USA > Connecticut > Middlesex County > Durham > History of Durham, Connecticut, from the first grant of land in 1662 to 1866 > Part 11
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36
He was a firm believer in the truth and value of the Christian Religion. "Reasons of a peculiar nature," said the late venera- ble Dr. Strong in a discourse delivered on the occasion of his in- terment, "prevented him from making a public profession of his faith. These objections, however, were at length removed, and he died while an applicant for Christian privileges in the church" under the pastoral care of the above eminent divine. To the importance of vital piety, and to the value of the atoning sacrifice by Jesus Christ he bore full and solemn testimony. "A moral life, of itself," said he, "is nothing for the salvation of the soul. I have lived a moral life in the estimation of the world but in the sight of a holy God I feel myself to be full of moral defilement. If there were not an atonement I must be condemned and miser- able forever. Here my hope is staid. Sometimes a sense of my own imperfections sinks my spirits but generally I have a hope
119
EDUCATION.
that supports me; at times I have rejoiced in God without fear and wished only to be in his hands and serve him."
The Hon. DANIEL LYMAN, the son of Thomas Lyman and grandson of Deacon Thomas Lyman, and the brother of the late Thomas Lyman, was graduated in Yale College in the year 1776. In 1775, he with the class, or a large part of it, excited by the intelligence of the battle of Lexington, marched to Cambridge. Soon after his arrival an expedition was set on foot to take pos- session of Ticonderoga, Crown Point, and St. Johns. He re- ceived the commission of Captain for the occasion, and accom- panied Arnold and Ethan Allen in the enterprise, which proved successful. After this, he returned to New Haven to finish his collegiate course. With Chauncey Goodrich, his classmate, he received the Berkley bounty, which in this instance was divided between equals. In 1776 he received the appointment of Brigade Major. In the campaign he was engaged in an action in White Plains, in which his horse was killed under him. In the Spring of 1777, he was appointed Captain in Colonel Lee's regiment, one of the sixteen Congress regiments which served during the war. In the Spring of 1778, he was invited by General Heath to join his family as Aid, which invitation he accepted. In the Spring of 1778, he also received the appointment of Adjutant General of the Eastern Department. On the arrival of the French troops at Rhode Island, General Heath was ordered to receive Count Rochambeau. Colonel Lyman was dispatched on board the ship of the Admiral to welcome the gallant strangers to our shores. He had the gratification of being the first American officer who visited that ship and of being there received with the strongest demonstrations of regard. After the treason of Arnold, General Heath was ordered to the North River where Colonel Lyman re- mained with him during the war.
Colonel Lyman commenced the practice of law in Newport, R. I., in which State he resided through a long and useful life. He sustained the character of an able advocate, and of a firm, intelligent, and high minded man. He was three years on the bench of the Superior Court. He retired from the practice of law many years before his death. He spent the latter part of his life at a pleasant seat, near Providence, where his youngest son, Henry B. Lyman resides. His wife was Mary Walton, by whom
-
120
HISTORY OF DURHAM.
he had thirteen children, four sons and nine daughters. One of his daughters is the wife of Benjamin Hazard, another of Gov- ernor Arnold. In private life his deportment was the admiration of all who knew him. His sufferings in his last sickness he bore with the firmness of a soldier and the resignation of a Christian. He died on the 16th of October, 1830, in the 75th year of his age.
Hon. ELIZUR GOODRICH, LL. D., the second son of Dr. Good- rich, was born on the 24th of March, 1761. At the age of four- teen he entered college, and completed his academical education in 1779. Soon after, he received the appointment of Tutor, in which office he continued two years, and then entered upon the profession of law at New Haven, which has since continued the place of his residence.
Mr. Goodrich enjoyed the public confidence through a long life; and few upon whom office has been bestowed have sustained its honors and responsibilities with greater credit, or with more uniform fidelity. His knowledge is of the most useful, because of the most practical character. He successively held the office of Collector of the Port of New Haven-of representative in Congress-of Assistant Counselor of his native State-of Judge of the County Court-and of Mayor of the city of his residence. For several years he was a Fellow of Yale College; also Pro- fessor of Law, and the able and efficient Secretary of the Corpo- ration of that Institution.
Mr. Goodrich was united in marriage with Miss Nancy W. Allen of Great Barrington, a lady of great intelligence and ac- complished manners. Three children were the fruit of this union, two sons and a daughter. The daughter, Mrs. Nancy G. Ells- worth, died about a year since at Lafayette, Indiana, at the resi- dence of her husband, the Hon. Henry L. Ellsworth.
