USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > West Simsbury > Historical sketch of the Congregational church and parish of Canton Center, Conn., formerly West Simsbury. Organized 1750 > Part 5
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October 29. Met at Unionville in council called for the purpose, and dismissed from the pastoral charge Rev. G. M. Porter.
Nov. 4. Presidential election. The whole number of votes cast in Canton, 469.
Fremont, republican, - -
- 268
Buchanan, democrat, - - 196 -
Fillmore, 5
Fremont over Buchanan, 71; over all, 67. Thank God and take courage.
[On Mr. Burt's monument is carved a mantle in pursuance of the epitaph on Mr. Hallock's momument. His own epitaph is simply, " Faithful unto death."]
REV. WARREN C. FISKE.
Mr. Fiske was born in Wales, Mass., formerly a part of Brimfield, September 21, 1816. He was converted when a child of twelve years. He fitted for college at Monson Academy, Massachusetts, graduated from Amherst in 1840; taught school two years at Salem, N. J. ; graduated from the Theological Institute of Connectiont, 1845; ordained at East Haddam, Conn., May 19, 1847; was a home missionary in Wisconsin three years, under the Connecticut Missionary Society. His wife's health failing, he returned to the East. and was installed pastor of the Congregational Church in Marlboro, Conn., where he remained seven years. Then followed his pastorate in Canton, at the close of which he removed to East Haddam to care for his wife's aged parents, and from thence to Colchester, Conn., to educate his chil- dren. He taught for a time in Bacon Academy. While there he had a fit of sickness, from which he has never fully recovered.
His health improving somewhat, he again preached, first at Barkhamsted, Conn., nine months; and afterwards at Wolcott, Conn., for three years. Finding parochial cares too
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much for his strength, he retired to private life, and bonght a small farm in Charlton. Mass., where he lived quietly and comfortably for twelve years. Being unable to superintend his farm any longer, or even to do anything, he sold and moved to Southington, Conn .. in order to be near his oldest son, a practicing physician in that place. He still resides in South- ington, a confirmed invalid, confined mostly to his house.
He married, May 19, 1847, Miss Harriett M. Parsons of East Haddam, Conn., a daughter of Rev. Isaac Parsons. They have three children -two sons and one daughter.
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. CHARLES N. LYMAN.
I was born at Hartford, Conn., May 14. 1835. My parents' names were Diodate Brockway, and Eliza Tribert Lyman. When I was about three years old, my parents moved to the old homestead in Manchester, Conn., where the days of my childhood and youth, till I was about seventeen years of age, were spent. My experience was that of the ordinary farmer's boy of that time, accustomed to regular work in cooperation with other members of the family for the common good. The generally prevailing influences of the home were Chris- tian. My grand parents, both of whom lived to a ripe old age, were in the line of descent from Plymouth Rock, and maintained family worship till my own parents were prepared to take up that duty.
During my seventeenth year, the Congregational church of Manchester Center. Conn., with which our family regularly worshipped, was blessed with a revival of religion, the in- fluence of which was felt throughout the whole township, and which resulted in many conversions to Christ. Among those converts, both of my parents, a brother and sister, and myself were included. For several years before that time my thoughts had been directed frequently toward the Christian ministry as a most desirable work in which to engage. After my conversion, the conviction that it was my duty to prepare myself for that work was deeply impressed upon my mind,
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and, having made known my feelings to my pastor, Rev. F. T. Perkins, I was encouraged to undertake the work of preparation. Under his direction, with the consent of my parents, I began the study of Latin, and, in the autumn of 1852, entered the academy at Monson, Mass., where I remained two years, entering Yale College in September, 1854. After remaining in college two years, chiefly for pecuniary reasons, I obtained leave of absence for one year, returning to college September, 1557, and graduating in 1859.
The close of my college course. in spite of aid furnished by kind friends, and such sums of money as I was able to earn, found a considerable indebtedness resting on me which pre- vented my entering upon theological studies at once. After graduating at college, for three months I taught the Classics and Mathematics in a boys' boarding school, at Ellington, Conn.
The winter of 1859 and 1860 was spent at home, in a sys- tematic course of reading in Theology. In the spring of 1860, I entered Yale Theological Seminary, remaining there till February, 1862, at which time, having been, the summer previous, licensed to preach by the New Haven Central Asso- ciation of Congregational Ministers. I went to supply the church at Canton Center, in place of a classmate by the name of Dutton, then somewhat ill, and since then gone to his reward.
