USA > Rhode Island > Kent County > East Greenwich > History of the town of East Greenwich and adjacent territory, from 1677 to 1877 > Part 14
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23
152
HISTORY OF EAST GREENWICH.
B. C. Grafton gave the prayer of recognition ; B. Johnson the charge to the church, and J. W. Allen offered the con- cluding prayer.
In a few weeks after its formation, the church received an interesting and encouraging letter from Mrs. Pardon Miller, of the First Providence Church, accompanied with a communion service which she presented to the infant body as a token of her interest in its welfare.
The meetings of the church, for a number of years, were held in a school-house, or in the Court House, and the ser- vices were conducted by the Rev. Thomas Tew and other ministers, until November, 1845, when the Rev. O. C. Wheeler was called to the pastorate.
A council consisting of delegates from fifteen churches assembled on the 12th of November, examined and ordained him. Deacon James Tilley was at the same time set apart to his office by "the laying on of hands."
During Mr. Wheeler's ministry, in April, 1846, the church appointed a committee of six to inquire into the expediency of taking immediate measures for the erection of a house of worship. That committee subsequently reported in favor of building a house, and recommended the appointment of another committee to present a plan, procure a site, and re- port on the probable expense. Such a committee was ap- pointed, and, in accordance with their recommendation the church voted, on the 25th of April, to build a house forty by fifty feet, at an expense of not less than $3,000, including the site. The pastor was appointed agent to solicit funds for the object, and Messrs. A. Wall and W. J. Shel- don were appointed a building committee.
The house was built and dedicated in January, 1847, the Rev. T. E. Jameson, of Providence, preaching the sermon. The pews were rented in the afternoon of the day of dedi- cation.
The first committee recommended the free-seat system, and the church adopted their recommendation, but subse- quently rescinded the motion.
In October, 1846, the church appointed a committee to procure a charter from the General Assembly. Accordingly an act was drawn up, and a Society incorporated, under the name of the "First Baptist Society of East Greenwich." Messrs. Wm. J. Sheldon, James Tilley, Albert G. Little- field, John H. Baker, Ashbel Wall, O. C. Wheeler, John D. Higgins, William Bodfish, Bowen Vaughn and William
153
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
Holden, were appointed to represent the Society in the charter.
Mr. Wheeler continued in the pastoral office until No- vember, 1847, when he resigned. In February of the fol- lowing year the church extended an invitation to the Rev. B. F. Hedden to become its pastor, which invitation he ac- cepted, laboring with so much success that the little church nearly doubled in numbers under his ministry, which terminated in July, 1851. Their house of worship was en- larged during Mr. Hedden's pastorate by the addition of twenty-four pews. The belfry was erected, a bell of fine tone was placed in it, and Mr. Jabez Gorham, of Provi- dence, presented a clock for the interior.
Mr. Hedden was followed in the pastoral office by the Rev. F. A. Archibald, he being unanimously elected pastor in November, 1851. He was a remarkably eloquent and talented preacher, and labored with the church until April, 1853, when he tendered his resignation.
The Rev. E. Warren was the next pastor, acting in that capacity only one year, from October, 1853, to October, 1854.
From December, 1854, to May, 1855, the Rev. Mr. Gilbert supplied the pulpit, when he was released from his engagement, and the Rev. S. G. Smith was invited to sup- ply the place for four months, at the end of which time the church called him to ordination.
A council was convened September 6th, 1855, of which the Rev. J. C. Welch was moderator, and the Rev. C. Rhodes, clerk. The sermon was preached by the Rev. W. C. Richards ; the ordaining prayer made by the Rev. J. Welch; the hand of fellowship given by the Rev. W. Randolph ; the address to the church was delivered by the Rev. J. F. Baker, and the concluding prayer made by the Rev. N. F. Allen. Mr. Smith filled the pastoral relation about five years, his letter of resignation being read March 3d, 1860. During his ministry a season of spiritual refresh- ing was enjoyed, and a goodly number was added to the church. The meeting-house was frescoed, carpeted, and much improved in other respects.
In October, 1860, J. E. Wood, of Groton Centre, Con- necticut, was called to the pastorate, but served in that capacity only a few months. The next pastor was the Rev. George Howell. He had been ordained in Nantucket, and came to this church on trial for three months, commencing
10
154
HISTORY OF EAST GREENWICH.
