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 9
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He was compelled to leave this field of labor by a bad fall upon the ice, when he returned to New England. After preaching in different places, he was installed at Gageboro', now Windsor, 25 March, 1773, and dismissed 14 April, 1777,t to go as chaplain in the army. On his return he was settled at Bennington, Vt., 3 May, 1780, and dismissed 17 June, 1783 ; again settled at Wrentham, 25 May, 1786 ; and
* The first of the paternal line in New England was John Avery, a Scotchman, who with his wife and children, -four sons and several daughters, - settled in Truro, where he died. Two of the sons settled in Connecticut, from one of which Rev. Mr. A. descended. John Avery, former Secretary of the state of Massachusetts, and also Rev. Dr. Griffin, President of Wms. Coll., were cousins of Rev. David Avery. See Letter of W. H. Smith, Esq., Prov. R. I. The first minister of Truro was Rev. John Avery, son of Robert, and grandson of Doct. William Avery of Dedham. Was he the same person ? See notice of the Avery family, by W. R. Deane, Boston.
f His commission was dated 18 April, 1776. He resigned it 1 Fcb. 1780. He was attached to Col. Sherborn's regiment, Continental army. Served from 15 Feb., 1777, to 5 March, 1780. - State Records.
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REV. DAVID AVERY.
after many councils and much difficulty, dismissed 21 April, 1794. Hestill preached to a congregation at North Wrentham, where a church was organized in 1795. "He left previous to 1798, and removed his family to a farm belonging to his wife in Mansfield, now Chaplin, Ct., and employed himself in preach- ing in vacant places in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Ver- mont. He performed two missionary tours in the western frontiers of New York, and one in Maine, under the direc- tion of the Massachusetts Domestic Missionary Society .* He afterwards gathered a new church and society, called the Union Church, in Chaplin, Ct., to which he preached from 1798 to 1801. In 1817, October 28, he visited his daughter, Mrs. Hewett, then resident in Shepardstown, Va., where, and in the vicinity, he preached a few weeks. He received a cordial and unanimous call to settle in Middletown, fifteen miles from Shepardstown, where he was taken (on the even- ing of a day of fasting preparatory to his installation) with the typhus fever, of which he died. He was buried on the week of his intended installation, the clergy of the invited council officiating as his bearers.
Mr. Avery married, 10 Oct., 1782, Hannah Chaplin, daughter of Dea. Benjamin Chaplin, of Mansfield, Ct. Her mother was Mary Paine, cousin of Judge Robert Treat Paine of Boston, and aunt of Judge Elijah Paine of Vermont. They had four children : 1. Mary C., married to William H. Smith, Esq., and still living at Providence, R. I.
2. David, jr .; graduated at Brown University ; lawyer ; married Miss Morgan, and resides in Hampton, Ct.
3. Hannah, married to Chester D. Clarke, merchant of Utica, N. Y.
4. Lydia S., married to Lieut. Thomas Hewitt, U. S. Army ; and resided in Shepardstown, Va., where both deceased.
* Rev. David Avery and Rev. Jacob Cram, (Licentiate, No. 15,) were the first missionaries commissioned by the Society.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
The following list comprises his publications : 1. Thanks- giving Sermon, preached before the Army, 1777. 2. Ser- mon, on bridling the Tongue, Wrentham, 1779. 3. Funeral Sermon of his Father-in-Law, Dea. Benjamin Chaplin, 1795. 4. Funeral Sermon of Mr. Walter Moore.
Mr. Avery is said to have been tall, portly, commanding in presence, with a prominent Roman countenance. His natural disposition was generous and warm-hearted. His manners were frank, cordial, humble, and dignified. He was emphatically a gentleman of the old school; and when he thought occasion demanded, rigid in adherence to his opinions. He was an Edwardean in sentiment, and a Whitefieldian in warmth of manner: although he differed from the Hopkinsians on some minor points. He preached extemporaneously from short notes. His language was copious, and at times too diffuse. His voice was so clear and sonorous, and his articulation so distinct, that it was a common saying in the army, that every soldier in a brigade could hear all that he said.
