USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Goshen > History of the town of Goshen, Connecticut, with genealogies and biographies based upon the records of Deacon Lewis Mills Norton, 1897 > Part 17
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Funeral of Rev. Edinund Kimball Alden, D.D., 1896; Devotional Preparation for the Pulpit, 1897.
Fugitive Pieces in Various Periodicals. (Besides those before given.) In - Congregational Visitor, Christian Sentinel, New Eng- land Puritan, Watchman, Youth's Day Spring, Journal of Missions, Advent Herald, Evening Traveler, Roxbury Gazette, Journal, Con- gregationalist, Advance, Independent, Eliot Messenger, Missionary Herald. (Sundry contributions besides those specified.)
Mark Ives, son of Cephas, born February 10, 1809; became a member of the church, February 21, 1830; married, Novem- ber 25, 1836, Mary Anne Brainard, of Guilford, Conn. He was graduated from Union College in 1833; studied theology two years at the Seminary in Andover, and one year at the Theological Institute, East Windsor Hill. He was appointed a missionary of the American Board to the Sandwich Islands, in 1836.
The following particulars of his life were furnished by him to the Hon. Theodore S. Gold, for the History of Corn- wall.
" We sailed from Boston, December 14, 1836. We were stationed at Hana, on the eastern extremity of Mani, a place much exposed to the trade-winds. We commenced life in a house made by planting posts in the ground and sticks tied across them; the whole covered with grass. On March 21, 1838, during my absence, our house took fire and burned to the ground. This left us very much exposed; my wife took a severe cold and was threatened with consumption. We were consequently removed to Kealakekua, on the east side of Hawaii. This place is about a mile from Haawaloa, where Captain Cook lost his life. The trees around bore marks of cannon balls, fired among the natives to revenge his death.
" Here is where Henry Obookiah lived. Here was for- merly a small pen, enclosed by a rude stonewall, where he worshiped. In this was a coacoanut tree planted by his own hands, the fruit of which was given to none but the mission- aries. Contiguous to this was the temple where Captain Cook
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allowed himself to be worshiped as God. The stones of that temple contributed towards building a large house of worship to Jehovah.
" We arrived at the Sandwich Islands just before the great. revival that swept over the island and lasted two years. There was no difficulty in getting crowded houses and attentive lis- teners. There seemed to be an almost universal desire to enter the church.
" A church was organized at Kealakekua, under the care of Mr. Forbes, of three thousand members, and another at Kealia, twelve miles beyond, of nearly as many, which was under my care. The children of a suitable age were, without exception, gathered into schools. Our thirty-three schools numbered over one thousand children, 996 of whom were present when I last visited them.
" Here we lived nine years, or until my health failed. With the advice of the physicians, and being commended by the mission to our secretary in Boston, I left the islands, December 9, 1850, after a residence of fourteen years. My health not being restored as was expected, my family left there December 1, 1853, my wife having been absent from the United States seventeen and a half years."
On his return with his family, he settled in Cornwall, and devoted the remainder of his life to farming.
Mr. Gold adds: "Those who enjoy the privilege of a personal acquaintance with Mr. and Mrs. Ives can testify to their rich Christian experience; the true missionary spirit, not exhausted by their residence in foreign lands, but devel- oped and enlarged."
He died at Cornwall, March 21, 1885.
John Foote Norton, son of Deacon Lewis M. and Laura (Foote) Norton, was born in Goshen, September 8, 1809. He united with the church in 1827, during the ministry of the Rev. Francis H. Case. He prepared for college at the Goshen Academy and entered at Yale, but ill health prevented him
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from graduating. The college conferred an honorary A.M., in 1849. He was principal of the Goshen Academy one year, 1831-32, and of the Academy in Brooklyn, Conn., three years. He was graduated from Hartford Theological Semi- nary, then at East Windsor Hill, in 1837. He was licensed to preach, but finding his health insufficient he spent several months in travel in Europe, returning much stronger. He became principal of the Academy in Norfolk, in November, 1838, which position he held for four years. He again at- tempted to preach, and was ordained pastor of the church in Milton, Conn., October 23, 1844. Was dismissed in April, 1849. He was installed pastor at North Bridgewater, now Brockton, Mass., June 5, 1850, dismissed December 4, 1851; installed at Athol, March 11, 1852, dismissed March 11, 1867; installed at Fitzwilliam, N. H., September 23, 1868, dismissed March 31, 1873; acting pastor Hubbardston, Mass., 1877-84. At the close of his work at Hubbardston he removed to Natick, Mass., where he resided until his death, November 3, 1892.
