USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Milford > Manual of the Church of Christ Congregational in Milford, Ct > Part 2
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In 1816, under the ministry of Rev. Caleb Pitkin, twenty-five persons were added to the church on profession of their faith, indicating a more than usual attention to the subject of religion.
In 1821, as the fruits of a revival under the ministry of Rev. Jehu Clark, forty united with the church.
Under the ministry of Rev. Asa M. Train, the church enjoyed five seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. In the year 1828, there were added to the church forty members, in 1831, twenty-three, in 1832, fifty; in 1835, twenty-seven; in 1843, eighty-three.
As a result of Rev. J. M. Sherwood's labors in 1852, twenty persons were added.
About the first of September 1854, under the ministry of Rev. Wm. C. Scofield, the Spirit of God began to move upon the hearts of his people, leading them to humiliation, fasting, con- fession of sin and prayer. Sinners were soon heard inquiring, "What shall I do to be saved?" The work continued for about eight months. As the fruits of the revival eighty persons made a public profession of their faith in Christ, by uniting with this church.
In the month of November, 1865, special religious interest began to develop in the hearts of the impenitent, the people of God having been stirred to unusual earnestness in prayer for a blessing. Sixty souls were added to the church on confession
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of their faith, in several subsequent communion seasons, as the result of this awakening.
Sixteen more united with us, on confession, in September, 1868, following the work of grace in connection with the labors of Rev. J. D. Potter, in May of that year.
Twenty more converts were added in the spring of 1874, the Rev. R. S. Underwood having assisted in the work.
During the ministry of Rev. Chas. E. Upson the Salvation Army labored in Milford. As a result, in the spring of 1898 more than forty joined the church on confession and by letter.
Rev. Howard C. Meserve received sixty-two new members into the church and baptized fifteen.
Rev. Clarence Reidenbach received one hundred new members and baptized twenty-seven.
Rev. Frank E. Carlson received thirty-one new members and baptized eight.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF FIRST CHURCH PASTORS
THE REVEREND PETER PRUDDEN
REV. PETER PRUDDEN, son of Robert and Mildred Prudden, was born in Luton, Bedfordshire, England, December 1601. His ancestry is traced back seven generations to John Prudden (born about 1416) of Kings Walden, Hertfordshire. Education: Mer- chant Tailor's School, London 1616-17; Emmanuel College, Cambridge 1620. Married (before 1633) Jane, daughter of William Thomas, of Monmouth County, Wales. "God marvel- ously blessed his ministry in England unto many about Here- fordshire and near Wales." Arrived in Boston, June 26, 1637, with fifteen families from Hertford, Buckingham, and adjoining counties. Preached in New Haven and Wethersfield, 1638. He came to this country a widower with no children. He married (second) Joanna Boyse, of Roxbury, Mass., daughter of the Rev. John Boyse, of Halifax County, York, England. He was founder and first pastor of this Church which was organized August 22, 1639. He died July, 1656.
I am sure 'tis a blessed child of God whose name is before us; who besides bis other excellent qualities was noted for a singular faculty to sweeten, compose and qualify exasperated spirits and stop or heal all contentions -whence it was that his Town of Milford enjoyed peace with truth all his days. He continued an able and faithful servant of the Churches until the fifty-sixth year of his age; when his death was felt as the fall of a pillar which made the whole fabrick to shake. COTTON MATHER'S Magnalia, 1702.
THE REVEREND ROGER NEWTON
REV. ROGER NEWTON, son of Samuel Newton, born in England about 1610. Education: King's College, Cambridge, England 1636; entered Harvard 1638. Studied Theology in the home of Rev. Thomas Hooker, founder of Hartford, Conn. Mather refers to him as "one of the young students who came from England to finish their education in America." He married Mary, daughter of Rev. Thomas and Susannah Hooker. Their first
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child, Samuel, was born October 20, 1646. Founder and first pastor of the Church in Farmington, Conn. 1652-57. He was in- stalled pastor of this Church on its twenty-first birthday, August 22, 1660, and continued in that office for twenty-three years. He received young men into his home to study Theology. One of these was Abraham Pierson, who married a Milford girl, Abigail Clark, and became the first President of Yale. He died in Milford, June 7, 1683.
A good minister of Jesus Christ.
