Camp meetings were holden in this town in 1805 and 1806. Their first meeting house was erected in 1807. In consequence of the increase of the Congregation, a large and beautiful house is now being erected by the society. Among the early settlers of the town, was John Williams, Esq., who spent his life here, and who was a man of much respectability and influence in this town and county. He was from Lebanon, and came into the town in 1744. He was educated at Yale College, and studied medicine, but it was not known that he ever engaged in professional business. He was soon appointed town clerk, which office he held for more than 30 years. He was the first judge of probate for the district of Sharon, and one of the judges of the first county court for Litchfield county, of which court he was for a number of years the chief judge. So great was the estimation in which he was holden by his fellow citizens, that he was elected a representative from the town of Sharon 27 times. He also commanded a regiment of colonial militia. There are those now living who have a distinct recollection of his personal appearance, and of the very influential character which he sustained in the affairs of the town. He is represented as a man of tall and slender frame, but of great gravity, and of very dignified deportment. His word was law, and it was in his presence that evil doers felt terror. He died March 14, 1774, in the 60th year of his age. : This town took an active part in favor of the country in the revolutionary struggle. Mr. Smith, the minister, was an ardent patriot, and in his public ministrations there was mingled much of the stirring patriotism of the times.* A large number of men from this town were constantly on duty four of whom, to wit, Adonijah Maxim, Daniel Goss, Wm. Gray, and Samuel Lewis, were taken prisoners with Ethan Allen in his rash attack on Montreal in 1775, and with him were carried to England in the fall of that year. They were brought back to New York in the following spring, from which place the prisoners above named made their escape. Of this number Mr. Maxim is still living. In the campaign of 1776, Parson Smith went with the army to the north as chaplain. One soldier, Alexander Spencer, went with Colonel Arnold in the expedition to Quebec, through the wilderness of Kennebeck, but he died on the march. Charles Gillet was killed near the Cedars, in the campaign of 1776, in a skirmish at that place. Daniel Wood, Nathaniel Buel, Josiah Coleman, Jabez Jennings Asahel Somers, John Randall, jr. and Thomas Ackley, were taken prisoners at Fort Washington, of whom Wood and Coleman died during their captivity. William Goodrich was killed at the battle of Brandywine. Samuel Elmar, jr. was killed at the skirmish of Compo Bridge, and John Hollister was killed at the battle of Stillwater, Oct. 7, 1777. In November, 1784, the town was visited with the Small Pox, and a large number of persons, as many as 30, died in the course of 2 months. The approach of a large British army from Canada, under Gen. Burgoyne, and the expedition up the North River, under General Vaughan, in 1777, filled the whole country with terror and despondency, and created strong fears and doubts as to the issue of the controversy: the firmness and confidence of Parson Smith, however, remained unbroken, and his efforts to revive the drooping spirits of his people were unremitted. In the month of October, he preached a sermon from these words: "Watchman, what of the night? The Watchman saith, the morning cometh." In this discourse he dealt much upon the indications, which the dealings of Providence afforded, that a bright and glorious morning was about to dawn upon a long night of defeat and disaster. He told the congregation, that he believed they would soon hear of a signal victory crowning the arms of America; and he exhorted them to trust with an unshaken and fearless confidence in that God, who, he believed, would yet crown with suecess the efforts of the friends of liberty in this country. Before the congregation was dismissed, a messenger arrived, with the intelligence of the surrender of Burgoyne's army. Parson Smith read the letter, conveying the intelligence, from the pulpit, and a flood of joy and gratitude burst upon the congregation. EXTRACTS FROM NEWSPAPERS. From the Connecticut Journal. Sharon, Feb. 15, 1781. This morning the wife of William Hendrick Levo, was found dead in the street, a sucking child about three months old, lying dead by her side: being under straightened circumstances, she went to town, about three miles, in order to procure something for the comfort of the family, and carried the little infant in her arms. On her return, the evening before, she went into a house to warm: the weather being extreme cold, she was prevailed to tarry, though very much against her inclination; being greatly exercised for her children she had left at home, the eldest not being above ten years, her husband gone to mill, and she was doubtful of his return. In the night she arose unknown to any in the family. She had travelled homewards about three quarters of a mile, and was found dead in the manner already described, within about ten rods of an house. Some were ready to conclude she had made too free use of strong drink, which occasioned her perishing in this manner; but upon a careful enquiry