It was a wintry evening when, a stranger in a strange place, I stepped upon the platform at the railroad depot at Collins- ville. The first salutation I heard came from an elderly man, who wished to know if I were " New Haven Theology." Upon being assured that I was a small part of it, he replied that I was the " very man he wished to see." I was soon seated in a sleigh with " Uncle Simeon Mills," who, with his dun-colored horse, whose neck was adorned with a " string " of musical bells, gave me an interesting sleigh-ride, while he related to me many things concerning the History of Cherry Brook, Father Hallock, and the kind of Theology he used to hear preached in his youth, which he still believed, includ- ing " the lost condition of ' non-elect infants.' "
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My first night in Canton was spent beneath the hospitable roof of Esquire Hallock, whose stately dignity greatly im- pressed me, and in whose devoted Christian wife I became deeply interested. I learned shortly to esteem highly her constant prayer for her pastor.
That first Sunday in that high mahogany pulpit was a trial indeed to the young preacher, if not to the assembled congregation.
Much to my surprise. on the evening of that day, a commit- tee waited on me, and asked that I supply them for six weeks, with a possibility of a six-months' engagement if all should go well. Acting upon the advice of trusted friends, among whom was Professor. afterward President, Porter of Fale College, though my Theological studies were incomplete, I accepted the invitation, entered upon the work with much self-distrust, continued with the people six months, and was ordained and installed pastor, October, 1862, Prof. George P. Fisher of Yale Theological Seminary preaching the sermon.
The work thus begun was attended by peculiar difficulties owing to most unfortunate divisions among the members of the church and congregation. Also, the country was in the midst of the excitements attending the progress of the great Civil War. But by the good favor of God, divisions were healed, harmony promoted, and revival influences felt. The history of those first monthis can be, at least, partly learned from the church records.
In October, 1863, I was married to Miss Eveline Upson, daughter of Russell and Emeline Tuttle Upson of New Haven, Com.
In September, 1864. in obedience to what seemed the call of duty, my pastorate was resigned that I might enlist into the Union army. The people refused to accept the resignation but voted a leave of absence for one year. Immediately I enlisted as private in the Thirteenth Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. and was sent to the post at Fair Haven, Conn., where I was detailed to do chaplain duty, till a few weeks later, an unsolicited commission as chaplain of the Twentieth Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, was sent me,
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with orders to report at once for duty at Atlanta, Ga., where the regiment was then to be found. Soon as needed arrange- ments could made, I started for my destination, but was detained on duty for a while at Chattanooga, Tenn., and after- wards at Nashville, where I was a witness of the battle which resulted in the disastrons defeat of Gen. Hood. After doing duty for a short time longer in Northern Alabama, and again at Chatanooga, permission was given to join my regiment, then at Savannah, Ga., to which place I at once proceeded, marching with Gen. Sherman's army across the Carolinas, participating in the battles of Averysburg and Bentonville, N. C. Was at Raleigh, N. C., at the time of Mr. Lincoln's assassination and the surrender of Gen. Johnston's army ; marched with the Union army to Washington, via Richmond and the historic battle-fields of Virginia ; was present at the grand review at Washington ; was mustered out of the mili- tary service in July, 1865, and soon took up the work anew at Canton Center. The history of my remaining pastorate can be learned from the church records, and from many per- sons who were then actively engaged in the work of Christ, and who still live to honor His cause.
October 1, 1ss, with mutual regrets, the pastoral relation with the church was dissolved that I might engage in Home Missionary work in Western Iowa. Immediately after my dismissal I came to Dunlap, Iowa, where I remained till January 1, 1871, since which time I have been laboring at Onawa, Monona County, Iowa, and the country abont. During six years of this time I was co-superintendent of public schools. I have been identified, to considerable extent, with the Home Missionary work of this part of Iowa, but of my work others may more properly write.
I prefer not to write of interesting incidents connected with my work at Canton Center, for it cannot be done with- out a seeming egotism. It was a pleasant pastorate. The friendships of those days were exceedingly precious and are still cherished fondly. The people were kind and considerate in their treatment of me, unnsnally patient under my imper- fect ministrations and mistakes. While I write my heart
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goes out in strong and warm affection for them. The people- all of them - we esteemed as personal friends, and as we were called to bury them - a long list - including such persons as Esquire Hallock and his wife, Henry Barber and wife, Deacon Hosford, and Deacon Foote, and Ephraim Mills, and Simeon Mills, and Selden White, and Orange Case, and Dr. Griswold, and many more, old and young, it seemed as though I was saying words over the graves of members of my own household.
