USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Bridgeport > Reports and papers. Fairfield County Historical Society, Bridgeport, Conn. 1882-1896-97 > Part 10
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could be afforded him and he died as stated. The deceased was one of the oldest and most respected citizens of Bridge- port and stood high in the community. He was the son of the late Ephraim Middlebrook, of Trumbull, in which town he was born on March 24, 1809. He came to Bridgeport when a boy, and began his business career as a merchant tailor, in which occupation he was engaged about twenty-five years, at the corner of Main and Wall streets, his residence being across the street on the site of the Sterling House. He next went into the wholesale grocery business on Water street, which he followed for a number of years. He was for several years Secretary and Treasurer of the Mutual Building Association, and carried on the Insurance business at the same time. In 1859 he originated the City Savings Bank, was elected Treas- urer and has held that position ever since. He was prompt and accurate in all his business transactions, and to this may be attributed his success in his business carcer. He took the deepest interest in the affairs of the bank, and his wise coun- .sel and sound judgment in the management of its affairs estab- lished it successfully in the confidence of the people. As a citizen he has been active and influential. When the city government was organized in 1836, he was elected to the Council, and since that time has served in that body repeat- edly, besides holding other positions of honor and trust. Ilis thorough knowledge of financial affairs was of much value to the city during his connection with the city government, and he was, we think, the last surviving member of the first Com- mon Council of the city. Mr. Middlebrook was a devont Christian, carrying his religion with him in his daily walks, living as he believed. Ile was a constant attendant at church and week-day meetings, and was a valuable member of the Christian body to which he belonged. Early in life he united with the North Congregational Church. Afterward when the South Church was formed Mr. Middlebrook united with it and was one of its leading men. When the First Presbyterian Church was formed, in 1853, Mr. Middlebrook, and other prominent members were the leading spirits. He was one of the original elders of that church and continued with that body
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till 1878, when he went back to the North Church. During his long service in the Presbyterian Church he was a member of the Society's Committee, and was treasurer both of the society and of the session.
The deceased belonged to a family noted for its longevity. He leaves a widow and four children, William N. Middlebrook, City and Town Treasurer; Mrs. Robert K. Brown, of Water- bury; Mrs. Granville W. Goodsell, and Mrs. Moses H. Wheeler, of this city. His honest and upright life have won for him a host of friends who will deeply sympathize with the bereaved family in the sudden termination of a useful Christian life.
{From THE BRIDGEPORT STANDARD of Saturday, April 24, 1886.]
HON. AMOS S. TREAT.
The intelligence that the Hon. Amos Sherman Treat had departed this life at three o'clock this morning spread rapidly about the eity early this forenoon, and the news was a sudden shock to the community. Mr. Treat and family have been traveling West and South for a number of weeks, the latter portion of the time being spent at the City of Mexico. The trip that Mr. Treat was taking was for the benefit of his health and for pleasure, and business was left in the background as far as possible. The party left this city March 11th, for Mex- ico by way of Canada. They were on the return journey when Mr. Treat was taken ill in Kansas last Tuesday. Before then his trip had proven very enjoyable. No fears of serious sickness had been expressed and the remainder of the trip was carried out as intended. Niagara Falls was visited among other points of interest. Thursday his condition was regarded with apprehension on account of a diarrhoeal attack, and on that night a change for the worse took place. The party traveled night and day and Mr. Treat appeared very feeble and ex- hausted. On arrival in this city at 1:57 o'clock yesterday after- noon he was conveyed to his home on Courtland street, where he was attended by Drs. Hubbard and Garlick. He was very weak and only rallied temporarily. He was perfectly con-
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seious till eight o'clock in the evening, and from that time till midnight he knew when he was addressed. He passed away very quietly.
