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CQROUGin' DEPosrr.

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The

Connecticut Marazine

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Devoted to Connecticut in its various phases of

History, Literature, Picturesque Features,

Science, Art and Industry

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VOLUME VI| % ^.

EDITORS Francis Tkkvei.yan Miller * H. Phelps Arms

*Rt'tirt'd at the be^inninii- of the volume

HARTFORD. CONX. :

Copyrighted by the Connecticut Magazine Company

Edward B. Eaton, President

CONTENTS OF VOLUME VII

Adams, Alicia-Betrothed to Nathan Hale (Illustrated.). Herbert Randall . 364 Ancestral Firesides, Little Journeys, To Charles E. Benton. . . 284, 557

Arnold, Benedict. (Illustrated.) Hon. L. H. Munson 49

Brainard : A Poet of Hartford's Early Literati. (Illustrated.) Francis Parsons. 371

Bridges, Miss Fidelia. In Her Studio. (Illustrated.) /Ilice SazvtcUe Randall. . 583

Coinage, Early. ]\Ioney in America. (Portrait.) F. G. Markham. . . 381

Commonwealth, The Birth of a. (Illustrated.) Anna IVetnwre Sjnith, . . 162 Congratulatory Letters :

Mark Tzcain, 603

President Arthur T. Hadley, 648

Congressman N. D. Sper'ry. 648

Congressman E. Stevens Henry. 648

Ex-Governor O. Vincent CoMn 648

Judge Simeon E. Baldivin. ......... 648

Conclusion and Congratulatory Letters :

Lieut-Governor Henry Roberts, 650

Ex-Lieut.-Governor Lyman A. Mills. ....... 650

Connecticut Artists and Their Work. (Illustrated.) Edited hy Herbert Randall. 339,583

Connecticut Battletield in the American Revolution. (Illustrated.) /. Moss Ives. 421

Connecticut in the Manufacturing World. (Illustrated.) /. Moss Iz'es. . 627

Connecticut's Governors and Speakers of the House, 1897-1899-1901. (Illustrated.) 81

Connecticut and the Building of a Western College. Charles H. Ma.rivell. 553

Connecticut's Huge Industry Under the Sea. (Portrait.)

Commander H. H. Barroll. 252

Connecticut's Position in the IManufacturing World. William A. Countryman. 323

Connecticut's Shore at Woodmont. (Frontispiece.) Ralph Beach, .. . 212 Country Life in Connecticut. (Illustrations.) .......

Mrs. J. C. Kendall K. T. Sheldon. 257, 514

Danbury Leads the World in Hatting. (Illustrated.) Edward B. Eaton. . 627

Election in Connecticut, Annual Town Meetings of. Edivin Stanley Welles. 146

Ericsson Propeller on Farmington Canal. (Illustrated.) Frederick J. Kingsbury. 329

First Civil Settlement of Connecticut. (Illustrated.) Lewis Wilder Hicks. 213

First Connecticut Heavy Artillery Monument. (Illustrated.) .... 395

Gibson, William Hamilton. Artist, Naturalist of Connecticut. (Illustrated.) . 340 Governors of Connecticut, Biographies. (Illustrated.) .....

Frederick C. Norton, 59, 170, 291, 569

Goodale, The Real Nick in Eben Holden. Emily Parmely Collins. . 82

Homes of Our Forefathers, The. (Illustrated.) Clara Emerson Bickford. . 493

Homes of Connecticut, Beautiful. (Illustrated.) .... . . 387

Eldridge Residence at Norfolk, 388

" The Orchards " at Lakeville, 391

French Chateau at- Norfolk 391

Coe Residence at Torrington. ......... 391

Old Batterson Mansion at Hartford 39-

Insurance, Origin and Development of Connecticut. (Illustrated.)

Frederick .1. Belts. . 3

Tocelyn, Nathaniel: Portrait Painter. (Illustrated.) Ellen Strong Bartlett. . 589

Knight of the Seventeenth Century, Brave. (Illustrated.) Lucy B. Sayles. . 334

Legends of jMachimoodus, The W. Harry' demons. . . . 451

Lights and Lamps of Early New England. (Illustrated.) C. A. Quincy Norton. 501

Literary Lawn. (Illustrated.) Florence Peltier Perry. . 45 Mattabeseck, Families, Some Old Middletown. (Illustrated.) . . . .

Margaret Ellen Jackson. . 473

Members of Connecticut Magazine Company, 649

Miniature Painting in Colonial Days. Harriet E. G. Whitmore. . 356, 542

Monetary Standard of Literary Values, Francis Trevelyan Miller. . 604

Nature Studies Under the Sea. Comma)ider Flenry H. Barroll. 560

Naugatuck River Near Waterbury. (Frontispiece.) . . . • . 118

Porter, John Addison. (Frontispiece.) 2

Porter, John Addison. Norris G. Osborne. ... 77

Porter, John Addison. President McKinley's Tribute. (Illustration.) . . 76

Quill of the Puritan. Editorial 403

Introductory of United States Senator Joseph R. Flawlcy, . 403

Honorable Mr. Pivot of Connecticut, by I'rancis Trevelyan Miller. . 403

Purity of Taste in Literature, by Charles Clark Miinn. . . . 406

Literary Appreciation of Mark Twain, by William Dean Hoivells. . 409

Attitude of Americans Toward the Unenlightened, hyjoel Eno, M.A. . 413

Historical Service of John Fiske, by Albert Bushnell Hart. 611

CONTENTS OF VOLUME VII

Reorganization and Incorporation Announcement. Business Manager.

Struggle for Liberty, The. General George H. Ford.

Sherman Roger, A Connecticut ^Tan — A Maker of a Nation. (Illustrated.)

R. Eston Phyfe. Surnames, The Origin and Development of. Lucy B. Sayles.

Strength in Eccentric Character, The. Charles Clark Munn.

Taverns, Historic. Of New England. (Illustrated.) Thomas Morgan Prentice Tendency of ^^odcrn Education. President George Williamson Smith.

Traitor's Daughter, A. (Illustrated.) Harold E. Crofts.

Waterbury, Its Prominent Interests and People. (Illustrated.)

Florence West

Waterbury, Sketch of Early. (Illustrated.) U. G. Church.

Webster, Noah. (Illustrated.) Wilbur Webster Judd.

When a Nation Grows Great and Forgets .(Illustration.) W. H. H. Murray Yale College in Old Saybrook. (Illustrated.) Samuel Hart, M.A., D.D.

POETRY. Before the Storm. A Poem Reprinted. Bobolink, The Connecticut. Dusk and Dawn. East Rock.

Fair Maids of Long Ago. Harbor Lights, The. Immutability. Meadow Fancy, A. Meriden, Peak, An Ode to. (Illustrated.) D

Adah Louise Sutton.

Burton L. Collins.

H. N.

Edith Gray Pope.

Zephine Humphrey.

Mabel Ward Cameron.

Horace Jezvell Fenton.

Frank Burnham Bagley.

Richard Burton.

Frederick H. Williams.

Monarch Supreme in Nature's Glorious Realms. (Illustrated.)

Henry T. Blake. Old New England Honie, The. John Howard, M. D.

Old Mill at New London, The. Cecelia Griswold.

Old Stone Chimney, The. (Illustrated.) Mary E. Averill.

Poet's Return to Ilom^ of Her Childhood, A. Anna J. Grannis.

Sparrow Song, The

Sonnet,

Sleep, Ode to.

Song to the Daisy, A

Song of the River, The. (Illustrated.)

Tragedy of Nature, A.

Twilight.

I'nder the Greenwood Tree. (Illustrated.)

White River Oaks.

When Youth Is Done.

William Hamilton Gibson, A Poem Reprinted

Wind Flower, The.

DEPARTriENTS

.'\rt Notes.

Book Notes and Literary Criticisms,

i-lditorial Notes.

Herbert Randall.

Edmund Clarence Stcdman.

Fragment from John Trumbull.

Dr. Frederick H. Williams.

Joe Cone.

FT. Arthur Poivell.

Elizabeth Curtis Brenton.

M. T. Maltby.

L. Lavinia Verrill.

Elizabeth Curtis Brenton.

Rossiter Johnson.

Agnes E. Blanchard.

417 549

234 531

537 459 607

273

133 119 150 483 266

363 369 84 131 149

74 408

•233 370 249

523 365 541 169 328

44 617 472 610 563

80 SCO 194 536 405 355 166

flerbert Randall. . 362, 602 206, 366, 369, 625 107, 204, 403 85

IHoriculture Rev. Magee Pratt.

Historical Notes Conducted by Mabel Ward Cameron.

Home, The Art of Right Living. (■..iiductod by Rev. Magee Pratt.

Insurance Companies. ......

Patriotic Societies. Conducted by Mabel ]\'ard Cameron.

Publishers' Notes.

Studies in Ancestry — Departmtiu by Edwin Stanley Welles, 99, 185, 396, 618. ing of genealogical research and establishing family records. HISTORH^S OF TOWNS. Waterbury i,?.?. 119 Wethersfield 213. Danbury 421, 627

105, 200 209 109

93, 195 108, 210 Consist-

QENEALOOICAL INDEX

AndrowH, John 398 Hiinnii 398 Al)rah:im 398 Dunlpl 398 Jo«eph 398 Uel)Ote!i 398

John Jr. 398 Mary 308 Stophen 398 Renjaniin 398 Francis 39S Thom.is 398 Jpremlah 398

Hester 39S

Ruth 398

Aima 398

Herbert C. 397 Barlow, Thomas 619

Joseph 621 Barnes, Thomas 398

Beach, Benajah 186 Berkley, Joseph 188 Belden, Anna (Buck) 186 Bell, Ruth 620 Bishop, Stephen, 187

Esther (Meigs) 187 Bissell, Zebulon 188

Zebulon Jr. 188 Bostwick, Nathan 188, 621

Mrs. 621

John 188, 621

Abigail 621 Bosworth, Jane 188 Botchford (or Botsford),

Mary 185, 620

Henry 620 Bronson, Oliver 186, 396

Charlotte 400

Isaac 396

Isaac Jr. 396

Abigail (King) 396

Hosea 396

Abigail 396

Beriah 396

Elijah 396

Martha 396

Lydia 396

Simeon 396

Josiah 396 Brown, Isabel 624 Buck, Samuel 186

Hannah (Wright) 186

Amos 186

Ezekiel 398 Buell, William 400

Mary 400 Bulkeley, Dorthy 622

Greshom 622

Peter 622

Lois 622 Burnham, Appleton 100 Burwell, Mary 99 Bushnell, Temperance 188

Stephen 188

William 188

Catherine (Jordan) 188

Abraham 188 Camp, Catherine 622

Edward 622

Mary 622

Eleazar 185, 620 Candee, Daniel 622 Canfield, Jemima 188, 621

Jeremiah 621

Jeremiah 2d 621

Thomas 621 Carpenter, Jason 187, 620 Case, Job 623 Cass, Moses 100

Mary 100 Caswell, Josiah 621 Chaplin, Benjamin 186

Sarah 186 Chetwood, Grace 622 Clough, Simeon De Witt 399

Marie Louise (Hyatt) 399 Cogswell, Elizabeth 188 Coleman, Frances 620

Thomas 620

Sarah 620 CoUicut, Mr. 399 Combs, Elizabeth 619

John 619

Converse, Jesse 624 Cooke, Jacob 622

Naomi 398

Perez 398 Crampton, John 398

Hannah 398 Crowe, Elizabeth 185. 618,

John 185, 618, 619 Curtis John 624 Davenport, Martha 399 Davis, Experience 188, 621

Samuel 188, 621 Deming, John 100

Waitstill 100 Ellsworth, Samuel 623 Ensign, Molly 188 Fargo, Amy 186

Robert 186 Farrar, John 399

Joseph 399

Margaret 399 Ferris, James 188 Foster, Sarah 623 Fox, Ansel 100 French, Elizabeth 624 Galpin, Philip 624 Gilbert, Jonathan 620 Golding, Mary 399 Goodrich, William 187

Ephraim 187 Goodsell, Abigail 399

Thomas 399 Goodwin, William 618

Elizabeth 618, 619 Grant, Joseph 618, 619

Tahan 618

Matthew 618

Mary (Warren) 618 Griswold, Francis 187, 188

Edward 188

Theophilus 622

Daniel 622

Elizabeth 622 Hale, Timothy 397

Timothy Jr. 397

Sarah (Frary) 397

Hannah 397 Hall, Elisha 624

James 187, 398

John 187, 624

Medad 624

Mehitable 187

William 187, 398

William Jr. 398

Easter 398

Isaac 398

Hester 398 Hamlin, James 399

Anne 399

Mary 399 ■ Hannah 399

Sarah 399 Harrington, Mary 399, 400

Sara 399, 400

John 399, 400

Charles 400

Lydia 400

James Sr. 400

James 400

William 400

Isaac 400

Elizabeth 400 Haskins, Mary 100

Hayward, John 619 Hillyer, Joanna 623 Hogan, William 399 Holliday, (Halliday) Amy 623

Walter 623 Holmes, Katharine 187 619 William 187 Holt, Joseph 624 Howkins, Anthony 624

Mary 624 Hunter, Catharine 623 Hurlbut, Rachel 620 Hutchins, John 100 Hyatt, Experience 99

Mary 99

Thomas 99, 621

John 99, 399

Ebenezer 399

Elizabeth 399

Thomas 399

Mary (St. John) 399

Margaret (Wallace) 399

Hezekiah 399

Deborah (Crosby) 399 Ingraham, Betsey 187, 620

Jeremiah 620

Henry 620

Benjamin 187, 620

Jarrett 620 Jeffrey, Isaac 398

Thomas 398

Catharine 398 Johnson, Eunice 188, 397

Ebenezer 188, 397

Elizabeth 397

Elizabeth (Wooster)

188, 397

Shadrack 398

Hannah (Hawkins) 397

Jeremiah 397 Jones, Pomeroy ISS Joyce, William 187

John 187

Sarah 187

Eunice (Bishop) 187 Judd, Thomas 623

Anthony 623, 624 Judson, Jeremiah 186

John 624

Ann 186

Robert 186 Kimball, Mary Anne (Clough)

399 King, Mary 624

Asher 624

Dorothy 624

Rebecca 624

Archid 624

Silence 624

Clarissa 624 Kinne, Abigail 621 Lamb, Content 187 Lendall, Samuel 619 Lester, Norman 186

Isaac 186 Lewis, Mary 623 Linus, Anar 186

Robert 186

Preelove 186

Lois 186 Lobdell, John 99, 185

Simon 99, 188

Elizabeth 99

Joshua 99, 185

Anna 99

Persis 99, 188

Eunice 100

Mary 185 Long, Zechariah 623 Loomis, Margaret 622 Lord, Abigail (Warren)

Mehitable 186 Turner, Thomas 186

Ranney, Thomas 187 Patience (Bolles) 186

Mary 187. Records of the John 186 First Church in Wethers- Samuel 186

Richard 619

Eliphalet 621 Lusk, Hannah 100 Manley, Sylvester 399 Marsh, John 185$ Mason, Edward 398

Mary 398 Matson, Joshua 623 Merrils, Sarah 186 Mills, Joseph 623

Joan 400

Simon 400, 623, 624

Roger 623

John 623, 624

Benono 623

Daniel 623

Sarah (Pettibone) 623

Mary (Buel) 624 Mix, Rev. Stephen. Diary of

field (1694-1735).

Stephen Mix Reed, Sarah 398 Richards, Obadiah 398 185, 620Roberts, William 188

Rose,. 624

Royce, Family of 188

Thankful 188

Samuel 188 Rusco, (Roscoe) William 188,

Mary 188, 620 Russell, John 100

Philip 100 St. John, Mary 99. 399

Matthew 399

Matthew, Jr. 399 Savage, Thomas 187

Rachel 187

John 187 Seaman, Benjamin 399 Sherwood, Elizabeth 99,

Daniel 185

Jerusha 185

the First Church Records Ruth 185

of Wethersfield, Conn.,Shipman, Samuel Jr.

(1694-1735) 100, 101, 102,Smith, Abigail 188

623

103, 104, 105, 189, 190, 191,

192, 193, 400, 401, 402 Moore, Benjamin 623

Nahum 188

Amos 1S8

Katherine (White) 189 Morton, Diodate 100

Zebulon 100

Isaac 100

Russell 100 Moss, Jesse 621

Benjamin 621

Isaac 621

Martha 188 Moultoi), Mary 624 Nettleton, Josiah 186 V'M-ton, Solomon 187

Deborah (Smith) 187

Thankful 187

Prince 187

Love 187

Nicholas 187

Benjamin 187

Joseph 187

Isaac 187 I .iiish. Lydia 187, 188

John 187, 188

Mary 188 I'armelee, Nathaniel 396

I':sther 396 Peck, Samuel F. 186

Deboriih 1S6 Pettibone, Sarah 624 Phelps, Oliver 399 Piatt, Elizabeth 186

Nathan 186 Porter, Sarah 398 I'ratt, Jedediah 1S6

Anna ISfi Pride, Absalom ISS Purdy, Sarah 400 I'utiiam, Israel 186

624

Elizabeth

Eldad 188

Samuel 187

Katherine (Holmes) 187

Elizabeth (Pomeroy) 100

Mary 398

Windsor 398, 399

Julius 397

Dorothy 397

Chileab 399

Sarah 398

Horace 100

Solomon 100

Solomon, Jr. 100

John 100

Dency 100 Stancliffe, James 623

Sarah 623 Stanley, Caleb 623

Timothy 623 Stewart, Phoebe 188

Robert 188

Bertha (Rumble) 1 Strong, Adino 397

Return 397

Eunice 397 Sturgess, Daniel 398

James 398 Swoot, Elizabeth 620 Swift, Martha 399 Takott, Elizabeth 622 Thomas, Joshua 619 Tozer, Samuel 397

Lodemia 397

Thomas 397

Richard. 397 Tracy, Christopher 187

Jonathan 398

Thomas 398 Treat, Richard Jr. 620 Tucker, Hannah 398

SeeTuttle, Noah 188 Tyler, Daniel 186

Daniel P. 186

William P. 186 Van Alstyne, Abraham L. 399

Leonard 399

Elizabeth (Goes) 399

Elizabeth 399

Isaac 399

Jane 399 620 Mariette 399

Caroline 399

Peter 399 Van Valkenburg, Jachem 400

William 400

Rachel 400

John 400

Isaac 400 Von Boskirk, Family of

100, 186 Wallace, James 99 185 John 99

Margaret 99

Mary 99 Warner, John 622 Warren, Elizabeth

185, 618, 619

William 185, 618, 619, 620

John 186, 618, 619

Mary 618, 619

Thomas 619

Abraham 619, 620

Nathan 619

Abigail 619 Watkins, Sarah 188 Webster, Sarah 188 Weld, Joseph 624

Barbara 624 Wells, Hugh 187, 188, 620

Francis 188, 620

Thomas 186, 187, 188, 620

Mary 620

John 620

Sarah 620

Oliver 186

Roswell 186 Wheadon, Jehiel 187

Rebecca 187

Mary 187 Whipple, Zach 186

Bathsheba 186

Samuel 398

Thomas 398 Wilcox, Amos 623

Joanna 623 WUkes, John 397

Lydia 397 Williams, William P. 186 Wilmot, Lydia 622 Wilson, Phineas 185, 619

Deborah 619 Winch, Deborah 399 Wolcott, Ann 186

Mary 100 Wood, Mehitable 398 Woodbridge, Abigail W. L.

618, 619

Timothy 619 Woodward, Samuel 398

I

9

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I

STATEMENT

Tra^velers

Insur&.nce Company

OF HARTFORD, CONN.

ChMiered 1863.

Stock. Life. Accident and Employers

Liability Insurance.

JAMES G. BATTERSON. President.

PAID-UP CAPITAL

$1,000,000

I

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0

I

JANUARY I. 1901.

Totewl Assets. (^'t^lJ^^y:^^: '') S30.86i.030.06

Total Liabilities including Reserves

Excess Security to Policy-holders, . Surplus, .......

Paid to Policy-holders since 1864, .

Paid to Policy-holders in 1900,

Loaned to Policy-holders on Policies (Life)

Life Insurance in Force, . . . 109,019,851.00

GAINS FOR THE YEAR 1900.

In Assets, ......

In Insurance in Force Lii^ Department Only),

Increase in Reserves Both Departments 1, 3i"., basis.

Premiums Collected, ....

26.317,903.25 4.543,126.81 3,543,126.81

42.643.384.92

2,908,464.03 1.586,652.20

$3,167,819.96 8,685,297.06 2,484,392.52 6,890,888.55

Sylvester C. Dunhe».m. ViLe-Presideiit

John E. Morrii, Seerottvry J. B. Lewis, M. D., Medic&l Director 2knd Adjuster

Edward V. Preston, Superintendent of Agencies Hiram J. Messenger. Actuary

FRED R. LOYDON. Sta.te Agent. Hartford. Conn.

.', //,>

Vol. Vlir* "l^tarch-Aprll, 1901.

[ copy 3. j

THE

CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE

ILLUSTRATED ARTICLES

THE ORIGIN AND DEVELOP- MENT OF CONNECTICUT INSURANCE

LITERARY LAWN

BENEDICT ARNOLD

BIOGRAPHIES OF THE GOVERNORS OF CONNECTICUT

PRESIDENT McKINLEY'S

TRIBUTE TO TOHN ADDISON PORTER

NORRIS G. OSBORN'S SKETCH OF JOHN ADDISON PORTER

AM ILLUSTRATED BI-A\()N'rHLY Published in the INTEREST oE the People oEthe State oE CONNECTICUi: A Popular Hist o.i..il An,.nxine

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JOHN ADDISON PORTKR.

The Connecticut Magazine.

Vol. 7. March-April, 1901

No. I,

%

i^

THE ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF CONNECTICUT

INSURANCE.

BY FREDERICK AUGUSTUS BETTS.

HE instirauce business in the State of Connecticut, reach- l^ing back a little more than a century, has proved a suc- cessful enterprise. This is demonstrated by the tenacity with which it is pursued. Regarded usually as an un- substantial investment, underwriting in this State has been marked with more than the average success that has attended these investments in the United States.

