USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Contributions to the ecclesiastical history of Essex County, Mass., 1865 > Part 11
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9. Sermon at the Ordination of Rev. Daniel Merrill, Sedgewick, Me. Sept. 17, 1793. (Newburyport, Svo, pp. 50.)
10. Thanksgiving Sermon, 1793. (Newburyport, Svo, pp. 40.)
11. Two Sermons in the American Preacher, vol. 4. 1793.
12. Thanksgiving Sermon, 1798. (Newburyport, Svo., pp. 24.) % 13. Sermon on the death of Washington, 1799. (Newburyport, 8vo, pp. 28.)
14. Sermon before the Mass. Miss. Society, 1802. (Newburyport, 8vo, pp. 56.)
15. Sermon on the Duel of Hamilton, 1804. (Newburyport, 8vo, pp. 28.)
16. Sermon at the Ordination of Rev. Charles Coffin, Vice-President of Greenville College, Sept. 11, 1804. (Newburyport, 8vo, pp. 47.)
17. Two Sermons on Christ's Self-existence, 1805. (Newburyport, 8vo, pp. 59.)
18. Sermon at the Ordination of Rev. Samuel Walker, Danvers, Aug. 14, 1805. (Salem, 8vo, pp. 40.)
19. Address before the Merrimack Humane Society, Sept. 1, 1807 (Newburyport, 8vo, pp. 32.)
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HISTORY OF ESSEX NORTH ASSOCIATION.
20. Sermon on the deatlı of Dea. Thompson, 1808. (Newburyport, 8vo, pp. 24.)
21. Two Fast Day Sermons, 1809. (Newburyport, 8vo, pp. 36.)
22. Sermon at the Inauguration of Dr. Griffin, Professor at Andover, June 1, 1809. (Boston, Svo, pp. 34.)
23. Funeral Sermon of Rev. Nathaniel Noyes, 1810. (Newburyport, 8vo, pp. 28.)
24. Moral Disquisitions, 1815. (2d ed. Exeter, 16mo, pp. 240.)
25. Sermon ; "United agency of God and Man." (Newburyport, 8vo, pp. 20.)
26. Sermon before the A. B. C. F. Missions, 1818. (Boston, 8vo, pp. 19.)
27. Sermon before the Iloward Benevolent Society, Oct. 4, 1818. (Newburyport, 8vo, pp. 20.)
28. The Youth's Assistant, 1818. (Newburyport, Svo, pp. 36.)
DANIEL BRECK.
The following letter was received from his son, Hon. Daniel Breck of Kentucky.
RICHMOND, Ky., July 16, 1861. Messrs. L. WITHINGTON, etc., Committee, etc.
Dear Sirs, - Causes, too numerous to mention, have occasioned the delay in furnishing the desired information in your circular of March last, in regard to the Rev. Daniel Breck, deceased, and family. I take pleasure now, although at so late an hour, in furnishing the information requested.
Rev. DANIEL BRECK was born at Boston, Massachusetts, on the 29th of August, A. D. 1748 (o. s.).
He was the son of John and Margaret Breck. The maiden name of the latter was Thomas. He was baptized in infancy.
He graduated at Princeton, Nassau Hall, in 1774. His theological studies were prosecuted under the care of the Rev. Drs. Bellamy and West. Was a chaplain in the Continental Army, and before Quebec in the winter of 1776. After leaving the army, he visited what was then called the North West Territory, and preached the first Protestant ser- mon ever delivered north and west of the Ohio River. This was at the spot where Marietta, in Ohio, now stands. His text was Luke 1 : 33. " And of his kingdom there shall be no end."
On the 17th day of November, 1779, he was ordained as the pastor of a church in Topsfield, Massachusetts, and continued till the 26th day of May, 1788, when he removed to Hartland, Vermont, and November .
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11, 1789, became its first settled minister. He continued to preach there until dismissed by a council, January 27, 1797, and died there on the 12th day of August, 1845, retaining in a remarkable degree all his fac- ulties, and departing in the full triumph of Christian faithi.
He was married in March, 1786, in Topsfield, Massachusetts, to Han- nah Porter, the daughter of Elijah and Dorothy Porter, Clark being the maiden name of the latter.