C. N. LYMAN.
ONAWA, Iowa, September 14, 1886.
REV. DAVID B. HUBBARD.
He was born in Higganum, Conn., April 30, 1847. His parents were Christians, and dedicated him to God in infancy by baptism, giving him the name of David Brainerd. His mother was a Brainerd, daughter of Capt. Daniel Brainerd of Higganum, Conn., and most directly connected with the missionary. Rev. David Brainerd. Consequently, she named her only son after him. She died when her child was only two and one-half years old.
After attending a common school for a time, Mr. Hubbard went to Meriden Academy, and afterward to Wilbraham Academy, Mass. Subsequently he was under private in- struction for a year in Middletown, and then studied one year in Wesleyan University. He then entered Hartford Theological Seminary, and gradnated June, 1872.
He describes his religious experience as follows :-
"I know in whom I have believed since the Fall of 1866, when at school in Wilbraham. I do not remember the time when I did not have profound respect for the religion of Christ; but there was no fixed purpose on my part to lead a Christian life until the time I mention. Since then it has been religion from principle rather than feeling. I have not been one of those joyful creatures many seem to be; but I have always felt that it was the Lord's business to give the feeling, and mine to strive to know and do His will. I feel
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like making the words of the Psalmist with regard to Israel personal in their application : 'Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say; many a time have they afflicted me from my youth : yet they have not prevailed against me.' Also his words of hope in prayer. 'I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His word do I hope.'"
, During his senior year in the Seminary he supplied the Congregational pulpit in Staffordville, and remained with them after graduation till the Fall of 1873, when he received a call to become pastor of the church in Canton Center, hav- ing supplied the pulpit there two Sabbaths. This he declined because of insufficient acquaintance with the people. As their request was repeated, he finally consented to become acting pastor for one year, with a view to settlement. In January, 1874, he moved into the house now occupied by Mrs. Shepard, and began to supply the pulpit February 1st. When the repairs on the church edifice were finished, the church and society unanimously called him to settle as pastor, giving him a salary of 81,300, and re-dedication and installa- tion services were held respectively in the morning and after- noon of November 19, 1874.
A few days before these services he moved, with his family, into the house left to the society by Mrs. Linda Ilosford. This had been the home of three preceding pastors, Mr. Hal- lock, Mr. Burt, and Mr. Fiske. Now for the first time it came into the hands of the society as a parsonage.
At the funeral of a young wife, in the summer of 1875, Mr. Hubbard addressed the husband: "For you, my dear brother, I have heartfelt sympathy as I see you thus sorely bereaved, yet I know little of your sorrow." Less than a year later God taught him much of that very sorrow. His family consisted, at this time, of a wife and three girls, one four years, another two years, and a third three days old. Scarlet fever, in its worst possible form,.seized the mother and two older children. The eldest, Emma Brainerd, went into con- vulsions, from which she never recovered consciousness, and died March 6, 1876. She was buried in Higganum, Conn.
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In two weeks more her mother, Hattie E., was laid beside her. Once more the grief-stricken father hurried home to await, as he expected, the death of another child. But God was kind, and after weeks of anxiety and care she crept back to health, and still lives.
Mr. Hubbard's family was now broken up. He boarded with Deacon W. C. Humphrey, and his two children were cared for in other places.
When the new parsonage was completed, Mr. Hubbard moved into it, having married Alice R. Burr, a younger sister of his first wife. Their first child, Joseph B., died of cerebro- spinal meningitis, June 26, 1879, aged twenty months. Many other times have sickness and suffering visited thein. " Through all these seasons." Mr. Hubbard says, " the people of Canton Center afforded us sympathy and help which can never be forgotten."
In November, 1884, Mr. Hubbard resigned his pastorate. The church refused to accept his resignation by a large ma- jority ; but he insisted, and the matter was referred to a conn- cil, which dismissed him February 1, 1885. After some months he became acting pastor for the third church in Mid- dletown, Conn., where he is now laboring.
During his eleven years' stay in Canton Center, seven of his discourses were published by request in pamphlet form. These are, dedicatory discourse, sermon after installation, four funeral discourses, and farewell discourse.
