Litchfield County CT Archives History - Books .....New Milford Village - Continued 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 30, 2005, 12:27 pm Book Title: HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF NEW MILFORD AND BRIDGEWATER, CONNECTICUT, 1703-1882 CHAPTER XXVII. NEW MILFORD VILLAGE.—(CONTINUED.) THE first enterprise for public convenience in New Milford village was Capt Stephen Noble's blacksmith shop on what is now Bennitt street; the second was the blacksmith shop of Lt. James Hine, where Mr. Egbert Marsh now resides; and afterwards there was a shop of the same kind conducted by John Dart, near the site of what was afterwards the Town House at the north end of the green, and another kept by Daniel Burritt near the site of the present Congregational parsonage, and yet another, some little time before 1800, near the corner of the green where Mr. Andrew B. Mygatt now resides. Stores and Dwellings around the Green. The first store-building was erected by William Sherman near the site of the present Town Hall, about 1752, but he soon died and the store ceased, unless it was continued by Abel Hine after 1760, but the building was used as a storehouse during the Revolution. Roger Sherman sold this property in 1760 to Abel Hine, containing "a parcel of land with a dwelling-house, shop and warehouses standing thereon." Daniel Bostwick kept a tavern many years on the site of the residence of Mrs. Judge Sanford, in which it is quite probable he kept for sale articles of importation and home manufacture as a store, as was the case at several other taverns in the town. Elijah Boardman established a store in the autumn of 1781, in the long house recently torn down, on the site of the present residence of Mrs. Frederick Boardman, and Miss Mary C. Boardman, and the next year his brother Daniel joined with him, and the partnership continued until 1793, after which Daniel continued the store two years alone, and not long after he entered into partnership with Henry Hunt, in New York city, where he continued during the rest of his life. While in partnership with his brother, Elijah Boardman built a dwelling house which he completed in 1793, and which is still standing in its ancient but dignified style; and soon after he built a store building a little north of his dwelling where he again established a store. This he continued until 1812, when he accepted Elijah Bennitt as a partner, and the firm continued until 1819, when Stanley Lockwood and Anan Hine bought the establishment and traded until 1823, and then Mr. Hine withdrew, and the store was kept a time by Mr. Lockwood alone, then by Eli, Mygatt and his son Henry S., from 1842 to 1852; then by another of his sons, A. B. Mygatt, and Charles H. Booth, from 1852 to 1855, and afterwards by Charles H. Booth until 1860, when the building was vacated, and not long after removed to Railroad street and fitted up as a dwelling. In 1801, Jared Lane bought of Joseph and Philo Ruggles, administrators of Samuel Bostwick, Esqr., "the homestead where the said Samuel last lived, but which was set out to the widow Tamar Bostwick as dower in the estate of her husband, Daniel Bostwick, deceased, . . it being under the widow Polypheme Bostwick, widow of said Samuel Bostwick;" bounded north and east by highway, and south by Elijah Boardman; and this property, being the site of Mrs. Judge Sanford's present dwelling, Mr. Lane sold to Dr. Amaziah Wright in 1804, who established a store, perhaps principally of medicines, but which he sold .the next year to Dobson W. McMahon, who occupied the house then standing, continuing the drug store in the wing of the old house, but afterwards built a brick store just south of the old house and established a store of general merchandise and soon took into partnership Eli Mygatt, which firm continued until the death of Mr. McMahon, when Henry C. McMahon and Eli Mygatt, Jr., became the proprietors. In 1830 this firm was succeeded by Lawrence Taylor, and Oliver W. Pickett; and these by the firm of Taylor and Lockwood; and these by Oliver W. and Asa Pickett in 1839. They were succeeded by Robert Irwin, who established there the first Merchant Tailor store in the town. Judge D. C. Sanford removed the brick store and the old house in 1846, and built the elegant dwelling that now occupies that commanding and historical corner of the Green,—it being a part of the first home lot of John Bostwick, senior. Mrs. Frederick Boardman, and Miss Mary C. Boardman, now occupy their Norman Gothic house on the site of the first John Bostwick house, which was the second house erected in the township of New Milford. The first was doubtless a log house, but another was built on the same site or nearly so, and after a number of years the addition of another house was made for one of John Bostwick's sons or grandsons, and it was known until a few years since as the old long house. The new house is really beautiful and elegant inside and outside, but the portrait paintings of the ancestors of the family being in the old style of dress, have the appearance of being away from home, as they hang in the new house. The paintings are unusually fine, but the contrast with this new style of house is very forcible. The large button-ball tree in front of this house is sixteen feet in circumference and is one of the finest trees of this kind of wood we have ever seen. Mrs. Cornelia E. Wright by inheritance now resides in the house her grandfather Elijah Boardman built in 1793, and where her aunt, Miss Cornelia E. Boardman recently deceased, lived all her life. Its appearance is nearly the same as when first built, as is shown by a painting of it hanging in the house. The inside is very much as it was made at first, and is so much the more homelike and enjoyable to those who have a pleasant remembrance, and who love to cherish the memory of departed kindred. Elijah Bennitt, after the dissolution of the firm of Boardman and Bennitt in 1819, built the store on Bennitt street, now owned by Noble Bennitt, and kept a store there many years. It was occupied by Noble S. Bennitt for many years as a store, and is now conducted by Mr. Reuben Booth as a dry goods store. Anan Hine, after the dissolution of the firm of Lockwood and Hine in 1823, bought the house and lot where the new Episcopal Church is being erected, and built a store on the north side of the house, and in connection with Oliver W. Pickett commenced a store, which was afterwards conducted some years by Mr. Hine, alone, until 1831; then by H. C. McMahon and Royal I. Canfield until 1836; then by Dea. George W. Whittlesey and Daniel Marsh from 1837 to 1842; then by Dea. George W. Whittlesey until 1878. In 1880 the house and store were taken down for the purpose of erecting on the site the new church edifice. Ithamar and Asher Canfield established a store in 1785, in the south end of the old long house now standing opposite the residence of Mr. Henry W. Booth, and continued the same until 1794, when Asher Canfield removed to New York, and Ithamar Canfield continued the store, making the north part of the house his residence for many years. When approaching advanced life he closed his store, and removed to a house which stood where Mr. Alanson N. Canfield now resides, where he spent the remainder of his years in the oversight of his farm, and the enjoyment of an ample fortune. He was in partnership with Elijah Boardman in the Western Reserve lands in Ohio, twenty or more years, somewhat to his profit in the question of money and enterprise. He was one of the most extensively known, and esteemed citizens of New Milford. Ebenezer Baldwin built a store about 1784, just north of the present residence of Mr. S, E. Bostwick, which was afterwards occupied as a store until 1791, by Beebe Hine and Gerardus Booth until 1800; then by Alfred A. Hine and John Taylor until 1813; when this store was purchased by Samuel Lockwood, and conducted by him and his son Horace Lock wood until 1832. Solomon E. Bostwick then bought it, and continued the store until 1851; and not long after the building was removed and is now standing on the place of J. Leroy Buck on the plain. Joel Northrop and Alfred A. Hine built a store a few feet north of the present residence of Mr. Walter B. Bostwick, where they conducted a store until 1816, when Samuel Canfield, son of Ithamar, and Ransom Canfield bought it, and continued the mercantile business until the death of Samuel Can-field in 1823, when it was purchased by James S. Clark, who continued the store until 1836; after which it was occupied for a time by Samuel D. Orton as a lawyer's office. It was removed to Railroad street and is occupied as a dwelling. William Claris, married Annis, daughter of Daniel Bostwick, in 1775, and built a house on the site of Mr. Walter B. Bostwick's residence, and kept a tavern there some years, as his father-in-law did on the corner where Mrs. Judge Sanford resides. This house was purchased by Aaron Hitchcock and was his