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1800
S
Faithfully Your
ECCLESIASTICAL
AND OTHER
SKETCHES
OF
SOUTHINGTON, CONN.
BY
REV. HEMAN R. TIMLOW,
PASTOR OF FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH ; MEMBER OF THE NEW ENGLAND HISTORIC, GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY ; AND OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
HARTFORD: PRESS OF THE CASE, LOCKWOOD AND BRAINARD CO. 1875.
947 707
F104 573.75 THE TEM
TO THE IION. FRANK W. BIRD, EAST WALPOLE, MASS., THIS VOLUME
IS SINCERELY AND GRATEFULLY DEDICATED
BY HIS FRIEND,
THE AUTHOR.
INTRODUCTION.
1. The reader will find this volume to be a mass of materials col- lected and printed for preservation, rather than a thoroughly digested history. I have felt myself to be a pioneer in the work. During the period of one hundred and eighty years, since the settlement of the town, no attempt has before been made to gather these materials. The Church Catalogue is all that has ever been published. It will be seen that very much must be incorporated in such a work as mine, that might have been omitted if preserved in some other form. But nothing like completeness could be secured unless I printed such matter, which oftentimes throws light on passing events. Such are some of the traditional and personal notices. And it is for the interest if not instruction of the present generation that such matter be placed before them. Some future historian will "draw " from these "Sketches " and prepare a more elaborate work. As a considerable portion of the volume was first put into the form of discourses, that style of writing has been retained.
2. It is only just to myself to state, that until within three years I knew nothing of the town, except its name ; and the disadvantages arising from a recent and brief residence have appeared at every step. This entire work has really been performed within two years. Nor have I permitted this line of inquiry and study to interfere with my regular pulpit duties. Each week I have conscientiously prepared and preached sermons as if no other work was on hand. Adhering to a system, and economizing time, have done what otherwise would have been impossible.
3. My authorities have been the records of the Congregational Church and Society, that during the earlier periods are only partial ; records of the Baptist and Episcopal Churches ; records of the towns of Southington (dating from 1779), Farmington, and Wallingford ; Ecclesiastical records of Farmington ; Colonial and Ecclesiastical
6
INTRODUCTION.
records at Hartford ; the records of both Hartford North Association and Consociation, and Hartford South Association and Consociation ; diaries, memoranda, and various family papers of different periods; traditions in the oldest families of the town ; old Bibles with records and marginal memoranda ; manuscripts in the families of descendants of the earlier pastors ; the "daily entries" of Rev. William Robinson, beginning with his ministry and continuing through his life; diary of the late Stephen Walkley, 1806-60; old documents placed in my hands by the late Joel Root, Jr .; Memoir of Rev. William Robinson, by his son; President Porter's Address, 1840; the local histories of various towns in New England; biographies, &c., &c. Thousands of old papers have been examined, and their contents bearing upon this town, noted.
Very much of what I have gathered is certainly new matter to the present generation. Fully three-fourths of the ecclesiastical history is for the first time brought to light. The only merit I claim is in the thoroughness and diligence with which I have examined old papers.
When I began it was not supposed there was in existence material enough for a common sized pamphlet. As to the ministries of Mr. Curtiss and Mr. Chapman hardly anything was known beyond dates of settlement, dismission, &c.
4. To certain individuals I am greatly indebted. Mr. Gad An- drews deserves far more than I can express in words (see p. 469). The town clerks of Southington, Farmington, and Wallingford, have been very obliging. Mr. Dexter, of the Yale College Library, and Mr. Fletcher, of the Watkinson Library, Hartford, spared no pains to accomodate me. Mr. Hoadly, of the State Library, has aided me not only in researches, but by his counsel. Special acknowledgments are due Mrs. Almira Lincoln Phelps, of Baltimore, Md .; William H. Potter, Mystic, Conn .; President Noah Porter; Rev. Thomas L. Ship- man, Jewett City, Conn .; and scores of others whom I would like to name.
In the particular examination, arrangement, and transcription of documents, my most efficient helper has been Mrs. John N. Bull, who has contributed of her time and labor most generously ; and valuable assistance in transcribing has been rendered by my daughters Mary J., Alice W., and Bessie W. Timlow.
5. The reader will observe the variation in spelling proper names. For example : Andrus, Andrews ; AAdkins, Atkins, &c., &c. As my health forbade a careful revision of the text, and the records varying so much in the mode of spelling, I have left the names as transcribed from the original documents.
