USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Norwalk > The ancient historical records of Norwalk, Connecticut; with a plan of the ancient settlement, and of the town in 1847 > Part 10
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The inhabitants grant a tax of one penny on the pound, on the list of 1779, to be paid in wheat & rye flour, and Indian corn, agreeable to one certain statute, &c.
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[1781.
Inimical Persons.
At the same meeting the authority and select men are directed to send for the committee respecting inimical persons, at the expense of this town.
Judgment against Inimical Persons.
We the subscribers, agreeable to an act and appoint- ment of the Honorable Gen'l Assembly, having been called upon and requested by the Civil authority and select men of the Town of Norwalk, to enquire into the character and conduct of a number of persons whose names are contained in a list or roll by them presented to us, as Inimical and Dangerous to the Liberties and Independence of the United States of America ; and we having duly examined into the premises, are of opinion that the following persons whose names are hereafter expressed, are inimical and dangerous as aforesaid ; and therefore give judgment and order that their names be enrolled in the town clerk's office in sª town of Norwalk as dangerous and inimical as aforesaid for the purposes mentioned in an act of the Gen'l Assembly of this state, entituled, An Act more effectually to prevent robberies and plunders from our open and secret enemies, vizt. : Obadiah Wright, Nathan Burwell, Jr., Thomas Hanford, Nathan Jarvis, Thomas Fairweather, David Bolt, Peter White, Hezekiah Whitney, 2d, Nathan Gregory, Phil- lip Scribner, Hezekiah Belden, John Beldin, Edward Nash, Gershom Raymond, James Fillio, William Bolt, Ebenezer Church, David Lambert, Goold Hoyt, Abra- ham Whitney, John Saunders, Jr., Garner Olmsted, Richard Patrick, Nathan Fitch, all of Norwalk afore- said ; each of the above named persons having first been duly notified and cited to appear before us at time and
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place by us appointed for that purpose ; to shew reason if any they had, why their names should not be enrolled as aforesaid.
Done at Norwalk, this 20th Day of April, A.D. 1781,
By us, DANIEL SHERMAN, BENJA. HENMAN,
To the Town Clerk of Norwalk.
ANDW. ADAMS,
INCREASE MOSELY.
Clothing for Soldiers.
Dec. 4, 1781. James Selleck, Thos. Benedict, Eli Reed, Ezra Benedict, David St. John, Aaron C. Com- stock, & Matthew Merwine, were chosen a committee to purchase cloathing for the soldiers belonging to this town in the Continental Army ; - and directed to hire money on interest to purchase the same; and the town engages that the same shall be made good to them, with interest, as the same was at the time of hiring.
Classes for Raising Soldiers.
At the same meeting the select men and military officers are to look into the affair of the Continental Soldiers ; and the select men are to class the inhabitants for such a number as they shall find wanted for the quota of this town ; and also to class the inhabitants for such a number of soldiers as shall be wanted in a State regiment at Horseneck for one year.
A Guard for the Defence of Norwalk.
Feb. 18, 1782. Voted that a sufficient number of men be raised, by inlistment, for a sufficient guard in this town.
Col. Thos. Fitch, Col. Matthew Mead, Capt. James Richards, Capt. Eliph. Lockwood, & Mr. Hooker St. John, were chosen a committee to ascertain the number 7*
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of men wanted for a guard, and lay a plan for raising the same.
