History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 42

Author: Whittemore, Henry, b. 1833; Beers, J.B. & Company, publishers
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : J. B. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 818

USA > Connecticut > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men > Part 42

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On the 28th of December 1773, 21 persons from the first church and five from the second were organized into a church in Westfield by a council convened for that purpose.

At an adjourned session the next day, Rev. Thomas Miner, of Woodbury, a graduate of Yale College in 1769, was settled over the church and society, Rev. Noah Bene- dict preaching the sermon. Mr. Miner was a man of means, and dwelt in his own abode just west of the meeting house.

His salary was provided for on the plan of the old salary charter, and the first transaction recorded of the society was in 1787, and was in regard to that matter. At this early date there was a choir. There were also four school districts, which were under the supervision of the ecclesiastical society as late as 1801.

May 24th 1820, Rev. Stephen Hayes of Newark, New Jersey, was installed colleague pastor, with the understand- ing that he should preach one-third of the time to the church in Middlefield and the remaining two-thirds to the church in Westfield, both societies obligating them- selves to pay a similar proportion of $500 a year as salary, and help in the same way toward procuring a dwelling place for his family. The difficulty which arose just be- fore calling Mr. Hayes was in securing a parsonage. This difficulty was at length overcome by the purchase of the house now occupied for that purpose, then, a brown, one story building. As the tax law had been an - nulled by the new Constitution of the State, in 1818, the pews had to be sold to defray the expenses of the minis- ter's salary; and as fears were entertained that enough would not thus be raised, the subect of a ministerial fund was agitated. In 1823, just 50 years after the organ- ization of the church, eighteen hundred dollars had been subscribed for this purpose. One of the subscribers was Rev. Chauncey A. Goodrich of New Haven, who at that time was preaching in the first society. A great loss was sustained to this fund when the Eagle Bank of New Haven, failed. During Mr. Hayes' pastorate, Dr. Miner, the son of Rev. Thomas Miner, made his will, bequeathing to the society a part of his estate; as he lived till 1841, not much was realized from this beneficent act.

Rev. Mr. Hayes was dismissed June 6th 1827. His pastorate continued a little over seven years, during which time 21 persons were admitted to the church.

.It was nearly two years before the next pastor was in- stalled. During the interval, the pulpit was supplied by various ministers, among whom were Rev's Bela Kellogg, Samuel Goodrich, Joshua L. Williams, Edward R. Tyler, Royal Robins, and Stephen Topliff. The last gentleman, who was a native of Willington and a graduate of Yale College in 1825, was installed May 27th 1829, Dr. Bacon preaching the sermon. When Mr. Topliff first came here, which was late in 1827, he found the church " very much scattered and run down, and but for the prayers of a circle of women that used to meet statedly for prayer, the church had well nigh broken up." Mr. Topliff went among the people, praying earnestly from house to house, and it was not long before, " contrary to all expectation, that old question, 'What must I do to be saved?' began to be agitated, and the whole aspect of the church was changed." Mr. Topliff was wholly consecrated to his work, and during his stated supply and regular pastorate there were several revivals, and many were gathered into the church. Mr. Topliff was dismissed September 25th 1838, having served this church as pastor nine years, three months, and three days, his entire ministry amount- ing to nearly, or quite, 11 years. . He was afterward settled at Oxford. From there he moved to Cromwell, where he resided till his death. He never removed his membership from this church, and when he died his re- mains were brought here and laid to rest among the peo- ple of his early labors and love.

