USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Fairfield > Fairfield, ancient and modern; a brief account, historic and descriptive, of a famous Connecticut town > Part 4
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SHERMAN PARSONAGE.
Sherman Parsonage (the house with sixty closets) was built by Judge Roger M. Sherman, a nephew of Roger Sherman, signer of the Declaration of Independence. The Judge purchased some eight acres of land in the square which had been occupied by Governor Roger Ludlow, Deputy Andrew Ward, Major Na-
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than Gold, Goodman Staples (whose wife was accused of witch- craft) and other Fairfield worthies. He erected an ample, colo- nial mansion-one of the most dignified and expensive in this part of the State. Here many eminent scholars, statesmen and public servants were entertained and a generous hospitality be- came the characteristic of this beautiful home. The distinctive feature of the mansion, however, was the multiplicity and arrangement of the closets. Mrs. Sherman's beneficence extended to a wide circle of friends and dependents. The closets scattered through the house contained not only the private effects of the family, but large stores of goods-flannels, linen, cloths, jellies, preserved fruits, garments and similar stuff-which were freely distributed to people in need. When Judge and Mrs. Sherman passed away they bequeathed the place to the Prime Ancient Society for a parsonage. It has been occupied successively by Dr. Atwater, Dr. Lord, Dr. McLean, Dr. Rankin, Dr. Burroughs, Dr. Bushnell and the present minister.
The portraits of Judge and Mrs. Sherman, the fine workman- ship of the artist Jocelyn, hang on the wall of the east drawing- room. The Judge's private library is preserved intact and rests behind glass cases in the old study of the east wing. Many of the books are presentation copies containing autographs of Judge Sherman's distinguished friends. One case holds various inter- esting papers, manuscripts, journals, account books, letters and other valuable historical matter.
Sherman Parsonage is an attractive, old-fashioned mansion, intimately associated with the best life of the town during the past century.
THE GOULD HOMESTEAD.
Fairfield has long been distinguished for its pleasant, unpre- tentious homes. The conservative character of old residents expresses itself in houses that are commodious and comfortable standing amid well-kept lawns. which reach down to large, beau- tiful gardens. Velvet turf, graceful shrubbery, trim hedges,
PULPIT ROCK
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flower-bordered walks, magnificent shade trees-these adorn- ments impart dignity and loveliness to the town.
The Gould homestead is one of the conspicuous places on the eastern edge of the town. The dignified mansion sits on a slight elevation and makes a pleasant impression upon the traveler passing along the King's Highway. For many generations the Goulds have had possession of property in this section of the town. Abraham Gould, however, son of Col. Abraham Gould, moved to Roxbury, N. Y., the latter part of the eighteenth cent- tury. The family traditions concerning active life and natural leadership have been vindicated in the successful business career of Jay Gould, great grandson of Col. Gould, and other prominent workers bearing the name. The house which invites attention was built by Hon. John Gould, an eminent and respected son of the old stock-Captain, Member of Assembly. State Senator, Railroad Commissioner and U. S. Marshall for the State of Con- necticut.
WALDSTEIN.
On a rise of ground north of the railroad station the observer notes the shaded seclusion of Waldstein. Fifty years ago Dr. Osgood purchased the rugged, cedar-covered tract, which to-day is a quiet, lovely, rural retreat, suggestive of a close friendship with nature and the spirit of poesy. Winding walks, shady nooks, rocks which bear the names of patriots, authors and artists, summer houses, a lily pool, and an old-fashioned flower garden with its sundials, enhance the charm of the place. As people pass along the street they notice a deep cut inscription on the bold rock which juts upon the sidewalk : "God and Our Country, 1862." This date was put there to commemorate pa- triotic and religious services held during the shock and heat of the Civil War that fateful summer when the rustic house, which tops the rock, was used as a pulpit, while the street below and the field across the way became an audience room where the hun- dreds gathered and gave rapt heed to the eloquent message which fell from the lips of the preacher. The man who cut the inscription enlisted and served his term in the war.