it appears to be without foundation, and that her death was occasioned by the extremity of the season. Last Thursday evening arrived in this town, (Litchfield,) from Hartford, Colonel Samuel Canfield, and Uriah Tracy, Esq. with orders from the General Assembly to repair to the town of Sharon, and put a stop to the insurrection that appeared to be raising in that town. The same evening they set off, accompanied by the Sheriff and one of his deputies, and arrived at Sharon about day break, and soon arrested five persons who were supposed to be the principal actors and abettors in the insurrection. They were conducted to, and safely lodged in our gaol, on Saturday last, in order for examination. It is hoped the early and spirited exertion of our Assembly, will prevent any further disturbance in that town. Much praise is due the gentlemen employed on the occasion, for their prudence, humanity, and judicious proceedings. May 21st, 1787. The following inscriptions are from monuments in the grave yard north of the Congregational church. The Rev. COTTON MATHER SMITH, born in Suffield, Oct. 16th, 1731, ordained in Sharon, Aug. 28th, 1755, died Nov. 27th, 1806, in the 76th year of his age, and 52d of his ministry. Sound in the faith, in life and conversation as becometh the gospel; in doctrine incorrupt; in manner forcible and persuasive. A fond husband, a tender father, an unvarying friend; having for more than fifty years earnestly contended for the faith once delivered to the saints, he is gone to render his final account to the great Captain of his salvation. People of his charge! he still speaks to you in a voice awful as Death, solemn as the grave. Prepare to meet your God. In memory of Mrs. BULA MOULTON, the amiable consort of Capt. Wm. Moulton, who having endeared herself to her friends and acquaintance by an exemplary and virtuous life, died a few days after the birth of her only child, July 5th, 1783. Could modest worth elude ye grasp of death, TORRINGTON. TORRINGTON was a township which was allotted to the Windsor proprietors by the Legislature. It was named Torrington at the session in May, 1732. "The number of proprietors was one hundred and thirty six. At their first meeting in Windsor, Sept. 10th, 1733, they voted to make a division of lots in Torrington, and that there should be one acre to the pound on the list of each proprietor. A survey of the town was completed in 1734. In 1737, the proprietors voted a second division of the lands, and to lay out one acre to the pound on the list of each proprietor. About five years after, another division was voted. North east view of Wolcottville, Torrington. The first family that moved into the township, was Ebenezer Lyman, from Durham, with a young family, consisting of three persons only: this was in 1737. Several young men had, however, labored in the township the summer previous. Jonathan Coe was the second person who moved into the place; he also was from Durham. The principal settlers were from Windsor and Durham. The settlement of this town was slow. When the first minister, the Rev. Nathaniel Roberts, was ordained, in the summer of 1741, there were but fourteen families in the town. As this was considered a frontier settlement at this time, a fortification was erected not far from the center of the town. It was incorporated in 1741. Torrington is bounded north by Winchester, west by Goshen, east by New Hartford, and south by Litchfield and Harwinton. It is about six miles square, containing upwards of 23,000 acres. The surface of the town is uneven, with hills and vallies; the soil is mostly fertile, and well adapted for grazing. The township is well watered by the east and west branches of the Waterbury, or Naugatuc river. There are within the limits of the town 3 Congregational churches, 1 Baptist, and 1 Methodist. There are three post offices, viz. one in the first society, called the Torrington office, one in Torringford, the eastern section of the town, and the other in the village of Wolcottville. Wolcottville, the principal village in the town of Torrington, is situated in a valley near the southern boundary of the town, at the junction of the two branches of the Waterbury and Naugatuc river, 26 miles from Hartford, 40 from New Haven, and 17 from the Farmington canal at Avon. The village consists of about 40 dwelling houses, a handsome Congregational church, a three story brick building, used as a house of worship by various denominations, (also used for an academy,) 4 mercantile stores, 2 taverns, post office, and an extensive woolen factory. The engraving shows the appearance of the village from the Hartford turnpike, looking westward. The Congregational church stands at the northern extremity of the village, but owing to the limited extent of the engraving, it could not be introduced. The brick building used for a house of worship is on the left, over which is seen the Litchfield turnpike passing over the heights westward. The woolen factory is the large building with a spire. This factory went into operation in 1813. One of the principal owners was the late Oliver Wolcott, Esq. formerly governor of the state: the village owes its rise principally to this establishment. A short distance westward of the factory, an establishment for the manufacture of brass is now erecting: it is believed to be the only