USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > A biographical history of the county of Litchfield, Connecticut: comprising biographical sketches of distinguished natives and residents of the county; together with complete lists of the judges of the county court, justices of the quorum, county commissioners, judges of probate, sheriffs, senators, &c. from the organization of the county to the present time > Part 11
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About this time, his father, in pursuance. of his original pur, pose of educating Horace for a merchant, sought a place for .. him in the city of New York. Finding, however, that a situ, ation in a mercantile house of respectable standing and exten-
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sive connexions, could not be procured for him without paying a considerable premium for the privilege, the design was relin- quished, and he went into his father's store, as the best means then at hand of furnishing him with wholesome occupation, cul- tivating habits of industry, and advancing his knowledge of bu- siness. Still, he was not exclusively devoted to this employ- ment; but, with those of his brothers then at home, he was occasionally on the farm and at school, and, wherever enga- ged, was active, faithful, intelligent and efficient.
As his faculties unfolded, however, and as the impulse from within gave more decided indications of the direction of his pro: pensities and tastes, it became more and more obvious that intellectual pursuits attracted him most powerfully ; and the rising desire to obtain a liberal education strengthened, until his thoughts became so engrossed with that object, his hopes and wishes so clung to it, that his father finally consented, and came to the determination to set apart for the purpose that por- tion of his estate with which he had intended to set him up in business. The plan being adopted, it was speedily acted upon ; for procrastination was no part of the character of father or son. Accordingly, in 1797, Horace, then being sixteen years old, was taken to Williamstown, in Berkshire county, Massa- chusetts, and placed in the academy or preparatory school con- nected with Williams College, with the view, when the prop- er time should arrive, of entering him in that institution. At that early period, however, Williams College was more limited in literary means than at present. Perceiving the deficiences in that establishment, and ascertaining the superior advantages of Yale College, after completing his preparatory studies at Williamstown, he went to New Haven, and entered the Fresh- man Class of Yale at the commencement of the collegiate year in 1799. Yale was then flourishing under the auspices of its celebrated President, Dwight, whose brilliant reputation shed lustre on the institution committed to his care, and whose indi-
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vidual fame had long before become fixed as a part of the pub- 5 lic glory of his country. Horace now found his long cherish- ed desire for knowledge in the way of being satisfied. His course was upward, from the beginning. He studied intensely and stood among the foremost. He had his full share of col- 'lege honors, and has since been heard to say, that during the four years of his college life, he was never the subject of a fine; or admonition from his tutors. Indeed, he was a favorite with them all, and with the President, the best test of talent and application. He was also distinguished in the polite circles of the town, for his elegant person, polished manners, and intellect- ual conversation. He already began to take that lead in soci- ety which he ever afterwards maintained. He discovered also thus early, that taste for mental philosophy, then called meta- physics, and not so much in repute or so well understood as at present, for which he became so much distinguished.
The religious revival of 1803, which spread over New Ha- ven, extended also into the college. Many of the student's were numbered among its subjects. It is not strange that one, of the enthusiastic temperament we have described, should have caught its influence. His mind, equally ardent in everything; imbibed ths spirit of the time, and gave all its eloquence to di- vine things. The debating clubs were changed into meetings of religious exhortation and prayer.
With these softened feelings, during the Senior vacation, he retired to the bosom of his brother's family, then in Poughkeep- sie, to prepare for the last honors of his college, being appoint- ed to deliver an oration. Here he was seized with the fever and ague, which nearly unfitted him for the task. Pale and emaciated, he appeared upon the stage on commencement- day, and, as he ever did, carried with him the admiration, as well as the deep sympathy of the audience.
It will give the reader some idea of the state of religious feel - Ing at that time existing in college, to state, that a great pro-
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portion of the graduating class, before parting for their distant ยท homes, entered into a solemn engagement in writing, to pray 'for each other at a certain hour every day. Bound together by so many ties, the parting was solemn and affecting. They embraced in tears, and bade each other adieu-with many an eternal adieu !
In the winter following his graduation, we find the subject of this sketch in the office of Riggs and Radcliff, New York, as a student at law. All his energies were for some months en- gaged in this study. But soon a reaction took place which gave a different direction to his mind, and determined his destiny for life.
