USA > Connecticut > New London County > Norwich > History of Norwich, Connecticut, from its settlement in 1660, to January 1845 > Part 14
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CHAPTER XXV.
Ministers. Rev. Dr. Lord. Rev. Dr. Strong.
DR. LORD preached his half-century sermon, Nov. 29, 1767, from II Peter, 1: 12-15. He was then seventy-four years of age, and in firm health and strength. He preached another interesting retrospec- tive discourse eleven years afterwards, on the sixty- first anniversary of his ordination. This was printed, and is entitled " The aged minister's solemn appeal to God, and serious address to his people." He preached also a sixty-fourth anniversary sermon in 1781, but it was not published. After this period infirmity came fast upon him. In his eighty-seventh year his eye-sight failed him, and he preached ever afterwards extemporaneously. He however continued to write his discourses, keeping his place upon the paper with his left hand, and though the lines could not be very straight, and the words frequently ran over each other, his grand daughter Caroline used to study it out, and then read it over slowly and repeatedly to him, until it was sufficiently imprinted on his men- ory to enable him to deliver it with fluency from the pulpit. It was observed by his people that the ser- mons thns preached, were some of his best ; for gener- ally Mr. Lord's style was diffuse and somewhat redu- plicative, but the difficulty of writing when he had become blind, led him to think longer and to condense his thoughts into as few words as possible. His rea-
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soning powers were even at this age very little impai- red, and to use the language of one of his most inti- mate friends, " his meekness, humility, philanthropy, and heavenly-mindedness, were apparently increased, and he seemed to
' Stand with his starry pinions on, Drest for the flight, and ready to be gone.'"
He resumed his pastoral labors, at intervals, and being assisted up the pulpit stairs, graced the public worship, with his venerable presence, by the side of his young associate, almost without interruption, until his death, which took place March 31, 1784, almost sixty-seven years after his ordination. He preached the last time, about six weeks before his death. His funeral sermon was delivered April 2d, by the Rev. James Cogswell, of Windham.
Di. Lord was a small man, and in his latter days stooped much, yet his appearance was pleasing and interesting. Though he lived to old age, his constitu- tion was far from robust, and in his early years he was subject to pain and disease. Age, therefore, personi- fied in him, looked still more aged, and no one could approach him without being struck with the reverend antiquity of his appearance. His intercourse with his people was like that of an affectionate father in his family. "I have lived, (said he,) in their hearts, and they in mine." In addition to a sickly frame, Dr. Lord had great trials in his family. His first wife, Ann Taylor, of Westfield, to whom he was married in 1720, was confined to the bed sixteen years, and eight years of that time was incapable of feeding herself. but these dispensations were all sanctified to this good man. He found time to perform well, all the regular duties of his office, and in the course of his life pub-
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lished twelve sermons, which were preached on spe- cial occasions. A part of his Diary, written in his old . age, was preserved by his colleague and successor, who to the day of his death, cherished a most affectionate veneration for his predecessor. On his eighty-first birth-day, Dr. Lord wrote in his Diary thus:
" It is a wonder to many and especially to myself, that there are any remains of the man and the minister at this advanced age, and that I am still able to preach with accept- ance to my numerous assembly. It is much that I have survived two former climacterics, in which many have died, and ministers not a few, and still more that I have lived to this greater climacteric, nine times nine. But the climax is at hand _ the certain crisis. Death has not gone by me, not to come upon me."
