Chapter VI: Introduction (4)

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

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.

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

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

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),

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

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,

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.