Mr. Treat was born at Bridgewater, Conn., February 5, 1816, and is a lincal descendant of Richard Treat, one of the patentees in the Colonial charter, and of his son Robert Treat, who was for many years Governor of Connecticut. On the maternal side he descended in a direet line from Amos Sherman, of Bridgewater, Ephraim Sherman, son of Job Sherman, Ben- jamin Sherman, son of Samuel Sherman, son of Edmund, who was the son of Edmund Sherman of England, who was born about 1545. This is of the same line as General T. W. and Senator John Sherman. The Sherman line is traced back in regular succession to 1499. The early years of deceased were spent on the family farm at Bridgewater. He prepared for college at Hudson, Ohio, and entered Yale Col- lege. Afterward he taught school in South Carolina, and later in New Jersey. After studying law with Hon. Jacob W. Miller, of Morristown, N. J., and C. R. Butler, of Plymouth, Mr. Treat was admitted to the Litchfield County bar in 1843. He removed to Newtown and practiced his profession for ten years. Besides being a member of the Board of Education he took an active part in town affairs and occupied the posi- tion of postmaster for one year. He came to Bridgeport in July, 1854, where he has since resided, with the exception of the time intervening between May, 1870, to November, 1875, when he lived in Woodbridge. He was Clerk of the Fairfield County Court from 1854 to 1859, member of the Peace Con- gress in 1861, represented Bridgeport in the Connectieut Leg- islature in 1858, 1862, 1869, and 1879 and Woodbridge in the same body in 1871, 1872 and 1873. He was Speaker of the House in 1872, chosen to that position by the republican party, of which he has been a member since its organization. At the close of this session the House presented him with a valuable watch and chain, not as a reward for partienlar ser- viee but as an evidence of the high appreciation of the cour- teous, proper, and impartial manner in which the difficult duties of Speaker were discharged.
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In the Masonic fraternity Mr. Treat had taken a prominent position. He was made a Mason in 1855, and had held nearly all the offices of the order, including Master. He also held nearly all the offices in Hamilton Commandery, in which he was created a Knight in 1858, and has been its Eminent Com- mander. He was Grand Commander of the State in 1868 and 1869. He was a thirty-third degree Mason, also the highest rank in the order, and took an active part in masonie matters up to the very last. Deceased leaves a widow, Mary Clark- Treat, only daughter of Treat Clark, of Woodbridge, to whom he was married December 15, 1869, and a daughter, Mary Clark, who was born January 28, 1872.
Until his death Mr. Treat was actively engaged in the prac- tiee of his profession, his associate being Mr. Charles Sher- wood of this city. He was President of the Bridgeport Gas Light Company, Treasurer of the Bridgeport Hydraulie Com- pany, President of the Compressed Paper Box Company, a Director in the STANDARD ASSOCIATION since its organization, and a stockholder in several other industrial concerns. He was a man of large wealth, and one who, with his family about him, took every opportunity for social enjoyment.
Mr. Treat was a man of fine judicial mind, an able lawyer and counselor, and his advice was widely sought. He was a republiean and an astute politician, with views which were far reaching and nearly always based upon sound premises. He was a strong and persistent opponent, and a firm and reliable friend, and although shunning everything like ostentatious charity, he did many good works in seeret, for which he will be to-day remembered with gratitude. He assisted many young business men at times when their need was pressing and their friends few, and he found his reward in the friendship which was thus secured. He was a member of the North Congrega- tional Society and a regular attendant for many years at that church.
In the same paper of Wednesday, April 28, 1886, appeared the following notice of the funeral of Mr. Treat :
The funeral of Hon. Amos S. Treat took place this after-
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noon from his late residence, No. 85 Courtland street. Gath- ered there were a large number of personal friends and rela- tives from this eity and vicinity, Woodbridge, his native town, New Haven, and other places. The Bar was largely repre- sented, as was also the Masonie fraternity. The remains lay in an elegant copper-lined casket covered with black broad- cloth, with textile bar-handles, tipped with silver. The plate was of solid silver, displaying the name and age of deceased, the emblem of a Knight Templar appearing on the left side. Among the floral deviees placed near the casket were a "Gates Ajar," from employes of the Bridgeport Gas Company; a broken column, from the directors of the same company; a crown and eross, from Hamilton Commandery ; a purple wreath displaying the figures 33, from Lafayette Consistory, S. P. of R. S .; palm leaf with bunch of Ascension lilies, from Chief Gerdenier; a standing eross with wreath of roses, bunch of callas, and a pillow displaying the word "Papa," from the family; a floral piece three feet long and four feet high, rep- resenting the "Heavenly Arches," an artistically beautiful objeet, from the Bridgeport Hydraulic Company, and many other suggestive and appropriate emblems. Rev. C. Ray Pal- mer of the North Church, conducted the religious services, which were impressive by their simplicity. Appropriate music was rendered by the choir of that church. At the close of the services an opportunity was given all who wished to look at the face of deceased. The casket was then taken to Moun- tain Grove Cemetery where the burial took place. The pall bearers were Chief-Justice Park, and Judge S. B. Beardsley, representing the Bar, S. C. Trubce and Hon. Win. D. Bishop, the Bridgeport Gas Company, William R. Higby, Esq., the Masonie fraternity, and S. J. Patterson, Mr. Treat's neighbors and friends, and the people of North Church where he wor- shipped.