THE REVEREND SAMUEL ANDREW
REV. SAMUEL ANDREW, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (White) Andrew, born in Cambridge, Mass., January 29, 1656. His grandfather, William, was a mariner who came from England to the new world in 1632. He graduated from Harvard in 1675, and served as tutor and Fellow in that College for several years. The General Court of Massachusetts ordered that fifty pounds be paid to him and to John Cotton for carrying on the President's work after the death of President Oakes. He was ordained in this Church, November 18, 1685, and continued as its pastor for more than fifty-two years. He was one of the principal founders of Yale and acting president for twelve years. He taught the senior class in the Milford parsonage, and supervised the instruction of the lower classes carried on by tutors at Saybrook. He was a profound scholar; one of the most influential ministers in the Colony, and one of the drafters of the famous "Saybrook Plat- form." He married Abigail, daughter of Robert and Jane (Tapp) Treat. To them were born nine children. Their daughter, Abigail, married Jonathan Law, who served as Governor of the Colony. Elizabeth married Timothy Cutler, who became President of Yale. Died January 24, 1738, in his eighty-second year.
Greatly esteemed in life and lamented at death.
THE REVEREND SAMUEL WHITTELSEY, JR.
REV. SAMUEL WHITTELSEY, JR., eldest son of Rev. Samuel Whittelsey, born in Wallingford, Conn. July 10, 1713. Edu- cation: Yale B.A. 1729; Harvard M.A. Studied Theology with his father and became tutor at Yale when he was
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twenty-one years of age. Called from that position and ordained pastor of this Church December 9, 1737. He married September 21, 1743, a Milford girl, Susanna Bryan Newton, great-grand- daughter of the second pastor. He was pastor during troubled times. The "Great Awakening," by the preaching of Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, caused a division in many churches. Our own Plymouth Church was formed at that time. He was by nature a man of peace. In spite of the division, which no one could help, he had a fruitful ministry. He died October 22, 1768, in his fifty-sixth year, having been pastor of this Church thirty-one years. On his stone in Milford Cemetery is an in- scription in Latin:
Sacred to the memory of Reverend Samuel Whittelsey, Master of Arts at Yale and Harvard; whose virtues, piety, and good deeds everywhere shone with peculiar lustre, and whose increasing and faithful labors in sacred things, for more than 30 years among the inhabitants of Milford, justly entitled him to honor. He was at length removed by death from all earthly friends, duties, and honors, on the 22nd October 1768 in the 56th year of his age.
THE REVEREND SAMUEL WALES
REV. SAMUEL WALES, son of Rev. John Wales, born in Rayn- ham, Mass., March 2, 1748. He entered Yale when fifteen years of age, and graduated with honors in 1767. He taught in Mr. Wheelock's famous Indian School at Lebanon for two years, then became tutor at Yale. He was ordained pastor of this Church December 19, 1770. He was a Chaplain in the Revolu- tionary War. He married Catherine, daughter of Captain Isaac and Catherine (Baldwin) Miles, of Milford. They had one daughter and five sons. After a successful pastorate of eleven years he was called to the Chair of Divinity in Yale College. He received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from both Yale and Princeton. He went to Europe in 1786, visiting France, Holland, and England. His brilliant career was cut short by death in New Haven, February 18, 1794, in his forty-sixth year.
He was an excellent preacher, and by his distinguished abilities, in union with exemplary piety, he added luster and dignity to the Theo- logical Chair. Dr. Holmes
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THE REVEREND WILLIAM LOCKWOOD
REV. WILLIAM LOCKWOOD, son of Rev. James and Mary (Dick- enson) Lockwood, born in Wethersfield, Conn., January 21, 1753. His father declined a call to be President of Yale in 1766. Graduated from Yale in 1774. For three years he was in charge of Hopkins Grammar School in New Haven, while studying Theology. He was tutor at Yale for two years, when he became Chaplain in the Army, and continued until the close of the war. He married December 16, 1784, Sarah, daughter of Hon. Jona- than and Deborah (Lewis) Sturges, of Fairfield. He was ordained pastor of this Church March 17, 1784 and continued until 1796 when he had to resign on account of illness. He was pastor of the Church in Glastonbury, Conn. 1797-1804, when ill health made it necessary for him to retire from the ministry. He continued to live in Glastonbury until his death, June 23, 1828. He was a member of the Massachusetts Society of The Cincinnati.
A man of excellent qualities of Character, beloved by his people to the end.
