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I-IISTOKY
WINDHAM COUNTY,
CONNECTICUT.
BT ELLEN D. LASHED.
** If, when we lay down onr pen, we cannot uj hi the slfht of God, * upon strict examination, I have not knowln|[l|r written anything that Is not true * . . . . tlien stndjr and literature render ns nnrtfhteotts and sinftol."— J^MttAr.
VOLUME II. 1760-1880.
rUBLISIIED BY THE AUTHOR.
1880.
WOHCESTBU, MASS. :
PRINTED BY CHARLES HAMILTON,
811 MAIN STREET.
Mpccrj.xxx.
/i'y6
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HA&VAKb COLLEGE L1WU8Y
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1880, by
BLLBN D. LARNBD, In the OIBco of the Librarian of Congress, at Wasliington.
^
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rORTRAITS.
1. Mnjor General Israel Putnam, Brooklyn Frontispiece.
TAQU.
2. General Samuel McClellan, Woodstock, 147
8. lion. Samuel Iluutlngton, Scotland, signer of the Declaration of Inde- pendence, President of the Continental Congress, Governor of Connecticut, • • 236
4. Colonel Thomas Grosvenor, PoroAret, • 2G5
5. Kcv. Joslah Whitney, D. D., Brooklyn, * • 464
6. Bev. Daniel Dow, D. 1)., Thompson, • • ... 536
7. General Lemuel Grosvenor, PomA'ot, 643
8. Smith Wilkinson, Esq., Putnam, pioneer of Cotton manufacturing
In Connecticut, • 547
0. General Nathaniel Lyon, Eastford, 567
10. Hon. David Gallup, Piainfleld, 578
County Map • 651
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niEl ACE.
It is perhaps bnt natural in completing a work of this charac- ter, attempting to cover so large a field, that the antlior should be more couscions of its omissions than its inclusions. To show what had been accomplished by Windham Coontt in the past it was necessary to include the present-^a delicate and difficult matter, rather within the province of the gazetteer tlian the hiptorian. Passing events and conditions have been touched as briefly as possible and present actors very sparingly introduced. Oritics will note with more asperity of judgment the absence of statistical details and tabulated statements, especially with rcfer^ ence to the three wars in which Windham bore a part ; as also of genealogical and topographical data, so essential to a thorough knowledge of any particular section. A future supplement may supply these facts, which it has been impossible for the author to collect at the present time. She has achieved, she trusts, a clear ana truthful narrative of the settlement and development of the towns comprising Windham County, gathered from the archives of the towns and State and from innumerable other sources— a narrative which though strictly confined to county limits, very strikingly sets forth the growth and development of the Natioui and its institutions. The observing reader will see in how many ways this little corner has sent out its influence, and how vitally it is connected with the growth of the body politic. Great pains have been taken to represent its social character and changes, and to. gather up and collate every possible detail of the lives and services of those residents most connected with its development. Undoubte<lly with all this care perBons worthy
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VI. PREPAOK.
of mention huve boon omitted, and nndno prominence may have been given to others. Mistakes and misapprehensions in a work of this kind cannot bo avoided, especially in snch matters as were never before bronght into history, derived from many independ- ent sonrces. Bnt it is believed that these defects and errors are comparatively trifling, and that the friends of Windham Connty have good reason to be satisfied with this record. Especially will they be gratified with the faces of honored citizens, familiar still to some and greatly revered by all, that enrich its pages. Long cherished as priceless treasnres by descendants and friends, they will be warmly welcomed in many Windham Oonnty homes, and will give to fntnre generations a more vivid realization of the days and scenes with which they were connected. The public will join with the writer in thanks to the kind friends who have generously aided in the reproduction of these valued por- traits ; others which were greatly desired it was impossible for various reasons to secure. As the record of events comes down to the present, it seemed but fitting that our picture gallery should include a living representative — our chief ofticial resident, the present lieutenant-governor of Connecticut — which his friends and constituents will highly value.
Grateful thanks are also due to the many friends who havo given valuable information. Especial mention should be made of our eflicient State Librarian, Charles J. Hoadly, Esq., who furnished needful material and opened many sources of informa- tion. Reports of interesting incidents, not to be found in tho County, were sent back from the papery of the late lion. Ephraim Cutler, Marietta, Ohio. J. R. Simms, Esq., Fort Plain, New York, author of the History of Schoharie County, and other historical works ; Mr. George Webb, Elizabeth, New Jersey ; Mr. Pulaski Carter, Providence, Pa.; Mr. J. Q. Adams, Natick, R. I. — former residents of Windham County — have kindly contributed many valuable notes, incidents and remi- niscences. Documents collected by the late William l*.
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Weaver, Esq., received from Mr. Thomas S. Weaver, and excerpts from his local notes and genealogical papers, pre- served by l*rof. Cleveland Abbe, of Washington, D. O., were especially helpfal. Very valuable papers and pamphlets were fonnd in the collection left by John McClellan, Esq., Woodstock. For tliose many favors, and the innumerable details furnished by residents of every town, for the sympa- thy and aid received from so many sources, the writer can only express her appreciative thanks, and her hope that their expectations may be fully realized. In completing a work which has given her a much higher estimate of Windham County's past standing, the writer cannot but hope that it may excite a truer appreciation in others, and by stimulating county feeling and healthy emulation, help to make its onward courac yet more prosperous, and its future record yet fairer and more honorable.
B. D, !«•
Thomiwn, June 30, 1880.
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TOPICAL INDEX.
Aboriginal Inhabltanto, I., 1-11, 88, 8-48, 68; 143, 64, 71-8, 86. 6; 670. II.,
889, 00; 682, 40. Ashford Wbipplug, II., 27, 8; 808. ^
Boccbuti, II., 172, 8; 218; 660. Boundary Disputes and Settlements. I., 18-16, 21, 87, 60, 63-6, 89; 120-8, 83-
86, 7, 42, 6, 8, 9, 66-7, 68, 9, 76; 226-9, 87, 8, 40, 68-6, 94-6; 841; 487-
96. II., 107.9; 466; 627. Canal and Railroad Projects, II., 76; 602, 8, 7, 62, 7, 8. College Graduates, I., 607, 64, 72, 8. II., 17, 91 ; 806. CDnnectlcut Patb, I., 2, 19, 29. II., 87. Dark Day, II., 373.
Ecclesiastic Constitution. I., 268; 426, 69, 70, 7-86. II., 221-6, 74, 96; 466-7. Emigration, I., 287; 566-60. II., 19, 61, 77; 106; 317, 18, 41-3. Executions and Murdei-s, 1., 89 ; ;^1, 2, 88, 9 ; 863, 4. II., 290-8 ; 803, 60, 1, 81 ;
479. Land Bank Scbeme, 888, 4. Medical Society, II., 269.
Military Organization, I., 269, 09. II., 187, 9, 40, Probate CourU Constituted, I., 260; 626, 89. Population. I., 261 ; 670. II. ; 142 ; 388 ; 689, 90. September Gale. II., 429, 86, 40. Singing, I., 60; 622. JI., 98 ; 103 ; 269 ; 869 ; 460. Slaves, I., 661, 2, 70. II., 220; 889; 698. Social Condition, J., 262, 8; 670. II., 62; 888-90, 4-7; 414; 688-90.
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CONTENTS.
BOOK V. 1740-1775.
I* TAOB.
Porafret. Brooklyn Parish. Putnnin. Malbono. Rival Cliurch Edifices* General AflTairs . . • • I
II. Asliford. General Town AfTalrs. Westford Society. First Baptist Cliurch. Eastford Society. Corbln Land Claim 19
III. AflTairs In Canterbury. Whltefleld*8 Visit. Separates. Baptists. West- minster Society 07
IV. Town AfTairs In Wlndlinm. Wyoming Emls^ratlon. Social Life. Scot- land Parish 40
V. Cannda Parish. Pew Dispute. School Districts. Troubles with Key. Samuel Mosely. Voluutown 57
VL
Religious Settlement In Plalnfleld. General Town AflTilrs 71
VII. Town AffHtrs In Kllllngly. Thompson Parish. Baptist Church Formed. Kllllngly Hill. South Kllllngly Church. Chestnut Hill. Baptist Church 77
VIII. Woodstock's Three Parishes. Baptist Church. Town Affairs. Troubles with Massachusetts 97
BOOK VI. 1764-1783.
WINDHAM IN THE REVOLUTION.
I.
Opposition to Stamp Act. Non-importation. Food for Boston. Resolves and Onsets. A Great Uprising HI
n.
Preparation for the Conflict. Onward to Cambridge. Bunker Hill. Home Attairs. Death of Rey. Joseph Howe 137
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X. 0ONTKNT8.
IH.
Campaign of 1776. Si magics and Disasters. Death of Knowlton. Town Resolutions. Campaigns of 1777-78. Discouragements 159
IV. Gloomy Days. Endurance. Home AflViirs. Drighteuing Prospects. Victory 188
BOOK VII. 1783-1807.
I. Banishment of Tories. Sutfcrlngs of Soldiers. War Settlements. Adop- tion of Federal Constitution 205
II. Windham's Prosperity. The Windham Phenix, Religious Declension. Political Agitation 218
III. Scotland's First Bell. Life at the Parsonage. Changes. Trouble with Dr. Cogswell 280
IV. Hampton Sot Oflf. Death of Mr. MoKcly. Prosperity and Progress. (Ircn- adicr Company. Grow Church. Deacon Benjamin (Chaplin .... 238
V. Orgsnizallon of Brooklyn. Adams' District. Last Years of General Putnam. Colonel Maibone. Captain Tyler. Growth and Pros- perity 249
VI. Pomft'et's Progress. Oliver Dodge. Reformed Church. Methodists. Baptists. Turnpikes. Trial and Execution of Caleb Adams .... 265
VII. General Affairs In Ashford. Visit from President Washington. Turnpike Enterprise. David Bolles and the Baptist Petition. Congregational and Baptist Churches 298
VIII. Canterbury Bridges. Enterprising Young Men. Master Adams' School. Town and Church Affairs. Westminster Society. Cleveland .... 304
IX.
Plainfleld Church In Pursuit of a Pastor. New Meeting-house. Dr. Bene- dict. Plainfleld Academy. DIstingul.shed Citizens. Town Affairs . 819
X.
Killingly Established. North Society. Trials of BaptlsU. South Killlugly Church and Trainings. West Killingly Church. Emigration to Ohio 880
XI. Town Organization in Thompson. Business Enterprise. Ordinations of Daniel Dow and Pearson Crosby. Report of School Inspectors. Sale of Thompson Tract. lmi>rovonients aiitl Excitements. Couiiler- , felting . 848
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cyiNTKNTB. XI.
XII. Town and Charch Affaim in Woodstock. Academy Founded. Thief- Detecting Society. Murder of Marcus Lyon. Losses and Changes . 863
XIII. Orgnnl7,ation of Sterling. Meeting-house Erected. Town and Church Affairs In Voluntown. Line Mcethig-housc 888
XIV. Windham County In 1800. Population. Business. Morals. Religion. Schools. Social Condition 888
BOOK VIII. 1807-^1820. I.
ThcCnrdIng Machine. Pomfret Manuflicturing Company. Manufacturing Furor. War of 1812-14 809
IL Windham Enterprise and Difficulties. Fun and Fishing. Church Affairs .411
in.
Town and Church Affairs in Hampton. Clioplln Society. Organization of Church. Meeting-house and Minister • • . 417
IV. Enterprise In Canterbury. Fatal Accident. Church AflHIrs 433
V. Plsinllcld Manufacturers. Death of Dr. Benedict. Highways and Bridges. Sterling. Voluntown 437
VI. Manufacturing Excitement in Rillingly. Church Affairs. United Tract Society 481
VII. Thompson's Manufacturing Companies. Village Growth and Improve- ments. The Great Revival of 1818-14 488
VIII. The Revival in Pomfret. Business AflHIrs. Moral and Agricultural Societies 444
IX. Business in Woodstock. Churches. Academy. Thefts and Whipping. Dudley Land Cose 451
X.
Town and Church Affairs In Ashford 456
XL Town Affairs in Brooklyn. Unitarian Controversy. The New Constitu- tion. Change of County Seat 4C0
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Xn. OONTKNTB.
BOOK IX. 1820-1845.
I. TraiiHferrciice of Courts. Brooklyn Enterprise. Dcnth of Dr. Whitney. Ministry of SamuelJ. May. Execution of Watklna 471
II. Temperance Work in Windham County. Organization of County Temper- ance Society. Eiforts and Results 480
III. MisH Crandall's Schools— White and Colored. Canterbury in Danger. Excitement. Expulsion. .' 490
IV.
Canterbury. Plaindeld. Voluntown. Sterling 502
V.
Windham. Willimantic Village. Chaplin 511
VI.
Hampton. Ashford. Eastford Parish 520
VII.
Woodstock. Thompson 527
VIII. . Killingly. Pomfret. Pomfret Factory 539
IJOOK X. 1840-1880.
The Present Outlook. Putnam. Danielsonville. Willimantic. Windham Green. North and South Windham. Scotland. Chaplin. Hamp- ton. Ashford. Eastford. Brooklyn. Canterbury. Voluntown. Sterling. Plaiufleld. Central Village. Mousup. Waurogau. Day- ville. WllllamsviUe. East and South Killingly. Grosvenordale. Thompson. Pomfiret. Woodstock. Notable Meetings of Woodstock. Windham County's Latest War-Reconl. The Army of Emigranis. To-day and To-morrow 551
Appbndix. a.— Origin of Town Names 591
B.— English Report of Putnam's Wolf Fight 591
C— The Battle of the Frogs 592
D.— A Relic of Slavery 593
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BOOK V-
I.
FOMFUET. BUOOKLYN SOCIRTY. PUTNAM. MALBONE. RIVAL CHURCH EDIFICES. GENERAL AFFAIRS.
rflHE heavy burden borne by Windhftrn County through the weari- -L some French and Indian war was not without its compensations. Stringent compulsory demands called out the energies of the towns and developed their resources. Wider experience, and the stimulat- ing <]i8oipHiie of camp and battle, made stronger men of those engaged in warfare, and fitted them for greater usefulness at home. No town was more favored in this respect than Pomfret Her sons greatly distinguished themselves in the war, and returned to engage with equal zeal and lidelily in Ihe service of town ami comity. At the annual meeting of the town, December 1, 1760, many of these returned soldiers were elected to town offices. Deacon Jonathan Dresser served as mo<lerator. More than fifty men were needed to fill the various public ofiiccs. Kbenc^zcr Williams, Ksq., Captain John Grosvenor, Captain Zachariah Spalding, Deacons Edward Iluggles and David Wil- liams were chosen selectmen ; Timothy Sabin, town clerk and treasurer ; Ensign Nathaniel Clark, Ephraim Ingalls and Samuel Williams, con* stables — one for each society ; liufus llerrick, John Gilbert, William All worth, Paul Adams, Solomon Griggs, Daniel Cheney, Jonathan White, George Sumner, Samuel Cotton, Ebenezer Deming, Ebenezer Williams, Esq., David Chandler, Amasa Sessions, Jaciob Goo<lell and Nathaniel Abbott, highway surveyors ; Abijah Williams and John Weld, fence viewers ; John Parkhurst, Jun., Josiah Sabin, Ephraim Tucker, Jun., Joseph Scarborough, Thomas Williams, Deacon Samuel Craft and Ebenezer Goodell, listers ; John Williams, Jun., Adonijah Fa.sset and John Williams, grand-jm'ors ; Jedidiah AHhcratl, James Copeland, Joseph Philips, Nathaniel Rogers, Ephraim Griggs and John Ilolbrook, tithing-men ; William Sabin, John Davison, Jonathan Allen, Josiah Wheeler and Captain Zachariah Spalding, hoi-se-branders ; Ben- jamin Smith and Benjamin Sharpe, weight-sealers ; Samuel Carpenter, excise collector ; Ensign Nathaniel Clark, town-collector; Benjamin 1
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2 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
Griffin, key -keeper. Most of these officers will be recognized as descend- ants of the early settlers of Pomfret. The sole survivor of the first settlers at this date was apparently Mr. Nathaniel Sessions, *' a sober man and useful member of society, " who forty years before had oja^ned the first cart road from Provitlence. Now in serene old age, resting from his labors in his pleasant home in Abington, he was ever ready to aid the town with liis counsel and suggestions, and passed his leisure hours in the study of the Scriptures, committing a large part of them to memory in fear that he should be depi-ived of his eyesight.
The mill site on the Quinebaug had now changed owners. In 1760, the laud between the Quinebaug and Mill Rivera, with privilege of the Falls, mills, dwelling-house, malt house, dye-house, and all their appurtenances, was sold by Nathaniel Daniels to Benjamin Cargill, of South Kingston, R. I., a descendant of Rev. Donald Cargill, of Scot- land. Mr. Cargill at once took possession of his purchase and by his shrewdness and good management so improved its business facilities that ^ Cargill's Mills " soon became a noted place of resort for all the surrounding country; malting, dyeing and giinding for parts of Pomfret, Woodstock, Killingly and Thompson Parish.
Town afiairs rccpiired very little attention. New roads were dis- cussed and other public improvements, but nothing undertaken. The energies of the first society were now wholly absorbed in building the long projected meeting-house. After a years sus- pension work was resumed. At a society meeting, December 4, 1761, William Sabin was chosen moderator; John Payson, clerk 5 Captain John Grosveuor, Gershom Sharpe and Samuel Carpenter, committee. It was then voted to raise money and go forward with the finishing of the house — money to be raised by a tax of ninepence per pound on the list. A stalwait body of seats in the centre of the house had already been erected. Foity-four pews were now ordered — ^twenty-six against the walls ; eighteen ranged behind the body seats. It was also voted, " That those forty-three pei-sons that are highest in the list shall have the liberty of drawing forty-three of the pews ; they building each one his own pow and finishing the wall of said house, adjoining to his pew, to the fii-st girth ; he that is highest in the list to have the first choice, and so on till they have done drawing ; re- serving room for one |>ew for the ministry in said society, where the Rev. Mr. Aaron Putnam shall choose it " The difficulties and differ- ences which delayed so long the initiation of this work had now sub- sided, and all parties united with great apparent zeal and heartiness in its progress and completion. Thomas Stedman, the skillful architect of the new meeting-house in Canada Parish, was employed as master- builder. Galleries were built around the sides of the house, a high
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rOMFRVr, BBOOKLTN 800IKTT, ETC. 3
pnlpit and massive canopy erected, and the outside '^ oullered " in the roost approred fashion of the day — the body deep orange with doors and bottom-boards of chocolate color, " window-jets, " corner and weather-boards, white. This fanciful "cullering** was greatly ad- mired and copied, and the house when completed was probably the largest and finest in the county. The formal dedication of houses of worship was not then in vogue, but a preliminary " lecture sermon " was preached in this by Mr. Putnam, Thursday, January 20, 1763. The old meeting-house and training-Held adjacent were sold by order of the society, and liberty granted to build sheds on the east line of the common within four rods of J lev. Mr. Aaron Putnam's house.
Brooklyn society was increasing in strength and numbers. Ebenezer Witter of Preston, John and Israel Litchfield, James and Thomas Eldredge, William and Nehemiah Pnnce, Stephen Baker, Rufus Ilemck and Andrew Lester had become its residents. The original settlers wore represented by many thriving families. A remo<leling of school districts, in 1762, shows the distribution of the inhabitants : —
'^District 1. Containing Cnptalu Spalding, Prince's place, tliat fnrm that was tlic Hcverend Mr. Avery's, Natlian Ciwly, Adunijnli Fasset, David Kendall, Jolin Kimball, Rev. Mr.* Whitney, Stephen Balccr, E/.elclel Cady, Uriah Cady, Daniel Tyler. Thomas Williams, Samuel Clevehind and Joseph Cady.
District 2. All the lands and houses or Colonel Malhone that arc hi the society, William Karl, Mosrs ICarl, Jonas Frost, Jvdidlah Ashcraft, Jo.«epli llnhhard. Abner Adams, Hcnjamln Fasset, Nehemiah Adams. John Habbard, Daniel Adams, Noah and Panl Adatns and Samuel Wilson.
District 3. To contain Peter and Richard Adams, Widow Allyn, Lieutenant Smith, Sergeant Woodward, Reuben Darbc, Jonas Cleveland, Josiah. James and Joseph Fasset, John Allyn, Lieutenant Spalding, Elijah Monrose, Joseph Dyer, Jonathan Backus, Andrew lister. Captain Prince, Nehemiah Prince, Thomas Wheeler, William Copeliind and Moses Smith.
District 4. To contain Nehemiah Bacon, Joseph Scarborough, Samuel Jacques, James Benncl, Joseph Ross, Widow Barret, Lieutenant Smith, Dr. Walton, Barnabas Wood, Deacon Scarborougli, Colonel Putnam and Thomas Eldredge.
District 6. To contain Samuel WilllamH, Jun., William Williams, Jun., Deacon Willlnms, Samuel Williams, Ebenezer Weeks, Rufus Herrick, Jedldlah Downing, Widow Davyson, Banjainin Fasset, Jun., and Amoral Chapman.
District 6. To contain John Lllchlleld, Israel Litchfleld, Darius Cady, James Darbc, Senior and Junior, Samuel and Eleazer Darbe, Nathan Kim- ball, Benjamin Shcpard, Nehemiah Cady, Caleb Spalding, Daniel, Nahum, John, Henry and Benjamin Cady.
District 7. John Fasset, James Copeland, Qidlon Cady, Samuel Winter, Nathan Witter, Asa Tyler, Lieutenant Hunt, the farm that was Thomas Stan- ton's, Jacob Staples, Jethro Rogers, James Bldlack and Aaron Fuller.'*
The central school -house was now moved to a suitable place in one corner of the common, and " fitted up as well as it was before," and school-houses provided as soon as possible for the surrounding districts. A school was kept at least two and one-fifth months a year in each dis- trict Faithful men were appointed to take charge of the school money. Innovations in public religious worship next claimed the attention of Brooklyn society. In' 1763, the church concluded that the
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4 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
pastor sliould read the Holy Scriptures for the time to come on Lord's day, viz.: a portion in the morning ont of the Old Tentament, and in the afternoon out of the New Testament, in coni-se, immediately hefbre (irst singing; omitting such chapters as should he thought less instruc- tive. The society voted meanwhile, to provide a cushion for the pul- pit. Also —
*< To mend yo glass uud frames and canemcnts of ye mectiii<r-]iousc, nnd where ye clapboards are off or split to put on more, and put on slihiglea where they are wanted, and rectUV ye under-pinning — Daniel Tyler to be the man to see that ye meethig-house be repatrctl."
