USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Hartford > Christ church, Hartford, Volume I > Part 18
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226
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
JAMES WARD, WATCH MAKER,
Having served a regular apprenticeship to the business, now carries it on at the shop of Col. Beach, south of the bridge, and is determined by a strict attention, and faithful performance in Watch repairing, to merit the approbation of every customer.
All kinds of Gold and Silversmithing performed as usual at the same shop.
Hartford, May 4, 1789.
A partnership which had existed between Miles Beach and James Ward was dissolved June 26, 1797.
Another advertisement appears in the Courant of June 28, 1802.
GOLD AND SILVERSMITH.
Krafts new patent stills, Scotch do, and those on the old construction. Kettles and most kinds copper warc. And- irons, Shovels and Tongs. New supply Japaned Ware. Block Tin, Tinners Wire, Bar Copper, Pig Lead, Military Apparatus. A great supply of Gold and Silversmith work of my own manufacturing and warranted good, imported jewelry, watches in abundance, warranted good, and some warranted good for nothing ; Clock and Watchmakers mate- rials, and a great many other pretty things. Watch repair- ing carefully done.
Cash paid for old Gold and Silver.
JAMES WARD.
To us as members of the parish, he is chiefly to be remembered and commended as a staunch churchinan, faithful and devoted, willing at all times to bear his share of religious duties and burdens. He believed in the Protestant Episcopal Church ; he labored for its pros- perity ; he gave liberally of his means for its support. His devotion to the Church was no mere matter of sen- timent: though attached to the rectors of the parish and supporting them in their administrations, he yet had a high idea of his loyalty to the Church itself. He was
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IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
no sulker in the tent, when there was duty to be done. He all through his life recognized the obligation of attendance upon public religious worship, and even in old age set a glorious example to those who are kept at home by a slight indisposition, or by a few clouds in the sky. As he lived in a time when the differences in re- ligious opinions were strongly marked, so he must have been engaged in controversies, which generally are more vexatious than profitable. But his general cheerfulness, his amiability, his natural good nature, his quick and ready wit, and that tact which a man rarely possesses unless it is born with him, of turning aside a conversa- tion which has become unprofitable, or of bringing it immediately to a close, made him numerous friends, and always an agreeable companion. His memory was always good, and it was a pleasure to him to refer to the times which were past, which were even then the "good old times," faithfully believed in by every succeeding generation as better than ever before experienced. As remembered by some of us he was a stout, broad-should- ered man, of about five feet six inches in height, quick in his movements, with a pleasant face, and sparkling eyes. He often was present at the meetings of the Historical Society, where he presided with satisfaction, and enter- tained us with interesting anecdotes. The dignity of his office was considered as in no ways impaired by a free relation of his remembrance of events and of men.
His services on the committee for building the present church were very important, and were so recognized. He had a practical talent for work, which is always valu- able in whatever is undertaken.
He was commissioned as Commissary-General in the war of 1812, and held that office for many years. As it was not a salaried office, it probably was not eagerly sought for, and Col. Ward was satisfied with the honor which pertained to the holding of it. He had a talent
228
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
for military affairs, and a love for the authority which is carried with it. To be in active service, whether in the militia, or the city fire department, or various corpora- tions, suited well his active temperament.
For many years he was in partnership with Roswell Bartholomew, to which was afterwards added Charles Brainard, and the firm long carried on business as gold- smiths and coppersmiths, as mentioned by Mr. Hoadly. All of them were churchmen, and contributed liberally to the support of the parish. He was the owner of the sawmill on Sheldon Street, but did not attend to the operating of it himself.
ADVERTISEMENT.
James Ward having taken Mr. Roswell Bartholomew into partnership, business at the sign of the Tea Kettle, near the bridge, will be done under the firm of Ward & Bartholo- mew, May 8. - (Courant, May 16, 1804.)
He was married by Rev. Abel Flint, Sept., 1803, to Miss Ruth Butler, daughter of Mr. Jonathan Butler of this city. He died, after a few hours' illness, Oct. 26, 1856, at his residence, 175 Main Street.
Ruth, dau. of Jonathan and Ruth (Benton) Butler, was b. July 17, 1773; d. Nov. 12, 1844.
