USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Bridgeport > Reports and papers. Fairfield County Historical Society, Bridgeport, Conn. 1882-1896-97 > Part 31
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The society's room is perhaps not the most satisfactory that could be planned, but we endeavored to make it attractive, and desire to make it more useful for the purpose of study by our members. At present onr Library is scattered in numerous book cases, eurious antique and interesting in them- selves, but not well adapted for the purpose of arranging in scientific order a well assorted collection of books; we need a room set apart from the Museum, where our volumes can be arranged on convenient shelves, classified and indexed. and preserved from vagrant hands : a study provided with necessary tables and seating, and with convenient access to the library, where the student in local history or genealogy may make the best use of the treasures at his disposal.
This at present may be a dream, but we hope some morning to wake up and find it realized.
A list of the Donors to the Library and Museum since the issnance of the last publication of the society in 1892, will be found on another page.
EDWARD DEACON,
Treasurer.
69
REPORT OF THE RECORDING SECRETARY.
Since our last publication was issued in 1892, many changes have taken place in the work of the Society. During that period the home of the Society has been moved to its present quarters in the Barnnm Institute. The work of the Society devolves on a few who take a deep interest in its welfare and growth. The people of this eity should more heartily sup- port this institution than they do, because the collection and preservation of the historical facts of this loeality should be of interest to all good eitizens.
Since our removal to the new building-we have listened to interesting papers from the following persons :
H. G. Blake, Esq., of New Haven read a paper upon the Connecticut East India Company or the Story of Wyoming.
A paper by 1. D. Osborne of New Haven was read upon Captain Smedley, the first Collector of Customs, for this dis- triet.
A short paper upon the Berkshire Mills, was read by the President.
Cyrus S. Bradley recited a poem upon the Burning of the Lexington.
Captain Sebley, the rescuer of the Greeley Aretie Expedi- tion, gave a very interesting account of his adventures in those ice-bound regions of the North.
Dr. Spalding gave us an interesting talk on Photographs.
Mr. Lacey and Col. O. B. Hall gave us an account of Early Times in North Bridgeport-particularly in the vicinity of Thacher's Mills.
Mr. George P. Chapman read a paper upon the Battle of Lake Erie and the History of Perry's Fleet.
Morris Seymour, Esq., occupied an evening with us upon the Hiding of the Charter in the old oak at Hartford.
And Major L. N. Middlebrook read a paper to us upon the services of the first battalion of Connecticut Cavalry.
On the 4th of July 1893, the Society participated through
-
70
its representatives in the ceremonies at the unveiling of the Barnum Monument.
I have thus briefly alluded to this department of our work which we according to our resources shall endeavor to extend in the future.
HOWARD N. WAKEMAN, Recording Secretary.
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71
REPORT OF THE CORRESPONDING SECRETARY.
The correspondence. of the Society during the past years of 1893 and 1894, consisted of the usual notifications of elec- tions to membership ; of appointments on committee work, and to some events of great interest to the Society.
In the Dedication of the P. T. Barnum Statue on July 4, 1893, members of the society participated in the parade and in the exercises following, at Sea Side Park.
An example of hearty response, in sentiment and enthu- siasm, is evidenced by a copy of the following letter received :
BRIDGEPORT, June 21st, 1893.
J. R. Burroughs, Esq. :
Your favor of the 16th inst., received. I will with pleasure join with the members of the Historical Society to partici- pate in the parade and dedication of the Barnum Statue on the 4th of July next, and hope every member ( Ladies not ex- cepted) will join on this occasion to honor the memory of him who has given us this beautiful and substantial editice as a safe deposit for the history of the past.
Yours Truly, ORLANDO B. HALL.
An acceptance was sent to the invitation of the New Haven Colony Historical Society for our President and delegates to attend the dedication of their new building : a memorial to James E. and Caroline A. English. The exercises were held in New Haven, Sept. 28th. 1893.
Francis Jelliff and Aaron Jennings of Southport, and of the rescue party, were invited to a meeting of the Society, on - Nov. 10, 1893, to listen to a poem by Cyrus Sherwood Brad- ley, on the Burning of the Steamer Lexington in Long Island Sound, Jan. 13, 1840, at night. Resene was made Jan. 14. Capt. John F. Bradley was expected to have been present, to relate his experience of the rescue of the survivors.
The invitation for the Society to co-operate in the Bi-cen- tennial anniversary of the institution of the Parish of Strat-
72
field, in June 1695, to be celebrated June 1895, was accepted on Aug. 1, 1894.
