USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Rutland > History of Rutland ; Worcester County, Massachusetts, from its earliest settlement, with a biography of its first settlers 1879 > Part 6
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and that the Committee lay their proceedings of this Day before the town for their concurrence.
JOSEPH AVERY, Mod'r.
At a meeting of the inhabitants of Rutland, April 13th, 1793.
WILLIAM CALDWELL, Esq., chosen Mod'r.
Voted to concur with the Church respecting the ordain- ing Council. The ordination was appointed June 19, 1793. On said day Mr. Goodrich was ordained as a min- ister of the Church and People of Rutland.
Rev. Hezekiah Goodrich died February 7, 1812, aged 42 years.
CHURCH MEETING.
MAY 1, 1812. At a meeting of the Church of Christ in Rutland,
Dea. JONAS HOW, Mod'r.
Voted, That the Thursday next preceding the first Sab- bath in July next be observed by this Church as a. Day of fasting and prayer to implore Divine direction in our pres- ent situation, especially in the choice of a Pastor. Voted, That the Moderator, Dea. Tilly Flint, and Mr. Jonas Reed, be a committee to invite such minister or ministers as they think proper to attend said fast, &c.
MR. LUKE BALDWIN FOSTER.
1812, DEC. 15. At a Church meeting duly convened this day, Voted, To invite Mr. Luke Baldwin Foster to take the Pastoral charge of this Church. Dea. Jonas How, Dea. Tilly Flint and Mr. Jonas Stone were chosen a committee to inform Mr. Luke B. Foster of the proceedings of the Church, and request his acceptance.
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The town being legally warned and convened, Voted, To concur with the Church in their choice of Mr. Luke Baldwin Foster for their Pastor.
MR. FOSTER'S ANSWER.
To the Church and Society in Rutland.
MY CHRISTIAN FRIENDS AND BRETHREN,
To call mankind to order, peace and happiness, has been the benevolent purpose of Jehovah from the morning of time to the present day. To accomplish so glorious, so blessed a work, the Son of God, the great Shepherd of Souls, moved by pity and compassion for the ruined race of men, descended from the mansions of bliss, glory and love, and paid his atoning visit to a degenerate world. Upon earth he lead a life of unexampled sorrow, and at last spilt his own blood of Innocence, and expired inglori- ous on the Cross ; - Yet he revived and ascended on high, whom the heavens have now received from mortal sight. - And when he burst the rocky marble, and rose triumphant from the grave, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts un- to men, for the perfecting of the Saints, and for the work of the ministry. Since which time the Pastoral Office dates its Origin, -and a succession of teachers in the Church there will be, till time on earth shall be no more. The office of the Gospel ministry is absolutely a necessa- ry office for the eternal salvation of men. Christ institut- ing, appointing and commissioning such an order of men, is a manifest of this, and the preaching of his cross has been signally blessed in all ages for the conviction and con- version of sinners. The great Shepherd of Israel alone sends forth the heralds of Salvation, and in the course of His providence determines where they shall labor. Prompt-
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ed by a love of his cause and religion, and moved I trust by his spirit, I have entered the ministry under his guid- ance and direction, been called to preach his Gospel in this place, and the time has now come in which I suppose you expect from me an answer to your invitation to settle with you in the Gospel ministry. I approach the decision with many mingled sensations of pleasure and pain. To some I believe it will be painful, to others pleasant. While an- ticipating a decision, my mind is filled with anxious hopes and trembling fears. On the one side the prospect is fair, on the other hangs a dark cloud. While you are inviting, my heart assenting, there are good men denying, and it would have been an apparent miracle had a complete una- nimity prevailed among so large a Society at the present day. But upon consultation, reflection and advice - upon realizing your general unanimity, and trusting solely to God's grace and goodness, and praying him to direct my steps in all wisdom and prudence, so as to be useful to you all, and render my own life happy, I shall give a decision in the affirmative. And should God see fit to place me as a watchman over you, remember I am but a youth, and one of the least of the Embassadors of Christ, and want your prayers, and instructions of age and experience .- I tremble for myself,-I tremble for those whom God has determined I shall instruct, for " Woe is me," if they per- ish through my neglect. In the execution of my office, I must expect to encounter many difficulties, to endure many trials, troubles and afflictions ; but my strength is in God ; and I hope in me he has begun a good work, and will make me faithful and abundantly successful in winning souls to Christ, and be a present help and comfort through all the gloomy scenes I may be called to pass in this vale of tears. I must view it an insufferable omission to pass the present
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opportunity, without expressing my sincere thanks to this Church and Society for the many testimonies of your affection towards me.
