History of Windham County, Connecticut, Part 44

Author: Bayles, Richard M. (Richard Mather)
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: New York, Preston
Number of Pages: 1506

USA > Connecticut > Windham County > History of Windham County, Connecticut > Part 44

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).

444

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

turnpike companies and served as turnpike commissioner of the state.

Highway districts were remodelled in 1808. The record locates them as-No. 1, Southwest; No. 2, Middle District, with three bridges, including bridge over west turnpike by tan vats; No. 3, North meeting house, begins at the Great Gate ; No. 4, Green Hol- low, extending north to Killingly line on the road to Elder Cole's meeting house; No. 5, Shepard Hill; No. 6, Moosup, extends north by Hartshorn's mills; No. 7, Black Hill, includes Nevins' and Cut- ler's bridges : No. 8, Pond Hill, extending to Sterling line; No. 8, Snake Meadow, north to Killingly line; No. 10, Mill Road ; No. 11, Goshen ; No. 12, Walnut Hill; No. 13, Kinne Road ; No. 14, Howe Hill; No. 15, Dow Road ; No. 16, Spring Hill; Nos. 17 and 18, East and West Flat Rock. Roads were laid out near Union Factory, and from the Andrus Factory over Butts' bridge, but a road was refused from the latter factory to Plainfield vil- lage on the ground that there was no house on the way and nev- er would be. In 1818 a committee was appointed to join with Canterbury in a conference about building a bridge between the two towns, the selectmen meanwhile being authorized to estab- lish a means of crossing by a boat. They were also called upon to join with Brooklyn in providing for bridge repairs between the two towns. Bridges over Moosup river were also replaced.

We have already seen that the people of this town gave early and earnest attention to establishing a ministry and the worship of God in their midst. November 13th, 1699, thirty-eight per- sons signed an agreement to pay their proportion toward the support of the ministry. Twenty-six of these men resided east of the Quinebaug, and twelve of them on the west. A meeting house was built, so far as to be ready for occupancy by January, 1703. This house, which was supplied with a temporary floor and seats, was built on the summit of Black hill. In 1704 per- manent floor, pews and pulpit were added. In the early part of January, 1705, a church was organized and Mr. Coit was ordained as its pastor. In 1708, Mr. Coit having married a wife, Miss Ex- perience Wheeler, of Stonington, his salary was increased to £60 a year, which was to be raised in "grain and provision pay," but if any chose to pay in money they were to have the benefit of an abatement of one-third their rate. Between the years 1717 and 1720 a new meeting house was built. The size of this was forty by fifty feet on the ground and twenty feet high. Its

445

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

location was for a long time a matter of contention, different claims being urged by different parties, even to appeals to the assembly to reverse the decision of the town vote. The idea of placing it on the country road that "goes from the south end of the town " was generally agreed to, but various votes and claims were promulgated as to more definite location. Once it was voted, "That it shall stand on the hill, north of Blodget's." Again it was voted that it should stand "east and by south from Blodget's house." A month later, however, the town declared that it should stand "a few rods north of the house where Blodget dwells." Notwithstanding many objec- tions were urged to the indefiniteness of the relative positions of Blodget's and the meeting house, the latter finally settled down to a location "near Blodget's," and about half a mile north of the site of the present Congregational church in Plain- field, and was completed and ready for occupancy in Septem- ber, 1720. The orderly character of the young people who at- tended divine worship in those politico-ecclesiastical times is not flattered by the fact that a man was stationed in the gal- lery to watch the young people below lest they should do damage to the house, "by opening the windows or anywise damnifying the glass; and if any (him or her), did profane the Sabbath by laughing or behaving unseemly, he should call him or her by name and so reprove them therefor."

Mr. Coit remained in the pastorate until compelled by ad- vancing age and infirmities to resign, and was dismissed March 16th, 1748, having been serving his people, either as supply or pastor, forty-nine years. During the last few years of his work it was necessary for the society to employ assistants a part of the time. He died in Plainfield July 1st, 1750, at a ripe old age.

