History of the Village of Thompson, Connecticut
Nothing worthy of the name of village existed in Thompson during the
last century. Four or five houses and a blacksmith shop had been built
upon Thompson hill, in the vicinity of the meeting house; the meeting
house, as in many hill towns, building up a village instead of the village
building the meeting house. But when it was found that two lines of
turnpike were to intersect upon the hill, new life sprang up. The Joseph
Watson house, Wickham's store and Keith's tavern were built before 1800,
and soon after that date several houses were erected, especially upon the
east side of the Providence turnpike. Building was, however, impeded by
the scarcity of building lots, the north part of the hill being included
in the Watson estate, which was not thrown into market till after the
death of Widow Samuel Watson in 1813. The north end of the hill was then
purchased by George Larned, Esq., and laid out in building lots, he
himself occupying the Watson house (now Judge Rawson's) as a dwelling
house and law office. On the opposite site a house was speedily built by
Hezekiah Olney. Mr. Noadiah Comins built the house adjoining southward,
and Doctor James Webb a third house (now occupied by Mrs. Tallman). The
site below was soon filled by the old meeting house transformed into a
town house, and the nucleus of the present tavern was put up on the corner
by Stephen E. Tefft. Doctor Webb left town before completing his house,
and was followed by Doctor Horatio Holbrook, who built on the north side
of the street, adjoining Esquire Larned's.
A handsome brick house on the corner had been previously built by John
Nichols, and a large house with brick ends was built on another corner
northward by Noadiah Russel, Esq. Captain Joel Taylor built several houses
east of the tavern, on the Providence turnpike, the first of which was
long occupied by Obadiah Stone. A small house nearly opposite was put
together by Simon Davis, Esq. All this building, together with the teaming
and stage coaches, made the hill very lively. Many of the new residents
engaged in business. Mr. Olney manufactured hats; Mr. Comins, harness; Mr.
Stone, shoes; Nichols and Tefft carried on various stores; Esquire Davis
practiced law; Mr. Theodore Dwight made a most acceptable landlord in the
new turnpike tavern; Mr. Rufus Coburn entered upon trade. Rum was sold
without restriction in all the stores and taverns. A house-warming frolic,
in which all these business men and leading citizens indulged in great
excesses, called out Mr. Dow's first temperance sermon. Fixing his eye
upon the offenders with most scathing rebuke, he thundered out the
scriptural queries" Who hath woe? Who hath sorrow? Who hath contentions
Who hath babblings? Who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the
wine." But the fact that the next day the pastor himself took a glass of
wine at the house of a parishioner marred the practical effect of . the
sermon. All classes were greatly benefitted by the rise of the temperance
reform, banishing liquor from common household use, social entertainments
and the better class of stores:
The rapid expansion of business and manufactures after the close of the
first half century of the republic brought a special boom " to Thompson
hill. Residents of neighboring factories sought supplies of needful
articles and luxuries at its well-filled stores, now conducted by Messrs.
Almy & Crosby and Erastus Knight. Mr. Edward Shaw, of Providence, opened a
watchmaker's and jeweler's store in 1830, a great novelty and attraction,
customers coming miles from every direction to have their watches
regulated and buy glittering ornaments. Mr. Hezekiah Olney, now high
sheriff of Windham county, built a brick block between the tavern and town
house, and opened a fashionable New York hat and cap store." Horatio Paine
engaged in the manufacture of boots. The tailors' shops conducted by
Albert E. Whipple and James O. Mills were largely patronized, as nothing
in the line of ready-made clothing could then be procured. Mrs. C. C. Dow
supplied a large constituency with tasteful and fashionable millinery.
Messrs. Andrew B. Baldwin, James Hutchins, Danforth Kinney and Walter
Bates opened shops for carriages and furniture making. All these business
enterprises found convenient financial accommodation in the Thompson Bank,
incorporated in 1833. The year preceding Thompson had the enterprise to
purchase a jaunty little fire engine, run by an efficient company. Among
other innovations, the newspaper came to Thompson hill. George Roberts,
publisher at a later day of the first cheap daily paper in Boston, and the
originator of the famous" Mammoth Newspaper," entered upon his
journalistic career as the editor of a dainty little semiweekly called The
Thompson Transcript. This was soon succeeded by a Weekly Bulletin, but
neither was able to support existence. They were followed by The Windham
County Gazette, published by another newspaper celebrity, the J. P.
