42
John, 42, 226
Jonas, 42
Jonathan, 98
Josiah, 33
Judthon, 40
Simeon, 105, 106, 107
Simeon E., 232
Theodore, 42
Theophilus, 102

Band, 94, 137, 296

Banks, 94, 95, 112, 113

Barnes, Andrew G., 86

Bartlett, Isaiah, 3, 98

Barton, Edward, 88

Bassett, Abigail, 26, 27, 28, 29
Alice Canfield, 26
Josiah, 26, 28, 79

Battles
Danbury Alarm, 39, 40
Germantown, 42
Heights of Abraham, 34
Kipps Bay, 35
Monmouth, 42
Mud Forts, 42
Princeton, 39, 42
Saratoga, 42
Siege of Boston, 35
Stony Point, 42
Ticonderoga, 42
Trenton, 39
White Plains, 35

Beach, Charles M., 297, 283, 285, 288
Rev. Mr., 12

Beard, Samuel, 100

Beebe, Samuel, 99

Beecher, Eleazer, 110

Beeman, Hannah, 14

Bennett, Caleb, 104
James, 33

Bennitt, Rev. George S., 171, 208, 215

Benson, Henry, 110

Bentley, Charles P., 139

Black, Mrs. William D., 9, 90, 93
William D., 19, 90

Blaisdell, Roger, 36, 38, 39

Blatchford, Elnathan, 32

Blizzard, 113

Board of Trade, 13, 97

Boardman, Daniel, 4, 8, 9, 14, 101, 108, 109
Rev. Daniel, 99, 100
David S., 20, 111
Homer, 109
Rev. Mr., 34
Sherman, 14, 104, 105, 107

Bolles, Joshua A., 93, 94

Booth, Charles H., 95
Henry W., 95
Reuben, 104, 106

Booth’s Assembly Room, 17
Bostwick, Amos, 41
Benjamin, 41, 98
Bushnell, 104, 109
Daniel, 98
Ebenezer, 41
Elisha, 41, 109
Elijah, 41
Henry S., 87
Mrs. Henry, 11
Isaac, 35, 36, 39, 40, 41, 43, 103
Israel, 41
Joel, 41
John, 98, 99, 101, 102
John, Jr., 98, 99
Joseph, 102
Nathan, 108
Nathaniel, 101
Oliver, 41
Ruben, 32, 106, 107
Robert, 107
Samuel, 13, 104
Solomon, 41
Solomon E., 112
Walter B., 87
Zadock, 32

Botsford, Nathan, 13

Bounty for Continental Service, 105

Breinig, David E., 91

Bridges, 8, 90, 101, 102, 103, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113

Bridgewater, 84, 86, 93, 112, 171

Bridgewater Society, 86, 93

Bristol, Mrs. Andrew, 92, 113
Mrs. Isaac, 226, 227
Isaac B., 87, 95

Brooks, Thomas, 103, 107

Brookfield, 84, 107

Bronson, John, 32

Brownson, Benjamin, 105, 106, 107
Roger, 98
Samuel, 98, 99, 100
Thomas, 104

Buck, Barrall, 32
David, 32
Ephraim, 107, 108

Buckingham, Earl, 94, 112

Buell, David, 33, 36, 38, 39, 40, 42, 43

Burying Ground, 100, 101, 103, 107

Buttonmaking, 87, 113

Cablegram, 173

Calhoun, George B., 91
Newell, 97

Callahan, Francis, 86

Camp, Abram, 104, 107
Israel, 107, 108

Canfield, Alanson, 77
Amos, 41
Ezra, 41
Herman, 108
Jeremiah, 33, 104, 106
John, 42
Joseph, 33, 103
Josiah, 33, 42
Moses, 42
Nathaniel, 42
Samuel, 15, 34, 42, 101, 102, 104, 106, 108, 109

