USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Southington > Ecclesiastical and other sketches of Southington, Conn > Part 9
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1 Since my sketch was written I have received a note from Mr. F. B. Dexter, the courteous Librarian of Yale College, in which he says that Mr. Buck "is supposed to be the eldest son of David and Elizabeth (Hubbard) Buck of Wethersfield, and to have been born there Sept. 13, 1695. His health probably failed early so that lie was never settled in the ministry. The date of his death is reported as April, 1726."
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ago, that he was a licentiate, and Rev. Jeremiah Curtiss, who died in 1795, aged 88 years, would be a trustworthy channel for the tradition. He is put down in the Yale catalogue as dead in 1726. Dying thus early, it is not an improbable supposition that he was physically dis- abled for active ministerial work, and only supplied here two or three years for this brief "winter season " of three months.
But aside from Mr. Buck it is unknown who supplied the preaching before Mr. Curtiss came. I have carefully examined the records of the Hartford North Association before 1728, and there is nothing to indicate that any request was made to this body to furnish a minister. Even if Mr. Buck supplied until 1726, there were two years interven- ing the settlement of Mr. Curtiss. I am inclined to believe that Mr. Buck did supply, at least occasionally for four or five years. The tra- ditions can only be interpreted on this supposition. And as the meet- ing house was under way in 1726, when he died, it is natural to sup- pose that a candidate for the pulpit would be sought. And the poverty and struggles of the people would make this no inviting field.
Such are all the facts that I have been able to glean concerning the history of this period. And the conclusions I have drawn from the facts and traditions at hand, are the most satisfactory to my own mind.
CHAPTER VII.
MINISTRY OF REV. JEREMIAH CURTISS.
Birth ; Family History; Error of Dr. Robinson; Early Advantages; College Course; Graduates; Society Meeting; Call to Southington ; Letter of Acceptance; Church Organized ; Installation ; Election of Deacons; First Baptisms; His Records Imperfect ; Members Received by Letter Not Recorded ; His Wife's Letter; Growth of Church; Society Deeds him a Farm; He Builds; Marriage; Joins Hartford North Association; Preaching ; Twelve Years of Prosperity ; Southing- ton Gaining in Influence ; Additions to Church; Signs of Discord ; Revival of 1740; Wallingford ; Dr. Bellamy ; Mr. Curtiss Against the Revival ; Increased Dissensions ; Action of Hartford North Association June, 1741; Action in August 1741 ; Hearty Concurrence of Mr. Curtiss; Church Divided; Traditions ; Effect of Wallingford Troubles Here; Meeting of Hartford North Association in 1744-8; Position of Mr. Curtiss ; His Persisteney; Deacons Against Him; His Friends; Exciting Meetings; Appeal to General Assembly ; Memorials; Appeal to the Association ; Dismission, &c .; Death.
THE Rev. Jeremiah Curtiss was born in Stratford, Conn., in 1706. The month, and day of the month, cannot be discovered; but from a careful examination of the various authentic dates of his life, it is clear that his birth occurred between the 21st of March and 26th of May. On this latter day he was baptized. His father was Zachariah Curtiss (son of William' by first wife) and was born in 1659. His mother was Hannah Porter, daughter of Nathaniel Porter of Windsor.
Dr. Edward Robinson errs in stating (Memoirs of his father, p. 81) that Mr. Curtiss was a native of this town. Such indeed until recently was the prevailing impression. But his baptism is found on the Strat- ford records, and the first deed of which he was grantee, speaks of him, as, "Jeremiah Curtiss formerly of Stratford." Dr. Robinson
1 On the Stratford records is a deed of land to William Curtis by virtue of his mar- riage with Hannah Porter, and received from her grandfather Philip Groves of Wind- sor, by will. William was admitted to Stratford Church in 1687. Besides Jeremiah, there is a record of two other children ; Zachariah, who married Mary Nichols in 1722 [and had a daughter Eunice baptized Oct. 15, 1722] ; Jonathan baptized April 1, 1697.
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gives the tradition,1 that he was born on Sabbath in Farmington, whither his parents had gone to attend church.