The great revival of 1741-43 in Plainfield was followed by division. A minority were dissatisfied with the customs of the church, and withdrew and organized a church according to the Cambridge platform. Thomas Stevens, father and son, James Marsh and Joseph Spalding were active in this movement, which was accomplished in 1746. A very pleasing feature of the revival in Plainfield was its effect upon the remaining Abor- igines. These docile and tractable Quinebaugs were greatly impressed by the vivid presentation of religious truths, and ac- cording to a contemporary there was wrought among them "the most evident reformation that hath appeared amongst any peo-

446

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

ple whatever in these latter times, for they are not only filled with knowledge of ye way of salvation, and express the same to admiration, but are so reformed in their ways of living as to ab- stain from drinking to excess, which it was utterly impossible to bring them to any other way, and have their religious meet- ings and sacrament administered to them by ministers of their own nation."

David Rowland, a graduate of Yale College in 1743, having been duly called by the town and church, was ordained and set- tled over this church March 17th, 1748. After being pastor of this church thirteen years he was dismissed April 23d, 1761, and removed hence to Providence. The pay of Mr. Rowland was £700 for settlement and £400 annual salary, and his firewood. The prices at which "provision pay " was to be received in mak- ing up the salary were: corn, 12s. per bushel; rye, 18s .; wheat, 24s .; oats, 8s .; beef, 1s. per pound; pork, 2s. per pound. Notwith- standing the fact that the Separatist faction, with the non- church faction, made a majority in the town who were opposed to Mr. Rowland, his call had been legally made at a meeting when many of his opponents happened to be absent, and now the town was obliged to carry out the contract, however unsatis- factory its terms to them. An appeal to the courts was annually necessary to compel the people to pay their ministerial rates.

The division and opposition of sentiment and action which had for several years marked the history of this town in regard to its ecclesiastical affairs, were happily terminated by a union of the two religious factions and the ordination of Reverend John Fuller as pastor of the church in Plainfield February 3d, 1769. He had been preaching for the Separate church of Bean hill, Norwich, and some concessions being made on both sides he be- came acceptable to both Standard and Separate factions of Plain- field. After a pastorate here of eight years and eight months, he died October 3d, 1777. In the latter part of 1775, when the Eighth regiment of Connecticut was formed for service, he be- came its chaplain, and doubtless contracted disease in the service of his country which ended his days. The legend on his tomb- stone on Burial hill is as follows: " John Fuller, after watching for the souls of his people as those who must give account, fell asleep, Oct. 3, 1777, Æ. 55. Following this there was no settled pastor for several years. The old church became poor and was inconvenient. Occasional services were had and the brick

447

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

school house was used. Different ones were called, but no one accepted. A Mr. Upson preached five months in 1778, a Mr. Judson a while in 1779, and Mr. Solomon Morgan nine months in 1782. A new meeting house occupying the site of the pres- ent one, was built in 1784, and on its completion Reverend Joel Benedict, who had been pastor of the church at Newent, was in- stalled over the flock December 22d, 1784. Under his influence and instructions, the party lines that had so long existed in the church were gradually obliterated. The radical element was drawn to the Baptists and Methodists, and the First church of Plainfield resumed its old position among the churches of the county, though not accepting consociation. It had so far con- ceded to the ecclesiastic constitution of the state as to consent in 1799 to the formal organization of a religious society. Rever- end Joel Benedict attained the position of one of the prominent pastors of this church, and from outside he received the title of D. D., an unusual honor in his day. In the old town burying ground we read this record of him: "The good man needs no eulogy: his memorial is in heaven. The Rev'd Joel Benedict, D. D., Born at Salem, State of New York, January, 1745, Died at Plainfield, Feb. 13, 1816." In the old village street still stands the parsonage which he occupied. It is now occupied by Mr. Theodore Wing, proprietor of Wing's medicines. In front of the house stands a mammoth elm, which is said to be the larg- est tree of the kind in the county. The trunk is about fourteen feet in circumference. The pastorate of Mr. Benedict extended through a period of more than thirty-one years.

