A record and documentary history of Simsbury, Part 12

Author: Barber, Lucius I. (Lucius Israel), 1806-1889
Publication date: 1931
Publisher: Simsbury, Conn. : Abigail Phelps Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution
Number of Pages: 464


USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Simsbury > A record and documentary history of Simsbury > Part 12


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But Mr. Pitkin was a prominent and powerful man at Court, well connected, and well educated, and at this very time Attorney for the Colony, and the petition was received and at once favorably acted upon by the General Court, then in session, as follows:


"This Court vnderstanding by a writing presented to them from seuerall persons of this Colony, that they are agrieved that they are not interteined in church fellowship; This Court haueing duely considered the same, desireing that the rules of Christ may be attended, doe commend it to the ministers and churches in this Colony, to consider whither it be not their duty to interteine all such persons, whoe are of an honest and godly conuersation, haueing a competency of knowledg in the principles of religion, and shall desire to joyne wth them in church fellowship by an explicitt couenant, and that they haue their children baptised, and that all the children of the church be accepted and accotd reall members of the church, and that the church exercise a due christian care and watch ouer them; and that when they are growne up, being examined by the officer in the presence of the church, / it appears, in the judgment of charity, they are duely quali- fyed to participate in that great ordinance of the Lords Supper, by theire being able to examine themselues and discerne the Lords body, such persons be admitted to full comunion.


The Court desires yt the seuerall officers of ye respectiue churches would be pleased to consider whither it be not the duty of the Court to order the Churches to practice according to the premises, if they doe not practice wthout such an order.


It any dissent from the contents of this writing, they are


I37


Col. Rec. Vol. I P. 437-8


desired to help the Court wth such lights as is wth them, the next session of this Assembly.


The Court orders the Secretary to send a copy of this writing to the seuerall ministers and churches in this Colony."


The measure here recommended was what was afterwards known as the "halfway covenant", which was introduced into a large number of the churches in that and the following cen- tury. Mr. Warham, the minister of Windsor, had commenced this practice in 1657 "and went on in the practice of it until March 19th, 1664, on which day he declared to the church that he had met with such arguments against the practice, concern- ing the baptizing of members' children, that he could not get through at present, and could not go on as he had done, with- out scruples of conscience. Therefore he must forbear, untill he had weighed arguments, and advised with those that were able to give advice".


The practice was suspended there till 1667, when it was resumed, under the ministry of Mr. Chauncey, and was from that time continued.


Whether it was that Mr. Warham had thus shut down on them, or whatever may have been the reason, it is another remarkable fact in regard to these four Windsor men, Michael Humphrey, John Moses, James Eno and Jonas Westover, who signed the foregoing petition for an extension of religious privileges, that all, shortly afterwards, left Windsor, where they were so inhospitably treated, and sought religious freedom in Massaco, of which they were among the earliest settlers.


It is for this reason that this minute and perhaps tedious recital of these proceedings has been here given. They were not only among the earliest settlers, but they were all prominent and influential in shaping the affairs and institutions, civil and ecclesiastical, - of the future town of Simsbury.


I38


FIRST CHURCH BUILDING . 168 3


XVII


Ecclesiastical Affairs-Continued


The Ecclesiastical affairs of the town were, by the first generation of the inhabitants of Simsbury, conducted and managed, like all other town affairs, in town meeting. Indeed, all matters pertaining to religious worship, and its ordinances, constituted an important, if not the chief, part of Town busi- ness. The inhabitants of the town, in town meeting assembled, directed the time, place and manner of holding religious meet- ings; they called the minister, and fixed the amount and kind of pay; appointed days of fasting and ordered the gathering together of the people on the Lord's day, whether there was preaching or not.


With the first settlers in Simsbury, the observances and ordinances of religion were objects of supreme importance. Born in Windsor, and brought up at the feet of its Godly ministers, - Warham, Maverick and Hewit, - they, by in- heritance and training, were a pious and God-fearing people.


In their public affairs, the religious element was ever a prominent feature. Their interest in, and their efforts to secure and maintain the preaching of the Gospel, from the earliest existence of the town, appear on almost every page of its records.


As soon as the town was fairly organized, and during the first year of its corporate existence, steps were taken to erect a meeting house. This, however, was not completed for many years, owing to the various obstacles and diffi- culties, chief of which were their inability to unite upon a


139


location, and subsequently to the burning of the town by the Indians.


