USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Glastonbury > Glastenbury for two hundred years: a centennial discourse, May 18th 1853 > Part 19
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WELLES, ROSWELL, EsQ., son of the preceding, b. Aug. 20, 1761, was graduated at Yale 1784. He studied law and settled in Wilkesbarre, Penn., where he was a Judge for several years.
WELLES, WILLIAM, son of William, b. Nov. 22, 1754, was graduated at Yale, 1779.
WELLES, REV. SAMUEL, son of Samuel, b. Dec. 24, 1689, was gradua- ted at Yale, 1707. He studied Theology, and preached for a time, but his own, and especially his wife's estate being large, he resigned his Parish, went to Boston to live, where he accumulated much more. He died May 20, 1770. It has already been remarked, that Samuel Welles, the rich banker at Paris, was his son.
WHEAT, REV. ABIJAH C., a native of Glastenbury, was admitted preacher among the Methodists, in 1835.
WHEAT, ELDER, DOCT. SOLOMON, was a Doctor, and a Preacher among the Baptists, but whether he ever received licence for either, or had taken them up on his own authority and account, we have not ascertained.
WHITE, REV. HENRY, was graduated at Williams College, 1812, studied Theology and preached for several years, but is now dead.
WOODBRIDGE, REV. SAMUEL, graduated at Yale, 1763, was son of the Rev. Ashbel. His history is given in connection with that of Eastbury.
WOODBRIDGE, REV. TIMOTHY, graduated at Yale, 1765, was son of the same, and his history has been given in brief in connection with that of his father.
WOODBRIDGE, REV. WILLIAM, graduated at Yale, 1765, was also son of the same, and a general account of his life has been given in connection with his father's family.
[Woodbridge, Rev. Wm. C., son of the preceding, graduated at Yale, 1811, THE Geographer, is also spoken of in the same place.]
WRIGHT, REV. JAMES L., son of Joseph Wright, was graduated at Yale, 1832. He studied Theology, and is now engaged in the duties of his pro- fession as a Congregational Minister.
WRIGHT, DEAC. JOSEPH, son of James, b. Sept., 1785, was graduated at Yale, 1801. On his return from College, he devoted himself to agriculture,
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which he continues to the present time. He is one of the Deacons of the First Congregational Church.
WRIGHT, REV. WILLIAM S., son of the preceding, and brother of the one next preceding, was graduated at Yale, 1839. He studied Theology, and is devoting himself to the duties of his profession, as a Congregational Minister.
lastenbury
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION,
MAY 18,1853.
ORDER OF EXERCISES ;
CONTAINING
THE PRAYERS OFFERED, HYMNS SUNG, SENTIMENTS GIVEN, AND SPEECHES MADE, SO FAR AS REPORTS OF THEM COULD BE OBTAINED.
Published by Order of the Citizens.
AT a meeting of the citizens of Glastenbury, held on Monday evening, May 23d, 1853, it was-
Voted, That the Rev. A. B. Chapin, Edwin Crosby and James B. Wil- liams, be a Committee to report the proceedings of the late Centennial Celebration, and that they be directed to publish the same, with the discourse, or separate, in pamphlet form, as they think best.
PROCEEDINGS.
AT a town meeting held at Glastenbury on the first Monday of October, 1851, it was-
Voted, 'That a Committee be appointed to make arrangements for a Cen- tennial Celebration to be held in the Spring or Summer of 1853.
Whereupon, the following gentlemen, descendants of the early settlers of the town, were appointed :
JOHN A. HALE, Esq., Chairman, a descendant of Samuel Hale, Thomas Welles, John Taleott, John Edwards, etc., early settlers of Wethersfield and Glastenbury, and landholders in Glastenbury.
THADDEUS WELLES, Esq., a descendant of Thomas Welles, Thomas Kilborn, Samuel Hale, etc., early settlers of Wethersfield and Glastenbury, and landholders in Glastenbury.
Deac. GEORGE PLUMMER, a descendant of Thomas Welles, through the Sheltons of Stratford, and Ebenezer Plummer, Esq., who came here from Boston, a century ago.
Deae. JOSEPH WRIGHT, a descendant of Thomas Wright, Robert Rose, Samuel Hale, ete., early settlers in Wethersfield and Glastenbury, and land- holders in Glastenbury.
ANDREW TALCOTT HALE, a descendant from Samuel Hale, Thomas Kilborn, John Talcott and John Hollister, etc., early settlers in Wethers- field and Glastenbury, and landholders in Glastenbury.
JARED G. TALCOTT, a descendant of John Talcott, John Hollister, Thomas Wright, etc., early settlers in Wethersfield and Glastenbury, and landholders in Glastenbury.
