Pass FiOU- BETHANY y- -^^ \^> S'ii^/ Sketches and Records COMPILED AND PUBLISHED BY \A/v6ffeHARPE, SEYMOUR, CONN. RECOHD PRINT, SEYMOUR. 1908. /itf; PREFACE. This book is intended to put in convenient form for handy reference sketches, transcripts of records and otlier data which have been collected for some years and which seemed worthy to be embodied in book form. The writer is especially ii.debted to Wallace O. Humiston for assistance in the work. While errors may be found in the names and dates it should be remembered that most of them are probably in the original records, as any who have had experience in similar research knows that names are variously spelled at different times, and dates are not always correctly entered, as fur instance the writer has sometimes found on careful investigation that the date of a marriage license has been recorded in place of the date of a marriage, aud a date of burial Instead of death. The writer has collected largely of genealogical data of many Bethany families but is unable at present to devote the time necessary to carry them to such a degree of completion as would warrant their insertion here, and the work is therefore of necessity brought to a close. CONTENTS. Andrew family, 123. Deaths and Burials, 64. 94. Baptit^ms, 55. Downs Family. 115. Beecher-Wheeler homestead 99. Marriages, 49, 81. Births, 89. Methodisi Church, 33. Carrington family, 122. Representatives, 114. Christ Church, 25. Schools, 104. Church Bells, 46. The Hills of Bethany, a poem, 78. Congregational Church, 2. The Todd family, 85. Hotchkiss Family, 126. Lounsbury Family, 129. Doolittle Family, 132. ~ ~ ILLUSTRiTIONS. Floor Plan of first Cong'l Church, 5. Downs Street Schoolhouse, 105. Present Congregational Church, 22. Smith " 107. Interior of same, 23. Beecher " 109. Christ Church and Rectory, 27. Center " 110. Interior of Christ Church, 29, Gate " 111. Methodist Episcopal Church, 83. Cemetery near res. of A. G. Sperrj', 113. Perkins Hotel, two views, 43. 45. Original Downs homestead, 119. Carrington Cemetery, two views, 94,95. Portrait of Jerome A. Downs, 1st, 120. Center Cemetery, 97. Portrait of Jerome A. Downs, 2d, 121. Beecher-Wheeler homestead, 99. Portrait of Abram E. Carrington, 122. '/ THE FIRST ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY. Bethanj' was incorporated as a town in Msiy, 1832, but as an ecclesiastical sor-iety it has an honorable record which ante- dates the Revolution by twelve years and coiitribued liberally of men and means during that t>reat epoch of history. It was in May, 1762, tint a petition was presented to the General Assembly, siirned by "Joel Hotchkiss and others, inhabi- tants of the northern parts of the parish of Amity, in the town of New Haven, praying to be made a distinct ecclesiasti cal society with proper limits and bounds;" and a committee was appointed to liear the parties interested and to report at the next session of the General Assembly. At the October session ("on the second Thursday of October") a favorable report was made, and it was enacted that the "inhabitiints of the parish of Amity living north of an east and west line drawn from the south end of the widow Hannah Sper- ry's dwelling house, as prayed for in said memo'ial. shall be a distinct ecclesiasti- cal society, with all the privileges ami powers naturally belonging to such socie- ties in this Colony, and shall be called and known by tLe name of Bethany.'* The first- meeting of the new society was held Nov. 13, 1762. The record reads, "At a Lawful Society meeting of the inhabitants of bethany in newhaven and milford held at the schoolliouse in sd bethany," etc. Deacon Joel Hotchkiss was elected moderator, James Sherman cleik, and Timothy Peck, John White, Isaac Beecb- er, Daniel Toles and Joel Hotchkiss were chosen societies' committee. It was "vo- ted that the meetings shall begin on the second Sabbath in December and hold until the last in April." "Vo ed that a raight be laid of a penny halt-penny on the pound for defraying the charges of preaching the year ensuing " The next winter the meetings were to begin on the second Sabbath in November and application was made "unto the llev- erand Association for a minister to be set- tled among us." At the meeting of the Association of New Haven County, con- vened in Waterbury May 31st, 1763, Mr. Stephen Hawley was recommended. He was called on probation for the first Wed- nesday in June, 1763, for three months, and on the 3d Wednesday in August it was voted "to settle him in the work of ttie ministry amongst us," and to allow him 200 pounds settlement, "100 pounds the first year after he is first settled, one- half of settlement, and 50 pounds yearly the next two years, with 50 pounds salary a year the first three years, then 65 pounds a year." "On the Fecond Wednesday of Decem- ber, 1767, it was voted that it is necessary to build a meetinghouse." It was also voted to make it 50 ft. long and 40 ft. wide and a rate of four pence on the pound was laid to defray the expense, "the rate to be laid in flax seed or some other spec- she that will answer at New York." At a meeting of the society held on the last Wednesday of April, 1768, "it was voted that this society will make applyca- tion to the honourable general assembly BETHANY for the one bit purchis in milford bound that lyeth snuili of the top of beacon hill «nd also tor that part of Daiby that lyeth between bethauy and nawgetuck river to be annexed to sd. Bethany." The peti- tion was Granted at the January session of the General Assembly, 1769, in the fol- lowing words: "Resolved by this assembly, that the said lands belonging to the first society of Milford which lies noith of said Beth- any south line extending westward un il it came lo said Derby east line be, and they hereby are, annexed unto the said society of Bethauy and made part thereof." At a meeting in Decembei, 1768, it, was "voted that we will get timber this winter and set up the meetmghous next spring and cover it as last, as we conveniently can. Dea. Hotehkiss, Dea. White, Capt. Hitchcock, Capt. Lines, Mr. Jesse Brad- ley, Mr. Hez. Clark and Mr. Timothy Peck shall be a committee to carry on the building abovesaid." "Voted, that those that skoar timber for the meetinghous shall have two shil- ling and sixpence pr day." "Voted that those that hew shall have three shillings and sixpence pr day." "Voted that we will apply to the county court for a new committee to stait a plase for the me tinghous." The location finally decided upon was on the hill a little south of where the church now stands. There the church ■was erected in 1769, and enclobed so that services v?ere held iu it, though not completed until some years later. "The sum total of Bethany' rate book in the year 1776 is 4:7524-8-1. Then take out ye Churchmen's list, and there re- mains on the list 6720:11:0, at 2d half pen- ny on ye pound makes 69:17:5, then take out one penny on New Haven side whicti makes 23:9:3; then remains on ye book 46:8:2." Ensign Joel Hotoiikis, Collector. Timothj' Ball was one of the committee in 1766 and two years later is referred to as Lieut. Ball. The use of military terms had become more common in 1778 as shown in the record of tne choice of the society's committee, Capt. Ball, Capt. E. Sperry, Ensign Jacob Hotchkis<5. Jared Sherman and Ensign Joel Hotchkis. A rate of two pence on the pound was then voted. At this mee ing it was also "vo- ted j't ye Sotiety shall pay Mr. Hawley's Sallery in Provisions, Labor & other Spe- cies accordiu;; to ye first stateing of pro- visions by ye general assembly, wheet at 3-6 & other things in Proportion, & those yt Doant pay in ye afforsd Species of Pro- visions &c., shall paj- monej- equivnlent." "Voted yt Deacon Peck, Capt. Ball & Ensign Jacob Hotehkiss should be a com- mittee to seat ye meetinghouse." "Voted yt ye Committee shall have re- gard to age & what each one has paid to ye building of sd house & according to their discression with all." A diagram of the church with names of pewholders as assigned ill 1791 has been preserved and from it the illustration giv- en herewith has been mnde. The original drawing is 13 3-16x18 inches, on hand made paper 15^xl8j, with two water- marks, one a crown over G R, (Georgius Rex) and the other the name Taylor. In it the pews are not numbered, the names beins; written in the space representing each pew, but in the reduced copy given herewith numbers have been inserted and the names are given below. 1. Deacons. 2. Widow Ruth Brisco, Lydia Peck, Hannah Sperry. 3 and 4. No names given. 5. Capt. Ezra Speiry, Mr. Daniel Tolles, Mr. John Thomas, Capt. Joel Hoteh- kiss, Widow Mary Ball. 6. Mr. Roger Peck, Lieut. Medad Hoteh- kiss. Mr. Valentine Willmott, Widow Sarah Andrews. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. ''■!i 01 i ; '■'" 1 '' It 1 " \ i I ^e^^^-^r^^-^--^ ' J^ P 1 f 1/ ' \ A I u ^^ ~lk BETHANY. 7. Mr. Timothy Bronson, Mr. Benjamin llotcliiiiss, Mr. Eiam Sperry, Mr. Tim- othy Lounsbury, Jr., Mr. Jesse Terrel. 8. Widow Hannah Beecher, Mr. Lam- berton ToUes, Mr. Timothy Ball, Mr. Jared Teles, Widow Perkins. 9. Lieut. Jesse Beecher, Mr. Jared Beecher, Mr. Hi zekiah Beecher. 10. Mr. Samuel Hotchkis^i, Mr. John Russell, Mr. Elias Hotchkiss, Mr. Eber Lines. 11. Mr. Buckingham, Mr Hezekiah Johnson, Mr. Josepti Bishop, Mr. Eden Johnson. 13. Ensign Jacob Hotchkiss, Mr. Heze- kiah Sperry, Mr. Naihaniel Tuttle, Mr. Joseph Hotcbkiss. 13. Messrs. Ezekial Smith, Abraham Pain, Jacob Barnes, David Beers, Jona- than Sackett, Silas Nelson. 