The latest correspondence was in relation to the reading of a valuable paper, on May 11, 1895, by Major L. N. Middle- brook, upon the First Connecticut Battalion of Cavalry in the late war, which was a graphic account of valarous deeds in the service of our country.
JAMES R. BURROUGHS,
Corresponding Secretary.
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73
DONATIONS TO THE LIBRARY AND MUSEUM. April 1892 to April 1895.
Library
DONORS.
RESIDENCE.
Books.
Pamp'lts.
Miscellaneous
Articles for MuselIn
A
Ambler, Mrs R. C.
2
6
American Catholic Historical Society. Anderson, Rev. Joseph Anon,
I
B
Barnum, Mrs. P. T.,
Bridgeport, Conn.
+
7
Beardsley. Morris B.,
14
Beardsley, James W ..
1
Beardsley, Mrs. Wm. L.,
..
1
Beers, Mrs. W. A.,
1
1
Benedict, Celest A. M. D.
..
1
Bishop, Mrs. W. D.,
17
6
5
Bouton, Eugene
Boston Record Commissioners, Bradley, Cyrus
Boston, Mass. Southport, Conn. Bridgeport, Coun.
1
Bridgeport Board of Health,
A
Board of Education,
5
.. Hospital,
10
Public Library,
5
.. Scientific Society, Y M. C. A.,
2
Brothwell, Chas. R.,
Buffalo Historical Society,
Buffalo, N. Y. ..
1
Burus, Owen Burroughs. George
Bridgeport, Conn. ..
1
Burton, Henry E.,
:
1
1
Burritt, Sarah E.,
Stratford, Conn.
C
Calef, Thoinax
Bridgeport, Conn. .4
2
1
Castle, Wm. M,
=
..
7
...
... .
1
Clarke, Samuel C.,
Marietta, Ga.
1
Cor. David Cole, Mrs. J. H ..
Stratford, Conn. Bridgeport, Conn. Los Angeles, Cal.
2
New Cunaan, Conu.
Hartford, Conn.
2
Unknown.
9
D
Day, Mrs. Mary B , (Rev. Gen. B.,) Darling, Chas. W.,
Drawon, Edward Dean, A. H., Deuton, A. L .. Dexter, Franklin B . Derrick, Chas. L., Doolittle, E. T., Dorua, James H.,
Ctica, N. Y. Bridgeport, Conn.
1
1
3 3
1
Philadelphi3, Ps Syracuse, N Y. New Haven, Conn.
I
Bridge port, Conn.
3
1
.. .
4
Cander, J. D. Mrs. J. D., Cayauga, Co. Historical Society,
Auburn. N. Y.
1
Chapin, Gro. F., Chihaus, N .
Bridgeport, Coun.
1
2
4
I
Collins, Holdridge, O. Comstock, Mr. and Mrs. A. S., Conu. Historical Society, Coun. Humane Society, Curtis, C. F.,
1
8
Buffalo State Hospital,
4
Boardman, Miss Ellen L.,
2
1
2
6
1
Bedient, Stephen S.
Bridgeport, Conn. Philadelphia. Pa Waterbury, Conu.
1
1
1
74
-
DONORS.
RESIDENCE.
Books.
., Pamp'Its.
¡Miscellaneous
Articles for Museum.
Enright, Mrs J. N .. Exchange, F
Fitzgerald, J. N.,
1
Fairchild, T. B.,
1
Foster, Frank A ..
Bridgeport, Conn.
1
Foskit, Wm. A.,
1
G
Gaylord, Mrs. Samt+ 1
1
Gee, C.,
Los Angeles, Cal.
1
Gilbert, Enoch H.,
Norwalk, Conn.
Godfrey, Dr. C. C.,
Bridgeport, Conn.
3
Gold. T. S ..
West Cornwa.1, Conn.
1
Gordon, Miss Jane
Graham, A. A ..
Columbus, Ohio.
1
H
Halsey, Edmund D.,
Bridgeport, Conn.
2
Hansell, S. N ..
Rockville,
1
Hall, Stiles
Bridgeport, :
27
10
Harper, Francis P.,
New York, N. Y.
1
Harrington, Lors C .. .
Bridgeport, Conn.
2
Hamilton and Hill,
Boston, Mass.
3
Heddenburg, F. J . Heminway, F. E.,
Bridgeport, Conn,
3
Ifibbard, Rev. A. G.,
Goshen, Coun.