Mr. Curtiss must have had early advantages, and have developed rapidly in mind, for he graduated at Yale College in 1725, at the age of eighteen. From the time he was four years old until fourteen, he was under the pastoral supervision of that distinguished scholar, Timo- thy Cutler, D. D., who was the second President of Yale College. In those days the pastor was often the teacher of youth in the various branches of learning. It is hardly conceivable, that Dr. Cutler would fail to draw about him the intelligent youth of his congregation, and direct them in study. He had but few if any superiors in learning, and to be in contact with such a man, is both inspiration and tuition. Although we have no definite knowledge of the extent of the influence of Dr. Cutler over his young parishioner, yet the intelligence and social position and church standing of the father, lead us to suppose, that the family would be likely to share as fully as any in the attention and direct instruction of the pastor.
I can find no clue to his theological preceptor, nor to the time of licensure.3 At the age of twenty-one, he appears in Southington as a candidate for the pulpit of this society. As yet the church had not been formed. It was not unusual in ancient times to postpone the organization of the church until the council met to install the pastor that had been called by an infant society. The society was the only corporate body recognized in law, and this was the first organized. In the case of this town, the first society was in existence four years and a half before the church. It was at the invitation of the society alone that Mr. Curtiss came here. The meeting at which he was
1 This tradition was current even while Mr. Curtiss was living, and has always been supposed to have a foundation in fact. Probably Stratford should be substituted for Farmington. But it has been suggested, that perhaps his parents, although residing in Stratford, were visiting friends in the old town of Farmington when his birth oc- curred. It is well known that they had relatives both in Wallingford and Farming- ton. And then, too, in visiting his mother's family in Windsor, they would naturally pass through this town, and the event might have ocenrred on the way home to Strat- ford. But it probably occurred in Stratford.
2 In the Library of Yale College is a note book of Jeremiah Curtis that he used when a student. It was deposited there in 1781 by President Stiles. Over the fly leaves is written-Jeremiah, Jere, Jeremia, Curtiss, Curtisse, and Curtice, showing the various ways of spelling his name. Part of the notes are in Latin and part in English. At the close of one section of the notes is this-" Finis Pathologia Tran- scriptum pr me. JEREMIAII CURTISS Annoque Domini 1721." On depositing this note book Dr. Stiles wrote "Feb 28 1781. Datus a Revd Dr Curtiss Coll Yalensis &c. EZRA STILES."
3 The Fairfield Co. Association had its records destroyed in 1779. As Stratford was within the bounds of this Association it is probable Mr. Curtiss was by it licensed.
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called, was held July 18, 1728. Beyond the date, we know nothing of its proceedings. To this call the candidate made the following busi- ness-like reply:
August 8, 1728.
Respected Friends and Brethren-These signify that I, Jeremiah Curtis, with a humble reliance on the Glorious Head of the Church for his gracious assistances, accept of the work to which I am invited, upon conditions that you perform the propositions you made me at your meeting, July 18, 1728, viz., that you give to me the society lot and a hundred pounds for my settlement to be paid in two years: and fifty pounds a year, and my wood for four years: and then to raise ten pound a year and my wood until it comes to ninety pound and my wood, or a hundred pound: and as to the manner of paying my sal- lery I expect grain according to the market price in the last of March for the year preceding ye payment of the sallery with allowance for the transporting of it to the market, or money: and concerning ye hun- dred pounds which is to be paid for my settlement: I desire it may be paid in labour: and if there should be any great alterations with re- spect to ye change of ye money I desire (that) yt ye may be a commit- tee chosen to right ye same between us, and now I request your pray- ers that I may obtain mercy to be found faithful unto ye L. and his people.
JEREMIAH CURTIS.
This letter speaks for itself. It is evident the young pastor meant · that there should be no misunderstanding as to the terms of settlement. His words contrast strongly with letters of a similar kind written in this day. He certainly was not afraid to speak of his "temporalities," and emphasize fidelity to the contract by the society, as a condition of acceptance. Entering into the details of the agreement, he records his own interpretation of the terms so that neither party could mistake the meaning. And it doubtless would now promote the peace of churches, and enhance the usefulness of ministers, if, at the outset, they settled the meaning of the business covenant, and insisted on its strict fulfillment. The contract of a society with a pastor is as bind- ing and sacred as that of any corporation with any individual. But it is neither so observed nor regarded by societies generally.
