Читать книгу History of Bridgeport and Vicinity, Volume 1 - George Curtis Waldo jr. - Страница 5

The City of Bridgeport, sometimes called The Park City, when first the scene of a white man's visit, was the site of an Indian village. Five or six hundred Indians lived here in about one hundred and fifty wigwams. These were the Pequonnocks. From the mouth of the Housatonic to a point near Southport there was a fertile plain of sandy and loam-bearing soil about a mile in width. Forests covered a portion of this plain, but here and there the white men found open fields, as well as spaces cleared and cultivated by the Indians. Commencing about one mile from the shore of the Sound hills began, rising gradually for a distance of twelve or fifteen miles. Upon this favorable location the nucleus of the future manufacturing metropolis was located about the year of 1605. This quiet and peaceful scene has undergone an inconceivable change in the two and a half centuries since the English came. One might write allegorically of the change, how the pioneer has moved on to the West, the Indian has disappeared and the black smoke of scores of industries has replaced the blue smoke of his campfire, but such would be needless. The fact that the Bridgeport of today is a new creation, a thing different from the Puritanical Newfield or the quaint Stratfield, is better proved by the story of her growth, from a village to the foremost city in the state of Connecticut.

THE FIRST FAMILIES

There were two families which at first located within the Town of Stratford west of the Pequonnock River. These were the families of Henry Summers, Sr., and Samuel Gregory. It is believed now that they constructed their log houses on a spot now near the junction of Park and Washington avenues.

There were no roads in the vicinity and everything was very primitive. There had been an attempt to lay out a highway on the east side of the boundary line between Fairfield and Stratford, but beyond the laying out of a reservation four rods wide nothing had been done. An Indian trail passed to the northeast over Golden Hill, where Washington avenue is now located. The Indians had pitched their wigwams on the southern slope of the hill, near the springs which later furnished Bridgeport with her first public water. The white children then were afraid of the Indians and it is to be assumed that the elders also were apprehensive of the Pequonnocks. Fairfield had been the scene of Indian depredations before and consequently the newcomers lived in a state of constant preparedness. There were a few white people living at Old Mill Green. Also the inhabitants of Fairfield had spread out nearly to the Stratford line, or what is now Park avenue. Col. John Burr's home, which had been erected when the celebrated Indian Council had been held under oak tree in May, 1681, was but half a mile west from Samuel Gregory's house. This lent some comfort and sense of security to the Gregory and Summers families.

The third and fourth settlers in this community were Capt. John Beardsley and his brother, Samuel. Shortly after, Samuel Wells located in what is now the southern part of Bridgeport. In the northern part others came in, the Hawley family and the Booth and Sherman families. Several families came from Fairfield, also Samuel French moved here from Derby. Like other New England communities the one here was largely under the jurisdiction of the church. The history of the latter serves well as a story of the first settlement in this territory.

ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY

The formation of the Stratfield Ecclesiastical Society began by the organization of a school, which has been described by William B. Hincks as follows:

"The oldest document signed by the inhabitants of the plantation as such, that I have been able to find any account of, is a petition to the General Court dated May, 1678, subscribed by Isaac Wheeler, John Odell, Sr., and Matthew Sherwood, in behalf of the people of the place. The distance of nearly four miles that separates them from Fairfield Center is too great, they say, to be easily traversed by the children, especially the younger ones, and therefore they had set up a school of their own, and employed an experienced teacher. Forty-seven children were already in attendance. The expense of the school they propose to bear themselves, but ask to be freed from taxation for the benefit of the one in Fairfield. Rev. Samuel Wakeman, minister at Fairfield, adds a favorable endorsement to the petition, though most of his parishioners were opposed to granting it. The General Court referred the matter to the Fairfield County Court, with power to act, and recommended that body to make an allowance to the petitioners, equal to or greater than their annual school tax."

This applied only to the Fairfield people residing at Pequonnock, as the Stratford people living in Pequonnock had a school on the east side of the line very early.

There are documents which seem to prove that Rev. Charles Chauncey served the people here as pastor from 1688 to 1694, for which he was paid in provisions. The proprietors of undivided lands in Stratford gave several acres of land to the new community, as they had done in other places in the town, in 1719. "Granted to our neighbors of Stratfield parish that belong to Stratford fifteen acres of pasture land. * * * for and towards the support of a Presbyterian minister amongst them forever, for the only benefit of our neighbors belonging to Stratford." About this time a merchant, Joseph Bennitt, was established in Stratfield by the vote of the society.

In 1690 another petition was sent to the General Assembly, signed by forty-six taxpayers. This list is probably reasonably complete in the names of the householders then living here.