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1736. - 1886.
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE,
Commemorating the
One Hundred and Fiftieth
ANNIVERSARY
Of the Consociations,
Fairfield East AND Fairfield West,
AT FAIRFIELD, JUNE S, 1886,
BY REV. ASA C. PIERCE.
By Permission.
Anniversary held pursuant to plans formed by the separate Consociations of Fairfield East and Fairfield West, embracing pastors and delegates, with a goodly representation from the churches of the county, in the Congregational Church, Fairfield, Ct., at 10.30 A. M., Tuesday, June 8, 1886.
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HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
BY REV. ASA C. PIERCE.
BRETHREN AND FRIENDS OF FAIRFIELD WEST, AND FAIRFIELD EAST, CONSOCIATIONS :
In undertaking the service appointed to me by your joint committee, I must beg at the outset your kindly consideration in view of the facts, the period coming under our review is so protracted, and the geographical limits over which our inqui- ries are to range, are so extended.
It is not an easy thing to crystalize, so to speak, the saline properties of an entire pool of salt water within the compass of a moderate sized water jar, and if in the attempt now madle the erystals shall not be very perfect and the whole mass shall appear inadequate. you will appreciate I am sure, the difficulty, and make generous allowance in the spirit of fraternal kind- ness, of which my appointment to address you on this occasion is so strong an expression.
Another occasion of embarrassment may also be referred to. From its organization in 1736 to 1779. "Fairfield West Con- sociation" has no existing book's of records. These were burned in the house of Rev. Andrew Eliot, of Fairfield, in 1779, when the British entered and burned that town, Gov. Tryon, of blazing reputation, being the leading spirit in the brilliant enterprise.
The records of these forty years and more, which escaped the British fury are the original minutes, in manuscript, frag- mentary and mixed in every conceivable way. They are strik- ing examples of the furling and perishing monuments of human toil, and to make one's way through the rubbish to an intelligent comprehension of the facts recorded is, as I happen
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to know, an undertaking strongly suggestive of a pleasure trip upon a bicycle through the Everglades of Florida.
But a truce to these explanations. It is quite befitting on the occurrence of memorial days intermediate between rounded and completed epochs, that we should refresh our memories concerning events and men conspicuous during such periods of history-fitting that we should reinvigorate our reverence and appreciation of those who have gone before us in the responsibilities and toils connected with a great cause, that we should lay fresh garlands upon the tombs of the wor- thies and get new inspiration for ourselves out of their char- acters and deeds.
And as to times that are by-gone especially fitting is it that we should make God's doings of Providence and grace in all forward movement occasion to our thankfulness and courage.
For such a purpose we are here gathered from these various parishes-are here to commemorate an event which transpired one hundred and fifty years ago to-day, viz. :
THIE SEPARATION OF THE ORIGINAL FAIRFIELD COUNTY CONSOCIATION, into the two distinct bodies, thenceforth to be known as the "Fairfield East" and the "Fairfield West."
Underlying all our commemorative exercises, of course, is the Consociational system by which these churches have been held in mutual relation and service for the lapsed century and a half, and it will be pertinent before giving direct attention to the separating and re-organizing acts and incidents which followed, to deal somewhat with
THE EARLY CAUSES AND HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE SYSTEM ITSELF,
and the more so, as it is distinctively a Connecticut polity and divergent in some particulars from the "Congregational way " as accepted eotemporancously among the sister churches of Massachusetts and now held in preference by the majority of the churches of our order in those portions of the country where Congregationalism prevails.
