Litchfield County CT Archives History - Books .....Privations And Progress  1712-1716 1882

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Book Title: HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF NEW MILFORD AND BRIDGEWATER, CONNECTICUT, 1703-1882

CHAPTER  III.

PRIVATIONS AND PROGRESS. 
1712—1716.

COMMENCING a new plantation in the wilderness at a considerable distance from
any settlement, with but a small capital to provide advantages for making
improvements, the number of families being few,— the marks of progress and
success must of necessity make their appearance slowly and at intervals, and yet
New Milford made far greater progress, in the same time, than some other
plantations which began earlier, and apparently under circumstances of much
greater advantage. In a little over four years the families settled here
numbered twelve, and all the souls seventy; and the conveniences for obtaining
the necessary food and comforts of life were peculiarly favorable, while there
was but one source of fear or threatening evil,—namely, the occasional reports
of invasion by the Canada, or French Indians; the native Indians being not only
friendly, but helpful in many little things. The location of a large proportion
of the residences at that time was south of Aspetuck Hill, or the "Town plat,"
in close proximity to each other, for this was the regulation established by the
proprietors at the start as a matter of safety. This "Town plat" began at the
south end, on the brow of the hill or at the southern extremity of what was then
called the "Plain " on that hill, and extended northward; and at first only
eight lots were laid out on each side of the street, each lot being twenty-one
rods wide, and about sixty long; the street being twenty rods wide. In 1714 this
street was extended southward to what is now the south end of the public green.

   It had been intended, as stated previously, to locate the village on the hill
east, which would have been a misfortune; but wisdom as to convenience prevailed
over the idea of beauty in an elevated position, and it was located on the
"Plain." (1)

(1)  Rev. Mr. Bonar's Hist. Sermon, 1776, p. 2.

   It is evident, from the fact that Zachariah Ferriss "broke up," or in other
words, ploughed a piece of land about where the Town Hall now stands in the
spring of 1706, before John Noble came to the town; and from other
considerations, that the land where the village now is and the Aspetuck hill,
was in a large measure cleared from, trees before any settlement by the English
was made here.

   The cleared land on the west side of the river, called the "Indian Field,"
extending from the north end, where the river runs in an almost easterly
direction, southward to the mouth of the little brook that runs along the foot
of Fort hill, was of the greatest advantage to the first settlers; as furnishing
a field where each planter could at once sow his wheat, plant his corn and other
grain without the delay of clearing away the forests. This field was soon
divided into small pieces of three, four, and five acres, until it was all
occupied, and the price of it per acre was greater than that of any other
portion of the town. Also the plain on the top of Fort Hill was divided and
occupied for raising grain; the-Indians having removed from this plain soon
after 1705, it having been many years the principal location of their huts or
settlement, including the site of their old fort. Their residence here must have
been continued many years, or after it began, their numbers must have been
large, for, as concluded in the Indian History part of this work, the number of
burials must have approached three hundred, which was a number scarcely reached
by the burials of the white people in fifty years; although their census at the
end of fifty years—in 1756—gives 1,137 Per~ sons in the town. The Indians soon
removed, many of them doubtless to Scaticook, (2) some to the vicinity of the
Great Falls, where, with their chief Waraumaug, they lingered many years.

(2)  See Indian Hist., chap, vii, p. 104.

   It is quite certain that the Indians were granted the privilege of
cultivating land some years if they did not own any at that place, for in 1723,
when a new division offence was made around the common field, it is recorded:
"The Indian fence from the Great Falls northward to a stubbed elm," showing that
the Indians made and kept in repair a portion of that common fence, and if so
they cultivated some of the territory inclosed by that fence.

   Also a considerable portion of valley land on the west side of the river
below the Indian Field and the Great Falls had been cleared of timber, in part
by the Indians, or was easily cleared by the white people, for the Common Field,
when first a fence around it was voted in October, 1714, extended to the Great
Falls. This common field was devoted to grass and grain during the summer and
opened for pasture late in the autumn.

   There was another portion of the township that in its natural state favored
the early settlers. In the survey of a division of land, the following
description was given by John Noble, Sen.: "May 9, 1713. Laid out for John
Bostwick, Jr., forty acres of land upon the second hill known by the name of
Good Hill or Grassy Hill." In consequence of the grass then growing on that hill
it was called Good Hill or Grassy Hill, indicating how important it was to have
grass for the stock at that period without the delay of clearing away the
timber. Some part of this hill had been burnt over by the Indians for hunting
purposes, some years before; the timber had disappeared to some considerable
extent, and the grass had grown up, furnishing the greatly needed pasturage for
the domestic animals, as well as the wild ones, and hence it was truly a "Good
Hill." There appears to have been, also, some meadow land partially cleared at
the mouth of the Aspetuck river that was soon, and with comparative ease,
brought under cultivation very much to the comfort of the early planters.

   Such were some of the circumstances and relations of the plantation and its
inhabitants when the following record was made:

   "October, 1712. This Assembly, upon petition of the inhabitants of New
Milford, do grant the powers and privileges of a township unto the said
inhabitants of New Milford, and do impower the town clerk to administer the
oaths by law required to town officers."(3) Jonathan Law was the clerk of the
plantation company appointed by the General Assembly, and held the office until
the town election, when he was the one to administer the oath to those who
should be elected.