Companies have come and gone, but the business today was never more prosper- ous. The constancy with which under- writing has been followed in Connecti- cut proves that it is paying. But the more than usual success rewarding their

great enterprises would not have been pos- sible but for the good fortune of the companies in securing men of keen in- sight, good business ability, and thorough- going honesty as managers. It is indis- putably true that these qualifications have been the prime factors in promoting the success of under-\\Titing in Connecticut.

About one hundred and thirty separate iusititutions engaged in underwriting have been chai'tered by the General As- sembly since the biisiness first started. There are a few scattered mutual fire companies, but outside of these, the busi- ness of insurance in Connecticut is now almost confined to the city of Hartford. The investors in that city have sustained many severe losses ; but it has served to

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

give the experience so much needed in un- de^^^Titing, and this intelligence has paA'ed the w&j to success in ventures tliat fol- lowed. Scrupulous integrity- in dealing with the public has promoted assurance in these companies, and, in turn, In- creased their business. Merit alone has been the moving spirit in the promotion of the managers to their present high po- sitions in the direction of these great in- stitutions.

In I'.tOl the life insurance companies had assets of sfJlTl, 865,482.89 and insurance in force of $1,05)1, 58'.), 005. The assets of the fire companies w^ere $43,915,497.68 and the in- surance in force $2,954; 797, 176. This is in- deed a wonderful growth from the very small beginnings of a little more than a century ago.

FR(3M SMALL BEGINNINGS. When the insurance business started in Connecticut, over one hundred years ago, the ventures were humble. The country was poor. It was just after the Revolution. Fortunes had been swept away and the people had little money to invest in insurance companies. There were but small exportatirJns and this coimtry sent s]iecie to buy goods abroad, consequentlj' there was little money.

In those Q?ir\j days there was little man- ufacturing in the State, the chief indus- try being the tilling of the soil. The chief exports of goods were to the West Indies. Two banks were at last established : the Hartford Bank and the Union Bank of New London. This was in 1792. The aid which thc^se banks gave led to the estalilishing of other banks. THE FIRST INSURANCE COMPANY. This banking business, which was start- ed in a small way, was the precursor of the insurance business. After tlie banks were estalilishcd it became apparent that thtire was need of insurance. The new bank es- tablished in Hartford was soon followed by the organization of the first insurance company in tlic State. This ccmipany was organized and carried on for years by the same men.

From sonie statistics of the first com- pany and other valualilc (hita, we are in- debted to P. Henry Woodward. In his

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CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

5

book, "Insurance in ConnectieiTt, " he has given some very interesting informa- tion. It is probably the best work ever ^vritten in reference to the insurance in- terests of Connecticut.

Ah office was opened by Sanford & Wadsworth, early in 1794, for the pur- pose of insuring houses, fiirniture, mer- chandise, etc. The house of Mr. Inilay was insTired in Policy No. 3, and this was the beginning of insurance iu Connecti- cut. The house was insured for one year. This policy is now historical. It was in- deed a notable event when this agree- ment was executed ; for it was the fore- runner of that which was to become an immense business in the State.

The policy referred to was executed by Sanford & Wadsworth, "for the Hart- ford Fire Insurance Company. ' ' But there was at that time no such chartered in- stitution. On July 27, 1795, Jeremiah Wadsworth, John Caldwell, Sanford & Wadsworth, Elias Shipman, and John Morgan formed a copartnership "for the purpose of underwriting on vessels, stock, merchandise, etc., by the firm of The Hartford and New Haven Insurance Com- pany. ' ' This is undoubtedly the partner- ship of the year before enlarged by the addition of Elias Shipman of New Haven, who was made agent at that city. John Caldwell was appointed agent for Hart- ford. Later Mr. Shipman withdrew, estab- lished The New Haven Insurance Company in 1797, which continued iu business until 1833. These men undoubtedly made up the partnershij) of 1794, known as The Hartford Fire Insurance Company. When Elias Shipman was admitted iu July, 1795, the name was changed to The Hartford and New Haven Insurance Company, the word "fire" being design- edly omitted as exchiding marine risks. With the dissolution of the partnershii) of Sanford & Wadsworth in 1798, the Hartford and New Haven Insurance Com- pany passed away.

There was a great deal of red tape nec- essary in the early years of the business. Policies bore from ten to fifteen signa- tures and it was difficult to always get those signatures. The distribution of premiums, after a prosperous voyage, re-

quired an interview with each subscriber. It was suggested that much of this labor could be saved by a pooling of issues, and in (X^tober, 1803, a charter was procured for the Hartford Insurance Company. Its business was wholly marine, and in the early policies it was called The Hartford Marine Insurance Company. The capital was 180,000 with the privilege to increase to 1150,000. John Caldwell was elected president and Norman Knox secretary. Its office was on Pearl street, Hartford. In May, 1825, the stockholders were in- corporated as The Protection Insurance Company. John Caldwell remained pres- ident until the company was merged in its successor. In addition to the Hart- ford and New Haven companies, the Nor- wich Marine and the Middletowu Insur- ance Companies were chartered in 1803, and the Union of New London in 1805. By the several acts of incorporation the business of fire was confined wholly to to marine insurance.

A NORWICH COMPANY.

In May, 1795, the association was incor- porated under the name of The Mutual Assurance Company of the City of Nor- wich, on the basis of the "deed of settle- ment." The company issued policies only from the home office and through its agency in New London. At the an- nual meeting in 1814, the auditors re- jiorted that not only was the guaranty cap- ital of 2,000 pounds fully paid up, but after appropriating |1,054.27 to pay return premiums, a balance of $450.93 still re- mained in the treasury, .subject to the order of the directors. The company is still in existence. In general the busi- ness has been prosperous. Policy No. 1 is still in force on the house of the late Benjamin Huntington. The secretary has always been the executive officer. For many years he received an anniial salary of $(iO and it now does not exceed |200. Zachariah Huntington was chosen sec- retary in 1794 and Asa Backus, the present incumbent, in 187().

The Norwich Marine In.surancc; Com- pany was chartered in 1803. In 1818 its name was changed to The Norwich Fire Insurance Company. In 1864 the

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

capital was $300, 000. Its losses in the Chicago fire of October, 1871, so largely ex- ceeded its assets that no attempt was made to continue its existence. HARTFORD FIRE INSURANCE CO. The Hartford Fire Insurance Com-

The bank stock was at a premium and the sum of $16,640 was placed to the credit of the company, the excess over $15,000 hav- ing been borrowed. The company now holds five hundred and fifty-six shares of the bank stock, representing a cost of $63,

N. TERRY,

Presiilent 1810-35.

pany was incorporated in 1810. Since the Chicago fire of 1871, it has ranked as the oldest stock insur- ance company in the State of Connecticut. The cap- ital was placed at $150,000 with the privilege of en- largement to $250,000.

The subscribers met on the 27th of June at the inn of Amos Ransom and organized. General Na- thaniel Terry was chosen president and Walter

T. <;. AI,LVN.

H. HUNTINGTON, I'rosideiit 1849-64.

E. TERRY, President 183.5-49.

962.75 — considerably less than one-fifth of the divi- dends received from it.

Policy No. 1 of the Hartford covered a build- er's risk of $4,000 for three months at twelve and one-half cents. With- in a few weeks from birth the company was taking single risks thirty-three per oent. in excess of its entire cash assets.

In 1821 it entered up- on a much more vigorous

W. MITCHELL, Fir.st Secretary.

Mitchell secretary. The sum of $15,000 was received for stock and this was in- vested in the stock of the Hartford Bank.

policy and appointed several additional agents. The Chicago fire of 1871 destroyed proji-

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

erty valued at |150, 000,000, and while the embers were still hot it was known at the home office that the loss- es of the Hartford would reach nearly $2,000,000. To an ap- peal for help the Hartford Bank re- plied that it would aid to the full ex- tent of its resour- ces. The Connecti- cut Mutual Life also loaaed the company half a million. The Hartford settled every loss in full, paying out $1,968, 225. The capital was reduced to $500,000 by fresh subscrip- tions.

Out of the profits a stock dividend of twenty -five per cent was declared in

HARTFORD FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY'S BUILDING

1877, raising the capital to $1,250,000. At that point i t has still re- mained. O n the first of January, 1901, the gross as- sets of this company were {. $10,920,374 9:5, r^ and the net ^ surplus,$3,548, 179.81.

Na t h a n i e 1 Terry was president un- til 1835, when E. Terry was elected presi - dent and serv-

M AIN (i| I Ki: H AK'lliiltD FlUE INSURANCE COMPANY.

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

Royce is the secretary, Thomas Tiiru- Tmll aud Charles E. Chase, assistant sec- retaries.

THE .ETNA INSURANCE COMPANY.

The .■Etna Insurance Company was in- corporated in May, 1819, with a capital of floO, 000 with the privilege of increas- ing it'to .1500,000. The manner the com- l)any was formed is told as follows :

Walter Mitchell, first secretary of the

(iEO. L. CHASE. President.

ed until lS4il. H. Huntington was then elected and held the office until 1864, when T. C. Allyn became the president and continued in that position until 1867, when George L. Chase was elected and has served ever since. During the past thirty-three years Mr. Chase has worked early and late, and the reputation of th(» Hart- ford Fire today in the United States is largely <lue to his efforts. P. C.

V. C. KOYCE, Secretary Hartford Fire.

Hartford Fire, lived in Wethersfield, and in the early days every resident desiring a policy had to seek him, and at hours to suit his convenience. He had a way of closing his office at three or four o'clock in the afternoon, and on Saturday much earlier. According to n\r- rent tradition, merchants

('HAS. K. CHASE, AsslHtnnt Swrotiiry Hartfonl I'ii

THOS. TUKNBCJLL, Assistant Secretary Hartford Fir

often inconvenienced by the daily habits of Mr. Mitchell, resolved to flank his po- sition by forming a new company, and hence originated the conception of the .Etna.

Subscribers were reqiiired to pay for their stock within thirtj' days after the first meeting of the corporation five per cent., witliin sixty days five per cent, more, and the remaining ninetj^ per cent, either in mortgages on real estate or endorsed ])romissory notes, approved by tlie pres- ident and directors, and payable thirty (lavs after d(>mand.

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

Ill the great New York fire of 1845, whifh swept $R,0()0, 000 df propert}^ from the Imsiness center of the Metropolis, the Aetna lost |115,000. When the ii e w s reached Hartford, Mr. Brace called to- gether the directors and told them that the calamit}' -wonld prohably exhaust the entire resources of the company. Going to the fire-proof safe he took out and laid

THOS. K. BRACE,

Prpsident 1819-1857.

on the table the stocks and bonds rep- resenting its invest- ments. Little was said, each member waiting for some one else to ^take the ini- tiative. At length the silence was brok- en by the question :

"Mr. Brace, what will you do?"

"Do?" replied he, "Go to New York and pay the losses if it takes everj" dollar there, ' ' pointing to the package, "and

LUCIUS J. HENDEE, President 1866-88.

•I()'rHA:\f GOODNOW, I'rosiilfiit 1888-92.

lO

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

my own fortune besides."

"(rood, fjood," responded the others. "We will stand by yon with onr fortunes also. ' '

Such an increase of premium reci'ii)ts followed that in tw^elve months the Aetna was as strong? in cash as before.

Thomas K. Brace Avas its president. isl'.t-isr)7 ; Edwin (t. Ripley, lSr)7-lS()-2 ; Tliomas A. Alexander, ISKV^-IKHO ; Lucius J. Hendee, ISfHi-lSSS ; and .Totliani (too(1- now, 1SSS-ISJ»2.

By the ('hicaf,'o fire of ls71. the Aetna h).st f;5,7H2,(K)0. To meet the impairment the capital was reduced one-half and im- mediately refilled by ca.sh payments ot *I,r)(M),(KM). Tliirteen months afterwiiid the Boston fire absorbed !3;l,():?."),0()7 more, and th(^ inroad was made j,'ood by a fur- ther contribution of $1. ()()(). (HH) from tlie sliareliolders. makinfi $t.',.")()(i, ()()() furnished l)y them in a year to maintain tlie tech- nical solvency of the company.

On January 1, l'.»01, the assets were $i:5, 28(5, 40."). (U, and net surplus, $5, 157, (il"). 07.

Wlll'.lilC THI". .KTN.X STAHTKIi I.I >l\

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

1 1

E. O. WEEKS, Vice President.

W. H. KING, Secretary.

In 1892 William B. Clark was elected pres- ident and the conipany has continued under his able management with that progressive spirit, which, from the start, characterized it. The other officers are E.O. Weeks, vice-pres- ident; H. H. King, secretary, and A. C. Adams and Henry E. Rees, assistant secre- taries.

THE CONNECTICUT FIRE INS. CO.

This institution was organized in Jime, 1S50, with a capital of 1200,000, of which ten per cent, was paid in cash and ninety per cent, in stock notes. Benjamin W. Greene was elected president and John B. Eldredge was appointed secre- tary. In October, 1865, Mr. Greene resigned

WM.'B. CLARK, President .9itna Fire.

A. C. ADAMS, Assistant Secretary ^tna Flr<

ilXRY E. REES, Assistant Secretary -l£tna

12

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

ami Mr. Eldredge was elected pre.sideut. presidency, October 11, 1880, to take the

After the Chicago fire the Couuecticut general mauagemeut for the United States

reorganized with a fully paid capital of of The Lion Fire and Scottish Union and

IF

BKNJAMIN \V. (JHF.ENE, President 1K5(M).).

JOHN B. f:LDKn)GE, President IHdo-Til

MAKTIN BENNETT, President lh73-^0.

$;")0(),000. A year later the Boston con- National Insurance Companies. Mr flagration called for |i;i2,580, but within Brewster also resigned the same day. On a few weeks the ])reniiuni income more the KUh of October J. D Browne was

I 111. CONNECTK IT EIKE IXSURAXCE CO^rPANVS BflEDlNG.

than rt'paid tlic loss. elected president.

After twenty years of continuous and Since the date of reorganization in 1871,

faitliful service Mr. I'.ciiiMtt resigned the the history of the Connecticut is the record

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

VAULT OF (•(»NM:(:ri( IT ITKE IXSLKANCE COMPANY.

of uuiuterrnptecl progi-ess, which, though bare of draniatic iucideuts, is of a kind to bring couteutmeut to patrons and solid satisfaction to shareholders.

The capital stock is now $1,000,000. The

The home office of the company was completed in 1885, and is located on Pros- pect street.

Charles R. Burt, the secretary, has been connected with the company as an agent

.JOHN L). BltOWNE, ProsidPiit.

(HAS. It. uruT, Secretary.

L. W. CLAHK.

Assistant S(>cretnry.

company has been ably managed by Mr. Browne, and Jan. 1, 1901, had assets of $8,809,4.51.75, net surplus, |],0()S,8a9.71.

previous to 1865, which year he became clerk, and was elected secretary in 1873. L. Walter Clark is assistant secretary.

14

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

EXCHAXOK COKNF.U. HAKTFdKl*, SHoWlMi OFFICE FORMEELY OCCri'IFl) J'.V CONNECTICUT FIKE INSURANCE COMPANY.

fo-^oo'-^

,. ^/

^p

•HKi crrni mini mniK

vRfCfiprt. .,/•/;«. fipNIX^NS A'-'f HirtM, Gonii. by a ll^WJll. »«■

r*^ f M/>| of '^.i-/ £*^-/ (^'Kiy^c„^JJ ,', Jft

:^

.Vo/o:fSX l-mtfd al Ihe '

ff^t^jO

■ toss or danuiie urui^r I'uiuij Agency of tfui said Vompnnii,

Yv^-^

Jffavto* Wf <t«d r^l^lir*

Si:t!::f-^^ J>ti-^

KECKU'T FolJ LOSS— FIRST PAYMENT AFTER CHICAGO FIRE MAHF HV THE I'lKENlX INSURANCE COMPANY.

THE PHCENIX (FIRE) INS. CO.

In 1858 the late Henry Kellogg, bookkeeper of The Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company, select- ed the corporators of The Phumix (Fire) Insurance Company of Hartford, drew the charter and sa^v it safely through the Legislature. The capital was plac^ed at not less than |100,000 with the privilege of increase to any sum not exceeding 1300,000. Stock to the amount of $100,000 was sub- scribed at once. Before the adjournment of the first stockholders' meeting it was voted to increase the capital to $200,000.

In a room in the old IT n i o n H a 1 1 building

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

15

that stood on the present site of the Conuecticut Mu- tual's handsome structure, the Phoenix was organized. After several removals, be- cause of its rapidh" growing business, it was found nec- essary to erect an office- building ; and in November, 1873, the company moved into its new, ample quarters at (54: Pearl street.

In 1871 the Phoenix had accumulated over 11,900,000 of solid assets which ena- bled' it to pay in full its losses'at the disastrous Chi-

NATHAMKl

claim. Governor Jewell, not less promjjt to act than quick to see, lost no time in making known the pur- l)ose of the Comjiany. Mounted on a dry-goods box, with a smile in itself a benediction, he announced that the Phoenix would pay all losses in full and offered to draw his check on the spot for any claim ap- proved by H. M. Magill, general agent of the western department. Shortly Policy No. 10,753 for |10,000 was presented by Isaac C. Day,

SIMEON L. LOOMIS, President 1855-63.

HENllY KELLOGG, President 1863-91.

cago lire. At the request of President Kellogg, Marshall Jewell, a large stockholder and director, happening to be in Detroit at the time, hurried to Chicago to look after the interests of the company. On the morning of October 13th, Governor Jewell stood on the banks of the Chicago river, over- looking three thousand tlame-swept acres from which a mighty city had vanished. Aware that the Phd'uix had both the means and the will to meet everv

GEO. 11. iJUKDICK, Secretary 1888-96.

when, as director, Mr. Jew- ell drew on the company for the full amount, less inter- est for two months, the term allowed for payment.

Though the remarks of Governor Jewell contained no suggestion of cn-atorical display, no other speech ever delivered in the Lake City compressed into a few words so much cheer and helpfulness, or changed so quicklj' and effectively the temper of the peojile. The draft bears the date of Octo- ber 13, 1871.

i6

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

Immediately 77/'' Trihinic dropped from its window a placard, amiouucing that the Phoenix of Hartford had begun to pay its losses in full. As the news spread from one to another, the multitude cheered and cried and laughed by turns. From overbiirdeued hearts the vapors began to roll away — as even then clouds of smoke were drifting from the scene — and as if her baptismal name had been selected in anticipation of the event. Both company and city rose from the ashes stronger than before.

Nathaniel H. Morgan was president of the Phoenix from 1.S54 to IS.'w; Simeon

THE SECURITY INS. CO. The Security Insurance Company of New Haven, was chartered in 1841 as the Mutual Security, but two years later the mutual feature was abandoned. The capital was |50,000 and increased at dif- ferent times until 1875 when it was .|200, 000. This company fortunately escaped the Chicago and Boston fires.

From 1841 to 1872 the com- pany did mainly a marine business. After that time it reduced its marine business and increased the fire busi- ness.

The presidents have been : Joseph H. Clarke. Theron

L. Looniis, 1855-1803, and

Heiiry Kellogg IWUMW)!.

William B. Clark succeeded

Mr. Kellogg as secretary in

18C):5. In 18(i7 Mr. Clark

went to the iEtna and was

succeeded as secretary by D.

W. C. Skilton. Mr. Skilton

was elected vice-president

and acting-president in 1888. He has

had much to do with the success of the

National Board of Fire Underwriters of

wliich he was i)resideut for three years.

The Ph.niix on Jan. 1, 1901, had assets amounting to .f5,5S:5,4'.)1.25 and net surplus of .^1. 242, r)4'.». '.):{, and has i)aid in losses over $4(;,0{K),(HK). J. H. Mitchell is vice-president, Edward Milligan, secre- tarj', and John B. Knox, assistant secre- tary.

JOHN 15. KNOX. AsMistant Soerotarv

EDWARD MILLIGAN, Secretary.

Towner, Justus Harrison, William Lewis, Willis Bris- tol, John S. Griffing, and Charles Peterson. The pres- ent president is Charles S. Leete, and the present sec- retary and manager is Her- bert Mason, who has so suc- cessfiiUy managed this com- pany from 1871, that it has assets, Jan. 1, li)01, to theamountof 1968,985.81, and surplus of |l(i2,5(>(>.39. The capital stock is .f:{()0,00(). THE MERCHANTS' AND THE NA-

TR)NAL FIRE INSURANCE CO. The Merchants' Fire Insurance Com- pany was chartered in 1857 with a capi- tal of 1200,000 to $500,000 as suited the management. Such was the eagerness of the public to take a hand in the venture

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

17

that 5,51« shares, .$551, (iOO, were at ouce applied for, aud two days later the corporatiou sealed the subscriptions to $200,000. Mark Howard was elected president and E.Thom- as Lobdell, secretary.

In October, 1871, came the Chicago fire with losses of $1,075,643, or over five times the amount of its capital, and nearly a half million in excess of its entire assets. Aud thus a comjiany of stainless record and brilliant promise was forced out of existence.

An act had been passed in 1869 incorporating- The Na- tional Fire Insurance Compa- ny and it was now decided to continue the biisiness of the Merchants' through an en- tirely new company organized under this charter. At the first meeting of the stockhold- ers it was voted to increase the capital from $200,000 to $500,000. Mark Howard was elected president and James Nichols, secretarv.

.X'

1

BUILDING AND MAIN OFFICE OF THE PHOiXIX INSUHANCE CUMl'AN V.

i8

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

Durinm' the first eleven mouths of bu- siness the Na- t i o n a 1 i u- creased its assets to .f(i28, 000. Then fol- lowed the B o s t o 11 fire with losses of |;l(il,000. To 111 e e t the enie r g e u c y the capital was reduced to $350,000 and at once restored to the former figures. From that day on, its success and growth have been uninter- ru])t('d. Ill January, 1888, the National reinsured the Washington Fire and Ma- rine Insurance Company of Boston on all their business in the United States, ex- cei)t in Connecticut, New York, Pennsyl- vania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Mary-

MAliK lloWAHD. Pre.sulent 1871-87.

laud. Ill 1887 Mr. Nichols was elected president.

The company has a fine office-building on Pearl street.

By the persistent effort of its president and able assistants it has increased its bus- iness, and Jan. 1, 1901, it had assets of *4, 851, 789. 34, net surplus |1, 538, 879.71. B. R. Stillmau is secretary and R. A. Smith assistant secretary. The capital of the company is .f 1,000, 000.