Our attachment I am disposed to believe is mutual. I can only speak for one,-words and actions speak the rest. And whatever my future destination may be, you, my friends, shall I have in grateful remembrance, while reason and memory last .- Nothing but the grave will be able to sever my affections from a people, whom now I esteem, whom now I respect. In fine, my heart's desire is for your temporal and spiritual welfare. Ever remember to be good, and to communicate forget not; ever show your- selves the followers of the Lamb. , Each of us must shortly give an account of himself to God. A period will soon arrive, when you and I must appear at the Judgment seat of Christ, let this solemn consideration excite our hearts to a diligent and faithful improvement of time and opportunity ; that when we are called to take the last part- ing farewell of our earthly friends and companions, our souls may be welcomed by angels into those heavenly Mansions, where sorrow, sighs and tears shall be no more.
LUKE B. FOSTER.
Rutland, Jan. 31, 1813.
MR. FOSTER'S ORDINATION.
1813, FEB. 8. At a Church meeting duly convened at the meeting-house, 12 o'clock at noon, - Voted, That whereas the town has concurred with the Church in the invitation of Mr. Luke Baldwin Foster to take the Pastor- al charge of the Church and Congregation in this town, and the said Mr. Foster having given his answer in the affirmative, they will now proceed to invite the following
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Churches, viz., the Church in Shrewsbury, Holden, Pax- ton, Oakham, Barre, Hubbardston, Princeton, Hardwick, Monson and the second Church in Wilbraham, to con- vene with their Pastors and Delegates to form an Eccle- siastical Council, for the purpose of separating the said Mr. Foster to the work of the Gospel ministry in Rutland. Voted, That Dea. Jonas How, Dea. Tilly Flint and Mr. Jonas Reed be a committee to wait on the venerable Council with a copy of the proceedings of the Church.
The ordination was on Feb. 24, 1813, - When the Rev. Mr. Luke Baldwin Foster was separated as minister of the Church and Society in Rutland.
Rev. Luke Baldwin Foster died May 23, 1817, aged 28 years.
CHURCH MEETING.
AT a Church meeting July 18, 1817, Dea. Tilly Flint was chosen Moderator of said Church.
At a Church meeting Sept. 25th, Voted, To set apart as a Day of humiliation, fasting and prayer, to implore Divine direction in the choice of a minister ; - chose Dea. Tilly Flint, Dea. Jonas Reed and Capt. Barzaillai Miles a committee to invite ministers to attend said Fast ; a day accordingly was observed, and the Rev. Mr. Thom- as Snell of North Brookfield preached a sermon.
REV. JOSIAH CLARK.
AT a meeting of the Church, March 30, 1818, the Church voted unanimously to invite Mr. Josiah Clark to take the charge and oversight of them in the 'Gospel Min- istry.
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On April 14, the town very unanimously concurred with the Church in their choice of Mr. Clark to be their minis- ter.
The Church immediately after the town meeting chose Dea. Jonas Reed, Dea. Tilly Flint and Dr. John Frink a committee to inform Mr. Josiah Clark of the doings of the Church and concurrence of the town, in calling, and in- viting him to settle with them in the Gospel Ministry.
Mr. Clark having giving his answer in the affirmative, Dea. Jonas Reed, Capt. Calvin How and Capt. Samuel S. Watson, were chosen a committee at a meeting of the Church, May 4th, 1818, to write Letters missive to the Churches in Shrewsbury, Northampton, Leicester, Holden, Paxton, Spencer, Oakham. Barre, Hubbardston, Princeton and to the President of Williams College, to invite them by their Pastors and Delegates to assist in the Ordination of Mr: Josiah Clark.
