USA > Connecticut > Windham County > History of Windham County, Connecticut, Volume II, 1760-1880 > Part 29
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The declining years of Dr. Cogswell's life were embittered by other domestic bereavements and sorer trials and perplexities. His bur- dens were " more heavy as he was less able to bear them." Mrs.
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
Cogswell died in December, 1795, broken down by the death of her beloved daughter, Mrs. Governor Huntington,* whose honored hus- bandt soon followed them. His brother Joseph had died a year pre- ceding, and that gay and brilliant circle that had so long gathered around the family hearthstone passed suddenly away. Dr. Cogswell married in time one of his parishioners, Mrs. Irena Hebard, and amid inereas- ing opposition endeavored to discharge his pastoral duties. He was annoyed by the irrepressible activity of his neighbor, Mr. Waterman, who insisted upon preaching within the Scotland lines without asking permission, and the alarming prevalence of "Hopkinsianism " among the younger members of the County Association. This latter griev- ance was abated by the formation of the Windham Eastern Associa- tion, representing a milder type of theology, which was joined by Dr. Cogswell, and the Reverends Whitney, Lee, Staples, Putnam and Atkins. The great trial and affliction of Dr. Cogswell's later years was however a controversy with his people, one of those unhappy diffi- culties which often occurred when a minister's life was prolonged
* " Mrs. Huntington died June 4, 1794, in the 56th year of her age. She was a daughter of the Rev. Ebenezer Devotion of Windham, of an amiable disposition and condescending manners, she had many to lament her death-among other excellent parts of christian character her benefactions to the poor ought not to be forgotten. The number is not small of those who on such ground, 'rise up and call her blessed.'"-Norwich paper.
+ " GOVERNOR HUNTINGTON was descended from an ancient and respectable family in this State. He was son of Nathaniel Huntington, Esq., of Wind- ham; his childhood and youth were distinguished by indications of an excel- lent understanding and a taste for mental improvement. Without the advantage of a collegiate education or that assistance in professional studies which modern times have wisely encouraged, he acquired a competent knowledge of law and was early admitted to the bar, soon after which he settled in this town and in a few years became eminent in his profession. . . . In the year 1774, he was made an assistant judge in the Superior Court. In 1775, he was chosen into the Council, and in the same year elected a delegate to Congress. In 1779, he was made president of that honorable body and in 1780, re-chosen. In 1783, he was again a member of Congress. In 1784, he was chosen lieutenant-governor and appointed chief justice of the State. In 1786, he was elected governor, and was annually re-elected by the freemen with singular unanimity till his death.
The publie need not be informed of the usefulness of GOVERNOR HUNTING- TON, or the manner in which he discharged the duties of his various and .important offices, especially the last; the prosperity of the State during his administration and the present flourishing condition of its civil and military interests, are unequivocal testimonies of the wisdom and fidelity with which he presided.
As a professor of christianity, and an attendant on its institutions, he was exemplary and devont ; he manifested an unvarying faith in its doctrines and joyful hope in its promises amid the distresses of declining life till debility of mind and body produced by his last sickness rendered him incapable of social intercourse.
Under the influence of a charitable belief that he is removed to seenes of greater felicity in the world of light, every good citizen will devoutly wish that others not less eminent and useful may succeed; and that Connecticut may never want a man of equal worth to preside in her councils, guard her interests and diffuse prosperity through her towns."-Norwich paper.
Sam " Huntington
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CONTROVERSY BETWEEN PASTOR AND PEOPLE.