Having decided to build, "At a metting of ye Inhabitants of Simsbury & proprietors May ye 5th, 1671 yt was voted that the metting houfe should be at Hope meadow, Luke hills, and carryed by ye major part by foure perfons". This meeting was held at Capt. Cook's, at Terry's Plain.


Luke Hill then resided on the lot now occupied by Dr. L. I. Barber, and the spot selected was probably on the West side of the highway, opposite. This site was doubtless chosen to accommodate the people living on both sides of the river, as a highway had been previously established from this point eastwardly to the river. It was likewise at the center of the population, and settlements from North to South. These extended from the "Falls" to "Farmington bounds", - a dis- tance of seven or eight miles. All the inhabitants of the town were settled along the river, on roads on each side, and running parallel to it. It was a matter of importance, therefore, that, on whichever side of the river the meetinghouse should be located, it should be at a point easily accessible from the opposite side. But the main question was - on which side of the river it should stand. This question gave rise to a contest which survived the destruction of the town, and disturbed its harmony for many years.


A contract was entered into with Mr. Thomas Barber, one of the Patentees and proprietors of the town, to erect ac- cording to specifications a meeting house for public worship. He went forward and prepared the timber for the building, but the obstacles before mentioned prevented its completion. The inhabitants on the east side of the river were dissatisfied, and another meeting was held.


At this meeting it was "propounded. in cafe the former vote stands. on the eaft Syde the river they on the eaft syd of the river should chufe the place where ye Metting houfe should stand.


Ye second propofition that thofe should heave Free Liberty to bring in yr votes, who were wanting when ye meting was at capt Cookes May ye 5th 1671."


140


S. T. R. B. I. P. 21


By the following proceedings, it appears that Mr. Stone was preaching in Simsbury at that time.


Another site was now fixed upon. -


"May 30th, 1673 For ye Setlment of peace amongft us as concerning a conteft about ye meting houfe, and for the finall Iffueing of the Same we Condesend for peace and quiet- neff sack. that mr Stone according to his defire, should de- termine which of the two places the metting houfe should be at, whether againft Thomas rowells or upon the nape againft the perfonage land. this voted and carryed by a clear vote, except to persons, (Jofhua Holcomb do proteft against ye Same and Jofeph phelpes) - at the Same meting determined by Mr Stone yt ye Metting houfe should ftand at ye place fore Viewed. againft ye personag land where it is most Convenient." The site selected by Mr. Stone was opposite the present dwell- ing house of Ralph Ensign, Esq., at Hopmeadow.


That designated as "againft Thomas Rowells" was op- posite Clark's store, in front of the Cemetery.


This action of the town was reversed the next year, and the following vote passed.


"March 13.74. At a metting of ye Inhabitant and pro- prietors about ye metting houfe. it was there voted that the metting houfe should be seet about luke Hills in the place moft convenient this don in ye prefence of Major Talcott".


But with this the people were not satisfied, and the advice of Major Talcott was asked, who proceeded to pitch the stake for the site.


Again the people met, "June the Eight 1674".


"At a Towne metting of ye Inhabitants of. For a finall Issue amongft us Concerning the Setlment of the metting houfe we do Condefend so that Love and peace may be obteyned. we mutualy agree that the metting houfe shall stand. at ye place so to be Seated and Setled at that place against Samuell Pinnys or rowels. upon that nap where Major Talcot seet a stake".


By this vacillating course of action, the contractor for building the meeting house was subjected to great incon- venience and expense, by reason of the delay, and by the


S. T. R. B. 1. P. 21


S. T. R. B. 1. P. 21


Ib.


I4I


S. T. R. B. 1.


P. 3


transportation of the materials from place to place. The town having previously granted to him twenty-four acres of land, subject to the usual conditions of "fencing, building and settling a Tennant upon ye said land". The inhabitants, at this meeting held on the last of Desember 1674, - "Freed the sd Thomas Barber From the sd enjunction and have given it freely to him. to difpofe: this. thus. given with its free- dom: was upon the account and for his encoragment to go on with the work of ye Metting Houfe and for to be an Aug- mentation of his hard Bargain: made with the Town in ref- ference of ye sd worke."


