USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Mendon > Centurial history of the Mendon association of Congregational ministers, with the Centennial address, delivered at Franklin, Mass., Nov. 19, l851, and biographical sketches of the members and licentiates > Part 18
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23
His sermons were not usually fully written, but left with hints for amplification in the delivery. Said one of his aged parishioners : 'I never wish to hear any greater eloquence than comes from my minister, when he gets through his notes and shuts up his Bible.' It was then, that, having gained the convictions of his hearers, he pressed truth upon their consciences in fervid, forcible, and solemn appeals and ex- postulations, which often rose to the highest order of pulpit eloquence.
The solemnity which uniformly characterized him in the pulpit, is the more noticeable as he was rather distinguished · for a keen and ready wit, and for shrewd, pointed, and laco-
See Obit. in Miss. Herald, March, 1851.
REV. KIAH BAYLEY. 253
nic sayings. But nothing of this ever found a place in his preaching. Through his whole public life he was never known to appear depressed, discouraged, or troubled.
He was a correct and thorough scholar in the ancient classics ; and with some of them so familiar as to repeat large portions from memory. He was a warm friend to edu- cation, and one of the founders of Middlebury College, of which he was the first elected member corporate.
He originated and set in operation the first Education Society in the country for replenishing the ministry. This was in 1803, and was termed the Evangelical Society " to aid pious and needy young men in acquiring education for the work of the Gospel ministry." * He was its first presi- dent, and voluntarily undertook an agency for collecting its first funds ; and was, throughout, its most efficient helper.
As a specimen of Dr. Jackson's unceasing earnestness in the work of the Gospel : after the settlement of his colleague, he became a teacher in the Sabbath School, as punctual and engaged as in the public ministry. Such devotedness re- ceived the blessing of frequent and powerful revivals of religion amongst his people.t
31. REV. KIAH BAYLEY
Was born in Brookfield, West Parish, 11 March, 1770, and was the son of Charles and Abigail ( Safford ) Bayley. He spent his early life at Haverhill, N. H., "Indians and
* The first meeting, for organization, was held at Pawlet, 6 March, 1804. The first regular meeting was held at Dorset, on the last Tues- day of June, 1804, at which Rev. Nathaniel Hall, of Granville, preached the opening sermon. Its plan was to aid suitable candidates for the ministry by loans, without interest, for not more than six years. The Evangelical Society continued, until superseded by the Am. Education Society and its Auxiliaries. More than fifty persons were, by it, helped into the ministry.
Funeral Sermon by Rev. J. D. Winkham, of Burr Seminary.
22
254
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
old tories around, frequently running for dear life - moth- er, baby and all." *
He graduated at Dartmouth, 1793, and studied theology with Rev Dr. Emmons. He indulged a hope, during vaca- tion, 1790, in his father's barn at Newbury, Vt. His first sermon was preached at West Taunton. He afterwards preached and received calls from Milford, and Ashby, and from Cornish, N. H. In 1796, he visited Maine, preached six months at Newcastle, Me., and was settled there in Oct., 1797.
The church at Newcastle was virtually extinct, - only three male members being alive on the list. There had been no preaching for ten or twelve years, and the forms of re- ligion had nearly disappeared. The church was reestablished by his labor, and the "foundations of many generations " were laid.
He was dismissed at his own request, Sept., 1823. He preached at Greensboro', Vt., the four years. following. Thence he went to Thornton, N. H., 30 May, 1829, and staid three years. He commenced preaching at Hardwick, Vt., 29 June, 1833, where he also purchased a farm on which he still lives at the advanced age of 82, the oldest living licentiate of this association.
Mr. Bayley has published ; a sermon, Salvation by Grace, Ashby, 1796; the Preciousness of Christ, 12mo .; eight or ten ordination and occasional sermons; and over three hundred articles on Anti-Masonry and Anti-Slavery. He was for three years, co-editor of the Christian Magazine, published in Maine.
Mr. Bayley, in company with some six other ministers of the Kennebec valley, most of whose names appear in this list, ardently labored together to plant the germs of Gospel institutions in the then District of Maine. He says - " they
* Letter of Rev. K. Bayley, East Hardwick, Vt.