to unreasonable limits. " Length of days " was not desirable when a minister was settled for life. "A very ancient man, worn out with the infirmities and decays of nature,"-he could not preach to the acceptance of the congregation. The people refused to pay for what they did not like and the pastor declined to re- nounce his legal dues. In many similar cases a compromise was effected, but in Scotland this painful controversy went on for many years. The meetings of the Windham Eastern Association were mainly occupied with attempts to arrange matters between their venera- ble father and his rebellious parishioners. Doubtless there was obstinaey and ill-temper on both sides. The people were very willing to release their poor old pastor from his official duties, but declined to make provision for his support in that case, or to procure an assistant, and so with failing voice and faculties he continued to preach to a remnant of the congregation till his ministerial friends, " in their concern and tenderness for their aged and much loved father in the Gospel," addressed a letter to Dr. Mason F. Cogswell of Hartford, recommending him " to gratify his father's desire of spending his last days with his only surviving child, taking such measures to obtain compensation from his people as he might judge expedient." Dr. Cogswell complied with this suggestion and removed his father to a comfortable home in Hartford, and, "as the Scotland society was clearly under obligation to support the minister who had worn himself out in their service," he brought a suit for the recovery of damages. The society, greatly weakened by defection and dissension, was hard pressed to carry this onward, but authorized Captain Rudd and Jacob Burnap to apply to Mr. Calvin Goddard for advice. and decided to stand trial. Meanwhile an acceptable minister had been called, June 13, 1805, Mr. Cornelius Adams of Canterbury, with the promise of a hundred pounds annually and the use of parsonage so long as he should actually perform the duties of his office. In view of their trouble- some contest with Dr. Cogswell, to make assurance doubly sure, they farther voted, Sept. 12, "That if Mr. Adams accepts the call and be settled, it shall be on these terms : that said Adams shall have right at any time, on giving society six months' notice, to be honorably dis- missed, and the society giving six months' notice should be no further holden for his support." This important point being thoroughly settled. Mr. Adams was ordained Dee. 5, Reverends Andrew Lee. Abel Abbot, Elisha Atkins, Erastus Learned, William Ripley and Abiel Williams conducting the services. The church at the same time took a new departure from the practice of its aged incumbent by voting : "That for the future none should be required to own the covenant or permitted to do it, without having a right to come into fellowship, and being under
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
the watch and discipline of the church as members in full communion." The troublesome bell had again called for repairs. In 1804 the society authorized its committee to secure the deck of the steeple, and if there was not money enough on hand, to take the remainder of the money raised to procure preaching with. Now it was voted to repair, i. e., re- east, the bell. James Gray, James Carey, John Baker, Zeb. Tracy and Ebenezer Devotion were appointed a committee to get subscriptions to add to weight of bell and see that it was repaired. A land tax was voted for this purpose, but sufficient money being raised by subscription the tax was remitted. The new bell was not suspended without the customary casualties : a plank falling from the bell-deck broke the arm of Mr. Eleazer Huntington and struck the head of Mr. Jeduthan Spencer so that he died within a short time from the effects of the blow. Harassed by the protracted contest with Dr. Cogswell and repeated losses. the Scotland church and community were called to a great dis- appointment and affliction in the rapid decline of the young minister in whom they had so happily united. who died in less than a year from the day of his ordination, while the life of his venerable predecessor was still prolonged. Notwithstanding its embarrassments, lawsuits and heavy burdens, the society maintained its footing. Its farms and work- shops were prospering. Stephen Webb carried on an extensive shoe manufactory in the north part of the parish. Thomas Coit of Norwich sneceeded to the mercantile traffic carried on by Messrs. Ebenezer and Jonathan Devotion, offering the usual " variety of well-chosen goods," and receiving most kinds of country produce in payment. The parish found far greater favor in the eyes of Dr. Dwight than the mother town, everything therein wearing "the aspect of festivity, thrift, industry, sobriety and good order."
IV.
HAMPTON TOWNSHIP. DEATH OF REVEREND SAMUEL MOSELY. SETTLEMENT OF MR. WELD. PROSPERITY AND PRO- GRESS. GRENADIER COMPANY. GROW CHIURCII. DEACON BENJAMIN CHAPLIN.
THE Second Society of Windham, Canada Parish, long burthened by "its remoteness from the place of public convention " for negotiat- ing town affairs, resumed its efforts for independence soon after the close of the war, but was checked by opposition from Canterbury and Pomfret. In 1785 the society again voted to petition for town privileges, Colonel Mosely, as agent, represented to the Assembly " their remote and ditti- cult circumstances-ten and even fourteen miles from the seat of busi-
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HAMPTON TOWNSHIP, ETC.