His ministry on Long Island in 1771 appears to have been remarkably successful. His private diary for that year exhibits earnest longings to be useful, and in such fields of labor as God should see fit.
"Jan. 1, 1771. Preached at Sag Harbor, a new-year's sermon. People somewhat solemn. I earnestly desire to begin the year with God, and in entire dedication to Him." - " Lord, let me spend and be spent for thee. Dispose of me as thou pleasest ; send 'me where thou pleasest ; let me . have no will of mine own, - or let my will be thy will.
"2. Preached to-day to a solemn assembly. Had some intimations of God's presence.
"3. This evening preached to a very solemn assembly. Numbers of the youth in tears and sighs.
" 6. Preached to an attentive audience on the stoutness of the natural heart. Isa. 46: 12."
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REV. DAVID AVERY.
The journal of his chaplaincy contains many facts of interest. His connection with the army of Washington was intimate and of considerable continuance. When the news of the battle of Lexington reached Gageboro', Mr. Avery's parishioners assembled in arms, formed themselves into a company, elected him for their captain, and on Saturday, 22 April, after devoutly asking God's blessing on the enterprise, marched for Cambridge. They spent the Sabbath at North- ampton, and attended public worship. Mr. Avery preached in the afternoon from Neh. 4: 14. Monday, marched on, and arrived at Cambridge, Saturday, 29, where they were honorably received and congratulated by the troops as- sembled. Next day, Sabbath, Rev. Dr. Langdon, a chaplain in the army, preached on a temporary stage erected in the college area from 1 Tim. 6: 12. In the P. M. Mr. Avery preached from Neh. 4: 14. Monday, Mr. A. commenced a regular course of morning and evening prayer with the regiment to which he belonged. Tuesday, commenced visiting and praying with the sick and wounded regulars in the hospitals.
May 11. A Province Fast. Preached on Cambridge Common.
29. Went volunteer with an expedition to Noddle's Island. A brisk skirmish. Stood guard two hours that night after praying with the expedition.
July 20. Continental fast day. Preached to the troops.
27. Read to the troops the Declaration of War by Con- gress against General Gage.
Nov. 14. "My people, (of Gageboro',) consented that I should engage in the next campaign, and the neighboring ministers kindly agreed to supply my pulpit two-thirds of the time of my absence."
Dec. 31. Exhorted the troops to repent of their past sins, and begin the new year with new hearts and lives, and to be faithful in the service of God and their country."
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Mr. Avery often acted as physician and assistant surgeon. He was at the taking of Burgoyne, the capture of the Hes- sians at Trenton, and in the battle of Princeton. When settled at Bennington, at the request of the Governor and Council of Vermont, he took the field with General Allen, and was in the battle of Bennington, and assisted in dressing the wounds of the soldiery.
Mr. Avery had fourteen cousins of the name of Avery in Groton Fort, who were all massacred except one, and he had a musket ball pass through the left side of his head, carrying his left eye with it. He lived to be more than a hundred years old .*
17. REV. CALEB ALEXANDER
Was born in Northfield, 22 July, 1755. Graduated at Yale College 1777, and studied theology with Rev. Ephraim Judson, of Taunton. He was ordained at New Marlboro', 28 February, 1781, and dismissed 28 June, 1782. Installed at Mendon, 12 April, 1786. In 1801, he was appointed by the Massachusetts Missionary Society, to visit the churches and Indians in Western New York. On his return, he was dismissed from his charge in Mendon, 7 December, 1802, and reentered the western field as teacher, for which work he had eminent abilities. He first located in Fairfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y., where he was elected Preceptor of Fairfield Academy, just erected. Under his direction it became a prominent resort for education. In 1812, he re- moved to Onondaga, Onondaga Co., to take charge of a newly-established academy there. He was also greatly instrumental in the establishment of Hamilton College and Auburn Theological Seminary. During the time, he preached almost every Sabbath in adjoining places, and gathered many now flourishing churches in the region.