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THE ROWLAND HOMESTEAD.
The Rowland Homestead, which stands near the site of the famous Marine Hotel and the second edifice of Trinity Church, has an air of amplitude and hospitality most delightful. Its gen- erous lawns and old fashioned gardens, its noble shade trees and lovely vistas of the sea impart unforgetable chiarm. It was from the spire of the adjoining church that little Samuel Rowland, aged ten, saw the approach of the British marching up Beach Lane on a July afternoon, 1779. "Make haste, you young rascal, and get away," shouted one of the neighbors, who had climbed to the lookout that he might observe the enemy. An old chest dis- covered in the attic of the Rowland Homestead recently contained various important ancient documents and some portion of the old town records. The lad who braved the excitement of the hour in1 1779 and watched the progress of the foe pushing along toward the Green, became one of Fairfield's efficient and honored ser- vants in later years, holding various offices, among them that of Town Clerk during a period extending over forty years. It was the name of this lad's father, Mr. Andrew Rowland, one of the Committee of Correspondence, which was appended to the sheet announcing the battle of Lexington and forwarded to New York, the other Fairfield names being Jonathan Sturges, Thaddeus Burr and Job Bartram.
ROUND HILL.
Fairfield is diversified by numerous hills, the prospects from whose summits extend many miles over sea and land. Round Hill, which has been converted into a beautiful park by Mr. Frederick Sturges, is an objective point for all lovers of fine scenery. It was an old signal station during the ages of the In- dians' sway. Fires often blazed their warning messages from its vantage point. Keen eyes at night may see a dozen beacons off in the Sound shining their cheer and help from the lighthouses placed along our shores.
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MAILANDS.
Osborn Hill is crowned with the commodious country seat of Mr. Oliver G. Jennings. This large stone mansion with its com- manding tower, broad facades, lofty-pointed roofs and ample porticoes is the noteworthy feature of the landscape as the traveler passes up and down the country. The estate covers many acres of field and forest, upland and lowland, wide spread lawn and elaborate gardens-one of the loveliest and most attractive places on the sea coast of New England.
There is a tradition that the hill was once the abode of a rabid Tory whose bitter hatred and offensive conduct aroused the sus- picion and aların of the neighboring patriots. After the war he was said to have disappeared mysteriously. The hill was another favorite resort of savage tribes and might tell strange tales of Indian rites, customs and conflicts.
GREENFIELD HILL.
Greenfield Hill lies to the northwest, the white slender spire of the Congregational Church making a landmark most useful to men on the sea and adding its touch of beauty and repose to the scene. It was from the spire of the meeting house on Greenfield Hill that Major Tallmadge often watched the movements of British ships and directed some of his secret service work done as one of Washington's trusted agents.
VERNA FARM.
The conspicuous and substantial red brick mansion which shines amid its environment of charming fields and noble trees is the Bronson home. Verna Farm is an estate of broad acres and commanding situation, long associated with an honored family. Mrs. Bronson and her daughter, Mrs. Griscom, wife of the American Ambassador to Italy, reside at the Embassy in Rome. Mr. J. Kelly Robinson, a prominent financier and capitalist of New York, made his country home at Verna Farm for several years before his recent death.
The mansion stands on ground which was once the homestead property of Dr. Timothy Dwight.
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HOLLAND HEIGHTS.
Holland Hill or Heights is intimately associated with the his- tory of the Silliman family. Here the Rev. Andrew Eliot fled when driven from Fairfield after the burning of the town. When Mrs. Silliman returned to her home on the withdrawing of the enemy she writes that she found it "full of distressed people whose houses had been burned, and our friend, Captain Bartram, lay there a wounded man." There were eleven slaves in the Silliman family and the pastor of the parish was the owner of two. Many of these colored people disappeared during the war. They were kindly treated by their masters, but the fortunes of war made great changes in the customs of the people. It is said to the credit of these Connecticut slaves that many of them fought in the War of the Revolution and stood loyally with the patriots receiving afterward their due reward.
