USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Simsbury > A record and documentary history of Simsbury > Part 30
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34
Jarvis Humphrey
Lora Buell
Elihu Case
Hosea Dudley
Asa Case & Holcomb
Horatio G Case
Hector Tuller
Abel D Case
Dositheus Humphrey
Zebulon Chapin
Benajah Humphrey
R. Prouty
Elisha Cornish
Allen McLean
Richard Ells
Moses Ensign
Benajah Case
William Mather Jr
Virgil Pettibone
Thaddeus Humphrey
Mamre Case
Ezekiel W Buel
Chester Wilcox
and were paid as follows for their services
Zopher StJohn
Elisha Wilcox
Norton Hoskins
Emily Wilcox
Moses Ensign $56.
Sanford Delliboy
Hiram Buel
Virgil Pettibone 40.
James Bodwell
Moses Case
Mamre Case 31.
364
The building Committee were
Guy R Phelps
Mary Cornish Solomon Case
Peter O Buel
Jacob Case
Mamre Case
A Building Committee consisting of Messrs. Virgil Petti- bone, Moses Ensign and Mamre Case was appointed, who were "directed to go forward and build a meeting house, exclusive of basement story, at an expense not exceeding five thousand five hundred dollars."
This Committee was authorized to fix upon the plan and dimensions of the building, and make a contract for the same. In May, a contract was closed with Damon & Hayden, of Northampton, to build the house for the sum above named. On the 2nd of June the work was commenced. The old meeting house was taken down, the ground prepared for the new struc- ture, and on the 30th the corner-stone was laid. In the north- east cornerstone, a plate was deposited, with the following inscription :
"On this ground, in the year of Our Lord 1740, was erected by the First Congregational Society of Simsbury, a House for religious Worship, which was taken down in the year of our Lord 1830, and this house built in the same year, by Isaac Damons and Elijah S. Hayden, and under the Superintendence of Virgil Pettibone, Moses Ensign and Mamre Case, Committee, whilst under the Pastoral care of Rev. Allen McLean, George Cornish and William Mather, Deacons of the Church. Solomon Case, Aurora Case & Moses Ensign, Prudential Com- mittee. Names of the Pastors of the Church since its first organi- zation in this Society, viz; Rev. Dudley Woodbridge, Timothy Woodbridge, Gideon Mills, Benajah Roots, Samuel Stebbins and Allen McLean.
The Corner Stone laid June 30th 1830."
The cornerstone was laid with religious exercises, and an appropriate address, delivered by Rev. Jairus Burt of Canton. On the day before the old meeting house was taken down, religious services were performed in it for the last time. Prayers were offered, and an appropriate sermon was preached to an attentive and solemn congregation. The Lord's Supper was administered to the members of the Church.
In December 1830, the house was dedicated. A number of ministers from other towns were present and took part in the exercises. A sermon was preached by the pastor. The two former
365
1830.
Soc. Rec. B. 2 Pp. 71-72
1830.
meeting houses had been occupied by the town for holding town meetings. In 1835 the town made application for leave to hold town meetings in the meeting house. A meeting of the Society was called, and it was voted "That the Society will not admit the town into the meeting house, to hold town meetings."
In the erection of the new meeting house, there was perfect harmony of action and sentiment. The raising of the edifice is thus described in a private record of Rev. Mr. McLean, which we are kindly permitted to copy.
"The frame of the building was raised with uncommon success and expedition. The work was commenced at 9 o'clock in the morning, and the whole of the frame, except the upper part of the tower, was up before the setting of the sun. The raising of the building presented a scene of energetic, harmoni- ous action. There was no noise; all was still. There was not a bone broken or a drop of blood shed. All this is easily accounted for, when it is recorded that not a drop of strong drink was used on the occasion. May the blessing of God rest upon the Tem- perance enterprise. There were nearly two hundred persons present, and they all dined at a table spread under the trees, in the rear of the house. It was abundantly and richly furnished by the ladies of the Society. Without any previous arrangement, each one brought what she chose, and there was as great a variety as the country could afford. Cold water was the whole- some beverage. A platter was placed at the head of the long table, bountifully supplied, which was present at the raising of the former meeting house. On the bottom of this platter '90' was engraved, as the age of the former house. From this much re- spected platter each person at the table had the opportunity of taking a piece."
