USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Bridgeport > A History of the Old Town of Stratford and the City of Bridgeport, Connecticut, Part II > Part 32
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Following this is recorded the articles of faith as adopted at that time, and to these twenty-four men assented as con- stituting the church, namely :
"James Beebee.
-
David Curtice. David Lake.
Thomas Edwards. Noah Plum.
Abiel Beers.
Jonathan Curtice. Benjamin Burton. James Hubbell.
Daniel Brinsmade.
Joseph Johnson.
Benjamin Phippeny.
David Booth.
Amos Elmor.
John Summers.
Israel Beach.
John Middlebrook.
Josiah Beach.
John Hinman. Nathan Nichols. John Wildman.
Thomas Sanford.
Nathan Hawley.
Andrew Hubbell, turned Churchman."
Then the articles were consented to by fifty men and women, who were received by the twenty-four to full com- munion.
1016
History of Stratford.
"Capt. William Peet and his wife.
Thomas Peet and his wife.
Abraham Nickoles.
John Nichols and his wife. Noah Plumb's wife.
Daniel Brinsmade's wife. Daniel Brinsmade, Jr.
Samuel Uffoot's wife. Wid. Esther Beach. Elnathan Beer's wife. Wid. Hannah Beach.
| Wid. Mary Nickles. John Blackman's wife. James Walker. Peate Nickles. 1 Sarah Nickles.
Benjamin Peet.
Eunice Beach.
Mabel Hawley.
Esther Curtice.
Nathan Peet's wife.
David Curtice's wife.
David Lake's wife.
wife. Beula Thompson.
Thomas Sanford's wife.
-- Joseph Burton's wife.
Joseph Lake.
John Henman's wife.
Benjamin Beach's wife. | Amos Elmor's wife.
Elnathan Hubbell's wife."
Besides the above members, gathered in the organization of the church, 122 united during Mr. Beebee's ministry, mak- ing 196 in all.
This church while under Mr. Beebee practiced the Half- way Covenant from 1747 until 1772, and in this form received under her " watch and care" 233 persons, many of them as good, substantial people, and practical Christians, probably, as any in full communion.
The following lists of ministers who served in this church, and of meeting houses and deacons, are taken from the man- ual of this church, published in 1869.
" Rev. James Beebee, who was ordained here May 6, 1747, and after a ministry of over thirty-eight years as pastor, died here September 8, 1785.
" Rev. Izrahiah Wetmore after preaching here from August, 1782, was installed Oct. 13, 1785, and died here Aug. 3, 1798, but was buried in Stratford.
"Rev. John Giles was installed May 10, 1802, and was dismissed September 21, 1802.
" Rev. Daniel C. Banks was ordained Aug. 12, 1807, and was dismissed February 2, 1813.
" Rev. Reuben Taylor was installed Sept. 18, 1817, and was dismissed February 12, 1824.
" Rev. James Kant was ordained Nov. 9, 1825, and was dismissed November 11, 1835, and died here Sept. 10, 1840.
" Rev. Watnor Warren was stated preacher from June, 1838, to_June, 1839.
.
Josiah Beach's wife. John French and his wife. Edward Lake's wife. James Peet's wife.
Andrew Patterson's wife. Andrew Booth's wife.
Benjamin Sherman's wife. Nathan Nickle's wife.
Widow Henman.
David Booth's wife. Israel Beach's wife. Nathan Hawley's wife.
Ephraim Beach and his : John Beer's wife.
.
Trumbull. 1017
" Rev. William T. Bacon was ordained Dec. 28, 1842, and was dismissed May 28, 1844.
" Rev. John S. Whittlesey was ordained Oct. 2, 1844, and was dismissed Nov. 20, 1849.
" Rev. David M. Elwood was ordained Feb. 20, 1850, and was dismissed June 11, 1853.
" Rev. William T. Bacon was stated preacher from Sept. 1, 1853, to Sept. 1, 1854.
"Rev. Ralph Smith was stated preacher from Dec. I, 1854, to Dec. 1, 1855.
"Rev. Stephen A. Loper was stated preacher from June 1, 1856, to June 1, 1858.