14. Messrs. Stephen Lounsbury, Abtl Ives, Joseph Collins, Reuteu B'adley, Elihu Sanford, Joseph Woolcott, Ste, h- en Sanford. 15. Messrs. Isaac Beecher, Valentine Willmott, Amos Hitchcock, John Lines, Sam'U Downs, Abijah Buckingham, John Wooding, Jonathan Atwater, Es- quire French. 16. Rev. Steplien Hawley's fam'ly. 17. Mr. Timothy Lounsbury, Mr David Thomas, Mr. Oliver Buckingham, Capi. Elijah Speriy. 18. Cai t. Lazarus ToUes, David Sanford, John Alsop Talmadge, Mi. Amos At- water, Mr. Amasi Tuttle, Elihu San- ford, Jr. 19. Mr. Reuben Sperry, Mr Lucas Lines, Widow Phebe Tirrel, Mr. Caleb Au- drus, Mr. Demas Sperry. 20. Ensign Garshom Thomas, Mr. Amos Thomas, Mr. Ebenezer Hitchcock, Mr. Isaac Foot, Mr. John Nettleton, Mr. Isaac Sperry. 21. Mr. Lemuel Ailing, Mr. Joel Collins, Mr. Joseph Hitchcock, Mr. David At- water, Mr. Medad Sperry, Mr. Joseph Collins, Mehetibal Sanford. 23. Mr. Linus Lounsbury, Mr. Noah Ai- ling, Mr. Nathan Beer-, John Russell. 23. Mr. Joel Hotchkiss, Jr., Mr. Joseph Downs, Mr. Felix Downs, Mr. Jonathan Sanford. 24. Mr. Joel Wheeler, Mr. Isaac Hotch- kiss, Mr. Aaron Clark, Mr. Timothy Hitchcock, Widow Mary Brisco. 35. Lieut. Abraham Tolles, Mr. Noah Thomas, Mr. Saml. Peck, Mr. Edward Wan en, Widow Sarah Nettleton. 36. Mr. Justus Beecher, Mr. Wheler Beecher, Mr. Nathaniel Warren, Mr. Elias Lounsbury, Mr. John Tirrel, Mr. Thouia-* Kimbal. 37. No names entered. 28. Mr. Jonathan Smith, Mr. David Will- mott, Mr Walter Willmolt, Mr. Matthew Baldwin, Mr. William Hitchcock, Mr. David E. Hotdikiss. 39. jMr. Ebenezer Lines, Mr. Uri Sperry, Mr. Amos Hitchcock Mr. Rot)eri Rus- sell, Mr. James I. Hotchkiss, Ml. Ben- jamin Collins. 30 Mr. Jabez Hotchkiss, Mr. Abraham Hotchkis«i, Mr. Stephen Hotchkiss, Mr. Elmore Russel. 31. Mr. Reuben Perkins, Mr. Phenihas Tirrel, Mr. Ezekiel Hotchkiss, Mr. John Thomas, Jr , Mr. Israei Perkins, Mr. William Andrew. 33. Capl. Hiue, Capt. Thomas, Lieut. Atwater, Eliphalet Johnson. 33 Mr. Daniel Beecher, Deacons' wive^, Capt. Sanford. 34. Widow Anne Russell, Widow Re- beckah Hitchcock, Widow Sarah Downs We are told that the meetinghouse was partially surrounded by "Sabbath Day Houses" in which in cold weather tires were built on arrival in the morning. After the morning service all left the un- warmed church for these buildings, and ate their dinoers in the cheering warmth of the fires in the stone "fireplaces." THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 7 The location, of the church had been made by a committee appointed bv the County Court. Difficulties seem to have arisen; a second applic ition to the Court was made in 1768, and a third in 1769 ; and at length in May, 1769, it was voted " that we are willing to build a meetinghouse at the last stake set by the Honorable County Court's Committee." On this question there were 29 in the affirmative and 10 in the negative. A committee consisting of Isaac Beecher, Ensign Clark and Israel Thomas was appointed to purchase the land of Isaac Hotchkiss. Of the votes taken while the preparations for building were in progress some were recorded which illustrate some customs of the times. In Decem- ber, 1767, it was voted "that we will provide the boards, clapboards shingles, nails and glass necessary for building a meetinghouse the .year ensuirig " A tax was laid, and it was decided that one half might be paid "in flax seed, or some other species that will answer at New York." The Society fixed the prices to be paid for the different kinds of lumber. In December, 1768, a vote was passed, "that we will get timber this winter, and set up tbe meetinghouse as fast as we conveniently can." It was ordered " that those that score timber for the meetinghouse shall have two shilling-* and sixpence per day ; and those that hew shall have three shillings and sixpence per day." Deacon White and Deacon Hotchkiss were appointed "to cull the clap- boards and shingles for the meetinghouse." In March, 1769, it was voted "that this Society give free liberty for a belfry to be built on the meetinghouse ;" but this liberty was not then used. In .January, 1770, the Society meeting was held in the meetinghouse for the first time. It was customary to appoint particular persons "to tune the psalm." In 1765, the choristers were Valentine Wilraot, Benajah Peck and Stephen Sanford. In 1770, on entering the new church, a larger number received this appointment, viz : Isaac Baldwin, Joel Hotchkiss, Thomas Beecher, Auan Ives, Lazarus Tolles, Timothy Lounsbury, Nathaniel Tuttle and Nehemiah Tolles. At this time it was voted "that the choristers sit together near the foot of the pulpit stairs." In 1771 a committee was appointed "to give liberty to people to build pews in the meetinghouse, where they see cause." In 1773 a tax was laid "to color the meetinghouse and case the windows, and to provide boards for the inside of the house." In 1774 a vote was passed "that the meetinghouse be colored blue, and the windows white;" but soon a special meeting was called "for the purpose of altering the color of the meetinghouse;" and it was decided to color it white. In December, 1776 it was voted " to finish the lower part of the meetinghouse, and the front of the galleries." In 1777 Nathanael Tuttle, Isaac Baldwin, Daniel Tolles and Joel Hine were chosen "to tune the psalm, and sit in the fore seat in the front gallery." In 1778 it was voted "that the Society shall pay Mr. Hawley's salary in provisions, labor, and other species, according to the first stating of provisions by the General As- sembly — wheat at six shillings, and other things in proportion ; and those that do not pay in the aforesaid species of provisions, »&c , shall pay money equivalent." At the same meeting a committee was appointed to seat the meetinghouse — viz : Deacon Peck, Capt. Ball, and Ensiijn Jacob Hotchkiss; and it was ordered that " the committee shall have regard to age, and what each one has paid to the building of said liouse, and according to their discretion with all." In December, 8 BETHANY. 1779, a vote was passed "that the committee shall lay out the overplus money of finishing the meetinghouse, on the steps and other ways as they think best." Thus, at the end of ten years from its raising, the house seems to have been considered finished. In 1791 the Society voted " to take up three seats in the square body, and build pews on each side of the broad alley." In 1792 it was re- solved "That the Society may build a steeple to the meetinghouse, if they can get monej' enough signed to build said steeple." But the steeple and bell were not added until 1803. There were three entrances, north, south and east, the latter being the prin- cipal one and facing the street and opening into the central aisle. It will be noticed that the large pews had seats on four sides, except only at the place of entrance, so that some, it is said the children, sat with their backs to the minister. There were doors to each pew, as was common until within half a century. Most of the old churches were not lathed or plastered, but we are told that this was the exception to the rule, but as churches were not warmed in those days, it was cold in winter, and even with the "Sabbaday houses" and their cheerful warmth to resort to before and after service, it must have often been a great trial to endure the cold during the services, notwithstanding the relief to some by means of box frames lined with perforated tin, which were filled with live coals from the fires in the Sabbaday houses and carried into the church for foot warmers. The pulpit was very high, so that the minister could have a fair view of the galleries which extended across three sides of the church and were reached by stairways in the northeast and southeast corners of the church. The "meetinghouse" of a century ago was often the only place in town suitable for a town meeting, and it was not thought inappropriate to hold within its walls the yearly meeting to arrange town affairs for the ensuing twelve months. It is interesting to note that there were paid singers a hundred years ago, as we find under date of 1793 an entry of £2 paid Isaac Foot for singing, as well as £l:5s to Eber Lines for sweeping the meetinghouse. THE CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY. BY W. D, HUMISTON, Two centuries ago bat very few set- tlers had sought homes in the vast and almost trackless forest wiiich prevailed in the northern part of New Haven, and whatnowcomprisesthetownof Bethany. A few, however, had built rude cabins on the Mattatuck Turnpike, Straits Highway and Downs Street at base of Mad Mare's Hill. These localities are still sometimes called by the names which the early settlers gave them. The first settlers found themselves far from any place of public worship, yet every Sabbath found them wend- ing their way fully armed against the dusky savages, who might lurk in the deep recesses of the forest, to the meet- inghouse on New Ha^-en green. A few years later Amity Parish was incorporated, and for over twenty years the inhabitants of the present towns of Bethany and Woodbridge formed but one ecclesiastical society. On the Lord's Day and on other occasions our fathers, the hardy pioneers of this for- est town, assembled at the meeting- bouse of the parish of Amity and offer- ed up their devotions as a united body. For seven or eight miles in all direc- tions thse men of God descended from the breezy, life-giving hills, to the tem pie down in the valley, to pay this debt of duty to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe. Their