Carr, Mrs. Helen, 15, 16

Chittenden, Frederick G., 94
Stephen, Jr., 108

Church organized, 100

Church singing, 13

Churches, 4, 9, 10, 93, 109
Advent, 12
Baptist, 108, 110, 111
Congregational, 10, 12, 102, 111, 114
Episcopal, 12, 102, 108, 109, 113
Methodist, 12, 110
Methodist Episcopal, 110, 112
Quaker Meetinghouse, 101, 108
Roman Catholic, 12, 112
Union, 110, 114

Civic and Military Parade, formation of, 277 to 283

Clark, James S., 110

Clarke, George, 98
Samuel, 100
Thomas, 98

Clemence, Edwin G., 136, 274, 296

Cogswell, William, 104

Collings, David, 32

Colonial Reception, 275

Commercial Club, 97, 276

Committee on Colonial Features, 128, 134

Colonial Reception, 123, 130, 134, 275;
Assistants, 275
On Decoration, 123, 129, 133
District, 131, 132, 133
Executive, 123, 128, 130
On Exercises, 123, 128, 131
Finance, 123, 128, 130, 299
General Arrangements, 122, 123 to 128
On Historical Research and Permanent
Publication, 123, 130, 133
Of Inspection and Correspondence, 104, 105
Of Inspection on Provisions, 107
Of Invitation, Reception and Entertainment, 123, 129, 133, 170, 275, 276
Loan Exhibit, 123, 130, 134
Nominating, 122
On Public Health and Comfort, 134
On Public Safety, 123, 130, 133
On Publicity, 123, 129, 133
On Refreshments, 123, 129
On Religious Observances, 123, 131, 133
On Vocal Music, 123, 130, 134

Comstock, John, 104
Samuel, 102, 104

Confederacy, articles of, voted on, 105

Couch, Ebenezer, 34, 35, 39, 44, 103, 105

Crossing the Delaware, 39

Curtis, Lewis F., 90

Cushman’s Tavern, 43

Daton, Daniel, 32

Daughters of the American Revolution, Roger Sherman Chapter, 114

Davenport, Daniel, 255

Dayton, Abraham, 106, 107
Nathan, 106

DeForest, Isaac, 106

Delegates in Congress, 105

Delevan, Marcus L., 93

Douglas, Dominie, 32

Drinkwater, Thomas, 34
William, 33, 39, 40

Dunlap, Robert, 226, 227

Earliest settlers, 3, 4, 98

Ecclesiastical Society, 15

Electric light, 90, 114

Ellis, Rev. Elisha J., 196

Emmons, Edwin J., 95

Erwin, Robert, 93
Silas, 95

Everett, Daniel, 16, 104, 106, 107

Fairchild, Jesse, 32
Ferriss, Joseph, 101
Sarah, 98
Zachariah, 3, 32, 98, 99

Fires, 21, 96, 112, 114

Fire Company, 95, 96, 111

Fire Department, 276

Fireworks, 294

Fisher, Beatrice, 226
Moses, 32

Flag, 139

Pole, 133, 139

Garlicks, Henry, 89

Gas, 90

Gaylord, Benjamin, 104, 105, 107
Deacon, 42
Ebenezer, 107
Homer, 89
Nathan, 106
Peter, 89, 109
William, 99, 100, 101, 102

Gaylordsville, 84, 89

Giddings, Franklyn Henry, 93
Levi P., 3, 8, 90
Minot S., 7

Gillett, William, 101

Grand List, 101

“Green,” The, 11, 18, 19, 21

Green, General, 40
Seymour S., 86, 95
William G., 86, 121

Griffin, Charles E., 90

Grist Mill, 88, 89, 90, 100, 106, 109, 113

Griswold, John, 100
Rev. Stanley, 108

Good Shepard’s Lodge, 113

Gould, William, 32

Governor’s Day, 277

Hall, Charles N., 137, 173
David, 32
Elijah, 85, 89, 109
Perry, 85

Hanke, E. W., 87

Hare, Rev. Marmaduke, 208
Rev. Samuel, 181

Hart, Samuel, 228

Hats manufactured, 86, 110

Hartwell, Joseph, 107

Hawley, Benjamin, 32
Joseph R., 94
Nehemiah, 107

Hayes, Abraham, 108

Heacock, Rev. Stephen, 202

Highways, 100, 112

Hill, Albert S., 88, 112
Merritt W., 87
Samuel R., 139
Samuel R. Jr., 139

Hine, Abel, 104, 106
Anan, 110
Edward S., 226
Frank, 173
Henry D., 226, 227
James, 11, 95, 108
Noble, 107
Walter C., 134

