Dec. 6, 1920:

The sale of the Boston District schoolhouse to M. Connery of Georgetown forms the closing chapter in the history of a school that had had an existence of over 150 years. On December 6, 1920, this property was sold to M. Connery and on March 15, 1921, he sold it to James Driscoll, who used the site to build a home. Parts of the old school house were used in the construction of the garage. To read more about this school click here-Boston District School

Dec. 7, 1867:

At a meeting held December 7th, 1867, Messrs. John R. Sturges, J.O. St. John and Sturges Bennett were appointed a committee to ascertain the denominational preferences of all the members of the church, "with a view to a change of name to that of Congregational, or that of letting it be the Methodist Protestant Meeting." This committee reported to an adjoined meeting, held December 14th, in favor of a change of name, and by a unanimous vote the name of the church was changed from Methodist Protestant(in Georgetown) to Congregational.

Dec. 8, 1806:

In the records of a town meeting held December 8th, 1806, occurs the following curious entry: "Voted, that S. Samuel Smith, Lemuel Sanford and Benjamin Meeker be a committee to write to William Crawford requesting him to name the person belonging to Redding to whom he delivered Mr. Sarah Fleming's letter in May last, notifying him that in case of refusal, the Inhabitants of this town, will feel themselves authorized to declare to the world, that he never did deliver such a letter to any person belonging to Redding."

Dec. 9, 1785:

Proof that there was a society of Baptists in Redding as early as 1785, appears from an entry in the records of the First Society, dated December 9th, 1785, wherein Michael Wood has a certificate given to him by John Lee, Deacon, as a member of the Baptist Church in Redding.

Dec. 10, 1735:

Stephen Burr was appointed a committee to go to the County Court and desire them to send a committee to lay out necessary highways in that part of the parish above the long lots.

Dec. 11, 1742:

At a parish meeting held December 11, 1742, voted: "that the interest of the school money belonging to the parish shall be divided into three equal parts for the year ensuing, for the maintaining of three separate schools (each to be kept by a master,) one third part of the money for that part of the Parish east of Little River, one third part for that part of the parish between Little River and the Saugatuck River, and one third for that part west of the Saugatuck. Provided, that each part of the Parish as above divided, keep a school as abovesaid three months in the year ensuing, but if any part of the Parish fail in keeping a school as abovesaid, the other two parts that keep said school, shall equally divide the said money between them, and if two parts of the Parish fail in keeping a school as abovesaid, that part of the Parish that shall keep said school the three months shall draw the whole of the school money."

Dec. 12, 1803:

At a town meeting held December 12, 1803, voted: "that the Townhouse be leased to the Methodist Society for $15 per year to be used as often, and a much as they please for public worship, and said society to repair all damage done to the Townhouse while they are assembled therein for public worship."

Dec. 13, 1955:

The regular quarterly meeting of the Boys' Club of Redding, Inc. was called to order at 8:20 P.M., December 13, 1955 in the Town House. Messrs. Dayton, Prindle, Arrouet, Driscoll, Platt, Reinhardsen, J.Sanford, Watt, Kallgren, Aquino, Barnum, Hall, Hermes, Nash, Paddock, D.Sanford and Snyder were present. Jesse P. Sanford reported on Field Development, that clearing work at the field was slow because of storms on 6 of the last 8 Saturdays. Jesse further reported that Jim Summer is willing to lay out the field for future development but first requires a contour map. There are 10 candidates for Basketball in the High School group, 15 in the Middle group and 25 to 30 in the Termite group. It was emphasized that more adult help is needed in connection with the activities.

Dec. 14, 1791:

December 14th, 1791, a committee was appointed to apply to the proprietors of the mile of commons for a title to the land in Redding left by said proprietors for a parade. (This "parade", was in the large field adjoining the Congregational parsonage now owned (1880) by Mr. Joseph Squires; it was the scene of many militia trainings in later days.)

Dec. 15, 1789:

"I hereby certify that Aaron Sanford of Reading, has constantly attended the Methodist meetings in this town, and pays toward my support as a minister of the gospel" Jesse Lee

Dec. 16, 1958:

The regular meeting of the Directors of the Boys' Club was held on Dec. 16, 1958 at the Christ Church Parish Room. The following members were present: Arrouet, Barnum, Colley, Dachenhausen, Dayton, Hall, Hermes, Kallgren, Paddock, D. Sanford, J. Sanford and Watt. Chet Paddock reported that the relocation of the Club House was unanimously approved by letter. Excavation for foundation are complete with concrete poured. Oil tank installed at cost of $116.00 and filled. Framing of the building to start next week. The question of how far to proceed with the building was raised. Ted Dachenhausen reported that the original estimate of $8,500 to be borrowed against pledges would not be enough-but if funds were made available, would like to carry right through with building. It was estimated that $21,000 would be needed for a rough building, including heating, plumbing, etc... Taking into consideration the bills that have already been paid and the pledges due the beginning of 1959, the resolution adopted at the Oct. meeting was amended, raising the amount to be borrowed against pledge to $12,000, with a $500 liability for each director.

Dec. 17, 1778:

Committee was appointed to care for the families of soldiers as follows: Nehemiah Hull for Nathan Coley's; Elijah Burr for Stephen Meeker's; Ebenezer Couch for Elias Bixby's; Nehemiah Sherwood and John Read for Jeremiah Ryan's and William Hawley for Samuel Remong's.

Dec. 18, 1781:

Voted that the select men be instructed to petition the General Assembly to annex this town to Danbury Probate District, and the road committee was instructed to sell the highway from Nobb's Crook to Captain Gray's, and also the "upright highway" west of Micayah Starr's from Nathan Rumsey's to the rear of the long lots.

Dec. 19, 1792:

Voted to reduce the highway from Danbury to Norwalk to four rods wide and to sell two rods.

Dec. 20, 1802:

John Read, Jr., was "excused" for admitting puppet shows into his house, "on said Read's paying the cost." (Puppet shows were illegal in Redding at that time).

Dec. 21, 1863:

Rufus Mead, Jr., Co. A. Re-enlisted as a veteran on December 21, 1863 with the Fifth Regiment. (Mr. Mead likely received $50 to $100 for re-enlisting as that was what was agreed upon at a September 6, 1863 Town Meeting to discuss the recruitment of soldiers in Redding)

Dec. 22, 1810:

December 22, 1810, Redding's first Post Office was established with Billy Comstock as postmaster, keeping office in his house at Boston Corners.

Dec. 23, 1793:

Voted unanimously, that this town will exert ourselves in every legal and constitutional method in our power to prevent the sale of the western lands at present, and to obtain a repeal of the act of this state appropriating the avails thereof for the support of the ministry and schools of this state, as we conceive the same to be impolitic. And that a committee be appointed to correspond with the other towns of this county to effect the aforesaid, and that this vote be sent to the committee appointed to sell those lands, with our request that they will omit to make any contract or sale of them til the sitting of the next General Assembly.