atfections during these years entwined themselves around the old sanctuary. They loved their kind pastor. Rev. Mr. Woodbridge, and the great inconvenience of the remote parts of their parish could scarcely in- duce them to think of forming a new society aijd forming new church rela- tions. But at length the time came when it seemed necessary to many to separate from the old society and attempt the formation of a new one. And accord- ingly a memorial was sent to the May session of the General Assembly in 1762. A committee was appointed to view the circumstances and report. This committee, having attended to the duties of their appointment, reported favorably and a distinct ecclesiastical society was incorporated and named Bethany. The following is a copy of the original charter: "Bethany made a Distinct Eoclesias- TioAL AND Civil Sooiett, similar to other Parishes in the Colony, by the General Assembly of the Colony of conneotiout." "At a General Assembly of the Col- ny of Connecticut, held at New Haven, on the second Thursday of October, A. D. 1763, upon the memorial of Joel Hotchkiss and others, the Inhabitants of the Parish of Amity, living north of an east and west line drawn from the dwelling house of the Widow Hannah Sperry, Preferred to this Assembly at their sessions in May last; representing the inconveniences they are under in attend- ing the public worship, &c., and pray- ing for said Privileges; a Committee was granted, &c., which Committee having made report to this Assembly lO BETHANY of their Opinion, that said Memorialists and Inhabitants dwelling noi th of said east and west line should be made a So- ciety, Ate, which ivport being accepted by this Assembly, "Thereupon it is enacted and order- ed, That said Inhabitants of the Parish of Amity, living north of an east and west line drawn from south end of the Widow Hannah Sperry's dwelling House, as prayed for in said Memorial, shall be and they are hereby made a distinct Ecclesiastial Society, with all the Privileges and Powers usually be longing to such Societies in this Col- ony, and shall be called and known by the name of Bethany, A true copy examined. "By George Wyllie, Secretary." The parish of Bethany is one of the oldest in tiiis vicin:ty, and at the time of its incorporation was bounded on the north by the parish of Waterbury, west by Oxford and Derbv, south by Amity and east by North Haven. The society began at once to exercise its power by levying a tax "at a penny halfpenny for defiayiog the charges of preaching the year ensewing." The parsonage lands lying in Bethany, hav- ing been sold by Amity, action was ta ken at once to recover them. A com- mitt'^e was appointed to receive from the A nity committee the bonds for "the three publick lots that they have sold in s'd Bethany and which was a parsonage ftory is the piety of the early church. We glean this from the confession of faith, its church c vmants and dis- cipline. The confess on of faith is remarkably s'mple and strong. In its broad and simple statement of view it is more like the liberal creed of toi'ay, while in it there is uoihiog opposed to the orthodox views of that period. The church cove- uaut is a^ you will see impressive and solemn. It reads: " You do now in the presence of God, the dread majestv of heaven and earth, before angels and men, with the utmost seriousne<»s and siiceiitv of soul, avouch the Lord Jehnvah to be your God acd Supreme Good, through Jesus Christ, de- voting yourself to his fear and service and engaging in dependence upon his divine aid conscientiously and perseveringly to keep his Holy Commandments. You do also solemnly covenant with His chuich that so long as you remain a member of it you will walk tog' ther with it in christian fellnAship in all Gosp' 1 ordinances, and in a conscientious discharge of all christian duties, constantly de- pending on the Lord Jesus Christ for that gracious assistance which may be need- ful and sufficient for you." After neglecting to keep up the society interests for some years, in 1828 a petition was sent to the General Assembly, which is noteworthy for its expression of humility and deep contrition. It abounds in statements of regret and remorse and confession of neglect and deadness. "They have been a stumbling block to sinners." "They have failed to manifest brotherly feeling and tenderness among themselves." " They have neglecied the children of the flock who have been pub- licly dedicated to God, and have left the sins of their brethren go iinreproved." "They thus seek the forgiveness of the christian brethren, and of the High, Holy and Heavenly Father." In discipline under Mr Hawley they were exact One Jesse Lounsbury ap- peared and upon refusing to observe the ordinance of the Lord's Supper according to the rules of the church, it was voted that they obey the command of Christ and let him be as a heathen man and a publican and that the watch and care of the church be withdrawn from him. Also voted that " Whereas Rhoda Hotchkiss has giveu satisfactory evidence that she has exercised sincere repentence for living a long time in neglect of christian duty, and for dishonoring the cause of true religion, and wishes to be received, that she be again cordially received." One Allen Thomas makes a confession to the church in these words : " Having been for some years a member of this church and having lived unworthy of my christian profession I desire to humble myself before God and his people this dav concerning mv sins." Then followed a statement that he has neglected seasons of prayer, absenting himself from the table of the Lord and the company of his people. " I now repent of my sins and ask Christ's forgiveness and of the members of the church whom I have offended " BETHANY • 21 In many ways the pure and sincere religion of the early church, their tender solicitude for one another, their care and watchfulness over the young of the pariah, and their responsibility over the errant members, stand as an example for the church of today. The dev 'tion and loyalty of the older members seems a solemn call to the same firm faith, pure and honest piety and thorough devotion to the church and kingdom of our God and His Christ. In 1783 a committee was appointed "to assist the Church of England Commit- tee to tind a place for them to set a church on " In 1779 the Society began "to confer with Amitv about being made a town." This subject was one of much discussion and negotiation and of some strife in re- ga d to the place of a town house. The town of Woodbridge was incorporated in 1784 and was named in lionor of the tirst minister of the Amity church. The separation of Bethany as a town be. an to be agitated in 1803 ; but was not accom- plished until May, 1832. Ot er names of those who acted in Society business before 1800 are, (placing them in order of time), Jesse Bradley, William Wooding, Deacon Isaac Johnson. Josiah Lounsbury, Deacon Peter Perkins, John Lines, Timothy Hitchcock, Eph- raim Turner, Abraham Carrington, Ezra Sperry, Daniel Beecher, Jonathan Andrew, Reuben Sperry, Amos Hitchcock, Jonathan Tuttle, Deacon James Wheeler, Jacob Hdtchkiss, Jared Sherman, Edward Perkins, Jesse Beecher, David French, Ray- mond Sauford, David Thomas, Lamberton ToUes, Roger Peck, John Russell, Medad Hotchkiss, John Thomas, Hezekiah Thomas, Caleb Andrews, Elihu Sanford, Jr. Reuben Perkins. Hezekiah Johnson, Lucas Lines, Jared Tolles, John Wooding, Darius Beecher, Deacon Hezekiah Beecher, Jared Beecher. In 1804, (Feb. 2d), it was "voted that we will give Mr. Isaac Jones, Jr , one hundred pounds annually for ihree years and then rise five pound a year until it shall amount to one hundred and twenty pounds, to commence at the time of his ordination and to continue as long as he shall continue to supply the pulpit as a minister o' the Gosjiel in this place." Feb. 8, 1804, it was "voted to ^ive Mr. Hawley the interest of the minister's Bank in this place beginning t'le first of March, 1803, and to continue during his natural life, upon liis giving the Society a full discharge from any other demand on sd society from the first day of March, 1803 " At the May session of the General Assembly in 1809 the following resolution was adopted. Whereas, it hath been represented th>it the members of the Ecclesiastical So- ciety of Bethany, in Woodbridge, have had no legal society meeting lor several years. Resolved by this Assembly that John Thomas, Esqui'e, be, and he is here- by authorized to give said Society si.\ days warning by posting up the same on the Sign Post in said Society before the first Monday of June next, to meet at the meetinghouse in said Society on the said first Monday of June, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, and when met, to preside in said meeting, and lead said Society to the choice of a Societies' Commiitte, Clerk and Treasurer, iind to do ami iraiisact any business proper to be done at said meeting. At the meeting so called Timohy Hitchcock was chosen clerk and treasurer, and the following society's committee was chosen: John Thomas, Esq., Medad Hotchkiss, Isaac Hotchkiss, Jabez Hiichcock, Jesse At water, Demas Sperry, 22 THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. Jolin Ten ell, Silas Hotchkist and Jesse Bradley were chosen bank committee, and a tax ot one cent and five mills was laid on the list of 1808, to be paid by the tir>t of July. In 1828 there was a great revival, and from March 1st to October 1st thirt3'two were received into membership on confession of faith. The list of officers and committees elected at the annual meeting held March 1, 1837. is as follows: Theophilus Smith, moderator; Lewis Hine, clerk; Grant Hitchcock, Levi Wooding, Ebenezer Piatt, society's committee ; Miles Hitch- cock, auditor; and Theophilus Smith, first chorister; Hiram Hotchkiss, second chorister; Clark Hotchkiss, third chorister; Clark Hotchkiss and Oliver Nettle- ton, singing committee. The church today (1896) has about 50 members. The present officers were elected as follows : Dea. Horsfall in 1883 ; Dea. Rosha, 1895 ; church clerk, Ed- win N. Clark, 1890. THE PRESENT CHURCH, BUILT IN 183I. "RECOLLECTIONS OF EARLY DAYS." Edwin Buckingham many years ago narrated his "Recollections of Earlj' Days," which were taken down for the Seymour Record, from which we ta'• .