USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Norfolk > History of Norfolk, Litchfield County, Connecticut, 1744-1900 > Part 52
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Matthew Ryan remanied in Norfolk. He was always at "the store." Charles M. Ryan, his son, a prosperous merchant, served two terms in the Connecticut Legislature. Both father and son were honorable business men. Matthew Ryan died August 23d, 1880, in the eightieth year of his age, the fifty-fourth of his resi- dence in the United States, and the forty-fifth of his residence in
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Norfolk. Charles M. Ryan died five days later, on the 28th of August, aged 48 years. They were both men of character and great worth."
The first child born in Colebrook, September, 1767, was a son of Samuel Rockwell, and in view of that fact he was named Alpha. There being no church in Colebrook at that time the infant was brought to Norfolk church and baptised by Mr. Robbins. Mr. Al- pha Rockwell died in middle life, leaving several children. One daughter, Caroline, lived in the family of Rev. Mr. Emerson, when pastor of the church here, and afterward married William Law- rence, adopted son of Esq. Joseph Battell. Mrs. Emerson was Eliza, daughter of Mr. Martin Rockwell of Colebrook. Another daughter of Alpha Rockwell, named Cornelia, was for a time a teacher here, and so much beloved was she by her scholars that at the urgent request of two of her pupils, their baby sister was named Cornelia Rockwell-Seymour, and she became the wife of Ralph I. Crissey. Cornelia Rockwell married Osmyn Baker of Am- herst, Mass., and died February, 1840, leaving a son, William Law- rence Baker,-"Billy Baker." He lived with William Lawrence here, and was killed in the war of the rebellion.
Colebrook was the last town in the state that was organized from the public and undivided lands.
Deacon Edward Gaylord was a resident in the South End dis- trict in the early history of the town. He was a soldier in the old French war, was a farmer, and lived south of the Stannard place. There was an open lot near his house where the South military company of the town at times had their trainings. He was chosen Deacon of the church here and held that office until his death in 1822, at the age of 78. Ira, a son of Dea. Edward Gaylord, lived on the road southwest from the Stannard place, and his father spent the last years of his life there, and died there. Dr. Orson Buell, formerly of Litchfield, for many years lived in the house last mentioned, and died there in the spring of 1900. He served in the army during the civil war.
Captain Henry Porter, a native of Colebrook, married a daugh- ter of Mr. Jeremiah W. Phelps; owned and occupied the Phelps farm, which Jeremiah and Jedediah Phelps owned during their entire lives. Capt. Porter was a prominent man in town, society and church affairs for many years. He died September, 1862, aged 75. His children were Lucius, who was a prominent factor in the organization and development of the Norfolk and New Brunswick Hosiery Company, residing most of his life in New Jersey.
Frederick E. in his early business life was a cabinet manu- facturer; later for a long period of years was the Superintendent of the Hosiery Company in this town. He represented the town in
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the Legislature, was a deacon in the Congregational Church for many years, and prominent in all town affairs. He died in June, 1899, aged 79. Another son of Capt. Porter, James, died when a young man. Janette, daughter of Capt. Porter, and wife of Egbert T. Butler,-a most noble Christian lady, died in November, 1862, at the age of 47, leaving a son, Egbert J., and a daughter, Hattie, who died at 24.
The Hawley family were numerous, prominent and influential in the northeast part of the town many decades since. Some of them were Samuel, Earl Percy, and Dea. Philo Hawley; the latter being an enterprising farmer, who kept a dairy of some fifty cows for many years; bought and shipped cheese to the Baltimore mar- ket; spent the last years of his life and died in the south. His son, Austin, succeeded his father on the farm; was an excellent citizen. His son John P., after being a merchant, hotel keeper, etc., became a thoroughly converted man; in middle life studied theology, and for many years was an able and successful minister. He died in 1898, having been pastor of the Congregational Church in New Hartford for several years.
Mr. Asa Dutton was for many years a successful farmer, living on the old Goshen road. He built thoroughly the fine farm-house which for half a century was the home of Mr. Austin Wooster, and where the latter died a few years since. Mr. Dutton's son George went west. John, the youngest son, died in a hospital in St. Louis, where he had been kindly cared for while sick by "the Sisters," and notice of his death was by them sent to his parents. A daughter, Thankful, married a Mr. Holt and lived in S. W. New York. Jane married and lived in Torrington.