residence for many years. Nathaniel Perry, a lawyer, and son-in-law of Aaron Hitchcock, built the present house, with the most perfect material and in the most thorough manner, and being fitted up more recently by its present owner, Mr. Walter B. Bostwick, it is a most desirable residence. Mr. Solomon E. Bostwick purchased his present residence with the store property adjoining, in 1832, and began improvements not long after, which he has continued to make until he has one of the most complete homesteads in New Milford. He is engaged with his sons in the manufacture of vegetable buttons. Eli Mygatt purchased the homestead where now his widow resides, of Gerardus Booth, about 1831, and resided there until his decease. The house was occupied as the residence of the Episcopal Minister, called the glebe lot, from 1775 until purchased by Mr. Booth, in 1797. The upper room of the house was known many years as Booth's Assembly Room. Mr. Mygatt was the son of Noadiah Mygatt, and was born in 1791, and became a prominent merchant and successful business man; was one of the first Board of Directors of the first bank in New Milford, organized in 1852, and the next year he was elected its president, holding the position two years. He possessed great integrity of character, was highly esteemed, and his descendants are among the most widely known and influential people of New Milford. Mr. David E. Soule's dwelling-house was erected and completed in 1881. The first house on the lot was put there by Daniel Everitt, the lawyer, who purchased the land in April, 1782, of Prudence Collins, Amos Collins, and Stephen Collins. On Feb. 20, 1790, his assignees sold the land with a "house, barn, and out-buildings thereon" to the Rev. Stanley Griswold. The property was sold by the Rev. Stanley Griswold, March 30, 1803, to Judge David S. Boardman, and was in the possession of the Boardman family until it passed into the possession of Mr. Soule in 1881, when the old house was removed and the present one built. Beebe Hine built, about 1790, the large two-story house on the north corner of Main and Bank streets, and it was occupied many years as the United States Hotel, and afterwards as the New England House, first by himself, until 1813, and afterwards by various parties until a few years since. The very great improvement in the style and costliness of dwelling-houses may be partially understood, by the fact that when this hotel was opened to the public, it was said by people far and near to be the largest and most complete building of the kind between New Milford and New York City. Mr. Hine, after occupying it some years, sold it and built the fine brick house recently taken down that stood on the corner north of Mrs. Judge Sanford's residence; and after residing in it some years, he sold that and removed to -New Haven. Beebe Hine being very ambitious for improvements and taking much satisfaction in them, after one or both of these fine houses were built, while at his father's house, which stood on the east side of the green where the Town Hall now stands, remarked to his father, "We seem to have all the improvements on the west side of the street; we are getting ahead of you on the east side." "Yes," said his father,—who was considerably wealthy,—"but it seems to me you come over on the east side pretty often for money to do it with." Hon. Isaac B. Bristol is proprietor of the New England House, which occupies the site of the old Ezra Noble dwelling-house, in the rear of which Mr. Noble conducted for a number of years a tannery, and had a shoe shop connected with it. This site is on the lot originally laid out to Peter Perrit and Roger Brownson on the 4th of April, 1728. When this lot was surveyed it was twenty-nine rods wide on Main street, and was bounded east on Main street, north on Samuel Brownson, west part on the Great River and south on the heirs of Samuel-Hitchcock. The site of Mr. Hitchcock's house at that time is-now in the front yard of Mr. A. B. Mygatt's present dwelling-house, and his lot if it was only a half lot would have been about ten rods on Main street, reaching north "nearly to the New England House, and the Perrit lot twenty-nine rods more with Samuel Brownson's lot must have extended very nearly if not quite to John Bostwick Sen's lot on the corner where Mrs. Judge Sanford now lives. Samuel Hitchcock gave to his son Samuel a part of his lot north of his house and built a house on it, which, perhaps, was the one removed some years ago from the site of the present meat market of Mr. John R. Bostwick, to where it now stands on the north side of Bridge street, next building east of the Noble Brother's button shop. If this is the dwelling-house of Samuel Hitchcock, then it is about 150 years old. This building was probably re-covered soon after the Revolution, and has remained thus, except new window casings and some such repairs, to the present time. When this Hitchcock house was first built, and for many years after, so far as has been learned, it was the only house between Samuel Hitchcock's house and John Bostwick's house at the corner of Main-and Bennitt streets. Peter Perrit never resided here, but sold his half of this lot to Roger Brown son; and neither of the Brownson families resided on Main street, so far as has been learned. In 1796, Stephen Chittenden, Jr., and Clark Blackney purchased of Ebenezer Baldwin the lot with a dwelling-house, where now the New England House stands, and the next year Chittenden bought Blackney's interest, and afterwards built a tannery on the back part of the lot. This he conducted until 1813, when he sold it to Ezra Noble, who continued the tannery and added a shoe-shop. Ezra, Noble, with his tannery and shoe business, was a prominent man in the town many years, and is still well and favorably remembered by many people. It is said that he was the owner of the first one-horse wagon ever brought into the town, which was about 1805. After Mr. Noble's decease the place was purchased by Lucius Lum, who for a few years kept it as a hotel and store, and sold it in 1867 to the present owner, Mr. Isaac B. Bristol. The large elm tree standing in the front yard of this house is said to have been set there by Stephen Chittenden, Jr., when he first owned the place, which would make it now eighty-five or eighty-six years old. It is four feet in diameter. On this old lot of the Hitchcock family stand several new buildings which make a fine appearance for the west side of the green. The Soule Block consists of two two-story buildings, the first floor of each being used as a store. Next south of these is the fine brick dwelling-house of Doct S. T. Clemans, built in 1861; and on the corner, the spacious dwelling of Mr. C. C. Noble; all of these being in first-class order, as is nearly every house in the village. In 1863, the highway-now called South Main street, was authorized by a town vote. Mr. A. B. Mygatt was then residing where his dwelling now stands, and he purchased the land southward of his house, and in the spirit of improvements and enterprise opened a street and asked the town to accept it, which they did; and that is now the favorite street of the village for residences except around the green. Including Mr. Mygatt's house and that of Mr. Alanson N. Canfield on the opposite corner, this street is filled with fine residences, with roomy yards, which are kept in most perfect order. On the south end of the green are the houses of Mr. Canfield just spoken of and that occupied by Mr. Sheldon S. Wheaton as a -hotel boarding-house. The former stands near the site of the first house of Samuel Prindle in 1712, and the latter is a little west of where was erected the first pound in the town about 1712, which was removed about 1800. On the east side of the green, southeast corner of it, is the dwelling of Mrs. Lucia H. Noble, widow of the late Hiram B. Noble, who resided there some years. It stands on the old Zachariah Ferriss home lot, but most probably the Ferriss house stood further north, where or north of where the present dwelling of Mr. Charles B. Camp stands. Next north of Mr. Camp's is the only ancient appearing dwelling south of the Town Hail on this street. It was built by Noadiah Mygatt. The Town Hall, a brick building of fine dimensions and outward appearance, and very commodious in its internal arrangements, was built in 1875, at a cost of between forty and fifty thousand dollars. Besides its large hall for lectures and town meetings "on the second floor, it has on the first floor a town clerk's office and vault, a probate court room and vault, and two other commodious court rooms, and ample basement rooms below the-first floor. This building is located on the east side of Main street at the corner of Main and Church streets, and stands a little north of the site of the first house of John Noble, Jr., in 1712. The lot has been owned by many parties, among them Doct. William Gillett of Milford, William Sherman, Roger Sherman, and was