MILL HILL.
Mill Hill is another point of vantage overlooking the sea. Lovely homes adorn its broad acres. A daily panorama unrolls before the fortunate dwellers here as they gaze upon the multi- tude of ships which pass up and down the generous waterway.
SASCO HILL.
The harbour at Southport is guarded on the east by Sasco Hill, a piece of headland projecting boldly into the sea. This elevated, attractive portion of goodly acres includes another region of homes where the skill and devotion of men vie with nature in making the landscape beautiful.
GROVER'S HILL.
The hill which lies near to the extreme east of the old Fairfield Parish has already been described as the location of a fort during the war of the American Revolution and the war of 1812. Schoonhoven Park, which now embraces the modest eminence
THE SOUTHPORT CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
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once associated with war, secret service and traditions of adven- ture, has become a quiet, lovely retreat graced by lovely homes, around which cluster many pleasant associations.
WITCH HILL.
There are legends of a Witch Hill, the elevation on which the poor woman convicted of witchcraft in 1653 was hanged. It has been a difficult matter to identify this place. The little hill which slopes down to Ash Creek is sometimes pointed out as the historic spot. "I have been fished withal in private more than you are aware of," said the forlorn sufferer, as she was taken to the gibbet, " but I must not return evil for evil." When deatlı came and the body was lowered affrighted women searched for witch marks and according to oft repeated stories detected these telltale witnesses. "Never, never, was a poor creature tempted as I am tempted. Pray, pray for me !" These words rang in the public ear for many a sad day.
STURGES HOMESTEAD
The residence of Judge Jonathan Sturges occupied the site of his ancestor, the first Jolm Sturges in town, situated opposite the present St. Thomas Church. It was in this house (which was burned in 1779) that Paul Revere spent the night when on his way from Boston to New York with despatches for General Washington. Jonathan Sturges, the grandson, purchased the estate on Mill Plain, now owned by his son, Henry C. Sturges, Esq., and erected a Gothic cottage, employing a famous land- scape gardener to lay out the grounds. It became one of the famous popular sights in Connecticut, numerous visitors travel- ing to Fairfield in order to see the rare, fine work which had been done by this pioneer artist in landscapes.
CHURCHES.
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH-1639. REV. FRANK S. CHILD, D. D., PASTOR.
The parish of the Prime Ancient Society originally embraced the entire town of Fairfield whose boundaries were Stratford on the east, Redding on the north, Norwalk on the west and Long Island Sound on the south. The Established Religion of Con- uecticut was Congregationalism until the adoption of the New State Constitution in the year 1818. During this period the Church was supported by taxation like other State Churches. An historical tablet, designed by Tiffany and containing the names of the ministers and the dates of their pastorates, has been recently placed in the vestibule of the Church, a gift of Miss Jennings.
TRINITY CHURCH-1724. REV. EDMUND GUILBERT, D.D., RECTOR.
The first Church edifice was erected in 1725 on Mill Plain. In 1738 a second edifice was reared near the center of the village "on the highway near the old Fields Gate." This house of worship was burned by the British in 1779. The third structure was built on the Green at Mill Plain and dedicated on the 5th of September, 1790. The fourth edifice to serve the members of 'Trinity Parish was erected in Southport, situated a mile or more from Mill Plain. The congregation continues to worship in this dignified, commodious house of God.
CONGREGATIONAL, CHURCH OF GREENFIELD HILL-1725.
REV. EDGAR H. OLMSTEAD, PASTOR.
This is the third parish set off from the Prime Ancient Society. The chaste, old-fashioned Meeting-house, the fourth edifice placed in the midst of the little Green on the hill, stands as one
TRINITY CHURCH
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of the historic and conspicuous landmarks for all this region. It was from this point of vantage and the spire of the second edifice that Major Tallmadge, one of Washington's aids who had charge "of a particular part of his private correspondence," observed the movements of the enemy along the Sound.
