USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Genealogical history of the town of Reading, Mass., including the present towns of Wakefield, Reading, and North Reading, with chronological and historical sketches, from 1639 to 1874 > Part 22
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ONE OF THE FIRST MEETING-HOUSES ERECTED IN READING.
Tradition says it stood upon the Common, near where is now the east- erly end of Albion Street, and that the first parsonage house occupied
204
GENEALOGICAL HISTORY
very nearly the present site of " Perkins' Building," that stands on the southerly side of said street, and that the yards of the meeting-house and parsonage adjoined.
The first minister of Reading was Henry Green, from Watertown, who was ordained Nov. 5, 1645, and died Oct. 11, 1648. (See further particulars in List of Early Settlers.) The second minister of this church was Samuel Haugh, who was ordained in 1650, and died March 30, 1662. (See his biography in List of Early Settlers.)
The third minister was John Brock, from England, who was ordained in Reading, November, 1666, and died June 10, 1668, aged 8 years. (See Early Settlers.)
Fourth minister was Jonathan Pierpont, who was ordained June 26, 1689, and died June 2, 1709. (See Early Settlers.)
Fifth minister was Richard Browne, who was ordained 1712, and died Oct. 29, 1732. (See Early Settlers.)
Sixth minister was William Hobby, who was ordained Sept. 1, 1733, and died June 18, 1765. (See notice of his death under 1765.)
Seventh minister was Caleb Prentiss, who was ordained Oct. 25, 1769, and died Feb. 7, 1803. (See notice of his death and character under 1803.)
Eighth minister was Reuben Emerson, who was installed 1804, and died 1860. (See sketch of his character under 1812.)
Rev. Alfred Emerson was born at Beverly, April 5, 1812. He graduated at Yale College in 1834, and was a student at Andover, but did not graduate, being called to be a tutor at Yale. He was ordained and installed as associate pastor with Rev. Reuben Emerson, Oct. 15, 1845. He was dismissed April 3, 1853, and accepted a professor- ship in Western Reserve College, which he held three years. He was subsequently settled at South Berwick, Me., whence he was called to Fitchburg, where he was highly successful as pastor for several years. He now resides in Lancaster. He was married to Miss Martha E. W. Vose, of Lancaster, Oct. 18, 1847.
Rev. Joseph D. Hull was born at New Haven, Conn., Feb. 21, 1818. He graduated at Yale College in 1837, and at the seminary connected therewith in 1842. He was ordained and settled in Say- brook in 1844, and was settled in Plymouth, Conn., in 1850, and in this place, as associate with Mr. Emerson, Dec. 27, 1853. He was dismissed April 14, 1856, and became a teacher in Connecticut, and subsequently in New York city. He was married to Miss Char- lotte L. Cowles, of Farmington, Conn., Dec. 14, 1843.
Rev. Joseph [B. Johnson was born in Boston, Oct. 9, 1825. He
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OF THE TOWN OF READING.
was never a member of college, but graduated at Andover in 1853. He was ordained and installed over the church at Plymouth, and was installed over this church Aug. 12, 1857. At the end of three years he resigned and engaged in business. Returning to the ministry he became a pastor at Uxbridge, but, after a few years, went into business again. He was twice married, -the second time to Miss Harriet B. Richmond, who died in 1871.
Rev. Charles R. Bliss was born in Longmeadow, Mass., Nov. 5, 1828. He graduated at Williams College in 1854, and at Andover in 1858. He was ordained and installed over a Presbyterian church in Beverly, N. J., March 28, 1859, and became pastor of this church May 22, 1862, which office he still retains. He was married to Miss Mary F. Smith, of North Andover, Oct. 15, 1862.
For an account of the meeting-houses of the First Parish of Reading, now Wakefield, see Chronological Sketch. The church that was erected in 1768 was remodelled inside in 1837, and in 1859 was re- moved to its present site, enlarged and entirely remodelled outside and inside, and made to present the appearance which it now exhibits.
List of Deacons of the First Church of Reading.
Names.
When Appointed.
When Died.
