Scroll down for publications 19 - 30
Publication 18.5 (1949)Report of Connecticut Towns
Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences
Simeon Baldwin, Recording Secretary
10 pp
The text of the letter sent by the Academy soliciting information on Connecticut's towns
In January 1800, the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences sent a circular letter to each Connecticut town, requesting information about that town in specific categories. This pamphlet reproduces the text of that circular letter.
With each town's responses to thirty-two questions, the academy proposed to publish a statistical history of the state. Between 1800 and 1812, some thirty responses were received, most often from a member of the clergy. Only some of the reports were ever published by the academy: A Statistical Account of Several Towns in the County of Litchfield, by James Morris, which included Litchfield, Washington, and Norfolk; A Statistical Account of Middlesex County, which included Middletown, Chatham, Haddam, East Haddam, Saybrook, and Durham and A Statistical Account of the City of New Haven, by Timothy Dwight.
For one reason or another, the entire project was not completed, and the remaining town responses languished for more than a century in the Connecticut Historical Society archives, where they had ended up. As a contribution to Connecticut History, the Acorn Club published the remaining manuscripts between 1949 and 1961. [Acorn Club publications 19 - 30]
Publication 19 (1949)
East Windsor in 1806
A Report of Connecticut Towns pamphlet
David McClure
Thompson R. Harlow, editor
27 pp
A clergyman's snapshot of East Windsor at the beginning of the 19th century
In January 1800, the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences sent a letter to each Connecticut town requesting information in thirty-two categories; they proposed to publish a statistical history of the state. Between 1800 and 1812, some thirty responses were received, often from a member of the clergy. The Academy issued three volumes, for Litchfield County, Middlesex County, and the city of New Haven, but many town replies remained unpublished.
In the 1940s, at the urging of Acorn Club member Thompson R. Harlow (also Historical Society librarian), the Acorn Club decided to publish reports from eighteen towns not included in the three Academy volumes. This is one such report.
David McClure was born in Newport, Rhode Island, November 7, 1748. He graduated from Yale College in 1769 and was early associated with Eleazer Wheelock and Dartmouth College. In 1786, he was installed as pastor of the First Congregational Society in East Windsor, now South Windsor. The Massachusetts Historical Society elected him a Corresponding Member and in 1798 he contributed an article entitled "Settlement and Antiquities of the town of Windsor," which was published in their Collections 1st Series, Volume 5. His voice failed and he was succeeded in January 1807 by Thomas Robbins, later first librarian of The Connecticut Historical Society. David McClure died June 25, 1820.
Publication 20 (1949)
Franklin in 1800
A Report of Connecticut Towns pamphlet
Samuel Nott
Thompson R. Harlow, editor
A clergyman's snapshot of Franklin at the beginning of the 19th century
In January 1800, the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences sent a letter to each Connecticut town requesting information in thirty-two categories; they proposed to publish a statistical history of the state. Between 1800 and 1812, some thirty responses were received, often from a member of the clergy. The Academy issued three volumes, for Litchfield County, Middlesex County, and the city of New Haven, but many town replies remained unpublished.
In the 1940s, at the urging of Acorn Club member Thompson R. Harlow (also Historical Society librarian), the Acorn Club decided to publish reports from eighteen towns not included in the three Academy volumes. This is one such report.
Samuel Nott was for 67 years pastor of the Congregational Church in Franklin. He was born in Saybrook on January 23, 1754. He graduated from Yale College in the class of 1780 and was ordained at Franklin, March 18, 1782. When in his 96th year, he preached for the last time. Death resulted from severe burns on May 26, 1852.
Publication 21 (1949)
Goshen in 1812
A Report of Connecticut Towns pamphlet
Lewis Mills Norton
Thompson R. Harlow, editor
28 pp
A church deacon's snapshot of Goshen in the early 19th century
In January 1800, the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences sent a letter to each Connecticut town requesting information in thirty-two categories; they proposed to publish a statistical history of the state. Between 1800 and 1812, some thirty responses were received, often from a member of the clergy. The Academy issued three volumes, for Litchfield County, Middlesex County, and the city of New Haven, but many town replies remained unpublished.