To the inhabitants of the town of Norwalk now assembled in town meeting : We the subscribers being appointed a committee to lay a plan for raising a num- ber of guards sufficient to defend this town, with a sum of twelve hundred and forty pounds lawful money granted to this town by the General Assembly for that purpose ; beg leave to Report: That there be forthwith raised by inlistment for the town, of six months unless sooner discharged, ninety men including corporals ; and that there be appointed one Captain, and one Ensign for the purpose of defending this town; and that a Captain have £6 lawful money per month ; an Ensign £3 5 0 per month, a Corporal £2 4 0, and a Private £2 0 0 per month ; and that we find that the said sum will amount, for six months, to the sum of Eleven Hundred and fifty three pounds Ten Shillings : and that 18 be stationed at the lower end of the town on the East side of the river; and 18 at Ketchum's, one half thereof to keep centry at the going on at Stephens Island ; and 18 at the Old Well, and 18 at Flax Hill, and 18 at Middlesex ; and that officers or privates, at their election, have one half of their wages in provisions at the following prices, vizt. : fresh beef 3}d, salt beef 4d, flour at 23d per pound ; and that there be a Cor- poral to each class ; and that the officers be appointed by the authority and select men ; all of which is sub- mitted by your most obed't humble serv'ts.
Increase of Wages to the Guard.
Aug. 1, 1782. Whereas the wages given by this town to the Guard to serve for the defence of this town
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for the term of five months unless sooner discharged, are found insufficient to induce a sufficient number to engage in sd service, it is therefore voted and agreed by this town, that the officers already engaged in said ser- vice receive, in addition to the wages given, the usual rations for such officers hereafter ; and that the soldiers already engaged, receive from this time, in addition, rations as usual, and that those who shall hereafter enlist into sd service to the 20th of August next, shall receive 40s per month to that time, unless sooner dis- charged, and rations; and that such a number of sd guard do duty, in the day time, as the Captain shall judge proper; and at all times when he shall judge it necessary for the safety and defence of the town.
The authority and select men to nominate a Lieuten- ant to serve in the guard & in this town ; and to have his pay and rations in proportion to the other officers. At the same meeting voted that on a complaint being made, to the authority and select men of this town, against any officer or soldier in the guard, of his or their not being faithful in doing their duty, the said authority and select men shall cause the sd officer or soldier to be called before them and examine into their conduct, and on proof of their misconduct, may dismiss them from service.
Hiring Soldiers.
May 6th, 1782. Voted that there shall be a com- mittee appointed to hire three soldiers to serve in the continental army for the term of one year.
Applying for Relief on account of the burning of the town by the enemy.
Aug. 11, 1783. This town taking into consideration the many and great distresses, difficulties, and losses a
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number of the inhabitants have sustained, met with, and are reduced to, by means of the enemy's burning up, destroying and plundering them of their most necessary property during the late war with Great Britain ; and the very great injury and damage done to the town by means thereof; and that the same was brought on the town during the course of a war undertaken by the direction and order of the inhabitants of this State united with the other States, and the common consent of the inha- bitants of this State, for the defence and security of the common liberties, privileges, and freedom of this State; in which war it was then understood and fully ex- pected the misfortunes accidentally thrown on any par- ticular part during the course of the war, as it was un- dertaken for the defence and security of the whole, and considering that it is altogether just, equitable, and righteous so to be :- have thereupon agreed and voted that Col. Stephen St. John, Esq., be agent for the town, to make use of such measures as he shall judge proper, by memorial in conjunction with other suffering towns, or separately, to the General Assembly, or otherwise, in order to obtain redress of the town's grievances sus- tained and met with during the course of the war, and for a repair of the damages done by the enemy, to be made to the individual sufferers ; excepting to those suf- ferers who are known to be inimical to the liberties and independence of the United States of America.
Tories.
*Feb. 24, 1783. Put to vote whether those persons
* * Note .- I copy this record in the order that it stands on the book. The preceding article is recorded first, though the date is posterior to this.
1
تدريب
Loth. of Jones & Newman A Fort
A VIEW OF NORWALK, CONN. From the Rocks,
V.
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which have gone off and joined themselves with the enemy, should return back and inhabit in this town.
Past in the Negative.