This change, which gave to the profession of divinity one of sits brightest ornaments, and a most eloquent expositor, may be ascribed in a great measure to the influence of Dr. Dwight, who, much interested in his favorite pupil, was desirous of en- gaging in this service so much active talent. He was proud of this son of his beloved institution ; one who was no bad example of his own mind and manner, his powerful eloquence and successful instruction.
Accordingly, in the summer of 1804, Holley entered as a student of theology under Dr. Dwight, and resided in the fam- ily of the venerable Dr. Dana. Here he engaged in his new course of study with all the zeal which novelty as well as ardor, and a lively satisfaction with the late change in his destiny, could inspire. Here also he cultivated poetry, and indulged his tastes and his friendships.
On the first of January, 1805, Mr. Holley was married in New Haven, to Miss Mary Austin, a lady of many and varied accomplishments, since distinguished as the biographer of her husband, and author of "The History of Texas," to which country she some years since accompanied her uncle, the cel- ebrated General Stephen Austin. The first six months after their marriage were spent beneath the paternal roof in Salisbu-
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ry. The time of the young divine, the date of whose license preceded but a few days that of his marriage, was employed, during a severe winter in the country, in writing sermons and pursuing his theological studies. In the following summer he repaired to New Haven, and various invitations were received by him. Much expectation was excited by the advent of the young pulpit orator, and it was in no respect disappointed .- Invitations pressed upon him, and he was not long in select- ing a residence-and the selection in a personal point of view, as often happens to the young and romantic, was made less in reference to the real wants of life, than to taste, literary easc, and rural retirement. It is sufficient to name Greenfield Hill, Fairfield county, Connecticut, which once boasted as its pastor the venerated President of Yale, Timothy Dwight, who cele- brated its beauties in verse, and who retained an after influence on its destinies. He was ordained by the Western Consocia- tion of Fairfield, September the 13th, 1805. The parish voted " to give Mr. Holley five hundred and sixty dollars per year for his services in the ministry, so long as said parish and Mr. Hol- ley shall agree." It was at the option of either to dissolve the union, when they should consider it no longer expedient to remain together. There was never the least disaffection be- tween them, but after the experience of nearly three years, it was found that the salary was too small. And though the sit- uation was delightful, the people kind, the professional duties congenial, the tender charities of life agreeable, it was not in the power of so small a community to increase the annual sti- pend of their pastor. A dissolution of his pastoral connection with this parish was consequently effected on the 13th of Sep- tember, 1808.
Again at New Haven, ever the starting point of his hopes, and freed from all engagements and every external influence, Mr. Holley determined on a journey through Massachusetts and Maine. Ile had now reached the maturity of his intellect,
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and perhaps no man ever presented a finer combination of rare qualities. His mind was active, vigorous and glowing; his person manly, graceful any imposing ;- and he had a power of eloquence which few possess and none surpass. On the 13th of October we find him at Marblehead, where he remained preaching with such success that he was invited to become the pastor of the church in that place. This, however, he declin - ed. He received also about this time invitations from Middle- town, Albany, New York, and other places ; but he determin- ed against establishing himself in either. Having finished his engagement in Marblehead, he repaired to Boston, whither his fame had preceded him ; and we next find him preaching at the Old South Church, always to crowded houses. Subse- quently he was engaged at the church in Hollis street, where, after several weeks' probation, he was invited to take the pas- toral charge. He did not hesitate to accept of a situation so. eligible -- a situation that not only promised but more than re- alized all he had hoped. His installation took place on the 8th of March, 1809. This connection continued for ten years, and no society and minister ever lived together more harmo- niously -- he giving to his people the most entire and perfect satisfaction, and receiving from them every demonstration of affection and esteem. His sermons were generally extempo- raneous, or, if written, were seldom finished, but left to be fill- ed out by the suggestions of the moment, His method of com- posing, or of preparing them. was as follows. His mind was. richly stored with information on all subjects ; he never forgot anything he had once learned, and he learned all things accu- sately and definitely. Whatever he read or saw in his walks during the week, was made tributary to his Sabbath exercises. Frequently a visit, or an accidental conversation with one of. his parishioners, would furnish a train of thought upon which. his hearers hung with intense interest. Ilence these sermons were always practical, always addressed to the heart and un- derstanding ; and hence, in part, their power.
