USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Southington > Ecclesiastical and other sketches of Southington, Conn > Part 54
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Having the ministry in view as his life-work, he entered the Divinity School of Yale College soon after graduation. He remained here but a year, when he returned home in such a state of health as to alarm his friends. He died Ang. 19, 1829. Says Dr. Newton: "Had he lived to enter the ministry, I have no doubt he would have made a devoted, faithful, and useful pastor."
REV. HENRY CLARK.
He was the son of Avery and Hanmah ( Walkley) ( lark. Ilis father is said to be the first in this family of Clarks who had other than a Scripture name. The father of Avery Clark was Enos, who was the son of Samuel, Jr. This Samuel was the father of sixteen children. When Avery Clark married, he built a house with his own hands, in 64
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which he lived until his death. In this house Rev. Henry Clark was born, May 8, 1810. In writing of his boyhood Mr. Clark says: "My memory extends back not only to my grandfather (who was sixty-five years old when I was born), but to his blind stepmother, who was sister of his own mother. I was often at my grandfather's house. He was very kind and affectionate toward me; the earliest and best of teachers I had; and the lessons he taught me, though few, were the best and most impressive. Never shall I forget the first question I understood, put to me one day, as I was standing in his south room-‘ Who made you ?' I thought, but would only answer by saying . I do not know.' Then I heard for the first time the name of Him who made all things, never was himself made, but always existed, maker, preserver, bene- factor. From that time to this, God and his attributes have been in my thoughts."
The parents of Mr. Clark did not make a profession of religion until July 4, 1813. July 11th he was one of the seven children whom these parents offered in baptism, and although but three years old, he retains a distinct memory of the occasion. From this time until he was ten years old he had the usual experiences of a little boy upon a retired farm. It was not until he was seventeen years old that he made a public profession. He joined the church Aug. 5, 1827, and began to take an active part in the social meetings. When fourteen years of age he had a desire to study and graduate at college, but upon learn- ing that his father could not help him without mortgaging his farm, gave up for the time the purpose. At nineteen he began work at a trade, but with so little heart that he finally laid his case before his pastor, Mr. Ogden, who advised him to begin his studies; and he also loaned him Adams' Latin Grammar. He began reciting to Mr. Ogden, and soon had committed the entire grammar to memory. In the winter of 1829-30 he went to school to Josephus Hitchcock, who had a select school in the village. This school closing in the spring. Mr. Clark went to Monson (Academy), Mass. In 1831 he entered Yale College, graduating in 1835. He immediately entered the Divinity School, and, after the usual course, graduated, and was licensed by the Hartford South Association, October, 1838. In February, 1839, he began labor at Cairo, Green Co., N. Y., and remained here until August. He then supplied at Franklinville, Suffolk Co., N. Y., for one year, and also taught the Academy in that place. He supplied at Cohoes, N. Y., for three months, when he accepted a call to Havana, in the same State, and was here ordained and installed pastor, Nov. 9, 1841. After a year's labor he was prostrated by "fever and ague," that pre- vailed in that vicinity, and was compelled to abandon his charge. After his recovery, he returned to Franklinville, and here spent four years in
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preaching and teaching. In 1846 he removed to Brooklyn, N. Y., and there conducted a select school for three years. Accepting a call to the Congregational Church at Orient, Long Island, he remained here six years. In 1857 he removed to Burlington, Ct., and to Avon in 1859, where he taught two years. He was stated supply at Riverhead, L. I., and Sayville, N. Y., from 1861 to 1868. Since 1868 he has lived at Avon, Ct.
REV. ANSON JUDD UPSON, D. D.
The family of Dr. Upson is among the oldest in town, and on his mother's side he traces lineage back to the celebrated Rev. Peter Clark of Danvers, Mass. His father, Dana J. Upson, was born in the south part of the town, but early in life left home to attend school at New Haven and Cheshire, and in the latter place was a schoolmate of the late Commodore Foote. At sixteen he was a clerk in the post-office at Hartford, and two years later removed to Philadelphia to live with an uncle, Anson Judd, and to study law. He ultimately inherited this uncle's property. While in Philadelphia he married, Sept. 16, 1822, Mary F., daughter of Captain William Clarke, of Utica, N. Y. Soon after, his health began to fail, and he returned to Southington, build- ing on the old homestead an elegant mansion house, and here settled for the remainder of his life. He died Aug. 28, 1829. His influence in Southington was great, for he had enterprise and liberality so that he could lead in all matters of publie improvement. Mr. Ogden said that but for Mr. Upson's influence the building of the new meeting- house (1828) would have been indefinitely delayed. His generous help was highly appreciated by his pastor.