Zachariah Fitch,
1645
I662
John Person,
£645
1679
Thomas Kendall,
1645
168I
Thomas Parker,
1645
1683
William Cowdrey,
1645
1718
Benjamin Fitch,
Feb. 15, 1690
1713
Thomas Bancroft,
1718
John Damon.
Nathaniel Lawrence.
Thomas Boutwell,
Dec. 31, 1707
I737
Thomas Nichols,
Nov. 13, 1712
1737
John Pearson,
Nov. 13, 1712
John Goodwin,
May 28, 1722
1757
Francis Smith,
May 28, 1722
I744
Raham Bancroft,
Oct. 4, 1737
1758
Nathaniel Stow,
Oct. 4, 1737.
1737
Kendall Parker,
May 1, 1738
1755
Thomas Nichols, 2d,
May 1, 1738
1745
Brown Emerson,
Aug. 26, 1746
[774
Jonathan Temple,
Aug. 26, 1746
Benjamin Brown,
April 12, 1753
Samuel Bancroft,
Nov. 2, 1758
1782
John Smith,
March 17, 1770
[782
Jacob Emerson,
May 23, 1774
John Batcheller,
May 23, 1774
205
206
GENEALOGICAL HISTORY
Names.
When Appointed.
When Died.
Benjamin Brown, 2d,
Sept. 7, 1779
1801
Ebenezer Hopkins,
Aug. 2, 1790
1796
Francis Smith, 2d.
Thomas Parker, 2d,
April 25, 1796
1822
Oliver Swain,
April 25, 1796
James Hartshorn,
Sept. 11, 1803
1824
Aaron Bryant,
June 15, 1815
1870
Ezekiel Oliver,
Oct. 17, 1823
1865
Benjamin H. Eaton,
July 30, 1841
Benj. L. Boardman,
July 30, 1841
George R. Morrison,
July 25, 1860
Josiah Norcross,
Jan. 25, 1861
1866
Cyrus N. White,
Feb. 21, 1866
A. W. Chapman,
Feb. 21, 1866
BAPTIST SOCIETY AND CHURCH IN SOUTH READING, NOW WAKEFIELD.
This society was formed in June, 1797. Their first meeting-house was erected in 1800. The building was 38 feet by 34 feet, with gal- leries, and stood on Salem Street, near where Sylvanus Clark now lives. Their first minister was Ebenezer Nelson, from Middleborough, who commenced preaching here in December, 1801, and was formally installed as pastor, Jan. 31, 1804. On the same day, the First Baptist church was organized with sixty-five members. Mr. Nelson was dismissed, at his own request, in 1815, and removed to Malden, where he died in 1825, aged 72. (See Church Street for further account.)
Second minister was Gustavus Fellows Davis, who was settled here in the spring of 1818; was dismissed, at his own request, in 1829; removed to Hartford, Conn., and became pastor of First Baptist Church there ; and died in Boston, while on a visit, in September, 1836.
Mr. Davis was born in Boston in 1797 ; was an orphan boy, appren- ticed to a trade in Worcester, where he was hopefully converted to God at the age of sixteen. He became a preacher at seventeen, was or- dained at nineteen, married at twenty, and settled first at Preston, Conn., and next at South Reading, 1818, at the age of twenty. While here, he studied the Latin and Greek languages with zeal and success, and received the college degree of Master of Arts, and subsequently the title of Doctor of Divinity. He had naturally strong powers of mind, a very tenacious memory, a rapid conception, large self-posses- sion, and a ready utterance. His style of address was simple, earn- est, pointed, and laconic, well suited to interest a popular audience. He had an uncommon aptness in employing and applying Scripture, in his discourses, to passing events. He left several children, one of
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OF THE TOWN OF READING.
whom, Gustavus F., is president of a bank in Hartford, Conn. In 1820, their meeting-house was removed from Salem Street to a more eligible site on Main Street, and enlarged and furnished with new porch and cupola.
In 1822, died Lilley Eaton, aged fifty-four, nearly, -one of the founders and steadfast friends of the church, and who had contributed most towards its pecuniary aid. In 1829, Mr. Davis resigned the pas- toral office here, having been here eleven years, preached here 813 sermons, received to the church 106 persons, solemnized 58 marriages, and officiated at 5 1 funerals.
