USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > Genealogical address : giving a brief history of the parishioners and founders of the Federal street church, from 1745-6 to 1862, with the names of their descendants, now parishioners, delivered before the Ladies' and gentlemen's association of the parish, May 29, 1862 > Part 2
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unmber who organized the church, I find only two individuals who have left descendants who still belong to the parish, and in their case there is not a continuous succession. The reason why there are no more is to be attributed, in a great measure, to the settlement of Mr. Milton at the Temple street street church. and also to the settlement of Dr. Dana over this parish. Many of the old parishioners left this society and joined the Temple and Harris street societies.
The first is Major Goodwin. The true name of this gentle- ruan was Moger ; Moger was his mother's surname, and it was customary in those times, when practicable, to name one of the children by the surname of the mother. His descendants have changed the name and called it Major ; they have also inserted a "w" in the surname, and call it Goodwin. ghis gen- tleman was of the old Puritan stock, rigid to a fault in his religious views, quaint in his sayings and actions, utterly abhorring wrong-doing ; he held a place in the community for integrity truly enviable. I have said he was peculiar, and it may be said with truth that the people of that age were more or less peculiar. Mr. G.'s religion was to him of more import- onbe than wealth or honors ; he loved the house of God, and around the alter he would linger to get, as he expressed it, a por- tion of the " manna of heaven ;" and if, perchance, he did not get that particular kind of food he was disappointed, and ex- pres-ed his disappointment in words. On one occasion. having Leard a dull and prosy preacher, he exclaimed at the close of the Formen. " Peas in the bladder,-more noise than substance ; yo food for my soul to-day." On another occasion, when he Had received a large measure of spiritual food, he remarked to one of his brethren, " Turkey toalay." On another occasion, when the sermon failed to suit him, " Husks to-day." These re- marks were uttered aloud, so the preacher might hear him. He was not an exception in this respect. There were others The adopted the same method to express their likes and dislikes at the service. Mr. Goodwin lived to be nearly 58 years of age : died in 1791 ; he leaves no children ; five of his grand children live at the lower part of the city. Two of his great grandchildren-Mr. Moves Goodwin, Jr., and Mrs. John Peor,
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and several families of a lower generation, are parishioners here.
Samuel Hale. His descendants who are now members of the parish, are Messrs. Enoch and Isaac Hale, and Miss Hannah Hale, grandchildren ; and two great grandchildren. The elder Lale was one of the foremost in sustaining the church and par- ish as long as he lived. He was drowned on the bar at the mouth of the Merrimac. His descendants are somewhat limit- ed in number compared with Mr. Goodwin's, the latter leaving descendants numbering nearly one thousand. Messrs. Good- win's and Hale's are the only representatives of the original founders now worshipping here, and that representation has not been continuous.
Ralph Cross was not one of the original founders, but was admitted into the church the same year of its organization He was an important member of the society ; he gave freely to build the first church and the present one, boarded the minister the first three years gratuitously, and was ever ready to give liberally to sustain the society. He was a ruling elder for forty- one consecutive years, and filled many offices in the parish. He furnished the sacramental utensils from his private dwelling till the society was able to procure them elsewhere by purchase. (And in this connection I would state that the first full commun- ion service owned by the society, was manufactured for George Greenleaf, Esq., in 1820, at an expense of $350.) The first Bible the parish owned was a gift from him. He received two valuable copies by way of friends in London ; he gave one to the society, the other is in the possession of his great grandson, Ralph C. Huse, Esq., whose name he bears. The Bible he gave to tire so- ciety is, as you will perceive, in good preservation, as I now ex- hibit it to you. It is not in use; its successor was presented to the society by Moses Pettengill, Esq., and this one is kept on deposit in the archives of the parish. Mr. Cross was evidently an active man : becoming early imbued with the doctrine of Calvin, and others of like faith, he carried with him through a long life those tenets, to his dying hour. The church mourned his loss,-one of their pillars had been removed. A sermon was preached on the occasion of his death by Rev. Mr. Murray. setting forth his
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virtues. There was a hymn composed for the occasion ; I will recite one verse. You will perceive the bard has not given us the beauties of poetry with old Homer, or the bards of modern times :-
" With one consent we all lament The death of Elder Cross ; Now he is gone, His work is done, To our great grief and loss."
Our bard has given in brief the feelings of the society on the death of Mr. Cross. Mr. C. left many descendants, some re- motely connected still worshipping here : Capt. Henry Cook, Miss Hawley. Mrs. Sarah Cross Lunt, wife of Mr. Edward Lunt, and Miss Ellen Huse. The Huse families are nearly related to him, and they and his other descendants have, by their enterprise and other traits of character, indicated the soundness of the original stock.