Chapman who was ordered " to crow " in the Tippecanoe campaign. His
newspaper lingered for several years, but collapsed in 1837 with many
kindred enterprises.
One of Thompson's chief notabilities in these booming years was " the
Stiles Tavern," claiming that more stage passengers dined there every day
than at any other house in New England. Its proprietor, Captain Vernon
Stiles, was the very beau ideal of a landlord-big, hearty, jolly. More
than that, he was a public spirited citizen, a graceful speaker and an
adroit politician. His bar room was the headquarters of the democratic
party, and his spacious hall the scene of many a festive entertainment.
Thompson's peculiar matrimonial facilities had then been recognized,
cornering as it did upon two states where a two or three weeks'
publishment of intention was required before the marriage ceremony, while
Connecticut let them off with one brief pulpit notice. It became very much
the fashion for affianced pairs in these states to drive to Thompson on a
Sunday morn, and there be united at Stiles's tavern. For a time the
ministers were called in to perform the ceremony at intermission of divine
service, but the calls became so frequent, and the consequent Sabbath
breaking so alarming, that they resigned the office to Captain Stiles, as
justice, who tied the nuptial knot with a grace and sympathy that charmed
all participants. Scarce a Sabbath passed without bringing wedding parties
to partake of the frosted loaf always made ready for them, and Thompson
became widely known as the "Gretna Green of New England," run-a-ways on
several occasions improving its facilities. Near the tavern, in the town
house building, back of Mr. Shaw's shop, Esquire Davis kept the post
office, the only one in town, and also 'a museum of curiosities and Indian
relics, exciting much juvenile interest.
A very famous debating society was organized in 1833, with Simon Davis,
Esq., president, Joseph B. Gay, vice-president, George Roberts, secretary,
and a large number of members, where all the vital questions of the day
were earnestly debated, and presumably settled. The lawyers, young and
old, Doctors Holbrook and Bowen, Captain Stiles, schoolmasters from far
and near, inquiring mechanics and active business men, entered upon this
arena, and crossed swords in many a fiery conflict. Several houses were
built during this period, but the hill, as depicted by Barber in his "
Historical Collections " of 1836, had but a bare aspect. The trees set out
by judge John Nichols in the little "Heater Piece," and the row of trees
near the Watson house, were its only shade. The old row of poplars at the
south end of the village was already vanishing. Blindless and bare, the
meeting house stood on the rough common, cut up by numerous wagon roads,
and on the pointed apex westward a row of buildings stretched
out-blacksmith's shop, house, barn, and at the extreme end a marble shop
or gravestone manufactory, which in a few years gave place to a very
aggressive grog shop, greatly quickening the demand for the former
article.
During the progress of the Washingtonian temperance movement, party spirit
ran very high. John Hawkins, the leader among reformed inebriates, made an
early visit to Thompson bill, speaking night after night to crowded
audiences in the Congregational meeting house, and persuading many common
drunkards and moderate drinkers to sign the pledge 'and range themselves
on the side of temperance. His success roused a very bitter spirit of
opposition on the part of those who felt that their personal and social
rights were invaded. The old tavern (late Wilks House) had become very
obnoxious, its proprietor' being a man utterly devoid of principle and
common humanity. The death of one of his victims, turned out of doors and
left to freeze in the barn, made a very deep impression on the community,
and was used with most dramatic effect by Gough on the last night of a
week's labor in Thompson. Having that day visited the mother of the dead
man in a neighboring state, he told the story of this " prodigal son " as
it fell from her lips, in the most pathetic and thrilling manner, no one
in the house having a thought of any personal connection with it, until at
the last he sent it home to every heart by the low, calm, overwhelming
statement that this man had died in a barn at Thompson, after weeks'
loitering about that abominable tavern. The keeper of the house was unable
to stand against the overwhelming tide of public sentiment, and the house,
after due purification, was made over for the use of Mr. Green's high
school. Captain Stiles closed his bar and transformed his popular house
into a temperance tavern.