Third minister was Joseph A. Warne, who was installed October, 1829, and was dismissed at his request in October, 1830 .. Mr. Warne was a native of England, where he studied for the ministry. He was esteemed an "able minister of the New Testament." He afterwards became pastor of the Baptist Church in Brookline, and successively of churches in Providence and Philadelphia. He had been pastor of a church and instructor of theological students in North Carolina. He was selected to edit the Baptist edition of the " Comprehensive Com- mentary on the Bible."
In 1831, died Naomi Badger, wife of Benjamin Badger, and daughter of Joseph Emerson. She was an original member of the church, and was distinguished through life for her pious, circumspect, and consistent Christian deportment.
Fourth minister was James Huckins, who was ordained September 21, 1832, and left in 1833 ; he became pastor of a church in Andover, and subsequently removed to Charleston, S. C., where he died a few years since. Mr. Huckins was a graduate of Brown University in 1832. He possessed rather an easy and pleasant address ; and, as a preacher, was more showy than solid, and was not particularly notable for strength of intellect or acquired knowledge.
Fifth minister was Isaac Sawyer, Jr., from Jay, N. Y., who was in- stalled March 26, 1835, and left in 1838. In 1835 their meeting-house was destroyed by fire. In 1836 their second meeting-house was erected, 48 feet by 68 feet, with a conference hall in the basement. In 1838 Mr. Sawyer resigned his pastoral charge and became pastor of a church in Deerfield, N. H. Mr. Sawyer was a young man who had been preaching about four years when he came to this place He embraced the views of Mr. Wm. Miller, of New York, respecting the speedy second coming of Christ, the close of this dispensation, and the disso- lution of our globe. He was a speaker very little confined to scholastic rules, either in the composition or delivery of his discourses. His
208
GENEALOGICAL HISTORY
style of address, often of bold and original conceptions and expres- sions, was frequently no less startling and terrific than earnest and pathetic.
Sixth minister was Charles Miller, from Scotland. He was installed April, 1838, and left the same year on account of ill-health.
Seventh minister was Larkin B. Cole, who was installed in 1840, and dismissed at his own request in 1842.
Mr. Cole, before becoming a preacher, was a medical practitioner, and had not enjoyed those opportunities for biblical studies, which are adapted to afford one the most clear and defined theological views, and render him a permanently successful religious teacher. He afterwards took charge of a drug-store in the city, and has since deceased.
Eighth minister was Charles Evans, who was settled here in 1842, and left in 1844. He was a native of England ; had been a missionary in the Asiatic isle, Sumatra ; came to this country well recommended by the English Baptists ; was a man of general intelligence, a good scholar, and worthy minister of the New Testament. After leaving us, he became minister of a church in Michigan. He had a family of ten children ; and from his missionary and other travels, it happened that some of his children were born in Europe, some in Asia, some in Africa, and the youngest in America, - at South Reading. In 1843, during Mr. Evans's ministry, occurred the Miller excitement ; twenty persons withdrew from the church and joined the Adventists, about one third of whom subsequently returned.
Rev. Mr. Evans died in Connecticut, June, 1869, aged 78 years.
Ninth minister was Paul S. Adams, who was settled in 1844, and resigned in 1848. He was afterwards pastor, first at Newburyport, and then at Newport, N. H. Mr. Adams was of a somewhat nervous and impulsive temperament ; rather active and zealous as a preacher, than critical or profound as a student.
Tenth minister was Daniel W. Phillips, who was settled in 1850. Installation sermon by Rev. Pharcellus Church, of Boston.
In 1851, Elizabeth C., wife of Rev. Mr. Phillips, died at the age of 42. She was a lady of intelligence and worth. In 1855, Mary Dead- man, a venerable sister in the church, died at the age of 97 years and ten months. Also, died Deacon David Smith, aged 84, nearly.
In 1859, died Noah Smith, Esq., aged 84, an original member, and father of Rev. Francis Smith, of Rhode Island, and grandfather of James W. Smith, D. D., of Philadelphia. The same year died Deacon Jacob Eaton, in his 88th year. In 1860, died Deacon Zenas Eaton, aged 63, son of Deacon Jacob. This same year the church received the noble
1
209
OF THE TOWN OF READING.
donation of $2,000 from Mrs. E. E. Wiley, widow of Edmund E. Wiley, daughter of the late Adam Hawkes, Esq., and now the wife of Rev. Horace Eaton.