A terrible hurricane, which has ever since been known as " the September Gale," swept over this part of the country with great violence, damaging and destroying many buildings and uproot- ing fruit and forest trees. It is said that spray from the ocean, thirty miles away, was dashed upon the houses here like sheets of rain before the blast. This occurred in September, 1815. The meeting house of this church was demolished by the tem- pest. In 1816 the present stone church was erected, the design of its projectors evidently being to raise a structure that would not be so easily thrown down. The house was at first furnished with galleries on three sides, but in 1851 these were removed and the rooms for church services arranged as they are at the present time, with a large audience room above and a vestry below.

448

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

Orin Fowler, a graduate of Yale, in the class of 1815, was in- stalled pastor of this church in February, 1820, and dismissed in January, 1831. He removed hence to Fall River, Mass., and died September 3d, 1852, aged 61 years. He was succeeded here by Samuel Rockwell, who was installed pastor of this church April 10th, 1832, and dismissed April 16th, 1841, and died at New Britain, December 25th, 1880, aged seventy-eight years. He was a graduate of Yale College and Seminary. Andrew Dun- ning, a graduate of Bowdoin College and Bangor Seminary, was installed pastor of this church May 24th, 1842, and dismissed January 26th, 1847. He died in Thompson March 26th, 1872, aged fifty-seven years. His successor was Henry Robinson, of Yale College and Andover Seminary, who was installed here April 14th, 1847. After a pastorate of nine years he was dis- missed April 10th, 1856. He died in Guilford September 14th, 1878, aged ninety years. William A. Benedict became acting pastor in September, 1857, and resigned in March, 1863. He was afterward engaged in teaching and preaching at Orange Park, Fla. Joshua L. Maynard was installed pastor of this church March 30th, 1864, and dismissed October 25th, 1865. James D. Moore was installed pastor of this and the church at Central Vil- lage in March, 1867, and was dismissed in October, 1868. Wil- liam Phipps was installed here June 9th, 1869, and after a seven years' pastorate died in Plainfield June 13th, 1876, sixty-three years of age. Asher H. Wilcox became acting pastor in Decem- ber of that year, and resigned May 1st, 1883, closing a service of seven years and four months. Abram J. Quick became act- ing pastor August 1st, 1883, and remained until 1886. Reverend H. T. Arnold, the present pastor, began his services here in 1887. The church numbers at present about sixty members. The deacons who have served this church, with the dates when they were elected and when they closed their service by death or dis- mission, as far as are obtainable, are as follows: Jacob Warner, 1705- -; William Douglas, 1705-1719; Joshua Whitney, 1719- 1753; Timothy Wheeler; John Crary, -- - 1759; Jacob Warner, 1749- -; Samuel Stearns, 1749-1769; Elisha Paine, 1769- -; Ben- jamin Crary, 1769-1796; Samuel Warren, 1774-1815; Joseph Fitch, 1784- -; Thomas Douglas, 1784- -; Jeremiah Leffingwell, 1805- 1814; David Knight, 1805- --; Abel Andros, 1816- -; Rinaldo Burleigh, 1817-1863; John Douglas, 1820-1824; Benjamin An- dros, 1824-1846; John Witter, 1840-1859; Vincent Hinckley,

449

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

1840-1848; Elisha L. Fuller, 1847-1881; William B. Ames, 1859- -; Robert Fowler, 1886- -.