Mr. Curtiss having thus settled preliminaries, and the society con- curring, he was ordained, and installed pastor Nov. 13th following. It is supposed that on the same day the church was organized. Whether these services were in the hands of the Consociation, or a selected Council, we have no means of knowing. The records of the Hartford North Consociation are lost, so that of this and other im-
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portant events in the history of this church we must remain ignorant except as to the bare facts. We probably will never know who preached the sermon, or who took the other parts.
As evidence that the church had not been before organized, and had no records, is the fact that Mr. Curtiss begins the record the Sabbath following his installation. If there had been baptisms and admissions before they would naturally have been recorded; and this record Mr. Curtiss would probably continue. And then, too, Deacons would have been before appointed to complete the church organization, but these officers were not elected until the 27th, or two weeks later. But it is a singular fact that Mr. Curtiss in his record does not give the names of the original members of the church. All the papers pertaining to the organization were probably placed on file among the records of Consociation, or if the work was done by a Council the proceedings may have been preserved separately by Mr. Curtiss, and then subse- quently lost.
On the fly leaf of his records is this entry-
" November ye 13th 1728
Jeremiah Curtiss was ordained.
Novber ye 27-1728 thomas barnes & Samel woodruff were chosen by ye church to be Deacons - April ye 9-1729-Thomas barnes & Samel woodruff Junior wr ordained Deacons."
From this record, it seems that the Deacons were formally set apart to their office as was the custom in those days, but why this was de- layed until the following spring cannot be conjectured.
The Sabbath after his installation he baptized three children; the first upon record. One was Mary, daughter of Benjamin Dutton; and the others were Daniel and Mary, children of David Woodruff. This David Woodruff is supposed to be the first born within the limits of Southington. The first person admitted to the church on profession, was Abigail Clarck, Feb. 5, 1729. She married Jonathan Brunson May 17, 1732. The subsequent admissions were at irregular intervals, and at various times between communion seasons. The custom seems to have been to vote upon the request of a candidate on any Sabbath.
There are two singular features in the method of Mr. Curtiss in keeping his records. He attempts an alphabetical order, but uses the first instead of the last name; for example, he begins with Abigail Clarck, and continues the first names as Amos Andrus, Abel Gridley, . Abigail Webster, &c., and closing with Zachariah Gillet, Zealous Dem- ing, &c.
11
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And he makes no mention of those received by letter from other churches, so that those he names were all admitted on profession. Even the name of his wife, who was daughter of Rev. William Burn- ham of Kensington is not recorded. The letter dismissing her to this church I have in my possession and is as follows-
To the Revª Jeremiah Curtiss, Pastor of the Church in Southington, and the Church with him
Greeting.
Revª & Beloved in our Lord Jesus: These may certifie you, that Hannah now the Wife of the above mentioned m' Jeremiah Curtiss, was admitted a member in full communion with our Church in Ken- sington and Remained in good acceptance with this Church So Long as She Dwelt among us. and whereas the Great Lord of the World, which appointed to Every one the bounds of their habitation, hath So ordered it in his holy Providence that She is Removed into your Limits, and hath also desired a Dismission from our Church to yours, the church with us hath Granted her desire herein: These are therefore to Signifie it to you, & we do hereby recommend her to your holy Com- munion & fellowship. Wishing you an increase of Grace & all Spiritual Blessings and Such a Presence of Christ with his ordinances among you that they may be Effectual for the Conversion & Salvation of many, and Desiring your Prayers for us that the like blessings may be multi- plied to us, we rest yours in our Common Lord
WILLIAM BURNHAM, Pastor, in the name of the Church.
Kensington,
June 13, 1733.
As the society rapidly increased in numbers by immigration from other towns, there must have been many added by letter; and if their names were known would largely increase the number of the present church catalogue.
A few weeks after his settlement one of the conditions of his call was complied with, in the execution of a deed, conveying what was known as the "society lot," the same "that Daniel Andrus in behalf of him- self, the rest of the proprietors and inhabitants of the village or society called Panthorn, bought of Stephen Buck &c. designed for ye use of a minister when settled in said society."