HENRY TITUS WELLES, Esq., a descendant of the Governors, Thomas Welles, Joseph Haynes and Gurdon Saltonstall, the first of whom was a land- holder in Glastenbury.
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HENRY DAYTON, Esq., a descendant of George Hubbard, one of the original proprietors of the Naubuc Farms, and who was the ancestor of all of the name in town. Also, from William House, one of the petitioners for the incorporation of Glastenbury. The Dayton family came to this country about a century ago.
CHARLES HOLLISTER, a descendant of John Hollister, Thomas Welles, Richard Treat, Mr. Goodrich, etc., early settlers of Wethersfield and Glas- tenbury, and landholders in Glastenbury.
EDWIN S. TREAT, a descendant of Richard Treat.
LEONARD E. HALE, a descendant of Samuel Hale.
WILLARD E. HOWE, a descendant of John Howe, who came to Glasten- bury something more than a century ago, and also of John Hollister, one of the original proprietors and settlers.
At a meeting of this Committee, held April 12th, 1852, it was ---
Resolved, That the 18th of May, 1653, being the day when the first cor- porate power was bestowed upon the people on this side of the Connecticut river, the 18th of May, 1853, was the proper day for such celebration, and that it be held on that day.
At the same meeting --
Voted, That the Rev. A. B. Chapin, of Glastenbury, be requested to pre- pare an Historical Discourse to be delivered on the occasion. Also-
Voted, That Messrs. John A. Hale, Thaddeus Welles, Andrew T. Hale, Henry T. Welles, Charles Hollister, and Willard E. Howe, be appointed a Committee to aid Mr. C. in the collection of materials for a complete history of the town.
The appointment of the Committee having been accepted by Mr. Chapin, circulars were sent to all parts of the country where the descendants of the first settlers of Glastenbury were known to reside, informing them of what had been undertaken, soliciting their cooperation, and asking information on points touching the history of the town or families. As the time of the cele- bration approached, meetings of the citizens were held, and Committees ap- pointed to make preparations for the public entertainment of such as might be present on that occasion, and proper officers to direct and preside at the time.
At length the day arrived and was all that could be wished. The ground was dry, the air warm, and the sun overshadowed through the day, rendering it safe and comfortable for persons of all ages, sexes and descriptions, to re- pair to "the Meeting House Green," there to listen to the discourse of the Orator, under the large, (but on this occasion, not ample) tent belonging to Yale College, which had been kindly loaned for this purpose, or regale them- selves upon the abounding luxuries which had been provided for the celebra-
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tion. The day was ushered in by the firing of a National Salute of thirty- one guns, and the merry peal of all the church bells.
In accordance with an invitation from the inhabitants of the town, to all who were descendants of the settlers of Glastenbury, to meet with them in a happy reunion on this occasion, a great crowd was gathered together, who were welcomed home with open arms and happy hearts, by the present resi- dents of this ancient town. At a very early hour of the day, the people of the adjacent towns came pouring in, to mingle their joys with those of their friends and neighbors. All sectional, sectarian and selfish feelings were laid aside, and all entered into the matter with zeal. The generous hospitality of the inhabitants of the town was exemplified on this occasion. Every house was thrown open, and every visitor, whether an acquaintance or a stranger, was welcomed. At every fresh arrival, little groups of friends could be seen, shaking hands and congratulating each other on their safe arrival and the enjoyment of health, and we doubt if there ever was gathered together a erowd, estimated at from six to seven thousand people, as there was here, where every countenance beamed with smiles, and every lip spoke such a hearty welcome.
At 10 o'clock, A. M., a Procession was formed in front of the Northi Con- gregational Church, under the direction of HENRY DAYTON, Esq., Chief Marshall, assisted by Col. GUY SAMSON, EDWIN CROSBY, CHARLES HOL- LISTER, JOSEPH STRICKLAND, WILLARD E. HOWE, EDWIN HUBBARD, F. L. BUELL, D. L. HUBBARD and ELISHA HOLLISTER, in the following order :
Hartford Brass Band. Naubuc Guards, Capt. Goodale. School Boys in uniform, each bearing a flag with the Indian name of Naubuc painted thereon. A beautiful and appropriate banner painted for the occasion by John H. Taylor, Esq.
Company in Ancient Uniform under the command of Col. Elijah Miller. Mr. William S. Williams on Horseback, in costume of the seventeenth een- tury, accompanied by Mrs. Mary Perkins seated on the pillion, after the old style, and dressed in a corresponding antiquated and ancient costume. Next to them, came Mr. and Mrs. John Dayton on horseback, in riding dress of the present day, presenting a contrast extremely interesting and pleasing. Then followed a long line of Ladies. The Orator, and Officiating Clergymen. President and Vice President of the day. Governor and State Officers. Invited Guests. Connecticut Historical Society.