These repairs were unsatisfactory. The house though but thirty years old, was rude and shabby. The elegant church edifices lately erected by tlie first and third societies of Potnfret excited envy and enuilation. Brooklyn was increasing more rapidly than the other societies ; its affairs were nnmagod by men of energy and public s|)irit ; its young pastor was eager for progress and improvement, and it could not long rest satisfied with inferior accommodations. In 176G, it was accordingly proposed to build a new meeting house, but the society declined to consider the (piestion and only voteil —
**To put up a new window on the north 8ide of the meotiu^-housc, and board up the wintlow that is broken against the front gallirry, and pnt some new shingles on the roof wiic-re (iie water runs throngli, and pni a new clap- board on tlie north side where one is oil', and give Mr. Josepli Davison 27^. to do the same. "
This vote gave great offence to the " young American " element in the society, especially to Dr. Walton, who berated the conserv.itives lor meanness and lack of public s])irit, and declared the present house '^ old, shaky anil not lit to meet in. "
The return of Colonel Putnam to Pomfret in 1765 gave a new im- pulse to public improvements in town and society. The distinguished success of this gallant officer in the field had greatly changed his position at home. Enemies more formidable than wolves had now been overcome. The obscure JSIortlake farmer had proved himself equal to every emergency. His valorous exploits during the war had captivated the popular fancy. His services at IFavana and Detroit had brought him prominently before the public and added dignity to his reputation, and no oflicer in the American ranks was more widely known or applauded. Time had l)lunted the edge of sectional prejudice, and he was welcomed home after ten years absence as one whom all delighted to honor. His fellow-citizens once so chary of their favors now loaded him with public ofiice.s. He was called to preside as modera- tor at town and society meetings. He was made first selectman, and sent as deputy to the General Assenddy. He devimul and laid ont roads, he set out scliooUdistricts, he <k*lil)cr:U(Ml upon tlie great
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rOMFRFrr, iniOOKLYN booikty, kto. 5
question whetljer to repair or pull down the meeting-house ; nor did he disdain to " hire the master, " seat the meeting-house, collect parish rates, nor even to receive crows' heads and ])iiy. out the bounty money. Uniting with the church soon after his return he was sent as its " messenger " upon many important occasions, his military experience giving him, it may have been supposed, peculiar aptitude in <]isentang1i ng and Bottling ecclesiastic controversies and complications. These various duties were discharged with character- istic heartiness and fidelity. His eye was quick, his judgment sound and practical, and whatever he devised he was sure to carry through with [»romptitude. Improvements on his house and farm soon bore witness to his untiring energy. Sword and gun were gladly exchanged for plow and pruning knife. lie imported new stock, set out young trees and engaged in various agricultural experiments. But with all his ]>rivate and public duties he was ever ready to aid his neighbors by advice or service. When an alarm of fire was heard in the neigh- borhood he was the first man on the ground, and with his own brawny arms brought up from the cellar the well-filled pork barrel that was to furnish food for the needy household, and none was more prompt in relieving the wants of the dostitnte.
r>nt rtttnam \v:is not permit! imI to restrict his energies to his own farm and neighborhood. He returned at a great political crisis. The revolutionary confiict had opened. The Stamp Act had just been pro- nuilgated, and all the Colonies were ablaze \vitli indignation. No man was more imbued with the spirit of the times, more resolute in determination to resist farther encroachment upon colonial liberties, and he had the art of infusing his s]»irit into others. As the avowed op])onent of the Stamp Act he was welcomed home with acclamation, and ardent patriots rallied around him as their champion and leader in resist^nnce and aggression. He was called upon to preside at intlignation meet- ings in various parts of Windham County. His pungent^ pithy words had great effect upon his hearers. The foray u|)on Ingersoll and other demonstrations of popular feeling were saifl to have been instigated by Putnam, and the prominence of Windham County in the subsequent struggle was ascribed in great measure to his presence and mfluence.
Putnam's triumphant return was shadowed by a great domestic afiliclion — the death of his beloved wife — in the autumn of 1765. She left seven living children — Israel, the oldest, now twenty-five years of age, and the yotmgest, Peter Schuyler, an infant of a few months. In 1767, Colonel Putnam was married to Madam Deborah Gardiner, a lady long known to him as the wife of Brooklyn's first minister, Hev. Ephraim Avery, and afterwards of John Gardiner, Esq., of (iardiner's
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Island. Thb inamage gave new dignity to his social position, bring- ing him into connection with many prominent families, and with that ecclesiastic clement so potent in Connecticut at this period. Mrs. Put- nam liad a large circle of friends and much social experience. Her husband was the most popular man of the day. Their hospitable home drew throngs of visitants. Every soldier passing through Windham County would go out of his way to call upon his beloved colonel, licla- tives, friends, traveling ministers, distinguished strangera and gush- ing patriots came in such numbers that their enteitainment becjime very burdensome. A Virginian Jefferson would submit to such an invasion though it made him bankrupt ; a Yankee Putnam could con- trive to turn it into profit, or at least save himself from ruin. Finding that his estate could not support such an exce-ssive outlay, Putnam met the emergency with one- of his sudden strokes, removed his resi- dence to the Avery estate on Brooklyn Green, and opened his house for general public accommodation. A fulMength representiition of its proprietor as "General Wolf," in appropriate military costume, hung before the door, its outstretched hand inviting all to enter. That Brooklyn tavern, with Putnam for its landlord and Mra. Avery Gardi- ner Putnam as mistress, became one of the most noted gathering places in Eastern Connecticut, and witnessed many a thrilling scene of the great Uevolutionary dmma.
Putnam's return to Pomfret was nearly cotemporary with the advent of another distinguished personage of very diiferent charcter and proclivities — Godfrey Malbone, of Newport. An aristocrat by birth and sympathies ; a loyalist, devoted to the Crown and Chiu'ch of England — untoward fate brought him to finish his days amid the rude, rebel yeomanry of Pomfret, in the same neighborhood with the great champion of popular rights and libeities. Colonel Mal- bone was a man of varied experience and accomplishments, lie was educated at King's College, Oxford, hod traveled much and moved in the Hrst circles of Euro|)e and America. Inheriting a large estate from his father, he had lived in a style of princely luxury and magniti- cence. His country-house, a mile from Newpoit state-house, was called '^ the most splendid edifice in all the Colonies. " Com))leted at great cost after long delay, it was destroyed by fire in the midst of house- warming festivities. Colonel Malbone's financial affairs had become seriously embarrassed. His commercial enterprises had been thwarted by the insubordination of the Colonies. His ships had been taken by privateers, and his property destroyed by Newport mobs, and now that his elegant edifice was consumed, he refused to battle longer with fate and o])posing elements, and, early in 1706, buried himself in the wilds of Pomfret. Some three thousand acriis of land, bought from Belcher,
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Willinins and othci*8, Imd been made over to liim at the decease of liia father, well stocked with cows, horses, sheep, swine, goats and negroes. These slaves according to common report were a part of a cargo brought from Holland who helped repel a piratical assault^ and were retained for life and comfortably supported. Amid such rude, uncon- genial surroundings, Malbone made his home, exchanging his palatial residence for a common tenant-house, and renouncing all business interests but the cultivation of his land and the utilization of his negro forces. With the town*s people he held as little intercourse as possible. They belonged to a class and world of which he had a very im- pei^feot conception. Such gentlemen as called upon him were received with politeness ; poor people asking aid were relieved ; town and church rates were paid without demur or question, but all without the slightest personal interest Of their schools and churches, their town government and projected improvements, he knew or cared nothing. Their political aspirations and declamations he looked upon with scorn beyond expression.
It was not till he discovered that these insignificant country people were concerting a project very detrimentil to his own interests that Colonel Malbone was roused from his lofty indifference. Brooklyn Society was bent upon a now meeting house. Putnaurs removal to the village had given a new impetus to the movement With such a famous tavern and troops of fine company, how could the people con- descend to attend religions worahip in an old shaky house, with patched roof and boarded windows. Again, in the autunm of 1768, a meeting was called to consider this important question. Great efforts were made to secure a full vote, and as an argument for a new building it was currently whispered that the Malbone estate, now rising in value, would pay a large |>crcentago of the outlay. So ignorant was Colonel Malbone of neighborhood ailaii-s that he did not even know that such a question was pending. *' A strange sort of notification " affixed to the public sign-post had for him no significance. He paid no heed to town or society meetings, an<l the vote might have been 04irried with- out his participation or knowledge had not one of his tenants thought it his duty to apprize him on the very day preceding the meeting. Alarmed by the tidings he at once waited upon Mr. Whitney, whom he had ever treated with the respect due to his position and character, and represented to him the.imprudence as well as inexpediency of such a step at a juncture when every one complained of the great hardships of the time and extreme scarceness of money. To convince him of its necessity Mr. Whitney took him to the meeting-house, which ho had never before deigned to enter, but though joined "by an Esquire, Col- onel and farmer/* (probably Holland, Putnam and Williams), all their
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arguments were ineileetual. Tiie primitive meeting-house seemed to him quite gooil enough for the congregation, a few trilling repairs were all tliat was needeil, and if really too small its enlargement was practi- c*d)le. So much uneasiness was manifested at the latter suggestion, and such determined resolution to build at all events that Colonel Malbone saw clearly that the measure was likely to be Ciuricd, and witlnnit returning home galloped over to IMainfield to consult with the only churchman of an}' note in the vicinity — John Aplin, Esq., a lawyer lately removed from Providence, a staunch loyalist, greatly embittered against the colonists. lie assured I^ialbone that as the laws stood he could not possibly help himself; that if those people had a mind to erect a square building this year and pull it down and build a round one the next, he nmst submit to the expense unless they had a church of their own, or got relief from England. Convinced of the necessity of vigorous opposition, Colonel l\Ialbone next day attended the society meeting, *' debated the question with the Esquire in very regular fashion," and had the satisfaction of seeing it thoroughly defeated — " the odds against building being very great when put to vote. "
Opposition only made the minority more determined. They con- tinneil to ngitate the matter both in public and private, and were "so extremely industrious and indefatigable, promising to pay the rates for those who coultl not atlbrd it, " that they gained many adherents. In September, 1709, another society meeting was called, when Colonel i\lalbone again appeared with the following protest: —
*' 1. 1 (luuni tlio present liouso with a very few trifling repairs n)to<rctlicr sunicicnt and proper to answer the purpose ileslgucd, it beiii^ no way anti- quated, and with siiiull expense may be made equal to wlien it wasllrstfln- Islied and full as decent as the situation of the parish will allow of, and cer- tainly much more sulttihle to our circumstances than the superb edlUce pro- posed to be erected—God Almighty not being so much delighted with temples made with hands as with meelv, humble and upright hearts.
2. If the building had been really necessary it wouKI be prudent to post- pone it ratlier than to burden the inhabitants at this distressful season, when there is scarce a farthing of mouey circulated among us, and tlie most wealthy obliged to send the produce of their lands to markets for distress to raise a suflleiency for payment of taxes for the support of the ndnistry only, and the generality scarce able, though we pay no proviuce tax, to live a poor, wretched, ndserable life.
3. I was born and educated in tlie principles and profession of the Estab- lished National Church, and determine to persevere in those principles to the day of my death ; llierefore, decline from entering into so great an expense — a full eighth of the whole charge — wherefore, in presence of this meeting, I do publicly repeat my dissent and absolutely protest. "
Upon putting the ([uestion to vote a majority of o7ie declared against building ; but as three of the pronnnent advocates were absent at a funeral the point was virtually carried. Elated with the pros- peel of success, the friends of the new house now indulged in some natural expressions of triunq>h. I^hat J^lalbonc's opiiosition had in-
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creased tlieir spirit and determination is qnite probable. While he esteemed his country neighbors as boors and clowns, characterized by ^* cant, canning, hypocrisy and lowness of manners, " they had sufficient acuteness to detect and reciprocate his ill opinion, and resent his attempt to thwart them in their dearest legal and local privilege. His scornful contempt was now repaid by downright insolence, and these canting clowns did not hesitate to say in the most public manner, '* that as churchmen had made them pay in other places, they had the right and would make use of it to make churchmen pay here, *' and " that by sell- ing off a few of his negroes to p ly his building rate, the damage would not be very great " These "insults" added to the "intended oppres- sion ** roused the high spirited Malbone to immediate resolution and action. For nearly thirty years his estate had paid for the sup|iort of religious worship in this society. Although as non-resident Episco- palians they might have obtained exemption from government, yet as the tax was comparatively light, the value of the property enhanced by the maintenance of this worship, and father and son exceedingly liberal and open handed, they had paid it without protesting. Removing to Brooklyn, Malbone still disdained to question it till confronted by this large impost As a resident of the parish he would be compelled by law to pay it unless he could attend public worship elsewhere. To help those who had thus insulted him, to yield the point to his opponents, to be instrumental in erecting " what some called a schism- shop, " was wholly repugnant to him. The church at Norwich was practically inaccessible, lielief might be obtained by appealing to the King, but this implied negotiation and delay. A more instant and effectual remedy was needed and devised. Malbone was an ardent royalist, devoted heart and soul to the interests of the British Govern- ment The English Church was one with the Crown. By establishing Episcopal worship in his own neighborhood, he could not only secure himself from taxation and discomKt his opponents, but strengthen the hands of his King and country, and bring new adherents to their cause. These considerations were too weighty to be rejected. They appealed to the strongest and deepest sympathies of his nature, and with characteristic impulsiveness he emerged from his retirement and devoted himself with all his energies and resources to the establish- ment of the Church of England on the very land purchased by Black- well for a Puritan Colony.
Followers soon rallied around him. The few Tories in the neigh- borhood were eager to join him. Dr. Walton, who had made himself obnoxious by his political course and was now " debarred from church privileges for rough speaking," came out boldly for Episcopacy and Malbone. Apliu of Plainfield, was ready with aid and counsel. Brook- 2
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lyn, like other parishes, had its malcontents, its aggrieved rate-payers, ready to avenge old wrongs and forestall future assessments by uniting with a new organization. A paper circulated by Dr. Walton procured the signatures of nineteen persons, heads of families, agreeing to become members of the Church of England when church edifice and missionary should be provided. To provide these essentials was a matter of great ditticulty. Eveiy argument urged by Malbone against the building of the Brooklyn meeting-house applied with greater force to his own project Times were hard, money scarce, his own pecuni- ary afiairs embarrassed, his proselytes mainly of the poorer classes. The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in foreign parts, indig nant at the growing insubordination of the colonies, had *' deteiiuined not to make any new missions in New England." But Malbone had A-iends and influence abroad, and a ready wit and pen of his own — " himself a host," able to overcome all opposing obstacles. In grace- ful letters admirably adapted to the various recipients he told his story. To former boon companions, who might " reasonably be surprized that he had undertaken to make proselytes and build churches," he would not pretend that he was induced to this by religious motives merely. That would "border very near upon that ilamnable sin of hypocrisy and falsehood, from the schools of which he was endeavoring U> bring over as many as he should be able by the utmost pains and assidiiily." To them he dwelt mainly upon the unpleasantness of his personal position, and the folly of this ridiculous vain people *' of Brooklyn, who, from a ridiculous spirit of pride and enuilation, were about to demolish a stnicture as sound and good as when Hi*st finished, that they might build one newer, larger, and probably yellmoer than a monstrous great ^unformed new one that looked like a bam, painted all over a very bright yellow, recently erected in Pomfret." To clerical fi-iends he expressed his repugnance to saddling his estate already too much encumbered with an expense of perhaps two hundred pounds — and for what — ^to build an Independent meeting-house ! to furnish money for what could only be a considerable prejudice to the cause of their religion, and begged their utmost assistance from principle. Presbyterianism, he averred, so abhoiTcnt to the true principles of the English Constitution that he considered the man who endeavored by every mild and moderate method to propagate the worship of the Church of England, as aiming at a very great national service. In a very able letter addressed to the Bishop of Bangor— his former class- mate at Oxford — ^lie declared that 'Hhe ministry could not take a more effectual step to humble the overgrown pride of the Independ- ents in these Colonies (who, notwithstanding their much vaunted loyalty, would very gladly exchange monarchy for a republic, so very
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compatible with tlieir religioufl syHtein), tlian to encourage tlie growth of the church," and he adjured all having any influence with Bishops or dignitaries to endeavor to procure an order from his Majesty, exempting all churchmen " from the shameful necessity of contribut- ing to the suj)port of dissenting worship." These pleas and representa- tions secured from the Venerable Society the promise of aid in the support of a minister, and various suras of money for the church edifice. A hundred pounds was given by Malbone, ten pounds by Dr. Walton and smaller sums by others. An eligible building site on the Adams tract, south of Malbone*8 land, was given by Azariah Adams. So expeditions were the movements of the churchmen, that before the middle of November, Malbone had already executed a plan for a building, and made arrangements for providing materials.
This unexpected departure and revolt, and the prospect of an Episcopal house of worship, only stimulated the seal of the friends of the parish meeting-house. Great eflbrts were made to bring the ueuti*al and wavering to a decision, the leaders of each party offering to pay the building-rate of such poor persons as should declare in its favor. The decisive vote was taken Feb. 6, 1770, "and there were Beventy>two voted to build and twenty-one lawful voters against it." It was also voted at a subsequent meeting, that the meeting-house should be built by a rate upon the previous tax list. The injustice of this attempt to extort a building-rate from the churchmen enlisted public sympathy in their favor, and some of the leading men in the society joined with Malbone in protesting against it. From neighbor- ing towns he received aid and support. Residents of Plainfield and Canterbury, alienated from their own churches by bitter religions dissensions gave him their names and influence, so that with a strong party to uphold him he thus appealed to the General Court for relief and exemption : —
•* Tour petitioners, (lo«lrona of worshipping Ood In public nccordlnpr to their own sentiments nnd tiic <llrcctioii of tlielr consciences, In tlie beginning of October, 176!), did nssenible tiicinselves togctlicr, and enter into engage- ments for building wltiiin said partsli of Brooiviyn, a Iionse of worship according to the model of the Church of England, and for supplying the same with a minister duly qnalifled, and liave carried the same into execution, so that public worship will be performed therein in a few months, rubilc meeting-house is of suincient dimensions and with some few repairs would malie a good and decent house; that soon after their purpose was Icuowu tiic iniiabitaiits of Broolciyn, at a society meeting, held Feb. 6, 1770, did vote that said racetlng-houso should be pulled down and a new one erected, the expense to be paid by an assessment of the parish ; and to precipitate tiio transaction tlie society voted on March 9, That tlic assessment should be com- pleted according to the list of ratable estates given in the September pre- vious, although the said tax by said vote is not made payable till the first of Dec, 1770, by which Illegal and unprecedented act, It is manifest that the whole was passed with a design to Include such of your petitioners as belonged to Brooklyn in the taxation, although the church should before that
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM OOUNTT.
tiino be erected in Brooklyn* and themselves excused by colony statute. Whereupon your memorialiats pray, that on condition the church intended to be built shall be by them built, so that public worship be performed at or before the said flrst day of Dec, they may stand acquitted and discharged Arom said tax.
Godfrey Malbone. Joseph Hubbard. Jerre Cleveland. Timothy Ixjwe. Jedidinh Ashcroft, Sen. Ahaziah Adams. Jacob Staple. Daniel McOlond. Caleb Spalding. Benjamin Jewett.
John Allyn. John Wheeler. Leonard Cady. Noah Adams. Henry Cady. Thomas Adams. Isaac Adams. Samuel Adams. Elisha Adams. James Darbe, Jun.
Jonathan Wheeler. Jacob Geor. William Walton. Jonas Cleveland. Jabez Allyn. Nehemlah Adams. Benjamin Cady. John Ashcraft. Seth Sabin. James Bldridge.
Subscribers adjacent to Brooklyn, united in building a church, recommend the petition as reasonable and tit to be granted.
John Pellet. John Tyler. Zebulon Tyler. Samuel Adams. John Aplin. Timothy Adams. Philemon Holt. Phineas Tyler. Peter Loi*t.
William Pellet. David Hide. Asa Stevens. Kobert Durkee. Hichard Smith. Thomas l*ellet. David Pellet. Joseph Pellet. Morgan Carmans.
Jonathan Downing. Caleb Faulkner. Abljah Cady. Edward Cleveland. Hichard Butts. . Dudley Wade. Samuel Cleveland. Jedidiah Ashcroft, Jun.
April 10, 1770."
Oonsidemtion of tliU incmoriiil was deferred until October, when- it was opposed by Thomas Williams in behalf of the society. Relief was granted to Malbone, as an acknowledged chnrehman, but denied to his associates, from lack of confidence in the sincerity of their motives.
Meanwhile the rival edifices were in progress. A commiltee from the County Court, summoned by Joseph Sciirborough, and waited upon by Daniel Tyler and Seth Paine, affixed for the society a build- ing spot on the Green, a few rods southeast of the old meeting house — ** its front foreside facing the road." Mr. Daniel Tyler, the super- visor of the first house, again served as master-builder. His experi- ence and judgment, aided perhaps by the pungent strictures of Colonel Malbone, enabled him to construct an edifice far less amenable to criticism than the Pomfret model — pronounced by common consent <<a very genteel meeting-house." It was of ample size and graceful proportions, with a convenient porch and handsome steeple, built at their own expense by Daniel Tyler and others. A special vote pro- vided "that our new meeting-house be colored tohite." Five seats eleven feet long were ranged each side the broad alley. The remain- der of the floor was occupied by capacious pews. " Forty-three persons that pay the greatest rates that are on that list, which contains no man's poll and ratable estate than what was under their immediate care and occupancy," were allowed the floor to build pews on. The
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top of the floor of the wall pews wns to be nine incites above the top of the floor of the house, that of the body pews to be fonr-and a-half inches above tlie same ; all to be neatly finished with banistera. A competent committee was appointed to decide upon the builders of these pews — viz. : Thomas. Williams, Daniel Tyler, Seth Paino, Colonel Putnam, Deacon Scarborough, Captain Pierce, Josei)h Holland, Samuel Williams, Sen. and Junior. These gentlemen with the society *s committee and the ]>a8tor were to determine " where each pew as well as the minister's and pulpit should be." By a bequest from Mr. Joseph Scarborough, who died before the house was completed, a bell was provided and hung — the second in the county. Private enterprise placed a convenient clock in the steeple. The progressive spirit of the Brooklyn people was further manifested by their voting, ''That an Eleclaiick Rod may be set up at the new meeting-house, provided it be done without cost to the society." This house was probably occupied in the summer of 1771, but there is no record of any especial observance of its opening. The formal dedication of church edifices was one of the Papal practices long eschewed by Dissenting churches. The society showed its regard for the meeting- house so hardly obtained by entrusting its care to its most honored public citizen, voting —
<* That Colonel Putnam take care of the new meeting* house nnd ring the bell at three pounds a year."
When the Colonel went to the war, his minister took his place as bell ringer. Only the first men in the society were deemed worthy of such an honor. It was ordered *' that the bell should be rung on Sabbaths, Fasts, Thanksgivings and lectures, as was customary in other places where they have bells, also at twelve at noon and nine at night."
