USA > Connecticut > Windham County > History of Windham County, Connecticut, Volume II, 1760-1880 > Part 40
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
David Chase. John Kelly. Pearley Day, were captains and lientenants. The ample accommodations offered by the broad common on Killingly Hill. made it a favorite place for general trainings and other mili- tary parades, and the tavern kept by Captain Warren rivalled in popularity its famous predecessor. Taverns were also kept by Aaron Aruold, Thomas Medbury and Silas Hutchins.
The Middle Society of Killingly occupied a somewhat anomalous position, having little to do with the religions affairs of its inhabitants. Its stated church had virtually ceased to exist, its few remaining mem bers worshipping with other churches, and its meeting-honse used for town-meetings and secular purposes. The Baptist church within its limits experienced the usual vicissitudes and trials. In 1784, Elder Robinson was dismissed by his own request from his pastoral charge, and recommended to the Baptist church in Attleborough, " as a member in good standing with us, whose moral and christian character is good both as a preacher of the Gospel and member with us." Notwith- standing this recommendation, reports derogatory to his character were circulated and a root of bitterness was left in the church. In the following year the society reorganized, a number of persons* voluntarily agreeing to form themselves into a society, attend on divine service. contribute to the support of the Gospel and settle a Baptist minister to preach in this place. This movement was made needful by the efforts made to procure the sum promised Mr. Atkins in settlement. as unless they could certify to their attendance upon some place of worship, residents of the North Society would have been assessed for that object. Descendants of old families formerly active in supporting the established worship. and some new and substantial residents, were among the subscribers. Others belonged to the poorer class and some were residents of Rhode Island. The society. October 17, voted to buy a farm for a ministerial farm. A rude meeting-house had already been erected, but probably no farm had been procured, as Elder Robinson in his own name purchased an
* MEMBERS OF BAPTIST SOCIETY IN KILLINGLY. ON CHESTNUT HILL, OCTOBER 5. 1755 .- Caleb Colgrove. David Law, Eliphalet Corbin. Ebenezer Talbot. Josiah Brown. Jun., Seth Babbit. Ezekiel Mitchel. Nicholas Smith, Cornelius Walling, Obed Winsor, William Leach, William Harrington, George Law. Elisha Warner, Jared Talbot. Ezekiel Brown, Peter Cutler, James Lawrence, I-aac Cutler, JJun., Thomas Bickford. Gideon Burgess, Ezekiel Young. William Mitchel. Samuel Sparks. Benjamin Capron, Benjamin Talbot. Levi Aldrich. Zachery Brown, Chase Hix. Perley Whitmore. John Pike, Job Leach, Benjamin Whittemore, David Robinson, William Basto, Ezekiel Blackmar, Edward Babbit, Jun .. Nathan Bowen, John Herinton, Ephraim Fisk. Pelatiah Mason. Richard Tucker, Ebenezer Cond, Jonathan Herinton, Richard Bartlett. William Carder, Loren Carpenter, Benjamin Seamans, Thomas Burgess, Jeremiah Herinton, Benjamin Brown, Oliver Bowen. Benjamin Bateman, Edward Babbit. Sampson Covell, Jonathan Herinton, Daniel Covel, Ebenezer Leach, Wyman Cutler.
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AFFAIRS IN NORTH SOCIETY, ETC.
hundred acres of land of Robert Baxter, near Brown's, Moffat's and Mitchel's. David Lamb was procured the following spring to preach for a year, and was succeeded by John Cooper. The society voted, 1788, " that each man deliver his subscription at Ezekiel Blackmar's for John Cooper." Pelatiah Mason, David Law, Ephraim Fisk and Jona- than Herinton, Jun., were appointed a committee to meet the delin- quents :-
" March 10 .- Met to hear the report of the committee that was to consult with Mr. John Cooper to preach with us one year, and that was that Mr. Cooper told us his sircomstances, and that was, he was poor and needy; the committee was Pelatiah Mason and Ephraim Fisk. Voted, 1. That we will contribute to fix up the meeting-house; 2. That we will have Mr. Cooper to preach with us this year; 3. That what is wanted when all is signed that we will make it up £15."