BAPTIST CHURCH OF STRATFIELD-1761.
REV. WILLIAM SWANSON, PASTOR.
The sanctuary crowns a little hill which divides the highway leading from Bridgeport to Easton. Although situated on the edge of our neighboring city, this is essentially a rural parish with the traditions and customs of the olden days.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF SOUTHPORT-1843. REV. WILLIAM H. HOLMAN, PASTOR
This Church-one of the various offshoots of the Prime Ancient Society-was organized in 1843. The members of the congregation worship in the second edifice which they have reared. The beautiful granite structure, dedicated February 2nd, 1876, makes a generous contribution to the noteworthy attractiveness of the town.
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH-1856.
REV. ALLEN E. BEEMAN, ARCHDEACON OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, RECTOR
This parish was organized some twenty years after Trinity Church removed from Mill Plain to Southport. The shapely edifice in which its members worship has been transformed by the grace of luxuriant vines into a temple of beauty, adding charm to a street and neighborhood called unique in loveliness among New England villages.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF SOUTHPORT-1860.
REV. E. F. LOUNSBURY, PASTOR.
The present edifice is the second one built by this society. It is a symmetrical brick structure pleasantly located on Pequot avenue and was dedicated in 1898.
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ST. THOMAS CHURCH (Roman Catholic.) REV. THOMAS J. COLEMAN, RECTOR.
The first edifice erected by this congregation was destroyed by fire together with the adjoining rectory and school building in the winter of 1892. The present edifice was erected during the year 1893. It is a commodious structure built of red brick-an adornment to the town. A large congregation is served by the Church, the parish embracing territory extending from Bridge- port to Westport and far back in the hill country.
FAIRFIELD EAST PARISH.
In 1690 thirty-three taxpayers of Fairfield and thirteen from Stratford asked the General Court of Connecticut to be exempted from paying minister's rates to these respective parishes. Four year later the Court gave these people permission to organize a Church. The Meeting-house was erected on what is now called Park Avenue, half the site being acquired from Fairfield and half from Stratford. This first offshoot of the parent stock is known as the First or North Church of Bridgeport.
WEST PARISH OF FAIRFIELD.
People of the West Parish of Fairfield received permission of the General Assembly to embody themselves in a Church estate in 1711. This was the second withdrawal of members from the parent Fairfield Parish in order to form a new Church. The Green's Farms section of the town united with contiguous terri- tory on the west and north to form the town of Westport.
Dr. Ripley was the honored pastor of this Church from 1766-7 to 1821, a learned, distinguished and patriotic minister. Chan- cellor Kent of New York, referring to this honored friend, tells how "the British incendiaries on the morning of the 8th of July swept over the village of Green's Farms and destroyed all the houses for near a mile in succession ; among others the house where I had slept on the Tuesday evening preceding, and the house of the Rev. Dr. Ripley, and the Meeting-house in which
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ST. THOMAS'S CHURCH
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that excellent man used to preach." In some reminiscences Dr. Ripley mentions the fact that he accompanied General Washing- ton to Fairfield when he passed that way to assume command of the American Ariny at Boston. The General and his companion alighted at Bulkley's Inn on the Fairfield Green. While they were standing in front of the tavern, waiting for their horses, Washington conversed with Dr. Ripley on public affairs and passing his finger through the buttonhole of the minister's coat said that if the Americans could prolong the contest for one year he believed they would ultimately succeed, because in that time arms and ammunition could be obtained and they would be invincible.
FAIRFIELD FRESH AIR HOME.
PRESIDENT Frank S. Child, D.D. VICE-PRESIDENT W. H. Donaldson, M.D.
SECRETARY AND TREASURER Amory E. Rowland, Esq.
