USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > East Haven > History of East Haven > Part 8
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
He was not only the spiritual leader and guide of his people, but their temporal counselor and instructor also. He rejoiced with his people in their prosperity, lamented with them in adversity and grieved with them when they mourned. He never intruded him- self in family affairs, but when his advice was sought
104
History of East Haven.
it was given in a calm Christian spirit which many times smoothed the troubled waters of family dissen- sion. He was a firm and fearless advocate of tem- perance in all times and places and under all circumstances. He took a commendable interest in schools, and always visited every school twice each term. Children are keen observers of men and man- ners, and those outside of his flock well knew there was no word of praise for them no matter how deserving.
We must not censure the men for such prejudices, but lay the blame at the door of the times in which they were born and lived. This sentiment had descended from the settlement of the country, and was intensified from generation to generation until now it was double distilled and purely refined. It is a happy thing that this "middle wall of partition" is now crumbling away between those of differing creeds; that the bitterness of feeling and asperity of speech between various schools of belief is softening. They were all alike one to another, for each said acrimon- ious things of the other, and each one had some epithet of ridicule to apply to another. How much more Christian in spirit to have a wholesome and hearty respect for each others' opinions, to be united in the brotherhood of Christ and the fatherhood of God!
In politics he was an uncompromising "Whig" in those days. If he had lived to the present time he would have been a true Rooseveltian. During high political contests, it was often remarked outside of its limits, that East Haven was governed by the steeple rather than by the state, which we have no desire to
105
Ecclesiastical Affairs.
contradict. It this was true, is it not a high compli- ment to the man who stood under the steeple? We often see a fine preacher of admirable sermons, but when he leaves the pulpit his work is done; he can not affiliate with the people, he is not adapted to the work by nature, and therefore is not a pastor. While on the other hand we meet a more indifferent sermonizer but a complete pastor, one who holds the people as it were in his hands.
In Mr. Dodd we find the rare combination of preacher, pastor and governor. It is wonderful what command he held over his people. This may be illus- trated by the following incident: In the fall of 1842 Second Adventism came into view, then called "Millerism." At a social gathering of one of his prominent members, one who was present related the remarks of a very prominent physician of New Haven; neither one was an Adventist. One after another commented on the subject, and finally the hostess, who had been an earnest listener, remarked, "Well, I shall think just as Mr. Dodd does," and that expressed the whole: as pastor, so was the people, and as the people so was the pastor, one and the same. Like Solomon he believed in the healthy use of the rod with his people, and he often gave them a sound thrashing, from his red-cushioned pulpit. Some might laugh in their sleeve, but none took offence, and they with one accord laid it on the back of erring human nature, which needed wholesome correction, and before the next Sunday they had all settled back into their accustomed groove-shall it be called rut? He stood
106
History of East Haven.
high among his clerical brethren, and in the councils of the consociation his advice was sought and his decisions revered.
Mr. Dodd was a natural genealogist, and early in his pastorate sought out and compiled a history of the town, supplemented by a genealogy of all its families. The work was much appreciated and every family owned a copy, but in the lapse of years and the scattering of families the work has been carried to all parts of the Union; it is now out of print and only a copy here and there is to be found in the town.
During Mr. Dodd's pastorate a change of the arrangement of seats was made, in 1822, when the sheep-pen pews were removed from the center and north side of the house, and slips substituted in their places, leaving a tier of the old square pews all around the three other sides. "Also the first fence of which there is any account was put around the meeting house lot. This was due to the energy and liberality of the ladies of the congregation. It was a substantial structure and for thirty years added greatly to the beauty and general appearance of the church sur- roundings."
Mr. Dodd was happily seconded and aided in his pastoral duties by a very discreet and worthy wife. She sought no distinctions only those which come from a faithful discharge of womanly duties to home, church and community. She was every way suited and adapted to the views and ways of her hus- band, being very plain and neat in dress; neither
107
Ecclesiastical Affairs.
could be accused of leading the fashions of the day. He was a man very much afraid of expense for his people, as well as the town, and this extreme con- servatism prevented him from keeping pace with the progress of the times. Utility and service before fashion was the predominant idea of this worthy couple in all temporal things. His wife was always solicitous for his welfare, even to selecting her successor, in case of her demise, which she did to the general knowledge of the town, years before she passed on to the great hereafter, which event occurred October 17, 1847. Mr. Dodd was now left alone, never having enjoyed the happiness of being called father. East Haven people regarded it as one of the events of Providence that the good lady's wish should be consummated, so after a reasonable and proper time had elapsed, Mr. Dodd proceeded to complete the wish of his late wife, with the perfect sanction and con- gratulations of the whole town, when he made his third matrimonial venture with Miss Eliza Andrews, July 12, 1848, Rev. D. W. Havens officiating.