" Rev. Benjamin Swallow was stated preacher from Dec. 1, 1858, to April 1, 1861.
"Rev. Louis E. Charpiot was stated preacher from Jan. 1, 1862, to May 8, 1864.
" Rev. Nathan T. Merwin, after supplying the pulpit six months, was ordained June 6, 1865, and still continues the successful pastor of the church."
The Meeting Houses of Unity, North Stratford and Trumbull.
"The first house of public worship was erected a short distance east of the present [1869] dwelling of Mr. John M. Booth, and south of the old burying ground, and was occupied only during the ministry of Mr. Miner.
"The second house of public worship was erected and dedicated at, or near the beginning of the ministry of Mr. Beebee, on the site occupied by the present house.
"The present house of public worship was dedicated September 20, 1842."
Deacons of the North Stratford and Trumbull Church.
Thomas Peet, appointed 1731, .... reappointed in 1747,. died in 1760.
Thomas Edwards, .. 1747,
Ephraim Booth, = 1757,
1796.
Abraham Brinsmade, "
1760,
1801.
Zachariah Coe, 1805.
Benjamin Burton,
resigned in 1809, 18II.
Judson Curtis,.
1821,-
1826.
Stephen Beardsley, appointed 1809,
1821,-
1849.
Eben Beach,
1821 dis. by letter 1821, = 1852.
Ephraim Wells Beach," 1821,
Philo Nichols,
1821, resigned in 1826-7
1844.
Ali Brinsmade, "
1826-7, -- 1848
Orville Hall Beardsley, " 1848 .. 1851. Andrew Beach Nichols, " 1851 Elijah Beach, 1869,
1018
History of Stratford.
In the history of this church nothing remarkably unusual is recorded except what is revealed in the following record, in which it held strongly to the Congregational rather than the Presbyterian order of church government.
"At a Church meeting held in North Stratford at the house of the pastor of said church November 18, 1772, the meeting being opened by prayer, the letter from the church of Bethel in Danbury was read, requesting the church of Northstratford by their Elder and messenger to join an Ecclesiastical council at Bethel to judge and determin, &c., in a case ecclesiastical then depending, and after a deliberate consideration of the matter the question was put whether we as a church of Christ would join a Consociation in this Claim of a juridical right to judge and determine, &c. Voted Nemine contradicente by this church that we are all willing to consociate for advice and counsel in all matters ecclesias- tical, but cannot and will not join in that abitrary claim of Juridical Authority in Consociations to Judge and Determine in all matters ecclesiastical compelling all parties to abide by the judgment of such a Juridical Consociation; and then Voted 2ly that with these written instructions this church would appear (with the Leave of Providence) by their Elder and messenger at Bithel on the day appointed by their circu- lar letter; and 3ly this church unanimously made choice of James Walker Esqr. as their representative at said consocia- tion."
1019
Unity Burying-place.
Unity Burying-Place.
This Burying-place is located in the town of Trumbull, at the southeast end of White plain, a few rods north of the site of the first meeting house built in the parish of Unity. The Unity parish was organized November 18, 1730, and the next year the remains of Samuel Bennitt were buried in this ground.
In memory of Mr. Abel Beach, who died Nov". 8, 1800, In the 57 year of his age. Reader, behold as you pass by, As you are now so once was I, As I am now so you must be Prepare for death and follow me.
Here lyes ye Body of Sergt. Benjamin Beach, Died Nov. II, 1736, in y' 55th year of bis Age.
Here lyes Buried y. Body of Mr. Daniel Beach, who departed this life Feb. 19th 1745-6, Aged 44 years & I m.
Here lyes ye Body of Esther Beach, daughter of Mr. Dan- iel & Mrs. Esther Beach, died Feby. 22, 1745-6, ÆE. 6 mo.
Here lyes yo Body of Ruth Beach, daughter of Mr. Daniel & Mrs. Esther Beach died Dec. 15, 1745, Aged 6 months.
Here lyes ye Body of Daniel Beach, Son of Mr. Daniel & Mrs. Esther Beach who died May 3ª 1746, Aged 10 Years & 2 Months.
Here lyes Buried ye Body of Mr. David Beach, who died April 21, Anno Domni 1735, in y" 43 year of His Age.