(At an adjourned meeting, a fortnight from the above date,)
Eli Reed, Danl. Betts, Jr., James Benedict, Justus Hayt, Saml. Seymore, Lt. Joseph Rockwell, Thomas Betts, Jr., & Enoch Scribner, were appointed a commit- tee to assist the civil authority and select men, in keep- ing out of this town any suspected or transient persons who shall attempt to reside within the limits thereof ; and make information of such persons to the authority and select men; & take their direction in all proceed- ings with them.
Dec. 1, 1783. [Hezekiah Rogers, Job Bartram, Isaac Keeler, Saml. Deforest, Justus Hayt, Matthew Grego- ry, Saml. Comstock, Stephen Betts, Eli Reed, a com- mittee] to take directions from the select men of this town, and deal with those persons who have been to the enemy and returned, according to their directions.
Last Monday in December, 1783. Voted that the select men and Committee are to act their discretion respecting those persons which have joyned the enemy, notwithstanding any former votes.
END OF TOWN RECORDS.
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NORWALK.
[1726.
SOCIETY RECORDS.
EXTRACTS FROM THE RECORDS OF THE FIRST CONGRE- GATIONAL SOCIETY.
Calling the Society Meeting apart from the Town.
To Lt. Matthew Seymore in Norwalk Greeting, &c.
Pursuant to an act of ye Generall assembly, passed in Oct. 1726, Entitled An act for directing how societies shall meet and form themselves after other societies are drawn off from them."
In his Majestie's name you are hereby required to warn all ye inhabitants of ye Prime Ancient Society in ye township of Norwalk, to meet together on ye first Fryday of March next ensuing ye date hereof, at eight of ye clock in ye morning, then and there to act any thing proper and lawful for them to act when so met to- gether.
JOSEPH PLATT,
Dated at Norwalk, Feb. ye 27, Justice Ps.
Annoque Domini, 1726-7.
(The society met according to the above warning,) made choice of ye Worshipfull Joseph Platt, Esq., Mo- derator.
At the same meeting it was proposed to the society whether any thing should be done about obtaining a suitable person to supply ye vacancy of our pulpit. Voted in ye affirmative.
The society considering ye awfull frowns of heaven upon them for months past, and are still obvious, con- cludes it their incumbent duty to set apart a day for the humbling and abasing their souls before the Lord by fasting and prayer for redress ; By their major vote do appoint Wednesday, ye 15th of this instant March for that solemnity; and desire Rev. Mr. Davenport, Mr. Cook, Mr. Sackett, Mr. Hauley, and Mr. Sturgeon, to
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grant us their presence and assistance in carrying on ye work of sd day.
(Mr. Buckingham's rate due last year voted to be paid as heretofore, "any act of ye town to ye contrary not- withstanding.")
Association of Ministers.
March 16, 1726. The society determines to have an Association Quorum, at least of ye Ministers of this county called, and to associate with us on Wednesday ye 22d of this instant, March, to advise, direct, and guide us in ye weighty affair before us.
Questions for Advice.
March 23, 1726. According to adjournment ye so- ciety met. The Revd Mr. Cooke, Mr. Chapman, Mr. Sacket, & Mr. Hauley associated with the society.
The society, by major vote, desires ye Revd. Associa- tion to give them an answer to ye following question, viz. Whether it be proper or expedient that ye Revd Mr. Buckingham be introduced into ye work of ye min- istry in this society or not.
The answer from ye Revd. Association.
The Prime Ancient Society in Norwalk moving this Question for resolution to us ye subscribers associated at their desire in Norwalk March 23, 1726-7, viz. Whether, &c .-- We are of opinion that inasmuch as ye Revd Mr. Buckingham hath resigned his pastoral charge here, considering ye distressed circumstances of ye place, and that under the countenance of ye late Council in this place, who also have signified themselves persuaded that the interest of religion and edification of souls are the great ends of ye Gospel ministry, and sorrowfully affected with the consideration of those
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[1726.
ends in this place being greatly obstructed and disad- vantaged, We are of opinion that it is not proper or ex- pedient that the sd Revd. Mr. Buckingham be intro- duced into ye work of ye ministry in this society, for ye reasons above alleged.