1
Hincks, Wm. B.,
Bridgeport. C'oun.
3
Hoadley. Chas. J.,
Hartford, Conn.
10
Hooker, Edward
Brooklyn, N. Y.
3
Hopson, W. R.,
Bridgeport, Conn. ..
1
1 Ireland, J. N.
..
.4
28
J
Jones, Mrs. H., Estate of Jaynes, Mrs. MI. O. S.,
K
Kaler, Edward
..
..
2
Keeler, Emily C.,
1
Kingman, S. C.,
Washington, Conn.
1
4
Klopstock, Isaac
Bridgeport, ..
2
Knapp, Geo. S.
L
Lacey, R B.,
x
19
7
Lambert, E. R.,
..
1
2
Lathe, E. W ..
Charlton, Mass.
1
Lee, Henry
Bridgeport, Conn.
18
4
.
1
Lewia, Giro W.
..
1
Lewis, Julia F.,
1
Lines, G. O.,
:
3
Lord, Thomas
Chicago, Ills. Bridgeport, Conn.
2
Lyon, Roger H.,
1
M
Magri, Countess M Lavinia Marsh, E. W.,
: :
: :
2
E
Bridgeport, Conn.
1
3
Philadelphia, Pa. Stratford, Conn.
. .
2
Harding, Henry
2
Hughes, John R.,
2
2
Ire, Wm. H.,
Library.
75
DONORS.
KESIDENCE.
Books.
Pamp'lte.
Miscellaneous
Articles for Museum.
M
May, Wm. H.,
Bridgeport, Conn.
1
1
Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Bostou, Mass.
1
Meriden Scientific Association,
Meriden, Conn.
Middlebrook, L. N.,
Bridgeport, Conn. ..
4
23
4
Morford, Geo.,
Morgan, D N.,
..
4
2
3
Morris, Chauncey R .. Morton, Mrs. Sarah T.
Hartford, Conn.
1
N
Nebraska Historical Society.
Lincoln, Neb.
5
1
New Haven Colony His'l Soc'y.,
New Haven, Conn.
1
1
New London Co. His't Soc'y , Nichols, Horace
Bridgeport, Conn.
1
Nichols, Prof. Frederick Noble, Mrs. Wm. H.,
Nova Scotis.
1
1
O
Ohio Archeological & His't Soc'y ..
Columbus, Ohio.
1
1
Oneida His't Soc y.,
Utics, N. Y.
1
...
Orcutt, Rev. Samuel
Bridgeport, Conn.
10
2
. . .
Osborne, Arthur D.,
New Haven, Conn.
2
1
Osborne, Geo. R.,
1
Bridgeport, Conn.
1
p
Palmer. Rev. C. R.,
Bridgeport, Conn.
5
3
Park, E. W.,
New Haven, Conn.
1
1
Plumb, Capt. Chas.,
Bridgeport, Conn. Strattord, Conn. Bridgeport, Conn-
2
Phillips, E. S.,
Porter, Doctor G. L.,
1
Potter, Arthur E.,
Torrington, Conn. Bridgeport, Conn. 1
1
R
Raymond Mercurius D., Roff, Adjutant 11. C., Rylands H. C.,
S
Savage, W. L.,
Bridgeport, Conn.
1
Scott. Mra. P. R,
Stratford, Conn.
7
1
Secor, D. P.
Bridgeport, Conn.
9
20 1
5
Selleck. Rev. C. M.,
Norwalk, Conn.
Senger, Louise
Bridgeport, ConD.
1 1
Setchell, Win. A., Seward, James
Boston, Mass. Bridgeport, Conn. .
3
Seltsam, Mr. and Mrs. Gen.,
1
Sharpe, W. C.
1
Shelton, Jane DeForest
1
Sherman, E. B., Silliman, Mrs. E. B.,
2
1
1 55
Sterling, Edward
4.
1
Steveon, Frederick S., Stiles & Tucker. Stiles, Henry B.,
T Terry Mrs. Hattie E., Thompson, Curtis
Bridgeport, Conn.
1
1
1
1
Unknown.
Bridgeport, Conn.
1
Seymour, Conn. Birmingham, Conn. Bridgeport. Conn.
1
- Silliman, Ezrs B., Smith, F. C., Sterle, Mrs. James Huntington
.4
3
1
1
1
Price, Lee & Co.,
New London, Conn.
1
Bridgeport, Conn.