Mr. Miner being in feeble health towards the end of his ministry, other preachers were employed to assist him. Among these appear the names of Austin, David Bacon, the father of Dr. Bacon of New Haven, Samuel Goodrich, and Bela Kellogg. In 1817, he released the society from further pecuniary obligations, but continued to be their sole pastor till May 24th 1820, and their hon- orary pastor from that time till his death, which occurred April 28th 1826, and completed his entire pastoral of 52 years, 3 months, and 29 days. Mr. Miner was 88 years old when he died, and that was the number of persons admitted to the church by himself and others while he was sole pastor. He was buried in the cemetery bearing The fourth pastor was Rev. James H. Francis, a native his honored name, by the side of many of his beloved people | of Wethersfield, a graduate of Yale College, class of 1826,

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and of the theological department of that institution. Before he came here, he had been the pastor of the church in Dudley, Massachusetts, six years. He was in- stalled in Westfield, December 2d 1840. In the autumn and winter of 1842, there prevailed quite an extensive re- vival, from the fruits of which a goodly number united with the church. Mr. Francis was dismissed June 11th 1845, having been pastor for four and one half years.

The fifth pastor was Rev. Lent S. Hough, a native of Wallingford. He received a classical education at Ban- gor, Maine, and studied theology both at Bangor and at New Haven. Before coming here, he had been pastor in Chaplin and North Woodstock, and stated supply in North Madison and in Bethel, Danbury. He began his labors in Westfield, in 1846, and after preaching about nine months was installed February 10th 1847. During his pastorate, in the year 1849, a new meeting house was built, at a cost of over $4,000. Tlie old one had lasted three-fourths of a century. The new one was dedicated December 6th 1849.

During Mr. Hough's pastorate there was a general time of prosperity in the community. New school houses were built and new residences. Some improve- ments were made upon the parsonage and a conference house was secured. But the most blessed event of this pastorate was the revival of religion that took place in 1854. Mr. Hough was assisted by Rev. George Clark, an evangelist, and the Holy Spirit was poured out in a most copious manner. What a joyful scene was that when on the 4th of June 1854, 57 persons came forward into the aisles of the new church, and crowded around its altar to express their faith in their newly found Saviour !

Mr. Hough was dismissed March 31st 1863, having been pastor sixteen years, one month, and twenty-one days, and having labored with this people nearly seven- teen years in all. One hundred and forty persons were added to the church during his ministry.

After leaving here, Mr. Hough preached a short time in Salem. His last pastorate was East Lyme. From there he moved to Rainbow, where he died.

Rev. A. T.Waterman was the sixth pastor. After preach- ing some time to this people, he was installed November 9th 1864. He was dismissed June Ist 1869, having served as pastor four and a half years. Quite a number of per- sons were added to the church during Mr. Waterman's pastorate. At his dismission, the council paid him the following tribute: "We take pleasure in commending the retiring pastor to the fellowship of the churches of our Master as a faithful and efficient laborer, an accepta- ble preacher of the word, a pastor of ripe experience and ardent devotion to the Salvation of Souls."

Mr. Waterman, after leaving here, preached a while ir. Kensington, and then at the West.

Rev. Edward T. Hooker was the seventh pastor. Mr. Hooker is the son of Rev. Dr. Hooker, who was profes- sor at East Windsor, and afterward pastor at South Windsor. He was born in Bennington, Vt. He received his academical education at Phillips' Academy, Andover,

and at Williams College. He studied theology at Chica- go, and was ordained and installed at Broad Brook, June 17th 1868. He began his acting pastorate in Westfield, July Ist 1869, and closed it October 1st 1872, having labored here three years and three months. Sev- eral persons united with the church during Mr. Hooker's pastorate. Mr. Hooker went from here to the First Con- gregational Church in New Orleans. Many ties bind him to Westfield, and among them is that of a dear little child that fell asleep while his father was pastor here.

The ministers who have officiated since Mr. Hooker have been: Revs. John Elderkin, J. Webster Tuck, and Edwin C. Holman. The deacons of church have been: Nathaniel Boardman and Amos Churchill, chosen about 1779; Samuel Galpin, about 1794; Jedediah Wilcox, April 30th 1830; Selah Galpin, April 14th 1843; Asa Boardman, April 30th 1858; Elisha B. Wilcox, Novem- ber 22d 1861; Pardon K. Fay and Benjamin Wilcox, October 30th 1868; Albert Bacon, January 12th 1873; and George W. Boardman.