SAML. COOKE, DANIEL CHAPMAN, THOMAS HAULEY, RICHARD SACKET.
Advice about procuring a minister.
There was nominated by some persons in the meeting, viz. Mr. John Curtice of Wethersfield, Mr. Gilbert Tenant in ye Jerseys, Mr. Dunbar of Boston, and Mr. Chauncey, Jr., of Hadley ; and ye Society crave of the Revd. Association their particular direction concerning them, or any other that they shall see meet to direct to us as a person to be applyd to, with an invitation to a probationary improvement among us in ye ministry.
The return from ye Revd. Association.
We ye subscribers associate at Norwalk March 23, 1726-7, being applied to by ye Prime Ancient Society in sd Norwalk for advice and direction, &c. * * We are of opinion that as to Mr. Tennant now in the im- provement in ye ministry in the New Jersey, it may not be so proper to make application to him for the supply of a vacancy here for this reason, viz. Because of ye pau- city of Gospel labourers in those parts ; which requires us rather to wish their increase than to take any methods for ye decrease of their numbers; especially considering our ministry from time to time earnestly solicited to send Gospel labourers unto those parts, more than we have been capable of supplying them with ; and do ad- vise that this society would soon as may be, endeavor to inform themselves whether there may be a proba-
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1727.]
bility of obtaining Mr. Dunbar of Boston ; and upon such a probability attained, to make application to him for ye purpose afore sd; and if there shall not be a probability of obtaining the sd Mr. Dunbar, we advise that the society make application either to ye said Mr. Curtice or Mr. Chauncey, as upon consulting the min- isters next neighbouring either of them, they may be en- couraged.
SAML. COOKE, DANL. CHAPMAN, THOMAS HAULEY, RICHARD SACKET.
Sending for a minister.
May 10, 1727. The Society *
* determines to send a meet person to Mr. Chauncey Jr. of Hadley, as upon consulting ye ministers neighbouring to him he may be encouraged ; and in case Mr. Chauncey cannot be ob- tained, then to apply himself to ye sd ministers for ad- vice to some other suitable person to apply to, and that he do his utmost endeavor to obtain one according to such direction, or to act about ye whole according to the best of his discretion, to supply ye vacancy in our pul- pit, at least for a probationary improvement in the ministry among us.
* Mr. James Brown to proceed upon ye business as above expressed.
Revd. Moses Dickinson invited.
June 26, 1727. The Society by major vote agree to give the Revd. Mr. Moses Dickinson a call to supply the vacancy in our pulpit.
Made choice of Capt. Joseph Platt, Esq., to go to ye Revd. Gentleman, and endeavor to obtain him pursuant to sd vote.
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NORWALK.
[1727.
Made choice of Mr. John Bartlett, Capt. Joseph Platt, and Mr. Thos. Fitch Junr., to provide for, & to treat with ye sª gentleman when he comes.
Call to Mr. Dickinson.
July 19, 1727. The Society having had report made from ye late Committee of ye circumstances of ye Revd. Mr. Moses Dickinson, who hath been with us upon a probationary improvement, with which report they are well satisfied as to the gentleman's circumstances ; and do hereby give the sd Revd. Gentleman a call to ye work of ye ministry among us; provided ye Revd. Elders now convened in this place give their approbation there- unto, voted in ye affirmative 75, Contra 39.
Advice asked of the Association.
The society determines to move to the Revd. Elders for a resolve respecting the circumstances of ye Revd. Mr. Dickinson, and whether they advise to the call above sd.
There being severall persons of this Society under scruples respecting the relation they stand in to ye Revd. Mr. Buckingham, that is to say, whether sª gentleman be regularly discharged from his pastorall relation to y Chh. and people of this place ; the Society taking this matter into consideration, do move to ye Revd. El- ders convened, that they would give their opinion in ye premises, that such persons may receive satisfaction in that matter.