Dec. 24, 1862:

(Christmas Eve): It had been the custom of the two churches in Georgetown Village, Methodist Episcopal and Methodist Protestant, to hold Christmas Services for the Sunday Schools connected with the churches. Some of the churches members thought it would be well to dispense with the Christmas Services, while others did not want to give up the time honored custom. It was voted to hold a union service for the children, in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Great preparations were made. The woods were searched for ground pine and other evergreens, to trim the church. A great spuce tree was placed in one corner of the church, and a platform built out over the pulpit rail. The young people and children were rehearsed in the parts they were to take in the great event of the year. On the evening of December 24, the church was crowded with children and friends. The Christmas tree was brilliantly lit up with many candles and loaded with Christmas presents, cornucopias filled with candy, bags of popcorn, nuts and raisins. After prayer by the Rev. Samuel Keeler, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the exercises of the evening commenced, admission was 10 cents. The church entertainment was a great success, and was remembered for many years.

Dec. 26, 1737:

It was voted to have a parish school, voted to maintain said school by a parish rate voted that John Read, Joseph Lees, Joseph Sanford, John Hull, Matthew Lion, Stephen Morehouse and Daniel Lion, shall be a committee for said school, also that said school shall be divided into three parts, that is to say, 5 months in that quarter called the Ridge, 5 months in that quarter on the west side of the parish near the mill and 2 months at Lonetown..."

Dec. 27, 1851:

From the history of the Methodist Protestant Church in Georgetown: To these resolutions a meeting held December 27, 1851, added the following: "Resolved, by vote of this meeting that the society's committee be authorized to give by deed to the Danbury and Norwalk Railroad Company a right of way across said society's ground, for the consideration of one hundred and fifty dollars."

Dec. 28, 1797:

Town house building plan submitted-we learn that it was 36 feet in length and 30 feet wide with 12 foot posts, covered with long cedar shingles, the sides with pine. There was a chimney on each end and fifteen windows with twenty lights in each.

Dec. 29, 1799:

"It was voted that Deacon Burr and others be a committee to see that there is a timber got, and sawmill logs for a meeting house in the parish, said timber to be 37ft. in width and 46ft. in length." Dec. 30, 1846: Daniel D. Frost after preaching as stated supply for eighteen months, was ordained December 30, 1846. He continued pastor ten years, being dismissed October 13, 1856.

January 5, 1864:

Andrew H. Sanford, voluteered Jan. 5, 1864 in the Second Regiment (Artillery), was taken sick through fatigue and exposure while in Virginia, and died in a hospital in Philadelphia, June 5th, 1864.

January 6, 1794:

In the Farmer's Chronicle (Danbury) for January 6, 1794: "At a Town Meeting held in Reading, by adjournment, on the 23rd day of December A.D. 1793, "Voted unanimously, that this town will exert ourselves in every legal and constitutional method in our power to prevent the sale of the western lands at present, and to obtain a repeal of the act of this state appropriating the avails thereof for the support of the ministry and schools of this state, as we conceive the same to be impolitic. And that a committee be appointed to correspond with the other towns of this county to effect the aforesaid, and that this vote be sent to the committee appointed to sell those lands, with our request that they will omit to make any contract or sale of them til the sitting of the next General Assembly."

January 7, 1958:

A meeting of the Boys' Club field development committee was held on January 7, 1958 to discuss the construction of two tennis courts also to be used as outdoor basketball court. The cost to include hard surface, page fence, four baskets is approximately $6,000.00 (figure from the Director of Recreation, City of Norwalk). Discussed for possibility of adult use, bringing them closer to Boys' Club activities. To be ready for Summer 1958.

January 8, 1819:

Squire Heron died January 8, 1819, aged seventy-seven years, and is buried in the old Episcopal churchyard on Redding Ridge. In Revolutionary days and before, Squire Heron lived in the now ancient house on Redding Ridge, just south of the Episcopal church. He was a native of Cork, Ireland; a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin; and a man of much ability and force of character. It is said that he taught the Academy in Greefield Hill before coming to Redding, and had also surveyed the old stage route from New York to Boston. I cannot determine the precise date of his arrival here, but it was some time prior to the Revolution. In that memorable struggle he sided with the king, and was the recognized leader of the company of Tories on Redding Ridge. At the time of Tryon's invasion he openly gave aid and comfort to the enemy. After the war he became a prominent character in the town, and although somewhat bigoted, and imbued with the Old World notions of caste and social distinctions, is said to have exercised a great deal of influence in public affairs, especially at town meetings. "We must keep down the underbrush" was a favorite remark of his in speaking of the common people. The following story, illustrating in a marked manner the customs of the day, is related of him: At one of the annual town meetings Mr. Hezekiah Morgan, a somewhat illiterate man, was nominated for grand juror. Squire Heron, in laced waistcoat, ruffles, and velvet breeches, and aiding himself with his gold-headed cane, arose to oppose the motion. "Mr. Moderator," said he, "who is this Kier Morgan? Why, a man brought up in Hopewell woods: he fears neither God, man, nor the devil. If elected, who will be responsible for his acts? Will you, Mr. Moderator? or I? Why, sir, he can arrest anybody: he can arrest your Honor, or even myself;" and with like cogent reasons succeeded in defeating the obnoxious candidate.

January 10, 1955:

The yearly report of the Boys' Club of Redding advises that the activities of the club are now on for fifty-two weeks of the year, usually consisting of Wednesday nights, Saturdays, and Sunday afternoons. They also have held nine monthly meetings on Friday nights. During the year, 26 new members joined the club. However, we lost a large number of our good athletes to prep school and moving out of town. John Murphy was in charge of the summer program and was assisted by William Snyder for swimming at Pinover's pool. Baseball teams did not do as well this year as usual. The Tennis Tournament, sponsored by the club proved to be very popular throughout the town. Football teams under the guidance of Ray Platt, Art Jones, Bill Snyder, and Vincent Dudak did an excellent job. Basketball started at the middle of November, with a big building job to be done. It is strongly recommended that more cooperation be given by the parents backing up their sons, particularly when they are playing regularly on any of the many teams.

January 11, 1810:

THE REV. NATHANIEL BARTLETT. Died, January 11, 1810, aged 83 years. His tombstone reads: "I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."--JESUS CHRIST. The Rev. Nathaniel Bartlett, the second pastor of the church, was ordained May 23d, 1753, the next year after the church was built. Form the record in his own handwriting, we learn that the ministers who assisted at his ordination were as follows: "The Rev. Mr. White of Danbury made the first prayer. The Rev. Mr. Todd of East Guilford preached the sermon. Rev. Mr. Kent made the ordaining prayer. Rev. Mr. Mills of Ripston gave the charge, Rev. Mr. Judson of Newtown gave the right hand of fellowship, and Rev. Mr. Ingersoll of Ridgefield made the concluding prayer. “Mr. Bartlett came to Redding when a young man fresh from his collegiate studies, and continued pastor of the church over which he was ordained for fifty-seven years--the longest pastorate, it is said, known to the New England churches. He is described as a gentleman of the old school, kind and considerate, of an equable temper, a just man, a fine scholar, and an eloquent preacher. During his term of service the crude settlement in the wilderness assumed the dignity of a town. The church grew from infancy to manhood and the country passed from the position of dependent colonies to that of free and sovereign states. In the War of Independence Mr. Bartlett's sympathies were entirely with the patriot cause; two of his sons entered the army, munitions of war were stored in his house, and he himself frequently officiated as chaplain during the encampment of Putnam's division in the town in the winter of 1779. Like many of the New England clergymen of that day, he was the teacher of such youths in his charge as might desire a liberal education, and among the many whom he thus fitted for usefulness was the celebrated poet and statesman, Joel Barlow. Mr. Bartlett died Jan. 11, 1810, and was buried in the old cemetery west of the church.