The eldest son, Elizur Goodrich, Esq., is a much respected Attorney at Law in Hartford. The second son, Rev. Chauncey A. Goodrich, D. D., was for many years a distinguished Professor in Yale College.
LEMUEL GUERNSEY was graduated in Yale College in the class of 1782, and died soon after he had taken his degree. The in- scription on his monument says, "by an unblemished reputation, and improved public education, he bade fair for usefulness."
SAMUEL GOODRICH, third son of Dr. Elizur Goodrich, was born
&
121
EDUCATION.
on the 12th of January, 1763. While a member of College, he became hopefully pious, and thus early decided upon the min- istry as a profession. He graduated in 1783, and after a course of Theological study, was ordained at Ridgefield, Conn., on the 6th of July, 1786. Under his pastoral care the church and so- ciety of Ridgefield flourished, and he became an instrument of extensive good. He was often called to aid in the settlement of ecclesiastical difficulties, for which he was peculiarly fitted by his extensive knowledge of mankind, and by his plain, practical sense. On the 22d of January, 1811, he was dismissed from his charge at Ridgefield, at his own request ; and on the 29th of May following he was installed at Worthington. Here he continued in the active and successful duties of the ministry for nearly twenty-four years. In 1831, Rev. Ambrose Edson was settled with him as a colleague ; but the health of both not long after failing, they were at their mutual request dismissed. Mr. Good- rich, however, was able for sometime occasionally to preach, and which he did to several vacant churches to great acceptance.
In 1784, Mr. Goodrich married Elizabeth Ely, daughter of Col. John Ely of Saybrook. She survived him about two years. Their children were ten in number, eight of whom were living at the time of his death, and seven of whom were professors of religion. Two of his children died in infancy.
For several years Mr. Goodrich had been occasionally afflicted with gout; which in its attacks was more frequent and more serious as he advanced in life. His last sickness was short, and as the disease early affected his brain, he was favored with but few lucid intervals. But during these he manifested a full knowl- edge of his danger and a willingness to depart. A short period before his death, he revived so considerably as to distinguish his friends and to express his strong confidence in God. "My soul," said he, "is on the Rock of Ages, and my confidence in God is as firm as the everlasting mountains." "Yet," he continued after a short pause, "in myself I am a poor creature." On Sab- bath evening, April 19th, 1835, he expired.
Mr. Goodrich lived and died a Christian. As a pastor he was greatly beloved ; as a minister of Jesus Christ he was eminently successful. Several seasons of revival occurred under his min- istry both during his residence at Ridgefield and Worthington.
16
1
n e
V.
of
122
HISTORY OF DURHAM.
Many still live to whom he was a spiritual Father, and who cherish his memory as "a good man," and a kind and faithful shepherd.
In the language of one who knew him well, "he possessed many excellent qualities as a man and a minister. His judgment was accurate, being founded on an extensive acquaintance with men and manners, and a long study of the human heart. He readily discerned the springs of action, and knew well how to approach his fellow men in regard to objects which he wished to accomplish. He did not misjudge in respect to means or ends. He was remarkable for his practical good sense and an acquaint- ance with common and therefore useful things. His understand- ing was rather solid than brilliant, and his knowledge seemed to be in wide and diversified surveys, and was gathered from many a field, rather than contracted to a point, or derived from pro- longed investigation of particular subjects. Hence his sermons were plain, instructive exhibitions of truth and shared his varied information and practical good sense." "During the last few years of his life he preached with increased fervency, spirit and solemnity."
How highly he prized the Scriptures may be gathered from a memorandum in his family Bible as follows: "1806, began to read the Bible in course in the family and completed it the thir- teenth time, Oct. 29th, 1833. The years are specified in which he each time completed the reading: "1809-12-14-16-21 -23-25-27-28-30-32-33." Such a man we might well expect to hear say, as he said on the eve of his departure-adop ting the language of the Psalmist-" Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for thou art with me,-thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."
His eldest son, the Rev. Charles A. Goodrich, and the second son, Samuel G. Goodrich, Esq., are both extensively known as Authors; the latter wrote the works ascribed to Peter Parley. The eldest daughter, was married first to Amos Cook, Esq., of Danbury, and afterwards to the Hon. Frederick Wolcott of Litchfield; the second to the Rev. Noah Coe; the third, known as the editor of the Mother's Magazine, was married to Rev. Samuel Whittlesey ; the fourth, to Mr. Dunbar, a lawyer
123
EDUCATION.
in Worthington ; the fifth to Nathaniel Smith, Esq., of Wood- bury ; the sixth to the Rev. Mr. Mead.