THE CHICAGO FIRE. The great fire in the city of Chicago bore heavily upon the Connecticut insur- ance companies. Excepting alone those of Chicago, on no companies, in propor- tion to numbers, did the great disaster bear more heavily than upon those of our own State. Of the eleven Connecticut companies involved in Chicago, viz : the Aetna, Hartford, Phoenix, City, Charter Oak, Connecticut, Merchants', North American, Putnam, Norwich, and Fair- field County, only four, the first three and last one named, survived with the ability

- '.Ml FJ^W®'

■nil i a t

lUi: NAlh'NM, I lUi; l.\M KA.M'l. liLMTAWS l;l 1 1.bl N i..

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

19

:MA[N 01 I I' I N \ I lOXAL FIKE INSURANCE COMPANY.

to pay losses iu full. The aggregate Chi- fail to commend them to the coufideuce of

cago loss to these companies was a lit- the insuring public.

tie over eleven millions. The honorable ^^^ ^^^^^^

and bnsmess-like manner m which those

companies met the exactions of this Eight companies, the Aetna, Connecti-

emergency secured to each an enviable po- cut, Fairfield County, Hartford, Meriden,

sition in the insurance field that cannot National, Orient, and Phoenix, were in-

•1 A:\IKS NICHOLS, PrcsitU'iil.

li. li. STIIJ.MAN,

SecTClary.

H. .\. SMITH, Assistant Secretary.

20

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

volved in the great Boston fire in amounts ranging from $:30;000 to $1,623,600 and ag- gregating |;3,22-3,32(1. This loan was sub- sequently reduced by salvages to $2,990, 275. Although all of the companies were seriously attected by this reverse, none were crip])led to an extent requiring a siis- pension of business. The promptness

that had suffered so recently in Chicago, to meet this second severe strain, justly excited a reasonable State pride in the resources of those old and well-tried Con- necticut institutions.

OTHER COMPANIES. The Hartford County Mutual was in-

f^ ^

/•; f*^. _. ^*^

Mll>l)LKSi:.\ Ml'l'l AIj ASSrUANCK COMPANVS lUIl-UlNCi, Ml DDLF.TOW N.

with wliich all the Connecticut compan- ies involved ainiounc ed their readiness to pay losses in full and amply protect their policy-holders, at whatever sacri- fice, had no small ett'ect in restoring conficU'Jice and preventing a panic in the insurance world ; while this nuinifesta- tion of the ability of those companies,

corporated in May, 1831, for the puri)ose of insuring houses and other buildings in the countj' of Hartford. David Grant was elected president and Elisha Phelps secretary. In 1842 the losses mounted up to $3,269.14, and at the close of the fiscal year the directors were confronted with a small ileficit. Not till 1853 was the com-

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

21

pauy permitted to insure buildings witliin the city of Hartford. The coinpany takes ouly the safer class of risks, as dwellings and farm-buildings and their contents. The presidents have been : David Grant, 1831-1838; Daniel St. John, 1838-1844; Charles Shepard, 1846-1867 ; D. D. Ewing, 1867-1873; Jnliiis Catlin, 1873-1874; Walter H. Havens, 1874-1876; James B. Shnltas, 1876-1880; William E. Leyden, 1880. The secretaries 1 were : Elisha Phelps, one month in 1831 ; Charles Shep- ard, 1831-1844; R. A. Ewing, 1844-1853; D.D. Ewing, 1853-1867 ; William A. Ewing, 1867. The present oflficers are : William E. Sngden, president and treasurer ; James L. Howard, vice-president, and William A. Irving, secretary. On January 1, 1901, the company's assets were $710,000, and they had a surplus of $627,437.26.

THE MIDDLESEX MUTUL ASSUR- ANCE COMPANY.

Not the oldest, but the largest of the mu- tual insurance companies of the State, in business and assets, is The Middlesex Mutual Assurance Company of Middle- town. The presidents have been as fol-

M^CEXT COFFIN, President.

lows: Richard Hubbard, 18,36-18,39; Sam- uel Cooper, 1839-1854; William S. Camp, 1856-1866; William D. Willard, 1866- 1867; William R. Galpin, 1867-1879; Elijah Ackley, 1879-1883; John N. Camp, temporary ; O. Vincent Coffin, 1884. The secretaries have been : John L. Smith, 1836-1838; W^illiam Woodward, 1838-1849; Stephen Taylor, 1849-1856; William Woodward, 1856-1866; John W. Hoyt, 1866-1867; H. F. Boardman, 1867- 1882 ; C. W. Harris, 1882.

The company insures dwellings, prin- cipally, and the business is confined to Connecticut and Massachusetts. Under the administration of the president, ex- Governor Coffin, the business has in- creased, and in January 1, 1901, the sur- plus of the company was $645,821.96.

The New London County Mutual Tire Insurance Company was organized July 1, 1840, and has won a secure position.

Nearly forty mutual fire insurance com- panies from time to time have been char- tered by the General Assembly. Janu- ary 1, 1900, there were seventeen in ex- istence and they were incorporated as follows :

Mutual Assurance of Norwich, 1795 ; Windham County Mutual, 1826 ; Tolland County Mutual, 1.S2S ; Hartford County Mutual, 1831 ; Litchfield Mutual, 1833 ; Middlesex Mutual Assiirauce, 1836 ; New London County Mutual, 1840 ; Danbury Mutual, 1850 ; Farmers' Mutual, 1853 ; Farmington Valley Mutual, 1854; Madi- son Mutual, 1855 ; Greenwich Mutual, 1855 ; Harwinton Mutual, 1856 ; Washing- ton Mutual, 181)2 ; State Mutual, 1867 ; Rockville Mutual, 1868; and Patron's Mutual 1S8S.

In 1901, the fire insurance in force of seven stock comiianies was $2,860,913,302, and of twelve mutual comimuies, $93,883, 874. The assets of stock companies were $42,010,289.50, and of the mutual com- panies $1,905,208. is.

SCOTTISH UNION AND NATIONAL, AND LION FIRE INS. CO.

In 1880 The Scottish Union and Nation- al Insurance C<mipan5' of Edinburgh, and the Lion Fire of London, opened Ameri- can headciuartcrs in Hartford under the

22

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

JAMES H. BREWSTER, United States MannKer.

luaiiagcinent of the late Martin Bennett. The companies have done a large busi- ness in this country and have special char- ters granted by the Connecticut Legislat- ure, under which they have the right to operate at any time when the manage- ment mav desire.

James H. Brewster, the United States manager of these companies, has secured commodious quarters in the new building of The Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance C(jm})any, and will occupy them this sum- mer.

THE .5^TNA INDEMNITY COMPANY.

The JEtJia. Indemnity Company was char- tered in 1897 to do a fidelity, surety, and plate-glass business, with a caiital of $250,000. R. A. Griflfing, president, and E. S. Pegram, secretary.

The principal business of the company has been the furnishing of bonds.

On Jan. 1, 1901, F. T. Maxwell was elect- ed president ; Senator Maxwell resides in Rockville, and is a well-known business man representing the twenty-third Sena- torial district in the present Legislature.

Mr. Pegram has been the secretary since the company organization.

THE NATIONAL ASSURANCE COM- PANY OF IRELAND.

The United States branch of The Na- tional Assurance Company of Ireland was admitted to do business in this State, July, 1899. George E. Kendall is the United States manager, with headquarters at Hartford.

.MAIN ul 1 It I. .-,(,, Mi >ll 1 MciN \Mi N \ Th.N \|. AM) l,|(i\ Fl K I ; I N SI I; A N . K (■():\I1>AMES

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

23

THE ORIENT IN- SURANCE CO. In May, 18(J7, thf «harter of The Ori- ent Insurance Coni- l)auy, of Hartford, was granted by the Lejjislature of Con- necticut. The coni- l)any did not orj^anize until Nov. 2:5, 1S71. It was the lineal suc- cessor of The City Fire Insurance Coni- ])any, which was blotted out of exist- ence in the holocaust at Chicago. The cai)- ital was |2, 000. 000 with the i)rivilege of doing business on a uiininiuni of $500,000 In paying the losses a t Chicago there were enormous drafts upon the resources of Hartford and the corporators thought best to begin with half a million dollars and to increase as the growth of biisiness might demand .

The first officers were : Charles T. Web- ster, president ; Selden C. Preston, vice- president ; and George W. Lester, secre- tary. These gentlemen held similar i)()si- tions in the City Fire, whose niacin y sy.--

A. e.

MCILW Presid

AINE,

tern the Orient pro- ceeded to adopt.

The first policies were written Janu- ary 1, 1872, and a fine business was assured from the outset. The Boston fire came ten mouths later, which took $1(54,000 from the Orient. It was indeed a heavy blow to a small company at the beginning of its career, but the com- pany met every obli- gation by sight drafts — paying all losses in full.

The capital was now rediiced to $850, 000. Then in Janua- ry, 1875, an extra div- idend of $50,000 in cash was declared and sinniltaneously the treasury so as to to $400,000. The pro- in 187(5 and in 1877,

turned back into raise the capital cess was repeated when, out of earnings, the capital was was fully restored to its original figures. In 1881 the capital was raised by cash sub- scriptions to $1,000,000, and afterward re- duced to $500,000, the amount of the cap- ilal at ])reM'iit.

CHAS. li. wiirriNo Vico-Prt'siilciit.

.1 \.\ii;s uM'F.it. SiM-rctary.

)i(i\\ Ai;i> w . idoK. AssislMiit Sc<T('tai-y.

24

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

During the past year The Orient Fire Insur- ance Company has been purchased by Tlic London and Lancasli ire Fire Insniance Company of Liverpool. England. It was brought about by the resident manager in this \!Ountrj% Archi- bald G. Mclhvaine, Jr. The Norwalk Fire has been absorbed by the same company, having been merged with the Orient. The officers are : A. G. Mc- Ilwaine, Jr., president,

J. M. ALLEN,

President.

Charles B. Whiting, vice-president, James Wyper, secretary, and Howard W. Cook, as- sistant secretary. Jan- uary 1901, the assets were |2,:317, 844.40, and net surplus $644,041.36.

THE HARTFORD STEAM BOILER IN- SPECTION AND INSURANCE CO.

A charter was pro- cured in 1S66 incor- porating The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspec- tion and Insurance Company "for inspect-

I,. 1!. UK MMKD, Tl

L. I'. MllMiLKlUIOOK. Assistant S(>cn'tai-y.

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

5

GEO. E. KENDALL. T. S. Manager Natidiial Assurance (!(i. of Ii-olaiul.

in^ steam boilers and for insuring against loss or damage to property arising from explosion or other accident in the use of steam hoilers. ' ' The capital stock was to be not less than |200,000, and not more than 11,000,000. Enoch C. Roberts was elected president and H. H. Hayden, sec- retary.

At the outset the company was not suc- cessful in this new branch of insurance, and at one time it looked as if it must give up its business. On Sept. Ifi, 18(i7, J. M. Allen was elected president, and at a meeting in 18(i8 a vote of confidence was given to Mr Allen for the improved con- dition of the company.

In the early years of this (•()mi)any its progress was slow, but it has adhered to the simple theory that explosions under experienced engineers have been due to boiler defects, which can be discovered and remedied by frequent inspection. Acting on this theory, the company has been more successful in arresting these fearful catastrophies than all tlie experts in the country.

The company furnishes to the insured plans for specifications and setting of

boilers, not only saving a large expense in the beginning, ]iut assuring safety in the future

The true secret of the wonderful growth of this comi)any is due to its president. The management of few institutions has given better evidence of conservatism. Mr. Allen has always insisted on a high standard of examinations, which, to a large extent, has helped make the company so successful. The capital stock is $500,000. On Jan. 1, 1901, it had assets of 12,701,027.06 and net surplus of |r)21, 740.85, and during 1900 it made 284,805 inspections.

J. M. Allen is president, William B. Franklin, vice-president, Francis B. Allen, 2d vice-president, J. B. Pierce, secretary, L. B. Brainard, treasurer, and Louis F. Middlebrook, assistant secretary. THE CONNECTICUT MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.

Early in 1840 James L. Howard took thirty applications for policies in the Mu- tual Benefit in two months. Very quick-

h_i:tpi:PL^::pr ^

?n

SEtlUKITV IXSUKANCE COMPAXVS lU II.DIN'U NEW HAVEN.

26

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

MAIN AND PEAKL STREETS IN THE SIXTIES,

Showiii;; Site nX ilii' Pri'sriit Haiidsimii' HuildinRSOt The Conin'i-ticut Mutual Lifo ami PlKvnix (FinM In -uraiK-c ('Mtniiaiiirs, ami lli.' ..M Hoiu.' Olfu-r ..f The rii.piiix MnUial Lire Iiisuram-c ('. .in|iauy.

.1 \Mi:S OOODWIN. l'iv.-<iil. lit lH4H-(i(l; 180'.(-7H.

GUY R. PHELPS,

Ptvsidinit 18(ir.-(i<).

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

27

JACOB L. GREENE, President.

JOHN M. TAYLOR, Vice-Preslflent.

ly the familiar arguments iji favor of life iusiirance pene- trated the commnnity. A charter incorporating The Connecticut Mutual Life In- surance Company was drawn up and passed by the Gen- eral Assembly at the May ses- sion in 184(i. The corporators met at the Eagle Hotel, and on August 11, 1846, Eliphalet A. Bulkeley was chosen presi- dent, Guy R. Phelps, secre- tary, and David S. Dodge, phy- sician. A guaranty fund of $50,000 was raised. Isaac Toucey, afterward governor. United States senator, and secretary of the Navy, was ap- pointed first legal counsellor. Major James Goodwin, who was president of the com- pany for twenty-seven years, deserves a great deal of credit for the influence he exercised. Mr. Goodwin was a tower of strength and always had in mind that which would build up the company, make it .strong and substantial, and conserve the interests of tlic policy-holders. This company being one of the oldest in the United States, exerted a great

, ■ I M < t. 1 T'*

■l^^I 1 ri 'life

lIciMi: (il IK K Bl'lLDIXd OK THE CONNECTICUT MUTCAL LIFE INSUKAN(T. COMPANY.

28

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

HERBEUT U. WUITE, Secretary.

DANIEL H. WELLS, Actuary.

GEORGE R. SHEPHERD, Medical Director.

infiuenoe on all iusiiance interests by its con.'iorvative methods. Many who have oc- cupied positions of trust with this com- pany have identified themselves with other insurance companies, carrj'iug into them the principles which characterized the Mutual Life.

Major James Goodwin was president fron; 1848 to 1866 and from 1869 to 1878.

( ieneral Phelps was president from 1866

to 1869. He was born in Simsbury, Conn. . and was graduated from the Yale Medical School in 1825. During his long connec- tion with the Connecticut Mutual his ser- vices were of inestimable value to the company. Col. Jacob L. Greene was elected president in 1878, and has remained at the head of this great institution ever since. He has continued the conservative and sound management. Colonel Greene in

liiiiiiiy.

li a'H a I

CONNECTKTT MCTIAL \.\VT. lillLDINc; AS IT \l)\V Al'l'EAKS. Slinwliig the Mnfrnlll.-c.nl El;.'lit-S|..ry liiiildint: U.M-..ritly Ereclcl Adjoinini: llii^ ol.l BiiiN

lingr.

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

29

E. A. BULKELEV, Presiaent 1850-72.

T. (). ENDEliS. Secretary 1858-7-2. Presiilent 187'2-70.

A COKNEK IN THE .ETNA EIEE INSUKANCE COMI>ANY'S;;()EEI('E.

30

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

locking ahead and taking a step in ad- vance of all other ( I tnipanies, placed all policies issued after 1882 on a three per cent, ba sis.

Since 1870 the company has occu- pied the handsome offi c e - b 11 i 1 d i n g which it erected at the corner of Main and Pearl streets. A new office-build- ing, adjoining the old one on Pearl street, is in process of erection, and w hen completed will be one of the 11 n e s t insurance office-bfaldings in New England.

The company's assets Jan. 1, 1901, were $64,954,484.73. with net surplus of 17, 1X7,790. 03.

MOIWAN G. lUTLKELEY, (lent .Kliia Lite Iiisiiraiii-o Conipany.

.1. I,. KMil.lSIl, Scrri'lary,

C. K. till.HKUr, Assistant SOL-rotnry.

W. (,;. FAXON. Assistant Secretary.

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

31

John M. Taylor is vice-president and Herbert H. White is secretary.

THE .^TNA LIFE INSURANC^E CO.

In IKoO The ^Etna Fire Insurance Com- pany had its charter amended so as to grant insurance upon lives, and thirty years after the inception of the original plan in 1820, was organized The ^?^tna In- surance Company and Annuity Fund. In 1853, by another amendment of its char- ter, The ^Etna Life Insurance Company was organized. E. A. Biilkeley was cho- sen president and John Seymour, secre- tary. It began business up stairs in a small room on State street.

Mr. Bulkeley continued president until his death, February 13, 1872. Under his management the company continued to increase its biisiness, and in 1872 it had assets of over |] 7,000.000 and insurance in force of 1100,000,000.

Thomas O. Enders was elected president in 1872, and continued president until he resigned in 1879, when Morgan G. Bulk- eley was elected as his siiccessor, and has continued as such ever since.

In 1891 the company opened an acci- dent department which has been succes.sful from its beginning. President Bulkeley has given a great deal of his personal atten- tion to the investments of the company. This company was a pioneer in western loans and no company in the United States has been so favored, not only in the rate of interest but in the small amount of foreclosures. The capital stock is 11,750,000. January 1, 11)01, the assets were $55,901,47(5.50, and net surplus, 13,444,752.89.

Joel L. English is secretary, and Charles E. Gilbert, assistant secretary. W. C. Faxon is assistant secretary in charge of the accident department.

THE .ETNA LIFF. INSt'UANCE COMPANY'S HUILDING

32

CONNECTICUT IN SURA NCE.

W. H. BULKELEY,

Auditor.

H. W. StJOHN, Actuary.

G. W. RUSSELE, ^\. H. Medical Director.

THE CONNECTICUT GENERAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.

The Couneetiont Geueral Life lusiirauce Company was iucorporated in 1865, and began business by taking risks refused l)y other companies, or what is known as impaired lives. After two years the company aban- doned this and only wrote first - class risks.

The first presi- dent was John M. N i 1 6 s, w h o was elected Ju- ly 20, 18B5. A few weeks later, Edward A. Par- sons was elected to succeed Mr. Niles. In May, 1876, Thomas W. Russell was elected presi- dent, and Freder- ick V. Hudson, sec- retary. Mr. Rus- sell, who for thirty- five years has been an officer of this company, has seen it continue to pros-

per from its beginning in 1865, when it had $250,000 insurance in force. Jan., 1901, it had assets amounting to .|;i,7(i5, 824.33, and net surplus of |349,623.43.. The other officers are P. H. Woodwad, vice-president, R. W. Huntington, Jr., secretarj', and E. B. Peck, assis- tant secretary.

THE PHCENIX

MUTUAL LIFE

INSURANCE CO.

The Pha?uix Mu- tual Life Insur- ance Company was originally The American Temper- ance Life lui-ur- ance Company which secured a charter in 1N51. The capital was $100,000 with pow- er to increase to $200,000. B. Hud- son was chosen president. No poli- cies] were written on the lives of any persons using in- ■uiornrraiEiiv. toxicatiug hqnors.

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

33

1'. H. WOODWARD, Vii-o-Pres. Connecticut Gen. Life.

Beujamin E. Hale was elected president October 5, 1852, and Edson Fessen- den in February, 1853. In June, 1875, Aaron C. Good- man was elected president. The Phoenix went through not only years of depression after the panic of 1873, but in 1889 it looked as if the effort made to wreck the company by getting control of its stock, which was offered for sale, might be caried out. But by the united efforts of the stockhol d e r s and p o 1 i (• y- holders, by appealing to the Legislat- ure, an act was passed providing for the retire- ment of its capital. At a mooting of the l)()licy-holders it was voted to purchase the stock at a price to be approved by the Insurance

M'.KItT W. HUNTINGTON, JR., ■Tiiry Ciniuccticut General Lit

KDWAKD i;. I'F.t'K. Aws. Soc,Ci)nne<'ticnt General Lile.

Commissioner, and to make the company a purely mu- tual company, which it has been since that time.

The company was re- organized and Jonathan B Biinco was elected presi- dent, .Tohn M. Holcombe, vice-president, and Charles . ^H. T,,awTonce, secretary. ^Sinco tliat time the Phoe- y*^ nKS. Mutual, by the persis- ""X. VW tenf liud energetic methods V /Trf it's officei-s has been .suc-

JAMES A. ^TURNBULL, Actuary / „ , A , n - •

Connecticnt General Life. Sx^Ssful a^d UOW stands, in

the front rank of life insur- ance compan- ies. Its com- modious office btiilding on Pearl street, is one of the best o(|uipped in- stirance build- ings in this country.

The as sets on Jan. 1, 1901, were |13,357, 0 18.40. The ii(>t s ur pill s was, Jan. 1 , 1901, 1585,402.

JONATHAN B. BUNCE. 40.

President Plux-nix Mutual Life.

34

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

CHAl^LES H. LAWKEXCK, Secreteary PliOL'iilx Mutual Life.

THE TRAVELERS INSURANCE COMPANY.

The history of general accideut' business begins with the Travelers. It was char- tered in 1863. The capital was to be not less than |100,000 and not more than 1250,000. March 4. 1864, James G. Bat- terson was elected president, G. F. Davis, vice-president, and Rodney Dennis, sec- retary. The late Colonel James Bolter, afterward the president of the Hartford National Bank, met Mr. Battersou on the first part of March, 1864, in front of the post-office, and said :

"What will yon take to insure me for $5,000 if I get killed by accident in going from here to my house on Buckingham street?"

"Two cents," replied Mr. Batterson.

' Here is your money, "said Colonel Bolter.

This was the first a'-i-ident contract made in tlio United States, although a verbal one. A few days afterward, the late Ed- win S. Tyler of the firm of Hatch & Ty- ler, coal dealers, made a regular verbal contract for |5,000 insurance in case of death by accideut during a journey to

Washington, D. C, and return, for which he paid a premium of two dollars. This was the second premium received. The first written policy by the company was issued to Mr. Batterson for $5,000. The New York insurance superintendent, in his annual report of 1864, says : "To James G. Batterson, president of the Travelers Insurance Company of Hartford, the American public is indebted for the first practical introduction and establishment on a solid basis of the system of casu- alty insurance in this couutry. "

In 1866 the company established a life department.