^,, , , ,, a t t jj Christina Jane, b. July 27, 1856. j Wheeler and Mrs. A. L. Judd. Adna Todd, b. May 21, 1856. The parents, Isaac and Emily Per- kins, and Samuel Todd. Julia Abby, b. Aug. 8, 1856. Daughter of Charles and Mary Ann Perkins. Sponsor, the mother. Almira Downes, wife of Eben Downes, an adult. Witness, Mrs. Enos Perkins. Amra Clark, wife of C. F. Clark, an adult. Witness. Mrs. Charles French. George Warner Woodward, an adult. 1 Dr. A. C. Woodward, Ed- Edward Prindle Woodward an adult. I win Pardee, Mrs. Wood- Lewis Dexter Lounsbury. an adult. \ "^^'^^ /^- ^- Perkms, Mrs. T \nT\i- -n .L.L1 J 1.. J- A. Lounsbury and Gil- Leroy William Tuttle, an adult. j ^ert Davidson. Mar. 6, 1858. James Edward, b. Feb. 18, 1858. Son of William and Hannah Mc- Clure (in private, being ill.) (Private office.) June 10, i860. Sarah Ann, wife of Street B. Todd. Addie Maria, infant daughter of Street B. and Sarah Ann Todd. Witnesses, parents and wife of Leonard Todd. Seymour Gilbert, infant son of Baldwin of Madison. Feb. II, 1861. Francis, infant son of F. Breekle, (private bap.) Woodbridge. June 30th. George Truman, son of Chas. F. Clark. Parents sponsors. George Bird, son of Geo. Hotchkiss. Lillie May and Kate Alice, daughters of Mrs. Emma Patterson. Mrs. Camp and Mrs. Patterson sponsors. Richard, son of Wm. McClure, parents sponsors Adeline Julia, daughter of Orson Wheeler. Parents. Kate Augusta, daughter of F. S. Woodward and granddaughter of the Rector. Mrs. F. B. Woodward and Miss L. Beecher. VITAL STATISTICS. 6l Parents. Sponsors and Witnesses. Mary Jane, daughter of Lucius Russell. Parents. Frank Beecher, son of G. B. Johnson. Parents, E. Pardee. Clifton Tolles, son of De ttte E. Downs. E. Pardee, Polly Tolles, De Ette Downs. Margaret Benecia, daughter of Noyes Wheeler. Parents. Oct. 13, 1861. Emma Almira, daughter of F. S. and Helen Woodward. Parents. May 4, 1862. Marietta, daughter of Sylvia M. Doolittle. Mother, L. Perkins and Mrs. F. B. Woodward. Dec. 25, Mary Jennett, daughter of Henry R. and Esther Beecher. Parents and Mrs. A. Woodward. In Christ Church, Sunday, August 20th, 1865. Frederick James, b. 4th April 1861, son of Anne Melissa and James H. Holmes. Sponsors, S. Gilbert Davidson, Henry R. At- water, and the mother. Henry Todd, b. May 16, 1861. son of Maria Lucinda and Wales F. Perkins. Sponsors, Guy Perkins and the parents. Geo. Theodore, b. Sept. 26, 1858, son of Lucy Lovisa and Jarvis Theodore Bronson. Sponsors, Charles F. Clark, Wm. B. Dickerman, and the mother. Mar. 7, 1869. Lydia Amanda, b. Mar. 25, 1866, daughter of George W. and Mar- garet L. Woodward. Sponsors, parents and Miss Sarah L. Atwater. Ella Sarah, b. Sept. 11, 1866, daughter of Street B. and Sarah A. Todd. Sponsors, the parents and Mrs. Orrin Wheeler. Mar. 21, 1869. Maud Genevieve, b. Oct. 18, 1868. daughter of Horatio Nelson and Laura De Etta Clark, of Prospect. Sponsors, Mrs. Sarah L. Atwater, the mother, and Guy Perkins. 1870. June 5, William Irvng. son of Leroy Wm. and Lovena Maria Tuttle. Sponsors, parents and Mrs. Sanford. June 5, Lucy Irene, daughter of Stiles C. Williams. Sponsors, parents. June 5, Fannie Grace, daughter of Evelyn O. and Martha L. Pardee. Sponsors, the parents and Mrs. Lydia N. Sperry. 62 BETHANY. Parents, Sponsors and Witnesses. Aug, 14, Charles Willard, son of Edward C. and Lucy E. Gulp of Norwalk, Ohio, b. Jan. i, 1869. Sponsors, Mrs. Esther Punderson and the mother. 1871. April 16, Theodore James and Minnie Amelia, children of Wales Clark. Sponsors, the mother and Evelyn O. and Martha L. Pardee. April 30, Polly Maria Talmage, an adult. Witnesses, Mr. Geo. Hotchkiss and Mrs. Martha L. Pardee. May 12, 1872, Mary Amelia Beecher, an adult. Witnesses, Evelyn Pardee, Mrs. Sperry, Mrs. Evelyn Pardee. Adults Baptized in Christ Church since Easter, 1836. May 15, 1836, Daniel Thomas, at his house. 1837- Feb. 28, Mary Ives, wife of Lewis Doolittle March 20, Bennett Whiticus, (col.) June 4, Hulda Allen. Oct. 8, Sarah Robbins, wife of A. P. Judd. Jennette, wife of Newel Lounsbury. May 28, 1843, Lucy Hoadley, wife of Garry Hoadley ; Elizabeth Perkins, Pamelia J. Chatfield. 1844. Julia Ann Chapman, Ghas. F. Clark, Lucy Louisa Beecher. Oct. 17, 1846, Ira Perkins, Laura Hotchkiss, Lucretia Lines, Emily Castle. Julia A. Castle, Hannah I. Perkins, Angeline Hitchcock. May 28, 1859, Henry W. Brown. June 10, i860, Sarah Ann, wife of Street B. Todd. June 30, 1861, Anna Eliza Deming, Laura Anna Hitchcock, Huldah, wife of G. Beecher Johnson, Deette Eliza Downs. April 27, 1862, Estella Augusta Driver, Polly Tcressa Stidman (col.) May 22, 1864, James Harlan Craw, Lovena Maria Tuttle. Aug. 13, 1865, Mrs. Martha Lucinda, wife of James H. Craw. Louisa, daughter of Ezra Stiles. Juliet Elizabeth, daughter of Louisa Sperry. Aug, 18, 1865, Annie Melissa, wife of J. H. Holmes. June 13, 1866, Charles Thomas, aged 66 years. Clinic baptism, he being confined to the bed with sickness. VITAL STATISTICS. ^3 April 28, 1866, Belinda Catherine, wife of Andrew T. Hotchkiss ; Christina Elizabeth, wife of Edward Beecher; Rosette Amanda and Kate Emeline, daughters of Dr. A. C. Woodward; Sarah Jane, wife of S. Gilbert Davidson. May 5, 1867, Mrs. Hannah, relict of the late Major Lounsbury ; Sarah Jane, daughter of William Burnham. Sept. 20, 1868, Eveline Augusta, daughter of Frederick and Rhoda Tuttle, born July 28, 1850. Sept. 26, 1868, Mrs. Rosella, wife of Theron Allen. March 14, 1869, Edson Jesse, son of Howel Beecher. 1872. June 16, Agnes May Tuttle, dau. of Leroy W. and Lovena M. Tuttle. June 16, Herbert Coram, son of Eneas and Alice Coram. June 16, Walton Perkins Clark, son of Horatio N. and Laura De Ette Clark. June 26, Tyler Daniel Davidson, son of Cilbert S. and Sarah Jane Davidson. Dec. 7, Adelia May Hotchkiss. daughter of Harpin and Charlotte E. Hotchkiss. Dec. 7, Fanny Maria Baldwin, child of Polly and Henry T. Bald- win. 1875. Mar. 21, Ray Carrington French, son of Herbert French. BAPTISMS BY C. W. COLTON. N. ii.— The infant and adult baptisms are from this date included in the same list. 1876, Jan. 16, Grace Emma Bradley, daughter of Henry B. and Polly Maria Bradley. 1877- April 8, Martha Grace Sperry, adult, daughter of Allyn and Grace E. Sperry. May 20, Ida Sarah, daughter of Stiles C. and Ellen H. Williams. Walter Stiles, son of Stiles C. and Ellen H. Williams. Leta Tolles, daughter of Edward and Christina Beecher. Ida May, daughter of Henry W. and Mrs. Sarah B. Brown. 1878. April 21, Emma Aminta, daughter of Frederick A. and Celia E. Perry. 64 BETHANY. June 9, Mary Ann Beecher, an adult, daughter of Wm- and Eliza- beth Basham. Nathan French Mansfield, an adult, son of Stephen and Amy Mansfield. Georgiana Bunnell, an adult, daughter of George and Jane Bunnell. Sept. 15, Lilah Lydia. daughter of Dennis and Sarah V. Tuttle. Charles Seymour Tuttle, son of Dennis and Sarah V. Tuttle Megin. Nelson Newton, son of Henry R. and Esther J. Beecher. Edwin George, son of Evelyn O. and Martha L. Pardee. Clarence Garry, son of David F. and Amelia M. Smith. William Sperry, son of David F. and Amelia M. Smith. 1879. May 4, Katie Irene, an adult, daughter of Harpin H. and Charlotte E. Hotchkiss. Ida Estella, an adult, daughter of Harpin H. and Charlotte E. Hotchkiss. Mays, Monday, Helen Matilda, daughter of Clarence W. and Cora D. Colton. Baptized by the Bishop, the Rt. Rev. J. Wil- liams, D. D., L. L. D., at his visitation of the parish. The first baptism in the new Font, which was placed in the Church this day. Oct. 19, Rollin Frederick, son of Frederick W. and Mary A. Beecher. June 6, Jennie Frances, daughter of Frederick A. and Celia E. Perry. 1880. June 27, Daisy Etta, child of Samuel A. and Charlotte F. Wood- ward. July 2S, Rachel Prindle and Grace Sylvia, children of Dr. J. N. and Rachel P. Parker, Woodbridge. FUNERALS ATTENDED IN THE PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BETHANY, SINCE EASTER. 1836. April 10, Juliette, daughter of Levi Peck, 13. April 20. Catherine F'rench, 8. April 26, Rebecca Collins. 43. VITAL STATISTICS. 65 July 17, Laura Tolles, 32. Aug. 16, Ery Lounsbury, 64. Sept. 23, James E., son of Eli Carley, 2. Oct. 3, Abber Lines, Jun., 44. Oct. 19, Jay, son of Jared Allen. 3. Dec. 2, Noyes Sperry, 34. Dec. 15, Sarah Jane, daughter of Eli Terrell, 4. 1837. Jan. 10, Cloe Bradley, 55. Jan. 22, John Ferdinand, son of the Rev. J. H. Rouse, i/^. Jan. 24, Jane, child of Lewis Tolles, i. Jan. 25, Nancy Johnson, 38. March 19, Obadiah Lounsbury, 42. April I, Betsey S. Hotchkiss, 71. April 24, Nancy Terrell, 39. May 12, Nathan Beers, 75. June 3, Jennette Durand, 21. June 8, Burton, son of Silas Wooding, 5. June 15, Isaac P., son of Jared Pritchard, 4. July I, Lucy Lounsbury, 34. Sept. 22, Enoch Newton, 65. 