7
INTRODUCTION.
6. I have aimed at impartiality. Nothing has been covered up merely to improve appearances, but I have allowed the weaknesses and sins of even good men to remain as on the record. One has lately remarked that "local histories are too often worthless because of the author's attempt to conceal or amend the conduct of those with whom they sympathize ; a Congregationalist, or Baptist, or Methodist, or Epis. copalian, may be tempted to gloss his own side in a controversy." My purpose has been to tell the truth, although my own church suffered thereby.
7. The Genealogies, imperfect as some of them are, are neverthe- less important. The families are traced back to the first settlers when possible, and an effort has been made to so arrange them that the miss- ing links could be easily supplied by those desiring to extend the tables. The descent is traced mainly in the male line, but the descend- ants of females will be found in the families into which they married ; e. g., Lucy, daughter of Rev. Jeremiah Curtiss, married Elisha Root, and her descendants appear in the Root table.
In a volume of this kind I could only embrace the families of the town; dropping the line when broken by removal elsewhere. In a few cases I have traced families beyond the town for particular reasons. The large number of Genealogies now published, has enabled me to com- pare different tables of the same families, and many discrepancies ap- pear. Those embraced in this volume, so far as resident within this town, have been taken from the original records, tomb-stones, &c., and can be trusted. Mr. Alfred Andrews kindly offered me a free use of his Andrews and Hart Memorials, for which he has my thanks. The ample MSS. of Mr. Gad Andrews have been at my command, and many of the published works have been drawn on, but their number is so great I can make only this general acknowledgment.
If some branches of families are not found here, it is because they could not be traced, or because of the failure of parties to furnish them. While many have been ready to help in this department, more have been indifferent and negligent.
8. Many typographical and other errors will appear to the reader. The printer's errors will be easily corrected by the reader. Those of fact or date cannot now be remedied. Had I been allowed the time and strength needful, it would have been a far better work. As it is, I offer it a legacy to the town, and particularly to those warm-hearted, tried friends, who, amid my severe family bereavement, and heavy duties, have extended the sympathy and co-operation which, to a high degree, have been my support and comfort in sorrow and labor.
8
INTRODUCTION.
A carefully prepared and extended index had been written, but circumstances beyond my control compel me to omit it, much to my regret, as it will be to the inconvenience of the reader.
NOTE .- The reader must remember, that before 1752 the year began March 25th, and hence the days of January, February, and March, (to the 25th,) were double dated (as to the year) ; e. g., a birth occurring Jan. 6th, Feb. 12th, or March 18th, 1743, would be written as Jan. 6th, &c., &c., 1742-3, that is, 1742 Old Style, and 1743 New Style. The difference between the solar and civil year amounted to Il days in 1700, and to regulate the year, it was enacted by Parliament in 1752 to drop 11 days by calling Sept. 2d of that year the 14th. This difference must be taken into account for all dates before 1752. To illustrate, George Washington was born Feb. 22, 1732, New Style, but Feb. II, Old Style.
CONTENTS.
Proceedings of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary,
CHAPTER I.
Origin of the First Ecclesiastical Society,
CHAPTER II.
The First Meeting-house, - 5
CHAPTER III.
The Second Meeting-house,
CHAPTER IV.
The Third Meeting-house,
6'
Sabba'-day Houses, 72
CHAPTER VI.
Rev. Daniel Buck.
76
Ministry of Rev. Jeremiah Curtiss, 78
CHAPTER VIII.
Ministry of Rev. Benjamin Chapman, - 97-1
CHAPTER IX.
Ministry of Rev. William Robinson, 108-1
CHAPTER X.
Ministry of Rev. David L. Ogden, 1 133-1
CHAPTER XI.
Ministry of Rev. Elisha C. Jones. 147-16
CHAPTER XII.
Supply of Rev. Alexander Hall ; settlement of Rev. H. R. Timlow ; deceased Deacons of the Church, - 158-17
CHAPTER XIII.
Government and Discipline, 173-18
CHAPTER XIV.
Dignifying the Seats, and other Customs, 181-20
CHAPTER XV.
History of the Plantsville Church, 202-20
PA
CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER VII.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XVI.
PAGES. -
ords of the First Church.
CHAPTER XVII.
1 . duction of the Baptist4.
CHAPTER XVIII.