The persecuted rum sellers were driven from tavern to cellar, and finally
found refuge in the deserted stone dutter's shop at the west extremity of
the common, a most eligible position, facing two streets, very near the
newly erected town house, and greatly accommodating the obstinate old
topers, who made a special point of exercising their liberties upon town
meeting day. Dorr's refugees, coming up from Rhode Island, found much
needed aid and comfort in this convenient grogery, and bestowed upon it
the expressive name of " Ponog," borrowed from a similar favorite
institution at home, originally signifying " a place of fair water," but
by corruption " a place of fire water." A more unmitigated nuisance than
the Thompson Ponog never afflicted a respectable community. Many resorted
thither from all parts of the town; young men were enticed into liquor
there; hooting and yelling disturbed the neighbors by night, and free
fights after a public day were not unusual; yet, notwithstanding the
efforts and eloquence of temperance workers, it continued for several
years to disgrace the village.
The town house was the first building on the south side of West street.
Mr. Whitman Jacobs broke ground on the north side about 1835, building the
house now occupied by Doctor Knight. Other houses were built in a few
years by Messrs. Erastus Knight, Edward Shaw, Danforth Kinney, Waldo
Comins and Thomas E. Graves. The row of maples was set out in 1839. Houses
were built a few years later on the south side by Mrs. Thatcher and Mr.
William H. Mason. In the summer of 1845 a lecture was given by Professor
William A. Larned in the town house, upon "Beauty, Taste and Tree
Culture,"-all summed up in the modern term, "Village Improvements." Mr.
William H. Chandler was much interested in this matter and aided very
efficiently in carrying out Professor Larned's suggestions. Spontaneous
pledges of aid were given by many present, and in the following November a
day was devoted to setting out all over the village, elm, maple and other
trees, under the supervision of Mr. Chandler. A still greater improvement
was effected in the demolition and removal of the Ponog and all its
appurtenances-house, barn and blacksmith's shop, which were bought up by
adjacent residents, and the point of land leveled off and reconstructed.
Ten years later the common left bare by the removal of the meeting house,
was leased temporarily to Esquire Graves for fencing and cultivation,
which, with the growth of the trees and other improvements, added much to
the beauty of the village.
With the opening of the Norwich & Worcester railroad and the
discontinuance of stage coaching, business prosperity in Thompson rapidly
declined. One by one, stores and shops were closed. As the valleys
increased the hills wasted. Tailoring, shoemaking and carriage making fell
off from year to year. Many excellent families removed from the village.
Change of laws so much reduced the number of matrimonial frequenters that
Captain Stiles resigned his office and followed the westward movement. Mr.
Shaw took his shop and goods to Putnam. The store so long kept up by "Almy
& Crosby" was closed and croakers prophesied the decay and ultimate
extinction of the once flourishing village. Even the corner tavern was
closed for a season, and the ever solid bank and Mr. Knight's principal
store seemed all that preserved it from stagnation. But after the lowest
depth a reflex tide set in, bringing back elements of continued life and
new prosperity. With the reopening of the hotel under Mr. Stephen Crosby
in 1,959, summer visitors came in, mostly families who had gone out from
town, and relatives of residents.
Another" decade passed and the "cottagers" came to stay, and these too
were Thompson's own children, connected by family and social ties. Several
new houses have been built and old ones transformed into picturesque
villas. A Village Improvement Society was formed in 1875, which, though
somewhat intermittent in character, has accomplished good results in
grading and widening the streets, caring for the trees and improving
sidewalks. Older residents have caught the spirit of the age, and take
much pride in beautifying and improving their lawns and dwellings.
Thompson residents and visitors are well accommodated with railroad
privileges, the near vicinity of the New York & New England station
bringing Boston, Providence, the sea shore and many resorts, within a
day's compass. Business to any extent declines to return. Mr. James
Kingsbury essayed shoe manufacturing for a time, but relapsed into
storekeeping and care for the town interests. The removal of Mr. Charles
Baldwin closed a carriage and wagon shop, dating back to nearly the
beginning of the century. The only present representative of former
industries is Mr. Walter Bates, whose "cabinet maker's shop" was opened by
Mr. James Hutchins more than fifty years since. Yet notwithstanding the
lack of business, Thompson hill is none the less a pleasant place of
permanent residence, while its pure air, health giving breezes, and the
picturesque drives in its vicinity, are very attractive to the summer
sojourner. The Family Hotel, kept so satisfactorily for twenty-five years
by the late Mr. Crosby, promises to be equally popular under its present
proprietor, Landlord Chapin, who has treated the old tavern house with a
new furnace and effected many improvements.