On his eighty-third birth-day he makes similar reflections, praying that his sensible failure in vigor and usefulness may be balanced by larger portions of the Divine presence. He alludes to his being the oldest preaching minister in the State, yet considers himself but a babe and dwarf in religion, in proportion to its high demands, and is confounded to think how low he is under such means of rising high. On a sub- sequent anniversary he writes thus :
" This day completes the eighty-fifth year of my age, from which to look back into early life, through all the sta- ges and various scenes thereof, makes the affecting retro- spect swell with the idea of a very long term. But what is this to the more affecting prospect of an eternity before me, infinitely larger than the largest circumference to the small- est point of time. Oh my soul, hast thou on the garment of salvation, both inherent and imputed righteousness, the one to qualify for heaven, the other to give the title ! art thou the subject of that effectual calling which is both the fruit and proof or evidence of election : "
In 1778, March 1Sth, the Rev. Joseph Strong was
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settled as a colleague with Dr. Lord, who was then eighty-four years of age. Mr. Strong was the son of the Rev. Nathan Strong of Coventry. By his mother's side, he was descended from the Williams' family, who were taken captives by the Indians at Deerfield, in the night of Feb. 28, 1704. The general circumstances of this tragedy are well known. The two little daughters of Mr. Williams who went into captivity with their father, were named Eunice and Esther. The former was never redeemed, but being adopted into the family of a chief, she became attached to the Indian manners and customs, refused to return to her relatives, embraced the Roman Catholic religion, and married a chief, named Roger Toroso, who resided at St. Johns, twenty miles from Montreal. Esther was ransomed and returned home with her father. She married the Rev. Mr. Meachum of Coventry, and one of her daughters became the wife of the Rev. Nathan Strong, who was ordained Pastor of a Second Congre- gational Church in Coventry, in 1745, and was the father of the Rev. Nathan Strong, D. D. of Hartford, and the Rev. Joseph Strong, D. D. of Norwich. At the ordination of the latter, the sermon was preached by his brother, and the charge given by his father .- The text was from Isaiah 52, 7. " How beautiful," &c. The scene was deeply affecting and impressive, particularly when the speaker turned to the young candidate and said :
" My dear brother,-I may now address you by that en- dearing epithet in all its senses. We received our being un- der God, from the same parents, were educated by the same nurturing kindness, have professed obedience to the same glorious Father in heaven, and this day introduces you a brother laborer in the Lord's vineyard. Very pleasant hast thou been unto me, my brother, and never was my pleasure greater in beholding thee, than on this day's solemnities.
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Long may your feet be beautiful on these mountains of Zion. The God of heaven bless and preserve thee."
Nor was the emotion of the audience less intense, when the father of the candidate, in solemn and affecting terms, where deep feeling contended with ministerial gravity, invested him with the priest's office, and addressing him as a dearly beloved son, charged him to take heed to the ministry which he had received, and to serve with his venerable col- league, " as a son with a father, as a Timothy with Paul the aged."
Mr. Strong married soon after his ordination, Mary, daughter of the Hon. Jabez Huntington.
At the time of his settlement, there were two seced- ing congregations in the society, considerably numer- ous, but they soon became extinct, and an uncommon degree of peace and unanimity existed in the society, during the whole of his prolonged ministry. He was distinguished for the benevolence of his disposition, and the fervency and solemnity of his prayers. In social intercourse, he exhibited the manners of the gentleman and the character of the christian. Many of the facts in these sketches owe their perpetuation to his reten- tive memory and rich flow of conversation.
Dr. Strong's pecuniary dealings with his people were uniformly marked by great generosity on his part. His salary was never raised above the stipulated sum of $114, except for a very few years, when an annual gratuity was added to it, on account of the high price of provisions. The financial arrangements at his settlement, throw some light on the currency of the day. The society agreed to give him £300 as a settle- ment, in three annual payments, of £100 each ; a salary of £100 per annum for the first three years, and
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after that term, £133 6s. 8 per annum. This was to be proportioned to wheat at 6s. per bushel; rye at 3s. 6; Indian corn at 3s. ; pork at 33d. per Ib., and the best grass fed beef at 40s. per cwt. To this salary was added twenty-five cords of wood annually, to be delivered at his door. The regulation of prices in these times of fluctuating currency, was a matter of no small perplexity. For the first payment of Mr. Strong's settlement, he received £1200 in bills of credit, as an equivalent for £100. In 1779, £2500 in bills was equal to 100, and in 1780, he received for his salary, £7200-72 to 1; being then the proportion between continental paper and silver moncy.
In 1829, Dr. Strong applied to the society to settle a colleague, wishing, as he said, to have the same sat- isfaction that his venerable predecessor had enjoyed towards the close of his life, in beholding the society harmoniously unite in settling a successor. That this object might be accomplished with less inconvenience to his people, he voluntarily proposed to relinquish his salary after the first year. The society acceded to his request. and the Rev. Comelius B. Everest was instal- led as his colleague the same year. Dr. Strong died Dec. 18, 1834, aged eighty-one-in the fifty-seventh year of his ministry. The Rev. Dr. Nott, of Franklin, his senior in age, and nearly his coeval in office, assist- ed at his interment, and since that event, seems to stand alone, the patriarch of the county. The minis- trics of Drs. Lord and Strong comprise one hundred and seventeen years, besides six years of joint service. This case is more extraordinary than even that of the Mayhews of Martha's Vineyard.
