Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-08-30
A WARWHOOP.

In one of the quiet, pleasant, pictur- esque valleys of eastern Connecticut nestles the pretty. old fashioned village of Windham. A century ago this was one of the most important towns in the state east of the Connecticut river. Here were located the county jail. the county courthouse and other public institutions, which, with it's prominent public men, raised the town to a position of influence and wide reputation.
 During the last half century, or lit tie over, these institutions one by one have been removed to more thriving cen ters. bright and ambitious young men have sought other and more promising fields of activity, and the town, once so important, has been shorn of its old fame and power. until it has become simply relic of the good old times a typical New England village, the ev- eryday existence of which has become dreamy and monotonous, and which lives chiefly in its traditionary history.
 A century and a half ago Squire FL derkin and Colonel Dyer were the two most prominent men of Windham and were well known throughout the state. Both were lawyers. both were promi- nent in public affairs, both were wealthy for the times in which they lived, both had large social followings, and both were intensely jealous of each other.
 Squire Elderkin was tall, lean, bill ious looking man, with heavy, raven black hair and piercing dark eyes. He was of aristocratic lineage, and in man her cold. selfish and ambitious. He was learned lawyer. an able advocate and q merciless wit. Few could give a more rapierlike thrust than he-a thrust that never failed to reach its mark and al ways left q ranking wound and an ugly scar.
 Colonel Dyer was different kind of 8 man in every respect. In person he was short and stout He had a merry blue eye, beaminG couEtenance and a good word for oHery one. Few could tell a better story or more surely make one laugh without knowing the reason why. Genial. happy. sociable, always bubbling over with fun and good humor, he never was happier than when surrounded with company and his wide circle of friends always found him royal entertainer.
 As a result he became one of the most popular men ill the state. His magnetic, winning qualities were more than a match for the sQuire's learning and hrillianCv.
 Colonel Dyer was prominent, too, in military as we'll as political matters. Windham in those days was frontier town. and the red men caused great deal of anxiety at times. Whenever the situation became threatening Colonel Dyer was called to lead, and he always proved a willing soldier and a skillful commander.
 Squire Eldcrkin was very envious of
 the colunclS popularity and made him
 the butt of many keen. piercing shaft nf wit. The colonel in time became very sensitive to these wounds, and although hatred was foreign to his nature he con Neived thorough dislike for the squire | and frequently in defense made a sharp, stinginE rctort The situation went on from bad tn worse until finally there was many a sharp encounter between the friends of the contending parties. The little town. which had hitherto been blessed with happiness and contentment, l became flc,, 'US. GUGrrelsome Commu- nitv
 Where these divisions would have end
 ed, if ap event deftincd to make old | Windham famous LaG not iatcrvcled no o-u ~2n ,t--.
 | The spring and early summer of 115S
 was season of intense anxiety for the | settlers of New England. The memo.