January, 1810: Having found no history for today, the following is interesting and fitting in this cold and flu season: A severer scourge was an epidemic that visited the town about 1810, and which displayed many of the characteristics of Asiatic cholera. Strong men were stricken down by it in a day, and there was scarcely a house where there was not mourning for the dead. In one school district alone, Lonetown, it is said that twenty died of this disease. The victims of this scourge were interred in the old cemetery near the Congregational Church. They were buried hastily, at midnight, and the Rev. Nathaniel Bartlett, who officiated on the occasion, stood on the ledge a few yards south of the church, and there read the burial services, in tones so stentorian, that they were heard by residents on Umpawaug Hill, fully two miles distant.

January 17, 1750:

January 17, 1750, the County Court in session at Fairfield, on the memorial of Redding, appointed Thomas Benedict, Esq., and Capt. Josiah Starr, of Danbury, and Samuel Olmsted, Esq., of Ridgefield, a committee to affix the place whereon the meeting-house should be built; to act with these, the Society appointed a committee composed of John Read, Stephen Burr, Joseph Sanford and Ephraim Jackson.

January 1741:

In January of 1741 in the Town of Fairfield (Redding was still a parish at the time) they experienced quite a cold spell. The ground, covered with snow to the tops of the fences for 40 days. It did not thaw the least on the sunny side of the house. A snow fell about the middle of December which filled the roads and buried a pair of Oxen at the old fort, owned by Samuel Gold. They were found by their breathing holes. The Black Rock Harbour continued frozen from that time to the middle of May. From a sketch of Mrs. Jonathan Wheeler: she said the Sound was froze over and her father went half way to Long Island when it began to break up. He being an active man, sprang from one cake to another till he got ashore. It used to be so cold as to freeze cattle's mouths up and they would have to get a teakettle of hot water to thaw them out.

January 20, 1836:

"The members of the Methodist Episcopal Society of Redding are hereby notified and warned, that a society's meeting for said society will be held on Tuesday the 26th day of instant January at one o'clock P.M. at the Methodist Church in said Redding for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of building a new church in said society, and locating the same near the intersection of the roads near the Town House, appointing a building committee to superintend and carry said object into effect, make arrangements to dispose of the old house if thought proper, and to do any other business proper to be done at said meeting." Sherlock Todd, Jesse Banks, Aaron Mallett-Trustees. "Redding, Jan. 20, 1836"

January 21, 1791:

From the records of the Methodist Episcopal Church: "The first regularly appointed minister whose name appears on the society records was John Bloodgood, who was here as early as January 21st, 1791, perhaps earlier. He was a native of the South, and after serving on the Fairfield Circuit one year, was transferred to the Baltimore Conference, to which his ministerial labors were chiefly confined. He died in 1810. Like most of his colleagues, he preached in the school -houses, under trees, sometimes in the barns, but always so fervently, and with such native eloquence, that multitudes flocked to hear him. He was succeeded at the May (1791) session of the Conference by Nathaniel B. Mills and Aaron Hunt.

January 23, 1780:

No record of the proceedings of this convention interesting and important as it would have been, is found. It was held at the dwelling house of Captian Stephen Betts, on Redding Ridge. January 23, 1780, the town voted to appoint a committee of nine "to procure and hire nine soldiers to enlist into the Connecticut Line in the Continental army, for the town of Redding." This committee consisted of Stephen Betts, Ezekiel Sanford, David Jackson, Nathaniel Barlow, Hezekiah Read, Elijah Burr, Ephraim Robbins, and Hezekiah Sanford.

January 24, 1749:

Redding, January 24, 1749. "To Mr. Jehu Burr, Mr. Stephen Betts, and Mr. Samuel Sanford, Committee men for said Redding: "Gentlemen, I understand you have declared that there is some mismanagement in the rate that I have to gather in the year 1748, and you seem to think that I have done the same, and if you insist upon it, I desire your forgiveness: in so doing you will much oblige your humble servant. "Daniel Deane"

January 25, 1732:

The first "pound" was built by Mr. John Read, near his house, and at a society meeting held January 25, 1732, he was appointed "key keeper".

January 26, 1737:

"Joseph Sanford and Samuel Sanford were appointed a committee to take charge of the parsonage money belonging to said parish, giving a receipt to said parish, and to let the same at their discretion, and to the best advantage, taking double security of land, and not to let less than fifty pounds to one man, and for no longer time than five years, and said committee shall be a accountable to the parish committee for the interest of said money, and also at the period of abovesaid term of five years for the principal."

January 28, 1833:

Baptist Church in Georgetown (now extinct) On January 28, 1833 an ecclesiastical council was held at the house of Timothy Wakeman, in Redding, and a church formally organized. There were 18 original members-4 males and 14 females.

January 31, 1732:

“At a society meeting held in the parish (of) Reading, George Hull chosen Moderator for s'd meting, Mr. Nathaniel Hunn by a voit nemine contradicente was made chois of for the minister of s'd parish, furthermore it was voited at s’d meting to settle upon the s'd Mr. Hunn's yearly salery as followeth, that is, for the first year of his administration, seventy pounds current money or bills of Public Credit in New England, the second year, seventy-five pounds, for the third year, eighty pounds, for the fourth year, eighty five pounds, the fifth year ninety pounds, the sixth year, ninety five pounds, the seventh year, a hundred pounds, all in current money as afores'd, and so on a hundred pounds a year during the term of his continuance in the ministry in s'd parish, and also to give the s'd -Mr. Hunn the whole and sole privilege of all the parsonage land belonging to s'd parish, and to provide him his firewood, during the term above s'd, also to find him a convenient dwelling hous for the first five years, also to give the s'd Mr. Hunn, a hundred acres of land on or before the day of his ordination."

First Wednesday of February, 1732:

Rev. Beach of the Christ Church in Redding discloses that: 'From a serious and prayerful examination of the Scriptures, and of the records of the early ages of the Church, and from the universal acknowledgement of Episcopal government for fifteen hundred years, compared with the recent establishment of Presbyterian and Congregational discipline,' he was fully persuaded of the invalidity of his ordination, and of the unscriptural method of organizing and governing congregations as by them practiced. He therefore, 'In the face of Almighty God,' had made up his mind to 'conform to the Church of England, as being Apostolical in her ministry and discipline, orthodox in her doctrine, and primitive in her worship. He affectionately exhorted them to weigh the subject well; engaged to provide for the due administration of the sacraments while absent from them, and spoke of his intended return from England in holy orders. So greatly was he beloved, that a large proportion of his people seemed ready to acquiesce in his determination." But the others, in evident alarm and consternation at this " threatened defection from their ranks," held a town meeting " to consult" as to " what was possible to be done with the Rev. Mr. John Beach, under present difficulties;" "voted to have a [day of] solemn fasting and prayer; …to call in the Ecclesiastical Council of Fairfield to direct and do what they shall think proper, under the…difficult circumstances respecting the Rev. Mr.; Beach, and the in- habitants of the town of Newtown-also that the first Wednesday of February [1732] be appointed for the fast.''

