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 19
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He enjoyed three seasons of revival and an addition of 170 souls to the church in Cornish.
* Letter of Mrs. C. Tracy, New York city.
267
REV. DRURY FAIRBANKS.
" Mr. Rowell possessed a mind of great strength and clear- ness. His sermons were logical in their arrangement, lucid in thought, and easily understood by the hearers. It was a common saying : ' Mr. Rowell's sermons would hold water.' He dwelt much on the doctrines of the Bible. They were food to his soul.
" He was highly esteemed as a man. Upright, meek and kind in his deportment. He was a diligent student, a devoted pastor, and a very bold, fearless, and faithful preacher." *
None of his writings are published, save one or two fune- ral sermons.
37. REV. NATHAN HOLMAN.
[Members of Assoc., No. 26.]
38. REV. DRURY FAIRBANKS
Was born in Holliston, 13 Oct., 1772. He was the young- est of five sons of Drury and Deborah (Leland) Fairbanks.t
He graduated at Brown University, 1797, and A. M., and studied Theology with Rev. Dr. Emmons. He was ordained in Plymouth, N. H., 1800 ; and dismissed 18 March, 1818, in feeble health, induced by extra labor in the sur- rounding region, and by the additional care of teaching many youth.
He was next installed at Littleton, N. H., about 40 miles north of Plymouth, 3 May, 1820. He was dismissed in 1836, but still resides in the town, upon a farm, to which he has retired. In both Plymouth and Littleton, his labors have been blessed to the advancement of the cause of Christ. His publications have been confined to occasional sermons.
* Rev. A. Spaulding, Cornish, N. H.
f He is a descendant of John or Jason Fairbanks, brothers, of Rox- bury, probably sons of John, Dedham, 1642.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Mr. Fairbanks married Miss Lucretia Rockwood, of Hol- liston. She died suddenly, March, 1818, having been mar- ried 17 years .* He afterwards married Miss Sarah Worces- ter, relative of the late S. Worcester, D. D., of Salem. He . has had eight children, five of whom still survive, residing mostly in St. Johnsbury, Vt.
39. REV. LEONARD WORCESTER
Was the son of Noah Worcester, Esq., of Hollis, N. II., and was born 1 Jan., 1767.1 His mother died when he was in his sixth year.
In some memoranda of his life, left for the use of his chil- dren, he says : " All my opportunity for obtaining an'educa- tion was comprised in attending school, about three months annually, from my childhood until I had just entered my 18th year, in a common school, such as common schools then were
* See obituary notice, Panoplist, March, 1818.
t " His ancestry is traceable to Rev. William Worcester, from Salis- bury, Eng., one of the ' reverend, learned, and holy divines,' mentioned by Cotton Mather. He settled in Salisbury, Ms., about 1638, and d. 28 Oct., 1662.
II. His oldest son, Samuel W., born in England, a farmer of Brad- ford. Returning home on foot from General Court, to which he was Representative, he froze to death on the road, 20 Feb., 1680.
III. Francis, b. 1662, and died 17 Dec., 1717.
IV. His son, Rev. Francis, b. 7 June, 1698. Blacksmith until 34 years old. Then studied Theology and was ordained over the 2d. church in Sandwich, 1735. Dis. 1745 ; removed to Exeter, N. H .; thence to Plaistow ; and, in 1750, to Hollis, N. H. He was a Home Missionary until his death, 14 Oct., 1783.
V. Noah, was his youngest son ; born 4 Oct., 1735, in Sandwich. He had, by two marriages, 16 children, of whom were Leonard, Samuel, D. D., of Salem, Rev. Noah, of Thornton, N. H., and Rev. Thomas, of Salisbury, N. H. His first wife was Lydia Taylor, of Hollis. She d. 6 July, 1772. - Memoir of Samuel Worcester, D. D., by his Son, S. M. Worcester, Salem.
269
REV . LEONARD WORCESTER.
in New England ; in which, so far as my acquaintance then extended, the principal and indeed almost the only studies were, reading, orthography, writing, and common arithmetic. Beyond these, my own school-education never extended."
In Sept., 1784, he entered, as apprentice, the printing of- fice of Isaiah Thomas, Esq., of Worcester, and became a member of his family. He continued in this business until 1 March, 1799. During several years of this time, he was editor, printer, and publisher of the Mass. Spy.