Mr. Everest was dismissed in April, 1836.
Rev. Hiram P. Arms installed as his successor, Aug. 3, 1836.
CHAPTER XXVI.
The Revolutionary Period.
THE first public act from which we gain any idea of the spirit of the citizens of Norwich, with regard to the great subjects pending between England and the col- onies, was on April 7, 1765. The Stamp Act had become a law, and it remained to be seen whether its operation could be enforced. The freemen were con- vened by the Town-clerk, and the question submitted by him, whether he should proceed in the duties of his office as heretofore, without using the stamps :- " Whereupon it was agreed unanimously, and voted in full town meeting, that the clerk shall proceed in his office as usual, and the town will save him harm- less from all damage that he may sustain thereby." Soon after this, the citizens scornfully refused to receive the stamps, and burned Ingersoll, the stamp distributor, in effigy, upon the high hill overlooking the plain. No bolder spirit was manifested in Boston than in Norwich.
March IS, 1767, the anniversary of the repeal of the Stamp Act was celebrated by a number of gentlemen under Liberty Tree, with great festivity. This tree was erected in the centre of the open plain ; was very lofty, decked with standards and appropriate devices,
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and crowned with a cap. A tent, or booth, was erect- ed under it, called the Pavilion. Here, almost daily, people assembled to hear the news, make speeches and encourage each other in the determination to resist all oppression.
Early in December of that year, the town received the famous Boston Circular from the selectmen, recom- mending the disuse of certain enumerated articles of British production. A town meeting was immediately convened to consider the subject, and a committee appointed to bring in a report, which was presented in less than half an hour, and an agreement entered into substantially the same as that of Boston, viz .- To dis- courage the use of tea, wines and spirituous liquors, china ware, superfluities of every kind, mourning appa- rel, and in general, all foreign manufactures. They recommended also the raising of sheep's wool, flax and hemp, and the establishing of domestic manufac- tures; and that the citizens should especially promote those new manufactures that had been set up among them of paper, stone and earthen ware. The report closes in this manner :-
" And it is strongly recommended to the worthy ladies of this town that for the future they would omit tea-drinking in the afternoon ; and to commission officers, to be moderate and frugal in their acknowledgments to their companies for making choice of them as their officers, which at this dis- tressing time will be more honorable than the usual lavish and extravagant entertainments heretofore given."-Voted unanimously Dec. 14, 1767, and ordered to be printed in the New London Gazette.
The names of the Committee bringing in this report, will show who were the leading patriots of the town at that time.
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Hon. Hezekiah Huntington,
Mr. Gershom Breed,
Hon. Jabez Huntington,
Mr. Jeremiah Kinsman,
Simon Tracy Esq.
Elisha Fitch Esq.
Capt. Richard Hide,
Col. Wm. Whiting,
Capt. Hugh Ledlic,
Eben'r. Hartshorn Esq.
Major John Durkie,
Capt. Jabez Perkins,
Mr. Isaac Tracy,
Dr. Daniel Lathrop.
It will be observed, that in this agreement there is an allusion to the infant manufactures of Norwich. It was the first town in the colony, and one of the first in New England, that commenced any regular manufac- turing establishments. Col. Christopher Leffingwell erected a Paper Mill in 1765, near Noman's acre. The Connecticut Gazette was first printed on paper from this factory, Dec. 12, 1766. If this was not the first paper manufactory established in the Colonies, it was certainly not far behind the first. Col. Leflingwell was one of the most enterprising citizens of that period. He encouraged and aided several artizans and mechan- ics to commence new kinds of business. Through his exertions a pottery for the making of stone and earthen ware was established, and the manufacture of pot and pearl ashes undertaken.