February 3, 1796: The Rev. Jonathan Bartlett, third minister of the church, was ordained as colleague with his father, Rev. Nathaniel Bartlett, in 1796. The first of the church records in his handwriting is as follows: "Feb. 3 1796· I was separated to the work of the ministry and ordained as colleague with my father Nathaniel Bartlett over the Congregational church in Redding in Gospel order and form. The ministers who performed the work were as follows viz. the Rev. Israhiel Wetmore chosen Moderator, Robert Ross made the ordaining prayer, Elisha Rexford made the introductory prayer, David Ely preached the sermon. Imposition of hands by N. Bartlett, R. Ross and Rexford. John Ely gave the right hand of fellowship, Samuel W. Stebbins made the concluding prayer."

February 4, 1779:

"Feb. 4, 1779. Was tried at a General Court Martial Edward Jones for Going to and serving the enemy, and coming out as a spy-found guilty of each and every charge Exhibited against him, and according to Law and the Usage's of Nations was sentenced to suffer Death. "The General approves the sentence and orders it to be put in Execution between the hours of ten and eleven A.M. by hanging him by the neck till he be dead."

February 5, 1781:

"Voted not to abate assessments for purposes aforesaid(i.e. tax, on provisions) on Enos Lee, James Morgan, Hezekiah Platt, Danniel Lyon, Abigail Lyon, Sarah Phinney, David Knapp, James Grey, Abigail Morehouse, Ezekiel Hill, Andrew Fairchild, and Sarah Burr, who have each of them a son or sons, or a son or sons in-law gone over to the enemies of the United States."

February 6, 1779:

"Feb. 6, 1779. At a Gen'l Court Martial was tried John Smith of the 1st Connecticut Regiment for desertion and attempting to go to the enemy, found guilty, and further persisting in saying that he will go to the enemy if ever he has an opportunity, Sentenced to be shot to death, and orders that it be put in Execution between the hours of ten and twelve A.M."

February 7, 1779:

These interesting extracts might fitly conclude the story of the army's encampment in Redding; there are, however, some entries in the parish records, proving that amid the horrors of war sly cupid found a chance to inflict his wounds, that are worthy of insertion. They are given as entered by the Rev. Nathaniel Bartlett: Feb. 7, 1779. I joined together in marriage James Gibbons a soldier in the army and Ann Sullivan.

February 9, 1748:

From the history of the Congregational Church: The first action in this important matter was taken at a Society meeting held Feb. 9, 1748, when it was put to vote "whether it be necessary to build a new meting hous in s'd Parish," and passed in the affirmative; whereupon "Left. Joseph Sanford" was appointed agent for the Society to prefer a memorial to the next General Assembly, "to affix the place whereon the meting hous should be built.

February 11, 1844:

From the history of the Baptist Church in Georgetown: The last preacher in their church history Elder David Pease was called on February 11, 1844. His connection with the church was short and uneventful. There is no record of any other preacher being called; in fact the society was becoming too weak to support an organization, and shortly after, in October 1847, was dissolved by the unanimous vote of its members.

February 12, 1864:

Wesley Banks, Co. E. Mustered in Oct. 1, 1863. Died Feb. 12, 1864, of wounds received at Morton's Ford, Va.

February 13, 1779:

"The Gen'l directs that no person be permitted to visit the prisoners under sentence of death unless at their request as frequent complaints have been made that they are interrupted in their private devotions by persons who came for no other purpose but to insult them."

February 15, 1743-44:

In 1742, "voted to impower the parish committee to agree with a person to beat the drum as a signal to call the people together on the Sabbath." Again Feb. 15, 1743-4, "It was voted that the timber and boards provided for seating the meeting house, shall be improved to that end for the use of the Parish." These entries though unimportant in themselves give us pleasant glimpses of the healthy and active life of the church.

February 16, 1864:

From the listing of Civil War Veterans from Redding: George Sherman, Company K, recruit. Enlisted on February 16, 1864.

February 17, 1864:

From the listing of Civil War Veterans from Redding: Michael Dillon, recruit. Enlisted February 17, 1864.

February 20, 1732-3:

Feb. 20th, 1732-3-“It was voted that the ordination of Mr. Hunn shall be on the 21st day of March next," and John Read and George Hull were chosen a committee "to represent the parish concerning the ordination of Mr. Hunn." From this point we have for a guide the church records in the handwriting of Mr. Hunn, its settled pastor. It is called "A Book of Records Wherein is an account, 1st of the transactions of the church, 2d of persons received to communion, 3rd of persons baptized, 4th of marriages, 5th of deaths, 6th of persons who renew the covenant."

February 23, 1730-1:

The tax rate has risen to 9d. on the pound, and John Read appears as the collector.

February 24, 1864:

Civil War history: Charles M. Platt, recruit. Enlisted in the eighth regiment February 24, 1864.

March 1, 1711:

"The first deed or grant of land in the 'oblong'' within my knowledge(Todd) was given to Mr. Cyprian Nichols in 1687 This grant, in Secretary Wylly's handwriting, reads as follows: At a General Court held at Hartford, October 13, 1687. "This Court grants Mr. Cyprian Nichols two hundred acres of land where he can find it, provided he take it up where it may not prejudice any former grant to any particular person or plantation; and the surveyors of the next plantation are hereby appointed to lay out the same he paying for it. "Caleb Stanley." Captain Nichols “took up” his grant in that part of the “oblong” which is now Lonetown, as is shown by the following document: March 1, A.D. 1711 "Then laid out ye Grant of two hundred acres of land granted by ye General Court to Capt. Cyprian Nichols, Oct. 13, 1687, as follows, viz., beginning at a great Chestnut tree marked on ye south and west side, and J. R. set upon it, standing at ye southend of Woolf Ridge, a little below Danbury bounds, thence running west one hundred rods to a Walnut tree marked on two sides, then running south one mile to a red oak tree marked, then running east one hundred rods to a black oak tree marked, then running north one mile to the Chestnut tree first mentioned. An heap of stones lying at the root of each of ye trees. We say then thus laid out by us. Thomas Hoyt, Daniel Taylor Surveyors of the Town of Danbury. "Entered in ye public books of Entry's for Surveys of Land, folio 14, per Hezekiah Wyllys, Secretary. March 21, 1711.”

