from the Watertown Records by the Historical Society " Joseph Cady son of Nickholas and Judeth Cady Borne 28 May, 1666 He is buried in the Aspinwall cemetery, Killingly Ave. and Nancy Street in Putman. ----------------------------------------------------------------- From The Ancestors of Edna Frances Cady by Robert Cady Gates. Joseph Cady, Son of Nicholas and Judith Knapp Cady, was born in Watertown on 28 May 1666 and married in Groton in 1690 to Sarah Davis, daughter of Samuel and Mary Waters Davis, who was born there on 12 Aug 1667. Joseph moved to Groton with his parents when he was an infant and he grew up in that town. At the age of ten, he witnessed three attacks by the Indians during March of 1676 when the residents of Groton had to take refuge in garrison houses and fight off the Indians until they were rescued by forces under Captain Lee who escorted them to Concord..... Later, Joseph served with his brothers John, Daniel and Nicholas in the defense of the town during the Indian disturbances in the early 1690's. After the immediate danger from Indians was past, he returned,with the other people who had been driven out of Groton to repair the damage. In 1695, he was chosen constable to the town of Groton. He was granted permission by the general court to keep an inn which he operated form 1699 to 1701.
In 1702 he disposed of his real estate in Groton and bought, for 30 pounds, 150 acres of land in Aspinock, later called Killingly, in the area which in 1855 became part of the new town of Putman, Conn. He moved his family to Aspinock and resided on his farm which was located north of the old providence road in the eastern part of the township of Putman. There are a number of landmarks in the area which lies west of the Rhode Island border, south of Route 44 and east of East Putman Road. These include Cady Pond, Cady Brook, Cady Brook Road ect.
During the years after he moved to Killingly, Joseph became quite prosperous and in 1714 he gave up his original log cabin and built a large pretentious home where he and his descendants lived for many years. In 1895, the genealgist Orrin Peer Allen visited the old house and found it deserted and fast going to ruin. He described it as having a frontage of two stories , in the center was the conventional stone chimney of the olden days, with the huge oven and fireplace in the kitchen and fireplaces for the reception and family rooms. There were six rooms on each floor of ample proportions and convenience. In 1768, justice Joseph Cady ( his son ), sold the family home to Darius Session, Deputy Governor of Rhode Island and made it his summer home. A few years later during the Revolution this house was visited by many famous people including George Washington who was entertained there during one of his trips through the country. It then had many residents till 1893 when it was deserted. At that time, it was the oldest house in northeastern Connecticut.
In 1708, Joseph Cady was chosen lieutenant of the train band ( Militia ) and this was confirmed by act of the colonial assembly in the same year, In 1721, he was chosen captain. During this time "Luther Rasle's War" resulted in Lovewell's expedition and the New England colonies were in a ferment. As a captain, Joseph Cady served in several expeditions to the north against the French and Indians. On his return from one of his expeditions, it was reported that he was greeted by an old squaw friend of the family who joyfully exclaimed, " Oh Mata Cady, I so glad to see you I could drink a whole quart of rum.
Captain Cady was known for his giant frame and physical strength and he had considerable influence over the Indians He grew their sacred medical herbs on hIs farm and, for this reason, they considered his property neutral ground. At that time, the white settlers were in close contact with the neighboring Nipmus Indians of the region. These Indians sometimes challenged the whites in sports and in contests of strength and agility. In these contests, the whites often proved superior to the Indians because their muscles had been hardened by clearing the forests, building rock walls and performing heavy manual work on their farms. A true story concerning Joseph Cady was given as an example. One day, soon after his arrival at Killingly, Cady was mowing brush at the foot of Mashentuck Hill when an Indian came from the adjoining wood and challenged him to a test in skill in wrestling. Without hesitating, Cady dropped his scythe and grappled with his savage competitor who struggled long and hard to throw him down. Knowing that with an effective display of strength and skill he might deter the Indians from hostilities against the settlements, Cady was determined not to be beaten in this contest. He made a desperate effort and finally succeeded in flinging his opponent to the ground. But, unexpectedly, the Indian's head landed on the sharp points of the stubs of brush which, because of the force of the fall, pierced his skull, killing him instantly. ----------------------------------------------------------------- According to Bayles' HISTORY OF WINDHAM CO, CONNECTICUT the Indians had great respect for Joseph Cady. The same source tells us that Joseph Cady suspended a bunch of sacred herbs over his cabin door " to serve as an amulet against assult or surprise" pg 751.