June 1st, 1861. At the expiration of that time he was called as pastor, and was recognized as such by a council held on the 12th of November, of which the Rev. S. Adlam was moderator, and the Rev. William Fitts, clerk. The Rev. Henry Jackson, D. D., preached on the occasion. In the evening of the same day Mr. Bowen Vaughn was or- dained deacon, the Rev. William Fitts preaching an ap- propriate sermon. While Mr. Howell was pastor the War- ren Association, having become very large, was divided and a new association formed, called the Narragansett As- sociation, and the church in East Greenwich (influenced greatly by Dr. Jackson) became one of its constituent mem- bers, the vote to that effect being dated June 16th, 1861.
On the 28th of May, 1862, Mr. Howell sent in his resig- nation, which was accepted. Rev. I. Cheseborough was the next pastor, commencing his official work on the first Sab- bath in November, 1862, and continuing in the faithful dis- charge of it until January, 1866, when he retired from the field.
He was followed by the Rev. C. W. Ray, who was called to the pastoral care of the church in March, 1866, and at his request was dismissed in February, 1868. In the last year of Mr. Ray's ministry an excellent organ was placed in the church through the enterprise of the women of the Society.
The present paster, Rev. Gilbert Robbins, was unan- imously invited to the position he occupies, in October, 1868, and has continued up to this time, 1877.
-
CHAPTER XI.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES .- MARLBORO STREET CHAPEL.
THE Marlboro Street Chapel was erected in 1872, at the sole expense of William N. Sherman, Esq. The dimensions are twenty-eight by fifty feet, and the edifice was built of the best materials the market afforded, high between joints, beantifully arched, and will seat about three hundred per- sons, and cost about $5,000. There are no pews, but settees enough to seat all who choose to attend, and the room is often crowded to its utmost capacity. It contains a pipe and a reed organ.
The desk has been regularly supplied by various ministers of evangelical denominations, and the Sunday School and Library are supported almost entirely at the expense of Mr. Sherman. The sittings are free. Many persons in this village are unable to purchase a pew or hire a seat in any of the churches here, but at the Friends' Meeting-House or at the Marlboro Street Chapel, they can worship whenever they choose, free of expense. The opening notice at the dedication, closed with " whosoever will, may come."
The mission has been successful. Introductory services were held in the chapel at its opening, November 10th, 1872.
A church, which is an Independent Baptist, of liberal communion, was formed June 13th, 1874, consisting of more than sixty members. In the belfry at the north end of the building, hangs the finest toned bell in the village, the sound of which can be heard more distinctly than the others, on account of its clearness and sweetness.
There are two other churches in East Greenwich, but as I have been unable to obtain any particulars in reference to
156
HISTORY OF EAST GREENWICH.
them, (even dates), I will only mention their names and locations :
About twenty-five years ago the Roman Catholic denom- ination built a small chapel on Main street, at the south end of the village, and afterwards erected the present handsome church edifice on the same site. The name of the church is, " Our Lady of Mercy."
In 1874 a Swedish church (Lutheran) was erected on Spring street, near the public school-house, where the ser- vices are conducted in the Swedish language.
At the western part of the town, at a place called French- town, a small church edifice was erected more than fifty years since, called "the Seminary." I have not been able to obtain any information concerning it other than that it is a Baptist church.
CHAPTER XII.
PHYSICIANS.
THIS interesting history of the deceased physicians of East Greenwich, who have practiced here from its earliest settlement to the year 1838, was written by Dr. James H. Eldridge. The paper was found to be so full and exhaust- ive, that it is used entire.
From the settlement of the town to the year 1700, there is nothing in the records to show that any practitioner of medicine resided here or in the vicinity. The intimate business relations and frequent intercourse with Newport, made it convenient to procure assistance from that town in pressing emergencies of sickness or injury ; while the more ordinary minor maladies were managed by women of ex- perience and good judgment. A scrap from the records will show how difficult and delicate affairs were disposed of by the authorities in those days.