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The rear was brought up by an immensely long line of carriages.
The processsion marched first to the north, in order to obtain room to form, then countermarching south, proceeded down Main street, the " old country road" of the Naubuc Farms, and to the east end of the "Meeting House Green," where the tent had been erected, and where as many as could, obtained seats. Over the principal entrance to the tent was the motto, "Welcome Home," worked in evergreen, the emblem of undying affection. Over the platform of the Speaker was our State motto, " Qui transtulit sus- tinet," similarly wrought. Other appropriate mottoes decorated other por tions of the tent.
The services of the day were commenced by the choir, under the direction of John W. Smith, aided by the Band, by singing the following
HYMN.
Words altered from M. S. Pike. AIR-Home Again.
Welcome home ! Welcome home! From a distant land, And oh it fills our hearts with joy, To meet this kindred band.
Here we dropp'd the parting tear When first you left to roam, But now you're once again with those Who kindly greet you home.
Happy hearts! Happy hearts ! With mine have laughed in glee, But oh the friends I loved in youth Seem happier to me :
And if your guide decree a fate, Which bids you longer roam, Yet death alone, can break the tie, Linked with our friends from home.
Music soft ! Music sweet ! Lingers round the place, And oh, I feel the childhood charm, That time cannot efface.
Then welcome to your homestead roof, Although no palace dome ; And we will spend this happy day With those we love at home.
PRAYER,
By Rev. JAMES ALLWOOD SMITH, Pastor of the First Congregational Church, " Old" Glastenbury.
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. We adore thee as the God of Creation and Providence. In thee we move and live and have our being, and by the word of thy power do all things consist. We bless thee, that thou hast revealed thyself to us in thy word and made us acquaint- ed with thy redeeming love in Christ Jesus, thy ouly beloved Son, and hast
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provided us in the Holy Ghost whom thou hast sent into the world, a sanc- tifier, comforter and guide. We humbly ask thy presence and blessing on this interesting occasion. We rejoice in thee as the God of our Fathers, and devoutly do we bless thee, for that kind Providence with which thou didst guide them to the shores of this our New England, and to these seats now occupied by many of their descendants ; and for that goodness which pro- tected and sustained them amid the labors, the privation, sufferings and ex- posures of the wilderness; and for that wise spirit of devotion, with which they were endowed, to the interests of freedom and religion ; guided by which spirit, they took care, from the earliest settlement of this place, that the gospel should be preached to all and instruction in all useful knowledge should be provided for the young. And we bless thee, that from that early settlement, whose anniversary we this day celebrate, the institutions of the gospel, together with the blessings of the common school, have been enjoyed, with so much freedom from interruption or molestation, down through the successive generations, until the present. May the remembrances which are awakened in us at this time, of the deeds which they wrought, of the heroie fortitude with which they endured the trials incident to the great enterprize of planting those blessed institutions enjoyed by us, endear their memory to us, and make us emulous of these virtues, while they shall greatly strengthen our desires to transinit the inheritance to coming generations. Here may the gospel be preached to all; sound knowledge and useful learning be taught to the young, and civil and religious freedom be enjoyed through all coming time, and each generation as they come upon the stage of life, act their part wisely and devotedly, in promoting human welfare and the great inter- ests of the Redeemer's kingdom in the earth.
Bless all persons assembled on this occasion, those who have had their birth here; those who have become adopted citizens of the place. Bless our invited guests, with all who have sought to promote the enjoyment and profit of the anniversary. May it please thee to regard our Governor, with all who are associated with him in the exercise of legislative, judicial, or executive authority, that through their wisdom and faithfulness, freedom and good order and prosperity may abound among the people, and the affairs of our happy Commonwealth receive no detriment. May the smiles of Providence rest upon all branches of industry and honest labor among the people. May the blessing of God be on all who pray for the prosperity of religion and virtue ; on all who labor in the cause of Christian philanthrophy. May the spirit be poured out from on High, purifying His Church and people, invigorating their graces and strengthening them for every good work, and securing us from every incoming flood of iniquity. And may the knowledge of Christ to all, be the savor of life unto life.