Publications : (1) A Thanksgiving Sermon; (2) Address at the Consecration of Ancient Burial Ground, Athol, 1859, pp. 54; (3) Record of Athol in Suppressing the Rebellion, 1866, pp. 264; (4) History of Athol, from Worcester County His- tory, pp. 34; (5) History of Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire, 1888, pp. 829; (6) History of Natick, in Middlesex County History, 1890, pp. 57.
The life of Mr. Norton was filled with faithful service. Never strong physically, he brought to his work that earnest- ness and sincerity of purpose that secured for him the confi- dence and respect of all who knew him. His preaching was plain, earnest, and practical. His was the eloquence born of sincerity and his sermons always secured careful attention, and he was successful in securing the harmony and growth of the churches with which he labored.
Ephraim Lyman, son of Erastus and Abigail (Starr) Ly- man; born June 3, 1810. Graduated from Yale College, in
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1834; from the Theological Seminary, 1835. He was or- dained pastor of the church in Plymouth, Conn., October 28, 1835. Married Hannah D. Richards, of New London, Octo- ber 2, 1839; dismissed at his own request, June 8, 1851; in- stalled pastor at Washington, Conn., June 30, 1852, but on account of long-continued ill health was dismissed, June 7, 1863. He removed to Northampton, Mass., May, 1864, and joined the old church of which his great-grandfather was a member. After residing in Northampton a few years he re- moved to Minneapolis, Minn., where his two older sons were engaged in the wholesale drug business. He died at Minne- apolis, October 29, 1880, and was buried there. He had eight children.
Mr. Lyman was a man of dignity and decision of character, but possessed of a genial spirit, social and ready to give com- fort in affliction, and wise counsel in difficulty and trial. He preached the Gospel with no uncertain sound, and held back none of its truths, but with a zeal born out of a loving heart de- clared what he believed to be the whole counsel of God. He was a born leader of men, orderly in all his methods and con- scientiously finishing completely all work to which he laid his hand. His was a consecrated life, "this one thing I do," sounding out wherever he was placed, and he commanded the confidence and respect of all who knew him, not only by his ability and fidelity as a minister of the Gospel, but also by his truth, integrity, and capacity as a business man.
Robert Norton, son of Lewis Mills and Laura (Foote) Nor- ton; born February 18, 1822. Married, September 8, 1847, Miss Julia A. Horsford. Resided at Rushford, N. Y., 1849- 56
In the autumn of 1856 he entered the Theological Semi- nary at Auburn, N. Y., having previously been licensed to preach. He was pastor of the Second Ward Presbyterian Church, Lockport, N. Y., 1857 -- 60. Pastor of the First Pres- byterian Church, St. Catherines, Ontario, 1860-74. In 1874
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he returned to Lockport to his former church, and continued its pastor until 1892. Since that time he has had no pastorate, but preaches occasionally, and continues to reside in Lockport.
Mr. Norton has been greatly useful in his ministerial work and is greatly beloved by all who know him. I make the fol- lowing extract from a letter of his present pastor, from whom I had solicited information:
" As a preacher he has been a faithful expounder of the Scriptures, seeking ever to lead the minds of his hearers to a knowledge of the mind of God as revealed in His Word. His labors in this direction have been unusually blessed. Through- out all his ministry he has exalted Jesus Christ and righteous- ness. In consequence, a high standard of Christian piety has obtained among those who have come under his influence. As pastor he has followed closely in the footsteps of the Good Shepherd, giving himself freely and lovingly to the people to whom he has ministered. He has ever been a welcome guest, a true helper and comforter. In all spiritual things he has led his people always forward to do and to sacrifice for Jesus' sake. He has lived a noble and beautiful life. He has been a pure and consecrated minister of the Gospel. By-and- by the Lord will say to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.' ""
Charles Sherman Wing was born in Goshen, January 19, 1841. He attended the public school in the village of West Goshen and the Academy at the Centre. From the latter ex- cellent school he went to Amenia Seminary, in Dutchess County, New York, and from there to the Troy Conference Academy, at Poultney, Vermont. He was licensed to preach at Thomaston, in 1866, and began to exercise his gifts by sup- plying the pulpit at Bakersville. He became a member of the New York East Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in 1867.
