USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fall River > History, annals and sketches of the Central Church of Fall River, Massachusetts : A.D. 1842-A.D. 1905 : with portraits and views > Part 19
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The especial work of Mr. Buck as missionary has already been given in the records of the Chapel work. There is much of interest also in his social life. He came as a stranger to all except one family in our Church (Mr. Ira Marvel's), who had suggested him as abundantly qualified to fill the position of missionary. Soon after the arrival of the family, Mrs. Buck found in the Church an old school friend (Mrs. Elizabeth V. Carr), and the renewed acquaintance lasted until her death in 1877.
Mr. Buck was immediately recognized as a man of pure, sympathetic nature, fitted by grace for his especial work, -
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a christian friend and teacher. He soon won all hearts, and, while giving bread to the body, gave the " bread of life " to the soul.
His office was open to every visitor, and he patiently listened to every appeal. The Chapel was the birthplace of many souls from the bondage of sin. His daily visits to the kinder- garten, held in another room, were greatly appreciated. Throughout the city he was familiarly known as Father Buck.
His sunny nature made him a pleasant friend to meet, and the homes of all classes were gladdened by his words of sym- pathy and cheer, his love and charity.
His unique originality made his mission one of the quaintest features of church work, and gave to it a reputation not unlike that of " The Little Church Round the Corner," in New York City.
President Dwight of Yale College and Mr. Buck were graduated from the college in 1849, and divided the honors of the class between them.
In 1889, President Dwight invited the class to hold its reunion with him, and twenty-five of the fifty living members of a class numbering ninety-four, gathered at his hospitable mansion. Reports and letters from the absent were read, - those present reporting for themselves. The missionary from Fall River claimed prominence in but two directions, - first, that in college days he shared equally in a prize with the president of the university, and second that, although he had never held public office, still he had done more for one of the " United States " (and that the most populous) than probably any other member of the class, to wit, the " state of matri- mony "; for when he received the cordial invitation from President Dwight to attend the reunion, in his reply he had added, " I have just married my nine hundred and fifteenth couple."
Ten years later, at the fiftieth reunion of the class, President Dwight said to Mr. Buck, "You have accomplished more
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GOOD than any other member of the class." And when he modestly disclaimed this tribute, Dr. Dwight replied, "The president of Yale College always tells the truth."
Feeling unequal to the varied and exacting duties of the work of his office, at the age of seventy-five - after thirty-two years of faithful service - he tendered his resignation; it was reluctantly accepted, but with the understanding that he serve the Church as " missionary emeritus " the remainder of his life, and that his salary be continued until his death.
The period of his work covered the last two years of the pastorate of Dr. Thurston, and also those of Dr. Burnham, Dr. Mix, Rev. William W. Jubb, and Rev. William A. Knight, and about one year of that of Dr. Clarence F. Swift.
His health gradually failed, and on March 9, 1903, after a brief attack of pneumonia, his earthly tabernacle was laid aside and he entered into the joy of his Lord. The tolling of the bell of the Central Church carried the sad tidings of his death throughout the city.
After a brief service at the house on March 12, the body was carried to the church, where it lay for the noon hour, and a multitude of people - fourteen hundred to fifteen hundred probably - looked upon the face of the man whom they revered and loved. "Some who had attended the burial services of leaders of national renown said that they had never witnessed such a spontaneous outburst of love and gratitude as was manifested by the gatherings in Central Church and at Oak Grove Cemetery."
The funeral services were conducted by Dr. Clarence F. Swift, pastor of the church, assisted by Dr. W. W. Adams and Dr. Eldridge Mix. At these services one of the tributes paid to his memory was as follows:
God gave our brother richly of wisdom and knowledge; his joy was to share with others; God gave him richly of grace and righteousness; what life ever followed more closely the life of Him who went about doing good?
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The following Scripture selections from Job 29: 11-16 were very appropriately read at the service:
When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness unto me:
Because I delivered the poor that cried, the fatherless also, that had none to help him.
The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.
I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my justice was as a robe and a diadem.
I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.