Ilis son, Anson Judd, was born Nov. 7, 1823. He spent his early years with his grandfather at Utica. In 1840 he entered Hamilton College, joining the sophomore class. After graduation in 1843, he spent a year in the law office of the late Hon. Joshua Spencer. In 1844 lie was appointed tutor in his Alma Mater, and was made Adjunct Professor of Rhetoric in 1849. In 1850 he was appointed Professor of Logic, Rhetoric and Elocution. In this department he at once took high rank as an instructor. And not less was he a model in the practice of the science he taught. Before lyceums and on public occasions no one of his age was listened to with greater admiration. He was licensed to preach, June 31, 1859, by the Presbytery of Utica, N. Y., and ordained by the same body, Jan. 28, 1868. In 1870, when the Rev. Dr. Sprague resigned his charge of the Second Presbyterian Church in Albany, a call was extended to Dr. Upson, which was accepted. He was installed pastor Oct. 23, 1870. The same year he received the honorary degree of D. D. from Hamilton College. Dr. Upson, in personal appearance,
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resembles his father, and other members of the Upson family. With a strong and highly cultivated mind, he combines a simple, earnest, glowing manner that wins for him not only personal friends, but a flattering public favor. He has published occasional addresses and sermons. In 1860 he was married to Lydia Weston, daughter of the late Rev. Warren Farlin of New York.
REV. ROBERT P. STANTON.
Mr. Stanton was the son of Randall and Mary Spicer Stanton, and was born in Belchertown. Mass., in 1818. His grand-father was the Rev. Robert Stanton, for many years pastor of a Baptist church in Stonington, Conn. His father was Deacon of the Baptist church in Belchertown, and occasionally preached.
Mr. Stanton was baptized by Rev. Sanmel Nott, D.D., and united with the Congregational church of Franklin, Conn., in 1837. He was prepared for college at Munson Academy, Mass., and among his teachers were Daniel R. Austin, Charles Hammond, and Dr. Richard S. Storrs. now of Brooklyn, N. Y. In 1839 he entered Amherst Col- lege, but at the expiration of the year, removed to New Haven. and graduated at Yale in 1843. In the spring vacation of this latter year. he took charge of the Academy in Southington, then holding its ses- sions in the Lecture Room of the Congregational church, and taught for a year and a half. When he took charge of the Academy. it was so reduced in character and numbers that the trustees dare not risk pledging even $600 a year. But Mr. Stanton was so successful that the first year he cleared $1,000. He was admitted to the Congrega- tional church of Southington, by letter, May 5, 1844. In 1844, he returned to New Haven, and became a member of the Theological Seminary, from which he graduated in 1847. The same year he was ordained and installed pastor of the Presbyterian church, Cohoes, N. Y. In 1856, he removed to Greeneville. Conn., where he is still the suc- cessful pastor of the Congregational church.
Mr. Stanton married, Jan. 17, 1848, Harriet, daughter of the late Dr. Timothy Jones, of Southington.
REV. JOSIAN UPSON.
He was the son of Asahel and Lydia (Webster) Upson, and was born in Southington, September 12, 1818.
In common with his brothers, he spent his youth upon his father's farm, and like them, always exhibited a fondness for reading and study. At an early age he began teaching in the district schools of the town. Afterward he entered and spent two years in Yale College. He united with the Congregational church, April 6, 1834, and was dismissed to the Presbyterian church of Marion, Ga., Sept. 11, 1836.
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Before leaving Southington, his theological views had undergone some change, which fact led to a controversy between him and the church. And the whole matter finally assumed the form of persecution' for " conscience's sake," which he escaped only by removing to the South.
While in the South, he studied medicine with Dr. Nelson Walkley, and afterward attended a course of lectures at Cincinnati, and here received his diploma. His mind, however, had turned to theology, and finally he entered the ministry of the Universalist church. He founded the Second Universalist society of Cincinnati. In 1853 he went to California, and organized the first Universalist church in that state. His first sermon was given in Music Hall, San Francisco, July 31, 1853, from text, " Men and brethren, what shall we do" (Acts 2: 37). There was a fervor and earnestness in his preaching that always held the attention of an audience, and he possessed many qualities fitting him to be the pioneer of his denomination in this Pacific metrop- olis. Upon his return to the state of Ohio, he adopted the sentiments of the Spiritualists, and ultimately died in this faith. Mr. Upson is spoken of as a man of great simplicity and purity of character. and levoutly religious. His room-mate in college was Col. R. W. Wright, now editor of the New Haven Register, who speaks of him as morbidly conscientious, precise in all religious duties, and faithful as a student. He was emotional rather than profound, and given to general rather than systematic study of theological truth.