Jonathan Greenleaf. His representative in the society is Mrs. Samuel T. DeFord,-a grand-daughter of Mr. Greenleaf. Ile held the same situation in respect to the society as Mr. Cross ; he was in fact an active man not only in the church but in the political world. An eminent patriot, he devoted his en- ergies in upholding those principles which culminated in the war of the Revolution. He was a ship carpenter by trade ; at his yard several ships were built for the Scots, who came here and tarried till they were finished. Notwithstanding he followed mechanical pursuits, he was a member of the Continental Con- gress, and also one of the first to enter Charlestown after its evacuation by the British ; and so all along he zealously defend- ed the interests of his country and the church. He leaves many descendants who revere his memory. Geo. Greenleaf, Esq., is his grandson, and with the demise of this gentleman the name will become extinct in this city. There was an uninterrupted succession from Mr. Greenleaf till within a few years, when his grandson, above named, left the society. I would state in this connection, that the latter took an active part in the parish ; he labored zealously, with others, to bring about the alteration which took place in 1829, and as the wanderer returns to the home-hearth, and the bird to her home-nest, so we expect the latter gentleman will return and find shelter, in the decline of
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life, beneath the altar where his baptismal vows are registered.
Eleazer Johnson is represented by a grand-daughter, Miss Dolly Johnson, and farther removed, by Mr. Nicholas Johnson. Mr. Johnson was an active man in the parish ; he was also a patriot ; he could not endure the iron hand of despotism, there- fore he could not submit to those oppressions which the mother country inflicted upon the colonies. The tax on tea was so obnoxious to his feelings that he became a terror to all the grand. mothers, maiden ladies, and the sisterhood generally, for they were afraid to use the beverage where he could hear of it. So universal was the custom of tea-drinking, the ladies at that time when they went visiting carried with them little drinking ves- sels. Mr. Johnson, by his exertion, stirred up revolt in the breasts of all with whom he came in contact, in order to prepare them to throw off the chains of despotism ; and well did he suc- ceed. He has left descendants in the city, all men of good standing in society.
Charles Cook. This gentleman was one of the earliest pro- prietors of this building. I shall abridge my remarks in regard to him, he being my great grandfather ; suffice it to say he was an active man in the parish. His son, my grandfather, was one of the first, if not the first child baptised in this building ; and an unbroken succession has been preserved from the earliest to the present day ; and this is the only case now manifest in the society. Three of his grandchildren are still parishioners, viz : Messrs. John and Charles Cook, and Mrs. Sarah C. Niles ; and four great grandchildren, viz : Capt. Henry Cook, Mr. Benja- min Lunt, Miss Susan Niles, and myself.
Jacob Boardman. His representatives are Mrs. Richard Pike, -his daughter, and Mrs. Isaac H. Boardman, his grand-daugh- ter. Mr. Boardman was a prominent member of the society ; he held the office of clerk for the parish and proprietors thirty con- secutive years ; at the end of that time he resigned, receiving the vote of the society for the faithful discharge of the duties of his office. His records were admirably kept, written in a plain hand, and easily read.
Richard Pike leaves as his representatives his widow, and his daughter, Mrs. Isaac H. Boardman. Mrs. Pike was the daugh- ter of Mr. Boardman, to whom we have referred. Mr. Pike
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was an efficient member of the parish ; he was a large proprie- tor, and was often on various committees, rendering at all times essential service in furthering the welfare of the parish.
John Wood is represented by his daughter, Miss Eunice Wood. The latter is one of the oldest members of the church and society.
Francis Hodgkiss is represented by Mrs. Nathan Poor, being a great grandchild of Francis.
Philip Coombs is represented by Miss Lydia Coombs,-she be- ing the daughter of John, the son of Philip. The Coombs fan- ily emigrated from England. The father of the one I have named was held in high repute at home. Shakspeare, in his works, dedicated an ode to him on account of his virtues. His son was the father of John and William Coombs ; the latter gentleman was an eminent merchant of this city. Having the means, he employed them in works of charity and public im- provement. He was considered a valuable member of the com- munity, and particularly of this parish ; his name is frequently mentioned on the records, showing his exertions in behalf of the parish. It is said he had no enemies ; that being so, he must have had traits of character which few possess ; his case must be an exception to the rule, inasmuch as it is a fact and undeniable, that an active, live man is surrounded with foes, caused by envy, or else the individual has sinister motives, which prompt him to become an enemy to his neighbor.