(3)  Col. Rec., v. 356.

   This enactment conferred the authority of conducting ecclesiastical matters,
electing its own officers, laying taxes for its own expenses, and those imposed
by the State, and for the regular support of a minister, and for schools to a
limited extent, but they could impose no tax on persons residing out of the town
limits.

   The record of the first town meeting, having been written on the first page
of the book prepared for this purpose,, is gone, except a piece one inch wide
and three inches long, by which may be seen that the record was made in the
hand-writing of Jonathan Law of Milford, who served as town clerk for the first
year, at the end of which John Noble, Sen., was elected to that office, and held
it until his death.

   Several town meetings were held during the first year, one as follows:

   "November 30, 1713. Agreed that John Noble, Sen., and John Weller or Samuel
Brownson should go to Milford to discourse with ye committee about y settlement
of a minister, and at ye same meeting Jacob Griswold and David Griswold were
admitted as inhabitants into New Milford by vote."

   In response to the "discourse" of the committee, they obtained notification
of the following record of the proprietors made nearly two months earlier.

   At a meeting of the Proprietors of New Milford at Milford, October 6, 1713,
Voted, "that they will and now do grant one. of the twenty-four shilling lots
(previously voted to be laid out by two-thirds of the number of the proprietors)
to Mr. Daniel Boardman, a preacher of the gospel at the said place, to his heirs
and assigns forever upon condition that he shall become their settled minister
of the place, and continue so for the space of twenty years, or during his
natural life and ability so to be; and that the subscription of the necessary
number of proprietors be endeavored to be procured, and that when it shall be so
done, it shall by your clerk be put upon record. Voted in the affirmative, which
having been done and returned to me accordingly, I have here put it on record.
Test, Jonathan Law, Clerk.

   "Voted that a dwelling-house forty feet in length and twenty-one in breadth
and two stories high, and fourteen feet between joints, be forthwith built upon
the land at New Milford, proposed to be granted to Mr. Boardman. The committee
chosen, to do, order, take care of and manage the whole affair are: Samuel
Clark, merchant, Ephriam Burwell, Samuel Beard."

   At the next town meeting held in December, 1713, a regular meeting for the
choice of officers, further provision was made in behalf of the gospel work, and
that having been the second meeting for the election of officers, and the first
now on record, it is given in full, with also the record of the third election
as showing the officers and town work of that day.

   "December, 1713. At a town meeting to choose town officers, Samuel Brownson
was chosen moderator.

   At the same meeting John Noble was chosen town clerk, Zachariah Ferris,
Samuel Brownson, and Samuel Hitchcock were chosen selectmen.

   John Bostwick was chosen constable and sworn.

   Zachariah Ferris, surveyor.

   John Noble, Sen., and John Bostwick, Jr., were chosen collectors to join with
Mr. Jonathan Law, to collect 12s. tax for the years 1712 and 1713.

   Samuel Beebe and John Weller were chosen grand jury and sworn.

   Benoni Stebbcns and Stephen Noble were chosen hawards, or field-drivers.

   William Gaylord, inspector and brander and sworn.

   Benjamin Bostwick, Sen., was chosen gaugerand sworn.

   John Bostwick, Sen., was chosen collector.

   At the same meeting it was voted that the inhabitants should pay £6. 15s.
towards the minister's board, and Mr. Law will pay all the charges that we have
been out to this day, and that we shall be out on the minister in the year ensuing.

   Zachariah Ferris Innholder.

   Samuel Brunson, town treasurer."

Third Election of Town Officers.

   "December 23, 1714. John Bostwick was chosen moderator. At the same meeting,
there were chosen for selectmen, Zachariah Ferris, Roger Brownson, Stephen Noble.

   There were chosen for constable, John Bostwick, Sen., for the year ensuing,
and sworn.

   For fence viewers, Samuel Beebe, and John Bostwick, Jr., and sworn.

   For collector of the 12s. tax for the year ensuing, William Gaylord and Jacob
Griswold.

   For surveyor, John Weller, Sen., and sworn.

   For grand-jury, Samuel Hitchcock and John Noble, and sworn.

   For hawards, David Griswold and Robert Bostwick, and sworn.

   For sealers of measures and weights, Benjamin Bostwick, and sworn.

   For listers, David Griswold and Stephen Noble, and sworn.

   For town treasurer, Zachariah Ferris.

   For ordinary keeper, William Gaylord."

   A number of families having recently settled in the place, it became
necessary to lay out some roads for the extension of the settlement into the
wilderness.