The Thompson hill of the present day has never appeared to better
advantage than on Memorial Day, 1887, when for the first time the town
made public provision for celebrating this occasion. Under the auspices of
Major William S. Beebe (then recently removed into the Mason house), the
town house was decorated in the most unique and effective manner with red,
white and blue stars, banners and streamers, and emblazoned with the names
of every battle field and engagement during the civil conflict. Soldiers
and war veterans in Thompson and Putnam, members of the Grand Army of the
Republic, Sons of Veterans, and other bodies, were invited to participate
in the festivities. The day was exceptionally fine, the village in fresh
spring suit looked its best, and everything passed off in the :most
harmonious and delightful manner. After visiting the graves of their
comrades in the different burial grounds of the town with the usual
services and floral offerings, the several companies, with music and
parade, marched by different roads into the village where great crowds had
assembled to meet them, and then into the Congregational meeting house,
which was draped with red, white and blue in simple but most effective
style. The soldiers, with citizens gathered to receive them, filled the
large house. A bevy of blooming girls, decked out for waitresses with
white caps and aprons, and contrasting bands of dark bearded musicians,
filled the choir. The services, prayer, singing, addresses, were
exceedingly appropriate and inspiring. The march of the martial procession
from the meeting house to the town house in the beautiful May sunshine,
with the music and the white-capped girls, and the common filled with
enthusiastic spectators, was one of the most picturesque and stirring
scenes Thompson hill ever witnessed, far superior to the much vaunted "
trainings " of other days, and based upon a far deeper and more
intelligent patriotism. The collation served to many hundreds of weary men
in the decorated town house was worthy of the day and occasion, and the
rousing cheers for " Old Thompson " that closed the festivities were never
more heartily given and appreciated.
Thompson Bank, which has so creditably held its own through village,
national and financial vicissitudes, was incorporated in 1833-Harvey
Blashfield, president; Joseph B. Gay, cashier. Among its early directors
were Harvey Blashfield, John Nichols, William H. Mason, William Reed,
William Fisher, Robert Grosvenor, Franklin. Nichols, Jonathan Nichols,
Simon Davis and George B. Slater. Neighboring manufacturers found this
bank a convenient accommodation, and were much interested in its
prosperity and stability. Some heavy losses that accrued in early years
were tided over by the help of willing friends, and it soon gained a
sterling reputation. Its second president, judge John Nichols, resigned in
1837, and was succeeded by Mr. Talcott Crosby, who remained in charge till
compelled by ill health to resign in 1865, when he was succeeded by Mr.
Jeremiah Olney, who still remains in charge, their united term of service
covering fifty-two years. Messrs. Joseph B. Gay, Theodore Sharpe, William
Osgood, A. E. Parker, Hiram and Charles Arnold have served as cashiers.
Many of Thompson's most substantial and sterling citizens have acted as
directors. The present board comprises Messrs. Jeremiah Olney, L. K.
Blackmar, James N. Kingsbury, George H. Nichols, Thomas D. Sayles, Hiram
Arnold, George S. Crosby, David Chase, Frank M. Messenger.
The Dime Savings Bank, of Thompson, was incorporated in 1871, and
accommodates a large number of depositors. President, George H. Nichols;
treasurer, Charles Arnold. Amount of deposits, January, 1888, $439,233.18.
The Thompson Fire Engine Company has entered upon its second half century,
alive and in good condition, stimulated by the agreeable consciousness of
having saved much valuable property. Its antiquated hand-engine, however
insignificant and ridiculous to modern eyes, has as good a record. as the
largest in the nation, having put out every fire to which it has been
summoned. Again and again it has rushed in at the breach and saved
valuable houses from destruction. It has also faithfully fulfilled the
second object of its creation-the exaction of fines for non-attendance
upon its stated meetings, and expended part of its surplus in the "
Thompson Fire Engine Library," a collection of valuable books, needing
only care and fitting " local habitation " to make it worthy of its name.
Its roll of membership embraces nearly every male resident of the vicinity
of Thompson hill from the date of its formation. Present membership
twenty-five; officers: George V. Ballard, captain; Fred Green, first
lieutenant; George Wilks, second lieutenant; George W. Dexter, clerk and
treasurer, also librarian; George Wilks to warn the company.
