USA > Connecticut > Windham County > History of Windham County, Connecticut, Volume II, 1760-1880 > Part 54
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460
HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
XI.
TOWN AFFAIRS IN BROOKLYN. UNITARIAN CONTROVERSY. THE NEW CONSTITUTION. CHANGE OF COUNTY SEAT ..
B ROOKLYN was much interested in public and home affairs. While earnestly reprobating Embargoes and approbating the course of the Executive of Connecticut, ordering a copy of Constitu- tional amendments distributed to every inhabitant at the expense of the town, keeping up her matross and military companies and enter- taining Brigades, steadily working and planning for securing the re- moval of the court-house, she was equally alert in the administration of local government. In her by-laws she expressly enjoined "that only two neat cattle to a family should be allowed to run at large." A Health-committee was instituted in 1810, which was instructed to procure the most skillful physician in ease the spotted fever should appear. As a farther preparation, perhaps, for this dreaded visitant, a hearse-house and harness were procured, and also a pall or grave- cloth and trunk to keep it in, and a committee appointed in each dis- triet to superintend at funerals, and form rules for promoting order and regularity on such occasions. The selectmen were required to as- certain by personal investigation " who are and who are not furnished with Bibles as the law directs," and if any families were found deficient and not able to procure them, to provide and distribute the same. With such precautions and a corps of watchful physicians the threat- . ened visitation was probably averted.
The Brigade Review, September, 1812, was a very notable and brilliant affair. Five regiments of foot and one of horse participated in military exercise, comprising it was said, "at least 2,500 troops, and four times as many spectators, presenting something of a warlike appearance." It was considered the greatest gathering in point of numbers and glittering array ever witnessed in Windham County, and doubtless had its influence in stimulating the war spirit and encourag- ing enlistment. The manufacturing excitement only affected Brooklyn indirectly by furnishing a nearer market for its abundant dairy pro- duets. No town of equal magnitude in the State, it was confidently asserted, "makes an equal quantity of cheese and pork." One earding- machine, two tanneries, three grain and two saw-mills were also reported. Captain Mather had relinquished his hat-making for tavern keeping in the village, which now contained about twenty dwelling- houses and two mercantile stores. Adams White, Jun., had charge of the first post-office. John Parish and Daniel Kies divided the legal practice, though the latter had met with great loss in attempting to
461
UNITARIAN CONTROVERSY, ETC.
utilize the ingenious invention of his mother, Mrs. Mary Kies of Killingly. John Gallup served as deputy sheriff. Dr. Waldo Hutchins was established in medical practice. Joseph Scarborough, John Parish, Roger W. Williams served as justices ; Samuel Scar- borough, town clerk. Noted taverns were kept by Phinehas Searls and P. P. Tyler. Though so energetic and prosperous, Brooklyn continued to lose by emigration. Mr. Darius Matthewson removed to Pomfret. The younger sons of Captain Tyler, and representatives of Cady, Spalding and many other old families, went out into the world.
The faithful rector of Trinity Church, Rev. Daniel Fogg, died in 1815, after forty-three years service. A monument erected by Colonel Daniel Putnam bore fitting testimony to his exemplary life and character. Ilis funeral was attended by Rev. Philander Chase, rector of Christ Church, Hartford. The church then numbered thirty-one communicants. Its strongest pillar was Colonel Daniel Putnam, who had married a mece of its founder, Godfrey Malbone. After three years of irregular worship, Rev. George S. White accepted the charge. An Eng.ishman of strong character and native eloquence he was at first very popular and drew a large congregation-but difficulties soon arose, the building a new parsonage was suspended, and the two years engagement ended in alienation and detriment.
