The Willimantic Chronicle - Year of 1881

Published every Wednesday.

McDonald & Safford, Editors and Publishers.
Office, Hall's Block, Main & Union Sts.
$1.50 per year.

619. Wed Jun 1 1881: About Town.
Rev. Horace Winslow will preach at Scotland next Sunday.
Dr. Hamlin has employed a professional dentist to look after his business.
Considerable damage was done by fire on Friday afternoon in woods owned by the Linen company in the direction of Conantville.
O.S. Chaffee & Son have advanced the wages of a part of the operatives in their silk mills about ten per cent. The advance went into effect June 1st.
Mr. J.G. Cooley, founder of Cooley's Weekly, has so nearly recovered from paralysis as to be able to ride from his country residence in Franklin to Norwich.
We are informed that Alonzo Warren has engaged to build a large building on Walnut street to be used by A.R. Burnham as a carriage manufactory and repair shop.
One of the barns on the Hanover estate is being removed, and will be located, if not sold on the way, at the corner of Walnut and Spring streets, on land owned by Geo. Stiles. It will then probably be constructed into a dwelling house.
The Windham County Ministers' association are to investigate the case of the Rev. John Marsland, pastor of the Congregational church in Central Village, at his request.

620. Wed Jun 1 1881: The double team belonging to E.A. Rood's bottling works was left unhitched somewhere on upper Main street yesterday morning. The barn in which the horses are kept is on High street and they embraced the opportunity to go there uninvited. On reaching the corner the wagon slewed against the curbing, and it was upset, together with its contents of beer bottles filled with beer. Quite a picnic for that neighborhood. The damage to the team was slight.

621. Wed Jun 1 1881: Fred. L. Clark, and another gentleman, while driving one horse and leading another to pasture yesterday were somewhat surprised to find themselves landed unceremoniously on the hard earth when near Capen's store in the lower village. The colt they were leading became somewhat frisky and jumping onto one of the wheels breaking it down where by the occupants were unloaded and somewhat mixed up, but Fred hung to the horse and avoided a runaway.

622. Wed Jun 1 1881: We call the attention of our borough government to the condition in which Union street railroad crossing has been left by the construction of a double track. The track is not the width of a wagon distant from the corner of an awning extending over the market front owned by Warden Davison, and to turn the corner at Jackson street without allowing the wheels of a wagon to fall into crevices in the track would require the skill of an expert driver. It is dangerous besides being inconvenient. It concerns the warden personally and we presume it will be unnecessary to call his attention to the subject a second time.

623. Wed Jun 1 1881: G.G. Cross is so arranging his restaurant as to have the cook room in the basement of the store which will give more room and greater convenience. He has also leased the apartment in the basement of Bassett block, formerly occupied by E. Harris' meat market and it is being fitted up for his immediate occupancy. It will be connected with his store on Main street by a door at the rear, and will make the establishment about double the present dimensions. George means to have things just right, and the public will appreciate his efforts through the ice cream season.

624. Wed Jun 1 1881: The new freight cars being built for the New York and New England Railroad contain improvements that are worthy of special comment, notably Stafford's automatic coupler, which should be the means of saving many a life among the brakemen. It works in this wise: The pin of the car to be shackled rests upon a movable cam, which is struck by a link of the approaching car, letting the pin drop into place. It is simple and apparently just the thing that has so been so long needed. The road has also ordered nineteen mogul locomotives (three pairs of drivers) and four large wheel passenger machines, all of which will be delivered in the course of a few weeks.

625. Wed Jun 1 1881: A meat cart belonging to Edward Harris was badly damaged by a runaway this morning. The horse started somewhere on Pleasant street by the breaking of a bit, and the driver seeing that he could do nothing towards stopping him too himself out of danger by crawling out the rear end of the cart. The horse dashed on wildly down to Railroad street where he turned and the wagon collided with Mr. Babcock's hack and was capsized. The horse was thrown down, and both wheels on one side of the cart were broken off, the supply of meat was unceremoniously scattered.

626. Wed Jun 1 1881: The Spiritualists of Connecticut will hold a basket picnic at Niantic June 9. The committee on "music and dancing" are H.H. Thomas, New Haven, Fred Potter, Meriden; Charles Hatch, South Windham.

627. Wed Jun 1 1881: Died Instantly.--Cases of instant death are becoming painfully frequent in our midst. On Saturday afternoon Michael Hastings was seized on Union street, according to the attending physician, Dr. Colgrove, by a fit of apoplexy and died instantly. Hastings as in the employ of Luke Flynn as a stone mason and was returning from work on the fatal day. The body was removed from the street into an adjacent house, where it was taken in charge by undertaker Casey. He was a boarder at E.W. Rogers' on Union street, but leaves a family with whom he did not live.

628. Wed Jun 1 1881: Bearing Fruit.--The hard work and patience which Dr. Hamlin has put into his wagon spring business is at length bearing profitable fruit. It seems that an extensive iron worker of Pittsburgh, Penn., W.W. Greer by name, had invented a spring similar to the one patented by Mr. Hamlin, and through oversight in the patent office had obtained a patent. Mr. Greer happened to see one of the Hamlin springs in New Haven a short time ago, and thinking that his patent had been infringed upon, came to Willimantic to inquire into the matter. The documents granting the patents showed that Hamlin's ante-dated the other about two years, and that instead of being an infringer he was an infringed. The matter was fixed up by allowing Greer to manufacture the spring by paying the inventor a royalty of two dollars on each set sold. The business will be energetically pushed into all the states and Canadas immediately. We understand that Mr. Greer purposes establishing a factory for manufacturing these springs at Meriden, in addition to his large factory in Pennsylvania.
Dr. Church still retains the agency for the introduction of these springs into four of the states in the northwest. Mr. Hamlin reserves New Haven county only.

629. Wed Jun 1 1881: Windham does not want to be taxed.--A very respectable number of citizens met at the special town meeting held on Friday afternoon at Armory hall to consider the matter of taxation for the purpose of erecting county buildings in Putnam. The subject was intelligently and freely discussed by a number of taxpayers, after which the following preamble and resolutions were offered and approved by the meeting:
That whereas, the Town of Windham having furnished elegant rooms for holding the Superior Court for Windham County at Windham without expense to said county showing thereby a generosity more than equivalent for the number of sessions of said court given the Town of Windham by the act of the General Assembly concerning courts in Windham County.
Therefore, Resolved, that the representatives of the Town of Windham are hereby instructed to oppose all and any plans, sites or estimates for Court or Jail buildings at Putnam, in said county that shall impose any tax upon the county.
Voted, that the representatives of the town of Windham are hereby instructed to favor the conveyance of the county property at Brooklyn and applying the proceeds of such sale in addition to the amounts appropriated by the town of Putnam for the erection and furnishing of said proposed County Buildings at Putnam.

630. Wed Jun 1 1881: Decoration Day. The mills in deference to the day did not run, and all places of business were closed in the afternoon. J.D. Willis was marshall of the day, and was assisted by Robt. W. Hooper. The processions was made up in the following order: Willimantic band, T.H. Rollinson, leader; company E., Capt. H.R. Chappell; company K., Capt. M.P. Squires; National band, Joseph Mathews, leader; Frank D. Long Post, No. 30, G.A.R., with visiting veterans soldiers and sailors, S.J. Miller, commander; borough and town officers; children of the public schools; carriages.

631. Wed Jun 1 1881: A.R. Morrison, of the firm of W.G. & A.R. Morrison, was last night the recipient of a handsome easy chair presented to him by the workmen of the firm, as a token of their good will. The presentation was made at the house of Mr. Morrison in a neat little speech by Eugene McCarthy. It was a perfect surprise to him. There were about twenty-five present and they enjoyed the evening in refreshments and sociability.

632. Wed Jun 1 1881: South Windham.
Smith, Winchester & Co., last week shipped a pulp engine familiarly known as a "Jordan" to England. This is the most distant point to which they have sent them, though they send them to nearly all parts of our own country.
Robert Binns is having constructed the knife attachment of his new cutter which he intends to test in the paper mill of Peter Adams & Co., at Buckland.
The dwelling of Luther Backus is receiving a new coat of paint, rather darker in color than the original.

633. Wed Jun 1 1881: Mansfield.
Charles Gurley and daughter, Lizzie, of New York, are summering at Mr. William Cummings.
Laura Turner, wife of Mr. Lyman Barrows, whose death occurred a few days since, was a daughter of Elijah Turner, a former citizen of this town, well known to older residents. Mrs. Barrows was a woman of fine qualities, quiet and unassuming in her manners, but as a christian was devoted and sincere, for many years a member of the North Congregational church. She leaves a husband and an adopted daughter. A wide circle of warm friends mourn her departure.
H.A. Nason attempted suicide, one week ago Monday, by taking laudanum. Caused by depressed spirits.
C.J. Mason is soon to erect a blacksmith shop in connection with his saw and wood turning mills.
The Preston homestead, lately owned and occupied by J.O. Freeman, is being overhauled and is to be thoroughly repaired. It is now occupied by the leading agriculturalist of the Storrs Agricultural school.
The old Preston meadow, now a compact mass of brush, is to be thoroughly reclaimed. Such improvements are worthy of note.
Whipple Green has leased the old Freeman farm recently purchased by E.B. Smith Esq.
Henry Fish Esq., of Providence has been spending a few days in town.
Mr. Cumming's new barn is nearly completed. We will soon give the readers a sketch of it.
Geo. Foster, the former miller at Gurleyville, is now engaged in silk peddling.
The Sabbath School of the M.E. church, Gurleyville, was reorganized a week ago last Sabbath by appointing the following officers for the ensuing year: Supt., Rev. J.R. Thomas; 1st assistant, S.D. Yeomans; 2d assistant, Mrs. J.R. Thomas; Sec'y and treasurer, S.D. Yeomans; librarian, W.E. Williams. The following teachers were also appointed: J.S. Hanks, E.B. Smith, Mrs. J.R. Thomas, S.D. Yeomans, Mrs. J. Conant, Mrs. S. D. Yeomans, Mrs. J.S. Hanks, W.E. Williams.
A public flower garden ornamented with a fountain is to be located at Hank's Hill.
One of the greatest curiosities of our quiet village is an ancient clock made by Benjamin Hanks, which plays six tunes, when in order. Once upon a time during a religious meeting, the clock commenced playing and could not be stopped until the tunes were ended. This afforded no little amusement for the assembled people. More about this cherished relic in another number.
The Ladies Society of the M.E. church were obliged to postpone their intended gathering last Thursday evening on account of sickness of Mr. Yeomans, at whose house they were to meet.
A fine looking mail wagon to be run between Tolland and Rockville, is being built by E.F. Wedge, of Willington.
Three men by the name of Southwick, with their families, moved to this town from Mass., 30 or more years ago, and now but one is living. A genealogy of the Southwicks is soon to be issued by James M. Caller, of Salem, Mass. When published, interested extracts from it will be given to your readers from time to time.
Mrs. J.S. Hanks, and mother, are visiting friends in Boston.
The Ladies Benevolent Society meet on Thursday evening with Mr. and Mrs. Morrison.
P.G. Hanks' handsome dwelling house is receiving a fresh coat of paint. It is the finest looking house in town.

634. Wed Jun 1 1881: Scotland.
Mr. Edwin Bennett supplied the pulpit of the Congregational church last Sunday. Next Sunday, Rev. Horace Winslow of Willimantic will preach.
James L. Palmer's horse departed this life at a ripe old age last week.
The descendants of the late John Bass enjoyed a reunion at the old homestead last Saturday. The children number ten, and have never met together. It was hoped that on this occasion the whole family would be present, but Mrs. Maria Bacon, one of the sisters, was called away by the illness of her daughter and it would seem that the ten are fated never to gather around the same table. Three were forty-four persons present at the reunion, all of whom, with the exception of major Alfred Avery and Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Burnham were the family descendants and connections. This family obey literally the command to "multiply and replenish the earth," and an old maid or bachelor is unknown among them. Mrs. Maria Bacon aged 65 has four children and one grandchild living; Mrs. Lydia Safford aged 63, has two children and two grandchildren; Mrs. Susan Carey aged 61 has six children and four grandchildren; Mrs. Eunice Morse aged 59 has five children and five grandchildren; Mrs. Nancy Hovey aged 57 has seven children and five grandchildren; Mrs. Cornelia Hovey aged 55 has two children; Egbert Bass aged 53 has eight children; Mrs. Ellen Huntington aged 51 has two children; Edgar Bass aged 46 has five children; Mrs. Jane Ashley aged 41 has two children; making forty-three children and seventeen grandchildren now living. Mrs. Nancy Hovey was presented with an elegant pair of vases by her brothers and sisters as a momento of the occasion. The old cradle in which the ten were rocked in their infancy, and the "old oaken bucket" from which they quaffed the sweetest draughts they ever tasted bore a conspicuous part in the ceremonies. Mrs. Nancy Hovey is soon to return to her home in Ohio, and all felt that this might be their last meeting. The occasion was one never to be forgotten by the participants, and will be a cherished memory while life shall last. Only once has death entered this circle of brothers and sisters. One brother died in childhood in consequence of a scald. The members of the family are useful citizens, faithful wives and mothers, strong and self reliant men and women, and form a group such as is seldom seen in these degenerate days. Long may they live, and may their shadows never be less.

