USA > Connecticut > Windham County > History of Windham County, Connecticut, Volume II, 1760-1880 > Part 36
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III. That those who belong to other churches and by letters dismissive and recommendatory offer themselves to join with us, shall prior to their admis- sion submit themselves to examination, and make profession to our personal satisfaction.
IV. That those who remove from a distance and reside among us to whose faith and profession we are strangers, shall remove their relation with us when desired, or by letters recommendatory certify their good and regular standing elsewhere-otherwise be denied the privilege of communion."
Deacons Sumner and Perrin, and Captain John Works, were ap- pointed a committee to assist in discipline. A very serious difficulty with a prominent church member was happily adjusted by an advisory council, but an erring sister was found guilty " of a breach of the eighth and ninth commandments," and debarred from church privileges.
After the close of the war the society was able to glaze the meeting- house, also to build the body of seats below, a breastwork and seats around the gallery, and provide hinges and bolts for the north door, and hang it. "Eight queristers " were installed in service with liberty to regulate the seating of the singers. An effort was made to do something for the more comfortable support of Mr. Judson. The prosperity of church and society was somewhat checked by the increas ing infirmity of their pastor, who was afflicted with a hypochondriac melancholy, that at times incapacitated him for public service. In 1791, the society voted not to have preaching for the summer, and to petition the Honorable Association of the County to supply the pulpit for the year ensuing. Two years later, Mr. Pond was solicited to prepare a memorial to the Association for their assistance in preach-
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ing, and a committee appointed "to hire preaching eleven Sabbaths, if there be money enough." The malady increasing upon him, Mr. Judson mistrusted his ability to serve his people efficiently, and again and again asked their advice and dismission. Many councils were called but none thought best to dissolve the pastoral relation. Church and people exercised much kindness and patience under this heavy trial and labored in every way to aid and cheer their despondent pastor. In 1798, voted that their reverend pastor shall at his request have liberty to ride for his health, and be absent for the term of one year, he giving up his salary during his absence-or return sooner if convenient. Samuel Sumner was chosen deacon in the room of Deacon Sumner, Esq., and Noah Paine, Samuel Sumner and James Trow- bridge, appointed in addition to the pastor "to attend and execute the watch and discipline of ye church." Noah Paine had been chosen deacon some years previous. Josiah Spalding, first clerk and treasurer of the society, was succeeded in 1795 by Alexander Work. Ezek Preston succeeded Abiel Simmons as collector of taxes. Mr. Judson with all his mental and bodily infirmities continued in charge till his death, November 15, 1804, and was aided in his later years by his son, John W. Judson, himself an invalid, and soon following his father. The society with its accustomed consideration voted "to continue Mr. Judson's salary to the bereaved widow." An effort was now made to raise a fund for the purpose of supporting the Gospel. The preaching of Mr. Allen was very satisfactory to the society but they were unable to retain him. Andrew T. Jndson, youngest son of the deceased pastor, served as clerk of the society, while pursuing legal studies. He after- wards settled in Canterbury. One of the first young men who went out from Eastford Parish was Solomon, son of Josiah Spalding, who was graduated from Dartmouth in 1785. He read law for a time with Zephaniah Swift, but experienced a change in his religions views which led him to turn his thoughts to the ministry. He preached for a time in Cherry Valley, New York, and then removed to Ohio. Failing in health, he amused himself by writing an imaginary narrative of the wanderings of the Children of Israel across Behring's Straits to America, which, after his decease, was borrowed by Joseph Smith, and is said to have served as a foundation for the Mormon Bible.
Westford Society, in 1783, consented to the dismission of Rev. Elisha Huntington, in consideration of his low state of bodily health and insufficient salary. After the usual interim he was succeeded by Mr. William Storrs of Mansfield, who accepted a hundred pounds paid in building materials, neat stock, sheep fatted, pork, butter and cheese in lieu of the customary farm. Mr. Storrs was ordained and installed November 10, 1790, and continued for many years to administer the
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ministerial office in Westford to the great satisfaction of all-"a man of peace," piety and wisdom, much respected in the community and ministerial association.
A Baptist church was formed in this parish "in the glorious year 1780," through the instinmentality to a great degree of Mr. John Rathburn, who had removed from Stonington to this vicinity, and was ordained as its pastor, March 15, 1781. A membership of fifty-four was reported by Backus in 1795.