First Baptist Church -- Pastors and Deacons .. 295-344
CHAPTER XIX.
345-351
Episcopal Church : the Universalist Church.
CHAPTER XX.
352-366
Unitarian Church ; Marion Chapel ; Lutheran Church,
CHAPTER XXI.
369-380
History of Southington, settlement. etc.,
CHAPTER XXII.
riginal Proprietors, 381-389
CHAPTER XXIII.
387-403
eys and Highways;
CHAPTER XXIV.
acts from the Local Court Record. -
CHAPTER XXV.
412-417
alities and Names,
CHAPTER XXVI.
418-421
Parishas a Town,
CHAPTER XXVII.
422-431
mufacturing,
CHAPTER XXVIII.
43-444
cation and Schools,
CHAPTER XXIX.
445-471
Myers, Physicians, and others.
CHAPTER XXX
472-517
listers raised up, etc.,
CHAPTER XXX1.
-
518-558
r Record.
CHAPTER XXXII.
559-508
' ;cellaneous.
207-286
287-294
- 404-411
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY,
SOUTHINGTON, CONN.
AT the annual meeting of the Society, Nov. 1, 1873, it was voted as follows :- " Whereas the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the constitution of this society occurs in May, 1874, therefore be it re- solved: That a committee of eight be appointed to which shall be submitted the whole matter of making arrangements for suitably observing said anniversary."
A few weeks later, plans were perfected for carrying out this reso lution.
The act incorporating the society was passed Saturday morning, May 30, 1724, "old style." According to our present calendar, the anniversary would occur June 10th, or eleven days later, and this. latter day was adopted for the purpose.
At first, there was but little interest taken in the proposed observ- ance, and many feared that the effort to celebrate this important event would not be well sustained. As in other old New England towns, so in this, there were those who thought we had but little local history worth recalling. During the one hundred and fifty years that had passed, no attempt had been made to collect and arrange historical materials. The last catalogue* of the church, which under the circum- stances is a marvel of research and labor, was all that has ever beer. undertaken in this direction. Probably not a dozen in a population of about five thousand, knew anything of the first two pastors beyond
* Prepared by Mrs. Jane R. Jones, now of Middletown, and wife of the late pastor.
2
HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
their names, and dates of settlement, dismission, and death. Of the history embraced in these pastorates, but one really had any definite and extended knowledge. To that one* the compiler of the following pages has been indebted more than can be expressed in words.
The society records of the first fifty years were known to be lost. The church records were also partly lost, and those handed down had been imperfectly kept. Even old family Bibles and papers had in many instances been laid aside in boxes, and stored in attics. Ancient deeds and letters had been disposed of as waste. In this way im- portant materials for the history of the town had been destroyed. 'The old people, too, were rapidly passing away, and with them in- valuable traditions were perishing. In some cases families of intelli- gence and culture did not know anything of ancestors back of the grandparents, although living on ancestral lands held for several gene- rations by the same name.
Such facts were in the way when this observance was proposed. And it was not until the people began to bring old Bibles and papers rom their hiding places, and permit them to be examined, that any pecial interest was awakened. Under the pressure of persistent Inquiry, they began to give attention to facts of genealogy and history, so that at last a real enthusiasm was kindled. As the anniversary drew nigh, there was no lack of hearts or hands for the work.
The ladies of the society appointed efficient committees for decorat- ing the church, and providing an entertainment for the expected guests. The large audience room of the Town Hall was thrown open, where during the day thirteen hundred sat at the tables.
The anniversary occurred on one of the most delightful days of June, and everything seemed to conspire to gratify the wishes and purpose of the people. It was often remarked during the day, that nothing was wanting of circumstance to make the occasion all that could be reasonably desired.
The church was beautifully and lavishly decorated. Flowers in great abundance and variety were placed on the platform; and beside cut flowers in vases, anchors, and crosses; there were stands of ferns, several species of cactus; and two large and flourishing century plants, most appropriate emblems for the occasion. Back of the pulpit on the walls were the names of the five deceased pastors in white letters upon black ground, 1728-CURTIS-1755: 1756-CHAPMAN-1774: 1780- ROBINSON-1821: 1821-OGDEN-1836: 1837-JONES-1872. The name of the present pastor, worked in green on a white ground with the date of 1873, was set in the recess back of the pulpit, and was gracefully wreathed with flowers. A portrait of the last pastor, Mr. Jones, hung
* Gad Andrus, Esq.
