USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Farmington > History of New Britain, with sketches of Farmington and Berlin, Connecticut. 1640-1889 > Part 35
USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Berlin > History of New Britain, with sketches of Farmington and Berlin, Connecticut. 1640-1889 > Part 35
USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > New Britain > History of New Britain, with sketches of Farmington and Berlin, Connecticut. 1640-1889 > Part 35
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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 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45
CHILDREN. 1. Seth, b. March 13, 1751, m. Ruth Clarke; 2. Sylvia, b. Oct. 24, 1753, m. James Francis; 3. Ruth, b. July 15, 1756, m. John Mix; 4. Noah, b. April 25, 1759, m. Lucy Lewis, (2) Experience Wells, (3) Naomi Burritt; 5. Adna, b. Jan. 28, 1763, m. Nancy Deming; 6. Asa, b. 1766, d. in infancy; 7. Cynthia, b. Dec. 29, 1767, m. Asa Butts.
53. EBENEZER STEELE, 1727-1821.
Ebenezer, son of Dr. Joseph and Elizabeth (Hollister) Steele of the Great Swamp Society, was born May 12, 1727. He married Sarah Sage, and resided for many years in the Great Swamp or Kensington Society. The first meeting- house in that society had been built upon his father's land.
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He was for a time in the revolutionary army, and when advanced in age removed to New Britain, and had his home on Osgood Hill. He had been married over seventy years before his death, which occurred Jan. 22, 1821. His wife survived him about two years, and before her death there had been born to eight of her children seventy grandchil- dren, and to them one hundred and seventy-one great-grand children. If to these were added twenty-four of the fourth generation, born before her death, the number of her descend- ants born during her lifetime was 278.
CHILDREN. 1. Ebenezer, b. 1749, m. Lucy Wright, and (2) Hannah Brewer; 2. Sarah, b. March 26, 1750, m. Ezra Belden, and (2) Lewis Seymour; 3. Mary, b. Sept. 7, 1754, m. Aug. 19, 1773, Elisha Booth; 4. William, b. 1757, m. Oct. 26, 1780, Rebecca Rena Penfield; 5. Josiah, b. 1758, m. Susanna Lewis; 6. Charles, b. 1760; 7. Allen, b. 1762; 8. Selah, b. April 19, 1764, m. April 14, 1786, Trial Stedman; 9. Huldah, b. 1768, m. June 24, 1784, Bethel Hart; 10. Rebecca, b. May 30, 1769, m. June 19, 1781, Cotton Mather; 11. Salmon, b. 1771. Two others d. young.
54. TIMOTHY STANLEY, 1727-1817.
Timothy, son of Thomas and Esther (Cowles) Stanley, was born Aug. 13, 1727. He married May 5, 1757, Lydia, daughter of Captain John Newell of Farmington. He resided on the east side of Stanley Street in Stanley Quarter, nearly opposite the home of his father. He was a shoemaker by trade, and had a tannery where he could tan his own leather. He was a man of strict habits and a careful observer of the Sabbath, having his face shaved on Saturday afternoon when all preparations were made for observing holy time. He united with the church Aug. 28, 1758, and was elected deacon in 1795. In the latter part of his life he was quite deaf, and, when attending Sunday services, was accustomed to stand in the pulpit with his ear trumpet, the better to hear the minister. He died April 28, 1817.
CHILDREN. 1. Oliver, b. July 5, 1758, d. in infancy; 2. Rachel, b. March 20, 1761, m. E. Curtiss, and (2) J. Eells; 3. Lydia, b. April 26, 1763, m. Joel Smith; 4. Abi, b. Aug. 9, 1765, m. J. Francis, and (2) J. North; 5. Timothy, b. June 29, 1771, m. Abigail Robbins; 6. Oliver, b. May 1, 1775, m. Frances Booth; 7. Jesse, b. Oct. 26, 1779, m. Almira Lee, and (2) Lucy Clark.
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55. JOHN WOODS, 1728-1798.
John, son of Elixoder Woods, an Englishman, was born. October 15, 1728. He married, Jan. 18, 1753, Hepzibah Beckley. He was a clothier by trade, reputed to be quite skillful in his business. He bought a small piece of land north of the site of the railway bridge on West Main Street, and built a log house in which they lived. After carrying on the clothing business for some time in New Britain he removed to Bristol, where he died Oct., 1798.