From the Courant, October 28, 1856 :-
"Colonel James Ward's funeral is to be solemnized this afternoon, at half past two o'clock, at Christ Church. The Colonel was 89 years of age. He was widely known as a worthy citizen and honest man - kind hearted and affable to all-and always ready to take his share of the public burdens. He was formerly Chief Engineer of the Hart- ford Fire Department, and has always taken a lively interest in the doings of the firemen. He has been an active men- ber of the Historical Society, remarkably constant in his attendance upon their meetings. One of the earliest friends of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum, Col. Ward contributed at the
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IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
request of his beloved friend and physician, Dr. Mason F. Cogswell, to the fund raised to send Gallaudet abroad on his mission of inquiry and examination as to the feasibility of instructing the Deaf and Dumb.
"Col. Ward was also liberal and zealous in founding the Retreat for the Insane, and has through life been disposed to do what he could to alleviate the sorrows of his fellow men. He was a prominent member of the Masonic Order, and his figure has long been familiar to our citizens in all Masonic, Military, Firemen's, or Patriotic processions and celebrations. Engine Co. No. I is draped in mourning on his account ; and funeral honors will be paid him by the Masons, the Military, and the Firemen. The procession starts from Col. Ward's house, 175 Main Street, at 2 o'clock."
A notable man in this firm of Ward, Bartholomew & Brainard was Roswell Bartholomew. If he had not such a pressing love for distinction and public notice as Col. Ward, he was not less earnest and devoted to his busi- ness, and in his love for the Episcopal Church.
The last mention in the records of his name was on April 17, 1830, when Mr. Imlay was appointed on a com- mittee to supply " the place of the late Mr. Bartholomew." He was born in Harwinton, January 28, 1781, and was the son of Mr. Andrew Bartholomew, and grandson of Rev. Andrew Bartholomew, pastor of the Congregational church in that place. He married Sally Johnson Stone, of Guilford, Nov. 26, 1818. He "learned the silversmith's trade with Beach & Ward, and in 1804 was taken into partnership with James Ward ;" the same year he was made a voter. His name is first mentioned in the parish records April 3, 1809, when he was chosen as one of the vestrymen. He was a frequent and gener- ous contributor to the numerous subscriptions, which in the early days were necessary supplements to the tax and rent of the pews for the support of the parish. He was intelligent, quiet, and amiable, devoted to his church, and beloved by all. His residence was at the present No. 187
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230
CHRIST CHURCHI, HARTFORD.
Main Street. The place of business of Ward, Bartholo- mew & Brainard was near, and they all lived within a stone's throw of one another. He died April 7, 1830, and it is reported that his funeral was the first one attended in the new church.
Charles Brainard was the third member of the firm of Ward, Bartholomew & Brainard. His name first appears in the list of persons assessed for taxes in 1809, when he paid a tax of ten dollars and twenty cents. He was ap- pointed to warn all the members of the parish in Hart- ford of a parish meeting, and made return that he had done the same according to law "at least five days" before the day appointed. He was admitted into partner- ship with Ward & Bartholomew, January 31, 1814, and was in business until his death.
Ward, Bartholomew & Brainard contributed twenty dollars "for the purchase of two stoves, pipe, and for building two chimneys for same, to warm the church." Previous to this the church had not been warmed. In 1817 he was appointed "collector of the tax, and also of the pew rents." He was a member of the Vestry in 1823 and the two succeeding years, and appears to have been a faithful member of the parish, doing his duty humbly and quietly in all the positions in which he was placed.
THE COMMUNION SILVER OF CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
The only reference to this matter which is found in the records, is comprised in the votes of June 7, ISIS, and May 5, 1838.
June 7. V. Toted that Mr. C. Sigourney be a Committee to adjust & settle the a/c of Plate, with W. B. & Brainard, and to draw on the Treasurer of the Parish for balance dne them.
May 5. V. Voted, That the Senior Warden provide another plate for the Communion table.
It is convenient to give here a description of the Com- munion Service, and of other sacred gifts which have been
231
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
made to the Parish, although the date of presentation of some of them is anticipated.
[The solid silver plate of Christ Church, consists of eight pieces, as follows :-
I. One flagon ; tankard form.
2. Two chalices.
3. One credence paten.
4. One small paten (distributing).
5. Two plates for collections.
6. One alms basin.
1. The flagon, 7x 578 in. is of the tankard pattern, not uncommon in English churches early in the ISth century. It bears no marks indicating how it came into the posses- sion of the parish, whether by purchase or donation. It is divided at half height into two sections, an upper and a lower, by a horizontal rim or moulding. The upper section has on one side the mouth or spout, and on the opposite side a "name-plate," a place for an inscrip- tion. The lower section is clasped from the base by twelve raised points of two conventional designs. The body of the flagon is plain, i. e. bears no engraving or tracery, except that which encloses the "name-plate." Under the base are to be found, standard, date, and maker's marks, which when interpreted according to Cripp's " Old English Plate," indicate as the " date 1711-1736." (p. 418.) Maker, Isaac Ribouleau, entered 1720. (P. 397.)