ELIHU CHAUNCEY GOODRICH, Esq., a name derived from his maternal Grandfather, was the fourth child of Dr. Goodrich, and was born September 16th, 1764. He also received his edu- cation at Yale College, from which Institution he graduated in 1784, with the reputation of a sound scholar. He devoted himself to the profession of law, engaging at times, as interest and incli- nation prompted, in the purchase and sale of western lands. His residence was at Cleveland, N. Y. His death occurred in 1802, and was occasioned by fever induced by injudiciously bathing, during an excursion on the western lakes. He was never mar- ried.
EBENEZER BELKNAP, graduated at Yale College, 1785 ; spent the last years of his life in New York.
ROBERT SPELMAN graduated at Yale College, 1785.
CHARLES AUGUSTUS GOODRICH, the fifth son, was born March 2d, 1768. Like his brothers, he was liberally educated, and took his bachelors degree in 1786. In constitution he was less vigor- ous than the other sons, but to a fine taste and poetical genius he united a disposition the most affectionate, and manners the most persuasive. Before leaving College he had chosen the ministry as a profession, for which he was well fitted, both on account of his piety, his love of learning and the native kindness of his heart. Soon after, however, and by reason of too close applica- tion to study, his nervous system became seriously affected, and which in a few months induced a permanent derangement of his mental powers. This prevented the further prosecution of his profession, and cast for the remainder of his life a cloud over his otherwise cheerful prospect. For several years he resided with his brother at Ridgefield, in whose family he was generally able to mingle, but at intervals was subject if not to protracted, to se- vere paroxisms of his malady. With a constitution so delicately formed, and possessing a heart naturally full of the generous sym- pathies of our nature, his sufferings in the aggregate were by no means small. Yet he had, beside the uniform kindness and ten- der sympathy of friends, other sources of alleviation. He abounded in prayer, and often were his supplications couched in language most fervent and importunate. And in the midnight
124
HISTORY OF DURHAM.
watches members of the family were not unfrequently awakened by his strains of music so sweet and so plaintive as to prevent sleeping for hours.
In the very conclusion of his life the divine goodness was con- spicuous toward him and his friends. The cloud which had long enveloped his mind was withdrawn, and he was able to con- verse with calmness and composure of his approaching departure. The Sun of Righteousness now shone brightly and joyfully upon him-the pledge and presage to him of a residence in a world where reason is never dethroned, and the affections of the soul are never benumbed. His death occurred in 1804.
The Rev. JOSEPH E. CAMP received his first degree in Yale College, 1787. Before the settlement of the Rev. John Elliott in East Guilford he was employed to preach to the people, some of whom became very much attached to him. He was subse- quently settled in a parish in Litchfield, where he was pastor 42 years. He died in 1838. His son, the Rev. Albert B. Camp, is settled in Bristol.
JAMES WADSWORTH, Esq., the son of John Noyes Wads- worth, who was the brother of Gen. James Wadsworth, was born the 20th of April, 1763, and received his degree of Bachelor of Arts in Yale College, 1787. The adoption of the Federal con- stitution, by creating confidence in the strength of the Govern- ment, opened new fields of enterprise. "Massachusetts and New York had compromised their elaim to the country west of the Seneca lake ; the former acquiring the right of soil and the latter that of jurisdiction ; and Massachusetts in a happy hour for the prosperity of New York, had sold her wide territory to the Co- partnership long known on the map of New York under the name of Gorham and Phelps." Col. Wadsworth of Hartford, having obtained large tracts under them proposed to James and his brother William, that they should take an interest in his pur- chase, by buying a part, and of becoming his agents for the man- agement of the remainder. Their purchase of him was made in what is now known as the townships of Geneseo and Avon, on the eastern banks of the Genesee river.
In the year 1790 they commenced their enterprising journey for their future home. In the language of professor Renwick, " Little Falls on the Mohawk formed the extreme limit of con-
125
EDUCATION.
tinuous cultivation in the State of New York. The Indian trade enabled two white families to carn a scanty support at each of the two places where Utica and Geneva now stand, and Canadaguia was the seat of the land office of Phelps and Gorham. With these exceptions the whole country was a wilderness, rendered more dreary by the excited minds of the Indians. With great energy and perseverance, with great address and good judgment they met the difficulties which they encountered in their journey and their first residence. The success which attended their ope- rations in drawing settlers to their own lands and those of which they were agents, attracted the attention of other parties who held property of the same description, and from their confidence in the personal address and business talent of James, they re- quested him to undertake a mission to England in 1796, to in- terest capitalists in the lands in Western New York. This mis- sion he successfully accomplished. From the increase of popu- lation, from the construction of the Erie canal, from the great good judgment in the investment of their gains chiefly in lands, they furnished as splendid an example of Agricultural success as our country has afforded.