366
FIRST CHURCH BUILDING . 1683
XXXIV
Colleagues and Successors of Rev. Allen McLean
Rev. Samuel T. Richards
In January 1849, Mr. McLean communicated to the Church and Society his desire, on account of the loss of his sight, and consequent disability to perform ministerial and pastoral duties, that "they would adopt the appropriate measures to procure, as soon as practicable, some suitable per- son to labor with him in the Gospel and become his colleague in the pastoral Office." In accordance with this request the Society in concurrence with the Church, in February 1850, invited Rev. Samuel T. Richards to settle as Colleague Pastor. He accepted the call, and on the 15th of May was installed, and continued in office to the general acceptance of the people, till July 1858, when at his own request he was dismissed.
Rev. Oliver S. Taylor
In April 1859, the Society "directed the Prudential Com- mittee to invite Rev. Oliver S. Taylor to labor for us in the ministry for a period of three months, and as a candidate for settlement." At the end of this time he was, by vote of the Society, invited to settle as Colleague Pastor and the Com- mittee were authorized to offer him a salary of Nine Hundred Dollars. The Church concurred in the action of the Society. The invitation was accepted, and on the 21st of September of that year, he was installed.
1859.
This relation between Mr. Taylor and the Church and Society continued till August, 1865, when he tendered his
367
resignation, which was accepted by the Church and Society, and his connection with them ceased from the first of August. Mr. Taylor afterwards was connected with the Episcopal Church.
During this year, 1865, the interior arrangement of the meeting house was entirely changed and remodeled at an ex- pense of about $4,000. The high pulpit and galleries were lower- ed; the square pews on the sides and the slips in the body of the house were removed, and semi-circular slips substituted, so that every occupant faced the minister. A new organ loft and orchestra, with pulpit platform were erected and a well-toned organ purchased and put in place. The old front galleries were removed and the whole interior tastefully decorated and the floors carpeted.
Rev. Newell A. Prince
After the dismission of Mr. Taylor, Rev. Newell A. Prince was called to succeed him. Mr. McLean had deceased during the term of Mr. Taylor's ministry. The Society voted Mr. Prince a salary of eleven hundred dollars a year, and a three weeks' vacation. It was further voted, "That we raise by subscription and add to the offer already made to Rev. Mr. Prince, for the first year, the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars, and for the two following years, the sum of one hundred dollars, each year." The calls and terms proposed were accept- ed, and Mr. Prince was installed November 8th, 1865.
After about three years' service, Mr. Prince communicated his desire for an increase in salary, and tendered his resignation of the ministerial office on the ground of inability to support his family on the stipulated salary of eleven hundred dollars. A meeting of the Society was called, and it was "Voted that the Salary of Rev. N. A. Prince be increased to twelve hundred dollars per annum, and the Rent of the Parsonage." This was not satisfactory. A communication was presented from Rev. N. A. Prince, of the following import, viz: "That in order to a continuance of his labor with the Society, his Salary must be increased to fifteen hundred dollars per year, to be paid in quarterly instalments; that he must have the parsonage free of rent: and that a horse and carriage, or the means to procure
368
one, must be provided." Whereupon it was "voted that the Society do not accept of the proposition of the Rev. N. A. Prince." "Voted, That the Society do accept of the resignation of their pastor, - Rev. N. A. Prince."
A Council was called, and Mr. Prince was dismissed June Ist, 1868.
Rev. J. Logan Tomlinson
On the first of January 1871, the Church and Society gave a unanimous call to Rev. J. Logan Tomlinson, who, for several months previously, had supplied the pulpit. The Society voted him a salary of fourteen hundred dollars, with the rent of the parsonage, and a vacation of three Sabbaths in each year. The invitation was accepted, and Mr. Tomlinson was installed on the 6th of December, 1871.
In this relation Mr. Tomlinson continued till Feb. 1878 when "on account of the infirmities of broken health", he communicated to the church and Society his resignation of the pastoral office, with the request that they would unite with him in calling a Council for his dismission. This request the Society declined to grant, but "voted to give Mr. Tomlinson leave of absence for one year." At a subsequent meeting the Society reluctantly yielded, and united with him and the Church in calling a Committee for the purpose named.
On the 27th of March, 1878, the Council convened, and after expressing "their high and growing esteem for the retiring pastor's ministerial abilities and scholarly attainments; and their confidence in him as a true man, sincere Christian and Servant of Jesus Christ," declared the pastoral relations be- tween him and the Church and Society to be dissolved, from the Ist of April 1878. Mr. Tomlinson was a man of rare abilities and attainments, and was greatly respected and beloved by the people of his charge. The attachment was mutual; his failing health alone caused the separation.