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It was his custom to enter his study on Saturday evening,. and remain there until a late hour, more for the purpose of re- flection than composition, to arrange the plan of his discourse,. and to make notes. After a few hours of sleep, he was again in his study, when he would suffer no interruption from any cause, not even stopping for breakfast. He then entered the- pulpit, fired with his theme, and rivited all attention for an hour or more, with scarcely a recurrence to his notes. If the after- noon service required a similar effort, he ate no dinner. Ifhe dined, he would take a familiar subject and treat it less elabo . rately ..
His mornings were spent in intense study-for everything with him was intense ; and his evenings were devoted to the current literature of the day, which he read aloud in his fami- ly, and to the enjoyment of society and conversation, which. were made subservient to the objects on which his mind was acting in retirement. Thus the fruits of his studious hours were brought into society, and thus also society in its turn add -. ed its contributions to the stores of his intellect and taste. His- occasional sermons were composed with care and written out.
In 1815, he was invited to the Presidency of Transylvania University in Kentucky, to which invitation, however, he gave little heed. The church and society over which he was settled; were united and happy under his ministrations-and the idea of leaving them appears not to have entered into his thoughts. The change which is alledged to have taken place in his views of the Trinity, during his residence in Boston, did not in the least estrange his people from him. In November, 1817, the invitation from Transylvania was unanimously renewed, and with so much authority, promise and plausibility, that he was induced to listen to the proposition, and to undertake a journey thither. On reaching Lexington, he was welcomed with dem- onstrations of joy by all. From his correspondence it appears. that he was invited to preach in their several pulpits by the
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Rev. Messrs. Vandeman, { Baptist,) Ward,* (Episcopal, ) Mo- Chord, (Presbyterian,) and also by the ministers of the Meth -. odist and Associate Reformed churches. In one of his letters he says -
" This morning I breakfasted at Mr. Clay's, who lives a mile and a. half from town. Ashland is a very pleasant place, handsomer than l' had anticipated. The grounds are beautiful, the lawns and walks ex- tensive, the shrubbery luxuriant, and the garden well supplied. The native forest of ash in the rear, adds a charming effect to the whole. After breakfast Mr. Clay rode in with me, and we went with the Trus- tees, by appointment, to the college, to visit the professors and stu- dents. They were all collected in the largest hall to receive us. I made a short address, which was received in a kind manner. I was then conducted to the Library, the Apparatus and the Recitation Rooms. The library is small and the apparatus is smaller. There is. no regular division of students into classes as in other colleges, and? but few laws. Everything is to be done, and so much the better, as nothing is to be reformed. Almost the whole is proposed to be left to me to arrange. I am now making all necessary inquiries, and a meet- ing of the Trustees is to be called next week."
After remaining in the vicinity for several weeks, informing himself of the state of feeling which existed. among the people, as well as of the prospects of the institution, he, on the 13th of April, 1818, signified his acceptance of the invitation. He seems to have regarded the new field before him with all his wonted enthusiasm. In a letter to Mrs. Holley, after reverting to the love which he bore the Hollis street church, and his de- termination to leave it, he adds, "I shall make a sacrifice in . , many things, but I shall do my duty, and if I meet with success it will be glorious. I am not about to bury myself, or my tal- ents, humble as they are, from an active and conspicuous sphere. 'This whole western country is to feed my seminary, which will send out lawyers, physicians, clergymen, statesmen,. poets, orators and savans, who will make the nation feel them. It is a great opening, and I should be pusillanimous to shrink from it, on account of the sacrifice I shall make in the refine-
* Rev. JOHN WARD, a native of Litchfield, Conn.
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ments of society, and the breaking up of connections, however dear to my heart. The course I am pursuing is a high and honorable one, entirely above the region of clouds and storms of sects, and in a clear and pure day. I breathe an atmosphere more agreeable to me, in the large view that I take, than I have breathed before."
