BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF THE PRINCIPAL FOUNDERS AND SETTLERS OF ENFIELD. WITH SOME NOTICES OF THE EMINENT DECEASED MEN EVER SINCE THE FIRST SETTLEMENT.

Col. John Pynchon together with his father Col John Pynchon sen. were distinguished agents & patrons of the first settlement of Enfield & are entitled to the gratitude of the Inhabitants of Enfield for perseverance & enterprise in converting a dreary wilderness into a flourishing Colony.

Col. John Pynchon sen. died 1703 aged 76, he m. Anne Willys 1644.

Col. John Pynchon jun. was one of the Commissioners of the United Colonies be died 1721 aged 74--m. Margaret Hubbard of lpswich last [surviving?] founder of Enfield & Suffield & Commissioner of the United Colonies.

Sons John b. 1674William b. 1689.

3 Col John Pynchon m. Bathua Taylor of Westfield died 1742 aged 68second wife was Phebe Sexton of Enfield 1711.

Son William b. 1703 died 1783. John b. 1705 died 17 54. Edward b. 1713 died 1777. George b. 1717 died 1797. Charles b. 1719 D. 1783.

D. Mary m. Joseph Dwight [of Great] Barrington. 1726.

Col. William Pynchon m. Catharine Brown 1721 & died 1741.
C [child?] Sarah b. 1721 m. Col. Josiah Dwight.
William b. 1723, educated at Cambridge College & settled in Salem.
Margaret b. 1727 m. Major Elijah Williams of Enfield.
Joseph [b.] 1737- settled in Guilford.

John Pease sen, the ancestor of the numerous families of that [name] in this town & its vicinity was one of the principal Salem emigrants that were the first settlers of Enfield. He was the first selectman ever chosen in Enfield & one of the Commissioners that purchased the town of the Indians. He (died in 1689 aged 60 years leaving 6 sons who all settled in Enfield & had families.

Capt. Isaac Meacham one of the most useful & enterprising settlers of Enfield. He was a clothier by trade. He died in 1715. He had seven sons 6 of whom settled in Enfield.

Capt. John Pease eldest son of John Pease sen. a surveyor by profession, was one of the persons who explored the plantation for the Salem emigrants previous to the settlement. He afterwards surveyed & laid out the town plot out lots. He was the first constable at the organization of the plantation & first Captain of the Militia. He was a man of great natural ingenuity & exemplary piety & most indefatigable in his labors in founding & sustaining the Christian church in Enfield. He died at the advanced age of 82 years & 8 months in 1734 - left 3 sons, 2 settled in Enfield & one in Somers.

Capt. Samuel Terry 3d Captain of the Militia of Enfield & one of the first representatives to the Gen. Court at Boston, often sustaining various Town offices, he died 1730 aged 70, be left 7 sons, all but one settled in Enfield.

Deacon Thomas Hale was the first Town Clerk of Enfield which office be held for 14 years. He was also one of the first deacons of the church. He died 1725, left 4 sons who all settled in Enfield.

Mr. Zachariah Booth the 3d Town Clerk of Enfield. He held the office for 6 years, was also a Representative to the Gen. Court at Boston. He died 1741 left 2 sons who both settled in Enfield.

Deacon Isaac Pease sustained the office of Deacon of the church for a number of years after the first organization. He was also constable & one of the selectmen of the town. He died in 1731, left 7 sons who all settled in the town. Most of the families of the name of Pease now residing in the town are his descendants.

Capt, Joseph Sexton the 4th captain of the militia of Enfield & the 2nd Town Clerk which office he held for 9 years. He died 1742, be left several sons who settled in Somers where many of his descendants now reside.

Son Joseph m. Sarah Parsons D. of Samuel Parsons 1723 - Joseph Sexton son of Jo Sexton b. 1724. [ ] died in Somers 1777.

Rev. Nathaniel Collins the first settled minister of Enfield. He received the ministerial allotment in 1701. After having the pastoral charge of the church & society a number of years [?] he resigned the office & subsequently was Town Clerk for 6 years. He died 1756, left 3 sons, 2 settled in Enfield & one in Somers.

Andrew Miller died 1708 aged 60 years.

Rev. Joseph Meacham - The first minister of Coventry, the youngest son of Capt. Isaac Meacham b. at Enfield 1685 graduated at __ settled at Coventry 1713 died

The Rev Benjamin Colton first minister of West Hartford was the son of Ephraim Colton of Enfield, he graduated at___. settled died . .

The Rev. Samuel Terry the eldest son of Capt. Samuel Terry b. at Enfield 1690 settled as a clergyman at Dutchess county in the Province of New York where be died during the Revolutionary war.

