Litchfield County CT Archives History - Books .....Bridgewater 1882 *********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ct/ctfiles.htm *********************************************** ************************************************************************ The USGenWeb Project makes no claims or estimates of the validity of the information submitted and reminds you that each new piece of information must be researched and proved or disproved by weight of evidence. It is always best to consult the original material for verification. ************************************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com May 29, 2005, 1:04 pm Book Title: HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF NEW MILFORD AND BRIDGEWATER, CONNECTICUT, 1703-1882 CHAPTER XXII. BRIDGEWATER. THE first man to whom land was surveyed within the territory now comprised in the town of Bridgewater, Ct, was Mr. Samuel Clark, the merchant of Milford, it being a part of the land to the amount of some hundreds of acres which Jeremiah Canfield, Sen., afterwards purchased, and on which his sons, Zerubbabel, Azariah, Joseph, and Jeremiah settled. The first was laid in the south part of the town, and near it was afterwards located Samuel Brisco's land. The second man to whom land was surveyed within this territory seems to have been Daniel Collins, of Milford, to whom 100 acres were laid Nov. 1, 1722, in Shepaug Neck, bounded with undivided land, and two years later more was measured to him, adjoining the first. It is probable that his sons settled on this land some fifteen years later. But neither of the above families settled in New Milford. The third man to whom land was surveyed in this part of the town was Samuel Brisco, and the records describe some of these pieces thus: "52 acres lying in Shepaug Neck between the brooks called Wawecoes Brooks"; Dec. 25, 1723; and "28 acres in Shepaug Neck by Potatuck Path, and 20 acres in Shepaug Neck, at the south end of Mr. Samuel Clark's land," Jan. 1, 1723-4. In 1726 there were laid to him "20 acres on Clapboard Oak Brook." Ephraim Burwell had land, 120 acres, laid to him in 1725, in Shepaug Neck, on the south side of Samuel Brisco's land, and the next year other land adjoining this was laid out to him. The following is the first reliable information obtained as to the first settlers in the territory now composing Bridgewater township: "Dec. 9, 1734. Voted that Mr. Joseph Benedict and Mr. Ephraim Hawley shall be freed from paying their minister's rate for four months in the winter season for this year in case they pay to a minister at Shepaug in Woodbury." These men joined the New Milford church in 1739, by letters from Newtown, and must have resided within the New Milford township in 1734. Joseph Benedict's house is mentioned in 1735 as being in Shepaug Neck, near the east branch of Wawecoe's brook. Jehiel Hawley was one of the pioneer settlers in Bridgewater township, and continued there about thirty years, when he removed. He was a successful farmer, becoming quite wealthy; and was one of the company organized in 1760 to make the settlement of a township at Fort Edward with Roger Sherman. He took a very earnest part in the proposition, in 1761, to make the Housatonic river navigable; and not long after removed to Sharon, or Salisbury, Conn. Joseph Benedict resided in the Neck, apparently a diligent farmer some years; but very little has been ascertained concerning his family. Joseph Treat, Jr., had land laid to him, first, May 7, 1724, "in his own Right and in his wife's father, John Buckingham's Right . . . by estimation 200 acres, lying in Shepaug Neck, in one piece, upon a hill between a brook called Wawecoe's Brook and Woodbury bounds, the northwest corner being on the west side of said brook, near the crotch of the brook." The next February he received 75 acres "on the hill east from the East branch of Wawecoe's Brook." He married Hannah Buckingham June 9, 1720, and did not settle in New Milford, but settled his two sons here when they were grown to manhood. Joseph Treat, Jr., was the son of Lt. Joseph Treat, of Milford, and grandson of Governor Robert Treat. The name "Col. Robert Treat" (who was afterwards the Governor of Connecticut), heads the list of original proprietors of New Milford township. John Treat, who was born in 1724, son of Joseph 2d, settled on land given him by his father, in Shepaug Neck, upon his marriage to Phebe, daughter of Jehiel Hawley, Oct. 3, 1750. There is a tradition in the family of Stephen Hine, Jr., of Candlewood Mountain, that his father, Stephen Hine, Sen., of Woodbridge, built the first framed house in Bridgewater, for Joseph Treat, and received land in pay for the work; and this was probably the house in which John Treat made his home and where he lived and died. He was a prominent citizen in the town of New Milford, a successful farmer, and his descendants have continued the honor of the name down to the present time, but nearly all of them are now gone from the town. He died in 1804, in his 80th year. Gideon Treat, who was born in 1747, son of Joseph, 2d, being 23 years younger than his half-brother John, came to the Neck much later than that half-brother, probably a little before his marriage to Lucretia Washborn, Nov. 13, 1770. His land lay east of Wawecoe's brook, on the ridge, which still remains in possession of his descendants. He was a very resolute, courageous, working, influential citizen, and successful as a farmer, having one of the best farms in that region of the country. He took an earnest part in establishing the Bridgewater Society, and in building the first meeting-house, and also in supporting the society until his death in 1811, at the age of 63 years, leaving a large land estate. His widow, Lucretia, died in 1847, in her 97th year. One of the earliest acts relating to the territory called the Neck was the laying out a burying-place by the vote of the proprietors of the town, May 30, 1753; and there were probably but few inhabitants in that part of the town at that time, and most of them were located south and east of this burying-place, which was the old ground. The first school district was established Dec. 18,1758: "Voted that the inhabitants in the southeast part of this society shall have a regular school set up and kept among them within the following limits: Beginning at the Great River at the north end of Joseph Seelye's farm, and from thence running to the northeast corner of Zerubable Canfield's farm, and so continuing the same course to Woodbury line, from thence running south to the southeast corner of New Milford, from thence northerly, bounding westward by said river to the first station — which school shall be under the same regulations and have the same privileges as the other schools in this society, and Mr. Zerubbable Canfield is appointed . . . the-school committee for the year ensuing, and Mr. John Treat is chosen a collector of the school rate for the year ensuing." In this same year one-half of the expenses of the schools of the town, above public money or funds, were to be collected by a tax, and "the other half, and the whole charges of the wood for said schools, shall be paid by the parents and masters of the children and youth that shall attend said schools." This was passed as applying to the Neck, as well as elsewhere in the town. After ten years a new district was formed: " 1768. A district for a school beginning at Jeremiah Canfield's dwelling house, then running southward by the highway including David Beach and Nathan Canfield to the Burying Place, then east to Woodbury line, then north so far as to include Elijah Benedict, from thence to the first station, to be called Cranberry Pond District." The next indication of considerable increase of inhabitants is their petition to the First Ecclesiastical Society, for liberty to hire preaching among themselves during the winter. "Oct. 12, 1772. Whereas Matthew Wildman, John Treat and David Hitchcock, in behalf of themselves and others in their neighborhood, laying before this meeting the many disadvantages they labor under of attending public worship in the winter, &c., Voted that a line be drawn from William Hutchins's dwelling house eastward in the cross highway to Nathan Canfield's dwelling house, still eastward to Woodbury line against Jonathan "Blakeley's" dwelling house, taking in all the inhabitants south of said line and east of the Great River, within New Milford bounds, and that the said inhabitants may have liberty to hire a Gospel minister to preach amongst them for four months in each year for the term of three years next coming, and in case they have a minister as aforesaid to preach with them, that then they shall draw out of said society treasury one third part of their respective rate for each year as it shall be made up by order of the society, or in case they don't have preaching amongst them the whole of the term as above set forth, then to draw upon their rates out of said treasury only in