In 1786, he united with the First church of Worcester, of which Rev. Dr. S. Austin was then pastor. In 1795, while " still, I believe," he says, " the youngest male member," he was chosen one of the Deacons. By the advice of judicious friends, ministers and others, he left his profitable business of printer and became a preacher of the Gospel. Though without any previous preparatory study under the direction of a teacher, he was found so well versed in the doctrines of religion, as to receive the unanimous approba- tion of the Association, at a full meeting of fifteen members, at which Dr. Austin, his pastor, was present.
He was very soon requested to preach, as candidate, at Peacham, Vt., where two young men, former apprentices of his at Worcester, were then engaged in their business. He came, 21 June, 1799, and was ordained, as the first pastor of the church, 30 Oct. Dr. Austin preached the sermon. An aged female told him, 'he was the 80th person she had heard preach in Peacham.'
He continued as the active pastor nearly forty years, and nominally pastor till his death.
In 1837, he removed to Littleton, N. H., to reside with his son, pastor of the church ; afterwards, to, another son's in the ministry, at St. Johnsbury, Vt., where he died, 28 May, 1846, at the age of 79. He was buried at Peacham.
Mr. Worcester married, 1 Nov., 1793, Elizabeth, young- est daughter of Rev. Samuel Hopkins, D. D., of Had-
23*
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
ley,* by whom he had fourteen children. Five died in infancy Four survived the father. Of his six adult sons, four entered the ministry, and the father preached the ordination sermon of them all. The daughters all died unmarried.
His six sons were :
1. Samuel A .; grad. U. Vermont, 1819 ; Andover, 1823 ; Miss. to Cherokees, 1825 ; sentenced to Georgia Penitentia- ry, 1832 ; released, 1833 ; still Miss. of A. B. C. F. M. to the Cherokees. He m. Miss Ann Orr, of Bedford, N. H.
2. Leonard; grad. Dart. Coll., 1825; Principal of Fe- male Academy at Newark, N. J. He died at Walpole, N. H., 24 Aug., 1835.
3. Evarts ; grad. Dart. Col., 1830 ; ordained at Littleton, N. H., 17 March, 1836, and d. 21 Oct. ; m. Ann, daughter of Rev. R. Shurtleff, D. D., Prof. in Dart. Coll.
4. Isaac R. ; successor of his brother, as pastor at Little- ton ; now District Sec'y for Mass. of the A. B. C. F. M.
· 5. John Hopkins; grad. Dart. Coll., 1833; settled at St. Johnsbury ; now at Burlington, Vt.
6. Ezra C .; M. D., physician at Thetford, Vt.
At Mr. Worcester's ordination, the church numbered 40 members, and the town 850 inhabitants. Two remarkable revivals of religion attended his ministry, in 1817-18 and 1831-2. As a fruit of the first, 225 were added to the church ; and of the second, 154 ; the whole number of additions, dur- ing his active pastorate, 566 ; 484 by profession. But one religious society existed in the town till near the close of his labors, when the Methodists formed a small congregation. It is a true saying, that "much of the prosperity of Peacham is owing to Mr. Worcester."
Mr. Worcester, as the above particulars show, was an un- common man. He possessed great energy, perseverance, and forethought, yet was very conciliatory and modest. "His per-
* See Note in Sketch of Dr. Emmons, Members, No. 12.
271
. REV. JOSEPH EMERSON.
sonal appearance was commanding, tall, and of full propor- tions. A frame large, compact, strong, and capable of much endurance. With his commanding personal appearance, his voice and manner corresponded. Hence his sermons were remembered, and his works live after him." *
His course of intellectual training was peculiarly adapted to make him an independent thinker ; and his sermons evince the work of an originating mind. Yet he is declared to have been a firm adherent to the Puritan doctrines -the more closely and confidently as he advanced in life. The subtle Socinian speculations of his brother, Rev. Noah W., of Brigh- ton, caused but a temporary and superficial disturbance in his views.