The first post office in town was opened on Thompson hill in 1805, Doctor
Daniel Knight postmaster. His successors, John Nichols and Simon Davis,
continued to be the sole postmasters of the town. The second post office
was opened in Fisherville about 1840, William Fisher postmaster. Mr.
Jeremiah Olney succeeded Esquire Davis at about the same date. A change in
presidential administration sent the office into Mr. Knight's store across
the street. Another change bowled it back to Mr. Olney. DIr. James N.
Kingsbury administered the office for several years. DIr. L. K. blackmar
held it during the Cleveland administration, and under the present dynasty
it reverts to Mr. C. V. Chapin. Within the last generation its sphere has
been much circumscribed--each manufacturing and railroad village demanding
its own special accommodations. Nine post offices are now required by
Thompson-the largest number of any town in the county. They are located at
Thompson hill, East Thompson, West Thompson, Grosvenor Dale, North
Grosvenor Dale, Mechanicsville, Wilsonville, New Boston and Quinebaug.
The recent loss of Hon. William H. Chandler, so long and intimately
identified with the public interests of Thompson, is mourned by the whole
community. DIr. Chandler was of Pomfret ancestry, born in Providence, R.
I., April 14th; 1815, graduated from Yale College in 1839. Debarred from
pursuing legal studies by weakness of eyes, he decided upon country life,
and in 1842 purchased of Mrs. Jacob Dresser the " Priest Russel homestead
" in Thompson village, taking possession of the old house immediately
after his marriage, and devoting himself with much interest to the culture
and improvement of his farm. He manifested from the first much interest in
public affairs, making himself a power in town meetings and in the
administration of town government. Although shrinking from public office,
Mr. Chandler's extensive reading, keen insight and sound judgment gave his
counsels much weight and influence, especially with advancing years, and
probably no man in town was more widely known and respected. He was early
sent as representative and state senator, and his name was often mentioned
in connection with higher appointments, but his dislike for public life
could not be overcome. An earnest republican and true patriot, he was ever
ready to serve party and country with wise counsel and material aid, and
his name and promises were looked upon as a tower of strength during the
dark hours of the war.
Averse to parade and ostentation, simple in habits and taste, DIr.
Chandler was exceedingly genial and sympathetic, with much playful humor
and ready gift of conversation, discoursing pleasantly with all with whom
he came in contact. Possessing strong individuality, he had his own views
and preferences, but was very ready to help in all projects that met his
approval. Many of the beautiful trees now adorning the village will help
perpetuate the memory of him who planted and watched over them so
tenderly. Mr. Chandler was a firm friend of the Congregational church and
society, ever ready to do his proportion of anything needed for their
growth and benefit. His public spirited services in clearing the roads
after the memorable March blizzard brought on or confirmed the rheumatic
attack which ended his valuable life, May 13th, 1888. His son, Mr.
Randolph Chandler, who for some years has practiced law- in Putnam.
succeeds to the family residence.
No living citizen of Thompson has rendered such substantial service to his
mother state as Hon. Jeremiah Olney. Born near his present residence in
this village, attending its public schools, Mr. Olney grew up to fill the
ordinary stations of town life, keeping store, serving as constable,
postmaster and representative. Appointed town agent during the war, his
superior executive abilities were recognized, and he was appointed to
serve as United States assessor, which office he filled -with his
accustomed energy and fidelity. A few years later he was nominated by the
republican party for the office of school fund commissioner, but by some
political arrangement the democratic incumbent was left in charge another
term. During this interim Mr. Olney administered the affairs of the
Thompson Bank, and served as town representative at the legislature. A
keen-eyed reporter depicts him as " a dignified gentleman of the old
school, spare in form, immaculate in dress, with a fine command of
language, a strong sense of justice, and whose brave utterances command
the most respectful attention." In 1880 he was elected to the responsible
position of school fund commissioner, involving the care and handling of a
most important public trust, demanding financial experience and sound
judgment. Mr. Olney's administration of the school fund has been
exceptionally strong and able. The fact of his unanimous appointment to a
third term of service testifies to the respect and confidence accorded to
him by all parties.
Mr. Charles E. Searls, the late popular secretary of state, resides in
this village; a strong republican, chairman of the great Harrison mass
meeting at Woodstock, a man whom his fellowcitizens delight to honor.