"Mrs. Dutton was a genial, cheery woman. As Mr. Dutton grew old he became nervous and gloomy; said he could not carry on his farm and that his son Willard must come home and take it, which he did, the father deeding the farm to him. In a few months the son sold the farm, went to Iowa, and the old people, left without a home, spent their few last years with their daughter in Torring- ton." (Moral: never deed away your home.)
Joshua Nettleton in the early history of the town came here from Killingworth and settled in the east part of the town, in the Loon meadow district, where he spent his life, and died in 1824 at the age of 83. Of his four sons, Roger, the oldest, and Joshua, the youngest, settled in Ohio. Titus succeeded his father, and spent his life on the old homestead, and died in 1845, aged 75. Of the four sons of Titus Nettleton, Mark and Joseph died unmarried. George married a daughter of Lawrence Mills, but had no children. John married first Elizabeth, daughter of Wilcox Phelps. Their son, Joseph Phelps Nettleton, was a soldier in the 59th Massachu-
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setts Volunteers during the war of the rebellion. He died in 1897 at the age of 50, leaving one son.
John Nettleton married again Lucretia, daughter of Solomon Sacket of Sandisfield. Their two sons died in early childhood. Their daughter is the wife of George Holt. John Nettleton is living at the age of 86, with mind and memory unimpaired.
William, son of Joshua Nettleton, died in 1835, aged 59. He left two daughters: Margaret, for many years a well known teacher in this town, who married Mr. Rollin Beecher of Winsted, and died March, 1900. Desiah Nettleton was also for many years a teacher, and has been for years an inmate of a retreat at Hartford.
Samuel Knapp lived on the Canaan mountain road; was a most excellent citizen; married Lois Lake; died in 1841, aged 72. Their sons, Samuel died in July, 1835, and Hiram died in August of the same year, both young men, and in a few months Isaac, the remain- ing son, died, leaving their parents, old people, to be cared for by an only sister, Hannah, who married Solomon Goodwin of Litch- field. Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin tenderly cared for her parents during their declining years. They were all most excellent Christian peo- ple. Mr. Goodwin died in middle life; their children died in in- fancy, and Mrs. Goodwin was left alone in the world, no near rela- tive, and without means of support; but He who "tempers the wind to the shorn lamb" provided a refuge for her. In the home of Mr. and Mrs. Merrick G. Hall, and their son, of Great Barrington, Mass., very distant relatives, Mrs. Goodwin was given a home and tenderly cared for. She lived to the great age of 94 years, and died November, 1893.
"I have been young and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."
Jacob Spaulding, born in Plainfield, Conn., in December, 1733, came from Danbury and settled in the north part of the town in its early history. He was in the French war and was present at the taking of Quebec by General Wolfe. His two sons were in the Revolutionary army, and in addition he hired a man, paying him $8 per month through the war, and took care of his wife and two children. He collected one hundred and twenty cattle, five of them being his own contribution, and took them to the army. His house was a retreat for sick and wounded soldiers. Thirty men were sent to him to be kept for the winter, and in the spring twenty- eight of them went back to the army. He always went by the name of Ensign Spaulding. His sons Isaac and Daniel were born in this town, and lived in this town and New Marlboro. Isaac married Mercy Knapp. Their son, Isaac Jr., was a farmer and occupied the farm of his grandfather, Jacob Spaulding, in this town. He married Keturah Holt; died in 1832, aged 50; left no children. His widow married Dea. Dudley Norton.
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Daniel, son of Jacob Spaulding, married Esther Austin. Their son Austin was born July, 1784; he married Betsey Clark of Mid- dletown, Conn., and died November, 1818. Their sons were Fred- erick A., born June, 1810; Daniel R., born July, 1814, and Austin A., born February, 1819. Frederick A. Spaulding was a farmer, who spent his life in the northwest part of this town; married Mary Goodwin of Litchfield. They had two sons, Charles S. and John F., and six daughters.
Daniel R. Spaulding lived in Canaan. Austin A. Spaulding was for many years a man of some prominence in town and church af- fairs. He held at different times many of the town offices; repre- sented the town in the Legislature of 1852, was for several years Superintendent of the Sunday school of the Congregational Church, was interested and active in some of the manufacturing industries of the town, while carrying on his farm on the Goshen road, a mile south of the centre. He married Louise, daughter of Truman Hart. Their children were two daughters and two sons. William A. succeeds his father on the farm. Frederick S. was the originator of the "Norfolk Tower," which he edited and published for several years, until his early death in 1891, at the age of 36.