such proportion as they have stated preaching amongst them within the particular term of each year as aforesaid. Voted in the affirmative." A further item indicating the increase of inhabitants in this part of the town is found in the establishment of another school district: "Jan. 4, 1774. Voted that there may be a district for a school, beginning as follows: from the mouth of the brook called Waweroes and to extend all on the west of the road from Mr. John Treat's as high as the bridge called Treat's bridge, and thence to the Great river south of the end of Samuel Dunning's farm, taking in all the inhabitants within these limits." "Dec. 27, 1784. Upon the petition of John Porter, David Beach and others to the number of about 50, praying for a release of a part of their society rate for the present year, on condition that they hire three months' preaching at the South farms (called the Neck): Voted that the committee in making up the society rate of one penny on the pound upon list 1784, make up the same but three farthings on the pound upon the lists of the said petitioners living in said farm, provided they hire preaching as aforesaid." A little over one year later we find a record in the books of the First Society, showing that the people of that part of the town were seeking for a new society by the addition of a part of Roxbury. "ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY OF NEW MILFORD, May 9, 1785, "A petition in writing was presented and read in said meeting in the words following: New Mil ford, May 9, 1785. In legal meeting of the First Ecclesiastical Society in New Milford, the inhabitants of that part of said society known by the name of the Neck, (viz.) those living within the following lines and boundaries: "Beginning at the north end of Goodyear's Island, thence an easterly line about four miles to Woodbury's west line at a place called the Stone Bridge in said line or near it, thence southward with said Woodbury line to the Great River, thence northwesterly with said river to the first bounds,—the said inhabitants living within said lines request of said society that they grant their permission for the said inhabitants to form a legal ecclesiastical society, and be dissolved from the said First Society and not holden in law to pay rates nor be in any ecclesiastical way connected therewith for six months in the year annually (viz.) from the first day of November to the first day of May. . . . For an inducement the said inhabitants beg leave to observe, that the society of Roxbury in Woodbury have voted that the inhabitants and the land from the northeast corner of the proposed society, a due east line to Shepaug River, thence southerly by said river to the south line of said proposed society — all the land and inhabitants on the west side of said river to fall within the proposed society. And further, that the said inhabitants within the proposed society do live from four to nine miles distance from the central meeting house of said society, and that it is not only inconvenient but often impossible to attend public worship with their families, and that they esteem themselves fully able to build a meeting house and support a regular orthodox minister for the time proposed annually,—that they are £3000 in the grand list for the year past, exclusive of those lands which are not owned by any of the inhabitants of said proposed society; that the soil is generally rich and fertile, and that improvements and settlement could be much increased by this ecclesiastical establishment. "The whole circumstances taken collectively, we flatter ourselves that the said society will favor our request . . . if the Hon. General Assembly of this State in their wisdom should see fit to grant the same within the limits aforesaid. "George Smith, John Treat, Jabez Wooster, Jeremiah Canfield, David Beach, Jr., Ezra Botsford, in the name of said inhabitants. " The above petition approved and accepted by vote of said meeting. Per ABEL HIKE, Society's Clerk." The next record made by the First Society in. relation to this part of the town is: Jan. 24, 1787. "At the request of Matthew Wildman and others living at New Milford Neck, it is agreed that the Rev. Mr. Taylor preach at said farms (if he see cause) three Sabbaths between this time and the last of March next." On Dec. 15, 1794, the Ecclesiastical Society voted — "That, whereas a request of a number of inhabitants living in the Neck, so called, that they might have part of their society tax abated for the purpose of hiring some person to preach in that quarter of the town during the inclement season, in lieu thereof that Mr. Griswold (should he feel willing) preach there one Sunday in each of the months of January, February and March." For a number of years following a vote was passed in the society to the same effect, and Mr. Griswold continued to preach at that place. During Mr. Griswold's pastorate in New Milford he preached regularly one Sunday in each of the three winter months, probably so long as he was here; but upon his leaving the place, the Neck people moved at once for more services than they had secured previously, as is seen by the following record: "Dec. 20, 1802. The people in the Neck, so called, then petitioned to have preaching in the Neck in proportion to the tax they pay — they building a meeting house for that purpose, and after much conversation on the subject it was voted to appoint a committee of conference, and that Abijah Treat, Esqr., Andrew Minor, Ralph Smith, Abel Merwin, Col. J. Starr and Ebenezer Gay lord, be that committee." The Baptists in Bridgewater. It was about the time or soon after Mr. Taylor began to preach regularly, certain portions of the year, in the Neck, that Baptist preaching was also started there. What the peculiar occasion was that opened the way for it, has not been ascertained, but a certificate is recorded, with a number of others' in the book of the First Society, showing that a Baptist meeting had been established and contributions made to it, as follows: "Sep. 5, 1788. These are to certify that Nathaniel Lockwood is a steady attender to the Baptist meeting having made a public profession of religion in that way, and he doth contribute his due proportion for the support of the gospel in the Baptist Society. "Given by order of the church and signed by me. NATHANIEL FINCH, Elder." And in the same month like certificates, signed by the same Elder, were presented to the society's clerk by the following persons: Solomon Noble Sanford, Zechariah Sanford, Daniel Bars, Jonathan Downs, Jr., Joel Smith, Peter Wooster, and Isaac Wooster. Some years before this,—in 1771, Aaron Payne, residing in the northwest corner of New Milford, had joined the Baptists at Paulings, N. Y., his certificate being signed by Samuel Waldo, Elder; and in 1786 John Carpenter, from this town, had done the same, his certificate certified by the same. It is quite certain, then, that the Baptist meetings began in 1788, in the Neck with Nathaniel Finch as minister, and that the meeting house was commenced the next year, as is revealed by another certificate: "These certify that George Smith and his son George Clarke Smith have actually and generously contributed towards building a Baptist meeting house in New Milford Neck, and have also declared their intention to join with us for religious worship on the Sabbath. Given by order of the Church, and signed by me. Dec. 2, 1789. NATHANIEL FINCH, Elder." John Sturdivant, Jr., united with this Baptist Society in August, 1789. This Baptist meeting house was located in what is now the western part of Bridgewater village, that part which was called many years ago "the City," now a little way south of Mr. Egbert B. Canfield's residence, where the society or church continued to worship until soon after the year 1800, when they sold the church edifice, and no regular services by this denomination has been held there since. A Fund Raised for the Ecclesiastical Society. "Whereas the inhabitants of New Milford in that part called the Neck have long been contemplating to be incorporated as a distinct Society, and have frequently petitioned to the First Ecclesiastical Society in said town to grant that the said inhabitants might be incorporated with all the privileges of a distinct society, but meeting with a considerable opposition from said society they have also petitioned to said society to grant and appoint a committee to report to said society at their adjourned meeting whether in their opinion the said -inhabitants ought to be a distinct society, and to report how far, in their opinion, the said inhabitants ought to extend north of the established military lines in said Neck for a society, which committee viewing the circumstances do report as their opinion that said inhabitants ought to be incorporated as a distinct society, and the said line to extend north so as to include Capt. John Merwin's dwelling house as specified in said report. Also said committee do report as their