ORSON W. STOW.
He was born May 30, 1820, and is the son of Solomon and Eunice (Shepherd) Stow. April 8, 1838, he united with the Congregational church. He graduated at Yale College in 1846, and entered the Divinity School at New Haven the same year, finishing the course in 1849. Before, however, applying for ordination his mind was directed into other channels of study, which resulted in his giving himself ulti- mately to the business of manufacturing. He has proved himself a successful inventor. But while thus devoted to secular business, he no less directs his attention to the same great ends that originally led him into a course of theological study. From the formation of the Second Congregational (Plantsville) church, he has been one of its most efficient members, and his heart, words, and gifts, are freely
1 He had applied for and secured the Center School. The fact, when known, led to a protest on the part of some who feared that he might teach erroneous religious doctrine. But the only way to relieve him of the place was by rejeeting him at his examination. This was attempted, and his examiners plied him with questions by the hour, until he absolutely wearied them. He retired from the severe contest, not having missed in a single answer. Those engaged in this thing were afterward heartily ashamed of their conduct.
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bestowed upon every public worthy object, whether of the town or church.
REV. HENRY A. RUSSELL. .
Ile was born in Prospect, Conn., Aug. 14. 1826. and was the son of Charles A. and Lockey (Beebe) Russell. In 1848 he removed to Southington, and united with the Congregational church, by letter. Oct. 4. 1848. Here he remained for some years pursuing his studies. While in this town and connected with the church. his faithful christian walk and work seenred the highest measure of confidence and esteem. He received the honorary degree of A. M .. from Yale College, in 1855. In 1850, he entered the Theological seminary. New Haven, and gradu- ated in 1853. He was ordained, and installed pastor over the First church, Winsted, Conn., April 19, 1854. He was dismissed, and then installed pastor at East Hampton, Dec. 14. 1859. During 1866-68 he was stated supply at Center Brook (Essex), Com; and since 1868 has been stated supply at Colebrook. He was married. Sept. 8, 1858. to Sarah Smith, Winsted, Conn.
REV. HENRY ELMER HART.
Hle is the son of Ruel and Rosannah (Barnes) Hart, and was born in Sonthington, June 1, 1834. After attending the common schools, he entered Lewis Academy, where he fitted for college, and entered Yale in 1856: graduating in 1860. His theological course was at East Windsor Hill (now Hartford) Seminary, which he completed in 1863, and was licensed the same year.
From 1863 to 1866, he supplied the church at Bridgewater. He was ordained, and installed pastor at East Hampton, Sept. 19. 1866; the sermon on the occasion having been preached by his former pastor, Rev. E. C. Jones. He was called to Durham and settled there, Nov. 19. 1871. In 1875, he was called to the Wapping church, South Windsor, and is now laboring there. He was married, Oct. 5, 1864, to Josephine G. Perry, of New Britain.
REV. HENRY UPSON.
He was born in Wolcott, May 21, 1831, and was the youngest of the thirteen children of Thomas and Jernsha (Upson) Upson.
He joined the Congregational church in Southington, March 3. 1850. Ile pursued his studies preparatory to college, at Lewis Acad- emy, and entered Yale College in 1855, graduating in 1859. In Sep- tember of this latter year, he entered Andover Theological Seminary. and remained two years. In 1861, he entered the senior class of the Yale Divinity School. In the spring of 1862. he was commissioned Chaplain of the 13th Regiment of Connecticut Volunteers, and was
1
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ordained at Kensington, June 24th. He remained in the army until the summer of 1863, when he resigned his commission. He was installed pastor of the Congregational church, New Preston, Conn., Sept. 23, 1863, and was dismissed from his charge Nov. 23, 1872. But since this time he has been acting pastor in the same place. In connection with his preaching he has had students in his family, fitting them for college or business. He was married Oct. 13, 1863, to Miss Abbie A. Platt, of New Haven.
REV. LUCIUS H. HIGGINS.
He was born in Southington, July 4, 1832, and is the son of Dea. Timothy and Janette (Carter) Higgins. After leaving the common school he entered Lewis Academy, and prepared for college; was admitted to Yale and graduated in 1860. He graduated at the Divinity School in 1863, and supplied at Coventry and Killingworth, Conn., in 1864-5. He was ordained and installed pastor of the Congregational church, Lanark, Ill., June 21, 1866, and here labored until the fall of 1874, when he resigned his charge on account of impaired health. His ministry at Lanark is said to have been one in which he neither spared labor nor strength. He is now preaching at Huntingdon, Conn.
