2011 inductee
Abigail Ann Merwin
Born Abigail Ann Beach in 1752, died in 1834 at age 82. She was a descendant of Milford's founding families (Platt, and Baldwin, her ancestor, Thomas Beach, arrived in 1652 in Milford). Daughter of Landa and Abigail Beach. Her father who lived to be 97, fought in both the French and Indian war and the American Revolution during which he may have crossed the Delaware with George Washington. Her mother lived to be 96, both parents having longevity remarkable for their time.
Abigail married into another Milford founding family when, on February 18, 1773, she married Miles Merwin (5/25/1750-11/30/1820), son of Miles Merwin and Mary Tibbals. She settled in at the family farm at Point Beach. Her home, extensively rebuilt over the ensuing centuries, still stands on the hill on Pond Point Avenue. It was from this vantage point that she spied a British ship landing raiders at Point Beach on August 25, 1777.
The British essentially controlled Long Island Sound from bases in largely loyalist Long Island. Seaborne raiders confiscated cattle, pigs and other farm animals, burned crops, property, homes and even towns along the shore. Pond Point and Point Beach area farmers, fearing these raids, had removed their cattle to a dell known to this day as the Calf Pen Meadow.
On that August morning, the HMS Swan anchored about a mile off the point and a raiding party rowed ashore. Abigail Merwin saw them coming, according to some, as she hung clothes out to dry. That day she became a revolutionary war heroine along the likes of Paul Revere. She hitched her wagon and with her 21 month old baby Daniel under her arm, raced into town banging on a copper pot to raise the alarm.
Milford legend has it that the swift response of the local Militia caused the British to beat a hasty retreat. Diarist John Downs reported “Cloudy & rain, I at the farm, Alarm & Training at Town.” Similarly, the Captain's log of the “Swan” reads: “At 4 AM came too(sic) Sm. Br. in 7 fs. [fathoms] water, Milford Church NWBW 2 Miles off shore 1 Mile. Sent boats on Shore Mand & Armd [manned and armed (sic)] to bring of[f] some cattle … At 7 the boats Returned … got no Cattle.”
Neither contemporaneous account states a battle ensued and it is likely neither side came into sight of the other, at least not while both were on land. Nevertheless, because of the actions of one young mother, the militia of Milford was alerted and prepared to defend their homes. Unlike Stratford, Fairfield and New Haven itself, Milford never suffered devastation at the hands of the British.
John Downs
Revolutionary War soldier; noted diarist
John Downs was a weaver, school teacher, and a member of the militia who fought with Connecticut forces on Long Island (Battle of Brooklyn Heights), Harlem Heights, New Haven and Fairfield and served as a Milford Minuteman (a form of home guard).
His biggest claim to fame is that he kept a diary for 47 years, from 1763 to 1810, recording every day weather observations and telling, in very few words, what he did that day. The diary provides picture of life in Milford during and after the American Revolution.
John Downs was born in Milford in June 1745, and he died in Milford on February 19, 1819, at age 74. He is buried in Milford Cemetery. He was the son of John Downs and Ann Hine. He married Hannah Stone on December 14, 1769. She was born in 1752 and died on December 27, 1819 at the age 67 and is buried next to her husband.
John and Hannah had seven children, six of whom survived to adulthood.
In Families of Early Milford, Conn., Susan Woodruff Abbott, Downs’ great-great-great-great granddaughter, describes the diary as follows (p. 230), “This diary is contained in one book, possibly done in sections and sewed together with linen thread, about 7 by 5 inches. The pages are carefully and neatly ruled and written in excellent hand and shows little degeneration in his later years. A line done every day includes always the weather, his attendance at church every Sunday and his activities in the town, which were many.”
The diary was passed down through the generations and is now at the library of the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque. This is because the woman who inherited the diary moved there and decided to present it to the university for safe keeping. A microfilm copy of the diary is in the Milford Public Library.
A typical entry when he was weaving would include, after a brief description of the weather, what kind of cloth he wove that day, for whom, and how much. The entry for October 5, 1775, for instance, reads, “rain most all Day, I wove Lieut Isaac Treats Lin[en] 8:0:0. The three numbers at the end of the line indicate yards, els (1/4 yard) and nails (about 2 inches).