In memory of
Mrs. Hannah Beach, wife of Mr. David Beach Decead, Who departed this life Febry. yo 19, 1772 in ye 77th year of Her Age.
Mr. Ephraim Beach died June 18, 1789, in the 72 year of his age.
Comfort Beach, his wife, died Sept. 8, 1790, in the 77 Year of her age. Here lyes Buried ye Body of Lieut. Josiah Beach, who died April ye 17, A.D. 1759, in y' 65th year of his Age.
Mrs. Patience, wife of Josiah Beach who died August y' 25th A.D. 1749, Aged 48 years.
Sarah y Daughter of Lt. Josiah & Mrs. Patience Beach, died March ye 26th, 1750, in y' 22ª year of her age.
Mr. Samuel Beach 1762. [This is on a footstone, the head stone not being found.]
Here lyes ye Body of Mrs. Sarah Beach, Wife to Mr. Samuel Beach, Who departed this Life June y' 9, 1763, in ye 41 Year of Her Age.
This Monument was erected by the Church & Society of North Stratford out of respect to the memory of the Rev. James Beebee A.M. who de- parted this life Sept. 8, 1785, in the 68th year of his age.
He was ordained to the work of the ministry over said Church & Society May 6, 1747, And continued therein a faithful pastor 38 years.
In memory of
Ruth Beebee relict of Revd. James Beebee who died January 29, 1818, Aged 94 years.
Here lies ye Body of
Elizabeth Beebee daughter of the Rev. Mr. James Beebee & Mrs. Ruth his wife died Decr. 20, A.D. 1754, aged 4 years & 9 mos,
Here lyes ye Body of Samuel Bennitt, Desesed 21 of June Yr. 1731, A. 7 y.
Our Father Charles E. Booth Died Sept. 12, 1876 Aged 74 Y'rs. Our Mother Sophia wife of Charles E. Booth Died Nov. 5, 1864 Aged 53 Y'rs. "Watch for you know not what hour your Lord doth come."
The Grave of Caroline Booth wife of Charles E. Booth & daughter of Robert & Sally Mallett, who died Sept. 4, 1838 aged 31 y'rs.
The saint the daughter and the wife Shone brightly in thy Christian life We will not weep upon the sod That hides thy dust Thou art with God.
Here lyes Buried the Body of
Mr. David Booth, who departed this life June yº 21, 1773, in y' 74th year of his age.
1020
History of Stratford.
In memory of Mrs. Ann Booth, Wife of Mr. David Booth, who departed this life Nov. 19" 1793, in the 91" year of her age. In memory of David Booth, who died April 21, 1842, aged 82 years.
In memory of Sarah Booth, wife of David Booth. who died Oct. 10, 1819, aged 60 years. (daut' of Parson Beebee.)
In memory of Mr. David Booth, who departed this life Sept. 14th 1824, aged 91 yrs.
In memory of Prudence Booth, Wife of Mr. David Booth, who departed this life Decemb". 21. 1782, in the 60th year of her age.
In memory of Mrs. Rebecca Booth, Wife of Mr. David Booth who died Oct. 22, 1811, in the 74 year of her age.
Betsey Ann, daughter of David & Betsey Booth died Oct. 2, 1841, aged 8 years.
Their infant twins ; George, died April 18, 1830, aged 18 days.
Georgianna died April 26, 1830, aged 26 days.
Mourn not for me my mother dear, I am not dead but sleeping here ; Look in this grave you see, Prepare for death and follow me.
David C. Booth died Oct. 6, 1827, A. 35 Yrs.
Elizabeth, His Wife Died April 8, 1870, A. 75 Yrs.
Isaac Booth died June 23, 1851, JE. 86.
Sarah, wife of Isaac Booth died Aug. 6, 1841, Æ. 76.
Ann Augusta Daughter of John & Mary Booth Died Jan. 29, 1876 Aged 27 Years.
Gone home to heaven. In memory of Dealia, daughter of Isaac & Sarah Booth, who died Sept. 5, 1823, Æt. 17 yrs. 4 mo. & 20 ds. Sleep quiet here my child, Death can't us long divide ; A few more rolling suns, Will lay me by your side.