Extensive iron works were soon after established in the upper part of the town, by Elijah Backus Esq .; and a second forge was erected on the Yantic, three miles above that of Mr. Backus, by Mr. Nehemiah Huntington. Mechanics, such as carpenters, joiners, black-smiths, silver-smiths, shoe-makers, tailors, &c. were distributed in tolerably fair proportions, all over the town. There was one " Distiller of Geneva," and one " manufacturer of flower of mustar." Two taverns were kept upon the plain, by Joseph Peck and Aza- riah Lathrop, and between Bean Hill and the Land- ing, there were six retail shops, containing assortments
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of dry goods and groceries. Lawyers were more mi- merous than at present, the boundaries of land being less strictly defined, and the customs of society, as well as the dispositions of men, leaning more towards litigation. Three of the physicians and surgeons were eminent in their line, viz. Drs. Turner, Tracy and Perkins. In addition to these, there was in the Town Plot, " Dr. Jonathan Marsh, surgeon and bone-setter."
This man was one of the self-installed members of the faculty. Ile died soon afterwards, but his widow took another doctor into immediate partnership, and advertised that the business would be carried on as before, adding,-" she herself understands bone-set- ting."
In the summer of 1768 a stage coach was established between Norwich and Providence; leaving Lathrop's tavern every Wednesday morning, and forming a weekly line. This was the first public conveyance upon this ronte.
June 7, 1768, an entertainment was given at Peck's tavern, * adjoining Liberty Tree, to celebrate the elec- tion of Wilkes to Parliament. The principal citizens, both of town and landing assembled on this festive occasion. All the furniture of the table, such as plates, bowls, tureens, tumblers and napkins, were marked "No. 45." This was the famous number of the "North Briton," edited by Wilkes, which rendered him so obnoxious to the ministry. The Tree of Liberty was decked with new emblems, among which, and conspicuously surmounting the whole, was a flag em- blazoned with " No. 45, WILKES & LIBERTY."
In September of that year another festival was held at the same place, in mockery of the pompous proceed-
* This was in the long house on the Plain, owned by Bela Peck Esq., not occupied for a tavern since the revolution.
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ings of the Commissioners of Customs, appointed for the colonies by the British Ministry. These Commis- sioners had published a list of holidays to be observed by all persons in their employ, and among them was " September 8th," the anniversary of the date of their commission. The citizens of Norwich were resolved to make it a holiday also. At the conclusion of the banquet, toasts were drank, and at the end of every one was added,
"AND THE 8TH OF SEPTEMBER."
Thus : " The King and the Sth of September."
" Wilkes and Liberty and the Sth of September."
" The famous 92 and the 8th of September."
Songs were also sung with this chorus; nor did the assembly disperse without indignant speeches made against " British mis-government," and the disgrace of wearing a foreign yoke.
October 4. A town meeting was called to consider " the critical and alarming conjuncture of affairs." This was a full assembly, and all hearts were warm and unan- imous. There was no need of discussion or debate. The record of the meeting in the Town Book is in- scribed upon the margin with the word
"Liberty ! Liberty ! Liberty !"
three times repeated. This word alone shows the spirit that pervaded the assembly. They passed a vote of cordial approbation of the measures of the Bostoni- ans, saying-
" We consider the noble cause they are engaged in as the common cause of our country, and will unite both heart and hand in support thereof, against all enc- mies whatsoever." They also instructed their repre- sentatives, Joseph Tracy and Elisha Fitch, to use their influence at the approaching session of the legislature, to carry the following points :
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1. That the Colony Treasury accounts be settled.
2. That the true state of the Treasury be made known.
3. That the colonels have a special muster and review of their respective regiments.
4. That encouragement be given to manufactures.
5. That union with the neighboring colonies be promoted.
6. That the debates be open. January 29, 1770.
The margin of the public record is again emblazoned with LIBERTY ! LIBERTY ! The following is an extract from the resolutions then passed.
" We give this public testimony of our hearty and unani- mous approbation of the agreement the merchants have en- " tered into, to stop the importation of British goods ; we will frown upon all who endeavour to frustrate these good designs, and avoid all correspondence and dealings with those mer- chants who shall dare to violate these obligations."
They procceded to choose two diligent and dis- creet persons from each society, in addition to the Merchant's Committee, to make critical inspection into the conduct of all buyers and selleis of goods, who were to publish the names of those that should coun- teract the intent and meaning of the non-importation agreement, to the intent that such persons might be exposed to the odium and resentment of the people. They also recommend to the wealthy persons in town to enter into subscriptions for setting up and carrying on the making of nails, stocking-weaving, and other useful branches of manufacture, and every one in his respective sphere of action to encourage and promote industry and frugality.