On June 1st, the following Churches, by their Pastors and Delegates met at the house of Dr. Frink. From the Churches in Shrewsbury, Spencer, Holden, Oakham, Bar- re, Leicester, Paxton, Hubbardston and Princeton. The Rev. Joseph Sumner, D. D. was chosen Moderator, Rev. Gaius Conant, Scribe.
June 2d, Mr. Clark presented himself before the Coun- cil, and was examined by them; and a vote was passed to proceed to ordination The Rev. Mr. Tomlinson open- ed the meeting with prayer. The Rev. Mr. Nelson preached the sermon; Dr. Sumner made the consecrating prayer; Rev. Mr. Avery gave the charge; Rev. Mr. Gay the right hand,-and Rev. Mr. Thompson the concluding prayer.
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MINISTERS OF RUTLAND-WHEN SETTLED, DISMISSED OR DIED.
REV. Joseph Willard's ordination appointed in the fall of the year 1723; killed by the Indians, August 14, 1723.
Rev. Thomas Frink was ordained Nov. 1727 .- Dismiss- ed Sept. 8th, 1740.
Rev. Joseph Buckminster was ordained Sept. 15th, 1742. Died Nov. 3rd, 1792, aged 73 years.
Rev. Hezekiah Goodrich was ordained June 19th, 1793. Died Feb. 7th, 1812, aged 42 years.
Rev. Luke Baldwin Foster was ordained Feb. 24, 1813. Died May 23d, 1817, aged 28 years.
Rev. Josiah Clark was ordained June 2d, 1818.
DEACONS OF THE CHURCH-WHEN CHOSEN.
Samuel Wright and Joseph Stevens Jan. 8, 1728. John Stone, Oct. 18, 1736. Eleazer Ball, June 30, 1738. Ephraim Davis, Dec. 11, 1746. John Stone accepted, 1753. Jonas Reed and Jonas How, April 30, 1772. Sam- uel Davis, 1783. Tilly Flint, 1810. Jonas Reed, 1813. William Mead and Benjamin Buss, May 3, 1826.
MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH AT DIFFERENT PERIODS.
Mr. Frink's ministry, full communion, 88,-baptismal 30. Mr. Buckminster's, full communion, 204,-baptis- mal, 363. Mr. Goodrich's, full communion, 89. Mr. Fos
8
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ter's, full communion, 14. Mr. Clark's, first ten years of his ministry, full communion, 176.
BAPTISMS.
By Mr. Frink-males 96, females 99,-total 195 .- Mr. Buckminster-males 737, females 721,-total 1458.
MARRIAGES.
BY Mr. Frink, 24 couples .- Mr. Buckminster, 261 .- Samuel Wright, 6 .- John Stone, 26 .- John Frink, 21 .- John Fessenden, 15 .- William Caldwell, 1.
Most of the children of Presbyterians were baptised by Presbyterian ministers. As we have not their records, it cannot be stated the number of baptisms in the town.
Under the ministry of Mr. Frink and Mr. Buckminster, persons of tender consciences, were, by owning the bap- tismal Covenant, and engaging to partake of the Lord's Supper as soon as they could conscientiously, were permit- ed the privilege to offer their children in baptism; many of those that at first owned the baptismal covenant, afterwards came forward and partook of the Lord's Supper.
Baptisms in the Congregational Church from the set- tlement of Mr. Frink in 1727 to the death of Mr. Buck- minster in 1792, were, males 833, females 820, total 1653. Marriages 355.
Members of the Church in 1828, males 70, females 130. Baptisms in the first ten years of Mr. Clark's ministry, 233. The following are the only persons now living in Rutland, that were admitted into the Church under the ministry of Mr. Buckminster : Tilly Flint, Jonas Reed and Benjamin, Mead.
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,
It is worthy of notice that Rutland contains the mortal part of all her ministers.
INDIANS.