Hinman, Colonel, 33

Historical Meeting, 228

Hitchcock, Isaac, 32
Samuel, 99

Hoar, George F., 94

“Home,” by Mary Murdoch Mason, 172

Hotchkiss, Ebenezer, 104, 105, 106, 107

Housatonic Agricultural Society, 112

Housatonic Institute, 92, 112

Hungerford, J. Edwin, 97

Huntington, Rev. John T., 171

Indian Deed, 98

Industries
Agricultural, 84
Buttonmaking, 87, 113
Electric light, 90, 114
Gas, 90
Grist Mill, 88, 89, 90, 100, 106, 109, 113
Hatmaking, 86, 110
Iron Works, 89, 102
Lime Works, 90, 114
Lounges, 87
Machinery, 88, 111
Paper, 88, 112
Pottery, 91
Plows, 89, 109
Saw Mill, 88, 89, 106, 109
Tobacco, 85
Wood Finishing, 91, 114
Wool and Linen, 89

Ingersoll, Briggs, 108

Ingleside School, 9, 93

Iron Works, 89, 102

Isbell, Robert H., 87

Ives, J. Moss, 298

Jacklin, Phil, 80

Jackson, George H., 97
Uri, 107

Jones, Joseph, 32
Mayor, 15, 16

Johnson, Rev. Frank A., 137, 195, 202
J. R., 93
Moses, 32

Jumel Mansion, 36

Kent, 4

Kindergarten, 113

Kinney, W. Frank, 170, 276
Mrs. Sara T., 94

Knapp, Frederick, 131
Levi S., 108
Residence, 3, 10

Lafayette, General, 15, 105

Lake, H., 226

Landon, William P., 88

Lane, Jared, 103

Law, Jonathan, 99

Lazarus, Dandy, 79

Leach, Ray W., 95

Leavitt, Rufus, 87

Lee, Rev. Timothy J., 283

Letter, 173, 297, 298

Lewis, Thomas, 107

Lime Works, 90, 114

Lines, C. W., 226

Loan Exhibition, 140
List of Exhibits, 141 to 169

Lombardy Poplar, 103

Lonetown, 4

Long, C. F., 226

Longevity, 76, 81 to 83

Lounges manufactured, 87

Lynes, Joseph, 32

Machinery, 88, 111

Mail delivery, 18

Marsh Chauncey B., 89
Daniel, 95, 111
Edwin W., 171
Egbert, 93

Mason, Mary Murdoch, 171

Masonic Hall, 276

Masters, Nicholas, 16
Nicholas S., 108

McAllister, 94

McDougall, General, 105

McMahon, Albert H., 95
George, 85

Meetinghouse, first, 10

Memorial Hall and Library, 93, 114

Memorial Tablet, 114

Merwin, Samuel, 107
Samuel, Jr., 106
Sylvanus, 110
Timothy Dwight, 171

Miles, Justus, 88
Tavern, 88

Milford Company, 3

Morgan, 42

Mosher, Lewis W., 139

Murphy, J. E., 226
Robert E., 95

Mygatt, Andrew B., 95
Eli, 95
Henry S., 91, 95, 173, 297
Roland F., 95

Neck, The, 84

Newbury Society, 84, 102, 107

New Milford Cadets, 139, 276

New Milford, became a town, 8
Original extent of, 84
Owners of, 22, 23
Plantation, 8, 98