While the society was thus taking the initiative, and providing for public worship, the church appears to have been inactive, and did not even maintain its seasons of communion. Robert Baxter who had served as its first deacon had removed to Pomfret, and prominent members had been aggrieved by the dismissal of Elder Robinson. After Mr. Cooper's year had elapsed, his place was filled by Elder Campbell, an irregular preacher or itinerant, who was acceptable to the church. A church meeting was held, July 11, 1789, when it was " proposed, 1. To see whether they was agreed to travel together. 2. To have the debates between Edward Babbit and Ephraim Fisk on the diffi- eulty about Elder Robinson." The difficulty with the brethren was satisfactorily settled, and the church resumed its efforts "to travel." Elder Campbell's preaching was very successful, a large number pro- fessed conversion and were baptized by him, but not admitted into the church, which indeed was not in condition to receive members, having lost its standing among sister churches by failing to maintain Gospel ordinances. The society in 1790, voted to subscribe for the support of Elder Campbell, and deputed Thomas Burgess and William Carder to provide a place for him to live in the ensuing year. The church proceeded with its endeavors to bring its members to penitence and confession, and at a meeting June 24, to learn "how each one stood as to the unitation we had begun, as to come round our Father's table once more if we can agree." Ezekiel Blackmar, Jonathan Herington and Ephraim Fisk were appointed to go to Elder Martin's, and see if we can regain our fellowship. The result of this effort is not clearly recorded. The church was censured, and according to one report " rejected " by the ministers representing the Association. Elder Campbell's proceedings in baptizing converts and administering the ordinances were severely rebuked, and he was dis-fellowshiped by a committee probably of Warren Association, after which it is said " the
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
church was restored and went on again-" It was sufficiently restored at least to grant letters of recommendation, and administer discipline, nor did it apparently lose its standing in following years though desti- tute of a stated pastor. This "Campbell split," as it was called, left injurious consequences. Most of his converts fell away and members of the church were alienated. Elder Moffat was employed to preach in 1791, after which there is no entry upon the records for several years.
In 1796, church and society again nnited in choice of Elder Peter Rogers of Hampton-whose preliminary labors proved so satisfactory that the three parties entered upon a formal covenant. Elder Rogers agreed upon his part :- " That he would remove his membership and unite with them ; that he will serve them in the Gospel, 1. By supply- ing as their pastor the pulpit. 2. By administering the ordinances of the Gospel among them as God shall enable him. 3. By visiting the sick in the church and society as duty may call : and 4. To watch for souls as those that must give an account ; and the church covenanting to receive him as their elder and pastor, give him fifteen pounds a year in money or equivalent articles, and labor to maintain a gospel union with him so far as they had light and grace-this covenant to be binding on both parties equally till it be violated or broken, the society assenting to the same, and agreeing to the stipulated salary." Notwithstanding this fair beginning, the pastorate was not happy. Discordant elements were at work. Deacon Herrington thought the church too hasty in settling Elder Rogers, and even the excellent Deacon Fisk* who had been one of the pillars of the church, became estranged for reasons not manifest, and was finally ent off from it. Another prominent brother was cut off for setting up and holding meetings in opposition to the fellowship of the church, and many others were disciplined or excommunicated for reasons of more or less importance. In the great majority of eases no restoration was effected, but the brother who was accused of carrying a bottle of rum to the house of a sister, and "insisting and persuading her to drink," acknowledged he was wrong and said he was sorry for it. It was agreed that no member should aet with the church who was not in full communion ; also, not to admit any person to attend our church meetings excepting brethren in good standing in fellowship, without toleration of the church. After the dismission of Deacon Fisk, it was voted to nominate a brother to serve as a deacon at the next church
* Deacon Fisk is especially memorable in Killingly as the father of that harmonious quartette of female infants whose names were suggested by the epithets that greeted their simultaneous advent-" Wonderful !" " Admira- ble ! ! " "REMARKABLE !!! " "STRANGE !! !! "
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TRIALS IN BAPTIST CHURCH, ETC.
meeting, and give the sisters an invitation to attend. Brother Chase Hicks was nominated to serve on trial. At the same meeting, Septem - ber, 1799, Elder Rogers and Nicholas Aldrich were requested to write a letter to the Association, and with other brethren represent the church. Notwithstanding its many trials and difficulties this church on Chestnut Hill maintained a good standing among other Baptist churches, and doubtless was the means of doing much good on this remote outpost, reaching a class who had no other religious privilege. Elder Rogers enjoyed a good repute as a preacher, and his meetings were attended by a goodly number of hearers. The meeting-house becoming unfit for use, a movement was made in 1802, "to form a constitution " for building a new one on land purchased of Captain Joseph Cady, which was successfully accomplished within a year or two by private effort and subscription. The society machinery so uncongenial with the Baptist polity had now fallen into disuse, the covenant made with Elder Rogers set aside, and after hiring him for two or three successive years he was peaceably dismissed in 1803, laboring for a time successfully in the adjoining country. "March 15, 1805, a few brothers and sisters on Chestnut Hill met at the house of Brother Levi Aldrich, in conference on our scattered and broken situa- tion, and felt ourselves under obligation to renew covenant and take up our cross and follow Christ in the pathway of duty." These brethren, viz. :- Deacon Herrington, Ebenezer Leach, Levi Aldrich, Sampson Covill, Abner Aldrich. Caleb Colegrove, Oliver Bowen, and eight sisters, continued to meet together and exercise discipline in some degree till they were again so fortunate as to nnite in a pastor.