The popular favorite of a preceding generation, Mr. William S.
Scarborough, has returned to his old home in Thompson, after prolonged
residence at Cincinnati.
Our physician, Doctor Holbrook, represents a medical succession of more
than seventy years, his father, Doctor Horatio Holbrook, entering upon
practice in this village about 1816. He occupies the house built by D. R.
Wickham nearly a hundred years ago.
The very oldest house in town is the residence of our present town clerk
and representative, Mr. James N. Kingsbury, a native of Webster, but for
over twenty years a resident of the village, filling many important
offices.
The original Watson House is the pleasant home of our aged citizen, judge
Rawson, born in East Alstead, N. H., April 22d, 1802, served acceptably
many years in the ministry, till obliged to relinquish active service by
injuries received in a railroad accident. He removed to Thompson in 1853,
where, with his son-in-law, Mr. Parker, he conducted a family school, and
also performed much public service in occasional preaching, school
visitation and as judge of probate.
Three venerable Ballard brothers, life-long residents of Thompson, reside
within the district, whose united ages reach 256 years, viz.: Winthrop
Hilton, 88; Deacon Valentine, 85; Hamilton, 83 years. The scriptural
promise of length of days to men of peace, wisdom and rectitude is
fulfilled in these " hoary heads."
Mr. James Munyan represents one of the oldest families in town, has
carried on mercantile business, administered the post office, and served
as selectman. Mr. L. K. Blackmar has also served faithfully in various
offices. Messrs. Horace and Marvin D. Elliott represent an old family,
remarkable for inherited industry and steadfastness. Mr. George S. Crosby
was associated with his father in the management of the Crosby House. Mr.
Horace Morse occupies the former home of Mr. Obadiah Stone. The oldest
household by far in Thompson village -is that still occupying the house
built by Mr. Joseph Watson soon after his marriage, in 1791. Five of this
family were living when the youngest had attained her 78th year. Mr.
Noadiah Watson and Miss Katharine Watson still represent the family. The
house built by Mr. William H. Mason was purchased after the decease of
Mrs. Lydia (Watson) Mason by Major William S. Beebe.
The " History of Windham County," written and published by Miss Ellen D.
Larned, has won a high place among local histories. About fourteen years
were spent in collecting material and preparing this work. No pains were
spared to ensure accuracy and thoroughness, and the result justifies the
cost. The citizens of Windham county have reason to be proud of their
history. Miss Larned represents the family of William Larned, who removed
to this section in 1712, and is the last of the name in town. Another
Thompson authoress, Mrs. A. K. Dunning, represents the family of Doctor
Dow, as the daughter of Mrs. Nancy (Dow) Ketchum. Mrs. Dunning has been
very successful in religious works and stories, contributing notably to
Sunday school literature.
Thompson hill is peculiarly favored in the character of its summer
residents-its own children, not transient strangers. Its young men who
went out from Thompson homes to engage in business come back to found new
summer homes for their families. These village boys have made successful
businessmen. One of the most prominent is Mr. John W. Doane of Chicago, a
merchant prince, engaged largely in importing trade, president of
Chicago's Board of Trade, prominent in the Pullman Car Company, and in
many important business enterprises. Mr. Doane is very highly esteemed in
his adopted city, and has won 'by his unaided exertions 'a most honorable
place among the foremost business men of the day. A pleasant rural home in
Thompson is occupied by his family half of the year.
Another representative of old Thompson families, Mr. Henry Elliott,
starting out alone for the great city in early youth, has won a most
honorable position and good name among the " solid men " of Brooklyn, N.
Y. His near kinsmen, Messrs. John E. Jacobs and Jerome E. Bates, are
successful business men, and like Messrs. Doane and Elliott, have summer
homes in Thompson village. Another successful business man, now of Grand
Rapids." Mich., Mr. Edgar Olney, has transformed the former residence of
judge Crosby into an idyllic summer resting place. The sons of Mr.
Scarborough, Mrs. Erastus Knight, Mrs. George Shaw, Messrs. Bates and
Marvin Elliott are welcomed among the usual summer sojourners. Mr. Andrew
Mills has three sons in Boston, two of them connected with the
administration of the Conservatory of Music, whose visits bring a welcome
addition to the chorus of summer song.