It was the law of the Colony that, -


Col. Rec. B. 1. P. 524


"Wheresoeuer the ministry of the Word is established accord- ing to the order of the Gospell, throughout this Jurissdiction, euery person shall duely resorte and attend therevnto re- spectiuely, vppon the Lords day, and vppon such publique fast dayes, and dayes of Thanksgiuing, as are to bee generally kept, by the appointment of Authority. And if any person within this jurisdiction shall, without just and necessary cause, withdraw himselfe from hearing the publique ministry of the Word", "he shall forfeit for his absence from euery such publique meeting, fiue shillings".


It was necessary therefore that they should have a place of meeting, in obedience to the law.


During the preceding year, the town had employed Mr. Stone, and now had made proposals to him to settle in the work of the ministry.


S. T R. B. 1 P. 21


"April 24th. 1674 Sergant Jnº Griffin Mr Simon Wilcot & Sam1 Pinny: were by the Inhabitants of simsbury, chofen a Committee to receive Mr stones Anfwer: refpecting thofe pro- pofitions made to the sd Stone for his setlement in the worke of the Miniftry in ye plantation of Simsbury".


S. T. R. B. I. P. 2


Having received a negative answer to their proposition they began to cast about for some one to supply his place. "but now the sd inhabitants doth concurre and agree to De- ffift their present procedings: refpecting sending forth till the laft of January: desiring to wait upon God in his provi-


I42


dence: to Se how Matters may concord bettwen vs. the sd inhabitants of Simfbury and Mr Stone."


Though deprived of the privilege of hearing the Gospel preached, the people continued to assemble on the Sabbaths, for the purpose of public worship, in obedience to the law, and in obedience to their sense of duty. In accordance with these, a town meeting was held, and the following order passed.


"Confidering how that on the Lords day we are and have ben difappoynted of the publick preaching of the Word of God And confidering our present state and condition in this prefent juncture of time. And how that God cals. vpon vs by our pious and Godly rulers: who have exerted & put forth Good and wholfom laws for peoples convening and meeting to gather in a confceinciuff man' to ferve the lord in his wor- ship on ye lords day. and further that in solmne and gener11 metings on ye lords day yt so there might the better be notice taken in what maner our society keeps the Lords day and also an account given to such as may ask or enquier after ye sam: or our order et: it is now ordered that their be a generall convening and gathering togather of our people in this planta- tion of Simsbury. to the place which is ordered and appoynted for the metting to gather on the Lords day: yet if any of our peopl can repair to any other place where there is better means to be had. this order according to the intent hereof is not to abridge such: otherwife this order to be attended and duely observed by all such as do not repaire every Sabeth where there is the publyquick preaching of ye Word of God unlesse som imminent providence of God hinders".


As a minister, Mr. Stone seems to have given general satis- faction to those among whom he labored.


"At a Generall Town metting of the Inhabitants of Sims- bury haveing Received on Answer from Mr Stone. that he could not setle amongft us in the work of the miniftry: by reason of his Difabilities and weakneff of body: we: the sd Mr Stone and the inhabitants of Simsbury then parted without any spirit of grudging: also it was Agreed by the sd Inhabitants to pay Mr Stone 401b for this last year Mr Stone Making up


S. T. R. B. 1 P. 3


S. T. R. B. 1 P. 4


I43


the Last quarter in preaching at such time as god shall enable him".


Here was manifested a good state of feeling between Minister and people, notwithstanding the failings of the former, as will hereafter appear.


Subsequently, Mr. Stone so far recovered his health as to be able to continue his services among the people of Simsbury for several years.


"Jun 21st 1675 at a Towne Metting of ye Inhabitants of Simsbury. the Inhabitants thereof & Mr Stone: have Further Indented for half a year: in maner as followeth: ye sd Mr Stone is to preach to ye Inhabitants of Simsbury every lords day this prefent half year covenanted with him for: &. in Case he fails in his part. he is to make. up the half year at other times: & for the half year ye said Inhabitants of Simsbury have engaged to give ye sd Mr Stone 201b".


But now came a sad interruption of the fulfilment of this agreement, by the outbreak of Philip's War, and the utter destruction of the town, as hereinbefore related.


After the burning of the town, there was an entire sus- pension of all civil as well as ecclesiastical affairs, except, as beforementioned, the holding of a town meeting, "in windzor, (occasioned by reason of the warr)", within a week after the burning of the town, while they were refugees, and appoint- ing a Committee "for ye perfecting the old account betteen ye Town of Simsbury & Mr Samu11 Stone." &c.