Miss Andrews was a sister of the late Deacon Samuel T. Andrews, by whose advice and counsel many a point in town affairs was settled and carried to a successful issue.
This pleasant union continued about eight years, when Mr. Dodd passed on to the reward of the faithful on February 6, 1856. Mrs. Dodd continued on in the even tenor of her way, doing good as she had opportunity until September 21, 1868, when she was called home to enjoy the fruits of a well-ordered Christian life.
108
History of East Haven.
REV. DANIEL WILLIAM HAVENS, June 16, 1847, to July 2, 1877.
Times had now greatly changed. Education was making strides in the land. Books, magazines, and newspapers were daily read; knowledge of topics formerly unknown to the general public were subjects of common discussion. The minister, the doctor, the squire and the schoolmaster were no longer the brains and intelligence of the community. Everyone read, thought, and reasoned for himself in all matters- theology not excepted. It was a crucial test of a young minister's ability, tact and perseverance, to be a successor to one of a long pastorate. The calm, even, smooth ways of the past must now give way to the rush of the present. This distressed the old, and not unfrequently disturbed the conservative younger people, while the young clamored for the vanities of the passing hours.
Amid all this din of conflicting opinions many a young minister resigned after a few years, and sought fields anew. Scarcely one of the neighboring towns but went through this experience. It speaks well for both people and pastor that in East Haven two consecutive pastorates of thirty years each followed one another. Mr. Havens was a young man fresh from the school of theology, without experience, yet we see him avoiding the pitfalls which befell many of his cloth and age. He could not have done this without the aid and support of his people. He was a man who met all with cordiality and courtesy, in all walks of life. He very early showed his interest and cooperation for the benefit of the community in
109
Ecclesiastical Affairs.
the active part he took in the work of improvement and adornment of the Old Cemetery (elsewhere recorded ).
No doubt Mr. Havens met with trials-what person does not when dealing with the public? But one has only to read over the upheavals, reconstructions, revo- lutions, improvements and additions to the church edifice to see he was sustained by his people. All these could not have been accomplished without the united strength of pastor and people.
He was born in Norwich, Connecticut, January 24, 1815, son of Capt. Daniel and Desire (Howes) Havens. In early life he was converted in New York City, where he connected himself with the Murray Street Presbyterian Church. Soon after he decided to study for the ministry and entered Yale University, graduating in 1843, and from East Windsor Sem- inary in 1846. June 16, 1847, he was ordained pastor of the Congregational Church, East Haven. Soon after his ordination in 1847, he married Miss Eliza- beth Hemingway, daughter of Capt. Harvey and Elizabeth (Woodward) Hemingway, both natives of East Haven, belonging to its oldest families, although at the time she resided in Brooklyn, New York. She died in 1885. Three children were born to them: Mrs. T. A. Fairchild, Miss Bertha M. Havens of Holton, Kansas, and Mr. Wm. H. Havens of Meriden, Connecticut. In 1887 Mr. Havens retired from the ministry and returned to Meriden, Connecticut, to the home of his son. August 31, 1889, while on a visit to East Haven, he died at the home of his brother- in-law, F. Foot Andrews. His remains were borne through the gateway of the Old Cemetery which he
IIO
History of East Haven.
had been so instrumental in erecting just forty years before, there to await the glorious coming of the Lord.
This brings us down to the present day, to the pastorate of Rev. Daniel J. Clark, who is the sixth regularly ordained and installed pastor of this venera- ble church. In three years more will be its bicen- tennial; also the rounding out of Mr. Clark's thirty years' ministrations to a united and appreciative people. In the providence of God it is devoutly hoped that pastor and people may be able to unite in the cele- bration of the event. If so, it will be the third con- secutive pastorate of thirty years duration. It is doubtful if such a record can be shown in the history of any other people in New England.