"PETITION FOR ECCLESIASTICAL PRIVILEGES

"To the Gen'l Court of Connecticut (whom we honor), in their next session at Hartford: "We, the inhabitants and persons of Poquonnock, do in all humility address and apply ourselves unto you in mann'r method and form following:

"Manifesting unto this honor'd respected representative body that this vicinity of Poquonnock afores'd appertaineth part to the town of Fairfield, and part to the town of Stratford, unto which two townships it hath been fully responsible according to obligations, for meeting house and school dues, rates and assessments; we, the dwellers there, have to the towns we have been engaged to, ever punctually paid our acknowledgements, taxes and charges, as we have from time to time been laid under such bonds and indisputable engagements. But now since we are by the blessing and grace of Almighty God risen and advanced to somewhat more maturity and ripeness, and grown more populous than before, in capacity to stand within ourselves, without running for succor six or seven miles on one hand, and at least four on the other; we doe make it our joynt, ardent request and passionate petition to this honor'd esteem'd Court, that you would in the greatness of your goodness, and out of your sincere zeal to the comfort of this part every way, so order it in your new convention that wee, every one of us, that are settled inhabitants of and steady dwellers in Poquonnock, may be exempted and relaxed from any minister's rate or rates and schooll mastours salerys, either in Fairfield or Stratford afores'd, purposing (God smiling on and favouring our enterprises) to suit o'rselves in time convenient w'th such meet instrum'ts for ye pulpit and scholl, as may most and best serve the interest of our God, and do our souls and children most good; such as shall bee most painfull pious and profitable for these ends to w'ch they were ordain'd, and are improv'd. And your humb. petitioners shall ever continue to pray for your long life and prosperity, subsigning this our address, dated 2nd May, 1690.

"John Bardsle, Sr. "Matthew Sherwood, Jr. "Richard Hobbell, Sr.

"Isaac Wheeler, Sr. "Matthew Sherwood. "Thomas Griffin.

"Samuel Wells. "Samuel Morhous. "Isaac Wheeler.

"Samuel Bardsle. "James Benitt. "Samuel Bardsley.

"Roburd Bishop. "David Sherman. "Jacob Wakelen.

"Samuel Gregory. "Samuel Hubbell. "John Odell, Sr.

"Samuel Hall. "John Wheller. "Richard Hubbell.

"Joseph Seely. "Samuel Tredwell. "Samuel Jackson.

"Izhak Hall. "Moses Jackson, Sr. "Thomas Wheller.

"Ephraim Wheller. "Moses Jackson, Jr. "Daniel Bardsle.

"Matthew Sherwood, Jr. "Samuel French. "David Reynolds.

"Samuel Hubbell. "Nathaniel Knapp. "Timothy Wheller.

"Will Barsley. "Thomas Benit. "Ed Tredwell.

"Thos. Morhous. "Jacob Joy. "John Sherwood.

"John Odell, Jr. "Joseph Joy. "John Benitt, Jr.

"Samuel Sinners."

At the time of this above petition Fairfield opposed the idea of the petitioners, but in May, 1694, they renewed their request and liberty was granted to them by the General Assembly to organize an independent society of their own. The name Pequonnock was then changed to Fairfield village, and in May, 1701, to Stratfield.

FIRST MEETING HOUSE

Under date of December 29, 1692, there is the following record: "The neighbors at Paquonnock requested of the town liberty that in case the good people at Paquannock should see cause to build a meeting house there at Paquonnock the liberty to set the said house part upon Stratford bounds, and said town by vote granted the same." This proves that good feeling existed between the people of the new settlement of Pequonnock and the Stratford settlers. It is therefore probable that the first meeting house was located on the Fairfield-Stratford boundary line. W. B. Hincks wrote: "In 1693 the foundation of a house of worship was laid on an eminence in the upper part of Division street ( Park avenue) , a few rods south of the King's Highway (North avenue). This height affords a pleasant view of the surrounding country and is still called Meetinghouse Hill. The building, though small, was not completed until 1695, and in the meantime it is probable that the people gathered upon the Sabbath in a private house, having already provided themselves with a pastor."

Following is a copy of the first page of the earliest Stratfield church book, which gives quite an insight into the life at that time:

"The Church of Christ in Stratfield (formerly called Poquannuck) was gathered and Charles Chauncey was ordained the pastor thereof. June 13, 1695.

"The names of those that at that time were embodied into church estate were as followeth:

"Charles Chauncey. Past'r. "Richard Hubble, sen. "Isaac Wheeler, sen.

"Mathew Sherman. "Rich'd Hubble, jun'r. "James Benitt, Sr.

"Samuel Beardsley. "Samuel Gregory, Sr. "David Sherman.

"John Odill, Jr.