A list of the Persons drowned in Enfield,John Kingsbury 1780 aged 71.

Thomas Jones was the eldest son [of ] Benjamin Jones the first settler of Somers. He was one of the most wealthy & respectable inhabitants of the Town where be was elected the first Representative to the General Assembly of Connecticut after the separation of the town from Massachusetts. He died 1763 left 2 sons, one of whom was a clergyman.1 1[Interlined] Abraham Whipple m. Mary Jones 1731 Jonathan Spencer m. Jerusha Jones 1731.

Elijah Willians Esqr. the youngest son of Rev. John Williams of Deerfield by his last wife Abigail Allen of Windsor, the grand daughter of Rev. Mr. Warham __was for many years a merchant in Enfield. He held the office of Town Clerk, was a Justice of the peace & Representative. He removed to Deerfield & it is supposed died in that town. He graduated at Harvard College 1732.
[All the above concerning Elijah Williams is crossed out.]

Dr. Ebenezer Terry was the second son of Capt. Samuel Terry. He was the first native of Enfield who engaged in the medical profession. He practiced Physic for a number of years at South Kingston, Rhode Island. He afterwards returned to Enfield where he continued in the profession until his death in 1780 aged 84 he left 3 sons who all settled in Enfield.

Mr. Christopher Parsons the youngest son of Lieut Benjamin who died 1728 was the 5" Town Clerk of Enfield. He (lied 1749, left 5 sons most of whom settled in Enfield.

Capt. Samuel Chandler the 5" Captain of the Militia of Enfield was the second son [of] Ensign Henry Chandler the first settler of the northwest section of Enfield. He died 1761, left children, all removed out of Town.
[Above as to Samuel Chandler crossed out.]

Capt. Ephraim Terry was the [6?]th Captain of the Militia of Enfield [and] 4th son [of] Capt. Samuel Terry. During a long and useful life be sustained various public offices. It is supposed be was the first Justice of the Peace that was a Native of the Town. He was likewise frequently elected representative to the Gen. Assembly. He died 1783 aged 82__left 5 sons all of whom settled in Enfield.

Lieut. Benjamin Meacham the eldest son of Isaac Meacham jun. was for many years one of the principal men of Enfield in Town business. He died in 1770 aged 68. He left several descendants some of whom are settled in Enfield.
[The above as to Benjamin Meacham is crossed out.]

The Rev. Peter Raynolds was settled in the ministry in Enfield ordained 1725 from Bristol, Rhode Island__born in Bristol 1700, graduated at Harvard Coll. 1720. He was much esteemed & respected during his pastoral charge which terminated by death in 1768 aged 86. He left 4 sons two of whom received a public education, one was a Clergyman & the other a Physician. Samuel b. 1728 grad. at New Haven 1750 settled in Somers as a physician, died 1774. Peter b. 1730 settled in Enfield died 1777, left 2 sons__John b. 1732 [or 8].

Lieut John Collins was the eldest son of the Rev. Nathaniel Collins. He died in the celebrated Cape Breton expedition. He [went] with a large detachment of the youth of Enfield to that gloomy northern region, a great proportion of which like himself never returned. His age was about 40 when he died. He left no sons.
[Above as to John Collins is crossed out.]

Deac. Ezekiel Pease 5th son of Deac Isaac Pease. He was Town Clerk of Enfield for 14 years. He died in 1799 aged 89__left numerous descendants many of whom are settled in Enfield.

Rev. Nathaniel Collins was the second son of Rev. Nathaniel Collins the first Clergyman of Enfield. He was an officer in the Cape Breton expedition. He afterwards was for many years the minister of the Second Congregational Society in this town. He died in 17-- one son who settled in Enfield

Capt. Dennis Bement the 7th Captain of the militia of Enfield was the second son of Edmond Bement. He kept a public house, held various town offices & was much esteemed in his day. He died 1789 aged 78, left 2 sons who settled in Enfield.
[Above as to Dennis Bement is crossed out.]

1 [Interlined.] May b. 1733, Elizabeth 1737. Margaret 1742 [?] m. D. Field 17 Oct. [?] 1791 [?]

A list of the Constables of Enfield from 1683 to 1717.

John Pease jun, Daniel Collins, Simeon Booth, John Burroughs, Elisha Kibbe, Robert Pease, Thomas Hayward, Samuel Terry, Obadiah Abbe, Zachariah Booth,

Isaac Morgan, Isaac Pease, William Randall, Samuel Osborn, William Booth, Robert Pease jun, Ephraim French, James Pease, Samuel Parsons, John Prior, Edmond Bement.