Mr. Clark is of old New England stock, a native of Ludlow, Vermont. He prepared for the ministry at Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, class of 1876; was married to Miss Alice Cornelia Deming of Newington, Connecticut, October 27, 1878; graduated from the Hartford Theological Seminary, class of 1880; was ordained pastor of East Haven Congregational Church, July 7, 1880, thus serving the church nearly twenty-eight years.
The following statement from Mr. Clark will be of interest :
"During this period the church has grown from a mem- bership of 167 in 1880 to that of 366 in 1908, over all losses by letter and death. During the same period several very important changes and improvements have been made. The chapel has been twice frescoed, at an expense of $300; the church and chapel have been renovated, recarpeted and painted at a cost of over $2,000, and a piano has been placed
III
Ecclesiastical Affairs.
in the chapel, for which $300 was paid. The parsonage has been made more comfortable by installing a furnace, and the introduction of all the modern improvements, at an expense of nearly $1,000.
"A steam-heating system for church and chapel has been recently introduced, costing $1,200. A slate roof has been placed upon the church, for which $400 was paid. Three thousand dollars have also been expended for a beautiful pipe organ, which adds largely to the effectiveness of the services. All these improvements have called for an expendi- ture of over $8,000.
"During the period under consideration, the church has received legacies of over $15,000.
Edwin Granniss $11,000
Edward Ellsworth Thompson 1,000
Edward Akland Walker 1,000
Albert Forbes
1,000
John Woodward Thompson
500
Barbara Perkins
580
Total $15,080
"But after all, facts and figures can but poorly tell the story of a church's work and life. The best of the story as well as the largest part of it, must ever be that which no eye but God's can read. What the services of this church have been, Sabbath after Sabbath, and year after year, to many weary and burdened hearts, to many darkened and troubled homes; and what the fellowship of believers has been to all who have had a part in its work and worship, is known only to God. Though much has been done, yet much land remains to be possessed. While to-day we may rejoice in the fact that 'Hitherto hath the Lord helped us,' as we look away from the past and into the future let us 'thank God and take courage.'
"DANIEL J. CLARK."
East Haven, Conn., February 29, 1908.
112 History of East Haven.
CONGREGATIONAL DEACONS.
Caleb Chidsey, died February 20, 1713.
Joshua Austin, died March 29, 1760.
Thomas Smith, died 1762.
Daniel Hitchcock, died 1761.
Deodate Davenport, died December 3, 1761.
Samuel Hemingway, chosen 1758; died October 25, 1777.
Abraham Hemingway, chosen 1761 ; removed.
Amos Morris, chosen 1776; died December 30, 1801.
Stephen Smith, chosen 1778; died January 22, 1816.
Samuel Davenport, chosen 1797; died July 9, 1810.
John Morris, chosen July, 1800; removed 1806. Levi Pardee, chosen July, 1800; died November 21, 1813.
Enos Hemingway, chosen 1806; removed June 13, 1830.
Amos Morris, chosen 1816; resigned 1818.
Bela Farnham, chosen July 1, 1832; resigned March 5, 1852.
Amos Morris, chosen July 1, 1832; resigned March 5, 1852.
Samuel H. Hemingway, chosen July 1, 1832; died September 30, 1849.
Ruel Andrews, chosen March 5, 1852; died April 30, 1864.
Alfred Morris, chosen March 5, 1852; died September 20, 1876. Aaron L. Curtis, chosen September 2, 1864; died June 26, 1872. Edwin Street, chosen May 1, 1868; resigned June 17, 1878.
Asa L. Fabrique, chosen May 1, 1868.
Samuel T. Andrews, chosen August 30, 1872; died August 22, 1884.
Thaddeus Street, chosen August 30, 1872; died January 16, 1882.
Frederick B. Street, chosen April 7, 1882.
Merrick M. Russell, chosen April 7, 1882; resigned April II, 1884. Julius H. Morris, chosen October 10, 1884.
Collis B. Granniss, chosen October 10, 1884.
ST. JAMES'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The population of Fair Haven increased yearly. The village now had two churches, viz .: The Grand Street Congregational and the Methodist, both on the
Ecclesiastical, Affairs.