The Malbone Church, as it was commonly colled, was completed in advance of its rival. It was a neat, unpretentious structm*e, closely copying its namesake — Trinity Church, of Newport — in its interior ar- rangement. To prcjiare his proselyt<»s for participation in the chtu'ch service, (»f which he avowed " they were as ignorant as ro many of the Iroquois," Malbone himself invaded "the sacred oflice of priesthood," conducting worship in his own house till the church was ready. The novelty of the service attracted many hearers. The lie v. John Tyler, church missionary at Norwich, ever ready to forward the work of church extension in Eastern Connecticut, preached in AshcroiVs house, in February, to a number of most attentive hearers. April 12, 1771, he oflficiated at the public opening of the new church edifice. The oc- casion was felt to be one of unusual interest and importance, confirm- ing and establishing the woi*ship of the Episcopal Church in a section of country long given over to Disseutera. It was also memorable as
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the firet formal dedication servico held in Windham County. Tlie liev. Samuel Peters, cluiroh missionary at Hebron, assisted in the ser- viee. Tlie sermon, by Mr. Tyler, very appropriately discussed "the Sanctity of a Cliristian Temple," and oltered many sound and scrip- tural reasons for its outward and visible consecmtion. Public services on the following Sabbath were conducted by Mr. Tyler, and on various other occasions. No minister was procured till September, when Mr. Richard JSIosely offered his services. He had been chaplain in the British Naval service, and brought with him letters from some of Mai- bone's Boston friends, but no clerical endorsement. His agreeable manners won the favor of Col. Malbone, who retained him in charge throughout the winter, although Dr. Caner and other Boston clergy- men declined to sanction his appointment Notwithstanding their disapproval Mr. Mosely became very popular, and not only conducted the regular service in Trinity Church, but preached and lectured in Plainfield and Canterbury, having " a gi-eat audience each time." The popularity of Malbone's minister, and the freedom and openness of bis manners, naturally excited much remark and cnticism. The ancient church and ecclesiastic society of Brooklyn had been greatly disturbed by the establishment of this English church and the number of prose- lytes it had secured. The vigorous opposition and stinging sarcasms of Col. ]\[albone hatl excited much bitterness, and predisposed them to severity of judgment. Local wits had tried to meet him with similar weapons. The ceremonials at the opening of the church edifice and at the christening of the first child had been ridiculed in sprightly dog- gerel, but now more eanu^st action was demanded. They had heard much of the corruption of the Church of England, and the disre])Utable character and lives of many of its clergy, and here was one ofhciating in their own parish, and drawing gi*eat numbers to hear him, who, it was whispere<l, was not even endorsed by his own church, and whose ministerial stjmding and qualificiitions were extremely doubtful. As the legal censors of religious order and public morality, the committee of the society felt it their duty to inquire into the matter, and accord- ingly called at the house of Colonel Malbone. That gentleman, who was apprized in advance of their coming, received them with great calmness and composure, and " suffered them to give full discharge of their embassy," which was, he reports, " to inspect Mosely's letters of orders, and lind by what right he had placed him sis minister." Col. Malbone expressed his entire willingness to satisfy them, provided they would sign a paper he had ))repared for them — a most absurd docu- ment, setting forth in inflated, ridiculous and Quixotic terms their authority an<l power, as connnittee of the society of Brooklyn, town of Pomfret, county of Windham, and colony of Connecticut, lor
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the inspection and transaction of religious concerns^ and preventing every possibility of chicanery, fraud, or collusion in those who had seceded from their Independent Congregational meeting," Ac. They indignantly refused to sign, Malbone refused to gratify theui on any other terms, and "away they went," he writes, "like fools as they otime," threatening "vengeance, fire and fagot," and refrained thenceforward from further interference with one so furnished with offensive and defensive wen pons.
Mr. Moscly somewhat reluctantly left the field in April, declaring that every man in the paiish would gladly have retained him, and it may be added that his subsequent career justifies! the suspicions of his ministerial unfitness. His successor, liev. Daniel Fogg, received upon recommendation of clergymen in Boston, in May, 1772, was a man of very different antecedents and character, sober, quiet, discreet and de- • vout Devoting himself diligently to his pastoral duties, he soon brought his motley flock into more regular order and discipline, and won the esteem and confidence of all. About twenty-five families were enrolled as his parishioners. A stipend of thirty pounds a year was allowed by the English Missionary Society, and a similar amount raised by his people. The "Malbone Church," thus comfortably set- tled and BMRK'iiniMl, pursued \{a way quiotly, slowly iiic.tenHing in num- bers, and suffering no farther inconvenience than occasional trifling " distrainments " upon some of its membei*s.
With all its interest in ecclesiastic and public affairs, Pomfrct was not unmindful of its early literary aspirations. The United Libniry Association retained its hold on popular favor. As older members passed away their places were filled by others. At a meeting of the proprietors of the Library, at the house of Col. Ebenezer Williams, March 20, 1766, Rev. Daniel liipley was chosen moderator. The so- ciety then voted, viz.: —
'* f. To admit as members of said company tho following persons, viz., Nathaniel Carpenter, Samuel Daua, Sen., Dea. Joiintimn Dresser, Abljnli VVilr Hams, Isaac Sabin, Joseph Scarborough, Nathan Friuk, Dr. William Walton, Samuel Wllnon, Dea. Edward Kuggles.
2. To admit Joseph OritllD, Instead of John Davison, moved out of town, of whom said Grlflin bought his right, as appears by ccrtlflcate.
8. To admit ])anlel Waldo to a right, Instead of Jonathan Waldo, of whom be purchased said right, as appears by certlHcate.
4. To admit Ensign Samuel Sumner, Instead of Joseph Bowman.
5. To admit Mr. Ebenezer Weeks to a right In ye Library, instead of Wil- liam Prince.
6. To recall ye vote past on June 10, 1760, and to receive into ye Library, Chambers* Dictionary and Colmett's Ditto.
7. That Col. WillUims be ye Library-keeper."
Lieut Joshua Grosvenor, Simon Cotton, Simeon Sessions, William Sabin, Elijah Williams, John Grosvenor,. Elijah Dana and Phinehas
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16 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
Davison were also admitted members of tlie company in following years. Pope's Essay on Man, the Life of Peter the Great, and Bishop Kidder's Demonstrations of tlie Messiah were added to the Library. In 1775, a library association w:is formed in Brooklyn society, and a hun- dred volumes procured for the foundation, of a library.
lioads and bridges demanded the usual care and legislation. In 1770, Pomf ret joined with Killingly in rebuilding what w:is known as '* Danielson's Bridge" — Colonel Putnam, Selh Paine, county surveyor, and Sanuuil Williams, committee. In the following year, " Cargill's Bridge" was rebuilt — John Grosvenor, Samuel Perrin and Benjamin Cargill, committee. Putnam was foremost in a movement for procur- ing a new road through Pomfret to Norwich and New Haven, but failed to secure it. An attempt to lay out a more direct route from Ashford's east line to Cargill's Bridge was equally unsuccessful. Not- withstanding all the pains taken to secure easy conmiunie-ation with Providence, rendered so needful by intimate business and social rela- tions, the road thither was still very stony and rough, and the journey laborious. So late as 1776, when lilr. S. Thurbcr drove over it in the tii'st chais4\ he " could not ride out of a slow walk but very little of the way, and was near twt) days in going." Pomfret was much interosttul in a project for deepening the channel of the Cjuinebaug, so as to make it passable for boats, Ebenezer and John Grosvenor ])ctilioning with citizens of other towns for this object. One of the first dams upon the Quinebaug was accomplished by Jabez Allen, near the mouth of Bea- ver's Brook, about 1770. A large grist-mill was here erected by him, and CiUTied on successfully for a few yeai-s. A change of county bounils or county seat was one of the public questions in which Pom- fret was deeply concerned. A very earnest meeting was held at the house of Colonel Israel Putnam, Feb. 11, 1771, "to consult in regard to some hew bound for the county." Delegates from Woodstock, Kil- lingly* Thompson Parish, Pbuniield, Canterbury, Ashford, and Union discussed the situation with much spirit, but as both Pomfret and Woodstock aspired to the shireship, and times were unpropitious for any important change, no movement w:is undertuken.
The taverns of Pomfret enjoyed a high repute during these years with such noted landlords as Putnam, Ebenezer Grosvenor, James Ingalls, Simon Cotton, William Sumner and Joseph Abbott. In these stirring times these resoits were much frequented, and rum and debate flowed with equal* freedom. A grocery store opened in Pomfret, in 1762, by Joseph Carter, of Canterbury, enabled families to procure comfortable supplies of vital necessjiries. Beside all that w:is drunk on the premises, or paid for upon delivery, he had chartjed in his Hrst fortnight more than twenty-live gallons of West India rum. Some
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POMFRET, BROOKLYN BOOIETT, KTO. 17
families carried away each several gallons. A single gallon usually sufficed Rev. Mr. Whitney. This excessive drinking may have con- tributed to keep Pomfret*s physicians in practice. Dr. Lord was handsomely sustained in Abiiigton ; Dr. Walton had his friends and patients in Brooklyn and Killiugly ; and old Dr. Weld ministered to the sick in Pomfret society. Dr. David Hall removed to Vermont, afler the loss of his wife and several children. He was succeeded in practice by Albigencc, son of Zechariah Waldo, a young man of uncommon energy and promise, who had studied for the profession with Dr. John Spalding of Canterbury. Nathan Frink, as King*8 attorney, still practiced law in Pomfret and adjoining towns. Thomas, son of John Grosvenor, Elsq., after graduation from Yale College in 1765, and preparatory legal studies, also opened a law office on Pomfret street The young men of this town were still emulous for collegiate education, and its three ministers were much engaged in fitting them for admission. It will be remembered that eifflU Pom- fret boys were graduated from Yale in 1759. In 1760, Joseph Dana was graduated ; in 1761, John and Ephraim Avery and Jesse Qoodell ; in 1766, Asa H. Lyon; in 1767, Elisha Williams; in 1769, Daniel Grosvenor; in 1770, Joseph Pope was graduated from Harvard College. It is said that a lady visitant from Massachusetts querying for what purpose they were training so many young men, was told that they were to be sent as missionaries to that State, and it so chanced that very many of them did settle as ministers there, and filled positions of honor and usefulness. One Pomfret youth, not a college graduate, engaged in most useful missionary work in Connecticut. Willard, son of Benjamin Hubbard, succeeded Robert CIclIand in teaching Mohegan children about 1764, and continued for many years in this most difficult and thankless service. A small salary w;is allowed by the English Missionary Society, insufficient for the support of his family even by the addition of his own labor out of school-hours, and it was with great difficulty and many urgent appeals that he obtained relief from the Assembly. He was often obliged to supply the hungry children with bread as well as instruction, and to repair with his own hands and means the dilapidated school-house, nor were the apparent results commensurate with the labor and self-sacrifice.
Little of special note occurred in Abington Parish during this period. Rev. David Ripley officiated to public acceptance, and taught a gram- mar school in his own house till disabled by bodily infirmity. Paro- chial and school affairs were wisely managed by competent committees. John Holbrook, Amasa Sessions, William Osgood, James Ingalls, Dr. Lord, and many other Abington residents were active in general town affairs. 8
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18 HISTORY OP WINDDAM COUNTT.
Much of its land was still held by descendants of the original proprietors. Nine hundred acres originally laid out to Thomas Mowry, descended to Miss Elizabeth Pier)K)nt, of Boston, who to<ik personal possession after her marriage with Captain Peter Cunningham^ building a subsUuitial dwelling-house near the Matthamoquet. Part of thia land was already laid out io farms and occupied by Benjamin Crafl and other tenants. Land in the south part of the society, afterwards known as Jericho, was occupie<1 prior to 1700, by descend- ants of William Sharpe. The venerable Nathaniel Sessions, long the last survivor of the first settlera of PomlVet, died in 1771. The J^rovidence Gazette gives this notice : —
** Sept. 26. Died, at Pomft'et, Conn., Nathaniel Sesalons, la the ninety- sixth year of his age— futher of Hon. Purlus Se.^lons, of Providence, Depnty-Oovernor— one of the flnit sctllcrs in Ponifret, In 1704 : the first ihat opened a cart road through the woods from Connecticut to Providence In 1721, and transporteil the flrat cart-load of We^t ludhi ^ooda from Provl- deuce thither. His wife died about three months before him with whom he had lived Rlxty-flve years, had nine sons and three daughters. Could repeat the New Testament^ Paalms and most of the moral and practical writings of the Old Testament, the greater part of which he committed to memory after he was eighty, from fear that he should be deprived of his eye-sight, which happened two years before his death. A sober man and useful member of society."
The Worcester Spy^ July 19, 1773, tints records the death of another valued resident of Pomfret : —
'* On Saturday last, departed this life In a sudden and nflTccting manner, the very amiable consort of the Kev. Aaron Putnam, of Pomfret, in the tlilrty- alxth year of her age. She had been unwell for some years, and for the promoting of health had been riding out a little way, and now returning back she desired Mr. Putnam to stop the chaise and pick her some useful herbs which she observed as they were passing. Accordingly, apprehending no danger, he got out of the chaise and was doing as she proposed, at which time the horse In the carriage took some start aiid running with one wheel over a rock, she was thrown out of the chaise, which gave her such a shock, as proved her death In about three hours space. She was a daughter of Rev. David Hall, of Sutton. From her very early years a professor of godliness, and of a very serious and exemplary deportment, a person of distingnlNhlng endowment, a good wife, a tender and indulgent mother, one beloved by her acquaintances abroad and by the people among whom she lived.
She hath left her husband In deep affliction and sorrow for his great loss ; hath also left three young children. On the next (bring Lord*s) day, her remains were decently Interred a little before sunset. The Hev. Mr. Whitney, of Brooklyn parish, delivered at PomfTet, on that day, two very suitable dis- courses, thai In the afternoon more particularly adapted to the mourufUl occasion."
Though Pomfret was in many respects so highly favored, she could not retain her increase. Her best land was held by descendants of early settlers and could not easily be purchased. Large families were the fashion. It is said that in the households of three nei^^hbors, Captain Nathaniel Clark, Cai)t. Stephen Keyes and Ebenezer Grosven- or, thuie were thirty-three children growing up. To provide food for
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A8HFORD, OBNRRAL TOWN AFFAIRS, RTO. 19
to many mouths and work for so many hands, was sometimes a difficult matter. New countries were opening where land was cheap and facil- ities for settlement more abundant. As early as 1785, Deacon Samuel Sumner, Isaac Dana and others from Pomfrct, had attempted to pur- chase a township in the Equivalent Lands. In 1761, Dana received a patent from Governor Wentwortli for a township in the New Hamp- shire Grants on right of land gianted to John White. This land was laid out as the township of Fonifret. Its first settler was Benjamin Dtu'kee, with wife and five children, journeying thither from its Con- Decticut namesake.
II.
ASHFORD. GENERAL TOWN AFFAIRS. WESTFORI) SOCIETr.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. BASTFORD SOCIETT.
CORBIN LAND CLAIM.
ASHFORD, in 1760, was prominent among Windham County townships. Its position on one of the great thoroughfares of the country brought it into constant communication with Boston, Hart- ford, anil olhcr husincss contrcfl, and kept it awake and stirring. It was especially noted for high military spirit and keen interest in public affairs, and no town was more ready to speak its mind and bear its pait whenever occasion demanded. Descendants of many of the first set- tlers now filled the places of their fathers, and new families of respec- tability and influence had established themselves in various localities, and identified themselves with the interests of the town. Ebenezer Byles, u|K>n coming of age, settled about a mile west of Ashford Green, on land purchased in 1726 by Josiah Byles of Boston. William Knowlton of Boxford, a relative of Robert Knowlton, purchased a farm of four hundred acres in the west part of Ashford, divided in time be- tween his sons Daniel and Thomas, who, after serving brilliantly in the French War, engaged with equal ardor in cultivating their land and discharging the ordinary civil and military duties of good citizens at that period. Ephraim Lyon removed from Woodstock to the east part of the town, and was greatly esteemed as a man of shrewdness and sound judgment Daniel Dow of Voluntown, settled north of the Green, with a rising family of great promise. David Bolles of New London, established himself near the present Eastford village, with a license to exercise ** the art and mystery of tanning leather," and great skill and experience in working up the same into serviceable shoes. Stephen Keyes, Thcophilus Clark and Amos Babcock were admitted freemen prior to 1760. Samuel Woodcock of Dcdham, succeeded to
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20 HI8TOBT OF WINDHAH OOUNTT.
the farm once held by Jacob Parker ; Jedldiab Dana to that of John Paine. The remaining part of the Stoddard Tract fell to Martha, daughter of Anthony Stoddard, and wife of Captain John Stevens of Boston, who, In 1757, laid it out and divided it into thirty-one lots or farms, which were sold to John Ohapin, Abel Shnmons, James Parker, Robert Snow and others. A large and valuable farm near the site of the ))resent Pha*iiixville, known as the Beaver Jhim farm, was retained and occupied by Captain and Mrs. Stevens, and brouglit under very high cultivation. President Stiles, journeying through Ashford, in 1764, was very much interested in Captain Stevens's agricultural operations. lie reported him as holding six thousand acres of land in the town, lie had thirty acres of hemp growing tended by one man, and employed thirty bands in pulling time. He expected to harvest twenty tons of hemp and two hundred bushels of seeds. Tlie people of Ashford testi- fied their respect for their dbtinguished residents by voting, that Capt. John Stevens and his family have liberty to sit hi the ministenal pew during the town's pleasure. Captain Benjamin Sunnier, Captain Elisha Wales, Elijah Whiton and Amos Babcock were prominent men in town. The latter had **a shop," and engaged quite extensively in trade. Three young physicians — Doctors Joseph Palmer, Nehemiah Howe and Thomas Huntington — cared for the bixlily health of the town. Tho various tavern-keepers licensed in 17G2 were Benjamin Sumner, Joseph Palmer, JBenjamin Chirk, Jedidiah Fay, £zra Smith, Simuel Eastman and Elijah Babcock. Mills were run by Solomon Mason and others.
Town affairs were managed with the usual formalities. At the an- nual town meeting, December 1, 17 CO, Amos Babcock was chosen moderator and first selectman ; Ebene^r Byles, Jedidiah Dana, Captain Benjamin Sumner and Esra Smith, the remaining selectmen; Mr. Byles, town clerk and treasurer ; Ezekiel Tift*any, constable and clerk for tho west end of the town ; Samuel Holmes, constable and collector for the middle of the town ; Benjamin Russel, const^ible and collector for the east end of the town, and also for colony rates ; Timothy East- man, Josiah Spalding, Benjamin Carpenter, Amasa Watkins, Samuel Allen, Jedidiah Dana, Stephen Abbot, John Bicknell, Benjamin Walker, Jonathan Chaffee, Job Tyler, Benjamin Clark, David Chaffee, William Preston, surveyors of highways ; Jonathan Burnhara, Josiah E^ton, fence-viewers; Benjamin Clark, Josiah Holmes, Benjamin Russel, Jedi- diah Blanchard, Asaph Smith, listers; Nehemiah Smith, Jonathan Burnham, grand-jurors ; Josiah Rogers, Stephen Snow, William Chub, tithing-men ; Benjamin Russel, brander, pound keeper and collector of excise ; Caleb Ilende and Josiah Chaffee, branders and pound-keepers ; Samuel Snow, sealer of weights and measures ; As:iph Smith, sealer of leather.
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ASnFORD, OKNBRAL TOWN AFFAIRS, ETC. 21
Though in the main tlirifty and prosperous, Ashford still suffered from "providential visitations" of drought and frost, together with land disputes and religious dissensions. The excellent town clerk, Ebenezer Byles, jots down among his records some meteorological items which elucidate the former phenomena : —
" The 6tli day of May, 1761— a very stormy day of snow, an awf^il siffht, the trees green and the ground white ; the 6th day, the trees in the blow and the fields covered with snow.
The lOih day of May, 1768, a bad storm of hall and rain and very cold, fol- lowing which froze ye ground and puddles of water.
The 17th day of October, 1768, It snowed, and ye 18th In ye morning the trees and the ground were all covered with ice and snow, which made it look like ye dead of winter.**
Religions dissensions were only heightened by the settlement of Rev. Timothy Allen as minister of the town. A devout Christian and a fervent and eloquent speaker, he was erratic, visionary and ini- pmdent in speech and conduct Earnest efforts were now made for the division of the town into religious societies. " Two months preach- ing in the winter paid out of the common stock '* emboldened the west- ern inhabitants to ask for full society privileges. " The use of their whole ministerial rate to maintain preaching by themselves," granted by the town, only made them more anxious to gnin liberty to dispose of it Jis they plcaHe<l. The " great and almost impossible difllculties " of attending worship in the distant centre incited the eastern inhabit- ants to join in the struggle for territorial division. At the to^fn meet- ing, April, 1762, Captain Benjamin Sumner was chosen moderator, and after a long and vehement discussion it was voted by a majority of one, That the town will divide in tinee equal societies. A year later it was further voted, " That each part shall have one-third of all the pub- lic money." Captain Sumner, Edward Tiffany, Benjamin Russel, Amos Babcock, Jedidiah Dana, Captain Benjamin Clark and Jedidiah Fay, Samuel Knox and Ezra Smith were appointed a committee '* to con- sult and advise in what form it was best to divide," who agreed and concluded, March, 1764, ** that the town shall be divided in the follow- ing manner,'* *. e. : —
*< That the east part shall have one-third part of said town for quantity set off to them for an ecclesiastic society, which shall <-xtend west and bound on Bigelow River, provided there Is one-third part on the east side of said river, and that the northwest part shall extend from the northwest corner of said township Ave and one-fourth miles south on the west line of said town, IVom thence a strait line to the crotch of Mount' Hope Hlvor, and thence a strait line to John DImmocli's south line, where said line crosses Bigelow River, thence north on said Bigelow River to Union line, and the remaining part remain to the middle society."
As usual in such cases this decision satisfied no one, and all parties hastened to the General Assembly with their objections. Sixty-seven residents of the central and eastern sections, including such men as
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22 HI8TOBY OP WINDHAM OOUNTT.
Josepli Snow, Thomas Knowlton, Edward Byles, Ebenezer Eaton, Phili|) Squire, Daniel Dow, Josliua Kendall, Zebulon Marcy, Joslali Spalding and Ephraini Lyon declared : —
** I. That the form of tbe proposed new society is sucli that said old socie- ty will be Heveii miles lu length and three In width, and that the raeetlng;- bouMe will ho \c(t wilhin one mile of the east end, so wo uhall be put to the ex- pense of building a new one.
2. By the manner of being done at the expense of town. We think It quite sufllcient to bear our own expenses and not those of others.
3. For that we are small and poor, being the oldest part of the town, and our land almost all under Improvement and 8o not capable of growing much better by improvement; are not quite four thousand pounds on the list, and would further suggest that the votes of the town in choosing committee to make division, in accepting reports and in choosing agents to prefer a me- morial, &c., ought not to have any influence in the affair, because it appears that about two-thirds of tlie town In the two ends move Jointly at one time to be made two societies, and what cante or wont they do as a town towards crowding us, the minor part, into a corner and loading us with cost unless your Honors interfere, and we think the whole town hardly able to bear the necessary expenses by reason of the bitter effects that we yet forcibly feel of a long and tedious war, sconrhlug dnmghts, blasting fTosLs, and many strong and unhappy misfortunes which of late befel us, and we would farther suggest that the vote of the town was delayed till uear night while many of the voters were retired and obtained but by one majority. We pray you to dismiss the memorial, for If it is done, it will make such an uneasiness and so discourage and impoverish us, that the whole design thereof will be defeated. October, 1764."
Tbe western inbabitants objected to tbe report, in tbat —
** 1. The doings of said committee were not equal. The land in northwest section is not oue-tliird of the town by more than a thousand acres, and some thousands of it are utterly unlit for settlement and destitute of iuhablUints.
2. Sahl northwest society not equal as to list.
8. We think the addition from Willington prayed for will not make It equal to the other societies, nor to the necessary charges of an ecclesiastic society, by reason of the badness of the laud and smaliuess of the list of the Inhabit- ants. Choose rather to enjoy our privileges In one ecclesiiistic society but are willing to have a committee sent as prayed for.