New Preston Society, 84

Newspapers, 93, 112, 113

Nicholson, Angus, 89

Noble, Asahel, 106, 107
Charles H., 95, 96
David, 100
George B., 226
Gifford, 139, 276
John, 3, 8, 9, 14, 31, 98, 99, 100
John, Jr., 3, 98, 101
Lyman, 39
Russell B., 96
Stephen, 31, 99, 101, 102
William, 40
Zadock, 104
Purchase, 100

Northrop, Amos, 104, 106
David, 88
Jasper A., 88, 111
Joseph, 102
Roswell, 88, 111
Sheldon, 88, 111

Odd Fellows’ Hall, 276

Old Sugar House Prison, 37

“Our Forefathers,” by Charles N. Hall, 175

Oviatt, Thomas, 32

Owners of New Milford, 22, 23

Palmer, Rev. Solomon, 12, 102

Paper Mill, 88, 112

Parade, Automobile, 226
Civic and Military, 277 to 283
Marshals, aides for, 184

“Patent” granted, 98

Payment for Army Service, 105, 106, 107, 112, 113

Payne, Ezekiel, 102

Peck, Joseph, 98

Pendleton, Daniel, 40

Pepper, De Watt, 87

Peterson, Peter, 226, 227

Phillips, Chester, 40
Ruben, 40
Rev. Watson L., 288

Plantation of New Milford, 98

Platt, Daniel, 20

Plow Foundry established, 89, 109

Plumb, Rev. J. F., 202

Population, 97

Porter, Edward E., 91
John, 106

Pottery, 91

Power Company, 114

Prindle, Samuel, 3, 98

Prudden, Peter, 30

Public Library and Memorial Hall, 93, 114

Quaker Meetinghouse, 101, 108

Quakers, 12, 102, 108

Railroad, 111

Randall, Charles, 95
H. L., 226
H. LeRoy, 95, 298

Read, John, 3, 4, 9
Colonel John, 4

Redding, 4

Reed, John, 100

Reynolds, Isaac, 86

Richmond, Seeley, 85

Rivers, 84

Roads, 110, 111

Robburds, Mary, 20

Roberts, Gerardus, 20
Mary, 103
William, 89, 110

Robertson, James S., 226

Rochambeau, General, 15

Roger Sherman Hall, 3, 94, 113

Rogers, Ambrose S., 92, 112

Roosevelt, Theodore, 114

Ruggles, Joseph, 101, 104, 107
Lazarus, 102

Ryan, Rev. Joseph, 200

Ryder, Rev. Charles J., 202, 208

Sabbath Day House, 4

Sabbath work fines, 109

Sabins, Charles, 20

Sanford, David C., 12
Glover, 86, 110, 113
Harry S., 95
Henry C., 171
Joseph, 86
Zachariah, 104

Sawmill, 88, 89, 106, 109

Schools, 4, 14, 92, 103, 108

Schoverling, William, 87, 88
Mrs. William, 88

Seelye, Benjamin, 106

Separatists, 12, 103

Sermons
Rev. Elisha J. Ellis, 196
Rev. Marmaduke Hare, 208
Rev. Samuel Hare, 181
Rev. Frank A. Johnson, 175
Rev. Joseph Ryan, 200
Rev. Harris K. Smith, 189
Rev. Orville Van Keuren, 193
Rev. S. D. Woods, 187

Settlement, 3

Silliman, Rev. C., 110

Singing School, 14

“Sitting Down” Place, 75

Shanty Town, 21, 97

Sherman, Roger, 6, 94, 101, 102, 115 to 118, 232
Addresses on, 232 to 255
William, 94, 102

Slavery, 20

Slaves liberated, 20, 103, 107

Smith, David, 106
George, 104, 107
Rev. H. K., 87, 202
Joseph, 32
Perry, 109
Reuben, 106

Starr, Eli, 110, 114
Joseph, 103
Josiah, 106, 109
William J., 18, 34, 80

Staub, Nicholas, 90
Verton P., 95

Stebbins, Benoni, 99

Sterling, Vincent B., 85

Stilson, Cyrene, 14

Stoddard, Gideon, 33

Stone, Benjamin A., 92
B. J., 112
Mrs. B. J., 112
Ithiel, 104, 105, 107
Lyman B., 86
Mary A., 92