" At a Town Council called and held at the house of Susannah Spencer, widow, February 24th, 1684, after hear- ing complaint and taking the testimony, the Council see cause to empanel a jury of twelve women of the neigh- borhood. Thereupon eleven of them appeared. The names of the women who appeared are as follows : Hannah Ben- nett, widow, Hannah Long, Sarah Knight, widow, Elizabeth Heath, Elizabeth Pearce, Elsa Wood, Catherine Weaver, Nancy Nichols, Mandy Snell, and Anna Knight. Being engaged according to law, and receiving their charge, the women did immediately withdraw, and within an hour's time return accordingly, having fully agreed upon a verdict."
This shows how these wise women were relied upon to decide difficult affairs which would have been referred to a
158
HISTORY OF EAST GREENWICH.
physician, if there had been one in the village, or in the vicinity. It is sufficient proof that up to this date, there was no professed medical practitioner in the town.
Thomas Spencer, son of John and Susannah Spencer, born on the 22d day of July, 1679, was the first English child born in East Greenwich. He was also the first phy- sician who practiced here. As he was a seventh son, he may have been indebted to this fact for his title, as it was the custom of his time to attribute wonderful powers to the seventh son in the healing art, and to call him doctor.
However this may have been, he was evidently a man of respectable attainments, as the records of the town abundantly show. He was town clerk for thirty-nine years, from 1713 to 1752; several times deputy to the General Assembly, a magistrate and large proprietor, a member of the Society of Friends, and for some years be- fore his death a recognized minister of that respectable body of Christians.
Dr. Spencer built the house in which he resided on the hill near the bluff, the southern termination of that beauti- ful ridge which extends from the Drum-Rock near Ap- ponaug, to this point. The house has been removed within the last fifteen years, and is now replaced by one of modern construction, owned by Mr. Henry P. Eldridge. The old house was more recently known as the Benjamin Howland place, and before that as the Thomas Aldrich house. Dr. Spencer's house was a generous mansion of the olden time, with its huge stone chimney and hipped roof, small windows -some of them with diamond-shaped panes-set in leaden sash; one great room, with the guest chamber over it, of the same liberal dimensions, to be used on occasions of festivity and hospitality, for which it was always noted.
Dr. Spencer's reputation as a physician does not appear to have been confined to this immediate neighborhood, but reached other towns.
Thomas Aldrich came from Smithfield to reside in his (Dr. Spencer's) family as a student of medicine, and re- mained there, marrying his only daughter, and succeeding him in the possession of his estate and reputation as a man of note, and as a member of the Society of Friends, al- though it does not appear that he ever practiced medicine. Perhaps his wife inherited property sufficient to save him from the laborious life of a country physician. Lucky man, and how much he is to be envied !
-
159
PHYSICIANS.
At a town meeting held for the choice of officers early in April, 1752, Giles Pearce was chosen clerk for the day : " In ye room of Thomas Spencer of his impaired action and nonability of body, he not being able to perform ye duties of ye same." A few days later a meeting was called to choose a clerk in place of Thomas Spencer, deceased. A manifestation of respect and tender regard not often shown for our most honored public officials in these days.
Dr. Spencer nearly completed his seventy-fifth year. He was buried in the Old Friends' Meeting-House yard, near Payne's Mill, but there is no stone with an inscription to mark the precise spot. He was twice married, his first wife dying in 1742, and his second one in 1747. By his first wife he had two children, a son who died in early life, and a daughter who married Thomas Aldrich. Mrs. Aldrich left no children.
In the year 1742, Doctor Duty Jerauld, came from Med- field, in Massachusetts, to settle in East Greenwich as a physician. His parents were French Huguenot refugees. But the doctor was born in this country, a fact he often mentioned with pride, that he was a native American, and probably might be President of the United States. His father was a physician, and it is probable that the son re- ceived his medical instruction from him. He was about thirty years of age when he came here, and soon after his settlement he married the daughter of Edward Gorton, of Warwick, near Gorton's Pond. When he first came to East Greenwich he resided at the corner of Duke and Queen streets, in a house formerly known as the Goddard house, but more recently as the Richard Edward's house. The house has been torn down since and a new one built on its site.
After remaining here some twenty years, he removed to a small farm on the Apponaug road, probably for the con- venience of his practice, it being situated midway between the villages of Apponaug and East Greenwich. The house is now standing, having been altered and used for a time as the asylum for the poor of the town of Warwick. Dr. Jerauld had a family of five sons and four daughters. His eldest son, Gorton Jerauld, was a physician, and at one time had a hospital for the inoculation and treatment of small-pox, in the western portion of the Town of Warwick. He afterwards removed from the State, and died at the West. James Jerauld, another son, was for many years
160 .
