The house at 1 Old Tavern Lane in North Haven was built in 1738 as a tavern by William Walter. It was first known as the Half-Mile House (it is located on a half-mile strip of land that was once part of East Haven but later given to North Haven). After the Revolution it was renamed the Rising Sun Tavern. After Walter, the Tavern was run by Gideon Todd (1737-1817) for many years. Todd also maintained the road and charged travelers at a tollgate. Gideon Todd served as a sergeant during the Revolutionary War and was made a state militia captain in 1787. According to tradition guns were hidden from the British during the War in a secret room above the tavern’s kitchen. The interesting story of Todd’s marriage is described in the The Todd Family in America (1920):
Prudence Tuttle was from Wallingford, Conn., her father being an officer there under the King. Gideon Todd was born in North Haven, Conn. Their marriage created a sensation in Colonial society. The Tuttle’s were a wealthy and aristocratic family and when young "Gid" Todd asked their daughters hand in marriage, he was haughtily refused. He was their equal by birth and lineage, but had his fortune yet to make, and they had other views for their daughter. One winter day, there was consternation and dismay in the Tuttle mansion; Prudence was missing and investigation revealed the fact that she had eloped, mounted on a pillon, behind her lover, they had ridden to North Haven and were married. Her parents disowned her and her name was never to be mentioned. As time passed, reports reached them that Gideon Todd was getting on in a remarkable way; accumulating property and esteemed by every one, and they thought it time to forgive the disobedient daughter; so, they loaded a cart with bedding, furniture, and other valuables, and started the hired man with it for her home, they going on horseback. Arriving there first, they found their son-in-law at home, and were courteously received. After a time, the cart drove up to the door and they then announced that they had brought some presents, when Capt. Todd said with dignity, “Time was when the furniture and bedding would have been acceptable, for when we were first married, we slept on the floor on a straw bed; but now I can supply my wife with every comfort, and your presents cannot come into the house; but you will always be welcomed.” And tradition has it, they returned home, as chagrined and mortified, as their neighbors were amused.
Now a private residence, the tavern was sold out of the Todd family in the early twentieth century.
Thanks so much for posting these photos so I can see inside our ancestor’s home! My mother’s family included Todds, and according to Geni, we’re related to Captain Gideon Todd. I hope we’ll be able to visit one day, but if not, we can catch a glimpse, thanks to you!
Wow!! I am direct 11th generation Todd from Christopher Todd who arrived in Boston on the Hector in 1637 and through Gid Todd and have a copy of the mentioned reference. It is great to see the Rising Sun still in existence!!
Agreed with Brother above.
And to be sure, the modern day Todd’s remain a crafty lot to be sure.
I’m a 14th generation Todd from Virginia now living in CT. I can’t wait to visit the Tavern and Capt Gideon’s gravesite! Any other Todd descendants in CT?
Gideon Todd is my dad’s (4th cousin 6x removed). I was so excited to have found this little bit of new information. I hope one day I’ll be able to visit this beautiful house.
Loved seeing this! Gideon Todd is my direct Great x6 Grandfather via my mom’s lineage. I Hope to make it up to Connecticut see this someday. Anybody know where Gideon’s grave is?
My wife Susan and I are the present owners of the Rising Sun Tavern. We have had many open house presentation. The last was December 3, 2017. We bought the house in 1996 when it was not livable. We preserved it and have lived here for the past 21 years. Other information on the house can be seen at the North Haven Historical Society, 27 Broadway, No. Haven, CT.
Found a box of research from my parents into our genealogy and this was in it! Who knew?! Is this house still standing?
The couple who built this place in 1738 were William and Mary Walter. They are my 7th great grandparents. My wife, daughter, and I visited the cemetery in North Haven and saw their graves. We also drove to the Inn and took a few photos. My name is Douglas Walter and we live in St. John’s, Michigan.