THE REVEREND BEZALEEL PINNEO
REV. BEZALEEL PINNEO, son of James and Jerusha (Strong) Pinneo, born in Lebanon, Conn., July 28, 1769. His father was a captain and two brothers were soldiers in the War for Inde- pendence. He graduated from Dartmouth in 1791, and studied Theology with Rev. Dr. Smalley of Berlin, Conn. He taught school for a time in Colchester and Wethersfield. He was ordained in this Church October 26, 1796, and continued as pastor for more than fifty-two years. He had a fruitful ministry with frequent revivals and many new members added to the Church. He trained young men for the ministry. The North Milford (Orange) Church was set off as a separate parish in 1805. The present meetinghouse was built during his pastorate in 1823. He married (1) in 1800, Mary, only daughter of Rev. Timothy Stone, of Lebanon. She died at the early age of thirty-six, leaving her hus- band with seven children. He married (2) Leah, daughter of Henry Hill, of Guilford. They had one son. During the last ten years he had two colleague pastors. Both of these young men refer to their Senior in terms of reverence and affection. He died Septem- ber 18, 1849.
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We called him "Father Pinneo," and very properly. By this familiar and endearing title was he best known among us. He was a Father, the spiritual Father, of a numerous family.
THE REVEREND DAVID BENTON COE, D.D.
REV. DAVID BENTON COE, D.D., son of Oliver and Ahinoam (Hayes) Coe, born in Granville, Mass., August 16, 1814. Educa- tion: Westfield and Monson Academies; Yale B.A. 1837; B.D. 1840; Middlebury D.D. 1857. Ordained in Milford Church October 14, 1840, as Colleague Pastor, and dismissed September I, 1844. Pastor of Allen Street Presbyterian Church, New York City 1844-49. District Secretary of A. B. C. F. M. 1849-51; Cor- responding Secretary of A.H.M.S. 1852-82, with rank of honorary secretary after 1882. Trustee of Robert College, Constantinople. Published (1) "Record of the Coe Family" 1856. (2) "Sketch of Timothy M. Cooley" 1860. (3) "Sketch of Milton Badger" 1875. (4) "Origin and Work of the A.H.M.S." 1887. Married January 6, 1841, Rebecca, daughter of Rev. Alexander and Elizabeth (Tappan) Phoenix, of New Haven. Died at Bloomfield, N.Y., February 13, 1895, in his eighty-first year. His brief ministry in this Church was blessed by a great revival. One hundred and forty- five new members united in 1843, eighty-one of them at one time.
Mr. Coe was passionately loved by his people.
THE REVEREND JONATHAN BRACE, D.D.
REV. JONATHAN BRACE, D.D., son of Thomas Kimberly and Lucy (Lee) Brace, born in Hartford, Conn., June 12, 1810. Education: Yale College 1827-28; M.A. 1850; Amherst 1828-31 -Amherst D.D. 1858. He studied Theology one year each at Yale, Andover, and Princeton. Ordained at Litchfield, Conn. 1838. Pastor: Litchfield 1838-44. Interim, Central Presbyterian Church, New York City. Milford 1845-63. Returned (1863) to his native city, Hartford. Editor of "Religious Herald" to the end of his life. Published: (1) "Origin and History of the First Congregational Church, Milford, Conn.," 1852; (2) "Com- memoration Discourse," 1860; (3) "Scripture Portraits." Married April 3, 1839, Sarah E., daughter of Eben Finch, of Washington, N.Y. She was referred to as "His devoted and amiable wife."
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Permanent moderator of Hartford ministers meeting. "Urbanity, dignity, fidelity to duty. Well-balanced mind, vigorous faculties, remarkable knowledge of the Bible. Widely read. Tenacious memory. Preaching: evangelical, orderly, earnest. A good citizen, always voted, patriotic, very charitable."-Congregational Quar- terly, 1878. Died in Hartford, October 1, 1877.
The eloquent words which fell from his lips during the bloody struggle of the Civil War aroused a patriotic enthusiasm in this whole com- munity.