The Knowlton church, after some bickering with its pastor, Elder Ebenezer Lamson, with regard to the office work of deacon, and the manner of supporting ministers, (the Elder maintaining the strict Scriptural view that the deacons should literally supply the table of the minister), consented to his peaceable dismission in November, 1782, recommending him to the churches as a faithful gospel preacher. But upon review and reconsideration it decided that it had contributed well towards his support and fulfilled its agreement, and as Elder Lamson maintained the contrary, the church now confessed that it had done wrong in giving him any recommendation and sent him and his wife "a gentle admonition." This affair led to mutual recriminations and councils, and doubtless hindered the church in securing another pastor. In 1786, both church and society united in choice of Mr. Robert Nesbet, and, as farther encouragement, made effort to finish their meeting-house and purchase a farm for the use of the minister. Zebulon Marcy, Samuel Brayton and Abraham Knowlton were appointed committee to lay ont pew ground. "Glazing the windows," delayed by the difficulty of obtaining glass during the war, was now ordered. Ebenezer Walker, Thomas Knowlton and James Weston were ordered to look out for a ministerial lot, and Abraham and Daniel Knowlton and Samnel Johnson, "to draft subscription paper for the purpose of purchasing a farm and making assessments,"-subscribers agreeing "to purchase a farm for the use and improvement of a gospel minister for and under the control of the Baptist church and society of Ashford, said farm not to be disposed of for any other use-avails of farm to be restored to heirs of purchasers if not used for that purpose." Some fifty persons assisted in this purchase, in sums ranging from one shilling to over thirty pounds, Abraham Knowlton contributing the largest amount. While making these arrangements a formal call was extended to Mr. Nesbet, October 8, 1787-Elnathan Brigham, Deacon Hanks and Thomas Knowlton, committee-but just at this juncture the church was called to labor respecting the former difficulties with Elder Lamson, and possibly on this account he thus curtly declined :-
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" To the First Baptist Church of Christ at Ashford, greeting. You was pleased to give me a call to the ministry, but upon serious serch, circum- stances on my part forbid it. Farewell.
From your bumble servant, ROBERT NESBET."
After some years' labor the church removed the admonition from their former pastor and proceeded, in 1791, "to take a deed of Mr. Benjamin Hanks of his farm in behalf of the church for the use of ministers." Elder Dyer Stark now manifested a freedom in adminis- tering special ordinances. September 12, 1793, Elder Stark was requested "to administer the ordinances of the gospel so long as he continues to reside amongst us." The society at the same time agreed to allow Elder Stark the improvement of the ministerial farm on which he then dwelt, so long as there was agreement between him and the church and society. It also voted, to admit new proprietors in the bettering the farm by fencing or walling. Elder Stark's ministry was blessed to the building up of the church which under previous broken administrations had made little advancement. A number of its members, viz. Deacons Knowlton and Hanks, and brethren Thomas Knowlton, Samuel Johnson, Elias Demick, Isaac Abbe, Moses Sibley, Azariah Hanks, John Utley, Jonathan and Abraham Weston and Chester Main, were allowed the improvement of their gifts in public prayer and exhortations. In 1798 the church was again destitute of a pastor and chiefly occupied in dealing with refractory members. In 1800, an effort was made to complete the unfinished meeting-house, a plat made and pew spots sold at auction, but ere the work was commenced the house was destroyed by fire, kindled it was suspected by a dissatisfied bidder. Elder Solomon Wheat had then been engaged to preach for a season, and stimulated by his presence the society promptly arranged to build a new house on the site of the old one, Stephen Eldridge agreeing to build and finish the same for the sum of $1,330. Previous bidders were allowed pews in similar locations in the new building, provided " they paid their bid." Failing to secure permission for a lottery, the lacking funds were made up by an assessment, and after so many years of delay and effort the "Knowlton meeting-house " was completed in 1802-a convenient and comfortable edifice for the times, with large, square pews and lofty, capacious pulpit. Provided with a satisfactory house for public worship, and a suitable home for its minister, the First Baptist Church in Ashford enjoyed a good degree of prosperity for many years, though its remote and inconvenient location was unfavorable to extended growth. Elder Wheat was succeeded in 1806, after a short interval of change and trial, by Frederic Wightman of Warwick, R. I. "The duty of all men to worship God," and distance from existing places of worship, led to the
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formation of other Baptist churches in Ashford during this period. A third Baptist church was organized within the limits of Eastford Parish, and Mr. Daniel Bolton ordained therein, June 27, 1792. Residents in Abington also united with this church, but owing to the rise of Methodisin and the vicinity of other Baptist churches, it did not gain a permanent standing. A membership of thirty-eight was reported in 1795. In 1801, they had become so weakened as to unite with the Second Baptist church of Woodstock as a branch, reserving the privilege of resuming their former independency if it should be expedient.