March 3, 1834:

The present town house(still standing and used today) was erected in 1834. At a town meeting held March 3d, 1834, Mr. Thomas B. Fanton made a proposition "that he would engage to build a new Town House, same dimensions as the old one, of good materials, covering to be of pine, with shutters to the windows, outside of the house to be painted, and the whole inside and out, to be finished in a workman like manner, to be erected near the old one, on land belonging to the town, provided the town will give him $400.00, and the old house," and engaged to save the town form any expense on account of the materials provided by the committee to repair the old town house. This proposition was accepted, and John R. Hill, Gershom Sherwood, and Aaron Burr,2d, were appointed a committee "to superintend building said House." There were objections, however, to having the new house built on the old site, and a meeting held shortly after voted " to relocate the house in the building owned by Thaddeus M. Abbott recently occupied for a school house." Other parties objected to this plan, and a third meeting was held before a site satisfactory to all parties could be agreed on. This meeting voted to locate it "on the Southeast corner of Thaddeus M. Abbott's homelot, fronting the public parade on the South, and on the West of Lonetown highway, provided that nothing in this vote interferes with the contract made with Thomas B. Fanton for building said house, and that it be no additional expense to the town." The building belonging to Mr. Abbott which stood on this site was moved away, and the present townhouse erected in the summer of 1834.

March 6, 1771:

The following interesting entry appears in the records of a meeting held March 6, 1771: "Voted and agreed, that whereas a plan hath been proposed of moving to the General Assembly in May next for the erecting a new county, to consist of the towns of Danbury, Newtown, Ridgefield, Redding, and New Fairfield, we are willing and desirous that said towns shall be erected a county, and that we will assist them to endeavor to have said county established." The committee appointed for this purpose were David Lyon, Gershom Morehouse, and James Rogers.

March 8, 1864:

Twenty-ninth Regiment (Colored). Mustered on March 8, 1864 John H. Hull, Co. A., John M. Coley, Co. E., Theodore Nelson, Co. E. (Died Apr. 6, 1864), Lafayette S. Williams, Co. E., Edward Voorhies, Co. E., Joseph F. Butler, Corp., Co. G., Henry B. Pease, Co. G., Cato Johnson, Co. G.

March 9, 1779:

Here is one entry from Rev. Nathaniel Bartlett's Revolutionary War notes proving (as Charles Burr Todd puts it) "that amid the horrors of war sly cupid found a chance to inflict his wounds" "March 9, 1780. I joined in marriage William Darrow a soldier, and Ruth Bartram."

March 11, 1888:

Blizzard of 1888.

March 13, 1779:
"Voted not to admit Small Pox by innoculation; voted to admit Small Pox by innoculation next fall."

March 14, 1774:

In October, 1773, the General Assembly passed a resolution. "to assert, and in some proper way support their claim to those lands contained within the limits and bounds of the charter of this Colony westward of the Province of New York"-an act strongly disapproved by the people at large. Redding's attitude in the matter is shown by the following extract from the doings of a town meeting held March 14, 1774: "Whereas it is the opinion of many of the freemen and other inhabitants of this Colony that if ye abovesaid Resolve be carried into execution it will inevitably involve the inhabitants of Connecticut in a long, expensive, and fruitless Litigation with Mr. Penn, therefore this meeting appoints and delegates Messrs. William Hawley and Peter Fairchild to attend a meeting to be held at Middletown on the last Wednesday of instant March, to concert some proper methods in order to put a stop to so disagreeable a procedure."

But the project of the Assembly was never carried into execution: within a few months an invading army was hovering about its coasts, and the sturdy, belligerent little Colony found other vents for its pugnacious spirit.

March 18, 1779:

Here is another entry from Rev. Nathaniel Bartlett's Revolutionary War notes proving (as Charles Burr Todd puts it) "that amid the horrors of war sly cupid found a chance to inflict his wounds" "March 18, 1779. I joined together in marriage John Lines a soldier, and Mary Hendrick."

March 21, 1779:

From the Richards collection, "Putnum's Orders": "Headquarters, Reading, March 21, 1779." "Col. Hazen's Regt. will march to Springfield in 3 Divisions by the shortest notice: the first Division will march on Monday night, and the other two will follow on Thursday and Friday next, weather permitting, and in case the detached parties join the Regt. Col. Hazen will take with him one piece of cannon and a proportionable number of artillery men."

March 23, 1778:

David Jackson, Zalmon Read, and Ephraim Robbins were appointed a committee to provide clothing for the army.

March 26, 1863:

Morris Jennings, Col. G. Discharged for disability, March 26, 1863 from the Seventeenth Regime

March 28, 1781:

Captain Gershom Morehouse and Lieutenant Nehemiah Hull were appointed a committee "to collect the tents belonging to this town"-probably those furnished for the Winter encampment of the troops; at the same time a committee was appointed "to vindicate our claims to the Connecticut Soldiers."

also,

March 28, 1837, the society (Methodist Episcopal Church) "after deliberation, existing circumstances being considered, voted to try a station the ensuing year;" which was accordingly done, and the Rev. Humphrey Humphries became the first stated pastor.

March 29 1733:

At church meeting March 29, 1733, we made choice of Stephen Burr for a deacon, and some time after we chose Theo. Hull to the same service...The next records relate to the adoption of Tate and Brady's version of the Psalms, first for one month, and then for the indefinite future.

March 30 1779:

Here is another entry from Rev. Nathaniel Bartlett's Revolutionary War notes proving (as Charles Burr Todd puts it) "that amid the horrors of war sly cupid found a chance to inflict his wounds" "March 30, 1779. I joined together in marriage Daniel Evarts a soldier, and Mary Rowland."

April 2, 1777:

The first action of the town in regard to the war is found in the records of a town meeting held, April 2, 1777, when a committee consisting of Messrs. William Hawley, Zalmon Read, Thaddeus Benedict, David Jackson, Gershom Morehouse, Stephen Betts, Jr., William Heron, and Daniel Mallory was appointed " to hire a number of soldiers to serve in the Continental army."

also on this date 1793:

"Gentlemen: We are, by the inhabitants of this town, in a town meeting legally warned for that purpose, appointed a committee to correspond with the other towns in Fairfiled County respecting the list of persons entered on the records of Congress, a number of whom this town apprehend are really undeserving. We are ordered to ask of you to adopt a similar mode of appointing a committee to correspond accordingly, and if by due enquiry any person or persons shall be found to be put on the pension list, who are undeserving, to adopt proper means for redress at the proper board."

April 4, 1863:

Civil War History: Seventeenth Regiment. Date of Muster from July 14 to Aug. 14, 1862 John W. De Forrest, Co. G. Discharged for disability April 4, 1863.

April 8, 1793:

In the Farmer's Journal (Danbury) for April 8, 1793, appears a circular letter "sent by a committee appointed to correspond with the different towns in the county of Fairfield," from Reading, as follows: "Gentlemen: We are, by the inhabitants of this town, in a town meeting legally warned for that purpose, appointed a committee to correspond with the other towns in Fairfield County respecting the list of persons entered on the records of Congress, a number of whom this town apprehend are really undeserving. We are ordering to ask of you to adopt a similar mode of appointing a committee to correspond accordingly, and if by due enquiry any person, or persons shall be found to be put on the pension list, who are undeserving, to adopt proper means for redress at a proper board."