THE REVEREND JAMES WAKEMAN HUBBELL
REV. JAMES WAKEMAN HUBBELL, son of Deacon Wakeman and Julia (Lynes) Hubbell, born in Wilton, Conn., March 29, 1835. Education: Wilton Academy; Yale 1857; Andover Theological Seminary 1863. Teacher: Stamford and Norfolk, Conn. 1857-59. Union Theological Seminary 1859-60. Ordained in Milford, September 21, 1864, dismissed June 1, 1869. Pastor: College Street Church, New Haven 1869-76; Portsmouth, N.H. 1877-79; Danbury, Conn. 1879-86; Mansfield, Ohio 1886 until death. Marietta College, Hon. D.D. 1890. Married September 25, 1861, Mary Wing, daughter of Charles and Harriet (Clarke) Gregory, of Wilton, Conn. They had one son and three daughters. Died May 16, 1896.
During his pastorate a revival of religion so increased the attendance at all services that an enlargement of the Church was necessary.
THE REVEREND ALBERT J. LYMAN
REV. ALBERT J. LYMAN, son of Josiah and Mary L. (Bingham) Lyman, born in Williston, Vt., December 24, 1845. Student in Chicago Theological Seminary 1865-66. Graduate of Union Theological Seminary 1868. Yale Divinity School 1868-69. Pastor: Milford Church 1869-73. South Congregational Church, Brooklyn, N.Y. 1874-1915. Received Honorary Degree of D.D. from Amherst in 1891. President of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences 1899-1904. Vice-President A.B.C.F.M. 1906- 1907. Author (1) "Preaching in the New Age," 1902. (2) "Plain Man's Working View of Biblical Inspiration," 1907. (3) "The
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Christian Pastor in the New Age," 1909. (4) "Underneath Are the Everlasting Arms," 1910. (5) "The Greatest Maxims in the World," 1911. Married (1) June 1, 1870, Ella Stevens, of Brooklyn, N.Y. (2) June 26, 1902, Elizabeth Hills, of Warren, Mass. He died August 22, 1915.
THE REVEREND JACOB ALBERT BIDDLE
REV. JACOB ALBERT BIDDLE, born on the Connecticut Reserve, Ohio, December 24, 1845. He was trained from his birth for the min- istry and licensed to preach when nineteen years of age. He gradu- ated from Oberlin College in 1870. Studied in Yale Divinity School, 1872. Pastorate: Milford 1875-81; short pastorates in Oswego, Brooklyn, and Canandaigua, N.Y., South Norwalk, Conn., and Rico, Colo. Entered Episcopal Church, with long and successful pastorate at South Manchester, Conn. While there he served as Arch-Deacon of Hartford for twelve years. While pastor in Milford he rendered valuable aid in establishing a graded school system in the town, and higher standards in education as a member of the School Board. Published, in the volume on Pro- ceedings at the Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Church of Christ in Milford, "A Historical Sermon" preached in this Church July 9, 1876.
He married, 1871, Anna L. Light, a college classmate. He died in South Manchester, September 24, 1914, after an active ministry of forty-four years.
He was a brilliant, thoughtful, courageous preacher, and a faithful, much beloved pastor.
THE REVEREND SENECA MCNEIL KEELER
REV. SENECA MCNEIL KEELER, son of Harvey and Mary (Mead) Keeler, born in Ridgefield, Conn., May 31, 1835. Education: Yale B.A. 1856; M.A. 1859; Auburn Theological Seminary 1863. Taught in Natchez, Miss., and two years in North Salem, N.Y. Principal of East Bloomfield Academy, N.Y., for two years. Ordained to the Presbyterian ministry by the Presbytery of Chenango, N.Y., July 1863. Pastor: Guilford, N.Y. 1863-66; Smyrna, N.Y. 1866-70; Madison, N.Y. 1870-72; West Newbury, Mass. 1872-78; Newburyport, Mass. 1872-78; Newburyport, (Pres. Ch.) 1878-80; Milford 1880-84; South Britain, Conn.
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1884-90; Bridgeport 1890-93; Jefferson, Pa. 1893-95. Delegate to National Council 1865-77. Moderator of the Presbytery of Columbia, N.Y. 1901. Married (1) August 24, 1857, Alice B., daughter of Underhill and Laura Reynolds Smith, of Salem Center, N.Y. They had six daughters and one son. Married (2) 1900, in North Salem, N.Y., Mary E. Eggleston, sister of his first wife. He died in Danbury, Conn., May 25, 1912.