   January 11, 1713-14. We therefore have agreed that the highway beginning at
John Noble, Sen.'s house-lot should extend so far northward as shall be
necessary for building-lots, and this highway to be twenty rods wide, as it is,
to run up the hill against the front of Samuel Clark's home-lots and in no place
less than fourteen or fifteen rods wide except where lots are already taken, and
so by that means it cannot be, and this highway from John Noble's house-lot to
extend southward from thence, winding as the lots are already laid out on the
westwardly side till it comes to the south side of Samuel Hitchcock's house-lot,
and this highway to be twenty rods wide where the circumstance of the place will
allow of it. And from the south side of Thomas Picket's lot we order that there
be a piece of land sequestered for common, that so there may be sufficient
passage to those highways which are to run out further, and this common land is
appointed to be from the hill east to the highway westward, and to extend so far
south till it comes against Benjamin Bostwick's house by known marked trees, and
from the southeast corner of this sequestered land, a highway running up the
side of the hill called the Town Hill, of ten rods wide marked on the westerly
side till it comes to the top of the hill, and a highway to run across from the
highway against Samuel Brownson's and Roger Brownson's house-lots to the highway
running up the town hill, of eight rods wide, marked on the north side:—and one
cross highway between William Gaylord's house-lot and John Reed's house-lot,
being six rods wide at the west end, and twelve rods wide at the brook, and this
highway to run up to the hill; and another highway of six rods wide running from
this cross-way south along by the foot of the hill till it comes to the
sequestered land on the south side of Thomas Pickett's lot; and from this
highway between William Gaylord's and Mr. John Reed's house-lots, we appoint
another highway eight rods wide to run northward up to the Poplar Swamp, and
from thence in the most convenient place, to run up to the Chestnut land. The
above written articles signed by us, Samuel Brownson, Samuel Hitchcock,
Zachariah Ferris, Selectmen.

   It was customary for many years to speak of any highway as the "town street,"
which was done for the purpose of distinguishing these roads from those laid out
by order and somewhat at the expense of the county,—the latter being called
"country roads."

   "June 4, 1715. Laid out through Samuel Hitchcock's home-lot, or twenty acre
division, a drift-way from the front to the river, twenty-two rods, four rods
wide; and from this place at the river to run twenty rods up the river, this
also four rods wide."

   At the same time another "highway or town street was, by the selectmen laid
out from the south side of Caleb Mallery's home-lot on the south side of
Zachariah Ferriss' half home-lot, twenty rods wide, and from the south side of
said Ferriss' home-lot to the north side of Benjamin Bunnell's home-lot
twenty-four rods wide."

   At the same time, "laid out by the selectmen, a drift-way or highway of two
rods wide on the west side of Aspetuck river, running up the Great River till it
comes against Wanups Island, then running northward across the plain to a white
oak tree marked, thence running to the swamp on Aspetuck River, and thence up
the swamp to the cartway over the river, and then running along by the hill to
William Gaylord's forty acre lot."

   On the same day, " laid out by the selectmen, a drift-way of two rods wide
from the northerly end of the Indian Field, up the plain to the Rocky River,
beginning at a place where the path is now out on the field, thence running up
the plain to a rock, and then down a small hill, and then running up a hill to a
small brook about one rod above the path, then running along at the foot of the
hill to the Rocky River, at the common path over the river:—but from the top of
the hill to the river this way is to be ten rods wide."

   Mr. Daniel Boardman continued to preach for the people in view of a
settlement, and yet without any fixed agreement apparently, for several years;
his support being provided by various methods and expedients. In December, 1713,
after the tax of twelve shillings on each Right was available, the town settled
a board-bill of £6 15s. for him, and it is probable that during the succeeding
year, the tax money met the claims of the minister; but at the next March
(1714), they felt the need of making better provision for him, and "voted that
Samuel Brownson, John Weller, and John Noble, sen., should lay out the
minister's land, that is to say one home-lot with the ten acre division for a
pasture-lot, and a forty-acre lot." In the previous January they had agreed to
dig a well for the minister, and that it might be done by the people doing the
work if they chose, rather than to pay the tax to have it done by others; and in
October, 1716, they appointed a committee to see the minister's well finished.

   The next November (1714), they "voted that there shall be five shillings and
six pence allowed by the week for the minister's board for the time to come,"
and at the same time, whether it was to help the minister more than the people
or to the contrary, is not said; that " there should be six shillings cash
allowed by the town .to David Noble, in case he beat the drum the year ensuing
upon all public meetings." David Noble was sixteen years of age and belonged to
one of the first families of the place, and yet he could, for six shillings a
year, beat the drum fifty-two times for religious meetings, and several times
for town meetings, and think himself highly honored and well paid in doing it.
He afterwards became a large land-holder, and a highly respected and successful
citizen, and served the town with distinction as a selectman, a military man,
and a member of the legislature; a worthy pattern for other boys.

The First Grist-Mill.

   Seven years a number of inhabitants had resided in the place, carrying their
grain to mill to Woodbury, Derby, or Danbury, and bringing back the flour at the
expense of much time. This was done on horseback, and very possibly sometimes on
man's back; but let none suppose that those early settlers were foolish enough,
that, when going to mill, they would put the grain in one end of the bag and a
stone in the other, in order to balance the bag' on the back of the horse, as
has been so often represented of the early settlers of New England. The early
settlers made some mistakes, but they were not fools to the extent of idiocy;
besides, some of these same settlers were our fathers, and if they were fools,
who are we? They had their prejudices, misfortunes, and privations, what have we?