REV. HENRY E. BARNES.
He was the son of Selah and Adah (Clark) Barnes, and was born Oct. 21, 1832. Until sixteen he worked on the farm in the summer, and attended school in the winter season. At this time he entered Plant's factory, and remained here at work for more than two years. During the winter of 1850-1 he attended school at Springfield, Mass., and again in the winter of 1853-4, with the purpose of completing a. business education. It was about this time that his attention was turned to the ministry. He had united with the church three or four years before, but expected to devote himself to a business life. Spend- ing some time at Monson Academy, he entered Amherst College in 1856, and at the close of the first term of the Freshman year, left, and was admitted to Yale, where he graduated with high grade, in 1860. The same year he entered the Chicago Theo. Seminary, but did not finish the prescribed course. Following a sense of duty he was ordained in May, 1862. and accepted the Chaplaincy of the 72d Ill. Regiment, and continued in the service for a year. Ile was con- nected with the memorable seige of Vicksburg. Resuming his theo- logical studies for a year, he was called to Newton, Iowa, in 1864. Here he labored until 1868, when he was called to Moline, Ill., where he remained until the fall of 1874, when he accepted a call to Worces- ter, Mass., where he now resides. He married, May 1, 1862, Eliza S. Carpenter, of Warren, Mass.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
REV. SAMUEL DUNHAM.
Ele is the youngest son of Chauncey and Sylvia (Langdon) Dunham, and was born Feb. 8, 1835. His boyhood was spent on the farm and at the common school. He united with the Congregational church July 2, 1854. He fitted for college at Lewis Academy, and entered Yale in 1855. Because of an affection of the eye, he was compelled to leave college within six weeks after admission, and for months abstained from study. He recovered sufficiently to re-enter in 1856. and gradnated in 1860. He entered the Union Theological Seminary, New York City, in 1860, and remained for two years. The third year of his theological course was spent at Andover, Mass .. where he graduated in 1863.
In April, 1863, he began to supply the church at West Brookfield, Mass., and here remained "stated supply " for eighteen months. Oct. 4, 1864, having accepted a call to the church, he was ordained and installed pastor. In the fall and winter of 1869-70 he visited Europe. On account of poor health he was released from his pastoral relation, Oct. 27, 1870. In 1867, (Oct. 16,) he delivered a Historical Discourse commemorating the 150th anniversary of the church, which was published. In November, 1870. he became stated supply of the First Congregational church, Norwalk, Conn., and here continued about two years. In November, 1872, he accepted a call to the West Presbyterian church, Binghamton, N. Y., and was installed pastor, April 24, 1873.
REV: FRANKLIN JONES.
He was born in Southington, March 20, 1837, and was the son of Rev. Elisha C. and Julia (Chappell) Jones. When a boy he was spoken of as resembling his father in many traits, and it was expected that as he grew up he would exhibit the same uprightness of life. His youth was unstained by any vice, and strictly did he observe the proprieties of life. He was studions, and diligent in all duties. He was admitted to the church of which his father was the honored pastor. September 3. 1854, the same year that Samuel Dunham and Joseph H. Twichell made a profession. Graduating at Yale College in 1857, he completed his theological course, and was licensed to preach by the Hartford South Association. Accepting a call to the church in Franklin, Conn., was ordained and installed pastor, Feb. 4, 1863. This is the church of which the late and well known Dr. Samuel Nott was pastor, and senior pastor, for seventy-one years (1781-1852), and who died May 26, 1852, aged 92. Mr. Jones is not only sustaining the good name of his venerable predecessor, but also that of his no less distinguished father. 1
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HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
REV. JOSEPH H. TWICHELL.