owned and occupied many years by Esqr. Abel Hine. In another place in this book it is indicated that the store left by William Sherman was discontinued; but the old account-book of Abel Hine having come to light, it is evident that he continued the store from 1761 until after the Revolution. The dwellings south of the Town Hall, on the east side of the green, are modern buildings except one, and also those at the south end of the green. Col. William J. Starr resides on the homestead of his grandfather, Col. Josiah Starr, who purchased it when known as the Paul Welch place, in 1768. It was a part of the first John Weller's home lot, and had been in the possession of Paul Welch, Esqr., and of his son Paul some years. Col. Josiah Starr was a prominent, energetic, and successful farmer—active and prominent in town and public matters. His son Eli Starr was born on this place in 1763; resided here all his days, a prominent citizen, and here his son William J. Starr was born in 1806, and here he still resides in vigorous, active life. He was a member of the I4th Regiment of Connecticut Cavalry fifteen years from 1827, and served the same regiment a number of years as its Colonel, and hence he is familiarly and always nearly, called " Colonel Starr"; and because he has possessed good health and a good memory, and has been pushing all about the town for seventy years, this book, and the public through it, as well as its author, are greatly indebted to him, as well as several other aged persons, for many items of history herein. Next south of Col. Starr's dwelling stands the Episcopal church, built in 1837, but to be vacated as soon as the new edifice shall be consecrated. The dwelling-house now owned and occupied by Mr. B. J. Stone was built about 1810 by the St. Peter's Masonic Lodge and held some years, having their lodge-room in it and renting other parts. It was purchased about 1852 with the academy building by Mr. and Mrs. Stone, and the house is kept as a Temperance Hotel with strict fidelity and uprightness, as to temperance principles. The new Episcopal Church stands on the north corner of Main and Whittlesey avenue, and occupies the site of the old Whittlesey store, and the old Samuel Comstock house of one hundred arid thirty years ago. Work began on this edifice in the autumn of 1880, and it is nearly completed, and is one of the finest church edifices in the Western part of Connecticut. The Congregational Meeting-house was built where it now stands in 1833, in the Corinthian style of architecture, on land which was long held as the home lot of the Rev. Nathaniel Taylor, the second pastor in the Congregational church. Mr. Taylor built the house next north Q{ it in 1759, and resided in it until his decease. He built the house next south of this meeting-house for his son Nathaniel Taylor, Jr., and in it was born the child who became the celebrated theologian, the Rev. Nathaniel W. Taylor, D. D. It was not known until recently when Rev. Nathaniel Taylor built his house; but Mrs. President Porter while visiting New Milford the past summer observed the old door-handle of this house on the back door, and saw on the brass trimming the letters D. B. and the date 1759. The letters it was found were the initials of the old blacksmith Daniel Burrett, and revealed the probability that he made the handle for the front door of the Rev. Mr. Taylor's new house in 1759. The dwelling-house of Doct. Charles Taylor is modern in age, but with its Corinthian pillars in front it is more ancient in some of its architecture than any dwelling in the town. It was built by his father, Doct. George Taylor, in 1827, and stands on the lot of the first William Gaylord in the town. North of the old Rev. Nathaniel Taylor house, is the new, elegant two-story and French roof house of Mr. Henry O. Warner; it being an innovation in that locality as to the style of architecture, but an impressive ornament to the village. Next north of the new Episcopal Church stands" the fine residence of Mr. Charles H. Booth, On the south part of the old Rev. Nathaniel Taylor lot. The Treadwell house, the home of the late John P. Treadwell on Elm street, on the corner of Main, is one of the most attractive appearing residences in the town. It stands on the lot originally preempted by Col. John Read, while he claimed a title to over twenty thousand acres of land, most of it within the bounds of New Milford. This house before remodeled and enlarged by Mr. Treadwell, was the home of the Hon. Perry Smith, United States Senator, who built it in 1814. The late John P. Treadwell was a highly esteemed citizen, and is remembered and spoken of with kindly remembrance by every one who knew him. He went to New York city when but a lad, engaged in business upon his own judgment and responsibility; was successful: became the proprietor of and conducted the St. Nicholas Hotel, which he continued many years; returned to his native town; fitted up this mansion-like residence and connected with it quite a farm, and made it his home during a number of the last years of his life. There are many other homes and residences that might as properly be mentioned as the foregoing; but the object has been to make a brief record of the more prominent points of observation surrounding the green rather than a record of men, as a review of the changes and transactions which have taken place here during 176 years, or from 1706 to 1882. Fine residences may be seen on Elm street, and northward on what has been called, in this book, Poplar street. On what might, in historical honor, be called Aspetuck Avenue, or North Main street, stand the dwellings of Mr. Levi S. Knapp, and Col. Charles D. Blinn, fronting the green, both on historic ground; Mr. Knapp's is near the site of the first meeting-house and that of Col. John Read in 1710; and Mr. Blinn's is on the site of the first white man's house who resided in the township, John Noble, Sen. Just north of Col. Blinn's is now being erected the fine edifice of All Saints Memorial Church, on the west side of the street. The rise of the hill is such that the appearance of this church will be very fine and a decided ornament to the village. Further up the hill on the same side of the street, Mr. William D. Black has made preparations for building a fine, modern style mansion house, very near the site of the home of the Rev. Daniel Boardman, the first minister in the town. Mr. Boardman's old well is included in the lawn lot of this dwelling. West of, and parallel to this old town plot street, Mr. Black has opened another street within a few years, on which have already been erected several fine dwellings. West street has fine residences, on the bluff, adjoining the river, ornamented with an unusually beautiful row of young maple shade trees. Bridge street, so called because it leads to the "Town Bridge" over the "Great River," is ornamented with the commodious residences of Mr. Daniel Marsh, Mr. Merritt Beach, Dr. James Hine, Mr. Harvey B. Hoyt, and Hon. A. B. Mygatt. The house recently removed by Doct. Hine from the site of his present dwelling, to the corner west, was erected in 1774. The Village Improvement Society. In the spring of 1871, a paper was circulated to secure the organization of a Village Improvement Society in New Milford, and names were solicited upon the proposition that five dollars should constitute one person a member with, the right of one vote, and any one having the privilege of taking as many votes as he or she might desire at the same rate. On July 15, 1871, a meeting was held and an organization effected, with the following members; the order of the names being different from that on the original subscription paper which has not been preserved. Miss Julia Acly, William B. Allen, Mrs. William B. Allen, Mrs. Alex. B. Anderson, George W. Anthony, J. Knight Bacon, D. A. Barlow, Willis F. Bennitt, Lottie B. Bennitt, W. D. Black, Mrs. W. D. Black, C. D. Blinn, Miss C. E. Boardman, Frederick Boardman, C. H. Booth, C. B. Bostwick, S. E. Bostwick, Mrs. S. E. Bostwick, H. E. Bostwick, W. B. Bostwick, Mrs. W. G. Brown, Miss P. Bull, C. Callisin, A. E. Carr, S. T. Clemans, Mrs. A. N. Daniels, Robert Erwin, Thomas Fuller, Mrs. S. C. Hertzel, H. B. Hoyt, Henry Ives, L. N. Jennings, L. S. Knapp, William J. Lane, R. S. Leavitt, Daniel Marsh, Mrs. T. T. Marsh, J. H. McMahon, Eli Mygatt, A. B. Mygatt, H. S. Mygatt, Miss Carrie C. Mygatt, New England House, Hiram B. Noble. George H. Noble, Alfred H. Noble, Miss Cornelia Noble, Miss Julia Noble, Miss Nettie B. Noble, Miss Ella E. Noble, C. C. Noble, R. B. Noble, C. H. Noble, Miss Sally Northrop, John Peck, L. S. Randall, Ambrose S. Rogers, Mrs. D. C. Sanford, Henry S. Sanford, Miss C. S. Sanford, William J. Schoverling, John F. Schroeder, Mrs. Eliza Smith, T. E. Stewart, Mrs. T. E. Stewart, George T. Stewart, Mrs. M. A. Stone, Everett Sturgess, George Taylor, Charles Taylor, Mrs. Charles Taylor, John P. Treadwell, Mrs. John P. Treadwell, John