THE inhabitants of Rutland were more or less exposed to the merciless Indians for more than thirty years,- their guns were by their side, in the house, in the field, and in the Sanctuary. In 1723, the town voted to build a fort about the house the Rev. Mr. Willard lived in; there were several other forts built in various places of the set- tlement, " such were the excitements, and such the tem- per of the red people. Their warfare opened a stream of blood that long continued to purple the land, and worked woe and misery for the helpless emigrants of New England. The destroyers were lurking around them in the vast forests, and no signal preceded the blow. The sudden incursion burst upon the settlements. The hoary head of the venerable father was dabbled in his own gore; the tresses of the maidens were blood-stained ; and the slumbers of the cradle were often exchanged for the dreamless sleep of eternity. The husbandman went out to cultivate his fields armed as if for battle; and when he laid down to rest, the sword and musket were the compan- ions of his pillow." "Such is the peculiar character of the savage temper, that time nor distance mitigates the spirit of revenge for supposed wrongs. In 1722, the East- ern Indians exasperated by some supposed encroachments on their lands, again took up the tomahawk. The war was carried on in a manner peculiarly bloody in the set- tlements within New Hampshire and Maine. Rutland, al- though far removed from the scene of action, felt the fury of their vengeance. In the two succeeding years they
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continued to receive the most violent assaults from the bar- barians. Several of the inhabitants were killed or cap- tured, and among the former their minister."
As late as 1747, the town petitioned the General Court to fortify this town against the common enemy with garri- sons, and a suitable number of men for its defence, and Voted, that all the able-bodied men be drawn by the select- men and commissioned officers for scouting.
A sketch of some of the cruelties of the Indians in the adjacent towns.
WORCESTER .- In the year 1702, the Indians killed the wife of Dickery Sargeant and two of his children, and car- ried three of his children into captivity. Mr. Elisha Ward was supposed to be killed. On the 21st of October, 1713, Jonas Rice with his family moved into the place and re- mained there, without any other inhabitant, until the spring of the year 1715, when a considerable number of persons joined him.
BROOKFIELD, in 1675, not two years after its incorpo- ration, was utterly destroyed by the Indians, when the in- habitants consisted of about twenty families. Being so early settled, and no other white inhabitants within many miles, they for a long time were frequently assaulted and distressed by the Indians. At that time there was a large swamp or plain within the limits of what is now New Brain- tree, thickly covered with wood, called Wenimesset, where the Indians resorted, and made it a place of rendezvous when they meditated an assault on Brookfield.
At this place Mrs. Rowlandson's child died ; also Mrs. Joslin and her child were knocked on the head, stripped naked and burnt.
OXFORD. - "On the sixth of August 1724, four Indians . came upon a small house, built under a hill ; they made a
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breach in the roof, and as one of them was attempting to enter, he received a shot in his belly from a courageous woman, the only person in the house, who had two mus- kets and two pistols charged, and was prepared for all four, but they thought fit to retreat, carrying off the dead or wounded man."
PETERSHAM. - " This had been a seat for Indians, - and it was called many years by its Indian name, which was Nichawaug, and in the South part of the town lies Nichawaug Hill, so called by the natives, whereon, as in some other parts of the town, they had formerly fields of Indian corn."
RUTLAND. - Although it cannot be stated, that this town was ever a permanent settlement of the Indians, it is evident they claimed the soil, and made excursions to it ; the compiler, some years since, found in his field a stone gouge. There is on Muschopauge hill, a root and herb place, called the Indian Garden ; and the following places in Rutland and its vicinity have Indian names, Mus- chopauge Pond, Sepoge Pond, Asnebumskit Hill and Pond, Asnaconcomick Pond, Quinepoxet Pond and Pom- agusset Meadow.
The following persons were killed by the Indians in Rut- land : - 1723, August 14, Rev. Joseph Willard, - Sam- uel and Joseph Stevens, were killed.
1724, August 3d, Joseph Wood, Uriah Ward and James Clark from Ireland were killed by the Indians.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES OF COLLEGE GRAD- UATES AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS BE- LONGING TO RUTLAND.