Strong, Nehemiah, 108

Sturges, Everett J., 95

Social Life, 17

Societies
Agricultural, 95
Daughters of American Revolution, 94
New Milford Washingtonian Temperance
Benevolence, 111

Soldiers, lists of, 32, 33, 34
In Civil War, 54 to 66
In Colonial Wars, 45 to 49
In Mexican War, 53
In Revolution, 49 to 53
In Spanish-American War, 66
In War of 1812, 53

Soule, David E., 86
George T., 226
Tourney, 88, 95
Winifred, 94

South Farm, 100
Sunday School, 113, 114

Talcott, John, 4

Taylor, George, 110, 112
Rev. Nathaniel, 15, 17, 99, 108
Rev. Nathaniel, Jr., 15
Mrs. Nathaniel, 17
Tamar, 15, 16
William, 108, 109

Terrell, Terrill; [see Turrill]

Thatcher, Partridge, 20, 103, 107

Thayer, Augustine, 20

Tithing man, 11

Tobacco Raising, 85

Todd, Jonah, 104

Toll bridge, 111, 112

Tomlinson, Henry, 3

Topeka Hall, 75

Tornado, 108

Town Court, 91, 114

“Town Plot,” 8

Township granted, 4, 99

Train band, 31

Transportation, 18

Treat, Gideon, 20
John, 107
Joseph, 98
Robert, 98

Trott, A. N., 226, 227

Turrell, [see Turrill]

Turrill, (Terrell, Terrill, Turrell),
Ashel, 33, 41
Caleb, 26, 27, 28, 29, 33, 41
Daniel, 26, 28
Ebenezer, 32, 41
Enoch, 33, 41
Isaac, 33, 41
James, 104, 106
Joel, 41
John, 33, 36, 39, 40, 41, 43
John S., 95
Major, 26
Nathan, 33, 41
Stephen, 34, 41, 44
William, 109
Zorvia Canfield, 26

Ufford, Abigail, 30

“Underground Railroad,” 20

Union Circulating Library established, 108

Upton Post, G. A. R. organized, 113

Van Keuren, Rev. Orville, 193

Village Improvement Society, 18

Wallis, Benjamin, 32

Watson, E. M., 226

Wallace, Mrs., 226

Wanzer, Nicholas, 108

Ward, Andrew, 34, 104

Warner, Colonel, 42
Elizur, 106, 107
Henry O., 34, 95, 276
John, 100, 110
Lemuel, 107
Martin, 32, 107
Oliver, 104
Reuben, 107, 109
Samuel, 104, 105

Washington, General, 35, 36, 39, 84, 105

Water Company, 95, 113

Water Witch Engine Company, 113

Water Witch Hose Company, 276

Wayne, Anthony, 42

Webb, Charles, 35, 103

Weller, John, 98, 99
Thomas, 98

Wells, Edwin S., 88, 112
Mary C., 92, 113
Philip, 94, 112
William W., 88, 112

Whiting, Captain, 32
Colonel Nathan, 32, 33

Whittlesey, George W., 94

Williams, Frederick W., 228, 232
Jehiel, 19

Wilkinson, Jemima, 107

Wilson, Fred, 79

Wood finishing, 91, 114

Woodruff, Rollin S., 275, 276, 277, 283, 285, 286, 297, 298
Woods, Rev. S. D., 187, 202

Wool and linen manufactured, 89

Wooster, David, 32, 33, 103

Wright, Boardman, 171
Frederick, A., 202

Yates, Paul, 106, 107

THE END

FOOTNOTES:

[1] Henry Stuart Turrill. Brigadier General United States Army, a native and former resident of New Milford, enlisted in the army, 1863, retired, 906, died suddenly May 24, 1907, while dictating his reminiscences for this volume.