Many sons of Thompson from all parts of the town have achieved success and
distinction in varied fields. Norwich is indebted to Thompson for her
veteran citizens, Mr. Franklin Nichols, president of the Thames National
Bank, and Mr. Lucius W. Carrol, president of the First National Bank. Few
men in our country are more widely known or better serving their
generation than Reverend Samuel W. Dike, D.D., prime leader in the
anti-divorce movement, and secretary of the National Divorce Reform
League. Mr. Dike belongs to another old Thompson family, still occupying
the original homestead of their ancestor, James Dike. Reverend Joseph P.
Bixby, grandson of the venerable Deacon Aaron Bixby, is a popular and
successful pastor at Revere, Mass., and president of the Bible Conference
Institute, established at Crescent Beach. Two grandsons of the venerated
Elder Grow, Reverends Jerome P. Bates and W. Elliott Bates, and Reverend
James F. Hill, son of " Father James Hill," are honored and successful
Baptist ministers. Another grandson of Elder Grow, Captain George W.
Davis, performed most valuable service during the war, and built for
himself an enduring monument by carrying forward and completing the
National -Memorial at Washington. Representative John Waite reports: "It
was Capt. Davis who arranged and perfected all the elevating machinery
that carried the stones one after another from the surface of the earth as
they went up toward the sky. It was his skill and rare ingenuity that
invented the machinery which was so vitally important as a most efficient
agent in the the rapid and successful prosecution of the work. In the
important matter of strengthening and perfecting the foundation of the
monument the suggestions and assistance of Capt. Davis were invaluable."
Very valuable military service was also performed by another Thompson
boy--John E. Tourtellotte; graduated from Brown University in 1856,
studied law and commenced practice in Minnesota; joined the Fourth
Minnesota Infantry regiment as captain in 1861, served in the same
regiment as lieutenant-colonel to the close of the war, accompanied
General Sherman on his march to the sea, breveted brigadier-general in
1865, resigned volunteer service, and appointed captain in the regular
army in 1866, appointed colonel and aide-de-camp on the staff of General
Sherman in 1871. While in this position he enjoyed the unique privilege of
attendance upon the Princess Louise and Marquis of Lorne during their
visit to the United States, as the accredited representative of the
national government a son of the sovereign people entertaining the
daughter of the queen and empress.
Three sons of the late Thomas E. Graves, Esq., born on Thompson hill, were
conspicuous during the war. Colonel Emmons E. Graves entered upon service
in 1861 first lieutenant of of the Thirteenth Connecticut regiment,
continued in service throughout the war, and had the honor of raising the
Union flag upon the state capitol after the taking of Richmond. Lieutenant
Frank H. Graves was the first Union officer to enter Fort Fisher. T.
Thatcher Graves, returning from an interesting sojourn in Africa in 1863,
entered at once upon service as volunteer aid to General B. F. Butler,
received commission from President Lincoln as captain in the 114th
Kentucky volunteers, detailed as aid to Major-General G. Weitzel, and
served at the front until the close of the war; assisted in the occupation
of Richmond, being the first Union officer to enter Libby Prison, and to
take possession of the house vacated by Jefferson Davis; served under
General Weitzel on the Rio Grande, with rank of brevetmajor for two years,
and was mustered out with the last volunteer officers in 1867. He pursued
medical studies at Harvard, graduating at the head of his class in 1871,
has practiced medicine at Lynn, Mass., Danielsonville, Conn., and
Providence, R. I., with characteristic energy and promptness. Doctor
Graves is pre-eminently an I emergency man," always ready for the
occasion.
Daniel R. Larned, born in West Thompson village, engaged in volunteer
service as captain; was promoted to rank of lieutenant-colonel for gallant
conduct at seige of Knoxville; private secretary to General Burnside;
serves as paymaster in regular army, with rank of major.
Joseph E. Gay, mining broker, an active republican and influential member
of the Union League Club, New York, grew up on Thompson hill.
Isaac N. Mills, of Brandy hill, graduated with distinction at Harvard
College, engaged successfully in the practice of law at Mount Vernon, N.
Y., and soon received the honorable appointment of judge in the court of
Westchester county, succeeding one of the great judges of the state.
" Westward the course of empire takes its way," but a goodly number of
Thompsonians have found. fame, wealth or competency in eastward cities.