635. Wed Jun 1 1881: Columbia.
Leonard Strickland has so far recovered from his illness as to resume his business, and is buying eggs, poultry &c. for the Hartford market.
J.L. Downer is shingling the buildings on the premises of the late G.T. Robertson, assisted by Geo. W. Thompson.
The Hon. William A. Collins is suffering from a cough aggravated by a throat difficulty, and has been missed three Sabbaths from his accustomed seat in the church of which he is a deacon.
Fred Lyman who has been spending the past ten months in Woonsocket, R.I., is at home on a short visit.
Miss Emma Bascomb came from the State Normal school last Friday to remain over Decoration Day.
Payson Little who is a teacher in Windham spent the Sabbath at home. Prescott Little of Meriden has been at his father's for the past two weeks suffering from an attack of acute rheumatism.
Royal Thompson is having the basement of his barn made into stabling room for his stock.
N.P. Little is getting out a frame for an addition to the barn of James H. Richardson and will devote a part of his time this week to the sawing of shingles.
The cemetery has been improved by the removal of many of the large fir and arbor vitae trees that are more of a nuisance than an ornament.
Bees have little regard for the Sabbath. Last Sunday W.H. Yeomans had a large swarm come out that located themselves in quiet repose upon a branch of a shade maple overhanging the highway, and just above the heads of travelers as peacefully as though it was only a week day.
As Mr. and Mrs. Silas Holbrook and their nephew were returning from church on Sunday, their horse shied, overturning the wagon and throwing the occupants out. Mr. Holbrook was severely injured, but the others escaped unhurt.

636. Wed Jun 1 1881: Mansfield Silk Culture.
At a meeting of Old Time silk culturists, held at Joseph Conant's Esq. in Mansfield, Mr. William Atwater in the chair explained to the meeting that silk culture in their younger days, had been a most profitable and interesting branch of farming interests. The chairman from his own farm, and by his own family, had produced one hundred and thirty pounds of raw silk on an average for years, and that he was then treasurer and business agent, of an organized body of silk culturists in Mansfield, and it was grievous to know that the culture of silk in Mansfield, had been entirely abandoned, and trusted the gentlemen present were prepared to give their views, in the hope of the introduction of the silk culture, as a means of invigorating the farming interest. And again, giving to our wives and daughters occupation healthful, pleasant and profitable.
Mr. Alfred Lillywhite, addressing the chair, ladies and gentlemen present, said he was one of several that had felt great interest in the development and the growth and manufacture of silk, that he had used both money and influence to introduce machinery and skilled labor, but with him it had not proved a success. Since his time the raising silk had been abandoned, though fabrics made from silk were being produced. And this he considered putting the cart before the horse, 'twas like going into the bologna business, without raising pork, or the lager beer trade because we had a patent stopple.
Elder sharp remarked 'twas unfortunate we had lost sight of the grand object "The culture of silk" and descended to making a corner in Maurus Multicaulis, when he should have kept right on improving our own hearty white mulberry. Our silk was good, bright and strong, needing only patience to better understand the reeling to be equal to any and excelled by none. Let us do what we can at this late day to repair our error.
Mr. Harvey Crane gave in his testimony as to the strength and luster of the American silk.
Mr. Irad Storrs declared he had raised over one hundred pounds on his farm and knew that over two tons was the product of Mansfield alone in a single year, and with present knowledge the quantity might be greatly increased.
Messrs. Baker, Gengle, Julius and Storms, Horace and William Fisk, all wished to be put on record as testifying to the excellence of American grown silk.
Mr. Chabaca said, though a young man, he had picked leaves, fed the worms, reeled, wound and spun American silk, he would welcome the day when the silk of our daddies took its stand at the head of American fabrics where it properly belonged.
Capt. Joseph Conant here rose smiling on the last speaker, and looking round remarked, not only the respected chairman but many in that room were recognized by him as fellow-laborers in the silk industry, and it was with sorrow he had to confess to them--that they had sold their birthright for a mess of pottage--"German at that and full of garlic," for they had killed the goose that laid them golden eggs hoping to find a bonanza. They were deprived of their regular supply, and now mourned over the defunct carcass. Instead of cultivating our hardy trees and improving ourselves with patience in the reeling our excellent cocoons, we made haste to be rich. We ignored our own supply,--looked to China, to India, to Japan, Italy and France for reeled silk. We by tariff taxed ourselves to encourage every process in the manufacture of silk, with the single exception of that branch more important than all others, the reeling from the cocoon, by which alone we can become great producer, exporters and competitors of older countries. The reeling requires more skill and patience than any part of the work in making every kind of thread or yarn. It enhances the value from the cocoon double that of any other process. Then why is it not considered and protected equally with the doubling and spinning that come after? Because it is made subservient to monopoly. A pound of silk on the cocoon is worth two dollars; the same well reeled is worth five dollars. This enhancement of value is worked in factories abroad. This three dollars per pound avoids duty, crushes our home reeling and silk production, for the benefit of the spinner and weaver, who in most cases are transplanted foreigners, while our own people indigenous to the soil--to the manor born--cannot use their land and their talents to best advantage, simply that monopoly and class legislation be sustained. This country can produce silk of the finest quality in any quantity with fair play and no favor. These, Mr. Chairman, are the views of one always interested in the silk industry of America.
Polly Brigham here rose to make some observations on silk dyeing and its adulterations, but the Chairman remarked 'twas growing late, and many being far from home, a vote to adjourn was taken.
T. Storrs, Clerk. Mansfield, May 19, 1881.

637. Wed Jun 1 1881: Brooklyn.
A committee of ten were chosen to solicit funds for a soldiers monument: Rev. E.S. Beard, Hon. H.M. Cleveland, Elias H. Main, Dr. Wm. Woodbridge, T.D. Pond, Mrs. Dyer, Mrs. Woodbridge, Mrs. Preston and the Misses Gladis Wood, and Lottie Palmer.

638. Wed Jun 1 1881: Ashford.
At a town meeting legally warned in this town for Saturday last, to take steps in relation to advising our representatives what course to pursue in relation to the court house mater it was unanimously voted to instruct them to oppose all estimates, plans and sites that will impose any tax on the different towns in the county. This seems to be the prevailing sentiment in about fifteen of the sixteen towns in the county and this is as it should be.

639. Wed Jun 1 1881: Thompson.
J.W. Doane, of Chicago, is in town.
The family of G.C. Rand, of New York, arrived in town last week for the summer.
Uriah E. Ross is herding cattle in Wyoming.
Some alterations are being made in the brick mill at West Thompson, and Mr. William Sibley who has been engaged in the manufacture of flocks there is to engage in business elsewhere.
The Mechanicsville company have been laying out their rounds in their village in a tasteful manner, flower beds forming a prominent feature. This village is now one of the finest factory places in eastern Connecticut.
John Wilkes Jr. broke two fingers a few days ago by having a dump cart fall on his hand.

640. Wed Jun 1 1881: Died.
Laberge--In Willimantic, May 23d, Rosana Laberge, age 21 years.
Hastings--In Willimantic, May 28th, Michael Hastings, age 45 years.

641. Wed Jun 1 1881: Registered Dogs. The following are the names of persons having registered dogs in the Town of Windham:
John M. Alpaugh
W.H. Pearce,
Joseph Lemay,
Anne E. Hooks,
Joseph Martin,
Eliza Jackson,
Marcus Taft,
J. Griffin Martin,
Oliver Maine,
Wm. A. Bailey,
Henry A. Beebe,
T.R. Congdon,
E.S. Boss,
Timothy T. Murphy,
E.L. Burnham,
Jas. M. Chamberlain,
Eugene F. Kinne,
Benj. Purington,
A.B. Carpenter,
George Lincoln,
W.W. Follett,
Charles Larrabee,
J.B. Johnson,
Wm. Reardon,
Daniel H. Grady,
H.R. Chappell,
Kate Meehan,
E.T. Hamlin,
Jaems Healy,
Nathan Gallup Jr.,
Wm. E. Gray,
John G. Smith,
Jules Archambeault,
Ulysses Youngs,
Earl S. Cranston,
Chas. W. Smith,
D.C. Barrows,
Charles Burdick,
James Jones,
Martin Card,
Guilford Smith,
Samuel Bingham,
Dorman Brothers,
John B. Carpenter,
Van B. Jordan,
J.C. Bugbee,
Eliza Gray,
A.R. Morrison,
Samuel B. Ford,
T.C. Chandler,
A.B. Green,
Thomas Turner,
John Bowman,
D.B. Tracy,
C.N. Wadsworth,
Geo. A. Murdock,
Sam J. Miller,
T.S. Parker,
Chas. B. Jordan,
Merritt Welch,
Chas. E. Taylor,
Martin Card,
Wm. M. Gorry,
A.R. Burnham,
Lyman Tiffany,
S.O. Hatch,
Thomas Crandall,
Nellie Gavigan,
Robert Binns,
C.F. Brown,
James B. Bliven,
Huber Clark,
John Monroe,
John Laflour,
E. Hewitt,
A.H. Potter,
Andrew Walker,
Duncan Peacock,
Frank B. Ford,
Frank Post,
Wm. E. Willys,
J.J. Keon.
A.D. Baker,
D.E. Potter,
Geo. T. Spafford,
James A. Early,
Arnold Potter,
Brandford Larkin,
Town of Windham,
Fred Bailey,
Geo. C. Topliff,
Gardner Cranston,
Geo. G. Cross,
H.H. Fitch,
H.L. Edgarton,
Horace Winslow,
E.A. Buck,
Geo. M. Harrington,
George Potter,
H.N. Williams,
J.J. McShea,
James M. Johnson,
Edwin Pollock,
James B. Robinson,
George F. Lyman,
C.W. Alpaugh,
James E. Hayden,
John Murphy,
Geo. L. Briggs,
Chas. N. Andrew,
Joseph C. Bassett,
M.J. Foss,
Joseph C. Bassett,
James D. Watts,
S.F. Loomer,
J.W. Gordon,
Geo. G. Smith,
Josie C. Jillson,
Michael Nelligan,
Charlie Fisher,
E.E. Latham,
John H. Moulton,
George H. Backus,
Howard R. Alford,
James Courtney,
A.R. Morrion,
W.F. Maine,
Joshua Bliven,
C.N. Wadsworth,
Chas. A. Young,
Myron G. Parmenter,
J.J. Coffey,
Robert Binns,
H.L Hall,
Aaron L. Preston,
Wm. B. Hoxie,
W.J. Bassett,
C.F. Rogers,
B.F. Bennett,
John Culver,
Gdo. B. Harrington,
Jerry Harrington,
Jennie Stearns,
Hiram Penrie,
Geo. B. Hamlin,
M.L. Turner,
James McDermott,
Amada Newhouse,
Elisha D. Hill,
Lyman F. Jordan,
H.N. Bill,
Etta V. Coggshall,
Niles Potter,
Fl. DeBruycker,
Thomas Elliott,
Frank Fenner,
George F. Fitch,
John Scott,
J.J. Keon,
Attest, Wm. H. Alpaugh, Town Clerk, Windham, May 31 1881.

642. Wed Jun 8 1881: About Town.
Elder Davis, of Abington, is expected to preach in Mission hall, Bank building, next Sabbath at the usual hours, morning and evening.
Lincoln & Smith have been taking advantage of the favorable prices in the coal market and bought heavily for their next winter's supply. Shrewd.
Louis K. Hull, of Lebanon, Conn., is No. 5 in the Yale boat crew this summer. He is of the class of '83 and this is his third year with the crew.
Chadwick & Holmes the popular fish dealers, will have in stock for Friday's trade, salmon, shad, sea trout, butter-fish, tautog and other kinds fresh and nice. Clams a specialty.

643. Wed Jun 8 1881: Wm. M. Cummings will sell at auction in front of D.F. Fuller's store at Liberty Hill, on Monday June 13, at 10 a.m., three horses, one heifer, one buggy, robes, blankets, and other horse goods.

644. Wed Jun 8 1881: Center street is the stronghold of the medical profession. Within short the distance of ten rods there are three already located, and we are told that two more will be added to the number shortly.

645. Wed Jun 8 1881: Heman Babcock's pony, on which he was riding, stepped on a rolling stone Thursday afternoon tumbled and fell, and both horse and man rolled over and over, but luckily without serious injury to either.

646. Wed Jun 8 1881: David H. Clark is suffering from the effects of an abscess from which was taken seventeen ounces of pus a number of weeks ago. His recovery is slow, but we were glad to notice him riding out the other day.

647. Wed Jun 8 1881: The Baptist Sunday school chose as delegates to the Baptist Sabbath school convention to be held at Stafford Hollow on Thursday, Rev. G.W. Holman, Philo Thompson, Dea Fuller, H.W. Avery, M. Johnson.

648. Wed Jun 8 1881: It is remarkable to what an extent the old barns are being converted into tenement houses in this place. And it is also curious to note how quickly they are rented--and everything else in the shape of a place to live in.

649. Wed Jun 8 1881: The following persons have been discharged from service in the state militia, members of Co., E of this place: Sergeant Edward F. Metcalf, Corporals, William Smith and Luther Church and Private Joseph W. Tucker, dating from May 22d.

650. Wed Jun 8 1881: We mentioned last week that Dr. Hamlin had engaged a dentist to take charge of his business. The item misled some into thinking that Mr. Hamlin had ceased to do anything in dentistry. He will be at his office most of the time and attend to all appointments personally.

651. Wed Jun 8 1881: Wonder if it isn't about time to appoint another hearing of the defunct Trust company, to see what disqualifications can be brought against the next judge of the superior court. If there are no serious drawbacks, it looks now as though a settlement of the affairs of that institution might e reached during the next century.

652. Wed Jun 8 1881: Throwing stones through windows out of spite, or just for the deviltry of the thing, seems to be the only cause which could have actuated the villain who dashed a stone through the window and glass show case at the millinery rooms of Miss Nellie Gavigan last week. The scoundrel, could he be caught, should be soundly rawhided.

653. Wed Jun 8 1881: John L. Walden expects this week to leave his position in the Dime Savings bank, and fill a position which has been offered to him in New York with the firm of L.D. Brown & Son, silk manufacturers. John is of the class of young men which no town can have too many, and we regret to lose him from among us. He will have the best wishes of a large number of friends.