In the northeast corner of Ashford, known appropriately as Northford, seven men organized as a Baptist society, November 11, 1793, and pledged themselves to build a house of worship and support a religious teacher. "In the winter following the Lord put it into the hearts of his people to set up conference meetings," and upon relating to each other the wonderful dealings of God with their souls, and discussing the rules, order and discipline of a church of Christ, they found such "a good measure of harmony and agreement, as to encourage them to organize as a church." A council consisting of pastors and delegates from the three Ashford churches and the First Baptist of Woodstock convened for this purpose, November 5, 1794, but upon examination it was found that those who had called the council had neglected to obtain letters of dismission from the churches to which they belonged. But the brethren were not to be frustrated in their design. Six new converts came forward asking church privileges, were baptized that day by Elder Daniel Bolton, and with one brother who was furnished with a letter, "were recognized as the Fourth Baptist church of Ashford." The good brethren who had instituted this worship were soon added to their number, and Elder Bolton, retained as their pastor, also brought a letter from the church in Wilbraham, Mass. The meeting-house was used for public services, though not completed for several years. A sufficient support was provided for the pastor, who also wrought with his own hands that he might be less chargeable to the brethren. Though few in numbers and far remote from the busy world, this church enjoyed uncommon grace and harmony and exercised a most beneficial influence upon the community. Pastor and delegates were present at the organization of the Sturbridge Association and faithfully retained relation with that body. Ephraim Howard and Joseph Burly served successively as clerks, and also as deacons. Elder Bolton administered the pastorate till 1806, to the great acceptance of all, and his name adhered to the meeting-house long after his removal to distant fields.
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Methodism also gained adherents in Ashford. Early itinerants pass- ing over its convenient thoroughfares tarried to preach the word wherever they could find a hearing. Elder David Bolles, ever ready to fraternize with all good christians outside " the Standing Order," opened his house and heart to these zealous preachers. Soon they were allowed to hold meetings in the village school-house. Young Mr. Mumford, who had just started business in this vicinity, had his curiosity so excited by the stories brought back from Hartford by terrified town deputies of the disgraceful character and conduct of these Methodist invaders, that out of sport he dropped in to hear one, almost expecting to see a monster with hoof and horns. He saw instead a most graceful and eloquent young man whose fire and pathos took his fancy by storm, and made him through life a devoted champion of Methodism. In time he joined the society, helped build the first Methodist meeting-house, and by his zeal and influence proved a valuable acquisition to the Methodist ranks. Many young people in the vicinity of Eastford were awakened and converted under Methodist preaching, and gathered into a class and society. Stated preaching was held after a few years in a rough meeting-house built about 1800, it is believed, some two miles west of the village. David Bolles, Esq., Captain Mumford, Leonard Deane, Nathan Palmer, Jun., were among the attendants upon this worship.
Ashford like several of its neighbors had the excitement of a murder during this period with the accompanying search, trial and execution. Samuel Freeman, a dissolute colored man of mongrel blood, came up to Ashford from Rhode Island, and persuaded an Indian woman to live with him. Returning with her one evening from a low drinking-house, he took her life in a fit of drunken rage, and threw her into a dank pool, still known as Squaw Hollow. The crime was proved and Freeman hung at Windham Green, November 6, 1805, with all the usual formalities and more than the usual satisfac- tion, unalloyed as it was in this case by any disturbing doubts as to the justice of the penalty or by sentimental sympathy for the misera- ble criminal.
NOTE. The "Ashford Whipping " reported ante page 28, was probably in- flicted under Section 16, of the Act for the due Observation of the Sabbath, viz. :- " That whatsoever person shall be convicted of any profanation of the Lord's-day, or of any disturbance of any congregation allowed for the worship of God during the time of their assembling for or attending of such worship, and shall, being fined for such offence, neglect or refuse to pay the same, or to present estate for that purpose; the Court, Assistant or Justice before whom conviction is had, may sentence such offender to be whipt, not exceed- ing twenty stripes, respect being had to the nature and aggravation of the offence."
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VIII.
CANTERBURY BRIDGES. ENTERPRISING YOUNG MEN. MASTER ADAMS' SCHOOL. GENERAL TOWN AND CHURCH AFFAIRS. WESTMINSTER SOCIETY.