In consequence of the increasing years and infirmities of Dr. Whit- ney, Mr. Luther Wilson of New Braintree, was ordained colleague pastor of the Congregational Church and Society in 1813, which position he filled with fidelity and acceptance till it was found that he had embraced the Socinian or Unitarian views then becoming so prevalent in Massachusetts. Although the Brooklyn church was but moderately Calvinistic in belief and very liberal in its practice, these views broached by Mr. Wilson fell so much below its standard as to awaken apprehension of disastrous results, and he was advised by Dr. Whitney and leading church members " to ask dismission and leave in peace and not rend the church asunder." But already a strong party sympathized with Mr. Wilson in his belief and desired his continuance, the liberty allowed in religious matters having developed in the com- munity an unusual independence of thought and expression, and it soon became evident that a conflict was irrepressible. After much private agitation and discussion, a church meeting was called February 16, 1816, to consider the erroneous opinions supposed to be held by Mr. Wilson. Esquire Parish was chosen moderator. Interrogation drew from Mr. Wilson the distinct statement -- " That he believed the Lord Jesus Christ not a divine person, equal and eternal with the Father, the supreme, self-existent God." The church thereupon pro- ceeded to vote :- " That it considered the doctrine of the Trinity to be
462
HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
an essential and fundamental doctrine "-yeas, 13 : nays, 5 ; neutral, 5. In a public discourse soon after, Mr. Wilson more fully defined his position, and called upon the church to explain their vote and make known their wishes. The church accepted his proposal to call a mutual council to consider existing matters of difficulty and advise to measures for terminating them. The Reverends Joseph Sumner, D. D., of Shrewsbury, Andrew Lee and Abiel Williams, with delegates, obeyed the summons, and after dne consideration " did not see that Mr. Wilson had forfeited his ministerial character, or that the church wished his removal." The church accepted this result by a small majority (ten versus eight) but was unable to abide by it. The breach became every day wider; the controversy more bitter. Those hard- headed, strong-minded men and women, accustomed to think and speak with great freedom, found the situation very serious and critical. Belligerent "old Captain Tyler" held up the orthodox banner: Esquire Parish, keen, cool, wary, led the opposition forces. A majority of the church favored Dr. Whitney and Captain Tyler; a society majority sympathized with Mr. Wilson and Esquire Parish. As the decision of the council composed in part of members of the Eastern Associa- tion had proved unsatisfactory it was but natural that church and pastor should meditate a return into her original association relations, and an appeal to that angust judicial body the WINDHAM COUNTY CON- SOCIATION. To forestall such appeal the society made the following proposals :- That the church should entirely disconnect themselves from Windham County Consociation ; annul their vote respecting the Trinity, and put themselves on the Covenant as before said vote was passed. To which the church made answer-January 26, 1817-" As respecting Consociation not the proper time to discuss the subject considering the varieties of opinion. As to annulling Trinity vote nothing more meant in it than to recognize what was contained in our ancient covenant, and express our intention strictly to adhere to it ; but were willing for the sake of peace to vary the mode of expression and adopt words of our original church covenant, Article I."
So far was the church from disconnection from Consociation that it had already decided to submit its difficulties to its consideration and decision. This Unitarian controversy was exciting very great interest and alarm all over the land and the ministers of the County joyfully hastened to join in the fray. February 5, 1817, the County Consocia- tion accordingly met at the house of Captain Tyler. Moses C. Welch, D. D., the great champion of orthodoxy, was chosen moderator. Mr. Wilson and the church minority, obeyed the summons to appear before the Consociation but challenged its right of jurisdiction. Dr. Whit- ney had deliberately withdrawn years before from the County Asso-
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UNITARIAN CONTROVERSY, ETC.
ciation, and with Mr. Wilson was member of another body, and the Brooklyn church had dropped its connection with other churches of Windham County. After full hearing and discussion, the Consociation decided :-
" That the church of Brooklyn was originally voluntarily consociated and has acknowledged this relation by a series of subsequent consociational acts and has neither forfeited these privileges nor surrendered them. The Consti- tution of the churches does not admit that a consociated church may be deprived of its privileges by the act of the pastor or of an association of pastors, but subjects the pastor of such church to its discipline. It supposes every person entering into connection with such church acquainted with its government and solemnly covenanting to operate with it in carrying its system of discipline into effect. Consociation are of opinion that they not only have jurisdiction, but are imperiously bound since all other attempts have proved abortive to listen to its complaint and endeavor to restore its peace."
These complaints being fully presented, and the accused heard at length in his own vindication, the Consociation decided :-
" 1. That the charge against Mr. Wilson was supported; 2. That the denial of the Trinity is a departure from the faith ; and, 3. Disqualifies Mr. Wilson from the office of teacher as it is a rejection of an essential part of the Coun- sel of God.
Accordingly his pastoral office in churches in our fellowship is now declared to be ended, and his pastoral relation in Brooklyn in particular, ought to be and is hereby dissolved."