The Sabbath school was started many years ago in a dwelling house just east of the church. It has been well supported, and still holds on its way.

During the first hundred years of this church 439 per- sons were members. Taking into consideration this hopeful fact, together with all the good work done in this neighborhood by this church, who can measure the results? Certainly, to God this community is greatly in- debted for the works of love and salvation here wrought out by the church of Christ planted here so long ago.

The membership, January Ist 1884, was 104; 39 males and 65 females.

WESTFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH.

In 1804, the Strict Congregationalists of Westfield de- clared themselves Baptists, and were organized into a church which then numbered 12 members. Their pastor was Elder Josiah Graves. After his decease preachers labored among them by the names of Higby, Judd, Good- win, Wakeman, Ballard, and Baty. In 1812, they built a meeting house in the western part of Westfield, 36 by 26 feet, and this building, in 1840, was moved near the lo- cation of the Miner Cemetery and repaired. The build- ing stood on the land of one Goodwin, who was for a time a preacher of the Baptist denomination, but who subsequently became a Universalist. Afterward the church building was again removed and made a part of the japanning factory, where it remained until the fire of 1874, by which it was destroyed.

WESTFIELD METHODIST CHAPEL.

This chapel was built in 1881, and dedicated Novem- ber 13th of that year. The society to which the chapel belongs is a branch of the Methodist church at Middle- town, and was the result of a very successful revival season, when meetings were held at private houses in Westfield.

The members of the denomination in Westfield were organized into a distinct class, with David Church as their

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leader. They are supplied every Sabbath with a preacher from the Wesleyan University.

The building is a neat unostentatious structure, 40 feet in length, and 26 feet in width.

The original members were: David Church, Lucy Ann Church, Lewis Doolittle, and Mrs. Lewis Doolittle. The class at present numbers 21 members.

A Sunday school was organized soon after the build- ing of the chapel. David Church was the first superin- tendent, and still officiates in that capacity.

The Sabbath-school has a membership of about 25 pupils.

UNION CHAPEL, LONG HILL.

This building is situated in East Long Hill District. The building lot was a gift from Abijah Roberts. The deed bears date November 2d 1876. The chapel is used for Sunday school services, and for occasional re- ligious services, by visiting ministers of the different de- nominations.

The officers are: Giles D. Holmes, president; Edwin J. Roberts, secretary and treasurer; John W. Tuttle, su- perintendent of Sunday school; E. J. Roberts, assistant superintendent; Benjamin Douglas, George W. Atkins, Charles R. Newell, Giles D. Holmes, Hiram Crowell, Horace A. Wilcox, Frank C. Hubbard, Ephraim Tuttle, and Edwin J. Roberts, trustees.

CEMETERIES.

THE OLD CEMETERY.

The old cemetery, near the depot, at the junction of the Air Line and Hartford & Connecticut Valley Rail- roads, is one of the oldest in the county. It is familiarly known as the " Old Cemetery," and called by some the " Riverside Cemetery." It was laid out about 1650 and continued to be the only place of burial up to 1713. Tradition tells us that prior to this time the early settlers on both sides of the river were wont to bury their dead in this graveyard, but that in the winter of 1712-13 a funeral cortege bearing the body of a child came to the banks of the Connecticut and, finding it impassible, sadly retraced their steps and opened a grave on the east side, in the locality of the present quarries.

There have been some interments in this yard within the last twenty years. In May 1848, by a vote of the town, the title to this property was vested in the " North Burial Ground Association," where it has since re- mained.

The following inscriptions are from this ancient ceme- tery:

" Here's a cedar tall, gently wafted o'er From Great Britain's Isle to this western shore, Near fifty years crossing the ocean wide, Yet's anchored In the grave from storm or tide, Yet remember the body only here, His blessed so fixt in a higher sphere.

" Here lies the body of Giles Hamlin, 'squir, Aged 67

years, who departed this life the first day of September, Anno Dom, 1689."