While Mr. Hubbard was here he won the esteem of his parishioners, especially of the young, for whom he labored zealously. They did not fail, on their part, to show their appreciation of his interest. Mr. Hubbard's appropriate words of consolation when we laid in the grave our loved ones, will long be remembered by those of us who were be- reaved during his pastorate.
A goodly number of additions were made to the church under his care; and there were more members on record when he left than when he came, although death and removal had made sad havoc in the ranks of the church.
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THE SABBATH SCHOOL.
The Sabbath-school was organized in 1819, under the name of " A Sabbath-school Society." The Ecclesiastical Society was invited to co-operate.
For the first twenty-one years no records were kept. In 1840, when the records begin, the School was reorganized, and Lancel Foote chosen superintendent. He was also the first superintendent in 1519, but how long he held the office is not known. The other superintendents, in the order of their election and the length of time they served, are as follows :
1841, Alanson Andrus ; 1842, Deacon Lancel Foote; 1843, Warren C. Humphrey ; 1844. Deacon Uriah Hosford ; 1845, Averitt Wilcox ; 1846 and '47, Elijah Whiting; 1848, Alanson Andrus ; 1849 and '50, Ezekiel Hosford; 1851 and '52, Frank- lin R. Perry ; 1853, William E. Brown ; 1854-55-'56-'57- '58, Seymour D. Moses; 1859-60-61, John Brown : 1862- '63-'64, Edward P. Barbour ; 1865-'66-'67, Oliver H. Bid- well ; 1868-'69-'70, Gaylord Barbour ; 1871- 72-'73-'74-'75- '76-'77, Oliver HI. Bidwell: 1878, Anson M. Case ; 1879-'80- '81-'82, Rev. D. B. Hubbard ; 1883-'84-'S5-'S6, Oliver H. Bidwell.
Thus it appears that for sixty-seven years the Sabbath- school has been in operation, quietly yet effectively doing its work, an invaluable helper of the family and the church in the religious training of the young. How much this school has done, through the fidelity of its officers and teachers, to lay the foundations of Christian character and useful lives will never be fully known in this world. It is coming more and more to be looked upon as one of the strong arms of the Church for the salvation of the young among us and every- where. The numbers in attendance have fluctuated with the tides of religious feeling in the community, sometimes rising above three hundred, and sometimes falling below two hun- dred. At the present time the School is vigorous and ener- getic in its work, and in connection with the recently formed Society of Christian Endeavor is doing much for the moral and religious training of our young people.
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SKETCHES OF THE DEACONS.
Deacon Joseph Mills. - The first deacon of this church. Says the Rev. Mr. Hallock : "Deacon Mills was a principal pillar in this church and society for many years. He was sound in the doctrine of Christ and a bright example of Gos- pel practice. His fourteen children, teu sons and four daugh- ters, all lived to grow up and to settle in the family State. Twelve became professors of religion, and five of the sons sustained the office of deacon." Other deacons up to 1815, in the order of their election, were : Ephraim Wilcox, Oliver Humphrey, who served about twenty years, Abraham Case, Moses Case, Thomas Bidwell.
Of them Mr. Hallock says : " All these men were worthy officers in the church, sound in the faith, and of good report ; and we have no reason to doubt but that they are now resting from their labors with Jesus in glory."
Deacon Benjamin Mills .- The son of Deacon Joseph Mills. He was poor in this world's goods, and a good example of the words of the Psalmist: "Mark the perfect man, and be- hold the upright, for the end of that man is peace." "He was captain during most of the Revolutionary war, but never received anything for his time and suffering in the American cause. The last years of his life he became quite deaf, and his tottering form was permitted to ascend the pulpit, always standing in prayer by the side of the venerable Hallock."
Deacon Theophilus Humphrey. - An influential citizen, a man of great energy and activity, and of small stature. At the age of seventy-five years he could climb the hills and mountains of his neighborhood as actively as most young men.
The oldest son of Deacon Theophilus was James, who was town clerk and justice of the peace for twenty-four years. He represented the town of Simsbury in the Legislature once and the town of Canton eight times.
He was a fine singer, and devoted much of his time in the winter to the giving of instruction in vocal music.
Deacon Solomon Everest. - He served the church as a deacon for twenty years. He was well read in theology, and adhered
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firmly to the doctrines of the Bible as commonly held by Protestant churches. He was greatly esteemed as a man and as a Christian.