This beneficent institution has co-operated for seventeen years with the Tribune Fresh Air Fund in giving happy vacations to the cliildren of poverty in New York. Nearly two thousand lit- tle girls have enjoyed its hospitality and inspiration. It is sup- ported by the free gifts of many friends. A handsome and com- modious house was built by popular subscription for the Associa- tion during the winter and spring of 1906.
A pleasant beach house near the sea makes a rendezvous for the children when they play in the sand or bathe in the salt water. This beautiful charity has brought much brightness and lealtlıful cheer into hundreds of narrow, pinched, desolate homes.
The Home was transformed into a Convalescent Hospital in the autumn of 1898 and filled with sick soldiers returned from the Spanish-American War.
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THE CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Rev. Frank S. Child Oliver G. Jennings
Amory E. Rowland
Miss Annie B. Jennings Mrs. E. L. Wells Mrs. William B. Glover
COMMITTEE ON SUPPLIES
Rev. Allen E. Beeman
Mrs. Henry S. Glover
Rev. T. J. Coleman Mrs. Henry T. Bulkley
WARD COMMITTEE
W. H. Donaldson, M.D. Mrs. James O. Wright
S. M. Garlick, M.D. Mrs. Henry C. Sturges
AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS-Fairfield Branch.
PRESIDENT Hon. John H. Perry SECRETARY Mrs. G. B. Bunnell TREASURER Miss Mary B. Kippen
During the Spanish-American War the Red Cross Society was tireless in its efforts to aid the sick and wounded among our sol- diers. Large contributions of money and supplies were forwarded through the National Society to places of need. When the con- valescent soldiers sent over from the camp at Montauk Point were received into our Fresh Air Home the Fairfield Auxiliary redoubled its energies and rendered all needed assistance. When the National Society was re-organized recently a few members of the former organization in Fairfield met and re-organized in har- mony with the suggestions of the Washington authorities. The local Auxiliary is now prepared to help in time of fire, plague, flood, war or disaster of any kind. A great work of humane min- istry is achieved through this organization, its fraternal activities reaching unto the uttermost parts of the earth.
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FAIRFIELD FRESH AIR HOME
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AUXILIARY, No. 29.
As a matter of historical interest the names of the officers and committees serving Auxiliary, No. 29, and the Children's Branch during the Spanish-American War, 1898, are recorded as follows: Mrs. H. S. Glover, Chairman Miss M. F. Sturges, Secretary Miss Mary B. Kippen, Treasurer
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Mrs. A. E. Beeman
Mrs. E. W. Harral
Mrs. Oliver G. Jennings
Mrs. H. C. Sturges
Mrs. F. S. Child
Miss A. R. Jennings
Miss S. B. Nichols
Mrs. James O. Wright
Mrs. J. H. Hewit
Miss Alice Bartram
Miss Emina F. Wakeman
Mrs. S. F. Mills
Miss Annie B. Jennings
Mrs. Charles Clucas
Mrs. Simon Bradley
Mrs. M. C. Pierce
Miss A. O. Morehouse
Mrs. A. P. Hinckley
Mrs. Howard Wakeman
CUTTING COMMITTEE Mrs. H. C. Sturges, Chairman
WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE Miss Mary B. Kippen, Chairman
PURCHASING COMMITTEE Miss Emma F. Wakeman, Chairman
ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE Miss A. O. Morehouse, Chairman Mrs. F. S. Mills, Secretary, pro tem. Miss Emma F. Wakeman
CHILDREN'S AUXILIARY
Helen I. R. Glover, Pres. Theodora M. Child, Vice-Pres.
Annie A. Sturges, Treas. Eleanor Hewit, Sec.
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4
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THE DOROTHY RIPLEY CHAPTER
OF
THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION Founded in 1893
REGENT Mrs. Edmund Guilbert
VICE-REGENT
Mrs. George B. Bunnell
RECORDING SECRETARY Mrs. E. L. Wells
TREASURER Miss Lottie E. Lacy
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY Miss Abbie Peffers
HISTORIAN
Mrs. Nehemiah Perry
REGISTRAR Miss Cornelia Pomeroy
This chapter has been liberal and industrious in patriotic ser- vices. Frequent contributions to local and national movements mark the years of its history.