ness, amounting at times to a total deprivation of those rights and privileges which God and nature have given them," and prayed that the extreme parts of Mansfield, Pomfret and Canterbury might be united with them in a distinct township, inhabitants of these sections joining in the request. The Assembly thereupon resolved "That the memorialists be made a distinct corporation, with power to transact their own prudential affairs, yet be and remain a part of Windham for the purpose of choosing representatives-first precinct meeting to be held first Monday in December, Captain James Stedman and Isaac Bennet giving warning of the same-but as this expedient did not abate the principal grievance and called out strong opposition, con- sideration of the matter was deferred till another session. The inhab- itants of Canada Parish thereupon redoubled their efforts, proenred the signatures of interested parties in the several towns, and by a happy chance managed at the autumn town meeting to secure a vote by one majority " not to oppose the memorial for said town." Upon news of this vote the Assembly speedily enacted :-
" That the inhabitants of the Second Society of Windham, and those of Pomfret, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Mansfield and First Society in Windham be constituted a town by the name of Hampton entitled to receive from the respective towns their share of school and other public monies, and should pay their part of the debts of said towns, and take upon them the charge and support of their part of the town poor. Oct. 2, 1786."
The bounds prescribed are identical with the present north, east and south bounds of the town, but on the west it extended to the Nachauge River, taking in a section now included in the town of Chaplin. Brooklyn yielded twelve hundred acres, a generous slice was taken from Mansfield and narrow strips from Canterbury and Pomfret.
The rejoicing inhabitants hastened to exercise their new privileges. Their first town meeting was held Nov. 13, 1786, Captain James Stedman serving as moderator. Thomas Stedman was chosen town elerk : Captain Stedman, Deacon Bennet, Jeduthan Rogers, select- men ; Andrew Durkee, Joseph Fuller, William Martin, Jun., constables ; Philip Pearl, Ebenezer Hovey, Josiah Kingsley, Silas Cleveland, Andrew Durkee, Amos Utley, Thomas Fuller, Colonel Mosely, com- mittee to act in conjunction with that appointed by the General Assembly to view the situation of the bridges in the old and new town- ships. This committee had been called out by a foreible remonstrance from Windham. The parent town, like Pharoah of old. had already repented that she " had let the people go." A second town meeting had been held, Colonel Dyer in the chair. Dyer, Larrabee, IIezekiah Bissel. Captain Swift and Jabez Clark had been directed to prepare a remonstranee, which was presented to the Assembly by Dyer and Larrabee, showing that " the vote had been obtained by divers accidents
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
and want of suitable warning and did not represent the wishes of the inhabitants : that the proposed division was unequal and unjust, and that certainly these inhabitants should not be set off without tak- ing with them a suitable proportion of bridges and other burdens." Elisha Lathrop. Samuel Chapman and Colonel William Danielson were accordingly commissioned to attend to the latter grievance. and in May, 1787, repaired to the Widow Carey's tavern and listened to statements laid before them by agents of both towns. They found "that three large bridges across the Shetucket had been affixt on Windham," at an annual expense of about £36. of which they decided Hampton should pay £10. Possibly the good cheer enjoyed under Bacchus' beaming countenance influenced the decision of the commissioners. which was exceedingly offensive to the inhabitants of the younger town, who straightway dispatched Isaac Bennet to inform the Assembly, " That the gentlemen did not vier the bridges, but trusted reports. and did not consider that Hampton had to maintain two long bridges over the Nachauge." Upon this consideration their annual payment was reduced one half.
A dispute concerning the division of the poor was happily settled by a committee from each town, nominated by their respective selectmen. Hampton then voted, " That the poor be kept by those persons who will keep them cheapest." A single man was accordingly " bid off" by Jonathan Hovey at five and nine-pence a week : an aged couple by Amos Utley for five shillings, and a poor widow woman taken by another bidder at two shillings.
Highways and schools received immediate attention. Philip Pearl, Thomas Fuller and Ebenezer Hovey were appointed a committee "to procure a deed of the trodden path that leads from Hampton to Scot- land where it crosseth individual lands." Nineteen highway districts were laid out, and arrangements made for building a new bridge over the Nachauge on the road from Hampton to Ashford. Eight school districts were reported containing 159 houses. The eighth district in the northwestern part of the town contained but ten houses. "and the lots known as Philips' and Chaplin's." The census return of 1790, ascribed to Hampton 1,332 whites. one slave-an excess of eight over the population of its new sister. Brooklyn. The greater part of its inhabitants were engaged in agriculture. Col. Mosely after the close of the war opened a store and engaged successfully in various business enterprises and public affairs. Capt. James Howard was early interested in manufactures, running grist, saw and fulling-mills in the valley that bore his name. Dr. John Brewster was widely known as a medical practitioner. Thomas, son of Capt. James Sted- man, opened a law office on Hampton Hill about 1790, occupying a
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DEATH OF REV. SAMUEL MOSELY, ETC.
house north of the meeting-house built for him by his uncle, and greatly distinguished himself in his profession. His honored father so prominent in town and military affairs died in 1788.
