History of Windham County, Connecticut, Part 88

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

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In its comparatively brief term of separate existence this church has had the good fortune to send out honored ministers and missionaries. Three sons of Captain John Chandler, of North Woodstock, have accomplished valuable service. Rever- end John E. Chandler was sent by the American Board as mis- sionary to India in 1846, and still labors in Madura over an ex- tensive field. His son, Reverend John S. Chandler, and his two daughters, Henrietta and Gertrude, have also devoted them- selves to mission work in Madura. Reverend Joseph Chandler served in the war as delegate from the Christian Commission, and also in Home Mission work. The third brother, Reverend Augustus Chandler, debarred from missionary work in India by delicate health, labored usefully as evangelist and stated pastor.

Methodism was introduced in West Woodstock in 1795 by that active itinerant, Jesse Lee. A class was formed at an early day and a few Methodists joined in social worship, but no sub- stantial footing was gained until the revivals of 1829-30, when through the preaching of Elders Lovejoy, Bidwell and Robbins, many converts were gathered in and added to the class. A Methodist house of worship was built in West Woodstock and stated services instituted. Ebenezer and Elisha Paine, Thomas

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Chandler, Charles Child, Benjamin Works, and a worthy band of Christian women, were active in this church. Connected suc- cessively with Dudley, Thompson and Eastford circuits, it en- joyed the ministrations of many faithful, zealous, self denying Methodist preachers-Elders Livesy, Ireson, Allen, Carter, Davis, Perrin, Pratt, names honored in wide circuits. In connection with the labors of Reverend Charles C. Barnes in 1841, an ex- tensive revival prevailed, bringing in the whole neighborhood in the vicinity of the church. Reverend John Howson was sent by the conference in 1843 as the first stated preacher in the Methodist society, and aided much in confirming and strength- ening the members. Two faithful ministers went out from the church at this date, Elders Charles Morse and Mellen Howard. Elder Morse afterward labored in adjoining towns and died a few years since greatly respected by all.

Methodist conference meetings were often held in East Wood- stock village, especially in the house of Mrs. Stanley, a zealous Methodist sister, whose children were working in the factory. In 1828 a class of forty-five members was formed in the village -- John Chaffee, leader ; Elders H. Perry and G. Southerland, cir- cuit preachers. Having no stated place of worship an earnest brother, Nathaniel Jones, built an addition to his house for this purpose, where many fervent meetings were enjoyed, under the guidance of some of the shining lights of Methodism. The hall of the new school house was afterward occupied by the Metho- dists for day-time Sabbath services. In 1847 East Woodstock was made a station, Benjamin M. Walker, preacher. Through the efficient agency of Elder Daniel Dorchester, preacher in 1851-52, the church edifice in West Woodstock was purchased, and removed to East Woodstock village. A comfortable house of worship and overflowing congregation was the happy result of his labors, greatly benefiting succeeding ministers. Elders J. D. King, Caleb S. Sandford, J. E. Heald, Culver, Boynton, S. A. Winsor, W. A. Simmons, Horace Moulton, Daniel Pratt, Mel- len Howard, O. E. Thayer, L. D. Bentley, Pack, Case, Latham, Turkington, G. R. Bentley and A. H. Bennett have successively served in ministering to the East Woodstock Methodist church. One faithful minister, Reverend E. S. Stanley, has gone out from it to fulfill much useful service.

In 1854 Methodists in West Woodstock completed a new house of worship, stimulated by the presence and aid of Reverend Otis

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Perrin ; Luther Arnold, Lewis and Jared Corbin, Elisha Paine, William Myers, Benjamin Chandler, and other residents assist- ing in the work. Miss Mary Myers went out to Africa, in 1885, to aid in the missionary enterprise inaugurated by Bishop Wil- liam Taylor. Marrying on the voyage another consecrated worker, they entered upon the field with much hopefulness, only to meet the fate of so many missionaries in that deadly climate. A son of Mr. Myers followed his sister in the same work. The church in West Woodstock is mainly supplied by resident local preachers, Elders Perrin, Goodell and Pratt, with S. B. Chase, having had it in charge. Some forty-two families in the town are connected with these two Methodist societies.