Elijah Whiton. Benjamin Chaffee. Jedldiah Blanchard.
Abijah Brooks. Ebenezer Walker. Joseph Whiton.
Tlmotliy Dimock. Benjamin Walker. James Whiton.
Simeon Smith. John Ware. Zeph. Davison.
Joslah Rogers. Ezra Smith. Christopher Davison.
Sanmel Blanchard. Edmoud Drummer. John Smith.
• Samuel Mosely. Samuel Eastman. William Vreston.
Medlnah Preston. Peter Eastman. James Atwell.
Oct. 6, 1764."
The " addition from Willington '* referred to a petition jnst presented by some twenty subscribers, inbabitants of tbe eastern part of tbat town formerly taken from Ashford, wbo being very remote from tbe public worsbip of God, desired to be joined with tbe nortbwest of Ashford in a society. This request was refused and consideration of the other memorials deferred till tbe following spring, wben, upon faither petition from Elijah Whiton and others, Zebulon West, Er:istus Wolcott and William Pitkin were appointed a committee to repair to Ashford, view and report. In this task they wore aided
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A8FIFORD, GENERAL TOWN AFFAIRB, ETC. 23
by the subjoined paper, submitted to them by two clear-headed and
public-spirited tootnen^ residents of northwest Ashford, who, impatient
of the long delay, felt moved to state succinctly the '* Reasons to be
set off" as follows: —
** 1. Oar great dUtance from meeting-house. 2. Large number of iiihablteuce. 8. Mecting-kouse too snialL 4. No settled minister.
6. Broken and divided surcurmstances which it Is not likely can be settled till the town Is divided.
6. The town*8 refusing to do anything aboul dividing or to let the Inhabit- enccs in the nortliweHt part have any preaching as tliey liave done heretofore.
7. Our not taking but one-thli'd of the hind and about one-fourth of list.
8. Tliat every person in our place will be considerably nearer to meeting. 0. The town has manifested a necessity for division for eleven years past,
as appears by their votes.
10. Tiiey have not opposed the new part being set off by anything they have done thin spring, they have been warned with the plan and memorial and not opposed It. [Note, — We don*t know that any person Is against a society being set off in the northwest of the town, but only th.at some don*t like this shape, and some another, and tliosc that oppose this phin yet allow that the new part must be a society, even Captain Fay himself and Mr. Walker, the most active opposers of this plan, and the dinicult surcurm- stnnces of the town require a division, in which all parties seem to agree.*']
These reasons were effectual. The committee atler due survey reported that they found the town to contain 40,01)0 acres of land ; list .£I5),7(»0. The west society limits would include 1H,H00 acres, 80 families, X3,50J. Families live five, six and seven miles from the town meeting-house, and all very remote from any place of worship, and roads generally bad, and considered it reasonable and expedient that a new society be formed. The report was accepted and a bill granted in October, 1765, erecting Westford Society according to the bounds prescribed by the town's committee, although an attempt was made by Robert Knowlton to include the scrip of land 'Mefl out on the south.'*
The rejoicing inhabitants hastened to improve their new privileges. Their first society meeting was held Nov. 23, 176.5, at the house of Captain Ichabod Ward, a distant relative of the William Ward so prominent in the early history of Ashford. Benjamin Walker was chosen moderator; Ezra Smith, Manasseh Farnum and Samuel East- man, committee ; Ezekiel Tiffany, collector. It was agreed to hold society meetings at different private houses, warnings for meetings '*to be set up at Solomon Mason's mills aiul Zephaniah Davison's shop." Dec. 9, it was voted to build a meeting-house, and hire preaching ; to raise a tax of twopence to pay for preaching ; that the meetings should begin the fii*8t Sabbath of April ; that Esquire Whiton should procure a minister, and Ebenezer Dimmock, Christo- pher Davison, Manasseh Farnum and Joseph Barney be a committee to count the cost. A minister was procured according to vote — the
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24 inSTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
society further voting to meet at Captain Ward's for divine worship dnring his pleasure. June 9, it was voted " to ohoose a committee of three able and judicious men to tix a place for the meeting-house, also five more, i. e., Ezra Smith, Samuel Eastman, Benjamin Walker, Christopher Davison and Samuel Knox, to notify the first and get them out." By tlieir efforts the Court appointed Nehemiah Lyon of Woodstock, Prince Tracy of Windham, and John Curtis of Canter- bury, who selected a spot near the centre of the society on land oflered by Captain Ward, north of his residence, west side of the highway leading to Union, **fbr the public benefit and use of Westford Society for a meeting-house green, so long as said society should want it for said use." Negotiations were then opened with certain proprie- tora in Bnmfield, and a convenient meeting-house frame purchased for thirty pounds, provided the same could be taken down without damage. Esquire Whiton was now chosen treasurer, a committee appointed to receive a deed of the meeting-house green from Capt. Ward, and another to take oversight of the building. Very particular instructions were given as to the number, size, price and quality of nails, shingles and clapboards. March 18, 1767, voted that said society would dig in the ground a suitable depth and fill the same with stone for laying the foundation of the meeting-house thereon ; June 2, that the meeting-house frame ])urchased in Brimfield should be brought to Westford by June 13. This being safely accomplished, its re-raising was next in order. The character of the liqitor deemed needful on this important occasion called out as much discussion as the fitness of a ministerial candidate. It was first voted '' to have giu to raise the frame with — meeting-house committee to provide gin," but considering quantity of more consequents than quality, it was after- wards decided to provide one barrel of rum, and one quarter of a barrel of sugar for the raising said frame — Ensign Walker to provide the same, and money taken out of the treasury to buy said rum and sugar. It was further stipulated, that West India rum be procured. Under this potent stinmlant the meetinghouse was raised without apparent accident, and hurried on to completion, workmen being allowed two shillings and sixpence per day, they victualing themselves, and two shillings during the winter.
After hearing sevenil " supplies," Ebenezer Martin of Canada Paiisli, was invited to preach for the winter. A committee was now chosen to inquire into his character and temporal circumstances, and take advice of the Reverend Association as to the propiiety of giving him a call. Ileports proving favorable, February 11, 1768, was set apart as a day of solemn fasting and prayer in order to the gathering of a church and calling of a minister. Ilev. Gideon Noble of Williugton,
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A8HF0BD, ORNBBAL TOWN AFFAIB8, ETO. 25
eondncted the service, assisted by Deacon Nathaniel Loomis, and Deacons Wright and Dana from the old Ashford church. A snitable covenant was presented and subscribed in the following order : — James Ould, Ezekiel Tiffany, Ezekiel Holt, Elijah Whiton, Joseph Barney, Ezra Smith, James Whiton, Joseph Whiton, Benjamin Walker, Thomas Chapman, Manasseh Famum, John Smith, Jonathan Abbe, Josiah Chaffee. At a church meeting four days later it was voted to call the Ilev. Mr. Ebenezer Martin to settle in the gospel ministry in this place, at which time the covenant was probably signed by the pastor-elect and the following brethren, viz. : Joseph Whiton, David Chaffee, Ebenezer Walker, Christopher Davison and Jonathan Chaffee. The wives of many of these brethren — together with Stephen Nott, Daniel Eldredge, Uezekiah Eldredge, Ichabod Ward, David Kendall and Jacob Fuller were ere long added, making a membership of fifly- five.
The society concurred in the call to Mr. Matlin, offering sixty pounds salary, rising to seventy, paid half in money, half in produce, viz., wheat, Indian corn, oats, pork and beef. Twenty pounds in land and sixty pounds towards building a dwelling-house secured acceptance of the call, and, on June 15, he was ordained with the usual solemnities. Work on the meeting-house was slowly carried forward. The floor was laid during the year, and twenty pews were ordered, " as like the pews in the meeting house at Union, as conveniently may be.'* Capt Abijah Lamed of Union, John Phelps and John Blygt of Staf- ford were chosen as a disinterested committee *' to dignify and price the places for said pews." A large number of the inhabitants received liberty to build stables for their horses on the meeting-house green, provided they were "set so as not to encroach on any road." June 14, 1770, a meeting was held in the meeting house, to hear the report of the pew committee. Each pew was to be occupied by two families. Forty inhabitants, highest on the list, were to draw said pews accord- ing to their list; build the pews and ceil up to the gallery girths. This report was accepted, and the pew-spots thus distributed : —
1. Benjnmlu Walker, Elijah WliUon.
2, Ebenezer Dlmmock, Ichnbod Ward. 8. Thomas Chapman, Ebenezer Walker. 4. Joseph Woodward, Zaccheus IIIU.
6. Ezra Smith, Ebenezer Walker.
6. David ChaflTce, William Thompson.
7. David Kobbtiifl, George Smith.
8. Adonljah Haker, Josluh Chaffee.
9. John Warren, Josiah Uo^ers.
10. Ezekiel Tlflhny, Benjamin Chaffee.
11. Jedldioh Blanchard, Benjamin Walker, Jan.
12. William Henfield, James Whiton. 18. Samuel Eastman, Henry Works.
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aO HISTORY OF WIl^DHAH COUNTT.
14. James Averlll, Job Tyler.
15. Kzeklel Holt, David Cliaffee.
16. James Ould. Steplien Coye.
17. Abijuh Brooks, Simon Smith.
18. Kphralm Walker, Joiiutliau Abbe.
19. Jacob Fuller, William Prestoo.
The oommittee was now ordered to lay the gallery floor, and build a breastwork around the gallery and the fore seat, which being accom- plished during another year, David Kendall was employed to sweep the meeting-house '* twelve times the year ensuing ibr six shillings." The society would gladly have enlarged its borders by reanncxing the strip ceiled ye:\rs before to Willington, but though many petitions were preferred by its residents, showing that the meeting house in Westford would much more greatly commode them, they were unable to obtain a hearing. Among newly arrived citizens bringing them additional strength was Stephen Nott, the father of sons of great promise, and Dr. Thomas Huntington of Lebanon, who proved a most valuable acquisi- tion to society and town.
The inhabitants of the eastern section preferred to delay separation for a season, and shared in the numerous trials and diiHculties that be- set the fii-st society, in consequence of the increasing number of Bap- tists and sectarians, and the great unpopularity of Mr. Allen. Many of his own )>eople declined to hear him preach or to pay for his support, and in attempting to supply the deficit by trading in land he became so involved that his creditors sent him to jail. This unfortunate affair brought matters to a crisis. A council was called which disuussed Mr. Allen from his pastorate, though clearing him from every serious charge. Deacons Jedidiah Dana and John Wright were appointed a committee to supply the pulpit, and it was voted, "To settle a minis- ter as soon as may be," but several years passed before such settlement was effected. During this interval the church was greatly weakened and scattered, but still continued its efforts to secure a minister and preserve order. Baptisms were administered from time to time by the neighboring ministers. Days of fasting and prayer were held in 1766 and '68, '*for direction and assistance in the affair of choosing a minister," and church and society at length happily united in choice of Kev. James Messinger of Wrentham, a graduate of Harvard College, who was installed into the pastorate Feb. 15, 1769. Taught by painful expenenoe the fallibility of niinistei*8 and councils the church had previously voted : —
** That this church do believe that the minister of a church has not power Arom Christ to negative the votes of his church, and we mean not to be sub- jected to any such power of a minister of the church, auy former vote uotwith- stundiiijif.
That in all cases hereafter we will not be holdcn to any council of other churches, but such as we shall choose ourselves mutually."
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ASHFOBD, GBNBRAL TOWN AFFAIRS, ETC. 27
Fortunately in this instance these precantions proved superfluous. Mr. Messinger made no attempt to exercise undue authority, and by his wisdom and piety soon won the confidence of his people and was held in higli repute as '*a much beloved spiritual guide." Despite the political distractions of the times the church increased in numbers and regained something of its ptimitive standing. The venerable Isaac Kendall, elected deacon of the church with so much formality at its first organization, continued in office through all the changes and pas- torates, and died Oct. 8, 1773, in the 88th year of his age, and fifly- second of his deaconship. Benjamin Sumner, one of the fathers of the town, Jcdidiah Dana and John Wright also served as deacons. Deacon Elijah Whiton was dismissed to the church in Westford society.
Baptists had been numerous in Ashford for many years, but suffered greatly for lack of a local church organization. A few were connected with the Baptist Church of South Brimfield, others united with the church at AVest Woodstock. Amos Babcock and Abraham, son of llol)ert Knowlton, were among the most prominent of these early Bap- tists. A notable accession to the Baptist strength was David Bolles, a man of great religious fervor, belonging to a family long distingiiished for devotion to Baptist principles and opposition to the church estab- lishment of Connecticut. Other Baptists might obtain release from rate-paying by lodging certificates of their attendance upon some place of public worship, but he, like Backus and the more advanced of his brethren, " had been brought to a stop about paying so much regard to the laws as to give in certificates,'* and was soon involved in contro- versy with the town authorities. Two of his cows were seized and sold to pay rates for the minister, and then his household treasures were invaded. The shining array of pewter so dear to the heart of the housewife, was thrust into bags and carried off to the town-post in spite of the tears and remonstrances of Mrs. Bolles, but when put up for sjile not a man had the face to bid for it^ and the discomfited col- lector was forced to take it back to its owners with the insulting expla- nation, " that the pewter was such poor stuff nobody wanted it" His fellow sufferer, Abraham Knowlton, after paying rates for many years, freed himself from further extortions by turning out to the collector a new pair of buckskin breec/ies. The public notification that a pair of breeches were to be sold for a priest-tax, and their actual presentation < at the town post on the day appointed, called out such volleys of indig- nation and ridicule that no one dared thereafter to approach Mr. Knowl- ton with a rate-bill, and the buckskins served the purpose of a lifetime certificate. It was probably during this period of sectarian strife and bitterness that some incident occurred which gave rise to the famous
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28 HISTORY OF WINDHAM OOUNTY.
*^ whipping story," thus reported by Barber in his Connecticat Histori- cal Collections : —
** A concoiirso of people were assembled on the hill, in flx>nt of the meeting- house, to witiieas the punishment of a man who had been convicted of nL*ji:lect- ing to go to meeting ou the Sabbath for a period of three montlis. According to the existing law for such delinquency, the culprit was to be publicly whipped at the post. Just as the whip was about to be applied, astran;i:er on horseback appeared, rode up to the crowd of spectators, and inquired for what purpose they were assembled. Being informed of the state of the case, the strange gentleman rose upright in ids stirrups, and with empliasis, ad- dressed the astonished multitude as follows:
' You men of Anhford serve God as if the DevU was In you ! Do you think you can tohip the grace of God into men? Christ will have none but volun- teers.'
The people stared, while the speaker, probably not caring to be arraigned for contempt of court, put spurs to his horse, and was soon out of sight; nor was he ever more seen or heard of by the good people of Ashford.''
This story like many other popular traditions cannot be nnthcnti- cated. No law then or ever existed in Connecticut, prescribing the penalty of a public whip])ing for even toUd abstinence from meeting- going, and it may bo doubted if any justice would dare enforce an illegal punishment. Details of the affair are conflicting and irrecon- cilable. Tioo men wore arraigned, according to one vei-sion, one of whom evadc<l his share of the blows by moans of n cloak <loxtorous1y thrown over him by Amos Babcock. A report of the whole transac- tion quickly traveled to Boston, and upon his next trip to the city, Mr. Babcock found himself quite a hero. His fellow-merchants greatly applauded his chivalrous interposition, and declaring that he should not wear '*a whipped cloak," made up a purse and presented him with a new one. Another version gives but a (jingle culprit and ascribes his relief to no less a person than Thomas Knowlton, who, observing in the warrant the omission of the usual clause requiring the stn|>es to be applied to the bare back, " threw his own overcoat over the shoulders of the victim whereby the torture was greatly mitig:tte(l." The mysterious visitant of Barber's narrative appearing and vanishing like the '* phantom horseman '* of romance is transformed upon closer inquiry into an eccentric citizen of Ash ford, distinguished for bitter opposition to the standing order, while the party or parties receiving the whipping have become extremely mythicil. These various reports are wholly traditional. No allusion to the circumstance has been found in ancient document or newspaper, and thus it is impossible to ascertain the real truth. Tliat some opponent of the established chui'ch was whipped under aggravating circumstances, ]>erhaps for resisting or reviling a rate collector, is highly probable. The inven- tion of this story with its minutio) of detail, and its univei*sal accept- ance in the comnumity, would be almost as great a marvel as the
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A8HFORD, GENERAL TOWN AFFAIRS, ETC. 29
whipping, but the bottom facts of the case will probnby never be recovered.
These collisions and extortions greatly weakened the old chnrch of Ashford, and furnished a powerful argument for the Baptists, who, with increasing strength and numbers, were able to establish religious worship within the town borders, A Baptist Society was organized, July 15, 1774, and David Bolles, Josiah Rogers and William Whipple appointed committee '* to receive and pay all money that shall be generously given towards maintaining and supporting a Baptist gospel minister." Another committee was chosen in February follow- ing, to pelect " the most proper place to build a meeting-house on." Land in the southwest part of the town was selected, and a committee " to be under the immediate direction of the Baptist Society," was authorized to receive all money and specie that should be given towards building a Baptist meetinghouse. Abraham Knowlton, chairman of the conmiittee, and clerk and treasurer of the society, made a liberal offering. His example was quickly followed by others, and soon an ample sum had been subscribed. Materials were pro- cured, a frame raised and covered, so that by the first of June the house was ready for service. The leaders of the society, flushed with their success, had applied to President Manning, of Brown University, for a minister, who thus represented the field to Mr. Thomas Ustick, a young graduate of Brown, then teaching school in New York : —
"This start for a Baptist minister Is a new thing, but they subscribed last week near Ave hundred pounds lawful money, towards building a new meeting-house. Town largo and rich, nm told that full one-third have declared for tlie Baptists, and should tliey get n man of abilities probably much above half the town will attend th<rir meetings. Tlie richest men are on our side, and say they believe In supporting a minister handsomely."
Mr. Ustick was unable to accept at once, and ISIr. Ebenczer Lamson of Charlton, was apparently the first minister employed by the society. An*angements for the tratisfeiTence of the church to Ashford, were now in progress. The ancient church in South Brim- field, after many trials and vicissitudes, had reorganized a few years previous u}K)n a basis distasteful to its non-resident inemberfl, who now held a council, and in their turn enacted a new departure, viz : —
" S TAFi-onn, May ye 29th, 1775. At a meeting of the First Baptist Church of Christ in iSouth- Brlnifleld, legally warned and met and opened by prayer— whereas there Is a second church of the same Denomination lately built up in South Brlmfleld and a minister settled over them, and whereas many of this church consists of inhabitants in the towns of Ashford, Mansfield, and Willlngton, and for the convenioncy of meeting for worship on the Sabbath, and the question was put whether for the future the place for public meeting for worship should be at Ashford in general, where the new meeting-house now is, and that the
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80 HISTORY OF WINDHAM OOUNTY.
clitircli for the Aitnre shall be known by the name of the Baptist Church of Christ In Ashford— voted in the afllrmatfve.
John Wesson and Amos Babcock added to the committee. John Wesson chose church clerk."
IIow many members were transfeiTed with tlie clinrch is not recorded but probably not 21 large number. A pait of its membei-ship and both its deacons were non-residents. Public worship was instituted and carried on with a great deal of spirit and enjoyment, but it is doubtful if anything like "half the town " could attend tlieir meetings. David Bolles and many of the Eastern Ba]>tists still found it more conveni- ent to resort to Woodstock. Mr. Ustick succeeded Mr. Lamson as soon as he was at liberty, and was welcomed as a young man of education and promise. At the second recorded " church meeting in the Baptist meeting-house in Ashford," Nov. 26, 1776, their former pastor. Elder Moulton, was present and served as moderator. It was voted to have Mr. Thoinjis Ustick supply our pulpit for six months, and an unsuccessful attempt was made to choose a deacon. The action of the church in clianging its local habitation and name had been entirely independent in accordance with Baptist polity and practice, but now they felt desirous to receive fellowship and recognition from sister olmrches. Invitations to a conference were accordingly sent out, and, Feb. l^^ 1777, a number uf Baptist elders and delegates met with the Ashford church to confer as to its state, sUuiding and regularity : —
*• And after prayers for Divine direction, proceeded to choose Elder Elijah Codding, moderator, and brother Thomas Ustick, clerk. After niutnal con- ference upon the ori<^liiaI and present state and standing of the ciuircli, the delegates from the churches of Brimfield, Woodstock and Abin^lon, upon the question whether the body of people that meet now at Ashford under the appellation of the Baptist church there, be a visible church of Christ — deter- mined unanimously In the attlrmatlve, viz : That in our opinion the said body are a visible church of Christ.
The delegates then proceeded in order to gain fellowship with the aforesaid churcli to query as followeth : —
1. Whether the clmrch believed that it is their duty to search up such members as have absented from church duties for a considet*al>le time, and mean as soon as may be to treat with such? To which tlie ciuircli consented.
2. Whether the church believe that ttie majority ou^ht to be submitted to by the minority in all matters of rule and determination, yea or nay? Answered in the afflrmatlve.
S. Whether or not the sisters of the church take hold of the sword of dis- cipline, or have any wei<:ht in matters of rule and determination with the male members? Answered in the negative, that tliey may not.
4. Whether or not It Is the duty of the church to maintain their minister in such nmnner as tliat he, with his family, rise in proportion as the members in general do, as to tiielr temporal estate? Answered in the afDrmative.
After wliich queries the delegates from the aforesaid churclies unanimously concluded to give fellowship to the church in Ashford, as a church of Christ in the order and fellowship of the gospel.
Signed in behalf of the whole.
Elijah Codding, Moderator. TnoMAS Ustick, (Hcrk. John Wkston, Church Clerk.