The adherents of Mr. Wilson declined to accept these decisions, and as a majority of the society proceeded to exercise control of the meeting-house. At a society meeting, March 3, 1816, it was voted that no persons except the ministers of the society, and those belong- ing to the Eastern Association should be allowed to hold a religions meeting in this house without a written permit from its committee. Mr. Wilson was requested to preach whenever Dr. Whitney did not occupy the pulpit, without regard to the action of Consociation. Much confusion and strife followed. The aged pastor went far beyond his strength in attempting to preach twice on every Sabbath to keep out the deposed colleague, and when at his special and urgent request Mr. Preston of Providence occupied the pulpit without obtaining the requisite order, the intruder was prosecuted by the society. A council was called in September by Mr. Wilson and his supporters, "to examine and give their opinion whether the result of the Consociation was agreeable to ecclesiastic usage, and to the maxims and precepts of the Christian religion." However unfavorable their verdict upon this much disputed question, they agreed upon the propriety of dis- missing Mr. Wilson from his unpleasant position, expressing at the same time their entire satisfaction with his pacific and charitable temper, theological attainments and ministerial qualifications. The church discharged this parting volley :-
" Whereas, Mr. Luther Wilson has been found guilty of a charge of HERESY by the Consociation of this County, and has been frequently admonished by
464
HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
the members of this church for that crime and also by Consociation-it is the opinion of this church that he ought to be and is suspended from the communion of this church till he retracts and reforms."
The departure of Mr. Wilson only increased the breach and diffi- culties. The society procured an avowed Unitarian from Massachu- setts, placed him in the pulpit and levied taxes for his support. A number of his opponents not liking to pay for heretical preaching withdrew from the society, weakening their own ranks and adding to the strength of the Unitarians, who now openly asserted their right to the house of worship and other parochial privileges. The aged and infirm pastor, greatly afflicted by this defection and strife among a people who were so dear to him, labored painfully to discharge all the duties of his office and maintain what he believed the rights of the church, until the doors of the meeting-house were barred against him. It was on a communion Sabbath, nine were to be admitted to the membership of the church, when the gathering congregation was denied admittance. Dr. Whitney was a man of great equanimity and self-control. Jokes were to him more natural than tears, but on this occasion his feelings wholly overcame him and as bowed down with grief he re-entered his dwelling he repeated with deep emotion the words of David :-
" O Lord ! how many are my foes, In this weak state of flesh and blood ; My peace they daily discompose, But my defence and hope is God."
The distressed church hired the unfinished attic of a common dwelling-house for a place of worship, and called upon the County Association to supply them with preachers. Among others who volunteered their friendly services was Mr. Dow of Thompson, whose quaint texts afforded merriment as well as consolation. Glancing at the bare walls and rafters with his keen, sarcastic eye, he queried- " And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place?" Nor was the afternoon selection less appropriate-" The conies are a feeble folk and dwell among the rocks." Efforts for conciliation were still con- sidered and at one time seemed likely to prove effectual-a mildly orthodox candidate gaining the suffrages of both parties. "For the purpose of healing divisions and promoting christian peace and har- mony," the church agreed, "to give up the jurisdiction of Consocia- tion and Saybrook Platform, and establish the following tribunal as a mutual council impowered to settle all matters of difficulty i.e. Dr. Lee of Lisbon, and delegate; Rev. Jesse Fisher of Scotland, and delegate; Rev. Philo Judson of Ashford, and delegate ; Rev. Abiel Williams of Dudley, and delegate." Also "voted, that no member of
Josiah Whitney
?
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TOWN AND CHURCH AFFAIRS IN ASHFORD, ETC.
this church shall be called in question for any religious sentiments avowed during our unhappy condition ; also, not to expunge any vote." September 15, 1818, the church proposed to society "to unite with them in procuring some suitable person for minister; in 'event of society not accepting, church requested them to repeal or to modify their votes, that the church may improve the meeting-house without molestation or disturbance, provided they procure preaching without any expense to the society." But the difference was too deep and radical for healing, party spirit had raged with too great fierceness, words and blows had been too freely exchanged, and after a final council, March 3, 1819, all hopes of reconciliation were abandoned The church voted a formal Remonstrance to Deacon Roger W. Williams, John Parish and John Williams, and withdrew from them its watch and care, and with diminished numbers, unabated courage and greatly stiffened doctrinal orthodoxy, continued its meetings in the upper chamber, and instructed a committee to procure aid in preaching "if a suitable place can be found."