Edmund Ashley built for a tin-shop the small house now stand- ing next north from the Academy, placing the building out to the line if not upon the green. He failed in business, and Dea. Amos Pettibone bought the building, moved it back where it now stands and made it into a dwelling house.
Joseph Seaward, often mentioned among the first settlers of the town, lived near the present site of "The Hillhurst." He was cap- tain of the military company of the town, which was so large that in September, 1773, Col. John Williams ordered him as Captain, to divide the Norfolk militia into two companies,-the North and the South companies.
Mr. Joseph Hulburt about 1840 was a merchant tailor here, having his shop for some time over the store of J. & E. E. Ryan & Co. He was an active man in the organization and building the Methodist church. He built and occupied the house on the north road, toward Haystack, which he sold, when leaving town, to Mr. Nathaniel B. Stevens. This house is now the residence of Mr. Myron N. Clark.
August, 1885, Rev. John De Peu was hired to supply the pulpit of the Congregational Church, for one year, at a salary of $1,500.
May, 1886, a call was extended to him to settle as pastor of this church, and he was duly installed.
February, 1897, Rev. John De Peu tendered his resignation as pastor, having received a call to the First Church of Bridgeport, Conn., and "his resignation was accepted, with great regret, and
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with an expression of appreciation on the part of the Society of the earnestness, fidelity and success with which Mr. De Peu has la- bored among us during his entire pastorate, and in doing this we would recall not only his more immediate labors in connection with the church, but in all measures affecting the welfare of the com- munity, and particularly of the schools."
Rev. William F. Stearns, the present pastor, was installed October, 1897.
XXX.
MEMORIAL WINDOWS- METHODIST, CATHOLIC, EPISCOPAL AND BAPTIST CHURCHES.
The first mention of a church organ in this town is in the Society's records, November 4, 1822, when it was 'voted to appoint a committee to solicit subscriptions to purchase an organ now offered the society.' Roys records this event in these words: 'Church organ procured 1822.' Mr. Nor- man Riggs distinctly remembered the day the first organ was set up in the church. It was brought here by Mr. Abiram Mills, who formerly had lived in the South End district. Mr. Mills took Normon Riggs, then a boy between six and seven years old, into the meeting-house to hear the new organ, which was to the little boy a great event, that made a lasting impression upon his memory. Miss Irene Battell, afterward Mrs. Professor Larned, was the first organist in the town, and played this organ for many years, until her marriage, when she went to reside in New Haven, and was greatly missed from her place here.
In 1825 the Society's committee was authorized 'to re- move the pews each side of the organ and make slips in their stead for the convenience of the choir of singers, provided the expense to the society shall not exceed $12.'
The writer well remembers this old organ, which in size was not much, if any, larger than an ordinary cabinet- organ of the present time, but was about six feet high, and bad good, full, round organ tones. This first organ retained
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its place in the church until the winter of 1851-'52, being used only a part of the time after Mrs. Larned's marriage. Miss Mary Birge was organist for a time, and it was the small boys' great delight, as well as that of the whole con- gregation, when Mrs. Larned was in town, and took her old place at the organ, as she did occasionally.
Soon after the removal from town of Dea. Darius Phelps, who for many years had been teacher of the singing school, and a most efficient leader of the church choir, it was 'Voted to authorize Robbins Battell to dispose of the old organ and to purchase a new organ.' This was in May, 1852. At the same meeting it was 'Voted, to pay $500 to purchase a new organ.' The new organ then procured had been in use for a few years in an Episcopal Church in Pitts- field. In 1893 it was sold to the 'Church of the Immaculate Conception' in this town, and when it was set up in that church some one remarked that 'that organ has changed its religion three times.'
At a Society's meeting, Nov., 1852, it was "Voted, that the thanks of this Society be presented to Mr. Joseph Battell for his liberality in giving $200 toward the purchase of our organ, which cost $700."
Mr. Robbins Battell was the organist for several years after this organ was in place. The floor of the gallery had to be lowered and two of the seats cut out to make room for this second organ, which, compared with the old one, seemed a monster, and did efficient service for forty years.
In the year 1892, Miss Sarah B. Eldridge, the eldest daughter of Rev. Dr. Eldridge, made the very generous gift to the Congregational Church of this town of a fine Hook & Hastings organ, which was 'to be delivered and placed in the church next May.' During a part of June of 1892, ser- vices on Sunday were held in the chapel, 'on account of the work on the organ which is being put in by workmen from Hook and Hastings of Boston.' The organ gallery had to be again enlarged to receive this fine tone, powerful instru- ment, which has 808 pipes; 201 of them wood pipes and 607 metal, and twenty or more stops.