E VEN amid the burdens and engrossments of the war, Canterbury was compelled to expend money and labor upon her bridges, which weighed so heavily upon her selectmen that they addressed a letter to their neighbors in Norwich, in 1780, in which they lamented "the great and unequal expense which they and several towns labor under above other towns in the State, by being obliged to build and maintain many great bridges over large rivers," and requested a com- mittee of conference to consider some mode of relief. A committee was appointed but found no practicable remedy for the evil, and the town took its woes once more to the Assembly. Solomon Paine and Daniel Frost in behalf of the inhabitants of Canterbury, October 10, 1782, averred, that they were obliged to maintain a large number of bridges in said town, many of them across large and rapid streams, viz. :- one and a half over the Quinebang, four over Little River, six over Rowland's brook ; that the bridge over the Quinebaug known as Butts' Bridge was in the southeast part of the town, where it was of very little service to but few of the memorialists, but was of great utility and service to the public traveling from Boston to Norwich, and was now out of repair, and asked for a lottery of £250, to aid in this new enterprise. The Assembly granting this request, John Fitch, Daniel Frost, Dr. Welles, Deacon Asa Witter and Stephen Butts were chosen managers of the lottery. Captains Sherebiah Butts, Jabez Ensworth and John Adams were commissioned to have charge of the building, and a stout bridge supported by stone pillars was speedily constructed. The managers of the lottery were allowed to sell tickets for town orders, and to transfer all that were left on their hands to the selectmen. In 1788, the town was again called to join with Plainfield in rebuilding Nevins' Bridge. Among other town expenses recorded at about this date were payments for new sign-post and stocks, also for "keeping Sibbel - and dipping her sundry times," also for " salivating " sundry persons.
The usual changes were occurring. John Dyer, Esq., colonel of the Eleventh Regiment, judge of the Windham County Court, deputy at the General Assembly at times for forty years, "all which parts he sustained with unblemished correctness till impaired with age," de- parted this life February 25, 1779, in the eighty-seventh year of his age. "A man of sound judgment and unbiased integrity." Dr.
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Jabez Fitch, youngest son of Major James Fitch, having "for many years sustained with fidelity and honor the offices of justice of the Peace and Quorum, and judge of Probate," and also served as colonel of the Eleventh Regiment, died at an advanced age in 1784. Colonel Aaron Cleveland, so prominent in public affairs during the Revolution, was struck with palsy while yet in the prime of life, and after long and distressing sickness died in 1785. Deacon Asa Witter died suddenly in 1792, after being chosen town deputy and before the session of the Assembly. John Felch though advanced in years still served the town in many capacities. Captain Ephraim Lyon, Nathan Waldo, Eliashib Adams, Jabez Ensworth, David Baldwin, Benjamin and Asa Bacon, Captain John Adams, Daniel Frost, Captain Stephen Butts and other older men, were active and prominent in town affairs. Dr. Gideon Welles served acceptably as town clerk and treasurer. Dr. Jabez Fitch succeeded to the medical practice of his father. Dr. Walter Hough returned to Canterbury after the war, officiating as surgeon and sheriff. Dr. Jaireb Dyer engaged extensively in trade and medical practice.
Canterbury participated largely in that spirit of emulation and business enterprise that sprung into life with the Nation, and was especially distinguished by the great number of active and energetic young men, eager to make for themselves a career. Vieinity to Plainfield's excellent academy doubtless served as a stimulus to many of these young minds, furnishing them accessible facilities for fitting themselves for the higher walks of life. Many of the Canterbury youth availed themselves of this privilege, and of these a large proportion obtained a collegiate education. From Yale there were graduated in 1777, Ebenezer, son of Dr. Fitch, and Moses, son of Colonel Cleveland; in 1778, Asa Spalding : 1779, Elisha, grandson of Solomon Paine; 1793, Asa Bacon, Jun., William Pitt, son of Colonel Cleveland ; 1794, Aaron, son of William Kinney ; 1795, John, son of John Adams, and Rufus, son of Nathan Adams; 1797, Seth P., son of Rev. John Staples; 1803, John, son of Dr. Hough ; Hezekiah, son of Deacon Frost; 1804, Parker, son of John Adams. Cornelius Adams, deacon of the old Separate church, sent four sons to Yale, viz .: Thomas, graduated in 1800; Stedman, 1801 ; Cornelius, 1803 ; Daniel, 1806. From Dartmouth were graduated, 1785, Moses Bradford ; 1787, Eleazer Brown, Elihn Palmer; 1791, Ebenezer Woodward ; 1795, Luther Jewett Hebard : 1794, James Brown, who died in Canterbury the following year. William and Ebenezer Bradford were also graduated from Princeton.