Mr. W. D. McFarland
Mr. McFarland was the next to occupy the pulpit. From May 1878, he was hired as stated supply, and continued in that
369
position two years. Then came a host of candidates in quick succession, occupying the pulpit till January 1881, at which time
Rev. Charles L. Tomblen
was employed for one year. At the expiration of this time the arrangement was renewed, to continue indefinitely, so long as agreeable to both parties. He continued to officiate, as "stated supply" at a salary of one thousand dollars per annum, and use of the parsonage, till January 1884. Mr. Tomblen was a sincere and earnest Christian, indefatigable in his efforts for the good of his people, zealous and honest in the duties of his office. He excelled as a pastor, taking a deep interest in, and ministering to the necessities and comforts of the poor and suffering. His departure was almost universally regretted.
Rev. Asabel L. Clark
At a Society meeting held on the 10th of March, 1884, the Committee of the Society were instructed to employ Rev. A. L. Clark for one year, offering one thousand dollars with the use of the parsonage and three weeks' vacation.
On the 23rd of March 1885, the Church having invited Mr. Clark to become its pastor, it was "voted that this Society unite with the Church in extending a call to the Rev. A. L. Clark to settle over us in the Gospel ministry." A salary of one thous- and dollars per annum, the use of the parsonage and a three weeks' vacation were voted. These terms were accepted and he was installed June 10th, 1885.
Soon after the settlement of Mr. Richards as colleague of Mr. McLean, the subject matter of erecting a parsonage began to be agitated.
Richard Bacon, Col. William Mather and others were active in the matter. An association was formed, called the "Simsbury Parsonage Association". It was a joint stock Com- pany. There were sixty-four shares of twenty-five dollars each. A commodious parsonage house and other necessary buildings were erected, "for the use of the minister of the Congregational Church and Society in Simsbury". A lot of land was purchased
370
near the site of the first parsonage occupied by Rev. Dudley Woodbridge, one hundred and fifty years before. In 1868, these shares were given to the Ecclesiastical Society, some by the original holders, but the greater number were purchased and presented to the Society by Messrs. Amos R. Eno and Watson Wilcox. By this generous act the parsonage property now belongs to the Ecclesiastical Society.
Other valuable gifts have been made to the Society, from time to time, by residents or natives of the town.
Anson G. Phelps, Esq., of New York, a native of Simsbury, whose beneficence was world wide, bequeathed to the Church $1000 for the poor of the town.
In 1850, Mr. Thomas Case, of this town, instituted a fund for the support of the Gospel Ministry called "The Thomas Case Fund", amounting to about $4,500.
John J. Phelps of New York, in 1870, bequeathed to the Church, without condition, the sum of $3,000; and in 1883, Mr. George D. Phelps, in like manner, bequeathed to the Church the sum of $1,000. To secure these legacies to the Church, on petition, the Legislature in 1884 granted a Charter of Incorpora- tion to the "First Church of Christ in Simsbury".
Amos R. Eno Esq., of New York, has repeatedly shown his liberality by frequent beneficent acts. In 1880, it was represent- ed to him that the Society owed $1,000. He forthwith drew his check for that amount and sent it to the treasurer of the Society.
At the beginning of the year 1883, he purchased the old "Simon Wolcott farm;" fitted up and put in repair its buildings, and stocked it; and as a New Year's gift, presented it to his native town for a home for the poor of the town.
Another donation to the Society, for many years nearly lost to memory, should not be overlooked or forgotten. In 1749, soon after the Society was established, and the second meeting house built, Mr. Andrew Robe, who was then, and for many years afterwards, Clerk of the Society, executed a deed con- veying to the Society two acres of land, near the meeting house on Drake's Hill. The Deed was introduced with the following preamble:
"Know all men by thefe prefents that I Andrew Robe of
37I
S. T. R. B. VII. P. 504
Simfbury in the County of Hartford and Colony of Connecticut in New-England for and in Confideration that whereas the meeting houfe for Divine Worfhip in the firft Society in Said Simfbury is built on a hill commonly called Drake's Hill at the South End of Hop meadow on the weft side of the River on the Highway near to my Land - and whereas it is very Convenient for said firft Society in Simfbury to have Land near by the said meeting houfe, to Improve for such ufes as they shall think proper - I Do Therefore, as a free Donation Give Grant, Convey & confirm unto Mefsrs John Cafe Joseph Phelps Micheal Humphry and to the Reft of the Inhabitants of said Firft Society in Simfbury forever a Certain parcel of Land Lying near to the said meeting houfe bounded" etc., (here follows a description of the land, with usual covenants) - signed and sealed, the "4th Day of December A. D. 1749."
"Andrew Robe & a Seal."