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ABIIFORO, GRNRBAL TOWN AFFAIRS, KTC. 31
Thus eetablished and acknowledged with a new meeting-house and active young iniuiater, it might have been hoped that tliis church would go prosperously onward, with increasing strengtii and influence, but it soon became involved in manifold difficulties. Its external relations were unfavorable to growth and harmony. A strong society organised independently of the church and taking the initiative in establishing public worship, was a troublesome factor in tbe case, and to add to the complication the meeting-house itself was owned by a third independent body, t. €., the proprietors who had borne the cost of its erection. Dissatisfaction was first manifested in a vote respectiug the minister. It may be that the preaching of the young college graduate was distasteful to the plain, old-fashioned church members who cared so little for human learning, and occasioned the following action: *' April 16, 1777, after sortie convei-sation the mind of the church was tried whether they would desire Mr. Ustick to preach any longer than the time which we had agreed with him for ; or whether they chose to hear some other man. Voted, to hear some other man, and then voted to acnd to Mr. Lamson to come and preach with us four Sabbaths if he can be obtained." The society thereupon voted that they did not concur with the church in dismissing Mr. Us- tick, but showed its willingness to provide all needful temporalities by farther instructing a suitable person " to provide bread-corn for Mr. Lamson*s family." Both ministers occupied the field for a season, Mr. Ustick enjployed by the society, Mr. Lamson by the church. The church attempted to exercise what it deemed its lawful prerogative by choosing " Brother Abraham Knowlton as a trustee to take a deed of a certain piece of land in behalf of said church, of Mr. Josiah Chaffee, on which the Baptist meeting-house now stands in Ashford," and also empowering Brother Samuel Johnson " to give a bond to Mr. Josiah Chaffee in behalf of the church for the delivery of the meeting-house spot to said Chaffee when not any longer wanted by said church for a meeting-house spot." These conflicting claims, niinistei-s and services excited much ill-will and animosity. Many hard things were said on both sides, and certain remarks derogatory to the Christian and minis- terial character of Mr. Ustick so aroused the spirit of this young can- didate that he applied to his friends in the Warren Association, R. I., for advice and assistance, who delegated a committee for that service. Amos Babcock, Elnathan Brigham and Abraham Knowlton were there- upon appointed by the church, " to wait upon the honorable committee appointed by the honorable Baptist Association of Warren, to come and look into our difficult circumstances at Ashford, viz., the Honored £1der Manning, Honored Elder Backus and Honored Elder Ledoit" This meeting was held Nov. 6, 1777. Notwithstanding the high char-
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82 HI8T0BT OF WINDSAM CM>UNTT.
acter of tlie assembly, the session was stormy. The society set forth its grievances touching meeting-house and minister ; the church main- tained its rights with equal firmness and persistence. Mr. I^abcock, in his earnestness, even followed the Honorable Connnittee to their lodg- ings, ''assuming very high ground in relation to church prerogative," taking, indeed, the position of the previous Separates, '' that a religious society could not exist without a church. The committee did not relish such doctrine nor act upon it," and they exculpated Mr. Ustick from unfavorable charges. The church was greatly diusatisfied with the result of this investigation, and appointed a committee to treat with uneasy members of the society and see what they wanted of the church to make them easy. This they found to be that they should '' sell their right to the meeting-house," or divide the improvement of it according to the proprietors* rights. The church after consultation '' thought there was no propriety " in such relinquishment, and pro- ceeded to arrange affairs according to their own pleasure. Having given Mr. Lamson a call, they further desired him '' to relate to them the work of grace upon his heart, and also his call to the work of the ministry," which proving satisfactory, they confirmed the call without apparent reference to the society. In February, 1778, committees were chosen to hire a place for the minister to live on, give certificates to those that desire to join with us in worship and in principles, and to settle with those proprietors of the meeting-house that manifest an un- easiness or submit the affair to indifferent men. Upon recommendation of the lia))tist Church in Charlton, Mr. Lamson was received as a proper member of the church in Ashford, preparatory to ordination. Delegates from the Baptist churches in New London, Charlton, Wil- braham and Abiugton met in council June 9, 1778. Afller inquiring in- to the church's standing and calling their candidate to the work, they found it " scriptural to their satisfaction." They proceeded to inquire into his experience and call to the ministry, especially to this church, and were fully satisfied with it.
** Then certain gentlemen cast in a written objection against the church for breach of covenant which the council closely inquired Into, and And it was not the church only three of their members, which when we had closely ex- amined we conclude it was a raisuuderstandiug in these gentlemen, &c., and we know not but that the church has been up to their agreement in every par- ticular, therefore we proceeded. June ye 10 met again, and according to before appointment wo proceeded to ordain Brother Ebcuezer Lamson. Elder Joshua Morse made the first prayer and preached a suitable discourse ft*om Ist Peter, ye four first verses ; then prayed and laid on bauds. Elder Nathaniel Green made the prayer and gave the charge, and Elder William Grow gave the right hand of fellowship, then concluded with laying on of hands and prayer. Elder Clark made tlie prayer, all of which was done decently and in order. After which there were some exhortations that were to the comforting of saints, and wo hope will prove convicting to siunci's.
Joshua Mousk, Modcralor.**
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KA8TFORD SOOIETY. 38
Abraham Knowltoii and John Hanks were now installed as deacons. Mr. Ustick, who up to this date had remained in Ashford, preaching at times though "not statedly" to his particular adherents, was now satis- fied that it would not be best for him to continue there, and after his withdrawal the <lifficu1tie8 gi'adually subsided, and church and society resumed harmonious relations. Various cases of discipline claimed the attention of the church. Some of these might have been settled by an appeal to the dictionary^ as for example that of Brother Ezekiel Sib- ley, who thus defines his position : —
" To the Baptist Church of Ashfnrd: In answer why I withdrew fi*om you is as followetii, relating to your fellowsblping the church at VVilllngtou in a corrupt faitti, to wit, tlicy believe they ouglit to contribute to tlie gospel ex- penses according to tlieir abilities and Previledges^ which word * Prevliedges * Is a corrupt faitli and never was Introduced by the commands of God. Neither do I think It ever was In any church since the world began it being fbll of so many evils. It not only brings contempt upon the divine authority, but would have broka up all rhnrches.
And yoar tolerating and fellowahlplng them In It, it brings divers from our professed faith. You have broke your faith witli me, and got yourselves wliere I cannot follow you. By which unguarded proceedings you have offeu*led your grieved brother."
The church out of consideration for such conscientious scruples and the possible heresies that might lurk in the inscnitable "prev Hedges," discharged the brother with "a gentle admonition." The support of the minister occasioned much discussion and trouble. According to Baptist theory and practice he was to be supported by '' free contribu- tions." No precise sum was specified, but he was " to rise in propor- tion as the members in general do as to their temporal estate." Any- thing like rate-paying was most abhorrent to the primitive Baptist, but freedom in supporting the minister was hardly com|)atible with the means adopted for making each brother pay his proportion, viz. : —
<*Oct. 8, 1781, vote put whether the church mean to ennpect each member respecting the support of the Gospel amongst us when it becomes necessary? Voted In the affirnintlve.'*
Despite these vanous trials and hindrances the Ashford Baptist Church maintained a respectable standing in town and denomination, and gained a strong niemborshi)) though weakened after a few yeai*s by withdrawals to Willington and Mansfield.
The eastern inhabitants delayed separate organization till October, 1777, when upon petition of Benjamin Sumner and others, showing that they were of ability to support the gospel in two societies, they were endowed with distinct society privileges, " according to a lino previously agreed upon beginning at Bigelow liiver at Mansfield's north line, thence running up said river to the north line of the town." At a society meeting, Jan. 7, 1778, it was voted, "That Mr. EUsha Hutchin- son be our gospel minister." Failing to carry out this enactment, a 5
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34 HISTORY OF WINDHAH OOITNTT.
meeting was held, May 25, at the house of Lieut. John Rnssel, when Josiah Spalding, Benjamin Sumner and Jonathan Chapman were chosen a committee to hire preaching, with instructions 'Uo employ Mr. An- drew Judnon of Stratford, with a view of settling among us, provided he don't stay with us then to hire some other gentleman.'* Notwith- standing the heavy burden now laid upon all classes by the war, the number of absent citizens, and the many pressing public duties, the resi<lents of Eastford Society manifested great spirit and readiness in establishing public woi-ship. At this s^nne meeting it was also voted, "To build a meeting-house in Eastford Society, about four or five rods northwest from where CapUiin Benjamin Russel's old shop used to stand." Abiel Simmons was chosen collector ; Ingoldsby Work, " agent to pray out a committee to set a stake for a meeting-house spot ; also, a committee to treat with such committee as the County Court should send to stick the stake aforesaid." June 30, it was farther voted, " That the County Court's committee should stick stake on Ijeut. John Itus- sel's land." This being accomplished to the satisfaction of all a sub- scription was circulated, the society first agreeing, " That those that sub- scribe towards building a meethig-house have liberty to build it of equal bigness with Woodstock's West Society's meeting-house, i. e., 45x35."
Mr. Judson consenting to preach as a candidate, public services were held September 23, 1778, when "Andrew Ju<lson, Benjamin Sumner, Samuel Snow, Jonathan Chapman, Elisha Wales and Simeon Deane entered into church covenant in presence of the Reverends Stephen Williams, John Ston*8 and Elisha Flutohinson, making a solemn and fresh dedication of themselves, and being formed into a church." Few in number, they were all the more zealous for doctrinal soundness and purity, desiring to embody " according to the word of God, and in par- ticular according to the light of the following texts, i, e., Deut. 20: 12, 13 ; Jer. 50 : 55 ; Second Cor. 8:5; Isaiah 44 : 5 ; Nehe. 9 : 38 ; Isaiah 10 : 28, 29, in an evangelical manner, and not in a legal frame of spirit." Oct 13, the church unanimously voted Mr. Andrew Judson to be their gospel minister, the society concurring in the call, and offering £500 settlement, £70 salary. Ordination services were held Dec. 1, when "it being through kind Providence a very pleasant day, the solemnities were performed to the pleasure and satisfaction of a large concourse of people." Rev. Ephraim Judson of Norwich, a relative of the new pastor, preached the ordination sermon, and neighboring ministers as- sisted in the other exercises. Benjamin Sumner, Esq., and Jonathan Chapman were ere long appointed deacons. Various members were received by a dismissive and reconnnendatory letter from the First Church of Ashford.
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Work on the meeting-house was greatly impeded by scarcity of men and money. The frame was raised in the summer of 1779, and partly covered so that business meetings were hehl in it, but religious services were conducted '* at the house of Mr. Aaron Tuffls, or Lieut RusseFs, or Captain Josinh Spalding's." It was voted, "To purchase about an acre of land of Lieut. Russel, in addition to the two acres thnt the same has promised to give the society for a meeting-house spot.*' A commit- tee was appointed this summer to treat with Mr. Judson how he must have his Hilary paid in this paper money, which agreed upon " the rate of twenty pounds /or one" In 1780, voted, "To sell the pew ground at vendue, nnd the money used in finishing the meeting-house — the tier of pews within the body of seats." These pew spots were purchased by Dea. Chapman, Ebenezer Eastman, Jonathan Hayward, John liussel, Jabez Ward, Simeon Deane, John Scarborough, John Work, Benj. Sumner, Joseph and Ingoldsby Work, Ebenezer 13os worth, James Sum- ner, Benjamin Cates, Stephen Foster, Benj. Hay ward, Jonathan Bemis, John Frink, John liussel, Jun., Josiah Spalding, Noah Paine, Ensign Joseph Kendall, Peter Tuflfls and Samuel Snow, showing it to be a strong society. It was voted, " To purchase half a box of glass to glaze the meeting-house, and hire it under-))inned in the cheapest and best way." (Slass being found too expensive the order was countermanded, and the " windows boarded up " till times were more propitious. It was voted, " To abate the rates of all those Baptists that have brought a certificate and those that frequently attend the Baptist meeting." The following certificate procured exemption for two Quakers : —
*< Jeremiah Mory beloiijTS to the Friends' meethi!?, and so Danlc| Bartlett dotli sup of the snme cup with me, and we own him to be one of our brethren, an I take care of uiy fricudt. In the presence of us, which we are ready to answer to, this :
jRRRMrAH MORT,
Thomas Smith, John Bartlktt. Gloucester, March 16, 1774.*'
During these years of sectarian and political agitation, Ashford was also implicated in a prolonged litigation growing out of the ancient " Corbin land claims,** and carried on by Benjamin and Asliael Marcy as legal representatives of James Corbin. Elijah Whiton, Ezra Smith, Elisha Wales, Benjamin Clark and Ebenezer Byles were appointed in 17G0, "To search the book of records with respect to the town's com- mons and Corbin's land," who reported that 2500 acres were allowed to Corbin in 1719, and that over 4000 acres had been laid out to him. The Marcys carried their claim to the Assembly, who appointed Joseph Spencer, Benjamin Lowe and Captain Jonathan Welles a committee of investigation. A meeting was held at Clark's tavern, in Ashford, May
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36 HISTORY OF WINDIIAH COUNTY.
4, 1774, Elijah Wliiton and Ezra Sinitli appearing as agents for the town. Full details of the original purchase and subsequent agi'eements were presented, and a formidable array of deeds and figures showing plainly that Corbin had received some hundred acres more than his due, while the petitioners demonstrated with equal cettainty that a still larger number was lacking. The connnittee in due time reported, ** That Corbin's land had not been taken np, that 910 acres still remained due to his heirs ; also, that Corbin s partnera had failed to pay taxes, and their shares should revert to him." The Assembly, after consideration of the repoit, was of opinion that 910 acres were due to Corbin under the settlement of 1719, and 375 acres under the patent of 1725, and granted that the petitioners should take them up in the town's com- mons. They also afKrmed, that the patent granted to Corbin in 1725, should be considered as an addition to the claim of 1719. The town refused to accept this decision so contrary to the common understand ing of the case, and to the facts adduced by Captain Chandler and othera when the patent was granted, and when the Marcys entered upon land proceeded ^* to prosecute those who had got our oounnon land into their possession." The Superior Court gave verdict in favor of the town. Marcy again appeale<l to the Assembly, complaining of error in the judgment of the Sui>erior Court, whereupon it was resolved by that bo<ly : —
** That the said Superior Court in taking cognizance of said petition mani- festly erred, and mistook the luw, and that the said judi^ineut Is hereby re- versed and set :i»lde, and the petitioner restored to ihe eost, and the petition remain as before entered In the docket of said Superior Court."
The town debarred from farther action at court Wiis compelled to yield up its commons. So far as regards the right of juriadiclion in this case the decision may have been legal, but with regard to the owner- ship of the land a careful study of all the facts would give it to the town. That the settlement of 1725 granted Corbin an addition to his immense original claim seems especially untenable, and in view of all the circumstances of the case, suggests the query, if the art of lobby- ing be strictly a modern invention. One result of this controverey was the copying of the original **town book'* by the faitliful town clerk, Ebenezer Byles, in 1770.
In 1771, Ashford appointed a committee to pray for county recon- struction on the following basis: Ashford with Woodstock, Killingly, Pomfret, IFnion, Stafford, Tolland and Willington to form a new north- ern county, and " C'olchester and Hebron to be added to the remains of Windham."
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III.
AFFAIRS IN CANTKUnURY. WHITEFIELD'S VISIT. 8KPARATES. BAFnSTS. ORGANIZATION OF WESTMINSTER SOCIETY.
CANTEUBURr was mnch occupied at this date in resettling her parishes and repairing her bridges. In 1760, her peace was greatly disturbed by the attempted secession of a number of her southeast residents, who asked to be incorporated with residents of adjoining towns into a new religious society. John llebard, appointed to oppose this petition, remonstrated : —
<* 1. That Canterbury had already parted with a mile or two of land on the north to help form Brooklyn parish, leaving; (IrHt society In Canterbury eight mile.H by five In extent — wKsely and cautiously done to accommodate two parishes within herself when planters should bo multiplied.
2. Inhabitants were settlefl all over said parish from cast to west, north to south bounds; that the distribution of said parish Into two parishes within themselves has been the governing motive to many planters to settle and build there; that winter preaching was allowed to the north and northwest quarter, and division to be made when public charges were less heavy; that dividing parishes into such small ones weakens the whole colony and Is hurtnil to Its civil and religious Interests."
Even this last consideration, nsnally deemed so weighty, was ineffect- ual in (his instance. The Assembly taking time for deliberation, Mr. Hebard farther urged, that the scheme would ^^ destroy one society in Canterbury, destroy the well-being of one in Newent, and ioound and weaken a third in Scotland." In spite of these dismal prognos- tications, the petitioners carried the day, and secured in 1761, the erection of the new society of Hanover from parts of Canterbury, Scotland Parish and Newent.
Town affairs required much care and deliberation. Colonel John Dyer and others of the second generation of settlei-s were no longer in active life. At the town meeting, 1761, John Curtis was chosen moderator ; Captain Obediah Johnson, Stephen Frost, Josiah Butt, Captain J3enjamin Price, selectmen ; Stephen Frost, town clerk ; Deacon Samuel Huntington, treasurer ; Simon Forbes, constable and collector of excise; Timothy Cleveland, Obediah Johnson, Joseph Dyer, James Daley, William Bradford, Josiah Morse, Frederic Curtis, Gideon Cobb, Joseph Safford, John Hebard, Matthew Button, Zechariah Waldo, highway surveyors; Nathaniel Aspinwall, Samuel Adams, fenc^j- viewers ; Solomon Paine, Asa Cleveland, Ebenezer Spalding, Robert Ilerrick, Silas Cleveland, Jedidiah Dodge, listei-s; Kobert Ilerrick, Abijah Cady, leather sealers ; John Hebard, Nehemiah Ensworth, Ezekiel Spalding, Elisha Paine, Isaiah Williams, grand-jurymen ; Shubael Butts, Ilezekiah Pellet, Daniel Paine,
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88 HISTORY OF WINDHAM OOUNTY.
William Bradford, tithingmen ; Gideon Cobb, ganger and packer ; Aliaziah Adainn, brander and toller; William Bond, Ezekiel Spald- ing, key-keepers. Ezra Ensworth, having managed at great cost and labor to construct a dam across the Qiiinebaug in the south part of tiio town, was granted liberty to mend and *• keep in repair the same, for the benefit of his corn-mill where it now stands, the same highth and length as it now is." This unusual privilege was only obuiined by very strenuous efforts. Anything that obstructed the ammal ascent of shad and salmon on which they so much depended was most vigorously resisted by all the residents of the Quinebaug valley — and in addition to this great damage and loss this mischievous dam was charged with undermining and greatly damaging Butts Bridge just below it. This most convenient bridge, erected by Samuel Butts in 1733, had been kept in repair by private subscription, and now in 1760, the neighbura had again rebuilt it, '* supposing that Canterbury would order the dam removed." Their fears an<l fore- bodings were only too quickly realized. The very next winter, ice falling over the dam again carried off the bridge. The dam, it is believed, was also destroyed by the same flood and nevei* rebuilt ; but none the less <lid the aggrieved neighbors refuse to rebuild the bridge. The town, compelled to juin with IMainfield in maintaining Neviud l^ridge on the great public thoroughfare, and a ford way near Shepard s Hill in the north part of the town, and to keep up other bridges over Rowland's Brook and Little River, positively declined to assist in rebuilding Butts Bridge. So great were the inconveniences and difficulties resulting from this negligence, that a large number of petitioners from Plaintield, Preston and other towns represented the case to the Assembly, and prayed that Canterbury might be compelled to support said bridge, as a place of much travel. A special act of the assembly in 1763, thereupon provided that Canter- bury shouhl build and keep in order a bridge at this place, under the direction of a county committee. Seth Pauie of Brooklyn Parish, Nathaniel Webb of Windham, and Asa Smith of Woodstock, were accordingly placed in charge of the work.
The increa.sing travel through the town made it needful to keep its highways in good order. Many of its own citizens were carried away by emigration. Abraham Paine, Elisha Cleveland, and others removed to Nine Partners, New York. Joshua Hide and Joshua Parke were among the early settlers of Vermont. Captain James Bidlack, Samuel Ransom and many other families joined the great out-flow to Wyoming. A jury was ordered by the County Court to meet at the house of Timothy Bar.kus, and lay out 21 highway from the dividing line between Windham and Canterbury, four and-a-half
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CANTERBURY, WHITEFIELD's VISIT, ETO. 39
miles east, to the highway lending from Norwich to Canterbnry, and thence to the Great Bridge over the Quinebaug. This highway, thus relaid and carefully maintained, accommodated a great part of the travel from Providence to Hartford and farther westward. In 1778, Colonel Jabez Fitch was chosen agent by the town to oppose the memorial of Colonel Israel Putnam and others " for an open and public highway to be laid out through the towns of Killingly, Pomfret and Canter- bury, in order the better to accommodate traveling from Boston to New Haven and New York/* — a project which its renowned advocate failed apparently to accomplish. A dam was allowed over Rowl:md*s Brook in the north part of the town, and various mills kept in opera- tion. Tannery works were also carried on by Benjamin Morse.
The various taverns needed upon the ])ublic roads and other parts of the town, were kept by Timothy Backus, John Park, Ebenezer Spalding, Robert Ransom and David Reed. Dr. Gideon Welles con- tinued his medical practice in Canterbmy and Plan field. A son of Canterbury, Dr. John Spalding, also established himself in his native town. Dr. David Adams, son of David A<lamp, rcsi<ling in Scotland and afterward in Preston, was often employed in his old home.
Rev James Cogswell continued in charge of the First church, which though weakened by secession and emigration maintained a respectable standing, and its old dislike of separation. A visit from Mr. Whitcfield in 1764, excited much consternation. This distinguished preacher had lost favor with the more rigid churches and |>a8tors. Mr. Cogswell was greatly exercised in spirit by the rumor of his coming, **not knowing how to conduct, viz: whether to desire hira to preach," — but, after deliberation and prayer, deterndned " to keep about his duty, viz: what would have been his duty if he had heard nothing of .his arrival." Tidings of his actual arrival and entertain- ment at Colonel Dyer's failed to change the decision of the timid divine, whose natural politeness and curiosity were quite overborne by fear of ministerial censure, but at the request of a nund)cr of his people he ventured to call upon the great preacher and held considerable discourse, which he thus recorded in his diary : —
*' lie professed much unconcerned ncss nt ye thoucht of death. He ap- peared a isrcat enemy to Sandcmnn. He wa« gross in body but poor In health and declined preaching; wisli I may be so weaned from tlie world and ready to die as he profussed to be; can't think, however, there is the greatest propriety in being fond of speaicing in hucIi a nnunier to ntran^ers.
Fel>. 14, Mr. Whitcfield came along; people seemed very fond of gazing on him. He rode In his chariot with a gentleman— had a waiter to attend on Idm, and Sampson Occam, ye Indian preacher, who rode on one of the horses, there being three to yu chariot. [Heverends] MesHrs. Breck and Whitney came and dined here. Mr. Hrcck said he did not know but I was ri^^ht in asking Mr. Whitettcld to preach ; however he believed he should not have done it."
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40 HI8TOBY OV WINDHAM COUNTY.
If Mr. Breck of Spinngfield, always inclined to Artninianism and hetero<loxy, could thus scruple, it may be seen that the cautious pastor did indeed run some risk in extending civilities to the great pulpit orator.
Mr. Cogt^well's dinry gives us a parting glimpse of another once- famed preacher and religious leader — his old antagonist, Elisha Paine, revisiting Canterbury atler many years absence: —
** March 26, 1769. Lawyer Paino sent for mo in the cvcniD«f, said that he wanted to sec me but did not desire I should tarry lecture, us Stephen Backus told luc; however, when I came there the old gentleman said he had nothing special to sny, and that ho only sent word that he was going to preach, and began lecture soon. But I thought I would not go away imme- diately— was not sorry I tarried as i have not heard a Separate teacher in a great while, lie is much more moderate than ftirmerly and indeed is a dull preacher; some part of his discourse was good but he preached many things erroneous as I thought, as that all religion which was established by civil au- thority was false; .... that all Christians have assunince, and those who think they have not are to be suspected of knowing nothing of Christ's beauty experimentally. That though men should live peaceably together yet it was a vain and wicked attempt to reconcile converted and unconverted men for they would always have implacable cneiniiy ; and tho' they should agree ever so well on an outward plan of church government which he called a hiarchee, meaning as I suppose an Hierarchy, it would be of no service unless men were converted — and several otlier exceptional things.