April 11, 1779:

From General Putnam's orders: "The officers are requested to lose no time in preparing for the field, that they may be ready to leave their present quarters at the shortest notice. The Q.M. Gen'l - as far as it is in his power will supply those with Portmanteaus, who have not been furnished before, and those who have or shall be provided are on no account to carry chests or boxes into the field. The Portmanteaus are given by the public to supersede those of such cumbersome articles in order to contract the baggage of the Army and lessen the number of wagons, which besides saving the expense, is attended with many obvious and most important Military advantages. The General also thinks it necessary to give explicit notice in time with a view to have the army as little encumbered as possible in all its movements, and to prevent burthening the public and the farmers more than can be avoided. No officer whose duty does not really require him to be on horseback-will be permitted to keep horses with the army-it ought to be the pride of an officer to share the fatigues, as well as the dangers to which his men are exposed on foot. Marching by their sides he will lessen every inconvenience and excite in them a spirit of patience and perseverance. Inability alone can justify a deviation from this necessary practice. Gen. Washington strongly recommends to the officers to divest themselves as much as possible of everything superfluous-taking to the field only what is essential for dining and comfort. Such as have not particular friends within reach with whom they would choose to confide will appoint a place for their reception and furnish means of transportation."

April 23, 1861:

On the 23d of April, ten days after Sumter fell, the following "Notice" was issued: "The legal voters of the town of Redding are hereby notified and warned to attend a special town meeting to be held at the Town House in said Town on Monday Apr. 29, 1861, at 2 o'clock P.M., to consider the expediency of appropriating funds to defray the expenses of the families of those who enlist in the service of the U.S. army under the present call of the President for troops. "John Edmund, Burr Meeker, Francis A. Sanford, Selectman of Redding."Redding, April 23, 1861."

April 26, 1777:

"On the morning of the 26th, at a very seasonable hour, Tryon arrived at Reading Ridge, where was a small hamlet of peaceful inhabitants, almost every one of them patriots, and most of them farmers, who had crowned the high hill, where they had chosen to build their Zion, with a tall, gaunt church, which drew to its aisles one day in seven the people that dwelt upon the sides of the hills, and in the bosom of the valleys, within the range of the summons that sounded from its belfry. By the way of satisfying his hunger with a morning lunch, until he could provide a more substantial meal, he drew up his artillery in front of the weather beaten edifice that had before defied every thing save the grace of God, and the supplications of his worshippers, and gave it a good round of grape and canister, that pierced its sides through, and shattered its smallpaned windows into fragments. The only spectators to this heroic demonstration were a few women and little children, some of whom ran away at the sight of the red coats, and other faced the invaders with a menacing stare."

April 29, 1861:

"The legal voters of the town of Redding are hereby notified and warned to attend a special town meeting to be held at the Town House in said Town on Monday Apr. 29, 1861, at 2 o'clock P.M., to consider the expediency of appropriating funds to defray the expenses of the families of those who enlist in the service of the U.S. army under the present call of the President for troops. "John Edmund, Burr Meeker, Francis A. Sanford, Selectman of Redding."Redding, April 23, 1861." "At a special Town Meeting legally warned and held in Redding on the 29th day of April, 1861, Walker Bates, Esq. chosen moderator. "Voted, unanimously, that an appropriation be made from the treasury of the Town, for the families of those who have enlisted, or may enlist from the town in the service of the U.S. Government under the present call of the President for troops, the same being a call for 75,000 volunteers for the space of three months. "Voted, unanimously, that such appropriation be as follows, to wit, three dollars per week for each of the wives, and one dollar per week for each of the children of the several persons enlisting as aforesaid, during the time of service of such person under said call. "Voted, that a committee of three be appointed for each grand division of the town, to disburse the foregoing appropriation-such committee to receive no pecuniary compensation for their services. Sturges Bennett, Thaddeus M. Abbott, and James Sanford chosen such disbursing committee. "Voted, that the selectman be instructed to draw orders on the Treasurer of the Town on application of either of the foregoing named committee, in favor of such as are entitled to an appropriation as aforesaid, under the foregoing vote. “Voted, that the selectmen he instructed to call a special town meeting as soon as practicable, for the purpose of making an appropriation for those who enlist from this town in the service of the U. S. Government. " The above and foregoing is a true record. " Attest, Lemuel Sanford, “Town Clerk”

May 7, 1700:

"Then laid out ye grant of two hundred acres of land made by ye General Court to Mr. Daniel Hilton, May 7, 1700.." *These grants were purchased probably before they were laid out, by Mr. John Read. For more information please visit: The Acquisition of land Also on this date 1714: "Know all men by these crooked scrawls and seals, yt. we Chickens, alias Sam Mohawk, and Naseco, do solemnly declare yt. we are owners of yt. tract of land called Lonetown, fenced round between Danbury and Fairfield, and Jho. Read, Govr. and Commander in Chief there of, and of the Dominions yr-upon depending, desiring to please us, having plied the foot, and given us three pounds in money, and promised us to a house next autumn. In consideration yr'of, we do hereby give and grant to him and his heirs the farm above mentioned, corn appertaining and further of our free will-motion and soverain pleasure make ye land a manour, indowing ye land with ye prileges yr of and create the sd. John Read, Lord Justice and Soveign Pontiff of the same to him and his heirs forever: Witness our crooked marks and borrowed seals, this seventh day of May, Anno Regni, Anno Dei, Graftia Magna Brittannia, and Regina Decimo Tertio, Anno Dom'r, 1714."

May 9, 1723:

“May 9th, 1723. At a General Court in Hartford. “ To the Hon’ble the gov’nr, Assistants and Deputies in Gen’ll Court Assembled. '' To this Hon'ble Court yr hon'rs most humble pet'rs hereunto subscribing, settlers and well wishers to the settlement of a plantation between Fairfield and Danbury, Humbly Shew, That there is a tract of land lying between Fairfield and Danbury, Ridgefield and Newtown and without all ye claims of the largest pretenders of those towns, containing about two miles wide, north and south, and six miles long East and West, mostly laid out in particular farms, so that when the farms that casually interfere on others are made up, there will not be one hundred acres of any value left in the whole. “On these farms are one half dozen housen set up, and many more going to be set up, and therefore we humbly conceive it is of great necessity for ye use of them, that are come and coming, and for ye encouragement of others to come, to take some prudent care for the establishment of Divine service in that place. That forasmuch as the distance from this land to Fairfield church measures about fourteen miles or better, that is the part on which will certainly be most of the enlargements made, and on that side the bounds of those lands uncertain; for the grant of 12 miles from the area the sea given Fairfield, as far as we can learn has never yet been measured, as it ought long since to have been done. Your hon’rs be appointed to measure out the twelve miles granted to Fairfield from the -(unreadable) and put the vacant land, if any shall then appear into the hands of a Com’tee of ye court to be dealt out to such as will settle on and improve the same, at such price as will bear ye charge of ye Com’tee therein, first laying out a farm of 200 acres for ye ministry, 200 for school, and as much for the first minister that shall shall settle there, and annex the whole to the town of Fairfield. Setting the bounds of the parish to comprehend so much of the west end of ye long lots of Fairfield as may make it near square at ye discretion of ye Com’tee upon ye view of it when ye proprietors of the long lots shall settle their end they may pay their dues there (if they will not be so good as to fling up the west end to a public use, which would doubtless be their private advantage also.