CHILDREN. 1. Eli, b. Oct. 23, 1753; 2. Huldah, b. Oct. 13, 1754; 3. Hepzibah, b. Jan. 8, 1756, m. Nov. 3, 1774, Judah Barnes; 4. Ruth, b. . March 13, 1757; 5. Silas, b. Feb. 7, 1759; 6. Charlotte, b. April 21, 1763; 7. Silence, b. Oct. 10, 1764; 8. Abigail, b. Oct. 10, 1766; 9. John, b. April 1, 1768, d. in infancy; 10. Thankful, b. Oct., 1770; 11. Zadoc, b. April, 1772.
56. JOHN RICHARDS, 1730-1821.
John, son of Thomas and Rachel (Andrus) Richards, was born March 31, 1730. He married, April 14, 1752, Mary French, and, second, Dec. 26, 1776, Elizabeth Dickin- son. He had learned the blacksmith's trade of his father before the family moved from Southington. On the death of his father he succeeded to the business, occupying the black- smith's shop and living at the homestead opposite the school- house. James North and others, afterwards prominent in the affairs of New Britain, learned their trades of Richards in this shop. After the death of his first wife he bought of Dea. Josiah Lee the Skinner house and farm on East Street, and on his second marriage came there to live. He built a blacksmith's shop near his house and conducted business in it for a few years, when he sold his farm and shop and moved to New Hampshire. Here his second wife died, and at the age of seventy-two he married, third, Hannah Bear. He was an industrious mechanic, and in his later years a successful farmer. He became deacon of the church at Piermont, N. H. He died in 1821.
CHILDREN. 1. Lydia, b. April 10, 1754, m. Oct., 1772, Seth Judd, and (2) Samuel Huggins; 2. Elijah, b. July 10, 1756, died in revolutionary army, 1776; 3. Amos, b .- April 7, 1759, m. March 20, 1780, Lydia Lewis; 4. Esther, b. May 15, 1764, m. Joseph Ford.
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57. HEZEKIAH ANDREWS, 1731-1796.
Hezekiah, third son of Daniel and Mabel (Goff) Andrews, and great-grandson of John Andrews, one of the first settlers of Farmington, was born in Wethersfield, Aug. 14, 1731. He married, May 26, 1757, Anna Stedman. He moved to New Britain soon after marriage, and built on the Plainville road, about two miles west of the center, a commodious dwelling, which remained in the possession of the family for three generations. He built a saw-mill on the Quinnipiac, a short distance west of his house. By means of his mill and farm he acquired quite a property, which was well managed. He was one of the first who owned the covenant known as the " half-way covenant," in 1758, but ten years later he came into full communion with the church, and was much respected and beloved. He died April 19, 1796.
CHILDREN. 1. Hezekiah, b. Jan. 22, 1758, m. June 25, 1787, Rhoda Porter; 2. Anna, b. Sept. 6, 1760, m. Dec. 21, 1780, Elijah Hart; 3. Lois, b. Dec. 1, 1763, m. Nov. 9, 1786, Justus Francis; 4. Elizabeth, b. June 8, 1766, m. Dec. 16, 1790, Roger Francis; 5. Hannah, b. June 11, 1768, m. June 12, 1796, Andrew Pratt; 6. Bethankful, b. April 7, 1771, m. June 6, 1793, Jonathan Wells; 7. Rebecca, b. March 21, 1773, m. Jan. 12, 1801, Amzi Porter; 8. Ezekiel, b. May 25, 1775, m. Dec. 11, 1796, Roxana Hinsdale.
58. SELAH HART, 1732-1806.
Selah, second son of Nathaniel and Abigail (Hooker) Hart, was born in Kensington, May 23, 1732. He married March 4, 1756, Mary Cole. She died, when he married, second, Dec. 22, 1763, Ruth Cole. He lived in the eastern part of Kensington, and cultivated a farm, but was engaged in public business much of the time. He represented the town of Farmington in the General Assembly during four sessions, and filled other offices of trust in the old town before Berlin was incorporated. He was moderator of the first town meeting in the latter town, was elected the first treasurer and chairman of the first board of selectmen. Hc was also chairman of the committee to ascertain the bounda- rics of the town and erect monuments to mark the same, and was called to other positions of usefulness. As a magistrate
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he sought to maintain regard for law and order, and as a man and citizen he endeavored to promote the interests of the community.