255
REV. ABIJAH WINES.
were united, and tried to lay such foundations as would abide. They published a Christian Magazine - formed a Tract Society, a Missionary Society for Maine - an Education Society, and the Theological Institute at Bangor, - and were in the field as early as older churches. - How God blessed, results must show. - I claim the Academy at New Castle, and the Theol. School at Bangor, as my own children. Not that others did not help, - but on me the burden of lay- ing plans and executing them without funds, for five or six years, rested."*
Mr. Bayley married, in 1794, Miss Abigial Goodhue, of Newburyport. She died 18 March, 1846, aged 90 yrs. She was a woman of uncommon excellence, and left the impress of her active piety upon the religious institutions of the State of Maine.t They have no living descendants.
32. REV. ABIJAH WINES,
The oldest child of Abijah and Deborah (Runnels) Wines, was born in Southold, L. I., 28 May, 1766.}
At about fifteen years of age, he removed with his parents to Newport, N. H. He married at twenty years of age, and settled down with his wife and children to live ; but the Lord had other work for him, and he was awakened and converted
* Bangor Seminary, to which Maine owes two thirds of her ministers, besides many in other states, originated in a female Cent Society pro- posed by the wife of Mr. Bayley. It is an interesting fact that its three Theological Professors - Smith, Wines, and Pond - were licentiates of Mendon Association and students of Rev. Dr. Emmons. Prof. B. Fowler was also a student of Dr. Emmons.
t See her Memoir by Mass. S. S. Society; also, Prof. Park's Me- moir of Dr. Hopkins, in his Works, Vol. I, p. 95.
# His ancestry was Welsh, and settled on Long Island. His father removed to Newport, N. H., in 1780, with four children, - Abijah, Samuel, William, and' Abigail.
256
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
to his Redeemer. He immediately set himself to the work of fitting for college under a neighboring clergyman, and entered Sophomore at Dartmouth College, 1792, and grad. in 1794, aged 28. He studied theology with Rev. Dr. Em- mons, and was ordained, 5 Jan., 1796, at Newport, N. H., the place of his early residence.
After laboring 20 years, he was dismissed, with great reluctance on the part of his people, 4 Dec., 1816. He next went to Ohio, to found, if possible, a Theological School in that then newly-settled region. But failing in this desired project, - which had occupied his thoughts for many years,- he returned and accepted the professorship of Theology in the ' Maine Charity School,' just established in Hampden, Me. He filled this office but about a year, and resigned in 1819, with his colleague, Prof. Jehudi Ashmun, when the institu- tion was removed to Bangor, and became the Theological Seminary" now permanently established and endowed there.
After leaving the Seminary, Professor Wines supplied the pulpit of the Congregational Church on Deer Island, in Pen- obscot Bay. He labored here twelve years, earnestly devoted to his work, and especially to the cause of Temperance. With this some of his people were dissatisfied.
A morbid nervous affection, from which he had suffered in previous years, revisited him, induced by extreme exposure in the spring of 1832. He resorted to a farm ; but the dis- ease increased, and resulted in a deep melancholy and tem- porary insanity. In August, he was conveyed to the M'Lean Asylum at Charlestown, where he died, 11 Feb., 1833, in his 67th year. His remains were interred at Amesbury, by the side of his daughter.
Prof. Wines married, 27 April,. 1786, Miss Ruth Giles, daughter of Hon. Benjamin Giles, of Newport, N. H .* She
* Benjamin Giles was born in Dublin, Ireland, and received a thorough English education in that city. When he was fourteen, his
257
REV. ABIJAH WINES.
survived him a few years, and died March, 1838. They had twelve children, - eight daughters and four sons. Three children died young. The adults are as follows :-
1. Abigail ; married to Silas Buell, of Orwell, Vt. One of her daughters is the wife of Rev. Job Hall, of Orwell.
2. Sarah ; married to Rev. Hosea Wheeler, pastor of the Baptist Church in Eastport, where he died, Dec., 1822. She died 25 Sept., 1847, leaving one son and three daughters. The son is Rev. Francis B. Wheeler, of Brandon, Vt.