27th. Mr. lvalue visited me. Discoursed In a friendly manner. I mentioned to hiai his niedilling with Connecticut Kstabllshmeut in his sermon; he said he did not mean so umch Connecticut E.^tablishment as all Establishments. I mentioned his notion of saving faith consisting in assurance. He in etfect gave up the point, for he said lie believed many were good Christians who had not assurance but did not own he was wrong. He discoursed against several practices.— Presl)yterian ordination, ministers being supported by a salary, &c., but with a pleasant countenance and to appearance with a temper much less bitter and severe timn when he lived in town— but 1 believe he holds much the same doctrines."*
The Si'parate church once so flourishing had suffered many losses. The venerable Obadiali Johnson, one of the early settlers of the town, and a pillar of this church, died in 1765. Mary, wife of William Bradford and sister of John and Ebenezer Cleveland, — *'an ornament to her sex and indeed to till her Christian frietids," — died the satne year upou the birth of her fourteenth child, *' in a perfect calm resignation to the will of God and assurance of faith.'* Her father, Josiah Cleve- land, dying some years previous had shown his love to this '^Congre- gational church in Canterbury " (as its members called it), by bequeath- ing to it his whole part of the meeting-house, and £200 in bills of credit. Deacon Johnson left "the improvement of a farm and build- ings for the benefit of said church as for the poor of said church," and also twenty acres to supply firewood for the minister. But money
* The remaining years of the great Separate leader were spent in peaccfhl seclusion, preaching to his l>eh»ved floclc at Brlilgeluimpton, L. I., until within two weeks of his decease, which occurred Aug. 2G, 177u, at the age of eighty-four.
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CANTKRDURY, WJIITEFIELD's VISIT, KTO- 41
an<l land could not make up the loss in membership. Emigration and disaffection had carried away many. The vote by which they had gained society privileges and exemption from ratepaying, gave great offence to many ardent brethren, and after many stringent letters from Ebenezer Frothingham of Middletown, the church decided to i*ocon- sider the matter ; renewed their covenant one by one — during which God drew near and united their hearts in the love of the gospel — and appointed a committee, who reported : —
"May 21, 1760. 1. The Separate voting or acting with the society was wrong, as that civil budy acted in a matter of conscience, or in an ecclesias- tic affiilr."
The church assented to this " as their minds, and wliat they meant to abide by, and acknowledged their fault in so far as any of them had been active in those things." Its relations with its pastor were next brought under consideration. This good brotlier was ardent and zealous to a fault, and offended many of his people by bluntness of speech and lack of discretion. Afler long labor and agitation a coun- cil was held, May 29, 1768, which decided " that brother Joseph Mai-shall be dismissed from the pastoral care of this church, on account of the contentions in church respecting his gifts and ordination, which ren- ders his improvement unprofitable." Mr. Marshall then followed some members of his flock to the new settlements in Western Connecticut, New York and Vermont, where his labors were greatly blessed. The Canterbury Separate church did not succeed in settling another minister and steadily declined in numbers. Some of its members sigiiitied their desire to attend worship with the First society, provided they might pay their part of the expenses by way of contributing and not by rate, whereupon that body voted, " That we are willing and desirous that they should attend public worship with us, and will never levy any tax or assessment upon them contrary to their minds, but will leave it with them to give what, and in what manner, they please " The increase of Baptist sentiments was very annoying to the Separates as well as the standing order. Mr. Cogswell heard with great grief " that several of his people and many of the Separates had attended at Mr. Backus's to hear Ebenezer Lyon, the Baptist teacher," and hoped that God would "convince them of their folly." Not.with- standing this opposition, " Lyon, the Baptist," continued his irregular services for many years, edifying a small number of hearers. These Baptists with the Canterbury Separates held to what was called '* mixed communion," and oflen joined in worship and ordinances with Separate churches.
A division of the First society was accomplished during thiai period. Population had gathered in the western part of the town. Deacon 6
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42 HIBTORT OF WINDHAlf OODNTT.
Stephen Frost, sons of Samuel Butts, and other influential families were among these residents, and in the spring of 1767, petitioned for society privileges. A measure and survey were ordered and divisional line run. The society accepted the report and voted to divide into dis- tinct ecclesiastic societies by a north and south line at the centre of the parish parallel with the line between Windham and Canterbury — lino to leave 11,786 acres on each side; rate on east side £5,759; west side £4,251. With this vote the western inhabitants, viz: —
Stephen Frotit, lloberl and John Herrick, Solomon Adams, Ebcnezcr Deane, Ezra and Amos Woodward, Ebenczcr Gooden, Stephen Downing, Benjamin and Nathaniel Clcvclnnd, Samuel Parish, Matthias Button, Benjamin and Jolin Durfue, David Munro, Solomon Allen, Stephen Ftird, Jun., Joseph Burgess, Jotdah, Joseph and Sherebiah Butts, Joseph Leach, John Curtis, William Foster. Benjamin Jewett, David Canada, Eliphalet and Zebulon Farnham, William Hebard. Frederic Carter, John Lewis, Jonas Bond- appeared before the Assembly, and secured a committee which reported in favor of division. A favorable decision was confidently expected when to the consternation of the petitioners opposition was manifested. Notwithstanding previous declarations and agreements, fifty remonstrants headed by £lijab Dyer, Jabez Fitch and John Bacon now represented : —
'< That the vote to divide was hastily passed; that the Inhabitants princi- pally settled in the east; tliat a number or inliabitunts setlled uflerwards in the west, and, not considering that the contemplated division would inevita- bly ruin said society, voted it by a bare majority; list of whole, only nine thousand, exclusive of separate society; give a minister now but seventy pounds a year which by no means supports him, and we are very much put to collect that now In tills distressing time; people behindhand on account of great changes and scarcity of money, and to divide In the way proposed will certolniy ruin and break up the whole."
Residents near the centre of the town, viz., Thomas Bradford, Jo- seph Withe, Abijah Cady, Jacob Smith, John Wheeler, Jacob Green and John Pellet also remonstrated, declaring : —
** That the society will be eight miles In length and two and a-half In width, and that we live quite ut the east part of new society, and have a griod road to the meeting-house, and If we are stated to the west society shall be as far from their meeting house. If they ever build one, as we are now, with no road to travel on, and the way so bad that It Is impossible there will ever be a good one made, and pray to be allowed to stay In the east society."
To forestall division it was now proposed that a new meeting-house should be erected in the centre of the town, but no vote could be ob- tained for it. In May, 1769, the western inhabitants farther repre- sented that their number had greatly multiplied and was constantly in- creasing, that the society would not allow them to be set off or build a new meeting-house in the centre, and begged for relief. Their request was continued till October, and thus answered : —
** Upon memorial of Stephen Frost, Robert llerrlck, Ebenezer Goodell and others, Inhabitants of first society of town of Canterbury, situated In west
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OANTKRBURY, WnrrBFlELI>'8 VISIT, KTO. 43
pftrt of 9ai(] society, showing to this Assembly tliclr groat distance fVom the established place of public worship In said society, whereby they and their numerous families are very unable to attend the same ; also, showing to the Assembly the vote of said society signifying their consent to have the same equally divided Into distinct ecclesiastic societies by a north and south line parallel with the line dividing between the towns of Windham and Canter- bury, at the centre of said first society, ascertained by a late survey made by Seth Paine, county surveyor, approved by said society — praying this Assembly to make and constitute the men situate on the west side of said north and south line a distinct ecclesiastic society acconling to the form and extent of said vote, and to be invested with all the rights and privileges to such socie- ties appertaining (except such Inhabitants as by law are exempt from contri- buting to the support of the established ministry). It Is resolved by this As- sembly, that the inhabitants living within the limits aforesaid (excepting as before excepted) shall be, and they are hereby made, erected and constituted a distinct eccicslastlc society, endowed with all the powers, privileges and immunities usually belonging to ecclesiastic societies In this colony, and shall be known and called by the name of Westminster. October, 17(i9.**
The organization of the new society was speedily eflTected. The re- ports of the first meetings have not been preserved, bitt there was evi- dently no lack of spirit and enthusiasm. Arrangements were soon made for bnilding a mectiiig-honse. There wjis no owinsion here for quarrelling over its site. ** Natural fitness " at once assigned it to a broad hill-summit near the centre of the society. About four acres of land at tlio crossing of the roads were given by John Parks for meet- ing-house spot, burial ground and common. The bushes were at once cleared off and ground made ready for building. Capt Sherebiah Butts was employed as master builder, and served so efticiently that the house was made ready for occupation dtni ng the following summer, that same busy season in which the rival edifices of Brooklyn Parish were in progress. " At a convention of professing Christians belonging to Westminster society Nov. 2, 1770," arrangements were made for church organization. The neighboring ministers — Reverends Samuel Mosely, James Cogswell, Josiah Whitney — and Capt. John Howard, Dr. Jabez Fitch, Dea. Nathaniel Brown and Col. Israel Putnatn, messengers, comprised the council. A number of brethren appeared before it, and after professing their belief in the articles of the Christian faith revealed in the Word of God, and engaging to walk together agreeably to the directions of his word, signed the following covenant and were acknow- ledged as a regular church of Christ : —
'* 1. We do take the Iloly Scriptures as the only ultimate rule of our Ihlth and manners, and In subordination hereto, the confession of faith called the West- minster,* which we look upon to be agreeable to the Word of God
8. We submit ourselves to the watch and discipline of Christ's church, ac- cording to (Cambridge platform.
Stephen Frost. Thomas Hratlford. Amos Woodward.
Kobert Ilerrlck. WUliam Bond. Kbenezer Davis.
John Lewis. Jacob Foster. Anthony (ilass.
Isaac Woodward. Enos Woodward. John Ilerrlck.
Daniel Davis. Peter Woodward.
Westminster, Nov, 20, 1770. "
*lt is not Improbable that the society adopted Its stately name In honor of this venerable coulcsslon which held sohigh a place In their esteem.
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44 HISTORY OF WINDHAM OOUNTT.
Within a few months John Staples of Taunton, Mass., was called to the pastorate antl onhiined Apiil 17, 1772. Stephen Frost, John ller- I'ick and Jonas Bond were cliosen to serve as deacons; many were added to Che church, and the society pursued its way in much i)ea(^ and prosperity.
Although the Fii-st society in Canterbury managed to maintain its existence afler tiie division of its territory, it did not escape many of the evils so dismally foreboded. During the preceding controversy ani mosities had been engendered, and it was found impossible to efiect a peaceable settlement. Deal. Frost, for some unas.signed reason, chose to retain the society records and papers, and also the school fund money previously entrusted to him. John Felch was now society clerk and trexisurer; Jabez Fitch, Jun., Eliashib Adams and Joseph Woodward were the committee. At a society meeting Feb. 7, 1770, Capt. Dyer was appointed ** agent, to go immediately in the name of society and demand the record books and other papei-s belonging to the society now in the hands of Dea. Stephen Frost, and in case of refusal, prose- cute." Asa Bacon was also empowered ** to recover loan school nu)ney in the hands of Dea. Frost." These efforts proving unsuccessful, the society committee was instructed to sue for school money. An agent was afterwards appointed to lay the case before the Assembly. Finally, April 22, 1771, the leading men in the society, viz., John Felch, Capt. Elijah Dyer, Dea. Eliashib Adams and Captains Elkanah Cobb and Aaron Cleveland, were chosen " to treat with Westminster society al)out an amicable settlement of the dispute between said societies res]>ecting loan school money, and also to make a iinal settlement and full con- clusion of all other matters of controversy subsisting between said so- cieties res|)ecting a part of Mr. Cogswells salary for the year in which said society was divided." Through their mediation the various diiH- culties were in some measure surmounted.
The most serious evil resulting from society division was the loss of Mr. Cogswell. The First society was unable to raise what he deemed needful for his support, or even to pay arrearages in full, and consented ** to his quiet and peaceable dismission." The church, *^ taking into consideration our difficult circumstances, with much reluctance c(msent that our pastor be dismissed ; testify our sincerest regards and part with him not because we are dissatisfied with htm as to anything relat- ing to his ministerial conduct, but think it may be for the good and peace of the society, and most cordially reconnnend him." Mr. Cogs- well preached for a short time at East Haddam, where his good friend and adherent, Deacon Sanmel Huntington, had lately removed, and then returned to Scotland Parish. The Canterbury church remained for many years without a settled pastor to its great detriment. Mathaniel
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. WKSTMINSTlfiB 8O0IETT. 45
Niles of Norwich, prcftchcil for a seHSoii but declincfl a call to settle- ment. Samuel Spring, Job Swift and £|)liraim Jiidson also served as supplies during this unsettled period. Eliashib Adams succeeded to the deacon's office on the removal of Dea. Huntington in 1769. Jabez Fitch, Jun., was elected deacon two years later. William Bingham, "William Darbe and Benjamin Bacon were made choristers. Though destitute of a settled pastor, public worship was maintained with con- siderable regularity. Jab<>z Filch, Esq., Timothy Baldwin, Jabez Ens- worth, John Ikcon and Elijah Dyer looked after the proper seating of the meetinghouse, and ordered needful repairs, and '* if swept twelve times a year '* paid twenty shillings for it. Tixhall Ensworth held the responsible position of key -keeper. In 1773 the resources of the so- ciety were somewhat enlarged by the annexation of Black IlilK the lands in possession of Timothy Backus, Isaac Allerton, W^illiam Under- wood, Joab Johnson, Curtis and Ezekiel Spalding, Jabez Fitch, Jun., William ]3inghani, John Hough, Elkanah Cobb and Obadiah Johnson being joined by act of Assembly *' with the First Society of Canter- bury for society and ecclesiastic privileges, but not for schooling, mili- tary and other purposes."
Schools in Canterbury up to this date were receiving little attention, and the old system of ** squadrons *' was still maintained. In 1770, Ezekiel Park, Captain Elijah Dyer, Nathan Waldo, Joseph Clark, Jo- seph Woodward, Asa and Joseph Stevens were ordere<l, " To take care of the schools in their respective squadrons, and to hire suitable per- sons to keep the schools." A division into twenty-three districts was soon after effected and the number of schools increased. Private schools were often supported in different neighborhoods. A " night school " was kept at one time by Joseph Carter in *' the school-house nighent to Westminster meeting-house." After his mercantile ex|>eri- ment in Pomfret this young man returned to Canterbury, keeping store or school as occasion offered, and, like a true-born Yankee, turning his hand to anything. Succeeding in time to the oflice of deputy-sheriff, he combine<l with it a carrying trade, conveying letters and packages back and forth with his prisoners, and serving his neighbors with house- hold supplies as well as warrants. With all rhis Yankee facility one duty came hard to him. He did not mind applying the lash to the bare back of a male culprit, but he hated to whip a womany and unfor- tunately for him the innnber of female offendei-s was very large. Steal- ing, vagi-aficy and worse offences brought many a hapless victim to the public whipping-post. The compassionate sympathy of the tender- hearted sheriff led him on one occasion to employ a substitute, but the neophyte in his zeal for justice inflicted the blows with so much more Bphit and cogency that he was fain to submit thercailcr to do his own
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46 HISTORY OP WINDHAM COUNTY.
whipping. One petty pilferer escaped with a lighter ])uni8hnient. A very respectable citizen living north of the Green was led to sns|>ect that one of his neighbors was helping himself to his hay, and keeping a sharp look-ont at last espied the oflfender creeping up to his barn one evening and coming out with a large bun<lle tied up with a rope. The good man might have roused the neighborhood with a hue-and-cry, but with sudden impulse he hurried into his house, snatched a blazing fire-brand, and managed unseen to overtake the thief, and thrust the brand into the bundle. Crackliikg Hames suddenly bursting over his head terrified the poor fellow almost out of his senses, and thinking that the Lord had sent fire from Heaven to consume him, he dropped the blazing hay and ran home as fast as his trembling limbs could carry him. The next day he sought his neighbor in great distress and peni< tence, confessing all his misdeeds and the punishment that the Lord had sent upon him, and promising never to do the like again. This promise it is believed was faithfully kept, and the story was never told till after the decease of the penitent offender.
John Felch usually served as town clerk during this period. John Bacon, Jan., was graduated from the College of New Jersey in 1765, and after essaying ministerial settlement in various fields removed to Stockbridge, Mass., and dislinguished himself in Becular service. Anron, youngest son of Josiah Cleveland, Elijah, son of Colonel Dyer, John, son of John Adams, were among Canterbury's rising young men at this date. Obadiah Johnson was colonel of the regiment which com- prised the militia of Plainfield and Canterbury. Mr. Cogswell reports a public library founded by the citizens in 1771.
IV.
TOWN AFFAIRS IN WINDHAM. WYOMING SETTLEMENT. SOCIAL LIFE. SCOTLAND PARISH.
WINDHAM as head and shire town of the county was now exceed- ingly prosperous and prominent, surpiissing, acconling to cotem- porary ju<lgment, " every iidand town in the Colony in trade and mer- chandize." It had four well-trained military companies, four meeting- houses, a court-house, prison and jail, numberless stores and t:iverns, and many handsome private residences. The ofKcors retpiisite for the proper management of public affairs in 17G0 were five selectmen, five constables and rate coUectora, seven grand- jurors, ten tithing-men, seven listers, twenty-three surveyorH, four bnindiM'H and toilers, thn^e pound keepers, three packers, one weight-sealer, one measure-sealer.
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TOWN AFFAIRS IN WINDHAM, KrrO. 47
two to lake care of provisions paid for colony tax, one excise collector, two surveyora and packers of tobacco.* The Rev. Stephen White re- mained in pastoral charge of the First Church and society. Samuel Gray served efficiently as town clerk. Nathaniel Wales, with his son Nathaniel, filled many public offices to great acceptance. £li))halet Dyer and Jedidiah Elderkin were actively engaged in the practice of law, and ranked among the prominent public men of Connecticut The ex- cellent Jonathan Huntington retained his eminence and popularity as a medicnl practitioner, and while exhibiting ** marvelous skill '* in the art of healing, served ns judge of the County Court and member of the Governor's council. His cotemporary in years, Dr. Ebi'uezer Gray of Boston, probably brother to Samuel Gray, Esquire, also "practiced physick" in Windham and its vicinity. Dr. Joshua Elderkin, the somewhat erratic brother of Jedidiah, practiced medicine, engaged in trade and experimented in manufactures. In that revival of business and commercial enterprise following the close of the French war, Windham actively participated. James Flint, Ebenezer Backus and Ebcnezer Devotion, Jun., of Scotland Parish, engaged extensively in mercantile traffic, buying up domestic produce to exchange for West India goods and articles of t4iste and luxury. Under this stimulus, the products of the town were very largely incrcasod. Much attention was given to wool growing, the culture of hemp, flax and tobacco, and the making of cheese and butter. Great flocks of sheep and herds of cattle ranged over Windham pastures and commons. Wheat and other cereals were extensively grown and exported, and so biisk was trade in
*List of Officers: Dr. Joshua Elderkin, modcmtor; Snmuol Gray, town clerk (chosen first in 1755, "in room of Eliphnlct Dyer, (rone in ye army," and rettilned in ofllce more tlinn tlilrty years) ; Ctiptiiin Samuel Murdnck, Gcorj?e Marliii, Ciipt. Henry Silsby, Mr. Stunuel Webb, Lieut, rrhico Tracy, selectmen; llezckiiih Manning, Paul lli'bard, Ablcl Abbott, constnbles and col- lectors of town rates; Joshua Heed, Uezeklali Huntington, Nathaniel Lord, John Manning, grand-Jurymen; William Warner, Nathaniel Wales, 2d, Na- thaniel Warren, John Clark, Joseph Burnham. Nalhan Luce, Joseph Manning, tlthln<;.men ; Heixjamln Lathrt>p, Jonathan Babcock, James Flint, Jonathan Bnrnap, Nathaniel Mosely, Andrew Bnrnham, Joseph Woodward, listers; Ed- ward Brown, Ebenezer Fitch, Ebene/.er Bingham, John Bass, Isaac Andrns, Gideon Ilelmrd, Thomas Tracy, Samuel Mnrdock, Nathaniel lIuntingto>i, ])aniel Martin, Jerendah Clark, Zebadlah Cobnrn, Steplien Tark, Jerendali Utlcy, William Holt, JoHlah Hammond, Simon Wood, Joshua Farnham, John Manning, Joseph Woodward, Richard Kimball, Jonathan Luce, Joseph Gin- nlngs, highway surveyors; Samuel Webb, Edward Brown, William i)urkce, Isaac Rlnge, John Webb, David Ripley, fence-viewers; Hez. Huntington, John Fuller, Ellsha Palmer, Jun., Eleazer Palmer, branders and tollers; Ed- ward Brown, Isaac Riiige, Reuben Robinson, leather-sealers; Joseph Hunting- ton, Joseph Sessions, Ellsha Palmer, Jan., ponnd-keepers; Joseph Hunting- ton, Jeremiah Dnrkec, Joseph Manning, packers; Samuel Gray, town treas- urer; Elijah Bingham and Thomas Tracy, to take care of the town bridge; James Flint, receiver of provision paid for discharge of colony tax; John Abbe, collector of excise; Hezekiah Manning and Shubael Palmer, surveyors and packers of tobacco.
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48 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
all parte of the town thai it was proposed to petition the Assembly " for a free fair or market." When com|>cHed by English exactions to re- linquish her foreign trade, Windham turned her energies to manufac- tures. John Brown, a highly respected and useful citizen, then occu- pyii^g the home farm on the Willimantic laid out to his grsindfather, C/apt. John Brown, in 1706, not only entertained travelers according to the fashion of the day, but cultivated his farm, manufactured potash and refined 8aU|>etre. Ezekiel Cary carried on his trade as a tanner and currier in this vicinity. Colonel Elderkin, among his other avoca- tions, interested himself in silk culture ; and set out a fine orchard of mulberry trees in the south part of Wiiulham. In 1773, he wrote to Clement Biddle of Philadelphia, *' that he had a large number of trees fit for improvement, had made considerable growth of silk, spun and improved some, but failed for want of ')>roper reels and experienced workmen, aud desired a reel or caldron, and a young woman to teach them." With this aid he succeeded in making a strong, coarse silk, used for handkerchiefs and vestings.
Travel and trade, and the increased and cheapened supply of liquors, made many taverns needful. License was granted in 1760 to James Lasell, Paul llebard, Ann Warner, Elias Prink, Ebenezer Bingham, David Hipley, Jacob Simmons, Ebenezer Griilin, Stephen Fitch, Jabez Kingsley, John Parish, Samuel Silsby. Mercy Fitch of Windham Green was also allowed to reUiil strong drink to whomsoever asked for it. liicenses were granted in following years to Abner Flint, Elenzer Cary, John Howard, Nehemiah Tinker, Edward Badger and Nathaniel Linkon. These numerous taverns were all well patronized, especially during the Court sessions. Jonathan Trumbull of Jjebauon, was now judge of the County Couit ; Shubael Conant, John Dyer, Jabez Fitch and Joshua West, associates ; Samuel Gray, clerk ; Eleazer Fitch, \\i<rh shcriif ; Paul Jlebard, sheriff deputy. Due care was taken of the court houne and jail, and certain limits assigned to such as were im- prisoned for debt Debtors unable to pay were made to work out their debts in various service. In 1762, the prison-yard was repoited in a decaying state, and the sheriff ordered to take the same down. Twelve yeara later, assistants and justices met at the court house *' to take into consideration the state of the county jail." A large number of promi- nent men from all the towns were present It was judged that repairs were needful, and a farthing tax ordered upon polls and ratable estates. Sanuiel Gray, Nathaniel Wales and Capt James Stedman were ai>- pointed to make repairs. A collector was appointed for each town, \iz. : Jabez Huntington, Windham; Samuel Eaton, Ash ford ; Nathaniel Marcy, Woodstock; John Hough, Canterbury; Seth Grosvcnor, Pom-
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fret ; Joshna Dunlap, Plainficld ; James Qordon, Yoluntown ; Ephraim Warren, Killingly.