Captain Cady was in charge of the public lands of Killingly for many years, and he was very interested in public affairs as evidenced by the many references to him in the town records. In 1728, he was chosen townsman and he was deputy or representative from Killingly from 1731 to 1734. He died on 29 December 1742. Local historians say that he was buried , near many other members of the Cady family, at the old Killingly Burying Ground, now called the Aspinwald Cemetery, located on Killingly Avenure and Nancy Street in Putnam.
I found his gravestone in 1998 --------------------------------------------------------------- From General Register of the Society of Colonial Wars. Captain Joseph Cady 1666-1742 of Groton, Mass and Killingly, Conn. In garrison at Groton, Mass., 1691-92. LEUTENANT OF THE TRAIN BAND, KILLINGLY, Conn. 1708. CAPT. OF THE TRAIN BAND OF KILLINGLY 1721. DEPUTY OF KILLINGLY 1731-33-34 AND 1739. ----------------------------------------------------------------- History of Windham Co. Conn. Pg.3 History of school districts 1762 Joseph Cady, Uriah Cady, Ezekiel Cady and Nathan Cady were in District one. Pg 113 in 1739 there was organized a library formed to operate in Woodstock, Pomfret, Killingly and Mortlake. Among the donors was Joseph Cady who gave 16 pounds. Pg. 88 The homestead farm long occupied by Joseph Cady was purchased by Darius Sessions, Deputy Governor of R.I. who made his summer home here and bought it under high cultivation in 1761.. Pg 587 During a church fight in Pomfret on Nv 5 1742, several members including Joseph Cady withdrew from its membership. pg 627 Captain Joseph Cady was among the early residents of this old " South Neighborhood " although his farm is within the limits of Putman. pg 631 It became necessary to move roads and improve roads as the country settles. Written in 1730 - The road from SABIN'S BRIDGE ( now Putman Centre ) was a very remarkable achievement, accommodating Joseph Cady, Deacon Eaton and other widely seperated prominent citizens. pg 633 in 1727 people living north of Killingly wanted to form a new town but the " forceful pleas and representations of Killingly's foremost citizens Joseph Leavens and Joseph Cady decided the case against them and it was decreed that a religious society or precinct should be erected instead of the desired township." pg 635 Now that a new church was to be built " no stated minister was yet procured but services were kept up through the winter at Sabin's tavern. Jan.20 1729, Joseph Cady and others were deputized to agree with workmen to finish the outside work belonging to our meeting house and to make the Woodstock meeting house their pattern. Pg 637 Due to the complete lack of schooling, Jan 15 1731, Killingly decided to make for schools and four honored citizens were picked to decide the boundaries. One was Joseph Cady. Pg 640-641 There is a full page of description of the lovely worship house > There was rules of seating ect. This onerous task was assigned to Joseph Cady and others whose rule to go by was computing all the charge of settling the gospel in said Society having respect for age. Having settled all the parochial affairs he was sent as a deputy to the general assembly. Pg 761 As the Revolutionary war came on the whole valley was stirred. The old Cady homestead, upon the decease of Captain Joseph Cady, was purchased by Darius Sessions, son of Nathaniel Sessions of Pomfret, and then deputy governor of R.I., one of the prominent leaders among the revolting patriots. The house, already old, was thoroughly reconstructed, enlarged and beautified, transformed into a stately colonial mansion. Governor Sessions also took much pains with his grounds and farm, making, according to President James Manning, "Truly Wonderful" accommodations. In this fine country seat many patriots found a safe retreat from the constant alarms and perils of the seaboard, making it almost a war office and lace of general consultation Pg. 751 The first settlers north of the Providence road were three brothers, Nicholas, Daniel and Joseph Cady from Groton, Mass. soon after 1700. Joseph purchased the wilderness land held in much repute by the Indians, a nile north of Quinebaugh. He was a man of great strength and prowess, much respected by the Indians, able it was said to beat their strongest warriors in wrestling. A bunch of the sacred herbs , suspended over his cabin door, served as an amulet against assault or surprise. As soon as circumstances warranted Captain Cady erected a large house still standing in tolerable preservation, and owned by Mr. Eli Davis. It was considered an old house in 1774, when after the demise of the second Joseph Cady it was sold to the Lieutenant-Governor Sessions, of R.I. Pg. 928 Killingly- 1921 During this year the train-band was organized. Joseph Cady was chosen captain. Pg 928 The first town meeting that records are found was 25 Nov, 1728 and Jospeh Cady was appointed a townsman. Pg 581 When school districts were formed at Pomfret Joseph Cady was in District # 1. Pg 637 When public schools were organized in Killingly, Joseph