While this sectarian controversy was raging in Brooklyn, the great religious question which for nearly a hundred years had so deeply agitated Connecticut was forever settled. By the adoption of a new Constitution all previous enactments and restrictions had been swept away, and religious worship and maintenance left to the judgment of the individual conscience. Windham dissenters, so active in the early days of agitation, battled ou to victory. Baptists, Methodists, Univer- salists, Freethinkers, took up the war-ery of the vanquished Separates -" Down with the priest tax, the certificates, the Standing Order, the Saybrook Platform, the whole Ecclesiastic Establishment of Connecti- cnt." Roger Huntington of Windham printed and circulated at his own expense " A Review of Ecclesiastie Establishments in Europe," which struck most forcible and telling blows upon the Connecticut system. Judge Bolles wrote and spoke with equal vigor, and was the first Baptist permitted to argue the Baptist petition before the two houses of the Legislature. As the struggle drew near its close it increased in
intensity. The ministers and brethren representing the original churches of Connecticut-those churches which had done so much in the building up and developing character and institutions-the rulers of the State, the wise men, the councillors, clung to their system with the tenacity of men who believed that religion was the great end and aim of all human affairs, and that it was their supreme duty to provide for its universal observance. Political combinations added fury to the flame. The conservative and dignified Federalist stood by the ecclesiastic constitution ; the progressive Jeffersonian Republicans offered aid and sympathy to the champions of religious liberty. The 59
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
war of 1812 hurried on the inevitable result. The unpopular course of the Federalists in refusing to call out troops and instituting the Convention at Hartford, and their unwise and unequal distribution of public funds, hastened their downfall. The stately Episcopalians declared against them and joined with other sectaries into one great Toleration Party, which gathered into its ranks every opposing element and carried the State by overwhelming majority. At the May Session of the General Assembly in 1818, a bill was passed recommending, that on July 4, the freemen should meet in their respective towns to choose delegates to aid in the formation of a Constitution of civil government. A Baptist clergyman present simply said :- " I with- draw my petition," for he knew that the day was won. Windham County sent as delegates :- Windham. Peter Webb, Zaccheus Waldo ; Ashford, Josias Biles, William Perkins : Brooklyn, Roger W. Wil- liams ; Canterbury, Luther Paine, Daniel Frost ; Columbia, Silas Frost ; Hampton, Ebenezer Griffin ; Killingly, Enther Warren, Ezra Hutchins ; Lebanon, Stephen D. Tilden, Thomas Babcock ; Mansfield, Edmund Freeman, Artemas Gurley ; Plainfield, Elias Woodward, John Dunlap ; Pomfret, Darius Matthewson, Lemuel Ingalls; Sterling, Dixon Hall ; Thompson, George Larned, Jonathan Nichols, Jun. ; Voluntown, Daniel Keigwin ; Woodstock, John McClellan, Elias Child, 2d. The convention met at Hartford, August 26. Peter Webb, George Larned and Edmund Freeman were chosen from Windham County to act with three members chosen from each other county in drafting a Constitution. Another distinguished son of Windham, Amasa Learned, represented New London County. Day after day the committee made reports which were disenssed and amended by the whole body. The Bill of Rights declared, that the exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship shall forever be free to all persons in this State, and that no preference shall be given by law to any christian seet or mode of worship. In Article VII. it was affirmed :-
" It being the duty of all men to worship the Supreme Being, the Great Creator and Preserver of the Universe, and their right to render that worship in the mode most consistent with the dictates of their consciences; no per- son shall, by law, be compelled to join or support, nor be classed with, or associated to, any congregation, church or religious association. But every person now belonging to such congregation, eburch or religious association shall remain a member thereof, until he shall have separated himself there- from, in the manner hereinafter provided. And each and every society or denomination of Christians in this State, shall have and enjoy the same and equal powers, rights and privileges."