1
1
1
Peet, F. C.,
1
Tarrytown, N. Y
Library.
76
DONORS.
RESIDENCE.
Books.
Pamp'lts.
Miscellaneous Articles for Museum.
T
Thompson, Geo., Tomlinson, Mrs. S. R.
Bridgeport, Conu.
1
1
2
U
U. S. Commissioner of Labor,
Washington, D. C.
1
V
Vance, R G .. Vose, Thomas
Hartford, Conu. Bridgeport, Conn.
2
2
W
Waldo, George C.,
44
19
...
Ward, Sarah C.,
Bridgeport, Conn.
1
Wells, O. B.
..
..
..
..
1
Whitmore, B.,
1
7
Wordin. Dr. N. E.
Bridgeport, Conn.
1
Wright, Carroll D.,
Washington, D. C.
1
Y
Yale University. Young, W G.,
New Haven, Conn. Bridgeport, Conn. 2
2 1
1
Westchester Co , His't Soc'y.,
1
White, Wni. J.,
Boston, Mass.
1
Wren, Geo. W.,
1
10
Watkins, Walter J ..
Boston, Mass.
1
Warner. Rev. Beverly E.,
Library.
A Sketch from the Life
-OF-
Rev. James Beebe, A. M.,
Who from May 6, 1747 to Sept. 8, 1785
WAS PASTOR OF
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
AT NORTH STRATFORD,
WRITTEN AND READ BY
RICHARD C. AMBLER, ESQ.,
Before the Fairfield County Historical Society.
Sketch of the Rev. James Beebe.
The records do not show any further attempt to continue the old Society of Unity after the discharge of Richardson Miner. The name of the society being changed from Unity to North Stratford about that time .*
Under the date of May 5th, 1747, three years after, the fol- lowing record is to be found upon the pages of the same old record book which was used by "The Church of Christ at Unity." There was a church gathered and settled at North Stratford and the same day was ordained there, and took the pastoral charge of that church the Rev. Mr. James Beebe, by Presbyters the Rev. Messrs. Hezekiah Goold of Stratford, Jedediah Mills of Ripton, John Grayham of Woodbury, John Bellamy of Southbury-North Purchase-David Judson of Newtown, and Thomas Canfield of Roxbury. And Mr. Wood- bridge of Amity was present and preached ye sermon front ye first of Timothy 3-1, "This is a true saying if a man desire the office of a bishop, le desireth a good work."
Mr. Grayham was moderator. Mr. Goold made the first prayer. Mr. Mills gave the charge. Mr. Judson gave the right hand of fellowship. Mr. Bellamy made the last prayer. Mr. Cook present, but by sickness indisposed to business. Of these clergymen, Messrs. Hezekiah Goold, Jedediah Mills. and Samuel Cook, were present at the ordination of Richard- son Miner, and at this time they respectively held the same pastoral charge that they did when Mr. Miner was ordained seventeen years before.
Mr. Beebe came to North Stratford trom Danbury. He was born in the year 1717 of English ancestry. In assuming the charge of the "Church of Christ at North Stratford," many difficulties must have presented themselves to Mr. Beebe. The excitement in the community occasioned by the discharge of Mr. Miner was very great and in many instances resulted in personal quarrels carried on between members of
"This paper closely followed one by the same author on Rev. Richardson Miner.
80
the same family. (Mr. Miner's discharge was occasioned in consequence of his espousal of Episcopal faith.)
There was not only this difficulty but there was a strong sentiment against the position held by the Puritan faitl. The spirit of liberty and of resistance to everything that had a semblance to monarchical power was very strong with many of the people. The law of the commonwealth was such that every one must pay taxes to the support of the Congrega- tional pastor or show by certificate that they were members of some other faith. The spirit of opposition, which in later years revolutionized the system, was at this time at work, and its effect was to chill the zeal even among those of the "stand- ing order."*
But this was not enough to discourage James Beebe. He belonged to an age that was characterized by the zeal of its ministry. His path though rough knew no turning back, his zeal knew no faltering. This is shown by his remarkable success in adding to the numbers of the society ; 74 persons signed the articles of faith on the day of his ordination and 167 persons signed at subsequent times, making 242 persons in all. He baptized 1,112 persons. He married 359 couples.
A record not very much unlike a city parish of to-day was made up by Mr. Beebe in a society, the majority of which lived two or three miles from the "Meeting house" and of the minority in all probability not over ten families at the greatest lived within the radius of a mile.