P. Treadwell, Jr., Miss M. E. Treadwell, Miss Julia Treadwell, J. Eli Treat, Mrs. Mason W. Tyler, Mrs. M. J. Wells, George W. Whittlesey, Geo. Wm. Wright. At a meeting of this society held at the house of Mrs. D. C. Sanford, on July 31, 1871, George H. Noble was chosen chairman, and W. B. Allen, secretary, when the following officers were elected: John P. Treadwell, President; George H. Noble, Vice-President; Charles Taylor, Treasurer; Robert Erwin, Secretary. The executive committee were: Miss C. S. Sanford, Mrs. T. T. Marsh, Henry E. Bostwick, Frederic -Boardman, C. D. Blinn. George T. Stewart was declared an honorary member and appointed the collector. At the annual meeting, April 10, 1882, the following officers were elected: Frederick E. Starr, President; Henry O. Warner, Vice-President; J. F. Schroeder, Secretary; Walter B. Bostwick, Treasurer; and Walter B. Bostwick, David E. Soule, Charles H. Noble, Mrs. John P. Treadwell, and Mrs. Henry R. Treadwell, executive committee. The society has expended about $9,000, besides very much expended by private individuals on the front of their own lots, and on the sidewalks and streets. The householders on the main streets agreed that their lots should be assessed one dollar and a half per front foot, in addition to large donations made by many of them. The proceeds of a fair in aid of the enterprise amounted to $700. The New Milford Water Company was chartered July 2, 1873, with an authorized capital of $25,000, and was organized Aug 2, 1873, by the election of directors as follows: Charles H. Booth, Henry O. Warner, Seth C. Landon, Isaac B. Bristol, Walter B. Bostwick, David E. Soule, and George W. Anthony. At a subsequent meeting of the directors, Charles H. Booth was 'elected President, Charles H. Noble, Secretary and Treasurer, and Henry O. Warner, Superintendent. There has been no change of officers to the present time. In" consequence of the difficulty of securing the water privilege, nothing was done that year towards the construction of the works, but in August of 1874, the privilege having been purchased, the work was commenced, and was completed the following December. The reservoir was made by damming Cross Brook about one mile and a quarter northeast from the village. The distribution is effected by iron pipes, of which there have been about four and three-quarter miles laid. The total cost of the works, as reported by the treasurer at the annual meeting of August, 1882, had been $31,030.91; the balance of $6,030.91 above the capital stock of $25,000 having been paid out of the earnings of the company. The company began paying dividends in June, 1877, and have paid regularly ever since. The First National Bank of New Milford. This was originally a State bank, called the Bank of Litchfield County, having a capital of one hundred thousand dollars. The first meeting of the stockholders was held December 6, 1852, and the following board of directors was chosen: Fred. G. Chittenden, Pres't, Eli Mygatt, George Taylor, Walter D. Sperry, Solomon E. Bostwick, Noble S. Bennitt, Daniel Marsh, George Briggs, Glover Sanford. The banking-house was the small brick building now standing next south of the residence of Mrs. Harriet Boardman, on Main street. The first cashier was A. McAlister of Bridgeport, who held the position until the appointment of George W. Whittlesey of New Milford, April 25, 1853. Upon the resignation of Mr. Chittenden, April 7, 1853, Eli Mygatt was elected to that position, and Mr. Henry W. Booth was chosen director. Mr. Mygatt voluntarily retired from the presidency in 1855, and was succeeded by Mr. Henry W. Booth, and he by Mr. Daniel Marsh, who continued in this office until January I, 1878, when he resigned. Mr. H. W. Booth remains as director, and gives his personal attention to the business. In March, 1865, the Bank of Litchfield County changed to a National Bank, with a capital of one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. Mr. Marsh continued in the presidency, with the following directors: Daniel Marsh, Glover Sanford, George Taylor, John Hopson, John G. Noble, Henry W. Booth, Lyman Smith, Solomon E. Bostwick, George Briggs. In 1858, John J. Conklin was made cashier to succeed Mr. Whittlesey and remained in office until October, 1867, when he was succeeded by the present cashier, Mr. Henry Ives. While it was a State bank, soon after its organization, the Bank of Litchfield County sustained heavy losses on account of the misdoings of its president, Frederick G. Chittenden. To repair the damages caused in this manner became the chief care of the president, Eli Mygatt, and the board of directors, which was accomplished in a brief period, and the institution was placed in a comparatively satisfactory condition. Under the administration of the third president, Mr. Henry W. Booth, the bank was judiciously managed and became a prosperous institution, paying satisfactory dividends and possessing the confidence of the public. This state of prosperity continued during the administration of Mr. Marsh as president until the close of his term of official and most honorable service, January 1, 1878. In 1867, John J. Conklin proved to be a defaulter to the amount of about $40,000. The bank was able to bear it without any very serious embarrassment, and is now in a very strong and prosperous condition, doing a constantly increasing business. The present officers of the bank are: A. B. Mygatt, President; Henry W. Booth, Vice-President; Henry Ives, Cashier; Henry S. Mygatt, Assistant-Cashier; Charles C. Barlow, Clerk. The following is a statement of the condition of the bank December 18, 1880: Dr. Cr. Bills discounted, 240,607.77 Capital stock, 125,000.00 Over drafts, 341.84 Surplus fund, 25,000.00 U. S. bonds, 125,000.00 Undivided profits, 18,750.47 Other stock and bonds, 21,398.75 Circulation, 112,490.00 Mercantile Nat. B'k, N.Y., 35,794.74 Unpaid dividends, 150.00 Fisk & Hatch, 309.18 Deposits, 170,343.95 Banking-house, 7,000.00 Certificates, 6,951.87 Expense account, 2,326.16 Balance due banks, 7,388.06 Rev-stamp account, 400.00 Non-resident tax, 45.60 Five per ct. redemption fund, 5,625.00 Cash, 27,225.31 466,074.35 466,074.35 The New Milford Savings Bank. This institution was organized in July 1858, with the following board of corporators: Eli Mygatt, David C. Sanford, Silas Erwin, Gerardus Roberts, Albert N. Baldwin, James Hine, William J. Starr, Andrew B. Mygatt, Sheldon Blackman, Jehiel Williams, Noble S. Bennitt, Albert Pickett, Daniel Marsh. William B. Green, Charles H. Booth, John S. Turrill, Isaac Hine, Levi S. Knapp, Charles Randall. The first officers were: Eli Mygatt, President; Silas Erwin, Vice-President; Charles Randall, Sheldon Blackman, James Hine, Noble S. Bennitt, Gerardus Roberts, Directors; John S. Turrill, Secretary and Treasurer. Eli Mygatt was President from 1858 to 1859 5 Silas Erwin from July 1859 to February 13, 1875', and James Hine from July 1875 to July 1882; then Ralph E. Canfield was appointed. The first secretary and treasurer was John S. Turrill, who was succeeded by Charles Randall, the present incumbent. The present board of Corporators are: Albert N. Baldwin, James Hine, William J. Starr, Andrew B. Mygatt, Daniel Marsh, William B. Green, Charles H. Booth, John S. Turrill, Levi S. Knapp, Charles Randall, William Roberts, Cyrus A. Todd, Ralph E. Canfield, Van Renselaer Giddings, Isaac B. Bristol, Turney Soule, Charles M. Beach, George W. Anthony. The first deposit was $39, and was made August 23, 1858. The deposits on October 1, 1880, amounted to $566,646.97; and on July i, 1882, to $624,000. The present bank-building, a brick edifice, brown-stone front, was completed and the bank opened in it August 31, 1877. The present officers (July 1882) are: Ralph E. Canfield, President; Isaac B. Bristol, Vice-President; John S. Turrill, Turney Soule, George W. Anthony, Charles H. Booth, and Van Renselaer Giddings, Directors; Charles Randall, Secretary and Treasurer. The Agricultural Socieiy of New Milford. The first meeting for the formation of an agricultural society was held in Wright's Hall, in New Milford, July 3, 1858, and the object was accomplished in the formation of "The Housatonic Agricultural Society." At first the fairs were held on a lot in the rear of the present residence of Doct. James Hine, but afterwards the society rented grounds of Mr. F. S. Richmond, on the west side of the Housatonic river, about one mile south of the village of New Milford, where their exhibitions were held for several years. At a meeting of the society held March 3, 1879, it was voted to merge the Society into a joint-stock organization, and at a meeting March 22d, a temporary organization was effected. At a meeting held June 21st, two-thirds of the stock having been subscribed, the organization was completed and the following board of directors was elected: William D. Black, Nicholas Staub, Noble Bennitt, George W. Squires, Turney Soule, Samuel Thornhill, J. Leroy Buck, Homer