The ancient historical records of Norwalk, Conn ... - Hay genealogy

1653.] THE RECORDS. 15
name of " Norwake River," when the English first
came to these shores. Mr. Litdlowe's purchase in 1640
was from " The Indians of Norwalke," and the land is
described as lying between '' the twoe rivers, the one
called the Norwalke^ the other Soakatuck.'*^* In the
earliest town records the name is written Norwalke
(the w probably silent, as in Wari^ick). Our aged
people retain the ancient (and probably true) pronunciation,
Norruck. Bradley's Register says that the early
Colony Records call it Norrwake.
THE RECORDS.
The first record of town proceedings is under the date
of 1653. The first book of grants and deeds is entire ;
but it was evidently not begun till some 20 years after
the first settlement. From 1653, the record of town
proceedings appears to be full and complete.
The first
books are much worn, and in some places the writing is
so much defaced as to be illegible. The remaining
books are in a good state of preservation.
The early Church Records are irrecoverably lost. Phebe
Comstock, aged 83 years, informs me that she used
often to visit at Dr. Burnet's, and at one time desired
to see the Church Records.
Dr. Burnet threw open a
book-case, and said :
" There : whenever any of my parishioners
wish to consult the Church Records, there
they are at their service." She often consulted them.
There were three large folio volumes, one kept by each
of the three ministers, Mr. Hanford, Mr. Buckingham,
and Mr. Dickinson; each volume filled with writ-
* It is a pity that the unmeaning name of Westport was ever
substituted for the old Indian name of Saugatuck. If I were an
inhabitant of that town, I would never cease to petition the Legislature
till they changed it back again.