Mr. Coombs was peculiar in his dress ; he usually wore a three-cornered hat, buff coat and vest, small clothes, with large kuce buckles and large buckles on his shoes, altogether imitat- ing the old English gentleman. 1Ic was the first to introduce the umbrella into use in this city ; the people were amazed at the exhibition when he and his wife first appeared in the street with one over their heads. Mr. Coombs left a large family, and most of them have been connected with this parish. Ilis only representative in the parish at this time is Mr. Ebenezer Wheel- wright, his grandson.
Benjamin Harrod. ITis representatives now living, who be- long to the parish, are Misses Phebe and Sarah Harrod, Mrs. Ebenezer Stedman, and Mrs. Green Sanborn. Miss Phebe Ilar- rod is one of the oldest members of the church. This family,
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both male and female branches, have invariably assisted and ex- erted themselves for the benefit of the society.
Nathan Poor. His representatives are Mrs. Frederick Moore, and Mrs. Isaac Poor. This gentleman died suddenly in the church, during service, on the Sabbath.
Isaac Johnson's representative is a grand-daughter,-Miss Mary Johnson, and the children of Isaac 3d, viz : Mrs. Joshua Turner, Mrs. Jonas Hutchins, and Mr. Wm. II. Johnson. This family has kept up their relation with this society for a long se- ries of years ; and Mr. Wm. H. Johnson has followed in the pathway of his grandsire, in making himself useful in the parish, both in a pecuniary and moral view. The elder Johnson was for many years a ruling Elder in the church.
Joshua Toppan. This gentleman's family was somewhat large, nevertheless his representatives in this parish are but two fam- ilies, viz : Mr. Joshua Toppan and the family of Dr. Wyman.
Eleazer Pettengill is represented by his son, Deacon Moses. The latter gentleman has for the last thirty-five years taken an active part in the affairs of the church and society. At the time of repairing the church in 1829, he was one of the leaders in sus- taining the majority who were in favor of it, against a large minority. The Bible now used in the desk, was his gift. In- decd his zeal for the interest of the church has been so marked, we are led to the conclusion that he had somewhat the feelings of Israel's bard, when he exclaimed, " One thing have I desired of the Lord, that I might dwell in the House of the Lord for- ever."
Moses Kimball is represented in person, and by his family. Mr. Kimball has been a parishioner for the last sixty-six years ; he early took an active part in the singing department, in con- nection with Dr. Dana and Mark Coffin, Esq. In 1803 they opened a school for new beginners ; at the first opening they had a school of over one hundred scholars. The object of their teaching was to prepare a choir for the society. This arrangement occupied their attention for six months, and their labors were gratuitous.
William Todd is represented by Mr. Samuel Todd and Mrs. Mary Kitching, they being children,-and by Mrs. Stephen Bray, Mrs. Geo. Colby, Mrs. Joseph Creasey, Messrs. William
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Kitching William Todd, as grandchildren. These families have been parishioners here for many years.
Hugh Pritchard is represented by his grandsons, Dea. William Pritchard, and Capt. Thomas Pritchard ; and well has Deacon William represented the ancient stock. He has held the office of superintendent of the Sabbath School of the parish for twen- ty- one consecutive years ; besides he has been parish and propri- etors' committee for many years, and in all positions of honor and trust he has gained the approbation of the parish.
Nathaniel Noyes. Ilis descendants are Mrs. James Post, Mrs. William Thurlow, and Mrs. Caleb Stickney. They are grandchildren of Mr. Noyes.
Enoch Lunt is represented by his grandchildren, Mrs. Jere- miah Lunt, Mrs. Charles B. Questrom, Mrs. George W. Knight, and by the widow of Benjamin, son of Enoch. The Lunt family have steadily adhered to the doctrines promulgated by the foun- ders of the church.
Stephen Poor is represented by Mrs. Thomas Moody, a daugh- ter of Mr. Poor, and by four grandchildren, viz : Captains Isaac 1. and Stephen P. Bray, and Misses Mary and Rebecca Moody. Mr. Poor resided at Oldtown neck, so called, a distance of four miles from the church, yet he was a constant attendant with his family upon the church service.
Thomas Boardman is represented by Hon. Isaac II. Board- man, and Mrs. Josephi B. Morss. The son has followed the father in being an efficient member of the parish, in liberality and position. As one of the parish committee, and other com- mittees, he has no rival in the parish.
