USA > Connecticut > Windham County > History of Windham County, Connecticut, Volume II, 1760-1880 > Part 52
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69
This revival, so gracious and beneficial in its general results, was 56
442
HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
unhappily marred by the sectarian strife and bitterness unavoidable at a time when all these good people most firmly believed that every iota of their own doctrinal tenets was right and every opposite shade of belief heretical, and that it was their duty to use every possible en- deavor to convince their opponents of their errors. Ardent Metho- dists, aglow with revival fervor, could not speak gently of those who upon any ground would limit the freeness of salvation and the free- dom of the will. Self-denying Baptists, glorying in their obedience to the literal command and example of their Master, could not sit idly down and see precious young converts fail to follow that Divine exam- ple, and to receive what they deemed the only true baptism and com- munion. And the valiant leader of the Congregational forces, equally positive in his own convictions, returned their assaults with interest, and even carried the war into the enemy's country. Keen, witty, logical, eloquent, with all his resources at instant command, Mr. Dow was a most formidable antagonist, but fortunately for his opponents his audacity sometimes led him to acts of rashness which gave them the advantage. Such an act was his appearing upon the platform at the first camp-meeting in Windham County, where hundreds of zealous Methodists were preaching, praying, exhorting, singing and shouting after their peculiar fashion, and when asked to speak, boldly denonne- ing in most straightforward terms their whole method of procedure. Young people of his own congregation, timidly questioning the valid- ity of their baptismal sprinkling in infancy, and humbly seeking clearer light and evidence, were little helped by a discourse upon "vain jangling" and the keen home thrust, "Have not some of you been jangling about your baptism ?" Though so staunch an advocate of sprinkling, Mr. Dow of course consented to immerse any candidate not previously baptized in infancy. On one such occasion a great crowd had gathered, including many Baptists, curious to witness an immersion performed by such an uncompromising believer in sprink- ling, and as the two came up together out of the water they broke ont spontaneously into their usual triumphant song :-
" How happy are they Who their Saviour obey,"-
"Stop, stop !" said Mr. Dow, " there's another subject !"-and taking a little girl who stood by from the hands of her parents, he dipped the flowing water and touched the brow of the child, repeating the formula of baptism. "Now," he remarked to the astonished specta- tors, " you can go on with your hymn,"-but the zeal of the discom- fited Baptists was thoroughly quenched.
Wrong-doers in his own congregation found little mercy from the ont-spoken pastor. Young people who had attended a dance or
443
THE GREAT REVIVAL, ETC.
merry-making would be greeted the following Sabbath with the ex- pressive query-" How long ye simple ones will ye love simplicity ?" A house-warming frolic in which some of the most prominent men in the congregation had been led to great excesses, called ont a most scathing rebuke from the words-" Who hath woe ? who hath sorrow ? who hath contentions ? who hath babbling ?" &e .- the first temperance sermon ever delivered in Thompson. Answering the objection that some could not live without the use of liquor, he thundered ont in his most emphatic manner-" Well, die then ! better die sober than live drunk ! Better die now and die sober, die penitent, than die ten years hence and lose your souls !"
Mr. Dow's peculiar characteristics were sometimes unpleasantly manifested on funeral occasions. Believing only in imputed or en - grafted righteousness, he gave small praise to natural graces. "Ho, ye who ride upon white asses!" furnished the text for discourse upon the death of General Washington, in which he pronounced judgment upon that great and good man with all the freedom and plainness of Isaiah or Jeremiah. Still less complimentary was a sermon preached at the funeral of one of his most prominent parishioners, who had done more than any one in the society for its temporal prosperity, but was not a member of the church. " A wise man's eyes are in his head, but the fool walketh in darkness," afforded little comfort to mourning friends. With such a strongly-marked character, great natural ability and clear conviction of duty, Mr. Dow made a very strong impression upon the community, and even those who disliked his doctrines and preaching were forced to acknowledge him as a power. His own people while sometimes wincing under his darts, regarded him with great pride and affection, and he was still looked upon as in a certain sense minister of the town, remote residents craving his services at wed- dings and funerals. Explicit " Articles of Faith and Covenant " were adopted by the church in 1818. Deacons Aaron and Moses Bixby were now in active service, whose venerable figures seated beneath the lofty pulpit inspired the deepest reverence in youthful minds. The children supposed that their appropriate names belonged to them ex- officio ; that all deacons were called Moses and Aaron.