Second Thursday of May, 1725:
To the Honorable the General Court to be holden at Hartford on the Second Thursday of May,1725.

THE EARNEST PRAYER: Of the inhabitants, and of those that have farms in a certain tract of land lying between Fairfield and Danbury, Newtown and Richfield, with whom the Proprietory of a certain division of Land in Fairfield importunately joins-- " Whereas the Honorable General Assembly of this Colony hath in several of their Sessions, been pleased out of their great goodness & generosity to give unto some of your humble Petitioners & to others of them to sell certain Parcels of Land between the aforesaid towns & many of your Petitioners that they might get a comfortable maintenance & thereby be better able to serve their country have removed from their former habitations with great families of Children unto sd Land where we by ye blessing of God on our Industry have (passed) through (the) many difficulties that generally attend such new & Wooden Habitations and have now yet to go through, which are by us insuperable--but reflecting upon your Honor's accustomed Goodness, ready protection, and willing encouragement towards all such that have been under ye like circumstances as we now are, makes us far from despairing of Living like rational Creatures and Christians in a very few years, and under our present Circumstances we have often the neighboring Ministers preaching ye word of God to us, and when your Honors shall be pleased to grant this our earnest & necessary request our number of Inhabitants will immediately be greatly renewed & we soon able to obtain a Minister & give him an honorable support--and that is to grant the vacant land that lies in slips and pieces between ye Land already given and sold to your Petitioners to ye for a perpetual Comon for ye good of ye parish: otherwise your poor Petitioners living at a great distance from any place where the public worship of God is attended, must be obliged and their posterity after them to be soon as the Hathen are without the outward and ordinary means of Salvation, the thought of which makes us now most impostantly address your Honors with this our request making no doubt but yt ye desire your honors have and the great care you have always taken to promote and encourage Religion will also now be moved to grant your poor Petitioners their request, it being no more than your Honors have often done even unto every new plantation, many of which are not nor never will be comparable unto this.

May 12, 1879

From the History of the Christ Church: The noticeable incidents of the present year, 1879, are the destruction of the church sheds by fire in the evenings of the 12th of May, and the acquisition of a baptismal font of Italian marble, purchased with contributions of the Sunday-school and other members of the parish, collected during the rector ship of the Rev. Mr. Kelley. The number of nominal communicants is sixty-five ; of baptized persons, about one hundred and twenty.

May 14, 1861:
Civil War Veterans: Third Regiment (Three Months) Mustered on May 14, 1861. George W. Gould, Co. G. Honorably discharged Aug. 12, 1861. Follow the link for more on the Gould (Gold) family

May 17, 1797:
A lodge of Free Masons was once in active operation on Redding Ridge, as is shown by the following extract from the records of the Grand Lodge:
"Oct. 19th, 1796. A petition from sundry Free Masons residing in the towns of Redding and Weston, was presented to the Grand Lodge of Free Masons then in session at New Haven, praying to be formed into a new lodge, which petition was laid over until the next session of the Grand Lodge. At the new session of the Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. held at New Haven on the 17th of May, 1797, the prayer of the petitioners was granted, and a Lodge formed under the name of Ark Lodge No. 39, F. & A.M. and William Heron was appointed Master."

May 23, 1779:
From the Revolutionary War history files: "I joined in marriage Giles Gilbert an officer in the army, and Deborah Hall."

June 5, 1729:
The first society meeting was held June 5, 1729-less than a month after the parish was organized. The first three committee men of the parish, elected at this meeting, were John Read, George Hull, and Lemuel Sanford.

June 15, 1767:
The act of the General Assembly incorporating the town was passed at the May session, 1767, and a meeting was held June 15, 1767. Redding was officially a town!

June 18, 1908
Samuel Clemens aka Mark Twain arrived in Redding on June 18, 1908. On this day he would view his new home here for the first time! (Talk about confidence in your staff!)

June 22, 1752:
The completion of the new Congregational Church meeting house. It was probably completed and ready for use early in the summer of 1752, as on the 22d of June of that year a call was extended to the Rev. Mr. Tammage to be their preacher, and the old meeting house was sold to Jehu Burr for L34. The manner in which this meeting house was "seated" (which did not occur until 1763) is an interesting commentary on the manners and customs of the day, and has the further merit of novelty, it being doubtful if another record can be found in New England detailing so minutely the method of assigning pews in the early Puritan churches.

June 23, 1996:
"Joel Barlow, Diplomat and Patriot" presented to the U.S. Senate on June 23, 1996 by Senator Joseph Lieberman Mr. Lieberman: Mr. President, I rise to honour one of America's earliest diplomats and a distinguished native of Connecticut, Joel Barlow. On June 28, in a modest ceremony, a bronze biographical tablet will be dedicated to Barlow in the churchyard of the tiny village of Zarnowiec, Poland, where Barlow died and was laid to rest in 1812. The event is organized and the tablet donated by the Joel Barlow Memorial Fund, in cooperation with the American Center of Polish Culture and DACOR, Diplomatic and Consular Officers Retired (of the U.S. State Department).

June 26, 1902
The corner-stone of the present day Georgetown Bible Church building was laid and on June 26, 1902, the building was dedicated at a special service.

June 28, 1877
Aaron Treadwell on June 28, 1877 for $110 from Henry H. Adams 12.4 acre parcel in what is now Putnam Park.

July 1, 1966
Redding's population was 4,800 as of July 1, 1966; 1,848 were children.

July 13, 1957
The Connery Brothers Shopping Center on Old Mill Road in Georgetown held an opening house day July 13, 1957.

July 15, 1909
Mark Twain's secretary Mrs. Ashcroft(former I. N. Lyon) hurries back from her honeymoon abroad to find out about the $4,000 suit Twain has filed against her.

July 26, 1862
A call for additional troops was issued by the President early in the summer of 1862, and a draft to fill it seemed imminent. Under these circumstances a special town meetings was held July 26th, 1862, at which it was voted, " that the selectmen be a committee to correspond with the Adjutant-General, to ascertain whether if the town furnished its quota under the recent call for additional troops, it would exempt the town from a draft under said call," and the meetings was adjourned to July 31st, 1862, to await the action of the Adjutant-General. His answer being in the affirmative

July 28, 1909
Among the passengers on the Caronia from Liverpool yesterday was R. W. Ashcroft, whose wife was formerly private secretary to Mark Twain, and was recently sued by the author for a return of the house he presented her with on her wedding day. Mr. Ashcroft said that they went abroad on June 9 and spent some days at The Hague.

August 4, 1947
A new Buick Ambulance was delivered and on August 4, 1947 the Georgetown Volunteer Fire Company held its first meeting in the new fire house on Portland Ave.

August 8, 1862
The Georgetown Company of Civil War volunteers drilled until August 8, 1862, when Lincoln called for 300,000 men to serve 9 months. The Georgetown company volunteered and was accepted. The company was recruited up to 108 men, and reported for duty at Camp Terry, New Haven. Some members were rejected on account of disability. Those passing examination were mustered in as Co. E, 23rd. Regiment, Conn. Volunteers, in September, 1862. At this time, Captain David. H. Miller was appointed major of the 23rd. Regiment, and Lieut. George M. Godfrey was elected Captain of Co. E.