It now only remained to break up his connection in Boston. He immediately informed his church and society of his decis- ion, and returned home to make the necessary preparations for removing his family to Kentucky. His Farewell Discourse, which was a master-piece of eloquence, drew together an im- mense crowd of listeners. The large church, which had been . erected and consecrated for him, was not only filled, but the entrance, the steps, and even a part of the street, were crowded: with people-and thousands were moved to tears by the pa- thos and power of his eloquence.
In the autumn of 1818, Dr. Holley removed to Lexington, with a stipulated salary of $3,000 per annum, and was inducted into office on the 19th of December following. This act, as. had been anticipated, proved a life-spring to the institution. It was like the sun to vegetation, after the lapse of a dreary winter. Pupils came in from every quarter, until, in a few months, the institution was highly respectable in numbers and importance. But it will be useless to follow Dr. Holley through the nine years of his Presidency of Transylvania. Suffice it to say, that the institution which, in 1818, was little more than a grammer school, with but a single class, and that of insignificant numbers, grew and flourished under his care, until, in 1824 and 1825, it numbered 400 students, divided into. the four college classes -- with an elevated standard of study, and a high and growing reputation. But subsequently to this period, the spirit of sectarianism set itself to work against the University and its distinguished head ; in consequence of which Dr. Holley, feeling that his prospects of extended usefulness
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were in a degree curtailed, signified to the Trustees, in the spring of 1826, his intention of resigning his post. This step was regarded with deep regret by the citizens of Lexington and by the friends of the University generally. Not a few who had been hostile to him, expressed a readiness to unite in a general request that he would retain his station, declaring that in future he should have their cordial support. But their repentance came too late. Although, some months after writing it, Dr. Holley was induced to recall his letter to the Board, he carried his intended resignation into effect in the spring of 1827.
On the 27th of March, of the year last named, he left Lex- ington, accompanied for a considerable distance by a proces- sion of pupils, citizens, and friends. On his arrival at New Orleans, he was waited upon by several distinguished and wealthy citizens, with a proposal to establish for him a College near that city. As soon as it was ascertained that he regarded the plan with favor, a subscription was started for the object; which in three or four weeks amounted to thirty thousand dol- lars. But the hot season had now arrived, and Dr. Holley found his health rapidly failing him. He, therefore, resolved upon a visit to his friends at the North, and accordingly took passage (with Mrs, Hollcy*) on board the ship Louisiana, for New York. The remainder of our story is sad, and soon told. When a few days out, he was seized with a violent illness; which terminated fatally on the fifth day from his embarkation -- July 31, 1827, aged 46 ; and on the following day his re- mains were consigned to the bosom of the ocean.
Thus passed from the earth one of its purest and most gifted spirits-distinguished alike for his learning, his virtues, his genius, his broad philanthropy, and his inspiring eloquence. As the tidings of his death spread through the country, they were received with demonstrations of sorrow and mourning. In New Orleans, Lexington, Plymouth, Boston, and elsewhere,
This estimable lady died in New Orleans, in September, 1846.
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funeral discourses were delivered. The Rev. John Pierpont, "Dr. Holley's successor in the Hollis street church, pronounced a discourse on his life and character, by request of his society ; "and the same "p'easant yet mournful" duty was assigned to Prof. Charles Caldwell by the University over which the de- ceased had so long presided. We cannot better close this sketch than by copying the following paragraphs from the Dis- course by Prof. Caldwell : .
"As an orator it may be asserted of Dr. Holley, as truly as it was of the great Chatham, in reference to his Roman virtues and peerless en- dowments, that, in some respects, at least he 'stood alone.' In that capacity, neither truth nor justice forbids me to add, that " modern degeneracy had not reached him.' Of the orators of antiquity, whose fame is the theme of classical story, and who still furnish models for the world's imitation, the mantle of inspiration would seem to have de- scended to him and gifted him like themselves. In the eloquence of the pulpit he was the paragon of his country, if not of the age, and might calmly look down on all the efforts of cotemporary rivalry .- Nor, in that line of oratory, has his superior, perhaps, ever shed a lustre on any age. Bossuet, of France, was not more elevated, vehe- ment, and impressive, nor Massillon himself more enchantingly attract- ive. To award to him a triumphant ascendency over Chalmers and Irving, the living Massilon and Bossuet of Britain, is but to do what has been repeatedly done, by sundry judges, whose decision is entitled to undisputed confidence. To say the least of them, the matter, ar- rangement and language of his discourses were equal to those of the discourses of the British orators; and his delivery of them incontesti- bly and greatly superior. In general opulence of diction, and splen- dor of elocution, more especially in the majesty of lofty and solemn declamation, he left the two foreign divines immeasurably behind him.