* Letter of W. H. Smith, Esq., Providence, R. I.
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REV . CALEB ALEXANDER.
He died at Onondaga, N. Y., 12 April, 1828, aged 72 years, 8 months, and 20 days. His epitaph is as follows :-
HIS INDUSTRY AND ZEAL, IN THE CAUSE OF LITERATURE AND RELIGION, WERE UNTIRING AND BENEVOLENT.
"PRECIOUS IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD IS THE DEATH OF HIS SAINTS."
The following extracts are from an obituary notice of Mr. Alexander, published in the Onondaga Register for April 16, 1828 :
" Rev. Mr. Alexander graduated at New Haven College, fifty-one years since ; and after obtaining a theological edu- cation, and being for a few years pastor of a church, he chose for his future life the equally laborious employment of a teacher. For this employment he was admirably fitted. Being himself an excellent scholar, he excelled in this de- partment of usefulness, and may be considered as the founder of several important literary institutions. Many of the dis- tinguished men in each of the professions in this State have been brought up under his instructions. His literary labors, considering the nature of his official duties, have been aston-
ishing. As the correspondent of scientific and religious periodicals, and as the author of several systems of education, translations, and essays on various subjects, he has long been well known to the world. But this is not all. As a steward of the mysteries of the Gospel, he was a ' scribe well in- structed.' Clear and distinguishing in his views of divine truth, he manifested to all that, amid his complicated labors, the Bible had never been neglected; and we have seldom seen a man so familiar with its doctrines, and so capable of making the Scripture the interpreter of itself. The last years of his life, after having retired from its active duties, were devoted to the Bible; and the treasures of divine knowledge he had gathered from it were truly wonderful."
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Mr. Alexander married Miss Lucina Strong, daughter of his predecessor at New Marlboro', Rev. Thomas Strong. She died in Onondaga, 24 Nov., 1847, aged 91. They had seven children :
1. William H., now living in Syracuse, N. Y.
2. Fanny, married - - Smith of Rocton, Herkimer Co.
3. Elizabeth, married - Groesbuck of Buffalo.
4. Sylvia, married a Sheldon, of Buffalo.
5. Laura, wife of Rev. D. C. Lansing, D. D., of Brooklyn, deceased.
6. Sophia, wife of W. Raynor, of Syracuse, deceased.
7. Sarah, of Onondaga .*
Mr. Alexander published many works. Among them are " Essay on the Deity of Christ, with Strictures upon Emlyn, 1791. Translation of Virgil. Latin, Greek, and English Grammars." And several occasional Sermons.
18. REV. TIMOTHY DICKINSON,
The son of Nathan and Esther Dickinson, was born at Amherst, 25 June, 1761 .; He lived with his parents and
* Letter of W. H. Alexander, Esq., Syracuse, N. Y.
t The ancestral line is traceable to Nathaniel of Weathersfield, Ct., as early as 1638. He signed the agreement of the Hadley Settlers at the house of " Goodman Ward," in Hartford, 18 April, 1659, and moved to Hadley within the year after. He died at Hadley, 16 June, 1676. He had nine children.
II. Samuel, the oldest son of Nathaniel, born 1638, and married Martha Bridgman of Springfield, and lived at Hatfield. He died 30 Nov., 1711 : had nine children.
III. Ebenezer, the sixth son, born 2 Feb. 1680; married Hannah Frary, and lived at Hatfield. Died 16 May, 1730. Had seven children.
IV. Nathan, the third son, born 30 May, 1712; married, 1. Thank- ful Warner ; 2. Joanna Leonard ; 3. Judith Hosmer. Died 7 Aug., 1796. Had thirteen children. He moved to Amherst, 1742.