In May, 1775, he was appointed on a committee to pro- vide stores of lead for the colony, and to contract for and take lead ore that should be raised out of the mine of Mat- thew Hart, for the use of the army. He held the office of colonel before the revolution, but he served in that war in the capacity of general. He was taken prisoner and held in New York by the British for two years. He was a deacon of the Kensington Church. He died June 10, 1806, and his widow, Mrs. Ruth Hart, died at the age of 101, Jan. 15, 1844.
59. SAMUEL SMITH, 1732-1802.
Samuel, son of William and Rebecca (Hun) Smith, was born Sept. 7, 1732. He married, Dec. 6, 1759, Mary Good- rich. He lived upon the homestead of his father at the south end of Stanley Quarter, near the head of Spiritual Lane, and devoted his time principally to farming. The earlier meetings of the Baptists were first held at his home, but his death occurred before the Baptist Church was organ- ized. He died May 16, 1802.
CHILDREN. 1. Sarah, b. April 5, 1761, m. April 21, 1791, Francis Cosslett; 2. Chloe, m. Cornelius Bassett; 3. Moses, b. Jan. 1, 1766, m. Oct. 31, 1779, Sally Judd; 4. Abijah, b. Nov. 14, 1767, m Jan. 18, 1792, Chloe Hotchkiss; 5. William, b. Sept. 2, 1771, m. Nov. 6, 1796, Sally Lewis, who died Feb. 4, 1810, and he married (2) Feb. 10, 1812, Lucretia Moore; 6 Levi, b. Sept 29, 1773, m. Mary Olmsted; 7. Mary, b. Sept. 9, 1777, m. Roger Hurlburt.
60. SOLOMON DUNHAM, 1732-1811.
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Solomon Dunham was born Sept. 20, 1732. He married, March 2, 1758, Elizabeth Ives. He was a tinner by trade, was working at New Britain at the time of his marriage, and became a member of the First Church soon after its organization; but the next year removed his church relation, and was received, into the Kensington Church. When the Worthington Society was organized, and a meet-
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ing-house erected, he became connected with the church in that society. His residence after leaving New Britain was in the north end of Berlin village, within the original bounds of Wethersfield. He carried on business in Berlin after his removal to that village, and was prominent in ecclesiastical and civil affairs, being a civil magistrate for many years. He died Jan. 22, 1811.
CHILDREN. 1. Elizabeth, b. Dec. 3, 1758, m. Abel Porter; 2. War- ren, b Dec. 4, 1759, m. widow Mary W. Andrews; 3. Solomon, b. Jan. 18, 1762; 4. Elishama, b. Feb. 17, 1764; 5. Lucy, b. March 5, 1766; 6 .. Mary, b. Oct. 25, 1768, m. Lardner Deming; 7. Reuben, b. Feb. 13, 1773, m. Dec. 14, 1797, Betsey Norton.
61. COL. FISHER GAY, 1733-1776.
Fisher Gay, son of John Gay, Jr., was born in Litchfield, Oct. 9, 1733. By his father's aid he received a good educa- tion, graduating from Yale College in 1759. It is said that on his return home after graduating his father addressed him somewhat formally, saying, " I have done all that I can for you pecuniarily ; you have capacity and a good educa- tion ; if you use the means within your reach, you may become a useful and respected member of society. I now give you an English guinea and a parent's blessing, and bid you go forth and carve your way in future life." Col. Gay first came to Farmington to teach school, but after following the employment for two or three years he started a small store, and by his energy and skill soon built up a mercantile business which became profitable to himself and a benefit to the town. He was accustomed to ride to New York on horseback, making the journey there, or in return, in a day and a half, and sometimes in less time.
His education and talents specially fitted him for public service, and he was frequently appointed to important offices in the town. When the colonies began to take a stand against the oppressions of the English government, he was one of the foremost to express his opinion, calmly but decidedly. He took an active part in the measures adopted by the town in support of the cause of liberty, drafted the
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resolutions passed by the town, and was placed on the com- mittees raised to prepare for the anticipated struggle of the colonies. While he was in Hartford on private business the news of the conflict at Lexington reached the place. He mounted liis horse and returned home by way of Stanley Quarter, to consult with his friend, Col. Gad Stanley, and others, on the course to be taken. As a result lie closed his store in Farmington and proceeded to Boston to confer with General Warren and other patriots on the situation, while Colonel Stanley and Peter Curtiss raised a company of recruits for the service.