Names, birth, etc. of the children of David and Hannah Breck, as fol- lows :
1. Elizabeth, born in Topsfield, 29th January, 1787; died the wife of Henry Hall of Ohio, 1853.
2. Daniel, born in Topsfield, Feb. 12, 1788; grad. D. C. 1812; LL. D. Transyl. Coll. 1843 ; Rep. in Congress from Kentucky 1849-51; appointed Judge of Sup. Court in that State 1843.
3. Hannah, born in Topsfield, 19th of August, 1789 ; died in 1848.
4. Samuel, born in Hartland, 16th of March, 1792 ; educated in Ver- mont, and at the Medical College in the city of New York, where he re- ceived the degree of M. D.
5. Dorothy, born in Hartland, on the 9th of July, 1793.
6. Abigail, born in Hartland, Vt., on the 13th of September, 1795.
7. Luey, born in Hartland, Vt., on the 16th of October, 1799 ; died in 1839.
8. Clarissa, born in Hartland, Vt., on the 1st of July, 1802 ; died on the 17th of March, 1804.
9. Mary, born in Hartland, Vt., on the 23d of November, 1803; died in 1829.
He first united with the church of the Rev. Dr. Byles, of Hollis Street Church, Boston, Mass.
I am unable to furnish a list of sermons and addresses published by him.
Most respectfully, Your Obt. Servant, DANIEL BRECK.
STRAFFORD, August 22, 1861.
Nothing was ever published from his pen. Living so early as he did, and coming to Vt. when every thing was in infancy, it was not so easy as now to come before the public by the press. The Rev. Mr. Breck was a good scholar and a very accomplished gentleman. In close connexion with his dismission at Hartland, he withdrew from the active duties and labors of the ministry. By reason of being the first ordained minister of the town, he received a lot of land of a hundred acres, well located, and he gave himself to the cultivation of that land. There he
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lived to the end of his course. He was a magistrate and town clerk many years. Was greatly respected by all who knew him, and by many even venerated.
Very respectfully. SAMUEL DELANO.
The following is the inscription upon a modest marble headstone, set up at his grave -
REV. DANIEL BRECK. Died in Hartland. Vt. August 12. 1845, aged 97.
" Mark the perfect man. and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace."
That of his wife is.
HANNAH. wife of Rev. Daniel Breck. died June. 15, 1838, aged 79.
" Saviour ! how dear that precious name, when Death's cold finger touches one we love.
TRUE KIMBALL.
Was born in Plaistow. N. H .. January 28. 1757. and was baptized in infancy. He was the son of Dea. Jonathan and Abigail (True) Kim- ball. He united with the Congregational Church of Plaistow and North Haverhill. He graduated at H. U. in 1778. and studied theology with Rev. Giles Merrill of Plaistow. He was ordained pastor of the First Church in West Newbury. Nov. 20. 1752 : dismissed April 4. 1797.
He then removed to Hampstead. N. H., and united with the Congre- gational Church in that town. July 2. 1797. He changed his views. and became a Universalist : and after continued but ineffectual efforts made to correct his errors, and to prevail on him to return to his former at- tendance on the means of grace. he was excommunicated. 1814.
He died at Hampstead. N. H .. July 16. 1816. He was subject to fits of nervous depression, in one of which he hung himself in his barn.
Mr. Kimball was married May 7. 1784. in West Newbury, to Jane Short. daughter of Sewell and Jane (Brown) Short. She was born in Newburyport. Aug. 13. 1761. and died January 12, 1841. in Hampstead.
The names of their children were. -
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1. James Brown. b. Sept. 23, 1785, in West Newbury : d. Apr. 26. 1746.
2. Joshua, b. June 22, 1787, in West Newbury ; d. Jan. - , 1840.
3. Jane, b. Aug. 21. 1791, in West Newbury : d. March 16, 1800.
4. Jonathan. b. Dec. - , 1794, in West Newbury ; d. Sept. -. 1797.
5. Jonathan Sewell, b. Aug. 16, 1798, in Hampstead. now living.
6. Mary Jane, b. April 20, 1801, in Hampstead, now living.
EBENEZER BRADFORD,
Was the son of William and Mary (Cleaveland) Bradford, and was born in Canterbury, Conn., May 29, 1746. He graduated at the College of New Jersey in 1773; and was licensed to preach Aug., 1774. He was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry by the Presbytery of New York, at a session held at South Hanover, N. J., July 13, 1775.