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At the annual meeting Nov. 7, 1892, the following resolu- tion was passed unanimously by a rising vote :- 'Whereas, Miss Sarah Eldridge has placed in the church and pre- sented to this Society a valuable Hook and Hastings organ, that greatly enriches the worship of the sanctuary; Re- solved, That there be placed in the minutes of this meeting a record of her generous gift, and that the thanks of this Society be tendered to Miss Eldridge for her thoughtful liberality.'
Some of the organists, in addition to those already named, who have done efficient service in the Congrega- tional Church, most of them for a number of years, are: Mr. George Brown, a native of this town; Miss Sarah Eldridge, Miss Isabella Eldridge, Mrs. Ellen Battell Stoeckel, Miss Clara Lawrence, Miss Sawin, and the pres- ent incumbent, Miss Fales.
MEMORIAL WINDOWS AND TABLETS.
After the death of Dr. Eldridge, in the spring of 1875, followed by the death of Mrs. Eldridge, June, 1878, it was the desire of the family to place in the church some suit- able, adequate memorial of their parents. Their decision was to place in the rear of the pulpit, side by side, two memorial windows, and a marble memorial tablet at the side of the window. In order to carry out this plan an en- tire remodelling of that part of the building was necessary. An extension of some six feet in depth was built upon the west end of the church, and the original arch the entire length of the building, which had been shut out by the changes in 1846, was restored, the old pulpit and platform entirely removed and a larger platform erected. To re- ceive and properly place these beautiful memorial win- dows, which were ordered and made at the Royal Glass Works at Munich, and cause the interior of the old church to harmonize with these windows, an entire change in the general appearance was made. Mr. J. Cleveland Cady of New York, the distinguished architect and writer, was
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consulted, and of his examination of the building, and of the changes that seemed necessary and were made, Mr. Cady has most kindly furnished the following account :-
"On an occasion many years ago when I was visiting the late Robbins Battell, he took me into the Congregational Church to see what could be done in regard to harmonizing some rich stained glass windows, which had been purchased in Europe, with the rather formal Colonial architecture of the church.
I was pleased with the quaint, pretty detail of the church, but surprised that its handsome columns and their capitals supported only the plainest and flattest of plaster ceilings. Mr curiosity was greatly excited, and I commenced an examination in the garret or loft, that led to the discovery that the church had originally a 'barrel ceiling' which the columns carried ;- that it was of a style entirely worthy and fitting the best portions of the church ;- and that the greater part of it was intact!
This discovery of a veritable 'antique' and one that would add so greatly to the beauty of the church was hailed with joy.
It was faintly remembered by some that 'the ceiling used to be different,'-that it was supposed by dropping down the ceiling 'and taking out all the frills' it would be easier to warm, which consid- eration at the period when modern heating apparatus was un- known and the church was indifferently warmed by stoves was no small matter.
Mr. Battell was quick to appreciate the value of the 'find,' and at once directed me to prepare plans for restoration of the ceiling to its former dignity.
This involved not merely the removal of the false ceiling, but the careful search for scraps and bits of mouldings and detail, the most of which had been destroyed, and which I desired to restore exactly according to the original. The work was at length accom- plished, to the delight of those who appreciated the beauties of the old building, and its historical value.
In regard to the memorial windows that have been mentioned, it was felt that they were somewhat rich to assimilate with the severe architecture of the church.
The restoration of the vaulted ceiling, however, was an aid, as it took from the plainness of the interior, and relieved the hard straight lines.
My solution of the problem was to build a screen against the wall back of the pulpit, whose columns, arches, and scroll work, while in architectural harmony with the general detail and style of the church, should give depth and richness about the new windows, and should in some degree dominate them. For this purpose the
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columns were especially serviceable. The panels on either side were filled with memorial tablets which gave detail and interest, each step of the elaboration making more reasonable the richness of the European windows and assimilating them to the interior.
The mahogany pulpit and fittings were designed in the ‘old style,' but with considerable elaboration of detail the better to har- monize with the new windows.
The aim in the whole 'renovation' was to be loyal to a fine his- toric old building, and not to spoil it by the intrusion of incongru- ous elements which in so many cases have completely ruined charming examples of Colonial work.
These buildings represent times and people that have long passed. Their ideas and taste, brought mainly from England, in the days of the Kings,-have no small degree of refinement, and a certain reserve that we associate with the lives and characters of those days. It is a very distinct type, deserving to be carefully and sacredly preserved."