THE REVEREND NEWELL M. CALHOUN
REV. NEWELL M. CALHOUN, son of William Ferris and Lemira (Tracy) Calhoun, born in Warren, Conn., March 2, 1847. Education: Yale 1872, B.D. 1874, Hon. M.A. 1887. Married August 24, 1875, Laura Trowbridge Cannon, of New Haven. Pastor: Missionary, Nevin and Creston, Iowa 1874-75; Pilgrim, Cleveland, Ohio 1875-84; Milford 1884-87; Canandaigua, N.Y. 1887-94; Winsted, Conn. 1897-1907; Orange 1908-23. Pastor Emeritus: 1924-32. Elected life member of Yale Corporation (Fellow) 1889. He served as President of Keuka College, Penn Yan, N.Y. 1896-97. Published "Picturesque Litchfield County," 1899; "Litchfield County Sketches," 1906. "A Joyful Ministry," (Sermon preached in Orange Church, December 30, 1923.) Died in Orange, Conn., August 1932.
My joy has been of the shepherd, who has been happy in leading the Lord's flock in the green pastures, and beside the still waters, helping in his poor way to restore their souls.
THE REVEREND FRANK LA DU FERGUSON
REV. FRANK LA DU FERGUSON, son of John and Matilda Pome- roy Ferguson, born in Tamworth, Ontario, Canada, June 21, 1861. Education: Albert College, Belleville, Ontario; Yale B.D. 1888. Ordained, Clio, Mich., July 21, 1885. Pastor: Milford 1888-90. Head of Chadron Academy, Chadron, Nebr. 1890- 93. Corresponding and Field Secretary of the Congregational Education Society, 1893-98. President of Pomona College, Claremont, Calif. 1898-1902. Entered business in Boston. From 1910 to 1915 he was President of the Board of Trustees of Plymouth Church, Brooklyn, N.Y. and acted as business agent for the pastor, Rev. Newell Dwight Hillis. Married December 16, 1884, Margaret J. Maxwell, daughter of Samuel
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and Jeannette McCord Maxwell. One daughter, Jeannette, died on April 18, 1918. Two sons: Franklin P. Ferguson, a New York lawyer, and John M. Ferguson, Professor of Economics in the University of Pittsburgh. In 1920 he established his home in Orlando, Fla. where he took an active part in civic affairs, and published the Orlando "Shopping News." He died in Or- lando, May 27, 1944.
THE REVEREND HENRY HARVEY MORSE
REV. HENRY HARVEY MORSE, son of Francis B. and Alice (Burnham) Morse, born in New Haven, October 1I, 1860. Education: Watertown Academy; Amherst 1885; Yale B.D. 1888. Pastor: Rockford, Iowa 1888-91; Omaha, Nebr. 1891; Milford 1891-1906; Danbury 1906-10. Married November 7, 1895, Alice G., daughter of Ezra B. and Elizabeth Reynolds Dibble, of New Haven. During his ministry in Milford a fine new parsonage was built under his personal supervision. Published "Christian Bible Teachings." He died in Danbury, March 12, IgII.
His pastorate began when the Church was in a seriously disturbed con- dition. His conciliatory temperament enabled it to enjoy a period of quiet prosperity. He was a rare comforter in illness or sorrow, and a pastor whose ministrations in the home were faithful and highly valued.
THE REVEREND FREDERICK AZEL SUMNER
REV. FREDERICK AZEL SUMNER, son of Azel Cunningham and Sarah Jane (Hanks) Sumner, was born in Eastford, Conn., March 26, 1864. Education: Oberlin B.A. 1891, D.D. 1931; Hartford Theological Seminary 1894; Yale M.A. 1908. Married July 27, 1898, Mary E. Buchanan, of Sauk Center, Minn. Ordained in Eastford, Conn., June 27, 1894. Pastor: Glen- wood, Minn. 1894-97; Little Falls, Minn. 1897-1902; Pilgrim Church, Minneapolis 1902-07; Milford 1907-16. President of Talladega College 1916-33. Under his leadership the college made rapid progress in scholastic standing, number of students, buildings and equipment, and endowment. He was held in highest esteem in each of his parishes as well as in the com- munity and college of which he was president. He died in
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Hoboken, N.J., December 26, 1933 and was buried in Milford Cemetery.
Frederick Sumner was indeed one of God's noblemen and the fragrance of his wonderful life will never die.