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REV . TIMOTHY DICKINSON.
labored upon a farm until sixteen years of age, when he enlisted as a private soldier in the Continental Militia. He served in the army about fifteen months. Urged by the developments of depravity so visible in the camp, he deter- mined to secure a public education, that he might combat it more successfully. He fitted for college under Rev. Dr. Dwight, afterwards President of Yale College, then teaching a private school in Northampton. He graduated at Dart- mouth College 1785, and A. M .; and then, for one year, took charge of "Moore's Charity School," connected with the College. He studied theology with Rev. David Tappan, D. D., then of Newbury, afterwards Divinity Professor in Harvard University. He preached at Exeter, N. H., and at Hopkinton, N. H. ; and finally, he received an unanimous invitation to settle in Holliston, 13 Nov., 1788. He was the thirteenth candidate after the dismission of Rev. Joshua Prentiss. He was ordained and settled 18 Feb., 1789. He died in the ministry, 6 July, 1813, aged fifty-two years, having been a pastor twenty-four years.
Mr. Dickinson married Margaret, the eldest daughter of Rev. J. Prentiss, his predecessor, and had seven children, five of whom survived him, and two became physicians. His children were, -
1. Nancy.
2. Joshua Prentiss, graduated Brown, 1811, and M. D. at Cambridge, 1816. Lives in Bangor, Me.
3. Thomas.
4. Edwards, graduated Harvard, 1818, and M. D. 1823. Died at Holliston, 1831.
5. Irene. 6. John. 7. Esther.
Mr. Dickinson published several occasional sermons ;
V. Nathan, jr., born 19 Oct. 1735; married Esther Fowler; 2. m. Jerusha Blodgett, daughter of Dea. Ebenezer Dickinson. He died 3 Aug., 1825. He had eight children, of whom Rev. Timothy D., above, was the eldest. - Letter of Rev. L. M. Boltwood, Amherst.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
among them a sermon preached before the Mass. Missionary Society, 1811.
Mr. Dickinson became a subject of Divine grace during a remarkable revival of religion, in his first year at college. He had the reputation of a correct classical scholar, and was diligent and persevering in his studies.
" As a preacher, he was plain, faithful, and affectionate. And as he firmly believed in those doctrines which are usually denominated the doctrines of grace, he felt it his duty often plainly and affectionately to state and illustrate them. No considerations of popularity or self-interest could deter him from a plain and frequent exhibition of those truths which are so offensive to the carnal mind."*
" He had a clear, strong, and pleasant voice, which enabled him to speak with peculiar propriety and energy ; and as he aimed to draw the attention of his hearers to his subject, rather than to himself, so he seldom failed of deeply impress- ing their hearts and consciences."
" He loved to converse upon religious subjects, and greatly excelled in private discourse with his people. In some Christian and ministerial virtues, he shone with a peculiar lustre. He was among the most zealous ministers and Christians to spread the Gospel, and to extend the kingdom of Christ through the world."" He was one of the founders of the Massachusetts Missionary Society, and one of its trustees. His boldness in preaching the offensive doctrines of the Gospel produced much disturbance and alienation, insomuch that a council 'was once called, 4 June, 1804, to dissolve the connection. But harmony was ultimately restored, and his closing labors were performed in quiet, and to the general edification of his people.
* Panoplist, June, 1814.
t Funeral Sermon, by Dr. Emmons.
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REV. EDMUND MILLS.
19. REV. EDMUND MILLS
Was born in Kent, Ct., 1752; graduated at Yale College 1775. He preached in various places, was invited to settle in Westboro', but finally accepted a call from the church in Sutton, as successor of Rev. Dr. Hall, where he was ordained 23 June, 1790. The sermon was preached by his brother, Samuel John Mills of Torringford, father to S. J. Mills, of missionary celebrity. He remained here until his death, 7 Nov. 1825, aged 73 years, having ministered 35 years 5 months.
Mr. Mills married Mrs. Abigail M. Packard, widow of Rev. Winslow Packard, of Wilmington, Vt., and afterwards wife of Rev. Dr. Emmons.
He left five children, three sons and two daughters. The eldest, E. J. Mills, Esq., resides in Sutton. 2. Lewis, is of the firm of Dodge, Tucker & Co., merchants, Boston. 3. Henry, is in trade at Watertown. The eldest daughter is married to William Whittlesey, Esq., of Auburndale. The second is widow of the late N. Whittlesey of West Newton, brother to the last named.