In 1872 the company moved into the home it now occupies, and which has been remodeled so that it accommo- dates several hundred employees. This historic mansion was built in 1820 by

iHutual.

^

/.^

AMERICAN T.EMPERANCS LIFE INS. CO,

.i.ssiiranrc ou Ilic Life <if

Amount ^ ■

Dcilc.y./
Term of ^ ■ .
Annual Prrmiuin	5
F.rtrn r/o.	$
When due '
Policif	$	/.
	S
Rteislrr	rii;	r

AN EARLY TOLICY.

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

35

\i<'f-Presl(l('nt I'lKx^nix JIutual.

WM. A. MOOKK, AsslHtant Secretary Phoenix Mutual.

aiu;hibald a. welch,

Aftuary Phoenix Mutual.

A, •A:ldR" » Jk

i J:!'-"'''^

IHE I'Hil'.XIX MUTCAT, IJFK INSUKAXC K COMPANY'S BUILDING.

Henry L. Ellsworth, first commissioner of patents. Among those who had been occupants of this bxiildiug were Oliver Wolcott, secretary of the United States Treasury, under Washington, and gov- ernor of Connecticut ; Isaac Toucey, secretary of the Navy and governor of the State ; Roswell C. Smith, manu- facturer of school-books, and Professor Charles Davies.

S. C. Dunham is vice-pres- ident of the company, and John E. Morris is secretary. Tlie capital is $1,000,000. The assets Jan. 1, 1!)01, were «:50,sni,o;iO.O(i, net surplus, $:^, 543, 120.81. This includes the accident dejiartment.

THE HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.

In ]S()(; this company was chartered as The Hartford Ac- cident Company, to issue in- surance coiniectetj with the loss of life or personal injury through accidents of every description, also of issuing or- <linary insurance upon lives. T. J. Vail was elected ]ires- ident. The capital w^as $300,000

36

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE,

MAIN OFFICE PHCENIX MUTtTAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.

iioMK oii'ici: i;i ii.iHM. i>|- iiii; ikw i:i.i:i:s insikan* t. company as it aI'PEAUS today.

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

37

In 1867, the name of the comi)any was clianfjod t () T li o Hartford LilV and Accident Company, and in 1808 to Tlic Hartford Life and Annuity Company. In May, 1870, Warc- hani Griswold was elected president. In isso the company adopted the assess- ment plan, and con- tinued the same until February, 1899, do- ing business under what was called ' ' the Safety Fund plan." Ten dollars per |1,000 was required to be paid by the policy-holders ; until the fund reached $1,000,000, which was held by the Se- curity Company of Hartford as trustees for the policy-hold- g,j.^_ President

In 1894 the fund reached the limit of 11,000,000. In February, 1899, the com- pany discontinued issuing policies on the assessment plan, and went back to its original plan of issuing policies on the

.ta:\iks (I. i;AT-n;i!S()X,

Travelers Insurance Coniiiany.

old line basis.

For many years the company occupied the old Warburton mansion on Asylum street, but in 1897 erected a handsome four- story office-building for its use on the site

S. C. DXTNH.\M, Vice-President Travelers.

JOHN E. MORRIS, Secretary Travelers.

EDWARD V. PRESTON, Supt. of Agencies, Travelers.

38

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

THE TRAVELERS INSURANCE COMPANY'S BUILDINU AS IT FORMERLY APPEARED.

of its former office.

E. H. Crosby was pres- ident (Inriiif? 1870 - 18!Sv ; Frederick R. Foster, 188^- 1889; H. A. Whitnuiii, J.S89-

vice-president ; 'Charles H. Bacall, secretary ; Raymond G. Keeuey, assistant secre- tary. The assets Jan. 1, 1901,

.lAMKS L. ItDWARP.

Si'iiior nircci,,!- 'I'riivi'lci

III i; \\1 .1. M KSSi:N(iER. Ariu.-iry. Ti';ivi'l(>i-s.

1S9;{, and R. B. Packer, 189;J-1899.

The ofticers at i)resent are : Hon. George E. Keeney, president; E. C. IJilliard, s

•lOITN v.. I, i:\VTS. M. T). ii'i;i'oii ami Ail j usIit. Travi'lers.

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

39

GEORtiE ELI, IS. Actuary Travelers, 1874-'.)7. Sc^Tctary. 18'.r

were $3,125,586. 37, and the net s n r p 1 XT s was $380,186.71.

The Safety Fund with the Security Compa- ny is $1,098,992. 20. The capital stock has been increased to $.')00,000.

FRATERNAL

INSURANCE.

There are only three Fraternal Societies char- tered by this State tinder the supervision of the Insur- ance Comissioner, but there are about fifty societies doing business from other States under the Fraternal Act and scmie of the so-called Fraternals that have failed, being only fraternal in name. Although the number of assessments are increasing in nearly all, no sufficient steps have been taken, but by an insig- nificant number, to reform their methods and escape the inevitable consequen- ces of increasing assessments. It is true that with those whose new member- ship contim-es to be a large percentage of the whole body, the annual increase in amount of assessment is very gradual.

But it is none the less sure ; and when the

period arrives, which in the very nature of

W

OLD HOME OF THE HARTFOKD LIFE INStlKANCE COM'V.

things it must, that the individual pay- ments approximate to the price asked for insurance by regular companies which guarantee no increase, the new memlier- ship falls oft' and healthy young lives drop out. Thereafter, the increase in assess- ments becomes rapid, and the society soon comes to an end, leaving many moribund or unable to protect their families by in- surance elsewhere. It is a disgra<'(> tliat the laws of this Stat(> should i)ermit tlie ])romotion of such incompetent schcMiies. But siich is th(^ number, and also the ])ower of these societies and the ignorance of \\w majority cf legislators upon technical mat- ters that the insurance departments have not been able to have their protests consid- ered and are re- mitted to such supervision as the inadequate statutes — mostly passed at the in- stance of the so- cieties the m - selves — upon the books will per- mit. As in the case of the en- dowment orders, no really reme- dial legislation is possible until the situation be- comes a public

scandal.

This criticisjii does not apply to those secret orders such as Masons, Odd Fel- lows, and the like, wherein the insurauc(> feature is limited simply to a burial-fund or temporary relief, and coustitiites but a merely subordinate incident to other pur- poses. Such are usually and properly ex- cused from departnunital supervision. But it does apply, with annually increas- ing force, to those societies whose r«-al purpose is tlie pursuit of the business of insurance under the more or less thinly disguised forms of secrecy, lodges, rituals, etc. It is also triie that in the larger and better conducted of these, the extrava- gantly titled managements have, in pri- vate, been fully alive to the dangers cou-

40

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

fronting their societies for several years. But this, coupled with the fact that no sufficient remedies' hav3 been applied, gives grouiid for ihe fsar that they do not possess sufficient power to bring about the reforms which they confess in their an- nual congresses to be necessary. It is therefore suggested, in no unfriendly spirit, that they undo the vicious legisla- tion which they themselves have accom- plished, and seek the assistance of legis- lators in ]iassing such laws as may tend to compel their own membership to accept such changes in their system as will tend to save their societies before it becomes too late.

All insurance experience proves that the rate (or premium) must be increased to the cost at the aftdiiwd age of t'nch mem- ber in order to avoid inequity and secure solvency. Or, if the rate is to be perma-

i'i;i;s;..\ 1 iki.mk (ik thk haktkohh likk INSUKANCE COMPANY.

lliiN. (4E0RGE E. KEENEY, ^nl Hartforil Life Iii.surancf. Company.

uently fixed at the age of en- try, a considerable increase must be at once made which will furnish a large reserve to be used in part payment of claims. The fraternal so- cieties have utterly ignored both the mathematical axi- oms, and have attempted to procaed iipon increasing rates fixed upon a ratio based upon the age of entry instead of at the age attained. Therefore, those who have been long in the .society and have become advanced in j^ears, still con- tinue to hold the advantage (if their early age at entry, to the detriment of all new en- trants, who are saddled with ])art of the cost of carrying these older risks who thiis escape paying their own actiial cost of insurance. It requires no propln t to ])redict the in- evitable (Mid ;)f sucli an enter- prise ;b)th mntheniatics and fvpcrience demonstrat(> its ultimate failure. This is still furtlier aggravated by making jtnsi nmrtiiii assessments, which act as a premium upon' lapsing, as anyone caudiscon-

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

41

tiuvie without paying for his last mouth's insurance. The remedy is legislation which will compel assessments, payable in advance, based upon attained age, cost of insurance, whenever the so- ciety fails to have in hand the tech- nical reserve (computed by the in- surance department), which will per- mit age at entry assessments to be main- tained. Although it may be claimed that such legislation would be iinconstitutional as impairing the obligations of previous contracts, it must be remembered that all such contracts are given under char- ters (which are part of the contract), by States which reserve the right to alter or amend the same at pleasiire. And most of the by-laws of these mutual societies, which also form a part of the policy con- tract, reserved the right of change under certain formalities, which the legislatures may compel the management to make the requisite effort to institute. Besides sev- eral tribunals have recently held that in mutual associations minor and technical rights might be disregarded when equity and the carrying out of the major pur- poses of the association required a change not originally contemplated or reserved. The real difficulty of the situation con- sists in the impossibility of convincing the common membership, who are not versed in insurance problems, of the de- fects of their system and its impending collapse, together with the selfishness of the older members, who are generally in control, and adverse to any change which will con;pel them to pay their fair share of the common burden. As the Legislat- ure created these societies, it becomes its duty to see to it that they are properly conducted. And if constitutional ques- tions stand in the way of reforming tho^e originating in Connecticut, it can at least exclude those which originated in other States from doing business in this State, unless withiu prescribed methods. And similar retaliatory or reciprocal action in other States would immediately operate against our own societies to compel their reform.

It is not intended to say anything here, to the real detriment of these societies, which have many excellent points to

commend ; among which is the careful selection and supervision of their risks, a small lapsing rate until assessments be- come abnormal, great economy of manage- ment, and a remarkable ability to get new business cheaply. Fraternal insurance is indestructible, but the system under which most of it is now done is defective and doomed.

INDUSTRIAL INSURANCE.

One cannot speak of Industrial Insur- ance in this country without connecting with it the name of John R. Hegeman, president of The Metropolitan Life Insur- ance Company of New York. One of the most interesting addresses ever deliv- ered on this siibject was made by Mr. Hegeman at the National Convention of Insurance Commissioners, held in Sep- tember, 1898, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In reference to the origin of Industrial Insurance, he said :

"While we find records of ordinary life insurance companies in England in the early part of the seventeenth century, and a plan of annuities put in operation by the States General of Holland in 1671, we find the Friendly Societies in Great Britain as early as 1634, and we read of Burial Fund Clubs in the Netherlands in 1622.

"Not to be caught napping by the an- tiquarian, and to stand with Solomon on his proposition that 'there is no new thing under the sun,' we are prepared to maintain that the insurance principle — the indiistrial principle — goes back to a period some 1700 years before the Chris- tian era ; that was when The Pharaoh Mutual Life Insurance Company was formed under the auspices of the King of Egypt. Those of you from whose memo- ries the teachings of early years have not been altogether eliminated, will recall that in the years of plenty he prepared for, and thus insured against the j-ears of want. And he vindicated the "old liiu^'" principle by setting aside an adequate re- serve. His asssets were invested in the granaries of Egypt, and in their contents of corn ; and when the years of need came those assets met, as we have read, not only every demand of the Egyptians, but

42

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

of all the surrounding couniry. Here was the great International Company! Oh, yes! the people of modern times are clever and brilliant, but along many lines they are simply adopters, or adapters (not inventors), of things thousands of years old."

The establishment of Industrial Insur- ance in this country met with considera- ble opposition. A governor of a promi- nent New England State, in a speech de- livered while seeking re-election, said: "This is not legitimate life insurance at

all Such insurance is against

public policy and ought not to receive public recognition in this State. . . . It should be discountenanced by every one in authority, and I, consistent with my duty to the State and with my con- science, cannot retain in office a commis- sioner who advocates it." And, there- upon, for this offense and for making what he termed "favorable mention" of .^ix companies (four Ordinaries and two Industrials), "I caused," he said, "the Commissioner of Insurance to be turned out." Other States were like-minded as to the admission of the companies, and by still others a frigid welcome was ex- tended.

The opposition has gradually disap- peared, and any one carefully studying the methods and practices of this branch of insurance with the thousands of agents carrying the ^insurance to the door of the poorer classes, cannot but help recognize the vast amount of good it has accom- plished, allowing any one for five and ten cents a week to be insured. The ben- efits that have resulted cannot be esti- mated unless one has had experience and knows the thousands that have been helped in this way. THE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT.

The Insurance Department of the State was organized in IHfiO. Benjamin Noyes was the first commissioner. This depart- ment has been well conducted and a credit to the great insurance industrj- of the State of Connecticut. Since that year tlie insurance interests of the State have grown rapidly and have won an enviable record throughout tlie United States.

In 1S66 the life companies were : the ^t- na Life, American Mutual Life, Charter Oak Life, Connecticut Mutual Life, Conti- nental Life, and the Phoenix Mutual Life. In 1901, the companies are : The ^Htna Life, Connecticut Mutual, Connecticut General, Hartford, Phoenix, and the Trav- elers.

Some comparisons in the business, as between 1866 and 1900, are interesting. The insurance in force in the life compan- ies in 1866 was |196, 125,944, and in 1900, 1506,831,353. Assets of life companies in 1866, 121,333,367. and in 1900, $156,972, 729.64.

. ASSESSMENT INSURANCE.

During the past few years a large number of assessment associations have had to close their doors, and in our own State alone three such associations have been placed in the hands of receivers, and policy-holders will receive but a comparatively small div- idend, to say nothing of being deprived of the benefit of life insurance when most of them are at that age and in that condition when they require it most. At first blush it may seem incredible that a large number of fairly intelligent peo- ple, most of them imbued with proper bus- iness ideas, can expect to get something for nothing, but upon second considera- tion the blame for this condition of affairs can properly be laid at the door of unscru- pulous agents, who, in a desire to get the commissions on the business, delude these people into the belief that the law of mor- tality will be rendered inoperative and enable their own particular company to furnish insurance at the same price during the continuance of life without making sulficient provision for a reserve accumu- lation. Some years ago a law was passed ill some of the States requiring all assess- ment companies to stamp across the face of the policies or certificates, a statement to the effect that they issued assessment contracts. Strange as it may ssem the assessment associations almost unanimous- ly arose in opposition to this and attempted in every way to defeat the measure, some even going to the extent of withdrawing from the State in preference to being com- pelled to submit to what they deemed a

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE.

43

most obnoxious measure. Exactly why these associations should be afraid to have the true character of their business known is not at once apparent, and a most unfort- unate condition exists when any class of insurance companies has so conducted its operations that its name is a reproach to the institution ; it seems to me that it is the duty of the surviving associations to so conduct themselves that in tl-e future they will be in a position to parade under their own colors without being ashamed. Legislatures in the past have unfortu- nately granted too liberal charters to these associations and passed laws too lax for their proper government, under the im- pression that these institutions were to be administered by the people themselves in contradistinction to corporations, while in reality they should have hedged them about with laws which wculd have pre- vented the disgraceful occurrences of re- cent years. The number of collapses in this class of business and the numerous calls for extra assessments on the part of others which have failed to make good their representations as to the sufficiency of their original premiums to take care of their contracts, show a weakness in the system as heretofore managed and a defect in the statutes which permit such misman- agement with impunity. The most re- grettable feature of the whole affair is that the only satisfaction that these people have is that they have been the victims of designing agents, and in some cases de- signing officers, comparatively few of these officers, however, realizing the sa- cred trust which has been placed in their hands for administration. The right to extra assessments to meet unforeseen con- tingencies and emergencies as an alterna- tive against insolvency is a valuable one, and strictly guarded, should be made avail- able to all such insurance companies by statute. But this is a very different mat- ter from an assessment clause by con- tract to be used at will to show up the re- sults of direct and well known misrepre- sentation. It was a comparatively easy trick to sell large quantities of insurance to an uninformed public at low prices while the volume of freshly selected lives was rolling in, under the representation

that the price was sufficient and that their competitors who demanded the premium that mathematical science and experience for years had shown to be necessary, were robbing the public. Legislators were cap- tured by this delusion, and the warnings of the insurance departments from time to time, disregarded. Their hands are still practically tied by the loose assessment association and fraternal society laws in force. These stand in dire need of radical revision, one feature of which should be that a management which has been so ignorant, careless, or deceptive as to ask an insufficient premium should be at once deposed when it became apparent that an extra assessment was necessary ; and that the policy obligations of such associations °hould be valued annually by their home insurance department in the same man- ner as those of any other life insurance company, in order to ascertain whether an extra assessment was necessary to be imposed, without permitting them to de- fer such assessment until too late to avoid insolvency. The difficulty is to make leg- islators apprehend the dangers of the sit- uation before nearly all the existing asso- ications and societies of this class become hopelessly bankrupt.

CONCLUSION.

The insurance interests of Connecticut stand second to one State alone in the Union — New York State leading. Since the beginning of the fire insurance busi- in this State many companies have been obliged to close their doors on account of extreme losses and in some cases through bad management. A large number of companies were able, where the impair- ment was not too much, to reinsure in other companies. The greatest loss that resulted from collapsed fire companies was to stockholders, because in most cases the premiums paid hj policy-holders were only for a short period and their loss was whatever the unearned premium woi;ld amount to. But no one [can describe the hardships [that have arisen] from the fail- ure of life companies. The policj'^-holder had paid regularly his premiums in these defunct companies, and was looking for- ward to the future when his family would

44

TO THE SONG SPARROW.

be protected ; and, in most instances, when these companies failed it was impossible for the policy-holder on account of age or sickness to procure insurance. Nothing in my mind should be guarded with more jealous care and given more disinterested attention than the moneys which are eventually to serve as the support of widows and orphans when their principal bread-winner is no longer able to look af- ter them, and which fund is in many cases the sole thing existing between them and poverty.

There has been a good deal of crit- icism many times by insurance depart- ments and policy-holders over the sal- aries that have been paid to those who manage the affairs of the insurance companies. I have always felt that if a company were honestly and carefully man- aged it was the business of the directors to see that their officers and employees were fairly compensated, and it is no more than right that the policy-holders should contribute liberally for proper manage-

ment. The States of the Union, and Eng- land, have recognized the necessity of protecting the insured and have organ- ized insurance departments, branches of the Executive Government, as Connecti- cut has done, designed to compel insur- ance companies to carry on their business and legally and properly perform their contracts ; and I believe it is the duty of every commissioner to not only see that the policy-holders are protected, but also to do all in his power to protect the com- panies doing business in his State. With a few exceptions the companies of this State are centered in Hartford where the number of persons that devote their time to insurance would make a small city. There are about two thousand officers and sal- aried employees of these companies which also employ over thirty-seven thousand agents. In addition a large number of other States are represented here by agents and one can readliy see that the^iusurance business provides employment for many thousand people.

TO THE SONG SPARROW.

Uy Hkkhkrt RANDAI,!,.

Sing out your joy, brave little heart !

The freshening gales grow wild and strong, And morning in the naked boughs

Is dancing to your song.

Sing out across the land of sleep !

The reddening willows swing in time ; From darkness ev'ry living thing

Begins to leap and climb

Up toward the light. Who fears to die?

Let him but hoar j-our tune — "Death is new life." Dear heart, sing on.

Sing back the summer-noon !

LITERARY LAWN.

BY FLORENCE PELTIER PRRRY.

>ITH tlie passing away of Charles Dudley Warner there disappear.s the last of the famous coterie that dwelt for many yeai's in that pietnresqne spot in Hartford, Conn., known as "Literary Lawn' — unless Mr. Clemens returns to open his house there that has been closed so long.

"Literary Lawn'' — the name in the City Directory, is Forest street — is en- deared to me by many a delightful re- collection, for it was there that I experi- enced the keenest pleasures of my girl- hood.

Mr. Warner's grounds join those of his brother, George Warner, whose services to modern literature are of far more value than is generally recognized, his work as one of the editors of "The World s Best Literature" being in itself a monument to his energy and efficieuc3^

Mark Twain lives just round the cor- ner on Farniington avenue, and he used to say that C. D. W. "s back yai-d afforded a most satisfactory diimping-place for old soup-, vegetable-, and fruit-caus.

Near by dwelt Harriet Beecher Stowe. Strangers calling in that neighborhood were often startled, perhaps while seated in the drawing-room awaiting host or hos-

46

LITERARY LAWN.

^ tess, at the sight of a little old lady walking in imannounced, who [would go directly to the piano, where, seating herself, she would play old-fashioned hymns, singing them with much earnestness in a thin quavering voice. It was Mrs. Stowe, and she had the free-

i;i,siDi;N('i; of charles DUDLEY UAi;M.i;.

dom of all the neighbor's houses, and she frequently availed herself of the privilege of using their pianos.

The last time I saw her was eight j'^ears ago, when one afternoon 1 joined my nurse, Annie, who was "wheeling' ' my baby on Forest street. She had al.^o in the car- riage her sister's ba- by. We n;et Mrs. Stowe who asked its to stop that she might see the children. First, she patted the fluffy ringlets on my boy's head, in a child- ish, pleased way, much as a little girl might have done, and asked his name. The name, /''/'•'/, held her attention and she murmured something about Commodore Perry

that I (lid not catch. Suddenly turning to the other little one she said : "What is this one's name?"' ' ' diaries Mehegan, ' ' answer- ed Annie.

"Mohican!" exclaimed Mrs. Stowe in surprise. "No ; Mclicgdii."'

But she would have it that it was Mohi- can, and she burst out laughing, saying : "Well, well! So this is 'The Last of the Mohicans!' '" She walked away still laughing heartily.

I'OM) ON THE {iEOHfiE H. WAllNEH ESTATE.

LITERARY LAWN.

47

But a short distauco frtnii Mr. War- ner's is Dr. Richard Burton's modest and artistic little home. He, too, has gone away, to fill the chair of English Lit- erature in the University of Michigan.