Answer of the Association.
July 20, 1727. The society receiving from ye Revd. Elders associated, an answer to ye foregoing matter of scruple, and it was read off as followeth :
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SOCIETY RECORDS.
1727.]
A Quorum of Fairfield Association Occasionally con- vened in Norwalk July 19th, 1727.
Whereas it is Signifyed to us from ye records of ye Society that there are severall persons of this Society under Scruples respecting the relation they stand in to ye Revd. Mr. Buckingham. That is to say whether ye said Gentleman be Regularly Discharged from his pas- torall Relation to ye Church and people of this place ; and that our opinion in this case is desired.
In answer whereunto we Declare this to be our Opinion that the Revd. Mr. Buckingham hath been regularly Discharged from his pastorall Relation to ye Church and people of this place ; And offer upon it as followeth ; viz. (1) The Condition of this Church and people hath been for a considerable time greviously per- plexd & Divided ; whereof a very great part have been so distanced in affection from their Late pastor, that the Cure of it after a Considerable time of Tryall, hath appeared even to be Dispaired of; Whereas also it ap- peared to us, that Saveing Ends of ye Gospel Ministry here may not generally be attained, which in ye Judg- ment of ye late Counsel and in our Opinion is Cause Justifying ye pastor's Resigning his pastorall Office, as to ye Exercise of it in ye place of his Improvement ; We propose the following Scriptures to be well Con- sidered. Ephe. 4 : 11, 12, Our ascended Lord gave ye . gifts of ye Ministry to men for ye Edifying ye Body of Christ : Where ye Edifying ye Body is expressly Set down as a main End of Gospel Ministry. Now the prin- ciple End being Generally Obstructed and that after a Convenient Time of Waiting, may be well interpreted as a call from above to ye Minister that hath been im- proved, Humbly to yield himself to --- that Christ
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[1727.
our Lord and ye Interest of immortal Souls may increase and flourish ; John 3d, 30th. We have also considered James 3d, 16th, Where envying and strife is, there is Confusion and every evil work. Now this we have thought ye Malancholly Condition of this Place; & have been Ready to account the Method of ye Council in their late Doings accepting ye Revd. Gentleman's Resignation, & supplying the Sanction of their au- thority thereunto, to be a proper and probable Remedy of ye unhappy Distemper of this place. (2) The Revd. Mr. Buckingham, as we understand, appearing in the late Council, affected with ye Sorrowful state of ye place and ye improbability of his future service here, Did Seriously, Solemnly, & willingly resign his pastorall Relation to ye Church and people of the place ; which was in his power to Do so far as Concernsan act of his. And the sª Resignation being willingly made by him, we apprehend no injury Done him, Because an injury to a willing mind cannot be Done. We propose John 3d, 30th, he must increase, but I must Decrease. Which example of that Great man, than whom a greater was not Born of Women, We do understand presidential even to ye ministers of ye Gospel in our Times, when this continuing in the exercise the Gospel ministry may be justly thought to interfere with the Generall Spirituall good of Precious Souls.
3. The Resignation of ye Revd. Mr. Buckingham in ye presence of ye society's com'tee, before ye council, ye authority whereof we suppose not proper for ye good people of this place to question, who have come into onr ecclesiastical constitution and accepted our articles of administering Chh. discipline ; yet for ye satisfaction of any of our people of this place, we mention ye
P
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SOCIETY RECORDS.
