History of Suffolk county, New York, 1683, Part 47

Author: W.W. Munsell & Co., pub; Bayles, Richard M. (Richard Mather); Cooper, James B. (James Brown), 1825-; Pelletreau, William S. (William Smith), 1840-1918; Street, Charles R. (Charles Rufus), 1825-1894; Smith, John Lawrence, 1816-1889
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: New York : W.W. Munsell & co.
Number of Pages: 677


USA > New York > Suffolk County > History of Suffolk county, New York, 1683 > Part 47


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* To my eldest grandson, John Stan-


borough, £10. To my two daughters-in-law [step daughters?] Mary, wife of Mr. John Mulford, and Elis- ebeth, wife of Joseph Osborn, £10. * * I ap- * point Peregrine Stanborough, John Stratton and James Diament executors. As for what debts is owing to me from this Towne of East Hampton, either former arrears or for last year, amounting to above four score pounds, I give to all my grandchildren excepting those mentioned in this will. Only this -- that if ye Towne freely and readily will take ye best and speediest way they can for ye discharge of ye debts afore said, then I give to ye town {20 towards ye maintaining of a good school-mas- ter in this towne; otherwise not. *


* I give to


* my son-in-law John Stratton what time I have in my man Charles Jones, my executors to make good his in- denture and allow him 4os. in pay more. * * To my son-in-law James Diament my share in ye horse mill. * *


* Dated June 5 1696.


" THOMAS JAMES."


Tradition states that at his own request he was buried, contrary to the usual custom, with his head to the east, in order that he might face his congregation at the Judg- ment Day. His tombstone, placed in accordance with this desire, still stands in the ancient graveyard, and near the spot where stood the church which was the scene of his lifelong labor. It bears the following inscription:


"Mr. Thomas James Dyed The 16th day of June in the yeare 1696. He was Minister of The gospel and Pasture of the church of Christ."


For a hundred and eighty-six years he has waited for


*


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THE TOWN OF EAST HAMPTON.


the Day, and the question comes to the mind with sad solemnity-how long will he wait?


Rev. Nathaniel Huntting, the second pastor, was a son of Elder John Huntting of Dedham, Mass., where his father, John Huntting, was pastor of the church. He was born November 15th 1675, graduated at Harvard in 1693, came to East Hampton as early as 1696, and was ordained the 13th of September 1699. His salary was fixed at {60 a year, and he had in addition to this a house and the use of the parsonage land. He married Mary Green of Boston in 1701, and had six children-Nathan- iel, Edward, Samuel, Jonathan, Mary, and John. The descendants of these children are numerous and widely scattered. Samuel, the third son, settled in Southamp- ton in 1739, and his descendants still remain in that town. Nathaniel, the eldest son, married Mary Hedges Septem- ber 11th 1728, and had children Nathaniel, Joseph, Wil- liam, and Mary. From the son William are descended David H. Huntting, the present representative of the family in East Hampton, and also the families of that name in Southold. When we consider that this was one of the Puritan towns of the strictest. class it seems strange to read the written record that at the time of Mr. Hunt- members and twenty-two females. The lack of religious enthusiasm was greatly deplored by the faithful pastor. In his record of deaths he mentions in 1752 the decease of six persons in less than six days, and adds, " Never did East Hampton see the like. Oh that for holiness too yt there never was the like!" After a pastorate of fifty years he was called to his eternal rest on the 21st of Sep- tember 1753, in the 78th year of his age. His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Sylvanus White, of South- ampton, and his virtues and learning received a well mer- ited eulogium.


"In memory of the Revnd Mr. Nathaniel Huntting, who died Septmr ye 21 1753, in ye 78th year of his age."


Previous to Mr. Huntting's death several persons had been employed as his assistants, and among them Rev. James Davenport, whose erratic views and half insane enthusiasm produced the "New Light movement;" through his agency the same "root of bitterness " was introduced into this church, to mar the harmony so long existing. After some trouble all differences were happily arranged by the settlement of