I13
west side of the Quinnipiac; but there was no church on the east side. The Episcopalians of the place had hitherto attended services in East Haven or New Haven, principally Trinity Church, New Haven. They now thought their numerical strength would war- rant them in supporting a church of their own. This was greatly seconded and aided by the late Capt. Isaac Brown, who donated the site for the church, also the stone from his quarries to build it, and a liberal contribution for its erection. St. James's parish was organized March 30, 1843. It was decided to take steps to build a church immediately. The building committee was Esquire James Barnes, Daniel Foote, George P. Thomas, Samuel M. Tuttle, Ralph Warren.
Ground was broken for the foundations in May, 1844. The corner stone was laid by Rev. Dr. Harry Croswell, July 8, 1844, and the church was consecrated in July, 1845. The first baptism in the church build- ing was August 3, 1845, and the first confirmation on November 12, 1845. At this service Rev. William E. Vibbert was ordained to the priesthood. He was elected rector while in his diaconate period, March 28, 1845, and continued its universally beloved spiritual guide and leader until August 1, 1892, when a stroke incapacitated him from further duties. He was rector emeritus until his death November 9, 1895, aged 82 years. An eloquent, forcible, practical, orthodox sermonizer, every discourse fraught with weight, con- tained food for reflection and consideration. A zeal- ous, loving, sympathetic, watchful rector for forty- seven years and four months was laid away among his people November 12, 1895.
114
History of East Haven.
By the vote of annexation in 1882, the territory where this church stands ceased to be East Haven soil, therefore its subsequent history belongs to New Haven.
PILGRIM CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
In 1830 the Grand Avenue Congregational Church, which was a scion of the Old Stone Church, East Haven, was established, and a new, commodious brick church was built on the site of the present Strong Public School. This church so increased with the population that in 1852 it was necessary to either build a new church or enlarge the old one. After due consideration, it was thought best for the Congrega- tionalists on the east side to form a new church society, which they did March 25, 1852. A very amicable and pleasant division took place from the parent church, and the new society proceeded to build a new church on the corner of East Grand and Lenox streets. It was dedicated the summer of 1853. Rev. Nathaniel J. Burton was its first pastor. It has become a large and influential church. Like its Episcopal neighbor opposite, this part of the town was ceded to New Haven in 1882, when East Haven history ceases.
·
CHAPTER IV. IRON WORKS AND MILLS.
T HE transactions relative to the Iron Works are contained in sundry reso- lutions and orders. This was prob- ably the first establishment of the kind within the present bounds of the state. This business was intro- duced in the following manner :
"General Court, N. H. 12th Nov. 1655.
"The Towne was acquainted that there is a purpose that an Iron Worke shall be set up beyond the farmes at Stoney River, which is considered will be for a publique good; and Mr. Goodyear declared Mr. Winstone and himself did intend to carry it on; only he desired now to know what the Towne desired in it; much debate was about it; but no man engaged in it at present; but divers spoke, that they would give some worke toward making the Damm, whose names and number of days worke were taken, which amounted to about 140 days : so it issueth for that time."
"29th Nov. 1655 .- The Governor informed the Towne that this meeting was called to consider something further about the Iron Worke, sundry who engaged to worke, last Court, have not yet performed, tho' all others have; and it was now concluded, that those that are now behinde, should be called upon to perform what they promised .- It was also now desired that men would declare, who will engage in the worke, and what estate they will put in. But few speaking to it, it was desired that those who are willing would meet at the Governor's this afternoon at 2 o'clock, to declare themselves therein, and it was now propounded whether the Towne will give up their right in the place, and what accommodation is necessary for the best conveniency of the said Iron Worke;
116 History of East Haven.
in this case all the Towne voted to give a full libertie for the Iron Workes to go on, and also for wood, water, ironplace, oares, shells for lime, or what else is necessary for that worke, upon the Towne lands upon that side of the great river, called the East River; provided that no man's propertie laid out, or to be laid out, be entered upon, nor no planter pro- hibited from cutting wood, or other conveniency upon the said common, in an orderly way; and that Branford doe make the like grant, according to their proportion they have in the worke, that future questions about this thing may be prevented.
"19th May, 1656. Upon motion of Mr. Goodyear and John Cooper, in behalf of the Collier that comes to burn coal for the Iron Workes; he had 12 acres of land granted him as his own, if the Iron-workes go on, and he stay three years in the worke. Provided that all minerals there be reserved, and that he attend all orders of the Towne for the present, and in disposing of said lands hereafter, if it shall so fall out, to have it. The place propounded for is a piece of land lying betwixt the Great Pond, and the Beaver Meadows, a 100 or 2 acres, about 2 miles from the Iron worke. Against which grant or place none objected, so as to hinder the same."