Cady was one of the four persons to divide the are into 4 districts. pg 640- 641 The onerous task was assigned to Joseph Cady and others whose rule to go by was computing all the charge of settling the gospel in said society. With the parochial affairs settle Joseph Cady was sent successively as a deputy to the general assembly. Pg 750 The Joseph Cady Farm east of Putman villiage was noted for producing remarkable variety and quantity of medicinal herbs and roots much used by the medicine men of the Indians. It is traditionally reported that Indians came from great distances to gather these herbs and that in consequence this locality was made a sacred haven where no bloodshed was lawful and tribal foes might meet in safety Pg 751 The first settlers north of the Providence road were Nicholas, Joseph and Daniel Cady. Joseph purchased the wilderness land held is such repute by the Indians a mile east of Quinebaug Pg 759 Captain Joseph Cady was succeeded by his son Justice Joseph a man of equal probity and influence, the richest man of the community and according to tradition the first man to own a coach. Pg 812 A little east of the modern cemetery overgrown and en matted with tangled shrubs and vines is the lot of land given to the town of Killingly for a burial place by its most honored citizen, Peter Aspenwall. Mouldering stones bearing the names of the earliest settlers of this vicinity are to be found there. Among those buried there were Killingly's choiced worthies, including Captain Joseph Cady Pg 925 When this area of Conn. was first laid out the men named in the patent representing the proprietors included Joseph Cady. Pg 928 In 1721 the town of Killington was laid out and distributed its first division of public lands. About eight persons received shares of this land. During this year the Train Band was organized and Joseph Cady was chosen Caption. ---------------------------------------------------------------- From HISTORIC GLEANINGS IN WINDHAM COUNTY CONNECTICUT. PG. 60 year 1726 Friday we dined at Cady's and had beef and pork and herbs, began to be very weary. Pg 149 in 1769 Darius Sessions became deputy-governor and indirectly afforded much aid and comfort to those inclined to resist British oppression. As the aspects of affairs became more threatening, Gov. Sessions purchased a country-seat in Thompson Parish - The old Cady House and farm. The reconstructed mansion became a famous place of resort during the war entertaining many famous historic personage. Pres. Manning, who, during college suspension made frequent visits to Windham Co. and speaks with admiration of Gov. Session's excellent farm and superior accommodations. ----------------------------------------------------------------- from WATERTOWN RECORDS by Historical Society Pg 28, born 28 th May, 1666. ----------------------------------------------------------------- from GROTON AND THE INDIAN WARS - Samuel A. Green Pg 184 The following list of early landlords and retailers of spirits is taken from court records. Joseph Cady in 1699 and 1701 Another article in the book says that he enlisted at Groton in the military during the King William's War. ---------------------------------------------------------------- All my previous information about the Cadys in the Putman area were buried in the Aspenwall Cemetery but information found in the Putman Public Library says that they all were buried in the Angel Pray Cemetery, It must be the same cemetery as the location is the same for both. In East Killington on a hill in a field back of the house of Leonard Bartlett on road leading from East Killington to Sparks district. ----------------------------------------------------------------- When the Congregational Church of Putman was founded in 1848, Putman was not Putman. The founders lived in Pomfret, Thompson, Killingly, Brooklyn, Woodstock, Eastford and a few as far away as Southbridge and Brimfield. ----------------------------------------------------------------- From DESCENDANTS OF NICHOLAS CADY by Allen Confirms most of above except it says than Capt. Joseph sold the big house to Darius Sessions shortly before his death. The Book by Edna Francis Cady says that his Son, Joseph Cady sold the house to Sessions. Using dates, it seems farm more reliable that it was his son that sold it. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Fron NEW ENGLAND MARRIAGES PRIOR TO 1700 by Clarence Torrey Cady, Joseph 1666 and Sarah Davis 1667 Married 1690 Groton, Canterbury Ct to Killingly Ct,
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CONNETICUT HISTORY book - Killingly settled 1700 but became legal town in 1709. One of the first settlers was Joseph Cady. The first white person buried here was of Mr. Cady's family The oldest date still able to be read was 1720.
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In 1998 I found 30 stones of the Cady clan together in the lower right
part of the cemetery facing from the front. I READ read them all and I connected 27 to the Nicholas Cady line. The three were women and no clue as to their husbands.