Rev. Samuel Buel, D. D .- This clergyman, whose in- fluence was so deep and lasting, was born at Coventry, Conn., September Ist 1716, graduated at Yale in 1741, and settled as pastor here September 19th 1746. He re- mained, alike during the calm of peace and the storms and anxieties of the Revolution, the same faithful, labor- ious preacher and patriotic citizen. As with his prede- cessor James, there was something about him that brought him near to the popular heart; and the man who could reconcile the feuds of religious schism, and without sac- rificing in the slightest degree his political convictions could ingratiate himself with his country's enemies, and yet retain to the fullest extent the love and confidence of his people must have possessed in no small measure the heaven-born gift, the art of pleasing. It is probable ting's settlement the church numbered only six male that, unlike Mr. James, he was not a man of business, and his neglect to continue the register so carefully kept by Mr. Huntting, which he admits was a "faulty omis- sion," and the irregular manner in which his part was performed would indicate a person of unmethodical habits. Mr. Buel was married in May 1745 to Jerusha, daughter of Rev. Joseph Meacham, of Coventry. He had several children, most of whom died at an early age. The loss of his only son, Samuel, was especially mourn- ed, as he was a young man who seemed likely to inherit the talents of his father. A daughter Jerusha married David Gardiner, grandfather of Hon. Samuel Buel Gar- Many of Mr. Huntting's sermons are still in existence, but a more lasting monument is a carefully kept record of marriages and deaths, begun in 1696 and continued till the end of his ministry. In it much incidental knowl- edge is conveyed concerning the habits of the people and the nature of the most common diseases which carried his parishioners to the tomb. The record is written in peculiar style, and many of his observations are so quaint as to be half ludicrous and half pathetic. Of course there was no attempt at scientific classification of dis- eases, but the symptoms which he frequently describes leave little doubt as to their nature. The universal ignorance of the laws of health and the want of skilled medical assistance had the same effect then that they would have now. Diphtheria seems to have been very prevalent at times and caused great mortality. Dysentery was especially common in the month of September, while the fell destroyer consumption had all seasons for its own. diner, the present owner of Gardiner's Island. His sec- ond wife was Mary, daughter of Elisha Mulford. Rev. Nathaniel Prime in his " History of Long Island " speaks with refreshing coolness of Dr. Buel's "weakness" in marrying a youthful wife in his old age. The circum- stances of his courtship (if such it could be called) are exceedingly characteristic of the doctor and the place. The story goes that Mary, daughter of Jeremiah Miller, was a blooming belle of 17, and had a most ardent ad- mirer in the person of a young man named Conkling. The young lady did not reciprocate his affection, and the young man went to Dr. Buel and requested his good offices to assist him in winning the heart of the obdurate beauty. The doctor consented, and taking a favorable opportunity "labored " with the young lady, but found her unwilling to consent to the proposed union. "Well," said the doctor, who evidently did not think it well for men or women either to live alone, " If you don't marry him you ought to marry somebody. Will you marry His venerated remains were laid to rest in the same enclosure consecrated by the tomb of his sainted prede- cessor, and his modest monument bears the inscription: me?" Whether the young lady was moved by sudden love for the good minister, or (as is more likely) dazzled by his high social position, we do not know. But she assented, and the man of 70 led his blooming bride to the altar. Strange to say young Conkling did not seem


16


THE TOWN OF EAST HAMPTON.


to appreciate Dr. Buel and his excellencies as much as he did before. Mrs. Mary Buel's tombstone records her death December 27th 1844, aged 79. Dr. Buel's young- est daughter, Mary, married Rev. Aaron Woolworth, of Bridgehampton.


A tomb, covered with a heavy slab of stone, bears the following epitaph:


- " Reader, behold this tomb with reverence and respect. Here lie the remains of that eminent Servant of Christ, the Reverend Samuel Buel, D. D., 53 years pastor of the Church in this place. He was a faithful, and successful minister of the Gospel, a kind relation, a true friend, a good patriot, an honest man and an exemplary Christian. Was born September Ist 1716, died in peace July 19th 1798, aged 82 years."


It will be seen that the pastorates of these three men embraced a period of 154 years.


Lyman Beecher .- The mantle of Samuel Buel fell upon a man whose fame is not bounded by the limits of his native land. He was ordained here September 5th 1799. To give any extended account of Dr Beecher would be superfluous, for his life and ministry are a part of the history of our country. The writer once asked an old man who had attended his meetings, " How did Lyman Beecher preach?" "How did Lyman Beecher preach?" was the reply, " I'll tell you how; he would get up in the pulpit and make a prayer, and read the Psalm and a chapter in the Bible, just like other ministers. Then he would take his, text and shut up the book and lean over the pulpit, and the way that man would talk was a caution." Probably this was the great secret of Dr. Beecher's power-instead of reading a sermon at his people he talked to them.


Dr. Beecher was dismissed at his own request in 1810.


Rev. Ebenezer Phillips .- This clergyman was a son of Philetus Phillips, of Greenville, N. Y., and a descendant of Rev. George Phillips, second minister of Setauket. He was ordained here May 5th 1811. Failing health compelled his resignation March 16th 1830, and he re- moved to Carmel, N. Y., where he died in 184 -.


