|
This history is taken from the Map of Bloomfield commemorating the tercentenary of the State founded in 1635, bicentenary of the Wintonbury Parish established 1735 & the centenary of the Town of Bloomfield
incorporated 1835. History ~
Soon after the settlement of Windsor, an expedition sent to explore the wilderness, reported good ground sufficient for three families. The first Indian purchase of land in this section was in 1660. The surrounding Indians making this their hunting ground were the Massaco, Tunxis & Poquonock tribes, divisions of the powerful Algonquin tribe & were for the most part friendly. In 1661 Edward Messenger was deeded land here & built the first house. Later this section became known as
Messenger Farms.
In 1675 several families moved in and three of them built houses on Three high hills. By 1734 the inhabitants had so far increased in number that winter privileges were desirable, the six miles to attend church in Windsor being too difficult. Their petition speaks of the hardship of travel thru deep snow, unbroken forest & danger from prowling Indians. Their petition was granted. 2 yrs. later 51 persons, 31 from
Windsor, 8 from Farmington & 12 from Simsbury, asked of the Legislature parish privileges, or the right to hire a preacher & build a meeting house.
This was permitted & the Parish of Wintonbury
was set off, taking its name from a portion of each of the three towns. The parish then contained 65 families & 365 persons & was in area almost exactly 4 miles square . 7/10 being taken from Windsor, 1/10 from Farminton & 2/10 from Simsbury. In 1780 the parish was enlarged by the annexation to Windsor of an additional portion adjoining the original Farmington section. In 1835 107 persons in Wintonbury Parish together with others from the Poquonock Society District of Windsor petitioned the Legislature sitting in Hartford, to be incorporated as a separate town. At the same time 35 persons signed a petition in opposition. The original petition being granted the Legislature set the date for the first town meeting to be held in the Congregational Church on the first Monday in Oct. 1835, David Grant being delegated to be the moderator. Still the town of Bloomfield was not fully grown, for in 1843 another section of Simsbury approximately 5 mi. long & 1 mile wide Known as Scotland Parish was annexed. Bloomfields future as a residential suburb & member of the Metropolitan Dist. of Hartford is assured.
Back to top
|