The Separate church of Plainfield, having organized, as we have seen, from members who had withdrawn from the stand- ing town church, about 1746, ordained one of their own num- ber, Thomas Stevens, to be their pastor. Having thus with- drawn from the standing church, they refused to pay rates for the support of its minister, but this they were compelled to do by law. They, however, were able to support their own minis- ter, and also proceeded to build a meeting house in the northern part of the town. They appear to have been less bitter and rad- ical than the same sect were in some other towns. The follow- ing remarks in regard to them made by Reverend Mr. Rowland, one of their chief antagonists, are worthy of preservation:

" Although some things appeared among them at first very unwarrantable, yet considering their infant state it must be ac- knowledged by all that were acquainted with them, that they were a people in general, conscientiously engaged in promoting truth, and Mr. Stevens, their minister, a very clear and powerful preacher of the Gospel, as must be acknowledged by all who heard him."

After the death of Mr. Stevens, the Separate church was for three years without a pastor, but continued to meet together and maintain public worship. After that the church was for a time associated with the Separate church of Voluntown, under the pastoral care of Reverend Alexander Miller. In 1760 a division of the town into two ecclesiastical societies was effected, by which the ministerial taxes on the Separates were somewhat reduced, but still the objectionable principle existed and they stoutly fought against it. Their numbers were increasing and those of the standing church diminishing. This led to conciliatory negotiations; Mr. Miller was allowed to preach in the town church, the principle of taxation for support of minister was abolished, a pastor of Separatist inclinations was called by the united factions, and the Separate church as a distinct organization ceased to exist.

Several of the manufacturers from Rhode Island, who estab- lished these industries in this town, were of the Quaker sect. Under their patronage a Friends' meeting house and school were started, which for several years enjoyed a considerable degree of prosperity. At the time of the "September Gale " of history

450

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

a house was in process of erection for this purpose on Black hill, but the work was demolished and materials scattered by that tempest. The loss, however, was soon made good, and a simple house was erected for their worship. Forty-five acres of land on Black hill were conveyed by John Monroe to Sylvester Wicks and Deacon Howland, in presence of Rowland Greene, to whom was committed the charge of establishing a Friends' boarding school. Some forty or fifty pupils from some of the most influ- ential Quaker families of Rhode Island were received into this quaint and primitive family school, under the fatherly care of Doctor Rowland Greene, aided by his good wife and his brother, Doctor Benjamin Greene. The Quaker school and worship seemed to lend a calm and tranquil radiance to this ancient hill. This school was maintained for a number of years, giving a peaceful home and competent instruction to many willing pu- pils. Gentle and serene, even beyond ordinary Quakers, Father Greene and Master Benjamin maintained excellent discipline, and exercised a marked and salutary influence. Susan Anthony, Phebe Jackson, Samuel B. Tobey, Elisha Dyer, and many others famed in public life or benevolent enterprise, were trained in this Quaker school. First-days and Fifth-days they marched in pairs to the plain meeting house, the boys first and the girls at proper distances behind them, and there enjoyed a quiet session. The use of the meeting house has long since been abandoned, and in the early part of the present year (1889) it was sold to private parties, who, it is said, propose to convert it into a tene- ment house. But a few of those inclined to the faith and prac- tice of this sect remain in the town.

CHAPTER XXI.

THE TOWN OF PLAINFIELD .- (Concluded.)

Plainfield of To-day .- The Methodist Church .- Union Baptist Church .- Congre- gational Church, Central Village .- Wauregan, Mills, Congregational Church and Village .- All Hallows R. C. Church, Moosup .- Schools of the Town .- Plainfield Academy .- Eminent Men of Plainfield .- Village Schools. -Manufactures .- Wauregan .- Moosup .- Central Village .- Kennedy City. -Plainfield Junction .- The Freshet of 1886 .- Fraternal Societies .- Promi- nent Names of a Former Generation .- Biographical Sketches.

T' HE manufacturing industries have brought to Plainfield a new era. The old interests have faded almost away, and with the coming of the factories and workshops, railroads and a new class of people, a new era is open to her. To the no- tice of the churches and other institutions that belong to this era of the present day we propose to devote this chapter.