Universalists appeared in Woodstock toward the close of the last century, uniting with the church of Oxford. These fami- lies, with their descendants, remained apart from the standing churches of the town, attending services in other localities. A Universalist society was organized in West Woodstock in 1839, Ebenezer Philips, clerk; Adolphus Alton, treasurer; Charles Wood, George Sumner, John G. Marcy, John Fox, 2d, John Weaver, committee. Reverend Zephaniah Baker was hired as preacher. In 1842 Sanford Marcy and Luther Fox were chosen choristers; L. M. Bradford, Pitt Sharpe, Sanford Bosworth, G. Sumner, A. Alton, building committee. A house of worship was completed the following year. F. M. Fox was chosen to take care of the house and seat the people. It was voted to have the slips free. Reverend Holmes Slade was retained as preacher for a number of years. In 1859 thirty-three persons were enrolled members of this society. Zephaniah Baker, its first minister, returned to the charge in 1876. Weakened by deaths and re- movals, the society gradually lost ground, and its meetings were discontinued.

In 1874 an Advent Christian church was formed in West Woodstock, with fifty-six constituent members, and Reverend P. S. Butler as pastor. An Advent chapel was built in Wood- stock Valley in 1879, and dedicated November 25th. A consid- erable number of persons, in different parts of the towns, have embraced Advent principles, and maintain religious services. An Advent chapel was also built in East Woodstock, in 1879, on land of Mr. Nathaniel Child. Reverends P. S. Butler and E. S. Bugbee have charge of these churches and services.

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Religious services are conducted in behalf of the Swedes, in Agricultural Hall, and a Swedish church has been organized.

Woodstock's first post office was opened in Bowen's store in 1811, George Bowen, postmaster. Six offices are now needed, one for each separate village, viz., Woodstock, East, West, North, South Woodstock and Woodstock Valley. Convenient mail car- riages convey the mail from Putnam depot to these several sta- tions. These villages, dating back many years, enjoy varying degrees of prosperity. Some have lost by business changes and emigration ; others gained by new interests. The summer element has brought new prosperity to Woodstock hill. The erection of " Roseland Cottage," by Mr. H. C. Bowen, was soon followed by the opening of Elmwood Hall, in 1862, by Messrs. Warner & Way, with ample accommodations for the " summer boarder," with his numerous household. The revivifying of the academy, and various improvements instituted by Mr. Bowen, have wrought a marvelous change in the " Plaine Hill village." Graded streets, concrete walks, tasteful dwelling houses, a shaded park and spacious common make the village one of the loveliest in Windham county, while the pure air and range of beautiful scenery are wholly unsurpassed. Summer visitors returning year after year to this favorite resort, testify to its attractions. Elmwood Hall, under the charge of its veteran proprietor- Deacon Amasa Chandler-has long been numbered among pub- lic institutions, and has been the scene of many an official and family re-union. West Woodstock village has its own especial votaries, who find perpetual charms in its verdant placidity and wide outlook, and it is becoming more and more a favorite sum- mer resting place. The summer element is conspicuous in many new and elegant country seats in various parts of the town. Senexet road, running east of the lake, is especially favored by these summer sojourners, and boasts many of these fanciful structures. These new citizens, connected in many cases with old families of the town, promise to be an important factor in its future development.

Among modern institutions of Woodstock none has brought it into such prominence before the world as the Fourth of July celebrations inaugurated in Roseland Park by Mr. H. C. Bowen. Repeating the experience of its historic namesake, Woodstock hill has ever been celebrated for the number and variety of its notable meetings. Its trainings, funerals, belligerent town and

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society meetings, its Masonic and anti-Masonic conventions, its temperance jubilees and Sabbath school celebrations, have been noted for successive generations. With the grand "Fremont Rally " of 1856 began a series of most notable political gather- ings. The great Lincoln mass meeting of 1864, the great Grant mass meeting of 1868, both held on Woodstock Common, were most remarkable occasions, not only in numbers, interest and enthusiasm, but as helping to decide conflicting and vital ques- tions.