In 1863, Rev. Mr. Phillips resigned his pastorate. Mr. Phillips, with a shade of melancholy in his temperament, was a devoted student ; had an uncommon share of metaphysical taste and acumen ; was fond of minute and extended investigations, that were less calculated to in- terest the masses than more condensed and animated addresses. He was noted for his discreet and exemplary deportment. His daily Chris- tian life won the respect of all who knew him; and his affectionate sympathy with the suffering and bereaved has left tender memories in many hearts. He is now (1873) settled in Nashville, Tenn.
Eleventh minister was George Bullen, who was settled in 1864, and resigned his pastorate in 1866, on account of a disorder in his throat, which had prevented him from preaching for some time. Mr. Bullen was a native of Maine, and a nephew of the missionary Boardman. He had enlarged his acquaintance with men and manners, by a visit to Europe ; had been chaplain in the United States Army in the war of the Rebellion ; was an ardent patriot, an earnest preacher, and a kind coun- sellor. He was distinguished for his prudence and equanimity ; of cheer- ful and happy temperament, equally remote from austerity and frivolity. His pastorate was marked by cordiality and harmony in his church. Mr. Bullen is now (1873) settled in Pawtucket, R. I.
Twelfth minister was James W. Wilmarth, who was settled in 1867, resigned on account of ill-health in 1869, and afterwards settled in New Jersey, where he remained in 1873. Mr. Wilmarth's pastorate was interrupted by want of health; but as a religious teacher he ap- peared to possess a more than ordinarily distinct and comprehensive view of the great principles of the Gospel, and the true building of the Christian church, and his discourses, delivered without reading, were remarkable for their natural ease, directness, and the attention and interest which they secured.
May 10, 1868, the church celebrated the Semi-centennial Anniversary of its Sunday School, - which school is now, as it has been in the past, large and flourishing.
April 9, 1871, Edward Mansfield resigned his office of Superintendent of the Sabbath School, having officiated in that capacity for twenty- three consecutive years, to a day.
June 21, 1871. The second meeting-house, erected by this church and society, was destroyed by an incendiary fire. The corner-stone of the new church building was laid Aug. 22, 1871. The new building
27
210
GENEALOGICAL. HISTORY
was dedicated Dec. 11, 1872. (For accurate description of this build- ing, see Chapter XII of this History.)
While the new church building was being erected, the congregation worshipped in the Town Hall for the period of one year, and held ser- vices in the vestry of their new church for the first time, on June 23, 1872.
Rev. Richard M. Nott, from Illinois, ,commenced his labors as pas- tor, on the first Sabbath in August, 1872, and still continues.
From the pastorate of Mr. Wilmarth to that of Mr. Nott, a space of nearly three years, the church enjoyed a variety of preaching, by supplies, and a continued and even increased interest in weekly relig- ious meetings, two, instead of one, being regularly attended since their inauguration. A special blessing accompanied the labors of the church in its destitution of a pastor ; during that time forty-eight were added to its membership. At this time (Oct. 1873) it has 280 mem- bers.
The church has approbated for the work of the ministry seven of its members, namely : George Evans, Jonas Evans, Francis Smith, Still- man Jewett, William L. Brown, Frederick Wiley, and Alfred S. Stowell, three of whom have deceased.
It has been served by six deacons, namely : Jacob Eaton, David Smith, Martin Stowell, Manning Winchell Sullivan, Albert G. Sweetser, and Edward Mansfield ; the first four of whom have deceased.
UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY OF SOUTH READING, NOW WAKEFIELD.
This society was organized April 29, 1813. It had preaching much of the time, although it had no settled minister for several years.