" Nor, of his powers of analysis, when topics of depth and intricacy presented themselves, am I inclined to speak in less elevated terms. Here, as on all other points, he descanted as he thought, with accuracy, vigor, and resplendant perspicuity. Even matters of mystery almost ceased to be mysterious, as they fell from his lips irradiated by his genius."
" As if she had cast him intentionally in her happiest mould, and en- dowed him in a moment of her most abundant prodigality, Nature had showered on this her favorite, in unwonted profusion and of the choice- est stamp, those minor attributes, which are so powerful in their in. fluence, as the exteriors of oratory. In person and general aspect, as heretofore mentioned, he was not only elegant and imposing, but
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splendidly beautiful. But, without any of that delicacy, which though peculiarly characteristic of youth adheres to some throughout their lives, or the slighest admixture of feebleness or effeminacy, his beauty was as masculine as it was rare and attractive. With a stature of the most approved dimensions, a figure so symetrical as to be almost fault- less, features bold, expressive, and comely, giving strength to a coun- tenance beaming with the brightest intelligence, and animated with the working's of the loftiest sentiments and the most ardent feelings, he truly and emphatically gave to the world, assurance of a man- ' take him for all in all, we shall not look upon his like again.'
" Thus configured, gifted and accomplished, when he ascended, in his flowing toga, the pulpit or the rostrum, assumed the air and atti- tude of the orator, and threw his eyes around him on an admiring audience, the presentation itself was a burst of eloquence-an exquis- ite exordium to a splendid discourse. Under the illusion of the moment, the Gerius of Oratory, indebted for his existence to poetic fiction, might have been almost fancied to have started into actual being, and stood forth to view, clothed in the form and aspect most suitable to his character. An ordinary address from a source, of such promise would have been deep disappointment. One of consummate elegance, opulency, and force, could alone redeem the pledge that was proffer- ed. When to these attributes were added, a mellow, rich, and silver- toned voice, thrilling at times with the very essence of melody, and of unusual compass, flexibility and power an enunciation uncommonly distinct and varied ; a manner in the highest degree tasteful and ani- mated, and action the most graceful, expressive, and appropriate, the combination to give to elocution all its fascination, and produce by its most powerful and indelible effects, was as complete as nature in her bounty could bestow. To render it irrestible, nothing was wanting but the outpourings of a mighty and cultivated intellect-and the whole were united in the person of the deceased."
" And, though man had been silent when his body was committed to the deep, the rolling surf, as it broke over the reef near which he was deposited, would have resounded to him, as it did, a solemn re- quiem, which will never cease to salute the ear of the passing mariner, while the winds shall continue to waft him and, the ocean to be his home. And, amidst the roar of the mighty waters, his repose will be as peaceful as if he slept under fretted marble, or the grassy sod, silently wept on by the dews of evening, and smoothed by the vespers of the softened breeze."
ABRAHAM AND PHINEAS BRADLEY.
Stephen Bradley emigrated from England about the year 1660, and settled in Guilford, Connecticut, where he died on the 20th of June, 1702, aged 60 years. He had sons Ste- phen and Abraham. The latter was born in Guilford, May 13, 1675, married Jane Leaming, and died April 20, 1721, aged 46 years .. He had three sons, viz., Abraham, Daniel, (died in Salisbury, Ct., in 1794,) and Joseph, (died at Guilford, in 1799.) Abraham, last named, was born July 26, 1702, graduated at Yale College, married Reliance Stone, and died in 1771, aged 69 years. He had three sons, viz., Abraham, Leaming,* and Peleg.
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