We pray for our common country ; thanking thee for all our prosperity, and for all the success thus far attending our free institutions as they have been extended over this widely spreading land. We commend to thy gra- cious notice, the Chief Magistrate of the nation. Endue him with all grace and wisdom for the responsibilities of his exalted station. May peace and charity, civil subordination and order, ever prevail within our borders. Avert pestilence, spare deserved judgments. Remove every yoke, and let the op- pressed go free. Incline all to be merciful, even as their Father in Heaven is merciful, and to forgive as Ile forgives. May our National Union be pre- served, and our liberty be kept inviolate. May we dwell in peace with all the nations of the earth. Cause that our civil and religious blessings may be everywhere possessed and enjoyed. Hear the sighing of the prisoners in all lands. Remember those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake ; who are crushed by despotic power; who wear out their days under systems of un- righteous servitude ; who pant for the pure air of civil and religious free- dom. Speed on the day of their deliverance. Bring all people to know
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thee and Jesus Christ whom thou sent,-" whom to know is Life Eternal." Let thy kingdom come, and thy will be done on Earth as it is done in Heaven, and the glory shall be given to thee, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, world without end. AMEN.
SINGING-HYMN.
TUNE .- Land of our Fathers.
Land of our Fathers ; wheresoe'er we roam, Land of our birth ! to us thou still art home ; Peace and prosperity on thy sons attend, Down to posterity their influence descend
All then inviting, hearts and voices joining, Sing we in harmony our native land, Our native land, Our native land, Our native land, Our native land.
Though other climes may brighter hopes fulfil, Land of our birth ! we ever love thee still ! Heav'n shield our happy home, from each hostile band, Freedom and plenty ever crown our native land.
All then inviting, hearts and voices joining, Sing we in harmony our native land, Our native land, Our native land, Our native land, Our native land.
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE by Rev. A. B. Chapin, D. D., Rector of St. Luke's Church, South Glastenbury. At the announcement made by the Orator found on page 37, of the preceding Discourse, the choir aided by the Band sung as it were impromptu, the following Hymn composed for the occasion.
HYMN.
Words by the HON. JAMES DIXON.
AIR .- Pleyel's Hymn.
When to this wild forest land, Wrapt in clouds of gloom and woe, Sad, yet firm, the Pilgrim band Came-Two Hundred years ago,-
Bearing from their native coasts, Souls that bowed not to the yoke ; With the Charter Freedom boasts, Hidden in their HEARTS OF OAK ;-
Dream'd they that a Nation here, Proudest of the earth should rise, Planted in distress and fear, Mid their ceaseless tears and sighs !
Oh ! could they have look'd beyond Years of anguish, pain and care, Making iron hearts despond, To this hour of praise and prayer,-
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How would they have gazed with awe, Mingled with a deep delight, Doubting if the thing they saw, Were but visions of the night :
Meadows green and happy vales, Hills with holy temples crown'd, Rivers white with snowy sails, Cities where the forest frown'd ;
Towering spires and lofty halls, Rising where the Indian trod, And within these sacred walls, Praises to the living God !
Unto Him who brought them here, 'Mid the gloom of other days, We their children bow in fear, Offering thus our songs of praise.
After the close of the Discourse, which was delivered rather by synopsis than as written, and occupied an hour and three quarters in the delivery, the choir sung the following Hymn composed for the occasion.
HYMN. Words by MRS. L. H. SIGOURNEY. AIR .- Auld Lang Syne. Two hundred years ! Two hundred years ! What changes have they seen, Since the red hunter chas'd the deer O'er copse and valley green,
While countless cares and toils were met In faith and patience bold, Though round our few and feeble States The appalling war-cloud roll'd.
Since o'er yon stream with stranger sail A vessel woo'd the breeze, And up the eorn sheaf sparsely sprang Among the fallen trees.
But now,-a Banian root they strike, By Heaven's own smile sustain'd And sehools and spires and cities tower Where erst the Indian reign'd.
And 'mid the nations of the earth A noble name they bear ? And homage to the Power Supreme Incites their grateful prayer.
God of our sires !- whose high decree Unnumber'd worlds obey, Before whose sight, a thousand years Are counted as a day.
Vouchsafe to these, our banded realms That stretch from sea to sea, --- The diamond shield of patriot love And dauntless strength from Thee.
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In order that all denominations of Christians in the Town, should partici- pate in the services of the day, it had been arranged that the Rev. SAMUEL Fox, the Preacher in charge of the Methodist Church of East Glastenbury, should make the concluding Prayer, which he was prevented from doing by ill health, as appears from the following.
EAST GLASTENBURY, May 17th, 1853.
To the President of the Glastenbury Cen. Celebration.
DEAR SIR :- It is with great reluetanee, I have come to the conclusion to be absent from the Centenial Celebration of to-morrow. The state of my health however, is such, that I am obliged to decline.