L. Wanzer, Walter B. Bostwick, George A. Barnes, H. O. Warner, Charles E. Beeman, and Burr Mallett. William D. Black was elected President; J. Leroy Buck, Vice-President; W. B. Dayton, Secretary; and Charles Randall, Treasurer. Subsequently Mr. Dayton resigned his position and Robert Erwin was elected to fill the vacancy. At the annual meeting in 1880, the old board of directors and officers were re-elected. In 1881, F. J. Turrill and Charles N. Hall were elected directors in the places of George A. Barnes and Charles E. Beeman. At a meeting of the board of directors held May 7, 1881, Col. Charles D. Blinn was elected Secretary in the place of Robert Erwin, resigned. The grounds of the Association are located on the west side of the Housatonic river a little distance northwest of the old Indian burying place, and are ample, well located, and conveniently furnished for exhibitions. The two fairs held upon this ground have been successful, it is said, having had a surplus on hand after paying its premiums in full. Liquors have not been allowed to be sold on the ground, thus far, and no form of gambling has been allowed; not even the taking of chances, such as are often introduced into Sunday-school and church fairs. The capital stock was fixed, at ten thousand dollars, nearly all of which has been taken. Officers of the Society for 1882. President, J. Leroy Buck; Vice-President, Walter B. Bostwick; Secretary, Frank W. Marsh; Treasurer, Charles Randall; Directors, J. Leroy Buck, Walter B. Bostwick, William D. Black, H. O. Warner, Turney Soule, Frederick J. Turrill, Noble Bennitt, Nicholas Staub, Charles N. Hall, George W. Squires, all of New Milford; and Samuel Thornhill of Brookfield, Burr Mallett of Bridgewater, and Homer L. Wanzer of New Fairfield. For the exhibition in the autumn of 1882, the above directors were placed upon various committees as superintendents of the various departments; and the following were the Executive Committee of ~the Ladies' Industrial Department: Mrs. W. B. Bostwick, Mrs. J. K. Bacon, Mrs. H. S. Mygatt, Mrs. Charles Taylor, Mrs. Wm. D. Black, Mrs. H. O. Warner, Mrs. Levi P. Giddings, Mrs. Noble Bennitt, Mrs. C. D. Blinn, Mrs. Willis F. Bennett, Mrs. Turney Soule, Mrs. George B. Noble, Mrs. Charles N. Hall, Mrs. Lafayette Joyce, Miss A. M. Noble, Miss Jennie Gaylord, Miss Helen Boardman, Mrs. Henry S. Beers, of Brook-field, Mrs. H. L. Wanzer of New Fairfield, Mrs. George C. Hitchcock of Washington, Mrs. P. H. Squires of Roxbury, Miss Sarah Sanford of Bridgewater. New Milford Village Business Enterprises in 1882. The road called Bank street was authorized to be opened by a town vote, Aug. 24, 1840. Previous to that for some years it had been a lane running back from Main street, on private property, while all the stores were located on Main street. After the street was graded, parties began to remove to it and erect store buildings, and this work continued until every site is occupied, and recently two fine store buildings have been erected and are occupied on Main street. The following brief record of the business places and firms is made as a historical statement, to which it is possible many in the future will look with surprise and doubt, and wonder how the town could get along with all of its stores on one short street. To a stranger, nothing is more surprising, than, with the many fine sites for business on Main street, to see ail the stores crowded into this narrow Bank- street; but then it has been true hundreds of years that: "Birds of a feather Flock together." On the north corner of Main and Bank streets is the wood building heretofore described, three stories high with dormer windows, for many years known as the United States Hotel and afterward the New England House. William H. Stnith, fancy and millinery goods, established in 1874. .He is the son of Samuel W. Smith, a farmer. His wife conducts the millinery business in connection with the store, in this building. William E. Battam, dentist, son of Septimus Battam of London, Eng., occupies rooms in this building. He came to this country in 1870, and established his office in New Milford in 1881. Lucius Sherman, harness maker, son of Roswell Sherman is a native of Bridgeport, occupies a room in this corner building. He established himself in business in New Miiford in 1865. John, O'Connell, boot and shoe maker, came from county Cork, Ireland, about 1851, and to New Milford in 1855, and occupies a room in the corner building. Benjamin F. Humiston and family occupy a part of this house. North side of Bank street. C. C. Noble and Son, merchant tailors and ready-made clothing, hats and gentlemen's furnishing goods. C. C. Noble, son of Ichabod Noble, established tailoring in New Milford in 1839; added cloths and ready-made clothing in 1853. He associated his son, Russell B., with him in business in 1869. Also in the same store is the office of the New Milford Water Company; Charles H. Noble, secretary; chartered in 1873; capital stock, $25,000. The works were completed in December, 1874. It began to pay dividends in 1877, and has paid regularly to the present time. Fuller and Hoyt, dry goods and groceries, began business in New Milford in 1869. Thomas Fuller, son of Samuel C. Fuller of Morristown, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., came to New Milford in 1853. Harvey B. Hoyt, son of Benedict Hoyt of New Milford. Charles O. Hoyt, son of George A. Hoyt, is clerk. Bates and Ives, watches and jewelry, successors to James B. Capron, in 1881. John E. Bates, son of Erastus Bates of Warren, Ct. Henry C. Ives, son of Dea. Henry Ives of New Milford. Theodore J. Gray, son of Isaiah Gray, watch repairer, came to New Milford in 1878. Salem, T. Clemans, dentist, up-stairs, son of Jary Clemans of Charlton, Mass., came to New Milford in 1851, and established an office. Charles A. Tappan is his assistant, son of George Tappan, Jr., of New York City, came to New Milford in 1874. William N. Noble, druggist, son of Charles C. Noble; was successor to Alfred H. Noble in 1876. Orrin L. Plumb, clerk, son of Harvey G. Plumb. Treat and Emmons, dry goods; established the firm in 1881. Benjamin Treat, son of Joseph C. Treat of Bridgewater, succeeded Joseph Eli Treat, his brother, in 1875. George E. Emmons, son of Rollin C. Emmons of New Milford. Edwin J. Emmons, son of Rollin C. Emmons, is clerk in this store. A millinery is conducted by Treat and Emmons on second floor, Mrs. Mary A. DeWitt having charge of the department. Charles H. Allen, dentist, son of Henry Allen of Norwalk, has rooms up-stairs in same building with Treat and Emmons. He graduated from New York College of Dentistry in 1880, and established his office in New Milford in 1882. Arthur K. Partridge and family reside up-stairs, and his sister, Miss A. F. Partridge, carries on dress-making on the same floor. William B. Allen, dry goods, groceries, and ready-made clothing, son of Treat Allen of Southbury, Ct., succeeded Robert Irwin in 1859, with Daniel B. Seward, son of Orrin B. Seward of Roxbury, Ct., as partner, firm of Allen and Seward; Mr. Seward was succeeded by William J. Whiting of New Haven in 1868, firm of Allen and Whiting; and Mr. Whiting was succeeded by Everett Sturges of Fairfield, firm of Allen and Sturges, in 1869. Mr. Sturges left the firm in 1876. Howard McD. Allen, son of William B. Allen, is clerk with his father. New Milford Savings Bank building was erected and completed in 1877, on the north side of Bank street. Charles Randall is the present secretary and treasurer, and H. Leroy Randall, son of Charles Randall, is clerk. W. F. Kinney and Company, grocers. W. Frank Kinney, son of Henry Kinney of Washington, Ct, with Seth C. Landon, succeeded R. S. Leavitt, Nov. 18, 1875. Mr. Landon went out of the firm, April 1, 1879, and Henry, son of Harry Kinney of New Milford, succeeded Mr. Landon, under the same firm name. The clerks are:—Morell B. Sherman, James O. Ford, Daniel Gaylord, Edward Doherty, and Miss Helen Bennitt. Charles H. Booth, dry goods, son of David Booth of New Milford, commenced business in 1856, with Andrew B. Mygatt, firm of Mygatt and Booth, with a general assortment of goods as a country store. Mr. Mygatt retired from the firm in 1859, and Mr. Booth continued the store. He removed from Main street into Bank street in 1860. In 1868 Charles D. Blinn of Cornwall came into the firm as C. H. Booth and Company, and the following year the firm name was changed to C. H. Booth and Blinn. Mr. Blinn retired in 1880 on account of his health. Clerks in the store are:—John P. Treadwell, Clayson S. Perry, Miss Minnie C. Wilbur, and Miss Mary S. Parcells. Alonzo Pixley, saloon keeper, son of Jarvis Pixley of Great Barrington, Mass. He succeeded Charles Stratton in 1870. His family reside on second floor. George F. Pixley, his son, is clerk. Frederick S. Leonard, ready-made clothing, and furnishing goods, son of Benjamin S. Leonard of Sharon, Mass., came to New Milford in October, 1880, and established the