HISTORY OF EAST GREENWICH.
town clerk of Warwick. One of his daughters married Samuel Pearce, of Prudence Island, and was the mother of the late celebrated Hon. Dutee Jerauld Pearce.
Thirty years ago the name of Dr. Jerauld was often heard. His memory was very dear to many of the old people in this part of the State. He was unusually kind and gentle in his manners, and especially so in his intercourse with the sick. He always wore the plain garb of the Friends, and in his latter years connected himself informally with that sect, probably by convincement.
There are a few persons even now who remember him as a very old man, riding in a gig, or dismantled chaise, calling at the houses of his friends and patients, giving them greet- ings and advice without leaving his carriage, which lame- ness prevented, and receiving from them such refreshments as it was customary at that time to offer, and which his age and many infirmities required. His skillful treatment and kind care of the sick is not yet forgotten, and many of his prescriptions and wise hygenic injunctions, have been handed down to the present day. Dr. Jerauld was of short stature, rather stout in form and of a dark complexion. His countenance was marked by bright black eyes, of pe- culiarly pleasant expression, which is plainly to be seen now in his descendants of the fifth generation.
When about eighty years old he was thrown from his carriage and received a severe injury from which he never recovered, but ever afterwards walked with difficulty and with the aid of a crutch. He died in July, 1813, in the ninety-first year of his age.
Joseph Joslyn, an accomplished physician from Scotland, came to East Greenwich in 1770, having been induced to settle here through the influence of Governor Greene and other gentlemen of the neighborhood. He was esteemed not only as a skillful physician but as an accomplished gentleman, and a great acquisition to the social circle. Soon after he came here he married the widow of Archibald Campbell, and lived in the house she owned on the west side of Main street, the third house north from the Court House and now owned by Mr. Duty J. Babcock. Dr. Joslyn devoted himself especially to the treatment of small-pox, and had a hospital here and elsewhere, to which great num- bers came from remote parts of the neighboring country to be inoculated and pass through the disease under his care. The old rambling gambrel-roofed house known as the Fry
161
PHYSICIANS.
place was used for one of these hospitals. The house was burned within the last three or four years, and a more modern structure has replaced it, owned by our postmaster, Christopher Shippee, Esq.
Dr. Joslyn gave himself up to habits of intemperance and died at the early age of forty-four, in the year 1780, and was buried in the cemetery on what is called the Old Baptist Hill. Our late, much honored townsman, Joseph J. Tilling- hast, was named, as he told me, for Dr. Joslyn.
At the close of the war in 1782, Dr. Peter Turner estab- lished himself here as a physician and surgeon. Dr. Turner was the son of William Turner, of Newark, New Jersey, and grandson of Captain William Turner, of Newport, Rhode Island. He was born September 2d, 1751, and married in 1776, Martha, daughter of Cromwell Childs, in Warren, Rhode Island, and died in East Greenwich in the month of February, 1822. His father died when he was very young and left him in the care of Dr. Canfield, his half- brother, with whom he studied medicine. At the com- mencement of the Revolutionary War he joined the army, and was attached to one of the Rhode Island regiments, commanded by Colonel Greene, as the surgeon, and served until the close of the war.
He was inclined to settle in this town because he had formed many acquaintances and strong friendships for many persons from here while in the army, and also from the fact that General Varnum, who was his brother-in-law, resided here at that time. Dr. Turner was the first medical man in this part of the State who had any experience in surgery, and coming so recently from the army as he did, the good people of the country around felt no little apprehension in placing themselves under the care of one who might, before they were aware of it, take off an arm or a leg, without so much as saying by your leave. This fear, however, soon wore off, and he found himself engaged in an extensive practice, ex- tending ten miles or more in every direction. He was a skillful surgeon, a bold and successful operater, and much preferred this branch of his profession. He was, as stated, the surgeon of Colonel Greene's regiment, and his services and kind care, were gratefully remembered by the old sol- diers, as long as they lived.