I was a father to the needy: and the cause of him I knew not, I searched out.
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DEACONS
Deacon Benjamin Earl
' DEACON BENJAMIN EARL, for forty years a deacon of the Central Congregational Church, died in office, April 5, 1884, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. His death resulted from a general breaking up of the system, after a most active business and public life.
He was born in Taunton, August 7, 1809. His father died when he was but six years of age, leaving a widow and six children. He was carefully reared by his mother, received a common-school training, and at the age of fourteen, after a trial of the sea, became an apprentice to the wool-carding business in Taunton.
In 1826, he came to Fall River, and entered the office of the Fall River Monitor, to learn the printing art. A few years later, he purchased the newspaper and printing office, and continued in it until 1838. Previous to this, he bought the local book and stationery business, which he conducted suc- cessfully until his decease. In the " Great Fire " of 1843, he lost his entire stock; but his good credit enabled him to con- tinue, and he was one of the first to occupy a store in the new " Granite Block."
Deacon Earl united with the First Congregational Church on profession of faith in 1836, and became one of the original members of the Central Congregational Church on its organiza- tion, November 16, 1842.
In June, 1844, he was elected one of its first two deacons, and served in that capacity through life. He was in active service for thirty-three years, being present at every com- munion season save two, when he was detained, on one occa- sion by illness, and on the other by absence from town.
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The " golden wedding " of Deacon Earl and his wife, a granddaughter of Col. Joseph Durfee, the Revolutionary veteran, was celebrated in the parlors of the new Central Church, on December 2, 1880, when Mr. Earl made a happy response to an address of congratulation, and was made the recipient of many good wishes as well as elegant and costly tokens of esteem. Among these the most prominent, - a chaste and elegant memorial of the event, - the spontaneous offering of many friends, was a VASE twelve inches high, of unique and beautiful design, made of solid silver, lined with gold, and bearing on one of its sides, the representation of a poppy flower and seeds, - emblem of quietude, - and on the other the following inscription: " Presented to DEACON AND MRS. BENJAMIN EARL, by members of the Central Church of Fall River, on the FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY of their Marriage, as a token of their Esteem and Affection, 1830-Dec. 2,-1880."
It was a fine expression of the golden memories and affection cherished by the Church, which, in all its years of growth and progress, had made constant demands upon his wisdom and counsel, his zeal in good words and works, and now claimed the privilege of uniting with his home, in a more public way, of manifesting their interest, good-will, and fellowship.
The young men of the Church on the same occasion marked their appreciation and friendship by presenting Deacon Earl with a fine gold-headed ebony cane, suitably engraved and inscribed.
The following is taken from the annual report of the pastor and deacons for April, 1884:
Benjamin Earl: He was one of the original members of this Church. From the day of its formation until his death, he held in it the office of deacon.
Who of you that knew him, knew his fidelity in the discharge of the duties of his office, knew his wisdom and sagacity in counsel, knew what a tower of strength he was in the times of trial and trouble through which the Church has passed, will not join with us in saying, He was one of its noblest pillars?
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His last sickness was both protracted and painful, but he preserved the same calmness and serenity, the same patience and peacefulness, which had hitherto characterized his life, unto the last.
MRS. NANCY S. EARL, wife of Deacon Benjamin Earl, was one of the most active members in early church work. She was of happy disposition, and quick to respond to any demand made upon her.
In those early days trained nurses were unknown, hence frequent calls were made upon the experienced mothers of the community in cases of illness, and much of this work fell to her care.
Deacon and Mrs. Earl were in charge of the preparation for the communion service for about thirty-three years.
Pleasant recollections of her devotion come to many who recall her cheerfulness, her sociability, and her hearty com- panionship.
She died January 1, 1895, in the eighty-sixth year of her age.
One who remembers her well, says, " In our younger days we used to so love to call on Mrs. Earl for a social afternoon and talk, or for advice and comfort; and now in our later life, we are again and again surprised at the sudden remembrance of some bit of wisdom or help or humor, gathered in those far- off days, but which have tinged our own lives and given to us holy and precious memories of this friend and confidante of our youth and inexperience.