store as F. S. Leonard and Company. Since January, 1882, Mr. Leonard has continued the store in his own name. George Robertson, boots and shoes, son of Alexander Robertson of Brechin, Scotland, came to this country in October, 1854; came to New Milford in 1858, and established business here in 1868. John Gerdella, fruits and nuts, came from Italy. He established business in New Milford but resides in Norwalk. Frank Gerdella is in charge of the business in New Milford. Burnette P. Lasher, meat market, son of John Lasher of Gallatinville, N. Y., came to New Milford and engaged in the New England House. He succeeded James Eagan in his present business in March, 1882. He is assisted by John Lasher, his brother, and Andrew J. Cromer. Frederick Kirsch, saloon keeper, son of Tobelot Kirsch of Wowestans, France, came to this country.in 1864. He established business as a barber in New Milford in 1867; sold the same in 1876, and opened a saloon and continued to the present time. His family reside up-stairs. First National Hank is located on the northeast corner of Bank and Railroad streets, and the building was erected Hon. Andrew B. Mygatt, son of the late Eli Mygatt of New Milford, is president of the bank, having been elected in 1878. He followed the mercantile business quite a number of years; has served in the lower house of the legislature, and two terms in the senate. He is a United States bank examiner for the States of Connecticut and Rhode Island, and is director in the Housatonic railroad. He has taken great interest in all improvements in his native town, as was manifested by his energy and enterprise in causing the opening of Bank street, South Main street, and Whittlesey avenue. Mr. Daniel Marsh served as president of this bank over twenty years, with much success and the full confidence and satisfaction of all interested in the institution. He is a native of the town and began his public life as a clerk in a store in Park Lane, and continued in that place some years as proprietor of the store, and then removed to the village, continuing the same business until about the time when the railroad was opened, when he became the agent at the New Milford station, where he devoted his time until elected president of the bank. He, with his son, T. T. Marsh, conducts a large business in a coal yard at the present time. Mr. Henry W. Booth is vice-president of the bank, which position he has held five years, having been a director, and having given his personal attention to the business transactions of the institution since 1865. He is a native of the town and a farmer by trade, and has continued the farming business on his own farms during the last forty years. Dea. Henry Ives, son of Isaac C. Ives of Lee, Mass., was engaged as clerk and cashier in the Bank in Ware, Mass., fifteen years, until 1867, when he came to New Milford as cashier of this Bank, which position he still holds. He is Deacon in the Congregational Church. Henry S. Mygatt, son of Hon. A. B. Mygatt, is assistant cashier of the bank, where he has served since February, 1878. He is also organist in the Congregational Church. Charles C. Barlow, son of D. A. Barlow of New Milford, is clerk in the bank, where he commenced in October, 1879, and has continued to the present time. South side of Bank street. New England House is located on the south corner of Main and Bank streets, in New Milford village. Mr. Isaac B. Bristol is proprietor of this house, having purchased the property in 1867, of Lucius Lum, and fitted it for a hotel. Mr. Lum kept a hotel in it, but the north room was occupied as a store until Mr. Bristol purchased it. Joseph, Lahait, barber, son of Joseph Lahait of Montreal, Canada, came to New Milford and established his shop in Landon's block in 1878, and recently removed to the next door west from the New England House. Alphonso Lahait, his brother, is his assistant. Hiram B. Noble's Estate, boots and shoes. Hiram B. Noble, son of Ezra Noble, established a retail boot and shoe business in 1870, and continued it until his decease, March 28, 1881, when his son-in-law, William G. Brown, son of Charles A. H. Brown, Mass., took the business as administrator of the estate and continues the same. John S. Turrill, lawyer, son of Sherman Turrill, has an office on second floor of the building with the H. B. Noble estate. He studied law with Judge D. C. Sanford, and in the Boston Law School, and with Gideon H. Hollister of Litchfield; was admitted to the Litchfield county bar in 1850, and established a law office in New Milford in 1850. John F. Addis, son of John W. Addis, studied law with John S. Turrill; was admitted to the Litchfield county bar in 1882, and has his office with John S. Turrill. Levi S. Knapp, boots and shoes, son of Levi Knapp, came from Danbury, Conn., and commenced tanning and shoemaking in 1822, with Albert Pickett; firm of Pickett and Knapp; dissolved partnership in 1824, and commenced business alone where George Robertson and C. C. Smith's property is on Bennitt street He continued this business until 1838, when he sold the same to Royal Davis and removed to his present house, where he continued shoemaking until 1842, when he was appointed deputy sheriff, which office he held until 1857, when he resigned and established the present boot and shoe store on Bank street, in his own building. Gerardus Knapp, his son, is clerk in the store. Henry R. Piercy, harness-maker, son of George F. Piercy of Philadelphia, Pa., has a shop on second floor of Levi S. Knapp's building. He established business at Gaylordsville about 1849, where he continued until 1881, when he removed his business to the present place. Andrew R. Piercy, his son, is engaged with him in the harness business. John Murray, boot and shoe-maker, is on the same floor with Mr. Piercy. He is son of Patrick Murray of Robertstown, Ireland, came to this country in 1849, and to New Milford about 1856, and worked a time for E. Noble's Sons, and commenced a shop for himself in 1866. Thomas Murray, his brother, works with him. Post Office. David A. Baldwin, son of Ebenezer Baldwin, was appointed post-master in 1873. Miss Chloe A. Noble, daughter of David Noble, formerly of Kent, is clerk in the post-office. The following are the names of the post-masters who were appointed for New Milford from the first to the present time. Daniel Everett, appointed January 1, 1795. Philo Noble, " July 1, 1805. Perry Smith, " May 9, 1829. Lawrence Taylor. " March 24, 1837. Nathaniel Perry, " June 5, 1841. Solomon E. Bostwick, " January 13, 1845. George H. Noble, " March 19, 1849. John C. Smith, " February 3, 1853. Solomon E. Bostwick, " May 24, 1853. Henry Merwin, " May 16, 1861. George D. Copley, " March 23, 1863. •William B. Allen, " January 7, 1867. Robert Erwin, " April 21, 1869. David A. Baldwin, " August 6, 1873. George Beardsley, restaurant keeper, is the son of Addison L. Beardsley, and commenced the business here in 1873. His family reside up-stairs. Doctor Frederick E. King, a practicing physician, has an office up-stairs in this house. Max Neisner, ready-made clothing, furnishing goods, hats and caps, son of Jacob Neisner, Russian Poland, came to this country in 1860, and to New Milford, and established business in 1870. Charles Neisner is clerk in the store. Moses Cohn, has bowling alley in the basement, under M. Neisner's store. He is from Russian Poland. Masonic Lodge occupies the third floor. James R. Johnson and family reside on the second floor. Seth C. Landon, groceries, crockery, boots and shoes, son of Seth Landon, of Litchfield, Ct., came to New Milford in 1861, as a photographer; sold the business to James E. Canfield in 1874, and engaged with W. F. Kinney and Company, grocers, in 1875; retired from the firm in 1879, and established his present business the same year. William S. Baldwin, John F. Murphy, and Thurlow W. Canfield are clerks in this store. T. Dwight Merwin, attorney at law, on the second floor of Mr. Landon's store building. He is the son of Marcus E. Merwin of New Milford; graduated at Yale College in 1877, read law with the Hon. Henry C. Robinson of Hartford, Ct., was admitted to the Hartford county bar in October, 1879, and established his office in New Milford in April, 1880. He was clerk to the Civil Service Committee in the United States Senate during the session of congress in 1882. James E. Canfield, photographer, son of Amos Canfield of Wayne county, Pa., came to New Milford in 1874, and purchased the photograph gallery of Mr. Laiidon, where he continues his work successfully, for some very fine pictures have been made for this book by him. Harvey Jennings, fruits, confectionery, and groceries, son of Samuel Jennings of Fairneld, Ct, is a native of New Milford, and established his present store in 1847. Lawrence N. Jennings, livery, trucking, ice, and Adams express agency, son of Harvey Jennings; established his livery in 1879. His office is in the store of Harvey Jennings. Joseph C. Murray is clerk