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He is a man of more than average ability as a preacher, of great practical wisdom, a man whose life works for peace and who, as an executive officer of the church, has won the confi- dence and regard of all who know him. He has filled several of the most important appointments within the bounds of the Conference; at Ansonia, Bridgeport, Brooklyn, Mount Ver- non, New Haven, Northport, and Norwalk. He is now serving his second term as Presiding Elder, having charge of the Brooklyn South District, embracing more than seventy churches.
He has twice been a delegate to the Quadrennial General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church (in 1892 and 1896). He is one of the trustees of the New York East Con- ference; the chairman of one of the four Boards of Church Location, and also one of the chairmen of the Church Aid Society; a manager of the Board of Church Extension, and a prominent member of the New York Education Society. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on him in 1893 by the Syracuse University.
He married in early life a Miss Chadbourne, a sister of the Rev. Doctor Chadbourne, of Boston; a woman of superior in- tellectual gifts. At the present time they have three living children, two daughters and a son.
The Reverend William G. Fennell. Not many decades ago there came from Wiltshire, England, an honest, hard- working couple, anxious to seize the opportunities of life offered in sturdy New England. To them, while living at Go- shen, Conn., a son was born, November 15, 1859, the subject of this sketch. The house of his birth is still standing in the south part of the town, half a mile east of East Cornwall post- office, diagonally opposite the Elias Hart homestead, and is now occupied by Mrs. Frances Seeley. Two years after his birth, his father moved to a little brown house, now occupied by a Mr. Hoffman, situated a quarter of a mile northwest of the residence of Richard F. Thompson, formerly the home of
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Erastus Bates. From there, when the boy was seven years of age, his parents moved to the Elizabeth Benedict place in East Cornwall, at the top of Great Hill, which has been the family homestead from that time to the present. The boy had the great blessing of a godly mother, who in his infancy set him apart to God's work, though she did not impress him with the fact in early years, preferring him to be utterly free in the choice of his life's vocation. From that mother he re- ceived early and religious influences, some of which, preceding his seventh year, have remained conscious benedictions ever since. At the age of eleven years, he became a Christian, and united with the little Baptist Church in East Cornwall. At thirteen, he began to play the cabinet organ in church services, and took part in all prayer meetings, with Christian Endeavor devotion. When, in early years he was looking forward to life's vocation, and the ministry was suggested, he laughed at the idea, having an earnest purpose to study music, for which he possessed a marked taste and aptitude. Still a sense of duty and privilege lingered with him, urging in the direction of the former, and music took the subordinate place of an avocation.
To him, as to many another aspiring youth of earnest pur- pose but empty purse, the teaching of the district school of- fered the most feasible starting-point for further advance- ment. Hence, for a time, at the age of seventeen, he taught school in Warren, in the district called "Hardscrabble." (What fitness of terms ! ) Pay was also according to the old time "hardscrabble " figures: "four dollars a week and board around." With the sum realized from the first term, $64, he bought a suit of clothes, and entered the Connecticut Literary Institution at Suffield, boarding himself, and stretch- ing the cash over thirteen weeks of struggling existence. With the same determination, the course was pursued with com- mendable success to its close, and he was graduated in 1880.
The following year was spent in teaching school in Marion, Southington, and in the fall of '81, at Hamilton, New York,
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he began his course as a freshman in Colgate University, from which he was graduated in the class of '85.
As Mr. Fennell's expenses were more than the aid ren- dered by the Connecticut Baptist Education Society, and with his inborn willingness to work his way, he accepted the pas- torate of the Baptist Church of Sidney, N. Y., where he re- mained pastoral supply four and one-half years in connection with college and seminary studies. During this term of serv- ice, the church grew from a membership of fourteen to that of fifty. A Sunday-school was also organized which num- bered at the close one hundred and twenty.
On June 30, 1885, at the bride's home, Mr. Fennell mar- ried Miss Inez Clarine Warner, of Suffield. Mrs. Fennell was a graduate of the Suffield Institution, a lady of rare qualities, well-fitted for her position in life. Two daughters cheer the home: Guinevere and Marjorie W.