On this land Mr. Curtis built a house of good size, having a " lean to " in the rear of moderate dimensions. The house was standing till a few years ago. It fronted the north, and was located between the house now occupied by his great-grandson John Curtis, and that stand- ing a few feet to the northeast. The hollow ground shows distinctly where the cellar was.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
Mr. Curtiss was married Jan. 7, 1730, to Hannah, daughter of the Rev. William Burnham (first pastor of Kensington Society) and his wife Hannah Wolcott of Wethersfield. He at once brought his wife to his new home, and here he spent the rest of his long life.
For reasons unknown he did not join the Association (Hartford North) until 1741-thirteen years after his settlement. The nature of the business to come before this body accounts for his presence at this time. And until 1746 he attended the meetings but three times when again very important matters came up and in which he had a vital interest.
He preached twice before the Association-once at Wintonbury (Bloomfield), June, 1750, and at Northington (Avon), 1754. The Association met with him only three times-Oct. 4, 1743, June 6, 1749, June 4, 1754. I find him representing the church in only two or three Councils. He was in frequent consultation with the new society1-of New Cambridge (Bristol), and during the years of its trials in settling the first pastor he was a wise counsellor. It is said to have been by his advice that the Rev. Samuel Newell finally accepted the call he had be- fore declined.
For abont twelve years there is nothing to indicate other than har- mony and prosperity in the society and church. The parish was in- creasing in numbers and material resources. "Poor as Panthorn " was a phrase growing into disnse. And then too the society was gaining in influence in the town. Farmington had not regarded the " southern ffarmers " as of much account. But now their influence was beginning to be felt, and more deference was shown them. Influential families from other towns were settling within the limits of this society. It is also said that the people around the center or village of Farmington who had been supreme in authority in all town matters, began to feel that Southington and the settlers along the west line of the town had an influence that had better be conciliated. Certain is it that this so- ciety was gaining the respect of the "mother." During the first twelve years, over one hundred and thirty had united with the church on profession, and no doubt a large number by letter of which we have no record. This fact alone must have not only strengthened the church and society, but commanded increased respect from the parishes sur- rounding. From all the sources of information consulted, appears the fact, that on to about the year 1740 there was harmony in the society and church. At this time this church, in common with so many others, crossed the threshold of a controversy as singular and inconsistent as the world ever saw. The best of men turned their swords one against
1 The Bristol records speak of him as present "at the fast and the formation of the church."
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the other in the day of battle. Satan was permitted to seize sanctified armor and good men, and use them for his own ends.
This society was drawn into the controversy probably because of its neighborhood to Wallingford. There had been intermarriages in the two towns, and the social intercourse was constant. Dr. Bellamy was born and reared only a few miles distant, and with hint there was also relation1 by blood or marriage with families here. When Whit- field preached at Wethersfield and Wallingford, members of this church and society went over to hear him. Such returned home not only in- flamed with religious zeal, but having adopted the particular views and methods of the great evangelist. And into such views and feelings they vainly tried to draw Mr. Curtiss. His traits of mind were such that he could neither move hastily, nor adopt measures that in the least savored of extravagance. He refused to have anything whatever to do with the movement, and is said to have preached taking strong ground against? the revival. And unfortunately for him, he took de- cided ground against Mr. Bellamy who was greatly esteemed in this society. He was in full sympathy with these clergy of the State, who. in 1741, invoked the civil power to suppress3 and prevent the religious disorders that prevailed in many places. In churches not a few throughout the State fatal dissensions prevailed, and with reason were many pastors alarmed. Some pastors by superior wisdom and tact were instrumental in holding their churches together and preserving harmony.
It must not be supposed, that all those who did not favor Whitfield opposed revivals as such. The excesses they condemned. Mr. Curtiss, and the other members of the Hartford North Association, should not be suspected of anything more than great moderation, or perhaps con- servatism. At a meeting in Farmington, June, 1741, the Association passed this resolution :
" Whereas there appears a general awakening and Religious Concern among many of our people, and a disposition to hear ye Gospel preached more frequently than it has usually been, which awakening and religious concern if duly cultivated and directed may have a vary happy Influence to promote Religion and ye Saving Conversion of Souls; Wee therefore Judge it expedient that ye ministers of this As- sociation in such convenient vicinities or neighborhoods as they think
1 That Dr. Bellamy was related to some families in this town is certain, but I have not had the time to arrange confused records so as to trace the relationship. Dea. Thomas Hart was a warm personal friend, and Dr. B. frequently his guest.