The Fourth of July celebration in 1870 was made memorable by the presence of the president of the United States, General Grant, and his suite, with the Russian minister and other notables. Arrangements for this occasion were wholly due to Mr. H. C. Bowen, who had the honor of receiving and entertaining the distinguished guests. Securing soon after this date the beauti- ful grove adjoining Woodstock lake, Mr. Bowen began the lay- ing out of the beautiful park so famous in later celebrations. July 4th, 1877, Roseland Park was formally opened with appro- priate exercises. Addresses were made by Senator Blaine, ex- Governor Chamberlain, and other distinguished persons. A de- lightful historic poem, with appropriate patriotic prelude, was read by Doctor Oliver Wendell Holmes. Year after year these gatherings have been repeated. As the park has put on new beauty and verdure, so the programme has offered more varied attractions, until the Fourth of July celebrations at Roseland Park are known throughout the country. It would be impossible to give a full list of those who have contributed to the interest of these occasions. National celebrities in innumerable depart- ments, presidents, cabinet officers, senators, governors, states- men, financiers, distinguished professors and teachers, orators, lecturers, poets, literary men and women, clergymen without number, representative men and women, have appeared upon the platform at Roseland Park and discoursed upon questions of vital interest and importance. Woodstock and neighboring towns are greatly indebted to Mr. Bowen for the privilege of seeing and hearing these distinguished persons, and also for pro- viding so delightful a spot for social and public gatherings. Sat- urday afternoon concerts, "Field Days " for various institutions, "Union Sabbath School picnics," family and village gatherings, have come into existence with the park, and social intercourse and healthful recreation have been greatly promoted. No bet-

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ter test of progress could be cited than the substitution of such improving and elevating assemblages in this tasteful retreat, for the uproarious "training" and stilted "celebration " of other days.

Among later "Notable meetings" in Roseland Park, the re- publican mass meeting of September 5th, 1888, takes a high place. A county political meeting, it excited unusual interest. Pomfret, Putnam and Thompson displayed much energy in mar- shalling processions worthy of the occasion. The day was all that could be desired, the attendance large and the speaking ex- cellent. Mr. Searls, of Thompson, served as chairman of the day. Hon. William M. Evarts and Mrs. J. Ellen Foster perhaps carried off the highest laurels, although all the addresses called out much enthusiasm and applause. A notable feature in the day's demonstration was the large number of veterans, eager to show their allegiance to the soldier candidate, and the presence of a veteran who assisted in the nomination of William Henry Harrison in 1840.

The anticipated visit of President Benjamin Harrison, July 4th, 1889, aroused great interest among all classes. The county ap- preciated as never before the distinguishing honor and privilege of receiving within her borders the highest officials of the great republic. Extensive preparations were made by Putnam and other towns for their suitable reception. All eyes and hearts were turned toward Woodstock and Roseland Park, and had the day been favorable it would probably have recorded the largest gathering ever assembled in Windham county. But rain and storm are no respecters of persons, and the lowering clouds re- fused to melt away. Yet, though thousands were disappointed, other thousands pluckily withstood the elements. Through the rain and heavy fog of Wednesday evening hundreds found their way to Mr. Bowen's hospitable residence, opened as usual for the reception preceding the great day. Such crowds came to see and speak to the president and his suite that one marveled where space could have been found for them had the skies been fair.

The wet July morn failed to dampen the resolution of vet- erans and patriots. Grand Army men in their shining new uniforms, were ready to escort the president and party to the park. The multitudes already assembled far exceeded public expectation. The address of welcome was made by Hon. Charles Russel, M. C .; prayer by Reverend E. B. Bingham ; the "Day

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we Celebrate " was lauded by the governor of Connecticut, Mor- gan G. Bulkeley, who introduced President Harrison. His grace- ful greeting called forth storms of applause. He was followed by General Hawley, Associate Justice Samuel F. Miller and Hon. Thomas B. Reed, M. C., of Maine. Brief addresses were also made by Secretaries Noble and Tracy. An hour's recess was passed in agreeable conversation and collation, the hun- dreds of veterans present being especially cared for by a gen- erous friend, who took pains to present the president personally to each war-worn soldier. The exercises were renewed by the introduction of President Gates, of Rutgers College, when the storm, as if indignant at such defiance of its power, broke out with renewed violence. In spite of the floods of rain, the good- natured audience continued to greet and applaud the speakers and catch what was possible of the stirring addresses of Messrs. Gates and Hiscock and the sparkling poem of Will Carlton. The greatest good humor prevailed throughout the whole exer- cises, and all separated with the agreeable consciousness that even the "floods of great waters " could not quench patriotic enthusiasm nor seriously mar a Woodstock Fourth of July cel- ebration.