Section Second provided that any person could separate himself from society relations by a written notice to the clerk of the society. The draft of the Constitution, as amended and approved when read by sec-
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TOWN AND CHURCH AFFAIRS IN ASHFORD, ETC.
tions, was read through for the last time before the final question of acceptance or rejection, at 5 P. M., September 18. But even on this closing day it was moved "to strike out the Seventh Article relating to Religion," but determined in the negative by majorities of thirty-five upon Section First and forty-two upou Section Second. The Constitu- tion was accepted by 134 yeas, contra 61 nays-(five of the Windham County delegates voting against it)-and submitted to the respective towns for their approbation and ratification. Town meetings were held, October 5, when the assembled citizens of Windham County heard the new Constitution read and expounded, and thus pronounced their verdict :-
Yeas.
Nays.
Windham,
182
127
Mansfield,
Yeas. 210
Nays. 178
Ashford,
189
161
Plainfield,
101
87
Brooklyn,
103
42
Pomfret,
91
116
Canterbury,
69
161
Sterling,
58
44
Columbia,
62
65
Thompson,
174
95
Hampton,
89
120
Voluntown,
53
32
Killingly,
174
144
Woodstock,
133
147
Lebanon,
86
152
1,777
1,671
These votes would seem to be irrespective of party lines, nor can they be explained by the religious status of the towns-strong Federal towns like Brooklyn and Thompson voting acceptance, and Canter- bury and Woodstock, with their vehement Separate and Baptist ele- ment, giving judgment against it. The probability is that in the dis- integration and confusion of parties the question was met upon its own merits, and decided according to individual bias and conviction.
The adoption of the new Constitution was followed by the settle- ment of another vexed question, that for nearly an equal period had excited much contention in Windham County. The northern towns carried their point aud obtained the removal of the Courts from Wind- ham. Hampton, as holding the exact geographical centre of the county as then stated, was exceedingly active in the later movements. Ebenezer Griffin, Elijah Simons, Philip Pearl, James Burnett and Joseph Prentice, were continued in service as committee. In Decem- ber, 1817, a committee was sent to Hampton by the General Court to consider the situation. A very animated meeting was held at the house of Luther D. Leach. Every town in the County sent its best men to join in deliberations. Windham was well represented by its lawyers, Samuel Perkins, John Baldwin and Jabez Clark. Hampton's committee of six employed " an able lawyer" to plead their cause, but were unable to secure a report in their favor. After careful delibera- tion and other meetings, the committee reported in favor of BROOKLYN
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
The Assembly accepted their report and provided for its execution, viz :-
" An Act, approved, May 27, 1819, provided that so soon as a convenient court-house and jail should have been erected in the town of Brooklyn, at a place to be fixed by three persons or any two of them, to be appointed by the County Court for said County a committee for this purpose, within forty rods of the meeting-house, to the acceptance of any two of the judges of the Superior Court for the time being, the County and Superior Courts within and for said County of Windham shall thereafter be holden in said town of Brooklyn, any law, usage or custom to the contrary notwithstanding : Always provided, that said buildings should be erected without any expense to said County, and within three years from the rising of this Assembly. That when- ever said court-house and gaol shall be completed as aforesaid, then the court and county-house with the land adjoining and on which they stand be- longing to said County, situated in said Windham, shall belong to the town of Windham."
Brooklyn immediately bestirred herself to take advantage of this enactment. At a town meeting, June 8, Dr. Ebenezer Baker was chosen moderator. A committee was chosen to correspond with other towns, and a thousand dollars out of the town treasury pledged for court-house and jail. In response to Brooklyn's summons, Darins Mat- thewson, Lemuel Ingalls, John II. Payson, John Davis, Judah Lyon, John F. Williams, Luther Warren, Pennel Hutchins, William Read, George Larned, Jonathan Nichols, Jun., Benj. Gallup, Joseph Eaton, John Dunlap, Sessions Lester, Jonathan Hammet, delegates from their respective towns, met in conference June 19, with Vine Robinson, John Parish, Charles Dabney and Eleazer Mather, to consider the location, size and expense of the necessary buildings. Judge Ingalls was chosen moderator ; Jonathan Nichols, clerk. John Parish, Darius Matthewson, Luther Warren, George Larned and Joseph Eaton were deputized to affix the size of the public buildings and estimate the probable expense. They reported "that six thousand dollars would be needful, of which Brooklyn guaranteed twenty-five hundred, and that the balance must be raised by the other towns or there would be no chance for establishing the county buildings at Brooklyn, and recommended that measures be immediately taken by each town to raise its reasonable proportion of this money."
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