Some entries could be poignant. During September 1773, we find the following entries,
16 Clear & pleasant, I Spooled & warp & Sized Got the Doctor
17 Clear & warm, I tended my Dear Son John with the Canker [scarlet fever]
18 Clear & pleasant, I help tend John & he very Sick
C Clear & good weather. I at home my Son John Died
20 Clear & warm, I prepared and Buried my Son
(Note: Downs’s son, John, was 2 ½-years-old when he died. The letter “C” for the 19th is a Dominical letter used in almanacs for Sundays, which Downs used consistently throughout his diary.)
At times Downs could be maddeningly terse with his comments on the news of the day. Three days after the fighting at Lexington and Concord in April 1775, his comment was, “a Sorrowful Alarm.” And, two days after this, “News from Boston.”
He frequently mentions training with the local militia, and finally he sees action. On August 13, 1776, he and the Milford men board Capt. Pond’s sloop for New York. He then tells of watching for the enemy and being on fatigue duty.
Then on the 27th the unit goes over to Long Island. On the 30th was the Battle of Long Island or Brooklyn Heights, at which the Americans were badly defeated. He says, “we quit our station & flee to New York.” But on the 16th of September, at Harlem Heights, “I join our Reg.t at the line & a Smart fight, we beat them back.”
Downs was discharged from the army on the 25th and returned to Milford on foot, marching six miles the first day. On the 26th he walked 33 miles almost to Norwalk, and reached home the following day and found all well. The next day he went out “a-squirreling & got 3 squirrels & 1 pigeon.”
Downs makes no mention of one of Milford’s most historic events, the last day in December 1776 when 200 American soldiers were cast on the shores of Milford by the British, about a quarter of whom were suffering from smallpox. But in March 1777 he journeyed to Salem, New York, to be inoculated for small pox. This gave him a severe case of the disease from which he almost died. There is a 10-day period when he made no diary entries because of “the small pox which was heavy upon me.”
Having contracted and recovered from the disease, he acquired an immunity that allowed him to later go to New Haven to tend sufferers during an epidemic.
His comment on the British raid at Pond Point on August 25, 1777, for which Abigail Merwin would be a Milford Hall of Fame 2011 co-inductee, again was terse, “Cloudy & rain, I at the farm, Alarm & Training at Town.”
In other military actions, Downs witnessed the British raid on New Haven in 1779 and then the burning of Fairfield.
The end of the Revolutionary War did provide cause for Downs to be more specific about the news. When word of Yorktown reached Milford, he wrote “rejoyce for Victory [over] Cornwallis.” And then, with word of the Treaty of Paris in 1783 ending the war, on March 31 “went to rejoice for peace.”
In addition to his weaving and militia duties, Downs was a part-time school teacher. In those days teaching duty was passed among various people on a rotating schedule. For instance, starting on February 4, 1784, “I begin School at Bryan Farm.” Bryans Farm would be North Milford or present-day Orange. Every day from then until March 27, the day’s entry except Sunday’s includes “I keep school.” As this appears to have been a rather lengthy commute, Downs tells of boarding with different families every few days.
John Downs’ house still stands at 139 North Street, having been saved from “demolition by neglect.” There is some uncertainty about when the house was built. The framing of the house is consistent with the techniques in use about 1750, but Downs tells of dismantling his old house and building a new one on his property during the 1790s.
There is much in the diary of everyday life in Milford during this period. Downs frequently tells of farming, “killing hogs,” haying, hoeing corn and helping his father-in-law, Samuel Stone, whom he refers to as “Father Stone.”
Downs regularly attended the Second Congregational Church, or “Plymouth” Church, and usually tells who preached each Sunday. As was the Puritan custom, he did not observe Christmas. He would mention what day it was but then tell of a normal work day.
Those who would like to know what life in Milford was like more than 200 years ago can get a vivid idea from reading Downs’ diary.
Jonathan Law
Governor of the Colony of Connecticut, 1741-1750
Born in Milford, Connecticut on August 6, 1674 [possibly 1672], Jonathan Law (Jr.) was the only son of Jonathan Law of Milford and Sarah Clark, born February 18, 1644 daughter of Milford founder, Deacon George Clark. His grandfather, Richard Law was an early settler of Wethersfield and Stamford
*As a young man he briefly served as a minister before attending Harvard.
*He graduated from Harvard in 1695 and worked as a lawyer.