The bi-centennial commemoration of Woodstock's settlement, the first to be observed in Windham county, was also a very no- table event in its history. Preparations were going forward for some months throughout the town. An efficient committee ap- pointed by the town- Henry T. Child, chairman-labored zeal- ously in planning and perfecting arrangements. The change from Old to New Style brought the anniversary within the first week of September, 1886. Initiatory services were held at Pul- pit Rock, Sunday morning, September 5th, attended by nearly two thousand people. After invocation, responsive reading, prayer, singing of anthem and psalm by the church choirs of the town under direction of Professor Carlo May, a greeting was given by Hon. E. H. Bugbee, followed by a sermon from Rev- erend John S. Chandler, Madura, India.

Monday was a day of gathering from far and near, sons and daughters of old Woodstock families returning to the old home- steads and participating in many a family reunion. In the af- ternoon an exhibition of antiques was held in the hall over the store, comprising many articles of rarity and value. Many of these relics had the additional interest of association with his-

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toric characters. The pocket book of "grandmother Edmonds," a lace cap worn by Deacon Jedidiah Morse when an infant, a cane belonging to the last of the Wabbaquassets, were among these treasured heirlooms. The collection of portraits was very full and interesting.

The great day of the feast was Tuesday, the two hundredth anniversary of the day on which Woodstock's home lots were distributed. Memorial trees were set out in the morning on his- toric sites. Before 10 A. M. a large assemblage had gathered in Roseland Park. Mr. H. T. Child introduced the president of the day, Hon. J. F. Morris, Hartford, whose brief address was fol- lowed by prayer offered by Reverend J. P. Trowbridge, West Woodstock. Doctor G. A. Bowen made the address of welcome. A large number of honored citizens and returned emigrants were elected vice-presidents. An interesting historical address was given by Mr. Clarence W. Bowen, and a graphic poem read by Mr. John E. Bowen. Histories of the several churches in the town were read by Messrs. Albert McC. Mathewson, Nathan E. Morse, Reverends Luther G. Tucker and A. H. Bennett, while others prepared for the occasion were unavoidably omitted. Brethren C. H. May, G. A. Bowen and L. J. Wells, brought tid- ings of ancient institutions and modern organizations.

Formal services were varied by old-time singing, under charge of Mr. May, the planting of memorial trees sent with greetings from old Roxbury, public and family collations, and with inter- esting and humorous reminiscences in short addresses at the close. The only drawback to the day's enjoyment was the lack of time for all that might have been brought forward. The large attendance, the number of descendants from former resi- dents, the sympathetic attention of the hearers, showed the deep interest awakened by this bi-centennial commemoration.

While Connecticut is famous for the wide dispersion of its sons and daughters, Woodstock has even exceeded the ordinary limit. Beginning soon after her own settlement to populate the towns around her, the outflow has been perennial. Vermont, New Hampshire, Central New York, the vast prairies of the West, indeed all parts of the great nation, have received emi- grants from this old town. The valuable Chandler and Child genealogies show the wide dispersion of those families and the prominent part they have had in building up flourishing com- munities. Other families might show an equally suggestive

Ebenen Bishof

ARTOTYPE E. BIERSTADT N. Y

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record. It is impossible to make even an approximate estimate of those who have gone out from this historic town, or to fitly chronicle those who have made themselves memorable. Gen- eral William Eaton, the conqueror of Tripoli, was born in the southwest corner of Woodstock. Commodore Charles Morris, so distinguished in naval service, was also born in West Wood- stock. The Morse's, with their telegraphs and varied achieve- ments; the Holmes's, whom even Boston delighteth to honor, date back to Woodstock ancestry. The same good stock has given to the world representative Marcys, McClellans, Mathew- sons, Childs, Lyons, Chandlers, Mays, Bowens, Walkers, Skinners, Paines, Williams's, and many other honored names. Fitted for various walks in life, in every sphere of avocation and achievement, may be found the sons and daughters of Wood- stock. The subjoined biographical sketches are but a tithe in comparison with the great number that might have been in- cluded.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

EBENEZER BISHOP .- The grandfather of the subject of this biography was Ebenezer Bishop, a native of Lisbon, Conn., who removed in later life to North Woodstock, where he engaged in the practice of medicine until his death in October, 1834. He married Sarah Lyon, whose six children were: Amasa, Heze- kiah, Elisha, Ebenezer, Tabitha and Delia. Hezekiah, of this number, was born December 2d, 1804, in North Woodstock, where he engaged in farming and participated actively in the affairs of the town until his death, which occurred in 1863. He married Martha D., daughter of Captain Judah Lyon, a citizen of much prominence in his day. The children of this union were: Sarah L., Ebenezer, Anna M. and Esther E.