The Baptist church continned to increase in numbers, order and sta- bility. Elder Crosby was a strict disciplinarian and less democratic in his views of church administration than was common among Baptists at that date. This was shown by approval of a standing committee, disapproval of women's preaching, and consenting that the amount needful for his support should be raised by an "everedge " upon each member which differed only in name from the obnoxious rate-bill of the standing order. "A Rule for the Management of its Temporal Con-
444
HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
cerns" was adopted by the church in 1818, which provided, "That all Delegated power in things of a temporal concern shall be vested in the Deacons except in such things as the church shall think proper to add other brethren." It was to be the duty of the Deacons "to make ont the Everage Bill," lay it before the church for ratification, receive payment, warn and report delinquents, and if any should neglect to pay within a month of the time specified, church fellowship would be withheld till satisfaction was given. Thomas Day and Stephen Crosby were the mueh-esteemed deacons, entrusted with such momentous duties. Dishonest dealing, intemperance, family conten- tions, and giving away to passion, were among the offences rebuked
by formal letter and admonition. During the absence of Elder Crosby the church allowed a zealous sister from Vermont to occupy the pulpit, but the pastor on his return "whipt us smart* for hear ing a woman," and lamented that "grievous wolves" should have been allowed entrance to his flock. In 1819, Elder Crosby, having decided to follow his children to Fredonia, New York, resigned his charge, to the great grief of his people. Three hundred and fifty-four had been added to the church during his ministry. His immediate successor was Elder John Nichols of West Thompson, received into the fellowship of the Baptist church and ministry in presence of a large and attentive assembly, May 19, 1819.
VIII.
THE REVIVAL IN POMFRET. BUSINESS AFFAIRS. MORAL AND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES. GENERAL PROGRESS.
THE religious revival of 1813-14, extended to Pomfret, " that 4 worthy character, Elder James Grow, being exercised with the tenderest feelings of regard and concern" for the spiritual welfare of his flock, and his unwearied "exertions productive of much good." Many were converted and united with his church, which in time was able to erect a house of worship on Pomfret street. Very great, religious interest was excited in Pomfret Factory village and down the Quinebang valley. Most impressive and awakening meetings were held in the Brick and Gary school-houses. The Methodists were very active in this vicinity, holding meetings in the Perrin Honse and other private dwellings. Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Bugbee, Noah Perrin, Mrs. Lucy Perrin Gary, had long been known as prominent leaders and ex-
* Diary of Joseph Joslin.
445
THE REVIVAL IN POMFRET, BUSINESS AFFAIRS, ETC.
horters. A nephew, brought up by the latter, George Gary, was con- verted at the age of seventeen, and almost immediately began preaching with remarkable power and efficiency. The first Methodist camp- meeting in Windham County, was held in Perrin's Grove, in 1808. Throngs came from all parts of the country and great excitement pre- vailed. The presence and avowed disapproval of Rev. Daniel Dow added to the commotion, and he was tauntingly reminded that as ac- cording to his theory the camp meeting had been divinely fore-ordained he should not presume to find fault with it.
The affairs of the Pomfret Manufacturing Company were most effi- ciently administered by Mr. Smith Wilkinson. Wild land in the vicinity of the Factory was bought and brought under cultivation. Population increased steadily, respectable families moving to the village to find work for their children. The old Cargill grist-mill was still kept busily at work, and the Cargill tavern was kept up under Malachi Green and other landlords. The old gin distillery was turned to better uses, and a neat brick school-house built in 1812, adorned a sightly eminence east side the river. A new road was laid out to the Brick Factory intersecting with the Woodstock and Thomp- son Turnpike, facilitating travel and trade with both those towns. A road was also cut through the woods over Park's Hill in 1818, and the previous road pitching down to Bundy's mills discontinued. Other roads were altered and improved leading to Pomfret and Killingly, Mr. Wilkinson helping them on with landand labor. The financial affairs of the Company were very flourishing. Yarn was sent ont for weaving all over the country even as far as Brimfield, Mass. A dividend of $36,000 was made in one of the years of war, and so well established was the company that it was able to continue work during the succeeding embarrassments. Mr. Wilkinson was a strict disciplinarian, and looked carefully after the morals of the community. At his especial request the Windham Association furnished " religious instruction " at stated intervals, hold- ing meetings in the Brick school-house. A Pomfret Woolen Manufac- turing Company was incorporated in 1817, and erected buildings upon the Mashamoquet, but it suffered severely from the great flood the following year, and other causes, and disbanded after a time with pecuniary loss to its associates. Bridges and dams at Pomfret Factory and Bundy's mills were carried away by that most destruc- tive freshet, which inflicted great damage upon all the manufacturing corporations of the country.