Rev. Joseph D. Condit was settled here September Ist 1830. He was dismissed April 22nd 1835 and removed to Massachusetts.


Rev. Samuel R. Ely, after preaching as a stated supply, was ordained in 1835. His labors, which were highly satisfactory, were terminated on account of failing health, and his farewell sermon was preached October 25th 1846. He rided for some time at Roslyn, L. I., but has since died.


Rev. Alexander B. Bullions was ordained and installed November 5th 1846. Mr. Bullions had just graduated from the seminary, where he had earned the reputation of a close student and one of fine literary attain- ments. He was a man of modest and unobstrusive man- ners. The loss of his wife and child weighed heavily upon his mind, for he had deep sensibilities, and this is usually considered the cause of his resignation, June 26th 1848.


Rev. Samuel Huntting .- Nearly a hundred years after


the death of Rev. Nathaniel Huntting his descendant of the fourth generation came to fill the place once more left vacant. He was the son of Deacon Edward Hunt- ting, of Southampton, and inherited all the virtues of his ancestors. The epitaph on his tombstone, which stands near that of his illustrious progenitor, tells the sad story of his too brief career:


" Samuel Huntting, born at Southampton, L. I., Nov. II 1822; Installed pastor of the Presbyterian church in this place Oct. 31 1848; died September 10 1849, aged 26 years 10 mos."


Mr. Huntting was married in 1848 to Miss Emma Halsey, daughter of Daniel Halsey, of Southampton. He left one son, Samuel, who died in early manhood. His widow is still living.


Rev. Enoch C. Wines .- Mr. Huntting was succeeded by Rev. Enoch C. Wines, a man of various and large ex- perience and of high literary ability. He was installed in February 1850. His pastorate was terminated in De- cember 1853 by his acceptance of a call from the synod of Wheeling to a professorship in Washington College, Pa. His subsequent long and useful service as a re- former of prison discipline has marked him as a wise, discriminating and efficient philanthropist in a work where a Howard had illustrated in his own career some of the noblest features of a regenerated humanity.


Rev. Stephen L. Mershon was a graduate of Princeton, and was installed here in April 1854. His twelve years in this pastorate were distinguished by zeal crowned with success. During this time the parsonage was greatly. enlarged and improved, a new and commodious session house erected, and a new church, of ample dimensions and elegant appointments, built and con- secrated to the service of God. He resigned in 1866 and removed to New Jersey.


Rev. John D. Stokes, the present pastor, is a native of Ohio. He was installed in May 1867, and has enjoyed fourteen years of useful labor among a united people.


ST. LUKE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH.


About the year 1854 a stage coach stopped one even- ing at one of the many boarding houses in the village and a stranger alighted. For nearly twenty years that he remained John Wallace was in most respects one of the best known of the village residents, yet his life has always been wrapped in the profoundest mystery. He used his abundant means unsparingly in all cases that called for judicious benevolence. It was found that he came from Scotland, and friendly interest and vulgar curiosity alike failed to learn more of his early history. The theory of crime committed in the past, and flight to a distant land for safety, plausible as it might seem, could not be applied to one whose life was a constant practice of benevolence and virtue; and if some act of youthful folly had rendered him a wanderer it was more than atoned for in the long course of a holy life. He died in 1870, and the secret of his life was buried in his grave.


It was to this gentleman that the Episcopal church in


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THE TOWN OF EAST HAMPTON.


the village owed its origin, The first service of the Church of England was held in Clinton Academy, on Whit-Sunday, 1854. The services were conducted by Rev. Charles Gardiner, and the congregation numbered 14, all communicants. Mr. Wallace paid a nominal salary and the clergyman made his home with Dr. Abel Huntington. The same year Mr. Gardiner left for a more remunerative field, and his place was filled by Rev. Gurdon Huntington, the salary still being defrayed by Mr. Wallace. In the spring Sag Harbor and East Hampton joined forces, the clergyman residing at Sag Harbor and holding service half a day in this village, Mr. Wallace paying half the salary and the clergyman taking the offertory, which, owing to the liberality of summer visitors, was quite large. The subject of build- ing a church was discussed in 1858; Dr. Wagstaff headed the subscription paper with $1,000, Mr. Wallace con- tributed $600, and the gentlemen and ladies making this village their summer resting place gave to the cause with great liberality. A site was procured in the winter of the same year and a contract made with Captain George Hand for the erection of a building. A deed of trust for the subscribers was taken by Dr. Wagstaff, who gen- erously provided a bell and the sacramental service; and the church was consecrated in July 1859, by Bishop Potter.