THE REVEREND LESLIE B. BRIGGS
REV. LESLIE B. BRIGGS, son of Josiah and Sarah (Snyder) Briggs. Born in Lapeer. County, Mich., March 3, 1877. Education: Y.M.C.A. Training School, Chicago 1900; University of the Pacific B.L. 1905; University of California B.L. 1906, M.L. 1908; Pacific School of Religion B.D. 1908. Post-graduate work at Yale 1908-09. Married Mary Louise, daughter of Rev. Jasper Wesley Lent and Susannah (Proctor) Lent, of Tamerth, Ontario, Canada. Pastor: Oakland, San Francisco, and Santa Cruz, Calif .; Milford, Conn. 1917-25. Eight years with the Extension Service of Columbia University. Author: "Essentials of Religion." Served as a private in the Spanish-American War, and as Red Cross Chaplain in France in World War I. Extensive additions and changes in the Church building were made when he was pastor, including Wilcox Memorial and a new organ. He died in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, Calif., September 18, 1942.
PLYMOUTH CHURCH PASTORS
THE REVEREND JOB PRUDDEN
REV. JOB PRUDDEN, son of John and Mary (Clark) Prudden, born in Milford, September 4, 1715. He was a great-grandson of Rev. Peter Prudden, founder and first pastor of Milford. Educa- tion: Yale 1743. Ordained in New Jersey by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, and installed first pastor of Plymouth Church, Milford, in May, 1747. Two delegates from Milford attended his ordination. Married August 22, 1750, Esther, daughter of Nathaniel and Rebecca (Burwell) Sherman, of New Haven, great-granddaughter of Rev. John Sherman, one of the founders of Milford. He continued as pastor of this Church for twenty- seven years, until his death, June 23, 1774. On his stone in Mil- ford Cemetery are the words:
A bountiful benefactor to mankind, well beloved in his life and much lamented in his death.
THE REVEREND JOSIAH SHERMAN
REV JOSIAH SHERMAN, son of William and Mehetabel (Welling- ton) Sherman, born in Stoughton, Mass., 1729. Education: Nassau Hall (Princeton), then located in Newark, N.J. B.A. 1754; M.A. 1758; Harvard M.A. 1758; Yale M.A. 1765. Studied Theology with Rev. Dr. Bellamy in Bethlehem, Conn., and was ordained in Woburn, Mass., January 28, 1756. Pastor: Woburn, Mass. 1756-75; Milford 1775-81; Goshen, Conn. 1781-89; Woodbridge, Conn. 1789. He married Martha, daughter of Hon. James Minott, of Concord, Mass. He was a brother of Roger Sherman, signer of the Declaration of Independence. A son, Roger Minott Sherman, was one of Connecticut's most dis- tinguished citizens. He died in Woodbridge, November 24, 1789. The learned scholar, the eloquent orator, accomplished gentleman, the faithful pastor.
THE REVEREND DAVID TULLAR
REV. DAVID TULLAR, son of John and Anne Tullar, born in Simsbury, Conn., September 22, 1748. Education: Yale B.A.
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1774; studied Theology with Dr. Bellamy in Bethlehem, Conn., ordained in Windsor, Vt., March 1779. Married September 24, 1779, Charity, daughter of Ezra and Charity Fellows, of Sheffield, Mass. Pastor: Windsor, Vt. 1779-84; Milford 1784-1802; Rowley, Mass. 1803-1810; about ten years as a missionary preacher in Leroy and West Bloomfield, N.Y. Then Ipswich, Mass. 1823-31. In Milford he prepared students for college and for the ministry. He served as Lieutenant in the siege of Boston. Died in Sheffield, Mass., August 23, 1839, nearly ninety-one years of age. His widow died there January 2, 1849, in her ninety-first year.
He was above the common height of a majestic appearance. He was accounted to have possessed a sound mind and thorough theological acquisitions. In the earlier years of his ministry he was classed as a follower of Dr. Hopkins.
THE REVEREND SHERMAN JOHNSON
REV. SHERMAN JOHNSON, son of John and Persis (Sherman) Johnson, born in Southborough, Mass., August 18, 1776. Edu- cation: Leicester Academy; Yale B.A. 1802. Studied Theology with Dr. Backus, of Somers, Conn. and Dr. Emmons, of Franklin, Mass. Married Sarah, daughter of Jacob and Rhoda Daggett, of New Haven. Ordained in Plymouth Church, Milford, Febru- ary 6, 1805. He died May 21, 1806, in his thirtieth year.
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