Dr. Nathan Durfee
DR. NATHAN DURFEE, the third child and eldest son of a family of nine children, was born June 18, 1799, in that part of the town of Freetown now called Fall River.
His father was Charles Durfee; his mother, Welthe Hatha- way Durfee. Charles Durfee was a man of marked promi-
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nence in his day. He held the office of justice of the peace, which at that time was an office of great distinction.
Nathan and another brother, Thomas, graduated from Brown University in Providence, R. I. (class of 1824). Thomas then went as the first home missionary to Missouri, where he died in 1833, aged only thirty-two years. Nathan studied medicine and received the degree of doctor of medicine at Harvard College. The practice of his profession not being to his taste, he soon abandoned it, and became identified with the manufacturing interests which Col. Richard Borden and others had already started.
He erected the first brick building in the town, on the corner of Main and Central streets.
He was especially fond of agricultural pursuits, bringing into a high state of cultivation rocky and swampy lands which seemed almost valueless. He identified himself with the broader interests of the county and state, became presi- dent of the Bristol County Agricultural Society, and was later one of the foremost organizers of the Bristol County Central Agricultural Society, and its president for many years. He was a trustee of the State Agricultural College at Amherst, and its treasurer for a time; he contributed largely to the institu- tion, both of time and money, and erected a plant house on its grounds, which bears his name.
He was kind-hearted, benevolent, and greatly interested in the youth of the town, and was especially ready to help young men who were seeking an education. He was a great advocate of temperance, strong in his convictions, and fear- less in his censure of wrong-doing.
As one of the seventy original members of the Central Church, he was ever loyal to its interests. He was elected a deacon, November 11, 1850, and served in that capacity to the end of his life. He was largely instrumental in the erec- tion of our first church building, and when the new church edifice was built, his name, with that of Col. Richard Borden,
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was first on the list of subscribers to the building fund. He watched the construction with great interest, and was helpful to the committee in many ways, by his suggestions and practical experience.
The American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions and all departments of church work received his unfailing support. He was also public spirited, opening streets and avenues, giving them to the city and ornamenting them with shade trees. The trees lining both sides of Prospect Street, from Hanover to the entrance of Oak Grove Cemetery, he transplanted from his own premises situated at the head of Rock Street.
April 29, 1827, Dr. Durfee was married to Miss Delana Borden.
MRS. DURFEE was a queenly woman, of strong character- istics, careful in speech, wise in judgment, open hearted, loved and revered by all who knew her. She exerted great influence (always on the best side); was gentle and unobtrusive, and a felt power in her time.
Their home was most attractive; the fine and spacious grounds, filled with trees, fruit, and flowers, were always open to the public, and many a weary one entered, and while breathing in the pure air and beautiful sunshine, was rested and refreshed for the further duties of life. Mrs. Durfee died January 30, 1863, after a long and tedious illness.
Dr. Durfee married a second time, Mrs. Mary Day Gladding, who survived him. He died April 6, 1876.
Deacon Elijah C. Kilburn
DEACON ELIJAH C. KILBURN was born in Walpole, N. H., June 10, 1811. His early life was varied in experience. He was at one time a carpenter and contractor; at another a
ELIJAH C. KILBURN Deacon, A.D. 1862-1884
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hotel keeper in Boston (1834-1837), and afterward a farmer in Walpole (1837-1846). He came to Fall River in 1847, and joined his brother, John Kilburn, who was already established in the machine business. Upon the death of his brother soon afterward, he entered into a partnership with Jonathan T. Lincoln, which later developed into the corporation known as Kilburn, Lincoln & Co. Its specialty at the first was the making of turbine water-wheels, but later of cotton machinery, especially the Kilburn-Lincoln loom, which was sold all over the country.
Mr. Kilburn remained the head of the firm until 1867, when the King Philip Mills Corporation was formed, and he became its treasurer. At the time of his decease, he was a director in several Fall River mill corporations; was one of the original directors in the Second National Bank; and a trustee of the Fall River Five Cents Savings Bank, serving for the last ten years of his lifetime on its board of investment.