Mr. Wadsworth married in the year 1804, Naomi Wolcott of East Windsor, Conn. By this marriage he had several children, three of whom survived him, namely, James, William, and Eliz- abeth. From the high intelligence and refinement of himself and family, his home was made attractive and delightful.
Mr. Wadsworth belonged to the Federal party while that had an existence, but he never was inclined to enter into political life. His great influence and his great wealth he employed successfully in promoting the cause of education. His influence was exerted in procuring the enactment of a law by which the Controller of the State of New York, was authorized to purchase and send to every school district a copy of Hall's Lectures on Teaching. It was stated that at his own expense he published and distributed, the book entitled, "The School and the Schoolmaster," to every school district in the State of New York. Religious forms and observances were "treated by him with marked respect, and he was punctual in his attendance upon the stated Sunday service of the Presbyterian church during the early years of his resi-
126
HISTORY OF DURIIAM.
dence in Genesee, and towards the close of his life upon those of the Episcopal church. He died on the 7th of June, 1844.
General WILLIAM WADSWORTH was older than his brother James and died some years before him. He commanded a Brigade at the Battle of Queenstown, and honorable mention is made of him in Mansfield's life of General Scott, page 40, and in Armstrong's History of the War.
JOHN WADSWORTH, Esq., the son of Colonel John Noyes Wadsworth who was a brother of James and William, was grad- uated in Williams College in the class of 1802. Mr. Wadsworth having studied the profession of law, entered upon its practice in the city of New York, where he spent several years. An in- jury received from a boom of a vessel striking against his chest, brought on a consumption which terminated his life either in 1815 or 1816, aged 35. He was intending to study for the min- istry. He was calm and dignified in view of death and yielded up his spirit to God in firm reliance on the atoning blood of his Great Redeemer.
Mr. Wadsworth was united in marriage to Alice Colden Willet. They had three children. 1st, John W. Wadsworth, died in New York on the 6th of July, 1847. In the notice of his death in Michigan, where he had resided since 1835, he is mentioned as a man of great personal, and high intellectual endowments, that rendered him esteemed in life and in death much lamented. " He was a man of exemplary piety and died rejoicing in the hope of a blessed immortality." 2d, William Murray Wads- worth died in Savannah, Ga., April 13th, 1840, in the 27th year of his age. Having studied law in New Haven, "in the sum- mer of 1835, he commenced the practice of law in Munroe, Mich- igan, with high hopes and aspirations." In the spring of 1839, he was forced by disease to leave Munroe and return to his mother and sister for their kind offices and sympathy, and then to spend the winter of 1839-40 in Augusta, whence he was re- turning to New York, when death overtook him. He is spoken of as a young man of great promise. 3d, Susan Wadsworth is the wife of Rev. E. G. Smith.
The Rev. NOAH COE, son of Charles Coe, Esq., was graduated in Yale College, 1808, and has been a pastor of a church in New
127
EDUCATION.
Hartford, N. Y., and in Greenwich, Conn. He now resides in New Haven.
Rev. TIMOTHY TUTTLE, was born in East Haven, Nov. 29th, 1781. His father was Joseph Tuttle of the fourth generation from William Tuttle, the Emigrant ancestor, who settled in New Haven, in 1638. His mother was Mary Granger, a daughter of Daniel Granger, a native of Suffield. With limited advantages in his early education and in his preparation for college, he grad- uated with honor in the class of 1808, in Yale College. He studied Theology with his pastor and classical preacher, Rev. Dr. Smith of Durham.
He was ordained over the churches in North Groton and South Groton, Aug. 14th, 1811. He preached in these churches alter- nately on the Sabbath, until April, 1834, since which time he has confined his labors to North Groton, now called Ledyard. When he first came to that place the Society had been without a minister thirty-nine years. The Church had become extinct. The present church was formed Dec. 10th, 1810, consisting of four persons, with but one male member, and he died before another man was added. He was greatly blessed in his labors. During his ministry, there were five revivals of religion. He was a man of but few words, but he was a man of wisdom. He was wise to win souls, his words were fitly spoken, and they were like apples of gold. He lived to preach his fiftieth anniversary, sermon Aug. 14th, 1861, which was published, as were several sermons of his.