"N. W. CVTLER AGE IN THE 100 YER DIED IVNE THE 5, 1706"

" Here lies interred the body of Mary, the virtuous consort of Jabez Hamlin, Esq., and daughter of ye Hon'ble Christopher Christophers, Esq., of New London, who fell asleep April ye 3d, A. D. 1736, in ye 22d year of her age.

" So fair, so young, so innocent, so sweet, So ripe a judgment, and so rare a wit, Require at least an Age in one to meet; In her they met, but long they could not stay, 'Twas gold too fine to mix without allay."

" In memory of Mr. Nathll Goodwin who was born in Boston Febey ye 24th 1672-3 departed this life March ye 7th N. S. 1753 upon his birthday in Middletown being just 80 years old."

" Here is interred the mortal remains of Dr. John Os- born. Ask nothing further, traveler; nothing better can be said, nor nothing shorter. Ob. 31st May, 1753, Æ. 40 .- Life how short, Eternity how long."

It is said that a very pompous inscription was origi- nally placed upon the monument, from which these words were taken, but that the son of Dr. Osborn, when he be- came of age ,caused it all to be erased, and substituted the above.

Dr. Osborn was an eminent physician, and a poet of some note. He was the author of the " Whaling Song," the first verse of which is-

" When spring returns with western gales, And gentle breezes sweep The ruffling seas, we spread our sails To plough the wat'ry deep."

"In memory of Mrs. Desire, late wife of Mr. Abner Ely, died Sep. Ist, 1764, aged 48 years."

" A loving wife, and tender mother, Left this base world to enjoy the other."

"Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Lucy Ann, wife of Com. Thomas Macdonough, and daughter of Nathaniel, and Lucy Ann Shaler. The richest gifts of Nature and Grace adorned her mind and heart; and at her death, Genius, Friendship and Piety mourned their common loss. She preceded her husband to the realms of glory only a few short months, having departed this life Aug. 9th 1825, Æ. 35. They were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided."

"To commemorate the piety and virtues of Mrs. Louisa, wife of Lieut. Horace Sawyer, U. S. Navy, daughter of Nathaniel and Lucy Ann Shaler, who de- parted this life on Monday, 15th Dec. 1828, aged 24. This stone is erected by her husband.

" Thou art gone to the grave, but we will not deplore thee Since God was thy refuge, thy ransom, thy guide; He gave thec, he took thee, and he will restore thee, And Death has no sting since the Savior has died,"

OLD CEMETERY IN MAROMAS.

There is an old cemetery in Maromas District, near the Connecticut River, below the Maromas Station on the Hartford and Connecticut Valley Railroad. This yard contains but a few graves; and it was used only a short

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

time for burial purposes. The oldest date recorded in the cemetery is that of 1708; and the latest interment designated by a tomb-stone was made in 1754. The time of layout is unknown.

OLD SOUTH FARMS CEMETERY.

This cemetery, which is familiarly known as the "South Farms Burying Ground," was set apart for burial pur- poses by a vote of the town passed December 16th 1723.

It is located in the Farm Hill District, and lies con- tiguous to the " Farm Hill Cemetery." The first inter- ment in this yard was that of the body of John Andrews who died in 1724.

From that date until about 1850 this was one of the principal burial places, as is proven by the great number of tombstones which mark the many graves of those,

"Whose name and age spelled by the unlettered muse, The place of pomp and eulogy supply."

It is still used for burial purposes. Epitaphs: " My Sun Is Set My Glass Is Run My Candie's Out My Work Is Done."

"In youth she lived betimes the best of lives, For nine years and four months the best of wives."

The present officers are: Henry C. Johnson, treasurer; Abner Roberts, secretary; Samuel Harris, Elijah Tryon, Langdon Johnson, trustees.

WASHINGTON STREET CEMETERY.