In general town affairs there was little deserving record. The town opposed the war vigorously, but did its part towards maintaining it, sending skillful surgeons to the regular army and lively militia
446
HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
companies to the relief of New London and Stonington. Its influence in State and County was strengthened by the public spirit and intelli- gence of its prominent men-Judge Thomas and General Lemmel Grosvenor, Sylvanus Backus, John Holbrook, Lemuel Ingalls, Doctors Hubbard and Hall, and other men of weight and character who occupied less conspicuous positions. Sylvanus Backns served for many years as speaker of the House of Representatives at home, and was elected representative to Congress in 1817. Ebenezer, son of General Lemuel Grosvenor, was graduated from Yale in 1807, and after completing legal studies also settled in Pomfret-a man of much culture and ability, giving promise of future eminence. Dr. Hub- bard's surgical skill was becoming widely noted, attracting many students, who followed him on horseback on his daily rounds, striving to keep pace with his swiftly running sulky, and thinking themselves most favored if they could ride a few moments by his side, catch his oracular opinions and enjoy his humorous anecdotes. Other young men were studying law with Esquire Backus. Probate and post-offices enjoyed abundant patronage. A flourishing business was carried on by Charles L. Webb. Dr. Darius Hutchins and Samuel Lyon engaged in trade in Abington Society. Several other stores were supported in town, together with three fulling-mills and clothier's works, two card- ing-machines, three small distilleries, four grain mills and six tanneries. The Killingly and Pomfret Turnpike was discontinued after a time and the bridge built for its accommodation removed. The great flood of 1817, compelled the erection of new bridges at Pomfret Factory. One of Pomfret's casualties was a raid of thieves, stealing clothing from Deacon Payson and others. Ten dollars was allowed by the town, expended in horse ride and pursuit.
Rev. Aaron Putnam, second pastor of Pomfret's first church, died in 1813, and was buried with all the accustomed solenmities, ministers serving as pall bearers. The pastorate of Rev. Asa King was har- monions and fruitful. The prayer and conference meetings quietly introduced by him were greatly blessed to spiritnal quiekening and growth. A special revival season was enjoyed in 1808, when seventy members were added to the church. A most radical and thorough work, " it changed the character and habits of the place and laid the foundations of good for future generations." An imposing addition was now made to the great meeting-house-a lofty tower or steeple and a spacious porch. An unfortunate casualty while raising the frame, turned that day of festivity into one of mourning. Barnard Philips, a youth of nineteen, who had eagerly sought a place in the honored band who were allowed to assist in this hazardous service, was thrown from the top of the frame and fatally injured, dying in a
447
MORAL AND AGRICULTURIAL SOCIETIES, ETC.
few days. Benjamin Duick, Thomas Hubbard, Peter Chandler, Peregrine Gilbert, Ebenezer Fitch, Sylvanus Backus and Payson Grosvenor, had charge of these additions, which were accomplished in 1810-11, greatly enhancing the dignity of that venerated sanctuary and inspiring the deepest awe and admiration in many who came to worship. A bell was placed in the tower by the generosity of Mr. Benjamin Duick, chairman of the committee and clerk of the society, too modest to record his own benefaction. It served for town clock as well as church purposes, being rung three times a day by Lloyd Williams.