Ebenezer, the only son, was born February 19th, 1841, in North Woodstock, where his early years were mainly spent. He became a pupil of the Woodstock and Plainfield Academies, and completed his studies at the State Normal school, after which for a brief period he engaged in teaching. In 1861, on the call of the government for troops for the suppression of the rebellion, he left his duties on the farm and enrolled his name as a member of the First Connecticut Cavalry, continuing for three years in the service. He experienced all the trying vicis- situdes of a soldier's life, and participated in the following en-

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gagements: Second Battle of Bull Run, Cross Keys, Cedar Mountain, Leesburg, Chantilly, Culpepper Court House, South Mountain, Port Republic and Waterford, where he was made a prisoner. He served a term of nearly sixteen months as pris- oner in the stockade prison at Andersonville, and in Savannah, Millen, Libby and at Belle Isle. During the seven months of his incarceration at Andersonville he endured all the privations and horrors inflicted upon the Union prisoners by the infamous Captain Wirtz, and witnessed daily the death of one hundred and fifty or more men, from hunger, exposure and cruelty. His rugged constitution enabled him to survive these horrors and effect an exchange, after which he returned to his home and has since been engaged in farming.

Mr. Bishop as a republican represented his town in the Con- necticut legislature in 1872. He has been interested in the cause of education and was for several years acting school visi- tor. He has also been for a long period justice of the peace, and participated actively in the affairs of the town. He is a member of A. G. Warner Post, No. 54, Grand Army of the Re- public, and one of the present delegates from Connecticut to the national convention to be held at Milwaukee. Mr. Bishop is a member of the Third Congregational church of Woodstock and has for many years been on the society committee, and the committee on supplies.

ABEL CHILD .- Benjamin Child emigrated from Great Britain to America in 1630, and became the head of most of the families of that name. A type of character patriarchal in the best sense, earnest in purpose, and in the promotion of that Puritanic stamp of piety for which the Massachusetts settlers were distinguished, he was one of the thirty who contributed toward the erection of the first church in Roxbury. Bearing the name of the youngest son of the head of the Israelites, like that patriarch, "in the land wherein he was a stranger," he became the father of twelve children, three of whom were baptized by the renowned John Eliot, their pastor.

Benjamin, the second son of Benjamin and Mary Child, mar- ried in 1683, Grace, daughter of Deacon Edward and Grace Bett Morris, Mr. Morris being one of the projectors and an early set- tler of the town of Woodstock. Their eldest son Ephraim, mar- ried in 1710, Priscilla Harris, of Brookline, Mass. The second son by the latter union was Daniel, who married Ruth Curtis,

Abel Child

ARTOTYPE, E. BIERSTADT, N. Y.

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ing Child married on the 25th of May, 1881, Carrie I., daughter of James I. Slade, of Pomfret. They have two sons: Chauncey Slade, born February 1st, 1885, and Spencer Holmes, whose birth occurred November 5th, 1886. These children represent the ninth generation in both the Child and Bugbees families, and the seventh now living on the Bugbee ancestral land, which has been deeded only in the direct line of descent.

EZRA DEAN was born in Killingly, Connecticut, on the 31st of August, 1813, and when twelve years of age, on the death of his father, came to Woodstock to reside with an uncle, who was then engaged in the business of a tanner and currier. He attended the nearest school for one or more years and then entered the tannery, with the intention of learning the trade. On the death of his relative he purchased the tannery, in connection with a small farm, and there resided until his death, December 7th, 1871.

Mr. Dean evinced much ability and forethought in the man- agement of his business, and soon established it on a firm and successful basis. He was a liberal and public spirited citizen, contributing his means and lending his influence to most of the worthy objects that appealed to his generosity. He was faithful in discharge of both public and private trusts, making integrity and probity ruling principles in his life. He was one of the foremost contributors to Woodstock Academy, and to many other worthy projects. Mr. Dean represented his town in the state house of representatives in 1850, and was elected to the senate for the years 1852 and 1853. In 1861 he filled the office of state treasurer. He was appointed by President Lincoln col- lector of internal revenue in 1864, and the following year volun- tarily resigned the office on account of failing health. He was again elected to the legislature in 1869. He was also a director of the First National Bank, of Putnam.

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History of Windham County, Connecticut, Part 88

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