August 11, 1909
The Fairfield County Pomona Grange Picnic, was held on August 11, 1909 at Gilbert's Farm (now the site of Meadow Ridge).

August 23, 1862
On August 23, 1862, a call was issued for a town meeting to be held in Wilton. Among those who signed the call to war were: George M. Godfrey, Aaron Bennett, Aaron H. Davis, George I. Hubbell, Wilkie Batterson, Charles Olmstead, Henry Olmstead, George I. Batterson, Azor Batterson, Elijah Parkerton, James Corcoran, Aaron Lee, Eli B. Godfrey, Andrew Partrick, George G. Nichols, John Olmstead, Edwin Burchard, Lewis Hurlbutt, living in Georgetown and vicinity. It was voted to pay a bounty of $100 to all members of Co. E living in the town of Wilton.

August 29, 1862
On the 29th or 30th of August, 1862, a large flag was raised on the bell tower of the stone factory of the Gilbert & Bennett Co. This building had a flat roof, with a railing around it. Here the people assembled to take part in the ceremony. As Company E had gone to New Haven, there were very few men present. Dr. Lloyd Seeley made the address and there was speaking by Edwin Gilbert, Sturges Bennett and Samuel Main Sr. Prayer was offered by the Rev. Samuel Keeler, Pastor of the Methodist Church. Charles Jennings of the 17th Regiment, who was home on a furlough, played patriotic airs on his accordian. Sidney Jennings, the "Infant Drummer Boy," was present with his snare drum. The flag floated over the old stone factory for many years and was taken care of by Mrs. Sturges Bennett.

September 1, 1862
September 1st, a meeting was held for the equalization of bounties, and the bounty of $50 was voted to all who had enlisted prior to the vote of July 31st, 1862, as well as to all who should enlist hereafter, except those enlisting under the first call of the President for troops.

September 12, 1866
At the Congregational Church-Rev. K.B. Glidden was installed September 12th, 1866; resigned December, 1868

September 15, 1720
New Haven, September 15th, 1720: "It having been represented to this board that an Indian living near Danbury, called Chickens, has lately received two belts of wampumpeag from certain remote Indians--as it is said, to the west of Hudson River with a message expressing their desire to come and live in this colony, which said messenger is to be conducted by aforesaid Chickens to the Indians at Potatuck, and Wiantenuck, and Poquannuck, in order to obtain their consent for their coming and inhabiting among them; and that hereupon our frontier towns are under considerable apprehensions of danger from Indians, fearing that the belts have been sent on some bad design"

September 16, 1789
Jesse Lee returns to Redding a second time--without seeing any fruits of his efforts; for, although many were impressed with the truth of his doctrines, they hesitated about coming out openly and joining the new sect. At length on his fourth visit, December 28th, 1789, he "joined two in society for a beginning. A man who has lately received a witness of his being in favor with the Lord led the way, and a woman who I hope was lately converted, followed." This was the second Methodist society organized in New England, the first being at Stratford. The first two members mentioned above were Aaron Sanford and his mother-in-law, Mrs. William Hawley.

September 18, 1908
Mark Twain's home at Redding, "Innocents at Home," was visited by two professional burglars last night. The wakefulness of Miss Lyons, the humorist's private secretary, was the undoing of the bold crooks, who were captured after a fight on a New Haven train.

October 6, 1909
Miss Clara L. Clemens, daughter of Samuel L. Clemens, (Mark Twain,) was married at noon today to Ossip Gabrilowitsch, the Russian pianist. The wedding took place in the drawing room at Stormfield, Mr. Clemens's country home, with the Rev. Dr. Joseph H. Twitchell of Hartford, a close friend of Mr. Clemens, as officiating clergyman. The bride was attended only by her sister, Miss Jean Clemens, but her cousins, Jervis Langdon of Elmira, N. Y., and Mrs. Julia Loomis, wife of Edward Loomis, Vice President of the Delaware Lackawanna & Western Railroad, were present.

October 10, 1706
Grant of one hundred acres, granted October 10th, 1706, by ye General Court to Mr.Richard Hubbell, all in one piece as followeth, viz.

October 13, 1687
At a General Court held at Hartford, October 13, 1687. "This Court grants Mr. Cyprian Nichols two hundred acres of land where he can find it, provided he take it up where it may not prejudice any former grant to any particular person or plantation; and the surveyors of the next plantation are hereby appointed to lay out the same he paying for it."

October 15 & 16, 1955
October 15th and 16th, like August 19th, 1955, arrived and became history as any other days, but they will go down in the history of Danbury, Conn., and surrounding communities, and remain forever in the memories of those who witnessed these tragic floods. The disasters caused millions of dollars in damage as the river waters of the Norwalk River ands Still River bashed their way through homes, factories, stores, offices, and heaved up roads and bridges. 13 inches of rain feel in 36 hours.

October 20, 1874
Charles Ives was an American composer of classical music. He is regarded as possibly the first American classical composer of international significance. Ives was born on October 20, 1874 in Danbury, Connecticut, the son of a US Army bandmaster. He was given music lessons by his father at an early age, and later studied under Horatio Parker at Yale University. After graduating, however, he decided to pursue a non-musical career, believing that he would be forced to compromise his musical ideals if he made a living from music. He therefore followed a career in life insurance. Ives purchased a home in Redding in 1912.

October 25, 1918
Clara Clemens Gabrilowitsch has turned over Stormfield, the home of Mark Twain at Redding, Conn., as a convalescent home in charge of the Artists' War Service League, recently incorporated under the laws of the State of New York. The objects of this organization are similar to those of the American Friends of Musicians in France, except that it proposes to aid men of all the artistic professions in the service and their dependents, instead of confining itself to musicians alone. An honorary committee named for the purpose of stimulating membership now includes Rudyard Kipling, representing literature; Enrico Caruso, music; Daniel C. French, sculpture, and John Drew, representing the drama. J. F. D. Lanier will be Treasurer and Winslow, Lanier & Co. will act as bankers for the fund raised by the league.

October 28, 1908
At a chapel on the northeast corner of Umpawaug and Diamond Hill Mark Twain spoke at the dedication of the Mark Twain library on October 28, 1908.

November 3, 1732
Stephen Burr hath undertaken to cart stones and clay for the underpinning the Congregational Church meeting-house for 1lb. 10s. 00d.

November 16, 1838
Dr. Erasmus Hudson and Rev. Nathaniel Colver were appointed by the Anti-Slavery Society of Connecticut to lecture on slavery. On Nov. 16, 1838, a call was issued for an anti-slavery convention to be held in the Baptist Church in Georgetown.

November 26, 1838
Messrs. Colver and Hulson addressed the meeting. But the opposition was so strong the meeting was adjourned until Nov. 27th. That evening the enemies of the movement broke up the meeting, and on the 28th of November the Baptist Church was blown up with gunpowder. A keg of gunpowder was placed under the pulpit.

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