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Fogland Ferry

April 6, 2012

portsmouthhistorynotes Glen Area, Portsmouth History , Leave a comment

Cook Ferry

The Cook family began to ferry their animals to Fogland to graze during the day.

Fogland Ferry (or Cooks Ferry) began when Thomas Cook bought grazing rights to Fogland across the river in what is now Tiverton. Cook lands were located in the Glen area. Thomas Cook’s home was where the Glen Manor House is today. Later on the family seems to have established a public ferry. In 1762 Joseph Cook sold 31 acres of land with wharves, buildings and ferry rights to Christopher Cadman. When he died in 1787, the Cadman Ferry was left to Gideon Cadman, Christopher’s son.

Purchase of Hearse

January 31, 2012

portsmouthhistorynotes Union Hearse , 1 Comment

Purchase of Hearse:

From the records of the Church Board meetings from the 1870s which were kept by George Manchester, Clerk.  At the Board Meeting on March 12, 1871:

“The board unanimously recommended that Br. John J. Brown purchase a hearse of Langley and Bennett at a cost of $162 provided the sum of $200 is raised.”

After researching the City Directory for Newport for 1871 we found this ad for the Langley and Bennett furniture company.  This company not only built furniture but also furnished “everything connected with the management of funerals.”

1871 Advertisement for Langley and Bennet

Christian Union Church Horse Drawn Hearse

January 26, 2012

portsmouthhistorynotes Union Hearse , Leave a comment

The Christian Union Church of Portsmouth, RI purchased this horse drawn hearse in 1871 and used it for many years.  It was made in Newport, RI by the furniture maker, Langley and Bennett.  When the church dissolved in the 1930s the hearse was moved to the Breakers Stables in Newport.  In 1970 there was a fire at the stables and in 1974 the Little Compton Historical Society provided storage for the hearse in the basement of their barn.  In 2009 the hearse was moved to the Portsmouth Historical Society which is at the Church’s original location.

1871 horse drawn hearse returns to the Union Church.

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