opinion that said inhabitants ought to raise a fund by subscription or otherwise, equal to $2500 for the support of the ministry and then to be vested and incorporated with all the privileges of a distinct society. Therefore we the subscribers, impressed with a sense of the importance and necessity of establishing a permanent foundation for the support of a preached gospel among us, and being fully persuaded there can be no surer and better method taken for that purpose than to raise a fund by_a/voluntary subscription, which fund shall be preserved solely for that purpose forever, and to be let out upon interest, which interest shall be carefully applied for the above mentioned purpose. We do therefore mutually covenant and bind ourselves unto each other that we will pay or secure to be paid such sum or sums as affixed to our respective names, to be paid as aforesaid within one year from the time that the said society privileges shall be granted, to Samuel Lockwood as treasurer for the time being or his successors in office, whose office and duty it shall be to receive and preserve the said moneys as a bank or fund, and to put out the same upon interest to the best advantage, taking good security for the same in lands or such other security as the-proprietors of said bank shall hereafter direct, which interest shall be paid annually, and carefully applied to the support of an able and discreet minister of the gospel in said proposed society and for no other purpose. And said principal to remain unalienable forever, and the said treasurer shall become bound with a security to the faithful discharge of his office in the penal sum of six hundred and sixty-six dollars and sixty-seven cents more than the sum or sums put into his hands; said bonds to be drawn to Eli Smith, Ralph Smith and Andrew Minor, as our committee, to receive and take care of the sum until a special committee can be legally chosen and appointed by the said proposed society to do the business. Dated this 18th day of April, 1803, witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands: Ezra Botsford, $ 50 Truman Minor, 100 Andrew Minor, 220 Abijah Treat, 100 Ralph Smith, 100 Elizur Bostwick, 33 George Welton, 90 Samuel Lockwood, 120 John H. Treat, 70 Gideon Treat, 150 John Canfield, 50 Nehemiah Sanford, 35 Abijah Beach, 35 Liffe Sanford, 25 Jeremiah Canfield, 30 Caleb Beach 40 Jeremiah Randall, 50 Charles Randall, 25 Philo Porter, 5 Benjamin Hamlin, 20 John Burr, 50 Amos Morris, 40 Phineas Beers, 10 Elisha Hamlin, 20 Richard Randall, 30 David Lockwood, 20 Jehiel H. Summers, 15 Job Fenn, 20 Abraham Fairchild, 25 Phineas Gorham, 10 Nathan Betts, 30 Abijah Terrill, 20 Nathan Bradley, 10 John Treat, 40 Eli Smith, 180 Nehemiah Sanford, 20 Joel Sanford, 20 Lemuel and Daniel Canfield, 120 Nathaniel Porter, 10 Justus Weller, 10 Walter Sperry, 10 Harvey Sperry, 10 James White, 20 Reuben Warner, 50 Timothy Beardsley, 50 Lemuel Beardsley, 10 Daniel Booth, 25 Daniel Booth, Jr., 15 Hermon Fairchild, 5 William Nichols, 5 Samuel Dunning, 15 Samuel Summers, 5 Benjamin Mead, 50 Jeremiah Platt, 10 Lemuel Jennings, 10 Jonas Sanford, 20 Oliver Summers, 10 Ebenezer Trowbridge, 10 Timothy Randall, 20 James Jessup, 20 Jeremiah Platt, Jr., 10 John Clark, 20 Andre Sanford, 20 Peter Phippeney, 5 Jonathan Downs, 4 Truman Bennitt, 20 Stephen Trowbridge, 10 John Oviatt, 20 Ammon Sperry, 10 Isaac Hawley, 90 Samuel H. Wakelee, 10 Total, $ 2626 The General Assembly held at New Haven on the 2d day of October, 1803, granted the request of the petitioners according to the following: "Resolved by this Assembly, that the inhabitants living within the following lines and boundaries, viz.: beginning at the Ousatonic river at the mouth of Town Hill brook, so called, and running from thence up said brook to a bridge where the road crosses said brook, a little eastwardly of Noah Brownson's dwelling house, from thence northeasterly to the center of the highway which leads from New Milford to Roxbury where it is intersected by the road which runs from New Milford Neck northwardly into said highway a little westwardly of Jonathan Bostwick's dwelling house, from .thence an eastwardly direction such a course as to intersect a highway which runs northwardly by John Merwin's dwelling house, forty-three rods due north of said Merwin's dwelling house, thence so as to strike the center of a road or passway that runs eastwardly, thence eastwardly in the center of said road or passway nineteen chains, which road or passway runs about forty rods north of the dwelling house of Elisha and Isaac Downs, and from thence, that is from the termination of said nineteen chains a due east course to Roxbury line, and to include all the land south of the above described line and boundaries lying within the said town of New Milford, and east of the centre of Ousatonic river, be and the same are hereby constituted an Ecclesiastical Society by the name of Bridgewater with all the rights, privileges and immunities to other Ecclesiastical Societies appertaining." Great must have been the gladness of the people upon so favorable an issue of their protracted efforts to have the privileges of the gospel regularly established within convenient distance from their homes, for, it had been sixty-nine years since "Mr. Joseph Benedict and Mr. Ephraim Hawley" had been first excused from paying their minister's tax, for four months in the winter season, upon condition that they should pay "to the support of a minister at Shepaug in Woodbury," now Southbury. A large proportion of these families resided from four to nine miles from New Milford and only a little less distance from the village of Southbury. Hence it was with haste that they proceeded in the organization of their society and the establishment of regular services. Just one month and a half from the day the society was authorized, the first society meeting was held, and a few items of business transacted, when an adjournment was taken, perhaps in order to prolong the joy of attending to official business, or possibly there was so much talking to be done that but little progress could be made, a failing which has sometimes befallen even the Congress of the United States. "NEW MILFORD, November 17, 1803. At a meeting of the Society of Bridgewater, legally warned and holden at the dwelling house of John Canfield in said Society: Voted 1st. That Ezra Botsford be moderator: 2nd that Truman Miner be clerk for the year ensuing: 3rd that Samuel Lockwood, David Merwin, Jr., Benjamin Mead, Truman Minor and Abijah Treat be a society's committee: 4th that Andrew Minor be Treasurer: 5th that this meeting be adjourned to Thursday the first day of December next at one of the clock, afternoon; at the dwelling house of Samuel Lockwood: Meeting opened according to adjournment. Voted 1st, that Samuel Lockwood, David Merwin, Truman Minor and Abijah Treat be reconsidered as to being a committee: 2d that this meeting be adjourned from Samuel Lockwood's to Jeremiah Canfield's dwelling house: 3d that Andrew Minor be excused from being treasurer: 4th that Truman Minor be excused from being clerk: 5th that Jonathan Bostwick, Jr., be appointed clerk: 6th that Samuel Lockwood be treasurer: 7th that David Merwin, Jr., and Abijah Treat be a committee: 8th that Andrew Minor, Samuel Lockwood and Amos Morris be appointed agents to treat with the first society in New Milford respecting the Fund: 9th that whenever it shall be necessary to warn a Society meeting it shall be the duty of the society's committee to set up four warnings; one at the school house near Gideon Treat's, one at the oak tree near George Welton's, one at William Nichols' house, and one at Samuel Lockwood's; 10th that this meeting be dissolved. JONATHAN BOSTWICK, society's clerk." Several adjourned meetings were held until they came to Feb. 1st, 1804, when on hearing the report of the agents respecting the Fund, they found it "necessary to empower them to pursue the business as far as they judge proper for the benefit of the society." "Voted 2d that we will lay a tax of five mills on the dollar for the benefit of the society, to be payable by the first of April next; said tax to be laid on the list of 1803. Voted 3rd that Jeremiah Canfield be collector of said tax: 4th that the society's committee be empowered to hire a minister, and lay out as much of the money to be raised by the tax as they think .best for the good of the society: 5th that we will purchase pine timber for the purpose of building a meeting house: 6th that Eli Smith and Benjamin Mead be a committee to purchase said timber." On Jan. 3, 1805, they voted that "this society do'es not accept the pine timber purchased by Mr. Eli Smith and Benjamin Mead," and therefore there was the beginning of a little trouble in the start in regard to a meeting house, and there had already arisen a question as to the Fund, and on Sept. 11, 1804, a committee had been appointed "to treat with the Episcopalian order, respecting the Fund," but when their report was