Welcome to the Connecticut - Reference Books

Middletown Upper Houses - Charles Collard Adams, M.A. This history of what is now Cromwell, Connecticut, covers 1650 to 1800 and was first published by the Society of Middletown Upper Houses, Inc., an organization of descendants of the early settlers. The work opens with a brief (60 pp.) history of the town, and a somewhat longer history of the society (including membership lists), but the vast bulk of the work consists of genealogies. The Ranney genealogy occupies about 360 pages, and is followed by about 230 pages devoted to extensive genealogies of the Bulkeley, Butler, Clark, Doolittle, Edwards, Eells, Gaylord, Gridley, Hall, Hubbard, Hurlburt, Keith, Kelsey, Kirby, L'Hommedieu, Prout, Riley, Sage, Savage, Shepard, Smith, Stocking, Stow, Treat, Warner, White, Wilcox and Williams families. The work is interspersed with hundreds of photographs and other illustrations of people and places which bring the actual page count well over 1000 pages. A complete name index is included. (1908) reprint, 2 vols., 848 pp., illus., original fullname index, paper, $64.00 #ZA140

History of the Colony of New Haven to its Absorption into Connecticut - Edward E. Atwater, et al. A comprehensive account of the development of the six towns that comprised the Colony: Branford, Guilford, Milford, New Haven, Stamford, and Southold (LI), ending with their absorption into Connecticut in 1664. There is a large amount of biographical data woven into the main text. Has about 130 pages of genealogical data for the towns mentioned above plus Stratford, Fairfield, Norwalk, New London, and Saybrook. (1902) reprint, 2nd ed., 2 vols., 767 pp., map, illus., index, paper, $47.50 #ZA890

Annals of Norwich, New London County, CT, in the Great Rebellion of 1861-65 - Malcolm McG. Dana. The state of Connecticut furnished nearly fifty-five thousand men to serve the Union in the Civil War. This book is intended to present the military records of those who went from the town of Norwich (over 1,300 in the Army and about 90 in the Navy). In addition, it gives an account of what was done at home in Norwich by the citizens and the town in its corporate capacity during the same period. The book has about two dozen chapters, and begins with the bombardment of Fort Sumter in Charleston, SC, in April 1861 by the army of the Confederate States. The narrative proceeds through the main milestones of the Civil War, but from a Norwich perspective, giving details of formations of companies and regiments, and raising of funds to buy uniforms to outfit them, as well as contributions during the war of food and other supplies. There is a muster roll of soldiers in three months' service; first, second and third companies; and an account of the call for three years' men. The book discusses units of the fourth (later first artillery), fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth, eighteenth, twenty-first, twenty-sixth and thirtieth regiments, as well as the first Connecticut Cavalry and the various Naval flotillas and the four blockading squadrons. The book touches on topics such as the campaign in the west, the riot in New York, manufacture of arms in Norwich, obituaries of the 167 from Norwich who lost their lives in the conflict, captives in rebel prisons, the surrender of the confederate forces, the death of Lincoln, charities of the war, indebtedness following the war. There is an index of Norwich residents and an index of battles and military engagements, as well as a 14-page roll of honor, and a general muster roll of all Norwich soldiers listing about a thousand names. (1873) reprint, 395 pp., illus., everyname index, paper, $31.50 #ZD050

The Ancient Historical Records of Norwalk, Connecticut; with a Plan of the Ancient Settlement, and of the Town in 1847 - Edwin Hall. The town was settled upon three tracts of land purchased from the local Indians between 1640 and 1651, the year in which Norwalk was founded; the deeds for all three purchases are provided in this text. The first records of town proceedings begin in 1653 and from then forward appear to be full and complete. In addition to the deeds and town records mentioned above, this book includes lists of early settlers; a table of original grants of home lots, including boundaries; a discussion of the name "Norwalk"; records from the first congregational society; brief histories of the Episcopal, Baptist and Methodist churches within the town; reminiscences of some citizens; and genealogical registers. (1847) reprint, 320 pp., illus., map, indices, paper, $24.00 #ZH044