Finding that no steps had been taken to replace the stores of ammunition destroyed at Concord, Col. Gay urged the importance of providing at once powder and ball, or the patriot troops arriving would be nearly helpless. He was persuaded to undertake the service, and visited the towns of Rhode Island and Connecticut to secure a supply. He was in a measure successful, collecting several tons of ammunition, either at this time, or later, when employed in a similar ser- vice by General Washington. The company of militia was raised and sent to Boston, and Capt. Gay received his com- mission as lieutenant-colonel Jan. 23, 1776, and that of colonel June 20, 1776. After General Washington's arrival at Cambridge, Colonel Gay was employed with his regiment to cover the party detached to fortify Dorchester Heights, and on the evacuation of Boston, he, with others, was ordered to march in and occupy the town. He remained with the army at Boston until his regiment, which belonged to Wadsworth's Brigade, was ordered to New York. Being ill at the time he passed two or three days in Farmington with his family, but went to New York to join his regi- ment before lie had recovered. He became worse, and died in New York Aug. 22, 1776. On his sword were engraved these words : "Freedom or Death." He was a true patriot, zealous, self-sacrificing, giving himself for his country. Before engaging in the war he had been active in every good work, both in church and society, and in his death was much lamented by the community.
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62. REV. JOHN SMALLEY, D.D., 1734-1820.
. Rev. John Smalley, D.D., son of Benjamin and Mary (Baker) Smalley, was born in Columbia, June 4, 1734. His father, an humble English weaver, who came to this country in early life, died while John was in college, and the latter decided to give up his studies, and assist in the support of the family left dependent, but he was advised to proceed with his studies, being assisted by Dr. Wheelock, with whom he prepared for college, and by others. He graduated at Yale College in 1756, with Dr. Chandler Robbins and Dr. Simeon Strong, and immediately entered upon the study of theology with Rev. Joseph Bellamy, D.D., of Bethlehem. The next year he was licensed by the Litchfield South Asso- ciation. In the autumn he came to New Britain, and preached for a few Sundays as " a probationer." He was ordained and installed over the church April 19, 1758, the day the church was first organized. He married, April 24, 1764, Sarah Garnsey, of Bethlehem. He soon won the con- fidence of the people, and also took a prominent position in the Hartford South Association, of which he became a member. Though naturally of a cold nature and severe disposition, his relations with the church and society were cordial, and his opinions, particularly on theological matters, had much weight.
He was a careful reader, a diligent student, and a deep thinker. In preparing his sermons he took pains to aim at a specific impression, and to lead his hearers to a thought- ful consideration of the truths which he deemed essen- tial. His sermons were logical, and dwelt much upon the doctrines which he proved by constant reference to the scriptures. In 1769 two of his sermons on "Natural and Moral Inability " were published, and soon after reprinted in London. In 1786 his two sermons on " Universal Salvation " appeared, and a year later one on "The Perfection of the Divine Law." These and a celebrated election sermon had a wide circulation. Two volumes of his sermons were pub- lished, one volume in 1805, and the other in 1814, and these
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contained the great efforts of his life. He was esteemed as one of the most eminent of New England divines, and wielded a commanding influence. His manner of delivery was not attractive. He preached by reading his written ser- mons, closely following the notes, with somewhat of a drawling utterance. He had no popular oratory, and he des- pised all tricks of art with a view to attract the attention of his audience.
In all matters he was scrupulously punctual, exceedingly vigilant, and ever watchful of the interests of his parish. During his pastorate of fifty-two years the church increased in numbers and in spirituality, and the whole community was stimulated in thought. In 1800 he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from the College of New Jersey. Sev- eral young men were educated by him, some of whom he trained for the ministry, and others, as Chief Justice Oliver Ellsworth, became eminent in civil affairs.