"The names of those that were afterwards received by vertue of Letters Dissmissory or Recommendatory from other churches were as followeth:

"From Fairfield Church

"Mary Sherwood.

"Anne Wheeler.

"Mary Odill.

"Rebecca Gregory.

"Ruth Tredwell.

"Mercy Wheeler.

"Abigaill Wells.

"Elizabeth Sherwood.

"Sarah Odill.

"Their letters were read and accepted Anno 1695.

"From Stratford Church

"Abigaill Hubble.

"Mary Bennit.

"Abigaill Beardsley.

"Abigaill Wakely."

"Temperance Hubble.

"Mercy Sherman.

"Their letter was read and accepted July 10, 1695.

"Concord. Joseph Wheeler and wife. Their letter was read and accepted.

"From the Church of Christ, Nor walk; Mary Jackson, her letter was read December 20, 1697, and accepted.

"Stratford, Hannah Fairchild; her letter was read and accepted by the church September 10, 1699.

"Thomas Hawley, his letter was read and accepted.

"Fairfield church; Mary Beardsley, Jno's wife; her letter was read and accepted July 26, 1702.

"Woodbury, Abegaill Tredwell's letter was read and accepted November 24, 1704.

"Concord, Sarah Whitacus, her letter was read and accepted June 17, 1705.

"Charlestown, Zachariah Ferris, sen., his letter was read and accepted September 9, 1705."

There were ninety-seven persons in the church at the time of Reverend Chauncey's departure in 1714. Rev. Charles Chauncey is known as the first pastor of the Stratfield Congregational Church. He was the son of Rev. Israel Chauncey, of Stratford, and a grandson of President Chauncey of Harvard College. He was born at Stratford September 3, 1668, and died in the year 1714. He was a graduate of Harvard College in 1686 and was married at Pequonnock June 29, 1692, to Sarah Burr, daughter of Maj. John Burr and great-granddaughter of Jehu Burr, one of the first settlers of Fairfield. In 1697 his wife died, after which he married Sarah Wolcott of Windsor in 1698. Her death occurred in 1702 and in 1710 he again married, choosing Elizabeth Sherwood as his bride. The first deacon of Reverend Chauncey's church was David Sherman, one of the first settlers of Pequonnock. The second meeting house of the church was erected in 1717, under the pastorate of Samuel Cooke. This old Stratfield church was the parent of the old First Bridgeport Church.

LIST OF HOUSEHOLDERS

In the handwriting of Rev. Samuel Cooke, the second pastor of the Stratfield Church, there exists an old record, giving the names of the householders residing in the parish about the year 1733 or 1734. The date is left blank upon the record, but the above mentioned years are undoubtedly the correct ones. The spelling of the names is identical with that in the old record. This list follows:

James Bennitt, Sr. Samuel Cooke. Isaac Bennitt.

Elijah Crane. William Bennitt. Jonah Curtiss.

James Bennitt, Jr. John Edwards, Sr. Stephen Bennitt.

Thomas Edwards. William Beardsle, Sr John Edwards, Jr.

Daniel Beardsle. Sarah Faverweather. John Beardsle, Sr.

John Faverweather. Nathan Beardsle. Abigail Faverweather

William Beardsle, Jr. Deborah Fairchild. Ebenezer Beardsle.

James Fairchild. David Beardsle. Samuel French's widow.

John Beardsle, Jr. Samuel French. Obadiah Beardsle.

Ebenezer French. Joseph Booth. Samuel Gregory.

John Burr, Sr. Benjamin Gregory. John Burr, Jr.

Ebenezer Gregory. Charles Burrett. Thaddeus Gregory.

Stephen Burrows. Enock Gregory. Samuel Cable.

Francis Hall, Sr. Israel Chauncey. John Hall.

Robert Chauncey. Samuel Hall. Caleb Cole.

Burgess Hall. Daniel Comestock. Francis Hall, Jr.

Richard Hall. Elnathan Hall. Ebenezer Hawley.

James Hawley. William Hodgden. Matthew Horn. Richard Hubbell, Sr.

James Hubbell. John Hubbell. Daniel Hubbell.

Stephen Hubbell. David Hubbell. Joseph Hubbell.

Ebenezer Hubbell. Zachariah Hubbell. Richard Hubbell, Jr.

Andrew Hubbell. Nathan Hurd. Moses Jackson.

John Jackson's widow. Gabriel Jackson. John Jackson.

David Jackson, Sr. David Jackson, Jr. John Jones.

Edward Lacey. John Lacey. Ebenezer Lacy.

Zachariah Lawrence. Matthew McHard. John Mallett, Sr.

David Mallett, Jr. John Man. Samuel Martin.

Nicholas Masters. Zachariah Mead. John Middlebrook.