This cemetery is located in the city of Middletown, corner of Washington and Vine streets, and was laid out by a committee appointed by the town in December 1739. About 1830 it was enlarged by an inclosure of a portion of the street on the north side.

At present it is in an extremely dilapidated condition. It seems strange that while few if any cemeteries in the State evince more scrupulous care than Indian Hill, this old necropolis where, "the rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep," is a sadly neglected spot. Many of the tombstones are so buried beneath weeds and poisonous undergrowth that it is almost impossible to read the inscriptions thereon.

The following are a few of the obituary records in this grave-yard.

"Sacred to the Memory of the Rev'd Walter Cranston, late Rector of Christ Church, Savannah, Geo; who de- parted this life, the 25 of July 1822, in the 33 year of his age.

"He was born at Newport, Rhode Island, the 12 of Dec. 1790, & educated at Harvard University. Distinguished for his benevolence, his learning & his piety, he died, as he had lived, respected and beloved.

" Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."

" In Memory of Mr. David Doud, Who after He Served His Generation, He Gave his Friends A Good Exortation & Died In Hope of Eternal Salvation, August 17th 1775 in ye 28 Year of His Age."

" Here lies the Body of Mr. William Bartlit who De- parted this life October ye roth int 1741 Aged about in 70 Years. The first Interr'd In this Yard."

This grave is near the center of the cemetery, on the left hand side of the aisle passing southward, about five rods north of the old fashioned monument which marks the resting place of Capt. Daniel Clark.

"Stop fellow mortal as you pass this way! Read and contemplate on your final doom I once like you was animated clay And you like me must slumber in the tomb."

" Reader think on these things Life how short. Death how sudden. Eternity how long. Some hearty friend shall drop a tear On our dry bones and say These once were strong as mine appear And mine must be as they."

THE NEW MAROMAS CEMETERY.

The Maromas Cemetery, now in use, was laid out by a vote of the town in January 1766.

CEMETERY IN NORTH DISTRICT, NO. 2.

The old cemetery in the southwestern part of the North District No. 2. is a public yard; but the time of lay out is unknown. The oldest inscription is that on the tombstone of Edward Boardman, bearing the date, 1772.

THE MORTIMER CEMETERY.

The old part of this cemetery was given to the inhabi- tants of the First Society by two conveyances, the earlier dated June 6th 1778, and the later October 6th 1781, and granting, respectively, one acre, and one hundred and thirty rods. This tract of land ran westerly from the Mortimer tomb thirty-four rods. In 1830, an addition was made to the burial field by Martha Mortimer Starr; and in 1849, it was still further enlarged by William S. Camp. The western portion of the cemetery has been cut off and discontinued by the lay out of North Pearl street.

CEMETERY IN SOUTH DISTRICT, NO. 4.

In April 1793, Samuel Plum gave to the inhabitants of Westfield Parish a tract of land for burial purposes. Some bodies were interred in this yard; but it was aban- doned about 1825-30 because of the watery nature of the soil. The ground is located in the northeastern part of the South District, No. 4.

THE OLD WESTFIELD STREET CEMETERY.

This cemetery is located in the first district, near the village of Westfield. There is now seldom if ever an in- terment in the yard, and it is in a very dilapidated con- dition. Some of the graves have been opened and the bodies formerly interred therein transferred to other cemeteries. There but are two monuments in this ancient yard. One of these was erected to the "Memory of Giles Wilcox who died Oct. 23, 1838 Æ. 89;" also his wife Rachel, " who died Sept. 4, 1828 ÆE. 74."

The other marks the resting place of William F. Boardman, who died June 17th 1847, aged 34, and Lucy Ann his wife, who died October 21st 1843, aged 29.

Both of these monuments bear the scriptural quota- tion:

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"Be ye also ready for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh."

Indeed, one might well call this the cemetery of epitaphs, for they are to be found on every hand.

Deacon Joseph Graves was buried in this place. He died February 24th 1855, age 76.