The account was amicably settled, according to the proposition of the committee, which was as follows:


S. T. R. B. 1 P. 8


"Apr11 ye 4th 1676. propounded to Mr Stone & ye said Stone accepted which propofition. was: yt feeing by ye provi- dence of God by reafon of ye Warre yt ye sd Mr Stone did not fulfill the time of preaching according to ye former agreement made June ye 2Ist. 1675: yt yr might be fom mett compenfa- tion be allowed to ye sd Mr Stone for his laboures in ye preach- ing of the Gofpell. the said Mr Stone and ye Towne agreed yt ther fhould be an allowance of Sixteen pounds".


And now the war being brought to a close, and the in- habitants of Simsbury having generally returned to their


I44


S. T. R. B. 1 P. 8


former allotments, for the purpose of rebuilding their habita- tions, we find the following record: "At a Towne Metting of the inhabitants of Simsbury Apr11 77: whereas Mr Stone had preacht a quarter of a year almoft: it was Agreed vpon by Mr Stone. and the Inhabitants of Simsbury yt the sd Mr Stone should fulfill this quarter of a year: which would ter- minate the last of May 77: and after ye said quarter was fulfilled: the said Stone has Indented to preach to ye In- habitants of Simsbury one year more. which fd year should begin on the firft of Jun 77 and end on the firft of June 78. for which faid labour in the preaching of the word ye full year and quarter the Towne is to alow ye sd Mr Stone forty pounds". After the expiration of this term, he was again employed, for another year.


S. T. R. B. 1 P. 10


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FIRST CHURCH BUILDING . 1683


XVIII


Meeting-House Difficulties


The meeting house war broke out afresh. Meetings were again held to provide for building a house of worship, but the old question of location at once presented itself. On this question the contention waxed warm. At an early day, how- ever, it was seen that it could not be settled by the people themselves. They adopted a wise measure, and set an example worthy of imitation by all succeeding generations. They passed a Resolution which should never be rescinded:


"Desember Ist 1681." "We, the Inhabitants of Simsbury being met togather the first of ye 10th moneth 1681, being defierous henceforward to live in love and peace mutually to the glory of God, and our own peace & Comfort, to prevent after Annimosities and vncomfortable variencs, do mak this act: that whensoever any difference may arifse in any of our civill Transactions, yt after we have given our reafons mutually one to another, and cannot by the meanes be Brought to- gether, that to a Finall Iffue of our difference, we will com- mitt the matter with our reafons pro. and con. to the worship- full Major Tallcott and Captain Alien, to heare as presented in writting, and that we will fet downe to their award or deter- mination, this voted and concluded for a standing record for henceforward."


Were this principle adopted and observed as a rule of action by communities and individuals, a vast amount of difficulty and animosity would be avoided, and peace and harmony promoted.


I46


T. R. B. I.


P. 13


Major Talcott seems to have been the Patron Saint, or special and trusted counsellor of the Simsbury people, from the beginning. On all occasions of difficulty, and in all times of trouble; in their strifes arising from the distribution and settlement of the public lands; in their difficulties with the Indians, arising from the non-payment of their dues, for the purchase of their lands; and now, in their controversy in regard to locating the meeting house, he was appealed to for advice, and he aided them by his wise counsel. In short, "ye Worship- full Major Talcott," was their Guide, Philosopher and Friend.


Having assembled from time to time for a series of years, for the purpose of settling the vexed question, but without result, the people at length, by the adoption of the foregoing . resolution, placed the matter in the hands of Major Talcott and Captain Allyn. On the first of February following, they met the people assembled in town meeting, and having heard the statements and arguments of the contesting parties, made the following report and decision:


"We vnder written, being chosen by the good people of simsbury, to hear ifue, and determin all differences between the people there, and they, haveing met with us the first of this Instant & Sundery persons appearing on behalfe of the people of the West syd of the river & sundery persons appear- ing on the behalfe of the people on the east syde ye river have alfo appeared and presented what they had to say, for or object againft the choice of the present Selectmen of Sims- bury, and ye place where the metting houfe should be feet, and about whre the fery and &c. we haveing heard and con- fidered what has ben presented to us and viewed, severall orders of their Towne, we do find that may the 5th. 71. the Towne by a major vote did agree that the meting house should be at Hopemeadow again may the thirtieth, seventy three the mater about Setling the Meting house at what place it should stand, was left to Mr Stone to determin, who did accordingly determin it should stand at a place forviewed against the personage land."