Deacon Alvin Humphrey .- Son of Deacon Theophilus Humphrey. A man of eminent piety, and exerted a great influence in the town and church. He filled many places of trust and honor, Representative from Canton to the General Assembly, justice of the peace, and captain of the militia. Died February 26, 1847, aged 77. He lived a long distance from the church. The road was hilly and hard; but his place in church and prayer-meeting was seldom vacant.
Deacon Jesse Case. - Father of Newton Case, Esq., of Hartford. IIe, too, lived a long distance from the church, in the northeast part of the town; but was constant in his at- tendance upon public worship and social meetings.
Deacon Uriah Hosford .- A man of devoted piety, and a great lover of the church of Christ. "He being dead yet speaketh."
Deacon Elisha Sugden. - Served only a short time, re- moved to Hartford, and died there in 1843.
Deacon Lancel Foote .- Filled the office of deacon for more than twenty-five years. He held many town offices, judge of probate, assessor, selectman. town treasurer, town clerk, jus- tice of the peace. He represented the town in the State Legislature in 1833-4; was school visitor and examiner, and county surveyor, treasurer of the Everest Fund. He had the confidence of the public, and labored for the good of the community.
Deacon Warren C. Humphrey. - Not at present in active service. The following is taken from the Humphrey Geneal- ogy. "Mr. Humphrey was one of the pioneers in the Anti- slavery movement, and was a member of the first Anti-slavery Convention held in Hartford in the winter of 1835 and '36, when the members were driven from the city hall and com- pelled to take private quarters. This was soon after the mur- der of Mr. E. P. Lovejoy in Alton, III., whose brother addressed the convention. For several years Mr. Humphrey was the youngest man in Hartford County who was identified with
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this cause, and was one of three who first voted the Anti- slavery ticket in Canton. He was the last candidate. of the Free-soil party for senator of the third district in Connectient, before the organization of the Republican party. He has twice represented his town in the State Legislature, in 1859 and 1872, and has held minor offices continuonsly ; was sev- eral years justice of the peace, until he declined the appoint- ment. Mr. Humphrey has been for many years a well-known vocalist and music teacher : has been a member of the Con- gregational Church in Canton Centre for forty-nine years ; a deacon in the church for twenty-five years; a member of the choir for sixty-two years, serving as chorister forty years, having been chosen to that position at the age of eighteen. Though now advanced in life. he is a regular attendant upon church services, and deeply interested in all matters pertain- ing to the welfare of man and the interests of Christ's kingdom."
Deacon Gideon Milo Case. - Grandson of Deacon Jesse Case. A man whose quiet, Christian character adorned his office. He went to California for his health, and died there February 10, 1875.
Deacon William G. Hallock. - In April, 1871, Mr. Hallock was elected deacon in place of Deacon Gideon M. Case, who had removed from town. Ile accepted the office, but soon after resigned.
Deacon Archibald L. Mills .- Served acceptably and faith- fully until his term of office expired.
Deacon Oliver H. Bidwell .- Has always been a liberal sup- porter of the church. For many years superintendent of the Sabbath-school, and still holds that position. Has done much to aid singing, both in the choir and among the children and youth.
Deacon George W. Lamphier .- Moved from Goshen, Conn., to Canton about twenty years ago. Although a Baptist by education and preference, he at once identified himself with the interests of the church, and in 1881 he, together with his wife, united with the church, and was soon after elected deacon.
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Deacons Bidwell and Lamphier are the present acting dea- cons of the church.
In 1857 Deacon Lancel Foote was chosen clerk of the church, and continued in that office until 1860, when William E. Brown was appointed in his place, and still (1886) holds the position.
SKETCHES OF MINISTERS BORN IN CANTON.
Rev. Heman Humphrey, D. D. - The son of Solomon Hum- phrey, was born in 1779. His parents were of Puritan stock. His home was Christian. His mother was the daughter of Capt. John Brown. the grandfather of John Brown, the martyr. While he was in prison, awaiting his execution, Dr. Heman Humphrey and his brother Luther addressed him letters of sympathy. to which he gave characteristic replies, which were lately published in the Humphrey genealogy.
The boyhood of Heman was spent alternately on the farm and in the district school-house. During one summer he lived in the family of Gov. Treadwell of Farmington, Conn. At the age of sixteen he began to teach school.
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