made Dec. 30, 1805, they voted "that we regret the doings of Abijah Treat and Samuel Lockwood, appointed as a committee to treat with the Episcopalian society respecting the Fund, and dismiss them from said office," which was considerably sharp on the committee. The first Assessment list of the Bridgewater Society was made in 1804, and consisted of the following names: Rhoda Bennett, Truman Bennett, Canfield Bennett, Nathan Betts, Phinehas Beers, Thomas Booth, Joseph Bennett, Daniel Booth, Jr., Jonathan Brown, Gideon Baldwin, Caleb Beach, Samuel A. Botsford, Ezra Botsford, Abijah Beach, Elizur Bostwick, John Lemuel Beardsley, Timothy Beardsley, David Beach, Ashbel Bostwick, Edmund Bostwick, John Canfield, Enos Chatfield, Julius Camjp, Lemuel Canfield, Daniel Canfield, Jeremiah Canfield, Elisha Downs, Isaac Downs, Jonathan Downs, Samuel Dunning, Abraham Fairchild, Job Fenn's Estate, James Fenn, Phinehas Gorham, William Giliett, Elisha Hamlin, Benjamin Hamlin, Mark T. Hatch, Joshua Hatch, Joseph Jennings, Lemuel Jennings, James Jessup, Joseph Judson, Elijah Jordan, Ralph Keeler, Samuel Lockwood, David Lockwood, Truman Minor, Amos Morris, Benjamin Mead, Andrew Minor, David Merwin, Jr., David Merwin, 3d, John Merwin, William Nichols, John Oviatt, Philo Porter, Nathaniel Porter, Jeremiah Platt, Abijah Perry, James Phippeney, Benjamin Ruggles, Edmund Richmond, Jeremiah Rundle, Richard Rundle, Eli Smith, Jehiel H. Summers. Liffe Sanford, Andrew Sanford, Ammon Sperry, John Sturdevant, Hervey Sperry, Nehemiah. Sanford, Jr., Joel Sanford, Amos Sherman, Lyman Summers, Oliver Summers, Nehemiah Sanford, Jonas Sanford, Ralph Smith, Abijah Tyrrell, John Treat's Estate, John H. Treat, Gideon Treat, Daniel A. Treat, Abijah Treat, Stephen Trowbridge, Noah Titus, Ebenezer Trowbridge, Peter Wooster's heirs, James White, Justus Weller, Reuben Warner, Jr., Reuben Warner, James Wright, Samuel H. Wakeley, George Welton. On Dec. 31, 1805, finding themselves in the midst of difficulties, and in hope of escaping upon other men's shoulders, which is often very laudable—they voted "that we will petition the Honorable County Court to appoint a committee to pitch or appoint a place where on to build a meeting house, taking into consideration all former written agreements and all verbal agreements, together with the best present and future advantages for the good of the society, and to proceed accordingly," and a committee from adjoining towns was recommended to be appointed by the court. But for some reason (or no reason) the court did not act or its action was unavailing and in September, i8c6, they proceeded to renew their petition as follows: "Voted that we will have a committee to view the situation of Bridge-water Society and pitch for a meeting house in said society; that Shadrach Osborn, Esq., of Southbury, Daniel N. Brinsmade, Esq., of Washington, and Eli Perry, Esq., of Brookfield, be a committee for the above mentioned purpose; and that Mr. Andrew Minor be appointed to apply to the court for the above named committee." On the report of this committee action was taken Dec. 16, 1806, to this effect "that, we do not accept of the doings of the committee in pitching a stake for a meeting house in this Society; and that we will remove the stake to the Cranberry pond, and that Benjamin Mead, John Canfield, Eli Smith, John Merwin, Amos Morris, David Merwin, Jr., Jonathan Bostwick, Jr., John Smith, and Nehemiah Sanford, Jr.; be a committee to pitch a stake at the Cranbury pond for the meeting house." If this had been a Baptist Society, there might have been some intimation of a reason, in the absence of other reservoirs, for going to Cranberry pond, but, for Presbyterians, as they were then almost uniformly called—to make such a resort looks a little like deserting their creed; but away the committee went to the pond and located the site and all seemed to feel satisfied. Twenty-three days later the committee reported and the society pushed forward their work according to the record with determined energy. "Jan. 8, 1807, voted that we will build a meeting house in this Society, with a steeple, this present year, on or near the place where the stake is now pitched, south of the Cranbury pond on James W. and Sally Smith's land—said house to be raised and inclosed; and that John Canfield, Eli Smith, Abijah Treat, Andrew Minor, Timothy Merwin, and David Merwin, 2d, be a committee to grand view New Stratford and other meeting houses, and make suitable dimensions for a meeting house in this society. Voted that Eli Smith, David Merwin, 2d, .arid Andrew Minor, be a committee to take the charge of building the meeting house." Seven days later they ordered still further that " Amos Morris, Ralph Smith,-Elizur Bostwick, Caleb Beach, and John Merwin, be a committee to see to gathering the timber and other materials for building the meeting house and call on the people to labor in that way; and that the first committee be empowered to inspect and set a price on timber, boards and shingles, when brought to the place for building the meeting house, and also to set the price of all kinds of labor by the day." The dimensions of the building were decided Jan. 26, 1807, to be "fifty-two feet long, forty feet wide and twenty-four feet posts. Voted that we will cover the meeting house with shingles; that the price of work from this time to the first of April shall be three shillings and six pence per pay, for a good day's work, and seven for a four cattle team." A Lottery Ordered. "Oct. 10, 1807, Voted that we will petition the General Assembly now sitting at New Haven for a grant for a lottery to finish the meeting house now building in the Society of Bridgewater in New Milford; that we do appoint Mr. Andrew Minor our agent to forward our petition; that David Merwin, 2d, John . Canfield, Ralph Smith, Truman Minor, and Jonathan Bostwick, Jr., be a committee to appoint managers for the lottery. Voted that we will paint the steeple all above the deck floor and the trimmings of the meeting house." There was delay in applying for the lottery, for in the next spring, May 5, 1808, they again voted that they would apply for the privilege. The meeting house was raised and the frame covered in the summer of 1807, but probably no meetings were held in it until the next spring, when at a society meeting in April held at the house of Augustine Canfield, the meeting was adjourned to meet at the meeting house on the 5th day of the next May, which was perhaps the first assemblage in that house. To what state of completeness the work on the meeting house was brought during the summer and autumn of 1807, is uncertain, but probably that of the vote at the commencement,—the inclosing and laying of the floor, for, at the annual meeting in December, a call was made for all "accounts for labor or material to be presented to Amos Morris, Ralph Smith, Elizur Bostwick, Caleb Beach or John Merwin;" and that the society's committee should report upon the amount of expenses incurred to that time. The next that we learn from the record of the society as to the completion of the house is that the meeting of the society was called to meet at the meeting house on the first of May, 1808. The next annual meeting indicates a better state of its affairs, and is given in full as representing the prominence of persons and prevailing sentiments. "Dec. 28,1808. Voted 1st that Capt. John Minor be moderator: 2nd That Jonathan Bostwick, Jr., be clerk: 3rd that Andrew Minor, David Merwin, 2d, and Daniel A. Treat be committee: 4th that Andrew Minor be society's treasurer and treasurer of the Fund: 5th that Ralph Smith be appointed a special committee to take care of the Fund with all the powers specified in a former appointment. 6th that the Society's committee be directed to purchase of James W. Smith a piece of land south of the meeting house for the better accommodation of said society, if they can agree upon reasonable terms. 7th that John Smith, Joseph C. Treat, Caleb Beach, and Augustine Canfield be appointed choristers for said society. 8th that we will lay a tax of one cent on the dollar on the list of 1808; and that Joseph C. Treat be collector of said tax. 9th that Andrew Minor, David Merwin, 2d, and Daniel A. Treat be a committee to attend to finishing the meeting house if it is convenient, next summer. 