   In view of the need of a grist-mill in the town, the proprietors in a meeting
held at Milford, Feb. 24, 1715, made this arrangement: "Voted that Ens. Samuel
Clark, Sergt. Samuel Beard, and Samuel Brownson, are chosen a committee to agree
with some person to build and maintain a mill on some part of the Still river or
elsewhere at his own charge, and for his encouragement to execute any instrument
or instruments for the granting the stream and some lands in the name and on the

behalf of the Proprietors, with such limitations and conditions as they can
agree upon for the benefit of the proprietors and inhabitants."

   Nine years after this, the following record was made by Mr. Beard, one of the
committee. "Mr. Samuel Brownson: I having well considered the agreement made by
us with John Griswold, and being satisfied with said Griswold's fulfilling his
part of the agreement, do conclude that we ought to fulfill our part in
conveying to him or his successors, the land agreed by us to be laid out; this
is to signify to you that I do consent thereunto, and if you Sir do consent
also, this is to desire, if you see cause, to lay out or cause to be kid out to
the above said successors of John Griswold the land agreed on, viz: a home-lot,
and as much other land as shall amount to seventy-four acres, and six acres of
meadow; as witness my hand. Dated at Milford, this 27th of November, 1724." This
was agreed to by Samuel Brownson, and both members of the committee signed the
paper as a deed, and it was recorded. Several parcels of land-however, had been
laid out to these heirs about a week before, and were now recorded. Eighteen
acres of this land was deeded to William Gould, as the mill-wright who helped
build the mill or mills, for there was a saw-mill here as well as a grist-mill,
when the land was thus surveyed and recorded.

   John Griswold came from Wethersfield in 1716, a relative of Jacob and David
Griswold, who preceded him to this town. He built his mill at what is now
Lanesville, according to agreement, probably, in the year 1717; but had not
received payment, when by some fatal illness he suddenly passed away, in the
midst of life, Dec. 24, 1719, leaving a family of young children, one being born
after his decease.

   William Gould, the mill-wright, came to the town probably, with John
Griswold; was successful in his trade, had a family of at least six children,
some of whom remained in the town a number of years, and in the strength of
manhood he passed from this life, Feb. 15, 1730; but at the time his sons
William and Job had become active citizens of the town, and land-holders to some
considerable extent. His home-lot was laid out in Dec., 1717, on Poplar street,
bounded on the south by Samuel Adkins.

   Dec. 11, 1721. "The town by vote granted to John Bostwick, Sen., the liberty
and privilege of the highway across Aspetuck river at the lower end of Mount Tom
meadow, in case he erect a good grist-mill, sufficient to grind the town's corn
well and seasonably within one year after this time, and maintain the same in
good and sufficient repair, both he and his heirs after him."

   Whether Mr. Bostwick built this proposed mill or not is not known. The
location was on the river near the present. residence of Mr. Stephen G. Beecher.

A Minister Ordained.

   While it seems to have been the expectation of the inhabitants of New Milford
that Mr. Boardman would become their pastor, it also appears that there was some
doubt as to the ability of the place to support him creditably to himself, and
also to the parish. It is doubtful if his salary was decided upon for more than
a few months at a time, until his ordination after preaching here nearly five
years. On Dec. 30, 1714. they say in town meeting, "chosen John Bostwick, Sen.,
and Samuel Brownson, to agree with Mr. Boardman what shall be his wages for half
a year's work."

   In the next May (1715), they petitioned "the General Court, to see whether we
might attain liberty for the settlement of the worship and ordinances of
God-amongst us," and in a few days this reply came: "Upon the petition of the
inhabitants of New Milford: This Assembly grant them liberty to embody in church
estate, as soon as God in his providence shall make way therefor." Two weeks
after, they voted that "Daniel Boardman should be hired to preach the gospel to
us for half a year," showing they were not yet ready for the settlement; and on
June 16, 1715, "at a town meeting, it was concluded by the affirmative, that Mr.
Boardman should be treated in order to a settlement among us in the work of the
ministry; and it is to be understood, this act is our election of Mr. Boardman,"
and the committee to treat with him, was John Bostwick, Sen., and Samuel Brownson.

   When these votes were passed by the town, and the committee called on him, he
sent the following communication—still preserved in his hand writing:

   " Proposals to incourage ye settlement of a minister in New Milford; given by
D. Bordman, July 25, 1715.

   "It's to be supposed that his salary shall be increased as it shall be
wanted, and ye people enabled. You are to understand y* ye salary includes ye
price of his board, firewood, ye price of wintering a horse as well as wages.

   " It's also to be supposed yt ye minister is to have a comfortable
subsistence from his people, if he be disenabled to perform ye office of a
minister.

   "Again, it is to be supposed that ye house and Right Should be given at usual
terms; also yt ye house and well shall be finished, or at least be tenantable by
ye 20 day of November next.

   " The lot in ye Indian field to be given as formerly discoursed on; also to
have ye improvement of what parsonage land that he shall choose.

   "Further, as to labor upon ye lot.

   " A line of S rail fence to be made by ye town from ye highway at ye east end
to Aspatuck River, at ye south side; and at ye east end by yt highway, and what
is requisite at ye north side by Jacob Griswold; and to break up four acres of
land: all this to be done by ye 15 day of June next.