654. Wed Jun 8 1881: The village is now left without a night guardian, and is at the mercy of the mischief makers. The meeting which was called last week to see what the merchants would do about paying for the services of a watchman did not seem to interest the business men enough to induce their attendance, and the fund for the maintenance of a patrolman being exhausted, Mr. Worden has been relieved from his duties.

655. Wed Jun 8 1881: The June term of court began yesterday at Tolland. The case of appeal from probate of the heirs of the late David Lawson of Union will probably be tried, and is the most interesting case that has come before the court for many years. Lawyer Fairfield of Stafford is made the trustee of the property under the will, under conditions that make him substantially the heir. The natural heirs will contest, and have employed Waldo, Hubbard & Hyde, of Hartford, and Marcy of Rockville as counsel, while Fairfield is assisted by Halsey of Norwich, West of Hartford, Sumner of this place, and Davison and King of Stafford.

656. Wed Jun 8 1881: B.S. Wilbur, proprietor of the Windham hotel, tells us that he has already engaged to accommodate a number of summer boarders at that very pleasant country village. And we know of no reason why Windham will not become an attractive resort for people desirous of seeking rest from the noise and hubbub of city existence. Country life is gradually superceding the seaside as a summer retreat among a large class of people, and Windham is so favorably located as to stand a good chance of calling many to enjoy her quietude and beautiful landscape. Mr. Wilbur has the reputation of knowing how to cater for the enjoyment of his guests, and we hope to see his place well patronized.

657. Wed Jun 8 1881: At the Burgess meeting held on Monday evening there were present the full board, the Warden presiding. It was voted to pay H.N. Williams, care of fire alarm, $13; Cryne & Moriaty, repairs, $15.15; Willimantic Gas Co., gas, $0.50; U.S. Street Lighting Co., street lights May, $98; Robert Fenton, surveying, $217.25; Labor bill, $357.13; A petition was received and read signed by E.S. Boss and twenty others praying that a borough meeting may be called, to see if the borough will vote to rescind the votes passed in borough meeting May 5th, 1881, relative to new streets from Jackson street east to Elm street. Voted to lay the petition on the table. Adjourned one week.

658. Wed Jun 8 1881: An Astonished Old Bull Frog.--The Hartford Times relates the following story about our town: "A Hartford gentleman who owns a farm in Windham, near the renowned old frog pond, tells a fishing incident in his experience at the historic pond some time ago which, to all who are familiar with the range and expression there is in frog tones, may be worth relating. He says he was having excellent luck in catching fish, pulling out one big perch after another, until a large old bullfrog--a sort of batrachian patriarch--came up out of the water took up a position on a rock a few feet away and began a mournful croaking. This was taken up and repeated by others--for "Colonel Dyer" and "Elderkin too" have their lineal descendants still flourishing in that famous old pond--until a regular croaking chorus was heard all around the pond. From this time the fish did not bite: not another one was hooked. The angler tried to dislodge the old basso profundo; and finally, by throwing his hook freshly baited upon the stone near him, the frog took the bait, and the fisherman undertook to land him by an over-throw. But in the fling-up the heavy old frog became detached from the hook and shot up into the air apparently fifty feet. As he came down and heavily struck the water apparently very much astonished at his aerial trip and sudden fall, with such a whack, he grunted out with almost human distinctness, but in tones deeper than any of the bulls of Bashan, the one exclamation--"Good God!" and then disappeared. After this occurrence the frog serenade stopped, and the fisherman continued angling with his former good luck. If this deep-voiced old bull frog's foresight had been equal to his hindsight, he would not have come out of the water at all, for the chances were that, like Conkling and Platt, he might have landed on dry land flat on his back."

659. Wed Jun 8 1881: Our Agricultural Resources.--We extract the following from remarks relating to the agricultural resources of Windham County by the secretary of the State Board of Agriculture:
"Of all the towns, Windham reports the largest increase, 2,853 since 1870. The most of this increase is in Willimantic, which has become one of the most important railroad centers in the state. The rapid descent of the Willimantic river furnishes great water power at this point, and can hardly fail to make it a center of great manufacturing industries. Willimantic is a good market not only for Windham, and Scotland, but for Chaplin, and Hampton, adjacent towns on the New England railroad. Scotland also finds an outlet for its produce in Baltic, and other factory villages. South Canterbury has some manufacturing in its own borders, and has frequent access to Norwich and Providence by the Fishkill and Providence railroad, that passes through its borders. Plainfield is a better town for farming than Canterbury, has a much larger village population, and as two railroads cross at the junction, has better facilities for market. Produce may be sent direct to Norwich, Willimantic, Hartford, Providence, Worcester, and Boston without any change of cars or breaking bulk, and without delay. And this junction of railroads makes Plainfield, Willimantic and Putnam, and their immediate neighborhoods, particularly desirable locations for nurserymen, market gardeners, fruit growers, and milk producers. Any one living within an hour of these depots, would have their choice of six good markets, and could expose his products for sale in the freshest condition, and sell on the top of the market. This might not be of much advantage to the small cultivator, whose whole production would be readily taken in a small village, but to the larger producer, with ample capital, it would be a great attraction. Killingly, Putnam and Thompson have thriving manufacturing establishments in their borders, which consume all the neighboring farms can raise, and import largely from the prairies besides. Sterling is rather hilly, and among the less productive towns of the county. But the Providence and Fishkill railroad passes through it and this is a compensation for some of its drawbacks. It can sell everything it can raise the same day it is ready for market. Woodstock, Pomfret and Brooklyn lie mostly on elevated land, and are reputed to be the best farming towns of the county. The high ridge running through these towns has a fertile soil, easily cultivated, and boasts of many elegant homes with people of refinement and culture."

660. Wed Jun 8 1881: Antiquity of the Silk Culture in Connecticut.
The following statement and advertisement, found in an old file of the Gazette for 1768, is probably the first printed account of American silk. It is certainly the earliest that the writer, after considerable research, has been able to find.
"We are informed that Mr. William Hanks, of Mansfield, in this colony is now cultivating a large vineyard; and as the vines at present look very promising, he hopes to be able in two or three years to furnish the public. He last year raised silk enough to make three women's gowns. A gentleman in Windham is also cultivating a vineyard. Sundry gentlemen in Windham have large nurseries, and others orchards of Mulberry trees, which have been cultivated to bring on a silk manufactory. 'Tis said that one silk house is already erected in Lebanon."
Advertisement.--Mulberry trees to the number of three thousand to be sold at a reasonable rate by William Hanks, of Mansfield, Windham county; the greater part of said trees are three years old, and a great number of them an inch in diameter at the ground, and there are all sizes under an inch. The best time to set them is at the new moon in April. They will be sold cheap for the speedy promoting the culture of silk.
What food for thought there is in the above items. How, and by whom was that silk spun and woven into cloth? Was it spun on a hand wheel such as was used for spinning wool, in those days? Or on a linen foot-wheel? The doubled-headed spinning wheels, made for the express purpose of spinning silk, were invented more than half a century later, by Mr. Horace Hanks of Mansfield,--perhaps a lineal descendant of William Hanks.
By whom were these silk "gowns" worn? Perhaps Mr. Hanks made a present of one of those dress patterns to his minister's wife. A piece of one of those old silk dresses would be a valuable relic now. Those gowns must have been very heavy and enduring if that silk was as much heavier and stronger than the present silk cloths, as the old-time hand-spun and hand-woven woolen and linen cloths were stouter and more enduring than the cloths of the present time. It is possible that William Hanks is the ancestor--grandfather or great-grandfather of the silk manufacturers now in Mansfield, bearing the name of Hanks. Cannot some one of them tell us something more about this William Hanks and his pioneering in raising Mulberry trees and manufacturing silk. E.F.A.

661. Wed Jun 8 1881: South Windham.
A new water tank has been placed in position at the junction of the new road to Lebanon and the Kick Hill road. The tank is of iron, and is so placed that when the proposed grading of the roads is completed it will be readily reached by teams from each direction, and is of a height sufficient to allow horses to drink without being unchecked. Too many of these watering places cannot be established on our roads, and that they are appreciated is proven by the liberal use which is made of them.
I was in error in saying that England is the most distant point to which
"Jordans" have been shipped from here. One was sent to Japan a short time since.

662. Wed Jun 8 1881: South Coventry.
Mrs. Phebe Hartshorn of Colebrook, is visiting her many friends in town; she formerly resided on the place now occupied by Stutely Sweet and is the mother of the Rev. Joseph Hartshorn.
Mrs. J.V.B. Prince arrived with her son from Brooklyn, N.Y., last week and will spend the summer months in South street with her mother, Mrs. Babcock.
The servants of Henry F. Dimmock, of N.Y., arrived at his summer residence about two weeks since and made ready for Mrs. Dimmock who spent last week there and then left with her daughter for a visit to Brattleborough, Vt. Mrs. Dimmock's sister, Mrs. L. Whitney Barney, with her three children will spend the month of June in this pleasant home, and the place as usual will be gay with friends of the parties, who spend their time in boating, fishing, bathing, and driving. Miss Susie Dimmock, last summer, was presented by an uncle with a dog cart and pony, formerly owned and driven by the young people of Prof. Louis Agassiz's family, and with some companion could be seen driving, often stopping to gather flowers and seemingly very happy. This pleasant country residence was the childhood home of Mr. Dimmock and long occupied by his father, Dr. Timothy Dimmock.
Mrs. Walter Briggs, with her son, left N.Y. about two weeks since, to visit friends in Stamford, and Hartford, and is now with her mother, Mrs. Preston, on the Calvin Manning homestead. Thus it is that Coventry's sons and daughters come back to enjoy the beauties of summer in their native town and glad are we to welcome them.
Mr. Geo. W. Capron has accepted an agency from the Object Lesson publishing Co., Clayville, N.Y.
Mr. Edwin Brigham, formerly of this place, died of pneumonia at his residence in Asbury Park, N.J., the 15th ult, and his remains were brought to Ellington for interment.

663. Wed Jun 8 1881: There is always satisfaction in seeing a man of science avoid technicalities and come right down to good Old Anglo-Saxon speech. And while so many scatter-brained imposters are endeavoring to scare people into the belief that the planets are going to wreck the world during this year of grace, there is solid comfort in the following letter written by Professor Young, of Princeton, N.J., to a Nebraska inquirer: "Dear Sir--It is true that Saturn, Jupiter and Venus are near conjunction and T. near its perihelion. But they have no influence whatever of any sort on the earth. The nonsense talked about the matter is worth of the dark ages. Two tomcats fighting in the streets of Pekin will disturb the world more than all imaginable planetary conjunctions. Yours, C.A. Young." That letter ought to keep many a good half-dollar out of the pockets of peripatetic philosophers who are going about the country lecturing to the credulity of ignorant people."

664. Wed Jun 8 1881: Minor Trials of this Life.
Trying to recollect the store you left your umbrella in.
Losing penknife.
Losing cane.
First grease spot on pantaloons.
Shirt buttons found wanting on cold morning.
Mosquitoes.
Flies.
Bugs.
Uncut books and magazines.
Getting shaved.
Full barber shop when you are in a hurry to be shaved.
House hunting.
Piano practice in next room.
Accordion, flute, violin, next room.
Newspaper with five supplements.
Trying to interest girl who wants the other man.
Hand organs.
Trying to talk to an "Oh, dear!" "Oh, my!" and "Oh, isn't that nice!" girl.
Trying to save money.
Remembering what a fool you made of yourself when tight last night.
Reading your own love letters when it was very bad and you were not expected to recover.
Tumbling upstairs.
Tumbling downstairs.
Conundrums.
Puns.
Rickety chairs.
Leathery steak.
Old bill against you forgotten.
Toothache.
Trying to write home because it's your duty.
Atmosphere of stove-heated railroad cars in winter.
Cold feet.
Making a purchase at one shop and seeing the article marked fifty per cent cheaper at the next.
Having your ash-box stolen. --New York Graphic.

665. Wed Jun 8 1881: The United States is a fast country, and we are a fast people. We live fast and we die fast. We go through life as we go through every thing else--rapidly. We raise fast walkers and fast children. Our children have fast parents. We are proud of our speed, and proud, above all else, of the speed of our horses. To have carried off the Derby Stakes was a great triumph for this fast, young republic. If our glory is not as fast and as fleeting as everything else we possess, we will have great cause for joy and joyousness.

666. Wed Jun 8 1881: Scotland.
A town meeting was held on Saturday to see what action the town would take in regard to paying a bounty on the killing of foxes and crows. It was voted to pay no bounty.
Rev. S.A. Davis will preach at the Universalist church next Sunday.
J.B. Ensworth is paying cash for wool, and the sheep expect to get fleeced if the farmers do not.

667. Wed Jun 8 1881: Columbia.
As Mr. Geo. Morgan and wife were passing the place known as the Geo. Hunt farm, the horse became frightened at a stone by the roadside and shied suddenly, overturning the carriage and throwing the occupants to the ground. Mrs. Morgan was considerably bruised and injured about the side and head but Mr. M. escaped with a slight sprain in his shoulder.
Dr. T.R. Parker's cousin who graduated at Columbia college N.Y., a few weeks since is spending a short time with him.
The Pine street bridge was newly planked last Saturday, and several bridges have new railings.
Marshall Holbrook announces that he has a builder from Lebanon who will come to time and his new blacksmith shop will be put up in a hurry.
Fishing on the reservoir is becoming quite brisk and parties from out of town and at home are enjoying the sport. The head quarters for boats is at Albert Brown's who has superior accommodations and always does all that lies in his power to make visitations to this lovely resort agreeable.
Rev. F.D. Avery pastor of the Congregational church in this place is one of six or eight in the state of Connecticut who have been pastors for over twenty years with the people to whom they are now ministering, he having been pastor to this people about thirty years.
Mrs. Chaplin, sister of the Rev. A.J. Mack of Gilead is visiting her mother on Columbia Green.
J.W. Comstock is to begin work this week on Samuel F. Ticknor's house.
The school in the West District, Miss Lucy Sawyer teacher, closes on Friday of this week.
Last Saturday two lads Richards and Macht, aged about twelve years caught out of the reservoir five bass that averaged 2 3/4 pounds.