Charles, Son of Mr. Isaac & Mrs. Sarah Booth died Sept. 21, 1798, aged 9 years & 7 months & 7 days. Lewis Booth Died May 10, 1839 ÆE. 47 yrs.
Electa, His Wife, died April 23, 1846, Æ. 56 yrs.
Lucius G. Booth Died Oct. 13, 1851, E. 31. "Even so Father, for so it seemeth good in thy sight." Marshall P. Booth Died Sept. 24. 1850. A. 30 Y. R. S.
As for man his days are as grass. In memory of Philo Booth, who died July 31, 1819, aged 61 years.
In memory of
Philo Booth Jr. who died Sept. 20, 1833, . 45 y'rs.
Behold dear reader as you pass by, As you are now. so once, was I As I am now so you must be Prepare yourselves & follow me.
Anna, wife of Philo Booth died March 18, 1858, ÆE. 76. The Lord is righteous in all his ways and holy in all his works.
P. Treat Booth died Jan. 6, 1860, Æ. 42. In the midst of life we are in death.
Mary Jane, Wife of William Brad- ley Died May 8, 1875, aged 42 yrs.
Emma A. Daughter of J. W. & M. J. Bradleydied Sept. 16, 1869, aged 16 yrs. Asleep in Jesus, Oh ! how sweet, To be for such a slumber meet.
In memory of
Mr. William Burritt who died Dec'. 14th 1802, aged 76 years. In memory of Mrs. Mary Burritt Wife of Mr. William Burritt, who died Oct. 18th, 1799, aged 60 years, wanting 10 days. In memory of
Deac» Abraham Brinsmade, who died Nov" 17th 1801, in the 75th year of his age.
Mrs. Mary Brinsmade, Relict of Abr" Brinsmade Esq. died Jany. 13th, 1811, aged 87 years.
Here lyes ye Body of
Lieut. Daniel Brinsmade who died March y' 27th, A.D. 1757, in y' 70th Year of his Age. Behold & see you that pass by As you are now so once was I As I am now so you shall be Therefore prepare & follow me.
Here lyes ye Body of Mrs. Mercy Brinsmade, wife to Mr. Daniel Brinsmade, died April y' 15, 1731, in y' 35th year of her age. In memory of Daniel Brinsmade, Esq. who died Apr.29 1804, in the 52ª year of his age.
.
1
1
1
IO2I
Unity Burying-place.
In memory of Mary, Relict of Daniel Brinsmade, who died Nov. 20, 1845, aged 91 years. In memory of Daniel Brinsmade, son of Daniel Brinsmade, Esq. and Mrs. Mary his Wife, who died April 9th 1801, in the 19th year of his age.
Here lies interr'd the Body of Mr. Zachariah Curtis who Dece'd Febr ye 18, 1746, in yº 49 year of his age. Here lies Interred the Body of Mrs. Mary Curtiss who died Jan- uary yo 3ª 1745, aged 43 Years. In memory of Mrs. Diana Daskam, wife to Mr. Robert Daskam, who died Febr 10, 1800, in the 64 Year of her age.
DYER. [A MONUMENT.] George Dyer M.D. Died May 8, 1878 A. 75 yrs.
I miss thee. Lucinda L. Dyer, Wife of George Dyer M.D. and daughter of Philo and Anna Booth.
Zachariah Duncomb, departed this life Mar. 5, 1839, in the 56 year of his age. Friend after friend departs Who hath not lost a friend There is no union here of hearts That finds not here an end Were this frail world our final rest Living or dying none were blest.
John, Son of Z. & Hannah Duncomb, Died Aug. 24. 1853, A. 27. Gone but not lost.
Charles, Son of Z. & H. Duncomb Died 27th Feb. 1849, in his 26th year. Luke XII. XL.
Here lyes ye Body of Mrs. Abagail Edwards, wife to Mr. William Edwards, who died in Nov. 1747, in ye 54th Year of her age. In memory of Huldah Edwards, Daughter of Mr. John & Mrs. Huldah Edwards, who departed this Life Febry 24th 1793, Aged 17 years & 3 months.