The church in the South Society enjoyed a good degree of pros- perity and harmony. Upon the death of its beloved pastor, Rev. Eliphalet Wright, August 4, 1784, within six days of his decease it was voted :-
" 1. That it is the mind of this church to exert themselves in resettling the gospel ministry. 2. That for the future we will support the same by an equality according to our several estates. 3. That it is the desire and choice of this church that our brother Israel Day should take the charge of them as their pastor."
Mr. Day was ordained and installed in office, June 1, 1785. Rev. Ebenezer Bradford of Rowley, with whom he had studied theology, preached the sermon. Rev. John Cleveland of Ipswich, and Joshua Spalding, a son of the Killingly church, assisted in the services. Mr. Day's preaching was very satisfactory and forty persons were ere long added to the church. Deacon Spalding, Anthony Brown and Ezra Hutchins, were appointed a committee to take care of the church in relation to breaches of discipline, which was still administered with 43
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
exemplary strictness. Members were admonished for "going to law contrary to gospel rule." A colored sister excommunicated for indul- gence " in stealing and lying." The church was exercised many years by a very grievous difficulty between the pastor and Deacon Spalding, requiring the intervention of many councils and committees. Each was certain that he was in the right and very persistent. The deacon was at length led to perceive that he had been somewhat at fault and arising before sunrise went straight to the pastor and made acknowl- edgment. Mr. Day listened most benignantly. and graciously granted pardon, but made no counter confession. " Ah," said the wounded deacon, "I have brought a whole bullock to the sacrifice. Have you not as much as a turtle dove to lay upon the altar ?"
In this remote corner of Killingly innovation made slow progress and its residents long retained their primitive customs and character. The sturdy old Separates who laid the foundations of society were much opposed to worldly pomp and vanity and ruled their families with rod of iron, yet with all their strictness the world crept on. Sons and daughters of rigid priest and deacons would steal away from their beds at night to join in dance and frolic, and young ladies managed in some way to learn and follow the fashions of the period. A daughter of Deacon Spalding, married in 1785 to Joseph Gay of Thompson. "appeared out " on the Sunday following her marriage in a peach-colored silk most jauntily made, and hat and head-dress trimmed with the marvellous quantity of sixteen yards of white ribbon, while her husband walked by her side in smallclothes of white broadcloth. According to the custom of the congregation they took their place in the middle seat of the front gallery, and some time in the course of the service deliberately arose for inspection, turning slowly around and standing in different positions so that the whole effect of the costume might be exhibited. The young bride of Dr. Pennel Hutchins, who "appeared out" the following year, met a somewhat cold reception. The meeting-house was very cold and the light wedding dress unfitted for the season. The good minister's wife after the service invited the shivering bride to her warm fireside, but she was scarcely seated there when a sharp-faced good-wife ushered in three matrons. " You sit there, and you there. and you there," she promptly ordered : "and you, young woman, may sit back ; your fine clothes will keep you warm." With such exhibitions it is not to be wondered at that some of the brethren should be troubled with " wandering thoughts on the holy Sabbath." An aged church member so unfortunate as to lose his wife was forced to confess his infirmity to his pastor during intermission-" You preached a very good sermon to-day ; but right in the midst of it I could not help reckoning
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SOUTH KILLINGLY CHURCH AND TRAININGS, ETC.
up nineteen smart young widders within the limits of this ecclesi- astical society, and I've thought of another since I came here, and that makes twenty! Now what shall I do ?" Whether he was advised to lessen the number as speedily as possible is not reported.