10th that the meeting house when finished be seated by pews." A Burying Place in Shepaug Neck. The Proprietors of the town of New Milford in their meeting April 30, 1753, passed, the following: "Voted that Samuel Hitchcock and Jehiel Hawley shall be a committee to agree with Isaac Brisco for a piece of land for a burying-place, and that the above said committee shall have full power to recompence said Isaac Brisco "out of the undivided land, and sign a note of the same, which note shall be recorded in New -Milford records which shall be a sufficient title to said land." Inscriptions in the Old Bridgewater Burying-place. LUCY MATILDA wife of Philo Babbitt May 27, 1825 July 23, 1853. REBECCA E wife of William W Barnum Died May 4, 1874 Aged 24 yrs 6 mo & 13 Ds. In memory of ELIZABETH E daughter of Wm. & Mary E Barrowscale who died Jan 31, 1850 & 1 yr 5 mo 20 D. Too good to live & God took her. DELIA wife of Horace Bartram died Aug 29, 1847 AE 32. Died June 1, 1848 BENJAMIN B BEACH in the 64 year of his age. Death leaves to friends a dear but vacant name Inscribed with sorrow on the marble page. CALEB BEACH Born March 26, 1762 Died Dec 26, 1823 His wife Clara Born Dec 19, 1769 Died Jan 4, 1844. Died Feb 16, 1831 CHARLES B Son of Benjamin B & Rhoda Beach Aged 8 mo & 2 ds. In memory of MR DAVID BEACH who died June 30th, 1807 in the 84th Year of his Age. My children and my friends Behold Beneath this stone my body is cold The grave's our home as you may see Prepare for death and follow me. In memory of EUNICE BEACH Daughter of David & Ruth Beach who died Dec 8th, 1805 aged 56. Behold my tomb while I in silence sleep Prepare for death before it is too late. In memory of NORMAN son of Caleb & Clara Beach who died Oct 4, 1820 aged 24 years. Died July 3, 1828 POLLY BEACH wife of Benjamin B Beach in the 38 year of her age. Grief love and gratitude devote this stone To her whose virtues bless'd a husbands life When late in duties sphere she mildly shone As friend as sister, daughter, mother, wife. Died March 10, 1865 RHODA wife of Benjamin B Beach aged 63 yrs 1 mo & 16 ds. The memory of the just is blessed. In memory of Ruth wife of David Beach who died Dec 24, 1801 in the 76th year of her age. Weep not for me my offspring dear weep for yourselves and for death prepare. MARY A daughter of Albert & Philena Beach Died March 8, 1853 AE 34. Tis finished the conflict is past The heaven born spirit is fled, Her wish is accomplished at last, And now she is entombed with the Dead Her months of affliction are oer Her days and nights of distress We see her in anguish no more She's gained her happy release. ADDISON L BEARDSLEY Died Sept 30, 1864 AE 59. HARRIET wife of Addison L Beardsley Died June 1, 1877 AE 70. In memory of MOLLY wife of Timothy Beardslee died April 28,1820 AEt 73 yrs. POLLY ANN wife of Lemuel Beardsley Died Oct 16, 1863 AE 82. In memory of SARAH BEARDSLEE daughter of Timothy & Molly Beardslee who died March 3, 1824 aged 45 years. In memory of TIMOTHY BEARDSLEE who, died Dec. 29, 1829 aged 83. Sacred to the memory of MARY BEERS wife of Phineas Beers who died May 3,1825 aged 60 years. Sacred to the memory of PHINEAS BEERS who died Aug 20, 1835 aged 77 years. In memory of NATHANIEL S BEERS Who died April 13th, 1843 in the 57th year of his age. In memory of BLACKMAN JESUP who died Jan 7, 1826 in the 41 year of his age. She's sleeping. Our Baby aged 3 months and 24 days. MAY daughter of Eugene & j Mary Boland Died March 6,1876. FREDERICK M BOLAND Died July 21, 1873 Aged 67 years & 6 mos. FREDERICK A son of Frederick M & Jacintha J Boland Died Sept 11, 1848 AE 17 months. Our Brother MONTVTLLE L BOLAND Died at St. Louis Jan 10, 1856 AE. 23 years & 1 mo. Cease ye mourners, cease to languish O'er the graves of those you love. Pain and death and night and anguish Enter not the world above. SARAH wife of Daniel Booth Born Nov. 26, 1781 Died Dec 20, 1855. In. memory of EMILIA E wife of Daniel L Booth who died Aug 20, 1846 in the 33 year of her age. HENRY BOOTH son of Daniel L & Emilia Booth Died Sept 5, 1845 AE 26 days. SARAH I daughter of Daniel & Sabrah Booth Died May 30, 1853 AE 35 yrs & 5 mo. In memory of BUSHNELL H BOSTWICK who died Aug 8, 1825 aged 26 yrs. DAVID BOSTWICK Died Mar 27, 1852 AE 40. My Father JOHN R BOSTWICK Died March 26, 1872 Aged 67 yrs. LAURA BOSTWICK Died Oct 30, 1857 AE63. In memory of ELIZABETH ANN the Daughter of Mr Ezra and Elizabeth Bots ford Who Died August the 27, A D 1771 Aged five months. In memory of SARAH ANN daughter of Saml A & Rube Botsford who died Sep 2 1801 ae 16 months. Stanley STANLEY BURR Son of John & Fanny A Beach Died July 9, 1858 AE 8 1/2 yrs. THERE'S NO TEARS IN HEAVEN. Be calm dear parents stay thy grief Mourn not for me thy child is safe My Saviour called my time was o’er With him I live to die no more O little brothers serve the Lord Call on his name and read his word And then you'll meet your little friend Where happiness shall never end. CAROLINE R wife of Daniel Bradshaw AE 28 yrs. And LAURA CAROLINE Their only daughter AE. 18 mo both drowned in the Hudson River Sept 19,1842. In memory of ELIJAH H CANFIELD who died Sep 30, 1824 aged 29 years. In memory of JEREMIAH CANFIELD who died April 19, 1828 in the 55 year of his age. In memory of JOHN CANFIELD Who Died Feb 21st, 1814 in the 55th Year of his age. POLLY wife of Jeremiah Canfield Died Jan 21, 1849 AE 78. In Memory of MR LEMUEL CANFIELD who departed this life Dec 25, 1804 in the 61st year of his age. When this you see Prepare for death and follow me. In memory of POLLY A wife of Lewis Bronson who died Nov 1, 1849 AE 34 y's & 8 mo. Friends nor physicians could not save This mortal body from the grave Nor can the grave retain it here When Christ our Saviour doth appear. PRISCILLA wife of Elijah H Canfield Died Jan 7, 1848 AE 59. Our Mother She taught us how to live She taught us how to die. In memory of SARAH wife of Lemuel Canfield who died Nov 17, 1838 aged 82. In memory of PHEBE wife of John Canfield who died March 3, 1801 in the 38 year of her Age. In memory of ELIZABETH CHRISTOPHER who died Sept 21, 1809 in the 81st year of her age. My Mother MINERVA CLARK wife of John R Bostwick Died May 28, 1833 Aged 32 yrs. MARY wife of George H Devean Died Feb 22, 1856 AEt 52. Stop kind friends as you pass by As you are now so once was I As I am now so you must be Prepare for death and follow me. In memory of HARMON Son of Dr Jonathan and Mabal Downs who Died March the 8, 1784 in the 1st year of his Age. Can you expect your feeble Arms Shall make a strong defence When Death With terrible Alar ms summons the prisner hence. MITCHELL B Son of Harris & Maria Eames Died July 12, 1849 ae 6ys 3 mo & 15 ds. His sufferings now are o'er His joys are just begun He suffered here on earth Jesus called him home. HENRY M son of William H & Ellen E Elliott Died Dec 18, 1858 Aged 15 years & 8 mo. JAMES F EMMONS Died in East Bridgeport March 2, 1873 AE 31. There is rest for the weary. In memory of ABRAHAM FAIRCHILD who died July 19, 1813 in the 66 year of his age. CANFIELD FAIRCHILD Died Sep 17, 1837 Aged 43 yrs. SUSAN C daughter of Canfield & Sarah Fairchild Died Aug 20, 1838 aged 8 yrs & 4 mo. In memory of JOHN FENN who died Feb 18, 1819 ae 36 years. In memory of Lois FENN who died Dec 28, 1810 AE 17. In memory of JOSEPH FOGG who died Mar 5, 1838 aged 38. Behold my friends as you pass by As you are now so once was I As I am now so must you be Prepare for death and follow me. ALFRED HAMLIN Died Sep 11, 1851 Aged 58. CHARLES son of Enoch W & Mary A Ford died May 14, 1844 aged 6 mos. In memory of BETSEY FRENCH who died Oct 7, 1819 AE 30 years. She had faith in the Redeemer purchased By the blood of our Savior. MERIE R daughter of Gershom W & Ruby French died of the small-pox Feb 6th, 1816 aged 17. In memory of OTHNIEL FRENCH who died June 3 1832 aged 27 years. Weep not for me tho' called to leave This world of sorrow & of pain But O' in heaven where none can grieve May we united ne'r part again Farewell to sorrow pain & grief In death my soul shall find relief. In memory of LEWIS FROST who died Dec 14, 1846 in the 67 yr of his age. Frost monument. LEWIS R FROST Died Feb 10, 1879 AE 65 yrs & 8 mos. SYLVIA BEERS his wife. JAMES ELMER son of Lewis and Apphia Frost died March 29, 1826 aged 20 years. MARIETT wife of Orange Frost Died June 14, 1866 AE 48. Even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. In memory of ISAAC GILBERT son of Harris & Maria Eames who died April 28, 1845 aged 6 yrs 4 mo & 17 ds. Dear Parents mourn not with deep sadness But O look serenly above Till you meet in a Heaven of gladness Your Gilbert the child of your love. WILLIAM GILLITT Died Dec 21, 1845 AE 83 yrs. Also ANNA his wife died Oct 27, 1843 AE 82 yrs. Their weeping friends while o'er the sacred dust Revere the memory of the good, the just. Their worth their virtues will forever bloom While their pure spirits live beyond the tomb. WILLIAM GILLETT JR Died Nov 8, 1831 AE 36. ARNOLD GLOVER Died Dec 9, 1878 AE 86. CYRUS B GLOVER Died Nov 8, 1829 ae 45. ABBY his wife Died April 25, 1869 ae 71. MATILDA wife of Arnold Glover Died Jan 8, 1859 AE 57. NELSON Their infant son Died Nov 14, 1832 Aged 8 mo. DAVID Son of Martin & Rhoda Goldsmith died May 23, 1837 Aged 1 year 8 mo & 4 days. MARTIN GOLDSMITH Died Mar 21, 1861 ae 61. RHODA Wife of Martin Goldsmith Died Jan 17, 1876 ae 73. In memory of DANIEL GORHAM who died June 25, 1836 in the 85 year of her age. DANIEL GORHAM Died Nov 2, 1869 AE 85. In memory of DANIEL L GORHAM son of Hiram & Hannah Gorham who died Oct 4, 1819 AEt 1 year. HIRAM GORHAM Died July 31,1826 in his 31 year. Also HANNAH his wife died Jan 10, 1828 in her 31 year. HIRAM E son of Isaac & Olive Gorham died Sept 21, 1846 aged 4 yrs & 6 ds. Happy are they that die in the Lord. MARY wife of Daniel Gorham Died July 27, 1873 AE 85. In memory of MARY wife of Daniel Gorham who Died Jany 31, 1817 Aged 61 years. Her friends have reason to believe That she obtained hope of future bliss. In memory of PHINEAS GORHAM who died Feb 2, 1842 aged 84 years As a soldier of the Revolution he no bly served his country & lived to see & for a time to enjoy, what he so much desired & what he struggled hard to gain the independence of our nation. RACHEL wife of Phineas Gorham who died Sept 6, 1816 At 65. CHARLES GREGORY Died June 4, 1871 AE 46. JOHN GUNN Died May 26 1859 Aged 36 yrs & 6 Mo. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord. In memory of JULIA ANN wife of Nelson Hallock & daughter of Daniel & Anna Keeler who died April 30 1833 Aged 24 yrs 1 mo In memory of BENJAMIN HAMLIN who departed this life Nov. 29, 1852 aged 90 years. In memory of EUNICE wife of Benjamin Hamlin who departed this life March 15, 1839 aged 72 years. In life generous and kind In death peaceful and happy. MARY ANN wife of Rev Luman B Hamlin Died May 3, 1864 aged 63. In memory of FRANCES HANFORD wife of J E Hanford who departed this life Feb 15, 1829 in the 23 year of her age. In memory of AARON HITCHCOCK who died Sept 29, 1819 aged 75 years. Oft as the Bell with solemn toll Speaks the departure of a soul Let each one ask himself am I Prepared should I be called to die. In memory of MRS COMFORT the Wife of Mr Daniel Hitchcock Who Departed this life Novem ber the 2d, A D 1776 in the 25th year of her age. In memory of ELIZABETH HITCHCOCK who died Dec 24th, 1841 AE 78. Oft as the bell with solemn toll Speaks the departure of a soul Let each one ask himself am I Prepared should I be called to die. In memory of ELIJAH HOYT who died April 15, 1837 aged 75 years. In memory of POLLY wife of Elijah Hoyt who died Jan 10, 1832 aged 66 Years. CATHARINE S daughter of Joseph & Julia Hawla Died Oct 22, 1868. We all do fade as a leaf. JOSEPH HAWLEY Died June 12, 1876 AE 75. JULIA L Wife of Joseph Hawley Died Sep 27, 1871 AE 61. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. What is home without a Mother What are all the joys we meet When her loving smiles no longer Greet the coming of our feet. HANNAH M HAWLEY Died Jan 5, 1850 AE 80. In memory of RICHARD HAWLEY Who died July 20, 1825 AE 87. SARAH E HAWLEY Died Feb 16.1854, ae 11. There is rest in heaven. CORNELIA A daughter of David A & Laura Ives Died May 3,1847 AE 3 ys 7 mo & 16 ds. This lovely bud so young and fair Called hence by early doom Just came to show how sweet a flower In paradise would bloom. In Memory of ELLIOTT M son of David & Laura Ives who died June 28, 1842 aged 2 years. Sleep gentle babe thy troubles is o'er Thy bosom rest shall be disturbed no more. In memory of JAMES JESUP who died August 4, 1817 ae 56 years. In memory of JAMES JESUP who died Dec 9,1827 in the 67 years of her age. SALLY ANN JESUP Died Sep 22,1868 ae 68. EMILY A wife of Dr Horace Judson Died Jan 20, 1853 aet 43. DR HORACE JUDSON Died Aug 13, 1863 aet 59. In memory of JOSEPH JUDSON who died Aug 10, 1825 aged 59 years & ABIA his wife died Dec 7, 1824 aged 59 years Also their three children NATHAN died Aug 18, 1823 aged 29 years. ELISHA died Oct 7, 1825 aged 28 years. RUSSEL died Oct 1822 aged 18 years. DOCT REUBEN W JUDSON Died Aug 19, 1853 AEt 24 yrs & 6 mo. In memory of CHLOE daughter of Ralph & Hannah Keeler who died Feb 22, 1794 aged 10 years. In memory of DANIEL KEELER who died April 8, 1842 aged 66 years 7 mo & 13 ds. In memory of HANNAH wife of Ralph Keeler Died Aug 28, 1827 in her 71 year. RALPH KEELER died Jan 5, 1805 aged 57 years. DENNIS C son of Henry C & Sarah R Knight Died Feb 9, 1857 AE 5 yrs & 5 mo. Like as a summer bird leaves Its native shore for a sunnier clime So He left earth for Paradise To nestle in the bosom of Jehovah. HARRIET F daughter of Henry C & Sarah R Knight Died Dec 24, 1841 AE 14 mo. SARAH R wife of Henry C Knight Died July 16, 1870 AE 58. She being dead yet speaketh. PHYLINDA Died Sep 26, 1857 ae 13 yrs 5 mo & 13 Ds NATHAN Died Apr 2, 1848 ae 4 wks children of Mervin & Charlott Lamson. In memory of LYMAN LOCKWOOD who died March 29 1824 aged 37 years. This Stone is erected to the memory of MRS MARY LEAVENWORTH Late wife of Mayor Eli Leavenworth who died December 20th, 1773 Anno Aetatis 19. One lovely ___ could not thy beauty save Thy virtues shield thee from an early grave Thine were the joys of love in charmes of youth The smiles of friendship innocence and truth But ah how vain ware not that for ______ To endless glories in thy native skies. MARY MARY E wife of Burr Mallett and daughter of Grandeson R & Laura H Warner Died in new york Oct 2, 1856 aged 20 years. From the bridal to the tomb in four short days. In memory of MRS ELIZA wife of Mr Isaac Mallett & daughter of Daniel & Anna Keeler who died Feb 26, 1827 ae 23 yrs & 7ms. In memory of BENJAMIN MEAD who died April 3, 1847 In the 83 year of his age. In memory of ABIGAIL wife of Benjamin Mead who died Feb 18, 1849 in the 82 year of her age. Died Apr 2 1849 RALPH D Son of Ralph & Delia Mead ae 5 weeks. In memory of DAVID MERWIN who died Feb 10, 1844 AE 66 years & 3 mos. In memory of ELIZABETH H daughter of Miles & Wealthy Merwin who died March 14, 1820 in the 7 year of her age. In memory of SARAH M Wife of Harrison B Merwin who Died March 31, 1854 Aged 28 Yr & 6 mo. Children dear a mother's blessing Rests upon her orphans heads Come to Jesus come possessing Promises to pious dead. Sacred to the memory of SARAH MERWIN Wife of David Merwin who died June 14,1831 in the 49 year of her age. Lover and friend hast thou put far from me and mine acquaintance into darkness. ELIZABETH G wife of Harrison B Merwin Born Dec 20, 1823 Died May 4, 1869. In memory of WIDOW SARAH MERWIN Late of old Milford She was Mother to Saml and Capt Epenetus Platt Late of this Town and Gran d mother to Jeremiah Platt of this Place She lived an Honest Virtuous Life and Departed Feb 24, 1784 in the 86 year of her Age. MRS RACHEL MINOR wife of Mr Andrew Minor died April 19, 1816 in her 61 year. In memory of the two sons of Asa & Polly Morgan who Died in infancy August 7, 1795. As tender Buds is Nipt by frost So was the Expectation lost of these two Babies that were called home To sit with Christ upon his throne. Sacred to the memory of RICHARD MORRILL who died Apr 22, 1858 AEt 67. Sacred to the memory of MARY wife of Richard Morrill who died Apr 12, 1851 AEt 65. Thy spirit is roaming that blest shore Where trouble can never disturb thee more Songs of heavenly raptuer thou dost raise Joining in the chorus of thy mother's praise. In memory of an infant son of Capt Levi & Polly Huldah Morris Who died Jane 23, 1816. In memory of WILLIAM NICHOLS & MARTHA his wife he died May 1, 1811 in the 61 year of his age & she died Aug 23, 1828 in the 73 year of her age. Our Baby Infant daughter of Gideon W & Mary F Northrop born & died Mar 18, 1872. In memory of HENRY M PAYNE who died July 27, 1862 aged 29 years. Dearest friend thou hast left us Here thy loss we deeply feel But tis God that has bereft us He can all our sorrow heal. In memory of ANDREW Son of George & Hannah Peck Who died June 6, 1834 aged 1 yr 2 mo & 4 ds. In memory of two infant Children of George and Hannah Peck who died April 29, 1825 & Oct 8, 1830. In memory of OVIATT C Son of George & Hannah Peck who died March 4, 1827 Aged 21 years. In memory of JOHN O Son of George & Hannah Peck who died Dec 26, 1828 Aged 1 Year. MARY JANE wife of Sidney Peck Died in Yonkers Nov 23, 1856 Aged 19 years 5 mo & 11 Ds. My dear companion rest in peace From toil and grief and pain severe Since death hast thee from earth releas'd And borne thee to a happier sphere. Memory of MASON PICKET who died Nov 13, 1822 Aged 34 years. IRENA wife of Jeremiah Platt Died Sept 14, 1863 ae 81. In memory of JEREMIAH PLATT who died Novr 17, 1805 in the 58 year of his age. In memory of JEREMIAH PLATT who died Oct 25,1839 aged 67 years & 5 d's. In memory of MARY wife of Jeremiah Platt who died Feb 17, 1825 Aged 72 years. In memory of OLIVER B PLATT who died May 15, 1840 aged 28 years 3 mo & 16 ds. Platt monument. WILLIAM J PLATT Died 18— AE —. ELIZA H His wife Died April 8, 1866 AE 50. JEREMIAH PLATT Died Oct 25, 1839 AE 62. IRENA His wife Died Sept 14, 1863 AE 81. OLIVER B PLATT Died May 15, 1840 AE 28. In memory of ANNA wife of Jeremiah Randall who died Feb 12, 1835 aged 81. MARY Wife of Charles Randall Died Oct 23, 1840 aged 77 yrs. Also HARRIET Wife of Joseph Hepburn Died May 30, 1849 aged 49 years. In memory of EPINETUS Son of Timothy & Eunice Randall Who died Nov 7, 1823 aged 17 years. In memory of EUNICE wife of Timothy Randall who died June 19, 1861 AE 98. ISAAC N RANDALL Died Aug 23, 1860 Aged 61 yrs. In memory of JEREMIAH RANDALL who died Nov 17, 1808 in the 53 year of his age. In memory of JEROME V RANDALL who died June 3, 1841 aged 29 years 10 mo& 25 ds. JOHN RANDALL Died June 19, 1866 ae 75. LAURA Wife of John