3. Mima ; married to Rev. Benjamin Sawyer of Salisbury. She died 8 Sept., 1817, leaving three children .*
4. Harriet ; married to Rev. Weston B. Adams, of Lewis- ton Falls, Me. She died, Jan., 1841, leaving one daughter, the wife of Edward I. Little, Esq. ; she died Sept., 1842.
5. Sophia ; married to Peter Kimball, Esq., of Bloomfield, Me., and has three children.
6. Sophronia ; married to Rev. Carlton Hurd, of Frye- burg, Me. Has three children living. Marion Lyle Hurd, who died 11 Feb., 1841, was their daughter.
7. Maria ; married to Moses Kimball, of Bloomfield, Me. She died Feb., 1841, leaving one daughter.
Hiram, the eldest son, died in 1813, at the age of 20.
Edwards, the youngest, died Dec., 1840 .;
" Prof. Wines was distinguished for personal accomplish- ments. He had a stature erect and high ; a compact, well-
father migrated to Norwich, Ct. At the commencement of the Revo- lution, he removed to Newport, N. H., with his family, - a wife and two daughters. The daughters married brothers, Christopher and Isaac Newton.
Benjamin Giles married a second wife, Ruth Tracy, of Norwich, Ct., by whom he had one daughter, Ruth, married to Rev. Prof. Wines at the age of twenty.
* Obituary Notice, in the Panoplist, Jan., 1818, Vol. XIV. p. 21. f Letter of Rev. C. Hurd, Fryeburg, Me.
22*
258
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
proportioned frame ; a piercing eye, a manly aspect, a comely visage.
" His feelings were chiefly of the tender and benevolent kind. He was seldom known to be angry.
" As a preacher, he was plain, pungent, and uncompromis- ing, aiming to declare the whole counsel of God.
" As a theologian, he possessed uncommon talents. Here his great strength lay. A deep and discriminating force of mind enabled him to understand the system which he had adopted, to discern its foundations, to simplify its points, to explain its principles, and to defend its positions. His mind was accustomed to a critical and philosophical theology. He would have a reason for every article of his faith.
" He was not an orator. His manner was uncommonly plain and simple.
" He possessed a noble description of greatness. He detest- ed every thought of what was mean, sordid, and covetous. His chief wish and aim were, that he might live for the moral benefit of mankind."*
His " Enquiry on the Taste Scheme," shows him to have been an acute thinker. His sermons were very thoroughly studied and carefully written. But when he came to the decision to preach no more, he committed all his manuscripts to the flames.
Prof. Wines excelled in conversation, and his company was always agreeable. He was remarkably hospitable, and welcomed everybody to his house. Clergymen felt at home under his roof.
REV. JOHN SMITH, D. D.
Was the son of Joseph Smith, and descendant of Joseph who removed from Hartford, Ct., to Hadley, 1680. He was
* See Funeral Sermon, by Rev. Stephen Farley.
259
REV. JOHN SMITH , D . D .
the younger brother of Rev. Eli Smith, of Hollis, N. H., and of Rev. Amasa Smith .*
He was born in Belchertown, 5 March, 1766; graduated Dartmouth, 1794, A. M. and D. D .; studied theology with Rev. Dr. Emmons ; and was ordained over the church in Salem, N. H., 2 Jan., 1797, as colleague with Rev. Abner Bayley. He was dismissed from Salem, 21 Nov., 1816; installed at Wenham the following year, 26 Nov., and left, 8 Sept., 1819, to take the chair of the theological professor- ship in Bangor Seminary, March, 1820. In this office he continued until his death, 14 April, 1831, at the age of 65.
" Dr. Smith possessed what is fitly termed a reasoning mind. He loved the naked truth; and, on subjects of a religious nature, few men could reason with greater ability.
" As a preacher, he dwelt much on the perfections of God, the great principles of the Divine government, and on all those truths which are adapted to make men feel their obli- gations to submit to God, and accept the salvation offered in the Gospel.