Near by there lived for several years that writer of delightful stories of Japan- ese life, Mr. E. H. Hou.>-e, with his adoi)t- ed daughter, Kofo, a little Japanese wom- an who won us all with her winsome manner. What a pleasure it was to go to on(> of her "teas" — and such tea! One didn't want, to spoil it hy adding cream

rity. We "did up" Greek literature in one season. We shot through Germany next, I believe, and tucked Italy out of sight in short order. Then w^e had "real parliamentary debates." We .settled — in a way that we felt convinced ought to sat- isfy the entire nation as well as relieve it from any further responsibility upon these themes — such questions as existence after death, co-operative housekeeping, cremation, and the propriety of omitting the word, '*/«//, from the marriage cere- monv.

and s\igar. With what grace the Jap- anese servant waited on us — a pictiire in his snowy kintnim.

Indeed, at one time, hardly a hcmse on "Literary Lawn" but had its well-known writer or its lu'omising ytmng one. It was in one of these houses, the home of that gifted girl-poet, Caroline Wilder Fel- lowes, that 'we girls" founded our lit- erary club, now in its eighteenth year.

We felt equal to undertaking any her- culean task and forged ahead with en- tluisiasm as well as with wonderfiil alac-

HEK STOWK.

Mr. Warner and Mr. Clemens encour- aged and aided us, and lectiired to us in their own lovely homes. The faculty of Trinity College also took lis under its wing. Dear Prof. Rolfe came down from Cambridge and gave \is inspiring talks. He called us the "1. gs." — lovely girls. We were very much puffed up until one day out at Mrs. Rose Tei-ry Cooke's — she invited us there to hunt for arbutus — a young man, very disagreeable we thought him, told us tliat Mr. Warner and Mr Clemens called us "The Jurv. " And it

48

LITERARY LAWN.

leaked out that they seemed to enjoy calling names. For one of us had become engaged, the first one to so distinguish herself, and we all looked on her with awe and at the Man with bated breath. We all felt, as one of the girls ex- pressed it, "a little engaged, too." Fancy our sensations when we discovered that Messrs. Clemens and Warner always spoke of the Man — in private, of course — as "The Jumping Frog !" The worst of it was we were obliged to acknowledge the fitness of the nickname.

But how good those two famous men were to us. Mr. Warner was ever ready to listen to us and suggest lines of study. He delighted in showing us his many curios and souvenirs from all parts of the world and from all sorts of people. Mr. Clemens occasionlly played drive-whist with us with siiblinie resignation. He called it "the infernal excuse-me game."

Tiidccd, all the dwellers in 'Literarv

HOME OF RICHARD BrRTON, PH. 1).

Lawn" good-uaturedlj" encouraged and aided us in oi;r quest after culture — or was it "culturine?"

Now, when I walk through Forest street, the houses in which we had so many happ.y times, seem to gaze on me in a mournful way.

— "all are departed. All, all are gone, the old familiar faces !"

BENEDICT ARNOLD.

BV THE HON. I.. H. MUNSON.

Arnold was the historic figure of the exodus which left American soil at the close of the Revohitiouary War for political sunshine in the realms of Eng- land. I shall speak of him as a hero in the group, though not a hero by my pa- per. Heroes are made of sterner stuff than pa- p e r platitudes however artfully drawn or hope- fully expressed. Arnold's his- tory belongs to the nation, and not exclusively to New Haven, Connecticut, or New England. C o n n e c t i c n t may pro u d 1 y share the glory of his rising, but is not smirched by the infamy of his ending. He was of national char- ter and stamped the impress of his heroic life ui)on the desti- nies of the Re- public, that will live as long as the Re- public] stands and brightens as years re- volve.

Arnold was born in Norwich, (Connecti- cut, January 14, 1741, of English par- ents, who could trace their lineage back

BENEDICT ARNOLD.

through the centuries with the best blood of England coursing through their veins. Arnold early exhibited qualities as a born leader of men. Among the boys of his neighborhood he was a bold dashing leader, even to the line of dan- ger, which gave a heroic charm to his advent- ures.

At the age of fifteen he ran away from his home to Hart- ford to enlist as a soldier, where Connecticut troops were gat h e r i n g to start for Lake George. His mother soiight his return, but the love of ad- venture andithe fascinations of camp-life haunt- ed him in his night dreams and caused him to be restless and moody dur- iijg his wakeful hours, and he longed to ex- exchange the monotony of quiet home- life for the stirring realities of active border-life. So, again he left the pater- nal roof and joined the jirovisional troops at Albany under General Schuyler, mov- ing on to the frontier amid the perils and

50

BENEDICT ARNOLD.

Book Seller, ?S^c_ ^OM LoNJJON

15ENEDICT ABNOLD'S SIGN. NOW IN THI-; ItlloJIS OF THE NKW HAVEN COLONY HISTOISK A L SOCIETY.

hardships of a march through the wilder- ness.

Returning from this expedition, he en- tered a drug-store in Norwich, where he mastered the secrets of mercantile trade. At the age of twenty-one, in 17(52, he Avent to New Haven and opened a drug- and book-store on Water street, then the court end of the town and hung out his store-sign in conspicuous golden letters which reaxl as follows :

"B. ARNOLD, DRUGGIST,

Book Seller, &c.

FROM LONDON.

Sibi Totique."

Here he soon rose to prominence in commercial life, and to eminence as a progressive, active leader in affairs of the town. His business prospered and he en- tered the West India trade — owned his own ships, often sailing them himself to the West Indies and .sometimes to Lon- don, exporting his commodities and im- ]K)rting his goods.

February 23, 17<)7. lie married the daughter of Samuel Mansfield. then high sheriff of New Haven county. Mrs. Arnold is re])resented to have been a lady of nmcli retinemcnt in manner, affection- ate in disjxisition, religious in convic- tions, and devoted to acts of jnety in her

daily life. They were of the Presbyteri- an order of religious faith. In 1771, Ar- nold built, near his store, his house, of much pretension in architect iiral de- sign, with fire-places and mantels set in polished Italian marble, which are pre- served as Revolutionary relics by the Historical Society in New Haven and are objects of much interest to visitors to its rooms.

The massive, broad stone steps on ap- proach to the house, still preserved, in- dicate a liberal purse not unsuited to a generation one hundred yeai-s later.

To Arnold, Mrs. Arnold bore three children : Benedict, Richard, and Henry. Arnold was happy in his family relations, and prosperous in biisiness ways. He was of commanding tigiire, gifted in in- tellect, brilliant in conversation, elocpient of speech. Energetic in action, he was a man of mark among men of distinction anywhere and everywhere in the circles of humanitj' where he was placed. He was great as measured by the standard of great men in any age of the world. He early espoused the cau.ses that led up to the Revolutionary Wtix, and was ever, ready to defend his convictions by his ac- tion.

In March. 1770, there was a collision be-

BENEDICT ARNOLD.

51

tweeu British troops and the people in Boston, sometimes called the "Boston Massacre, " in which several citizens were killed. Arnold at the time was absent from the country on a voyage to the West Indies. On his return he was in- dignant at the apathy of the people that they had not risen in their anger and taken vengance on British soldiers for their murderous acts. March 15, 1775, he was elected captain of the Governor's Foot Guard, a military company then as now prominent in the history of the city and State. The battle of Lexing- ton was fought April 19, 1775. News of the battle reached New Haven at noon next day.

Arnold immediately called his com- pany together on the public square, no- tified them of the battle at Lexington, addressed them in patriotic fervor, say- ing that he was "ready to lead them to res- cue or defense of Americans at Boston, ' ' and asked for volunteers. The company favorably responded. On the morning of April 21st. two daj^s after the battle of Lexington, the company and some vol- unteers, sixty in number, were ready to start. Arnold called upon the officers of the town for ammunition and was re- fused. General Wooster saying they "had better wait for regiilar orders. ' ' But delays did not suit Arnold, and he marched his company to the place where the offi- cers were in session, and gave them no- tice, "that if they did not surrender the keys to the Powder House in five minutes, they would break open the doors and help theniselves. ' ' The keys were surrendered to Arnold, under protest, and he opened the door ; and with knapsacks filled the men were ready to start. Excitement was at tenor pitch. Mothers and sweethearts clung xipon brawny arms that held the muskets, and silent tears dropped upon the breasts of patriotic soldiers. General Wooster appeared upon the scene and tried to persuade Arnold to wait for regular orders. Arnold replied "that nothing tut Almighty God could prevent his marching to the rescue and help of Amer- icans." And they took iip the line of march with quick step for the scene of conflict.

It is a memorable fact that before he moved his company from the influence and restraints of home life, he drew up and every member of the company under his command signed Articles of Agree- ment, which I am glad to incorporate in this paper, in contradistinction to the hi- larious departure of other companies mov- ing to the front under the bugle's call or even to camp life in the State.

This paper reads :

"To all Christian people believing and relying on that God to whom our enemies have forced us to apply ; and having taken up arms for the relief of our brethren and for the defense of their and our just rights to prevent disorders, etc. , each binds him- self by all that is sacred to observe and keep this mutual covenant :

"1st. That they would conduct them- selves decently and inoffensively both to their countrymen and to each other, and would obey all the riiles and regulations.

"2nd. Drunkenness, gaming, profanity and every vice, should be avoided and discontinued.

"3rd. Obedience to their officers is not to be enforced by blows, but if any person guilty of any offense, after being admon- ished, should persist, such incorrigible person should be expelled as totally un- worthy of serving in so great and glori- ous a cause. ' '

It was a proud day for the city and State, that the company took up the line of march, and opened the Revolutionary struggle in Connecticut under such a rec- ord. The company marched with ban- ners bearing the arms of the colony ; and upon each drumhead was painted the mot- to then, as now, the arms of the State.

Such was the beginning of Revohition- ary history in Connecticut under Benedict Arnold, the foremost and one of the brav- est, most accomplished officers that ever wore a military uniform in the State.

Passing through Pomfret on their way, the music of fife and drum attracted the ear of General Putnam who, it is said, unhitched his team, left his plow in the field, and with knapsack, powder-horn, and flint-lock nniskot, mai-ched with the company to Cambridge. Arriving there Arnold took possession of the mansion

52

BENEDICT ARNOLD.

at Ticonderoga, Beimington, Lake George, and other places where battles raged fiercest, are memorable in the his- tory of the Revolution, and can never be effaced by his fall. Had he died from his wonnds at Quebec or Saratoga, or on the bloody deck of his ship on Lake Cham- plain, his name would have been em- balmed in the history of this nation as the peer, if not the greatest, of any one in the Revolutionary War save that of Wash- ington alone.

Arnold's wife died June 19, 1775, and was buried before he was able to reach home, which was not until several months after her burial.

From the first, Arnold entered into the spirit of the Revolution drank into his life-blood the inspiration of its justness, and allowed no adverse in- fluences to warp his judg- ment or deter his action in its prosecu- tion.

From the captaincy of a military com-

BEN EDICT ARNOLDS HOUSE pauy of sixty

il AiijiciinMi One Hundred Years After Confiscfition Wlion U^ed in number, he

rur Husiiicss I'lU'iKPses In Connection with a Lumber Yard. slinrtlv arose

Now Demolished.

vacated by the fleeing lieutenant-governor, whose sympathies were with the Crown, established his headquarters there, and filing his flag to the breeze. The con- spicuous uniform, the efficiency of drill, together with their handsome, energetic commander, at once brought the company into deserved notoriety and I am glad to say that it has preserved its prestige of history, then so auspiciously commenced, for more than a hundred years, and still preserves its efficient organization for pa- triotic duty.

From this time forward, Arnold was constantly in militai-y service, patriotic in devotion, heroic in action, and brilliant

in achieve- ^___^

meut. \ \

Washing ton assumed com- mand of mili- tary forces in the Revolu- tionary War at Lexington, Ju- ly 3d, 1775, three mnoths after Arnold had arrived there with his gallant compa- ny. From that time forward Was h i n g t o n deferred to the judgment of Arnold — coun- seled him in plans and shared in re- sults— more than with anj- other officer in the army. Ca>sar at the Rubicon, Han- nibal crossing the Alps, Bonaparte on his marches, Jackson behind his cotton-bales at New Orleans, Scott storming Che- pulteiM'c, Sh(>rmaii on his march to the sea. Grant in the Wilderness, had no more trusty generals to obey or- ders and execute plans, than bad Wash- ington in the person of Benedict Arnold. Arnold's marches through th(^ wilder- ness into Canada, his storming of Que- bec, his captiire of Saratoga, his victories

to a general- in-command of armies, carrying the ea- gles in triumph from battle to battle, from post to summit, and waved his flag in tri- umph over conquered battlements of the enemy.

From Boston to Quebec, through the wilderness, from Quebec to Lake Cham- plain, Lake George, the banks of the Hud- son, through the valley of the Mohawk, and on to Ridgefield, Conn., he marched at the head of his army, and after a des- perate engagement drove the enemy to seek shelter in their boats on Long Is-

BENEDICT ARNOLD.

53

FIREPLACE IX THE BENEDICT ARNOLD HOUSE,

Now in the Rooms ot the New Haven Colo- ny Historical Society.

land Sound.

The battle at Saratoga, in October, 1777, was the hardest foiight battle in the Rev- olntion, and really was the tiu-ning-point in the struggle. Arnold, Schuyler, and Morgan met and defeated Burgoyne and the flower of the British army, captiiring 7,599 troops and prisoners of war, 46 brass cannon, 4,600 muskets, ammunition, pro- visions, etc. This battle was fought and victory won while historians have re- corded that General Gates was sleeping oft" a debauch in his tent, oblivious of the battle or its victories till the conflict was over.

Arnold was everywhere in the thickest of the fight, urging his soldiers on to vic- tory. His horse was killed under him by a ball that shattered Arnold's leg, and when the surgeons insisted that his leg be amputated, he resisted and requested to be placed on another horse and to remain on the field. His presence was an inspira- tion of courage to the soldiers, and they pressed the battle into the face of the enemy, till Burgoyne retreated and victory was ours. Arnold was brought ofT the field at twilight maimed for life by his shattered leg. The shades of night set- tled over the field and midnight still- ness ruled the hour.

In the morning the sun rose clear over

a sight seldom witnessed on a battle-field. There lay friend and foe, some in gray and some in scarlet uniform, side by side, sleeping the sleep that knows no awaken- ing, holding their weapons of warfare in deathly grasp. There stood forty-two brass cannon of English manufacture of the most approved pattern, some with open sulphTirous mouths, some with throats shattered with elements of destruction, standing in their tracks as left the night before. The blood of Arnold had conse- crated the ground, and the American flag floated in x^e^ceful protection over the field, and it floats there still in an intensity of interest that a century of time has not diminished.

Arnold was the hero of this battle and worthily bore his honors. Gates, to herald the victory, dispatched a messenger direct to Congress verbally announcing the battle and its victories, ignoring mention of his generals and General Wash- ington, the head of the army, to whom and through whom the report should have been made. Congress, without repri- manding this military incivility by Gates, hastily voted him a medal in honor of the victory which Arnold's blood had pur- chased in the absence of Gates from the field. Congress coming to its sense of jus- tice, after learning the facts of this battle, issued to Arnold an antedated commission, and Washington, on the 20th day of Jan- uary, 1778, forwarded it to him at Albany, where he was confined by his wounds, closing his letter in the following Ian- gauge :

"May I vpnture to ask whether you are upon your legs again? If you are not, may I flatter myself that you will be soon ? There is none who wishes more sincerely for this event than I do, or who will re- ceive the information with more pleasure. As soon as your situation will permit, I request that you will repair to this Army it being my earnest wish to have your ser- vices the ensuing campaign."

Arnold, by reason of his wounds, was only able to reach Connecticut on a stretcher the last of April, 1778. In New Haven he met with the most enthusiastic reception, civic and military, that had then ever been accorded to any person in

54

BENEDICT ARNOLD.

the State. About a week after his ar- rival, May 7, 1778, Washington wrote him from Valley Forge a letter in warm terms of friendship and confidence, conferring upon him a handsome pair of epaulets and sword-knots, which he had received from France, as a mark of his confidence and esteem. He had previously presented him with an elegant brace of pistols for the signal victory in Saratoga in Octo- ber, 1777.

The full text of this Valley Forge letter is as follows :

Valli'ii For(j(', Muij 7, T77S. Dear Sir:

A gentlcruaii in France, having ohlig- ingly sent me 3 setts of epauletts and sword knots, 2 of tchich professedly, to be disposed of to my friends I should choose, I take the liberty of presenting them to you and General Lincoln, as a testimony of my sincere regard and approbation of your, conduct.

I have been informed by a brigade major of General Huntington's of your intention of repairing to camp shortly; but notwithstand- ing my wish to see you, I must beg that yon \vill run no hazard by coming out too soon. I am sincerely and affectionately.

Your obedient servant,

G. Washington.

June 19, 1778, Washington appointed him to the command in Philadelphia. British troops under General Howe re- treated from the city. Arnold entered and took possession of the mansion vacated by General Howe and established his head- quarters there. Here the shadows of fate began to environ him. Citizens of wealth and social life were much on the side of the Crown. Military orders, permits, and licenses, issued by General Howe, brought Arnold into collision with their execu- tion. Pennsylvania officers were jealous of the appointment, thinking a Pennsyl- vanian should have the command.

General Reed was particularly veno- mous over the appointment, and he lost no opportunity to manifest his displeas- ure.

Arnold's military orders were criticised and he was cinbarrassed in sources from which he should have had support. Jeal- ousy crept out in unexpected ways ; vile military plots were matured to bring him into disrepute ; secret detectives dogged his footsteps to find something to aid in plots for his removal ; wagging tongues

of gossip on street-corners discussed his social relations with the Shippen family, a distinguished family of Philadelphia. This family were strong in sympathies with the English government, and held close social relations with officers of the King's army. At that time social life in the city was largely in an amosphere of loyalty to the Crown. The youngest daughter of this family was one of the most beautiful, accomplished, and fasci- nating women in Philadelphia. British officers and cofirt circles had basked in the sunshine of her presence and sought her favors in matrimonial alliances.

When the splendid figure of Arnold ap- peared upon the horizon of Miss Ship- pen's vision she was fascinated with his appearance, and opportunity was not avoided to make his acquaintance as the "plumed knight" and victor in many bat- tles over English forces. His reputation as a brave accomplished general, pre- ceded his entrance into Philadelphia, and his name was a household word throughout the colonies. Arnold and Miss Shippen met and each was charmed with the other. Acquaintance blos- somed into love, and love ripened into marriage in the early days of April, 1779.

At the marriage Arnold was so dis- abled by his wounds received in the bat- tles at Quebec, Saratoga, and other places, that he had to lean upon the arm of a soldier during the marriage cere- mony, which condition added a heroic charm to the occasion.

In prophetic vision the marriage seemed the approaching end of the Revo- lutionary struggle. Two weeks before the marriage, March 23, 1799, Arnold bought a splendid mansion on the banks of the Schuylkill river and settled it up- on himself, wife, and family. Here they lived and entertained in lavish manner, much beyond the staid ways of the Pen- nites in sympathy with the Revolution. Extremes in warlike sympathies met in social harmonies round the festive board on a common basis, where hospitalities were equally dispensed and pleasantly shared.

After the marriage Arnold joined the Church of England, and he and his wife

BENEDICT ARNOLD.

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together worshiped at its altar.

Washington, conversant of Arnold's mer- it as an officer and of his tribulations in Philadelphia, on the 3rd day of August, 1780, transferred him from Philatlelphia to the command at West Point. But the seeds of political discord and loss of mil- itary zeal in the American cause had ger- minated, and were ready to be trans- planted from American soil into the King's garden, fertilized by promises of rich fruit-gathering in the future.

Arnold's wife was kind, affectionate, and devoted to her husband and family during all the vicissitudes in after life. Her education and sympathies were strong in the faith of English suprema- cy, which, added to his graceless treat- ment in Philadelphia, probably had in- fluence over his treasonable fate.

Charles Lee, an officer in the British army, had resigned his commission to enter the American army. Lee was pom- pous, arrogant, egotistical, and boast- ful of what he could do ; not what he had done. He had no military record to boast of. His brother in Congress, Rich- ard Henry Lee, championed his preten- sions, and Congress voted him $30,000 as compensation for property losses he might sustain in England by reason of his join- ing the American &rmy, and Congress is- sued to him a commission, next in rank to that of Washington and in it "dele- gating him to be chief of our armies in case of Washington's disability." Such action was a flagrant insult to American commanders who had imperiled their lives and shed their blood to save the nation. Lee was nothing but a "legal- ized British spy in our Army," and he found ignoble shelter back in British lines, chuckling over his $30,000 venture, and his freedom from arrest as a spy, without the loss of a drop of blood upon American soil.

Lee was looked upon as an "English turkey cock" strutting around in "Amer- ican feathers, ' ' finding fault with the con- duct of the war on the American side, and intriguing for its chief command in lieu of Washington, even up to the line of insubordination. Had Lee's plans mktured, the surrender of the American

army to British forces would have been hastened without the death of Andre, or shadow of treason over Arnold's fame. Lee's ripening plots were timely discov- ered and timely prevented by his prompt dismissal from the army.

Lossing, in his "History of our Coun- try," Vol. n., page 891, says: "Lee was a charlatan and a traitor to the cause which he despised, and supported only[f rom base motives. He was a hot-headed, wrong- headed man and extremely vain. He was proud of being an Englishman, and looked with contempt upon his American asso- ciates ; he was boastful, ^fault-finding, and by the force of an imperious will and temper, deceived the Americans into the'^belief that he was a great soldier. He had at Philadelphia, wrung from Con- gress a grant of $30,000 as an indemnity for any losses of property he might sustain in England in consequence of his playing "rebel," and hecaiaeto Washington's ar- my in the field, with the sanction of Con- gress as the delegated commander-in-chief on a certain contingency. Forever after- ward he intrigued as did Gates for the chief command by superseding Washing- ton until he was driven from the Army in disgrace. ' '

In Lincoln's history of the early pres- idents of the United States, published in the first half of the last centviry, speaking of Washington, on page 67 of the volume, he says :

"It is now settled as a fact beyond dis- pute, that General Gates was connected with General Lee in a conspiracy to su- persede the illustrious Washington.