Mr. and Mrs. Kilburn joined the Central Church by letters from the church in Walpole, in May, 1848, and very soon made their influence felt in the work of the Church. He was a member of the Standing Committee a number of years prior to his election as deacon, June 9, 1862 He was superintendent of the Sunday-school for several terms of service; also treasurer of the Central Congregational society for a series of years.
Deacon and Mrs. Kilburn assumed the preparation and care of the communion service when relinquished by Deacon Earl and wife; their ministry continued until his decease, when it passed on to Deacon Charles J. Holmes and wife, who still discharge this responsible and sacred duty. Thus the service of the communion has been made the care of but three deacons and their wives during the entire organized life of the Church. Deacon Kilburn was a strong and consistent christian in life and practice. As a citizen, he was called upon by the com- munity to serve in numerous offices of trust and responsibility, both public and private.
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His decease came after an illness of a few days only, on December 29, 1884. He married Miss Hannah T. Carter on September 24, 1835, who with two daughters and several grandchildren survived him.
Mrs. Kilburn died January 14, 1900.
Deacon Thomas F. Eddy
DEACON THOMAS F. EDDY was one of the best known, upright and respected of the business men of Fall River. He enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all who knew him or were brought into personal or social relations with him.
He was a son of Jesse Eddy, elsewhere spoken of, who with his brother John established, in 1824, the " Satinet Fac- tory," which subsequently became known as the Wamsutta Steam Woollen Mills.
In 1849, soon after the removal of the works to their present site, on the Quequechan River, Mr. Eddy was taken into part- nership by his father, and for twenty-one years the business was conducted under the firm name of Jesse Eddy & Son. In 1873, upon the decease of his father, the other brother, James C. Eddy, was taken into partnership, and the business was then conducted under the firm name of Jesse Eddy's Sons. It greatly prospered, and many additions were made to the works, including mill buildings large in extent and equipped with all modern improvements.
Fine woolens were the specialty of the firm's manufacture, and the firm name and trademark became a synonym and guarantee of the excellence of their product.
Mr. Eddy so bore himself and so conducted his business at all times, as to win the respect and confidence of his business associates and to maintain unimpaired the high standing of his firm in the business community.
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Personally he was a man above reproach; his integrity was unquestioned, and his walk in life under a deeper burden of personal affliction than falls to the lot of most men was upright, patient, and uncomplaining.
He took an active though not a selfish interest in public affairs; was a member of the Board of Aldermen in 1883; was president of the Second National Bank; a director in the Manufacturers' Insurance Company, and in several manufac- turing enterprises.
His association with the Mission School from 1849 to 1886, almost the entire period as superintendent, has called for frequent mention in the preceding pages. He gave to the Mission his best life - his unwearied care and his heart's love so long as he lived; he has left a memory most precious and inspiring to all who knew him.
He was the faithful scribe of Central Church for twenty- seven years (1853-1880).
He died April 19, 1886, at the age of fifty-eight years, having been in failing health for about a year. At the funeral serv- ices his favorite hymn, " Hark! it is the Saviour's voice," was sung. His pastor, Dr. Mix, spoke of his character and unusual virtues; his work in the Church, in the Mission School, and in the community; his faithfulness in every trust imposed; his purity of life. It was well said " that all these elements of character so fully exemplified in Deacon Eddy, combined to make the man a perfect example to others."
Mr. Eddy was married to Miss Marianna Coggeshall on November 28, 1854. She was for many years an invalid, and died a few years prior to Mr. Eddy's death.
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PROMINENT MEMBERS
Dr. Amery Glazier
DR. AMERY GLAZIER was one of our charter members. He was the only physician in the town for several years. He was a man dearly beloved and gladly welcomed on all occasions in our home as well as in public and social gatherings. He was gentle in his manner, genial, and very hospitable. He was a great organizer in church affairs, and a true christian in the fullest sense of the word. His name stood first on most of the committees appointed for church work, in its earliest years.
He came here from Holland, Mass., in his early manhood.