in this store. Thomas Bray, blacksmith, in a rear building from Mr. Jennings' store, son of Thomas Bray of Bradford on the Avon, England, came to this country in 1874, and to New Milford the same year. David A. Barlow, plumbing, stove store, and tin business, son of Joel Barlow of West Redding, Ct., came to New Milford in 1851 to learn his trade of William B. Weight, whom he succeeded in the business, July 26, 1860, in which he still continues. Andrew A. Barlow, his son, is clerk in this store; Walter B. Welton is tinner, and Morris J. Murphy, plumber. Cyrus A. Toddy insurance and real estate agent, son of Jonathan Todd, of Warren, Ct., came to New Milford in 1851, and taught public school several seasons, and succeeded George Lockwood in the insurance agency in 1868. His office is over Mr. Barlow's store. Arthur G. Todd, his son, is clerk in his office, and is also a school teacher. Philip ~Planz and Brothers, barbers and hair dressers. Charles Planz, Philip Planz, and Martin Planz, sons of Peter Planz of Bavaria, Germany, came to New York in 1864. In 1873, Charles Planz came to New Milford and established a Barber's Shop, and not long after, his brother Philip came and took charge of the business, and he returned to New York, In 1875, Charles returned and joined his brother Philip, and they have continued the business to the present time. In July 1881, their brother Martin Planz came to New Milford and united with them in the same shop. Charles A. Peck, groceries, and boots and shoes, son of Charles G. Peck, who was son of Michael Peck of Brookfield, established business in New Milford in 1874. In 1879 George N. Abbott became partner in the business; firm of C. A. Peck and Company, and in 1880 Mr. Abbott retired from the firm and Mr. Peck continued the store. William Seaman is clerk in this store. George N. Peck, harness-maker, in the room back of his brother, Charles A. Peck, succeeded his father, Charles G. Peck, in the harness-making business in 1875. Alexander Levy, books, stationery, and news office, son of Lewis Levy of London, England, came to this country in 1851, and to New Milford in 1869, and established a cigar manufacturing business; added newspapers, books, and stationery, in June, 1873, and stopped manufacturing cigars in 1879. Benjamin H. Levy, his son, is clerk. James N. Blackman, watches, clocks, and jewelry, son of Sheldon Blackman, succeeded his father in the business in 1879. F. G. Bennett and Son, store on the south corner of Bank and Railroad streets, first floor. Frederick G. Bennett, son of Orrin Bennett of New Milford, established wagon making with Albert B. Judd, in New Milford in 1845, firm of Judd and Bennett In 1847, Mr. Judd withdrew from the firm and Royal Buckingham, son of Gilbert Buckingham, took his place under the firm of Bennett and Buckingham. In 1856, Mr. Buckingham went out of the firm, and the business was changed to furniture and undertaking by F. G. Bennett. Willis F. Bennett, son of F. G. Bennett, became partner with his father in 1871, under the firm name of F. G. Bennett and Son, which is still continued. Charles W. Senior, son of Joseph D. Senior, is clerk in this store, and Andrew M. Palmer is cabinet maker, and Charles Moeller, upholsterer. The Housatonic Ray, a weekly newspaper, is printed and published on floor above F. G. Bennett and Son's store. It is wholly made up at this office, and is the only paper in the county that employs ladies in the editorial department. Mr. Marcus L. Delevan is editor .and proprietor. He was educated a lawyer and admitted to the bar, but has followed the editorial work many years. Miss A. W. Parks is assistant editor, and has been largely, from its commencement, the financial manager of the paper. Mrs. F. H. Howard is also assistant editor, having been engaged recently in this office; but having pursued literary work for many years. On Railroad street south of Bank street are several stores. This street was opened by town vote for a public street in 1840. Noble Brothers, manufacturers of vegetable ivory buttons. They occupy the site formerly used by Canfield P. Bennett as a distillery; afterwards by Smith, Erwin and Randall as a wool hat manufactory. Alfred H. Noble and George B. Noble, sons of George H. Noble, constitute the firm. They succeeded R. H. Isbell and Company in 1876, with William Schoverling as partner, and in 1877, Mr. Schoverling retired, and since then, the business has been continued by the Noble Brothers. The New Milford House was conducted as a hotel by Harvey Adams, who came to New Milford in 1880, and was killed while crossing the railroad in a wagon in 1881. The hotel is conducted now in the name of the Harvey Adams estate, by Sidney E. Strickland, administrator. Anthony and NcMahon, plumbing, crockery, stoves and the tin business, also paints and oils, and agricultural implements, established the firm in 1868. George W. Anthony, son of John H. Anthony, came from Brookfield to New Milford in 1868, and entered the firm the same year. Albert H. McMahon, son of George McMahon, succeeded Robert Sproul in 1866, in the tin business. In 1868, Mr. McMahon and Mr. Anthony formed the firm, adding to the former business paints and oils. Frank A. Pelton and James W. McCarty are workmen in the store. The Connecticut Telephone Company's office, New Milford division, is conducted in the office of the store, and Anthony and McMahon are the local managers. Charles C. Smith, baker and grocer, came to New Milford in 1867, and started this business which he still continues. Alonzo Leek is the baker, and James W. Orton the clerk. On Railroad street, north of Bank street, on the east side of the street. Charles M. Schreyer, meat market, son of George F. Schreyer of Halle Suabia, Wurtemberg, Germany, came to this country in 1872, and to New Milford in 1874. He established his present business in 1878. Henry L. Willis, assistant. Benjamin F. Humiston, billiard saloon, son of Bennett Humiston of Washington, N. Y. He established his business in 1881. Joseph D. Senior, house and sign painter and dealer in paints and oils, son of William Senior of Dorsetshire, England, who came to this country 50 years ago, or more. Joseph D. Senior is a native of Danbury, Ct., and came to New Milford in 1866, and established the business of groceries and paints and oils, with Rufus S. Leavitt, firm of Senior and Leavitt. He retired from the firm in 1868, and continued the business of house and sign painting, and dealer in paints and oils. James Dovey, boot and shoe maker, son of William Dovey of Herefordshire, England. Peter Peterson, picture frames and shop, son of Eric Peterson of Jentofte, Denmark, came to this country in 1860, and to New Milford the same year. In 1867, he started a shop in his trade of blacksmithing, but after some years was compelled to give it up on account of poor health. He established his present business in about 1876. Daniel D. Mangum, blacksmith, son of Lyman G. Mangum, established his shop here about 1876. On west side of Railroad street, north end. Henry A. Hubbell, blacksmith, and wagon maker, son of Lewis Hubbell of Washington, Ct., set up the business in New Milford in 1872. Noble Bennitt, flour and feed, coal, plaster, and custom grinding, is the son of Stanley G. Bennitt. He succeeded Noble S. Bennitt, in a general country store in 1862, with Elijah S. Bennitt his brother, who died in 1864, and Noble continued the business in the same place on Bennitt street until 1868, when he removed to a store near the depot, and established the flour and feed business. He built the present elevator in 1871, and established his business in it, and added at different periods coal, plaster, and custom grinding, accomplishing the work by steam power. Henry Cady, baker, son of William Cady of Dutchess County, N. Y., came to New Milford in 1870, and commenced business for himself as a baker in 1881. George Phillips is baker in this store. Reuben Booth, general country store, son of Henry W. Booth, started business on the north side of Bennitt street, site of the Noble S. Bennitt store, in 1876, where he still continues. Andrew M. Booth, his brother, is clerk in this store. Cornelius B. Marsh keeps a meat market on the west side of Railroad street. He is the son of Orman B. Marsh, and succeeded Rollin C. Emmons in wagon-making in 1863; sold the same to Eddy and Taylor on account of poor health in 1876, and commenced the meat market in the spring of 1877. George E. Eddy, manufacturer of wagons, son of George M. Eddy of Danbury, Conn., came to New Milford to learn the trade in 1869 and succeeded Cornelius B. Marsh, in the firm of Eddy and Taylor. Mr. Taylor retired in 1877, and he continued the business. New Milford Creamery receives milk from the farmers and ships in bulk and in glass cans to New York City to the Lester Milk company. It also furnishes milk, cream, and ice cream to the people of the village. Flint E. Smith, son of Eli Smith of Sheffield, Mass., came to New Milford in 