Perhaps its most notable work is the elegant granite fountain which was reared in 1903 on the small plat near the Southport Post Office. The day of its dedication will be long remembered. A great company of friends and citizens assembled. Eloquent addresses were delivered. The Wheeler & Wilson band rendered appropriate musical selections. Such gifts not only quicken local pride and add to the dignity of a town. They also enrich life and serve the helpful social purposes.
MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN, SOUTHPORT
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THE EUNICE DENNIE BURR CHAPTER
OF
THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Founded 1894
REGENT
Mrs. Frank S. Child
VICE-REGENT
Miss Emma F. Wakeman RECORDING SECRETARY Miss Emma E. Brown
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY
Miss Loretta B. Perry
REGISTRAR
Mrs. Francis H. Brewer
This patriotic society named in honor of Eunice Dennie, the accomplished wife of Hon. Thaddeus Burr, has been an efficient contributor to the well-being of the town. The marking of his- toric sites, the commemoration of historic events, the encourage- ment of patriotism in our public schools, the care of God's Acre where rest the forms of many Revolutionary soldiers-these are some of the helpful services which the Society has rendered the town. For twelve years the Chapter has conducted an Independ- ence Day celebration on the Green at ten o'clock in the morning- an occasion which has proved most delightful and inspiring. The Society has a room in the second story of the Memorial Library which is furnished and adorned with many interesting articles and heirlooms. The addresses gathered into the volumin entitled "An Old New England Town," were prepared and delivered by request of the Eunice Dennie Burr Chapter and the book is dedi- cated to the inembers of the Society.
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FAIRFIELD MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Founded 1876
PRESIDENT Oliver G. Jennings
VICE-PRESIDENT Frank S. Child, D.D. SECRETARY
Rev. Allen E. Beeman TREASURER Amory E. Rowland LIBRARIAN Miss Emma F. Wakeman
ASSISTANT LIBRARIAN
Miss Eleanor B. Morehouse LIBRARY COMMITTEE Chairman, Frank S. Child Secretary, Allen E. Beeman
Henry C. Sturges Mrs. Mabel Osgood Wright Win. A. Wheatley Miss Annie B. Jennings Mrs. Win. B. Glover
HOUSE AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE Chairman, Charles B. Jennings
Samuel H. Wheeler, Wm. H. Donaldson, M.D.
FINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman, Oliver G. Jennings
Henry S. Glover, Amory E. Rowland.
This library was organized and incorporated in 1876 through the inspiration and leadership of Mr. Morris W. Lyon, who gave most generously to the institution and cherished it with unswerv- ing fidelity during the later years of his beneficent life. Although called by its founder a memorial of our national independence
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and other important events, it is really a memorial of Mr. Lyon, witnessing to his local patriotism and his spirit of noble helpful. ness. Associated with him in loyal co-operation when the library received its charter was Rev. Samuel Osgood, D.D., the first President of the Board, Captain Isaac Jennings, Rev. James K. Lombard, Mr. Oliver B. Jennings, Mr. Samuel Morehouse, Rev. E. E. Rankin, D.D., and Mr. John Glover.
The edifice which now serves the association, built by popular subscription, was dedicated on the afternoon of June eleventh, 1903. A large and notable company was present on the occasion and addresses were made by Rev. Samuel Hart, D.D., President of the Connecticut Historical Society, Prof. Henry Fairfield Osborn, Ph. D., of Columbia University, Prof. William L. Phelps, Ph. D., of Yale University, Hon. John H. Perry, President of the Pequot Library Association, Southport, and ex-President Timo- thy Dwight, D.D., LL. D., of Yale University.
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