668. Wed Jun 8 1881: Patents granted by the United States to local citizens for the week ending May 31, 1881:
A.S. Whittemore, Willimantic, chimney (Re-issue).

669. Wed Jun 8 1881: Died.
Lyon--In Willimantic June 4th, Dennis Lyon, aged 75 years.
Smith--In Hampton, June 6th Solomon B. Smith, aged 68 years.
Cunningham--In Willimantic, May 31, Annie Cunningham, aged 5 months.
. Wed Jun 15 1881: About Town.
J.J. Kennedy has been obliged to suspend business to satisfy attachments.
The National band has re-engaged Prof. H.N. Williams as leader and teacher of that organization.
The Linen Company's No. 1 mill was stopped part of the day Tuesday, the effect of a damaged water wheel.
D.C. Barrows has just purchased one of the largest sized fire-proof safes to contain his large stock of jewelry.
Mr. C.W. Dennison, who is under treatment at a hospital in Boston, is again, we are sorry to say, in a critical condition.
E.A. Smith has sold his house to J.R. Root, and has taken to boating. He will hereafter be known as Commodore Smith.
An overflowing house attended the entertaining service conducted by J. Frank Baxter at Excelsior hall Sunday evening.
Rev. Father Murphy of Hampton is expected to speak on the Irish question at Land League hall next Sunday, at 7:30 p.m. The public are invited.
Lou Cheesbrough has been promoted from hotel porter into the United States mail service--he carries the mail bags between the post office and the railroad station.

670. Wed Jun 15 1881: About Town.
J.J. Kennedy has been obliged to suspend business to satisfy attachments.
The National band has re-engaged Prof. H.N. Williams as leader and teacher of that organization.
The Linen Company's No. 1 mill was stopped part of the day Tuesday, the effect of a damaged water wheel.
D.C. Barrows has just purchased one of the largest sized fire-proof safes to contain his large stock of jewelry.
Mr. C.W. Dennison, who is under treatment at a hospital in Boston, is again, we are sorry to say, in a critical condition.
E.A. Smith has sold his house to J.R. Root, and has taken to boating. He will hereafter be known as Commodore Smith.
An overflowing house attended the entertaining service conducted by J. Frank Baxter at Excelsior hall Sunday evening.
Rev. Father Murphy of Hampton is expected to speak on the Irish question at Land League hall next Sunday, at 7:30 p.m. The public are invited.
Lou Cheesbrough has been promoted from hotel porter into the United States mail service--he carries the mail bags between the post office and the railroad station.

671. Wed Jun 15 1881: E.C. Butler of South Windham and H.A. Adams of this place recently "bicycled" from South Windham to Norwich, (14 miles) in two hours and thirty-five minutes including three stops of ten minutes each.

672. Wed Jun 15 1881: Henry H. Flint displays in the window of his drug store a very handsome and elaborate bouquet of wax flowers, the handiwork of Mrs. Flint. She is evidently very skillful.

673. Wed Jun 15 1881: Mr. H.F. Smith, graduate of the Lowell Machine company, and more recently connected with the Willimantic Linen company, has been employed by the Hartford steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance company, as special agent and draughtsman.--Courant.

674. Wed Jun 15 1881: Elisha Holmes, of South Windham, whom all the oldest residents know and highly respect, was stricken with a paralytic shock on Friday night and on Sunday had not recovered consciousness, since when we have not learned his condition.

675. Wed Jun 15 1881: A crayon portrait of the late Dr. W.K. Otis is exposed in Henken & Brown's window, the work of William Henken, eldest son of the senior member of that firm. It is a very creditable piece of handiwork, and is a good likeness of the deceased doctor. Mr. Henken has a natural taste in this direction. He has been under the instruction of Mr. Geo. Rudd of Norwich, for nearly a year, who says he is his most promising pupil.

676. Wed Jun 15 1881: The parties at litigation in the suit brought by the receivers of the late Trust company have signed a document agreeing to waive the disqualifications of Judge Seymour which prohibit him from hearing the case and abide the decision. The hearing will commence in the court room on Tuesday of next week. The room needs an airing preparatory to its initiation into the vocation which it has been called to follow:--and we might add that this case needs a thorough airing also.

677. Wed Jun 15 1881: A horse owned by Landlord Sanderson and hitched at his farm in Sodom on Sunday was troubled with flies ad in frisking about slipped his bridle. As his enemies did not cease their assaults, the horse took to his heels and made a circuit of the farm and from thence toward home and had reached the railroad on Main street when somebody tried to stop him causing the frightened animal to sheer out between two buildings on to Union street, but in doing so he broke to of the standards which sustained the top of the carriage, which was the only damage done. He continued up the street and soon relaxed into a walk from sheer exhaustion and was easily stopped.

678. Wed Jun 15 1881: Court of Burgesses.--According to adjournment a meeting of the Court of Burgesses was held at the borough office Monday evening, the warden presiding. Present: Burgesses hall, Alpaugh, Billings and Keigwin. It was voted to pay C. Whittaker, labor on hydrant, $1.75; to refuse to pay bill of J.C. Hooper amounting to $64.87 expense incurred in lowering water pipe on Hoopers lane; to change the grade of high street from station 16x25 to the borough line, as shown on the profile. A petition was received signed by Geo. W. Burnham and ninety-five others praying "that a borough meeting may be called, to see if the borough will vote to take steps to establish a night watch or police, for the protection of person and property in the borough. It was voted to lay the petition on the table.

679. Wed Jun 15 1881: The Eclipse.--The unreasonable and unseasonable weather had kept the skies overcast for so long a time that the prospect for gazing at the eclipse of the moon which was to occur Saturday night seemed dubious in the extreme. But the dense and threatening clouds which had unloosed their torrents and exhausted their supply and near evening they were rifted and soon were swept away, giving a delightful opportunity for observers to witness the grand spectacle which occurred between 1 and 2 o'clock Sunday morning. Those who watched were amply rewarded, for a fine view of the earth's shadow was seen moving slowly across the face of the moon which it covered shortly after 2 o'clock a.m. The moon was at no time invisible, appearing through the veil like a coppery-hued disk. It is said to have no particular bearing upon astronomical or meteorological science, and few, if any, scientific observations were made. There was a charm in it for enthusiastic young couples as well as a pretence for a longer stay to exchange caresses, --perhaps this may be excepted in saying that the eclipse had no particular bearing on science.

680. Wed Jun 15 1881: Spiritualists Picnic.--The Connecticut Spiritualists called a basket picnic at Niantic on Thursday, the 9th inst., preparatory to holding a camp meeting. "Let our motto be educational and moral culture, religious liberty and social enjoyment." The following Camp Meeting Committee has been formed: Grounds and Tents--M.W. Comstock, Niantic; Joseph Spaulding, Brooklyn; Geo. E. Richards, New London. Transportation--F.A. Hermance, New Haven, E.B. Kenyon, Meriden; W.C. Fuller. Speakers--Geo. W. Burnham, E.B. Whiting, Mrs. F.A. Loomis. Police Lights and Sanitary Regulations--D.D. Bodfield, Hartford; A.S. Turner., Willimantic; Geo. S. Smith, Plainville. Renting Privileges--D.A. Lyman, Fred. Potter, Meriden; L.J. Fuller, Willimantic. Music and dancing--H.H. Thomas, New Haven; Fred Potter, Chas. Hatch, South Windham. Auditing Accounts--James E. Hayden, Willimantic. Membership--Miss Eunice Ripley, Willimantic; Miss J. Robinson, Willimantic; Mrs. F.G. Twiss, Southington; Mrs. L. A. Lawrence, Stafford; Mrs. G.L. Smith Plainville; Mrs. L.F. Johnson, New Haven; Henry Chamberlain, New Haven; Ryron Boardman, Norwich; Miss Swan, Bridgeport; Mrs. D. Robertson, Coventry; Mrs. L.B. Sayles, Dayville; Mrs. L.F. Grant, Winsted; Mrs. F.A. Loomis; R.R. Chandler, Waterbury; Mrs. Kingsley, Putnam; L.L. Spear, New Haven; Mary Dwight, New Haven; Miss D.S. Chappell, New London; Albert Warner, Bristol; Mrs. L.L. Pasco, Hartford.
Following are the present officers of the State association: President, George W. Burnham. Vice President, W.C. Fuller, Willimantic; Mrs. F.A. Loomis, Meriden; Geo. T. Smith, Plainville; W. Parker, Norwich; Ezra Fay, Hartford; A.G. Doubleday, Columbia; Mrs. F. Thrall, Poquonnoc; Edward Lunie, Putnam. Treasurer, A.T. Robinson, Bristol. Board of Trustees, D.A. Lyman, Willimantic; M. Parsons, Winsted; E.R. Whiting, New Haven and Edwin Dayton, Meriden.

681. Wed Jun 15 1881: South Windham.
I see that the doctors are distributing their poison known as vaccine around here pretty freely just at present. It is a false idea in my opinion to inoculate one disease, an animal disease at that, to cure another; and it does not cure it either.

682. Wed Jun 15 1881: Mansfield.
The Ladies Benevolent Society of the M.E. church met with Mr. and Mrs. G.S. hanks on Thursday evening the 16th.
Presiding Elder Talbot is expected at Gurleyville Thursday the 23d, at which time the first quarterly conference of the M.E. church will be held.
Rev. N. Beach of the N. Congregational church was absent last Sabbath. Consequently no preaching at that place, but a sermon read by one of the deacons. Mr. and Mrs. B. have been visiting friends in Norwich and enjoying the celebrities of a double wedding.
Our missionary friend Rev. J.O. Barrows a native of this town is visiting a brother in Iowa.
George Williams familiarly known as "Jake," whose death recently occurred at Willimantic, was formerly in the employ of O.S. Chaffee & Son, silk manufacturers, as hostler. While there he gained the respect and esteem of his employers and won many warm friends by his pleasant and courteous manners, and genial ways. He left their employ much to the Co's regret, for a similar position in New London, which change proved fatal, as the sea breezes were too bracing for his constitution, and he was obliged to return with greatly impaired health which gradually declined until death called him from earthly scenes and trials to a better country beyond. Many will cherish pleasant memories of him.
Rev. J.R. Thomas preached last Sunday.
The old Ashford and Bolton stage line has been let for the net four years to a Mr. Backus. It has been proposed to curtail this old established route having Warrenville the eastern terminus, and drive a one horse team. A petition readily signed by residents alone the route is being circulated by Mr. Levi Fish, to continue the old route unchanged, and also continue the old drive Mr. Dwight Clark whose kind and accommodating manners won him many warm friends. We wish he might continue.
A recent drive through So. Coventry and a visit to a few of its various manufacturing establishments, convinced us that its enterprise is not on the decline.
Mrs. Elias Wood of East Blackstone, Mass., is visiting at her father's, N. Southwick Esq.

683. Wed Jun 15 1881: Lebanon.
Angling for the gamy mud pout is now the popular Saturday night amusement.
Canker worms have made their appearance in certain sections of the town. The pestiferous potato beetles whose ardor and enthusiasm for the past week have been somewhat dampened, are again making their golden deposits. All fears of failure in the bug crop are past.
Dan T. Gager for many years a resident of this town, has lived to see seven generations in his own family line. Mr. Gager distinctly remembers his great grandmother and has recently been presented with a great grandson.
John W. Lanning, a wide awake farmer from Ithaca. N.Y., who has been at Dr. Sweet's receiving treatment for a dislocated shoulder, has returned home much improved. Mr. Lanning reports the crops in his section as looking finely and the season about ten days ahead of us here.
Henry W. Smith has a little girl who while returning from school one day last winter, fell in the road and broke her hip. A short time since one of his boys, a little three year old, fell from a bar on which he was sitting and broke his arm. Henry is about ready for a palaver with an accident insurance agent.
There has been considerable discussion lately in regard to the merits of the different creameries now in use by dairymen in this vicinity. A test of the Lincoln channel can creamery, sold by O.M. Larkham, was recently made by George Nye with the following result: From 75 quarts of milk from native stock, and the use of 20 lbs of ice per day, 9 lbs of butter was made; a yield of a pound of butter to 8 1;2 quarts of milk. Who can beat it?
At the checker tournament held at Stedman's one day last week, a matched game between "Prof" Smith and "Uncle George", resulted in the defeat of the former. It is but just to state however, that the "Professor" had been considerably worried by some of his ambitions pupils during the heat of the day, and was not in his usual good form.

684. Wed Jun 15 1881: Scotland.
Rev. Horace Winslow and Rev. S.A. Davis occupied our pulpits Sunday, and the fine weather permitted good audiences to attend the services.
Mr. Ray is renovating his house on the hill, putting in new windows, making other repairs, and covering the whole with a fresh coat of paint.
Rufus Haskins is building a large barn on his place on Pudding hill.
Jonathan Anthony has torn down and demolished his old house on Pudding hill.
Mrs. William Davison died on Thursday evening after a long period of failing health. The funeral took place on Saturday at two o'clock p.m., and was attended by Rev. Horace Winslow of Willimantic.

685. Wed Jun 15 1881: Eastford.
The Eastford band is progressing here under the instruction of Martin Donahue.
H.B. Burnham's shoe shop has been idle for a few days for want of leather.
Mr. Barrows and son are doing a lively business in the tannery.
Arnold Bros., are rushing business on wagons and blacksmithing.