1878 to assist Clark Hine to establish this business. In 1869 Mr. Smith succeeded Mr. Hine, with Henry C. Ives as partner, and in 1881 Mr. Ives retired from the firm and Mr. Smith continued the enterprise. Thomas W. Kimlin, builder and contractor, son of Richard Kimlin of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., came to New Milford about 1868, and established his business in 1880. John Kennedy, blacksmith, son of Andrew Kennedy of Schenectady, N. Y., came to New Milford in 1860, and commenced work in his shop in 1861. Charles B. Botsford, druggist, son of David Botsford of Woodbury, came to New Milford July 3, 1871, as clerk in the drug store of Frederick Boardman, and succeeded Mr. Boardman January 20, 1873. The store is on the west side of Railroad street, near the depot. Albert Evitts is clerk for Mr. Botsford. Bostwick Brothers, manufacturers of Vegetable Ivory buttons. Their buildings are on Railroad street, east side. They have been engaged in the business about fifteen years. The firm consists of Henry E. and Walter B. Bostwick, sons of Solomon E. Bostwick. At various times additions have been made to their buildings until they are commodious and convenient. Daniel Marsh and his son T. T. Marsh, have conducted a coal yard near the depot since 1845. Merritt Beach, builder, dealer in lumber and building materials and agricultural implements, corner of Bridge and West streets, settled in New Milford in 1858. He is the son of Benajah Beach of Woodbridge, Conn., and commenced the business in 1856 with Alanson N. Canfield as partner. In 1868 Mr. Canfield retired, and Mr. Beach continued the business. He built his present brick store-building in 1873. Charles M. Beach, his son, is clerk. Ralph E. Canfield is assistant at pleasure in this store. T. Soule and Company, builders, and dealers in lumber, building materials, flour, and feed, are located on West street, along the railroad. The company consists of Turney Soule and George H. Lines. Turney Soule, son of John Soule, and his brother David E. Soule established the business in 1865. In 1873 the firm added a tobacco store-house and the tobacco business. In 1880, Frederick A. Lines and George H. Lines, sons of William A. Lines of New Milford, became partners in the firm, and in 1882 David E. Soule and Frederick A. Lines retired, and Turney Soule and George H. Lines continue the business under the firm of T. Soule and Company. George T. Soule, son of Turney Soule, is clerk. Frederick A. Lines, upon retiring from this firm, removed to Ansonia into partnership in the building and lumber business. John Mulcahy and Son, blacksmithing and wagon making are located on Elm street. John Mulcahy, son of Timothy Mulcahy of county of Cork, Ireland, came to this country in 1849, and to New Milford in 1876, when he commenced his business here. Timothy J. Mulcahy, his son, is engaged with him as partner in the business. Rollin C. Emmons, wagon and carriage-maker, is located on East street. He is the son of Chebar Emmons of Litchfield, Conn., and came to New Milford in 1851. He established a wagon shop at Nickerson's saw-mill in 1853 with Edward Platt and remained there about two years. In 1857 he bought the wheelwright business of Eleazer T. Brewer, m "the village, and sold the same to Cornelius B. Marsh in 1863. He then removed to South Britain, thence to Winchester, and came back to New Milford in 1868 and established his present business. Jesse L. James, blacksmith, is located in. R. C. Emmons' shop; is the son of Jesse L. James of Kentucky, and came to New Milford in 1865. Stephen Wells, ready-made clothing, is located on Main street in the Soule's Block, a new building. There being no more room for stores on Bank street, enterprise begins to return to Main street. Stephen Wells, son of Hezekiah Wells of Wellsville, father of the old firm of Wells Brothers at that place, commenced business at his present place, in October 1878. Mrs. Stephen Wells, his wife, conducts a millinery store in connection with his store. She commenced business as a milliner in New Milford about forty years ago, and has continued the same much of the time since. De Watt Pepper, furniture and undertaking and art store, son of Charles Pepper of Sherman, Conn., came to New Milford in 1878 and established his present business with Jerome Titus on Main street, in Soule's Block. In 1882 Mr. Titus retired and Mr. Pepper continues the store. Charles Reily, boot and shoe maker, son of Patrick Reily of Kells, Ireland, is located in the basement of the Soule's Block. He came to this country in 1853 and to New Milford the same year, and worked at his trade with E. Noble and Sons. The Tobacco Business in New Milford. The raising, curing, and packing of tobacco, as a business, has been followed over thirty years in the town of New Milford, while the trade in it and production of it seem to be on the increase rather than decrease. Mr. George McMahon, a native of New Milford, was the pioneer tobacco dealer here, having engaged in the business thirty years ago, and in after years he bought tobacco and manufactured cigars at his former residence on the plains, and he continued in the business until a few years ago, when because of poor health he had to retire from it. He has always encouraged the farmers in raising tobacco, and his eye will brighten even now at the sight of a soft, silky leaf. By the following record it will be seen that the tobacco business in New Milford is extensive, involving a large amount of capital and labor. There are about 9,000 cases of tobacco bought and packed annually in New Milford, bringing the farmers from five to six hundred thousand dollars. The following firms are now engaged in this business at New Milford. Schoverling, Soule and Company; the firm consisting of Herman Schoverling of New York, William Schoverling of New Milford—brothers and natives of Germany—Turney Soule and David E. Soule, also brothers, and of New Milford, who pack about 1,800 cases yearly. The Schoverling brothers have been interested in this business since 1861 and the Soule brothers, since 1871; a part of the time by themselves and a part with the Schoverling brothers, with whom they are now associated. The firm use the Soule Brother's large brick warehouse and storehouse for their business; and it is one of the most enterprising firms in the tobacco trade. Bristol and Staub. The firm consists of Isaac B. Bristol arid Nicholas Staub, having their place of business on West street, and having been thus associated for four years. They pack from 1,000 to 1,400 cases yearly. Both these gentlemen had been engaged in the tobacco business several years before forming this partnership, and they are a wide awake enterprising firm. H. O. Warner and Company. This firm consists of H. O. Warner of New Milford; and George and Louis Meyer —sons of Joseph Meyer—of New York, natives of Germany. They pack from 600 to 1,000 cases yearly, and have carried on business in this village for fourteen years, having packed tobacco a few years previous to this time, in Lanesville in this town. Their large warehouse is on Railroad street. The firm is among the first in enterprise and energy. E. A. Wildman and Company. The firm consists of Julius Bunzel of New York, a native of Germany, and E. A. Wildman of New Milford, with William Green, formerly of Kent but now of New Milford. They pack from 800 to 1,000 cases yearly, and have been in the business in this place over twenty years. Their warehouse is on Bridge street near the railroad. Mr. Green has been associated with the firm about five years. H. Friedman and P. N. Hall, under this firm name, are packing in Beach's Block, corner of Railroad and Bridge streets, from 500 to 700 cases per annum. These gentlemen have been in the tobacco business for ten years in this place. Mr. Friedman, a native of Germany, resides in New York, and Mr. Hall is a resident of New Milford. N. Lachenbruch and Brother are a firm residing in New York, and they pack from 500 to 1,000 cases—using Anthony and McMahon's warehouse. They are natives of Germany. George W. Anthony is their agent in this place. George P. L______ and Company are a New York firm, natives of Germany, and they pack from 500 to 600 cases yearly. Their warehouse is at the South end of Main street, and Sherman H. Hill is their agent in this place. E. Springham and Company, of New York, natives of Germany, pack tobacco at M. L. Huhgerfordrs, near Gaylordsville in this town. They pack from 1,000 to 1,200 cases per annum. Mr. Hungerford had been in the business several years previous to 1879, when he entered into local partnership with this firm, and he has quite an extensive warehouse near his residence. He is a native of Sherman, Ct. There are also quite a number of transient packers every year, who conduct their business in New Milford. 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/newmilfo59gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/ctfiles/ File size: 73.6 Kb