Edward Collins the 4th son of the Rev. Nathaniel Collins was Town Clerk of Enfield for 36 years. He was also a Justice of the Peace, a Representative to the General Assembly for many years. He held various other Town offices & was deacon in the church. He died in 1796 aged __. He left descendants but all of them have emigrated from the town.

Elder Joseph Meacham was the eldest son of Lieut John Meacham. He was the first Baptist preacher in Enfield & established a small church & society of that denomination in the northeast part of the town. Subsequently he joined the Society of Shakers & died in that faith 1794 aged 82. Some of his descendants are settled in Enfield.
[Above sketch of Joseph Meacham crossed out.]

Isaac Markham son of Daniel Markham the first Separate Congregationalist preacher in Enfield & one of the principal founders of that denomination in this town. He followed the occupation of an itinerating preacher for a number of years. He died, left descendants none of whom reside in Enfield.

Rev Isaac Jones, 3th son of Lieut Thomas Jones was educated at__ College where he graduated __. He afterwards settled as Clergyman at Western in the County of Worcester Mass where lie continued until his death which tool, place 1784 at the age 67. He was minister of Western 40 years. He left one son who emigrated to Vermont.

Joseph Olmsted Esq. emigrated from Bolton & settled in Enfield about the [year] 1746. He was Captain in the Militia Justice of the Peace Representative to the General Assembly & held various town offices. He died 1775 aged 70, left 4 sons 3 of whom settled in Enfield. Son Joseph m. Mabel Smith of Hartford 1764.

Capt. Ephraim Pease the second son of Samuel Pease & the grandson of Robert Pease senior one of the first settlers of Enfield.

Capt Pease was the first native merchant that ever Enfield produced. He was at first a contractor for the army during the French war & subsequently an enterprising & successful merchant. He acquired a large estate for his day. He was also promoted in town business & for many years a Representative to the General Assembly. He had 3 sons who all died in the bloom of youth & 4 daughters two ,of whom married Clergymen and had families. Capt. Pease died 1801 aged 82__Eldest son Ephraim died 1764__23, second son Peter d. 1763__20 member of Yale College, 3ed Obadiah A. B. d. 1766__20 graduated 1766. Samuel Pease died 1770__83__Elizabeth his widow 1783 aged 99.

Deac. Joseph Kingsbury emigrated from Tolland & settled in Enfield 17__ his family were from __ be held various Town Offices and was for many years a Representative to the General Assembly. He died 18__ aged __ left one son who settled in Enfield.

Peter Raynolds Esq. the second son of the Rev. Peter Raynolds was a merchant of respectability m. Hannah Booth of East Hartford. He sustained various offices and was Representative to the General Assembly. He died 1780 aged 56, had 2 sons, one of whom bad a family and left posterity.

Col. Nathaniel Terry was the 3d son of Ephraim Terry Esqr. He was a merchant & the first field officer that ever held a commission in Enfield be also was appointed to several Town offices and was a Representative to the General Assembly. He died in 1792 aged 62, left two sons one settled in Hartford, the other in Enfield.1
1 [Interlined.] Place for Isaac Kibbes notice.

Capt Daniel Perkins 4th son of Thomas Perkins a Representative from Enfield for nearly 20 years. He also held various Town offices & was a deacon in the church lie died __ aged __ left 2 sons who removed out of town.

Doct. Simeon Field son of Thomas Field of Hatfield__ born in Longmeadow 1731, emigrated from Longmeadow & settled in Enfield as Physician about the year 1763 where he resided until his death which took place 1801 aged 69. He m. Margaret Raynolds 1763. He left 3 sons 2 of whom engaged in the medical profession. Edward Field 3d son died 1840 (committed suicide).

John Raynolds Esqr. the 3d son of the Rev. Peter Raynolds was a merchant by profession for many years in Enfield. He sustained the office of Justice of the Peace, was a Representative to the General Assembly & a Deacon in the Church. He died 1812 aged 73, left 3 sons 2 of whom have left the town.

Mr. Isaac Kibbe the only son of Isaac Kibbe the first male child that was born in Enfield was an enterprising business man. He kept a public house near the centre of the town which was much frequented. He was also a Representative to the General Assembly & held various town offices. He was likewise the contractor that erected the present Meeting house belonging to the first Ecclesiastical Society. He died 1779 aged 48, left a large family which has since emigrated from the town.

Capt. Levi Pease of Shrewsbury Mass. was a native of Enfield. His father was Nathaniel Pease the son of Robert Pease 2d who settled in Enfield 1692 & was a distant relative of the original Pease family that were the first settlers of Enfield.