2. The tavo chalices (734 × 378 in.) are egg shaped, per- fectly plain, except a beading where the cup joins the handle. The latter curves down and outwards into a standard, or base (1/2 inch high and 35g in diameter), with milled center, and beaded upper edge.
3. The credence paten (1134 x 61/2 in.) is of plain bur- nished silver ; has a slightly raised edge, or rim. Its base or foot is 5 in. in diameter, and is circular.
232
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
4. The smaller, or distributing paten, is 105/8 in. in diameter, and perfectly plain. These two patens bear in the center of their discs, the inscription -
The gift of the late Mrs. Emily Phillips Christ Church, Hartford 1844.
5. The tavo " contribution" plates (10-3% in. in diameter), are of sterling silver, similar in style to the paten, plain, and without inscription.
6. The large silver alms basin (1434 inches in diam- eter, and two inches deep) has engraved in its center a large Greek cross, and on the broad margin the legend, "Lord, of thine own have we given thee." Underneath is found the inscription : " Christ Church Hartford, Con- necticut, A. D. 1875, the gift of G. W. R. +"
In addition to the silver plates mentioned above, there are,
I. Two " contribution" plates of plated ware, similar, if not identical, in size and design to No. 5 above.
2. Three brass plates (1214in. X 2 in. deep), used in alms gathering, given in memory of Frances Heywood. These three have legends engraved on their outer rim: "Blessed be he that provideth for the sick and needy ;"
" God loveth a cheerful giver ; " "Give alms of thy goods."
Each one has engraved on the under side of the bowl, " Christ Church, Hartford," and one has this inscription :
To the Glory of God and in memory of Frances Heywood, Entered into Rest Oct. 21st, 1881.
They are the gift of Mrs. Gurdon W. Russell.
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IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
3. An "altar service" rest is inscribed around the base of the pedestal, To the Glory of God, and in loving memory of .
4. A brass ewer of very simple design (13 in. height) which bears this inscription :
Christ Church, Hartford, Conn., from St. Margaret's Friendly Society, + Easter, A. D. 1885.
The two large brass vases on the reredos, bear
5. the inscription :
To the Glory of God, and in loving memory of Henry Clark Beckwith, Born April 15th, 1834. Died August 6th, 1883. from Clara Maria Beckwith, All Saints A. D. 1884.
L. W. S.]
A search on the Treasurer's book shows that fifty five dollars was paid R. Bartholomew for "Meacham's bill," in May 1811; and thirty-three dollars for the "bal. of his account Oct. 3," but the bill itself is not found on file. On Jan. 20, 1821, there was paid W. and B. for bills " for com- munion furniture, $30.07; " unfortunately there is no specific mention of the piece or pieces. In 1824, March 20th, the bill of W. B. and B. was paid, amounting to $115.96; the items of the bill are not given. The bills for 1811 may have been partly for the bell, the greater part having been raised by subscription,* as there is now no positive authority that W. and B. were the makers of any parts of the " commu- nion furniture," except that in their bill of 1821. How- ever, as Beach & Ward, and James Ward, and Ward, Bartholomew & Brainard, were makers and dealers in
* See subscription, p. 184.
234
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
such and like articles, it is fair to conclude that some pieces came from their hands, possibly by purchase, possi- bly from pious donations.
FURTHER INFORMATION.
It was suspected that the tankard was not originally intended for communion purposes, and to identify the marks upon it, it was taken to New York and submitted to the inspection of Mr. Buck, of the Gorham Manufactur- ing Company, by Mr. Saltonstall, who reports as follows :
May 9, 1895.
Dear Doctor :- I took the tankard - flagon - belonging to the set of Communion vessels to N. Y. Mr. Buck found no difficulty in giving its history. It was made in 1726 at London, by Isaac Riboulean, a French Huguenot, whose mark was entered 1720.
It weighs 55 ozs, 10 pwts. The spout was clumsily added after the tankard was made. The inscription plate, the flange, and the finial of the cover were also put on after the body of the vessel was made.