[2] In Orcutt’s “History of New Milford,” but not in the Connecticut Historical Society Rolls.

[3] In Orcutt’s “History of New Milford,” but not in the Connecticut Historical Society Rolls.

[4] In Orcutt’s “History of New Milford,” but not in the Connecticut Historical Society Rolls.

[5] Tradition that he was in Canada, but there is no record.

[6] In Orcutt’s “History of New Milford,” but not in the Connecticut Historical Society Rolls.

[7] A native and former resident of New Milford, who now resides in Hartford, Connecticut.

[8] Mr. Canfield viewed the various ceremonies of the Bi-Centennial Celebration from the veranda of his residence on the east side of “The Green.” He received scores of visitors there with little apparent fatigue.--Editor.

[9] The writer of this article has endeavored to be accurate in his statements. He has sought information from various sources; from the town records, from files of newspapers of the town, from personal recollections, and from the “History of New Milford,” by Rev. Samuel Orcutt, 1882.

[10] The Second Congregational Church was established in Bridgewater Society which became the town of Bridgewater in 1856.

[11] Deceased.

[12] Deceased.

[13] Deceased.

[14] Deceased.

[15] The President and Secretary of the General Committee were _ex officio_ members of all committees.

[16] Presented by Charles P. Bentley of Booth, Bentley & Co.

[17] Page 196

[18] Conn. Stat., Revision of 1715, pp. 110, 234.

[19] Boutell’s Life of Roger Sherman, 32.

[20] Dwight’s Travels, IV, 299.

[21] Collections, Connecticut Historical Society, II, 145.

[22] Collections, Connecticut Historical Society, II, 146.

[23] Stiles, Literary Diary, I, 16, July 8, 1769.

[24] Elliot’s Debates, 178.

[25] Davis, The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government, I, 672.

[26] Journ. of Congress, XIII, 155.

[27] _Id._, XIII, 122, 161, 162, 165.

[28] _Id._, XII, 179, 180, 252.

[29] Journal of Congress, XII, 54.

[30] Papers of the New Haven Colony Historical Society, I, 177.

[31] Annals of Congress, I, 125.

[32] Elliot’s Debates, II, 189.

[33] Travels, IV, 299.

[34] Lit. Diary, I II, 500.

[35] Stile’s Diary, III, 460.

[36] Lit. Diary, III, 499.

[37] _Ibid._, 500.

[38] Boutell: Life, 283.

[39] Literary Diary, III, 500.

[40] Historical Discourse, 1838, 69.

[41] V Elliot’s Debates, 135.

[42] 3 Am. Hist. Review, 326.

[43] Sanderson’s Lives of the Signers, III, 297.

[44] P. 306.

[45] The chronology here referred to is to be found in Part I. of this volume, pages 115-118.

Typographical errors corrected by the etext transcriber:

Mr. Daniel Bordman was called to preach=> Mr. Daniel Boardman was called to preach {pg 8}

A Justice of the Supreme Court of Connectiucut=> A Justice of the Supreme Court of Connecticut {image facing pg 20}

the devolpment of the town=> the development of the town {image facing pg 20}

had so far receovered from his prison experiences=> had so far recovered from his prison experiences {pg 39}

these were of foriegn birth=> these were of foreign birth {pg 66}

Generals Washington and Layfayette were said=> Generals Washington and Lafayette were said {pg 105}

Great River in the neck=> Great River in the Neck {pg 108}

given by Kamahameha I=> given by Kamehameha I {pg 144}

From estate of Alex. Resseguie=> From estate of Alex. Rosseguie {pg 155}

that is it hard for us to appreciate=> that it is hard for us to appreciate {pg 178}

made the rihcer by their=> made the richer by their {pg 214}

It was the place for more than century=> It was the place for more than a century {pg 234}

which he rendered to Conneticut=> which he rendered to Connecticut {pg 244}

his Indian suit begin securely=> his Indian suit being securely {pg 281}

Water Witch Hose Conpany, 276=> Water Witch Hose Company, 276 {pg 306}