Capt. Pease first settled in Somers. During the Revolutionary war he commenced a Line of Stages from Boston to Hartford which wag the first that ever was established in N. England. He subsequently removed to Massachusetts & became one of the most successful & enterprising stage proprietors in the United States. He was [a] man [of] great public spirit and distinguished as the patron of useful improvements, and was much respected in his adopted state where he died in the Town of Shrewsbury in 1822 aged __.

Mr. Shadrack Terry the son of Benjamin Terry and the grandson of Capt. Samuel Terry was an enterprising and ingenious Mechanic. He had a strong mind much given to reading reflection & inquiry by which [he] accumulated [?] an unusual fund of historical & miscellaneous knowledge for a man of his standing in life, & [he] was [an] ardent and consistant Republican of the Jeffersonian school & a bold and decided advocate of his political opinions [and] Democratical C?] principles; together with speculative religious views which were of an independant & sceptical character subjected him to much unmerited censure during his life time & his memory to considerable reproach for many years after his deathwhich took place 179__ aged __, left a family which has since emigrated to the State of New York.1
I [Interlined.] Son Alvah b. 1766.

Roderick Terry the youngest child of Eliphalet Terry died at Hartford Conn. where he bad resided nearly fifty years in February 1849 aged 61 years.

Eliphalet Terry was the youngest son of Ephraim Terry Esqr.__ was one of the most popular and respectable men that ever the Town produced. He was deacon of the church, a captain in the militia, a Town Clerk for years, was constable & select man for many years. He represented the town of Enfield in the General Assembly for more than 20 years. He was also a Justice of the Peace, a Judge of Probate & a Judge of the County Court__ being the first person that was a native of the town that ever was appointed to the office of Judge. He was appointed Judge of Probate 1791 [?]. He was much respected for his integrity & other virtues & his death was greatly lamented by his fellow Townsmen. He died 1812 aged 70__ left 3 sons who have settled in Hartford.

The Rev. Elam Potter a native of [the] present town of Plymouth Litchfield County. He graduated at Yale College & was settled as the 3d minister of Enfield 1769. He continued in the duties of his pastoral charge in [Enfield] until 1776 when he was dismissed on account of a religious controversy. He was distinguished for his humility & sincerity & many other characteristic virtues. He died 1794 aged 52.

The Rev Nehemiah Prudden was a native [of] Milford New Haven County. He graduated [from] Yale College in __ & after preparing himself for the ministry was settled in the pastoral charge of the church & society as successor of the Rev. Mr Potter Nov. 20, 1782. By his conciliating deportment be succeeded in uniting the people under his care in Enfield & became one of the most useful & popular clergymen in the State in addition to his duties as a minister of the gospel. He was much esteemed as an instructor of youth. Great numbers of young men were prepared for Yale college & other useful situations under his tuition. Mr Prudden finished his long & useful life on . . . September 1815 aged 65 or 66. He left one son who is settled in Enfield.

Doct. David Pease was the 3d son of Cummings Pease & was educated to the profession [of] physic & surgery & after practicing for some years in his native state he removed to the town of Newshoreham on Block Island where he resided for a number of years as the only physician on the Island. He was said to excel in some branches of his profession particularly bone-setting. He died in __ aged __ left a family all of which are absent from the town.

Joel Holkins Esqr. was the eldest son [of] Joel Holkins sen. & the grandson of Joseph Holkins who removed from Bolton & settled in Enfield about the year __.

Major Holkins with very limited advantages with [as to ?] education or property became a successful and enterprising merchant & trader, & by his unremitted industry & devotion to business acquired and left to his heirs the largest estate that was ever possessed by a native of Enfield. In the latter part of his life Major Holkins removed to the village [of] Warehouse Point in East Windsor where [he] received the appointment of Justice of the Peace & was frequently elected a Representative from the town [of] East Windsor. He died at Warehouse Point in 1826 aged __ & left a family which are settled in this vicinity.

Major Holkins was the son [of] Joel Holkins who died 1801 aged 67 & grandson [of] Joseph Holkins who came from Bolton & settled in Enfield & died 1792 aged 86.

Dr. Simeon Field was the eldest son of Dr Simeon Field sen. He graduated at Yale College in __ & afterwards studied the profession of medicine & commenced the practice of physic in the town of Somers. Subsequently be returned to his native town where be devoted the remainder of his life to the labours of his profession. Dr. Field enjoyed to [a] high degree the confidence of his fellow townsmen as a practitioner of physic. He was also appointed to various town offices & attained to such celebrity in the estimation of the public [that] he received the honorary degree of M. D. from the corporation of Yale College. He died in 1722 aged 57 left no posterity.

Dr Philip Jones was the youngest son of Caleb Jones. He was educated to the profession of physic & surgery & practiced for some time in the state of Massachusetts. Subsequently be embarked for the West Indies with a view to follow his profession in the Island of Saba. Shortly after his arrival at the place of his destination be was arrested in his progress by sickness and obliged to return to his native country where be died at his father's house in Enfield 1795, aged 27, __ left no posterity.