He published several sermons and pamphlets, of which the chief are the following : 1. Letters and Remarks on a Sermon of Rev. Aaron Bancroft, on Election. (Published while a printer, and had much to do with his introduction to the ministry.) 2. Oration on the Death of Washington. 3. Fast Sermon. 4. Sermon on Isa. 35: 8. 5. Answer to Rev. Wm. Gibson's Rejoinder. 6. Sermon on 2 Sam. 7: 27. 7. Sermon -" Men sometimes their own worst Enemies." 8. Inquiries occasioned by Address of the Gen. Assoc. of N. H., on the Trinity. 9. Funeral Sermon. 10. Sermon- Confession of Faith of the Peacham Church defended. 11. Appeal to the Conscience of Rev. Solomon Aiken, concerning his Appeal to the Churches. 12. Ord. Sermon of Rev. Elnathan Gridley and Rev. S. A. Worcester, as Mis- sionaries. 13. Sermon on the Alton Outrage. 14. Sermon on the Close of his Ministry.
40. REV. JOSEPH EMERSON,
The son of Daniel and Ama (Fletcher) Emerson, was born in Hollis, N. H., 13 Oct., 1777.1
k Obit. notice, by Rev. D. Merrill.
t This family have been prolific in ministers. The first ascertained
y d
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
He pursued his preparatory studies at New Ipswich, N. H., and entered Harvard Univ., whence he graduated, 1798, and A. M. While in college, he became the subject of Divine grace, and made a profession of religion in 1797. He took charge of the Framingham Academy, the first year after graduating, and then officiated as Tutor, at Cambridge, two years, meanwhile studying Theology with Rev. Dr. Emmons .*
In March, 1803, he commenced preaching in Beverly. In June, he received a call, and was ordained over the Third Cong. church in Beverly, 21 Sept., 1803. Dr. Emmons preached at his ordination. While here, his interest in Edu- cation prompted him to great exertions for its promotion. He was also occupied in preparing, and publishing his Memoir
ancestor was Rev. Joseph Emerson, the first minister of Mendon, or- dained 1667. When the settlement was broken up by the Indians, he removed to Concord, and died there, 3 Jan., 1680. He m. Elizabeth, dau. of Rev. Peter Bulkley, of Concord. She afterwards married Capt. John Brown, of Reading, whose first wife was Elizabeth, dau. of Rev. John Fiske, first min. of Chelmsford.
2. Peter Emerson, s. of Rev. Joseph, m. Anna, dau. of Capt. Brown, and was father of Rev. Daniel, of Hollis, N. H. ,3. Daniel was b. 20 May, 1716; converted under Whitefield ; ord. first min. of Hollis, 1743 ; chaplain at Crown Point, 1755 ; pastor, over 50 years ; and died, 1801. He m. Hannah, daughter of Rev. Joseph Emerson, of Malden, (who was son of Edward, and grandson "of Rev. Joseph, of Mendon) and of his wife Mary, daughter of Rev. Samuel Moody, of York. 4. Dea. Daniel, son of Rev. Daniel, b. at Hollis, 26 Dec., 1746; m. A- ma, daughter of Dea Joseph and Elizabeth Fletcher, of Dunstable. He had 7 ch .: Daniel, Ama, Hannah, Joseph, Ralph, Samuel, and William. He d. 20 Oct., 1820 .- Farmer. , Other branches of this family are equally clerical.
* While in this office, he shewed the manuscript of Dr. Emmons's Sermon on ' Activity and Dependence,' (which the Dr. was then delibe- rating about printing) to Prest. Webber, for his opinion. After re- peatedly answering his inquiries, by saying : 'I will read it again ;' on the third or fourth interview, the President handed the Sermon back to Mr. E., with the exclamatory criticism : 'It's a plaguy thing !'" - Rev. T. Williams.
273
REV. JOSEPH EMERSON.
of Miss Fanny Woodbury, and his Evangelical Primer. Under these additional labors his health failed, and he was seized, in 1811, with a species of paralysis,-first in his right wrist, and then in both wrists,- so that he was driven from his writing-desk. On a second attack, he was disabled in his ankles ; and, being unable to stand, was compelled to sit and preach. He bore these painful attacks until serious inroads were made upon his general health, when he felt obliged to renounce his pastoral charge, to the deep regret of himself and his flock. He was dismissed, 21 Sept., 1816, after a set- tlement of just 13 years.