I once enjoyed the opportunity of seeing him at his home. Immediately after leaving the tutorship at Yale College I went with Dr. Smith, who was one of the Corporation to collect funds for building the chapel for the College. On that excursion we spent a night at Mr. Tuttle's, who received us with great cordi- ality. We were delighted with the interest which he manifested in the object of our mission, and generously, according to his means, contributed to it. His family presented a beautiful pic- ture of domestic felicity. I have ever since considered him as a model minister of a certain type.
His wife was.Mary Norton of Durham, daughter of Stephen . Norton and Mary Merwin, his wife, and was born in Durham, Aug. 28th, 1783. She was married to Mr. Tuttle, Feb. 15th,
1
128
HISTORY OF DURHAM.
1810, and died Feb. 14th, 1856. She was a woman of great ex- cellence of character, and contributed largely to her husband's usefulness, and respectability in his profession.
He died on the 7th of June, 1864. Their children were 1st, the wife of N. B. Cook. 2d, the wife of Leonard Smith.
The Rev. DAVID MARSH SMITH, graduated in Yale College in 1811, was a pastor of a church in Lewiston, N. Y., and a Teacher in a town on the Hudson, and is now in Princeton, N. J.
The Rev. ELIZUR GOODRICH SMITH, a graduate in Yale Col- lege, 1822, studied Theology in New Haven; was ordained in Ogdensburg, 1829; was editor of the Christian Spectator; and is now in the Patent office at Washington.
The Rev. TALCOTT BATES, son of Guernsey Bates, graduated at Yale College, 1823; studied Theology in New Haven, was settled in the ministry in Manlius, N. Y. ; died Oct. 24th, 1832, aged 30. Mr. Bates was a highly acceptable preacher, an amiable, useful and promising man, much beloved by his church and con- gregation, and much lamented.
Rev. HENRY BATES CAMP, son of Dennis Camp and grandson of Elnathan Camp, graduated in Yale College, 1831; studied Theology and licensed to preach, was settled in Bradford, Mass., and has been employed as Teacher in the Asylum for the deaf and dumb in Hartford. He is the father of Major Henry Ward Camp, the " Knightly Soldier," whose interesting biography was prepared by Rev. H. Clay Trumbull.
The Rev. DWIGHT SEWARD, D. D., son of Col. Seth Seward, grad- uated in Yale College, 1831 ; was settled in the ministry in New Britain, and West Hartford, and Yonkers, N. Y., where he now resides. His son -, a very promising young man died not long after graduating with honor in Hamilton College.
COLLINS STONE, son of Deacon Timothy Stone, graduated in Yale College, 1832. He has been employed as a Teacher in the Asylum for the deaf and dumb in Hartford.
JAMES WADSWORTH, the son of Wedworth Wadsworth, and his wife Content (Scranton) Wadsworth, graduated in Yale Col- lege, 1845 ; studied law; practiced in Buffalo, N. Y., where he was Mayor of the city, and a member of the Senate of New York. He now resides in the city of New York.
WEBSTER ROGERS WALKLEY, son of William H. Walkley,
129
EDUCATION.
graduated at the Wesleyan University, 1860 ; principal of the Clinton Academy the two succeeding years ; has since that pe- riod been principal of the Lewis Academy in Southington.
THE WILL OF EBENEZER ROBINSON.
In the name of God, amen. I, Ebenezer Robinson of Durham, in the County of New Haven, in the State of Connecticut, in New England, being in bodily health and of sound mind and memory, blessed be God therefor, considering my own frailty and mortality, and that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make this my last Will and Testament; and first of all, I commit my soul to God that made it ; my body I commend to the earth, to be buried with decent Christian burial at the discretion of my Executor; and touching such worldly estate as it has pleased God to bless me with in this life, my just debts and funeral ex- penses being first paid and satisfied, I give, devise and dispose as follows: Imprimis. I give and bequcath to the inhabitants of said Durham the sum of one hundred pounds, lawful money, equal to silver at six shillings and eight pence per ounce for the use and support of the Center School in said town so called, to be loaned out and the interest thereof to be annually applied for said purpose, always provided that said Center School be kept in the School House lately erected on a piece of land I gave to the said town for that purpose near the meeting house in said town, at least eleven months in a year annually according to the laws of this State relating to Schools.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.