Many of these young men went out into the world to fill distinguished positions. Ebenezer Fitch was the first president of 39
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Williams College, Asa Spalding one of Norwich's most brilliant and successful lawyers. Seth P. Staples won a high name among many legal competitors in New York city. Hongh, professor in Middlebury College, was greatly admired for eloquence and varied accomplish- ments. ITis classmate, Frost, entered the legal profession and achieved a good position in Windham. Maine. Parker Adams served usefully in the Episcopal ministry, and most of the Dartmonth graduates were honored as Congregational ministers .*
Fortunately for Canterbury some of these energetic and brilliant young men remained in their native town. Moses Cleveland opened a law office on his paternal homestead, and engaged with much spirit in public and military affairs. Rising rapidly through the subordinate grades, he was made general of the Fifth Brigade in 1796. Previous to this date he had been appointed agent of the Western Reserve Land Company and was very efficient and active in the settlement of northeastern Ohio, and in other important business enterprises. He was also very prominent as a Mason, holding the position of grand marshal of the Grand Lodge of Connectient. Though unable to give much attention to the practice of his profes- sion he could direct others, and many young men studied law in his office. His brother, William Pitt Cleveland, Asa Bacon, Jun. and Rufus Adams were among those students, and all for a time practiced law in Canterbury. Elisha Paine also opened a law office in his own honse in the south part of the town. John Adams after his gradua- tion commenced a select school in his own neighborhood in the North Society, and at once exhibited such uncommon aptitude in instruction and management as to draw a large number of pupils. Plainfield Academy was at this time suffering a temporary depression, which gave Canterbury an opportunity to establish a rival institution. In the spring of 1796. Master Adams was induced to remove his school to Canterbury Green, where it achieved immediate success and popularity, attracting pupils from all the adjacent towns and even from distant Woodstock and Thompson. Mr. Adams had in large measure the true teacher's art of calling out the best that was in his pupils and awakening their enthusiasm for school. studies and master. Combining sympathy and kindness with authority he won their most affectionate regard. He was especially noted for his kindness to indigent young men seeking education. Among those thus aided and encouraged was Rinaldo Burleigh of Ashford, who, in the face of great poverty and hardship, having lost his father in early childhood,
*There is strong reason for believing that a still carlier celebrity- Jonathan Carver, the distinguished traveler and explorer of the Northwest wilderness-was born in Canterbury.
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and his left arm a few years later, was struggling to fit himself for intellectual employment. Mr. Adams took him not only into his school but into his "very heart," enabling him to meet his expenses by assisting in teaching till he was qualified to enter college. No record of pupils has been preserved, but the number was evidently large. The sons of Cornelius Adams, Dr. Hongh, Deacon Frost, and many other young men, were here fitted for college. Lemuel Grosvenor, afterward a successful merchant in Boston, Bela P. Spalding of Brooklyn, William Larned of Thompson, were among the students. Canterbury was never more flourishing than during the continuance of this school. The presence of so many energetic young men made everything lively. Business and trade were active. Many stores were opened on Canterbury Green. Farmers found a ready market for all their produce. Dr. Dyer carried on a brisk trade with the West Indies, dealing largely in horses and cattle, and maintained an extensive establishment in the south part of the town. John Clarke, an eccentric Englishman with ample means and a patriarchal family, reported to have been engaged in the tea- overthrow at Boston, also occupied a fine farm in that vicinity. Joseph Moore of Long Island, purchased land and settled in Canterbury. Thomas Coit, one of Norwich's sterling citizens, after a brief sojourn in Scotland removed to Canterbury Green, and engaged in mercantile traffic. John Francis of Boston, after trying Scotland long enough to find a wife there, followed on to Canterbury. Alexander Gordon of Plainfield opened trade in Westminster and won a high position among the solid men of the town. Luther, son of David Paine, engaged in trade. Jedidiah, grandson of Obadiah Johnson, "kept tavern," engaged in trade and was active in military affairs. Abel Brewster opened a jeweler's store. William Lord engaged in the manufacture of hats. Isaac and Consider Morgan entered into partnership in 1804, and opened a very large assortment of dry goods, drugs, hardware and groceries in the First Society of Canterbury. Many new buildings were erected at about this date, and a wing added to the tavern which accommodated four or five business establishments. William Moore built a large house on the northeast corner of the crossings in the village, and there opened Canterbury's first post-office in 1803. The hall in the upper part of the tavern building was celebrated for its many popular gatherings, and especially as the place for Masonic demonstrations. Generals Putnam and Mcclellan, Colonels Gray and Grosvenor, Moses Cleveland and other leading men in the County, were early connected with the Masonic Lodge at Hartford. Upon petition of Colonels Gray and Grosvenor, Moriah Lodge was instituted at
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