At the breaking out of the war of the revolution he was a pronounced royalist, and might have suffered from the excited feelings of some of his parishioners and other citizens of the town had not the wise judgment and pacific measures of Colonel Lee prevented the outbreak. Later in his minis- try his political views were somewhat modified. When he came to New Britain he had little or no property. He received as settlement £150, and a salary of £50 a year for three years, and then £60 annually, and twenty cords of wood each year. Soon after his ordination the town voted him twelve acres of land taken from the highway, and located on the west side of Main Street, between the present line of Myrtle Street and Dublin Hill. After his marriage he bought a place on East Street, which became his home for many years. He also bought lands in different parts of the society ; within three years he paid more than a thou- sand pounds for land, buying five different pieces in a single year. He had a farm which he managed well, and he became one of the wealthiest men in the parish. His dress when in public was usually of velvet, with knee buckles, silk
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hose, large shoe-buckles, and a three-cornered cocked hat, after the old English style. In the latter part of his life his home was at the Whittlesey place on East Main Street, which he bought in 1788. He died June 1, 1820.
CHILDREN. 1. Sarah, b. Feb. 22, 1765, d. May 5, 1770; 2. Mary, b. Dec. 20, 1766, m. Oct. 20, 1794, Rev. Isaac Porter of Granby, who had been a student with Dr. Smalley; 3. Anna, b. Feb. 24, 1768, m. Oct. 6, 1793, Roger Whittlesey; 4. Phebe, b. Sept. 7, 1770, d. same day; 5. Sarah, b. June 19, 1773, m. Oct. 22, 1792, Rev. Israel B. Woodward, and (2) in 1814, Simeon Lincoln; 6. Rebecca, b. Dec. 3, 1778, m. Oct. 15, 1804, David Whittlesey.
63. COL. GAD STANLEY, 1735-1815.
Gad, the youngest son of Thomas and Esther (Cowles) Stanley, was born March 21, 1735. He was a large farmer, inheriting a portion of his father's estate, and by energy and thrift adding to his inheritance. By his father's will, he was to have a house in New Cambridge (Bristol), to be built by his brothers, in consideration of their having the home- . stead ; but his brothers, Noah and Timothy, were married and had homes of their own in Stanley Quarter ; so he took the homestead, and after a few years built a larger and better house on the site of the old one. He married, Oct. 29, 1767, Mary Judd, daughter of John and Mary (Burnham) Judd, and granddaughter of Rev. William Burnham, the first pastor of the Great Swamp Church and Society.
By his intelligence and ability he was well fitted to be a leader in the parish, and he was appointed to various offices of trust and responsibility in the town. He was a representa- tive to the General Assembly, from Farmington, from 1778 to 1782, and from Berlin, from 1785 to 1804. He was active in securing the incorporation of Berlin as a distinct town, and was prominent in school and society affairs. He was a civil magistrate for many years, and one of the two wealthiest men in the parish.
He became interested in military affairs and was captain of the local militia. In the days preceding the revolutionary war, he warmly espoused the cause of the colonies, and was
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frequently appointed on committees for raising subscriptions, or attending to other matters relating to the interests of the colonies. When the war actually broke out, he entered the army with most of his military company. Important news relating to the movements of the British was brought to New Britain one Sunday afternoon during service. As soon as the benediction was pronounced, and before the congregation had time to go out, Captain Stanley stepped into the aisle near the pulpit and gave notice to his company to appear on parade before the meeting-house, the next morning. The announcement shocked Dr. Smalley, who was then a royalist, and he demanded of some of the company whether they would fight against their king.
Capt. Stanley was present at the battle of Long Island, and by his heroism and skill in covering the retreat of the American forces won the approbation of his superior officers. He was subsequently made colonel and retained the title during the remainder of his life. He died Jan. 10, 1815.
CHILDREN. 1. Esther, b. Sept. 21, 1768, m. William S. Judd ; 2. Amzi, b. Oct. 23, 1770, m. Lucy Webster ; 3. Mary, b. Aug. 2, 1772, m. Oliver Dewey ; 4. Abigail, b. Aug. 18, 1774, m. Stephen W. Cornwell; 5. Gad, b. Aug. 13, 1776, m. Chloe Andrews; 6. Phebe, b. Aug. 28, 1778, m. Thomas Stow; 7. Elizabeth, b. July 17, 1780, m. Seth J. North; 8. Anna, b. Jan. 15, 1783, m. Alvin North ; 9. Orin, b. Nov. 6, 1784, d. in infancy ; 10. Cyrus, b. July 29, 1787, m. Abigail Lee ; 11. Emily, b. Aug. 31, 1791, d. in infancy.