"At another meting of the Inhabitants & proprietors of sayd Simsbury about the meting house, it was voted that it


1682 S. T. R. B. I. P. 21


S. T. R. B. 1 P. 22


I47


S. T. R. B. I. P. 22


should be set about luk Hils which was don in presence of Major Talcot. again June 8, 74, for a Finall Issue concerning the matter of stating the place, where the Meting House Should stand, it was Condefended and mutualy agreed that the Meting-House should be seated and stand at the place on the nape where major Talcott set a stake &c. Since also January 8, 77. Nov. 29. 82, Sunder acts have paft further Confirming the formmer: Vpon all which we cannot but de- clare that the setling of the metting House or place where it shal stand at Hope meadow on that nape wher Major Talcot picht the stake is such: that we dare not make any variation, from that place, which so often so seriously & for such good ends, as ye obteyning love and peace (as it is recited in their order June 8, 74) it was stated and Concluded on, and there- fore do advife them to a chearefull loving compliance & condefendency on an to another in joyning together in the building of a house for ye publick worship of God in yt place upon ye nape, where major Talcot pitcht downe the stake.


"and whereas in the laft Choice of selectmen the eaft syd is wholily neglected & it may be convenient to have one at leaft of ye Townfmen on that syd, we do therefore advife, that sam1 wilcox, Joshua holcomb and petter Buell, be Townf- men for this present year & that ye Towne forthwith make choyce of colectors for the gathering the ministers rate, and the rate for the metting Houfe, and we do advife that the Towne agree to build a bridg, or kep a Ferry for the Con- veniency of the peoplthat at the publique charge of the Towne they may have fre paffage over the river to attend the publique worship of god on the Sabboth & publiqu Fasting dayes for Training daies and Town metings when they are to attend the pub(lique) occasions.


S. T. R. B. I. P. 22


"Finialy we advife that you study to be quiet, that you live in peace, and Joyn to gether vnnanimoufly in your affayrs & not Contend on with an other, yt so you may have ye prefence and bleffing of god with you, and we advife that ye Townfmen doe not multiply too many metings without Special occafions & necceffity enforce them to it


Dated in Harford February Ist 1682 pr John Talcot John Allin.


148


Thefe to be Communicated to ye Inhabitants of ye Town of simsbury."


It is interesting to see, in the sequel, the influence of self-interest upon the minds and conduct of these men of the good old Puritan times, and how circumstances will cause the best of men, sometimes, to swerve from their previously formed good resolutions. Only two months had passed since, by a unanimous vote, they had solemnly bound themselves, in all matters of difference wherein they could not agree among themselves, to submit the same to "the Worshipefull Major Tallcott and Captain Alien", and to "set downe to their award or determination".


Upon the reception of the award from Major Talcott and Captain Allyn a town meeting was called, and the com- munication was laid before them.


"Feb. 13 1681/2 put to vote ye above written to see whether it would be accepted refpecting the whole advife of the worshipfull major Talcot and Capt Alien, it by ye vote was accepted by 12 persons and not accept by 17 or 18 persons.


"2dly the Ist thing advised Voted respecting ye place of ye meting house, the major part Voted againft it, The 2ª thing refpecting townfmen choice it was fuly and freely voted that Sam1 wilcox, Jofhua holcomb peter Buell Townf- men for ye yr enfuing. Andrew Hilliard chofen collector for the minift" Rate."


One of the matters of complaint before the referees was that all the Selectmen were chosen from the west side of the river. In their report, or award, they advised, for the sake of satisfying the people on the east side, the appointment of one living on that side of the river. Accordingly, at the meeting last mentioned, on the 13th of February, "Nathaniel Holcomb was turned out of his office of Being Towns man, and Joshua Holcomb was plact in his room". Only so far did the town accept the decision.


As to the location of the meeting house, which was the main question, the people were as much divided as ever: the return of the arbitrators was rejected by a vote of 17 or 18


I49


S. T. R. B. 1 P. 22


to 12. Though the Resolution to leave the matter to arbitra- tion had not been rescinded, it was violated on the very first occasion presented.


The controversy was revived with its attendant bitter- ness and animosity. New sites were selected, and only selected and proposed to be voted down. All wanted a meeting house, and nothing hindered but the inability to agree on a site. .


Meantime the contract for building the meeting house, which had been made with Thomas Barber more than ten years before, was still held to be in force, but owing to the inter- ruption of the war and the inability to agree upon location, was unfulfilled. With this question yet unsettled in 1682, the town renewed the contract for building.




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