" As a theological professor, his constant aim was to im- bue the minds of his pupils with clear, consistent, connected, systematic views of what he believed to be the doctrines of the Bible. He was greatly beloved and venerated by them all.
" His natural temper was marked by sympathy, kindness, good-will, and a great firmness of purpose. His piety was strongly marked with the character of solidity.
" A cold and slight affection of the lungs confined him to his house in February. He had some apprehensions, as his will was dated 5th March. On the 20th, the Sabbath, he sent a note requesting prayers, and asked his attendants to sing the 51st Psalm, "Show pity, Lord," etc. "That," said he, "meets my case, -just the language of my heart."
* See Biog. Sketch of Rev. Eli Smith, Licentiates, No. 29.
260
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
After this, there was a rally of strength, so that he conducted the family devotions. But, April 1, the disease returned, and in a few days he died.
" His close was peaceful. He could converse only in broken sentences. His closing words were, -" Perfectly willing - waiting - waiting - to be called - ready to de- part, and be with Christ. Blessed Saviour - Eternity. It is near - but not too near - nor will it be too long." The Seminary was in his last thoughts, and his last prayer was for its success. "Thou wilt bless it, and keep it. I give it up to thee. I can do no more for it. Thou canst do all things." He died without a struggle."*
Rev. Dr. Smith married Miss Hannah Hardy, of Pelham, N. H. After his death, she was married to a Mr. Greely, of Portland ; and again to Gen. Richardson of her native town, with whom she now lives.
Dr. Smith had no children.
34. REV. NATHANIEL OGDEN
Was born in 1768, near the village of Fairton, Cumberland Co., N. J. His parents, Joseph and Abigail Ogden, both died when he was about six years old, and he lived with a brother-in-law, engaged chiefly in farming, until about twenty years of age, but studying as he had opportunity. He then devoted himself to securing means for an education ; for his patrimony was lost in the fluctuations and depreciation of the continental currency.
His studies were pursued with an intimate friend, after- wards Rev. John B. Preston, then a member of the University in Philadelphia. Mr. Ogden at length entered the same class, and graduated with Mr. Preston in 1793.
In the December following, he married Miss Ruth
* Rev. Mr. Pomeroy's Funeral Sermon, Sp. Pilgrims, Vol. V., p. 125.
261 .
REV . NATHANIEL OGDEN.
and commenced school-teaching in his native State, and reading theology at the same time. In 1794, he came to Massachusetts, and completed his theological studies with Rev. Dr. Emmons.
After approbation, he commenced preaching in Taunton, to the major part of the Cong. church, who, on the Rev. Mr. Judson's departure in 1790, had withdrawn from the first Society, and established worship in the western part of the town.
He preached here but seven Sabbaths, when he took cold from riding in a storm, and, in a severe fit of coughing, rup- tured a blood vessel. He was sick about six months, and died of consumption 11 July, 1796, at the house of Mr. Peter Walker, in Taunton.
A month previous to his own death, his only child, a son eighteen months old, also died. Mrs. Ogden had left him in New Jersey, to attend upon her husband in his last illness. This fact will explain some allusions in the funeral sermon preached by Dr. Emmons upon the occasion.
Mr. Ogden was buried in Taunton, on the plain near the site of the old meeting house, and not far from the present residence of Rev. Mr. Cobb of West Taunton. His stone bears the following inscription ;
IN MEMORY OF MR. NATHANIEL OGDEN, A. B.
OF FAIRFIELD, N. J., PREACHER OF THE GOSPEL, . WHO DIED JULY 11, 1796. Aged 28.
He had preached on seven Lord's days, when our high expectations of his future usefulness were suddenly blasted .*
* Rev. S. H. Emcry, Taunton.
-
262
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Mr. Ogden left no printed works to bear witness to his ability. A volume of his sermons was arranged by his in- timate friend, Mr. Preston, to be published by subscription. But the project was never executed. His theological teacher entertained a high opinion of his talents, and prospects of usefulness. His congregation in Taunton regarded him as " sound in doctrine, clear in religious experience and forcible in argumentation." *
Nearly two thousand persons were present at his funeral.