Alexander Caldwell. His representatives are Mr. Abner Caldwell, Dea. James, and Miss Sarah Caldwell. The two lat- ter have long been members of this church. Dea. James, besides the office of deacon, has held other offices in the parish to accep- tance. He has adopted Paul the Apostle as a pattern in his religious life. Still on one point he differs : the parish regret it inasmuch as he leaves no Elisha upon whom the mantle of the Elijah will fall.
Silas Pearson's descendants are Mrs. Benjamin Leigh, a daugh- ter, and Mesers Hall J. Leigh, Silas Pearson Leigh, and Miss Sa- rah Leigh, grandchildren, and the widow of Mr. Pearson. Mrs. P.
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has long been a member of this church and parish. She is still living at the age of nearly 91 years.
William Gerrish is represented by Mr. Paul G. Lunt, Mrs. Philip Bolman, and Mrs. Philip H. Blumpey. Mr. Gerrish was a sterling man ; his honesty was unquestioned. He was for 20 consecutive years the postman between this town and Boston.
John Stickney's descendants are Mrs. Jacob Stickney, and the children of the latter. The latter gentleman is one of the old- est members in the parish.
Jonathan Morse. His successor is elder James Morse, the oldest elder in the church. The Morse family were among the carliest parishioners, but have not kept up a continuous relation.
Jeremiah Haskell's representative is Mrs. Edward Kimball. The Haskell family have for many generations had a character for piety, and the stock, in this respect has not become deterio- rated.
George Donnells still worships here. He commenced as a parishioner in 1796,-a period of 66 years, and during all these years he has seldom absented himself from church on the Sab- bath. Mr. Donnells, though far advanced in life, exhibits the vigor of middle age. Mrs Donnells, the wife of George, was the grandchild of Mr. Samuel Pettengill, who fell from the tower when building, and was killed, of whom I have spoken previous- ly. Mr. James S. Pettengill and Capt. David Pettengell, also of this parish, are his descendants.
Caleb Haskell's representatives are Mrs. Mary Pettingill, wife of elder Moses, and the children of the late Mr. Caleb Haskell. This branch of the Haskell family have endeavored to keep the faitlı " once delivered to the saints."
Moses Kimball is represented by Mr. Moody Kimball, and the children of the latter. This family have been many years parisli- ioners in this society.
Enoch Titcomb is represented by his grandson, Mr. Albert C. Titcomb. Mr. Titcomb was a valuable member of the parish, and if appearances indicate anything as to action, we should judge the mantle of the elder had fallen upon the younger, from the interest he takes in the affairs of the society.
Faul Titcomb is represented by Mrs. Emeline Chapin, shie be- ing a daughter of Paul.
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Charles Chase is represented by his daughter, Mrs. Nathan Brown, and the family of the latter.
The whole number of families who are now represented who were parishioners up to 1800, is 34; two only are represented from the organization of the church on Norfolk street. My last proposition is to give the names of the descendants of those who are still living, from 1800 to the time of repairing the church in 1829-30.
Daniel Bartlett is represented by his widow, Mrs. Achsah Bartlett, and his daughter, Mrs. Emily Dow. Mr. Bartlett was formerly a ruling elder in the church, and held various other po- sitions in the parish.
David Hart has long been a member of the society and church, and though advanced in years, is still enabled to attend meetings held on the Sabbath.
Paul Simpson. ITis descendants who are now parishioners, are his son, Capt Thos. C. Simpson, and daughter , Mrs. Robert Pear- son. Capt. Simpson was an elder in the church, and held other positions in the parish ; he was strong in his belief of the doc- trines taught from the desk, and an habitual attendant on all the meetings for religious purposes.
John N. Cushing is represented by his widow, and children, viz : Messrs. Caleb, John N., and William Cushing. His son, the HIon. Caleb Cushing, has been a parishioner over thirty years,-a longer period than his father. The elder Cushing was a member of the church, was often a member of committees raised by the society for various purposes, and in several cases was liberal in a pecuniary view, for the benefit of the parish. His son Jolin is an active member, holding for several years the position of parish and proprietors' committee.
William Graves' representatives are Captains William, Alex- ander and Edward Graves, and Mrs. Albert C. Titcomb. The elder Graves was a punctual attendant at the Sabbath meetings, when at home, and was useful in furthering the interests of the parish. ITis son William is an active member, holding various offices in the society.
Ezra Lunt was formerly a deacon and an elder of the church and held other offices, and was ever ready to sustain the interests of the parish. His descendants, who are now parishioners are,
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Capt. William P. Lunt and Elder Edward Lunt, Mrs. Henry Cook and Mrs. Alexander Graves. The mantle of the father has fallen upon his son Edward, in the interest he takes in the society.