"The Commander-in-Chief was well aware of the means they used to deprive him of the affections of the Army and the confidence of the people."

Other historians were in accord with the above and equally emphatic in expres- sion.

Gates was an Englishman by birth, and was in the English army before he came to America, and while in our army was in active sympathy with Lee in his plans and intrigues.

History does not in a "haphazard" way record facts or events for amusement. Is it any wonder that our army commanders

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BENEDICT ARNOLD.

should have felt this Congressional action over Lee keenly ; and that "Washington should have watched Lee's movements with caution and anxiety while in the disguise of an American uniform?

Arnold, the most brilliant commander in the army, who had seen greater variety of service, endured more hsixdships, fought more battles, won more victories in the field than any other commander under Washington, was criticised and subjected to indignities in Philadelphia criiel in theory and false in fact, which cut his sensitive nature to the quick and pois- oned the atmosphere of his patriotic man- hood, which, with mosaic frescoing in his pathway, lured him on till his feet slipped, and he went over the precipice.

Arnold was human with human in- firmities, and he paid the penalty of his surroundings. Better remember him as a patriot having honored and served his country in the darkest hours of its peril than to add to the darkness that sur- rounds his memory. It does not become us after the lapse of more than a century of national life, sitting under our own vine and fig-tree, whose root and branches were nurtured by his blood, to be very se- vere in our judgment over his fall, at- tribiite that fall to what you may.

Times were gloomy and the outlook un- propitious for betterment. Lafayette wTote to Washington "that open dissen- sions existed in Congress — that parties there hated one another as much as they hated British rule." Washington was criticised and opposed by members of the Provisional Congress, and measures iirged by him for army relief, were ignored or postponed to the embarrassment of the army which was reduced to a few thous- and starving, ragged, disheartened sol- diers, while the British had ten thousand in N(^w York, and many more at dilferent points ready to be concentrated to sweep down in annihilating force upon the American army. Washington hardly thought it possible to keep his army to- gether, and he wrote to Congress, May 28, 1780:

"There is no time to be lost; the dan- ger is imminent and pressing, our efforts must be instant, unreserved, and univer-

.«al " Unless a system different from that which has long prevailed be immediately adopted, our affairs must soon become des- perate beyond the possibility of recovery — indeed I have almost ceased to hope."

Arnold "shared in the gloomy situa- tion." Times were propitious for cessa- tion of hostilities, and Arnold was in a frame of mind to be tempted by unworthy motives. The British army, unable to conquer Arnold on the battle-field, re- sorted to strategy in the field of diploma- cy. Arnold's capture was considered equal to the capture of Washington, and in either event, would foreshadow the end of the war.

Secret communications were opened to the ear of Arnold. His wife, by virtue of her social relations in Philadelphia, held the confidence of British army officers and other sympathizers with the Crown.

It is said that the devil beguiles a wom- an and the woman bedevils the man.

Mrs. Arnold possibly was a medium through which evil suggestions came, negotiations opened, promises made, plans matured for a transfer of Arnold's alle- giance from American forces to that of the Crown, before he should be swept into the vortex as a prisoner of war. The war had dragged its bloody length through years of suffering and peril from Canada to the Carolinas, and the outlook was gloomy for its continuance. Clouds of darkness settled over the valleys of hope, and failure seemed the fate of the Amer- ican army. At this juncture of aflfairs. Major Andre appeared as an angel of light and hope to Arnold.

Andre was charming in conversation, fascinating in manner, resourceful in ex- pedients, and diplomatic in results — just the man for the emergency as the seciuel proved.

With a flag of truce and a passport from the commanding general of the King's army, he entered West Point, and was received by Arnold with customary civil- ities as bearer of dispatches from a bel- ligerent foe

INDUCEMENTS HELD OUT.

Sugar-coated promises of pecuniary re- ward, his military rank in the American

BENEDICT ARNOLD.

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arnij' to be preserved in the armies of the king with its eniohiments, a peace comniissionership to negotiate and arrange settlement of details with contending forces, by which the colonies were to get what they were contending for without further sacrifice of blood and treasure ; that he should be the head-center in the settlement, should have a peerage under the English government, which with other promises and inducements held out, sti- fled the judgment of Arnold and he yield- ed to grasp the glittering prize.

Then, as now, money was a powerful incentive to action. Ten thousand pounds in glittering gold were tempting, as was the apple in the garden to Eve on the shores of humanity. Other i^romises and inducements had their effect. I im- agine the points that weighed heavily with Arnold were that the war would cease, that Americans would get what they were contending for withoiit further bloodshed, and that he would be a high commissioner to negotiate a settlement and arrange details between the nations which would jilace him in a conspicuous position before the world. This was in the line of his ambition. Arnold was hu- man, with human impulses, and was tempted beyond what he could bear, and he yielded. While there is no apology for his treasonable act it is well not to glibly throw stones at glass houses over the way without first taking into consideration his surrouutliugs.

PROMISES REDEEMED.

The English government paid to Arnold 10,000 pounds in gold as a starter on his road to infamy, preserved his military rank with its emoluments in the armies of the king, paid 6,315 pounds for his losses in confiscated property, and granted him 13,400 acres of land in Canada. With- in three months after the arrival of Ar- nold and family in England, the English government ordered :

"To be paid iinto Margaret Arnold, wife of our trusty and well-beloved Brig- adier-General Benedict Arnold, an annu- ity or yearly pension of five hundred pounds, and to each of her children one hundred pounds. ' '

Other considerations were conferred upon him and his family. But with all these beneficiaries, Arnold was miserable. The price of his apostacy did not compen- sate for his sacrifice. Man proposes, but God disposes and oveiTuled the treasona- ble scheme, to the glory of American arms.

Major Andre, aider, conspirator, and plotter of the treason, on his way back from AVest Point to the king's army, was arrested with treasonable evidence in his boots, tried, convicted, condemned, and executed on the banks of the Hudson, Oc- tober 2, 1780, a week after the treasona- ble plots were matured.

Arnold, the day after Andre's arrest, in his hasty flight, facilitated by his alert- ness and qiiick perception which always served him in emergencies, barely escaped a similar fate before reaching protection of British guns he had periled his life to defeat.

Within a year and a month from the date of the treasonable conspiracy to .surrender our army to the English forces at West Point, the English army iinder Lord Cornwallis, siirrendered 22,000 soldiers with their arms, munitions of war, and battle-flags to Washington at Yorktown. The war was ended, and American inde- pendence secured.

Had Arnold remained steadfast to his trusts, his name would have embelli.shed the pages of history as foremost among the constellated heroes of the Revolution. Lucifer never fell from more imperial heights into a deeper f^byss of infamy and woe than did Arnold when he ex- changed his American uniform for the tinseled garb of a foreign power.

Arnold cursed the day of his treachery, and died in England, June 14, 1801, sixty years of age, in the deepest agony of spirit, hated by himself, and despised by every- body else, with the wrath of God resting upon him for his treasonable acts, and blasting his memory after death. The consciousness of a great wrong burdened his life, and like burning fagots of mem- ory consumed his peace till death closed the tragedy.

His last words were : "Bring me, I beg you, the epaulets and sword-knots Wash- ington gave me, and let me lie in my old

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BENEDICT ARNOLD.

American iTniform in Avhich I fought my battles. God forgive me for ever putting on any other. ' '

His American patriotism was a shining example, worthy of imitation in all gen- erations of men. Let his fall be a warn- ing that treason to a nation, or treachery to an individual, is an offense that has no forgiveness in the English language.

The history of the American Revolu- tion, in some respects, bears analogy to the War of the Rebellion a generation ago, when rebellious hands tried to pull down the American flag that symbolized the government that had sheltered them from infancy, under which they were ed- ucated, had been protected, and to which they had sworn allegiance, and were then trying to def 3at at fgreat sacrifice of life, blood, and treasure.

I cannot help contrasting the inhuman- ity of Revolutionary times with the char- itable'age of the Rebellion, when those that [had conspired against the govern- ment they had sworn to protect, had re- mission from their political sins by pass- ing under the flag they had tried to pull down.^The secession flag^went^down, and the American flag with its stars and strii^es healed the controversy and par- doned the offense.

When the {British flag went down by the surrender of Lord Cornwallis and his ar- my at Yorktown, New Haven sympathiz- ers with the Crown were exiled ^with [the loss of everything but their patriotic man- hood ; and "I they, met their^fate as^bravely and honestly as any American ever'niet fate on the_battlo-field in^the Revolution- ary War, or in any war since the stars and [stripes first floated from]Bunker Hill ; and they ^took the consequences as hero-

ically as man ever met fate from an over- powering force he could not divert.

I find as of record that twenty-seven in New Haven had their property confis- cated and parceled out to informers through the courts under the laws of Con- necticut— a large proportionate number, out of a population of about three thou- sand all told.

Other localities had laws with corres- ponding results. Pennsylvania by special act, October 27, 1780, ordered IMrs. Ar- nold, then quietly resting with her infant child at her father's in Philadelphia, to leave the city and State in fourteen days under penalty for neglect she could not hazard.

The spirit of the Revolutionary period was akin to the Blue Laws period of Con- necticut, when witches were hung for being tempted by the devil ; and public outrages committed upon person and prop- erty by members of religious denomina- tions— ^upon saints and other church or- ganizations— without fear of church dis- cipline or punishment by civil tribunals. The history of the "Blue Laws Period" by Rev. Dr. Peters, republished by D. Appleton & Company, New York, in 1877, enlarged with copious notes and confir- mations, and the history of confiscated estates of loyalists in New Haven, in the "Revolutionary Period," furnish in- teresting reading to the novice in Con- necticut literatiire during the periods of its early history.

Let us hope, that with the ending of those historic periods, also ended the vile practice of church and political domina- tion, over the feebler powers of their os- tracised subjects.

BIOGRAPHIES OF THE GOVERNORS OF CONNECTICUT.

BY FREDERIC CALVIN NORTON,

{Fifst paper.)

Several yeai's ago, while living iii Guil- ford, the home of that sturdy Puritan, Governor William Leete, I became inter- ested in collecting data concerning the early governors. The work then begun was continued until the biographies of all the governors of Connecticut were com- pleted, when the editor of this magazine made arrangements for its publication during the present ysar.

The following sketches are necessari- ly condensed from the original work, and are designed to furnish the principal facts in the life of each governor of Connecticut.

To Trumbull's "History of Hartford County," and the articles in that work on the original proprietors of Hartford, by Miss Mary K. Talcott, I am especially indebted for important facts obtained con- cerning the first governors of Connecticut colony.

ana particularly obligated to Professor Franklin Bowditch Dexter of New Haven, assistant librarian of Yale University, for many acts of courtesy in placing at my disposal the books I desired. From the late Dr. Charles J. Hoadly, librarian of Connecticut, I also received valuable assistance in obtaining material for these sketches. His vast storehouse of inform- ation concerning Connecticut and her peo- ple was always open to those who were interested in dealing with the past.

JOHN HAYNES.

1639, '41, '43. '45, '47, '49, 51, and '53.

Eight Years.

The first governor of Connecticut was John Haynes, who had previously held the same office in the neighboring colony of Massachusetts. He was the oldest son of John Haynes of Coddicot, county of Hertford, England, and was born in 1594. The Haynes family jj[ was old and wealthy.

and , besides other valuable property they owned Copford Hall, a fine country-seat which furnished a large income. The father of Governor Haynes, in his will dated Oct. 20, 1605, describes lands owned by him in the counties of Hertford and Essex.

Governor John Haynes became an ad- mirer of Thomas Hooker and emigrated with him to America. They sailed from England in the Griffin in 1633, and in the party, besides Haynes and Hooker, were John Cotton, the eminent divine, and Samuel Stone, who was destined to take so important a part in the early history of Hartford. They landed in Massachusetts, Sept. 3, 1633, and Haynes was made a free- man there May 14, 1634. He was chosen an assistant, and finally governor in 1635. The next year he was made an assistant again ; but in May, 1637, he, with others, removed to Hartford where he was to be one of the foremost men in the infant colony. Hartford, at that time, had 'a population of eight hundred persons, of which two hundred and fifty were adult men.

Haynes was an original proprietor and owned a lot on the main street, "opposite the meeting-house yard, ' ' but previous to February, 1639, he purchased from Rich- ard Webb the lot on the corner of Front and Arch streets. In November, 1637, Haynes presided over the session of the General Court and continued in that po- sition two years.

The first election of officers of the Con- necticut colony, under the Couf^titution, was held April 11, 1639. John Haynes was elected governor and Roger Ludlow dep- uty-governor. He was so satisfactory as chief magistrate of the colony that he was elected to that highjofficejevery alternate year until his death, Haynes was deputy-

59

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GOVERNORS OF CONNECTICUT.

goveruor iu 1640, '44, '46, "50, and '52, iuter- chauging with Edward Hopkins. Origi- nally no one was to be chosen governor two years in succession ; but in 1660 this restriction was abolished by the free- men. Governor Haynes's career in Hart- ford was eminently distinguished. He was one of the five who prepared the first Constitution of Connecticut, which embodies the main part of all subsequent State constitutions, and of the Federal Constitution.

In 1646 Governor Haynes made a voyage to England. He died at Hartford, on March 1, 1653-4. His will, dated 1646, brought to light the fact that his resi- dence in Connecticut caused a serious shrinkage in his property, the estate in- ventorj-iug only 1540 i)ounds. General Hezekiah Haynes, his son, wrote in 1675 of his father, 'It is sufficiently knowne how changeable the government was to the magistrates in that first planting wherein my father bore a considerable part to the almost ruin of his family. . . . for he has transmitted into these parts be- tween 7000 and 8000 pounds.*' Governor Hayues is described as "of large estate and larger affections, and dear to the peo- I^le bj' his beJievolent virtues and disinter- ested conduct." He was probably the best representative of the republicanism of the period.

EDWARD HOPKINS. 1640, '44, '46, '4S, '-"jO, '52, '54. Seven Years.

Edward Hopkins, the second governor of the colony, was, like his predecessor, John Haynes, a wealthy English land- holder. He was born at Shrewsburj^ in 1(500, and early in life became a merchant. While his headquarters were in London he carried on an extensive business with many foreign countries.

While yet a young man Hoi)kins liad nuide a comfortable fortune, and when iu 16^7 he concluded to emigrate to America he was <-lassed as a rich man. For a long period \w had worshiped at St. Stephen's parish, in Coleman street, London, where the Rev. John Davenport was the preacher and Theopilus Eaton a member. These three friends, Hopkins, Davenport, and Eaton, sailed for America in tli(> ship

Hector iu 1637. Hopkins landed in Bos- ton and proceeded to Hartford which he made his future home. Eaton and Dav- enport remained in Boston a few mouths and then went to Quinnipiac where they laid the foundation of the present New Haven in 1638. Soon after arriving in Hartford, Hopkins became a prominent citizen, and in 1639 was chosen the first secretary of the colony. The next j^ear he was elected governor, and continued in office every other year from 1640 to 1654. In the alternate years he was usually deputy-governor and very often a dele- gate from the colony. His mercantile habits followed Governor Hopkins to his new home, for we are told he carried on a trading business in Hartford and es- tablished trading-posts far up the Con- necticut river. Although a man of ex- tensive business affairs and very active all his life, Mr. Hopkins never enjoyed good health and constantly suffered from disease. His wife also suffered from men- tal derangement, which was a source of constant anxiety to the governor.

In 1634 Governor Hopkins sailed for England on a business trip and with the full intention of returning to his adopted country ; but circumstances prevented him from following ovit his plan. Soon after his arrival in England he inherited from his brother the position of "Keeper of the Fleet Prison," on Farringdon street, London, and his title was Warden of the Fleet. This was the King's pris- on as far back as the twelfth century, and obtained a high historical interest from its having been the place of con- finement of religious martyrs during the reigns of Mary and Elizabeth.

Hopkins afterward became a commis- sioner of the admiralty and navy and a nunnber of Parliament. Governor Hop- kins died in London in either March or April, 1657. He was characterized after- ward by a writer as being "eminent for piety, kindly natiire and patient endur- ance of suffering and affiiction."

Aboiit a year previous to his death Governor Hoiikins received a letter from his friend Davenport, of New Haven, sug- gesting the pressing need of a collegiate school in that town. He was requested

GOVERNORS OF CONNECTICUT.

6i

From reprnductioH 0>r the Coinncticul Mai;nzhi,- hy Randall.

^^^if^ '^^wi^^

62

GOVERNORS OF CONNECTICUT.

I-'roin rcf>roditctioii for the Coiniccticnt Magazine hy RniuiaU.

GOJ^ERNORS OF CONNECTICUT.

63

to aid the enterprise ; and in replying the governor wrote, April ^30, KJoCi : "If I un- derstand that a college is begun and like to be carried on at New Haven for the good of posterity, I shall give some en- couragement thereunto." When he died one year later and the contents of his will became known, it was found that "New England was his chief heir, '" as Dr. Ba- con aptly remarked in recent j'ears.

This will, dated March 7, 1657, set aside one thousand poiiuds of his estate for grammar schools in Hartford, New Haven, and Hadley, divided as follows : Hartford 400 pounds. New Haven 312 pounds, Had- ley 308 pounds, and Harvard College 100 pounds. He also left 500 pounds to be given "for upholding and promoting the Kingdom of the Lord in those parts of the earth." This sum was, somewhat pecii- liarly, given to Harvard by a decree of chancery in 1710, and the trustees invest- ed it in a township purchased from the "praying Indians," and called the place Hopkinton, in honor of the donor. The school founded by the bequest in Hadley opened in 1667, and afterward became the Hopkins Academy. In 1889 the property was valued at |57,325 The 400 pounds for Hartford were invested in local real es- tate, and a school erected in 1665. In 1778 it was named the Hartford Grammar School. For the last fifty years this school and the Hartford High School have been practically the same thing. The Hop- kins Grammar School at New Haven has always been in a flourishing condition. It was foimded in 1()()0 and the building is on the corner of High and Wall streets. It has long been a prominent preparatorj^ school for Yale University.

GEORGE WYLLYS. 1642-1643. One Year.

George Wyllys was an Englishman of means and rank who became an ardent advocate of the Puritan movement and decided to live among the men and wom- en who held opinions similar to his own.

He was born about 1570 in the town of Fenny Compton, county of Warwick, England. His father was a man of wealth and position, who gave his son as good an education as could be obtained at an

English university of that ])eriod. Set- tling on a fine estate in Warwickshire, he lived the life of a country gentleman, and had plenty of time to watch the course of events in England.

Becoming interested in the cause of the Puritans, Wyllys, rather late in life, found his native land uncongenial to him and planned to settle in this countrj'. In 1686 he sent his steward, William Gibbons, to America, accompanied by twenty men, to purchase for him in Hartford, Conn., "an estate sixitable to his rank." Gib- bons was also instructed to have a dwell- -ing-house erected on the estate, and to put everything in readiness for the advent of the Wyllys family. Plenty of time was spent in preparation for the reception, for Wyllys did not arrive until 1688 — two years after his steward.

His estate embraced the square now be- tween Main, Charter Oak, Governor, and Wyllj^s streets in Hartford, and was appar- ently a pretentious establishment for the sparsely settled colony.

Wyllys was one of the original planters of Hartford. On his farm stood the fa- mous Charter Oak, in which the Con necticut charter was secreted. There was a legend current for many years that Gov- ernor Wj'llys's steward. Gibbons, gave or- ders to have the ancient oak cut down, but that a party of Indians dissuaded him from his plan to remove it from the estate.

After settling in Hartford Wyllys took a leading part in the transacting of public business, and was one of the fram- ers of the Constitution of 1631). On April 1, 1689, he was chosen as one of the six magistrates of Connecticut, and held the office until his death.

In 1641 he was elected deputy-governor, and the next year governor of the colony. He was also commissioner of the United Colonies. Holding the office of governor one year, Wyllys did not ai^pear promi- nently after his retirement from office, and he died in Hartford, March 9, 1(545.

He left four children, one of whom, Samuel Wyllys, was graduated at Harvard College and was magistrate in Connect- iciit for thirty years.

A grandson of Governor Wyllys was sec- retarj^ of the colony from 1712 to 1735 ; his

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GOVERNORS OF CONNECTICUT.

sou and successor, from 1735 to 1796 ; and his son and successor from 1796 to 1810. So that the office remained in the Wyllys family for the unusually long period of ninety-eight years. This record was never outdone in Connecticut. The next best record was the Whiting family, members of which held the office of treasurer for seventy years.

Governor Wyllys was not a great man, like some of his contemporaries, but, as a biographer has said, "He was famed for his social and domestic virtues, his sim- plicity of manners and his love for civil and religious liberty. ' '

THOMAS WELLES. 1655-1658. Two Years.

Thomas Welles was born in 1598 and be- longed to an ancient English family. From the English Colonial State papers we learn that in the year 1635 Thomas Welles and his wife Elizabeth (Non-con- formists) left Rothwell, Northampton- shire, their property probably having been confiscated. Soon after this he entered the service of Lord Say-and-Sele, and ac- companied him to America in the spring of 1636.

They settled where the town of Saybrook now stands, but his lordship becoming dis- heartened over the gloomy aspect of af- fairs in the new land, retiirned to Eng- land, leaving Welles to face the discom- forts of a trackless wilderness. Welles and the company at Saybrook soon after- ward decided to jn-oceed up the river to Hartford. In 1637 he was chosen a magis- trate at Hartford and he held the office for twenty-two years.

At the election in 1639 Welles was chosen the first treasurer of the colon}^, holding the office until he asked to be relieved of it in 1651. In 1641 he was secretary, and in 1649 one of the commissioners of the United Colonies. He was chosen gov- ernor in 1655 and 1656 ; the next year he served as deputy-governor, and in 1658 was re-elected governor. The following year he was again a deputy-governor. He died on Sunday, January 14, 1660 in Weth- ersfield at the age of sixty-two years. His remains were probably interred in the old biirial-giound at Wethersfield, but noth-

ing marks his resting place today. Albert Welles, a biographer of the governor, wrote that his remains were buried "on the top of the hill near the fence on the south side of the old yard, in the rear of the meeting-house, where the remains of the Welles family for many generations now lie grouped." Benjamin Trumbull, the historian, wrote regarding this :

' ' Though Governor Welles was first bur- ied at Wethersfield his remains were af- terward removed to Hartford. Four or five of the first governors of Connecticut — Haynes, Wyllys, Welles, and Webster — lie buried at Harrford without a monu- ment. Considering their nianj' and im- portant public services this is remarkable. But their virtues have embalmed their names and will render their names vener- able to the latest posterity. "

One of Governor Welles 's descendants, Hon. Gideon Welles, of Hartford, wrote of his ancestor, the governor, in 1843, "My father, who died in 1834, aged eighty years, used to tell me that our English ancestors were once of the English nobil- ity ; that amongst his earliest recollec- tions were the strong injunctions of his grandfather and his great-uuole, Samuel Welles, of Boston, never to omit the letter ' in his name ; that the family had once great estates of which they were wrongfully deprived and that in due time they would return. These were the re- marks of the old men to him, born about thirty years after the death of Governor Welles, and who in childhood imbibed impressions brought with the family from the parent land. ' '

JOHN WEBSTER. 1656-1657. One Year.