Mr. Bradford was the stated supply at Danbury, Conn., from April, 1777, to Nov. 1779. and was there when the town was burnt by the British in 1777. He fled with his family from the fire and sword of the enemy, but returned in season to extinguish the flames already kindled in his dwelling. Mr. Bradford preached and administered the ordinances in various parts of the county, wherever he was called in Providence.
He was installed at Rowley. August 4, 1782 ; and died there after a . pastorate of 19 years, January 3, 1801, aged fifty five. In his call. Oct. 22, 1781, he was offered as a settlement real estate valued at £200, a salary of £100 to be made as good as in 1774, and twelve cords of wood annually.
He married April 4, 1776, Elizabeth Green, daughter of Rev. Jacob and Elizabeth Pierson Green of Hanover, N. J., and sister of Rev. Ash- bel Green of Philadelphia.
They had nine children, all of whom survived their father.
1. Ebenezer Green, b. Feb. 19, 1777 ; grad. D. C., 1796 ; praetised law, and was a Judge of a court in Penn ; d. May 17, 1836. 2. 59.
2. William, b. June 8, 1779.
3. John Melancthon. b. May 15, 1781; grad. B. U., 1800; tutor in C. N. J., 1803-4; S. T. D., U. C., 1812 : d. 1827.
4. Jacob Pierson, b. January 18, 1783.
5. Elizabeth Green. b. Dee. 22, 1784.
6. James b. Sept. 11, 1786 ; grad. D. C. 1811; ord. Sheffield, Mass. Oet. 13, 1813 ; dis. May 1852; d. Dec. 16, 1858.
7. Moses, b. Oct. 11, 1788.
8. Henry. b. July 1, 1790.
9. Mary Cleaveland, b. March 25, 1792.
The first three were born in Danbury, Conn., the others in Rowley.
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Mr. Bradford published, -
1. A Sermon : The Depravity of Human Nature illustrated. Preach- ed at Rowley, July 5, 1789. Pub. 1791.
2. Sermon at the Ordination of Nathaniel Howe, Hopkinton, Oct. 5, 1791.
3. Strictures on Dr. Langdon's Remarks on Hopkins's system, 1794.
4. A Fast Sermon, 1795.
5. A Thankgiving Sermon, 1795.
6. A Sermon at the Installation of Rev. Jolin II. Stevens, at Stoneham, Sept. 11, 1795. Subject, - The Duty of a Minister of Jesus Christ illustrated.
Mr. Bradford had a strong voice, and was something of a sensation preacher. The following anecdote was told me by Judge March (Hon. Ebenezer March of Newbury), one of the Judges of the Court of Com- mon Pleas. It had been the custom of the court, on the days of prepara- tory lectures, to adjourn the session and attend the lecture, paying this re- spect to the established religion of their country. On a certain lecture- day, at Ipswich, the court as usual adjourned, and Bradford preached. The judges belonged to that middle aristocracy then prevalent ; but they were not lawyers, and were suspected of leaning to Arminianism. Bradford was very pointed, very pungent in his preaching, and the court considered themselves as insulted ; and resolved no more to ad- journ for a social lecture ; which I believe they never did afterwards. In those days it was customary to offer the pastor, whenever he visited a family, a glass of brandy, or some spirit ; so that, if he visited six fam- ilies in an afternoon, and accepted every invitation. he might go home in a very cheerful tone of mind. Bradford was of a free, social disposition ; and the report is, that his example did not have the best influence on his people in the latter part of his ministry. His sun, at the setting, went into a drizzly cloud, and he fell a victim to the kindness of his people and the custom of the times. In this story we must allow something for an- cient practices and the tyranny of fashion. - L. W.
EBENEZER DUTCH,
The second minister of the church in Groveland, was born in Ipswich, - -, and was the son of Benjamin Dutch, Jr., and Sarah Day, both of Ipswich, and whose intention of marriage was entered November 29, 1746. He was baptized March 29, 1752. He graduated at B. U. in 1776, and was ordained colleague-pastor with Rev. William Balch, Nov. 17, 1779. He died Aug. 4, 1813, aged 62.