I had anticipated mueh pleasure in participating with our Citizens and their invited guests in the exercises and festivities of the day. I have as you know warmly approbated the plan itself-the preliminary arrangements have given me assurance of a festive day of no ordinary character. And I have no doubt that you who share in its enjoyments, will remember it among the bright days of your lives.
I have just one relieving thought in connection with my position -- my presence or absence will not affeet the enjoyments of the day-the privation will only reach me.
With no ordinary feelings of regret I remain,
Yours Respectfully, SAMUEL FOX.
PRAYER by REV. ALBERT HALE, of Springfield, Illinois, a native of Glastenbury, son (1) of (2) Matthew, (3) Doet. Elizur, (4) Jonathan, (5) Samuel, (6) Samuel.
Our Father who art in heaven, we thank thee for this joyful, and impres- sive occasion. We praise thy name that we stand here, gathered from differ- ent and distant parts, at our home and the home of our fathers, amidst the memories of the two past centuries. We would devoutly acknowledge the hand of God, which directed, sustained and blessed our fathers when they plant- ed here the foundations of society. We thank thee for that deeply interesting history, portions of the narrative of which, have just been read in our hear- ing. Above all do we praise thee for the pure, truthful, Christian principles of our ancestors, the source of all the personal, domestie, civil and religious privileges of their descendants to the present time, and of all our cherished hopes for the future. We owe it to thee our Father in heaven, that from the earliest periods of this place, no power has ever been permitted to pre- vent the free access of all the people to the open fountains of truth-the sacred Scriptures, the light which guides men into the paths of peace, holi- ness and salvation. We bless thy name, that here the sanctuary and the school-house have stood side by side, pouring the blessings of knowledge and religion upon the people. We rejoice in the Lord, to-day, in the accumula- ted blessings and privileges, the fruit of the virtue, the piety and the toils of past generations. And while we thus rejoice, and gratefully praise God for his manifold goodness to our fathers and to us their children, may we not be unmindful of the solemn truth, that of those to whom much is given, much will be required. May the rich inheritance, Thou hast bestowed on us, the fruit of the principles, the labors and the sacrifices of those who have gone before us, be preserved and transmitted, unimpaired by us, to our offspring, and to all who shall come after us. To all coming generations, may the peo- ple of this place be distinguished for a deep, intelligent, practical love of truth and righteousness; and may every institution, social, civil, and religious,
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which benefits and adorns human society, be sustained here till time shall be no more. The Lord bless and keep us. The Lord preserve us from all evil, and admit us all at last to the abodes of the blessed in heaven, through JESUS CHRIST, to whom with the Father and the Holy Spirit be praise everlasting. AMEN.
BENEDICTION, by REV. THOMAS ROBBINS, D. D., of the Connecti- cut Historical Society.
The line being again formed, marched to the Town Hall, at the west end of the Green, outside of which long tables were erected, under tents, and shaded by the evergreen. These tables were enclosed that none but the Com- mittee of one hundred (which had to be augmented to two hundred,) could have access to them, in order to save confusion in waiting upon the crowd ; and we doubt much if ever such a multitude was filled with good things in a more orderly and quiet manner. All were supplied, and enough was left to feed many more. This surplus was distributed to the poor, and we think it may be safely said, that there was one time in this town, when every inhabitant was happy and cheerful. The tables were decorated with beauti- ful bouquets and wreaths of flowers, and presented an inviting appearance, speaking well for the fine taste and exertions of the Committee of Ladies, who had this matter in charge. The dining tents were also adorned with mottoes perpetuating the memory of the Indian names of places still re- maining.
After the dinner, the crowd was called to order by
THADDEUS WELLES, Esq., President of the day ; who was assisted by JOSEPH WRIGHT, JEDIDIAHI POST, WM. C. SPARKS, BENJAMIN TAYLOR, LEONARD E. HALE and GEORGE MERRICK, as Vice Presidents ; when the following regular toasts were read, and each was received by cheers from the crowd, and music by the Bands :
1. The President of the United States.
2. May 18th, 1653.
3. The Pioneers of Glastenbury. They ventured in faith, toiled with pa- tience, and died in hope. Our prosperity is the crown of their labors.
4. Glastonbury in the Father-land. Venerable for antiquity, first born in Britain to the Christian faith-rich in saint and hero. We are proud to de- rive our name from so illustrious a protonym.
5. The Indians of Glastenbury. They bade the white stranger welcome, gave him the pipe of peace, and kept their hands unstained by his blood ; and when their last survivor passed to the " spirit land," his pathway was smooth- ed by the white man's charities.
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