1838. Jan. 15, Reuben Hicox, 42. March 10, Sally Hotchkiss, 70. 23, John Wilmot, 60. May I, Caleb Doolittle, 65. Sept. 16, Nancy Bradley, 15. Oct. 12, Ezra Sperry, 72. 15, Henry Sanford, 41. Nov. 21, Wallace, son of Stiles Russell, i. 1839. Jan. 17, Thankful Terrell, 88. March 24, Cyrus D. Carrier, Col. C, 38. April 10, Rhoda Doolittle, 64. 13, Allen Thomas, 49. 24, Hannah Lounsbury, 69. June 9, Mary Castle, 29. 20, Leonena Lewis, dau. of C. D. Carrier, 11. July 9, Elisha Hotchkiss, 72. 56 BETHANY. July 13. Cyrus, son of C. D. Carrier, 9. Oct. 13, Lucy Sperry, 51. 1840. Jan. 8, Wm. D. Purdy, 80. 28, Nancy Maria (colored), 7. May 17, Maria Sperry, 28. July 4, Reuben Judd. 69. Nov. 10, Dolly Chatfield, Mrs., 56. 1841. Jan. 12, Daniel Thomas. 57. April 14. Mary Hawley. S3- 23, Sarah Buckingham, Mrs., -]-]. May 12, Jared Tolles, 89. July 19, Clarissa Doolittle, 60. Dec. 28, Abijah P. Judd. 37- 1842. Feb. 12. William H. Thomas, 18. March 2, Archibald Perkins. 83. 4, Ephraim L. Perkins, 32. May 29, Pena Lounsbury, 68. Stephen Hotchkiss, 42. Aug. 29. Silliman Hotchkiss, 57. Sept. 24, Juliet Sperry. 4- Oct. 9, Jesse Hitchcock. 47. L. B. Whitticus (colored). 26. Mrs. SiUiman Hotchkiss. 53. 1843- Feb. 6. Mrs. Harmon Allen, 49. 13, John Woodin, 70. 15, David Downs, 57. March ii, Julia Morris. 48. 12, W. H, Burnham, 11. Daniel Russell, 67. Wm. Woodin. April 7, child of Edwin Lines, 1 yr. 9 mo. Wid. Russia (colored), 80. Sept.. Capt. Chauncey Tuttle, 72. 1844- Feb. I. Elizabeth Brown. 70. 8. Isaac Sperry. 84. VITAL STATISTICS. 67 Feb. II, Mrs. Felix Downs, 79. 22, Eber Lines, 89. 22, Whitticus (colored), 63. May 18, Miss Polly Hitchcock, 61. Calvin Tuttle, 57. Sept. 8, Wid. Patience Jndd, 89. Ezra Kimberly, 81. Jehiel Castle, 34. 1845. Wife of Noyes Hotchkiss, 20 or 21. April 7, Enos Beecher (suicide), 32. 15, Hez. Thomas, 53. Mrs. Major Hotchkiss. Aug., Benjamin Perkins. Child of Horace Tolles. Child of Nehemiah Tolles. * Anna Doolittle. 8, Child of Sheldon Allen, 17 months. 24, Child of Curtiss Tolles, 8 months. Sept. 9. Hezekiah Brown, 67. Dec, Child of Jesse Hotchkiss, 5. 1846. Aug. 29, Stiles Hotchkiss. Sept. 28, Sarah Perkins. Oct. 4, Luther Smith, 48. 7, Lines Prince, Infant, Nov. 21, Edwin Lines, 31. Dec. 31, David Beecher, 56. 1847. Jan. II, Sarah Smith, 24. Feb. 22, Phenetta Andrew, 37. 28, Hannah Hotchkiss, 80. March 12. Eli Todd, 75. April 30, Sally Lounsbury, ']']. May 29, Chloe Tuttle, 5. Sept. 12. Adelia Thomas, 18. 19, Horace Tolles, 46. 29, Reuben Doolittle, 76. Oct. 16, Abel Prince, 57. 68 BETHANY. Nov. 5, Stephen Hotchkiss, 88. Ellen Tolles, 15 months. Dec. 6, Eliza Perkins, 27. 1848. Feb. 5, Felix Downs, 89. May 6, Jane Kimberly of Woodbridge, 31. 21, Lyman Tuttle of Hamden, 86. 27, Betsey Underville (colored), 39. July 13, Garry Sperry, 40. Aug. 23, Isaac B. Brooks, 27. Sept. 21, Rebecca Perkins, Hamden, 68. 29, Benjamin Beers, 'j'j. Dec. II, Nathan R. Morris, 57. 20, Sarah Beecher, 63. 1849. Jan. 23, Eliakim Smith, child of Mr. Dickerman of Cheshire, 19 m. March 10, Abigail Sperry, from Oxford, 79. April 20, Solomon Hotchkiss, 93. 29, Israel Thomas. 65. May 2, Eunice Perkins of Hamden, 73. 18, Asaph Umberfield, 22. 23, Amos Hitchcock, a Congregationalist, 87. July 26, Rebecca Umberfield, 69. Aug. 8, Anna Perkins, a Congregationalist, 78. 16, S. Bird Woodward, son of Dr. A. C. Woodward, 7. 31, AlansonTuttle of Hamden, 49. Sept. 5, Mrs. E. Russia, 48. 9, Howard Wales, son of Wales F. Perkins, 20 months. 18, Lewis Lines, 57. Oct. I, S. E. Collins, daughter of Jeremiah Collins, 5. 16, Jeremiah Sperry, 60. 17, Eliza M. Tolles, daughter of Isaac B. Tolles, 20 months. 19, Major D. Collins, son of Jeremiah Collins, 6. 25, Sally Morriss, 59. Nov. 23, Stephen Wooding, 64. 1850. March i, Hobart B. Tuttle, 20. April 3, Amarilla Sanford, 70. 5, Patty Sperry, 65. VITAL STATISTICS. "9 April 7. Benjamin Collins, 83. 8, Wales G. Perkins, son of Wales E. Perkins, 8 months. May 4, Charles Johnson, 30. June 25, Frederick Beri, son of Beri F. Beecher, 4. • July 30, Jane K. Perkins, 27. Sept. II, Eugene Walter, son of R. O. Nettleton of N. H., 6 months. Oct. 3, Watrous Tolles, son xjf Curtis Tolles, 5. Nov. ji, Sarah Johnson, 63. 1851. Julv I, Major Hotchkiss, 63. August 16, Child of Allen Hitchcock, 8. Sept. 20, Frank S. Alaby, child of Mrs. Harrison Thomas, 2. 22, Augustus Castle, 44. Lyman Downs, 72. Anna Eliza Clark, 25. Eber Hotchkiss, 55. 1852. Levi Peck, 71. Infant child of I. Ford, i month. Orrin Hine, 51. Jeremiah Camp, 60. Fanny Prince, 58. Eliza A. Hitchcock, 40. May 2. Caroline Hotchkiss, wife of Jesse Hotchkiss. 34. 22, Truman Terrvll. 67. 23. Betsey Bradley, 33. August 6, Lois Perkins, wife of A. A. Perkins, 51. Sept. 21, Mrs. Race, 26. Nov. 21, John Andrew, 22. Dec. II, Maria Lyons, 46. 1853. Feb. 12, Jane Eliza Beecher, daughter of Milo Beecher, ^3. April 20, Dr. Jehiel Castle, 81. May 17, Anna Wooding, 79. July 5, Nancy Sanford, 76. Aug. 26, Harriet French, 62. Sept. 14, Nehemiah Tolles, 43. Oct. 18, Celia Sperry, 21. Oct. 30, Silas Wooding, t;o. • Oct. 14. Nov. 15. 28, Jan. 17. Feb. 14. Marc :h5, 7. 9. 29, 70 BETHANY. FUNERALS ATTENDED BY THE REV. H. TOWNSEND. April I, Widow Anna Woodin, 92. May 7, Widow Rhoda Wheeler (Congregationalist), 72. 9, Lysias Beecher, wife of Allen Doolittle. July 4, Mrs. Mary Ann Doolittle, buried July 6, 40. 25, Mary Grace Pierpont, wife of W. S Pierpont, 20. d. July 25. August 4, Alexis Rosha (Mulatto). 55, d. 3d. August 8, Emerit Brown, daughter of Mrs. Eunice Brown, 27, d. 7th. 25, Jared Hotchkiss, 50, d. 24th. 27, Mrs. Wd. Lucy Beecher, relict of Lysias B., 71, d. 26th. Sept. I, Tenta Lines, wife of Abel Lines, 68, d. Aug. 31st. I, Mary E., daughter of Geo. Driver, West Haven, 14 months. 12, Mrs. Polly A. Sackett, wife of Sackett, 80, d. 11. Oct. 5, Mrs. Anna Lines, relict of Abel Lines, 95 years and 1 1 months, d. 3d. 26, Josephine L. Hubbell, child of Joseph O. Hubbell, 15 months, d. 25th. 30, Emma E., child of Joseph O. Hubbell, 3, d. 28th. Nov. 2, Mrs. Huldah Sperry, wifeofChas. Sperry, 68, Woodbridge, d. Oct. 31st. 16, James Driver, 'j'j, d. 14th. Dec. 20. Frederick, infant son of Neh'h Andrew, 10 months, d. 19th. FUNERALS DURING THE MINISTRY OF REV. CHARLES J. TODD. 1855. Feb. 28. Jane A. Scoville, daughter of Chester and Minerva Scovill, 23, d. 26th. March i, Edward Charles, son of Charles and Hannah Thomas, 23. April 3, Frances May, daughter of Isaac and Emily Perkins, 3. 27, Rhoda Hotchkiss, wife of Spencer Hotchkiss, 52. 16, Julia Ella, daughter of Isaac and Emily Perkins, 7. 18, Zephaniah Downs, 72. 23, Samuel Herbert, son of Beri E. and Marv M. Beecher, 7. May 24, Jane Ella, daughter of Adna and Elizabeth Hotchkiss, 6. August 24, Howard French, infant son of Wales French Perkins and Maria Lucy Perkins, i year and 4 months. Sept. 9, Henry A. Carrington, 47. 24. Seymour Tuttle, 71, d. 23d. Nov. 24, Dennis Beecher, son of Andrew Beecher, 31. d. 22d. VITAL STATISTICS. 7^ Nov. 26, Mary Hitchcock, wife of Isaac Hitchcock, d. 22d. Dec. 8, Mrs. Thirza Lines, 64. - 24, Hoel Beecher, son of Jesse Beecher, 45. 1856. Jan. 3, Ichabod Umberfield, 71. II, Polly Russell, wife of John Russell, 54. Feb. 10, Jesse Doolittle 78, d. 8th. March 16, Albert J. Craw, son of James H. and Frances J. Craw, 8. FUNERALS DURING THE RECTORSHIP OF REV. JAMES ADAMS, COM- MENCING OCT. 7, 1856. Oct. 14, Harriet Maria, daughter of Daniel W. and Henrietta Rus- sell, 18 months. 1857- Feb. 10, Asaph French of Prospect, aged 72. March 15, Mrs. Deming, 50. 31, Mabel Morris, wife of Chauncey Morris, 29. May 13, Ira Perkins, 68. August 15, Sarah Ann Beecher, wife of Guy Beecher, 32. 23, Harriet Thomas, wife of Leveret Thomas, 56. Oct. 5, Dorcas Judd, 96. Nov. 2, Mary A. Beecher, wife of Wm. S. Beecher of Prospect, 27. 7, Bede Todd, mother of Leonard Todd, 78. Dec. 21, Verus Candee, 76. 1858. Jan. 15, Mrs. Esther Marks, 64. 30, Asena Perkins, 91. Feb. 20, Allen Hitchcock. FUNERALS BY F. B. W. Child of Daniel Tolles (Woodbridge). Charles Thrall (Prospect), 53. July 18, Philo Hotchkiss, Bethany. Sept. 26, Julia A. Sampson (colored), 14. 1859. Jan, 7, Mary Lounsbury, 83. March 11, Eliakim Smith, 74. April 21, Lydia Nettleton, 63. May 29, Joseph Bradley, j"]. 72 BETHANY. Oct. I, Jeremiah Tultle. 44 Nov. 12, Calvin Downs, 22. i860. Jan. 16, Isaac Terrill, 60. 18, Northrop, 25. March 28, Harley Hotchkiss. 70. May 19, Harry French, 68. June 20, Charles L. Judd, 24. Nov. 20, Martha J. Beecher, 25. Dec. 16, John Clemens, 51. 1861. t Jan. 26, Abner Warner of Hamden, 93. Feb. 7, Sheldon Wooding, 76. 20, Micah Sperry, 80, 28, Frank, son of Beecher Johnson, 7. March 15, Mrs. Olive Austin, 72. 16, Francis, infant son of F. Breekle, Woodbridge, 2. 17, Friend, son of Anon Atwater, 19. April 14, Melinda, relict of David Beecher, 69. 18, Jane E. Doolittle (at Seymour), 25. May 19, Mrs. Elizabeth Driver, 66. 29. Wid. Hitchcock, the mother of Beri E. Beecher, 84. June 14, Henry B. Lounsbury, 2. August 25, Adna Hotchkiss, 44. Sept. 22, Samuel Pelton, 26. 24, Irvin Lounsbury, 18. Oct. 3. Mary L. Prince, 12. Nov. 18, Son of Noyes Johnson, 10 weeks. 20, Mrs. Eunice Hotchkiss, 88. Dec. I. Wid. Ira Perkins, 70. 1862. March 3, Capt. Jesse Beecher, TT. 10, Mrs. Caroline Tolles, 56. April 16, William Donnell, 20. May 2, Althea Buckingham. 43. 22, Leverett Thomas, 62. July 27, Alva Gaylord, 72. Sept. 22, Wid. Harvey Hotchkiss, ']']. 27, Albert Eugene, son of James Craw, 5. VITAL STATISTICS. 73 Oct. 18, Mrs. Isaac Doolittle, 60. 26, Wid. Mary Castle. 29, Ellen Kimball, (Prospect) 19. Nov. 16, Mrs. James Patterson, 38. 21, Mary S., wife of Herbert French, 25. 