686. Wed Jun 15 1881: Gen. Sherman pitched into Jeff Davis in his speech at Hartford, because Jeff accused Tecumseh of being cruel at Atlanta and Columbia. It is not too much to say that the war can never be considered over until the country, North and South, has mourned the loss of some of her favorite sons. A large number of big funerals would do more to restore good feeling than all the love feasts of the Blues and Grays that can be held from now until doomsday.

687. Wed Jun 15 1881: Columbia.
A party from Bristol made their headquarters at Albert Brown's for a couple of days last week and spent their time fishing from the reservoir, as gentlemen generally do who come there for sport. Their labors were attended with good success, and they returned in fine spirits fully determined to come again.
The school in the west district closed Friday. Chas. D. Frink has been in attendance every day, and Randall Frink with the exception of the first day. The prize in spelling was awarded to M. Amy Thompson and to R.D. Frink for constant attendance. Miss Sawyer had made it a specialty to apply the principles of grammar to the conversation of her pupils, correcting them when she heard them speaking incorrectly, a practice which is highly commendable.
T. McGlaulin and family are visiting at S.F. West's.
There was quite a raising time in Pine street last Saturday p.m. A.A. Hunt invited his friends and neighbors to assist him in erecting the frame to the addition to this barn, and after the work was completed he said he had a job for them in the house whence they repaired and Mrs. Hunt treated to cake and from there they wended their way to Marshall Holbrook's where with Mr. Goodwin for boss they put up the frame to his new blacksmith shop which is 20x36 with 16 feet posts making a building with ample accommodations. Mrs. Holbrook knew how to cater to the taste of the crowd, and furnished them with biscuits, doughnuts, cake and coffee.
Hector Storrs reports turning off as many as 10,000 feet of lumber some days, from his mill, which is a good showing.

688. Wed Jun 15 1881: Brooklyn.
The young ladies are making arrangements for a festival, the proceeds to go to the band. Gurdon Cady will furnish music for all who wish to dance. Strawberries and ice cream can be had in abundance. Remember the day, Tuesday, Jun 21st, if stormy the next fair evening. Mr. D.B. Hatch is making extensive arrangements for the Fourth, understand he has hired the band for that day.
Mr. Jonah Youngs, who has the carrying of the mail over the Moosup route, has bought the Concord coach owned by Mr. Gallup, and is having it thoroughly repaired for the coming season, we assure the traveling public, when Mr. Youngs comes into possession, he will do all he can to accommodate them.
Mr. E.H. Fuller, C.W. Chapman, Miss Bella Hatch, and Miss M. Burdick were chosen delegates by the Congregational Sunday school, to the Sunday school convention held in Woodstock, Wednesday, June 15th.
Court comes in June 14th, Judge Carpenter will preside.
Mr. Geo. Preston, from Norwich, is visiting his home.
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Holmes returned to Providence, Monday.
Rev. Mr. Bartlett, of Pomfret, exchanged with the Congregational pastor last Sabbath.

689. Wed Jun 15 1881: Born.
Dorman--In Worcester, June 8th, a daughter to Albert B. and Gertie L. Dorman.

690. Wed Jun 15 1881: Died.
Johnson--In Pomfret, June 7th, of paralysis, Benjamin Johnson, aged 70.
McCaffery--In Willimantic, June 14, Patrick McCaffery, aged 16.
Jewett--In Hampton, June 14, Susie Jewett, aged 6 years 10 months.
Windmiller--In Windham, June 15, Jacob Windmiller, aged 75.
Davison--In Scotland, June 9, Mrs. Calista Davison, aged 75.
Wed Jun 22 1881: About Town.
Thalinger the Railroad street barber has added another chair to his shop, making four in all.
Agent Boss and Mr. J.M. Reed, of the Linen company, have returned from their fishing trip to Maine.
C.M. Palmer & Co. have just received a case of best prints which they are welling at 6 cents a yard.
Chadwick & Holmes handled 500 pairs of shad this season, now they propose to wade into the blue fish.
Cyril Whittaker now takes charge of the improvements on our streets; and he is a very good man for the place, too.
A.J. Bowen Esq. has taken the insurance business of Tyron & Pomeroy, and may be found at his law office in Opera House Block by all interested.
Edwin Bugbee, senior partner in the firm of E. Bugbee & Co., grain dealers, has retried from the business and it will be continued under the firm name of J.C. Bugbee & Co.

691. Wed Jun 22 1881: About Town.
Thalinger the Railroad street barber has added another chair to his shop, making four in all.
Agent Boss and Mr. J.M. Reed, of the Linen company, have returned from their fishing trip to Maine.
C.M. Palmer & Co. have just received a case of best prints which they are welling at 6 cents a yard.
Chadwick & Holmes handled 500 pairs of shad this season, now they propose to wade into the blue fish.
Cyril Whittaker now takes charge of the improvements on our streets; and he is a very good man for the place, too.
A.J. Bowen Esq. has taken the insurance business of Tyron & Pomeroy, and may be found at his law office in Opera House Block by all interested.
Edwin Bugbee, senior partner in the firm of E. Bugbee & Co., grain dealers, has retried from the business and it will be continued under the firm name of J.C. Bugbee & Co.

692. Wed Jun 22 1881: By the exasperating blunder of a typo we were, last week, made to say that E. A. Smith has sold his house, instead of horse. The truth is, the Commodore has no pressing need for a house at present--and it is partially uncertain when he will have.

693. Wed Jun 22 1881: Mr. J.J. Kennedy informs us that we were mistaken last week in saying that he was obliged to suspend business to satisfy attachments and desires us to make the correction. Mr. L. Warner has bought out the music business.

694. Wed Jun 22 1881: Rev. Father Foanes, formerly of Jewett City, takes charge of the Rev. Father De Bruycker's parish while the latter is in Europe. He has officiated two Sundays and has already formed a very favorable impression on his congregation.

695. Wed Jun 22 1881: The Baptist Sabbath School on Sunday succeeded in electing a superintendent after the subject had been considered four successive sessions of the school. Mr. H.W. Avery yielded to the pressure of those desirous of harmony and decided to serve after being elected.

696. Wed Jun 22 1881: Ladies desirous of obtaining any kind of hair work, of if they have combings which they want made into switches, should be particular of whom they buy, and to whom they intrust their work. S. Thalinger, on Railroad street, does this kind of work in his own shop. All orders may be left with Miss Nellie Gavigan, at her millinery rooms on Main street.

697. Wed Jun 22 1881: Last Sunday evening a ladies' branch of the Land League was formed at Land League hall, and about twenty-five ladies were enrolled as members. The officers elected were Mrs. J.O. Sullivan, President; Miss Kate Sheehan, Vice President; Miss Wall, Secretary. Regular Sunday evening meetings will be held and all the ladies interested are invited to attend.

698. Wed Jun 22 1881: L.H. Fuller who advertises in another part of this paper, to furnish all classes of cemetery work, has been in the marble and granite business in the west for fifty years, and was one of the best known producers in that section of the country. He gives the benefit of that experience to all who desire anything in this line in this section, he having taken up his residence in Willimantic.

699. Wed Jun 22 1881: We understand there have been four departures from this place bound overland to the County seat within a week. It is very profitable business for the grand juror constable and lawyers, but the passengers do not find the trip very exhilarating. Among the number were a Mrs. Roath, for drunkenness and other misdemeanors, Louis Watson, colored, for beating his mother, and one Howard for vagrancy.

700. Wed Jun 22 1881: Mother Shipton's reputation was yesterday ruined forever. According to her forecast the world should have been destroyed on the twenty-first of June, but by some miscalculation, we suppose, he event did not occur. We are told that with a little faith a mountain may be moved, but we fear the old lady must have had a limited supply if she couldn't have had this, one of the smallest of the planets, destroyed at her behest.

701. Wed Jun 22 1881: A horse belonging to Mrs. P.H. Woodward of Windham, hitched on Union street near the Linen Co's. store took fright at the cars Saturday afternoon, and uprooted the post to which he was hitched. He made a short turn and cleared himself of the wagon and started at a rapid pace for lower Main street, but on reaching the Linen Co's. office collided with a team standing there and overturned the wagon breaking the dasher. The horse was stopped enough by the collision so as to be caught, and was found to be quite badly cut up by his little escapade.

702. Wed Jun 22 1881: While on a tour of investigation to the gold fields of Westford yesterday, a gentleman, in company with the editor of the Chronicle, succeeded in capturing a string of seventeen pickerel in an hour and a half fishing--the gentleman caught fourteen and the editor three.

703. Wed Jun 22 1881: Arthur T. Hills, eldest son of Dr. T.M. Hills, met with a serous accident at the range of the Willimantic Rifle Club on Monday afternoon. Arthur was tending target, while Mr. Lewis, who looks after the range and keeps it in order, was testing a rifle at eight hundred yards distance. He neglected to run out the signal properly, which is a red flag covering the bulls eye--it was left furled around the staff--and went by the face of the target just as the shot was fired. The ball passed through the blouse worn by the boy and through his left arm at the elbow. It is a question whether the arm can be saved, and if it should be, the joint will in all probability be stiffened.

704. Wed Jun 22 1881: Sheriff Pomeroy received Sunday morning a telegram describing a horse and carriage which had been stolen from a livery stable in Worcester, asking him to be on the alert if said team should pass through this village. He immediately set about inquiring among our livery men and found that, as near as could be judged from the description, that the stolen property had been put up on Sunday at D.H. Clark's stable. It was driven by two smart appearing young fellows, and came into town about four in the afternoon, and left about nine o'clock in the same evening. Edward Woodward, who has charge of the stable, remarked that they would have a dark night for their journey, to which they replied that they were used to it, which answer confirms the suspicion somewhat. The team was valuable.

705. Wed Jun 22 1881: Telephonic communication is becoming very prevalent in town, and it is certainly most convenient. Lincoln & Smith have just constructed a line between their office and W.H. Latham & Co's shops, and they have also communication with their office at the depot. Besides these lines, H.H. Flint has one between his store and residence. W.B. Avery has one from the depot to his home; F. Rogers has one from his home to the store; G.W. Phillips and G.W. Malony have one from the former's home to the latter's office; Isaac Sanderson has his house and stable connected with a line; the Linen Co's office and store is connected; Willimantic, South Windham and Windham talk with each other; and perhaps there are others which we do not call to mind. The cost of the telephone such as is used is very small, but it is serviceable. Were not the business portion of the village so compact a central office would doubtless be a profitable investment.

706. Wed Jun 22 1881: Railroad Accident.--Intelligence was received on Thursday night of an accident which had occurred on the New England railroad on the outskirts of the village at what is known as Smith's crossing. The report caused a large crowd to go to the scene of the accident and the particulars of which are as follows: Sometime during the evening it is supposed that some boys that were full of deviltry let loose the brake on a flat car standing on the siding near Taylor's lumber yard, and the car was started down the grade, which is quite steep, and in the passage of the side track the cars acquired velocity sufficient when it struck the guard at the end to throw it across the main track. An express freight from Boston which was due at this station at 9 o'clock, p.m. came in collision with the derailed car and the engine and five cars were thrown from the track. The engine was thrown down an embankment of some ten feet and ploughed deep into the soft loam; the tender was landed many feet away on the opposite side of the track, and the cars were scattered in every direction and most of the woodwork smashed to atoms. The engine was No. 81, and was in charge of Engineer Bishop with "Billy" Pope as fireman. The engineer took himself from among the debris with slight injuries, but the fireman was less fortunate. A set of trucks were landed on his legs and it was more than an hour before he could be relieved. His injuries were very severe, the fleshy part of the calf of one leg was nearly torn off, and it will take a long time for him to recover from the injury. Drs. Hills, Sawtelle, Fox, McNally, McGuinness and Houghton were in attendance and dressed the wound.

707. Wed Jun 22 1881: Court of Burgesses.--Pursuant to adjournment a meeting of the Court of Burgesses was held at the borough office Monday evening, the warden presiding. Present, full board. Voted to accept the lay-out, and order the construction of that part of proposed street, from Milk street to Elm street, as lies east of an angle in said lay out, near the house of Mr. Myles, according to the plan presented by the Court of Burgesses. To act upon the petition of Geo. W. Burnhan, and 95 others as follows, to wit, To see if the borough will take steps to establish a night watch or police for the protection of persons and property in the borough.

708. Wed Jun 22 1881: Obituary. Passed from earth to the spirit-life June 14th, Susie M., aged six years and two months, only daughter of Allen and Fannie E. Jewett of Hampton, Conn. Little Susie was not only the pet of the household, and a large circle of relatives, but also of the neighborhood where she dwelt. She was very mature; and exhibited in her daily acts, and ways a thoughtfulness unlooked for in one so young. The funeral services were held at the home of her parents, Thursday, June 16th, Miss A.H. Tingley, of Willimantic, officiating. Her classmates with their teacher were present and as they passed by the casket containing the tenantless form of their little mate, they tenderly dropped a floral tribute; the same ceremony was repeated at the grave, by the teacher and class thus testifying to the love they bore her.

709. Wed Jun 22 1881: Mansfield.
Mrs. C.S. Mattoon arrived a few days since from Washington to occupy her summer residence. Her husband who is employed in the Pension Bureau, is expected a few weeks later.
A very pleasant gathering was held last week at the residence of Mr. John S. Hanks under the auspices of the Ladies Benevolent Society.
In justice to our new friend Mr. John M. Daggett a native of Ellington, who has recently come among us, we would make public mention of his store here. A few weeks since he purchased the old and time honored saw and grist mill property of M.H. Hanks, which is located near the pleasant little hamlet of Gurleyville, in the eastern part of the town, and during his brief period of ownership he has made several improvements about the place and others are in contemplation. He is building up a thriving trade, his sales of corn amounting to 100 bushels or more per week. In addition to this he keeps all kinds of grain and feed and is about to add a stock of No. 1 flour--a new thing for this establishment. Mr. D. is a hard working industrious man, evidences of this being plainly seen all around. We bespeak for him a large share of the public patronage.
Rev. J.F. Thomas preached last Sunday.
Rev. Francis Williams of Chaplin occupied the North Congregational pulpit last Sabbath by exchange.
Eddie Hanks son of M.H. Hanks gave a party last Saturday afternoon to his little friends. About twenty juveniles were present and partook of a bountiful supper.