*In 1698 he established his law office in Milford.
*In May 1709, Law became a Justice of the Peace and of the Quorum for New Haven County,
Later being named Judge of the County Court of New Haven County and Assistant Judge of the Connecticut Superior Court.
*He was elected Deputy to the Connecticut General Assembly in 1706 and served several terms until 1717.
*In that year he was chosen an Assistant, service as such, with the exception of one year, until 1724.
* In October 1724, he became Deputy Governor and in May 1725 Chief Judge of the Superior Court. He held these latter two offices at the same time, which was possible under the government of that era.
*At age 67 in October 1741, following the death of Governor Joseph Talcott, he became 27th Governor of the Colony of Connecticut, an office he held until his death in 1750.
Jonathan Law lived at a time when a person’s life span could be short, as medical knowledge about diseases was not very advanced. Although he lived to be 86 years old, his wives were not as fortunate. Law married five times, usually into prominent political New England families: December 20, 1698 he married Anne Eliot, daughter of Rev. Joseph and Sarah (Brenton) Eliot and granddaughter of John Eliot, the apostle, and of Governor William Brenton of Rhode Island; February 14, 1705, Abigail Arnold, daughter of Josiah and Sarah (Mills) Arnold, grandfather of Governor Benedict Arnold of Rhode Island; August 1, 1706, Abigail Andrew, the daughter of Rev. Samuel Andrew, Minister of the First Congregational Church in Milford, rector of Yale College and a Milford Hall of Fame designee (2010); In 1725 to widow Sarah Burr of Fairfield, Connecticut; and In 1730 to Eunice (Hall) Andrew, daughter of John and Dorothy (Lyman) Hall; widow of Rev. Samuel Andrew, the son of the rector of Yale College (thus a former in-law) and aunt of Lyman Hall, signer of the Declaration of Independence from Georgia.
Some of the children and grandchildren went on to serve in Congress and to hold other national political offices. His great grandson, Samuel Augustus Foote (1780-1846), would become Connecticut Governor and U.S. Senator.
In addition to being a jurist and a governor, Jonathan Law seriously attempted to develop the cultivation of silk worms on a farm in Cheshire. He received recognition from the British Parliament. He personally appeared in the first coat, hat’s and stockings made of New England silk and his daughter was the first to exhibit a silk dress of domestic material. Regrettably, the silk production permit was never renewed.
Perhaps because Jonathan Law merely did well what everyone expected him to do he is not remembered as well as some of the “shooting stars” of American history. Certainly those people who knew him recognized his qualities of leadership. Jonathan Law was considered by his peers to be talented, amiable, even-tempered and a man who promoted religion, education, and cooperation. He died on November 6, 1750, shortly after the end of the fall session of the General Assembly after 35 years in the colonial government. He is buried in Milford Cemetery. A high school in Milford is named for Governor Law. When the Memorial Bridge on New Haven Avenue was erected to honor the early settlers of Milford, the doorstep from Jonathan Law’s house was included in the stonework
Winthrop A. Smith
gentleman, patriot, athlete & family man
Winthrop A. “Pink” Smith was born in Milford CT to the late George J. and Ellen Rhoena Clark Smith. He was direct descendant of the founding families of Milford in 1639. He was a graduate of Milford High School, Milford Preparatory School, Yale University, and McAllister School of Embalming.
Mr. Smith was member of ROTC while at Yale. In his junior year he was commissioned as a 2nd. Lt. in the Ct. National Guard. Upon graduation from Yale he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Army. Mr. Smith served in the U.S. Army during World War II attaining the rank of major. He received Bronze Star and took part in the Battle of the Bulge.
Pink lettered 3 times in Lacross while in Yale being elected captain in his senior year. He played for the USA All American team vs. Canada team in 1931. Pink was elected to the Lacross Hall of Fame in 1969 and served as varsity Lacross coach for Yale 1932 to 1935 and again from 1946 to 1948. Mr. Smith was a life member of American Legion Post #34, where he served as Past Commander and Manager of the Junior Legion baseball team. He was also a life member of Devon Post V.F.W. #7788.