Noah Morehouse. John Odell. Samuel Odell's widow

William Odell. Hezekiah Odell. Samuel Odell.

Samuel Patchen. Benjamin Phippeny. John Porter.

Valentine Rowell. Henry Rowland. Zachariah Sanford.

Ezekiel Sanford. Thomas Sanford. James Seelye's widow.

Joseph Seelye. David Sherman, Sr. David Sherman, Jr.

Enos Sherman. John Sherwood. Nathaniel Sherwood.

Matthew Sherwood. William Smith, Sr. William Smith, Jr.

John Smith's widow. Jacob Starling. Henry Stevens.

Peter Stevens. Thomas Stoddard. Samuel Summers' widow.

Henry Summers. John Summers. David Summers.

Nathan Summers. Edward Tredwell. Deborah Tredwell.

Benjamin Tredwell. Zachariah Tredwell. Hezekiah Tredwell.

Samuel Tredwell. Jacob Tredwell. Samuel Trowbridge, Sr.

Samuel Trowbridge, Jr. Jonah Turny. Robert Turny.

Jonathan Wakely, Sr. Henry Wakely. Joseph Wakely.

Israel Wakely. Nathaniel Wakely. Jonathan Wakely, Jr.

Samuel Wells' widow. Samuel Wells. John Wheeler.

Timothy Wheeler. Isaac Wheeler Ebenezer Wheeler.

Richard Whitny,

STRATFIELD PIONEERS

Isaac Wheeler was one of the first settlers of the Town of Fairfield in 1644. He was a farmer and landowner on a large scale. It is said that his mother paid a tax on 706 acres of land in 1681. Of this land Isaac had received his share prior to his father's death in 1670. He was one of the nine male members of the first Stratfield church when it was organized.

Samuel Welles was a farmer, a part of his land being the portion known as Welles' Tongue. He was the son of John Welles and the grandson of Governor Thomas Welles. In fact it was John Welles who first laid out the land and it was bequeathed to Samuel in his will. Samuel had one son, David Wakeman Welles.

John Mallett was a native of France and also an agriculturist. The Mallett family afterward located at Tashua was descended from John Mallett.

Benjamin Hubbell was a tiller of the soil and married into the Middlebrook family of Trumbull. He had one son, John, who married Betty Brothwell and became the father of five children, all daughters.

Benjamin Wheeler was the grandson of Isaac Wheeler and followed the usual occupation of farming. Benjamin Wheeler was the father of Timothy Wheeler, and the grandfather of Benjamin, Ezra and Hannah Wheeler.

Samuel Odell, farmer, was once a justice of the peace and one of the "pillars" of the church. He had one son, Maline Odell. Maline was lost at sea about 1800 while sailing in a clipper-built schooner commanded by Capt. Benjamin Wheeler, a descendant of Isaac. None of the crew or the vessel were ever heard from after departing from New York. Captain Wheeler himself left a wife and five children.

Capt. Abel Wakelee, a deep sea sailor, was drowned when the brig Julius Caesar was sunk while en route from the West Indies to Bridgeport with a load of salt. The crew and the officers were all saved in the lifeboat, except Captain Wakelee and a colored man, Ned, a slave owned by Capt. Amos Hubbell, who owned the brig. The captain left two sons, Charles and Walker.

William Rose was a Frenchman and lived in Nova Scotia before coming to Stratfield. He was one of the colony of French there which was deported prior to the Revolution by the English and distributed among the thirteen New England states. Doctor Fogg was also among the number who were landed in this vicinity. Rose pursued the occupation of gardener here, while Doctor Fogg practiced his profession until his death after the Revolution. Rose lived until April 21, 1812, reaching the age of ninety years. The story has been written of Rose that he and his dog, Lyon, were in a small boat off shore fishing, when the boat capsized. Rose was unable to swim, so he grasped his dog's tail and commanded him to swim for shore. The shore almost gained, the dog for some reason turned about. "Tudder way, Lyon," again ordered the master, whereupon the dog resolutely faced toward land again and drew Rose to the shore and safety.

Hezekiah Wheeler was a tailor and his product consisted of heavy buckskin breeches, quite the fashionable wear in those days. He was a descendant of Isaac Wheeler. Hezekiah had one son, Wilson, who was lost at sea.

William Hubbell was a house painter. David Hubbell was his son.