Society bounds were unaffected by the conferrence of town privi- leges. Canada ecclesiastic society bad no jurisdiction over the terri- tory annexed to it, but its inhabitants were left in their former society relations. A number of these citizens. i. e .. Phinehas, Timothy and John Clark, Ebenezer Hovey, Josiah Hammond. Jonathan Kingsbury, Aaron Goodell, Paul Holt, Lemuel Sparks. Uriah Mosely, Phinehas Ford, William Durkee and others-now represented that though con- neeted with the First ecclesiastic society of Mansfield, they lived within four miles of Hampton meeting-house. and that it was much more agreeable and convenient to attend meetings there than in Mansfield, and Hampton inhabitants were willing they should be annexed to them, and therefore prayed that all their persons and lands might be annexed to said society of Canada. and receive their proportion of school and other society money. Residents of Hampton still affixed to Windham's first society, i. e .. Benjamin Flint, Judah Buck, John Clark, Asa and Moses Wolcott, Roswell Bill, Hezekiah and Elijah Coburn, William Martin, William Marsh. Aaron, Jeremiah and Ebene- zer Clark, John Richardson, Luke Flint. John Ginnings-asked a similar privilege-being much nearer to Hampton meeting-house " with a better road to it, and as many of our families are numerous, it makes it difficult, and in some cases impossible, to get them to meeting on the Lord's day." These reasonable requests were promptly granted, and Hampton church and society strengthened by the addi- tion of these worthy families.
The Rev. Samnel Mosely still retained his pastoral charge over the church of Hampton, though now incapacitated from public service by increasing age and distressing bodily infirmities. He was confined to his bed many years with acute rheumatism and paralysis, suffering severe and often excruciating pain, and becoming almost wholly help- less. His christian principle and native force of character enabled him to bear this long confinement and suffering with remarkable patience and submission. He was cheered and sustained by the restored affection of his people, the friendly sympathy of ministerial brethren and the tender ministrations of dutiful children. His youngest daughter, Sarah, with her husband, Rev. Joseph Steward, a graduate of Dartmouth, " who had been unwell for several years and could not preach," was his constant attendant. His old friend and neighbor, Dr. Cogswell, reports him from time to time as " bear- ing his affliction with christian fortitude and heavenly mindedness," or "in much pain, longing to depart but not impatient," retaining his 31
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
faculties and " supporting the christian character well to the last." IIe died somewhat unexpectedly, July 26, 1791. in the eighty-third year of his age and fifty eighth of his pastorate. His funeral was attended with the usual formalities, all the neighboring ministers assisting in the services, and Dr. Cogswell preaching the sermon as the deceased had requested. Mr. Mosely left two sons and six daughters. Col. Mosely was now deacon of the church and much employed in public affairs. William Mosely had graduated from Yale College, and was established in legal practice at Hartford. Mary had married Rev. Joshua Paine now of Sturbridge. Hannah, Elizabeth, Ann and Abigail Mosely were married to respectable citizens of neighboring towns. Mrs. Steward and her husband remained for a time in Hamp- ton. Mr. Steward had frequently supplied the pulpit during Mr. Mosely's long confinement, and some efforts had been made to settle him as colleague pastor but his health would not admit. Meanwhile he had practiced in portrait-painting with very considerable success. A portrait of Capt. James Stedman executed after his decease was very satisfactory. Ile also painted likenesses of Mr. and Mrs. Ebene- zer Grosvenor of Pomfret, and other notable persons. Under his example and instruction, a deaf and dumb son of Dr. Brewster acquired very creditable proficiency in this art and followed it through life as his profession.
Various young ministers had officiated during Mr. Mosely's illness. Hendrick Dow of Ashford, had been much liked but was unprepared for settlement. Ebenezer Fitch of Canterbury, gained many suffrages but was engaged in opening an academy at Williamstown. Now that the pastorate was vacant, all happily united in choice of Ludovicus Wells of Braintree. The question of church platform was raised again after long suspension, and the following Rules of Discipline propounded :-
" I. That general rules for discipline are contained in the Word of God.