Rev' Simeon Green [?] Morrison the second son of John Morrison was educated at Dartmouth College in __ After qualifying himself for the ministry he emigrated to the Island of Saba in the West Indies where [be] settled as a clergyman. After about . . at Saba Mr Morrison was obliged to relinquish his situation & return to his paternal residence in Enfield where be died 1793 aged 25. Mr Morrison was a young man of great promise endowed with superior natural abilities improved by good education, & his loss was severely felt by his friends & he was sincerely [?] lamented by all of his acquaintances.

Simeon Abbey Esqr. the youngest son of Capt. Thomas Abbey was for some years engaged in the mercantile business. Subsequently with very limited advantages as [to] early education he studied law & commenced the practice of his profession in the Town of Somers. After several years in this town be removed to Vermont & afterwards to the State of New York where he died in Albany in 18__ aged __, Mr Abbey possessed an unusual share [ofl natural wit & shrewdness & a considerable faculty for public speaking. He left a family settled in New York state.

Elam 0. Potter Esqr. the eldest son of the Rev. Elam 0. Potter was for near 15 years the Town Clerk of Enfield. Educated to the mercantile business, after a residence of a number of years in the City [ofl New York, he returned to his native town where he soon became one of the most popular men in the town On the decease of Eliphalet Terry Esqr. he succeeded to the office of Town Clerk [to] which office he was annually re-appointed until his death. He likewise held the office of Justice of the Peace Select man & was frequently elected a Representative to the General Assembly. He died in 1827 universally lamented, aged 54, be left no children.

Henry Terry Esqr. was the youngest son of Col. Nathaniel Terry. He was educated to the profession of law & for many years was [a] successful practitioner at the Hartford bar. For some years be resided at Hartford but most of his life was spent in his native town. On the decease of his uncle Eliphalet Terry Esqr. in 1812 he succeeded to both of his offices, viz-Judge of Probate for East Windsor District and Associate Judge of the County Court, & [he was] Representative to the Gen. Assembly from his native town for [a] great number of sessions, Judge Terry died of the consumption in September 1827 aged 57. He left a family settled in Enfield.

Dr. Ichabod B. Hyde was a native of Monson Mass. After practicing for some years in his native state Dr. Hyde removed & settled in Enfield in 1816. In this town he continued [until] his death which took place in Oct 1827, aged 41. Dr. Hyde's advantages for early education were extremely limited yet by the force of native genius & his persevering industry he acquired a very complete knowledge [of] his profession & thereby obtained a very lucrative practice & was esteemed by all of his acquaintances. He left a family settled in Enfield [?].

The following persons were alive in Enfield in 1760 (within the memory of several persons now living in 1829) who were born at Salem & elsewhere before the first settlement of the Town, viz-John Pease Thomas Jones James Killam John Meacham Icabod Meacham & Daniel Markham.

The oldest houses now standing in Enfield in 1829 are The house now occupied by Elisha Holton. This house was erected by Capt Strong a merchant from England who established the first store in Enfield.

The house that was formerly owned by Col. Nathaniel Terry which was built by his grandfather Capt. Samuel Terry.

The house that is now owned by Mr. Simeon Parsons. This house was drawn about 90 years ago from the great Northfield so called in those daysfrom the site of Christopher Parsons farm [This entry crossed out].

The unoccupied house owned by Mr Solomon Terry was erected by the father of Capt. Ephraim Pease [and] is more than one hundred years old as also are the Reynolds & Kibbe houses so called.

The first settlers in the east part of Enfield were much annoyed by wild beasts. The wolf the bear & the catamount then abounded. The swamps & extensive forest of that region [of] the town afforded tolerable hunting ground for the deer & the bear until about the year 1770. Since that period those animals have almost entirely disappeared from our forest.

The Original Forest Trees of Enfield were deciduous or hard wood timber on the ridge that borders on the river, but to the east both in the swamp & on the plains it is said by old people that the original growth was white pine. A majestic growth of this valuable timber at the commencement of the settlement overspread most of the plains valleys & hills of the east part of the town. The improvidence of the first settlers destroyed these beautiful forests. At an early period with a view to obtain forage for cattle fires were kindled which not only destroyed the timber but greatly injured the soil. The sterility of many sections of the town may be imputed [to] the destructive effects of annual fires that were so imprudently kindled by the first settlers & their descendants.