After two years in the Hamilton Theological Seminary, Mr. Fennell was called as pastor to the First Baptist Church of Middletown, Conn., which he served for nearly five years. During that time he took extra work in Bible study, including a summer-school course in Hebrew under Dr. Harper, then in Yale. While in this pastorate, by faithful efforts, he ac- complished the paying of a troublesome church debt, saw the church edifice repaired and transformed, within and without, from an unsightly building to a cheery and delightful church home, at an expense of over $8,000, and welcomed about one hundred members to the church.
From this work came the strong call to the First Baptist Church of Meriden, which he accepted, beginning his ministry there January 1, 1892. In this, his present field of labor, he has welcomed thus far,- January, 1897 - about one hun- dred and seventy-five members, the church numbering about five hundred and fifty. It has one flourishing mission of many years' standing, and a second has recently been organized. The three schools unite in Christmas festivities with a total enroll-
15
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ment of six hundred. The church finances aggregate about $6,000 a year, with the generous proportion of between $2,000 and $3,000 for benevolence.
Mr. Fennell's popularity as a public speaker and worker makes him welcome in many parts, while his versatility of tal- ents as pastor, teacher, musician, and scholar, with untiring energy in all helpful lines of service, fills his hands constantly with missions of good to men. From 1893 to '95 he held the important position of editor of the series of Inductive Sunday- school Lessons, for the American Baptist Publication Society, a work in which, with his researches and attainments, he took special delight and had marked success, so that the series reached the sale in the last year of over 60,000. The press of other duties compelled his withdrawal from this work. For some years he was the honored examiner of the Connecticut Literary Institute, of which he has always been a loyal son. In November, 1895, he was appointed President of the Con- necticut Christian Endeavor Union, and executed the work and oversight of that position with characteristic fidelity and success. To his laborious care in arranging the late annual State Convention at New London was its special success largely due. He was honored with appointments to speak twice at the Washington Christian Endeavor Convention, which he ac- ceptably fulfilled. With other positions of service and honor, he holds a place on the Executive Committee of the Baptist State Convention, and has recently been elected President of the Connecticut Baptist Education Society.
The foregoing has been a simple story of advancement and compelled success. Circumstances of poverty and hard- ness could not crush out the fixed purpose to rise. Held by the power of religion, success has not meant self-exaltation, but humility and cheer for the future. Doubtless it was the ex- periences of early life which nurtured the spirit of sympathy and benevolence which are so peculiarly his, and which, in his
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life work, make it his pleasure, " to rise to the high and stoop to the low and be a brother to all."
Quite a number of clergymen have visited Goshen and taken her fair daughters for wives. The following list of ladies who have married ministers is far from complete, and is ar- ranged without reference to dates. The clerical title is omitted.
Abigail Smith married Abel Newell, the second pastor; Hannah C. Baldwin, James Beach; Charlotte E. Chapin, Archibald A. Morgan; Harriet E. Cook, James Q. Rice; Anne Wadhams, Thomas Golding; Sarah Lyman, Daniel Collins; Lydia Buell, John Collins; Elizabeth Hart, Henry Pendleton; Minerva Hart, Samuel Wright; Sarah Lyman, Munson C. Gaylord; Susan M. Hopkins, Henry Dwight; Peggy Foote, Horatio Waldo; Nancy Thompson, Aaron Hunt; Abigail (Baldwin) Ludington, Chauncey Willcox; Mary Hooker, Elias Cornelius; Clarinda Parmelee, Charles Prentiss; Laura Parmelee, Mosier; Lydia Hale, John Keep; Clar-
issa Hale, Knapp; Almira Hopkins, William H. Spencer; Janette Hopkins, Philemon Fowler; Esther Newell, Lyon; Rhoda E. Stanley, Albert T. Chester; Anna Starr, William F. Miller; Esther Thompson, Clark Kendrick; Maria L. Wadhams, C. H. Everest; Sally Stanley, David L. Parmelee.
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CHAPTER XIV.
MEN TO BE REMEMBERED.
Deacon John Beach was born at Wallingford, October 15, 1690; married there and all his children, excepting the young- est, were born there. He removed to Goshen in 1738 or 1739. L. M. Norton's records contain the following: "In the pur- chase of the township of Goshen he was an original proprietor in one right; besides which he purchased of Oliver Dudley one right, March 11, 1738. His two first division lots were laid together, 1032 acres, on the east side of East St., N. E. of the graveyard. The south line is the present north line of the lands lately owned by William Stanley, and the north line was about 80 rods south of the house of Robert Palmer. His choice was the 35th in the first Division. Of course he could have no lands surveyed until late in the autumn of 1738. The fact is, indeed, stated on his tombstone that he moved to Goshen in 1738, and this is possible. But to me it seems much - more probable that the removal of his family did not take place until the spring of 1739.