An interesting character of pioneer days here was Justin Smith, a stone cutter. He was a native of Springfield, Massachusetts, and was particularly skilled in working the brown stone of the Portland quarries in Connecticut. In 1789 he left that place with a ship cargo of that stone, bound for Mill River at Fairfield. A storm came up and he was forced to seek refuge in Bridgeport harbor. While here a number of citizens persuaded him to remain and employ his trade in this place. This he did and became one of the most respected and valued citizens of the community. Some of the evidences of his stone-cutting ability is attested by the brown stone monuments in the old Stratfield burying ground and in Mountain Grove where some have been moved from the old Division Street Cemetery. His home stood at about the present 240 Park Avenue. Mr. Smith died March 17, 1835, at the age of eighty-one years. He married Mary Fox of Chatham and to them were born several children. She survived her husband fourteen years, dying at ninety-two years of age.

Capt. Samuel Wakelee was a shipmaster and before the Revolution was in the passenger service between the States and Europe.

Capt. William Worden, carpenter, farmer, whig, militia captain and strong church member, was a prominent member of the early community here.

Justus Burr was the son of Col. John Burr and a farmer. He met his death while drawing a load of hay into his barn by ox-team. The oxen ran through a small door and crushed him.

Ezra Kirtland was a blacksmith. He came here before the Revolutionary war from Wallingford and located on the old Golden Hill Road, later Washington Avenue. Upon part of his land the Pequonnock Indians had been located when the parish was first settled. The Kirtland family probably owned a greater part of the land south of Washington Avenue as far south as Fairfield Avenue. Ezra Kirtland married a daughter of Zebulon Wakelee and had two sons — Zebulon and Ezra. Courtland Street was named in honor of the Kirtland family, the name becoming changed in the process.

Capt. Joseph Knapp was master of a coasting vessel carrying grain between here and Boston. This constituted a very profitable business then as all the trading was done in Boston by Bridgeport merchants. About 1790 the trade switched to New York. The captain had three children — Joseph, Jr., Patience and Ruth. Joseph, Jr., was killed by a fall from a tree when eighty years of age.

Thaddeus Gregory was a merchant and house joiner, also prominent in military affairs. He died in 1777 at the age of seventy-seven years.

Zebulon Wakelee was a farmer and lived on Division Street (Park Avenue), near the first meeting house.

Andrew Sherwood was a farmer and blacksmith. His two sons were David and Zachariah.

Lewis Angevine, a Frenchman and weaver, was a well-known character in the early community. He was known as an eccentric sort of chap.

Capt. Thaddeus Bennett, a shoemaker and farmer, became noted at the break of the Revolution. He was captain of the trainband and went to New York with his company in August, 1776, to aid in the defense of that city. His company suffered large casualties and the captain himself died soon after returning from the 1777 campaign. He left four children: Joseph W., Thaddeus, Jr., Grizell and Sarah. The girls married Isaac Odell and Nathan Fairchild, respectively, both of whom saw service in the Revolution.

Lieut. David Sherman was a farmer and lieutenant of the Stratfield militia company. He had three sons— Elnathan, Jonathan and David. The latter was killed by lightning in the old Pequonnock meeting house July 28, 1771.

Dr. James Eaton Beach, a descendant of Governor Theophilus Eaton of the New Haven Colony, came from New Haven to Stratfield about 1778 and became the parish physician. He became very prominent here.

Jabez Sherman moved to New Haven in the early '70s prior to the Revolution.

Josiah Treadwell was a weaver by trade, which was also followed by his son, Samuel.

Enoch Gregory was a farmer of large means and a slaveholder.

Andrew Beardsley was a weaver. John W. Beardsley, Henry and Rufus Burr were his descendants. Another weaver at this time was John Hall.

Capt. Samuel Sherwood was a farmer and slave owner. He married Ann Nichols. In this way he came into possession of New Pasture Point, later called Sherwood's Point, from which vessels were loaded for the West Indies.

David Sherman was one of the first settlers in the parish. His home, which was very pretentious for the time, was located on the top of Toilsome Hill. He was the son of Samuel Sherman, of Stratford, who came from the Town of Dedham, Essex County, England, and was one of the nine original members of the church in Stratfield. He was the father of nine daughters, one of whom married Henry Rowland, grandson of Henry Rowland who came to Fairfield from Essex County, England.

Samuel Edwards was a farmer. His son, Shelton, was murdered in 1796 at the store of David and John DeForest, corner of State and Water streets, Bridgeport, where he worked. It was late in the year, at 10:30 o'clock one night, when some unknown persons or person caused the death of young Edwards by beating in his head with a hammer and cutting his throat, then placed under the counter and the store fired. The DeForest boys claimed that their store was robbed at the same time. No evidence of the identity of the murderer was ever found.

Ebenezer Hall, Nathaniel Sherwood and Gurdon Sherwood were all prominent farmers in Stratfield. Hall was both a poet and postrider at different times.