1863. Jan. 6, Benjamin M. Collins, 72. 16, Henrietta, wife of D. W. Rus- sell, 39. 21, Edson Hotchkiss, 32. Feb. 8, John Wooding, 50. 27, Orrin Hitchcock, 51. May 3, Major Lounsbury, 69. June 26, Isaac Hitchcock, 88. 29, Nelson Newton Beecher, 20 yrs, 8 mo., died at Annapolis, Md., soldier 27 Reg. C. V. Sept. 22, Roenna E. Thomas, 8 years, dau. of Daniel Harrison Thomas. Oct. 3, Betsey Perkins, wife of Beecher Hotchkiss and dau. of Guy Per- kins, 42. 14, Henry French, 53. 27, Marion Cornelia, 11 yrs., 11 mo., 13 days, dau. of Charles Tuttle. Nov. 3, Enos Perkins, 70, nearly. 10, Lucy, 51, wife of Garry Hoadley. 18, Horace Preston, 55. 1864. Mar. 9, Abel Linds. 76. 12, Patty Hotchkiss, 81, sister of Abel Linds. 13, John Hitchcock, 26. 29, Patty Harris Hotchkiss, 71. 29, Isa Annett, 11 years, dau. of Andrew Hotchkiss. May 6, Delia E., wife of John Wesley Weed, 36. 17, Laura Woodin, dau. of Andrew and Hannah Beecher, 26. 25, Cornelia Ella, wife of Henry Edward Lounsbury, 29. June 19, Netty, dau. of Charles Preston of Prospect, 6. Aug. 19, Ada Whiticus, (col'd) 88. Aug. 20, Abigal Hitchcock, 91. Oct. 5, Laura E. Doolittle, dau. of Al- fred Doolittle, 40. 1865. Jan. 27, George Hotchkiss, 2d, 31. Feb. 19, Starr Sperry, son of Ezra Stiles Sperry, 24. Mar. 1, Daniel Lyne^, 65, a native of Ireland. 13, Eugene Burton Castle, 18. 17, Oliver Buckingham, 82. 18, Alfred Crittenden, infant son of (late) Starr and Mary D. Sperry, 412 months. Apr. 9, Philip Sampson, (col'd) 66. 18, Laura May, dau. of Wales French and Maria Lucinda Perkins, 11 mo. May 3, Ezra Stiles Sperry. 6G. Aug. 3, Eden Johnson, 85. 38, Henry A. Doolittle of Wood- bridge, 20. married 9th Apr. last. Oct. 2, Mary Jane, dau. of Charles and Laura Austin, 5. 22, Charity, wife of Wm. H. Louns- bury, dau. of Oliver Buckingham, Dec. 18, Mrs. Charlotte Woodin, 78, relict of the late Sheldon Woodin. 1866. Feb. 15, Noyes Hotchkiss, 51. July 6, Mrs. Dolly Ehza, wife of Dr. Edward P. Woodward, 31 y,10 mo. Sept. 2, Freddie, son of Frederick and Harriet Amanda Warner, 3 y, 9mo. 13, Jennett, wife of Newel Louns- bury, 63. 26, Lemira Sherman, 85. Oct. 31, Beecher Hotchkiss, 53. Nov. 20, Mrs. Hannah Peck, 77. Feb. 18. Mrs. Huldah, wife of Ebenezer P. Parker in Woodbridge, 72. May 23, Esther, dau. of the late Oliver Buckingham, 61. June 27, Antoinette, wife of Dr. Ed- ward P. Woodward, 38. Ten weeks after marriage. 74 BETHANY. Sept. 29, Mrs. Sarah, relict of the late David Downs, 85. 1868. Jan. 2, Mrs. Betsey, relict of Jessie Doolittle, 86, d. Dec. 31, 1867. 5, Alice Louisa, dau. of Andrew C. and Ruth Ann Brown, 2 yrs, 6 nio. Died 3rd. Feb. 5. Amanda, wife of Pulaski Chat- fleld. 74. Mar. 4, Elizabeth, relict of the late Jer erniah Camp of Prospect. 71. 5, Israel Schofield, d. Feb. 29, 53 years, late of Paris, N. Y. Apr. 29, Charles Seymour Tuttle, 52, d 27. May 24, Mrs. Clarinda, wife of Albert Hocidley. 78. 24, Mrs. Fanny, relict of the late Amasa Brooks of Prospect, 82. July 18, Clark Seeley, 66, d. 17th. Dec. 19, Isaac Doolittle, 68, d. 17th. 22, Merrit Sanford, 71, d. 20th. 1869. Jan. 13, Abner Archibald Perkins, 84 yrs., 4 mo , 24 days, d. 10th. Burials by Martin Moody. May 2, Mrs. Lucretia Gorham, wife of Eneas Gorham, 48, d. Apr. 30. July 23, Wm. McClure, 58, d. 21st. Aug. 19, Winthrop Dudley Wooding, 9 days, d. 18th. Nov. 28, Mrs. Mary French. 1870. Feb. 2, Mrs. Hnldah Johnson, wife of A. Beecher John.«;on, d. Jan. 3l.'*t. Dec. 28, Mrs. Elizabeth Andrew, 45. 1871. Jan. 22. John Russel, 84 nearly, d. 19th. Apr. 13, Mrs. Nancy Bradley, 88. Fun- eral at the house of her son Marcus Bradley, d. lOth. 16, Tubal Sanford, 88. Charles Thomas. Aug. 17, Ella Isabel Hotchkiss, 3y., 7 m. 17, Clara Louisa Robertson, 6 m., 9d. Dec. 15, William Belany Dickerman, 63. 81, Lucy Kimberly, 95. 1872. Jan. 14, Horace Bushnell Osborn. Feb. 22, Ann Downs, 85. Funeral at the house of Alfred Doolittle Mar. 11, Chancey Burritt Tuttle, 78. July 14, Albert Hoadley, 81. Funeral at the house of Harpin Hotchkiss. Agnes May Tuttle. Oct. 6, Leroy W. Tuttle, 34. Nov. 8, Dianiha Pitcher. Dec. 5, John Jackson Donell. 11, Charley E. Donell. 1873. Jan. 4, Adella May Hotchkiss. May 13, Mrs. Sarah E. Tolles, 66. 14, Mr. Alonzo Sperry, 59. 26, Mrs. Celestia Terrill, 63. June 29, Mrs. Thirza Bradley of Pros- pect, 81. July 7, Charles Gay Lounsbury, 44. 25, Grace A. Woodin, Woodbridge, infant daughter of Lambert Wood- in, 6 mo., 1 d. 29, Mrs. Abigail B. Umberfleld, Prospect, 65. 30, Minnie Sarah Williams, infant daughter of Stiles C. Williams. Sept. 1, Wales Henry Perkins, son of Homer Perkins, 9 mo. 1874. Jan. 25, EberE. Downs, Woodbridge, 58. Feb. 17, Grin Wheeler, 60. Apr. 5, Mrs. Laura Perkins, wife of Wil- lis Perkins, 64. 22, Jared Allen, "81. May 9, Mrs. Louis Andrews, relict of Job Andrews, 77. Aug. 13, Merit Wooding, of Straits- ville, 53. 17, Mrs. Augusta Smith, 64. Nov. 2, Mr. Curtiss Towles, 56. Dec. 21, Mrs. Sarah B. Carrington. 27, Mr. Lyman Sperry. . VITAL STATISTICS. 75 1875. Jan. 26. Star Bradley Dickerman, son of Wales C. Dickerman, 2. Mar. 13, Charles Preston, 63. 28, Ray Carrington French, 15. Funerals by C. W. Colton. Aug. 18, Jessie, dau. of Charles A. Rob- ertson, 11 days. 1876. Jan. 28, Andrew Beecher, 75. Mar. 7, Mrs. Hannah Lounsbury, widow of Major Lounsbury, 77. April 8, Leonard Todd, 76. 21, Anson Perkins, d. April 10, 80. May 22, Mrs. Ruth N. Brown, d May 20,38 June 4, David E , son of Abram Carring ton. d. June 2, 1 year, 6 months. June 16, Elizur Young, d. in Prospect June 14, aged 46. Oct. 7. Mrs. Harmon Allen, d. Oct 6, 82. Dec. 9. Andrew I. Hotchkis.s. d. Dec, 7, aged 58. 1877. Jan. Feb. 18, Mrs Betsey Adams, d, Jan. 15, aged 108. 16, Mrs. Crownage Lounsbury, d. Feb, 14, aged 66. Mar, 6, ^.Irs, Sarah B. Smith, d. Mar. 3, aged 86, June 8, Nathan Prince, d June 6, 82, July 28, Daniel Norrison Thomas, d. July 2, aged 54. Aug, 26, Mrs Ru.ssell Chatfield. d. Aug. 24, aged 8o. Oct. 7, Mrs. Dorcas Sperry, d. Oct 6, 85. Nov. 11, Mrs. Annie Clark, d, Nov, 9, 79, 1878. Jan. 8, Alanson Morris, d Jan. 5, aged 64, Mar. 13, Eddie Sanford, son of T. L and Lottie M Sanford, d. in Water bury, Mar, 12, aged 2 mo , 1 d. 14, Garry Hoadley, d. Mar. 12, 71. July 10, Russell Chatfield, d, July 8, 90. 20, Marshall E,, son of Seymour Russell, d. July 19, aged 9 mos. Aug, 30, Mrs. Alma Perkins, d. Aug. 28, aged 80, Sept. 4, George Hotchkiss, d. Aug, 2, 69 Nov. 14, Mrs Emily Y. Buckingham, d. Nov, 19, aged 54, 1879. Jan. 7, Carrie Luella Bronson, d tu. of Edward Bronson, d. Jan, 4, 4 1-2 m. 18, Mrs. Ellen McClure, d. Jan. 16, 90. Mar. 4, Crownage Lounsbury, d. Feb, 28, aged 76. Apr. 4, McDonald Fisher, d, April 2. 63, May 26, Mr.«. Julia A, Tolles, d. May 24, aged 66. July 19, Archie N, , son of Charles A. Robertson, d, July 17, aged 10 nio, Aug. 4, Mrs, Elmira Doolittle, d. Aug. 1, aged 77, Sept, 21, Harmon Allen, d. Sept, 19, 93. Oct 22, Mrs. Chloe Tuttle, d, Oct. 20, 93, Dec. 27, Mrs, Eliza Davidson, d. Dec. 2^, aged 71. 1880. Feb 19, Mrs. Almeda E, Allen, d. Feb, 16. aged 35. 23, Levi Marks, d. Feb. 21, 88. Apr. 9, Lewis Tolles, d April 7, aged 75. 21, Birdirey Allen, d. Apr. 19, 23. May 25, Enos Sperry, d. May 23, aged 79. Aug. 5, Emily T Perkins, wife of Isaac Perkins, d, Aug, 3, aged 55. Sept. 17, Betsey Ann Samson, wife of Lines Leneer, d. Sept, 16, aged 41 27 Chas. E Clark, Beacon Falls, d. Sept. 25, aged 52. Dec. 3, Mrs. Lucy Thomas, 78 11, Jeremiah Collins, d. Dec 9, 69. 1894. Rev. J. Tragitt Rector. Dec. 21, Mrs. Sarah Downs, d. Dec, 19, 72. 25, Marcus Austin, d. Dec. 23, 63. 76 BETHANY. From the Records of Trinity Church, New Haven. Rev. Bela Hubbard, who was rector of Trinit>' church, New Haven, from 1767 to 1812, frequently came to Bethany and held services and performed the rites of baptism, marriage and burial. The following data of services performed in Bethany have been carefull3' gleaned from the Trinity church records: April 1 8th, 1770. At a lecture at Bethan}^ baptized Alley, Jesse, Elizabeth, Rayment, James and David, children of Carrington, Benajah Peck and Sarah his wife, sponsors. At a lecture at Bethany Jan. 30th, 1776, baptized Sarah, daughter of Abram and Rebecca Carrington. The above children with proper sureties. At a lecture in Bethany September 26th, 1780, baptized Uri, Dennis, Zimri, Lyman, Dan, Sarah, Lois, children of Isaac and Mary Sperry ; Rosana, daughter of !\Linsfield and Elizabeth Peck ; Charles, son of Abram and Rebecca Carrington ; Elizabeth and Hannah, daughters of Ebenezer and Hannah Bishop. Baptized at Bethany January loth, 1781, George Frederick, son of Mansfield and Elizabeth Peck ; sponsors, Benajah Peck, Elizabeth Beecher, Sarah Peck. At a lecture in Bethany, May 1781, married one couple, and on Sunday, April 22d, 1781, gave the sacrament of the holy Eucharist to 17 persons. Married, Januar}- 29th, 1781, Ebenezer Umberville to Esther Downs, both of Bethany. February i6th, 1782, baptized at Bethany, Esther, wife to Samuel Gilbert. The same Esther communed for the first time. September 22d, 1782, baptized at Bethany, 17th Sunday on Trinity, Joseph, son of Abner Bradley. Sponsors, Benajah Peck and parents. October 21st, 1782. Burial of a child of Eber and Abigail Downs. VITAL STATISTICS. 11 Jane 29th, 1783. Baptized one infant ; and Isaac, Polly, David and Betsey, children of Eber and Abis^ail Downs. 1784. Baptized Archibald Perkins, Hulday, Sarah, Samuel. 