one of the kind at present in the United States. WARREN. WARREN was formerly a part of Kent. It was incorporated as a town in 1786. It is bounded N. by Cornwall, E. by Litchfield, S. by Washington, and W. by Kent. Its average length from north to south is five miles, and its average breadth about four and a half miles. The township is hilly and mountainous, and its rocks and soil are of a granitic character. The agricultural productions are grass and some grain. Butter and cheese are made, and beef and pork raised by the inhabitants. The town is watered by the Shepaug, a branch of the Housatonic. Raumaug pond, a considerable body of water, is situated partly in this town, and partly in Washington. The population of the town in 1810, was 1,096; in 1830 it was reduced to 986. The central part of the town is 8 miles west from Litchfield, 38 from Hartford, and 45 from New Haven. WASHINGTON. WASHINGTON Was incorporated by the General Assembly in 1779. Judea, the first society in this town, was incorporated by the General Assembly in 1741; before this period it was included in the ecclesiastical society of Woodbury. The first settlement in the limits of Judea, was made by Joseph Hurlburt, about the year 1734. "The first sermon preached in this society was by Mr. Isaac Baldwin, of Litchfield, who afterwards relinquished the ministry, and became the first Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the County of Litchfield, All the inhabitants attended on this occasion, and were accommodated in a small room in Mr. Hurlburt's dwelling house. The Rev. Reuben Judd, the first minister settled in this society, was ordained Sept. 1st, 1742. The ordination was attended in a grove, and the first church was formed consisting of 12 male members, on the same day. The same year the first church was built, by eight proprietors. The second church was raised in 1751. In July, 1800, this church was set on fire by an insane man, named David Titus; but by a seasonable discovery and the exertions of the people, the flames were extinguished within an hour. In April, 1801, the same building was again set on fire by the same man, it being unknown till this time that he did the mischief before. The fire was put into the steeple about midnight, and had made such progress before it was discovered, that no exertions were made to extinguish it. The people were scarcely able to preserve the neighboring buildings from destruction. As no alarm could be given by the bell, many of the inhabitants, and some within half a mile, were ignorant of the disaster till the next morning. Washington is about 10 miles from Litchfield, and is 40 miles S. W. from Hartford, bounded N. by Warren, W. by New Milford and Kent, E. by Litchfield and Bethlem, and S. by Woodbury and Roxbury. Its average length from north to south is about 7 miles, and its breadth more than 5. A large part of this town is elevated and mountainous. Limestone abounds in many of the vallies. Several quarries of marble have been worked, from which considerable quantities have been raised. Iron ore has been found in various places. Ochre, fuller's earth, and white clay, have also been found. The town is watered by the Shepaug river, a branch of the Housatonic, which passes through the whole length of the town, dividing it into two nearly equal parts. The town is divided into two societies, Judea and New Preston. There is in Judea, or Washington as it is called, about two miles S. W. of the centre of the place, a place called "Steep Rock." From the top of this eminence, which is easy of access, the beholder has one of the most interesting and beautiful prospects in the State. The scene presents an area in the form of an amphitheatre, the sides of which are covered with a dense forest. The Shepaug river is seen flowing in a beautiful circle at the base of the bluff. Within the circle of the river, there are several cultivated fields, affording a beautiful landscape to the beholder. This town has been the theatre of one of the most atrocious murders ever committed in New England. The murderer was a man or rather fiend by the name of Barnett Davenport. From his own confession, it appears that his parentage and early education were exactly fitted to produce his wicked life and his tragical end. Untutored and unrestrained by parental government, he was left to grow up at random. In the morning of life, no morality was inculcated upon him, and no sense of religion, either by precept or example. On the contrary, he was, from early years, unprincipled, profane, and impious. Before he was nine years old, he was expert in cursing and swearing, and an adept in mischief. At 11 years he began to pilfer. At 13 he stole money. At 15 he entertained thoughts of murder, and rapidly waxed harder and bolder in wickedness. At 19, he actually murdered a family in cold blood. As a friendless wandering stranger, he was taken into the house of Mr. Caleb Mallory, and treated with the utmost kindness, in December, 1779. Scarcely two months had elapsed, before the murder was determined on. The night of Feb. 3d, 1780, was fixed on to execute the horrid purpose. With a heart hard as adamant, he lighted a candle, went into the lodging room of his benefactors, and beat them to death with a club. A little grand child being with its grand parents shared the same fate, and two |