Windham's alertness in promoting home interests was surpassed, if possible, by her activity in all public affairs. Her citizens were fully imbued with the spirit of those stirring times, and were ready not only to participate but to lead on '* all emergent occasions." The grand colonization scheme, so happily inaugurated within her borders, still enlisted her warmest sympathies, and after the return of peace, renewed effoits were made to cjirry it into execution. After a lapse of five years, the Susquehanna company resumed active opemtious. At a meeting in Hartford, March 12, 1760, Col. Tolcott was chosen moderator ; Samuel Gray, clerk. It was recommended that the com- mittee previously appointed, "with all expedition carry into execu- tion the several betrustments reposed in them ;'* also, that this com- mittee should join with the committee of the Delaware Purchase in sending home to England. In the following year, it was voted to send an agent for both companies, and add two hundred more shares to pay expenses. Eliphalet Dyer was chosen as this agent with a salary of £150. The object of this mission was to procure confirma- tion of the Wyoming territory from the Crown. Jonatlian Trambull, Ilozekiah JIuntiiigton, David Edwards, Samuel Gray, Jedidiah Elder- kin and George Wyliis were appointed to collect materials and make all necessary preparations to help said agent A committee waS also empowered to treat with Indian Chiefs, and liberty given to settle two townships. This liberty was improved by several Connecticut families, who effected a settlement in the Wyoming valley in 1762-3, but were soon attacked and butchered by the hostile savages. The Promised Land was not to be possessed without an arduous conflict. The government of Pennsylvania, holding the territory by formal treaty and purchase, scouted the claim of Connecticut and prepared to resist her every effort at settlement. Powerful Indian tribes con- testing the land were also arrayed against her. Dyer's mission though urged with great eloquence and persist^Micy was unsuccessful. The King forbade the settlement of the disputed territory. Both companies were summoned to Windham Court-house, Jan. 16, 1765, to hear the report of their agent, returned from Great Britain with many things of importance to commtinicate. Jabez Fitch, John Cuitis, Isaac and Elisha Tracy and Ebenezer Backus served as committee for the Delaware company; Eliphalet Dyer, Jedidiah Elder- kin and Samuel Gray, for the Susquehanna. Undeterred by rebuff and threatened opposition, the latter company continued its efforts, lieuewed attempts were made to gain the sanction of Connecticut. Colonel Dyer in particular so warmly pleaded its cause, and so 7
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glowingly depicted the charms of the Wyoming valley, as to call out from one of the wits of the day a poetic impromptu : —
'* Canaan of old, as we are told, Where It did ruin down Manna, Wa'n't half so good for heavenly food As Dyer makes Susqu'hanua."
But though greatly favoring the colonization scheme, and most anxious to establish its claim to all the land prescribed by its Charter the government of Connecticut was too wise and wnry to expose itself to collision with Pennsylvania, and discreetly withheld its formal endorsement of the enterprise. The Susquehanna company was, however, too powerful an organization and too strongly entrenched in popular favor, to be repressed by lack of ofHciul aid or recognition. At a meeting in Hartford, 1768, it was voted, that five townships, five miles square, should be suiTcyed and granted each to forty settlers, being proprietors, on condition that these settlers should remain upon the ground and defend themselves and each other from the intrusion of all rival claimants. As farther encouragement — the sum of two hundred pounds was appropriated to provide implements of husbandry and provisions. Great as was the risk many were ready to meet it. The chance of gaining a home in the bc.iutiful valley, was worth a contest, and indeed to some who had shared in the exciting service of the French war, the prospect of a brush with the "Pennymites" may have furnished an additional incentive. Early in 1769, forty adventurous Yankees de8cende<l upon VVyoming. Kiue- most among them were old French war campaigners, Captain Zebulon Butler of Lyme, and Captain John Durkee of Windham, now removed to Norwich. Thomas Dyer, Vine Elderkin, Nathaniel Wales, Nathan Denison of Windham, and Timothy Pierce of Plain- field, were among this heroic ** forty." They found the *' Penny mites " already in possession, and after a sharp and spirited contest were obliged to quit the field, leaving Durkee and other lead mg men in the hands of the enemy. Colonel Dyer and Major Elderkin were equally unsuccessful in attempting to negotiate an amicable settlement with the Proprietary Government of Pennsylvania. Ebenezer Backus, Captains Joseph Eaton and Robert Durkee acted with gentlemen from other parts of the Colony in raising funds for the relief and support of the prisoners. In 1770, a still larger force of Yankees returned to the charge and after a yet more serious contest was ^so compelled to retire with loss of life and great destruction of property. After taking and losing Fort Durkee in the course of the following winter, the Yankees opened the siege in the spring of 1771, with fresh forces and leaders, resolved to carry on the war to
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the last extremity. The ** Peunyinites ** met them with their nsual spirit and gallantry, though greatly crippled in resources. The Pro- prietjiry Government, unpopular at home and unsupported by Great Britain, was unable to meet the demand, and declined to continue so costly and fruitless a struggle. After gallantly defending Fort Durkoe for several months, Captain Ogden was forced to accept articles of capitulation, and> with all the Pennsylvania troops with- drew from Wyoming, leaving the rejoicing Yankees in possession of the land so valiantly contested.
Organization was now speedily effected. The towns already laid out were divided into farms and distributed. Those who had fought for the prise were rewarded by bountiful homesteads, and many other families from all parts of Connecticut eagerly sought a share. Wind- ham County, so active in proposing and promoting the settlement of the Susqnehaima valley, was equally ready to take possession, and scores of valuable families removed thither in the course of a few years. Stephen Fuller, John and Stephen Abbott, John Carey, Blisha Babcock, Robert Durkee of Windham; Simon Spalding, Ezekiel Pierce, John Perkins of Plainfield ; Capt4iiu Samuel Hansom, Captain James Bidlack and Elisha Williams of Canterbury ; George and John Dorranc^ llobert Jameson, Cyrus Kinno of Voluntown ; Anderson Dana, Joseph Biles, Stephen Whiton of Ashford, were among the many who emigrated to Wyoming valley. Many of these were men in the prime of life with large families, accustomed to the manage- ment of public affairs, and eminently fitted to aid in laying the foundation of social order, and moulding the new State after the j>att<»ni of Coimecticut. The fertility of the soil, the mildness of the climate, the beauty of the country and the abundaiuje of its resources far exceeded expectations, an<l such glowing reports came back to the rocky farms of Windham County, that emigration raged for a time like an epidemic and seemed likely to sweep away a great part of the population.
The burthen of bridge-making, always heavy in Windham, was b6 augmented by the increase of travel consequent to the great emigration to Wyoming and other new countries, as to be quite insu|)portable. An ** extraordinary flocid " and great nccuinulation of ice in 1771, de- molished and carried away nearly every bridge in Windham County, making a clean sweep of (he Nnchaug, Williniantic and Shetncket. As these briilges were upon public highways, "abundantly used "by great numbers of families with cattle and teams from PlainBeld, Voluntown and the south part of Rhode Island, " traveling to the west part of Mas- s.tchnsetts Bay, New Hampshire an<i north part of New York," the aulhorities of Windham refused to reconstruct them without aid
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from other quarters. Several roads were thus rendered impassable, travelers were forced to travel many miles out of their way to Hud suit* able fording-places, and then were flung from their hoi-scs and exposed to drowning. Complaints were laid before the General Assembly that Windham refused to rebuild her bridges, or do anything about the same, so that peo|>le were likely to be subjected to great hardships. Dyer, Elderkin and Nathaniel Wales, Jun., were deputized by the town to represent " that these bridges were on the edge of the town ; that Jive large bridges had been built within a few years at the eac|>ense of £800 ; all carried off by extraordinary floods which seemed to be much increasing ; that this expense was heavy and intolerable, as several of these biidges were more to accommodate other towns and the public, and beg relief." Their i*eqnest was refused and a bill passed, " That Windham should build and maintain a good and suflioient caitbridge over each of said rivers at the places designated by |>etitioners, viz., one over the Shetueket, on the road from Windham to Hartford, known as Old Town Bridge, and one over the Willimantic, called the Iron Works Bridge. Mansfield was directed to rebridge the Nachaug. In 1774, the town of Windham was ordered to build and maintain a bridge across the Shetu(iket upon a road lately laid out to New KIam|>- shire, to accommodate tlio travel to the new colloge in Ihuiover. The selectmen of Windham were now required, **To provide suitable houses for the poor, and persons to take care of them, rates for the same to be paid in provisions."
Social life in Windham was still characterized by exuberant hilarity. ^'Jaunting and junketing," feasting and merry-making were more and more in vogue. A very fi*ee and generous style of living had been adopted by the upper circle, rivaling that of the leading families in the larger towns. Windham's relations with Norwich were es|)ecially dose and cordial, and were marked by continual interchange of hospi- talities and festivities. Entertainment was made easy by the great number of negroes. Nearly every household owned its servants, gen- erally a man and wife, with a great brood of children. They were a careless, happy set, fond of joking and fiddling, and added much to the general jollity. Colonel Dyer's body-servant Jack, the son of an Afri- can prince, was chief among these negroes. He accompanied his mas- ter upon many public missions, and was distinguished for gentlemanly demeimor. Colonel Dyer had a houseful of negroes, great and small, and entertained much company in fine style. Pictures and rarities brought from abroad adorned his handsome residence. A very promi- nent and popular household at this time was that of Colonel Eleazer Fitch, son of Joseph Fitch of Lebanon. Remarkably distinguished in pei-son, being six feet four inches in height, and three hundred pounds in
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weight, and called " the best-looking officer in the American army," he was still more noted for social attractions and elegant accomplishments. Inheriting an ample estate, he had enjoyed superior educational and social advantages, and was especially distinguished for musical taste and acquirements, and appreciation of art and literature. Entering early into public life he had served as an officer in the French war, aided in negotiating the Delaware purchase, and secured the position of high sheriff of Windham County. His stiitely mansion, built in 1769 on Zion's Hill, was one of the most tasteful residences in Eastern Connec- ticut Here many daughtei*s wore growing up and taking their place in society, distinguished like their father by beauty, gi'jice and musical culture. The daughters of Mr. James Flint were ranked among the Windham belles of this date.
In schools Windham was still deficient. The grammar school en- joined by law upon towns of her standing and population was not main- tained with any degree of efficiency. Those brilliant young la<lies were indebted for their training to "a dame's school " on the Green, and a few months "finishing" in Hartford or New London. Moses Cook Welch of Mansfield, opened a grammar school on Windham Green after his gra<luation from Yale in 1772, but soon relinquished it to study law wilh (colonel J>yer. The yotnig men of the wealthier fami- lies were usually sent to college after preparatory study with Mr. W^hite, or Dr. Wheelock in Lebanon. Windham was deeply interested in the various educational movements initiated by the latter. Ono of his early Windham neighbors and playmates, Joshua More, gave a house and land in Mansfield to be appropriate<l to the training up of Indian youth for ministerial and missionary service, and a good Wind- ham lady left a legacy in behalf of this Christian enterprise. Wind- ham made earnest but unsuccessful effoits to retain this school. Her ministers, llev. Messrs. White and Mosely, were members of the con- vention for considering it« removal, and Windham students accompanied President Wheelock on his nn'gration to the wilderness, and were among the first graduates of Dartmouth College. Samuel Gray, Jun., was graduated (vith the first class in 1771, and Augustine Hebard the following year. The Ijitter soon went out to Canada on a mission to the Indians. Hezekiah Bissell, Joseph Huntington, Vine Elderkin, Ebenezer (4ray, Hezekiah Hipley and Shubael Abbe were also gradu* ated from Yale College during this period. Most of these young men remained in Windham, filling the places left vacant by death and emi- giation. Dr. Ebenezer Gray died in 1773; Dr. Jonathan Huntington in 1777. After a life marked by "piety to God and benevolence to mankind,'* this distinguished and beloved physician endured the most intense sufferings without a murmur or comphiint, exhibiting to its close
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64 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
''a Striking picture of that fortitude and patience which Christianity alone win inspire." They were succeeded in practice by Dr. Samuel Lee of Goshuii, a young man of ^* herculean strength and agility " and ardent patriotism, who had enjoyed the professional training of Dr. Ezekiel Porter of VVethersfield.
Windham's First Church was less prosperous than in previous periods. Its numbers wore lessening, and its stated worship was losing its hold upon the public mind. The mild and gentle character of Mr. White's preaching and intlnence was little fitted to cope with increasing world- liness and many opposing elements. Deacon Nathaniel Skift* died in 1761. Nathaniel Wales, Sen., and Joseph fluntington still served in the deacon's office. Jonathan Martin and Elijah Bingham were chosen junior deacons in 1765. The numerous ** sectaries" continued their opposition to the standing order. Those in the first society had now become very much imbued with Baptist sentiments. ]\Ir. Benjamin Lathrop, a worthy and respected citizen, obtained ^S>rdination in that line," and had a small number of followers to whom he administered religious ordinances, but had no Bxcil place of worship. Elijah Bib- bins served as its deacon.
Scotland Parish shared in the secular prosperity of the town. Rev. Ebenezer Devotion wais held in high reputation throughout the colony as ''a great divine, a pious man, an able politician, eminent for every kind of merit." So great was tlie public contidonce in his judgment and wisdom that alter the passage of the Stamp Act he was sent by Windham to represent her in the General Assembly, as the man most competent to advise in that great ciisis, "a very singular instance," according to President Stiles. While strongly favoring the popular side in politics, and encouraging his fellow-citizens in their resistance to arbitrary enactments, he never forgot the respect due to constituted authorities, nor omitted his public prayer for the King and Itoyal Family. Still less did he waver in his hostility to religious sectaries or favor any dissent from the ecclesiastic constitution of Connecticut, or fail to send his negio every Sabbath morning with a written order for liev. John Palmer, forbidding him to preach within his territorial limits. Although this Separate Brunswick Church had been for many years organizuil, and uiHintained its regular worship, its meml>ei*s were still forced to pay rates for Mr. Devotion, or sulfur the loss of cattle and go(Mls, or imprisonment in Windham jail. In 1765, Deacon Ed- ward Waldo made confession for unlawful separation, and was restored to his former standing in the First Church. Deacons Cary and Kings- ley continued many years in active service. Mr. Devotion died while yet iu the prime of life to the great grief of ehurch and community. An elaborate epitaph on the monument iu Scotland's burying-ground
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testified to the high character and reputation of the deceased pastor, and is pronounced by most competent authority* "not beyond the truth:"—
" To the memory of the great and good man— the Rev. Ebenezer Devotion, flrat Pastor of the Congregational church In Wludhani. He was born In Suffleld, May 8, 1714, ordained, Oct. 22, 1785, and died July, 1771. Descended from* venerable ancestors, he Increased the honor of the family. His genius was universal, which being cultivated with diligence rendered him eminent in the various branches of science and most peculiarly as a Politician and Divine. He was an example of benevolence, gravity, foriltude, sobriety, cheerfulness, prudence und liospltality ; an unshaken friend, a kind husband, a tender parent, a sincere Christitin, a wise and fnithful minister of Christ. Greatly esteemed by all good judges ot his accxualntance and beloved by his flock.
Death wounds to cure ; we fall ; We rise; we reign. We spring from our fetters, We fasten In the skies."
Mr. Devotion was Buccceded in the pastoral office by llcv. James Cogswell, then recently dismissed from Canterbury, who received a unanimous call from church and society, with the oiFcr of £00 settle- ment, £S0 salary, and " the liberty of getting his firewood on the lot the society had of James Manning." Notwithstanding many doubts and (pialins as to his ability to till the placet of so distinguished a personage, Mr. Cogswell personally appeared and accepted, and with the countenance and aid of his most valued ministerial brelhren, was happily installed Feb. 19, 1772. The Keverends Throop, White, Whitney, Ripley and Ijcc were present, together with Joseph Hunt- ington, a son of the Scotland church, John Devotion, brother of the former pastor, and an honored deacon or leading brother from each church represented in the council. Ebenezer Devotion, Experience Robinson, Nathaniel llebard, Jeremiah Ringham, Joseph Ginnings and James Gager served as providing connnittee. With far less strength and decision of character than his predecessor, Mr. Cogswell was probably not his inferior in culture, or in pulpit ministrations, and his kindliness of temper and gonial manners soon won popular favor. Scarcely had he removed to Scotland when he was called to severe afUiction, in the loss of his wife, Mrs. Alice Fitch Cogswell, and their only daughter, Alice, who, in the twenty-third year of her age, May 11, 1772, "departed this vain transitory life in firm hope of a glorious immortality.*' Her funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Harl^ who touchingly bemoaned this only daughter of her dear mother now no more, who had grown up from infancy with great promise, making most uncommon progress in the useful as well as
^Professor James L. Klngslcy, Yale College, 1851.
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ornamental parts of female learning. Following the example of many of his ministerial associates Mr. Cogswell in dne time married the widow of his predecessor — IMrs. Martha Lathrnp Devotion — and occnpicil her pleas;mt homestead. Her children were now mostly settled in life. Ebenezer, the only son, had married a danghter of Dr. Jonathan Huntington, engaged in trade and held many public otlices. One danghter was married to Samuel Huntington of Norwich, another to Hev. Joseph Huntington, and a third to John M. Breed of Norwiiih. Two bright young daughtera still cheered the family man- sion. The linconnnon social accomplishments of Mr. Cogswell and his three promising sons made them a welcome acquisition to this large family circle, and the Scotland parsonage with it« agreeable inmates and throngs of distinguished visitants became one of the most attractive of Windham s many famous social centres.
With a new minister, Scotland aspired to a new meeting-bouse. After having been compelled " to mend tlie glass when much broken, by Uiking from other windows and boarding them up where least useful" — it was voted, Nov. 9, 1772, to build a meeting-house for the public worship of God, and tliere were ninety-eight yeas and twenty nays. Elisha Lillie, Captain Joseph Ginnings, Seth Palmer, Experience and lieuben Uobinson, wore chosen ** to draw a plan of bigness of meeting-liouse.*' It was agreed to give Mr. Elisha Lillie £7'^0, for building the house, walls clapboarded with rived pine clap- boards, and colored with a decent color; but it was not till June, 1774, that a committee was chosen to procure the necessary rigging and help, together with suitable provisions for raising the frame. The opposition of the Separates was one cause of this delay. Find- ing that they were about to be taxed heavily for this new house of woi*£h]p, they appealed to the General Assembly, showing : —
** That iu 1749, bcHcving in good conscience tliat tlic principles an<1 articles and some of tlic doctrines adliered to by tliu Scotland cliurcti and people, were not agreeable to the gospel, and as they or most of them hoped they were enlightened by the light of God's countenance, and found by repeated trials that they could not prodt by the ministrations of Mr. Devotion, and lu 1749, confeditrated together separate from said minister and people, and set up a religious worship according to the dictates of their own consciences, and called Mr. John Palmer as elder or teacher, who was ordained over them and has continued preaching the gospel and administering the sacraments to your memorialists, and they have freely contributed to his support, and built a comfortable house to accommodate those who join with ihem in divine service, and all this time have been forced to pay for the support of Mr. Devotion and Mr. Cogswell, aud repairing the meeting-house, and other society charges, although they have earnestly requested relief in vain, — wherein they beg you to consider if it is agreeable to the laws of Christ or consonant to the rules of equity for your memorialists and their children, to have their eflects by force of law taken from ihem to support a minister with whom they never did nor can join iu worsliip, aud support their own
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minister too, and pray you to take their distressing case Into your considera- tion and enact that they be made a distinct society.
Zachens Waldo. John Walden. John Silsbary.
Zcbulon Uebard. Stephen Webb*. Timothy Allen.
Lemuel Blughiim. Israel Hale. Samuel Baker, Jun.
Ebcnezer Webb. William Perkins. Jedidiah Bingham.
John Palmer. Joseph Allen, Jun. Henry Bass.
Benjamin Cleveland. Jonathan Brewster. Moses Cleveland.
Joseph Allen. Ebenezer Bass.
Windham, Apra 5, 1778."
This reasonable request obtained a favorable hearing, and Bruns- wick church was at last released from its heavy burden. The stand- ing society was greatly aggrieved at this curtailment of their powers and privileges, and bitterly bemoaned this " act of Assembly, taking a number of inhabitants, and discharging them from paying taxes." At a society meeting called to consider how to make up the deficit, it was voted to lay a tax for that purpose. " All inhabitants over ten years old** were ordered to be listed, and a rate of twelve-pence of the pound found needful. The school house seeming likely to endanger the meeting-house by (ire, was moved a suitable distance. Pews were built as ordered, and the meeting-house seated by a com- petent committee in December, 1778, and in the succeeding May, it was formally accepted "as built by Elisha Lillie." The old house then " put upon sail," brought back seventeen pounds.
V.
WINDHAM'S SECOND SOCIETY. PEW DISPUTE. SCHOOL DIS- TRICTS SET OUT. CONTROVERSY WITH REV. SAMUEL MOSELY. VOLUNTOWN.