1784. Baptized Lola, daughter of Thaddeus Todd, and Archibald Abncr. son of Archibald and Hulday Perkins. November 27th, 1784. Baptized Samuel, Miles, David, Joel and Esther, children of Joel Sperry. November 28. Baptized Samuel, son of Abner and Comfort Bradley ; Chaunce_v, son of Cyrus and Sarah Wooding. November 29th. Baptized Stephen, Daniel, Enoch, William, Rachel, Mabel. Amos, John, Mary, children of Russell. DATE OF OPENING CHRIST CH., BETHANY. B-'tbanv. Woodbridge, zAiigust 26fb, lyS^, opened ye Episcopal cburcb by ye name of X cburcb and preacbed, &c., ajid baptised 7 infants. (Parochial record of Trinity church, page 153.) May 2gth, 1787. baptized Nehemiah, son of Allen and Hulda Carrington. vSeptember i6th, buried wife of Umbertield ; buried 3-e wife of Abram Tuttle, aged 65 years. Married January, 1793, Uri Tuttle to Margaret Munson. New Haven, Thursday, December 17th, 1795, at the home of Mr. David Cook, joined in marriage David Thomas of Woodbridge with Rebecca Cook of New Haven. New Haven, Sunday, June 28th, 1807, published ye banns of marriage between Nathan Prince of Milford and Mary Ann Elizabeth How of New Haven ; and on same day at the house of York joined them in ye banns of matrimony. BETHANY. THE HILLS OF BETHANY. BY REV. L. F. MORRIS, MARCH, I905. We live on the hills of Bethany, Where few of human kind we see, Where few of human sound we hear. Where nature's voices charm the ear. On the hills of Bethany. A very lonesome place, you'll say, In which to pass the time away ; And yet in city's swarming hive None better live than we, and thrive. On the hills of Bethany. We're nearer heaven here than there. Where men are worn by carking care And here less vices are allowed. Far from the city's "madding crowd," On the hills of Bethany. And fresh and sweet the air e'er comes Untainted by the city's slums. And, what is best, the atmosphere Of social life is pure and clear. On the hills of Bethany. The proud coal barons send a chill Through cities, when at their sweet will The jjrices rise ; but their demands We heed not on these wooded lands. On the hills of Bethany. POEM BY THE REV. L. F. MORRIS. 79 No great coal strikes^have pinched us yet, For wood is plenty and easy to get, And lacking coal, not one need freeze, Though Boreas blow his coldest breeze. On the hills of Bethany. We hear the voice of uncaged birds A-singing these exultant words, "The city's prisoned air we scorn- As free as eagles we were born. On the hills of Bethany." We hear the crow with hungry maw Proclaim his want with loud caw ! caw ! And robins, singing on the lawn, Make known the rise of rosy dawn On the hills of Bethany. The bobolink carols on the wing. When winters cease to threaten spring, And sweet the orioles chants ascend, As they hang their nests on the long limbs' end, On the hills of Bethany. Our eyes are gladdened by living green. Which in the town is little seen ; And plants and flowers for all find room To grow and blossom and shed perfume On the hills of Bethany. From these fair heights we look afar ; And might see Bethlehem's guiding star. If that were where it once was seen. And centuries did not lie between, On the hills of Bethany. Still to us is divinely given To see the broad expanse of heaven ; To see the stars coming trooping out. And the moon pursue his nightly route O'er the hills of Bethany. 8o BETHANY. And We can see the sun arise, And glorious gild the morning skies, And that the far horizon gets Unrivalled pictures as he sets. On the hills of Bethany. Ten miles off is the shining sea Which Indians called Matowaksee, Where islands keep concealed Kidd's gold- This sheet of waters we behold, From the hills of Bethany. O ye, by city's walls shut in. And who would purest freedom win, Move out and try our country life. With all most useful blessings rife. On the hills of Bethany. BETHANY. 8l FROM 1852 TO 1896, FROM THE TOWN RECORDS. BIBTH. RESIDENCE AND MARRIAGE IN BETHANY UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED, 1852. Nov. 7, George Sanford, joiner, and Ann Johnson, m. by Miles French, Esq. Nov. 14, Jarvis F, Bronson, b. Derby, and Louisa P. Beecher, m. by Rev. Henry Zell. Nov. 18, Jacob W. Wilcox, printer, b. New Haven, r. Waterbury, and Charlotte E. Hurlburt, b. Hartford, r. Waterbury, m. by Rev. H. Zell. 1853. Jan. 10, Eli H. Wakelee, mason, b. and r. Derby, and Eunice A. Chat- field, m. by Rev. Henry Zell. Feb. 8, Wales C. Dickerraan, farmer, b. and r. Hamden, and Celia Todd, teacher, m. by Rev. Henry Zell. Mar. 20, Charles 0. Perkins, farmer, and Jane Perkins, m. by Rev. H. Zell. Apr. 17, Henry N. Johnson, founder, b, and r. Westville, and Sylvia Northrop, teacher, b. and r. Woodbridge, m. by Rev. Henry Zell. Oct. 13, John H. Sherwood, farmer, b. Fairfield, r. Southport, and Seliua Beecher, by Rev. John M. Guion. Oct. 16, Alva K. Munson, farmer, b. and r. Hamden, and Betsey Hitch- cock, m. by Rev, Alexander Leadbetter. Nov. 20, George A. Hall, carpenter, b. Maine, r. Meridea, and Eliza A. Griswold, b. and r. Rocky Hill, m. by Rev. Alexander Leadbetter. 1855. May 20, Archibald A. Perkins, tanner, and Minerva Scoville, m. by Rev. Charles J. Todd. Nov. 18, David F. Smith, b. and r. Woodbridge, and Delia E. Northrop, m. by Rev. S. H. Elliot of New Haven. Dec. 31, David French, farmer, and Sarah E. Fuller, b. Oxford, m. by H. B. Munson, Esq., Seymour. 1856. Jan. 1, Henry E. Lounsbury, farmer, and Cornelia A. Doolittle, b. Ham- den, r. Wallingford. 82 BETHANY. Apr. 5, John Russell, farmer, and Hannah Hotchkiss, m. by Rev. Charles J. Todd. June 8, Stephen Mansfield, farmer^ b. and r. Seymour, and Amy Hotch- kiss, m. by Ezra S. Sperry, Esq. June 29, Azariah Andrews, farmer, and Sarah A. Pardee, b. and r. Orange m. by Rev. O. L. Holcomb. 1857. Feb. 7, Street B. Todd, farmer, r. New Haven, and Sarah A. Hotchkiss, m. by Rev. James Adams. May 10, John J. Sperry, farmer, and Elizabeth A. White, b. Seymour, m. by Rev. J. Guernsey, Woodbridge. Nov. 29, Donald Fishei, farmer, b. Middletown, and Eunice Brown, m. by Rev. E. W. Robinson. 1858. Feb. 26, Elbert Downs, farmer, and Catherine A. Bailey, b. Woodbridge, m. by Rev, E. W. tlobinson. Apr. 24, Isaac Bradley, farmer, and Fannie A. Castle, b. and r. Wood- bridge, m. by Andrew T. Hotchkiss, Esq. Aug. 19, Levi M. Marks, farmer, b. Milford, and Emeline Pierpont, r. New Haven, m. by Rev. F. B. Woodward. Sept. 25, George W. Woodward, farmer, b. Litchfield, and Margaret L. Sperry, m. by Rev. F. B. Woodward. 1859. Feb. 1, Jacob Muller, b. Germany, and Licetta Friedman, b. Germany, m. by Rfiv. Samuel H. Smith, Naugatuck. Feb. 3, Theodore A. Shephard, b. and r. Chatham, and Ellen L. Ramsdell, b. and r. Chatham, m. by Rev. F. W. Woodward. July 10, Franklin B. Atwater, farmer, and Elizabeth Barnes, b. Meriden, m. by Rev. F. B. Woodward. Nov. — , Mark Sperry, joiner, and Harriet H. Elder, matchmaker, b. Ply- mouth. Dec. 22, Charles Austin, farmer, and Laura 0. Tuttle, b. Paris, N. Y,, r New Haven, in. by Rev. F. B. Woodward. Dec. 22, Henry W. Perkins, blacksmith, and Emily Sanford, b. Hamden, ra. in New Haven by Rev. Wm. Weed. Dec. 22, Edward Buckingham, farmer, and Emily Castle. 18G0. Jan. 7, Charles T. Baily, farmer, b. Hamden, and Emily S. Davis, b. Bris- tol, m. by E. W. Robinson. MARRIAGES. 83 Jan. 15, W. Herbert French, wagonmaker, aotl Mary S. Carrington, m. by Eev. P. B. Woodward. Mar. 25, Gilbert R. Doane, farmer, b. and r. Westbrook, and Oatherine J. RuBsell, m. by Rer. Alex. D. Stowel. Jan. 25, Rollin J. Bunce, mechanic, b. and r. New Haven, and M. Jane Sanford, m. by O. Evans Shannon, rector of Trinity church, Seymour. Apr. 7, Dariu8 Collins, farmer, and Oatherine McOlure, b. Ireland, m. by Andrew Hotchkiss, Justice of the Peace. Apr. 29, Charles E. Wooding, farmer, r. Woodbridge, and Elvira 0. Clin- ton, b. and r. Woodbridge, m. by Rev. F. B. Woodward. May 27, Edward P. Woodward, physician, b. Litchfield, r. Cheshire, and Eliza D. Sperry, m. by Rev. James E. Coley, Westville. 1860. June 10, Allen G. Sperry, farmer, and Grace E. Russell, m. by Rev. F. B. Woodward. June 18, Miletus Huxford, mechanic, Wolcottville, r. Ansonia, and Kate L.Hale, milliner, b. Woodbridge, r. Ansonia, m. by Rev. F. B. Wood ward. Ang. 19, Abel Wilcoxsoo, farmer, b. Oxford, and Maria Nettleton, b. Wa- tertown, m. by Rev. S. P. Perry, Seymonr. Sept. 26, Bennett T. Abbots, minister, b. and r. Middlebury, and Fanny A. Ooe, m. by Rev. T. B. Chandler of Naugatuck. Oct. 7, Lewis Hitchcock, farmer, and Valina Hine, b. and r. Woodbridge, m. by Rev. S. B. Woodward. Aug. 19, Abel Wilcoxson, farmer, b. Oxford, and Maria Nettleton, b. Watertown, m. by Rev. L. P. Perry, ..' Seymour. Nov. 12, Lauren E. Cook, farmer, b. pnd r. Cheshire, and Caroline E. Perkins, teacher, m. by Rev. S. B. Woodward. 1867. Nov. 30, Dr. Edward P. Woodward and Marv A. Atwood, New Haven. Dec. 22, Leroy William Tuttle and Lovena Maria Tuttle. 1868. Jan. 8, Ely Sanford and Anjennette Caroline Tuttle. Jan. 31, Otis B. Beecher and Eliza Perkins. June 17, Henry F. Bishop, Woodbridge, and Kate E. Sperry. Sept. 6, Daniel Willis Russell and Mary A. Brooks, Dec. 1, Thomas B. McClure and Lucretia Beecher. 84 BETHANY 18G9. Feb. 27, William W. Scoville aod Mattie E. Talmadge, Prospect. May 23, John Henry Westropp, Albany, N. Y., and Mrs. Laura Brooks. June 2, George Washington Davis, Seymour and M^* rrha Harriet Hitchcock. June 27, Charles Alex. Robertson, Tennessee, and Hannah Sherman Prince. Jiily 12, Charles William Shelton, New Haveo, and Eleanor Root At- water, New Haven. Oct. 14, Herbert William Brockelt, New Hazen, and Eliza Alice Hitch- cock, New Haven. Nov. 14, Wales Franklin Sackett, Oxford, and Sarah Jane Burnham. Dec. 4, Lester Eugene Tyrrel, Naugatuck, and Mary Patterson, Naugatuck. 