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The following obituary notice appeared in the Newburyport Herald for Aug. 10, 1813.
" This worthy man had for some months past been severely afflicted with the angina pectoris. Aware of the nature and consequences of his complaint, he viewed with a steady eye the approach of that hour which he knew must come soon, and might come suddenly ; and has left his mourning friends the consolation of believing that his departure, though untimely to them, was not unexpected or unprepared for by him."
He married August 18, 1780, Mchitable Mighill, daughter of Jeremiah and Sarah (Lambert) Mighill of Rowley. She died -
Their children were, -
1. Eben, b. Jan. 28, 1781 ; settled in Maine.
2. John, b. May 4, 1782; grad. D. C. 1800; d.
3. Hitty, b. Jan. 4, 1784 ; mar. Aaron Hardy, merchant of Boston. She died at her father's.
4. Jeremiah, b. Oct. 30, 1785 ; d. Aug. 15 or 16, 1787.
He was married a second time, Feb. 15, 1798, to Miss Phebe Eaton, daughter of Timothy and Abigail (Massey) Eaton, of Haverhill. She was born Sept. 7, 1767.
Their children were, -
5. Phebe Caroline, b. April 4, 1799.
6. Jeremiah, b. Oct. 4, 1801.
His widow married a second time, and lived in the State of New York.
He published at Haverhill, 1795, " A Discourse on occasion of the Numerous Deaths which took place among his people in a very short space of time." It was preached to his people January 25, 1795. Also a Sermon at the Dedication of the Church in East Bradford (now Groveland).
A parishioner of Mr. Dutch thus speaks of him. "I knew Mr. Dutch well ; both his personal appearance and manner of preaching. He was of medium stature, rather fleshy ; usually preached extemporaneously, - had a flow of words, much imagination, and, when engaged on any sub- ject, was eloquent. He almost always preached all day from the same text, and was very long in his sermons. He died suddenly, falling down in his garden, and lived but a few hours after being taken up.
ELIJAH PARISH,
Was born in Lebanon, Conn., Nov. 7, 1762. His father was Elijah Parish. His mother's maiden name was Eunice Foster, daughter of Na- than and - Foster, and granddaughter of Josiah Standish, who was grandson of Capt. Myles Standish, of the Plymouth Colony.
13
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HISTORY OF ESSEX NORTH TASSOCIATION.
nisHe graduated at D. C., in 1785 ; studied theology with Rev. Ephraim Judson of Taunton, and was ordained pastor of the church in Byfield, Dec![20x1787 ; and died Oct/ 15, 1825.1 10! Jal ser vibrerw : AT -
eui He was married Nov. 7, 1796, to Miss Mary - Hale, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Northendy Hale, of Byfield. .. She died May 30, 1831.0) The names of their children are, but now we don verdad [2]: Mary" Hale, b. Jaliuary 13, 1798; mar! Capt! Daniel Noyes "of da 2. "Ariel Foster, b. July 2, 1800 ; d. Feb. 26, 1801. A borrisotoH
3. Hannah Standislı, b. May 7, 1801? HlingilA ( rmand) ibruid bas
4. Elizabeth Ann Morse, b. Aug. 29, 1802, d. Octy 26, 1819. IT
5. Moses Parsons, b. Oct. 19, 1803 !; 1 grad! at [B. C. 1822; studied law with Hon. Ebenezer Moseley of Newburyport; he mar. Mary Sigourney Sawyer, daughter of Micajah and L _____ Sawyer, of . Newburyport. . 8
The following biographical Sketch is by Rev. Dr. Withington ib ode
The life of a humble" preacher of truth, placed in a peaceful village, and engaged in a circle of duties, which; though arduous; are still similar, 'cannot be supposed to be crowded with events which sparkle in narra- tive. The calling of Dr. Parish was honorable .; hel made it laborious; and he appears to have experienced in his ministry that blessing which is prayed for in the formula of the English Church, that God would pour upon his people the continual dew of his blessing .... It was not his aind in preaching to make an impression on liis people which should adorn a narrative in a newspaper. He was a gradual builder; but his materials were solid stone. y The continual dew of a divine blessing, is an expres- "sion which best describes the effect of his instruction !! Yet twice in his ministry a peculiar solemnity pervaded his parish. (In the earlier part of his life he encountered difficulties among his people ; when he died there was not a more united parish in the State :! He was indeed a man peculiarly fitted to act in those scenes which try men's souls sn Decided in his views, "and firm in his spirit, he walked in the path of danger with an undaunted heart." It is a rare event in modern times that a clergyman is called to give such specimens of Christian courage! He boldly took his stand on "the pedestal of duty, nor could the threats (or sneers of an opposing world induce him"to" leave it": "This was rcourager off the. noblest kind; it is the very resolution which a minister's profession requires. Thou- sands who have faced the dangers of battle have been timid here. The teachers of religion, if they mean to fill their station, must copy our departed father, and to a holy heart add an independent mind.