The original settlers of Enfield were not remarkable for their skill or industry in argicultural employments, destitute as they were of the rich alluvial tracts that afforded such facilities [they] only subsisted. They sometimes experienced great privations for the want of the necessary means of subsistence & were often obliged to resort to the neighboring towns for supplies for their impoverished families & had it not been for annual supplies of shad & pigeons with which they were so abundantly blessed, they would often have been exposed to all the horrors of a famine. Nor was their condition much improved at the period of the peace of 1783. Although the town had been settled more than 100 years its agriculture was in the most languishing condition and had scarcely made any improvement since the first settlement of the town. The town had scarcely ever afforded more grain than [was required] for a home supply. The product of its droves was very scanty & its stock of horses cattle and sheep were not numerous or productive or beyond the necessary wants of the people.

The articles for exportation had habitually [or hitherto ?] been few and unproductive. Some tar & turpentine had been made at a former period together with skins & peltries__ more recently some potash which with small quantities of lumber & coal & a little coarse [?] linen & flannel constituted almost wholly what the people had to pay their debts [and] purchase their goods. There were no manufactories except an Iron works & that had not been profitable. The people were poor and dispirited, badly in debt, but hardy, accustomed to coarse fare & clothing & unacquainted with luxury.

Since the termination of the Revolutionary war in 1783 the condition of the people has been constantly improving, but for the first seven years [after] that period it [was] slow & almost imperceptible. In the year 1790 a large proportion of the east part of the town was covered with wood. The price of wood land did not exceed 20 shilling per acre & good farm land with buildings might be bought [for] about the same price. The fences used in the east part of the town were chiefly hedges of brush & ditches & those on the main street were in a very bad condition. The pastures & streets were covered with bushes and scrub oaks, and the hay that was used was of an inferior quality mostly obtained from the meadows. The dwelling houses were miserable huts built without regard [to] convenience or comfort, badly calculated [to] protect the people from the cold of the winter or the heat of the summer. The few exceptions to [this] class were some unfinished wood [?] houses generally destitute of back buildings except barns, or much convenience. Carriages were almost unknown at this time. 4 or 5 chaises as they were then called, & as many two horse farm wagons constituted all the means of conveyance [or] passage [?] except the horse the saddle & the pillion. There was little [or] no cash capital in the town at that time & the farmers generally [were] badly in debt & found great difficulty [in] paying their taxes.

From 1790 to 1800 a considerable improvement [had] been made in acquisition [of] wealth & in means of comfortable subsistance not withstanding the excessive spirit of emigration which prevailed at that time. The town probably lost more people by emigration (luring that ten years than it ever did at any former period since the settlement of the town or any similar period since. Few houses were built during this time, but the high price of produce occasioned by European wars advanced the price of real estate & the farms were much improved in cultivation & great quantities of grain were raised for market.

From 1800 to 1810 the spirit of emigration did not diminish but lands continued to rise in value & improvements in agriculture became visible. The distilling business was introduced to great extent which afforded great encouragement [to] farming. Mercantile business flourished & the cash capital of the town began to accumulate. The manufacture of Iron & Ploughs received considerable attention. During this time luxury made considerable progress among the Inhabitants & the expenses [of] living were greatly increased __ [with] better clothing and furniture.

From 1810 to 1820 there was considerable imigration but it began to abate near the close of this ten years. Real estate & agricultural products ran to their maximum prices during this period. The minimum prices were anterior to 1790. Notwithstanding the severe taxation occasioned by the war the facilities for the acquisition [of] wealth were greatly increased & a great & general impulse given to every description of business. Luxury advanced with a rapid pace. The pleasure wagon which is now so common was introduced during this period. The use of domestic distilled spirits which were first introduced into this town about the year 1795 now became common among all classes. Previous to the year 1800 the use of flour from abroad, then called York flour was limited to a very small extent. The people had hitherto depended on a home supply of [this] indispensable article manufactured from wheat of an inferior quality & of domestic origin, [and] had but a scanty supply of good living [?] flour. About the year 1810 the New York Philadelphia & southern flour began to come into general use [and was] now confessed [to be] one of the necessaries [of] life.

From 1820 to 1830 emigration to the Western states nearly ceased. The progress of improvement in building & c became more rapid than at any former period since the first settlement of the town. There are few country towns on the borders of the Connecticut now in 1830 that exhibit more solid evidence of prosperity than Enfield. In addition to the usual mechanical industry of the town which is very respectable at this time, there has been within two years a large carpet factory [built] which employs __ hands chiefly imigrants from Scotland.