These stained glass windows are most beautiful in every way: in design, in deep, rich coloring of the finest stained glass, and in workmanship are in the highest and most artistic style of the art. The inscription in the one upon the left, facing the pulpit, is:
"HE THAT TURNETH MANY TO RIGHTEOUSNESS SHALL SHINE AS THE STARS FOREVER AND EVER. -JOSEPH ELDRIDGE."
The inscription in the other :-
"HER CHILDREN ARISE UP AND CALL HER BLESSED. - SARAH BATTELL ELDRIDGE."
The inscription upon the marble memorial tablet at the left :-
"IN MEMORY OF REVEREND JOSEPH ELDRIDGE, D. D.,
FOR FORTY-TWO YEARS, FROM 1832 TO 1874, THE FAITHFUL PASTOR OF THIS CHURCH. A LONG, SUCCESSFUL, UNFALTERING WORK, FULL OF WISDOM, POWER, TRUTH AND LOVE. KNOW YE NOT THAT THERE IS A PRINCE AND A GREAT MAN FALLEN IN ISRAEL."
Upon the memorial tablet on the right of the window in memory of Rev Ralph Emerson, which was placed there
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by Mrs. Urania Battell Humphrey, in remembrance of him as her early pastor, is this inscription :-
"IN GRATEFUL MEMORY OF REVEREND RALPH EMERSON, D.D., PASTOR OF THIS CHURCH FROM 1816 TO 1829. PROFESSOR IN ANDOVER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY FOR TWENTY-FIVE YEARS. BORN IN HOLLIS, N. H., AUGUST 18, 1787. DIED AT ROCKPORT, ILL., MAY 20, 1863.
SEEK HIM THAT TURNETH THE SHADOW OF DEATH INTO THE MORNING. THE LORD IS HIS NAME."
When the church was built, soon after the death of Rev. Mr. Robbins, his daughter, Mrs. Sarah Battell, placed in the vestibule, over the center doors, a marble memorial tablet, bearing the inscription :-
"HIM THAT OVERCOMETH WILL I MAKE A PILLAR IN THE TEMPLE OF MY GOD. REV. AMMI RUHAMAH ROBBINS, FIRST PASTOR OF THIS CHURCH WAS REMOVED BY DEATH, SABBATH, THE 31ST DAY OF OCTOBER, 1813, AGED 73, AFTER A PASTORATE OF FIFTY-TWO YEARS. TO THE CHURCH AND CONGREGATION OF THIS HOUSE THIS MEMORIAL OF THEIR LATE WORTHY PASTOR IS MOST AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED."
This tablet remained in its original place until 1892, when it was placed in the front of the choir gallery, at the time a change was made, to receive the large, new organ, and there it remains.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The Methodist Episcopal Church in this town was organ- ized in 1840. The original members of the church were Captain Auren Tibbals, Sheldon Tibbals and his wife, Mrs. Janette Tibbals, Franklin Bramble and his wife, Mrs. Amanda Bramble, Russell Pendleton and his wife, Mrs. Alwina Pendleton, Anson Gaylord and his wife, Mrs. Al- meda Gaylord.
A large number of persons were at that time employed in the Woolen Factory, and several of them were members of the church at its organization, but not being permanent residents here their names have not been found. An un- fortunate neighborhood quarrel between two families, mem-
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bers of the Congregational Church here, brought three of the original members to enter into the organization of the Methodist Church, and to render material assistance in building their house of worship. The first Class Leader, who occupied that place for a number of years, was Mr. Russell Pendleton.
The first business meeting, where definite action was taken toward building a house of worship, where the Methodist Society was organized, was held at the house of Franklin Bramble,-the old grist-mill house,-December 8, 1840. A. Bushnell was chosen Moder- ator, Franklin Bramble, Clerk, and the following Board of Trustees of the Methodist Society was elected, viz: Auren Tibbals, Anson Gaylord, Sheldon Tibbals, Joseph W. Hurlbutt, Russell Pendleton, David Vail and Franklin Bramble.
It was voted, That we proceed to erect a house of public wor- ship for the use of said church soon as convenient. Auren Tibbals and Joseph W. Hurlbutt were made a committee to secure a site for the house. Auren Tibbals, Russell Pendleton and David Vail were chosen for the building committee, and Joseph W. Hurlbutt Treasurer and collector to solicit funds to build the house.
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