The beginning of Mr. Mills's ministry encountered the rank spirit of infidelity which followed the French Revolu- tion, and blighted so many places in New England. But his wise and vigorous exhibitions of truth annihilated the influ- ence and existence of an infidel club in the town, and secured the triumph of the Gospel. In 1810, the church was reduced to 55 members ; but an extensive revival raised the church, and increased it to 125 members. Another season of refresh- ing was enjoyed ten years after, when between 40 and 50 were added to the church.
" Mr. Mills was an uncommon man. His erect and com- manding person, the dignity and urbanity of his manners, his great sensibility and kindness of heart, fitted him in an
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admirable degree to gain the respect and good will of all who knew him.
" He was a man universally beloved and admired ; and to this day is mentioned with veneration.
" He possessed great originality of mind, a fine taste, and a cultivated intellect. These, together with a warm heart, enabled him in the pulpit to command and rivet the atten- tion of his hearers. He was distinguished for appropriate- ness in all his performances. Upon unusual occasions, he was ready at a moment's notice to perform any part assigned him, with propriety and effect. It was upon such occasions more than any other that he appeared the man he was. He always excelled where others failed. He was fitted by nature and by grace to gain influence and preserve it.
" His piety was of the contemplative cast. He loved retirement. He was a sound divine. The great doctrines of the Reformation as set forth by Calvin, received his most hearty assent. He was a faithful and affectionate pastor. His last prayers were for his family and his people."*
20. REV. JOHN ROBINSON
Was the son of Ichabod and Lydia (Brown) Robinson,f and was born in Lebanon, Ct., April, 1760. He graduated
* Tracy's Historical Sermon of Sutton.
t The father of Rev. John R., above, is supposed to be the son of Rev. John Robinson of Duxbury, who had a son of the same name. If so, his ancestral line is as follows :
1. William Robinson, Dorchester, 1636, Farmer. Supposed by some, but without positive proof, to be son of Rev. John Robinson, of Leyden. None of the name in this country, have proved their descent from the famous Nonconformist.
2. James, son of William.
3. Rev. John, born at Dorchester, 17 April, 1675; H. U. 1695 ; ordained at Duxbury, 5 June, 1702 ; dismissed in 1739; removed to Lebanon, Ct., and died 14 Nov. 1745. He married Hannah, daughter
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REV . NATHANAEL HOWE.
at Yale College 1780, and was settled in Westboro' 14 Jan. 1789 ; dismissed, 1 Oct. 1807. He continued to reside in Westboro' some years after his dismission, preaching occa- sionally, but ultimately removed to Lebanon, his native place, where he died suddenly, dropping dead in the street, 2 May, 1832, aged 72. He was never resettled, and preached but little, being of the uncommon class of dismissed ministers, able to live without the pittances of occasional supplies.
His residence in Lebanon was marked by a controversy with the church, the result of which was, rightfully or wrong- fully, his exclusion from the sacramental table.
The first wife of Mr. Robinson was a native of Westboro', by whom he had two children, who reached maturity. The oldest, Melinda, a young Christian of hopeful promise, died at the age of 23. The other, John A. Robinson, is a very eminent and wealthy merchant in New York city.
His second wife, a widow, still resides in Lebanon, Ct .*
21. REV. NATHANAEL HOWE
Was the third son of Capt. Abraham and Lucy (Appleton) Howe, of Ipswich, Linebrook parish, where he was born, 6
of his predecessor, Rev. Ichabod Wiswall, 31 Jan. 1705. His wife and daughter Mary, aged 16, were drowned on a passage to Boston, 22 Sept. 1722. His other children were, Hannah, Althea, Betsey, John, and Ichabod. John, jr., born 16 April, 1715, married a Hinckley of Lebanon, Ct., Teacher in Portsmouth, N. H., and died in Norwich, North Concord parish, 21 Aug. 1784.
