Page:History of Barrington, Rhode Island (Bicknell).djvu/636

 520 THE HISTORY OP BAEEINGTON. Barrington from old to new. Prior to 1855, all public travel from Barrington was by stage coach or steamboat. In 1853 plans were matured for a railroad through Barrington, and two surveys were made, one along New Meadow Neck, across the Barrington river at Martins and Kinnicutts, and thence by the " Long Swamp," to Providence ; the other route by Nayatt, where it was established. One of the arguments for the choice of the Nayatt route was the probable business that would come from the Brick Company, but this source of revenue never matured as the brick were carried to Providence on scows, towed by small steamboats or tugs. On the 8th of September, 1853, the first shovelful of dirt was thrown out on " the short railroad route " through Barrington, and, on the 4th of July, 1855, the first steam locomotive ran over the track, with passengers from Providence to Barrington, Warren, and Bristol. Three stations were established in town, Drownville, Nayatt and Barrington. All the interests of the town felt a new im- pulse from quicker and more vital communication with the capital city and the greater outside world. Better facilities were now afforded the people for doing business in Provi- dence and living in Barrington, and the people of the city could now more easily enjoy the privileges of country life in a beautiful town on Narragansett Bay. Among those who came to Barrington was Allen C. Mathewson, who had acquired wealth in Providence, and returned to his native town to invest it in improvements, which he did with a liberal hand. He located his residence on the west bank of Bar- rington river, opposite Tyler's Point, and to this section he drew a number of enterprising people, who became inspired with his loyalty to the town and his generous support of all good enterprises. Mr. Mathewson spent large sums of money in improving farm lands and establishing a model farm, which was an object lesson to the town. He also reclaimed waste lands, and whatever he touched was benefited by his labors. He was a tower of strength in town and State during the Civil War, and the town hon-