Mr. Beebe was a man who lived up to the times and with- out much doubt was the fortunate possessor of the faculty of foreseeing to some degree the rapid strides the spirit freedom would take in the future. Some of the Congregationalists as they began to see their strength losing ground formed the idea of centralizing their power into consociations composed of several church societies of a county and the decision of this standing council, to be one from which there could be no appeal, thus meeting heresies and new doctrines with a bold front.
*The theory was that every householder must pay his proportion towards the enp- port of the institutions of Religion and Education and in the standing order-nuless be was a member of some other regularly constituted religious society.
81
Washington was once asked in conversation what he thought of a retreat. The General replied saying, "I do not like re- treats, but if I see that it is inevitable, then it is my policy to take a position ahead of my army and retreat as fast if not faster than they do, for in so doing I do not lose my com- mand." Mr. Beebe felt that the day of Puritan absolutism in State affairs was fast becoming unpopular. He was a man of liberal mind and felt that those were not the means of at- taining the end in view, "a cicular letter was sent out calling the churches of this county to Bethel in the year 1772, for the settlement of a dispute which virtually involved the inde- pendance of the local church." Mr. Beebe and James Walk- er, Esq., went with the following instructions expressed by a vote of the church : "Voted Nemine contradiciente by this church. That we are all willing to consociate for advice and counsel in all matters ecclesiastical, but cannot and will not join in that arbitary claim of judicial authority in consocia- tions to "judge and determine" in all matters ecclesiastical compelling all parties to abide by the judgment of such a judicial consociation."
In this vote we can see the spirit of opposition to Puritan arbitrary rule and on the other hand we can see that Mr. Bebee like the great commander was making an honorable re. treat to gain a position not behind the demands of the times.
Mr. Beebe was very particular about making up his records, often to such an extent that while perhaps it satisfied the de- mands of his own conscience, still it does not satisfy those who are anxious to trace a genealogical connection, -e.g- he makes the following record : "The first day of February the Rev. Mr. Ross preached in this place and baptized two chil- dren, one for Ephraim Peet and one for Nathaniel Sherman." "July 10th, I exchanged labors with Mr. Ross of Stratfield," and he baptized a child for Sammuel Gregory."
(By-the-way, Mr. Beebe served Mr. Ross a good turn only a few years before, for I find the following record : "Rev. Robert Ross of Stratfield, and Mrs. Sarah Hawley of Strat- field, were married Dec. 18th, 1753.")
Another peculiar record is as follows : "In the year 1747,
82
were admitted Robert Murray and his wife Rebecca, before I could get the church record to record them I forgot the month and the day they were admitted." February 23rd, 1751, the wife of John Thompson admitted to communion, Her first name I did not know then, but since understand it to be Elizabeth." "Oct. 28th, 1771, I baptized a child on the account of Joseph Beach and his wife, the names I can't re- member at present There are many other instances of Mr. Beebe's good intention on record when it is evident his diffi- culty in remembering names interfered with his desires of making the record complete, but in nearly every instance he has left a full confession of the fact and an excuse for his neglect, hence I trust if any should see fit to hand in a de- cision against Mr. Beebe on this issue, that judgment at least will be suspended.
Mr. Beebe by the act of recording many incidents out of the natural order of events has not only shown that he had a kind and sympathetic nature, but it gives us an insight into many phases of life. His pen seems by impulse to leave a record in recognizance of some incident of joy or of woe in his little flock, and shows how dearly was Mr. Beebe bound to them by ties of love and of how from the heart he rejoiced with his people in their joy, and sorrowed with them in their sorrow. What a sad tale is conveyed in this record. "Mary. dau., of Thomas Sherwood and his wife, born in July, bap., Sept. 10th, 1749. The father and mother being both dead she was presented by her Uncle Daniel Sherwood," less than three months old, and left alone to fight this hard battle of life. A little farther on there is another record of sorrow. Sept. 5th, 1756. baptized Reuben, son of Jakin Treadwell." Four weeks after, he again opens the book and adds to the record "and died Oct. the 9th. Mr. Beebe's baby dau. Elizabeth died a short time before. . Again he announces iu a P. S. that one infant which he has just baptized is the first born child of its parents. Who would doubt that that household was a happy one and that the good pastor rejoiced with them ?
July 11th, 1767. Mr. Beebe was present at a scene which shows how sacred the christening of a child must have been
83
held by our ancestors. Here he baptized an infant only fifteen days old and at the funeral of its mother.