The flourishing community of Shaking Quakers add much to general industry of the town. This society possess nearly three thousand acres of land in the northeastern part of the town. There are about 262 persons belonging to this society in 1828 included in four families who occupy about 23 Dwelling houses & Store houses. They own a very spacious and valuable Grist mill 3 saw mills 3 cider mills one carding machine a machine for the manufacture of pails a trip hammer shop & a lead aqueduct manufactory. They keep about 70 cows 12 horses and about the same number of yokes of oxen. In their principal village there is an elegant church for public worship 70 by 50 two [storeys ?] high. The society cultivate about __ as a, garden which [is] chiefly devoted to the raising of seeds for market. Their garden seeds are in high reputation abroad and are the source of very considerable profit.

Jedediah Hills died some years since in Painsville Ohio. He was a native of Enfield & emigrated to Ohio in 1819.

This farming settlement altogether is not surpassed for the beauty of its local situation neatness regularity conveience of its improvements both in buildings & fences by any in the United States & is an object of just admiration to every one who has the curiosity to view it.

The Geological character of Enfield is secondary. The surface is generally undulating intersperced with pine plains & some deep valleys. The soil on the western border of the town from Freshwater brook to the southern extremity of the town is rich loam generally which reposes on [a] bed of clay [slate?] at the depth of 10 [or] 15 feet below the surface [and] is extremely well adapted to the cultivation [of] grass grain fruit or garden vegetables. There are few sections in the great valley of the Connecticut that afford a more durable soil or where the agricultural or horticultural cultivator is more sure of a reward for his labour. There [are] few richer grass plots or more valuable Orchards than are to be seen on this tract & there are perhaps no regions in the ___ more natural for the Quince. [or] that produce it in so great perfection. There [are] probably 500 quince trees which produce nearly 500 bushels of quinces on the lots adjoining the main street in Enfield. The extension of the cultivation of the quince might be a source of great profit without materially affecting the other resources of the farm. As the quince tree does not flourish much in the valley of the Connecticut to the north of Enfield, great markets might be opened for exportation up the river. It is supposed that 10,000 bushels might be raised with little attention on the home lots & which might be a source of very just profit.

It is respectfully suggested that the cultivation of apples & peaches both for preserving in their natural state & drying is worthy of the ,attention of the farmers of this town. Several thousand bushels of dried [?] fruit might be added to the articles for exportation with ,comparatively little attention.

The eastern border of the town is intersected by a ridge [of] land which is underlaid with a bed of red sand stone. The soil on this ridge & its adjoining declivities & valleys is a gravelly loam well adapted to the purpose of cultivation & very little inferior to that which prevails on the western border of the town.

The southeast section of the town comprises an excellent farming district with a surface of moderate bill & dale, possessing all of the conditions necessary [for] grass & grain culture & extremely well watered with durable streams particularly the Buckhorn which has on its borders some excellent valuable meadows.

In the north east section of the town there is much excellent land both for grass & grain which is under the highest state of cultivation owing to the location of the Shaker villages in this part.

The east central district comprises a tract of bill & dale extremely well watered not only by Scantic which intersects the district into two nearly equal parts, but by Saw mill brook one of the most beautiful & lovely rivulets in the town. There are seven excellent mill sites in this district 3 of which only are ocupied. at present. There is also much excellent natural meadow. This section of the town will probably at some future period be the seat of much manufacturing industry & great population.

The northwest section bordering on Connecticut river is watered by Freshwater the largest stream in the town except Scantic. This stream has on its course through the town much good meadow. Its banks near its entrance into Connecticut river affords several mill sites which have been advantageously occupied since the first settlement of the town. Recently an incorporated Company have erected [an] extensive building for a carpet manufactory which is now in operation & furnishes employment for a colony of about 60 emigrants from Kilmarnock in Scotland. The section north of Freshwater is a well watered region & affords several water privileges. The main street of Enfield from Freshwater to the lower end of [the] compact part of the main street a distance of more than 2 miles comprises a beautiful elevated & perspective village of about seventy houses & 2 taverns & 3 stores __ besides a number of mechanical shops.

In the manufacturing village of Thompsonville & its vicinity are already between 30 & 40 dwelling houses 2 taverns 2 stores & 6 factory buildings.

The prevailing growth of timber is oak pine maple & chestnut. The growth [of the] latter is said to be increasing rapidly. The appropriation of sterile tracts for the growth of wood will shortly be an object for the land holders of Enfield.

STATISTICS OF ENFIELD.

In 1857 1 found by inquiry at Enfield that Roswell Parsons the son of Major Joseph Parsons who emigrated to Michigan 1824 was dead. Also his wife Agnes who was the eldest daughter of Rev. Nehemiah Prudden.