In memory of
Elijah Nichols Edwards, son of Mr. John & Mrs. Huldah Edwards, who departed this life Novbr 12th 1773, Æ. 14 yrs.
In memory of
John Edwards, Son of Mr. John & Mrs. Huldah Edwards who departed this life October 25, 1773, Æ. 2 yrs. P. F. [Probably a Fairchild.] S. F. [Probably a Fairchild.] I. [or J.] F. [ Probably a Fairchild.]
Here lyes the Body of Mr. Abraham Hawley, Who Died April ye 10 A.D. 1743, in yº 24th Year of His Age.
Here lyes Buried the Body of Mr. Ebenezer Hawley, Merchant of North Stratford, who departed this life Decembr 2d, 1767, in ye 30th Year of His Age.
Samuel Hawley died Dec. 17, 1762. Phebe, widow of Capt. Samuel Haw- ley, died May 27, 1871, A. 89 yrs. Lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven. Here lyes ye Body of
Huldah, daughter of Mr. Nathan & Mrs. Silence Hawley, who died Febry 24th 1747, in ye 6th year of her age.
Nathan, Son to Nathan & Silence Hawley, Aged 11 months. Died August yº 19, 1738.
Houldy, Daut to Nathan & Silence Hawley, Aged 2 years & 10 months. Died Octo' ye 17, 1740.
Sally Ann, Wife of David B. Hinman, Died April 5, 1864, A. 49 yrs. & 5 mo. She waits for me in Heaven.
Edward W. Son of David B. & Sally A. Hinman Died Jan. 31, 1860, Aged 20 years & 2 mos.
We miss him for he was our all. The stay and support of our love ; [call, Yet we would not to earth our lost treasure re- But hasten to meet him above.
Here lyes Buried the Body of
Mrs. Patience Hubbell, Wife to Sergt. James Hubbell, Who Departed this life Sep. ye 29th 1753 in ye 71 Year of Her Age.
Charles W., son of Charles & Jane Hughes died Mar. 20, 1849, ÆE. 2 yrs. Lacira Augusta, Wife of Edmond H. Hurd, Died Dec. 11, 1872, Aged 25 yrs. & 8 mos. Heaven is my home.
Henry La Forge Died April 20, 1868, Aged 84.
Sybil, wife of Henry La Forge died Dec. 28, 1848, Æ. 61.
Ellen M., wife of Hiram La Forge Died Feb. 2, 1872, Aged 42. Entered into rest.
Our Baby George H., Son of Hiram & Ellen La Forge Died May 12, 1864, Aged 4 mos. Here lies Interred the Body of Mr. Joseph Lake who in Dec. A.D. 1786 Died in the gitt year of his age. P. L. [Probably a Lake; perhaps Joseph's wife.]
1022
History of Stratford.
Martha Minor, Daughter to y' Rev. Mr. Richardson Minor and Elizabeth his wife died Mar. yo II, 1755, ÆE. 4 ds.
In memory of Mr. Andrew Nichols, who de- parted this life Jan'y 29th 1795, Aged 71 Years.
Annah, the Daugh" of Mr. John & Bathshebah Nichols died Sept. yº 19, 1750, in y' 17 year of her age. Here lyes y' Body of Jonathan Nichols, son of Mr. Eli- jah & Mrs. Huldah Nichols, who Died Decor 17, 1746, in y' 16 year of his age. Here lyes buried the Body of Mr. Elijah Nichols, Who Died Jan'y 10th Anno Domni 1741, in y' 37th year of his age.
Here lyes Buried yª Body of Naomi Nichols, Daughter of Elijah & Huldah Nichols, who died Dec. 26, 1746, in y' 5th year of her age. Here lyes Buried ye Body of Capt. Joseph Nichols, Who de- parted this Life Sept. yo 17 Anno Domni 1742, in y' 59th Year of his Age. Here lyes yª Body of Mrs. Mary, wife to Mr. Joseph Nich- ols and late wife to Mr. Henry Haw- ley, who departed this life April 16, 1767, in ye 83ª year of her age.