3
HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
on the wall, with a wreath about it, and the word " Beloved " in im- mortelles.
Upon the platform were seated invited guests from various parts of the country, and also leading citizens of the town and State .*
EXERCISES.
The morning exercises were opened with a voluntary on the organ by Mrs. Henry Lowrey. Prayer was offered by Rev. Sanford S. Martyn of New Hartford. The choir sung the hymn beginning, " How beautiful is Zion," after which Professor William McLaughlin, principal of Lewis Academy, and chairman of the ,executive commit- tee, gave an address of welcome.
PROF. MCLAUGHLIN'S ADDRESS.
Christian Brethren and Friends :
We have assembled to-day to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the First Congregational Church and Society of Southington. It is my pleasurable lot to welcome you here, to the joys and entertainment of this occasion. The church and society which worship here bid me welcome you, one and all. Whether from the pulpit, or the bar, from the halls of legislation, of science, or of literature; whether from the workshop, or the plough; from whatever State or condition you come, we welcome you with cordial hearts, filled with fraternal love. It is the privilege of children to cherish a fond and grateful remembrance of parents and of home. Yea, it is their sacred duty-the commandment with promise, that their days
may be long upon the earth. It is likewise a sacred privilege to re- member the place, the church in which we commenced a new life, where we began to live that life which ends here, only to open yonder among the joys and beatitudes of heaven. With a parental heart does this church welcome her daughter to this, her anniversary, and fondly hopes that without schism or division, she may continue to exist and bless mankind while the world endures. Brethren, we welcome you home. The mother rejoices in the return of her child- ren. We welcome you to the contemplation of our family history.
One hundred and fifty years ! Through what vicissitudes have church and society and State passed in these years. What records of progress, in theology, and politics, and social life, have been written. With what honest pride can we look at the troops, who went out for service, in Indian and Revolutionary and Civil war-troops who
* The report of the proceedings was made by C. B. Clarke, Esq., one of the editors of the Hartford Courant.
4
HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
poured their life's blood as water upon almost every battle field of our country. With what pride do we see her sons filling places of re- sponsibility and usefulness, in institutions of learning, in the pulpit, at the bar, in the workshop and manufactory, and among the noble tillers . of the soil. But I need not take your time to rehearse incidents of early or later history ; they are familiar as household words.
"Your lips shall tell them to your sons, And they again to theirs : That generations yet unborn May teach them to their heirs."
And what a blessing it is, my brethren, that when we contemplate the past, a certain nobleness of heart overlooks small things, and cleaves only to the good, the noble, the heroic, and the godlike. I tell you, a man's real life is always smaller than his soul. And so when we contemplate the past, when we pass in review the worthies who formed this church, who toiled for it, and who in very truth watered it with their tears, the things of the present, the jealousies, the bick- erings, the animosities, sink out of sight, and the soul alone goes out, a thing of thought and love, in image of its master. Thus it is, we see a Curtis, refined and purified by trial laboring with pioneer energy for the establishment and prosperity of his little flock; a Chapman, for more than a generation watching over the interests of Zion; a Robinson, at home rearing a family whose influence shall be felt, not only in our own country, but also in the far Orient while time shall last, and in the church, building it up in usefulness and strength; an Ogden, and a Jones, the influence of whose deeds and names is still a thing of living power. And so we see a Whittlesey and a Lowrey, eminent not only for their legal attainments, but in their lives of virtue and religion. And others, too, a well loved throng, who lived and died ornaments and blessings to mankind. But why need I recall these names, which to you are household words; to me, only echoes of what your lips have told. Why need I speak of the younger sons, who are laboring in their own fields, shepherds of their own flocks. Let the names of Dunham, Twichell, Barnes, and Jones stand as repre- sentatives of the goodly band, a band of christian workers and pastors, of which any mother church may well be proud.
My brethren, those of you who have come home from other homes, and those who have lived your lives here, what a tide of hallowed associations must rush into your minds ! What words of truth, what strivings of the spirit, what showers of grace, what heights of christian experience, must crowd upon your souls. The emotions which these remembrances awaken flow from the purest fountain of your natures.
5
HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
You cannot forget these things, not while memory remains, not while gratitude shall be the real language of your hearts.
My brethren of our sister churches, let me extend a cordial welcome to you. Denominational differences fade away here. The heart rises above the intellect, and we feel as brethren of one Lord, as children of one Father.