This land, when the "Connecticut Western R. R." was constructed, was taken for railroad purposes. Being only eight rods in width, it was all, or nearly all, in the line of this layout.
Upon a hearing before the R. R. Commissioners, the sum of $4,500 was accorded to the Society by way of damages.
This sum was appropriated and applied to the grading and ornamentation of the meeting-house grounds, the building of a semi-circular wall along the highway, in front, and of sheds in the rear, planting trees, and otherwise decorating the grounds.
In 1883, about $3,000 were raised by subscription largely by the efforts and munificence of Horace Belden Esq., which sum was applied, under the direction of Mr. Belden and Rev. Horace Winslow, a committee appointed for that purpose, to the painting and decoration of the interior of the meeting house, including beautiful cathedral windows, together with a memori- al window to perpetuate the names and memory of the deceased Pastors, who spent their lives, and were buried in Simsbury, - the Revs. Dudley and Timothy Woodbridge, Rev. Samuel Stebbins and Rev. Allen McLean. Their united term of Pastoral service was 125 years.
372
Episcopal Church.
As related in Chapter XXV, in consequence of the contro- versy in relation to the location and building the Meeting House in 1740, a few individuals withdrew from the old, or first, Society, and organized an Episcopal Church. In 1743, their number was largely increased by accessions from the old Society and elsewhere.
The greater part resided in that part of the town lying on the east side of the mountain (now in Bloomfield) called Scot- land. The Church was organized under the name of "St. Andrews". It is one of the oldest Episcopal parishes in the State. As a Society, it has nearly become extinct, having for many years past only services sufficient to preserve and retain the Glebe property.
In 1868, an offshoot of the Church sprung up, in the village of Tariffville, which has nearly supplanted the old stock, many members of the old Church withdrawing from it, having united and formed a new Society, and erected a beautiful church at that place at a cost of about $22,000.
Methodist Church.
About the beginning of the present century the Methodists began to hold religious meetings in Simsbury. These were held in school houses or private dwellings. At first itinerate, or circuit, preachers held meetings once in three or four weeks, then regularly once in two weeks.
These were held mostly at the house of Thomas Vining, in Hopmeadow, which stood on the site of the house now occupied by Mrs. Watson Wilcox; or at the house of Amos Tuller, at the mill or Hopbrook. These, with Asaph Tuller at the "Farms", were the first leading members and pillars of the Methodist Church in this town.
The first "quarterly meeting" was held in 1818, at the school house at the "Farms". For about forty years, the Sims- bury church was connected with other churches, in the Circuit system. In 1843 this became a separate station.
In 1840, a beautiful church was erected and dedicated. Its cost was about $3,000, obtained by subscriptions from all
373
parts of the town. The building site was donated by Moses Ensign, Esq.
In 1858, a neat and comfortable parsonage was erected and furnished for the use of the pastors of the Church. In 1882, the church was thoroughly repaired and remodeled, within and without, at an expense of about $4,000, liberally contributed by members of the Society and others.
The Church has been greatly prospered under the teaching of a succession of earnest and devoted preachers of the Gospel. Following is a list of these pastors since 1839:
In 1839, Charles Stearns. In 1840, William C. Hoyt.
In 1858-9, Joseph Vinton.
In 1860-1, Icabod Simmons.
1862-3, Arza Hill.
" 1842, Amos Blynenburg.
" 1864-5, Charles H. Buck.
1843, Thomas Ellis " 1866, Horatio B. Elkins.
" 1844-5, Seth W. Scofield.
1846, Joseph Toy.
1847, Peter Bell.
1848-9 Miles N. Olmstead.
1850, Parley Stoddard.
“ 1851, George S. Hare.
1852, William Silverthorn
1853, John Pegg, Jr.
1854, Robert Parsons.
1855-6, Reuben H. Loomis
1857, Benjamin Little.
1886, C. W. Lyon.
This Church has received valuable gifts and legacies. In 1868, Mrs. Jemima Woodbridge left at her decease a bequest to the church of $3,000. In 1883, by the will of Mrs. Philomela Goddard, it was made her residuary legatee, receiving thereby about $14,500.
Baptist Church.
The Baptist Church in Tariffville was organized May 31, 1833, with a membership of thirteen. The pulpit was supplied by different ministers until Nov. 1838, when Rev. Charles Willet was ordained and settled. He was the first pastor of the Church, and continued till April 1840.
374
1867, Isaac E. Smith.
1868, John R. Cushing.
1869-71, Charles P. Croft.
I872-74, Sidney K. Smith.
" 1875, William F. Markwick.