Here lyes Buried the remains of Mrs. Mehitable Nichols, Wife of Mr. Philip Nichols, who departed this life Sept. 23ª 1756, in y' 23ª yr. of herage. In memory of
Lieut. Nathan Nichols who de- parted this life Feby. 3ª 1789, in the 80th Year of his Age.
Noah Plumb, son of Mr. James & Mrs. Phebe Nichols died Jan. 8, 1792, in his 18th year.
Here lyes yo Body of
Mrs. Patience Nichols, Wife to Mr. Nathan Nichols Who departed this life Decem" y" 22, 1760, Aged 38 years. Eliza K. Neal Died Nov. 12, 1871, aged 41.
Sister, We miss thee.
Jane M. Wife of Elisha Neal Died Apr. 8, 1877, aged 67 yrs. In memory of Mrs. Joanna Peet, daughter of Mr. David Booth dieth Jany. 7, 1802, in the 48th year of her age. In memory of Mr. Josiah Peet, who died March 30, 1802, in the 77 year of his age.
In memory of
Abigail Peet, daughter of Mr. Josiah Peet, who died Sept. 12, 1778, in the 18th of her age.
A. P. [Probably a Peet.] In memory of
Deacn Thomas Peet of North Strat- ford & the King's Post-rider for 32 years, who Departed this Life Oct" y" 12" A.D. 1760, in the63ª year of his age.
Here lies interr'd the Body of Mr. Thomas Sherwood who De- parted this life Sept. y 7th, 1749, in the 29th year of his age.
Here lyes the Body of
Mrs. Mary, the Wife of Mr. Thomas Sherwood, Who died July y' 13, 1749, in y' 24th year of her age.
Here lyes Buried the Body of Mr. David Summers who departed this life Jan'y y" 28, 1761, in yº 59th year of His Age.
Here lyes y. Body of
Mrs. Abiah Summers Wife to Mr. David Sumirers, who died Decembr 5, 1737, aged 32 years.
Bertha A., Daughter of John E. & Henrietta A. Summers, Died Jan. 7, 1884, aged 20 yrs. 5 mo.
Here lyes interred the Body of Mr. Robard Turney who died Jan. y" 1" 1753, in y' 50th year of his Age.
Here lyes yª Body of Mary Turney, Daughter of Mr. Rob- ert & Mrs. Rebeckah Turney, Who Died Nov. y' 29th 1746 aged -.
In memory of Mr. John Ufford, who died Feb. 25, 1811, aged 69. Faustina his wife died July 15, 1784. aged 43.
Here lyes the Body of
Mr. Richard Walker, who de- parted this life Sept. the 12th 1778, in yº 234 Year of his age.
Here lyes the Body of Mrs. Huldah Walker, who de- parted this life June the 17th 1781, in y' 22ª year of her age.
Here lyes Buried ye Body of Mr. John Wieman Who Departed this Life Jan'y y" 11th A.D. 1747-8, in yo 26th Year of his age.
Here lyes ye Body of
Mrs. Sarah Wildman Died Nov. yº 4th 1734, in ye 39th year of her age.
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I
1023
Trumbull.
The Ecclesiastical "Society Record Book of North Stratford " is dated " May 12", A. D. 1761 ;" and the following is the first item recorded in it: "Jany. the 13, A. D. 1763. Then Recª of the Society's Com"" Seventy Pounds Lawful money which is the full of my salary for the year A. D. 1761. 1 say Recª by me. JAMES BEEBEE.
" The above is a true Copy of the original Rect.
"Test. Entered by Daniel Fairchild, Society's Clerk."
Then follow five other receipts from Mr. Beebee for salary, on the first page of the book. The first record of a society meeting is :
"At a Legal Society meeting held in North-Stratford at the Meeting-House on y' 12th Day of May A. D. 1761.
"Mr. James Walker is Chosen Moderator for this meeting.
" Proposed whether we should oppose our Northern Neighbors or not in their memorial to the Assembly. Passed in the affirmative. Mr. James Walker is Chosen agent for this society to represent it at the Assembly, respecting y" memorials sent in there.
"Mr. John Middlebrook, Deacon Eph" Booth, Mr. John Hinman, Mr. James Walker, Mr. Ephr" Beach, Mr. Samuel Uffoot, Lieut. John French and Daniel Fairchild are chosen a Comttee to Represent this society to a Comttee, if our Brethren Neighbours should obtain one.