Previous to the year 1800, Methodist preachers found their way into this town, preaching in different neighborhoods, and organizing a class and society which in time held services in the old Separate meeting house. But the first beginnings of the organic life of the Methodist Episcopal church in this town of which we have definitely learned were in 1825, when the locality was included in the Norwich Circuit, under the joint pastorate of B. Hazeltine and O. Robbins. A class was formed with E. Dunlap as leader, and it was composed of Nathan M. Brown, Eunice Brown, Eliza Bass, Mary Torry, Susan Stowell, Bridget Starkweather and Jesse Ames. The first quarterly conference held here was in January, 1827; Edward Hyde, presiding elder. In 1829 Plainfield was connected with Thompson Circuit, under I. Bonney, I. M. Bidwell, O. Robbins and P. Townsend. In 1830 John Lovejoy, with others, was appointed on the Thompson Cir- cuit ; and in 1831 Mr. Livesey and others. In 1832 Plainfield re- ported thirteen members, with B. Paine as pastor. He was fol- lowed in 1833 by E. Benton (for two years), Z. Loveland, J. Ireson,

452

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

N. Culver, H. Thatcher and A. B. Wheeler. During the pastor- ate of the latter two important events took place : the purchase of the "Union church " in Moosup, March 24th, 1842, which was the first house of worship owned by this church ; and the with- drawal of sixty-five of their membership to constitute the Dan- ielsonville church, which was done September 3d, 1842. In the meantime a great revival prevailed, in which many were added to this body. Beginning with 1843 and coming down to 1870 this charge has been supplied successively by the following pas- tors: D. Dorchester, V. R. Osborne, C. C. Barnes, J. Mather, G. W. Brewster, W. Emerson, J. F. Sheffield, W. Turkington, Peter S. Mather, G. W. Rogers, R. Parsons, J. M. Worcester, P. Cran- dall and George de B. Stoddard. In 1870 the membership re- ported was one hundred and forty, with seventeen probationers. Under the pastorate of L. E. Dunham, which continued two years and ended in April, 1872, a new house of worship was erected, the dedication of which occurred in February, 1872. He was followed by E. M. Anthony, W. W. Ellis, G. W. Hunt, E. J. Ayers, R. D. Dyson, F. A. Crafts and John McVey. The church is in a prosperous condition and has a membership of about one hundred and seventy-five.

The Plainfield Union Baptist church, located at Moosup, was organized October 16th, 1792, with nineteen members. On November 9th, of the same year, Reverend Nathaniel Cole, of Swansea, Mass., was called to become the pastor. The church soon had a membership of one hundred. Elder Cole labored here forty-one years, retiring from the ministry in 1833, at the age of seventy-seven years. The second pastor was Reverend C. S. Weaver, who served the church for three years, during which term fifty-three members were added to the church by baptism. The following pastors then successively served the church about two years each : Chester Tilden, Thomas Barber, John Read, James Smither and Frederic Carlton. The present house of worship was dedicated January 5th, 1843, at the close of the ministry of Elder Read. The pastorate of Reverend J. P. Brown began in April, 1849, and continued until May, 1871, a little more than twenty-two years. During this period three hundred and five persons were received into the church, two hundred and ten by baptism. In 1866 the bell, weighing 1,015 pounds, was purchased at a cost of $670, which with other im- provements swelled the extra expenses of that year to $1,000.

453

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

In 1867 the church edifice was raised and a vestry placed under it at a cost of more than $2,000.