Mr. King was dismissed from his charge in 1811, and after three years interval Rev. James Porter was inducted into the pastorate. Though feeble in body he abounded in labors and most successfully carried forward the good work begun by his predecessor. It was said by a successor* that " no man ever wrought out and set in order so many ways of doing good in this parish as Mr. Porter. He was in advance of his time in every good work. He established the first Sabbath school in this region. He began the first monthly concert for prayer-took a collection and paid into the treasury of Foreign Missions the first money that was collected at a monthly concert in Connecticut. IIe set on foot and arranged plans for our various charitable contributions which have continued as model schemes to the present time." He was also one of the first ministers in the country to engage in Temperance work, and most heartily seconded the efforts of those good men who organized in 1812, the "Connecti- cut Society for the Reformation of Morals." A branch organization called "the Moral Society " was speedily formed in Pomfret, enlisting the co-operation of Mr. Porter, and some of the best men in his church and congregation. The suppression of gambling, lottery-dealing, Sabbath-breaking and the excessive use of liquor, was the aim of the Pomfret Moral Society. Its members were expected to drink no more than was good for them, and to use their influence in discoun- tenancing intemperance in drink and other specified immoralities. Decanters were banished in many houses from their prominent posi- tion on the sideboard, and the social glass no longer urged upon visitors. At public meetings and dinners, Judge Grosvenor and other members now declined to partake of the proffered liquor, but the former would leave his money upon the table that his comrades might not attribute his abstinence to niggardliness. This self-denial excited much wonder and comment. One of its junior members, Charles P. Grosvenor, took a journey into New York State, and where-
* Rev. Daniel Hunt.
448
HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
ever they stopped on the way his companion while sipping his sling or toddy would remark -- " Here is Charles ! Ile belongs to the Moral Society-he don't drink !" In response to a request from the State Society, that the Branch Societies should pledge themselves to secure a better observance of the Sabbath, the laws forbidding Sabbath pro- fanation were more rigidly enforced. Deacon Grosvenor as grand- juror frequently stopped travelers on that day, compelling them to wait till Monday and pay the allotted fine, and townspeople who presumed to work on Sunday were also arrested and fined.
Rev. Walter Lyon continued in charge of the church in Abington Society. Fifteen were added to its membership in 1809, and the same number in 1819. William Osgood and Wyllis Goodell were chosen deacons in 1811. Captain Elisha Lord continued to lead the singing. Mr. Abishai Sharpe was excused from paying his assessment for meeting-house repairs on condition that he teach a singing-school two evenings a week through the season. One of the most note-worthy events occurring in this society was the formation of a Ladies' Library in 1813. George Sumner, Lemnel Ingalls, Jun., and other Abington young men, went out to college and business, gained broader views and higher culture, and through their influence the young ladies were moved to associate for mutnal improvement and higher literary privi- leges. A meeting was called ; Alathea Lord, Maria Gordon and Nancy Ingalls deputed to form a constitution. Susan and Nancy Cunning- ham, Alathea Lord, Sophia Sharpe, Delia and Olive Goodell, Sarah Sumner, Eliza and Delia Ingalls, Peggy Holbrook, Dolly and Delia Dresser, Dolly Allen, together with one matron, Mrs. Payson Grosve- nor, accepted the constitution and organized as a Ladies' Library Association. Delia Goodell was chosen clerk ; Alathea Lord, librarian ; Nancy Cunningham, treasurer.
Admission fee was three dollars ; annual tax, twenty-five cents. Seventy dollars was promptly raised and expended-George Sumner selecting the books with excellent taste and judgment. The young ladies delighted greatly in this peculiar Abington institution and sustained it with much spirit. New members were from time to time admitted to its privileges, and many valuable books brought to their knowledge. Stimulated perhaps by this exam- ple, the previous libraries were made more efficient. At a meeting of the Junior Library, October 22, 1815, George Sharpe, Samuel Dresser, John Holbrook, Roswell Goodell and George S Ingalls were empow- ered to confer with the committee of the Social Library, for the pur- pose of joining the two libraries in one. The conference was success- ful, and Social and Junior happily merged in the United Library of Abington-the difference of value in the two collections making no obstacle.
449
GENERAL PROGRESS, ETC.