The first pastor was John C. Newell, who was settled in 1833, and labored two years. The society was quite fortunate in securing as their first permanent pastor, such a man as Mr. Newell ; he possessed good natural abilities, was of easy address, was well cultivated in liter- ature, familiar with the Scriptures, and having studied theology a con- siderable time with Rev. Hosea Ballou, of Boston, was one of the few men who have the gift to preach extemporaneously, and are aflle to make their pulpit efforts result in a permanent success. His excellent qualities of mind and heart greatly endeared him to his numerous friends and acquaintances, whose friendship he appreciated, and whose hearts were made sad by his early departure. He died Nov. 17, 1836, aged 41 years.
Second pastor was H. W. Morse, who preached on each alternate
211
OF THE TOWN OF READING.
Sabbath, during the year 1836. The place of worship at this time was the Town Hall, which was usually well filled.
Third pastor was Henry Jewell, who was installed here in 1837. He left in 1840 to take charge of the Second Universalist Society in Lynn. Mr. Jewell was a ready, fluent, and earnest speaker, and possessed great social and colloquial gifts. In 1839 the society erected a neat and convenient church, on land bordering on the Common, at an ex- pense of five thousand dollars, which was dedicated in November of the same year ; the sermon was preached by the Rev. T. Whittemore, of Boston.
Fourth pastor was Henry Lyon, who preached during the year 1840. He removed to Williamsburg, N. Y., where he preached for many years, and was afterwards long and favorably known as the publishing agent of the " Ambassador," and the publisher of Universalist books in New York city. By his constant industry and devotion, by his gentlemanly bearing, his Christian temper and accommodating spirit, his pleasant smile and truly religious character, he endeared himself to all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. He died in Williams- burg, N. Y., Sept. 16, 1866, aged 52.
Fifth pastor was Stillman Barden, who was settled in 1841; left in 1842. Mr. Barden, as a man and a citizen, enjoyed, in large measure, the respect and esteem of his friends and acquaintances, for his kind- ness of heart, his urbanity of manners, and the interest he manifested in all the instrumentalities and reforms of the age, and his desire to improve and elevate the condition of mankind. He was ardently en- gaged in the cause of temperance, upon which he lectured and labored to the close of life. He died at Rockport, Mass., Aug. 7, 1865.
Sixth pastor was John H. Willis, who was called in April, 1842. His pastorate continued until December, 1845.
Seventh pastor was Alexander Hichborn, who was installed in June, 1846, and resigned in November, 1848. Mr. Hichborn was a man of superior native talents, a fertile imagination, of good intellectual cul- ture, and, as a writer and preacher, for rhetoric, logic, and eloquence had few equals. He entered the Union army in 1862, as an assistant surgeon, and died in 1863 ; thus giving his life for the safety of his country
Eighth pastor was John H. Moore, who was settled in 1849, at a salary of $600. In 1853 he received a call from the society in Stam- ford, Conn. He left in July, 1853. He is now (1868) settled in Warren, Mass., over the same society which he left to accept the invitation from South Reading, in 1849.
212
GENEALOGICAL HISTORY
Ninth pastor was Benton Smith, who was settled in 1854. He re- signed in 1858.
Tenth pastor was E. A. Eaton, who was settled in 1858, at a salary of $1,250.
In 1859 the society enlarged and remodelled their church edifice at an expense of $6,000. It was re-dedicated in July of the same year.
Mr. Eaton resigned in October, 1865, and removed to Boston.
Eleventh pastor was William W. Hayward, who was installed in 1865, and resigned in 1870.
Twelfth pastor was William F. Potter, who was settled in 1870, and still continues (1873).
NORTH PARISH.
The Second, or North Parish, now North Reading, was incorporated in 1713, and a church in connection therewith was organized soon after, which was the second church of old Reading. Their first minis- ter was Daniel Putnam, who commenced preaching to this church as early as 1718, but was ordained June 29, 1720. The church, at the time of his ordination, consisted of thirty-nine members. Mr. Putnam was a native of Danvers, son of Benjamin, of the same place, died at Reading, June 20, 1759, in his sixty-third year. Was a graduate of Harvard College in 1717.
The second minister was Eliab Stone, who was ordained May, 20, 1761 ; died Aug. 31, 1822, in the eighty-sixth year of his age and sixty- second of his ministry. Mr. Stone was graduated at Harvard College in 1758.