710. Wed Jun 22 1881: Ashford.
We are undergoing another period of gold excitement occasioned by what appears to be gold in rocks situated in Westford. At the time that E.A. Buck & Co. were running their glass factory in Westford, they had occasion to use a certain kind of rock which existed there, in the manufacture of glass, which was crushed fine, and then melted with other materials and made into glass, and at that time small particles were seen in the bottles much resembling gold, and also a sediment was left in the pots in which the materials were melted and it had every appearance of gold, and some considerable excitement was occasioned by the discovery, but the glass Co. looked more to the judicious management of the glass business, than to the rock from which they obtained their material, for their gold, so that the matter rested quietly for awhile, but still there was a lingering impression in the minds of some that told did exist in these rocks and so strong was that impression that a company was organized, and operations commenced to ascertain whether there was really gold there or not. Several different assays were made giving from four to fifteen dollars per ton, but no one seemed to want to risk any money in the enterprise, and so the matter has been permitted to rest until a short time ago when a new discovery was made in which it really did appear as though there might be gold in paying quantities, and a specimen of the rock was sent to New York, and the returns from the assay gave twenty seven and one-half dollars to the ton. This of course, would pay to work, and New York parties have been consulted in regard to the mine and are willing to put up some capital if it is going to pay. Last week three hundred lbs of the rock was sent to New York, and if the assay reaches near $30 per ton, means will be furnished at once to work the mine. In the meantime parties here are anxiously awaiting the returns of this last shipment, and if the report is all right then of course they can begin to reckon their wealth by millions. This last discovery was made in what is known as "Beston Hollow," situated a little easterly of Westford village, a deep gorge in the hills, just wide enough for a public highway to be made, and is some two miles in length, with high, rocky, precipitous banks on either side, towering some one hundred and fifty feet above the road, and looks as though the hills might have been rent in twain by some terrible convulsion of nature. Chas. F. Huntly who has devoted a great deal of time and labor to developing a mine in which he is interested is said to be the discoverer of this place which gives the gold business in Westford new life. The discover was made on a piece of land lately purchased of Chas. L. Dean, by Darius R. Barlow and was considered valuable only for the timber standing upon it. But after this discovery was made, Stephen Lewis of Brooklyn, N.Y., and C.F. Huntly of Westford have each taken a third interest in this tract of land and have now employed several hands that are working to develop the mine. So confident are the parties that gold does exist there that they have purchased several hundred acres adjoining, and if the last assay proves all right, one hundred men will at once commence work, and machinery will be sent from New York for crushing and milling the rock. The services of Charles Chollar of Killingly has been secured, who is an old miner, having been through the California mines and was the discoverer of the "Chollar mine" once so famous for its rich deposits, and is said to be the best judge of specimens in the United States, and says that the specimens are richer in appearance than any thing he has ever seen in any western mine. There has been no doubt in the minds of many of our citizens that gold really existed in Westford, but that it was not in sufficient quantities to pay the expense of working. But now it looks as though our fondest hopes of wealth are to be realized. Yet we still remember how delusive is the dream of sudden wealth.
Considerable interest has been manifested among the school children for a week past owing to the school visitor offering a prize to the one who would gather the largest variety of leaves during a certain time, the prize being awarded to Arthur Ward of the Warrenville school, he having gathered over seven hundred varieties. Mamie Sheldon of district No. 4 being awarded the second prize.
Three of the four churches in Ashford have exchanged pastors this spring.

711. Wed Jun 22 1881: South Windham.
The annual school meeting in this district was held on the evening of Thursday last and was quite well attended. The meeting was called to order by the clerk and Jonathan Hatch was chosen moderator, after which the present officers were reelected and are as follows: Charles S. Barstow, clerk and treasurer; Jonathan Hatch, district committee; and E.W. Avery collector. It was voted to have 40 weeks of school the coming year instead of 38 as been the custom for a long period. Also voted to employ two teachers, male and female, as in the past years.
The school in both departments closed on Friday and was examined on Wednesday by Messrs. Wheeler and Holmes of the town board and Mr. Hatch committee. So far as I can learn all were much pleased with the appearance of Miss Goodwin's school and spoke highly in praise. Every one was prompt and wide awake in all classes. But if I understand aright they were not as well satisfied with the higher room. There was a certain hesitancy, a lack of confidence and above all a lack of energy which seemed to pervade every exercise and which was not seen in the lower school.
Mr. E.H. Holmes is better I learn, and there is a strong possibility that unless he has a recurrence of the same trouble, he will be able to be around again.
Mrs. Dr. Barstow is seriously ill.

712. Wed Jun 22 1881: Indians on a Western Steamboat.
The wife of a prominent resident of Helena, Montana, who recently arrived in Chicago, had a remarkable experience on her voyage down the Missouri river. Upon the steamboat with her were some forty other passengers. They had all boarded the boat at Fort Benton, the head of navigation, and no intimation was thrown out by the officers of the craft that any Indians were to be taken on. At Fort Buford, at the mouth of the Yellowstone, twelve hundred Indians were awaiting transportation to Standing Rock agency, and three steamboats were engaged for the service. Five hundred were assigned to the boat on which the Montana lady had taken passage, the remainder being divided between the other two boats. Fifteen soldiers accompanied each steamboat.
The Indians overran the cabin, raided the tables with beastly verocity, and exerted a sort of terrorism over a few pale-faces. The redskins didn't lose any time or vituals by observance of table etiquette when the gong sounded. If a white man, by sheer alertness or agility, beat an Indian to the table, the Sioux would turn the joke on him by driving him out of the seat, which was generally vacated without resistance. The ladies enjoyed no privacy at all. The Indians would bolt straight into anybody's stateroom. The soldiers, exhausted by long sentinel duty at Buford, lounged sleepily upon the hurricane deck, while the Sioux made free to pick up their muskets and play with them.
When the fleet arrived at old Fort Berthold there was a prospect of a free fight and a massacre for a little while. At that landing there are several thousand Gros Ventres. They and the Sioux are enemies. For half a century they have cherished a hope of being able some time to wipe each other out of existence. As soon as the Gros Ventres recognized their old enemy they raised a fiendish yell and made a formidable demonstration against the boats. The Sioux were also wild with excitement, and several of the chiefs seized muskets belonging to the soldiery and rushed on shore, calling excitedly to their people to rally and clean out the foe. The soldiers succeeded in driving the chiefs back to the boats, and the fleet-steamed out under an uproar of fiendish yells. On one of the boats the Indians held a war dance, to the terror of the passengers.

713. Wed Jun 22 1881: Antiquity of Silk Culture in America.
The history of silk culture in this country and especially in Connecticut would be a matter of interest to many now living because a large proportion of the people of the present generation have but little idea of the extend of culture in the last century. "The Massachusetts Agricultural Repository and Journal" Vol X number 11 has a lengthy article upon the history of silk which contains some very interesting facts, some of which are given below. The culture of silk in the Colonies first commenced in Virginia under the encouragement of James I, who was defeated in his efforts in the same direction at home. He gave instructions to the Earl of Southampton to urge the culture instead of tobacco, "which brings with it many disorders and inconveniences." Accordingly the Colonel Assembly as early as 1623 directed the planting of Mulberry trees, and subsequently imposed a penalty for a failure to plant at least ten trees for every hundred acres of land, and at the same time offering a large premium as an inducement to a person to remain in the country and prosecute the trade in silk. The next year a much larger premium was offered to any one who would export 200 pound sterling worth of raw material of silk. From Virginia the culture extended to other colonies, extending to Georgia after its settlement, to the Carolinas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. About the year 1760 attention was directed to silk culture in Connecticut by the introduction of white mulberry trees and eggs and silk worms into the town of Mansfield in the county of Windham to which it then belonged, by Nathaniel Aspinwall from Long Island where he had a large nursery. He also planted an extensive nursery at New Haven, and was active in obtaining of the Legislature or General Court a bounty of planting trees, in which he was warmly supported by Dr. Ezra Styles. The premium was ten shillings for every hundred trees and three pence for every ounce of raw silk which the owners of trees should produce from cocoons of their own raising within the State. After the war of the Revolution the business was resumed and extended, and in 1789 two hundred pounds of raw silk were made in Mansfield.
In 1810 in the counties of New London, Windham and Tolland the value of raw and manufactured silk was estimated at $28,503, not including fabrics for domestic use made from refuse silk. In 1825 in Windham County the value had doubled and it was estimated that three fourths of the families of Mansfield were engaged in raising silk, making annually from five to fifty pounds per family, and one or two made one hundred pounds, and in that town and vicinity was made three or four tons.
Judge John Fitch in a communication dated 1826 estimated that one acre of full grown trees set one and one half rods apart would produce forty pounds of silk and states that the amount of silk manufactured in the town of Mansfield the previous year was 3000 pounds, which was not considered an average year on account of the extreme hot weather which commenced about the time the worms were beginning to wind on account of which a good many died before they had completed their balls.
It is said in the Transactions of the Essex County (Mass.) Agricultural Society for the year 1831. "In Mansfield, Conn., where from three to four tons of silk are made annually, it is said that the farmers consider the amount received for their sewing silk as so much clear gain as the business does not interfere with the regular farm work of the men, or the domestic duties of the females, upon whom, with the aged and youthful members of the family the care of the worms and the making of the sewing silk chiefly devolves."
It was claimed that from $86 go $100 net proceeds may be obtained from one acre and with the above showing it would look as though some portions of our state might again be profitably devoted to the culture of silk. W.H. Yeomans, Columbia, Conn.

714. Wed Jun 22 1881: Columbia.
Dr. Theodore R. Parker was awakened about two o'clock a.m. Tuesday the 14th inst, by a messenger from Montville informing him of the sudden death of his only sister, caused by a mistake of taking an internal dose of an external application. The Norwich Bulletin speaks of her as "a lady of fine accomplishments, a leader in society, a teacher in the public school, a member of the choir, a teacher in the Sunday school of the Congregational church and universally esteemed and looked up to." Miss Parker spent last New Years with her brother in this place, and those who have had the pleasure of meeting her, your correspondent one of the number, speak of her as a lady of rare intellectual abilities and attainments, exceedingly agreeable and genial, and deeply regret the fatal mistake that caused the death of so lovely a young lady. Dr. Parker has the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community in this irreparable loss, he has in the inscrutable ways of providence, been called upon to sustain.
Robert K. Hall and wife of East Hampton, spent the Sabbath at A.A. Hunt's.
Miss S.C. Yeomans had a cactus with sixty-eight buds and blossoms.
Miss Lucy Sawyer since the close of her school has been visiting her aunt Mrs. Nelson Hollister of Hartford, also attended graduation exercises of the high school in Rockville.
Rev. F.D. Avery has had friends visiting his family from Fair Haven for the past three weeks.
Geo. B. Fuller and family attended the funeral of Miss Jennie E. Parker at Montville last Thursday.
At 7 a.m., 12 m. and 6 p.m. can be distinctly heard the steam whistle at N. P. Little's saw mill.
In the matter of complaint against John Mulligan, the hearing was adjourned to June 27th.
Joseph Hutchins returned to his friends about two weeks since somewhat improved in his health.

715. Wed Jun 22 1881: Abington.
The two past Sabbath the communion table at the Congregational church has been beautifully decked with flowers, for these beautiful flowers we are indebted to Miss Howard.
During a recent thunder shower a tree near G.R. Sessions' was struck.
G.A. Dresser's family have returned to their summer residence. Since their return a series of misfortunes has attended them. Mrs. Dresser met with an accident, falling and hurting herself quite severely, and a very fine ladies driving horse died.

716. Wed Jun 22 1881: Sprague.
Death has taken from our midst in the person of Dr. Moses K. Brewer, a faithful physician, a good citizen and a most consistent Christian gentleman. He was born at Wilbraham, Mass., Oct. 17, 1819 and there received his early education, afterwards studied at Middletown, Conn., and completed his medical course at Pittsfield, Mass., in 1844; commenced practicing in the spring of the same year under the direction of Dr. Vine Smith, of Lisbon, and was associated with him four years. At the expiration of that time he went to Chester, Meigs county, Ohio and established himself there, but in 1852, at the request of influential people in Lisbon, returned and has been the leading physician in this and neighboring districts for nearly thirty years.
Shortly after his return form the west he married Miss Emily C. Palmer, of Windham, and in the fall of 1856 located in Franklin (now Sprague.) His earnest useful life won him many and warm friends. His love for his profession was a distinguishing trait in his character and in unselfish zeal to labor for the sick he spent his whole strength.
Three yeas ago perceiving his failing energies he went abroad in the hope that the delights and benefits of European travel might effect a partial restoration. Possessing an intense love for the beautiful, a mind capable of close observation and wise generalization on the conduct and varieties of man and human institutions, such a tour could not fail to call forth all the latent powers of the man, and the delusive appearance of renewed bodily vigor perhaps deceived himself and friends into a false assurance of health and strength. Immediately on his return he resumed his practice, but the pressure of professional duties was a weight beneath which he soon sank.
Three months before his death he relinquished all hold upon his work and awaited half hoping for recovery, yet aware of his critical condition, the result which was gain for him yet a loss deeply mourned by a community deprived of a sympathizing helper in distress, a church struggling against difficulties which he was ever ready to relieve by all means in his power, and a family that loved him.