Yours cordially,
L. W. SALTONSTALL.
Evidently, originally, the flagon was a two-handled Loving Cup. Within the name-plate there was a design or inscription which has been erased so that a few unin- telligible lines only remain ; the flagon is a trifle thinner at this place. The cover is of a similar design with the sides of the flagon, but is not of equal workmanship ; it is clear, also, that the fixing of the spout or lip to the side of the flagon was subsequent to its original manufacture.
The only further reference to this subject which I have been able to find is in "an account of monies col- lected at the altar of Christ Church, Hartford (Philan™ Chase, Rect.), with their disbursements." This is the ac- count which is annually rendered by the Rector to the Vestry. Sept. 3, 1816, he reports, "paid to Ward, Barthol-
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IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
omew & Brainard for Plate not delivd. & pr. Rect. fifty dolls."-and again, "1817, Feb. 26, paid to Mess's. Ward, Bartholo" & Brainard for plate not delivered by direction of the Vestry, 10.00."
It is to be regretted that neither tradition nor research gives us any further light as to this vessel. A few points were clearly established in the examination by Mr. Buck, which fixes its date and maker, and strengthens the con- jectures which have been stated. The changes and ad- ditions to the flagon were undoubtedly made here in Hartford. But who was the original owner ; was it his by gift or purchase, and through whom did it come into the possession of the Parish ?
CONCERNING CHURCHING.
In the "account of monies collected at the altar," re- ferred to above, there is mention made among the receipts, of two dollars, "offered by a woman at Her Churching" Dec. 29, 1816; and among the expenditures the next day, " paid to Mrs. C .- (about to be confined in child bed) the amt. of Mrs. H. ' offer'g when Churched, two dollars." I find no reference to this ancient custom of "churching," in any records of the parish, nor can I find any parishioner who has known of the use of the office. An enquiry among the clergy reveals but little more, ex- cept that in a few instances it has been used by former members of the Church of England. If the rubric which allows the " concluding prayer alone," to be said, is not followed, then the usual one for "a recovery from sick- ness," is used. It has been said that a former Rector of St. John's Church used the office on one or more occasions, which was natural enough in such a sturdy defender of the Prayer Book; but the women themselves do not ap- pear to be advocates for it, and the service has come to be about as much neglected by them, as is the office of Insti- tution of Ministers by the clergy. Tempora mutantur, et
236
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
nos mutamur cum illis ; and that is about all which can be said of it. However, no harin comes from its remaining in the Book of Common Prayer, where it is a reminder of duties and obligations which are worthy of special thanks- givings.
A FAITHFUL CHURCHMAN.
Sept. 7. V. Voted, That Mr. Samuel Taylor have the privi- lege to take from the Parish Library such sermons as he may need, to be used in the desk of the Church in Glaston- bury.
The following statement is furnished by his grandson, Mr. Samuel Taylor, of this city :
"Samuel Taylor was born in Derby, England, on the 31st of March, 1777, and died at the residence of his son Edwin, in Hartford, on the 28th of December, 1859, in his Sist year. He came to America at the age of sixteen, locating first in New York city, but owing to the prevalence of yellow fever, left by schooner Victory, for the Connecticut river, landing at Portland, at which Place he married Sarah (Sally) Pember- ton, on the 16th of April, 1798. She was the daughter of P. G. Pemberton and Mary (Johnson) Pemberton. Soon after he went to South Glastonbury, where he continued his resi- dence during the remainder of his life. They had a family of eleven children, all of whom lived to advanced age.
"For forty years he officiated each Sunday at St. Luke's Church when a minister was not to be had, and it is safe to say that he read the Church service for more than half of that time, that the Church might not be closed, his sermons having been drawn from Christ Church Library, as men- tioned in the vote.
"His son Francis is the present Senior Warden of St. Luke's. Another son, Edwin, was warden of St. John's, Hart- ford; and another son is the Rev. Joseph P. Taylor, D.D., of Plainfield, New Jersey, a minister of the Episcopal Church. His grandsons Samuel and Edwin P. Taylor have been Wardens and Vestrymen of St. John's and the Church of the
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IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
Good Shepherd, Hartford. A notice and culogy upon the death of the subject of this sketch was printed in the Church ' Calendar,' on the 9th of January, 1858, by the Rev. Alonzo B. Chapin, D.D."