" His house was located on the northerly part of the west line of his 103} acres, on the east side of the road, and nearly opposite to the present house of Eber Bailey. His first house was undoubtedly of logs; but that in which he afterwards lived was a framed house, and the hollow place of the cellar is still to be seen on the north side of the road leading to Whist Pond. Here his last child was born, October 27, 1739, the mother being at that time almost 45 years of age.
" At the first town meeting which was held in Goshen John Beach was chosen Moderator, and elected the first Select- man, for the year then ensuing. He represented the town in
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the General Assembly at the May session, 1757, and con- tinued to do so at seven sessions, the last held in April, 1775."*
"The following inscription is on the stone at his grave, in the East St. cemetery:
" In memory of John Beach Esqr. who departed this life May 9, 1773, in his 83d year. He was born at Wallingford 1690, removed to this place 1738, was chosen first Deacon of the Church 1741, and was one of the Civil Authority; which offices he sustained until the fatal hour.
" Useful in life, Lamented in death."
" At the grave of his wife:
" Mary late wife of John Beach Esqr. dled October 27, 1767, in her 73d year."
" Deacon John Beach is supposed to have been a man of serious piety, of a steady and consistent Christian character. He should be remembered as eminently one of the Fathers in this town. He had the satisfaction of seeing all his sons settle in his vicinity; but Amos was that son who took the paternal home, and upon whom he leaned in the decline of life.
" There is an undoubted tradition in the family that the ordination of Mr. Heaton took place in his house, in Novem- ber, 1740; at which time and place there can be no doubt that the Church was organized."
Deacon Nathaniel Baldwin was born in Guilford, Conn., in 1693; removed to Litchfield about 1732; bought two rights in the township of Goshen, February 14, 1738, and removed to Goshen in 1739. At the first town meeting held in Goshen he was chosen one of the selectmen. This was December 6, 1739. At the next town meeting, January 11, 1740, he was Moderator and one of the committee " to go after a minister, and full power to agree with the said minister." At the first proprietor's meeting, held in Litchfield, he was chosen Treas- urer. This was September 27, 1738. At the next meeting,
* A mistake; should be 1761.
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held December 6, 1738, he was appointed chairman of com- mittee for laying out two "Divisions of land," and he was continued in this position until his death.
From the first settlement of the town to the time of his death he was frequently and almost continuously called to fill some of the various town offices, and the evidence is abun- dant that he possessed the confidence of the people. This town was not represented in the General Assembly until 1757, and he was sent twice between that time and his death, in 1760.
He was chosen deacon, first, in Guilford. He served in this office in Litchfield and was made deacon in this church at the time of its organization, in November, 1740. He is said to have been unassuming in his manners, a good citizen, and a meek and devoted Christian.
Abraham Parmelee, born at Guilford, April 28, 1717. Came to Goshen, unmarried, with the first settlers; married, May 3, 1746, Mary, daughter of Nathaniel Stanley. He died at Goshen March 25, 1795; she died at Goshen October 25, 1815, age 93 years.
He superintended the laying out of his lands, at the time being 23 years of age. He lived the first summer with his uncle, Deacon Nathaniel Baldwin. The second summer he brought a bag of grass seed from his father's home, North Guilford, and made his bed upon it all that summer. The distance from his log cabin to Deacon Baldwin's was one and one-quarter mile through the woods. His father, residing in Guilford, October 8, 1742, deeded to him the greater part of his lands in Goshen. The consideration named in the deed was " natural affection, love, and good will."
At the first town meeting in Goshen he was chosen one of the " Listers," from which it would seem that he was accounted a young man of respectable talents. Physically, he was large built and powerful. He was called " Lieutenant Parmelee." This title he, doubtless, obtained as a militia officer. It is not known that he served in the Old French War. He united
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with the church in November, 1747, or January, 1748, and was deemed a man of sound piety and evangelical sentiments.
On his gravestone, in the East St. Cemetery, is the fol- lowing inscription:
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