717. Wed Jun 22 1881: Scotland.
C.L. Newcomb recently purchased some eggs from blooded stock to improve the laying qualities of his flocks of hens. Out of twenty chickens hatched, sixteen proved to be of the male persuasion and Mr. Newcomb does not feel that his number of egg producers has been greatly augmented.
The Cunninghams are selling a ton of grain and meal per day at their mill in the village.
Mrs. A.A. Hurd has gone to join her husband in Minnesota.

718. Wed Jun 22 1881: Montville.
Quite an excitement was raised Monday evening last by several young men attempting to slay a muskrat in Robertson's pond. About fifty persons, a boat and double-barreled shot gun finally succeeded in bringing him safe to land.
Mr. Albert Lester met with a very severe accident recently while splitting wood, the axe was brought down upon his wrist nearly severing his hands from his arm.

719. Wed Jun 22 1881: Chaplin.
During a slight shower Sunday afternoon, two cattle and four sheep belonging to W. Gallup were killed by lightning.
The family of Merrill Lawton are sorely afflicted in the loss of their only daughter, a bright little girl of eight years.
The body of Geo. M. Griggs of New was brought to our cemetery for interment on Friday.

720. Wed Jun 22 1881: Dissolution of Copartnership. The copartnership heretofore existing under the firm name of E. Bugbee & Co., wholesale dealers in flour, grain, etc., is this day dissolved by mutual consent. Either party is authorized to sign in liquidation. E. Bugbee retires from the business. J.S. Bugbee and W.D. Grant will continue the business under the firm name of J.C. Bugbee & Co. Thanking the public for past favors, their continuance is respectfully solicited by the new firm. Respectfully, E. Bugbee, J.C. Bugbee, Willimantic, June 21, 1881.

721. Wed Jun 22 1881: South Coventry.
The South street school taught by Mrs. Martin Parker closed on Friday last. The scholars were treated to ice cream by their teacher and it was duly appreciated.
The Rev. Jerome has declined the call extended to him by the Congregational church in this place, he had received a call to the pastorate of a church in Michigan, but we have not learned that he has decided to go there.
Mrs. J.V.B. Prince spent Sunday and Monday with his family. On Monday he captured several bass from the waters of Wangambaug, the largest weighing three pounds.
Mr. Charles Barney with his mother and sister, residents of 5th Avenue, New York have joined his family at the Dimmock residence.
Mrs. Frances Foster and Miss Augusta Manning have been spending a short time with their sister, Mrs. Sarah M. Rose.
The Hon. Chauncey Howard since the Reunion of the Army of the Potomac has been spending his time in Hartford.
Miss Mary Metcalfe is a great sufferer from a bone felon on her thumb.
Mrs. Sarah P. Bidwell is at the Bath hotel for invalids on 26th street N.Y., receiving a course of baths as treatment for chronic rheumatism, she having been a great sufferer from the same for several years.
The merchants are beginning to clean house, L.A. Hall having vacated the old store and moved into his new one and W. Sweet is having his thoroughly renovated preparatory to leaving where his business is now situated.
The Ladies Society of the Congregational church have raised during the past year $500. Mrs. Henry W. Mason, an energetic lady in all laudable undertakings, has been very active, who with a corps of assistants deserve much credit.
The work of remodeling the Hale mansion is still going on; the buildings were badly out of repair especially the barns being in a dilapidated condition and requires extensive work on them; the interior of the house is being improved with calcined plaster.

722. Wed Jun 22 1881: A.J. Bowen, Attorney and Counselor at Law. Collections made and paid promptly. Also, insurance agent. Office, Room 4, Opera House, Willimantic, Conn.

723. Wed Jun 29 1881: About Town.
Chadwick & Holmes hung out a new sign yesterday.
Gilman has a large and brilliant assortment of fireworks.
Thos. J. Roberts has turned from butcher to landlord, he having bought out the National house.
Rev. Horace Winslow removed to Simsbury, this state, yesterday, there to take up his permanent residence.
E.S. Boss removed to the occupancy of his new house on South Main street on Tuesday. It is a very handsome dwelling.
Wm. Harris, in Buck & Durkee's building, says he can clean and repair your old clothing and make it look as good as new.
Leave your orders for clams, quahaugs, lobsters and fish for the 4th, with Chadwick & Holmes. They are prompt and reliable.
Thomas Keating inflicted an ugly gash of about three inches in his left hand while using a knife on Monday, Dr. Fox dressed the wound.
Lincoln & Smith have bought out a lumber dealer in Jewett City, and will run a branch lumber and coal yard in that place.
A number of the assistants in Miss Nell Lathrop's fashionable dressmaking establishment picnicked in the woods on Monday; and a jolly company it seemed to be, too.
Mr. Allen B. Lincoln, who is a member of the graduating class of Yale college this year, is one of the appointments under the head of "Dissertations" in the commencement exercises of the college.
In this time of plenty it may be superfluous to speak of it, but Mr. Dunbar Loring places on the editors desk a box of strawberries that are strawberries. He calls them the Minor Prolific, and they are about the size of Pippin apples.

724. Wed Jun 29 1881: Dr. F.H. Houghton successfully removed a tumor as large as an English walnut from the face of a young lady in Eagleville a few days ago. The tumor was near the right eye and had been growing about a year.

725. Wed Jun 29 1881: Mrs. G.B. Hamlin presented the editor the other day with a most beautiful moss rose bud with which he was not ashamed to adorn his coat lapel. Who wouldn't be an editor at this season of the year, when the very fat of the land comes to his desk unsolicited?

726. Wed Jun 29 1881: The Linen Company begin Tuesday on a reduction of ten hour labors in each week in the mills. Ten hours daily work is the adopted time of the company, but inability to fill orders for thread has necessitated the running of extra time for a number of months past, which is now found unnecessary on account of increased facilities for producing.

727. Wed Jun 29 1881: Gen. L.E. Baldwin has been made a life member of the Putnam Phalanx in consideration of his long connection and active service since the organization of the battalion. We also notice the name of the same gentleman among the officers of the Veteran Mason's Association of this state, which held its annual meeting at Birmingham the other day.

728. Wed Jun 29 1881: The strawberry festival given for the enjoyment of the Congregational Sabbath school was held last evening, and the general good time was enhanced greatly by the gifted rendering of select readings by Miss Lillian Pearce, of Columbia, S.C., a visitor of Maj. E. Perry Butts and a sister of his partner, and also by Prof. D.G. Lawson.

729. Wed Jun 29 1881: Capt. H.R. Chapell has been notified of the acceptance of his resignation as commanding officer of company E, which was tendered in April last. He has kept it from the knowledge of his company that he had resigned for fear of protest from his friends which would injure the chances of its acceptance by the military authorities of the state. Capt. Chappell has the reputation of being the most accomplished officer in the Third Regiment. There are two or three aspirants for the vacancy.

730. Wed Jun 29 1881: The legal profession has been considerably distressed for some time to think that one of their brethren should be comfortably housed in his law practice at town expense, simply because he had been elected to the office of Judge of Probate. Pressure had been brought to bear so hard on the selectmen, who supposed they were obliged to furnish a probate office, but have recently been convinced by a thorough search of the statue to the contrary, that they have notified Judge Clark that it will be necessary for him to seek quarters for his law office elsewhere and at his own expense.

731. Wed Jun 29 1881: Friday evening last, at the regular meeting of Radiant Chapter No. 11. O.E.S., after the initiation ceremony, the worthy matron, Mrs. C.S. Billings, and Worthy Patron, Chester Tilden, were very agreeably surprised by the presentation to each of a gift from the members of the lodge as a token of their appreciation of the valuable labors rendered by them (the recipients). To the former was given a valuable cake basket, and to the latter was given a beautiful pair of gold rimmed spectacles. Upwards of fifty members were present, who, after the presentation, adjourned to the banquet room and regaled themselves with strawberries and cream and the other concomitants of a fine spread.

732. Wed Jun 29 1881: A queer case of affection of the eye sight by the electric light occurred at the Linen Company's mills week ago Monday evening. Mr. Charles Smith, who has charge of the electric apparatus, was explaining to a visitor the workings of the light. The burner not working to his satisfaction, he applied more power and turned his gaze toward the light which was near to his face. He experienced nothing at the time more than a sensation commonly known as "seeing stars" but the next day the sight of his left eye began to grow dim, and in a short time he could see scarcely anything, and feared the sight had been ruined. Expert occulists were visited and he was told that if the sight did not return within ten days they considered his case hopeless. Happily the worst fears have not been realized fort he sight is slowly returning.

733. Wed Jun 29 1881: The Willimantic Trust Co. case had a two days hearing last week. It was generally supposed that the case would come to a speedy decision this time, but in the course of the testimony given by the receivers it was carelessly made known that they had some $16,000 in cash on hand. Up to this time the trial had proceeded in the dry and spiritless manner customary to such cases, but on receipt of this information, instantly a spark of life popped into the proceedings. Visions of large retainer's fees flitted before the eyes of the distinguished legists; they winked around the table at each other, the judge smiled, and the case was immediately adjourned. The next attempt will be made July 12th.

734. Wed Jun 29 1881: The representatives of the county met at Putnam yesterday at 10 o'clock a.m. to take action in relation to the final settlement of the court house question. It has assumed an uncertain phase because of an injunction, T.E. Graves of Danielsonville, counsel for John G. Fox, George Morse and Benjamin F. Hutchins, all of Putnam, complainants, served on each representative in the general assembly from the several towns in Windham county.

735. Wed Jun 29 1881: Our Shade Trees are Dying.--Our attention has frequently been called of late to the fact that many of the beautiful shade trees along the line of Union, Main, and other streets in the borough were withering and dying. The question as to the cause naturally suggests itself, and there seems to be but one answer--that is that the gas is the means of this destruction; for it is noticeable that none but those along the line of gaspipes are affected. It is certainly a pity to see these beautiful ornaments of our streets so needlessly sacrificed, for they are not only a private but also a great public loss--and a damage that money will not repair. Were our streets completely lined with maples and elms the loss of a few should be deprecated; but they are so few that the loss which is being borne now is public misfortune if not a calamity. We are of opinion that the proper authorities should probe the matter and ascertain if the destruction cannot be stopped. If it is occasioned by the gas the fact ought to be known, because the trees are worth more to the village at this time of the year than all the gas manufactured.
If all the streets in the borough were ornamented with the full grown maple or elm it would be worth more to the village than we would care to estimate just here; not only in the embellishment of our streets but also from a business point of view, for beauty is one of the most important things sought after in business. If this be not so, why does every concern that is striving for success expend so much on their products to accomplish this one thing? It runs through everything the same way. People are attracted by anything which possesses beauty, and whatever attracts attention has a financial significance which may be developed according to the power which stands behind it. The application may be made to a village, for if it possesses the requisites it will attract business and people. This village is picturesquely located, and if it can be made beautiful by the simple planting of shade trees it will pay to do it, and in the meantime keep what we have got, and not allow them to be destroyed.
If damage is done to our trees by the gas, the borough government should oblige the company to prevent it.

736. Wed Jun 29 1881: Closing of Schools--Aside from the regular examinations of the different departments of the Natchaug school in the various branches of study the following programme of competitive readings and declamations have been arranged among pupils of the high school: Readings on Thursday--The white footed Deer, Adele V. Royce; The Bell of Atri, Carrie E. Ticknor; The young gray Head, Sadie M. Millard; Too late for the Train, Stella E. Johnson; The Wreck of Rivermouth, Agnes Still; Ichabod Crane's Ride, Hattie J. Bliven; The red Jacket, Lillie T. Reed; The Schoolmaster's Guests, Helen B. Avery; The Romance of the Swan's Nest, Florence B. Rogers; The Witch's Daughter, Mary H. Sumner; The Blacksmith's Story, Alice K. Pomeroy; How to old Horse won the Bet, Julia Hyde.
Declamations on Friday--Caius Gracchus to the Romans, Frank E. Hull; The Experiment of Selt Government, Fred. Jordan; Toussaint L'Ouverture, James T. Lynch; The Reform Bill, Wm. M. Abell; The Dissolution of the Union, Wm. P. Jordan; Three Day's in the life of Columbus, Geo. A. Conant; Public Excitements in Elections, W.S. Crane.
Graduating exercises of the class of 1881 at 3 p.m.,--Essay--The School Girl Graduate, Helen Baldwin Avery; Oration--Our Present Statesmen, Frank Elbridge Hull; Oration--Causes of Nihilism, William Maitland Abell; Essay and Valedictory Addresses--The Public Library, Alice Kate Pomeroy.
The different grades of the school assemble in the high school room to day (Wednesday) and display the advancement which has been made in music under the direction of Miss Rollins--assistant of the principal.