In 1871 Reverend G. F. Raymond, of Brown University, was ordained to the pastorate. He resigned in the following August. In 1873 Reverend M. J. Goff was called to the pastoral office, but his labors soon ended with his death. In October, 1874, Rever- end F. B. Joy began as stated supply, continuing until August, 1875. In October following Reverend C. B. Rockwell began a pastorate which lasted two years. Reverend L. W. Frink was pastor from the fall of 1877 to the spring of 1879. He was suc- ceeded by Reverend J. N. Shipman in June, 1879. He continued until April, 1885, when he resigned to accept the pastorate of the Baptist church in Peabody, Mass. On November 5th, 1882, the house of worship was rededicated after extensive repairs and improvements, costing upwards of $2,000, had been made upon it. Reverend Robert Pegrum, of East Marion, L. I., commenced his labors here July 1st, 1885. In September, 1888, he resigned this pastorate to become pastor of the Congregational church of Mid- dle Haddam. The membership of the church at present is about one hundred and ninety. The deacons are Joseph Vaughn, Joshua Hill and P. M. Peckham. The church clerk is Waldo Tillinghast.

The Congregational church of Central Village was organized from membership having connection with the church at Plain- field street, in 1846, with forty-seven members. Jared O. Knapp was the first pastor, and under his labors a great revival refreshed the church and resulted in adding to its membership twenty-two persons by profession. From 1846 to the beginning of 1886, there were added two hundred and fourteen members, and losses occurred in that time by forty-four deaths, and many removals. The present membership is about seventy-six. The following list comprises the names of all the men who have served this church as pastors for any considerable length of time. After Mr. Knapp came N. A. Hyde, 1852, dismissed 1853; James Bates, 1853, dismissed 1855; William E. Bassett, 1856, dismissed 1859; George Hall, 1859 ; Paul Couch, 1862 ; J. K. Aldrich, 1863; George Huntington, 1864 ; J. K. Barnes, ordained October 5th, 1865, dis- missed 1866; J. D. Moore, installed July 2d, 1867, dismissed 1868; G. J. Tillotson, began July 1st, 1870, continued about three years; John Avery, July 2d, 1873, continued till 1878 ; J. Marsland, 1879, continued till 1880 ; H. L. Reade, 1881; William

454

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

B. Clark, 1882, about two years ; A. H. Wilcox, 1884, till January, 1886. From January, 1886, to May, 1887, there was no settled pastor. Dighton Moses was pastor, May 1st, 1887, to September 1st, 1888. This church had a time of great refreshing in 1857, when twenty-one were added by profession ; and again in 1880, when twenty-two were added. The deacons now in office are Henry C. Torrey and Henry H. French.

In the early part of the year 1853 a company was formed for the purpose of manufacturing cotton goods, in the northern part of this town, and at the May session of the legislature it was in- corporated under the name of " Wauregan Mills," taking the old Indian name of the locality, which means " Pleasant Valley." The first mill was built in 1853 and 1854, and families then be- gan to settle there. In the early part of 1854 a Sabbath school was formed in the old school house, which stood where the new house now stands; and that Sabbath school has been continued without interruption till the present time. Prayer meetings were held among the families, but there were no Sabbath ser- vices nearer than Central Village, a mile and a half away. In 1855 the company built a hall for public worship, and the first sermon was preached in it September 24th of that year, by Rev- erend G. J. Tillotson, then pastor of the Trinitarian Congrega- tional church in the adjoining town of Brooklyn. The place was supplied by different ministers till January 1st, 1856, when Mr. Charles L. Ayer, a licentiate of Windham Association, was engaged as stated supply. A church was organized by a council of Congregational ministers and deacons June 17th, 1856. The church thus formed was composed of the following members: Samuel O. Tabor, Benjamin Wilson, Charles L. Ayer, Joseph Chatterton, Nathan A. Chatterton, Mrs. Frances Taylor, Mrs. Mary E. Wilson, Mrs. Mary B. Ayer, Mrs. Fanny D. King, Miss Ann M. Woodward.

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.

History of Windham County, Connecticut, Part 44

Author: Bayles, Richard M. (Richard Mather) Publication date: 1889 Publisher: New York, Preston Number of Pages: 1506

Author: Bayles, Richard M. (Richard Mather)
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: New York, Preston
Number of Pages: 1506