The roots of this tree let it be observed, then, had their
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starting and early growth in English soil, and their transplant- ing to New England glebe did not altogether change its fruit- that is to say, Presbyterianism and independency divided the sentiments of those who came here from the mother country and instead of these differing sentiments being fused and unified under the new environment, they continued to be occasion of frietion, often of most serions raneor and belliger- eney for more than one hundred years. In answer to inquiries concerning the state of religion in the Colony, proposed by the "lords of trade and plantations," in London, after about fifty years had passed, the answer given was, "Our people in the Colony are some of them striet Congregational men, others more large Congregational men," (meaning, probably, "half- way Covenant men, or such as were for admitting all of regu- lar life and habit to church membership without any inquiry in respeet to a change of heart,) "and some moderate Pres- byterians. The Congregational men of both sorts are the greatest part of the people in the Colony."
Say what we will in honor of our Puritan ancestry, and we ean seareely say too mneh, they were not a little opinionated- men of strong convictions, and very determined in the main- tainance of views they esteemed to be right. Henee, after the rigors and sufferings of the first few years, which served temporarily as a bond of peace, were passed, the difference be- came more pronouneed, and mutterings of a rising storm began to be heard-Hartford for a long period the storm center.
During the continuanee of his pastorate and life, the re- nowned Thomas Hooker, who has been characterized as the "Luther of New England," and also as the "Father of Con- gregationalism," and who was remarkably endowed for the management of difficult and turbulent affairs, for he was not only imperial in pulpit discourse, but as Dr. Trumbull testifies,; "his appearance and conduet were with such becoming majesty. authority, and prudenee, that he could do more with a word or look than most men could with a severe discipline"-this influential pastor I say, while he lived, held these disturbed conditions in comparative quietude. But this great and good
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man having passed away, characteristically elosing his own eyes in death and saying "I am going to receive merey" -- the restrained elements of discord broke loose and at length not only rent the Hartford church in twain, but involved the other churches in the neighborhood, notably those of Weath- ersfield and Windsor, and ultimately drew alnost all other churches of the Colony into its sweep of disaster, our own Stratford for example coming into a like state of controversy and division, two separate congregations worshipping at dif- ferent hours of the Sabbath in the same sanctuary.
As a historian of the times (Mather) represents. "From the fire of the altar" (i. e. of the First Church in Hartford) "there issued thunderings, and lightnings, and earthquakes, through the Colony."
Precisely what the points of dissent and reasons for bitter controversy were, it is not altogether easy to determine, the records for the most part having perished, but from certain questions propounded to a General Couneil in 1657, it is evi- dent that they were mainly in reference to the terms of church membership, baptism, and discipline, the first of these having special prominence, there being a pretty large and persistent element in the Colony holding the "half-way Covenant " view and the Stoddarderian theory of the Lord's Supper, (viz. ) that it is a converting ordinance and should be open to all.
Such, then, being the disturbed condition of the churches a question of prime importance was, whenee the healing efficacy and how should it be applied? The winds of discord fiereely blowing, how should they be lured back again into their eave and its entrance be sealed against a future escape ?
Two sources of help seemed open to the anxious seekers for harmony. It was among the received opinions that "Synods or General Councils were an ordinance of Christ and that their business was to give council in weiglity concerns." Might they not be of service in the present exigency?
Moreover, at this period, the churches recognized an inti- mate relation to the civil power, and government held it to be n part of its proper functions to further the interests of the churches in all practicable ways, eveu to the extent of inter-
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ference with their internal order and doing. How more suit- ably could this civil power express itself than by evoking the aid of synods and striving to make their deliverances the basis of agreement ?
The experiment was at least worth the trial, and again and again, as in 1657, 1659 and 1662, convocations of distinguished elders and laymen of both Connecticut and Massachusetts Colonies were convened either at Boston, Hartford, or Cam- bridge, and again at Hartford in 1667 for the harmonizing of doctrinal views and for the settlement of existing dificul- ties.
The endeavors were not eminently snecessful, partly for the reason that the representatives were not able to agree among themselves, and partly because as is usual in attempts to unite opposing parties, each side regarded union a delightful thing, provided all the surrender should be by the other party.
But a brighter and more tranquil day was about to dawn. As tornadoes at length blow themselves out, so the violence of these contensions began to abate, and to such extent that John Cotton wrote to Mr. Davenport, in Amsterdam, that "the order of the churches was so settled in New England by common consent that it brought into his mind the new heavens and the new carth wherein dwelleth righteousness."