The population of Enfield in 1820 was 2661, in 1810 __ , 1800 __, 1790 __, in 1783 __, in 1774 in 1756 __ In 1818 there were 272 dwelling houses, in 1829 325 do, 7 dry goods, & dry goods & grocery stores, 6 taverns, one apothecary shop, 3 churches, 2 grain mills, one powder mill, 3 carding machines, one forge, 2 trip hammer shops, 2 clothiers works, one extensive carpet establishment, 4 distillers [of] grain, one tin ware factory, one book bindery, one cabinet shop, one hattery, 3 tanners, 2 plough & wagon factories, 5 blacksmith shops, one lead pipe factory, 2 silver smiths shops, & copper smith shop, 7 shoe shops, 3 clergymen, 2 lawyers offices, 2 practicing physicians, 2 tailor shops, & one milliner do, & 2 slaughter houses, one pail factory, & one cooper shop, 4 housewrights, one Post Office.

Daniel Ware the son of Daniel Ware died at East Granby 1849 aged 75. Ile was born in Enfield & was an honest man liberal in religion & democratic in polities.

Enfield is situated in Lat. 4 2__ 16 miles from Hartford & 9 miles from Springfield, Massaehusetts. The following list of settlers have few or no descendants remaining in Enfield, viz

Isaac Morgan who was a man of consequence among the first settlers, one of the original proprietors of the town. He was drowned in the Connecticut river Nov 23, 1706, aged 56 years. It is supposed he left no male heirs.

Thomas Hayward settled in Enfield 1682. This family lived in Enfield from 20 to 30 years & finally removed to New London & other places.

Daniel Collins early settled in Enfield he died 1690 aged 42 left one son Nathan who removed to Brimfield Mass.

Nathan Collins of Brimfield m Phebe Weld 1745. William Nichols of Brimfield m Anna Weld.

John Burroughs was an early settler in the south part of the town & one of the original proprietors. He died 1690 aged 42, left one son named John who had the following sons born in Enfield. John b. 1711, Simon b. 1719 [?], David b. 1726, Abner b. 1728.

[The] whole of this family removed out of town except one daughter who married Nehemiah Chandler [and] who died in Enfield.

Joseph Warrener from Northfield settled in Enfield 1691. He left 2 sons who settled in Enfield Ebenezer & John. The last of this family Samuel born 1719 & died in Enfield 1788 aged 68.

Two brothers named Joseph & Benjamin West settled in Enfield 1686. Benjamin m. Hannah Haddock 1692 __ had son Benjamin b. 1692. This family removed to Middletown.

Simon Rumerell settled in Enfield early married 1692 Sarah Fairman__son Simon b 1696 Ebenezer 1701 John 1704.
[2 gen.?] John b. 1728 Ebenezer b. 1729.

William Randall settled in Enfield 1689 left no male posterity in Enfield.

Nathaniel Pierce son [of] John Pierce first settler, died 1755 aged 84. __ son Nathaniel b. 1704 Joseph b. 1721, m. Elizabeth McGregory 1741 do. Hannah Eggleston 1748. __ John Pierce died 1743 aged 61 years __ eldest son [of] John Pierce first settler left 4 sons __ all out [of] Town.

Andrew Miller first settler died 1708 aged 60 __ son David m. Hannah Pease 1713 died 1715.

David Hitchcock m. second wife Mary Thomas 1717_ son David b. 1708 Paul b. 1714.

Benjamin Citron [Sittan] m. Sarah Bush 1718 __ sons Benjamin b. 1721, Daniel b 1723.

John Durell __ sons John 1721, David 1723.

Nicholas Migbill _ son Nathaniel 1715.

David Bishop __ one son Thomas b. in Enfield.

Osee Phelps the son of David Phelps died in Enfield 1848 aged 49.

Nathaniel Bliss m. Mary Wright 1697 _ sons Henry b. 1701, Joseph b. 1704, [Family] removed to Lebanon.

1691 John Trumbull was admitted an inhabtant it is supposed be removed to Suffield.

1691 A grant was made for a sawmill at Scantic near the mouth of Sawmill brook. This was probably the first building erected in the east part of Enfield.

In 1689 A purchase was made of the Indian Sachem Nottatuck of all lands from the Asnuntuck or Freshwater to Umsquatuck at the foot of the Falls & to extend 8 miles east. The consideration of the purchase was 25L, sterling. The Commissioners were Major John Pynchon, Sergt Thomas Stebbins, Dea. Jonathan Burt, Benjamin Parsons, John Pease, William Denton, Thomas Gold. The Indians reserved the right of fishing & hunting on the lands. Date of the Treaty was March 1 6th 1689 __ signed, Nottatuck.

The Springfield Committee governed Enfield until 1693; then the Town began to control its own affairs.

The first recorded election of town clerk was Deacon Thomas Hale March 10, 1700/1 but all previous records from 1693 appear to be in his hand writing.