REV. JOSEPH WILLARD, it is probable, was of the fam- ยท 8*
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ily of that name, who were large proprietors of Rutland. He graduated at Harvard University in 1715. Was min- ister a short time in Sunderland, in the County of Ha np- shire. After Mr. Willard had preached some time, the inhabitants by virtue of an order of the committee of Rutland chose him for their minister, which invitation he accepted on July 12, 1721. Mr. Willard took possession, built on, and improved House Lot No. 61, granted and set off for the first settled minister. There being so much danger from the Indians, the town voted to build a fort about his house. The time was appointed for his ordina- tion in the fall of 1723. Being out with his gun on Au- gust 14th, hunting, or to collect fodder for the coming win- ter, he was surprised by two Indians, - one of the In- dians' guns missed fire, the other did no execution. Mr. Willard returned the fire and wounded one of them, it is said, mortally ; the other closed in with Mr. Willard ; but he would have been more than a match for him, had not other three come to his assistance. And it was some considerable time before they killed Mr. Willard. The Indians having killed and scalped Mr. Willard, and taken some of his clothes, went to Canada. Tradition says Mr. Willard was killed near Cheney hill. There is nothing on record, respecting Mr. Willard's having a wife and chil- dren ; but it is probable he had. - Compiler.
REV. MR. THOMAS FRINK, was born at Sudbury. Was educated at Harvard University, and took his De- gree in 1722.
His father was one of three brothers that emigrated from England and came to America. Mr. Frink was settled at Rutland, Nov. 1, 1727, and dismissed Sept. 8, 1740. Mr. Frink was installed Pastor of the 3d church in Plymouth, Nov. 7, 1743, where he continued minister but
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a short space ; being dismissed from thence, he was in- stalled at Barre on the last Wednesday in Oct. 1753 ; from whence also he was dismissed July 17, 1766. Mr. Frink when he settled at Rutland had House Lot No. 61, assigned to the first settled minister of Rutland and all its after divisions, by allowing to the heirs of Rev. Mr. Wil- lard 46l., 3s., 6d. Mr. Frink was on Feb. 13, 1729, mar- ried to Miss Isabell, daughter of Samuel Wright, Esq., of Rutland, by whom he had the following children. Abigail, born Dec. 21, 1729; John, Sept. 7, 1731; Mary, Nov. 10, 1733; Samuel, Nov. 11, 1735; Thomas, June 17, 1738 ; Elizabeth, June 16, 1740; William, Dec. 14, 1742; Pe- ter, Jan. 2, 1746; Calvin, Jan. 21, 1749 ; Justin, Nov. 16, 1751.
Rev. Mr. Frink was a gentleman of learning and know- ledge. He preached the Election sermon at Boston, 1758. from Isaiah xxxii. 1, 2. Although of keen sensibility, yet he was sociable and communicative even to children. .
SAMUEL FRINK had a collegiate education ; studied Di- vinity,- preached the truth, -and practised what he preached. He was Rector of Savannah in Georgia, -at the time Rev. Mr. Whitfield was in America.
JOHN FRINK studied physic, and practised in Rutland.
REV. JOSEPH BUCKMINSTER was born at Framingham, received his education at Harvard University,-graduated in 1739, and was settled at Rutland, Sept. 15, 1742. Died Nov. 3, 1792.
Mr. Buckminster, when on a visit to his father's with a young son, there were four generations of the same name. He married Miss Lucy Williams, daughter of the Rev. William Williams of Weston, son of Rev. William Wil- liams of Hatfield. Her mother was daughter of Rev.
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Solomon and Mrs. Hannah Stoddard, D. D., minister of Northampton. Their children were Joseph, born Sept. 5, 1744; Sarah, June 15, 1747 ; Lucinda, Sept. 28, 1749 ; Se- cond Joseph, Oct. 3, 1751 ; Solomon, Feb. 19, 1751; Han- nah, April 13, 1756; Elizabeth, April 4, 1758; William Stoddard, June 6, 1761 ; Isabell, Oct. 25, 1764. Mr. Buck - minster bought and lived on the South side of the road 100 rods West of the meeting-house. He had a dignified and ministerial appearance, wore a gray or white wig, cocked hat and white bands. Was a man of talents and learning ; - orthodox in sentiment and preaching, and set his face as a flint against immorality of any kind. He was useful in councils ; some of his sermons and disser- tations were published. "He was the able and faithful minister of Rutland until his death."- Whitney.