Sketches and Chronicles of the Town of Litchfield, Connecticut, Historical, Biographical, and Statistical; Together with a Complete Official Register of the Town - Payne Kenyon Kilbourne. Litchfield is located in the northwest corner of Connecticut and was incorporated and organized back in 1751. The author traces the rise and progress of this "little settlement in the wilderness," beginning around 1700 and continuing until 1859 (the original publication date of this title). Chapters include: events in Connecticut preceding Litchfield's settlement, incidents of the first settlement, alarms and measures of defense, miscellaneous events, events preceding the Revolution, the Revolutionary era, men of the Revolution, progress and improvement, ecclesiastical matters and an appendix. The appendix lists county and state officials, judges, commissioners, justices, senators, attorneys, miscellaneous articles and finally biographical addenda. Look for details on Harriet Beecher Stowe, author, and George Catlin, artist and chronicler of the Wild West-they both hailed from Litchfield. A fold-out map circa 1859 and a great new fullname index are special bonuses. (1859) reprint, 289 pp., illus., map, new fullname index, paper $24.50 #ZK340

History of Windham County, Connecticut - Ellen D. Larned. Originally created in 1726 and modified somewhat since, this county now occupies the northeast corner of Connecticut. This territory became known to the English at the first settlement of Connecticut in 1635-6, but was not actually settled by colonists for another half-century. The first transfer of land from its Indian proprietors to an English purchaser was in 1653. With the spread of religion among the Indians came the spread of colonization, and the development of the modern county. Volume 1. This volume covers the years 1676 to 1760. The section headed 1676-1726 includes Nipmuck and Mohegan land transfers, Roxbury�s colony, New Roxbury, Woodstock, Indian troubles, Joshua�s tract, Windham, Ponde-town, Scotland settlement, Canada parish, Quinebaug, Peagscomsuck, Plainfield, Canterbury, Aspinock, Killingly, Chestnut Hill, Quinnatisset, Mashamoquet, Mortlake, Pomfret, Blackwell�s Tract, Adams� Tract, Ashford, Voluntown and other topics. Section headed 1726-1746 describes growth of and additions to many of the above places, development of courts, churches, schools, roads, libraries, controversies, a wolf-hunt, organizations, and so on. The section headed 1740-1760 includes Wheelock�s Tour, Imprisonment of Elisha Paine, Collision with Yale College, Clevelands arraigned and censured, separation of towns, church matters, Woodstock�s revolt, disturbances in Ashford, Windham�s Frog Fright, the French and Indian War, and further details of the towns above mentioned. The original surname index includes about 400 names. (1874) reprint, 583 pp., maps, appendix, original surname index, paper, $41.00 #ZL065

Volume 2. This volume covers the years 1740 to 1880. The section headed 1740-1775 includes material on Pomfret, Brooklyn Parish, Putnam, Malbone, Ashford, the Corbin Land Claim, Canterbury, Windham, Wyoming Emigration, Church affairs, social life, Scotland Parish, Canada Parish, school districts, Voluntown, Plainfield, Killingly, Thompson Parish, Chestnut Hill, Woodstock, troubles with Massachusetts, and more. The section headed 1764-1783 describes Windham County in the Revolution; after which the section headed 1783-1807 relates post-war progress and prosperity, politics, early newspapers, changes, turnpikes, the visit from President Washington, bridges, the Plainfield Academy, trials of Baptists, emigration to Ohio, counterfeiting, affairs in Thompson, Voluntown, Sterling and Woodstock, thief-detecting, murder, and the social condition. The section headed 1807-1820 describes the development of manufacturing and industry, in between church affairs and reports of fatal accidents, thefts and whipping, fun and fishing, and various controversies. The section headed 1820-1845 describes the courts, temperance work, an execution, schools, Canterbury in danger, Plainfield, Voluntown, Sterling, Windham, Willimantic Village, Chaplin, Hampton, Ashford, Eastford Parish, Woodstock, Thompson, Killingly and Pomfret. Finally, the section headed 1840-1880 gives the "present outlook" of many of the places above named. Four appendices supply origins of town names, the English report of Putnam�s Wolf Fight, the Battle of the Frogs, and a Relic of Slavery. The original surname index gives about 600 names. (1880) reprint, 600 pp., illus., map, appendix, original topical index, original surname index, paper, $42.50 #ZL066