His epitaph is:

" If an honest man is the noblest work of God Then His noblest work now lies beneath this sod."

The tomb of Elder Josiah Graves is in this cemetery, and the inscription on the unostentatious stone that marks his sepulchre is as follows:

" In Memory of Elder Josiah Graves, Pastor and founder of the first Free Will Baptist Church in the State of Connecticut, who died July 24, 1825 At. 50.

" . I have fought a good fight I have finished my course I have kept the faith.'"

Miss Loly H. Graves, " an amiable and accomplished young " lady, died in 1825, aged 19. She is buried near Elder Graves, and beside her tomb is that of Amos Tryon, her intended, whose decease occurred the same year.

In the rear of this old cemetery, near a sombre pine, is a small grave-stone on which are inscribed the following words:

" Sacred to the memory of Polly, wife of Capt. Daniel Bacon, of Unadilla, N. Y. who died Sept. 28, 1826, AE. 45.

" From Unadilla she did come To help her feeble body some Her soul departed to its flight To dwell in everlasting light."

This burial ground was granted by Calvin and Joseph Cornwell 2d, to the Westfield School Society in Novem- ber 1820.

THE MINER CEMETERY.

The Miner Cemetery is located on a sightly eminence a few rods west of the Methodist chapel. Rows of fine trees, with their evergreen foliage, bound the cemetery on every side, and contribute much to its picturesque beauty. The land was originally given to the Congrega- tional Society of Westfield, by Thomas Miner, but in 1860 it was conveyed to the Miner Cemetery Associa- tion, which was formed in 1859.

There are in this cemetery 19 monuments, bearing the following names: Kenyon, Cornwell, Smith, Norton, Topliff, Bacon, Hollister and Bowers, Sawyer, Galpin, Root, Coe and Plumb, Bailey, Graves, Sloper, Miner, Doolittle, Addis, Boardman, and Williams.

The Kenyon monument bears the following inscrip- tion:

" Eugene W. Kenyon, Co. B, 14 Reg. C. V. Died at Washington, Dec. 31, 1862, Æ. 20."

The Smith lot is ornamented with an elegant marble monument, near which is a substantial slab of sandstone that marks the grave of John Smith, the originator of the japanning business in this country. He died No- vember 20th 1859, aged 68.

The Topliff monument marks the grave of Rev. S. Top- liff, third pastor of the Westfield Congregational Church. Born November 9th 1796; died August 7th 1875.

The Bacon inonument is inscribed on one side as fol- lows:

"Ebenezer Bacon, Born Oct. 2, 1789, Died Dec. 20, 1881. Lavinnia, His wife, was murdered Sep. 24, 1843, Æ. 47. Clarissa, His 2nd wife, Died Mar. 20, 1865, Æ. 76."

The Miner monument is made of freestone, and bears the following inscriptions:

" Thomas Miner M. D., Donator of Property to the Fourth ECC. Society, Died Apr. 23, 1841, A. 63."

" Rev. Thomas Miner, First Pastor of the Cong. Ch. in Westfield, died Apr. 28, 1826, Æ. 88."

"Dolly Miner, Relict of Rev. Thomas Miner, died June 5, 1828, Æ. 88."

" Gilbert Miner, Died June 17, 1821, A. 39." On the Doolittle Monument is the following:

" John K. of Co. K, 8 Reg. C. V. Died of wounds received at the Battle of Antietam, Oct. 10, 1862, Æ 22."

There are in the western part of the cemetery two graves marked by ancient tombstones, bearing respect- ively the following inscriptions:

" In Memory of Mr. Samuel Plum who died July 15th A. D. 1794 Aged 84.

"The grave is now my home But soon I hope to rise Mortals behold my tomb .

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History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 42

Author: Whittemore, Henry, b. 1833; Beers, J.B. & Company, publishers Publication date: 1884 Publisher: New York : J. B. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 818

Author: Whittemore, Henry, b. 1833; Beers, J.B. & Company, publishers
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : J. B. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 818