In the 1940s, at the urging of Acorn Club member Thompson R. Harlow (also Historical Society librarian), the Acorn Club decided to publish reports from eighteen towns not included in the three Academy volumes. This is one such report.
Lewis Mills Norton, son of Ebenezer and Charity (Mills) Norton, was born in Goshen December 22, 1783. He was a builder, Deacon in the Congregational Church, pineapple cheesemaker, textile manufacturer and antiquarian. For many years he worked on a two-volume manuscript history of 600 pages each entitled "Goshen Statistics and Family History," which was the basis for A.G. Hibbard's History of the Town of Goshenpublished in 1897. He died May 3, 1860.
Publication 22 (1949)
Haddam in 1808
A Report of Connecticut Towns pamphlet
Levi Hubbard Clarke
Thompson R. Harlow, editor
11 pp
A lawyer's snapshot of Haddam at the beginning of the 19th century
In January 1800, the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences sent a letter to each Connecticut town requesting information in thirty-two categories; they proposed to publish a statistical history of the state. Between 1800 and 1812, some thirty responses were received, often from a member of the clergy. The Academy issued three volumes, for Litchfield County, Middlesex County, and the city of New Haven, but many town replies remained unpublished.
In the 1940s, at the urging of Acorn Club member Thompson R. Harlow (also Historical Society librarian), the Acorn Club decided to publish reports from eighteen towns not included in the three Academy volumes. This is one such report.
Levi Hubbard Clarke, son of Captain Lemuel and Kezia (Hubbard) Clarke, was born in Sunderland, Massachusetts, September 22, 1782. He graduated from Yale College in 1802 and studied law under Judge Charles Chauncey and Asa Bacon. In 1805, he set up practice in Haddam, where he remained for only a few years. Later he was a land speculator, reporter, and editor of the New York Statesman, Morning Herald, and Commercial Advertiser. He died in West Springfield, Massachusetts, February 6, 1840.
Publication 23 (1949)
Stratfield in 1800
A Report of Connecticut Towns pamphlet
Philo Shelton
Thompson R. Harlow, editor
10 pp
A clergyman's snapshot of Stratfield at the beginning of the 19th century
In January 1800, the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences sent a letter to each Connecticut town requesting information in thirty-two categories; they proposed to publish a statistical history of the state. Between 1800 and 1812, some thirty responses were received, often from a member of the clergy. The Academy issued three volumes, for Litchfield County, Middlesex County, and the city of New Haven, but many town replies remained unpublished.
In the 1940s, at the urging of Acorn Club member Thompson R. Harlow (also Historical Society librarian), the Acorn Club decided to publish reports from eighteen towns not included in the three Academy volumes. This is one such report.
Philo Shelton, graduate of Yale College in 1775, was born in Huntington, May 5, 1754. He was an Episcopalian and simultaneously served churches in Fairfield, Weston, and Stratfield. On August 3, 1785, he was ordained by Bishop Seabury and was the first clergyman episcopally ordained in the United States. His death occurred at Fairfield, February 27, 1825.
Publication 24 (1954)
Union in 1803
A Report of Connecticut Towns pamphlet
Solomon Wales
Thompson R. Harlow, editor
13 pp
A public official's snapshot of Union at the beginning of the 19th century
In January 1800, the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences sent a letter to each Connecticut town requesting information in thirty-two categories; they proposed to publish a statistical history of the state. Between 1800 and 1812, some thirty responses were received, often from a member of the clergy. The Academy issued three volumes, for Litchfield County, Middlesex County, and the city of New Haven, but many town replies remained unpublished.
In the 1940s, at the urging of Acorn Club member Thompson R. Harlow (also Historical Society librarian), the Acorn Club decided to publish reports from eighteen towns not included in the three Academy volumes. This is one such report.