Capt. John Edwards, a native of Scotland, came to this country about 1700. In Scotland he was an officer in the army, was taken prisoner and as a rebel was sentenced to face the firing squad. On the way to the place of execution, guarded by a light cavalry troop, he made his escape and hid under a bridge. The soldiers did not find him and before long he was aboard a vessel, bound for the States. It is thought that he landed at Black Rock harbor and built his home on Chestnut Hill, where the wilderness concealed his abode from passing ships. He died about 1740 at the age of eighty-eight years and was buried in the old Stratfield Cemetery, where his wife, Mary, also lies. He is said to be the ancestor of nearly all the Edwards in this vicinity.

John Nichols was a farmer, blacksmith and innkeeper. General Washington lodged with him while traveling to Rhode Island to meet General Lafayette. Nichols, as the story goes, once owned a negro slave named Tom, who ran away and was never apprehended.

William Burr, merchant and justice of the peace, and Joseph Strong, farmer and also a justice of the peace, were early settlers of Stratfield.

Quite an unique person in early Stratfield was Rev. Robert Ross, who became pastor of the church November 28, 1753, and remained as such for more than forty-two years. He was a graduate of Princeton College and an ardent whig. It is said that he was of commanding appearance, with his wig, cocked hat, black clothes, white-topped boots and six feet of stature. Reverend Ross was a slaveholder, owning one negro, Pedro. After the Revolution he held no more slaves. Reverend Ross died August 29, 1799, of fever and within the day his wife followed him on account of the same malady. They were interred in the same grave.

Benjamin Fayer weather, farmer, was the owner of Fayer weathers Island, where the Black Rock lighthouse was afterward located. He had one son, Nathaniel, who married Charity Summers, and they had three children — James, Daniel and Polly. Nathaniel Fayerweather was taken prisoner by the British on Long Island Sound and confined in what was afterward Doctor Spring's old brick church, then in possession of the enemy. In this prison Nathaniel died of smallpox.

John Holburton, a native English farmer; Samuel Cable, a cooper and innkeeper; Sergt. Jabez Summers, farmer; Abel Lewis, cabinet maker; were others of usefulness in the settlement.

Jacob Sterling, a ship carpenter, came from England, thence to Haverhill, from which place he escaped at the time of the Indian massacre. He first went to Lyme, Connecticut, and then came to this parish.

Abijah Sterling, a grandson of the above, was for many years a representative in the General Assembly. In his old fashioned chaise in 1776 he rescued David Sherman and Esquire Sterling who were suffering with dysentery at Harlem. He brought them home in his carriage, after which they recovered. Lieut. Edward Burroughs of this parish died with the same sickness after reaching home.

Ahijah Beardsley was a farmer and blacksmith. He married Drusilla, daughter of Master Wheeler of Toilsome Hill. Three sons were born to them, namely: Anson, Wheeler and Abijah. Abijah, Jr., in his youth shipped from Bridgeport as a seaman, in a brig commanded by Capt. Samuel Hawley, to Antigua. On this voyage he was taken by an English press-gang and forced to serve on a British man-of-war. When this ship returned to Antigua he was released through the efforts of Sylvanus Sterling and Robert South worth, who were in business there. Soon after he arrived home he again shipped on board of a schooner sailing for the West Indies. This schooner was lost in a hurricane in 1806 and all on board were lost.

Stephen Burroughs was one of the foremost men in Stratfield. He was sort of a jack-of -all-trades, being ship-builder, Boston coaster, astronomer, surveyor and inventor. In the War of the Revolution he followed his whig tendencies and raised a company of "Householders," of which he was elected captain. Several times he was representative to the General Assembly and was also justice of the peace for several years. It is said that about the year 1798 he invented a system of federal money which was later used by the United States. He died in 1817 at the age of eighty-eight years, having been blind for some time before his demise. Four sons and three daughters descended from him, namely: Stephen, Isaac, David and Abijah, Eunice, Betsey and Huldah. Abijah was lost at sea and David died of fever in Boston.

Elijah Burritt was a notable pioneer of Stratfield, and lived to be ninety-eight years of age. His death occurred September 23, 1841. Mr. Burritt was the father of one son, Daniel, and three daughters.

Philip Nichols was a young man with wisdom enough to believe that the west side of the harbor would first become a city. Accordingly he bought considerable land there, where much of the business portion of the City of Bridgeport now lies.

William Pixlee, from Massachusetts, came to Stratford when of age and bought land on the spot later the southwestern corner of Old Mill Green.

Richard Nichols, the son of Isaac, Jr., was but twelve years of age when his father died, whereupon he, his mother, and two brothers removed to Newtown, L. I. Richard returned in 1702 and married Comfort, daughter of Theophilus Sherman. His home was on the corner of Old Mill Green and East Main Street.