He immediately sailed to the South, to spend the winter. He stopped in Charleston, S. C., where, still laborious, he delivered and published a course of Lectures upon the Mil- lennium. On his return to the North, he established an Academy at Byfield, and, in the winter following, gave a course of Astronomical Lectures in Boston. In 1821, he opened a school in Saugus, and supplied the pulpit at the same time; but he was compelled to seek a southern home, again, at Charleston, for the winter of 1823. Here he re- peated his Historical Lectures, which had been given in Beverly. Again he returned to Saugus, but gave up his labors as a minister, in 1825, and removed to Wethersfield, Ct. At this place, he reentered upon his favorite business of teaching. During his residence here, he visited Saugus, and gave familiar Lectures upon Pollok's Course of Time. Such ceaseless activity cut short his days, and he died at Wethersfield, 13 May, 1833, at the age of 56.
Mr. Emerson married Miss Nancy Eaton of Framingham, daughter of Ebenezer and Rebekah Eaton, and one of his pupils in the Academy. She died 15 June, 1804, within seven months of her marriage, in her 26th year. He next married Miss Eleanor Read of Northbridge, daughter of Thomas and Martha Read, by whom he had one child, a daughter Nancy, still living. Mrs. E. died at Leicester on a
274
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
journey for her health, 7 Nov., 1808. Her Memoir has been published.
Mr. Emerson married a third wife, Miss Rebecca Hazel- tine of Bradford.
He had nine children in all, six of whom reached ma- turity.
1. Nancy ; above mentioned.
2. Luther; grad. Amherst, 1831, went to Virginia, 1837, and now has charge of Sheremiah Church ( O. S. Presb.) Augusta Co. He m. Miss Catharine Miner, Albemarle Co., Va.
3. Alfred ; graduated at Yale and Andover ; and ord. at South Reading, 1845. He m. Miss Martha E. Vose, Lan- caster.
4. Ellen ; Teacher in Scottsville, Va., where she died 1848.
5. Edwin ; died 1841, at Matanzas, Cuba.
6. John; died 1851, at San Francisco, Cal., whither he went as Captain of a ship.
Mr. Emerson was, in personal appearance, tall and slender, with a dark complexion, and mild hazel eyes. His motions were quick but not strong. In the latter part of his life, he was much bowed down and emaciated by disease. He pos- sessed an attractive vein of pleasantry, and, though he was sometimes reserved, yet generally, the natural enthusiasm of his character imparted a charm to his conversation and made him a most welcome guest and desirable companion.
As a student, he was diligent beyond the bounds of pru- dence. The rapidity with which he multiplied plans for the mental and moral improvement of mankind shows the activi- · ty of his mind.
As a Teacher of youth, he was original, practical and suc- cessful, and deeply interested in the moral culture of his pu- pils. His edition of Watts on the Mind has been and is ex- tensively used, and invaluable in its influences.
As a man, he knew not how to dissemble or wear a mask.
275
REV. NATHAN WALDO, JR.
As a Christian, he was characterized by the habitual fervor of his devotional feelings, an earnest love of truth, deep wrought humility, and a warm and expanded benevolence. His last earthly words were "Peace - more than peace."
41. REV. NATHAN WALDO, JR.
Was a native of Canterbury, Ct. He was not a graduate of any college, but received the honorary degree of A. B. from Dartmouth college in 1805. He studied theology with Rev. Dr. Emmons, whose doctrinal system he adopted and ardently defended.
After preaching as a Licentiate about five years, he was ordained at Williamstown, Vt., 26 February, 1806. Rev. Dr. Parish, of Byfield, preached on the occasion. He was dismissed, 8 Sept., 1812, and soon after removed to Orange, N. H. His subsequent history is not known.
Mr. Waldo was never married.
' In person he was very singular, as well as in some of his habits. He was tall and slender. His joints seemed to be loose, and his spare, skeleton frame hardly to hold together. His gait was reeling, tottering, and apparently tending to fall. His health was generally good, and both body and mind were capable of much endurance. He was very abstemious of meats, and rich food he ate little. Of fruit he could never eat enough, although he was continually trying the experiment.
'As a writer, he united great purity of style with precis- ion.
'As a man, he was modest, diffident, retiring. His piety was speculative and sedative."*
His ordination sermon pays this high tribute to his charac- ter. "Having been acquainted with your pastor elect from early life; having known the high approbation and esteem
* Rev. J. P. Cleveland, D. D., Providence.
:
e
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
which he has enjoyed in many intelligent churches in our part of the country ; knowing, also, his industry, his prudence, his respectable talents, natural and acquired, we cannot but consider it a token of the divine favor, an evidence of redeem- ing love, that he is this day to be set over you in the Lord."