Iu the progress of the new era of feeling it had come to pass that a "great majority of the legislators and clergy of Connecticut were for the association of members and conso- ciation of churches, trusting doubtless that there would thus be virtually established courts of appeal before which differ- ences might be adjusted. the churches bound together in mutual accord and the common object of their existence be promoted.
Accordingly an act of the General Assembly was passed in May, 1708, making provision for a delegate convention of the churches to assemble in the following September in Saybrook. then and there to arrange a code of Ecclesiastical law which by a subsequent approving act of the legislature should be- come of binding authority throughout the Colony.
The outcome of this Synod or Council was
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THE SAYBROOK PLATFORM,
which we, the sisterhood of churches of Fairfield county, still recognize as the basis of our union and the law of our Eccle- siastical fellowship.
The members of that famous Council from Fairfield county were Rev. Charles Chauncey, of Stratfield, (now Bridgeport), Rev. Jolin Davenport, of Stamford, of whom we have the tes- timony that "he was not inferior in ability to any other mem- ber of the Synod," and as a lay delegate, Deacon Samuel Hoit, also of Stamford.
For the most part the churches accepted with satisfaction the doings of their representatives, and henceforth had "Heads of Agreement" of their own for their control instead of owning allegiance to the Cambridge Platform, which for sixty years hail been the Ecclesiastical law of New England.
Having thus traeed the origin and establishment of our peculiar polity I come now to speak more particularly of the local Consociations, and especially the one subsequently divi- ded into the two represented on this commemorative occasion.
The year following the adoption of the platform the practi- cal results aimed at in that instrument began to be realized. Five district Consociations were organized-two in Hartford county, and one each in the counties of New Haven, Fairfield, and New London.
As we have especially to do with the
CONSOCIATION OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY,
the others may be dismissed from further attention.
It would be interesting to know more than we can of the original members of the united body. It were pleasant if I might daguerreotype the group as they sat discussing the new platform. and determining the various steps to be taken under it. But a mist has gathered upon their countenances which no photographie art can dissolve -- no camera can penetrate.
The clerical members were Rev. Messrs. John Davenport, of Stamford: Stephen Buckingham, of Norwalk; Joseph Webb, of Fairfield; Charles Chauncey, of Strattiekl, (Bridge-
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port, First Church); Seth Shove, of Danbury, and Anthony Stoddard of Woodbury.
The messengers of the churches associated with these elders were Deacon John Thompson and Samuel Cobbet, of Fairfield; Deacon Samuel Hoit and Joseph Bishop, of Stam- ford; Deacon Zerubbabel Hoit, of Norwalk; Joseph Curtis, Esq., and Samuel Sherman, of Stratford; Lieutenant James Bennet, of Stratfield; Lieutenant James Beebe and James Benedict, of Danbury : Deacon John Sherman and Deacon Matthew Mitchell, of Woodbury.
These Consociational builders convened at Stratfield ( Bridge- port,) March 17, 1709, and set the wheels in motion which have revolved nearly one hundred and seventy-eight years. Let us hope that as to results "they builded better than they knew."
A most unfortunate faet is to be added, viz., that this united body kept no records, at least none which have been preserved, for a period of twenty-five years, i. e. from 1709 to 1734 .*
During the progress of these twenty-five years, with the growth of the Colony the number of the churches had in- creased quite largely, so that in 1735 there were in the entire limits of the Consociation twenty-one churches, and the time was come, when in the judgment of the body there should be
A DIVISION OF FORCES.
Accordingly, "Pursuant to a notification from the Rev. Mr. Cooke," so the record runs, " being thereto advised by sundry elders of the County of Fairfield, a Consoeiation of several ministers and churches met at Fairfield, prime Society, June the Sth, 1736, viz:
ELDERS.
From Woodbury. Mr. Anthony Stoddard.
Stratfield, Mr. Samuel Cooke.
“ Green's Farms, Mr. Daniel Chapman.
66 Stratford, Mr. Hezekiah Gold.
· Supplementary Note A.
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From Fairfield, Mr. Noah Hobart.
: Canaan, Mr. John Eells.
Unity, Mr. Richardson Miner.
Greenwich, Mr. Ephraim Bostwick.
.. Newtown, Mr. Elisha Kent.
.. Reading, Mr. Nathanial Hunn.
Danbury, Mr. Ebenezer White.
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