Samuel Sherman, Jr., was the first settler of this place on Old Mill Green. In 1663 his father purchased James Blakeman's half of the mill property here, which consisted of twenty acres of upland and some meadow. Samuel Blakeman owned the other half. In 1680 Samuel Sherman, Sr., presented this property to his son, Samuel, Jr. The highway later known as Pembroke Street began at the house of Mr. Sherman.

Ebenezer Hurd was a postrider for a period of forty-eight years. In the Magazine of American History, 1885, page 118, an article by Mrs. Martha J. Lamb contains the following: "This same year (1775) Ebenezer Hurd, a regular postrider, closed a service of forty-eight years, having begun it in 1727. Once in a fortnight, during that entire period, he had made a journey from New York to Saybrook and back, 274 miles. In other words — for such is the computation — during those forty-eight years he had traveled over as much space as 12 ^1/2 times around the world, or as far as to the moon and half-way back. Meantime, what of the wife? Bringing up the children, managing the farm and during one year at least, 1767, spinning not less than 500 yards of wool and flax, all raised on the place, making and mending, especially for that indefatigable rider, who was doubtless 'hard on his clothes.' " Ebenezer was just as indefatigable as a father, as he was blessed with fifteen children. Abigail Hubbell was his wife. Two of his sons — Ebenezer, Jr., and Andrew were also postriders, frequently riding in their father's place as well as attending to their own duties.

Capt. Stephen Summers was a farmer and Boston coaster. His son, Stephen, Jr., was a master of the brig William, plying from Bridgeport to New Providence. In November, 1810. she left port here and was never again seen.

Capt. Amos Hubbell was numbered among the most prominent citizens of early Bridgeport. Franklin Sherwood writes of Captain Hubbell as follows: "The borough was soon to be called upon to mourn the death of one of its most respected and prominent citizens and its first warden, Capt. Amos Hubbell, who died July 2, 1801, aged fifty-five years. It is stated, on creditable authority, that he was a son of Capt. Abraham Hubbell, who came from Wilton, built a wharf and store north of the Fairfield Road, and died of smallpox at Boston. He was succeeded in his business in Newfield by his two sons, Richard and Amos. The family were active whigs during the Revolution.

Soon after the Revolution Captain Amos built a store on Water Street north of Morris Street, which for a long time was known as the 'Yellow Store,' from the color of its paint. He dissolved partnership with his brother and continued business in his new store. He was engaged in the Boston coasting and West Indian trade. It is stated that he owned a ship and two brigs, one of which was named Julius Caesar, and was built near his store. At the time of his death his residence was on the north side of Morris Street. Previous to that he resided on Clinton Avenue. Of his sons, Amos, Jr., died in Havana of fever in October, 1798, and Wilson was thrown overboard at sea by an officer of a French privateer. A third son, Charles Benjamin, was for many years one of the leading citizens of Bridgeport and was at one time mayor of the city. Capt. Amos Hubbell was buried in the Stratfield Cemetery and upon the slab marking his grave arc carved the following words:

"This stone is erected to the memory of CAPTAIN AMOS HUBBELL,

Who died July 2, 1801, Aged 55 years.

Which also records the death of his two sons

Amos and Wilson. The former of whom died at Havana on the 18th day of October, 1798, of malignant fever, Aged 18 years.

And the latter was deprived of life while in the proper discharge of the duties of his profession by an unprincipled officer of a French privateer, who deaf to the claims of justice and the cries of humanity, plunged the sufferer into the ocean and left him to perish in the waves on the third day of April, 1799, Aged 26 years.

When sweet content serenely smiles around Like fair summer evening, Ah! how soon The charming scene is lost, the deepening shades Prevail and night approaches, dark and sad, 'Till the last beams faint glimmering die away."

The death of Wilson Hubbell occurred while the United States and France were at war. Young Hubbell was homeward bound from the West Indies, when his ship was taken by a French privateer. William Cable, his mate, and one seaman were taken away, while Hubbell, Samuel Cable, seaman, and Josiah Burr, cook, were left on board. A prize master and two French sailors were placed with them. The privateer left her capture in charge of the Frenchman. The weather being calm, the prize master went into the cabin for a sleep, laying his sword and pistols beside him. As soon as he had fallen asleep, Hubbell stole into the cabin, captured the Frenchman's arms, and locked him in. He then secured the two French sailors. The Frenchman asked for a parley, which was graciously, but unwisely granted. The two sat upon the quarter-rail to smoke and talk. The Frenchman dropped his cigar in the course of the conversation, then dropped it a second time between Hubbell's feet. Pretending to stoop down to pick it up he suddenly grabbed Hubbell by the feet and pitched him overboard. The sea was calm, so Hubbell swam rapidly after the sloop, begging to be rescued. The Frenchman paid no heed to his entreaties and permitted him to drown.