   Also five pound worth of work about a barn when it shall be wanted; otherwise
two days work of each proprietor that are here resident ys may suffice if yr is
help to be obtained from ye proprietors respecting this matter." Four days
afterward, "John Weller, Sen., was chosen to carry Mr. Boardman's proposals to
Milford to hear what they will do in order to the settlement of a minister
amongst us here, and Samuel Hitchcock and Samuel Brownson were chosen to hire a
man to board Mr. Daniel Boardman," and nearly a month later they proceeded a
little further, namely: "It was voted they would accept some of Mr. Daniel
Boardman's propositions in order to a settlement; namely, that concerning his
salary, and that concerning the lot in the Indian field, the fencing the land,
and also ploughing so much as is proposed."

   Thus matters stood until the next May, 1716, when, having sent a petition to
the Assembly for help in order to the " Settling and maintaining of a minister
and building a meeting-house," that body "Resolved that the respective
proprietors of the said town not residing there, shall for each right annually
pay the sum of ten shillings, and for less than a right in proportion, for the
space of three years next and after, as the said town shall agree, or this court
shall order, always provided, that the money ordered by this act be paid to Mr.
Samuel Clark of Milford, merchant, and that he take care to dispose of the same
to the uses within mentioned." At this time, having become a town, the
inhabitants had the right to assess themselves for religious purposes, by a town
vote, to any extent they might see proper, and therefore, with the outside help
now secured, felt warranted in settling a minister, and on the 2Oth of August,
1716, "Voted that we will endeavor to have Mr. Daniel Boardman settled, and that
we will pitch upon the third Wednesday in October for ordination, in case our
way may be clear;" but the way was not clear, and on the eleventh of the next
October they agreed upon " Wednesday in the next week after Thanksgiving, or the
next Wednesday after that time, and John Bostwick and Samuel Brownson were
chosen a committee to sign letters to the Elders and Messengers, John Bostwick
and Samuel Brownson were chosen a committee for the entertaining the gentlemen
above mentioned when they come." At this time (Oct. 11, 1716), they further
specified as to the minister's salary, but no definite amount has been seen, as
named, other than this in Mr. Board-man's own proposition: "Its to be supposed
that his salary shall be increased as it shall be wanted, and the people
enabled." The record of the agreement is thus: " At a legal town meeting, the
following articles were agreed upon: viz.: An agreement made between Mr. Daniel
Boardman a preacher of the gospel and the inhabitants of said New Milford;
first, it's supposed that the town shall see the said Boardman paid the seven
shillings upon , each right not settled according to agreement made with Mr.
Samuel Clark, at Milford; and, as for the remaining part of the salary which
lies upon the inhabitants:—we covenant and agree that it shall be paid as
follows: first, that every present inhabitant may have the liberty to pay
one-third part of his or her minister's rate in grain, that is to say wheat,
rye, Indian corn,— wheat at three shilling and six pence per bushel as money,
rye at two and four pence per bushel, and Indian corn at twenty pence, all as
money. Second, the other two-third parts I will allow to be paid in the several
species or kinds, viz.: flax, or labor, or pork, or linen cloth; if not these
then money; these two latter parts you may pay some of every sort, or the whole
in either of them. This agreement shall stand as long as shall consist with
peace and prosperity, and I do oblige myself to sell to the inhabitants grain at
the same price, what I have to spare."

   Thus practically the minister became, of necessity, a produce merchant as
well as a preacher.

   A little further preparation for the ordination seemed proper in those days
of "correct habits," as so often represented, and at the same meeting they
"agreed that there should be one pound and two shillings raised forthwith to
purchase a drum for the use of the town, and William Gaylord and John Weller
were the committee to gather the above money and improve it to purchase a drum,"
but these persons were too slow or not good collectors, for eleven days later
another vote was passed to collect one pound and three shillings " to purchase a
drum for the use of the town, and Jonathan Buck to gather the money." At the
same time "Stephen Noble was chosen to represent the town in such manner as
shall be needful at the time of the ordination of Mr. Daniel Boardman." And the
ordination took place, doubtless, with due sacredness and rejoicing at the
appointed time. The Church Record book was procured some years afterward, and as
Mr. Boardman says in it, the making of records "entered upon Dec. 18, 1727, by
Daniel Bordman, pastor of said Church." He recorded: "November 21, 1716, Daniel
Bordman was called, appeared, and was ordained a pastor of ye Church of Christ
in New Milford, in ye county of New Haven, in ye Colony of Connecticut. Ordained
by ye Rev'ned Mr. Shove and Mr. Stoddard and Mr. Moss; Mr. Shove gave ye charge.
The Messengers [were] Mr. John Sherman of Woodbury, Mr. Holbrook of Derby, Mr.
Cornwall of Danbury, Capt. Samuel Clark of Milford, and Mr. Sylvanus Baldwin of
Milford."