Solomon Wales was born in Windham, November 19, 1729, son of Deacon Ebenezer Wales, who settled in Union about 1748. He was active in town affairs, Town Clerk, 1784-87; Selectman, 1775& 1777; and a Member of the Connecticut General Assembly, 1781-1785. He was twice married, first to Lucy Strong, October 3, 1754 by whom he had six children; and second to Dorothy Perrin, September 2, 1773. Solomon Wales died March 20, 1805. His tombstone in the Old Cemetery, Union, states he was a Captain in the Revolutionary War.
Publication 25 (1954)
Ridgefield in 1800
A Report of Connecticut Towns pamphlet
Samuel Goodrich
Thompson R. Harlow, editor
22 pp
A clergyman's snapshot of Ridgefield at the beginning of the 19th century
In January 1800, the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences sent a letter to each Connecticut town requesting information in thirty-two categories; they proposed to publish a statistical history of the state. Between 1800 and 1812, some thirty responses were received, often from a member of the clergy. The Academy issued three volumes, for Litchfield County, Middlesex County, and the city of New Haven, but many town replies remained unpublished.
In the 1940s, at the urging of Acorn Club member Thompson R. Harlow (also Historical Society librarian), the Acorn Club decided to publish reports from eighteen towns not included in the three Academy volumes. This is one such report.
Samuel Goodrich, graduate of Yale College in 1783, was born January 12, 1763, the third son of Rev. Elizur Goodrich of Durham. He was minister in Ridgefield from July 6, 1786 to 1811 when he removed to Worthington Society, Berlin. Here he preached for twenty years, ill health finally forcing his dismission November, 1834. He married July 29, 1784 Elizabeth (or Betsey), daughter of Col. John Ely of Saybrook. Of his ten children, his second son wrote under the pseudonym of "Peter Parley." Samuel Goodrich died at Berlin, April 19, 1835.
Publication 26 (1961)
Wallingford in 1811-12
A Report of Connecticut Towns pamphlet
George Washington Stanley
Thompson R. Harlow, editor
26 pp
A judge's snapshot of Wallingford in the early 19th century
In January 1800, the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences sent a letter to each Connecticut town requesting information in thirty-two categories; they proposed to publish a statistical history of the state. Between 1800 and 1812, some thirty responses were received, often from a member of the clergy. The Academy issued three volumes, for Litchfield County, Middlesex County, and the city of New Haven, but many town replies remained unpublished.
In the 1940s, at the urging of Acorn Club member Thompson R. Harlow (also Historical Society librarian), the Acorn Club decided to publish reports from eighteen towns not included in the three Academy volumes. This is one such report.
George Washington Stanley, only son of Oliver and Mary (Chauncey) Stanley, of Wallingford, was born there June 25, 1775 and married Clarissa Nichols of Newtown. A graduate of Yale College in 1793, he was Judge of the Probate Court in Meriden and was prominent in public affairs there as well as in Middletown, where he lived after 1810. Later he moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he died at an advanced age.
Publication 27 (1961)
Winchester-Winsted in 1813
A Report of Connecticut Towns pamphlet
Eliphaz Alvord
Thompson R. Harlow, editor
17 pp
A town official's snapshot of Winchester and Winsted in the early 19th century
In January 1800, the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences sent a letter to each Connecticut town requesting information in thirty-two categories; they proposed to publish a statistical history of the state. Between 1800 and 1812, some thirty responses were received, often from a member of the clergy. The Academy issued three volumes, for Litchfield County, Middlesex County, and the city of New Haven, but many town replies remained unpublished.
In the 1940s, at the urging of Acorn Club member Thompson R. Harlow (also Historical Society librarian), the Acorn Club decided to publish reports from eighteen towns not included in the three Academy volumes. This is one such report.