The early life of John Webster is shroud- ed in mystery. Family tradition said that he was from the county of Warwick, England, but even this is indefinite. The date of his birth is unknown and there is nothing handed down to us regarding his ancestry.

His name first appears in history when he became one of the original proprie- tors of Hartford.

Webster must have been one of the first settlers, for it is recorded that he owned a

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lot on the east side of the thoroughfare now called Governor street. His promi- nence in the town is demonstrated by the fact that in 1639 he sat with the Court of Magistrates, and was a magistrate him- self from the year 1G39 to 1055. In the latter year Webster was chosen to the of- fice of deputy-governor of the colony, and in 1656 was advanced to governor. He held the office one year. During the year 1642 Governor Webster was a member of the commission that framed the code of criminal laws for the colony. In 1654 he was one of the commissioners of the Uni- ted Colonies. Governor Webster took a prominent part in the famous church Controversy at Hartford. Professor John- ston, in his scholarly book; "Connecti- cut," says the nominal beginning of this trouble was after the death of the Rev. Thomas Hooker in 1647. "Goodwin, the ruling elder," ^ Hes Johnston, "wanted Michael Wiggles-s\ l ^ ' H as Hooker's suc- cessor ; and Stone, the surviving minis- ter, refused to allow the proposition to be put to a vote. The Goodwin party — twenty-one in niimber, including Depu- ty-Governor Webster — withdrew from the church ; the Stone party undertook to dis- cipline them ; a council of Connecticut and New Haven churches failed to recon- cile the parties ; the General Coiirt kindly assumed the office of mediator and suc- ceeded in making both parties furious ; and finally a council at Boston in 1659 in- duced the Goodwin minority, now some sixty in number, to remove to Hadley. Mass. ' '

The year following his removal to Hadley, Governor Webster was admitted as a freeman in that colony. His career in Hadley was destined to be brief, how- ever, for he died on Ajjril 5, 1661 — nearly two years after his arrival. He was sur- vived by his widow and eight children.

The historian, HoUister, speaks of his as an "honored name," and "whose virtues are still perpetuated in those who inherit his blood." Probably the most distin- guished descendant of Governor Webster was Noah Webster, the famous lexico- grapher, who was born in Hartford in 1758 and died at New Haven May 28, 1843.

JOHN WINTHROP. 1657, 1659-1676. P Eighteen Years.

The brilliant career of John Winthrop, as governor of Connecticut, led the histo- rian, Bancroft, to write that "The New Woiid was full of his praises." He is generally conceded to have been the most distinguished and scholarly of the early governors of the colony. His father, John Winthrop, commonly called the old- er, was governor of Massachusetts, and the founder of the famous Winthrop fam.- ily in America — a family that has produced many able men and women.

John Winthrop, the younger, was born in Groton Manor, England, Feb. 12, 1606. He received a careful education at Trinity College, Dublin, and afterward entered the Inner Temple, where he studied law. Finding this distasteful, he entered the English naval service, ailing with George Yilliers, the Duke of Bucking- ham. He took part in the unsuccessful expedition for the relief of the Protes- tants at New Rochelle. After a tour on the Continent Winthrop returned to Eng- and in 1629 and found that his father and closest friends were preparing to sail for Massachusetts.

In 1631 he followed his father to New England and was soon elected an assis- tant in the Massachtisetts colony. He was one of the settlers of the town of Ipswich, where he owned a large estate. Winthrop returned to England in 1634. On July 7, 1635, articles of agreement were drawn up between Winthrop and Lord Say-and-Sele, with several others, em- powering Winthrop to erect a fort at th© mouth of the Connecticut river and cre- ating him governor of the territory for one year. His commission was sealed and delivered on July 18, 1()35, and he arrived at the mouth of the river about Novem- ber 24th of the same year. After his term of office expired Winthrop went to Massa- chusetts where he busied himself with scientific investigation. He is spoken of as one of the best "chymists" of his age.

In 1640 he procured a grant of Fisher's Island, and then left for England where he spent the next two years. Returning to Massachusetts in 1643, he undertook

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to develop the irou industry in the vicin- ity of Braintree.

Soon after he acquired considerable property where New London now stands, and removed to that place, which he made his future home. Miss Caulkins, the his- torian of New Loudon, calls him the father of the town, and adds that Wiuthrop's home on Fisher's Lsland was the first English residence in that territory. He brought thither the first company of set- tlers, planned the town, founded the gov- ernment, fixed the bounds, and conciliat- ed the Indians. In 1650 he transferred his residence to New London, and from then on took a leading part in the government of the town and colony. Rising rapidly from a magistrate in 1650, Winthrop was elected governor of the colony in 1657. He was re-elected to the same office in 1659. Originally no man was to be chosen to the office of governor two years in suc- cession ; but in 1660 the General Court, in their anxiety to retain Winthrop as gov- ernor, requested the freemen of the colony to abolish the restriction of re-election. This was done immediately and then John Winthrop began his career as gov- ernor, which covered a longer period than was ever reached by any chief execu- tive in Connecticut. Gurdon Saltonstall and Joseph Talcott in the next century, however, were each governor for seven- teen years. Governor Winthrop was in England for a year and a half, from 1661 to 1668, when he was elected a member of the Royal Society. Possessing niuch tact and having a thorough knowledge of court procedure, as well as considerable influence with Charles the Second, Win- throp obtained from the king the famous charter which consolidated the colonies of Connecticut and New Haven. In this charter of 1662 Winthrop was named the first governor of the United Colonies, and in this office he passed the remaining por- tion of his life. Governor Winthrop died at Boston April 5, ](»76, while attending a meeting of the commissioners of the col- (mies.

Winthrop endeared himself to the peo- ple of , Connecticut, and historical writ- ers^[alljagree|thattbis JFnritanism [was|)of tTe^hnest i^type ; tliat^' he had the'good-will

of even those who differed widely from him. In the kindred sciences of chem- istry and medicine he was one of the best authorities of his time. Trumbull called him "'one of the most distinguished characters in New England." Hollister \^Tote, "It is difficult to consider him as an individual character so inseparably is his bright image blended with that of the Colony herself during the most doubt- ful, and at the same time, most glori- ous period of her existence."

Bancroft paid him a glowing tribute when he wrote, "Puritans and Quakers and the freemen of Rhode Island were alike his eulogists. The Dutch at New York had confidence in his integrity, and it is the beau*tiful testimony of his father that ' God gave him favor in the eyes of all with whom he had to do. ' ' '

Such careers shine as a briliaut light in the hazy horizon of the past.

WILLIAM LEETE.

1676-1683. Seven Years.

William Leete is generally known in his- tory as the sturdy governor who shel- tered and defended the regicides when they were in Guilford. This was one of the unimportant incidents of a particu- larly busy life, yet it has found a place in various local histories and in more pre- tentious biographical works. His ances- tors were members of an ancient family. Gerard Letie, or Leete, owned lands in 1209, during the reign of King John, in Mcrdeu, Cambridgeshire. Matthew Lety, John Leet, and Henry Leete, were all Englishmen of prominence and their names appear in the public records previ- ous to the year 1550.

William Leete was the sou of John Leete of Dodington and Anna Shute, daughter of one of the justices of the King's Court. He was born in Doding- ton, Huntingdonshire, England, in 1612 or 1618. Educated as a lawyer, Leete was for a time clerk of a Bishop's Court at Cambridge, where he witnessed the op- pression and cruelties imposed on the unoffending Puritans.

In 1(548 Leete and Samiiel Desborough met the Court at New Haven, when New Haven colony was planned and organized.

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He was one of the deimties from Guilford to the Gpueral Court of New Haven col- ony until KioO ; and from KiSl to 1658 was magistrate of the town. During the latter year he was elected deputy-governor of the colony, and continued in the office until he was chosen governor in 1661. He held this position until the union of the colony with Connecticut in 16(>4. After the consolidation of the colonies Leete was an assistant until 1669 when he was chosen deputy-governor of Connecticut colony. He was re-elected to this office annually iiatil 1676, when he became gov- ernor of the colony.

Shortly after his election as governor, Leete moved to Hartford from (xuilford, and he resided in that town until his death in 1683. His remains were buried in the old cemetery at Hartford ; and Treasurer John Talcott made an entiy in his account book that it cost the colony eleven pounds of powder for firing the "Great Gun at Gov'rleetes funerall. "

Governor Leete was a popular official ; his administration abounded with good results through a particularly difficult period, and his great integritj' won the approba- tion of friends and enemies. Dr. Trum- bull wrote of him, He died full of years and good works." Palfrey summed up his public life in these words : "Leete was an intelligent and virtuous ruler and Con- necticut prospered under his care."

The story of Governor Leete's experi- ence with the regicides — Goffe and Whal- ley — when they fled to New England, up- on the restoration of Charles I., is as fol- lows :

Ezra Stiles, in that curious little vol- ume, "The Judges," states that Goffe and Whalley were in Guilford twice. The first time was when they were flying from Boston to New Haven. The second visit has been the foundation of a story, which, according to Dr. Bernard C. Steiner, the historitn of Guilford, is much disputed as some of the details are clearly wrong. Gotte and Whalley probably went to Gov- ernor Leete's home and were secreted there several days and nights. Finally the .judges returned to their place of con- cealment in New Haven. There is a tra- dition given credence in several histories

that the governor's daughter, Anna, who afterward became the wife of John Trow- bridge of New Haven, fed the regicides from the governor's table. Dr. Steiner, an eminent authority, says these men were hidden in Guilford, if at all, in June, 1661. President Stiles relates the story thus :

"It is an anecdote still preserved in that family that she (the gov- ernor's daughter Anna) used often to say that when she was a little girl these good men lay concealed some time in the cellar of her father's store ; but she did not know it till afterward ; that she well remembered that at the time of it she and the rest of the children were strictly prohibited from going near that store for some days, and that she and the children wondered at it and could not perceive the reason of it at that tiine, though they knew afterward.

"Tradition says that they were, how- ever, constantly supplied with victuals from the governor's table, sent to them by the maid who long after was wont to glory in it — that she had fed those heavenly men." As the governor's daughter, A.nna, referred to in this anecdote, was born on March 10, 1661, and the regicides were there in June of the same year, the error is obvious.

ROBERT TREAT. 1683-1698. Fifteen Years.

The priceless services of Robert Treat rendered to the colony during a critical period, have always been ajjpreciatively recorded by the historians of the State. Born in England in 1(523, Treat came to America with his father, Richard Treat, early in the century and settled in Weth- ersfield. The elder Treat owned a farm of nine hundred acres, which is now com- prised in the town of Glastonbury ; was a patentee of the charter, a man of high chara-ter and great worth. Robert Treat lived in Wefhersfield only a short time, as he removed to the town of Milford in 1639. At the first meeting of the planters Treat, then a lad of eighteen, was appointed as one of a commission of nine to aid in sur- veying and laying out the lands of the town. He was elected a deputy in 16.'j3,

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and served until 1659. He also held the office again iu 1665. Treat served as an as- sistant from 1659 to 1664, and was strongly opposed to the union of New Haven and Connectient colonies. When the consol- idation was finally effected he was one of a party who removed to New Jersey and founded the present city of Newark. The settlers elected him the first town clerk of the settlement and granted him a lot of eight acres. In 1670 Treat was ap- pointed a major of Connecticut troops and he returned to this State two years later. Three years after his return Connecticut thought enough of Treat's military abil- ity to choose him commander-in-chief of the forces then engaged in the war against King Philip. By his gallantry and bravery he was chiefly instrumental in ridding Northfield and Springfield of the Indians who infested that locality.

When the Indians made their assault up- on Hadley, Treat drove them from the vil- lage ; and in the celebrated fight with the Narragansetts on December 19, 1675, near what is now South Kingston, R. I., he showed courage only rivaled by Captain Mason before him and by General Putnam in the following century. With the Con- necticut troops he led the forlorn hope against the block-hoiise where Philip's shai'p-shooters had more than once driven bat^k the men of Massachusetts. He was one of the last to leave the fort when the Indian power was broken. His prowess was fully recognized and iu 1676 the free- men chose Treat as deputy-governor.

In 1683 he was elected governor of the colony, serving iu that offtce for fifteen years. Then he declined to act longer and was chosen depiity-governor. In 1683 Governor Treat was a member of the com- mission to settle the controversy between Connecticut and the governor of New York. New York claimed that three towns — Rye, Greenwich, and Stamford — be- longed to that colony, but a compromise was agreed upon whereby New York re- taiiKMl the town of llye, and Greenwich and Stamford were conceded to Connecti- cut.

Ditriiig tlie ix'viod of the Andros usur]iati()n (rovernor Treat steered the destinies of Connecticut in what is gener-

ally concede* to be a masterly manner.

When Sir Edmund Andros became gov- ernor of New York and chief magistrate of English America, Governor Treat feared that the colony woiild be divided and he decided upon a pacific course. The people of this colony acted loyally toward Andros when he went to Hartford on Oct. 1, 1687, and Treat was made a member of his council a month later. Connecticut suf- fered but little from Andros, which Is un- doubtedly due to Treat's great tact. The English Revolution came in due time and when the news of it reached Boston, in April, 1689, Andros was thru.st into cutsody. Treat was quietly awaiting his chance, and on the 9th of May he resumed the office of governor. The assembly was ordered to meet in June, and William and Mary were proclaimed with enthusiasm. The old- time government swung into motion again and the story of Andros entered into his- tory.

Governor Treat died at his home in Milford on July 12, 1710, having reached the great age of eighty-nine years. His son, Samuel Treat, was a distinguished clergyman in Massachusetts and grand- father of Robert Treat Paine, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

In summing up the life of Robert Treat Hollister's opinion of him seems the best. He says: "Governor

Treat was not only a man of high courage, but he was one of the most cau- tious military leaders, and possessed a quick sagacity united with a breadth of understanding that enabled him to see at a glanc^e the most complex relations that surrounded the field of battle. He was a planter of that hospitable order that adorned New England in an age when hos- pitality was accounted a virtue, and when the term ijoitlennix was something more than an empty title. His deep piety has still a traditionarj'- fame in the neighbor- hood where he spent the brief portion of his time that he was allowed to devote to the culture of the domestic and social virtues.

' There existed between Robert Treat and John Winthrop the most cordial friendship, growing out of the admiration that each felt for the character and abili- ties of the other, and also on account of

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the part they took ; the one procuring the charter, the other in vindicating its ju- risdiction and in preserving it from the violence of its enemies. ' '

FITZ-JOHN WINTHROP. 1698-1707. Nine Years.

John Winthrop, commonly known in history as Fitz- John, and son of Governor John Winthrop, was born at Ipswich, Mass. , on March 19, 1639. He entered Har- vard College, bu'^. did not take a degree as he left to accept a commission in the parliamentary army.

Winthrop saw much service in Scotland, where he commanded at Cardross, and afterward accompanied General George Monk on his famous march to London. When his regiment was disbanded on ac- count of the Restoration, W^inthrop re- turned to New England in 1663, settled in Connecticut and there passed the remain- ing portion of his career. During that try- ing period, when the discouraging In- dian wars were in progress, Winthrop rendered considerable service to the col- ony in the field. When Connecticut joined with the other New England colonies in sending an army up the Hiidson river to co-operate with Governor Philip's sea, ex- pedition, Fitz-John Winthrop was named as commander of the whole force, with Milbourn as commissary. The army suf- fered greatly from the latter's inability to perform his duty, and both the matters of furnishing food and providing transpor- tation for the forces were hopelessly mud- dled. In the face of these gross irregu- larities, and also on account of the weak support of New York, Winthrop had no al- ternative but to retreat, and the expedition proved an utter failure.

Jacob Leisler, the self-appointed gov- ernor of New York, branded Winthrop as an incompetent, and heaped considerable abuse upon him for the failure of the ex- pedition, although historians generally agree that the blame rested largely upon Milborn, a son-in-law of the governor.

When he returned to Connecticut Win- throp received the thanks of the General Court for his services. In 1693 he was made an agent of the colony and sent to England to obtain if jjossible a confirma-

tion of the charter, as there was a belief that it had been superseded. Winthrop re- mained in England for four years an agent of Connecticut colony to the court of William III., and succeeded in obtaining from Lord John Somers, attorney-general, a strong opinion that the charter of 1662 was valid. The opinion of the attorney- general was concurred in by such able lawyers as Treby and Ward, and Lord Somers declared, "I am of the same opin- ion, and as this matter is stated, there is no ground of doubt. ' ' King William rati- fied this opinion in April, 1694, and when Winthrop returned to Connecticut he re- ceived the thanks of the people for hav- ing rendered such valuable service to the charter obtained by his father a genera- tion before. In 1698 Winthrop was chosen governor of the colony, and continued in the office until his death in 1707.

In the fall of 1707 Governor Winthrop journeyed to Boston in an enfeebled con- dition to obtain medical assistance and visit his brother, Wait Still Winthrop. The Boat on Narx Letti'r of November 27, 1707, announced his death in this man- ner : "About four o'clock this morning, the Honorable John Winthrop. Esq. . Gov- ernor of His Majesty's Colony of Connect- icut, departed this life in the sixty-ninth year of his age ; being born at Ipswich, in New England, March 14, Anno, 1638 ; whose body is to be interred here on Thur.sday next, the 4th of December." His body was interred in the same tomb with his father and grandfather in the burying-ground at King's Chapel.

Governor Winthrop lived in New Lon- don, and his home was long famous for its unbounded hospitality. Miss Caulkins says of him: "His death was an impor- tant event to the town. As a member of the commonwealth it had lost its head, and as a community it was bereaved of a true friend and influential citizen."

While Fitz-John Winthrop lacked the qualities of a statesman like his grand- father, or a scholar like his father, yet he is known in history as a brave sol- dier and an administrator of public affairs who won the absolute trust of his con- stituents. His integrity and lofty patri- otism were unimpeachable.

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GURDON SALTONSTALL. 1708-1725. Seventeen Years.

The name of Saltonstall carries with it a long line of men distinguished in the- ology, at the bar, in the army and navy, and as statesmen. Richard Saltonstall, the tlrst of note to bear the name, was a nephew of a lord-mayor of London, and a patentee of Connecticut. He returned to England and was one of the judges that sentenced Lords Holland, Norwich, and Capel. the Duke of Hamilton, and Sir John Owen to death for treason. His great-grandson, Gurdon Saltonstall, was born in Haverhill, Mass., March 27, 1666. He was graduated from Harvard College in 1684, studied theology, and was ordained the 19th of November, 1691 as the min- ister at New London.

His career as a preacher was not only eminently satisfactory, but he was regard- ed as a scholar of finished qualities. It is said that his thorough knowledge of men and affairs, his polished majestic bearing, and his strong loyalty to the colonies made him one of the most valuable men in Con- necticut. He was one of the originators of the plan to establish a college in Con- necticut, and it is recorded by writers on the subject that he did much to have the institution situated in New Haven in- stead (if Hartford. He is credited with having made the plans and estimates for the biTildings.

Among the clergymen of the colony he enjoyed great popuLirity.

In 1698 Mr. Saltonstall was a member of a connnittee appointed to welcome the Earl of Bellomont when he visited this country.

C^overnor Fitz-Jobn Winthrop and Mr. Saltonstall were close friends ; in fact, during a long illnr'ss through which the goveniur passed, the minister acted as his chief adviser. Through tliis agency Sal- tonstall became intimately acquainted with the routine business of the colony, so that he was as familiar with the ques- tions of state as the governor himself. When, therefore, (Governor Winthroj) died in 1707 H s])ecitil session of the (General Asscnilily. called a month later, elected the Rev. Mr. Saltonstall as his successor.

He began the duties of the office Jan. 1 , 1708, and in the May following was regu- larly elected by the people. Then began his long career as governor, which was ter- minated only by his death.

His sudden transition from the preach- er's desk to the governor's chair was too sudden for the parishioners at New Lon- don. They were filled with grief and amazement, we are told, and Trumbull adds that the Assembly sent a letter to his people explaining that "their minister was called to engage in another important course of service and using arguments to induce them to acquiesce in the result." He was criticised and even censured for having given up the work of the ministry for a ' ' temporal office, ' ' and the Rev. Isaac Backus, a Baptist preacher and author of repute, wrote: "He readily quitted the solemn charge of souls for worldly promo- tion." The governor always retained his interest in the church at New London.

One of his first acts as governor was to suggest the appointment of a synod of ministers and laymen for a more thorough system of ecclesiastical discipline. The outcome of this was the assemblage of Congregational clergymen at Saybrook, which framed the famous "Saybrook Plat- form. ' '

In 1709 he was an agent of the colony to convey an address to Queen Anne, urging the conquest of Canada.

In 1711, when Connecticut plrtced four hundred men in the field against Quebec, Governor Saltonstall personally conduct- ed them as far north as Albany. The dis- aster which befell stui)id Sir Hovenden Walker, commander of the expedition, in Canadian waters, is well known.

Governor Saltonstall practically intro- duced the printing ])ress in Connecticut, as he put one into his house as early as 1709.

He died suddenly of apoplexy on Sep- tember 20, 1734, at his home in New Lon- don, and was buried two days later with high military and civic h(mors. "The horse and foot marched in fcnir files ; the drums, colors, trumpets, halberts, and hilts of swords covered with black, and twenty cannon firing at half a minute's distance." Rev. Eliphalet Adams in hi

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From >-cproductio,i for the CoiiH,-cticnt Masa^iuc hy RaiidalL

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GOVERNORS OF CONNECTICUT,

From rcprodiictwii for tlii- CoiiiiiYiiriit AJagnziii,' />y Randall.