2 In his later years he still adhered to his early views.
8 The action that followed, exiled Samuel Finley, afterwards the honored President of the College of New Jersey.
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proper set up frequent Lectures and preach alternately for each other, and that they labor to open, Explain and Inculcate ye great and Im- portant doctrines of Christianity."
There is no doubt that at this time, as is often the case, the people were in advance of the pastors. The latter were afraid of violating established proprieties, and thus perhaps failed in meeting a demand for special religious services from their people. The above resolution is an attempt to meet this demand. But they must have felt a crisis upon the churches, for, at what seems to be an extra meeting of the Association, two months later, a fuller consideration of the subject was had. Why was this meeting held in August, a month in which they had never met before, unless the business was deemed urgent? And it was the largest meeting (sixteen members) ever held before, and was only equaled in numbers in 1746 when a matter of like urgency was considered.
I give full extracts from the minutes, for the proceedings will help us to understand the troubles that nearly rent this church in twain.
The meeting was held in Hartford Aug. 11, 1741.
" The following questions were Considered and Resolved,
1 whether it be not at this time in an Especial manner needful for ye ministers Studiously to Endeavour to maintain peace and unity among themselves and in ye churches. agreed upon by ye association to be needfull.
2 whether it be not contrary to ye mind of christ and destructive to ye peace of ye churches for a minister or ministers to preach in a parish or parishes where there is a settled minister or ministers, without ye desire, liberty or consent of such settled minister or ministers. agreed in ye affirmative, Acts, 20, 28 1, pet. 4, 15, I Cor. 14, 40.
3 whether any weight is to be Laid upon those preachings, Cryings out, faintings and Convulsions, which sometimes attend ye ter- rifying Language of some preachers and others as Evidences of or necessary to a genuine Conviction of sin, humiliation and prepara- tion for christ.
agreed in ye Negative, as also that there is no weight to be Laid upon those visions or visional discoveries by Some of Late pre- tended to, of Heaven or Hell or ye body or blood of christ, viz as represented to ye Eyes of ye body.
4 whether ye assertion of some Itinerant preachers that ye pure gos- pel and especially ye doctrins of Regeneration and Justification by faith are not preached in these Churches, their Rash Censuring ye body of our Clergy as Carnal and unconverted men and notori- ously unfit for yr office is not such a Sinfull and scandalous viola-
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tion of ye fifth and ninth commandments of ye moral Law as ought to be testified against and such preachers not be admitted to preach in our pulpits and parishes until they have as publicly manifested their repentance as they have given out such their false and Scandalous assertions.
agreed in ye affirmative.
5 whether ye pronouncing persons Converted so hastily and upon so Slender grounds as some do, be not exceeding dangerous. agreed in ye affirmative.
6 what is to be tho't of ye religious Concern that is at this day so general in ye Land?
answer
wee trust and believe that ye holy spirit is moving upon ye hearts of many that many have received of Late a Saving Change in many of our Towns and hope and desire that thro' grace many may yet be Savingly wrought upon, but there are Sundry things attending this work which are unscriptural and of a dangerous Tendency; and therefore advise both ministers and people in their Respective Stations Cautiously to guard against every thing of that nature, and wee for our Selves seriously profess our willing- ness to encourage ye good work of god's spirit agreable to his word, to ye utmost of our power.
7 What course should persons under soul trouble take? answer-be- sides Reading, hearing, meditation and Prayer they should seek to their own stated pastors as their soul guides, and to neglect them and ordinarily betake themselves to Lay persons is irregular and unsafe."
There can be no doubt but that Mr. Curtis heartily concurred in these expressions of opinion. Whatever use he made of them among his own people, he could not succeed in keeping down the sympathy that had been awakened for Whitfield. No doubt his personal influ- ence, and that of those who sustained him .. had great weight; but there remained the elements of an unfortunate controversy.
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