Capt. Amos Hubbell had one other son, Anson, and a daughter, Catherine.

Capt. Josiah Lacey, a house joiner by trade, was commissioned in 1777 by Governor John Hancock to raise a company for the Continental army. This he did and was its captain for three years. After the war he built a house at 237 State Street.

Capt. Daniel Lacey was captain over all the guard companies stationed from Division Street (Park Avenue) to Saugatuck River during the Revolution. The first of the Laceys in this territory was Edward. Others were John, Henry, Winthrop, Josiah, Michael, Squire, Benjamin, and Zachariah.

From the North of Ireland during the Revolution came Patrick Keeler and John Hopkins.

Jedediah Wells, son of Capt. Jedediah Wells, who was lost at sea about 1758, was a large land owner in the south part of the settlement. The family was descended from Governor Thomas Wells.

Capt. Daniel Sterling, an early settler, was for many years a shipmaster between here and Liverpool.

Elijah Hawley was a carpenter and a deacon in the church. His son, Jesse, is said to have been the projector of the Erie Canal, and that he suggested the work to Governor Clinton.

The only centenarian in the early parish was Abel Hubbell, who died at the age of one hundred and three years. Elijah Burritt and Ozias Burr both reached the age of ninety-eight, also a woman named Molly Jackson was buried in the old parish ground at the age of one hundred and one years, although she was not known as a resident here.

Dr. Daniel Clifford was the first resident physician in the parish.

Capt. David Hawley, son of James, owned the first brick house within the present city limits. It was located on the corner of Water and Gilbert streets. Captain Hawley was with Arnold in the battle of the flotillas on Lake Champlain, also led the expedition which captured Judge Thomas Jones, of Hempstead, L. I., who was afterward exchanged for an American officer, Gen. G. S. Silliman. Captain Hawley died in 1807. His brick house was afterward used as a saddle factory, and operated by Seth B. Jones.

Capt. Abijah Hawley was in early life engaged in the Boston coasting trade and later became a prominent Bridgeport merchant. His descendants, Munson and Marcus C. Hawley, became prominent citizens of the city later.

Nehemiah Allen was a shoemaker and came from Stratford prior to the Revolution. Ephraim Wilcox was a boat builder and also came from Stratford. He was known as a very good literary scholar, together with Elijah Burritt and Philip Nichols, and possessed a large library.

John S. Cannon came to Bridgeport about 1790 from Norwalk. He was a merchant of good standing and possessed a large fortune. His residence was located on the comer of Water Street and Fairfield Avenue.

Lambert Lockwood came to Bridgeport from Wilton, Connecticut, about the same year as Cannon, and had his residence on the north side of State Street. He was a very public spirited man and a prominent member of the church.

Salmon Hubbell also came to Bridgeport in 1790 from Wilton and located on the bluff fronting Water Street, south of the land adjoining Mr. Cannon. He was a captain and paymaster in the Continental army and participated in the taking of Stony Point fort under command of General Wayne. He was the first town clerk of Bridgeport.

Isaac Hinman came here from Trumbull and first resided on the corner of Main and Bank streets, afterwards on the corner of Wall and Water streets.

Ezra Gregory, Sr., came here from Wilton in 1796. His home located on the west side of Main Street at the head of Wall was used by him for several years as a tavern.

OLD STRATFIELD BURIAL GROUND

The Stratfield Burial Ground, the oldest in the city, was used from the time of the earliest settlement until 1812, when an addition was made. This had been the resting place of all the members of the Stratfield parish.

By 1812 the ground had become too small and, upon petition of James E. Beach and others to the session of the General Assembly in October, 1811, showing that they had bought a tract of land bounded north on Elias Sherman; east on Division Street; and south and west on land of Abijah Hawley; they were incorporated as The Bridgeport and Stratfield Burying Ground Association. Lambert Lockwood was the first clerk. A son of Ezra Wheeler was the first child and Elijah Burr was the first adult buried here in 1812. This cemetery was largely used until about 1850. At this time the growing population of the vicinity necessitated a change of some kind, so in 1849 Mountain Grove Cemetery was established. Then came the question of removing the bodies in the old cemetery to the new. For some time agitation continued and the wisdom of such an act was discussed from every angle. Finally under an act of the General Assembly in May, 1873, the removal was made possible and accomplished during the years 1873 and 1874. P. T. Barnum bought the entire territory. The removal of the bodies was made to the west side of the Mountain Grove grounds under the supervision of George Poole. Over three thousand graves were changed. Hardly any trace of the old Stratfield Cemetery now remains, as streets cross the site and attractive rows of houses cover what was once the pioneer cemetery of Bridgeport.