Third minister, Cyrus Peirce, ordained as colleague with Rev. Mr. Stone, May 19, 1819. Dismissed, May 19, 1827. Mr. Peirce was graduated at Harvard College in 1810. He was a fine scholar, a pleas- ant speaker, and learned writer. After leaving Reading, he engaged in teaching, in which profession he was very successful and popular.
Fourth minister, Jacob Weed Eastman. Installed Nov. 19, 1828. Left 1832 or '33. Mr. Eastman received the honorary degree of A. M. from Dartmouth College in 1822.
Fifth minister, James D. Lewis. Ordained June 4, 1834. Left May 10, 1836. Was a graduate of Yale College in 1828. He died in 1854.
Sixth minister, John Orcutt. Ordained July 12, 1837. Left April 19, 1842.
Seventh minister, Ephraim W. Allen. Ordained May 17, 1843. Was a graduate of Amherst College in 1838.
Eighth minister, T. N. Jones. Installed Oct. 19, 1853. Died in 1869.
213
OF THE TOWN OF READING.
List of Deacons of the First Church in North Reading.
Thomas Taylor,
elected 1720. Jeremiah Eaton,
elected 1774.
John Harnden,
I722. Henry Putnam,
1778.
Wm. Flint,
66 1727. John Swain,
1791.
Thos. Hutchinson,
I732. Daniel Flint, 66 1807.
Ebenezer Walcott, 66 1736.
Thomas Rayner, 66
1815.
John Burnap,
1748. Addison Flint, 66 1833.
Daniel Putnam,
1754. Joseph HI. Eaton, 66 1845.
Amos Upton,
1762.
Daniel Flint,
1861.
The first meeting-house in the North Parish was built or commenced in 1717 ; it stood on the Common, near the present site of the Town Hall, and was used for a church until 1752. It was afterwards removed, and used as a school-house by Dr. Herrick, and as a grocery by Mary Herrick, and, at length, became the property of Dea. Jeremiah Eaton, who used it as a shop, and was in use as a cabinet-shop as late as 1844 by Wm. Eaton, - its timbers still sound, although some of them were poplar.
The second meeting-house was built in 1752 ; was 48 feet long by 36 feet wide, and 22 feet stud, and stood near the site of the first meeting- house, and was occupied as a church until the erection of the third house, when it was sold to Joseph Jeffrey, who removed it and made a barn of it.
The third meeting-house was erected in 1829, on or near the spot occupied by its predecessors, where it still stands. This house was occupied by the united parish society until about 1836, when it was found that a majority of the society were Universalists, who were dis- posed to settle a minister of their own faith. Whereupon the Orthodox portion of the church and society retired from the parish church, that some of them had contributed to build, and erected in 1836 the new meeting-house which they still use.
The Universalists, who were left the undisputed proprietors of the old parish meeting-house, in connection with the town, that became, by purchase, part owner thereof, remodelled the house, and fitted up the lower story for a town hall and the upper story for public worship, for which purposes it is still used.
The clergymen who have ministered for longer or shorter terms to the Universalist society, have been : Rev. Mr. Marston, Rev. Mr. Gris- wold, Rev. Samuel Bennett, Rev. Horace Morse, Rev. G. B. Emerson, Rev. Earl Guilford, and perhaps others.
214
GENEALOGICAL HISTORY
BAPTIST CHURCH AND SOCIETY OF NORTH READING.
This society was formed March, 1817, and the church was constituted April 16, 1817, with 24 members. This society encountered consider- able opposition during a few of the early years of its history. Its members worshipped at first in a district school-house, which stood upon land owned by one of the members of the society. Soon, how- ever, the district caused the house to be removed from "Baptist to Congregational soil," and prohibited the further use of it by the society, for religious meetings. Thereafter, until the erection of their first meeting-house, they held their meetings at private houses, chiefly at those of Eliab Parker, Sr., and of Eliab Parker, Jr., the latter of whom fitted up a hall for the purpose. Their meetings were sometimes dis- turbed by the opposers. One of their members, having " signed off" from the older society, and having refused to pay a parish tax, was prosecuted, and his property seized and sold at public auction. But time, patience, and forbearance soon disarmed the opposition, and con- verted foes into friends and supporters.
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