"Joseph (Stiles) (Lieut.), d. unm'd, 28 Aug., 1756, having lived always single under the shadow of an early bereavement. He had (in 1714) an engagement of marriage with Dorothy Stoughton, the dau. of a near neighbor. The day of the wedding was fixed, his house fitted up in an expensive style unusual in those days, and all things betokened happiness ahead. Being invited to attend a gay party in E. W., he was very desirous that his affianced should go with him, to which her mother strenuously demurred, as they would have to recross the river in the night. He urged, and she consented. On their return from the party the boat sank in the river, and he attempted to swim ashore with her, and did support her until he lost consciousness. They were both taken unconscious from the water, but her life had indeed fled. He never married, but kept house while he lived in very liberal style; was hospitable and generous, making everything pleasant to his friends, especially to his young relations and neighbors, and when he died he gave part of his property for the use of schools in the town of Windsor, one of the earliest beginnings of the town's present school fund."