In August, repeated meetings were convened for the same purpose; that is, to devise methods to support the non-importation agreement, which was the leading measure of the day. They declare their fixed opinion of the wisdom and importance of this measure ; - " that
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they will " spare no pains to give it a fixed and solid form, by following every breach thereof with the full weight of their indignation, and withholding all com- merce from any who dare to violate it ;"' and that they are " both grieved and incensed at the alarming conduct or New York in violating the same."
Elijah Backus, Esq., and Capt. Jedediah Hunting- ton were selected to represent the mercantile and landed interest, at a meeting proposed to be held in New Haven, the day after the college commencement, to resolve on measures to support this agreement.
Let it not be supposed that all this spirit evaporated in votes and public speeches; there is abundant evi- dence that the action was suited to the word, and not a threat returned void. The committees of inspection were exceedingly vigilant; the lady who continued to indulge in her cup of tea, or the gentleman in his glass of brandy, were obliged to do it by stealth. Any per- son who was found to have violated the agreement, had his name posted in hand-bills through the town, and published in the New London Gazette, a proceed- ing usually followed by insults, at least from the boys and populace. As the citizens were so strenuous upon this subject, it may be gratifying to curiosity to see a list of the articles specifically enumerated in the pledge not to " import, purchase, or use, if produced or man- ufactured out of North America."
Loaf sugar,
Wrought plate,
Snuff,
Gloves,
Mustard,
Shoes,
Starch,
Women's hats,
Malt Liquors,
Men's hats, except felts,
Linseed oil,
Muff's, tippets, and ermine,
Cheese,
Lawns and gauze,
Sewing silk,
Tea, Wine,
Women's and children's stays,
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Spiritous liquors,
Broadcloths above 9s. 6d. por yard,
Cordage,
Anchors,
Cambrics above 5s.
Sole leather,
Linens above 2s. 6d.
Deck nails,
Silks of all kinds except taffety,
Clocks,
Silk handkerchiefs,
Jeweller's ware,
Silk and cotton velvets,
Gold and silver buttons,
Gold and silver lace,
Thread lace,
All sorts of head-dress for wo- men, as caps, ribbons, flow- ers, feathers, and turbans.
As an example of the proceedings of the Committee, the case of Mr. Ebenezer Punderson may be cited. This person was a man of good manners and education, who kept a school upon the plain ; but whose name was posted through the town with the charge of hav- ing repeatedly drank tea, and being questioned about it, declared that he would continue to do so. He said, moreover, that Congress was an unlawful combination, and their petition to his majesty haughty, violent, and impertinent, and uttered other words indicating disre- gard of the Continental association. The Committee thereupon ordered " That no trade, commerce, deal- ings, or intercourse whatever be carried on with him, but that he ought to be held as unworthy the rights of freeman, and inimical to the liberties of his country." This had the desired effect. A public recantation was made by Punderson, who averred that he was sorry for what he had done, and would drink no more tea until the use should be fully approved in North America; moreover, that he would no more vilify Congress, nor do any thing against the liberties and privileges of America.
Great exertions were made about this time to estab- lish regular posts, and safe transportation lines through the colonies. Norwich was not behindhand in this business. In addition to the regular stage route to
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HISTORY OF NORWICH.
Providence, individuals were engaged to ride weekly to all the larger cities in the vicinity, conveying letters, papers, memorandums, and small bundles. No effect- ive system, however, was established in concert with other parts of the country, till May, 1774. At that time Mr. William Goddard, a distinguished printer, of Baltimore, arrived in town, being on a tour through the northern colonies to engage the friends of liberty to abolish " the illegal and oppressive parliamentary post office, and establish a provincial subscription post." Mr. Goddard held a conference with some of the citi- vens, who entered readily into his plans, and a regular weekly communication was forthwith established be- tween Norwich and Boston. Mr. Moses Cleveland, a trusty and active person, was engaged as the post, to leave Norwich on Thursday, reach Boston on Saturday, and start the next Monday for Norwich again. This was the first regular post between the two places.
The manufactures of the place were now becoming important. Stocking weaving, which had been intro- duced in 1771, under the patronage of Col. Lefling- well, was a considerable business. The first operator was William Russell ; afterward it was carried on by William Cox. At a later period it passed into other hands, and was continued in the town until 1825.
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