Randall Died Aug 27, 1878 Ae 87. In memory of LORENZO son of Nathaniel & Lucy Ann Randall who died Nov 5,1832 aged 25 years. Forlorn & drear a helpless reptile late With thee-the gloomy shades of earth I trod Now decked in vestments of immortal state I triumph in the presence of my God Where pain nor pale consumption can molest No care nor grief is known among the blest. In memory of MARY C Daut of Marquis D & Lydia A Randall Who died Jan 16, 1830 aged 2 years & 5 mo. In memory of LUCY ANN wife of Nathaniel Randall who died April 30, 1841 aged 54 years & 11 mo. NATHANIEL RANDALL died Sept 20, 1848 aged 66 years. RACHEL SEMANTHA daughter of Jonathan J & Abigail Randall died June 13, 1827 AE 8 years. RICHARD RANDALL Died May 16, 1834 AE 84 Also ESTHER his wife Died Nov 9, 1843 AE 66. In memory of SMITH RANDALL who died Oct 12, 1823 aged 30 years. In memory of TIMOTHY RANDALL who died Nov 5, 1844 aged 88 years. ANNA E wife of David Roswell Died Apr 22, 1856 AE 63. In memory of ASA S RANDALL Who died July 26, 1836 aged 24 years. DAVID ROSWELL Died July 16, 1877 Aged 87. My Husband ELI ROSWELL Died Dec 7, 1865 Ae 31. EMELINE Daughter of James & Sarah Roswell Died Dec 5, 1876 Aged 45. Sisters they have met together in a world that is far above here on earth they lived together and now they He here side by side and sleep together in the dust. FREDERICK G son of Wm F & Tamer R Roswell died Nov 11, 1852 AE 5 weeks. Sleep lovely babe And take thy rest God called thee home He thought it best. In memory of POLLY L ROSWELL who died May 3, 1850 Aged 23. She has suffered on earth May she rest in heaven. SARAH JUDSON Wife of James Roswell Died Nov 17, 1874 aged 75. Asleep in Jesus. ROSINA T wife of William F Roswell Died Jan 18, 1877 Aged 47. Dearest Mother thou hast left us Gone to thy bright home above. SAMANTHA S ROSWELL Died July 21, 1874 aged 48 At rest. In memory of ALLIS wife of Hiram F Ruggles who died Sept 8, 1825 AE 21. BETTY wife of Benjamin A Ruggles died Mar 10, 1853 AE 90. My weeping friends remember me And you my children dear Live near to God that when you die You may with Christ appear. In memory of CHARLES W RUGGLES who died Oct 13, 1839 aged 18 years. SALLY wife of Charles W. Ruggles died July 5, 1843 aged 52 years. CHLOE wife of Daniel T Ruggles Died May 4, 1876 aged 90 yrs 4 mo and 7 days. We know that death hath come to thee mother, His hand is on thy brow We could not keep you here mother For you have left us now. DANIEL T RUGGLES Died Aug 6, 1874 Aged 92. Few are they who live to see Their fourscore years and ten But thou wast spared to be One of the aged men. Sacred to the memory of BENJAMIN A RUGGLES who departed this life Nov 30, 1828 AE 70 yrs. He wielded the patriotic sword He fought the fight of faith Gained victory oer his countrys foe And victory over death. HARRIET M Wife of Benjamin A Ruggles Died Oct 19, 1867 AE 41. Our Mother. CHARLES son of Benjamin & Harriet Ruggles Died May 10, 1847 Aged 2 years & 4 months. As the sweet flower that scents the morn And withers ere tis day: Thus lovely was this infants dawn, Thus fled its life away. Ere sin could blast or sorrow fade Death came with friendly care. The opening bud to heaven conveyed. And bade it blossom there. In memory of TRYPHOSA RUGGLES who died Feb 5 1841 aged 80 years. In memory of ABIAH wife of Jonas Sanford who died Jan 13, 1810 in the 67th year of her age. In memory of ANDRE SANFORD who died Dec 8, 1809 in the 29th year of his age. In memory of MRS ELIZABETH SANFORD who died July 31, 1801 AE 72. In memory of HULDAH wife of Joel Sanford who died Oct 4, 1839 aged 62 years 3 mo & 2 days. HULDAH wife of Liffe Sanford died July 1, 1843 aged 87 yrs. In memory of JERUSHA SANFORD who died Sept 15, 1825 aged 37 years. In memory of JOEL SANFORD who died Sept [sic] 67 yrs 1 mo & 17 ds. MR JONAS SANFORD died Oct 3, 1811 in the 75 year of his age. In memory of LIFFE SANFORD who died Dec 3, 1815 aged 65 years. In memory of MR NEHIMIAH SANFORD who died Nov 16, 1815 ae 90. In memory of BETSEY SEELYE wife of Joseph Seelye who died June 1810 aged 84 Years. HANNAH STURTEVANT Second wife of John Sturtevant died Nov 25, 1824 aged 48. The grave is closed and I lie mouldering here Apart from those in life I held most dear Children & friends I leave here all The trump did sound and I obeyed the call. MRS SARAH STURDEVANT wife of Mr John Sturdevant died Oct 18, 1815 in the 53 year of her age. May angels with their guardian wings This dreary tomb oer spread And guard until the close of time This mansion of the dead. HOMER.B SHERMAN Died June 20, 1867 AE 71. LAURA wife of Homer B Sherman Died July 2, 1826 AE 27. AMOS SHERMAN Died Sep 2, 1837 AE 82. MARY wife of Amos Sherman Died Sep 29, 1817 AE 60. In memory of ALMERIA SMITH wife of Almon Smith who died Nov 6,1819 aged 23 years. In memory of ANNA SMITH Daut of Eli & Hulda Smith who died May 17, 1791 aged 18 days. In memory of ANNE wife of Ralph-Smith who died June 16, 1845 Aged 79 years. In memory of MR DAVID SMITH who died August the 13th, AD 1774 in the 26 year of his Age. APPHIA wife of John Smith Died Jan 25, 1864 ae 76 yrs. In memory of ELI SMITH who died March 14,1809 in the 55 year of his age. In memory of MERWIN son of Eli and Hulday Smith who died Oct 22, 1783 in the first year of his age. MRS HULDA wife of Mr Eli Smith died Dec 14 1815 in the 59 year of her age. In memory of ISAAC son of Mr Joel & Patience Smith who died March I7th, A D 1795 aged one year eleven months and seven days. In memory of JESSE SMITH who Departed this Life Nov 3oth, 1783 in the 75th year of his Age. JOHN SMITH Died April 19, 1854 In his 71 year. In memory of JOSEPH SMITH who died Sep 30,1825 in his 53 year. LUCY SMITH Died Dec 27, 1851 AE 63. MABEL wife of Nathaniel Smith Died Sept 22, 1859 AE 81. MARY A daughter of John & Apphia Smith Died Oct 31, 1858 ae 39 yrs. PHEBE Dau of Ralph & Anna Smith died Jan 24, 1796 aged 3 years 4 mo & 17 ds. In memory of RETTA dau of George C Smith who died April 12, 1795 aged 9 years. In memory of RALPH SMITH who died Nov 13, 1825 Aged 61 years. WILLIAM son of Ralph & Anna Smith died Nov 11, 1785 aged 2 months & 12 ds. In memory of MR AUGUS TIN SUMMERS son of Mr Andrew & Mrs Ruth Summers, Born Feb 12th, 1775 and departed this life March 8th, 1796 aged 21 years. Here lies interred a blooming youth Who lived in love and died in truth Behold and see as you pass by As I am now so you must be Prepare for death and follow me. In memory of AUGUSTIN son of Andrew and Ruth Summers who died Nov 19, 1774 in the 2d year of his age. AZARIEL G son of Hermon D & Mary D Summers died Dec 12, 1824 aged 1 year 1 mo & 17 days The hand of death did never cut A sweeter flower for paradise. Eva I am so glad that Jesus loved me. EVA J Daughter of W H & S J Somers Died April 25, 1877 aged 16yrs 10 months. Linda In the good shepherds arms. LINDA J Daughter of W H & S J Somers Died Aug 23, 1869 aged 7 yrs 7 mo's. LYMAN C SOMMERS Died Dec 21, 1861 AE 21 yrs 7 mos. We love him,—Yes no tongue can tell How much we loved him and how well God loved him too, and He thought best To take him home and be at rest. ALMIRA died March 30, 1832 Aged 11 ys & 10 mo. LAURA Died March 23, 1832 Aged 2 years. Children of Martin & Mabel Steward. NATHAN H SOMMERS Died Oct 6, 1853 AE 46 POLLY his wife Died Feb 6, 1850 AE 53. In memory of ZARE SUM MER'S Infant son of Mr Andrew & Mrs Ruth Sum mers died May 8 1796 aged one year & 18 days. ADDISON R STONE died Sept 8, 1825 aged 36 years. ESTHER M wife of Addison R Stone Died Aug 8, 1851 as 59. EDWARD STEWART Died Oct 10, 1854 ae 17. In memory of GEORGE STUART who died Sept 15, 1842 aged 21 years. GEORGE D son of John & Diana R Stuart Died March 11, 1866 Aged 21. GEORGE E Son of Eben & Harriet Stuart Died June 16, 1849 ae 5 yrs & 9 mo. I take this little lamb said He and fould it to my breast. JULIA wife of Orrin Murphy & daughter of William & Sally Stuart died Mar 10, 1845 AE 30. Wrapt in the shades of death no more That friendly face I see, Empty, ah empty every place Once filled so well by thee. JOHN STUART Died Apr 27, 1865 AE 50. MARTIN STUART Died April 9, 1876 aged 86. MABEL His wife Died April 12, 1875 aged 84. In memory of ORREN STUART who died March 31, 1834 aged 17 years. In memory of ROYAL STUART who died May 17, 1843 aged 19 years. In memory of SALLY wife of William Stuart who died Feb 23, 1849 Aged 56 yrs. It is the Lord Jehovah's hand That blasts our joys in death Changes the visage once so dear And gathers back the breath. In memory of NOAH TITUS who died Oct 9, 1818 aged 72 years. ABIGAIL relict of Abijah Treat died March 3, 1844 aged 82 years. In memory of ABIJAH TREAT ESQ who died Oct 3, 1837 in the 76 yr of his age. Receive O earth in faded form In thy cold bosom let it lie Safe let it rest from every storm Soon must it rise no more to die. Here lies ye Body of ABIJAH TREAT of New Milford, son to Mr John & Mrs Phebe Treat Who Died June ye 15, 1760 in ye 6th Year of His Age. ALMIRA Wife of Daniel A Treat Died Sep 23, 1865 Aged 78. In memory of ALMIRA the