42. REV. LEVI NELSON
Was born in Milford, 8 Aug., 1779. He was the son of Mr. Seth Nelson, and his wife Silence (Cheney) Nelson, both of Milford .*
He is the youngest, and with the exception of his brother Seth, -father of Rev. Henry Nelson, of Auburn, N. Y., - the only survivor of eleven children. Rev. Dr. Nelson, of Leicester, is his nephew.
His hopeful conversion took place in 1795, while preparing for college. He entered the sophomore class of Brown Uni- versity, 1796 ; left the following June for Williams College, but was arrested by sickness, which induced feeble health for many years, and he was thereby prevented from graduat- ing. But encouraged by Rev. Dr. Emmons, with whom he studied theology, he persisted in his intentions to preach the Gospel, and was finally approbated.
In 1803, he received a commission from the Mass. Miss. Society, to labor six months, in what is now the northern part of Oneida and Lewis counties, N. Y. Poor health prevented his preaching more than sixteen weeks. In Dec.
* The father, or grandfather of Seth Nelson, came to Milford from Rowley. He was probably a descendant of Thomas Nelson, who came from England, 1638, bringing two sons, Philip and Thomas, whom he left in the care of Richard Dummer, their great uncle, and returned to England, where he died. Aug., 1648. Philip grad. H. U., 1654, the only one of that year, and died 1691. He made some trouble in Rowley, by pretending to cure a deaf and dumb boy, by saying 'Ephphatha.' Tho- mas, Jr., died 1712, aged 77 .- Farmer.
277
REV. JOSEPH CHENEY.
and Jan., he preached in Tewksbury. He first preached in Lisbon, Ct., 12 May, 1804, where he was ultimately ordained, 5 Dec., of the same year. Rev. D. Long of Milford preached from 1 Cor. 2: 2. In this connection he still remains.
Mr. Nelson married Miss Abigail Tyler, of Mendon. She died in Dec., 1806, within two years of her marriage, leaving a daughter, who was married Jan., 1826, and died in June following. He next married, Aug., 1809, Miss Mary Hale, of Franklin, Ct., daughter of Joseph Hale, of Coven- try, Ct., who was brother to the late Rev. Enoch Hale, of West Hampton. She died childless, 2 May, 1851.
Mr. Nelson's publications are ; 1. Sermon before For. Miss. Soc'y, of Norwich and vicinity, 1813; 2. Thanksgiv- ing Sermon, 1830; 3. Annual Address, before the Norwich and Vicinity Temperance Soc'y ; 4. Tract " On Attending Public Worship," 16 pp .; 5. A letter to the Theol. Profes- sors, New Haven, 88 pp., 1848 ; 6. Letters to the Christian Public, pp. 128, 1851.
43. REV. JOSEPH CHENEY,
The son of Josiah and Lydia (Gleason) Cheney, was born in Holden, 16 Aug., 1775, graduated at Brown Univ., 1801, and studied theology with Rev. Dr. Emmons.
After Approbation, he preach in various places, until 1807, Sept. 15, when he received and accepted a call to settle in Milton, Vt., where he remained ten years. He was next settled in Salisbury, Vt., March, 1819, and dismissed in 1823. A short time before his dismission he was thrown from a horse. The fall greatly injured his nervous system, and put an end to his preaching, and finally to his life. He died, 6 June, 1833, at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Avery, in Brandon, Vt., in the 58th year of his age, having spent near- ly twenty years of active labor in the ministry.
Mr. Cheney married Miss Elizabeth Preston, of North- bridge. She died Sept., 1819, and he married Miss Hilpha
24
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Nash, of New Haven, Vt., with whom he lived but a few years. Four children survived him, and still live ;
1. Elizabeth C .; married Charles Flagg, Esq., of Holden, now Post-master of East Brookfield.
2. Lydia C .; the wife of Mr. Elijah Avery, of Bran- don, Vt.
3. Joseph Preston, of New Braintree.
4. Willard, Rev .; pastor of the presb. church, in Spring- field, Kentucky .*
The ministerial character of Mr. Cheney, is thus sketched by Rev. Mr. Ingraham, the minister of Brandon, at the time of his death.