Eliphaz Alvord was born probably in Durham, January 13, 1742, the eldest son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Sanford) Alvord. His wife was Esther Hart of Farmington whom he married in East Hampton in 1764. About 1770 they removed to Winchester where he was Town Clerk, Justice of the Peace, and Deacon in the First Church for many years. He served during the Revolutionary War and was also a member of the Connecticut General Assembly for eleven terms. He died at Winchester April 15, 1825.
Publication 28 (1961)
Bethlem in 1812 (Bethlehem)
A Report of Connecticut Towns pamphlet
Azel Backus
25 pp
Watertown in 1801
A Report of Connecticut Towns pamphlet
Chauncey Prindle
7 pp
Thompson R. Harlow, editor
Two clergymen's snapshot of Bethlem and Watertown in the early 19th century
In January 1800, the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences sent a letter to each Connecticut town requesting information in thirty-two categories; they proposed to publish a statistical history of the state. Between 1800 and 1812, some thirty responses were received, often from a member of the clergy. The Academy issued three volumes, for Litchfield County, Middlesex County, and the city of New Haven, but many town replies remained unpublished.
In the 1940s, at the urging of Acorn Club member Thompson R. Harlow (also Historical Society librarian), the Acorn Club decided to publish reports from eighteen towns not included in the three Academy volumes. These are two of those reports.
As the Bethlem report notes, "The town was [initally] called Bethlem out of respect to the original Greek of the New testament…" and to distinguish it from other towns called Bethlehem.
Azel Backus, who was born in Norwich October 13, 1765, was a son of Jabez and Deborah Backus. He was graduated at Yale College in 1787, taught school for a time in Wethersfield, and became pastor of the Bethlehem Church in April 1791. He married Millicent Deming of Wethersfield in February 1791. During his pastorate in Bethlehem he also conducted a school which prepared young men for college and because of this he was elected in September 1912 first president of Hamilton College, in Clinton, New York, where he remained until his death in December 1817.
Chauncey Prindle, son of Eleazer and Anna (Scovill) Prindle, was born in Oxford July 13, 1753 and graduated at Yale College in 1776. After preparing for the Episcopal ministry, he was ordained by Bishop Seabury at St. James' Church in New London in 1788. His wife was Roxanna, daughter of Samuel Brunson of Waterbury. For nearly twenty years his ministry was centered around the united charges of Christ Church in Watertown and St. Peter's Church in Plymouth, and he later preached at churches in Oxford, Salem and Bethany. He died at Gunntown (Waterbury) August 25, 1833.
Publication 29 (1961)
Preston in 1801
A Report of Connecticut Towns pamphlet
Levi Hart
11 pp
Lisbon (Hanover) in 1800
A Report of Connecticut Towns pamphlet
Andrew Lee
9 pp
Lisbon (Newent) in 1801
A Report of Connecticut Towns pamphlet
David Hale
10 pp
Thompson R. Harlow, editor
In January 1800, the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences sent a letter to each Connecticut town requesting information in thirty-two categories; they proposed to publish a statistical history of the state. Between 1800 and 1812, some thirty responses were received, often from a member of the clergy. The Academy issued three volumes, for Litchfield County, Middlesex County, and the city of New Haven, but many town replies remained unpublished.
In the 1940s, at the urging of Acorn Club member Thompson R. Harlow (also Historical Society librarian), the Acorn Club decided to publish reports from eighteen towns not included in the three Academy volumes. These are three of those reports.
Levi Hart, the seventh son of Thomas and Anna (Stanley) Hart, of Southington, was born March 30, 1738. He graduated at Yale College in 1760 and in 1762 settled in the ministry at Preston (now Griswold). In 1762 he married Rebecca Bellamy, of Cheshire, who died in 1788, and his second wife was the Widow Backus, of Norwich. He was much interested in missionary work and was one of the keenest promoters of the Connecticut Missionary Society as well as having himself been a missionary to Maine in 1765 and to Canada in 1795. He died in Preston, October 27, 1808.