As we have intimated, "Dr. Parish was settled under great opposition. His people were not altogether reconciled to the peculiar type of his the-
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ology. The council assembled; and so strong was the opposition, that all that day and all the next the people were held in painful suspense, and the ordination dinner (for then ordinations were seasons of great festivity) had ample time to cool. The services took place in the evening of the second day. Dr. Parish was often heard to say, that two or three times be had pressed his hand on his chair, to rise and announce to the council his resolution to decline the call, but something seemed to check him. Never was a young candidate settled under greater opposition, and never was an opposition so formidable, so completely lived down by pru- dence and time. In a few years the people became harmonious, some of the opponents relenting, and some dying. If it be asked by what means this rare victory was accomplished, we may say, partly by his earnest- ness, partly by his decision, and partly by the impression he made of his talents and piety. He was a very prompt man at a reply ; he generally said the right thing at the right time. The word fitly spoken did much for him.
We have spoken of his moral courage. An incident may explain. He was chosen in 1809 to preach the election sermon by a Federal leg- islature. The sermon was to be preached in 1810, when the politics of the State had been changed. These were exciting times ; the political wave, like Milton's fiery waves in the infernal regions, rolled backward and forward, burning and scorching every thing in its course. A good deal of curiosity was felt to know how the renowned Federal preacher would address a Democratic assembly. An old member of the House has often told me, it was a very exciting scene. He was actually afraid that they would pull the preacher out of the desk. As he proceeded to pour forth his sarcasm and searching rebukes, they hummed, and scraped, and cough- ed, and made every sort of disorderly noise, and when the noise became so great that the preacher's voice could not be heard, he would pause and look steadily at them, and as the tumult died away, he would begin again his objurgatory strain. It has been the uniform practice to vote to publish, at the expense of the public, election sermons ; but no such vote could be obtained on this occasion. But mark the effect of political opposi- tion. Benjamin Russell, editor of the Columbian Centinel, offered to publish the sermon at his own expense ; and never was an election ser- mon so read and so sold. It fled on the wings of love and hatred over the whole State into other States ; and had the lionor to be quoted by Mr. Haynes, a senator of South Carolina, in his reply to Mr. Webster in 1830. If any should question the wisdom of the preacher's course, we only say, that we adduce it as a proof of his boldness, not of his caution.
Dr. Parish was a diligent and successful student. Judging from effects, we should conclude that he was a man that seldom found an idle hour.
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HISTORY OF ESSEX NORTH ASSOCIATION.
A list of the publications of Dr. Parish :