After the record of the birth of James, son of Josiah Nichols, Mr. Beebe adds the following ambiguous clause, "whose father was killed by the fall of a tree about twenty- four hours after his birth."
Sept. 12th. 1779, Mr. Beebe who usually wrote in an indis- tinct cramped and almost illegible hand, made the following entry in large and plain characters, as if he were aware that the act which he recorded was sufficient in itself to make him famous. The record reads as follows : "Benjamin, son of Brig'dr Gen'l Gool Syllick Sillamin and his wife, born August the 3rd, and baptized Sept. 12th, (1779.) The Gen'l then being a prisoner on Long Island and his Lady fleeing from the conflagration of Fairfield took refuge in this society." Little did the good pastor think when, with his cheek flushed with pride as he recorded the birth and baptism of a son of a Brigadier General, that he had baptized one who in after years would become one of the greatest scientists of the world, Prof. Benjamin Silliman. Then truly did parson Beebe entertain an angel unawares. The grand old building, owned and used by the town of Trumbull as a Town Hall for several years, and which with ordinary care would have lasted for a hun- dred years longer, but was torn down during the past year by a prevailing spirit of vandalism, was the place of his birth.
A patriotic disposition followed this great event, and soon after he baptized an infant with no less a famous name thian that of. "George Washington Hall." It is perhaps unneces- sary to add that I find no further mention of the youngster on the records, He must have died young or else the world would have heard of him too.
Toward the end of the record Mr. Beebe shows how his · heart, which we have seen, was bound up with his people in their joys and sorrows could rise in indignant horror and fer- vent patriotism. He makes record of a birth in the follow- ing: "Belthela, daughter of Peleg Sunderland and Bethiah his wife," (and here he stops.) and as if his indignation knew no bounds, adds) "he left this life at that memorable event
84
when Tryon with a band of British butchers and murderers burnt the town of Fairfield," (then he finishes the entry,) "baptized July 29th, 1781." There is another sad tale here, for by turning to the record of marriages I find that on May 28th, 1778, only three years before l'elig Sunderland and Bethiah Hawley were united in holy wedlock by Mr. Beebe. No wonder as that good and kind hearted man recorded the birth of that first born and fatherless infant, his sorrow and sympathy kindled the thoughts of righteous indignation lie embodied in the words we find on the records.
in the time of Mr. Beebe many of the more prominent farmers owned slaves, among these were such men as Daniel Fairchild, Thomas Sanford, Ephraim Beach, David Booth, Jr., and Jonathan Curtis. They were not called slaves on the record however, but generally were designated as "negro boy" or "negro child," sometimes as "negro servant," as for -eg-"Negro boy and servant of Jonathan Curtis." In one place the entry, which sounds a little more of slavery, is made as follows : "Lid, a negro child of Daniel Fairchild. present- ed by the master and mistress, baptized Jan. 24th, 1759." The slaves were all brought to baptism, and were regular at- tendants of church, sitting in what were called the "contrary pews," close under the parson's eye, at the right or left of the pulpit. The entry is often made as follows : "Dorcas a negro servant of Jonathan Nichols and his wife Mary." The Rev. James Beebe was also a slave owner. "Nero" and "Peg" were two faithful servants, and as near as I can determine were owned by Mr. Beebe and his wife Ruth (as the record has it) during his entire pastorate at North Stratford. They had six children, who were by Mr. Beebe baptized, their names are of some interest, and are as follows; Claret, Linde, Obid, Salone, Dinah, and the last, either to show his disre- speet of the child or of the British general he named Peter Tryon.
Of Mr. Beebe's slave Nero a person living near where Mr. Beebe's house stood told the writer of this sketch the follow- ing narrative. Pointing from in front of his house to a fence running by a clump of apple trees standing a number of rods
-
85
below on the opposite side of the road, he said, "do you see that there is a length of rails in that fence much shorter than the rest ? Well. Parson Beebe built that length of fenee, and while he was doing it Old Nero, his slave came back to bis work, and seeing that the parson had cut his rails much shorter than the rest, and that the symmetry of the lengths of the whole fence would be broken, exclaimed "Oh, Massa Beebe can't make de fence, better let Ole Nero build de fenees and Massa Beebe do de preaching." That the parson finished that length of fence is evident, because there it stands as a monument of what Mr. Beebe knew about fences, but I judge that the rest of it was finished by Old Nero.
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