Daugh ter of Mr Gedeon and Lucreshe Tre at Who Departed this life Febuary ye 6 A D 1774 in the first year of her age. In memory of ARIEL son to Mr Gedeon and Lu creshe Treat Who Died Ma rch the 15 A D 1776 aged four months. ALMON TREAT Died Oct 8, 1875 Aged So yrs. The memory of the just is blessed. ALMON son of Abijah & Abigail Treat died March 17, 1794 Agd 8 years 5 mo 16 days. CAROLINE Daughter of Almon& Hannah Treat died July 24th, 1826 Age 1 year 21 days. Innocence blooms in eternal light A sweet unfading flower. CLARA S wife of Stephen Treat Died Dec 28, 1851 ae 65. In memory of DANIEL A TREAT who departed this life Feb 1, 1828 in the 50 year of his age. In memory of GIDEON TREAT who died July 11, 1811 AE 63 yrs. In memory of LUCRETIA wife of Gideon Treat who died Mar 3, 1847 in the 97th year of her age. In memory of HANNAH Wife of Almon Treat who departed this life Nov 28, 1835 in the 39 year of her age. Hear what the voice from Heaven proclaims To all the pious dead, Sweet is the savor of their names And soft their sleeping bed They die in Jesus and are blessed How kind their slumbers are From suffering and from sin released And freed from every snare. In memory of an Infant daughter of Joseph C & Lucy Treat who died 21 July 1811. Sacred to the memory of JOHN TREAT who died May 27, 1804 in the 80 year of his age. JOHN H TREAT died Aug 20, 1853 aet79. In memory of JOSEPH son to Mr Gedeon and Lucreshe Treat Who Died Mar ch the 26th, A D 1776th the 2d Year of his Age. In memory of JOSEPH son to Mr Gedeon And Lucreshe Treat Who Departed this life January ye 20, A D 1774 in the third year of his Age. In memory of JOSEPH C TREAT who died April 25, 1852 aged 69. The relicts of departed worth Lie shrouded here in gloom And here with aching heart we mark Our own dear Father's tomb. LORANA Daughter of Abijah& Abigail Treat died Feb 24th, 1794 Agd 5 years 1 mo. In memory of LUCY TREAT wife of Joseph C Treat who died March 1, 1832 Aged 49 years. In memory of MADISON A TREAT Son of Joseph C& Lucy Treat who died in Bridgeport Feb 5, 1831 in the 23 year of his age. In memory of PHEBE TITUS widow of Noah Titus who died April 11, 1826 aged 61 years. SARAH wife of John H Treat Died Nov 19, 1855 ae 68. In memory of SALLY wife of John H Treat who died March 15, 1811 AE 33. SAMUEL N TURNAY Died Dec 6,1862 ae 58. STEPHEN TREAT Died Sep 5, 1849 aged 68. In memory of THIRZA TREATE wife of Stephen Treate who died Sept 23, 1832 aged 42 yrs. WILLIAM STUART Died Jan 19, 1868 AE 82. In memory of BENJAMIN TURRIL son to Caleb Turril & Abigail his wife who Departed this Life May 29th AD 1785 in the 20th year of his Age. Amidst the Winter and above the Ground My Body floated and was found Now among the Dead it lies To enrich Deaths sacrifice No Age nor Sex from Death is free 0 think on Death then think on me. In memory of an Infant Daughter of Dr Reuben & Mary Warner who died Feb 10, 1822. LAURA H wife of Grandison R Warner Died April 21, 1878 AE 66. GRANDISON R WARNER Died Feb 5, 1875 AE 62. ISAAC E WARNER Died Oct 13, 1878 Aged 47. LEVI M WARNER Died May 30, 1868 AE 30. Our Baby. MARCUS L son of Levi M & Alvira Warner Died Feb 21,1864 AE 2 mo. In memory of LUCY wife of Dr Reuben Warner who died June 10, 1856 aged 88 yrs 8 mo & 2 ds. In memory of MARY wife of Doct Reuben Warner who died Feb 5, 1842 in the 56 year of her age. In memory of DOCT REUBEN WARNER who died Sept 7th, 1804 aged 54 years. In memory of DOCT REUBEN WARNER who departed this life May 3, 1828 in the 47 year of his age. REUBEN G son of Grandison R & Laura H Warner died March 13, 1844 aged 2 yrs 6 mo & 14 ds. In memory of AMBROSE WATERBURY who died March 18, 1834 Aged 53. FITCH WATERBURY Died Feb 6, 1857 AE 39. He sleeps in Jesus and is blest Let none his loss deplore But those who view his place of rest Go hence and sin no more. JULIA A WATERBURY Died Feb 27, 1859 AE. 56. MARY A wife of Fitch Waterbury Died May 13, 1854 AE 35. Dearest mother thou hast left us Here thy loss we deeply feel But tis God that hast bereft us He can all our sorrows heal. OLIVE A daughter of Fitch & Mary Ann Waterbury Died Feb 27, 1848 aged 27 days. SUSAN A daughter of Fitch & Mary A Waterbury Died Mar 17,1859 AE 6 yrs. I take this little lamb said he And lay it in my breast Protection it shall find in me In me be ever blest SUSANNAH wife of Ambrose Waterbury Died Oct 29, 1851 AE 66. Holy Bible OLIVER S WELLER Died Feb 19, 1858. Oliver. A thousand old familiar things Within our childhood home Speak of that absent cherished one Who never more may come. They wake with mingled bliss and pain Fond memories of thee But would we call thee back again We mourn but thou art free. For thou hast gained a brighter home And death's cold stream is past Thine are the joys at God's right hand That shall for ever last. A crown is on thy peaceful brow Thine eye the King doth see Thy home is with the seraphs now We mourn but thou art free. In memory of j MRS CLARRY WELLER wife of Mr Justice Weller who Departed this life Jany 19, 1825 in the 44 year of her age. See o'er yon tomb a mourner weeps And heaves the heartfelt sigh In that cold tomb a mother sleeps Hid from each mortal eye. ALICE A wife of David Beers and daughter of Eli H & Laura A Welton Died Feb 2, 1880 aged 24 yrs & 16 D's. Beloved by all. Our mother ELIZABETH wife of Isaac Weeks Died Sept 26, 1861 AE 76 yrs. In memory of ABYALL WELTON who died August 17, 1796 in the 77th year of her age. Our mother ANNA A wife of Horatio N Welton Died July 11, 1868 ae 67. In memory of ELIZABETH WELTON wife of George Welton who died Jany 25, 1834 in the 62 year of her age. ELIZA ANN daughter of George and Elizabeth A Welton died Jan 29, 1826 in her 17 year. In memory of GEORGE WELTON who died May 21, 1837 in the 76 year of his age. In memory of GEORGE S WELTON Jr who died April 8, 1837 in the 36 year of his age. Lord I commit my soul to thee Accept the sacred trust Receive this nobler part of me And watch my sleeping dust. HATTIE A daughter of Eli H & Laura A Welton Died Dec 18, 1861 ae 18 mos. Our Hattie A bud too fair for earth Gone home to Heaven. Our Father HORATIO N WELTON Died July 29, 1869 ae 70. Our Jonie JOHN U Son of Eli H & Laura Welton Died Jan 14, 1867 ae 9 mo & 18 D's. Early transplanted. In memory of COMFORT wife of Niram Wheeler who died July 21, 1832 AE 41 yrs. MARCIA M daughter of Lyrus & Marcy M Wheaton died June 11, 1829 aged 7 months. No more the pleasant child is seen To please its parents eye The tender plant so fresh and young Is in Eternity. In memory of ELIZA WHEELER who died May 20, 1866 AE 56. In memory of HARMON S WHEELER who died Oct 24, 1854 AE 56. In memory of NIRAM WHEELER who died Sep 15, 1875 ae 86 yrs. In memory of JOSEPH WHEELER who died May 14, 1833 aged 66 yrs. Sacred to the memory of JUSTUS WHEELER who died Sept 18, 1848 AE 72. His labors are ended, he sleeps in death but shall awake at the resurrection. In memory of SUSAN wife of Joseph Wheeler wno died May 17, 1850 AE 83 yrs & 6mo. MARY ANN WHEELER wife of Oliver S Wheeler Died Feb 15, 1875 Aged 69. EUNICE WHITLOCK Died Feb 14, 1850 AE 83. In memory of ELIZABETH wife of James White who died April 29, 1834 in her 85 year. In memory of JAMES WHITE who died May 18, 1812 in his 60 year. JAMES WILDMAN Died March 13, 1867 AE 76. Therefore be ye also ready for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. JAMES HENRY son of James & Hannah F Wildman Died Oct 23, 1864 AE 21. Ye must become as a little child or you cannot enter the kingdom of Heaven. In memory of MR MATTHEW WILDMAN who died Feb 16th 1799 Aged 61 years. In memory of MRS SARAH wife of Mr Mather Wildman who died Nov 26th A D 1797 in the 75 year of her age. ETTA B daughter of Remmington & Libby Wilson Died Feb 8, 1881 AE 4 mo & 19 Ds. JULIA A WIXON Died April 12, 1871 AE 20 ys & 6 mo. THALIA A wife of Heman Wood Died Nov 9, 1865 AE. 53 yrs & 5 mo. God calls, let me go Live for Christ Meet me in Heaven. In memory of j PETER WOOSTER who died Sept 12, 1798 AE 36. His mind was tranquil and serene No terror in his looks was seen His saviours smile dispeld the gloom And smoothed his passage to the tomb. In memory of DAVID YOUNG who died Nov 20, 1854 aged 60 years. ELANSON D YOUNG Died Aug 15, 1867 ae 55. LAURA A wife of Elanson D Young Died Mar 12, 1858 ae 45. In memory of HARRIET W YOUNG wife of David Young who died April 20, 1850 ae 54. Weep not for her who's now at rest Where care and pain no more annoy Her spirit smiles from that bright shore And softly whispers weep no more. Additional Comments: Extracted from: HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF NEW MILFORD AND BRIDGEWATER, CONNECTICUT, 1703-1882, BY SAMUEL ORCUTT AUTHOR OF THE HISTORIES OF TORRINGTON, WOLCOTT, AND DERBY, AND THE INDIANS OF THE HOUSATONIC AND NAUGATUCK VALLEYS, CONNECTICUT. HARTFORD, CONN.: PRESS OF THE CASE, LOCKWOOD AND BRAINARD COMPANY. File at -- http://files.usgwarchives.net/ct/litchfield/history/1882/historyo/bridgewa54gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/ctfiles/ File size: 76.7 Kb