The South Killingly settlement though but a mere hamlet, three or four houses and a shop clustering around the meeting-house, had a very imposing aspect in the eyes of that generation, and by common consent was dignified as " The City "-a name that clung to it for many years. Its one tavern was well patronized by the surrounding population, and its company trainings were carried on with more than ordinary spirit. An eye-witness* reports for us :-
" Nearly everybody attended them either as soldiers or spectators. The boys were often on the ground before a soldier made his appearauce. After the company was organized, the captain, escorted by two subaltern officers, with slow and measured step marched forward. We have seen presidents of the United States, Doctors of the Divinity and Law, yet sure are we that we have never felt such awe in the presence of any man as we have in looking upon a South Killingly militia captain. We used often to hear of Bona- parte's army, but thought it would stand but little chance in a contest with this company. Calling the roll was the first business. The sergeant read over the names in this wise-" Elam Howlet"-" Here!" " Abel Adams "- " Here !" " John Owens"-a solemn pause-" John Owens"-no response-
" Prick him," cried out the captain, whereupon a pin was inserted into the name of the delinquent. Our sympathies were often wrought to their highest pitch for the unfortunate absentee. The bottle was frequently passed during the military exercises. By night nearly half of both soldiers and spectators were more or less intoxicated. We claim there were good and substantial reasons for our youthful admiration for a fully-equipped military officer, especially a general. His russet-topped boots, long white stockings, short breeches with gold buckles, a ruffled shirt, a blue and crimson coat and vest, beautifully wrought with fine twist and linen of divers colors, with powdered hair and long quene hanging down behind ! His head surmounted by a hat somewhat in the shape of half the head of a hogshead and well nigh as large. Above this an enormous feather of brilliant colors was perched. He was placed astride an elegant and thoroughly disciplined horse apparently as proud as his rider. Can any one censure our admira- tion?"
Jacob Rood, captain of this admired company, was succeeded in 1803 by Samuel Sprague ; Isaac Day, lieutenant ; Simon Spalding, ensign. Shnbael Hutchins was at this time lieutenant-colonel com- mandant of the Twenty-first Regiment with which it was connected ; Rev. Israel Day, chaplain ; Daniel Kies, paymaster.
As business gravitated more and more to the centre of the town, the question of church removal was again agitated. Dr. Penuel Hutchins and other prominent residents of Central Killingly were active in this movement, and proposed that a new house of worship should be erected that would accommodate both sections. A majority of the church opposed the change, voting, May, 1797, "That all things and circumstances considered, the old meeting-house is the place
* Isaac T. Hutebins, Esq., Danielsonville, 1878.
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
where we onght to continue to meet for the worship of God." In July, however, a vote was obtained, "that it is the opinion of this church that it does not belong to us as a church to determine where our meeting-house ought to stand, but to the community at large who are at the expense of a meeting-house and support of the ministry." Under this vote a number of individuals proceeded to build a house in the western part of the middle society. The church was troubled and dissatisfied-" did not wish to be dictated to, or controlled by the congregation." and finally, August, 1798, refused " the request sent by the proprietors of the new meeting-house to have our pastor preach to them half the time." A new church was thereupon organized after some delay in the central society and the old South church left to pursue its way unmolested. The piety and strong character of Mr. Day gave him much influence over his people and brought them by degrees into conformity with the orthodox churches. In 1799 he was admitted into the Ministerial Association of Windham County. The church. two years later. virtually abjured its original Separatism by accepting Consociatiou with other county churches, and thenceforward maintained a respectable standing among them. the only Separate church in Windham County that achieved a permanent existence. A remarkable religious revival was then in progress, which added over sixty to the church membership. The first meeting of the Associa- tion at South Killingly was made especially memorable by the ordination of Thomas Williams of Brooklyn, late preceptor of Woodstock Academy, "as an evangelist to go ont as missionary." Doctors Benjamin Trumbull and Levi Hart, and Secretary Abel Flint appeared in behalf of the Missionary Society of Connectient. The Association resolved itself into an ordaining council, and after a satisfactory examination of the candidate. voted, " To consecrate him to the work of the Gospel ministry with reference to his laboring as a missionary in the new settlements in the United States of America." The solemnities were attended in the meeting-house, May 16. 1804. Secretary Flint made the opening prayer. Mr. King of Pomfret preached. Dr. Benedict offered the consecrating prayer. Dr. Hart gave the charge : Mr. Dow the right hand of fellowship. Mr. Lyman offered the concluding prayer. Mr. Williams labored for a time in New York. Rev. Israel Day had previously served as missionary in Vermont. Most of the Windham County ministers engaged for a time in missionary labors.