   Immediately following the above record, Mr. Boardman made another: "At a
meeting of the Brethren of the" Church of New Milford, Anno. 1716, speedily
after the aforesaid settlement, Mr. Samuel Brownson was chosen to officiate in
the place of a Deacon, and, about a year after by the said Brethren, was chosen
a Deacon. Then agreed that the sacrament of the Lord's Supper should be
celebrated once in three, months." This method of securing Deacons, first
to.choose them to "officiate in the place of," and after one, two, or more
years, to elect to the office, was followed many years, and thus Roger Sherman,
as well as several others served on probation two years and was then elected.

A Church Established.

  The " First Church of Christ" was organized by the council on the day of the
ordination of Mr. Boardraan, and gave the call to the minister, which he
accepted, and the ordination followed. The record Mr. Boardman made of the
organization of the church is thus rendered:

   "New Milford, Nov. 21, 1716. An account of the Brethren of the church at the
first settlement of the ministry.

   " Some records imperfect for the want of a book.

Recommended ye Planters.

Daniel Bordman, 
John Bostwick, 
Samuel Brownson, 
Zachariah Ferris, 
Samuel Beebe, 
Samuel Hitchcock, 
John Weller, 
Roger Brownson,

Female Members.
Mary Noble, widow,
Sarah Hitchcock, recommended from Springfield; ye wife of Samuel Hitchcock, 
Hannah Beebe, ye wife of Samuel Beebe, recommended from Danbury,
Lydia Brownson, ye wife of Samuel Brownson, 
Dorcas Brownson, ye wife of Roger Brownson.

   "Quickly was added to the church, by admission, and recommendation to Church
Communion.

   "Jonathan Buck, James Prime, Ann Prime, ye wife of James Prime, recommended
from Milford. Oct. 19, 1718, William Gaylor, Johannah Gaylor, ye wife of William
Gaylor, recommended from Woodbury.

   "Elizabeth Harris, ye wife of William Harris, recommended from Wethersfield. 

   "Mercy Bostwick, ye wife of John Bostwick, recommended from the church of
Danbury.

   "Rebecca Weller, ye wife of John Weller, admitted Oct. 19, 1718."

Church Members.
1719.
Benoni Stebbins (Northampton), 
Mary Gould, wife of Wm.,

1720. 
Samuel Prindle,
Dorothy Prindle, wife of Samuel, 
John Noble, 
John Welch,
Abigail Noble, wife of John, 
Deborah Welch, wife of John, 
Abigail Noble, wife of Stephen, 
Mabel Griswold, widow, 
Mary Buck, wife of Enoch,
______ Camp, wife of Samuel (Milford),
Miriam Pickett, wife of Thomas, 
Hannah Noble,
Lydia Noble, wife of David, 
Mary Stebbins, wife of Benoni,

1721.
Benjamin Bunnell, 
Ebenezer Bostwick, 
Rebecca Bostwick, wife of Ebenezer, 
Patience Bunnell, wife of Benjamin (Milford),

1722.
Ebenezer Baldwin, 
Mary Baldwin, wife of Ebenezer,

1725
Phebe Hoose.

1726.
Paul Welch, 
Obadiah Weller, 
John Prindle,
Jerusha Baldwin, wife of Theophilus, 
Patience Washburn, wife of Ebenezer,
Sarah Prindle,
Nathan Tallcott,
James Lake,
Thomas Weller,
Nathan Terrill,
David Ferriss,
Benjamin Ferriss,
Samuel Prindle, Jr.,
Abraham Brownson,
Zephaniah Hoose,
Ruth Terrill,
Anna Jackson,
Phebe Beecher,
Sarah Ferriss,
Dorothy Prindle,
Mary Hoose,
Samuel Canfield,
Eleazer Beecher,
Hannah Bordman, wife of Daniel (Concord),
Jerusha Bordman, wife of Daniel (Stratfield),
Sarah Brownson, wife of Thomas,
Elizabeth Prindle,
Abigail Canfield, wife of Samuel,
Hannah Bunnell,
Hannah Ferriss,

1727.
Thomas Brownson,
Ruth Brownson,
Esther Hitchcock,
Deborah Hitchcock,
Capt. Stephen Noble,
Samuel Hitchcock,
Rebecca Hitchcock, wife of Samuel,
Jonathan Hitchcock,
Mary Hitchcock, wife of Jonathan,
Miriam Mallery,
Elizabeth Terrill, wife of Gamaliel (from Waterbury),
Theophilus Baldwin,
John Weller, Jr.,
Gamaliel Terrill,
Roger Brownson, Jr.,
Lemuel Bostwick,
Nathan Gaylord, Hannah Bostwick,
Sarah Buck and Lydia Buck (from Litchfield),
Ezekiel Buck, from Litchfield,
James Hine,
Margaret Hine, wife of James,
William Gould,
Daniel Prindle,
Stephen Noble, Jr ,
Joseph Weller,

1731
Deborah Hitchcock, wife of Samuel,

1733
James Camp,
Aaron Gaylord,
Phebe Gaylord, wife of Aaron,

1734.
Joseph Murry, 
Hannah Murry, wife of Joseph (from Newtown),
John Weller, Sen., restored, 
James Lake, restored, 
Jonathan Buck, Jr., 
Jacob Brownson, 
David Camp, 
Thankful Weller,
Catharine Hoose, wife of Zephaniah, 
Ruth Delpesh, (?) 
Ezra Terrill, and Margaret Terrill, wife of Ezra (from Woodbury),

