Stanton-Davis Homestead

Thomas Stanton started the first business on the Pawcatuck River in 1661.

Soon after a grist mill and later a sawmill were erected on the west bank of the river.

In 1681 the Stantons built what is now known as the Stanton-Davis Homestead in Lower Pawcatuck (part of the town of Stonington, Connecticut).

It is the oldest standing house in town and has remained in the family since that time.

In an August 31, 1904 article in the New London Day newspaper, the house is described:

"FAMOUS OSBROOK FARM"

"Old Colonial Mansion Filled With a Collection of Rare Antiques."

"To the Editor of The Day:

"At the present time there is a hungering and thirst for  those things that existed in our grandfathers' days.

Records are being searched with untiring energy to trace lineage to the days of '76 that one may become a son or daughter of the American Revolution.

Anything that is antique has a charm for all lovers of ancient history. Last Sunday afternoon I met my old friend, John J. Davis, of Stonington, on the wharf at Watch Hill and accepted an invitation of long standing to visit his home in the town of Stonington located on the banks of the Pawcatuck River.

This to my great surprise is one of the most historic spots in Connecticut.

Mr. Davis resides in a house that was an elegant mansion in the early days.

One glance at the interior of this house will convince any reader of The Day that my statement is even more than true.

The house is said to be between two and three hundred years old and built and owned by an Englishman named Robert Stanton who was an Indian post trader and interpreted the Indian language for the benefit of his countrymen and to promote this commercial interest and possesses of 6,000 acres of land.

This man Stanton was a famous breeder of cattle and it is said that many a barbecue feast has taken plan on the Davis farm during its early history and the English army-officers would ride into the midst of the herd, single out a fat steer and bring him down with a bullet.

The interior of the Davis home shows great skill in workmanship.

The east front room has an old-time buffet in the corner, the interior being  finished in carved mahogany, the top representing a huge scallop shell.

Worthy of special mention is the mahogany stair railing and posts which were made in England and are most beautifully carved.

The dining room is alone worth a visit from the lover of the antique.

The old time mansion contains much more than pen can describe and is a veritable museum in itself.

Mr. Davis and his brother, who resides with him, are prosperous farmers.

Any reader of The Day who is hungering for a reminder of the time when tomahawks and scalping knives were much in evidence should visit the famous Osbrook farm.  -J.R. Warren, Lyme, Conn., Aug. 31, 1904."

 

 

Another, undated article is:

"THE VENTURE STONE"

"Weighs 442 pounds and Is Still Located on the Davis Farm at Osbrook"

"In relating some of his feats of strength Miss Wheeler makes mention of a large stone called 'The Venture Stone,' located on the Davis Farm in Lower Pawcatuck, and some additional facts regarding it are worthy of mention.

Venture, with two other men, was engaged in building a wall for Thomas Stanton, 2d, by whom he was owned at one time, when they came to a stone which Venture's companions found it impossible to list with their united strength, and they called upon him for assistance.

The good natured giant bade them stand aside and see what he could do. Then raising the stone to his shoulder he carried it a distance of three of four rods, and deposited it on a high rock, where it has been visited and viewed with interest by many.

It has always remained where Venture placed it upward of 150 years ago until the recent construction of the road to Osbrook necessitated its removal, as it was in the middle of the proposed highway."

"This stone, when moved by the Davis brothers, was found to weight 442 pounds, and was taken by them to a new resting place near their home, where it will be kept as a relic."

"Venture purchased a small tract of land of Thomas Stanton about three-quarters of a mile west of the Davis homestead, and built a house on a high hill overlooking Little Narragansett Bay.

The place with the cellar excavation still in evidence is known to this day as Venture's Hill.

After becoming a freedman Venture resided on Long Island for several years, where, as a further test of his wonderful strength and endurance he was known to cut and pack seven cords of pine wood in one day.

In his old age he became nearly blind, and much enfeebled by hard work, but rejoiced in the possession of freedom by himself and family, having purchased his wife, and those of his own children born in bondage, by his own perseverance and industry."