Again I bid you all a fraternal welcome.
I will now introduce to you the historian of the occasion, Rev. Heman R. Timlow, pastor of the church and society.
[The historical address has since been expanded into a fuller history of the society and town, and appears in a subsequent part of this volume. Also the history of the Second Congregational (Plantsville) which was read in the morning by Rev. W. R. Eastman, the pastor, will appear in its proper place among sketches of other churches in the town.]
AFTERNOON EXERCISES.
The pastor of the church presided. Prayer was offered by the Rev. A. P. Buell, of the Baptist church, Southington.
Mr. TIMLOW. You have heard this morning chiefly of the pastors and church life of the town. But other men, other professions, and other institutions have a place in the history repeated to-day. The healing art has always been, as it is here to-day, well represented. I will now introduce to you Dr. F. A. Hart, for many years a practitioner in the town, and at present an officer of this church, who will read a paper upon the physicians of the town.
[The paper of Dr. Hart will be found, considerably enlarged, in another part of the volume, among other biographical sketches.]
Mr. TIMLOW. It is an old saying, and a little hard on the profession, that after the doctor, is first, the minister, and then quickly appears the lawyer. The meaning is I suppose that the doctor disposes of the body, and the lawyer of the estate. In logical connection then I intro- duce to you Judge W. S. Merrell, who will defend his own profession, and speak of its able representatives that in the past have lived in the town.
MR. MERRELL'S ADDRESS.
By the action of the committee of arrangements, there devolves on me this hour a most pleasing though delicate duty, and I assure you, that I entertain the most profound sense of my responsibility as your representative of the legal profession on this occasion.
How much we are indebted for the blessings we enjoy to-day, to the labors of those whose reminiscences I may recount, I leave you to judge, for the very limited space of time alloted to me in these' exer-
6
IlISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
cises, absolutely forbid of any extended commentary or reflection; and therefore my remarks will be confined to the facts and personal infor- mation furnished me from such sources and persons as I deem reliable.
Whatever services the legal profession may have rendered the pub- lic in the early days of the Connecticut Colony, it is very evident, that it was not very high in popular esteem, for in the year 1725 "the smallest practitioner was taxed or set in the list at £50, and others more, proportioned to their practice, to be determined by the listers." In 1730 the number of lawyers in the Colony was limited to eleven. Three in Hartford County, and in each of the other counties, two. The same year a King's Attorney was appointed, and it is reasonable to infer that the authorized attorneys deported themselves so well as very rapidly to elevate the profession in popular favor, for we find that in 1831 the law limiting the number of attorneys was repealed, and the profession relieved from military duty. Until 1790, I can find no record of any lawyer in Southington, and our roll of the pro- fession as nearly as I have been able to ascertain is as follows:
Roger W. Whittlesey commenced practice, 1790.
Samuel Woodruff,
1802.
Samuel Henry Woodruff,
66
1809.
Romeo Lowrey,
6. 1820.
Royal R. Hinman,
66
1830.
Levi B. Bradley, 66
1851.
Walter S. Merrell,
60
1852.
Henry R. Bradley,
66
1854 .*
Marcus H. Holcomb,
1872.
What I shall say, will be confined chiefly to those who have been gathered to their long reward.
Hon. Roger Whittlesey, the first lawyer of Southington, was an honest, earnest man of firm convictions, rarely changing his opinions, either of persons or things, or if he did I have never heard of his telling anybody of it. From the traditions respecting him, I cannot doubt that he was an eminently useful man in his day and generation. He was born at Newington, Dec. 9th, 1767. Graduated at Yale 1787, commenced practice at Southington 1790, united with the Congrega- tional church in 1833. He was twice married, his first wife being a daughter of Dr. Smalley of New Britain; his last wife was Anne Hatheway, and his descendants are still with us. He died Oct. 5th, 1844.
Hon. Samuel Woodruff was born in Southington-at a house which formerly stood by the brook a little south of our present almshouse, where may still be seen the ruins of an old chimney,-on the 19th day of
7
HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
February, A. D. 1761. He was a lineal descendent of Samuel Wood- ruff, the first settler in Southington, and of the fourth generation. Of his early life I am unable to say but little further than that he gradu- ated at Yale College in 1782, and soon after settled in the town of Wallingford as a practicing attorney.
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