He was born in Southington, May 27, 1838, and is the son of Dea. Edward and Selina D. (Carter) Twichel. His father is regarded in this town, by common consent, as a model Deacon, and his memory is sacredly cherished. The example of godliness, as well as pious counsel, were not lost upon the son. Although in boyhood indulging in youthful pastimes with marked fondness, yet the restraints of his home held him back from excesses. Always drawn to athletic games, he excelled in them. The memory of the school-boy in this town, is connected with an unwonted activity in all youthful sports. But he passed the ordeal of the school-room and academy with credit, and graduated at Yale College in 1859. He united with the Congre- gational church of Southington, July 2, 1854, and ever afterward sustained a "good profession." His heart turning to the ministry, he entered Union Theological Seminary, of New York, in the fall of 1859, and there remained until April, 1861. The War of the Rebel- lion opened, and Mr. Twichel at once sought an opportunity to serve his country. He enlisted and received the appointment of Chaplain of the 2d Regt. Excelsior Brigade, New York. After about two years spent in the service, for special reasons, he desired the church of which he was still a member to unite with him in calling a Council to ordain him to the work of the Gospel ministry. The council con- vened Jan. 30, 1863, and ordained him an Evangelist; his former pastor, Rev. E. C. Jones, preaching the sermon on the occasion. Returning to his regiment, he continued in the service until the term of his enlistment expired. He then entered Andover Theological Seminary and passed there his senior year of study, graduating with the class of 1865. The same year he was invited to the charge of the Asylum Hill Congregational church, Hartford, and was installed pastor, Dec. 13, 1865, where he still remains.
EDWARD YOUNG GOULD.
He was the son of Gurdon C. and Catherine (Chapman) Gould, and great-grandson of Rev. Benjamin Chapman, the Second pastor of the Congregational Church of Southington, and was born July 18, 1819. When quite young he met with an accident that resulted in lameness, and this led him to turn his attention to study. When fifteen years old he was converted, and soon after decided to enter the Gospel min- istry, entering Yale College in 1839, and graduated iu 1842, having assigned him the English Oration at Commencement. After leaving college he assumed charge of the select school in Southington, that was in part supported by the "Sally Lewis Fund." He was a successful and beloved teacher. Those that remember him, speak of him affec- 65
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tionately, and lament that one promising so much for the ministry and the world should have so early and suddenly been called away. He died April 3, 1843, his pastor, Mr. Jones, warmly eulogizing his char- acter in his funeral discourse.
OTHER 1 GRADUATES OF YALE BEFORE 1800.
For convenience I append to the ministerial record brief sketches of others who, prior to 1800, graduated at college. It will be seen that the town has been well represented in the past,2 so far as educated men can represent it.
AARON DAY.
He was the son of Samuel and Mary (Dumbleton) Day, of West Springfield, Mass., born Aug. 11, 1715. He married (1) Sept. 13, 1741, Sybil Munson, of New Haven, and (2) Susannah Stanley, of Hartford. He graduated at Yale College in 1738, in the class with Rev. Elisha Webster, of this town. His name first appears in this town as a property-holder, in 1755-which is probably the date of his removal here. He had lived in New Haven and North Haven before coming here. The house he occupied while here was at South End, and stood near the corner opposite where Mr. Stillman now lives, and just across the bridge. Mr. Day was a man of character and influence in the town and church. He died Sept. 9, 1778, and was buried in South End Cemetery. The following is the inscription upon his tomb- stone:
IN MEMORY OF Mr AARON DAY A gentleman of liberal Edu eation and acquainted with things Civil and Religious and well sup ported the character of the Christian with a firm hope In the Grace of God depart ed this life the 9th day of September A D 1778 in the 64th 8 Year of his Age Here rests the relicts of the good and Just Til Gabriel's trump shall rouse the sleeping dust His weeping friends erect this humble stone And o'er the body pour the fruitless moan To parent Heaven his mounting spirit flies And calls each dear connection to the skies
1 Dr. Edward Robinson thought there were bat four graduates of Yale College be- fore 1780, and one of those he erroneously supposed to be Jeremiah Curtiss. He names Samuel and Gad Newell, and Levi Lankton. See Memoir, p. 83.
2 But it is sad to chronicle the fact that at this time (1875) the town, with a popu- lation of about 5,000, has not a single representative in any college.
8 The Day Genealogieal Register makes him 63.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
JOHN HART.
He was a grandson of Dea. Thomas Hart, of Southington, and nephew of Rev. Levi Hart, D. D. He would not be fitted for a place in these sketches except as conveying important lessons as to the folly and guilt of perverting great talents. He graduated at Yale College in 1776, and was by his classmates regarded as a prodigy of genius. Rev. Dr. Benoni Upson, of his class, used to tell of his wonderful powers and achievements. The Latin and Greek tongues became almost as familiar as the vernacular, and he even mastered Hebrew that he might be able to argue against the Scriptures. His gifts as an orator were no less, and when he left college no one doubted that "his name would be great among the people." He studied law, but acquired such habits of dissipation that he soon quit the profession, and with a brother entered into business at Windsor. He became so intemperate and unfitted for business, that the firm was dissolved. Afterwards, he removed into Vermont, and there died in poverty and disgrace, having first ruined his father pecuniarily and abandoned him to want and suffering. Those familiar with his history have likened him to Aaron Burr.
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