The ancient Converse family is well represented in Boston. James, son of
Elisha Converse, began his honorable life-work in that city a poor boy,
thirteen years of age. In 1833, at the age of twenty-five, he aided in
organizing the business firm of Field & Converse, so widely known in
business circles. Remarkably successful in business, he has been still
more eminent in works of mercy and beneficence, founding missions,
building churches, strengthening the hands of fellow laborers. His
brother, Elisha S. Converse, after engaging a short time in business on
Thompson hill, removed to Boston in 1844, and since 1853 has served as
treasurer and general manager of the Boston Rubber Shoe Company, having
his residence in Malden. The stately and beautiful Converse Memorial
Building, given to the citizens of Malden in 1885, for the use of a free
public library and gallery of art, by Mr. and Mrs. Converse. in memory of
their oldest son, will bear their names in grateful remembrance to later
generations.
Year after year, upon the roll of Boston's legislative representatives and
sterling men is found the name of Jacob A. Dresser -fourth in descent and
name from the first white boy born in Thompson. Richard L. Gay, Ashley and
William Mills were born in Thompson. Other business men in Providence,
Worcester and various parts of the land emigrated from the same old town.
Space allows but a brief record of emigrants of preceding generations. All
over the land they may be found; through the West and beyond the Rockies,
descendants of those who in earlier years helped build up Vermont and New
York. Carrying out into the world a certain stability and tenacity that
enabled them to make their way amid hardships and toil, they have borne an
important part in building up and developing the nation. Unable to follow
them in all their various callings, we give a list of those only who have
served as ministers
Baptists.-John B. Ballard, born 1795; ordained 1823; established Sunday
schools in every town in North Carolina;" labored as missionary in New
York city. Benjamin M. Hill, D. D., ordained in Stafford, September 23d,
1818; corresponding secretary of American Baptist Home Missionary Society.
Lewis Seamans, preached at De Ruyter, N. Y., died November. 1826, aged 29
years. John Pratt, licensed to preach September 2d, 1822; professor of
Greek and Latin in Granville College, Ohio. Austin Robbins, licensed to
preach 1835; labored faithfully in Maine and mission fields.
Congregational.-Joseph, son of Reverend Noadiah Russel, settled in
Princeton, Mass., but dismissed on account of ill health. Stephen, son of
Elijah Crosby, a much beloved and useful pastor in Penn Yan, N. Y., died
early. Henry Gleason settled in Durham, Conn.; died early, respected and
lamented. Joseph T. Holmes, labored in the West. D. Nichols Coburn,
settled in Ware, Mass. John Bowers, pastor in Wilbraham, Mass. Herbert A.,
son of William Reed, Esq., West Thompson, preached at Webster, Mass;
removed to Michigan. William A., son of George Larned, Esq., settled over
the church in Milbury, "Mass.; obliged to relinguish preaching from
bronchial trouble; taught in the Theological Seminary, Troy, N. Y.;
appointed professor of rhetoric in Yale College in 1840; died February 3d,
1862---a thorough scholar, a brilliant speaker, sound in judgment, prompt
in action, genial and attractive in private life.
Methodist.-Jefferson Hascall, born 1807; converted in early youth and
exercising his gifts in exhortation. Mr. Hascall was distinguished for
power and eloquence from the beginning of his ministry. His labors in his
first pastorate resulted in the professed conversion of more than 150
persons. Independence and originality of thought, accompanied by fervid
imagination and a magnetic delivery, gave him a high place among the many
distinguished pulpit orators of the Methodist ranks. The mere announcement
of his presence -,could fill the seats at any meeting. For more than
twenty years he served as presiding elder, . and twice represented New
England in the General Conference. A man of strong faith and enthusiasm,
but with simple, childlike spirit, he impressed himself strongly upon the
generation. A popular hymn, written upon instant inspiration, will help
commemorate his honored name:
My latest sun is sinking fast.
My race is nearly run,
My strongest trials now are past,
My triumph is begun."
Doctor Hascall died February 13th, 1887. His brother, Reverend Squier
Hascall, also served acceptably in the ministry.
The Thompson Grange is a new institution here. It was established about
two years since, and now numbers about forty members, residing in
different parts of the town. The present master is George N. Comins;
steward, George Ballard.
Back to: Thompson, Windham County, Connecticut History
Source: History of Windham County, Connecticut, Bayles, Richard M.; New York: W.W. Preston, 1889