4. Ichabod, born 12 Dec. 1720. His son William, born at Lebanon, 15 Aug. 1754, ordained at Southington, Ct., 1780, and died 15 Aug. 1825. He was the father of Rev. Edward Robinson, D. D., author of Biblical Researches, etc.
5. Rev. John, of Westboro', probably son of Ichabod.
W. R. Deane, Boston.
* Letter of D. S. Woodworth, Esq., Lebanon, Ct.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Oct. 1764. He prepared for college at Dummer Academy, Byfield, under Mr. Samuel Moody, and afterwards studied with Rev. George Leslie, his pastor, and Rev. E. Bradford, of Ipswich. With the latter he experienced religion and united with his church. He entered the junior class at Nassau Hall, Princeton, N. J., Dr. Weatherspoon from Scotland being then President; remained one year, and graduated at Harvard University 1786, and A. M.
After teaching school a while in his native town, he com- menced the study of theology with Rev. Dr. Hart of Ct., which he completed with Rev. Dr. Emmons. He preached at Lon- donderry and Francestown, N. H., and at Hampton, Ct., and at Grafton, where he declined a call to settle. He com- menced preaching at Hopkinton, 16 Jan. 1791, and in May was invited unanimously by the church to settlement. The town concurred, on condition of retaining the half-way covenant system. Mr. Howe refused any personal agency in its operation, but engaged to exchange with ministers who would administer it in his absence to such as desired.
The town assented, 18 July, and he was settled, 5 Oct. 1791. Rev. E. Bradford, of Ipswich, preached the sermon. In April, 1830, it was proposed to him, on account of in- creasing infirmities, to have a colleague pastor ; and accord- ingly Rev. Amos A. Phelps was so settled as colleague 14 Sept. 1830, and continued until his dismission, 1 May, 1832. In 1833, Rev. Jeffries Hall was ordained colleague, and con- tinued in the office until after Mr. Howe's death. With both these gentlemen Mr. H. lived on the most friendly terms. His last sermon was preached at Franklin, 25 Dec. 1836. Text, Gal. 1: 10 .* His last public service was the instal- ling prayer of Rev. D. Brigham, at Framingham. He died in peace and hope, 15 Feb. 1837, in the 73d year of his age,
* His vivid description of "popular preachers," and parsonages on wheels, at that time, are still quoted to this day, in F.
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REV . NATHANAEL HOWE.
and 46th of his ministry. His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. J. Ide, D. D., of Medway.
Mr. Howe married Olive Jones, daughter of Col. John Jones, of Hopkinton, son of Col. John of Boston, who came to H. 1727. She died 10 Dec. 1843, "as distinguished as her husband." They had four children :
1. Appleton, H. U. 1815, M. D., and State Senator ; also Major Gen. 1st Div. Mass. Militia ; resides in Weymouth.
2. Eliza, died 1815, aged 21.
3. Mary, married Rev. Samuel Russell, Boylston ; died 1836.
4. Lucy Ann, married John Fitch, son of Dea. Elijah F., and grandson of Rev. Elijah Fitch, of Hopkinton.
There is little need, for the present generation, of any portraiture of Mr. Howe's character, in these brief sketches. And there is every prospect that its impressive features will be perpetuated in his celebrated Century Sermon, and its valuable illustrative notes, which has now reached its fourth edition, and been translated into foreign languages.
He is especially remembered for his fervency and appro- priateness in prayer ; his originality and raciness of expres- sion in his sermons ; and his earnest sympathy with his sub- ject in their delivery ; - for his generosity, often eccentric in its exhibition, and his unflinching utterance of truth, let it fall where it might. "He was rightly named Nathanael, an Israelite, indeed, in whom there is no guile !"*
His publications were, -
1. A Funeral Sermon, 1808.
2. A Century Sermon, 24 Dec. 1815.
3. A Sermon on the Design of John's Baptism, preached before the Mendon Association, Foxboro', 1819.
4. A Reply to Dr. Baldwin on John's Baptism, 1820.
* See Century Sermon, and notes by E. Nason, A. M .; fourth edition, from which the above sketch is digested.
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