The connection with the church of Sag Harbor was kept up a number of years, Mr. Wallace acting as lay reader by authority of the bishop. Since the death of Mr. Wallace the church is only open from June to Oc- tober. It has been for many years under the charge of Rev. Charles Gardiner, and supported by the voluntary offerings of the summer visitors. The title is now vested in a board of trustees. The church is kept in the nicest order by the care of a few who find their reward in the consciousness of doing good. A memorial window pre- serves the memory of Mr. Wallace and two young ladies who were lost in the steamer " Ville de Havre."


CLINTON ACADEMY.


Dr. Samuel Buel was foremost in the establishment of a school which should afford facilities for a higher grade of learning. The result of his labors was the establish- ment of Clinton Academy. At the meeting at which steps were taken to incorporate the institution the pre- siding officer was William Floyd, signer of the Declara- tion of Independence. At a meeting of the proprietors of the institution, held December 28th 1784, the follow- ing regulations and terms "were considered and deter- mined as laws of East Hampton Academy: "


and thoroughly qualified for the number of pupils which may apply for instruction here, and for the branches of education which are required to be taught. That the said masters and tutors be governed by the laws of the academy so far as relates to the interests of the proprie- tors and promoting the general design. The English school to be opened at 8 o'clock and I o'clock. The following terms were agreed upon: For each scholar who attends for reading only, from 8 to II and from I to 3, 3 shillings a month; for each scholar who attends for reading, writing and arithmetic, 4 shillings a month; for each reader only who tarries from 10 to 11 and from 3 to 4, 1 shilling a month.


"And whereas much needless damage may occur to the house from the mischievous or careless management of the unruly, it is hereby provided that every scholar who shall break a square of glass shall immediately repair the same. or pay the ordinary price of two squares; any scholar who shall mark, scratch or deface the walls, ceil- ing or furniture, a penalty of I shilling more or less, ac- cording to damage; for breaking a desk or seat, to repair or pay double.


And whereas the utility and advantage of a school depends greatly on the good discipline preserved therein, and to prevent as much as possible the indelicacy of that corporal punishment which often becomes necessary where better means of government are not used, it is hereby recommended to the master that for every other "trespass than those aforementioned-viz. for contempt of authority or breach of order-the penalty of a fine be exacted in proportion to the nature of such offense from every scholar so offending not under the age of 10 years. The fines to be applied to procuring presents for faithful scholars."


Jabez Peck was master for the classic school and Wil- liam Payne for the English and writing school. Of the former and his history we know nothing, but to the latter a peculiar interest attaches from the fact that he was the father of the far-famed John Howard Payne.


In those good old times "manners" were considered a very important part of a boy's education, a branch sadly neglected in modern times; so among other rules we find: "That no scholar be permitted to play at any game in any part of the academy, or to wrestle, scuffle, or make any noise whereby any of the students in any part of the academy or at home may be interrupted in their studies or any way incommoded." "No scholar to go for amusement or diversion on the roof of piazza." "That no student be permitted to wear his hat in any part of the academy when a superintendent or tutor is present, nor to pass a superintendent or tutor in the street without showing the common signal of deference and respect." "That the academy bell be rung every evening precisely at 9 o'clock, at which time every student shall repair to his quarters, and not be permitted to be abroad after that time." It is needless to say that "young America " has ceased to be governed in accordance with these last rules, good as they may be.


"Whereas we have founded this academy, at a great expense, for the purpose of promoting necessary and useful education, by the instruction of children and youths, from whatever places they may be sent to the For many years this institution was very flourishing, and scholars flocked to it from all party of the county, including many who in after years attained to high emi- nence. But in after times, when schools of a similar character became more numerous, its influence and pop- ularity declined, and at the present day it is of more in- seminary, as well for the benefit of society at large as for that of the children and youths of East Hampton and vicinity in particular, we have approved and determined on the following terms and regulations, to be adopted and strictly adhered to as temporary laws of this acad- emy: That this academy be immediately and continu- ally hereafter supplied with masters or tutors sufficient | terest as a venerable relic of the past than as an institu-


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THE TOWN OF EAST HAMPTON.


tion of the present. Yet no one can view its time-stain- ed walls, and antique appliances for study, without con- sidering that at a time when learning was a thing more difficult to attain, and consequently more highly valued than at present, it had more influence in moulding the character of Suffolk county than any other institution of its kind.


MILITIA COMPANIES IN 1715.