1735
Ann Buck, wife of Joseph, 
Betty Buck, wife of Jonathan, Jr., 
Joseph Hubbard, and his wife, from Ridgefield, 
Thomas Oviat, Sen., 
Joseph Ruggles, and Rachel Ruggles, wife of Joseph, from New Haven, 
Sarah Hawley, wife of Hiell, 
Job Terrill, and his wife, from Milford, 
Jonathan Buck, Sen., restored,

1736.
Thomas Hudson, of Lyme, 
Job Gould, 
John Bostwick 3d, 
Jemima Bostwick, wife of John, 
Benjamin Hoose, 
Josiah Brounson, 
Hannah Lumm, wife of Samuel, from Derby, 
Mary Baldwin, wife of Ebenezer, from Newtown, 
Joseph Weller, renewed his standing,
Rebecca Brounson, wife of Jacob,
Margaret Oviatt, wife of Thomas,
Sarah Camp, wife of David,
Nathan Hawley,
Keziah Hawley, wife of Nathan,
Dorothy Prindle, wife of Samuel, restored,
Sarah (Prindle) Gould, restored.

1737
Mr. Jeremiah Cantfield, 
William Drinkwater, from Ridgefield, 
John Botsford, 
Samuel Baldwin, 
Betty Botsford, wife of Jonathan, 
Mr. Ebenezer Fisk and Mehitable Fisk (Ebenr.), from Milford.

1733.
Nathan Botsford,
Sarah Botsford, wife of Nathan,
Bushnell Bostwick,
Miriam Bostwick (Bush),
Joseph Warner,
Daniel Hine,
Mary Smith, wife of Josiah, from Derby,

1739
Daniel Farrand,
Ebenezer Fisk,
Mr. Joseph Benedict and Mr. Ephraim Hawley, from Newtown, 
Mary Benedict, wife of Joseph, 
Phebe Hawley, wife of Ephraim, 
John Hitchcock, 
Benajah Bostwick, 
John Bradshaw, 
Jeames Terrill, 
Joseph Oviatt, 
Ebenezer Buck,
Sarah Hitchcock, wife of John, 
Hannah Bordman, 
Jeames Moger, 
Dorcas Brownson.

1740. 
David Bostwick,
Marcy Bostwick, wife of David, from Southbury,
John North, of New Fairfield, 
Benjamin Benedict, from Ridgefield, 
John Welch, 
Rebecca Bostwick, wife of Joseph,

1741.
Martha Camp, wife of Enos, from Milford, 
Sarah Bradshaw, wife of John, from Danbury, 
Sarah Prindle, wife of Samuel, from Unity,
Ann Hawley, wife of Eph., 
Ephraim Hawley, Jr., 
Gamaliel Baldwin, 
William Buck, 
Caleb Mallery,
Hannah Bostwick, wife of Benajah, 
Mary Noble, 
Mary Farrand, 
Rebecca Herautt, 
Peneleope Bordman, 
Tamar Bordman, 
Elizabeth Mallery, wife of Caleb, 
David Merwin, 
James Mackeney, 
John Woodruff and Abigail Woodruffe, from Kensington.

1742.
Amos Collins, 
Daniel Noble, 
Sarah Noble, wife of John, 
Prudence Collins, wife of Amos, 
Jerusha Baldwin, 
Peter Brounson, 
David Hawley, 
Abia Bennett, wife of Benj., 
Mr. Nathaniel Bostwick, 
Elizabeth Drinkwater, wife of John, from Taunton.

1743
Eleanor Mackendy, wife of James,
John Warner,
Rachel Bost, wife of Benj., from Ridgefield, 
Ezra Terrill, from Southbury.

1744.
William Prime, 
Nathan Wheeler, 
Sarah Prime, wife of Wm. 
Paul Terrill.

   The method of the New Milford Church in appointing its Deacons, for many
years, may be seen in the following record.

   "At a meeting of the Brethren of the church of New Milford, Anno., 1716,
speedily after the aforesaid settlement Mr. Samuel Brounson was chosen to
officiate in the place of a Deacon, and about a year after by the said Brethren
was chosen a Deacon. Then agreed that the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper should
be celebrated once in three months.

   "March 28, 1725. At a meeting of the Brethren of the church James Prime was
chosen to officiate in the place of a Deacon.

   "November 1st, 1726. At a meeting of the Brethren of the church the
above-mentioned James Prime was chosen a Deacon."

   This was the method pursued in regard to the following men who were finally
elected Deacons:—

1716, Samuel Brownson, died 1733,
1725, James Prime,
1733, Lt. John Bostwick, died 1741,
1738, Job Terrill,
1742, Samuel Canfield,
1751, Bushnel Bostwick,
1755, Roger Sherman, 
1761, Benjamin Gaylord,
1761, Capt. John Hitchcock,
1779, Capt. Sherman Boardman.

   One man after his probation as Deacon was rejected.

   "Feb., 1751. At a church meeting regularly warned it was fully voted in the
negative that Ebenezer Beecher should not be established in the office of a
Deacon; he fell off to a party called Separates and could not be reclaimed."