Samuel Nelson is represented in the parish by his son, Mr. John B. Nelson. Mr. Nelson was one of the elders of the church, was much interested in the society's welfare, and was in every sense an honest man.
Jeremiah Nelson is represented by his widow and children. Mr. Nelson occupied a prominent place in the community. He represented this district in Congress, was well acquainted with financial matters, and was a valuable citizen.
Daniel Swett is represented by Mrs. Samuel Bragdon, his daughter. Mr. Swett led the singing in the church, had a fine musical voice, and was, therefore, popular in the parish.
Samuel Bragdon is represented by his widow and four chil- dren, Misses Harriet, Mary, Caroline and Sarah, all of whom are much attached to the society.
Benjamin Gould is represented by Miss Hannah F. Gould. Miss Gould has long been a member of the church. She is also, as you are aware, no ordinary disciple of the Muscs.
Charles W. Story is represented by his widow and children, Miss Augusta and Lydia Story. His immediate descendants are not wanting in those things which render them subjects of love to the poor and destitute.
William S. Dodge's representatives are his widow, and four children, viz : Mr. W. S. Dodge, Mrs. John E. Remick, Miss Elizabeth A. and Abigail P. Dodge. This family have for years worshipped in this church.
Peter Post is represented by Mr. James Post, Capt. Edward Lec, Mrs. Edward Lee, Mrs. Wm. Pike, and Mrs. David Brook- ings.
John Johnson is represented by his grand-daughter, Mrs. George C. Ireland. Mr. Johnson was a members of the church and parish for many years.
Samuel Rolfe, long a parishioner with different branches of the original family. His descendants are Elder Ebenezer Rolfe and Mrs. John T. Loring. The latter gentleman is an effi cient member of the church and society.
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Thomas Patten is represented by his daughter Miss Harriet Patten. The children of Mr. Patten have all been members of the church.
John Hidden's successor in the church is Miss Susan Hidden.
Benjamin Clannin is represented by the family of his son, Mr. Samuel Clannin.
Paul Phuner. This gentleman's descendants are the widow of William and his children, viz : Messrs. William and Henry and Miss Judith. The Plumer family have been more or less active members of the church.
Benjamin Toppan is represented by Mr. Joseph Toppan and his sister Ann. The son and daughter have been members of this church many years. The former has held the office of clerk of the parish the past 12 years, and his record in that depart- ment has clicited praise.
John Coffin's representatives are Messrs. Joseph M., William B., Benaiah and John Coffin.
Edmund C. Greenleaf's representatives are Mr. Jeremiah Greenleaf, Mrs. James Norton, and their families.
l'eter Lanford has been for many years a member of the parish and church. Mr. Lanford in former days took an active part in the interest of religion and church matters ; he was one of the carliest teachers of a Sunday school in the lower part of the city before that system was adopted into the societies ; and although now aged, his natural vigor is not abated. Ilis chil- dren are mostly members of the church and parish.
John Akerman leaves as his representatives his widow, now one of the aged members, his son-Mr. John Akerman, Mrs. Eliza A. Greenleaf and Miss Ruth Akerman.
Nathaniel Gerrish is represented by Miss Elizabeth Gerrish ; the latter has been a useful member in the church and Sabbath school.
Samuel Brookings is represented by his sons, Messrs. Samuel and Albert Brookings, and Mrs. G. W. Manning and their fam- ilies.
John Scott is represented by his daughter, Miss Mary Scott. The latter is beloved by Sabbath school children.
Benjamin Davis is represented by his widow. He was in ev- cry respect a sterling man.
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Thomas Pritchet's descendants are Mrs. Frederick Moore, his daughter, and Mr. George W. Clark, and Mrs. Adeline Perkins, grandchildren.
William Jaques is represented by his son, Capt. Benjamin HI. Jaques and his family. Mr. ¿ Jaques was a constant attendant on all the meetings.
Rufus Smith was succeeded by his son Rufus ; the latter was a useful member of the society. The widow and children of the latter still belong to the society.
Benjamin Appleton is represented by his widow and daughter.
Samuel Newman. His representatives are his widow, and his daughters-Mrs. Mary Plumer and Miss Phebe Newman. Mr. Newman was an active business man.
George Colby is still a parishioner, together with his family.
Walter Todd is represented by his widow, and two daughters -Miss Sophia Todd, and Mrs. George Sweetser.
Johnson Lunt is represented by his son Benjamin, and the family of the latter.
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