Poems on Stone in Stamford, Connecticut - Jeanne Majdalany and Jean Mulkerin.Originally published in 1980, this lovely collection of poems was compiled from tombstones in and around Stamford, Connecticut, to preserve these existing works of folk art before they are forever lost. The tradition of early American poetic epitaphs was popular in the 1700s and 1800s but rapidly disappeared after the turn of this century. The original stones were often inscribed shallowly or in low relief and therefore many of them are no longer readable, having been ravaged by time, vandals, pollution and neglect. This book contains about 370 poems from 45 different burial grounds of early Stamford. They are listed according to the areas from which they came, so the researcher can locate them without a problem. Many photographs of tombstones and cemeteries bring the words to life: poetic irony in more ways than one. Be aware that this anthology is a celebration of this lost art form, illuminating as well as preserving these remaining verses in stone. Each entry gives the name of the deceased, date of death, final age, and the epitaph as it reads on the grave marker. It is not intended to be a genealogical guide, but the authors do provide names of several reference books in case the reader is interested in the family histories. The introduction explains the rhyme and reason of the poems, which vary in content from spiritual, glorifying and accepting of death, to macabre gloom, mourning and cynicism about earthly existence. The book presents a good analysis, and helps the non-poet understand fully the purpose of this art form. Maps of Stamford, Darien and the original Stamford area of New Canaan before 1801 are included; along with the maps is a listing of all the cemeteries, providing their location, general condition, and dates of existence. The first appendix presents some commonly used verses from famous people, such as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Isaac Watts; the second has a few rare gravestones that were actually signed by the sculptor. Finally, an index of names will aid in quickly finding lost ancestors. All in all, this book is a great companion for the artist, poet, historian, genealogist or native of Connecticut. (1980) reprint, 188 pp., maps, illus., append., fullname index, paper, $18.00 #ZM032

History of the Old Town of Derby, Connecticut, 1642-1880 - Samuel Orcutt. A complete reprint of the text, as originally published in 1880. Reverend Orcutt presents a detailed account of the growth and development of Derby from its initial settlement through the post Civil War period, including a historical overview of the Native American tribes of Connecticut and their relationships with the town. Highlighted are the contributions of prominent citizens and families, the affairs of local government and clergy, and the establishment of businesses and industry, with assessments of their impact on changing town life. Brief histories are also provided for the neighboring towns of Oxford, Birmingham and Seymour. Includes extensive biographical sketches and a genealogy section containing every full name recorded in Derby before 1800 that could be found. (1880) reprint, 844 pp., 2 vols., original fullname plus subject index, illus., paper, $57.00 #ZO618

Inscriptions from Gravestones in the Old Burying Ground, Norwich Town, Connecticut - George S. Porter. The Old Burying Ground in Norwich, CT, resides on land once known as the Bean Hill Burying Ground, secured by the town in 1661 for purposes of burial. For several decades after 1700 the property was kept partly private; then, in 1734, the town declared the grounds "open to the common" as a public burial place. For 150 years the Old Burying Ground enjoyed an "active career." This book transcribes 1,405 gravestone inscriptions from Norwich's oldest burying ground. Gravestones predating 1700 no longer exist; the bulk of these inscriptions are from the 19th century. Along with the "standard" information recorded on the stones--name, age and date of death--can be found everything from cause of death to relatives' names to occupation or military service to loving quotes and epitaphs. The text of each transcription is arranged on the page to visually mimic its appearance on the stone, adding an extra dimension to the reader's experience. Illustrations include photos of the Old Burying Ground's entrance gates, its memorial gates (on East Town Street), and headstones of more than a dozen people. An everyname index provides easy access to the more than 1,500 names found in these pages. (1933) reprint, 177 pp., illus., index, paper, $19.00 #ZP567