1727.]
fifteenth Chapter of ye Acts ; and thence observe, that ye council at Jerusalem (ye pattern for Chh. councils in Gospel times) in the difficulties that had arisen, in ye church of Antioch, &c., did undertake to determine that difference, in authoritative way. Acts 15: 2. " To whom we gave no such commandment." Now commandment is a word necessarily implying authority-see also verse 28. " It seemed good to ye Holy Ghost & to us to lay no greater burden," &c. ; which expression to us implies authority, carrying an obligation in it on ye Chh. and people that applyd to ye council, see also verse 29; " From which if ye keep yourselves ye shall do well ;" whence followeth yt ye Chh., which applied to the coun- cil at Jerusalem, if they did not observe the order of council, they should not do well, for that ye conclusion of council were ye highest authority, not to be control- led or disputed.
4. The Resignation of ye Revd. Mr. Buckingham being authorized by his proper judges, that is to say, ye council of ye elders & Chhs. of this county, the bond of his relation to this society, as pastor, is dissolved & ceaseth : (whereupon it followeth that ye bond of ye relation of this Chh. and every member thereof to ye sd Mr. Buckingham, their late pastor, is also dissolved and ceaseth.)
Unto ye above we only add as ye Rev. Mr. Bucking- ham hath formally declared himself willing to be direct- ed by ye ministers of this county ; now then as we ac- count it on his part a good observance of order, for the future to forbear the exercise of ye pastoral office, to say, preaching and administering any sacraments in this place; so also, ye good & Christian people of this place will, in our opinion, show themselves men of order to
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NORWALK.
[1727.
contribute their part to such a direction of our associa- tion.
Our thoughts in relation to ye motion of this society to the Revd. Mr. Moses Dickinson, we offer as follow- eth, vizt :
That we are all glad of an opportunity now to signify the great respect and value we have for ye Revd. Mr. Moses Dickinson, and the satisfying prospect we have of his well answering ye necessities of this desti- tute society, and with all cheerfulness assure ye good people thereof, of our good approbation of this society's having their eyes upon the Revd. and valuable gentleman for ye work of ye ministry here, whensoever it appears to us that ye condition or proviso of ye Presbytery re- leasing him from a pastoral relation to ye people of Maidenhead, &c. appears absolutely & in fact to be by judgment of that Presbytery completed.
A true copy. SAMUEL COOK, Scribe.
The society by a vote of Eighty eight, none appear- ing in the negative, do invite and call ye Revd. gentle- man to ye work and labor of ye ministry among them.
Agreed and concluded to defray the charge of trans- portation of ye sd Mr. Dickinson and family, whenso- ever he may be obtained to move unto us.
(A committee appointed for this purpose and to pro- vide a house, &c.)
Appointed ye Worshipfull Joseph Platt, Esq. to attend ye Revd. Mr. Dickinson home into ye Jersies, and also to endeavour the obtaining from ye Revd. Pres- bytery there, the Revd. Mr. Dickinson's discharge from ye Chh. and people of Maidenhead.
(On the society book is recorded at length the min- utes of the Fairfield Association, in a meeting at Wilton,
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SOCIETY RECORDS.
1728.]
Aug. 29, 1727, in which they approve of the doings of the council at Norwalk; and it appearing that Mr. Dickinson was now dismissed by his Presbytery, the as- sociation advise the society of Norwalk to repeat their call; which they did in full form on the 1st of Nov. 1727.
Difficulty with Mr. Buckingham.
Jan. 10, 1727-8. The society grants ten pounds to Mr. James Brown, for his service at ye General Court, in answering ye memorial against the select men, pre- ferred at New Haven in October last to the General Court by Mr. Stephen Buckingham. (Also granted 20s. to Lt. Samuel Comstock, which he paid to Mr. Fowler, lawyer, to assist in ye cause abovesaid.)
May 10, 1728. Made choice of Joseph Platt, Esq., to represent the inhabitants of ye said society, to an- swer ye memorial of Mr. Stephen Buckingham. Made choice of Thomas Fitch, Esq., Mr. James Brown, and John Copp, Committee to prepare what is needful to be sent to Capt. Platt, who is now at ye said Assembly ; by a safe hand, if such can be obtained, or else to send a man directly from hence to Capt. Platt.
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