1876, John Cromlish.
1877, Charles W. Fordham
1878-9, Crandall J. North.
1880-2, Geo. B. Dusinberre.
" 1883-5, H. L. Livingston.
1841, Davis Stocking.
Rev. William Reid officiated as Pastor From Sept. 1841, to Oct. 1845, and was succeeded by Rev. Asahel Chapin from May 1846 to Nov. 1847. In May 1848, Rev. R. H. Maine was ordained, and continued till April 1850. R. H. Bowles was pastor from 1850 till 1854. In 1860 Charles F. Hilbrook became pastor, and so continued till 1862. He was followed by Rev. Joseph Burnett in May 1862, till May 1868. In Nov. 1868, Mr. Lovell became pastor till March 1871. From Jan. 1872 till Jan. 1878, Rev. William Goodwin was pastor. From May 1878 to Jan. 1880, Rev. Mr. Nichols officiated. The first Church was erected . in 1843, and burned down in 1876. In the Spring of 1876, a new Church was built, and dedicated in September following.
Catholic Church.
The Roman Catholics of Tariffville and vicinity under the charge of Rev. Luke Daly, in 1847, erected a Church in that place, which was well sustained under the care of his succes- sors, - Rev. Mr. Dwyer, Fathers Fagan, Walsh and Sheridan.
A few years since, the old Church being too small, a new and handsome church was erected, and recently a new pastoral residence has been purchased, giving to Tariffville the privilege of a resident Catholic clergyman.
The Society is in a most flourishing condition. It embraces Simsbury, Granby and East Granby; and, included in the Mis- sion are Bloomfield, Scotland and Cottage Groove. The present resident pastor is Rev. Father John F. Quin, under whose acceptable and efficient labors the Church is exceedingly prosperous.
Father Quin has under his care about 1,200 persons, of whom about 600 belong to the Tariffville Mission.
375
FIRST CHURCH BUILDING . 1683
XXXV
Education
The children of the first settlers of Windsor enjoyed but few educational advantages, though the emigrants themselves were mainly intelligent and most of them could read and write. But they were so much straitened in means, and so occupied in procuring sustenance for themselves and their families, that schooling was impossible; children as well as parents must work. At first schools were taught in the family of the parent or teacher. There was no public school house erected till 1666, the very year in which the settlement of Simsbury may be said to have commenced. And it was commenced in great part by the sons and daughters of these first settlers of Windsor. Of course their educational advantages were limited and scanty, and so continued till the close of the century. Till about that period the law of the Colony was not operative in the town, for the want of the required number of inhabitants.
This law - the cornerstone of our Common-school system, the glory of our State and nation - was passed in 1650 and is as follows:
"Schools"
"It being one chieff project of that old deluder, Sathan, to keepe men from the knowledge of the Scriptures, as in former times keeping them in an unknown tongue, so in these latter times, by perswading them from the vse of Tongues, so that at least the true sence and meaning of the originall might be clouded with false glasses of saint-seeming deceivers; and that Learning may not bee buried in the Grave of our Forefathers,
376
Col. Rec. I.
P. 540.
in Church and Commonwealth, the Lord assisting our endeav- ours. - It is therefore ordered by this Courte and Authority thereof, that every Towneshipp within this Jurisdiction, after the Lord hath increased them to the number of fifty house- houlders, shall then forthwith appoint one within theire Towne to teach all such children as shall resorte to him, to write and read, whose wages shall be paid either by the parents or masters of such children, or by the inhabitants in general, by way of supply, as the major part of those who order the prudentials of the town shall appoint; - provided, that those who send their children be not oppressed by paying more than they can have them taught for in other townes.'
By a subsequent Act, every town neglecting for more than three months in the year to keep a school, as required by law, was subject to a fine of five pounds, "for every defect". After- wards schools were required to be kept at least six months in each year.
It appearing that the town contained the requisite number of fifty householders, in obedience to these laws, at a Town meeting held in 1701, a Committee was appointed "to agree about the meafsurs and method of a schol and chufe a School- mafter". This Committee "agreed with John Slater Senr - to keep faid school, to teach such of sd towne children, as are sent to read writ and to cypher: or to say the rules of Arith- matick". The school was to be kept at two places, alternately, three months at each place. The first school was to begin at "the plain", and the next "at Weatoug on the weft side the riv- er", and the school master to be allowed forty shillings per month, during the six months' teaching. Towards the main- tenance of the schools, the law provided that, "from the Colonie rates" ... . . . "shall be yearly paid fortie shillings upon every thousand pounds of the publick list of persons and estates".
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.