"Voted to oppose the People of Flat Rock in their memorial at the Assembly.
"Voted and agreed that the necessary expenses that shall arise by sending an agent to the Assembly shall be taken out of the society Rate last Granted.
" Voted and agreed that the 4-6the parts of school money now left in the hands of Mr. Agur Beach should be paid equally to 5 schools (viz.) Foolshatch,1º Cutler's Farm, Stepney, Daniel's Farm and White Plain Schools.
" Voted that this meeting should be adjourned without date."
On the 6th day of the next October another meeting was held when they voted again to oppose " Our Northern Neigh- bours, at the General Assembly with respect to their memo- rial;" and also " Voted that there should be four pews on each side of the Broad Alley on the rear of the square body, and the Front to be seated." The "Northern Neighbors" had petitioned for what became, in 1762, the New Stratford society.
10 " Foolshatch" was so called very early in the settlement of the town of Stratford. Two men went into the woods hunting, became bewildered, could not tell which way to go to reach home, and therefore camped in the woods at this place, over ten miles from Stratford village, all night. In the morning when they arose they knew readily where they were, and exclaimed, "two bigger fools were never hatched." Hence the name " Foolshatch."
1024
History of Stratford.
The following extracts show some of the persons who were prominent in the work of the society in November, 1761.
"Mr. James Walker is chosen moderator of this meeting. Daniel Fairchild is chosen Society Clerk for the year ensuing. Mr. Oliver Hawley, Mr. John Hinman and Mr. Ephraim Beach are chosen Society Comttee to manage the pru- dentials of the society for the year ensuing.
"Mr. David Peet, Mr. Josiah Peet and Mr. Mitchel Curtiss are chosen a Comtee for the school at Nichols's Farm for the year ensuing.
" Mr. Jnº Edward, Mr. Ephr" Burton and Mr. John Porter are a Comttee for the school at Dan's Farm for ye year ensuing.
"Mr. Nehemiah Edwards, Mr. Edmond Curtiss and Mr. Couch Edwards are chosen a Comttee for the school at Long Hill.
" Mr. Agur Beach, Mr. David Summers, and Mr. David Booth, Jr. are chosen a Comte. for the school at White Plain.
"Mr. Nehemiah Hurd, Mr. Jer" Hubbell and Mr. Elnathan Patterson are chosen Comte. for the school at Cutler's Farm.
" James Walker, Esqr., Capt. Joseph Burton, Lieut. Nathan Nichols, Daniel Fairchild, Mr. Justice Hinman, Mr. Jnº Middlebrook, Jr., Mr. Samuel Uffoot, Deacon Ephr" Booth, Mr .- Jnº Hinman are chosen a Comttee to Ride with the Comtee appointed by yo Gen"! Assembly to view our Parish circumstances and to Represent this society to the said Comttee.
"Mr. James Walker, Esqr., Mr. John Middlebrook, Junr. and Mr. Elnathan Hubbell are chosen a Comttee to Ride with the Comtwee appointed to view Flat Rock circumstances and to represent this society to said Comtwee.
"Mr. Ephraim Beach, Mr. John Porter and Daniel Fairchild are chosen a Com"tee to measure the length and breadth of this Society."
Rev. Mr. Beebee's salary was £70 money for several years, then £75, and in 1769 it was £80, but they gave him £20 pounds in addition. They, however, were in arrears in paying him and in 1771 voted to give him 670, in addition to the £80, if he would give them "a full discharge upon all accounts before."
In regard to rates it is seen that while every property owner was taxed, releases were made almost every year. In 1768 William Burton, Nehemiah Blackman, Daniel French, Daniel Leavenworth, Ebenezer Vitteto, Thomas Wakelee, Samuel Mallet and Philip Mallet were given their rates by vote of the society.
The school committees were appointed regularly, three persons in each district, then the number was increased to eight districts in 1762. In 1773 twenty-seven were appointed, and probably there were nine districts, but the number is no other way ascertained. Upper and Lower Long Hill districts
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1025
Trumbull.
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