There are not many families which have maintained such a staunch adherence to the Episcopal Church, or who have lived to see such a great increase in its member- ship. I remember Mr. Taylor as he appeared in the latter days of his life. He was most venerable and benevolent, and as good a specimen of an " old-fashioned Connecticut Churchman" as is often to be found, and perhaps more often to be found in our country parishes, than in those of our cities. His devotion had its outcome in attending to his duties and obligations in public religious worship, and in striving to live in peace and charity with all men.
He was chosen as Vestryman of St. Luke's in 1809, and was one of the Wardens from 1812 to 1857.
October 5. At a vestry meeting held at Doct Bliss' on the evening of the first Monday of October 1818, it was
Voted, That John Morgan Esq'. and Mr Charles Sigourney, be a Committee to prepare a letter of Congratulation to the Rev4. Philander Chase, on his appointment by the Diocese of Ohio - their Bishop. That said Letter shall be signed by the Wardens and Vestry of this Parish and forwarded without delay.
Nor 1. At a Vestry meeting held at the Revd. Mr. Wainwright's on the evening of the s" Monday of Nov'. it was
Voted, That the Revd J. M. Wainwright, Michael Olcott, Jeremy Hoadley, and James M. Goodwin, be a Committee to prepare and report to the Wardens and Vestry a Constitu- tion for a Society to be formed in this Parish, for the distri- bution of Prayer Books, and for other purposes.
At a subsequent meeting at the house of C. Saunders, on the first Monday of December, the Constitution which had been adopted by the Diocesan Convention held in
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CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
Bridgeport June 3, 1818, was adopted by the parish, and subscriptions made to the amount of $90.
A KINDLY TRIBUTE TO MR. CHASE.
When Mr. Chase had preached his last sermon and administered his last offices in Christ Church on Sunday, the second of March, 1817, his connection with the parish had ceased. He was penetrating enough to foresee that there would be little peace for one of his constitution to remain in Connecticut, and judicious enough to conclude that his happiness would be increased by removal. It was in his nature to be so much of a leader, that he was not patient to remain as a subaltern. So as he was quick to decide and energetic to execute, it did not take him long to discern that his line of duty led to the great " wilderness " in Ohio.
In his " Reminiscences," he says, " The writer walked from church to his home, up Burr Street, alone. 'Cold blew the night wind, drifting fast the snow fell,' and that evening the roads were unusually obstructed ; yet the pious Canfield, one of his communicants, who both owned and drove the stage coach, called for him early on Monday morning. Leaving his wife and youngest child, then one year old, in his peaceful home in Hartford, the writer entered on his melancholy journey to the west. It is a long road, nearly four hundred miles, from Hartford to Buffalo. Coach bodies set on runners, instead of wheels, was the mode of travelling. This in America is a kind of inland navigation. The snow lasted till we got to Canandaigua ; thence we went on wheels."
He was by nature and strength of will fitted to become a "pioneer bishop." If he had not that patient tact which overcomes difficulties by conciliation and delay, it only shows that he did not possess some of the virtues which are characteristic of some men. He was both reso- lute and persistent.
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IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
He entered upon his duties immediately on his arrival in Ohio. He went there without being sent; there was no corporate or ecclesiastical authority behind him to mark out, or to restrain, or to bind; of his own self will he went to do his Master's work, and he did it energeti- cally. Though appointed the principal of a school in Worthington, yet he appears to have been closely occu- pied in missionary work in northern Ohio. The condi- tion of the country and of the church might afford a seeming justification, which would not be given now.
"On the 5th of January, 1818, there was holden, ac- cording to previous notice very generally given, a con- vention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Ohio, at Columbus, nearly in the center of the state. It consisted of two clergymen, in full orders, and nine delegates only." It was resolved to hold a Diocesan convention on the first Monday of June following, and at this conven- vention Mr. Chase was unanimously chosen as Bishop. Notice was sent to the standing committees of the sev- eral dioceses, and he " set off for Philadelphia for conse- cration ; he soon learned that there was opposition or a refusal to act at all, on the part of some. The objections however were removed, and he was consecrated on the IIth of February, 1819, by Bishop White, there being present and assisting, Bishops Hobart, of New York, Kemp, of Maryland, and Croes of New Jersey."
This preliminary account seemed to be necessary to explain the following letter, which was dictated undoubt- edly by the friendship of his former parishioners in Hart- ford, and not by any influence " outside of the state."
Oct' 7. The following letter was sent to the Standing Committee of the Diocesses of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
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