ANECDOTE. - Mr. Buckminster being in an argument with one of his Parishioners, (who was a plain independ- ent man) on some controversial point in Religion, Mr. Buckminster thinking his Parishioner did not in his man- ner and language, pay that deference and respect that he ought to one in his standing, observed "he thought he did not consider who he was talking with." The Par- ishioner says, "yes I do, it is to a poor worm of the dust like myself." Mr. Buckminster softened, "ah ! ah! it is true, I know it, I know it."
REV. JOSEPH BUCKMINSTER, son of the before men- tioned, was born Oct. 3, 1751. Received a collegiate education at Yale College, and settled at Portsmouth, N. H. He married for his first wife, Miss Sally Stevens of Kittery, by whom he had several children, one of which was the late celebrated Rev. Joseph S. Buckminster of Brattle Street, Boston. Mr. Buckminster preached his first Sermon in his native town, in the presence of his father,
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from these words, " And David after serving his own gen- eration, by the will of God fell asleep." Mr. Buckmin- ster after he settled at Portsmouth, made it a practice to visit his father's family, and preach in his native town once a year. He was so pleasing and interesting a speaker and sermonizer, the meeting-house on those days, from Rut- land and other towns, was filled to overflowing.
REV. HEZEKIAH GOODRICH, was born in Weathersfield, Connecticut, and received his education at Yale College.
In August 1793, Mr. Goodrich was married to Miss Mary Richards, daughter of the late Mr. Belcher Richards and his wife Abigail of Princeton, by whom he had born, Charles Pelcher, in 1795 ; Butler, 1803 ; Eli Richards, 1806.
Mr. Goodrich's right hand was defective. He wrote very legibly with his left. Mr. Goodrich bought and built on House Lot No. 62, which was originally laid out as the Ministry Lot, being the same that the Rev. Mr. Clark now lives on. Mr. Goodrich died Feb. 7, 1812, aged 42 years.
REV. LUKE BALDWIN FOSTER, son of Rev. Daniel Foster of New Braintree, was educated at Burlington College, Vermont. Settle at Rutland, Feb. 24, 1813. Bought the farm formerly owned by Rev. Mr. Buckmin- ster. In 1813, Mr. Foster married Miss Eunice Knight of Western, by whom he had two children. Fanny Fide- lia, born, in 1814; Samuel Knight, in 1815. After the death of Mr. Foster, Mrs. Foster returned to her friends. She did not survive her husband many years. Mr. Foster died May 23, 1817, aged 28 years.
DEA. JOSEPH STEVENS. - Mr. Stevens and Prudence his wife were from Sudbury. He was proprietor of House Lots No. 15, and No. 56; part of his division land was
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located on Stevens's hill, and two hundred acres on and adjoining Turkey hill. He settled on House Lot No. 15; as he was one of the first settlers, he was exposed to the dangers and privations incident to those that com- mence a settlement in a wilderness. Deacon Stevens and his wife were respectable people ; - he was chosen into many offices in the proprietory, town, church and mili- tia. He was one of the first selectmen, assessors, trea- surer, &c., which offices he filled several years - clerk of the proprietors and one of the committee to set off their lands - a deacon in the church -a captain in the militia, &c.
Mr. and Mrs. Stevens had born unto them before and af- ter their settlement in Rutland the following children, viz. Phinehas, Mindwell, Samuel, Joseph, Isaac, Dorothy, sec- ond Joseph, Lucy and Mary ; - Mary was the first child baptized in Rutland, which was on Nov. 5, 1727.
There being no roads, Dea. Stevens put up a hovel at the meadow bordering on Stevens's brook, five miles from his dwelling, where he went daily on rackets to feed his cattle. Others sustained the same inconvenience.
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