2. That the Scriptures should be considered as the platform by which the proceedings of a church should be regulated.
3. That there is a rule in Matthew, XVIII, 15, 16, 17, by which to procced with an offender whether he be pastor or a private brother.
4. That there is no positive precept in Scripture against a council in case of difficulty.
5. As there are cases sometimes occur in which the church and pastor do not unite in sentiment, we view it expedient that the difficulties be referred to a council mutually chosen. We will mention, however, an exception to which we believe a pastor might with propriety conform, viz. : When a church judge a man innocent whom the pastor supposeth deserves censure; we believe in this case he may not insist upon a council but consider the vote of the church decisive; and we believe it on this principle, that two guilty per- sons had better go with impunity than that one innocent person suffer.
The above articles were handed to the church by Mr. Weld, as containing in short his ideas of church discipline, and were agreed to and voted by the church with this addendum :
That we will not be confined either to Cambridge or Saybrook Platform for our rule of church discipline."
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SETTLEMENT OF MR. WELD, PROSPERITY AND PROGRESS.
Two hundred pounds having been accepted by Mr. Weld in lieu of a parsonage, and a suitable salary provided, he was ordained, October 17, 1792, and was ranked among the foremost of the Windham County ministry, " being especially noted for his skill in composing sermons." In 1796, a bell was procured through the instrumentality of Col. Mosely, and was ordered "to be rung at nine o'clock at night, at noon, and at eight o'clock Saturday nights; to be tolled for evening meetings and lectures, and to give the day of the month every even- ing." The office of deacon was now worthily tilled by Isaac Bennet, and our Revolutionary friend, Sergeant Abijah Fuller, one of those stalwart members of the church militant who could pray as zealously as he could fight.
With new minister, church platform, and local independence, Hampton pursued its way in much peace and prosperity. Its leading citizens were men of intelligence and public spirit, abreast with the times and ready to facilitate improvements. Farms were well tilled and good breeds of cattle imported. Large and commodious dwelling- honses were built upon Hampton Hill, and in other parts of the town. New bridges were built, and roads opened and improved. One of the first achievements of the town was a pound, ordered to be built with a stone wall for foundation, six feet high, four feet thick at the bottom and two feet at the top. Three feet from the ground it was bound by a tier of flat stones, and a similar tier upon the top, and finished with four sticks of hewed timber ten inches thick, linked together, with a good gate four feet wide. The erection of this structure was awarded to Amos Utley, who accomplished it in the most workmanlike and satisfactory manner. Philip Pearl was appointed an agent to prosecute those who harbor transient persons. The care of the town's poor required much consideration. It was voted in 1788, that the poor be bid off to be kept in sickness and health, those who keep them to have the benefit of all their labor; also, that the idea of the town is, that they who bid off the poor are to furnish them with all necessary spirits. As these poor people were mostly aged and ailing, the small sum bid for them was found inadequate to pay their doctor's bills, and so a special sum was allowed for this purpose. Abraham Ford, Royal Brewster, Samuel Spalding, Thomas Stedman, Jr., James Utley and others, bid off the doctoring of the poor for sums ranging from £2 16s. to $22. The bidder in some cases was to em- ploy what doctor he pleased ; in others, " the poor were to be gratified with their choice of a physician." A kindly spirit was manifested towards these unfortunates. Amos Ford was allowed five shillings at this late date " for fixing out his son in the time of the war." Cloth- ing and use of cow left by London Derry was generously "given to
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
Ginne." The unexpected return of Clement Neff after long captivity in Algiers excited much interest, and the immediate query " whether he was an inhabitant of Windham or Hampton." A notice appearing in the Windham Herald affixed him to the latter town and must have heightened the sensation caused by his re-appearance :-
" MARRIED, last week, in the Episcopalian form by Timothy Larrabee. Esq., Mr. CLEMENT NEFF of Hampton, to Miss PATIENCE DEAN of this town. N. B .- Mr. Neff has been a prisoner in Algiers 24 years, in 12 of which he never saw the sun. He is now in the youthful bloom of 65, and has lost an eye-his bride a blushing maid of 28."
Hampton's forebodings of future charges were justified by the event. Within four years of the reported wedding, Mrs. Patience Neff was under care of her selectmen.
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