1. A Sermon at the Ordination of Ariel Parisli, Manchester, April 4, 1792.
2. A Discourse on the tenth Anniversary of his Ordination, 1797.
3. A Sermon on the death of Rev. John Cleaveland, Ipswich (now Essex), 1799.
4. An Oration on the Fourth of July, 1799.
5. An Oration on the 22d of February, 1800.
6. A Sermon preached at Hanover, the Sabbath preceding the com- mencement at Dartmouth College, 1801.
7. A Thanksgiving Discourse, 1804.
8. A Sermon at the Ordination of Nathan Waldo, 1806.
9. A Sermon before the Massachusetts Home Missionary Society, 1807.
10. A Sermon at the Ordination of David Thurston, Winthrop, Me., 1807.
11. A Sermon on the Annual Fast, 1808.
12. A Sermon before the Female Charitable Society of Newburyport, 1808.
13. Massachusetts Election Sermon, 1810.
14. A Eulogy on Prof. John Hubbard of Dartmouth College, 1810.
15. A Sermon at the Ordination of Nathaniel Merrill, in Lyndebo- rough, N. H., Oct. 30, 1811.
16. Protest against the War ; A Fast Sermon, 1812.
17. A Fast Sermon, 1814.
18. A Sermon before the Society for propagating the Gospel among the Indians and others in North America, 1814.
19. A Sermon at Ipswich, at the Ordination of Daniel Smith and Cyrus Kingsbury, as missionaries to the West, 1815.
20. A Sermon at the Ordination of Enoch Pillsbury, in Litchfield, N. H., Oct. 25, 1815.
21. A Sermon delivered before the Convention of Congregational Ministers in Massachusetts, 1821.
22. Dr. Parish published, in connection with Rev. Dr. Morse, a Gaz- etteer of the Eastern and Western Continents, 1802.
23. A Compendious History of New England, 1809.
24. A System of Modern Geography, 1810.
25. In connection with the Rev. David McCluer, - A Memoir of the Rev. Dr. Eleazer Wheelock, first president of Dartmouth College, 1811.
26. A Sacred Geography or Gazetteer of the Bible, 1813.
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27. A Posthumous volume of Sermons, with a brief Memoir of his Life, was published in 1826.
ASAHIEL HUNTINGTON,
Was born in Franklin, Ct. March 17, 1761. His paternal ancestors were among the earliest settlers of Norwich, of which Franklin was a part before its incorporation as a town. (The first white person buried in the town of Norwich, Conn., bore the name of Christopher Huntington.) His grandfather, Dea. Christopher Huntington, died at an advanced age, leaving four sons, namely, - Christopher, Theophilus, Elisha, and Bar- nabas. His father, Barnabas, was born June, 1728, and died April 14, 1787. He also worthily sustained the office of deacon, was an active and influential patriot in the days of the Revolution, and was greatly respected for his moral worth. His mother, whose maiden name was Anne Wright, was born October, 18, 1732, and lived to nearly the age of one hundred years. She was a woman of great excellence of character, and a pious and devoted Christian. Under the faithful instruction and guid- ance of such parents, the subject of the notice made an early public pro- fession of religion, which he illustrated and adorned through the remain- der of his life.
He determined to devote himself to the work and duties of the gospel ministry, and pursued his studies, preparatory for college, under the tuition of his pastor, the Rev. Samuel Nott, D. D. of Franklin, who still survives, as minister of the same church and people, being now nearly one hundred years of age; and it is but a few years past, that this truly venerable patriarch has had the aid of a colleague pastor. Mr. Huntington was graduated at Dartmouth College, under the ad- ministration of the elder President Wheelock, in the class of 1786. At the time of his graduation, he pronounced the valedictory address, then esteemed the most distinguished appointment of the exercises at commencement. Among his classmates at college were several who afterwards became much distinguished in public life, - among whom may be named, the late Judge Calvin Goddard, of Norwich, Ct., for many years a member of Congress, afterwards a member of the Hartford Convention, and eminent through life as a jurist and civilian ; and the late Hon. Charles Marsh, LL. D., of Woodstock, Vt., - greatly distin- guished at the bar, and in the public councils of his own State. In the clerical profession, we may also mention the names of the late Rev. Dr. Strong of Randolph, Mass., and Rev. Peter Sanborn of Reading, - both of them highly respectable in their profession, and who fulfilled all the duties of the ministry with great fidelity and success.
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Mr. Huntington pursued his theological studies for the term of nearly three years under private teachers (public seminaries of theologieal instruction being then unknown), at first, under the direction and aus- piees of the Rev. Dr. Charles Backus, of Somers, Ct., an eminent divine of his day, who educated many of the clergy of that period ; and after- wards under Rev. Dr. Levi Hart, of Preston (now Griswold), Ct.
He was ordained as pastor of the Congregational Church and Society in Topsfield, November 12, 1789, as successor of the Rev. Daniel Breck. His former instructor, Dr. Hart, preached his ordination sermon.
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