The meeting-house built in West Killingly, was probably occupied more or less from the date of its erection. Dr. Pennel Hutchins and Mr. Robert Howe gave the ample and eligible building lot. The few church members residing in the vicinity now decided to organize as a
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WEST KILLINGLY CHURCH, ETC.
distinct body, and summoned an ecclesiastic council which met at the house of Dr. Penuel Hutchins, August 25, 1801. Reverends Josiah Whitney, Joel Benedict, Israel Day, Elisha Atkins, were present. " After reading and approving confession of faith and articles of agreement, the council adjourned to the meeting-house to meet those about to confederate. Prayer was offered by Mr. Whitney. It was voted that the moderator, Mr. Whitney, after sermon from Mr. Bene- dict, should lead the confederated brethren to the confession of faith, the unbaptized to baptism, and the whole to the covenant, and then to acknowledge them a new church of Christ, and consociated with Christ's churches by fellowship and communion." Abigail, wife of Boaz Stearns, and Anna Kies, were baptized before signing the covenant. The other signers were Zadoc Spalding, Boaz Stearns, Zadoc Hutchins, James Danielson, Pennel Hutchins, Samuel Stearns, Shubael Hutchins, Mrs. Elizabeth Hutchins. Mrs. Mary Stearns, Mrs. Abigail Stearns, Mrs. Sarah L. Danielson, Mrs. Hannah Spalding- recognized as the church of West Killingly. This part of the town was yet but sparsely settled. General Danielson occupied the site and privileges which a hundred years before had been taken up by his name- sake. Dr. Hutchins, Boaz Stearns, Robert Howe, and one or two other families, were living in the vicinity of the new meeting-house. Blacksmithing was carried on by Mr. Howe. Captain Silas Hutchins' tavern was a place of popular resort for travelers and merrymakers. The church made but slow advances for several years. Its first pastor was Gordon Johnson of Farmington, ordained December 12, 1804. No deacons or other church officers are reported. The only additional members in eleven years were the pastor and four women.
In the great movement westward initiated during this period, Killingly was deeply interested. Not only did she send many valued citizens to the western wilds, but one of her own sons was largely instrumental in opening the Western territory to emigration and settlement. Dr. Manassah Cutler, Hamilton, Mass., a man of unusnal breadth and solidity of character, deeply interested in the develop- ment of the Nation, assisted in the organization of the Ohio Com- pany in 1786, served as one of its directors and counsellors, urged its claims before Congress, and by his forcible arguments and commanding influence aided very greatly in securing the purchase of one-and-a-half millions of land for the Ohio Company. and the famous Ordinance for the Government of the Territory northwest of the Ohio River. Emigrants were urged to take immediate possession. Dr. Cutler's son Ephraim, then residing with his aged grandfather in Killingly. acted as agent for the company, and prevailed upon some twenty. Windham County citizens to take shares in the purchase. Jervis, son of Dr.
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
Cutler, Captain Daniel Davis. Theophilus Larned and Samuel Felshaw, were with the party that left Hartford, January 1, 1788, under the direction of General Rufus Putnam, crossed the Alleghanies by the old Indian pathway, descended the Yonghiogheny by the boats they paused to build, landed at the mouth of the Muskingum, April 7, and there began the settlement of the township of Marietta and the future state of Ohio. They were followed when the spring opened by other men from the same vicinity, i. e .. Theophilus Knight, Benja- min Converse, John Leavens, George, Jeremiah and David Wilson, Aaron Clough and John Russell, who went out not as members of a company, but as one reports,* "on our own hook, according to our own roving disposition and desire to see the world. We had a team of four horses and a baggage wagon for clothes. farming tools and provision, and off we set and had a very merry journey through the country. Part of the way we had eleven of us in company, and sometimes we were as merry as people need to be. Sometimes we met with disagreeable things, bad luck, bad traveling, but upon the whole we did pretty well." They were just forty days upon their journey, landing at Marietta. May, 18, 1788. Mr. Knight witnessed many interesting scenes during his sojourn in the territory-the arrival of the first women and children, the funeral of the first white man, the organization of the first court, the celebration of the Fourth of July, when Dr. Cutler delivered the oration and all partook of a twenty-five pound pike, barbecued for the occasion, the magnificent parade at the funeral of Judge Varnum, escorted by the officers of the garrison and a company of United States troops, together with "old Revolutionary officers and Indian chiefs in abundance-a very long procession to travel in a forest "-and they also help build the first houses in Ohio. Most of his companions made their homes in the new country, but two after twenty months returned with him to Con- neetieut, " not thinking it was so much better than any other country, that it would pay a man for carrying a large family to such a wilderness, inhabited by savages and wild beasts of the forest." Their report and example had no apparent effect upon their fellow-townsmen. So many other families emigrated westward from Killingly and adjoining towns, that it seemed as if " New Connectieut " would drain the life blood of its namesake. Many of these Killingly settlers were strong, intelligent men who had great influence in moulding the institutions and character of Ohio. Ephraim Cutler who removed to Waterford in 1795, was a member of the convention that formed the State Con- stitution in 1802. Captain Perley Howe, who left Killingly at the
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