64. ELIJAH HART, 1735-1800.
Elijah, eldest son of Deacon Elijah Hart, was born Sept. 26, 1735. He married Sarah Gilbert, daughter of Ebenezer and Mercy (Cowles) Gilbert. He came from Kensington to New Britain with his parents, and with his father was one of the original members of the First Church. He first located. on the old road about half a mile south of his father's resi- dence; but later he built the large house on Kensington Street, near the brook. He had a large farm which was suc- cessfully cultivated in the family for many years. He provided a home for each of his three sons ; he gave his oldest son, Elijah, the south half of the house which he built on
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Kensington Street; Aaron had the first homestead of his father in Hart Quarter, and the father built for Ozias, the youngest son, the house on the west side of Kensington Street, next north of the bridge. This second Elijah Hart was deacon of the First Church for more than twenty years. He had a good voice and led the singing for several years. He was a man of strict habits and stern virtue, and especially careful in the observance of the Sabbath. It was his invari- able custom to have work on the farm laid aside by four o'clock Saturday afternoon, and have his face shaved, his boots brushed, and other preparation made for Sunday. He died Dec. 10, 1800.
CHILDREN. 1. Elijah, b. May 7, 1759, m. Dec. 21, 1780, Anna Andrews ; 2. Aaron, b. Oct. 16, 1761, m. March 4, 1790, Sarah Francis ; 3. Sarah, b. Feb. 21, 1765, m. March 3, 1785, Robert Cornwall ; 4. Ozias, b. Aug. 8, 1768, m. Sarah Lee ; 5. Selina, b. Aug. 30, 1770, m. Dec. 30, 1790, Solomon Churchill ; 6. Olive, b. 1775, m. Aug. 8, 1803, Seth Merrill.
65. BENJAMIN WRIGHT, 1737-1813.
Benjamin, son of Benjamin and Hannah (Holmes) Wright, was born at Stepney (Rocky Hill), Conn., July 25. 1737. He married Elizabeth Culver, and removed to New Britain in 1795, and bought a house and farm of Elisha Booth at the south end of East Street. He worked the farm during his lifetime. He was appointed a deacon of the First Church in 1801. Before he came to New Britain he had been in the military service and was a captain in a militia regiment in the war of the revolution. He was also deacon of the church in Rocky Hill. . He died Sept. 23, 1813.
CHILDREN. 1. Joseph, b. Oct. 7, 1779, m. Feb. 13, 1814, Dorothy Hart ; 2. Huldah, m. Isaac Jones; 3. Ruhamah, d. in infancy ; 4. Ruhamah, m. June 20, 1804, Eleazer Wheeler.
66. SAMUEL HART, 1738-1813.
Samuel Hart, Berlin, youngest child of Lieut. Samuel and Mary (Hooker) Hart, was born in Kensington, Jan. 21, 1738. He married, Oct. 10, 1757, Rebecca Norton, who died July 28, 1769, and he married (2) Oct. 4, 1770, Lydia, daughter of
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Capt. John Hinsdale. He lived on Hart or West Street, Berlin. Being the only son living to the age of twelve, he had been designed for a liberal profession. But at the age of thirteen, by the death of his father, he was left with the care of his mother and sisters. He gave up the project of going to college and devoted himself to providing for the family. Marrying at nineteen, at thirty-three he was left a widower with six children living. In a little more than a year, he married again, and had ten children by his second wife. With a large family of children, both he and his wife prac- ticed prudence and economy and labored continuously to provide for their children the comforts of life and the oppor- tunity for a good education. He was a great reader, and was accustomed, on the long winter evenings, to gather his wife and children around the ample fire-place, and read to them from such books as Milton, Thomson, Young, Locke, and Berkley. He was the first clerk and treasurer of the Congregational Church of Worthington, but his religious views not being in full accord with the greater part of the church, he withdrew. He was connected with the local military company, having the rank and title of captain. He also represented the town in the General Assembly and held other civil offices. He died Aug. 21, 1813.
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