Andrew Lee, the youngest child of John and Abigail (Tully) Lee, was born at Lyme May 7, 1745 and was left fatherless at the age of three months. He graduated at Yale College in 1766 and was ordained pastor of the church in Hanover (now Lisbon) in 1768, where he remained until a year before his death. His first wife was Eunice, daughter of Rev. Theophilus Hall, of Meriden, whom he married in 1768. He married, secondly, in 1801, the Widow Abigail Smith, of Roxbury, Massachusetts. He died in Lisbon August 25, 1832 in his eighty-eighth year.
David Hale, graduate of Yale College in 1785, was born in Coventry December 15, 1761, a son of Richard and Elizabeth (Strong) Hale and a brother of Captain Nathan Hale. He married at Lisbon, May 19, 1790, Lydia Austin of New Haven. He was pastor of the Lisbon Church from 1790 to 1803, when he returned to Coventry. He served in the Connecticut General Assembly from 1805, at intervals, through 1811, and died in Coventry, February 10, 1822.
Publication 30 (1961)
Windham in 1800
A Report of Connecticut Towns pamphlet
Hezekiah Ripley
4 pp
Tolland in 1804
A Report of Connecticut Towns pamphlet
Hezekiah Ripley
3 pp
Willington in 1805
A Report of Connecticut Towns pamphlet
Samuel Dunton
6 pp
Pomfret in 1800
A Report of Connecticut Towns pamphlet
Aaron Putnam
7 pp
Thompson R. Harlow, editor
Two town officials' and a clergyman's snapshots of Windham, Tolland, Willington, and Pomfret at the beginning of the 19th century
In January 1800, the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences sent a letter to each Connecticut town requesting information in thirty-two categories; they proposed to publish a statistical history of the state. Between 1800 and 1812, some thirty responses were received, often from a member of the clergy. The Academy issued three volumes, for Litchfield County, Middlesex County, and the city of New Haven, but many town replies remained unpublished.
In the 1940s, at the urging of Acorn Club member Thompson R. Harlow (also Historical Society librarian), the Acorn Club decided to publish reports from eighteen towns not included in the three Academy volumes. These are four of those reports.
Hezekiah Ripley was born in Windham, September 25, 1748, the only child of Hezekiah Ripley by his second wife, Mary Skinner. He graduated at Yale College in 1764 and was a farmer. He married in 1784 Eunice Chester, widow of Michael Francis Dumont, of New London. He was a representative in the State Legislature during 29 sessions, 1781-1813, and was Town Clerk and Treasurer of Windham from 1786 to 1816. He was also Justice of the Peace, Associate Judge of the County Court and Judge of Probate. He died in Windham, November 11, 1836, having been the oldest living Yale graduate for more than a year.
Samuel Dunton, the only child of Samuel and Sarah (Bennett) Dunton, of Wrentham, was born thirty-two days after his father's death. At the age of nine he removed with his mother and stepfather to Ashford and later to Stafford. In 1771 he married Lois, daughter of Captain Timothy Pearl of Willington, and settled there where he was a blacksmith, Deacon of the Church and Justice of the Peace. He was in Wadsworth's Brigade during the Revolution and saw service in New York and at White Plains. He married, secondly, December 4, 1788, Lavinia, daughter of Zebediah Marcy, of Willington. He served in the Connecticut General Assembly from 1790 to 1809 and died in Willington.
Aaron Putnam, graduate of Harvard College in 1752, and son of Rev. Daniel and Rebecca Putnam, of Reading, Massachusetts, was born December 15, 1733. He married in October 1760, Rebecca, daughter of Rev. David Hall of Sutton, Massachusetts. She was killed by being thrown from her carriage while riding with her husband. His second wife was Elizabeth Avery, of Brooklyn. From 1756 to 1802 he was pastor of the Pomfret Church, and when he lost his health and, finally, his voice, the deacons of his church read aloud the sermons he had written. He died in Pomfret October 28, 1813.