Historic Towns of the Connecticut River Valley - George S. Roberts. Presents a history of settlement in the Connecticut River Valley from Saybrook, Connecticut, in the south to Windsor, Vermont, in the north by means of brief sketches of over fifty towns. There are over 160 photographs depicting scenes and homesteads, and mention is made of many early settlers. (1906) reprint, 494 pp., illus., index, paper, $35.00 #ZR502

The History of Fairfield, Fairfield County, Connecticut, From the Settlement of the Town in 1639 to 1818 - Elizabeth Hubbell Schenk. This two-volume work truly warrants description as an extensive history of Fairfield, Connecticut. While Fairfield is the specific scope, the practical scope is much broader, as such an early town history can never be completely separated from the history of the colony as a whole. Fairfield's accessible location upon Long Island Sound brought about its early discovery and initial settlement in 1639. From this first settlement through the second decade of the 19th century, Ms. Schenk covers every aspect of a town history. A few general topics which are addressed are wars, agriculture, relations with the Indians, churches, schools, government and growth. The wealth of detailed history and available knowledge provided in over 700 pages of text is not all that these volumes have to offer. There are over 25 appendices containing such information as lists of freemen, land divisions (including the names of recipients), and deeds (with signatures intact). The parish record of Christ's Church is yet another source of names as it contains a "record of those that renewed the covenant," records of baptisms and lists of marriages. Yet to be mentioned, but of no less significance, is a collection of nearly 100 genealogical sketches and an everyname and subject index. It is hard to imagine that a more comprehensive history of Fairfield's first two hundred years could be written. History buffs and genealogists alike will benefit from and enjoy this truly remarkable work. (1889) reprint, 961 pp., 2 vols., everyname index, paper, $69.00 #ZS133

The History of Ancient Windsor, Connecticut, Including East Windsor, South Windsor, and Ellington, Prior to 1768, the Date of Their Separation from the Old Town; and Windsor, Bloomfield and Windsor Locks, to the Present Time. Also the Genealogies and Genealogical Notes of Those Families Which Settled Within the Limits of Ancient Windsor, Connecticut, Prior to 1800 - Henry R. Stiles. This reprint, first published in 1859, stemmed from a study of the author's family, during which he became interested in the town in which they first settled. The area that later became Windsor was first discovered in 1614 by the Dutch, and was settled as a town, first called Dorchester, in 1636. Beginning with that first settlement, Mr. Stiles carefully records the history of Windsor up to the year 1800, and then provides a succinct summary of the town's history from 1800 to the date of publication. All of the major aspects of a town's growth and settlement are discussed: civil organizations, religious organizations, plans of the town and warfare. The town and its citizens were involved in a number of armed conflicts; among these were King Philip's War (1675-1676), Queen Ann's War (1702-1713), the Indian War (1722-1724), the French and Indian Wars (1739-1762), and the American Revolution (1775-1783). Approximately 500 pages have been dedicated to providing a complete history of the town of Windsor, from its earliest settlement. Following the town history are more than 300 pages of genealogies of families who settled in Windsor prior to the year 1800. Examples of information found within the genealogical entries are date of birth, date of death, marriages and children born, including dates. Still many more names can be found within the appendices, of which there are ten, consisting of such records as grants, petitions, letters and church member lists. There is an everyname plus subject index for the historical section and an everyname index to the genealogical section. A few maps and plans of early Windsor, plus illustrations of notable persons and places, enhance the text. In all, Mr. Stiles has recorded close to 900 pages worth of historical and genealogical information on Windsor, Connecticut and its citizens. (1859) reprint, 922 pp., 2 vols., illus., index, paper, $59.50 #ZS736

Other Days in Greenwich - Frederick A. Hubbard. Covers the late 18th to the early 20th centuries. reprint, 346 pp, illus, index, paper $26.50 #H801.