The following is a muster roll of the two companies in this town 167 years ago. In them we find all the old families of the town well represented:


East Hampton Foot No. 1 .- Cornelius Conckling, cap- tain; Ephraim Osburne, Henry Hand, Hezakiah Miller, John Talmage, Thomas Osburne, Elisha Osburne, Ma- thias Hopin, Stephen Hand, Ananias Conkling. Samuell Fyler, William Mulford, Edward Jones, John Diament, Thomas Osburne, John Hedges, Joele Bowditch, Eleazer Miller, Elisha Conckling, Robert Dayton, Thomas Wheeler, Matthew Mulford, John Strettin, Thomas Tal- mage, Enos Talmage, Joseph Osburne, Nathan Mulford, Elias Mulford, Samuell Russell, Thomas Mulford, Lewis Mulford, Daniell Dayton, Isaac Mulford, Thomas Mat- thews, John Stretten, Seth Parsons, David Fithian, Sam- Del Fyler, William Osburne, Nathaniell Diament, Moses Mulford, Nathaniell Baker, Nathaniel Goldsmith, Sava- rus Goold, Henry Brook, William Edwards.


East Hampton No. 2 .- Matthias Burnett, captain; John Wheeler, lieutenant; Lewis Conckling, Jeremiah Conck- ling, Isaac Hedges, Timothy Mulford, Thomas Edwards, Robert Parsons, John Edwards, David Conckling, Ed- ward Petty, Samuell Mulford, Ananias Conckling, Isaac Barnes, Samuell Barnes, Samuell Dibell, Nathan Miller, John Conckling, Recompence Sherrill, John Edwards, Arthur Looper, Samuell Benitt, Lion Gardner, Lion Gardiner, Thomas Davice, John Mery, Benjamin Heares, John Hart, John Karle, Ahieh Carle, Ichabod Leek, William Schellinkx, Nathaniell Barnes, Richard Bayley, Abraham Hedges, Isaac Hedges, William Hedges, John Earle, Robart Earle, Benjamin Conckling, Peter Mur- dock, John Wheler, Samuell Parsons, Jeremiah Mulford.


PATENTS AND BOUNDARIES.


Governor Nicolls's patent is in terms similar to the other town patents of the time. It confirms the posses- sion of the town to "Mr. John Mulford, justice of the peace, Mr. Thomas Baker, Thomas Chatfield, Jeremiah Conkling, Stephen Hedges, Thomas Osborne senior and John Osborn as patentees, for and on the behalf of themselves and their associates, the freeholders and In- habitants of the said town;" "their west bounds begin- ning from the East Limitts of the bounds of Southamp- ton (as they are now laid out and staked, according to agreement and consent), so to stretch East to a cer- taine Pond commonly called the Fort Pond, which lyes within the Old Bounds of the lands belonging to the Muntauke Indyans; and from thence to go on still east to the utmost extent of the Island. On the North they are bounded by the bay, and on the South by the Sea or Main Ocean." The patent is dated March 13th 1666.


On the 9th of December 1686 another patent was granted, by Governor Thomas Dongan, the patentees named being Thomas James, Captain Josiah Hobart,


Captain Thomas Talmadge, Lieutenant John Wheeler, Ensign Samuel Mulford, John Mulford, Thomas Chat- field sen., Jeremiah Conkling, Stephen Hand, Robert Dayton, Thomas Baker and Thomas Osborn, who were constituted a body corporate, " to be called by the name of the Trustees of the Freeholders and Comonalty of the Towne of East Hampton." The consideration was one lamb. In this patent, as in the one granted to South- ampton, it is very distinctly understood that the un- divided lands belonged to those who had been pur- chasers thereof, and not to the town at large.


In purchases of land from the Indians it very fre- quently happened that the boundaries were vaguely de- . fined unless designated by some stream, which made a natural division. In the Indian deed for Southampton the land sold was said to extend " to a plain named Wainscott." This, being very indefinite, led to a long and bitter altercation in after days between the two towns as to the true line between them. The contest continued for thirty years, and was finally settled in 1695. It seems that a straight line had been partly agreed upon before, but the East Hampton people had laid out and occupied land to the west of this line. So it was agreed that the part of the line north of the Country road should extend as far to the east as the East Hamp- ton people had encroached to the west. This made a " square jog " in the line of the road. A " two-pole " highway was laid out on the line, which still exists, though the south part, through Wainscott, is wider. The street in Sag Harbor called Division street is the bound- ary line between the towns; the line extended strikes the wharf, leaving the greater part of it in East Hamp- ton. About the year 1830 a store stood near the wharf, and was kept by Peter French. The town line crossed the threshold of the door, ran by the side of the bar and so crossed the building; and it was a standing joke with the habitues of the place that they bought their liquor in one town and drank it in another.




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