Captain Jonathan Andros, who was in the battle of Red Bank, while relating the particulars of that memorable action, and it was always his pleasure to do it, ever spoke
162
HISTORY OF EAST GREENWICH.
of the tender care of the wounded shown by Dr. Turner, in contrast to the harsh treatment of the Hessian surgeon whom it would have been his pleasure to have shot dead on the spot, if he could only had the word of command to war- rant it. In this battle Count Donop was mortally wounded and left on the field. Dr. Turner attended and ministered to him in his last moments, securing his spurs and sword, the only substantial gifts he could bestow. These relics are still preserved and cherished in the family as of great value. His manner was at times severe, and when occasion seemed to require it, he could use strong language-a habit which he had probably acquired in early life in the army. "They swore terribly in Flanders," as Uncle Toby said, and this is not unusual in armies elsewhere, A habit of this kind, once contracted, is not easily controlled. If at times, in his inter- course with the people of a town like this he manifested this harsh temper, it was abundantly shown that he pos- sessed tender feelings and refined and cultivated tastes.
His house, on the corner of Court House lane and Pearce street, was in his time an attractive feature of the village. The front door, with its porch shaded by a grape vine planted there over one hundred years ago, is still living and bearing fruit; the curiously paved yard on the west side of the house, with the specimens of minerals and antiquities collected in the neighborhood ; the garden on the east filled with rare flowers and choice fruit, the low fence on the lane allowing every one passing to have the full enjoyment of all this beauty and not reserving it for himself alone. The first syringa, the first white lilac, and the first crown imperial ever seen in East Greenwich were in Dr. Turner's famous garden. This love of flowers was characteristic of every member of Dr. Turner's family, and has descended and remained with them to this day.
Dr. Turner was one of the founders of the Social Library, a valuable collection of English literature, (stand- ard works), preserved with care and much read by the then young people, more than half a century ago. Dr. Turner had at different times many students-the late Dr. William Turner, of Newport, who was his nephew and his son-in-law ; the late Dr. Tibbitts, of Apponaug; Dr. Thomas Tillinghast, who resided in the southwest part of the town, that is now called Frenchtown; Dr. King, who was a nephew of his, and who lived and died in Exeter, and also his sons Daniel, who removed to St. Mary's, Georgia,
163
PHYSICIANS.
and died of yellow fever; Henry, who abandoned the pro- fession of medicine and removed to the West, and after- ward to the South, where he died within the last twenty years ; and the late James Varnum Turner, of Newport.
In his figure and personal appearance Dr. Turner was short and rather stout, very erect, and active in his move- ments. He had lost the sight of one eye, over which he wore a green shade, or shaded it with his hand when he walked in the street. It was his custom to ride on horse- back to visit his patients, always on the canter, with his cane pointed forward between the horse's ears. He was very sociable in his habits, fond of conversation, and no man it is said could tell a story with better effect than he. For a number of years he was confined to his room, and for a long time to his bed, entirely helpless from paralysis. He died, as previously stated, February 14th, 1822, and was buried with masonic honors in the Grove, a beautiful spot which he owned, and which was then covered with splendid oak trees, one or two of which are still remaining near the house of Mr. Henry A. Thomas. After lying there many years his remains were removed to Newport and placed in the family burying-ground of his descendants.
Dr. Charles Eldridge came to East Greenwich on October 10th, 1810, to supply for a time a vacancy made by the removal of Dr. Tibbitts. It was not his intention at the time to make a permanent settlement, but to employ himself with such work in his profession, as he might find, for a year or two. He intended to enjoy as he could a residence by the sea-side, (a novelty then), with the privi- lege of sailing and fishing for a time, and seek a permanent home in some more prosperous town. He soon found him- self actively engaged in his practice, and never, with very rare exceptions, left the town, and never availed himself for a day, of the promised pleasures of sailing and fishing.
Dr. Eldridge was born in Brookline, Connecticut, July 31st, 1784. He studied medicine with Dr. Thomas Hub- bard, in Pomfret, attended medical lectures at the Univer- sity of Pennsylvania, and was for one year a resident student at the Pennsylvania Hospital. He soon became interested in the welfare of East Greenwich, its business, its institutions of religion and learning, and was a liberal contributor to its interests. He was very fond of agricul- ture, and did much by his example in this way, to introduce improvements in the cultivation of its soil. To the unfor-
164
HISTORY OF EAST GREENWICH.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.