" As it regards his knowledge of theology, he stood high among his brethren. As a preacher, he was clear, earnest, and faithful. Many, who were brought into the fold of Christ under his ministrations, will cherish with warm affections, the memory of one who was the instrument, in the hand of God, of leading them to the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. During his last illness, which was of long contin- uance, his mind, until it became too much impaired, dwelt much on the revealed character and offices of God manifest in the flesh. He meditated much on the Epistle to the Hebrews, and derived great peace and joy from the views of Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith. Such passages as Heb. 12 : 2, particularly confirmed his hope, strengthened his faith, increased his joy, and elevated his soul."
44. REV. SHERMAN JOHNSON
Was born in Southboro', 18 Aug., 1776. His parents were John and Persis (Sherman) Johnson.t
He graduated at Yale College, 1802, studied theology with
* Letter of Mrs. E. C. Flagg, E. Brookfield.
+ His grand-parents were Isaac and Rachel Johnson, and Ephraim and - Sherman. - Rev. A. Rawson, Southboro'.
279
REV. GAIUS CONANT.
Rev. Dr. Emmons, and was settled in Milford, Ct., in 1804; where he died, 1806, aged 30 years.
He married Miss Sally Daggett, of New Haven, and left one child, Sherman Johnson, Jr., now supposed to be a resident in Hartford, Ct.
The lack of information, prevents any exhibition of his character, or of his brief ministerial life.
45. REV. DAVID HOLMAN.
[See Sketches of Members, No. 33.]
46. REV. GAIUS CONANT
Was born in Bridgewater 6 September, 1776. His parents were Ezra and Mary Conant. His ancestral line upon both sides unites in Nathaniel Conant of Beverly .*
He graduated at Brown University, 1800; and studied theology with Rev. Dr. Emmons. He was ordained at Pax- ton, 17 February, 1808 ; and closed his ministry there, May, 1830. He was next installed over the second church in
* Ezra Conant, his father, was the son of Thomas, and grandson of Nathaniel, Jr., whose father Nathaniel, came from Beverly to South Bridgewater, before 1690. His mother, Mary, was daughter of David Conant, Jr., whose father David, was son of William Conant, brother of Nathaniel, Jr., just mentioned. This Nathaniel Conant, was probably son of Lot Conant, a son of Roger Conant, immigrant at Plymouth, 1623, and who built the first house in Salem, 1626.
Roger is supposed to be brother of Dr. John Conant, one of the Westminster Assembly of Divines. History of Bridgewater, p. 140. If so, he was the son of Richard and Agnes Conant, and born, April, 1591, at Budligh, Devonshire, Eng., and grandson of John Conant, " descended from ingenious parents of Gittisham, near Honiton, whose ancestors, for many generations, have been fixed there, but originally of French ox- traction." - Gibbs, in Farmer.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Plymouth, 24 April, 1834 ; and dismissed April, 1841, on ac- count of the failure of his health. He then retired to Pax- ton, where he now resides.
Mr. Conant married Cassandra Whitman, daughter of Mr. Zechariah Whitman of Bridgewater. She died -, and he married Mrs. Chloe Leonard, widow of Mr. Jonas Leonard, and daughter of Mr. Jesse Allen, all of Bridgewa- ter.
He has had six children. Five sons and one daughter. The oldest, Cyrus Whitman, is amongst those approbated by this association. (See Licentiates, No. 86.)
47. REV. DANIEL THOMAS.
[See Sketches of Members, No. 41.]
48. REV. STEPHEN CHAPIN, D. D.
Was born in Milford, 1778, and was the son of Stephen Chapin and his wife, Rachel (Rawson) Chapin. She was a descendant in the fifth generation from secretary Edward Rawson.
Dr. Chapin graduated at Harvard, 1804, and S. T. D., Brown Univ. 1822, and studied theology with Rev. Dr. Emmons. He was ordained at Hillsboro', N. H., 19 June, 1805, and dismissed 12 May, 1808. Installed at Mt. Vernon, N. H., 15 Nov., 1809, and dismissed 18 Nov., 1818, on ac- count of a change in his views respecting the mode of Bap- tism. He next preached at North Yarmouth, Me., and was afterwards, in 1822, elected professor of sacred theology, in Waterville College, which office he continued to fill until 1828. He was then called to the presidency of Columbian College, just established at Washington, D. C. This trust he fulfilled until his death, 1 Oct., 1845, at the age of 67.
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