Says one who has examined the volume intended for the press ; " From all that I can learn of Mr. O .: - from the expressions of those who knew him, from Dr. Emmons's re- marks in his funeral sermon, and from the evidence of his manuscript sermons, I cannot doubt that he was a man of rich promise." t
The widow of Mr. Ogden, was married in Oct., 1813, to Rev. Abijah Davis of Millville, N. J. He died in 1817. She still lives a widow, in Fairton, N. J .;
35. REV. JOHN BOWERS PRESTON
Was born in Fairfield, Cumberland Co., N. J., 3 Oct .; 1770. His father was Col. Isaac Preston, who died in the service of his country, 5 March, 1777, aged 42. His mother, whose name was Hannah Bowers, died in 1782, at the age of 45, leaving him an orphan at 12 years of age.
His life in infancy was for a long time precarious, and he wholly lost the sight of one eye.
At ten, he was seriously awakened, and his pious mother had hope in his conversion. At fourteen he publicly pro- fessed religion, and turned his attention to the ministry.
* Rev. A. Cobb, Taunton.
t Rev. N. C. Burt, Springfield, O.
į Rev. B. B. Hotchkin, Brandywine Manor, Chester Co., Pa.
263
REV. JOHN BOWERS PRESTON.
He graduated at William and Ann College, Philadelphia, 1793. He then taught school about two years, near his native place, when a protracted sickness compelled him to travel for health into New England. He providentially came to Franklin, May, 1795, and commenced the study of theology with Rev. Dr. Emmons.
He was ordained 8 Feb., 1798, at Rupert, Vt., and died on Sabbath morning, 21 Feb., 1813, aged 42 years, having been settled 15 years. Just before his sickness, he had watched with two sick children, both whose parents had been cut down by an epidemic fever, and buried in one day, of which disease he also soon after died. His last sermon was from Isaiah, 1: 11.
Mr. Preston married, 6 Jan., 1799, Miss Polly Haven of Franklin, daughter of Asa Haven, and niece of the wife of Dea. James Metcalf, in whose family she resided. She was afterwards married to Dea. James Fisher, of Gouverneur, N. Y., where she died, 23 March, 1848, aged 71 years .*
Mr. Preston left five children :
1. Mary H. ; married to Harvey D. Smith, Esq., of Poult- ney, Vt., now of Gouverneur, N. Y. They have no children.
2. John B .; grad. Middlebury Coll., 1827, Auburn, 1830, ordained over the Presb. church, in Attica, N. Y., 23 Oct., 1839 ; inst. at Byron, N. Y .; now at Berlin, Wis. He m. 1st., Mary Whedon, of Hebron, N. Y .; 2nd., Clarissa North, of Farmington, Ct .; Has 6 children.
3. Nathaniel O .; grad. Middlebury Coll., 1831; Rector of Epis. church of the Annunciation, at New Orleans ; m. Charlotte Whedon, of Hebron, N. Y. Has no children.
* She was a woman of more than ordinary talents and piety, and found the promises of the widow's God richly fulfilled. Left poor, with five little children, she maintained them, carried two of them through college, and saw them all hopeful Christians. See Obituary in N. Y. Evangelist, of 1848 ; also Geneal. of the Haven Family, Continuation, p. 32, Ed. of 1849.
264
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
4. Julia R .; m. to Rev. Geo. S. Wilson, then pastor of the church in Windsor, Vt., afterwards of the Presb. church at Sackett's Harbor, N. Y. He d. 17 May, 1841. She then m. Rev. A. Cram, of Clinton, N. Y., where she now resides, a widow with two children.
5. Maria ; m. to Rev. Stephen Johnson, of Griswold, Ct., and sailed as Missionary of the A. B. C. F. M., to Siam, returned and died at Philadelphia, 8 Jan., 1839 .*
Mr. Preston left no printed works. His funeral sermon, printed, exhibits him as highly esteemed by his theological instructor, his ministerial brethren, and his people.