   These lamentations might have been saved, for in less than fifty years, the
principles and doctrines of the Separates were adopted by a majority of the
churches, having such leaders as Dr. Bellamy, Samuel J. Mills, and others.

A Sample of Church Discipline.

   "At a meeting of the Brethren of the church of New Milford holden on the 19th
day of October, 1740, to consider the case of James Lake, under the scandal of
drunkenness, who was esteemed guilty by all the Brethren present, agreed and
confessed that said Lake should be dealt with in a disciplinary way according to
the rules of the gospel,—that is to say, to be admonished and excommunicated in
case of stubborness,—the evidences and the judgment of the court civil here
pending, to be proceeded again in 3 or 4 weeks.

   Dec. 28, 1740. James Lake not attending the worship of God some time before,
it was thought fit by the church that if James Lake should refuse to attend the
worship, that he should be warned by two Brethren, accordingly [he] was by
Benjamin Bunnell and Benoni Stebbins to appear at the public worship, to hear
his admonition, but did not appear, yet it was read in public [and] sent to him
by the said Brethren.

   "Anno., 1741-2. After ye 2d admonition the said James Lake returned, made his
peace with the church and [was] accepted."

   This was among several cases.

Change in the Manner of Conducting Singing.

   In the first method of conducting singing the Deacons led while standing in
front of the pulpit.

   "Feb. 12, 1739-40. At a meeting to consider and agree about the singing of
God's praises in the congregation, then it was clearly voted that we should half
the time; that is to say, to sing one day all the old way, the next Sabbath day,
all the new way for the space of a year, and then to have a reconsideration of
the matter. Samuel Bostwick chosen chorister for the new way, and Nathan
Botsford for the 2d, in case of the other's absence.

                                     D. BORDMAN, Moderator.

   "Feb. 12,1740-41. A meeting legally warned to consider and agree about the
singing of God's praises in the congregation. First, it was put to vote that
those that were for singing all together the old way should go to the east end
of the meeting-house, where appeared 16, and those that were for the new way of
singing all together, to go to the west end of the house, where appeared the
number 29 or 30.

   "Then 2dly, voted that the majority of voters should rule and govern in the
affair—30 against 16.

   3rd. Lemuel Bostwick was voted in for a chorister by about 30, or by a
greater majority.

   4th. Nathan Botsford was voted for a 2d, or to assist in Samuel Bostwick's
absence by about the like majority.

                                     DANIEL BORDMAN, Moderator.

   "At a church meeting, Feb., 1750-51, Nathan Botsford desiring to be dismissed
from tuning the Psalms, Samuel Bostwick was chosen in his room to assist in
Lemuel Bostwick's absence.

                                        N. TAYLOR, Moderator.

   " At a church meeting afterwards, Samuel Bostwick was chosen to be
chorister,—and afterward John Oviatt to assist in tuning the Psalm.

                                       N. TAYLOR, Moderator.

   At a church meeting regularly warned may, 1758: Voted that Doct. Watts's
version of the Psalms should be sung the last singing in the afternoon on the
Sabbath, and at lectures.

                                     NATH’LL TAYLOR, Moderator.

   At another meeting of the church, April 25, 1759: Voted that the old version
of the Psalms should be sung in the forenoon and Dr. Watts's version in the
afternoon, for one year, then altogether Dr. Watts's. At the same time voted
that the third Book of Doctor Watts's Hymns should be sung on the occasion of
the Lord's Supper.

                              Test.    NATH’LL TAYLOR, Moderator.

   August 5, 1761, David Canfield was chosen to assist in tuning the Psalms at a
regular church meeting.

                                        NATH’LL TAYLOR, Moderator."

   Another matter, although a little delicate, deserves attention in this place.
The Rev. Daniel Boardman made the following record in the church book: "March ye
5th, 1739-40. At a church meeting of ye brethren of this church; unanimously
voted and agreed to allow ye ordinance of baptism to be administered to infants
born at seven months after a marriage of ye parents thereof, or those such as
were not punishable by ye civil law of ye government, without a strict
examination by ye pastor, not obliging a man to condemn himself."

   If a child was born under a less time than that specified above, the parents
were required, generally, in Connecticut, to make a public confession before the
child could be baptized. This confession was laughingly represented by the
phrase "Walk the Broad Aisle," which meant that such parents were required,
after the birth of the first child, to walk up the center aisle of the church to
the pulpit, before the assembled audience, and there make their confession, and
then the child was baptized. All of this, nearly, grew out of the abominable
doctrine that parties "engaged to be married" are bound together just as much as
after the marriage ceremony is performed. The consequences of this disgraceful
sentiment may be seen in the fact that thousands of records are now on the town
books of Connecticut declaring the births to have been within any where from ten
days to seven months after the marriage of the parents, and that too, as well
among the families of the very best standing in the communities, as any other.
The occasion for such records scarce ever occur at the present day.

  It is true, also, that all our sentiments of the present day, and for the past
1,400 years concerning "engagement," marriage and divorce, are colored with
heathen notions, brought to us from the old Roman nation through the Roman
Catholic Church, so that we have scarcely a truly Christian sentiment on either
of these topics.


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.



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