CANADA Parish continued to increase and prosper though sub- jected to the usual secular and ministerial controversies. The venerable Deacon Thomas Stedman generally presided at society meet- ings ; Stephen Durkee served as clerk ; Captain John Howard of How- ard's Valley, David Fuller and Joseph Biirnham as society committee ; Jeremiah Durkee and Jacob Simmons, collectors ; Ichabod Downing, Capt. William Durkee and Lieut. Jonathan Kingsbury, school commit- tee. Ten pounds were added in 1762 to the salary of llev. Samuel Moeely. The congregation and community were much disturbed at this date by a difficulty in seating the new and elegant meeting-house. The persons entrusted with this delicate office had not exercised duo judgment Not only did they seat six grown pei-sons in one pew — and persons grown in this goodly neighborhood attained capacious 8
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68 niSTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
dimensions — ^bnt they allowed " men of little or no estate to sit very forward and in lugh )>ews/' while others of good estate and high in pnblio esteem were compelled witli shame to take a lower seat. Gal- leries and body-seats were left very thin compared to these coveted pews, and the gsdleries were so given over to light-minded yonth that the tithing-men were obliged to leave their seats below to keep them in order. This sUite of things created much talk and uncjisiness espe- cially among the foremost men, that they should be so crowded and misplaced in order to get men into the pews that never paid enough for the meeting-house to build one pew, and after enduring thi.s griev- ance several yeara a meeting was called, Dec 9, 1762, to rectify it William Bennett was chosen moderator, and it was voted by a great majority, "To sell the pews at public vendue, no man to buy no more than one, and no nian out of the society to buy one ; Capt. Robert Dur- kee to serve as vendue m.ister.*' This action greatly increased the pub- lic excitement. The older members of the society wei*e at once aroused to the inexpediency and danger of allowing private individuals to select their own seats in the house of worship, and become proprietors of a part of the sacred edifice. In spite of remonstrance and opposition the vote was carried out, and the valiant Captain who had served so bravely in the French and Indian war, now sold the pews in the face of the opposing enemy. Twenty-five pews on the floor of the house were assigned to the following purchaser, at prices ranging from fourteen pounds to three, viz.: Jeremiah Utley, John Fuller, llezekiah Ham- mond, Stephen Durkee, Timothy Pearl, Zebediah Farnham, Ebenezer llovey, Capt. John Howard, Dea. Ebenezer Griffin, Henry Durkee, Daniel Farnham, Thomas Stedman, Jun., Isaac Bennett, Jephthah Ut- ley, William Farnham, Joseph Burnham, John Hammond, Benjamin Cheddle, Stephen Arnold, John Sessions, Jonathan Clark, Samuel Ful- ler, John Smith, Gideon Martin, Isaac Clark. Although many of these purchasers were the leading, solid men of the society, the clamor was not in the least abated. Some with no families, but single persons — " bachelors, who /lad never paid rates for more than one head and a horse" and some not qualified voters had presumed to bid oft* pews and gain possession of an uppermost seat in the synagogue, " whereby the society was thrown into the most unhappy contention." Another meeting was called, and Lieut. Kingsbury appointed agent, "to take advice concernhig the difticulty concerning pews," who straightway laid the case before Colonel Dyer, Major Elderkin and Major Griswold. By their advice another society meeting was held April 21, 1763, the vote for selling the pews was set aside by a large majority, and Jacob Simmons deputized to represent the aft'air to the General Assembly and secure confirmation of their proceedings. The purchasers of the pews
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Windham's broond society, etc. 69
attempted to show that the vote to sell the pews was not suddenly passed ; that no 0|>en objections were made till after the sale ; that only five of them were young men without families, and that nine societies in Windham County already held pews as pdvate property. These representations were ineffectual, and the famous pew vote of December 9, an<1 proceedings thereupon, were made null and void by Act of As- sembly. The society resumed possession of its much valued pews, ap- pointing Abiel Abbott, Joseph Marnh and Ebenexer IFovey to seat the congregation therein with the reipiisite order and formality. Sundry residents of Canterbury, vix. : Jethro Rogers, James Bidlack, Aaron Fuller an<l Zobcdiah Farnham were now admitted to society privileges in Canada. Captain William Durkee was directed ** to search after the right (if any we have) to the lot of land called the Ministerial Lot in Windham ;" the society committee " to distribute the books culled Say- brook Platform sent to the society by Government ;" and Robert Holt '' to bring and take care of the christening basin as occasion shall re- quire."
In 1768, Captain William Durkee, Lieut. Kingsbury, Nathaniel Ford, Zebediah Farnham, Abiel Abbott, John Sessions and Joseph Burnham were a|)pointefl a committee to set out school districts, which was accompliRhed within two years. The First or Central district be- gan very properly by ** taking in the Rev. Mr. Moaely and ranging so as to take in Mr. Joseph Sessions, and from thence west to Burnt Cedar Swamp, and then following the main stream of Cedar Swamp Brook till it comes to the road below Benjamin Burgess*, and from thence to said Mosely's." Number Two extended " from old Mr. John Perkins* to Mr. Joseph Burnham s, and all east and south of Cedar Swamp Brook." Number Three ran **from Jonathan Holt's, taking in Holt's house, and north, taking in all the inhabitants situated on the road to ' Mr. Joseph Marsh's, taking in said Marsh*s house, and from thence tak- ing in Mr. William Al worth's and James Al worth's house, and ranging north to the easternmost extent of the society." Number Four took in ** Mr. Stephen Clark's hotise, and then south all the inhabitants west of C.Vdar Swamp, and so far as to take in Mr. Jonathan Fish's and Mr. David Canada's houses, and so south and west to the extent of the society." School-house sites were affixed by William Osgood and Seth Paine of Pomfret, and Benajah Cary of Windham, viz. : one in the nortlieast district near Deacon Griffin's house, and two in the north- west or fourth district, one nine rods south of William Holt's ; another eight rods west of John Fuller's. " Eleven months schooling by a master, to be kept in each district according to its list," was thought sufficient for the whole society in the winter, and school-dames were engaged for the little ones in the summer. Upon the humble petition
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60 HISTOEY OF WINDHAM COUNTY,
of Joseph Durkee, Jonathan and David Fish, Benjamin Flint, Edward and Samuel Coburn, Jonathan Holt, William Neif and Joseph Utley, a fifth district was set off in 1774, in the northeast section, known as Appaquage.
Elforts were now made to secure greater local privileges. Connec- tion with Windham was in many respects burdensome and inconveni- ent. The distance was great, and town and parish had few interests in common. In 1767 it was voted, "That this society is desirous to be made into a district, to be allowed all the powers and privileges of a town, except choosing our own dt^puties and other business of freemen's meeting." Jacob Simmons, Ebenezer Ilovey and Abiel Abbott were chosen to apply to the selectmen of Windham, and to endeavor to ob- tain consent of town, and to consult with counsel and procure neces- sary preparations in order to obtain our request. Captain John How- ard was also empowered to aid them in preparing a petition. This proving fniitless in the following year it was further voted, '^ That this society is desirous to be made into an entire and distinct town, and will apply to the General Assembly.*' Captain Jonathan Kingsbury was ap- ]>ointed ngent in their behalf, but his pleas though re|>eatedly urged were unsucci*ssful.
In 1 7G8 the society voted to repair and new color the meeting-house. Captain Kingsbury, Abiel Abbott and Thomas Fuller were appointed a committee to color said meeting-house as aforesaid, and — in order to be in the highest stylo of fashion — they were farther ordered, *' To color the same something like the color of Pomfret meeting house." Captain John Howard was added to this committee in 1771, in place of Capt. Kingsbury, deceased.
The prosperity of Canada Parish was somewhat checked during these years, by a very unpleasant controversy with Mr. Mosely. Pos- sessing a strong will and very positive opinions, he had assumed with advancing years more and more authority over his people, and by excessive use of the negative power allowed by Saybrook Platform was able to exercise supreme control in all church affairs. A large majority of the church were opposed to Saybrook Platform, and especially the ministerial negative derived from it, but, esteeming their pastor an eminently holy and godly minister, silently acquiesced in his administration. A few of the leading men, warmly imbued with the revolutionary spirit of the times, resented this infringement of their religious rights and resolved to resist it. The original covenant of the church by which they simply took the Scriptures for their guide, allowed, they thought, too great latitude to the pastor. A more explicit covenant and plan of di8ci[)line were suggested, and also " a body of ruling eldera " to balance the power of ** the teaching elder,"
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WINDIIAM^S SECOND SOCIETY, ETC. 61
but as Mr. Mosely was much opposed to any innovnlion nnd would only warn church meetings at his own pleasure they found it very difficult to bring the matter before the church. They therefore requested Mr. Mosely to call a church meeting, " to learn the mind of the church about dealing with baptized persons, and about choosing some of the fathers to assist therein." At this meeting, Feb. 9, 1709, the cliurch unanimously voted, to proceed to deal with baptized, ». «., " Half-covenant " membere, but when the second article was proposed " one and another went off from it and spoke for a Platform and ruling elders," to which Mr. Mosely replied, that they were settled on the Word of God for their Platform, that with their different sentiments they should not agree on any Platform of human com- posure, that if agreed in the great essential things to bear down sin and promote holiness tliey nmst exercise mutual forbearance in their different sentiments about lesser matters; that he was thankful to God they were so well agreed in said important articles and thought he should sin if he indulged in debate about Platforms, — and " being nmch overcome with cold," straightway dismissed the church. Thus debarred from discussion or opportunity of further action, the indig- nant brethren appointed five prominent church members, viz. : Wil- liam Durkee, Jonathan Kingsbury, Jonathan J3urnap, George Martin and William Foster, to remonstrate the matter with their pastor, who entreated him as a father to look into the subject, and consider the expediency of having an explicit model or Platform of church discipline deduced from Scnpture and introduced peaceably as soon as might be into their church, according to the commendable example of the best Reformed churches in Christendom. They also entreated him to satisfy them and the church they represented, by what authori- ty, divine or human, his claim and exercise of a supreme and sole ])ower over the church of Christ met in his name was warranted. "This exertion of the teaching elder's power and authority, in opposi- tion to almost every other church in New England, abundantly con- vinced them of the necessity of having other oflice bearers in the church, viz. : rtiling elders — joined in ruling and governing the church with the elder that labors in word and doctrine. The brethren of the church had usurped no authority, nor encroached in the least upon the prerogative, office or dignity of the pastor, but in a modest and peaceable manner moved to confer upon the duty and expediency of a Platform without pretending to say upon what model it should be formed; whereupon the pastor did dissolve the meeting, contrary to the duty of a moderator in all meetings civil or religious, contrary to the law of the Colony which prohibits their adjournment without consent of the majority ; much less to dissolve the meeting without such consent"
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62 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
" We entreat you," contlnueil the remonstrants, " to consider whether this Alarming exortloa of authority doth not carry in it some appearance oC lord- ing It over God's heritage, so detested hy our fathers that It drove New EiiJ?- land out of Old, to avoid a yoke that neither we nor our fathers could bear. . . . We entreat you« timely to consider, that If after such an unprece- dented dissolution of the church meetln;;, you are pleased to take advanUi|;e thereof, and refuse to be entreated by us because you have disabled the church to appear by a leanl representation, and will no more warn a church meeting to treat with them upon the premises. Sir. your triumph upon a victory so gained will be short. Can yon think, sir, In this day of struggle in deffuce of civil lil)erties and rights In America, this church will tamoly hubmit to be deprived of their divine and sacred privileges, so preferable to all our inheritance besides, and give such an examplu of hlavery and depend- ency as to submit to such a supreme authority in the ministry over tlte church. Was the church made for ministers or ministers for the church ? Think you there are none who will appear on the Lord's side in this cane, and all other sidings we detest and hold In contempt. Are not all the constitutional clergy and churches and cloud of witnesses In New England and throughout the Heformed Protestant churches listed undt^r this banner, whose footsteps we are essaying to trace out. Would you have us stand still and be n>bbed of those sacred liberties and privileges that have flowed to the church In tlio blood of Christ, the Supreme Head thereof. Sir, the Lord forbid that wo should give ttie Inheritance of our fathers unto thee. Shall not we possess what the Lord our God hath given us to possess. Finally, sir, we entreat you to let us, and the church by us know, what we are to expect from yon for the future in this matter, and if upon cool reflection you And . . . yon have unadvisedly dissolved said church meeting, you would be pleased with- out loss of time upon better advisement to warn another meeting for the purpose and end aforesaid, wherein we desire you to go before us In the good work aforesaid, according to tlio duty set forth by the propliet Kzeklii. * Tliou son of man, nIicw the house to the house of Israel, and shew them the form of the house.* Windham, Feb. 20, 176D."
Mr. l^Iosely thereupon called and held a church meeting, March 8, to consider these matters, and so "teiTified" the weaker brethren by representing to them tiiat they would liave to siipport their ruling as well as teaching eldei*, and might have to settle a new minister and pay damages to the old one by insisting upon a church Platform, that a majority voted against the proposed changes. The minority there- upon drew up a paper far more inflammatory and bitter than the previous ** remonstrance," in which they alleged various S[)ecific charges against the pastor, as follows : —
<* I, The power and right you claim in negativing the church we deny, and say the key of discipline was given to the churcli by Christ . . . and ctm And no rule In Scripture for your prerogative power except you take it from Diotrephes, who loved to have preeminence . . . and the apostle saith he wrote to the church there, and that his evil example ant to be followed.
2. Your dissolving church meetings in the midst of business without the consent of the church we say Is an error, and there is no scripture warrant for such a prerogative power.
3. We think you exert unreasonable and unscrlptural power In conflning the church in their meetings to what you have put in the warning, and your taking the power of putting In what you pleased, in this you are more arbi- trary than any of our civil powers . . . Sir, we do think the church ought to enjoy as great a privilege in their meetings as towns and societies do, ftir if wu may bitlicve Christ and the apostles, no men on earth have greater liberty than the church of Christ.
4. We think, Sir, tiiut you err nmch as moderator in our church meetings, for you will have the chief of the talk, and so lay your plan and scheme and
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pnrsne the same in the church that we think Buch plann and schemes laid and
pursued in the church resemble deceit more than honesty
t>. We think you very much err in openin<; the door so wide Into the church as to ndmit menil)ers without some satisfying account of a work of grace on tljcir hearts, nnd without the consent of the church, merely because tliey say they are a mind to come. We think, sir, it Is tlie riglit way to let Anti-Christ into the church full breast, for certain unclean persons and hypocrites have no right in Christ's church.
10. Sir, your taking the key of the meeting-house and holding it, we say is contrary to God's word, and you have no right to It, and not content with that, you rob us of the key of the whole society. Sir, we arc bold to say Christ never gave you them keys nor no other n)an on earth, for he knew how Aill the world always was and would be of false prophets and teachers that would turn the key against his disciples. Pray, sir, to what purpose had it a ben for our Saviour to have sent out the apostles as he did to preach the gospel to every creature, if these keys had been given lo the nilnlstei's? Why they must truly have turned buck without preaching to an j^ creature, with tliLs coniphilnl. Lord, thou sent us out to preach the gospel to every creature but had given the keys of every city, town and house to the ministers, and they for- bid us. Sir, are you wiser than Christ ? Do you know how to manage the keys better than Christ ? He never gave them to you. For God's sake give thi m up, for thou hast nothing to do with them. Can you think, sir. that such a power as you claim Is from Christ ? No, assuredly you cun't unless you make this addition— Anti— for darkness and light are as near alike as your power and the spirit of Christ — and do consider. Sir, your ingratitude to a people that maintains and supports you ; that you should chastize us with scorpions and rule us with a rod of iron and put such chains and Imnds on us that we nor our fathers were not able to bear. * Tell it not in Gath ! '
11. Sir, we take it hard that the case of Mrs. Keyes was not brought be- fore the church when so many requested it.
12. Sir, we should be glad to know the reason of your parting Cuff and his wife, and as she was a sister in ye church and in regular standing as far as we know, yet we understand that you did deny her partaking with us.
18. And there are others who have withdrawn fk-om the church these many years and hant been called to no account, and we know not the cause of such a separation. Pray, sir. If you think the key of discipline lielongs to you we think you have much neglected your duty. Sir, for you to rob us of ye keys and not use them can't be right.
14. We think you are much to blame In denying people copies of the church record when the church has been a dealing with them .... and unless you reform we think It duty for this church to appoint some otherinau to hold the records
16. We think, sir, you are very partial in your visits for some houses you visit not for years, others you visit much. Pray remember Christ and his Apostles' commands, and do nothing by partiality, for God Is not a respecter of persons.
17. Sir, we desire the churcli records may be read in this church, even as fur back as your ordination, that we may search after the Aclian that troubles us, and who can tell but that God will discover it to us, and save us, as he did Israel by Phlnehas, or as he did the nation of the Jews by means of the King's hearing the Book read .... On that night could not the King sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of the Chronicles, and they were read before the King.'"
This paper, embodying the prinGii)a1 charges against Mr. Mosely, was read before a number of brethren of the church, but ns some thought the charges laid too high it was not formal )y adopted, but kept to aid in preparing something that miglit be suitable to lay before church and minister in due season. The report of its existence and private circulation greatly exasperated Mr. Mosely, who attempted ** to deal " with the chief offenders both publicly and privately. As usual
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64 HI8'rOKY OF WINDHAM OODNTy.
in 8uoh afTairs many hard things were said on both sides, and charges of misrepresentation and lying were freely interchanged. Each party accused the other of promising copies of votes and documents, and then withholding them. William Foster, who was especially zealous in defending the church against ministerial usurpation, not' only afHrmed openly, *' that Mr. Mosely had lied and he could prove it," but, when reproved by him, replied, " Tliat he saw the Pope's horns begin to bud some yeai-s ago, and now they were grown out." Mr. Mosely's method of defiling with these offending brethren was certainly not un- papal. After bickering through the summer, they c:dled a council of ministers and delegates in October, which agreed *' That the aggrieved brethren might rationally expect from an undoubted right founded on reason and the Word of God, and agreeable to the general sense and practice of churches in New England, a church meeting for a full, free and open conversation respecting the introduction of some platform of ecclesiastical discipline and government into the church in which it had been too long deficient." But when in accordance with the advice of this council, the aggrieved Ik ethren in a decent and becoming man- ner, without heat or bitterness, earnestly and unitedly besought and entreated their pastor to call a church meeting for a conference upon this important subject, they were answered by a summons to appear before the church for trial : —
'* I. For publisbing a defamatory paper containing divers misrepresenta- tions and ruinti<; words and expressions against tlie pastor.
II. For Uiliiiig God's name iu vaia in said paper, aguiust the tliird com- mandment.
Hi. For abomiuable deceit in aslcing their pastor to warn a cliurch meet- ing to consider dealing witli baptized persons, when their true object was to introduce this question of a Platform."
These charges were tried before the church, Mr. Mosely himself act- ing as modeiator in spite of the protestations of the accused brethren. About foity members of the church were present. Seven voted iu favor of censure and seven against it. Again the pastor asked if they should proceed to censure, and adding his vote to the seven, pro- nounced the question carried, refusing to call the negative. Eight votes, including those of the pastor, his brother, and nephew, decided the case in a male membership of over fifty denied the liberty of ex- pressing their non-concurrence, an act of ministerial domination rarely surpassed in audacity. The negative power, according to Mr. Mosely, was solely intrusted to ministera. In accordance with this vote, Ebene- zer liovey, Dea. Ebenezer Griffin, Jonathan Burnap, Capt William Durkee, Jonathan Kingsbury, George Martin, John Clark, Jun., and William Foster were pronounced "guilty of scandalous violation of the third conunandment, of publishing a false and scandalous paper, of
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abominable deceit, contemptuons abuse of the divine institution of dis- cipline, sciindalous violations of gospel injunctions," &o., and it was adjudged that these offenders ought to make a public acknowledgment of their sins, or otherwise be proceeded with in a way of censure, and this charge and sent-ence were publicly read on the Lord's day before church and congregation.
Nothing but the sterling virtues and high Christian character of Mr. Mosely saved him from the storm that followed. The outraged brethren i*efused to submit to the censure, and insisted upon its retrac- tion. Public opinion and ministerial counsel sustained them in this demand, and in almost any church a rupture and separation would have been inevitable. But in spite of his wilfulness and arbitrary govern- ment, Mr. Mosely was greatly beloved and respected by the majority of his people. Many who disapproved of his conduct chose to retain him as their pastor, and by their conciliatory efforts both parties were brought to intrust decision to a council. The Ileverends Solomon Williams, David Hall, Benj. Throup, Aaron Hutchinson, Aaron Put- nam and Levi Flint, with delegates from their respective churches, were convened in Windham Village, May 22, 1770, "to hear, judge and advise between the pastor and major part of the church and a num- ber of aggrieved brethren," and decide<l, " That the charges against the aforesaid brethren were not sustained ; that they ought to be ac- quitted from censure ; and that the church should accordingly release them from the censure they had laid them under and restore them unto their charity." This advice was followed, and the brethren restored to fellowship. Still, the breach was far from healed. Violent recrimina- tions had been interchanged between the combatants. William Foster pei*si8ted in reiterating that " Mr. Mosely had lied," whereupon he was again airaigned before the church to account for his false and scanda- lotis language. Foster offered to submit to trial under an impartial moderator nnsnbjected to the pastor's negative. The church voted to go on with their pastor for moderator according to their custom, upon which Foster "left the meeting, refusing trial." Mr. Mosely innne- diately led the church to vote him guilty of contempt of that authority which Christ had placed in the church, and proceeded to excommuni- cate him. The aggrieved brethren called another council, ». «., Dr. Hopkins and Dr. Stiles of Newport, Leonard of Woodstock and Fuller of Plainfield. These gentlemen " might have cleared them ** on the same ground that the previous council had done, but disapproved of the severe and bitter expressions against the pastor, and deferred deci- sion. A second attempt was more successful, and a general concession and forgiveness on both sides agreed to, William Foster, the chief offender and sufferer, declaring : — 9
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M III6TOKY OP WINDHAM COUNTY.
'* That nUliough in the time I did thinic I hnd occnsion to think Mr. Mosely did In ttonie nieuMiru evade tlie truth, yvl tipuu a iiHire iiiniuie (U'lihuratlou I nui sea.«4ible 1 prderred uiy charge a^^aliist hlui witli an undue temper ot* mind, and unnece^8arily published the same, and especially in tell in;; him, ' lie knew he lied,' in his own house, but on a further consideration of the matter I would charitably hope and believe that Mr. Mosely was not guilty of wil- fully departing from the truth, and then^foro ask forgiveness of Mr. Mosely and my oflended bruthren, and pray them to receive me into their charity.
mndham Society, OcL 31, 1771."
In spite of these concessioDs and retractions the controversy soon broke out afresh. Tlie root of the diitictilty hnd not been readied. An explicit cliurch covenatit had not been secured nor Mr. Mosely's power restricted. A majority of the aggrieved brethren accepted the decision and walked in harmony with the church, but Capt^ Dnrkee, Jonathan Btirnnp and William Foster still resisted and remonstrated. Each side accused the other of violating the agreement. The old charges were interclianged, civil suits instituted. After some years of strife and violence, the following complaint against Mr. Mosely was laid before the Windham County Association : —
** Whereas, I, the said William Foster, do esteem myself to have been grievoii>ly oppressed and Injured for a number of years past by the arbitrary ami unacriptural pruvt'ediHys of the said Ucv. Mr. Mosely In his church admin- istrations and otherwise; in particular, in hia wpealalty vnttuimj prorrsscs against me iti his own name, andjndyitig in his own ratr^e, as also in iroubllng me and other peaceable members of said church with unscHptural processes to the vexation of the church, and the disturbance of its peace and editlcution; in his toithhiddiug copies of church votes that I had right to, and adding thereto tfuch prevtuicathms relative to the same, and such shlfis and evasions as I cannot but esleim a breach of the ninth cumjnaud; in leading tlie church to pass votes concerning me in church meeting without notifying me to be present, and rejuxing to let me see the votes afterwards or to allow me copits of the same ; in his raising a christian conferetico on matters of grievance, or to join in a council to hear and settle all matters of cotitroversy ; in his refusing to lay matters of church concern before the church ; in his xoantonly dissolving cJiurch meetings in the mid^it of business of great concern to the church ; in iiis neglect of discipline to scandalous members in the church, and preventing tlie exerci.se thereof in the church by other members, and opposing all means used In the church for a reformation; in his refusing to administer bofttism to mi/ c/<i7(iren for no ju.Hthiable reason, and while they have an indisputable right thereto ; and it is a matter of grievance to me and I take it to be the gpring of all the arbitrary proceedings above said ; that said Mr. Mosely challenges a power over the church unknown In the Holy Scriptures; It is also a matter of grievance, that said Mr. Mosely has needlessly troubled me in the civil law when I was always ready to have all matters of controversy heard and decided In an ecclesiastic way according to the rules of the gos|)el, and whereas 1 have used every method In my power for the redress of the afore- said grievances and the removal of otfences but to no purpose, the honor of God, the Interest of religion, I lie peace and edillcatlon of said church, and my own as well as the good of the said Uev. Mr. Mosely, unitedly and mttst strongly oblige as well as necessitate me to lay this information and com- plaint and represent iny grievances before this Ueverend Association, that such order may be taken and measures may be directed to and pursued as may tend to the removal of the aforesaid grievances and otfences according to gospel rule. WiLUAM Fosticu.
Sept, 23, 177S."
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