737. Wed Jun 29 1881: More about the Old Hebard Tavern.
Editor of the Chronicle:--Since writing the history of the old Hebard tavern it has been my good fortune to come across one of the tickets issued for the half century celebration of our National Independence mentioned in the article referred to, and thinking it might be of some interest, I have transcribed the same verbatim. This ticket was purchased by Mr. A.B. Patt, a machinist in the employ of the Messrs. Jillsons. Mr. Patt was the father of Mrs. Dr. Fisk, now of Guilford, long a highly esteemed resident of this place and by whom it has been preserved. Mr. Patt died April, 1827:
"National Jubilee. The subscriber will furnish a good Dinner, Liquors, Punch, Powder, Cannon, and a Band of Musick, for the Celebration of the 4th of July next. Price of Tickets One Dollar. Willimantic June 7th 1826. Guy Hebard."
One or two items of interest in connection with the history of the Rifle company so long a prominent feature of Willimantic in connection with the old Tavern had escaped my mind at the time of writing the article referred to, is my apology for referring to them at this time. One was the Fourth of July celebration of 1832. Dr. John L. Peters of Hebron, was at that time governor of Connecticut and upon an invitation extended to him by the committee of arrangements through the Hon. George S. Catlin, then Private Secretary to his Excellency, the Governor, accepted the invitation to be present. It was a great day for Willimantic. Few of us had before that time an opportunity to see and speak to a live Governor. The Rifle company performed escort duty under the command of Capt. Wm. L. Jillson, receiving the Commander-in-Chief and his staff on the Columbia turnpike, near the residence of John C. Hooper, and escorted him into the village amid the ringing of bells and thundering of cannon. The celebration was a success. The oration of Mr. Catlin abounded in eloquence and oratory--few were his equals then or since.
The other incident referred to was, I think, in 1833 at the time Gen. Jackson, then the President of the United States, made the tour of New England, on his visit to Norwich, accompanied by Vice President Van Buren, Secretary of War Gen. Cass, Postmaster-General Johnson and other distinguished gentlemen. The Rifle company under the command of Capt. Horace Hall went to Norwich and performed escort duty with the Norwich Rifle company to the Presidential party. On that occasion Gen. Cass laid the corner stone to the Uncas monument, near Norwich Falls in the old Indian burying ground. It was the good fortune of our company in escorting the President from the Merchants hotel to the steamboat, Fanny, on the West side, to have the President inclosed by our company, thus affording us an opportunity to see and hear one of the most famous men of our country. If my old friend, Capt. Hall, had imbibed a little more of the old fashioned Jacksonian democracy on that occasion, I think his politics would have been very much improved.
In sketching up these reminiscences of the scenes and incidents of fifty years ago if it has afforded any satisfaction or pleasure to your numerous readers, I shall be amply repaid for the little trouble in doing it. And let me say to the young men of today, if you have more enjoyment in your pleasures and amusements than your seniors of forty or fifty years ago had in theirs you are very fortunate. B.

738. Wed Jun 29 1881: South Windham.
An accident occurred here Monday through the carelessness of a young man who attempted to board a moving freight train which may result fatally. A man from 30 - 35 years of age who gave his name as George Albert Wansor, tried to jump on to the train which leaves here for New London about noon, but missed his footing and fell between the moving train and the platform. He tried to board the rear end of a box car, and though missing a hold with his feet he had sufficient presence of mind to hang with his hands, and was dragged over the ties almost under the wheels of the next car a distance of 16 rods as was afterward measured. So close did he come to being drawn under the wheels that one of his shoes were caught by the heel and pulled from his foot. Had not his shoe pulled off, he must inevitably have been drawn under. His cries attracted the attention of some of the men and the train was stopped immediately, though not till he had received injuries which may prove fatal. Dr. Barstow was called as soon as the wounded man could be carried to the depot, and dressed the wounds as well as possible. He says a gash was torn, not cut, in the lower part of his body upwards of five inches in length and of considerable depth; and was so situated that he was unable to sew it. Should the wound become inflamed and swell as it undoubtedly will, it will be a critical case, and an exceedingly painful if not a fatal one. Wansor said that he had been at work in Norwich Town and was on his way there when hurt. He had been around the place much of the forenoon and had paid one or more visits to the "bee hive," so that he was considerably under the influence of liquor at the time. Probably had he been sober he would not have waited till the train started before getting on, and if he recovers, he will have had an almost miraculous escape from death, which will give him cause to remember this place for years to come. And perhaps it will impress upon him the fact that liquor is a curse to whoever drinks it for pleasure and will be sure to prove itself one in time.
Some twelve or fourteen years ago a young man well known here attempted to get on to a moving freight train in much the same way, but he fell between the cars and many of them passed over him. His name was John Green, and he resided on what is known as Pleasure Hill, a short distance from here.
A farm hand by name of Hyde employed by James Forsyth, had a very narrow escape, as he thinks, on Saturday night. On his way home late in the evening he was waylaid by six (I think that was the number he gave, once at least) ruffians who demanded his money or his life. He says he was unarmed but he managed to handle three of them so badly that the others became afraid and ran. He says if he had had his "bull dog" with him he would have bagged the whole of them. Whether he was preparing to righteously celebrate the Fourth and had stimulated his imagination for this purpose, or it was a joke upon him I am not able to say, but he evidently believes it. I have not heard of any dislocated fence posts in that vicinity so he could not have vanquished many of them.
Some of the dogs are said to be in the sheep business rather extensively. I am told that Mrs. Payne has lost quite a number.

739. Wed Jun 29 1881: The first coins of the United States were struck with the portrait of Martha Washington, Mr. Spencer, who cut the first die, copying her features in his medallion. When General Washington saw the coins he was very wroth, and before any more were struck off the features of his wife were altered somewhat, and a cap placed on her head, this being the original of the present Goddess of Liberty.

740. Wed Jun 29 1881: Brooklyn.
Mrs. Lucretia Bard who has been ill for some time, passed away last Friday. The funeral services were on Monday at 2 o'clock p.m.
Sherwood Greenman has been quite sick.
Miss Nellie Clark returned from Norwich Saturday.
That lumber in front of the post office is for a band stand, and D.B. Hatch is the man who pays to have it erected. We hope it will be left there the rest of the season.

741. Wed Jun 29 1881: Woodstock.
The strawberry business has broken out anew in this town, which for a year or two has showed a diminished acreage. Besides the many Kennedy's, Cominses and Philipses, Dr. Cotton bears off the banner for extent of operations. He has three acres under cultivation.
Rev. Mr. Parsons is agitating the East Woodstock mind considerably by his radical and logical--rather than theological ideas on the observance of the Sabbath as contradistinguished from the other days of the week, he holding all time and days as sacred to the purpose of the hour.
An examination of a district school in West Woodstock village kept by Mrs. Fanny Williams, daughter of F.H. Freeman, is most noticeable for the interest it called out and the attendance of residents and strangers. It was Mrs. Williams' first term in teaching. Her engagement in this business was a surprise to her friends, but she achieved a grand success by her assiduous efforts and thorough system, thoroughness and ardor being the principal characteristics.
Dr. Arthur Mathewson, the skillful opthalmist and artist of New York, and family, Hon. Moses G. Leonard and family, also of New York, Charles Richmond and family of Elisabeth, New Jersey, Rev. Wm. A. Chamberlain of Berkley, Mass., Prof. Webber and family, several ladies of Norwich, Conn., are among the late arrivals here for the summer recreation. The sojourners, among whom there are many artists and people of elegant leisure, are lately quite in the habit of taking the circuit of the West Woodstock hills, and return from their drives via Ragged hill in Abington, as they thus secure a hard and good track, free from dust, and regions abounding in lovely panoramic views, and in a fresh and bracing atmosphere.
J.C.M. Johnston, who, we believe supplied a pulpit in Mansfield for a while some years ago, has been preaching two Sundays in West Woodstock as a candidate. He left on Monday.

742. Wed Jun 29 1881: Columbia.
Charles and Edward, sons of Rev. James K. Hazen of Richmond, Va., are spending their vacation with their grandfather, Samuel F. Ticknor.
Mr. Willard Downer and wife of Syracuse, N.Y., are visiting at Mrs. Eliza Hartshorn's.
Misses Lida Hutchins and Clara Sawyer teachers in the school in Rockville are spending their vacation at home. Miss Sawyer usually is at home for a few weeks and then is the guest of her uncle, Nelson Hollister of Hartford, who has a summer residence in Saybrook.
William P. Johnson was at Alanson Fuller's over Sunday.
Mrs. N.P. Clark is with her son in Hartford a few days.
Mrs. Charles Little of Saginaw Michigan, is in town visiting her numerous friends.
Miss Emma Bascomb who has been attending the Normal school is also at home on a vacation.
The Masonic Festival came off Friday evening according to announcement. The two loaves of cake that were to be disposed of by ballot were awarded to Mrs. James L. Downer and Mr. Marshall Porter, of Hebron.
The cemetery has been shorn of the grass, and several new headstones erected, noticeable among which, are two alike in design with masonic emblems, to the memory of Daniel C., and Charles A. Scoville.

743. Wed Jun 29 1881: South Coventry.
Misses Lucy Perkins, Fannie McChristie and Edith Mason, have left town for Ohio, to visit the families of Messrs. Charles and Leander Perkins formerly residents of this place.
Marvin Colman has erected a new house at Hop River, which is all ready for plastering, and will move his family there as soon as completed.
Our popular judge of probate Dwight Webler has been in poor health for quite a while and his disease has finally culminated in typhoid fever.

744. Wed Jun 29 1881: Scotland.
The German measles are quite prevalent in town.
Rev. T.L. Shipman of Jewett City will preach at the Congregational church next Sunday, and Rev. S.A. Davis is to preach at the Universalist church on the first Sunday in each month hereafter until further notice.
The teachers of the Natchaug school in Willimantic paid their fellow teacher, Miss Mary Dorrance of this village a visit last Saturday.
Wm. Gates recently sold a lamb ten weeks old that weighed 81 pounds. Mr. Gates had the misfortune to lose a fine two-year-old colt last week.
Orson Sweet's valuable horse received a severe wound in the breast last week from coming into contact with some sharp instrument.
Rev. E.B. Bingham has gone to Colorado for his health.
Miss Lois Bingham fell on the door step at Wm. Cunningham's last week, and received some severe bruises.
As Mr. and Mrs. William Cunningham, and Mr. and Mrs. F.W. Cunningham and son were riding through the Brunswick district Sunday evening, the wagon pole broke from the fastenings, frightening the horses into a run. The occupants of the wagon were thrown out, all receiving more or less bruises except the child. Mrs. Wm. Cunningham was so badly injured as to require the services of a physician, and Dr. I.B. Gallup was called. No bones were broken. The wagon was wrecked near the top of the Hovey hill and the horses ran to the village where they were stopped. One of the horse had a leg skinned, and the other was unhurt.
John Fuller will take charge of our mail route July 1st.
Mrs. Geer's cat brought in a good sized eel last Sunday, and after puzzling over the best method of stopping its wriggling for a long while, finally devoured it with apparent relish.
Gerald Waldo arrived home from Cornell University on Saturday, for his summer vacation.

745. Wed Jun 29 1881: Married.
Wadsworth-Potter--In Willimantic, June 9th, by the Rev. S. McBurney, Mr. Lemuel E. Wadsworth of East Hartford, and Miss Julia S. Potter of Windham.
Passuao-Bottomley--In Willimantic, June 11th, by the Rev. S. McBurney, Mr. Louis Passuao, and Miss Emmie Bottomley, all of Willimantic.

746. Wed Jun 29 1881: Died.
Whiton--In Westford, June 24th, Jerusha Whiton, aged 66 years.
Williams--In Pomfret, June 22nd, Dr. Lewis Williams, aged 66 years.
Brown--In Willimantic, June 24th, Mary Brown, aged 60 years.

747. Wed Jun 29 1881: Ashford.
The gold excitement continues unabated in Westford, and the miners at work in the mine, claim that the deeper they go down the richer it becomes, and that now there can be no doubt that it is the richest mine in the East. An old California miner visited the place last week, and examined the rock, and very readily decided that the specimens were exceedingly good and offered to put in capital to work it. Next Friday parties are expected from New York to look over the ground and at once make arrangements to crush and mill the rock, if the assay from the three hundred pounds sent on as a sample proves as expected. The investigation after gold has developed the fact that different minerals exist in Westford in paying quantities and it only lacks capital to develop a profitable and paying business. Iron ore was once dug in Westford and exists there today, and if fully developed might be made to pay well. Black lead exists in great quantities in some places, on the surface of the ground, and is almost clear from any other substance.
Edwin Knowlton is making extensive repairs on one of his barns this season. Merritt E. Gallop is doing the work. It was but a few years ago that he built the best barn in town, and is so constructed that the hay is all carried into the gable end and a great deal of labor saved in unloading.
R.H. Squier has taken down his old barn and is building a new one.
The house formerly occupied by Andrew Lamphere, and standing just over the Ashford town line in Eastford, and since the 1st of April has been occupied by Mr. Arnold the telegraphic operator, was burned to the ground last Saturday morning, in the absence of the family.
Mrs. Jerusha Whiton, wife of Ashbel Whiton died very suddenly Friday morning of last week, she having retired at night in her usual health, although for a few days previous had been suffering from pain near the region of the heart, and on rising from bed in the morning died almost instantly, probably from heart disease. She was a woman of rare ability and intelligence, and had been the means of doing a great deal of good in the community in which she lived. In her death the church loses a faithful and earnest christian worker, the husband a most devoted wife, the children a kind and loving mother, and the community a very valuable member.

748. Wed Jun 29 1881: Mansfield.
The many friends of Mr. Samuel D. Yeomans will be pained to learn that he is very sick with malarial fever; also his wife and mother-in-law are suffering with the same complaint.
Miss Minnie Wright, of West Ashford was somewhat injured by a stroke of lightning during the recent heavy shower. She was visiting friends in Eastford at the time, and the house was struck and badly shattered. Miss Wright came to in a few hours, but was dumpish for a number of days. It was a narrow escape.
There seems to be a great diversity of opinions at Mount Hope as regards the plans of enlarging the burying ground. The present yard belongs to the school district and some want it to be deeded to the district and some want it owned by a joint stock company, and hold control of the sale of lots. Those who don't take sides in the matter fear that they may want to use it before the matter is settled. There is a Jonah somewhere in the crowd. Mr. Edwin Knowlton of West Ashford owns the land and he has made them more than a fair offer, and they had better settle the business before the property changes hands and they can't have Mr. Knowlton to deal with.
We are very much pleased to see the smiling face of Mr. J. Whitman Knowlton among us again.
Mr. Charles Jacobson has completed the ell part of his house, on the Richardson place, and will move part of his family there soon. His family was increased one last week. A daughter.

749. Wed Jun 29 1881: List of Patents. Granted by the United States to local citizens for the week ending June 21st 1881:
J.H. French, Willimantic, package for fire kindler.