Mr. Smith was an active member for the American Red Cross since 1950 where he was Captain of the Red Cross Fund Drive, Past Chapter Chairman and Director, Chairman of Blood Program, Chairman of Emergency Blood Call Drivers, Chairman of Service to Military Families of Milford, Vice Chairman and Chairman to Military Families of the State of Connecticut, Red Cross Consultant on Fund Raising life time member of Board of Directors of Milford Chapter where he received the Sterling Volunteer Award.
Boy Scouts were a big part of Pink’s and his families’ life. In 1925 Pink, a member of Troop 1, became the first Eagle Scout of Milford and the Quinnipiac Council. Pink continued his love for scouting by serving as a member of the Board of Directors and Vice President of the Quinnipiac Council, Chairman of the Old Settlers camping area, Camp Sequassen Building Fund Committee, member of Quinnipiac executive committee, recipient of the Silver Beaver award and receiving the Good Scout Award in 1997.
Other organizations and activities that Mr. Smith was able to enjoy over the years in the Milford area are: a member of the 1st. United Church of Christ, Congregational, Past Director and Sec. of the Milford Cemetery, Past Master of Ansantawae Lodge #89 A.F.A.M., Past Organizer of Blood Donor Service, captain of the Milford Badminton Club (won State Championship in 1951-1952), member of United Nations Day Committee, Past Master of Ceremonies and Chairman of “Man of the Year” in 1952, member , past Director and past President of Milford Rotary, past Grand Marshall of the Memorial Day Parade, past organizer and President of Milford United Fund, Member of the Plymouth Men’s Club, former Chairman of the Memorial Field Committee, past organizer of Milford Halloween parade, party and dance, member of Adam Sattig Council #35, R.S.M., member of Wepawaug Shrine Club, Milford Chapter of #49 RAM, member of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, member of Milford Elks Lodge #1589, member of the Sons of the American Revolution, past secretary of Milford Veterans Graves Preservation Commission.
Pink was honored with a testimonial in appreciation of his “Unselfish Dedication and Service to the Community” in 1978 and received the 1979 “Man of the Year” Award in 1979 from the Milford Chamber of Commerce. Winthrop A. “Pink” Smith died on October 23, 2000 at the age of 92.
Pvt Charles Marsh
Civil War ‘Medal of Honor’ was earned by Charles H. Marsh for capturing flag
Private Marsh, born in Milford, joined the 1st Connecticut Cavalry and saw service in the American Civil War. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry in action against Lt. General Jubal A. Early’s (CSA) command, at Back Creek Valley, the area encompassing the headwaters of the Potomac River, near North Mountain, West Virginia on July 31, 1864.
He captured the Confederate flag, a mark of great heroism and a key to victory. During the Civil War, forces would rally to and around the color bearer. The Flag held aloft amid the smoke and fire and confusion of infantry skirmishes was key to the location and direction of forces, battle lines and lines of attack. Taking the opponents flag would often result in great confusion and demoralization among the enemy and result in victory, so the flag bearer was usually well defended by his peers.
Private Marsh had joined Company D of the 1st Connecticut Cavalry on October 21, 1861. In October 1862, one year after his enlistment, Marsh was captured by Confederates near Haymarket, Virginia. He was found with a letter which indicated to the Confederates that he may be a spy, and he was jailed at Castle Thunder, a facility in Richmond for civilian prisoners and Union agents. Marsh protested to Confederate Secretary of War James Seddon, arguing that the area where he was captured was Union-held, and he should thus be considered a prisoner of war rather than a spy. His argument was rejected, but he was nevertheless released in a prisoner exchange in December of that year. He rejoined the 1st Connecticut Cavalry and took part in the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in May 1864 and then participated in the Valley Campaigns of 1864 during which he captured the Confederate flag on July 31, 1864. The Medal of Honor for that accomplishment was awarded six months later on January 23, 1865.
After discharge from service with the rank of corporal, Marsh returned to the Lanesville area of New Milford, Connecticut where he had be and sewn together with linen thread, about 7 x 5".en raised but, shortly thereafter, moved to nearby Pawling, NY. The privations of war weighed heavily upon him. He would die of consumption (TB) contracted during the war at just age 27. He was buried at Quaker Cemetery in New Milford.
Marsh Bridge, spanning the Housatonic River in New Milford, was named in his honor. He is one of two Milford residents to have received the Medal of Honor, the other being Indian Wars hero and Milford Hall of Fame honoree (2008), George W. Baird.