This is now called the Farm. It was first in the possession of Theophilus Eaton, the governor. It was given to his daughter Mary, who married Valentine Hill, merchant, Dover-Pisquataqua. He sold it to Nathaniel Micklethwaite, merchant, London, Novem- ber 2, 1660, for £230 sterling, or $1022.22. He sold it to Thomas Clark of Boston for froo lawful money, February 28, 1665, and in the township of New Haven. The farm contained 300 acres of upland and 60 acres of meadow.
"14th Sept., 1657. The Governor informed the Court that Mr. Winthrop has let out his part of the
Iron Works and Mills.
117
Ironworkes to two men in Boston, Capt. Clarke and Mr. Tayne, as they have agreed."
This plan met with a general disapprobation. Debating followed. It was contended that as this establishment was made for the purpose of trade, there was danger of the entire alienation of the trade and the property. And there would also be a collection of disorderly persons which would corrupt the morals of the neighborhood and cause great trouble in the town. The subject was "referred to the Court and the Townsman John Cooper to consider it, upon what terms to let out the workes and whether they should cut wood upon our ground."
That reference reported thus: "An agreement made by the Committee appointed to consider about the Iron Workes was read to the Towne and by vote confirmed and ordered to be entered."
"At the Governor's house, I Dec. 1657.
"I. It is agreed that the Iron Workes propounded to and allowed by this Towne, and to which they granted several priveleges, was, and is only for this Furnace now made in the place intended, and expressed, as appeareth by the records, with a Forge, or two, if necessary for the Iron which this furnace produceth, which are to be improved by the Townes jointly within the limits allowed by this Court.
"2. This Iron worke and all the privileges thereunto belong- ing, were intended and granted for the good of New-Haven and Branford, for bringing and setting up trade there, which in whole or in a great measure they are like to be deprived of, if any part of it be alienated either to strangers, or others out of their jurisdiction. They, therefore, think it not safe that any part of it be sold, or leased out, without particular and express law and licence from the Towne, or Jury, or a Committee, as is appointed for house lots or lands.
"3. That our neighbors and friends of Branford provide and supply their part of wood, which is 3-8ths parts, with other
118
History of East Haven.
things of a like nature, from the land within their own limits, and that New-Haven do the like for their 5-8ths parts.
"4. That all servants, women and others employed in any respect about the Iron workes, shall attend and be subject to all orders and laws already made, or which shall be made and published by this towne, or jurisdiction, as other men.
"5. That the grant made by the Iron workes be forthwith delivered to the Secretary here, that it may be read and considered; as the grant made by New-Haven shall be to them; that the two plantations may receive and bear their due proportion in profits and charges, as was at first provided for."
How far these resolutions were carried into effect does not appear. About eight years afterward, Ben- jamin Linge prosecuted John Cooper, agent of the Iron Works, for the damage he had sustained from the water of the dam. And the people employed there, being many of them corrupt foreigners and strangers, were so immoral and vicious as to require the frequent interposition of the civil authority.
"The General Court, therefore, ordered that com- plaint should be made to Capt. Clark about the dis- orderly persons that came to the Iron Works. And also ordered that the master, clerk or overseer, and other officers shall not admit any, without a certificate from persons of known reputation, under the penalty of 40 shillings for every offence; and if any come to tarry there without such recommendation and permission, shall be liable to the penalty of forty shillings."
As a further check to these increasing evils, Mat- thew Moulthrop, Sr., was appointed conservator of the morals of the people about the Iron Works.
Of so much consequence was this establishment, that after the union of New Haven with Connecticut, a
119
Iron Works and Mills.
special order was made regarding the people employed in the work, to free them from taxes for seven years, as appears from the following :
"13th May, 1669, Upon the petition of Mr. William Andrews on behalf of Capt. Thomas Clark, master of the Iron works of New-Haven, for encouragement of the said worke, for the supply of the country with good Iron, and well wrought according to art, this Court do confirm a grant formerly made by New-Haven: That the said persons and estates constantly or only employed in said work, shall be and are hereby exempt from paying country rates for 7 years next ensuing." (Conn. Col. Rec.)
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.