He married Miss Ann Chaloner Durfee, June 11, 1811. She was a daughter of Mrs. Welthe Durfee, who was one of the original members of the First Congregational Church formed in 1816. Mrs. Glazier was a charter member of the Central Church.
At that time, friends and neighbors shared the care of the sick, and Mrs. Glazier was especially active in this work.
The doctor made his professional calls early on the Sabbath day, and then attended divine worship, being seldom absent at any church service on Sunday or week day.
Mr. and Mrs. Glazier left five children, among them, Mrs. Henry H. Fish, who also spent most of her life among us, in active christian work and sympathy, in the home and in the parish.
Dr. Glazier died in 1852 in this city. ,
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Col. Richard Borden
COL. RICHARD BORDEN, as he was always called, was born April 12, 1795, in that part of Freetown which became Fall River in 1803.
He married Miss Abby W. Durfee, February 22, 1825.
Miss Durfee became a member of the First Congregational Church in 1817. Mr. Borden joined ten years later.
They were among the earliest members in the organiza- tion of the Central Church, and together took a large and active part in all its work.
Colonel Borden was endowed with a strong, healthy body, and a vigorous mind. He was planned by his Maker to bear heavy burdens and to assume great responsibilities. He was molded on no narrow scale. "He possessed a strong conscience, profound conviction of what was right, and a deep regard for obligations." He was prompt and persistent in what he considered right, a man of broad views, whose opinions on important questions were often sought, a man of commanding presence, of firm will, just to all persons, of warm sympathies and always ready to give relief. He sought to be lenient to others who did wrong, and to cover them with the broad mantle of charity, because, as he himself said, " God had forgiven him so much."
His was a busy life. His head, his heart, and his purse were open to all good opportunities. Self-reliant and systematic, his influence was far-reaching. His motto in life was, " Freely ye have received, freely give." At his departure from this life, came letters from far distant lands saying, "Count me with the mourners," thus giving testimony to the broad and genial hospitality of his home. Such souls are too rare in every community.
In the first year of the Central Church Society, 1843, Mr. Borden took an active part in our church building. He presented the church bell to the Society for the first meeting
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house, the one which was removed to the new church edifice on Rock Street, and which to this day, calls together the worshiping assembly at the hour of service on each suc- ceeding Sabbath. In the last two years of his life, when unable to attend church, he always listened to its accus- tomed sound, asking, " Who responds to the call to church to-day ?"
He entered into all the departments of the church work with his whole heart, freely and bountifully, as long as life lasted. He took the deepest interest in planning for the New Church edifice, for which he at once gave forty thousand dollars. He anticipated with great satisfaction the thought of going to this house of worship, but on May 27, 1872, he was laid aside from all active duty by a serious illness. His mind remained clear and he ever maintained his interest in all the plans and movements looking to the finishing and furnishing of this beautiful and commodious temple of God.
He was a corporate member of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, in which he was greatly esteemed for his wise counsels and liberal gifts.
He was state senator for one year, and a member of the Massachusetts electoral college at the second election of Abraham Lincoln.
From early life Richard Borden was actively interested in the civil and political affairs of his country. In young man- hood he joined the local military company and was later promoted in office from step to step, until he became colonel of the Fifth Regiment of Massachusetts Infantry.
His patriotism during the Civil War, from 1861 to 1865, developed into a most active interest in the care of the coun- try's noble defenders. At the close of the war, on a lot at the entrance to Oak Grove Cemetery, which by his suggestion the city had set apart for the burial of soldiers, he erected a monument to the memory of the men who had given their lives to preserve the union of the nation. On July 4, 1868,
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with appropriate exercises held on the ground, with music, prayer, and addresses by the Rev. P. B. Haughwout and Hon. John Westall, Richard Borden presented this monument to the city. Mayor Fairbanks accepted the same in behalf of the city. He has also caused to be placed a suitable head- stone at each grave, as the soldiers have been laid to rest in the succeeding years.
This noble man continued to bless the world till, on February 24, 1874, he entered into the higher service of Heaven.
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