GOVERNORS OF CONNECTICUT.

IZ

funeral sermon, referring to bis work for the college said: "Under his wing and care our little nursery of learning hath sprung up to that consistence, observation and strength that it is this day; and now it heartily bemoans the loss of its best friend under God."

After the remains of the governor had been deposited in the tomb, two vollej's belched from the fort, and then the mili- tary companies marching in single file, as each, respectively came against the tomb, discharged, and so drew up orderly into a body as before and dismissed."

Governor Saltonstall was a great man and an able executive. Professor Dex- ter has truly said that Yale College, in common with the whole colony, and in- deed with all New England, suffered a great loss in his sudden death,

JOSEPH TALCOTT. 1725-1742. Seventeen Years.

Joseph Talcott was the first person to oc- cupy the office of governor who was born in Connecticut.

John Talcott, his grandfather, was a member of the committee that sat for the firpt time with the Court of Magistrates in 1637, and he was deputy every year fol- lowing until 1659. He was also an as- sistant and treasurer of the colony. His son, the governor's father, was treasurer of the colony and resigned in order to take command of the troops raised by Con- necticut to participate in King Philip's War. He was one of the patentees named in the charter, and died full of honors July 23, 1688.

Joseph Talcott was born in Hartford, November 11th or 16th, 1669, and was the fourth son of Colonel John Talcott and Helena Wakeman. His first ai)pearance in public was when he petitioned the General Assembly in 1691 against tlio division of his father's property in Hartford. He claimed ijo.^session of all the real estate by right of primogeniture. At the age of twenty-three years Talcott was chosen se- lectman of Hartford, and in 1697 he was re-elected. From that time he held many offices in the colony.

When the alarm of the Indian war flashed through Hartford and the colony

in 1704, Lieutenant Joseph Talcott was appointed on a connnittee "to proportion and lay out to each person how much they shall make of the fortifications agreed on to be done on the north side of the river. ' '

He was also for twenty years a member of the committee which managed the af- fairs of the Hopkins Grammar School in Hartford. In October, 1697, Talcott was appointed ensign of the Train Band in Hartford, "on the north side of the riv- erette," and also held various military offices until he was elected governor. In fact, he spent so much time in looking after military affairs of the colony that the General Assembly in 1724 voted him the sum of fifteen poiinds " to be paid to his Honor out of the public treasury for his good services in that affair. ' ' First chos- en as a depiity from Hartford in 1708, he was then elected speaker of the lower House in the May session, and was made an assistant May, 1711. This latter office he held until elected deputy-governor in Oc- tober, 1723. In 1725 he was chosen govern- or and held the office during the next sev- enteen years, until 1742.

Governor Talcott's service to the courts of the colony was extensive and able. In May, 1731, he was appointed judge of the Supreme Court, and was also chief judge of the County Court and judge of the Pro- bate Court for Hartford county for a long course of years.

During the long administration of Go\'- ernor Talcott the chief thing which at- tracts attention in the history of the col- ony was its constant growth by the estab- lishment of new towns. The town of Willington, destined to become the birth- place of one of the most famous of early i^merican writers, started with twenty- seven inhabitants. The settlement of Somers, Cornwall, Salisbury, Canaan. Kent, Goshen, Torrington, Winchester, New Hartford, Hartland, Colebrook, Un- ion, Barkhamsted, East Haddam. and New Fairfield, followed in rapid success- ion, and demonstrated the thriving con- dition of the community they enlarged. Governor Talcott died late in 1741 and he was buried in the old cemetery in the rear of the Center Church at Hartford.

In commenting on Governor Talcott's

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career a writer has said : In summing Tip Governor Talcott's character we may- say that while not in any way a brilliant man he displayed sterling good sense, great faithfulness in performing the duties of his station, excellent judgment in manag- ing the affairs entrusted to him, and a disinclination to follow extreme measures in any direction."

He left a large family, and many distin- guished descendants have not allowed the luster of the name to grow dim,

JONATHAN LAW. 1742-1751. Nine Years.

Jonathan Law, twelfth governor of Con- necticut, was born in Milford, August 6, 1674. Richard Law, his grandfather, was King's Attorney and emigrated to this country in 1635.

Jonathan Law studied at Harvard Col- lege and was graduated in the class of 1695. After studying law he commenced practice in his native town in 1698, and with such success that he was soon made chief judge of the New Haven County Court. He held this office five years, when, in May, 1715. he was chosen as an asso- ciate jiidge of the Superior Court. In this capacity Law demonstrated his thorough knowledge of the law, so that his ability was rewarded two years later when he was chosen as a governor's assistant. He held this otfice eight years, until 1725, when he resigned, having been elected lieutenant-governor of the colony. Dur- the same year Law was made chief justice of the Superior Court, an office he held for seventeen years.

Upon the death of Governor Talcott in 1741 Jonathan Law succeeded as acting- governor until the time of the regular election in the spring, and he succeeded himself annually until his death in 1751.

After the election of Governor Law it was the rule in Connecticut that a govern- or hold office until he died or refused to serve longer, when the deputy-governor took his place for a like term.

The administration of Governor Law was uneventful, except for the expedition against Louisburg, commanded by Roger Wolcott, and for which Connecticut fur- nished a thoiTsand men. Governor Law

was a strong opponent of the preaching of -Rev. George Whitfield and the other revivalists, and signed an act prohib- iting any itinerating clergymen or ex- horter from preaching in a parish with- out the express desire of the pastor or people. " Under the provision of this law such preachers as the Rev. Samuel Fin- ley were driven from Connecticut as va- grants.

The governor had an extensive farm near Cheshire, and he was one of the first to plant mulberry trees and introduce the raising of silk-worms. This industry Gov- ernor Law advocated and advertised in a public manner by appearing in 1747 wear- ing the first coat and stockings made of New England silk. Dr. Aspinwall of Mansfield and President Stiles of Yale College were both deeply interested in the industry and the latter wore a gown made of Connecticut silk at the next Com- mencement. From this humble begin- ning developed the extensive silk indus- try in Connecticut.

Governor Law died on November 9, 1750, and at his funeral Dr. Ezra Stiles pro- nounced a eulogy in Latin which is still in print. He referred to the dead gov- ernor as "a most illustrious man and the great patron of Yale college."

A biographer Avrote, "He was unques- tionably a man of high talents and accom- plishments, both natural and acquired- He was well acquainted with civil and ecclesiastical subjects, and gradually rose by the force of his own exertions to the highest honor in the State. He was of a mild and placid temper, amiable in all the relations of domestic life, and seems to have well discharged the duties imposed upon him."

A son, Richard Law, LL. D. (1733-1806) was graduated at Yale in 1751, and jirac- tised law in New London. He was a del- egate to the Continental Congress in 1777. 78 and in 1781-84, and mayor of New Lon- don for twenty years. The leading law- yer of that section' of Connecticut, Law was made chief justice of the Supreme Court, and Washington appointed him judge of the United States District Court. Richard Law and Roger[Sherman revised the laws of Connecticut.

GOVERNORS OF CONNECTICUT.

75

ROGER WOLCOTT.

1751-1754. Three Years.

On the fourth of January, 1679, in the town of ^Vindsor, was born Roger Wolcott, the progenitor of a famous family. In the section of Windsor where the Wolcotts lived onslaughts from the Indians were so frequent that it was impossible for the in- habitants to support either a minister or school-master. It is said by one writer that Roger Wolcott did not attend a com- mon school a day in his life. As a boy he learned the weaver's trade, and at the age of twenty- one went into that business for himself. By great industry he acquired in a moderate length of time what was con- sidered a competence.

In 1709 he was chosen as a representa- tive from Windsor, and a justice of the peace the following year. Wolcott was selected as commissary of the Connecticut troops in the expedition against Canada in 1711. In 1714 he became a member of the Governor's Council, which position he held when chosen judge cf the County Court in 1721. His ability as a judge was so generally recognized that in 1732 he was raised to the bench of the Supreme Court of the colony. In 1741 Wolcott served as deputy-governor of the colony, and chief justice of the Supreme Court. When Connecticut in 1745 furnished one thou- sand men for the famous expedition against Louisburg. Wolcott was made a major- general and placed in command of the Con- necticut troops. During the fanaous siege General Wolcott was second in command, Sir William Pepperell being the chief of- ficer.

Wolcott succeeded Jonathan Law as gov- ernor when the latter died in November, 1750, and was continued in office for three years. His administration, on the whole, was satisfactory, but near the end of its last year an unfortunate affair occurred which injured his popularity. A Sjjanish vessel, w^hile in distress, put into New London harbor for protection. While at anchor she was robbed of a portion of her valuable cargo. Complaint was made to the Crown by the Si;anish ambassador at London. There was a good deal of agita- tion over the matter, and for a time it

looked as if the Connecticut colony would be held rssijonsible for the loss. Gov- ernor Wolcott was blamed and severely censured on account of existing conditions in that part of the colony which made such a robbery possible. Public resent- ment of what they called "official neg- ligence," was widespread, and the epi- sode cost Governor Wolcott a re-election.

From his retirement in 1754, Governor Wolcott did not again enter public life, but lived quietly at his old home in Wind- sor. He devoted the remainder of his life to religious meditation and literary pursuits. Although he had no education whatever Governor Wolcott by hard and extensive reading fitted himself for his career in life. To literature he devoted much time, and a small volume entitled, "Poetical Medita- tions, ' ' was written by him and published at Now London in 1725. It was a collec- tion of six short poems, and a long narra- tive poem entitled, "A Brief Account of the Agency of Hon. John Winthrop in the Court of King Charles the Second, Anno Domini, 1662, when he obtained a Charter for the Colony of Connecticut." This poem has been ]jrinted in the Massachu- setts Historical Society collection. A let- ter written to the Rev. Peter Hobart in 1761, entitled, "The New England Con- gregational Churches, etc.," is reprinted in Everest's "Poets of Connecticut."

Governor Wolcott died on May 17, 1767, at Windsor in the eighty-ninth year of his age. On his tomb is the following in- scription :

"Earth's highest station ends in 'Here he lies,'

And 'dust to dust' concludes her noblest song. ' '

Governor Wolcott's son, Oliver, was af- terward governor of the State ; and an- other one, Erastus, was a judge of the Su- preme Court.

THOMAS FITCH. 1754-1766. Twelve Years.

President D wight once said that Gov- ernor Thomas Fitch was "probably the most learned lawyer who had ever become an inhabitant of the Colony." For a long period he held a foremost position among Comiecticut lawyers, and won a distinguished place in the profession.

76

GOVERNORS OF CONNECTICUT.

Burn in ;Norwalk in 1700, Thomas Fitch was a sou of one of the first settlers of the town. He studied at Yale College and was graduated in a class of thirteen in 1721. Five years later he was licensed ta:;preach as a supply in the Nor walk cbui-ch, "at thirty shillings per Sabbath. ' ' In May of the same year he began his long public career by serving as a deputy to the General Assembly. Afterward he was elected a justice of the leace and served from 1726 to 1730 in the Assembly, when he was nominated as a governor's assistant. He had previously studied law, and was so successful in the practice of his profession that in 1743 he was appointed on a committee to revise the laws of the colony. The work dragged along for two years, when in Maj^, 1744, Fitch was asked to revise the laws himself withoiit the aid of the committee. He accom- plished the gigantic task in six years, and the result of his labors was published at New London. The revision called forth praise in both America and England.

Serving as an assistant in 1734 and 1735, and from 1740 to 1750, Fitch was then chosen deputy-governor by the Assembly, in special session on account of the death of Governor Law, to take the place of Roger Wol(H)tt who had been advanced to the office of governor. At the same time he was selected as chief judge of the Su- perior Court of the colony. He was elect- ed to the office of deputy-governor every year until 1754, when he became governor of the colony. The French war began at the commen.'^ement of Governor Fitch's term of office, and the long dreary stritggle occu- pied much of his attention. The cloiids of the Revolution were •gathering during the last year of his administration and his course at this time resulted in his being practically forced to retire from office.

Governor Fitch reported to the Lords of Trade oik September 7, 17(52, that the pojmlation of the colony anumnted to "a hundred and forty-one thoxisand whites, and four thousand five hundred and nine- ty blacks, or therealxnits. "

Connecticut experienced a shares of the excitement resulting from the passage of the Stamp Act. In March, 1764, George Grenville, Prime Minister of England, in-

troduced his budget of "Declaratox-y Resolves" in the House of Commons, and one year was to elapse before the Stamp Act was to go into effect. The following May the Connecticut Assembly appointed a committee, in- cluding Governor Fitch, "to collect and set in the most advantageous light all such arguments and objections as might justh" and reasonably be advant^ed against creating and collecting a revenue in America, especially against effecting the same by stamp duties." The outcome of the work of the committee was set forth in a pamphlet, w^ritten by Governor Fitch, en- titled, "Reasons why the British Colonies, in America, should not be charged with in- ternal taxes, by Authority of the Parlia- ment, humbly offered, for consideration, in behalf of the Colony of Connecticut." This was forwarded by order of the Assem- bly to the colony's agent in London.

Lord Halifax addressed a circular to Governor Fitch in 1764, asking him to pre- pare for the use of the British ministry a schedule of particulars as a guide for fram- ing the proposed act. The governor took advantage of the opportunity to enter further remonstrance against the Stamp Act. The act was assented to hj George III., March 22, 1765, and according to its terms every colonial governor was obliged to take an oath before November 1st to in- sure the Crown of their loyalty in its sup- port. The penalty for refusal to take this oath on the part of a governor was removal from office and a fine of 5,000 pounds. Ex- citement ran high in the colony as the time api)roached for the obnoxious act to go into effect.

Evidently fearing the royal mandate, Governor Fitch threw the inhabitants of Connecticut into an uncontrollable rage, when on October 29, 1765, he took the oath to sustain the law he had so ably opposed. The wrath against his course grew apace as the time for re-election approached. Two mcmths before the election, in March 1766, the governor published an anonj'- mous pamphlet which is still preserved in the library of Yale University. It was entitled, "Some Reasons that influenced the Governor to take, and the Councilors to administer, the Oath." This able de-

<

GOVERNORS OF CONNECTICUT.

73'

fense of his actions did not ward off the impeudius blow and be was succeeded by Willaim Pitkin.

After his defeat Governor Fitch lived in retirement until his death, which occurred at Norwalk on July 18, 1774, in the sev- enty-fourth year of his age. In the sermon delivered at the funeral of Governor Fitch, the Rev. Moses Dickinson (Y. C, 1717), his pastor, spoke of the dead gov- ernor's life-work in glowing terms. Re- ferring to his revision of the laws of the colony, he said the work was "justly esteemed by gentlemen in Great Britain, who are acquainted with them, to be the best code of plantation laws that were ever published. ' '

The governor's descendants have been leading citizens in the southwestern por- tion of Connecticut.

WILLIAM PITKIN. 1766-1769. Three Years.

William Pitkin, the governor who dis- tinguished himself during the excitement attending the passage of the Stamp Act, by his bold, uncompromising advocacy of the cause of the colonies, was born April 20, 1694, in the town of East Hartford. Of his early life and ediication we know very little. He was a member of the Pit- kin family that furnished a number of brilliant men to the commonwealth at different periods. At the age of nineteen William Pitkin was chosen town collector. He was afterward a representative in the General Assembly from 1728 to 1734. During these years he took a deep inter- est in military affairs, becoming a captain of the Train Band in 1730 and a colonel in 1734. In 1734 he became a member of the Governor's Council, and the year fol- lowing was appointed a judge of the Coun- ty Court. He occupied this position until 1752. Governor Pitkin was also a judge of the Superior Court, and served as chief justice of the Supreme Court for twelve years.

In all matters that pertained to the fu- ture welfare of Connecticut, and in the days when the colony was rearing the structure of its future freedom. Governor Pitkin was an important figure.

He was a member of the famous Albany

•The first folio of this section should read 77 instead of 73. Folios up 10 88 inclusive are thus advanced four num- bers. The occasion of this change being the insertion of the four Governor's Plates.

convention of 1754, when Franklin offered a plan for the union of the colonies. Gov. Pitkin also served on the committee, of which Franklin was chairman, appointed by the convention to draft a constitution. Always a strong exponent of col< ial rights, Pitkin was one of the first in Con- necticut to resist the Stamp Act, when the British ministry undertook to foist that measure on the colonies. He was thoroughly uncompromising in his de- nunciation of the Act, and when on Oc- tober 29, 1765, Governor Fitch took the oath to uphold it, William Pitkin, then lieutenant-governor, showed his courage in a forcible manner. Mr. Pitkin, to- gether with several other prominent men, including Jonathan Trumbull, were in the room where Governor Fitch and mem- bers of the Council were to take the oath to support the Act. Pitkin indignantly rebelled against the action of the gov- ernor, and, in company with the sturdy Trumbull, deliberately left the room while the oath was being administered. This patriotic act was thoroughly commended by the majority of the people of Connect- icut, and they manifested their appro- bation in a substantial way when, in the following May, 1766, he was elected gov- ernor of the colony by an overwhelming majority.

A newspaper of that day rather face- tiously remarked, in commenting on the election, that Pitkin's majority over Fitch — who had fallen into popular disfavor — "was so great that the votes were not counted." Governor Pitkin's course through the stormy period preceding the Revolution was uniformly consistent ai;d eminently patriotic, which called forth the plaudits of his constituents. He died while in office, in October, 1769.

His biographer tells us that the gov- ernor was ''of commanding appearance, highly affable and pleasing in manner." The following inscription is on his monu- ment: "Here lieth interred the body of William Pitkin, Esq.— late Gov. of the Colony of Conn. To the God of Nature indebted for all his talents, he aimed to employ them in Religion, without affec- tation, chearful Humble, and Temperate, zealous and bold for the Truth, Faithful

7^' 74

FAIR MAWS OF LONG AGO.

in distributing Justice, Scattering away Evil with Ms Eye, an Example of Chris- tian Virtue, a Patron of his Country, a Benefactor to the Poor, a Tender Parent, and Faithful Friend. Twelve years he presided in the Superior Court, and three

and a half Gov. in Chief. After serving his generation by the will of God, with calmness and serenity, fell on sleep, the 1st day of October, A. D., 1769— in the 76th year of his Age."

,rv^^^

FAIR MAIDS OF LONG AGO.

MABEL WARD CAMERON.

Great grandmother Zerviah, so quaint your name and pleasing. Your house so neat; your larder full ; you've left a lasting fame.

Homespun clothed your family,

This spoon often stirred your tea, Would too I owned your many virtues, and your curious name !

Elizabeth, and Agnes, Joanna, too, and Mary,

Sailed from old England's shores three centuries ago.

These daughters, wives, and mothers,

With fathers, husbands, brothers, Faced the weary winters, 'mid New England's ice and snow.

In the new world's forests, fighting, working, praying.

The austere Puritan Fathers were alert to watch and guard,

And the mothers ever bringing

Prayers to mingle with their singing. Nor regrets for old world comforts their simple home life marred.

And little strangers coming, sent from Heaven to bless and brighten, Personified their parents' many noble traits and thought.

Little Mindwell playing gaily.

Met with Faith and Patience daily. The laws for every action in the Holy Writ were sought.

7f

FAIR MAIDS OF LONG AGO. 75

Experience, light-heaxted, beside the big wheel sitting. Smiling, passed the time with hymns until her task was done.

Singing, sweetly singing,

'Round, 'round the big wheel swinging. With never thought of leaving until her stint was spun.

Years passed, the Anglo-Saxon, a conquering race triumphant. The Red Man routed or subdued, the wild beasts drove away.

With naught to dread or frighten.

The sombre households brighten, Fancy the forest's child was bred, and Romance had full sway.

Fair Phillury and Abi, with stately step advancing. With Abiah and Sevilla dance a minuet with grace,

While Azubah, haughty lady,

Adown the long walk shady. Her train upheld by little pnge, to her carriage walks apace.

Lovicy, youthful housewife, a victim to ambition.

Too well she learned the homely arts — so young she was to die !

Electa mounting gladly

On a pillion, gallops madly Across the woodland pathway, the fragrant meadows by.

With^viol, flute, and fiddle, sweet voices blend and mingle, In Sunday choir, and singing school — O Grandmothers sedate !

Harmonious through the ages.

Singing of J them on the pages, Are names on musty records, kept by Church or State.

Lucia, Diantha, Abigail, Anne, Aurelia,

Jemime, Rosanna — how sweetly flows the rhyme !

Named for sacred mount — Moriah,

With Florilla and Bethiah, Sweet maidens conjured up for us, after this lapse of time.

PRESIDENT McKINLEY'S TRIBUTE.

fs^Tz~^. " >■ ••viaBBfgsBjBawriiiywBPjffw^ •■^■" •>

EXECUTIVE MANSION.

WASHINGTON.

February 9, 1901,

The death of John Addison Porter brought to a

preoature end a career of honor rmd v/orthy public

service • Kis ideals v.'ere high, and his lifa, all

too short, v/a8 bright v/ith promise. He v.'as a faith-

ful friond cr.d to ir.e as to others who kj

his death v&s a poreonnl sorrow.

/i24.^i^^^^0.^— ^^

TESTIMONIAL TO THE HON. .lOHN ADDISON PORTER BY PRESIDENT MCKINLEY. (By request of The Conxkcticut Magazine.)

JOHN ADDISON PORTER.

v/

BY NORRIS O. OSBORNE.

i

Johu Addison Porter was born at New Haveu, April 17, 1856. He died at Pom- fret, December 15, 1900. His was a short career, the major part of which was spent in preparation for the public service. As a boy the very thought of it fascinated him and left an impression upon his char- acter which was seen and appreciated by his friends and by the community in which he lived- His failure to achieve all that his youthful dreams had pictured to his imagination constitutes something of a tragedy — such, unfortunately, as the pages of history are filled with. Disease and death overtook him at the very mo- ment when his political star was in the ascendant. He had learned the practical lesson of life and was ready to apply it to his own ambitions. What had been de- nied him was being prepared for him in that odd and eccentric crucible which we call public opinion.

Mr. Porter came from a distinguished parentage. His mother was a daughter of the honored founder of the Sheffield Scientific School of Yale, Joseph E. Shef- field. His f9,ther, who also