Both Pomfret and Abington societies met with serious losses. Their young men went out into the world ; older men passed away. Dr. Elisha Lord died in 1809. Major John Wilkes Chandler, so active in military and political affairs, died suddenly in 1808. His father, Peter Chandler, lived till 1816. The unhappy death of Mr. Benjamin Duick, who remove from Boston to Pomfret and manifested much public spirit and generosity, was greatly lamented. A still greater loss was that of Sylvanus Backus, in February, 1817. Activity of mind and brilliancy of imagination combined with much solidity and strength, made Mr. Backus one of the most influential men of the time-" a strong pillar of society and state." As a " peculiar testi- mony of the people's love, he was chosen a member of Congress by the united vote of all parties." His friends anticipated much from him in that position, but ere the time came for him to take his seat, he had been summonel to the Supreme Tribunal. " A widow and five children were left to weep over a grave bedewed by the tears of the whole community." He was followed in a few months by his brother practitioner, one of Pomfret's most promising sons, Ebenezer Grosve- nor, Esq., whose death was caused by imprudence in eating after fatiguing exertion. Elisha B. Perkins who had studied with Esquire Backns succeeded to his practice. Other new residents took places made vacant. Mr. Darius Matthewson of Brooklyn, Deacon Henry Sweeting of Boston, Judge Rossiter of New Haven, Eben Thompson, and other families from Providence, were valuable acquisitions. Peter Thomp- son, of Massachusetts, opened a tavern near the business centre, a famous place for courts, masonic meetings, and other public gatherings. Possibly Pomfret's astonishing enterprise in the formation of an agricultural society had some influence in attracting such men. The first existing notice of this organization is found in the Hartford Courant, viz :-
" A SOCIETY has been formed by the name of The Pomfret United Agri- cultural Society, consisting of members residing in the towns of Pomfret, Woodstock and Brooklyn. At a meeting of said society held in Pomfret, December 19, 1809, the following gentlemen were elected officers for the year ensuing, viz :- Benjamin Dnick, president; Amos Paine, John Williams, vice-presidents ; Sylvauns Backus, Esq., treasurer; Darius Matthewson of Brooklyn, Benjamin Dnick of Pomfret, James MeClellan of Woodstock, com- mittee of correspondence. Communications upon subjects relative to the institution addressed to either of the committee of correspondence will be thankfully received.
A true copy from the minutes.
THOMAS HUBBARD, M. D., Secretary."
Nothing farther is heard of its progress till 1818, when reinforced by in-coming residents it takes a step forward. A meeting was held at the house of Peter Thompson ; articles exhibited and premiums 57
450
HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
awarded .* Stimulated by this society, new inhabitants and fresh im- portations of stock, the dairy business was now " pursued to an extent and with a success that is scarcely surpassed. Not only cheese and butter, but pork, lard and beef, are among the surphis productions of the farmers of this town. Wool has been added to its agri- cultural products, and considerable rye, corn and oats are raised."
Deacon Sweeting was responsible for another innovation-the intro- duction of a grand musical organ, which made a great noise all over the County. Pomfret's First Society was induced to purchase this in- strument for its capacious meeting-house, banishing the primitive pitch- pipe and tuning fork then used by Peter Grosvenor in leading the singing. Deacon Sweeting's son, Nathaniel, served as the organist, and many were the comments called forth by his orchestral perform- ances. "Hear them pump thunder !" exclaimed a wondering youth. The plain old Qnakers and Methodists of the town, so averse to worldly pomps and vanities, were not a little scandalized by what they deemed the unhallowed aspirations of this degenerate church, and the elaborate church edifice with its tower, bell and Papal organ, seemed hardly less offensive than the typical Babylon of the Revelation. This feeling was illustrated in the remark of a Quaker lad, suffering from undue repression, who desperately declared that when he was big enough, he meant " to drink rum, swear and "-as the climax of excess and enormity-" go to the steeple meeting-house." Notwithstanding this sectarian reprobation the church went quietly forward under Mr. Porter, engaging with much interest in any progressive movement. A Dnick Charitable Society was organized in 1817, having for perma- nent fund a legacy left for charitable purposes by Mr. Duick. A Bible-class met every week at the parsonage. In 1819, Mr. Porter had succeeded in establishing a Sabbath-school, with one class of boys and two classes of girls-Major Copeland, superintendent.
Pomfret's select coterie retained its preeminence, though dancing parties were less in vogne than more intellectual entertainments. Cnl- ture and art now claimed their votaries. Dr. Hall's young people were
* " PREMIUMS proposed by Pomfret Agricultural Society for the year 1818; - For the largest and best fattened animal for beef, 810.00; next best, $5.00. For the best or most valuable erop of flax, $5.00; next best, $2.50. For the greatest quantity of clear spring wheat on a piece of ground, not less than one aere, $5.00. For the largest crop of barley on the same quantity of land, $5 00. For the largest or most valuable erop of potatoes, giving an account of the quantity of seed and the manner of planting. $6.00. For the best pair of working oxen, not exceeding five years old, $5 00. For the best lot of pork made from spring pigs, not to exceed ten months old when killed, and not less than six in number, $6.00. For the best fattened and largest ditto, two in number, of a different lot, $4.00.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.