He was a man of noble spirit, of quick perceptions, and of a solid judgment. Solidity, system, energy, and persever- ance were his peculiar characteristics. His discernment of characters, and especially of false merit, seemed as ready as instinct. His sensibility, both of favors and of injuries, was very acute; but was generally regulated by a pious heart, with dignity and propriety. He was singularly fervent and per- severing in every duty ; never resting till it was done, and well done. This fervor . of spirit rendered him singularly punctual to all his engagements. _ He was an able instructor of students in theology.
He was one of the founders of the Evangelical Society of Western Vermont, - an Education Society, - and president of its board of Trustees at the time of his death.
In the extensive revival which visited Western Vermont, in 1802, one hundred and eleven were gathered into the church at Rupert, and his influence still bears fruit amongst that people, favored by his faithful ministry.t
His gravestone in Rupert, Vt., bears the following : -
* Sce Miss. Herald for Feb., 1839 ; also, Letter of H. D. Smith, Esq., Gouverneur, N. Y.
t Obit. notice by Rev. W. Jackson, D. D.
REV. JOSEPH ROWELL. 265
SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF
REV. JOHN B. PRESTON,
PASTOR OF THE CONGREGATION. CHURCH
In this town, who Died Feb. 21, 1813, AGED 42 YEARS.
As a friend, - greatly beloved ; As a Christian, - alive and devoted ;
As a divine, - clear and penetrating ; As a preacher, - eminently faithful, Solid, plain, and pungent. Let All who heard him, be prepared to Meet him in the judgment of The great day.
36. REV. JOSEPH ROWELL
Was the eldest of nine children, and was born in Rowley, in 1767. He graduated at Dartmouth, 1794, and A. M. He studied Theology with Rev. Dr. Emmons, and com- menced preaching in Cornish, N. H., May, 1800, where he was ordained, 23 Sept., 1800. He was dismissed, 19 Feb., 1828, and was never resettled ; but, in 1838, he removed to" Claremont, N. H., where he died, Nov., 1842, aged 75. His death was occasioned by being thrown from his wagon, while on his return home from a meeting of his Association.
Mr. Rowell married Miss Hannah Chase, daughter of Daniel Chase, Esq., of Cornish. She now resides with her daughter, Mrs. C. Tracy, in New York city. Their family consisted of eleven children, viz. 1. Eliza, wife of Rev. Charles Shedd, pastor of the Cong. church in Campton, N. H.
2. Jonathan Edwards, a farmer in Claremont, N. H.
3. Maria C., wife of Mr. Calvin Tracy, for many years Principal of a Classical Institute in New York city, and author of a series of Mathematical works.
23
266
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
4. Daniel C., died while a member of the class of 1837, in Amherst College.
5. Martha L., wife of Edwin Locke. She spent, with him, six years in missionary labor, at the Sandwich Islands, where both now rest from their labors.
6. George Berkley, grad. Amherst, 1837, and is now Missionary at Sandwich Islands.
7. Timothy Dwight, has been merchant at Canandaigua, N. Y. ; now resides in Orford, N. H.
8. Joseph, grad. Yale Coll., and is missionary at Panama. He m., 11 Oct., 1852, Miss Hannah, daughter of Rev. A. Cummings, D. D., of Portland, Me.
9. Samuel N., grad. Yale, is physician at New Haven. 10. Caroline E., wife of Doct. A. G. Skinner, Youngs- town, N. Y.
11. Harriet L., wife of A. C. Stolz, recently merchant in New York city, but now embarked, together, for Australia .*
Mr. Rowell was blest with pious parents, and his early as- sociations were connected with religion. His first reading was the writings of the Puritans, which he read and reread until he could almost repeat them. His mind became, conse- quently early and thoroughly indoctrinated with their prin- ·ciples.
His conversion was occasioned by the death of his father and grandfather - to him a severe affliction. But it was some years before he ventured to indulge a hope for himself. This gave a peculiar distrustfulness to the character of his subse- quent experience, and mingled many doubts with his hopes. But the blessing of the Spirit evidently attended his labors, and he received the name of a devoted Christian and faithful minister.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.