187L Feb. 21, Garry Beecher Johnson and Polly Tolles. Sept. 5, John Henry Twitchell and Anzonetta Adalioe Goodell, Prospect. Nov. 23, Hiram Judson and Lydia Tuttle. Nov. 29, Lucius Leroy Goodell, Ansonia, and Lilian Eliza Nichols, Naugatuck 1872. Feb. 24, Frank Pierce Marsh, Woodbury, and Susan ZillaAtwood, Woodbury Mar. 19, David F. Smith and Amelia Marilla Sperry. Aug. 11, Dwight L. Hitchcock and Martha Ford, Oxford. Oct. 16, Samuel R. Woodward, Watertown, and Charlotte P. Bigelow. Dec. 28, Charles D. Allen, Hamdeo.and Celia A. Lounsbury. Jan. 1, Frank L. Doolittle, Woodbridge, and Hattie E. Beecher. Jan. 15, Albert Beardsley, Berlin, and Marietta Lounsbury, Uamden. Jane 10, Solon E. Roswell and Ruth A. Roswell, Southbury. ' June 17, Everard B. Clark, Milford, and Princetta M. Pardee. Oct. 1, Frederick H. Brown, New Haven, and Kate E. Woodward. 1875. Jan. 5, George Lounsbury and Mrs. Mary Jane Phelps, Prospect. Feb. 4, Charles E. Ball, New Haven, and Mary S. Woodruff. June 21, C.W. Colton and Cora Dickerman,m. by Rt. Rev. J.Williams, D.D. Oct. 5, George F. Davis and Fanny H. Dickerraan, both of Hamden, m. by Rev. C. W. Colton. Nov. 4, Frederick A. Perry, New Haven, and Celia E. Wheeler, m. by Rev. C. W. Colton. Dec. IG, Ellis O. Warner, Westville, and Georgiana Woodruff, m. by Rev. 0. W. Colton. Dec. 27, Richard L. Warner, Hamden, and Josephine French, Beacon Falls. MARRIAGES. 85 1877. Jan. 3, Frederick W. Beecber, and Mary A. Bashara. Dec. 24, in Woodbridge, Dwight E. Todd and Mrs. Catherine E. Bishop, Woodbridge. 1879. Oct. 16, in Woodbridge, Limas Lencer, New Haven, and Betsey Ann Sampson, Woodbridge. Dec. 10, Dwigbt O. Hull and Georgiana Bunnell. 1880. Jan. 28, Frederick S, Hitchcock, Derby, and Martha G. Sperry. Nov. 28, William H. Downs of Hamden and Mrs. Loverna M. Tuttle, m. in Woodbridge by Rev. F. B. Woodward. Dec. 4, Horatio N. Smith, Middlebury, and Mary N. Wright, Albany, N. Y- 1896. Nov. 22, Lewis W. Russell and Annie Stephens, Scotland. THE TODD FAMILY. This family is descended from (>hristopher Todd, who was born in Pontefract, England. He was baptized Jan. 11, 1617, and came to Boston in 1636, and in 1637 he was in New Haven, where he had a gristmill where Whitney's gun factory now stands. This was long known as Todd's Mill. Christopher Todd married Grace Middlebrook, and had a son Samuel who married Mary Bradley and had also a son Samuel. Samuel, Jr., married Susan- nah Tuttle, and had a son Stephen, who maiTied Lydia Ives and had a son Jonah, who moved from Northford in 1783, and bought a large tract of land in the northeast part of Bethany, then Woodbridge. This tract of land, with additional tracts, has been held and occupied by the Todds down to the present time. Jonah, the fifth in descent from Christopher Todd, was born in Wallingford April 28. 1731. He married Lowly Harrison of Branford and had six sons, Charles, Thaddeus, Thelus, Ambrose, Jonah, Jr.. and Ely. He died in Bethany and was buried in the Carrington Cemetery. Charles married Lvdia Ives. The late Major Theron A. Todd of New Haven came through this branch, being a -son of Alfred, who was a son of Albert, who was a son of Charles. Thaddeus was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He married Penina Brockett of North Haven and had eleven children. Thelus married Irene Rogers of Northford. His granddaughter Delia mar- ried a brother of the late Rev. L. F. Morris of Bethany. Ambrose was an Episcopal clergyman. He married Lavina Jarvis of Cheshire. Two sons, Ambrose and Charles Jarvis, were also Episcopal clergy- men. The latter preached in Bethany in the fifties. 86 BETHANY Jonah, Jr., married Mary Tuttle, daughter of Uri and Thankful (Ives) Tuttle of Bethany. They removed to Plymouth, Conn. Ely, the youngest child of Jonah and Lowly (Harrison) Todd, married Bede Todd, a daughter of Seth and Mary Todd of North Haven. Lowly, wife of Jonah Todd, Sr., died July 17, 1775, in her 45th year, and was buried in Northford. Jonah Todd. Sr., married for his second wife Abigail Crittenden, widow of Dr. Hopestill Crittenden. Their children were : Lucy, m. Daniel Hotchkiss and removed to Andas, Delaware Co., N. Y. Hannah, m. Alex. Milmine and removed to Lebanon, Madison Co., N. Y. Chauncey, m. Susan Hotchkiss and removed to Butternuts, N. Y. Russell Todd, son of Chauncey, an Episcopal clergyman, is living in Lan- sing, Mich., aged 76. Chauncey Todd's daughter Lucy married Norris Gil- bert, and their son Mahlon Norris Gilbert, now deceased, was a bishop of the Episcopal church in Minnesota. Loly, daughter of Jonah Todd, Sr., married David Perkins of Bethany. She died March 13, 1814, aged 88 years. Nancy Perkins, daughter of David and Loly (Todd) Perkins, married Abraham Louusbury of Bethany. Their daugh- ter, Sarah Loly Loutisbury, married Nathan Clark of Bethany. Ely Todd, son of Jonah Todd, Sr., born June 29, 1773, settled down on his father's estate and occupied it until his death. Mar. 10, 1847. He married Bede Todd Jan. 8, 1797. She was born Dec. 2, 1774, and died Nov. 6, 1857. Three children blessed their union: Louisa, born Oct. 11,1797, married Amos Peck; Leonard, born Nov. 8, 1800, and Mary Ann, born Oct. 11, 1814, married Jesse Allen Doolittle of Hamden. She died July 4, 1854. Leonard remained on the farm in Bethany. He married, Dec. 24, 1831, Julia Bradley, daughter of Elam and Lowly (Dickermau) Bradle/, of Hamden. born Nov. 21, 1800. Seven children blessed their union. Grace, b. Apr. 1. 1823, m. Rev. F. B. Woodward, d. June, 1898. Emily, b. June 1, 1825, d. Aug. 8, 1880. Margaret, b. Mar. 16, 1828, d. Mar. 15, 1888. Celia, b. July 28, 1880. Street Bradley, b. Aug. 9, 1833, d. Mar. 12, 1906. Dwight Ely, b. Sept. 11, 1834, d. Jan. S, 1901. Jasper B., b. Sept. 9. 1842. Emily Todd married Isaac Perkins of Bethany, son of Enos and Alma (Doo- little) Perkins. Their children were : Julia Ella, d. Apr. li, 1856. Francis May, d. May 1, 1855. Eliza E., b. July 28, 1849, m. Otis Beecher. Both are deceased. Adna T. Margaret Todd, daughter of Leonard and Julia Todd, married Chauncey Tolles Beecher, son of Lysias and Lucy (Tolles) Beecher. Children: Irving Chauncey Tolles, b. Mar. J7, 1886, d. in California Dec, 1902. Lillian L., b. May 22, 1859, m. Samuel W. Chapman of Waterbury, d. Feb. 16, 1881. THE TODD FAMILY. 87 Lysias, b. Sept. 5, 1860, d. Aug 19, 1890. Mary, b. Feb. 5, 1863. m. George Meachem. Angelia, b. Oct. 13, 1865, d. Sept. 22, 1890. Dr. Hesper Beecher, b. May 11, 1871, d. Feb. 7, 1908. Celia Todd, daughter of Leonard and Julia Todd, m. Feb. 8, 1853, Caleb Dickerman of Hamden, b. June 13, 1831, the son of Enos and Harriet (Doolittle) Dickerman of Hamden. Both are living. They celebrated their golden wed- ding in 1903. Their children are: Francis Harriet, b. Mar. 6, 1854, m. George Davis of New Haven. Kate Julia, b. May 2, 1757, m. David Andrew. Fred Wales, b. Mar. 6, 1859, m. Emeline Atwood, residence Hamden. Elizabeth Gelia. b, Feb. 22, 1863, m. Fred Feck. Burton Street, b. June 13, 1864, d. Feb. 24, 1888. Edward Todd. b. Apr. 19, 1866, m. Bertha Davis. Alta May, b. May 5, 1868, m. Willford Clark of Straitsville. Bennett Jasper, b. May 15, 1871, m. Ruby Russell of Orange, r. Mt. Carmel. Starr Bradley, b. Mar. 1, 1873, d. Jan. 23, 1875. Street Bradley Todd, son of Leonard and Julia Todd, m. Feb. 7, 1857, Sarah A. Hotchkiss, residence Bethany until fall of 1905. Children: Addie M., b. Aug. 4, 1858, m. Joseph Kelly of New Haven. Ella S., b. Sept. 11, 1866, m. John Crofut of Naugatuck. Dwight Ely Todd, son of Leonard and Julia, m. Catherine Sperry, daughter of Enos and Rosette (Russell) Sperry of Bethany, and widow of Henry Bishop of Woodbridge. Children : Leonard Enos, b May 10, 1880, residence Woodbridge. Julia Rosette, b. June 24, 1886, residence Woodbridge. Jasper Bryan Todd, son of Leonard and Julia, resides on the old Todd homestead; married Mary A. Moody, daughter of the late Rev. Martin Moody, rector of Christ church, Bethany, in the 70's. Child: Mary Elinore, b. Mar. 7, 1892. The name Todd is from an old Scottish term for fox; hence the represen- tation of a fox on the family arms. BIRTHS. 89 BIRTHS. FROM THE TOWN RECORDS. All events in Bethany unless otherwise stated. 1852. Clark, Ann Eliza, dau. of Stiles and Emma, b. Nov. 10. Ford, , son of Clark and Thirza, Dec. 28. 1853. Russell, Grace Louisa, dau. of Stiles A. and and Susan, b. Feb. 22. Wheeler, Mary Maria, dau. of Orrin and Mary, b. Apr. 24. Hotchkiss, Isa Annette, dau. of Andrew T. and Belinda C. , b. Apr. 29. Baird, Sarah Maria, dau. of Allen C. and Abigail, b. July 14. Johnson, son of Andrew, b. Aug. 23. Basham, Hannah Rebecca, dau. of William and Elizabeth, b. Sept. 5. Moran, son of John, b. Oct. 5. Bronson, Mary Jennett. dau. of Jarvis F. and Lovicy L.. b. Oct. 24. Hull, Foster Beecher, son of Morrison C. and Eliza, b. Nov. i. 1854- Craw, Mary Agnes, dau. of James and Martha L., b. Jan. 3. Mix, son of Perry and Hannah, b. Feb. i. Andrews, Frederick, son of Nehemiah and Nancy b. Feb i. Perkins, Jay Willis, son of Henry W. and Harriet, b. March 2. Northrup, Fredie Allen, son of Allen and Jane, b. April 21. Richards, dau. of Sylvester and Gratia. Perkins, Howard French, son of Wales and Maria, b. April 23. Lounsbury, Mary Ann, dau. of David A. and Sylvia, b. April 28. Northrop. Elmer Theodore, son of Charles and Adeline, b. June i. Shaffer, Hugh Gregory, son of Lewis and Mary, b. Aug. 18. Beecher, Harriet Elizabeth, dau. of Hoel and Adeline, b. July 30. Beach, dau. of Russell M. and Eliza P., b. Sept. 17. Wheeler, Celia Ella, dau. of Orrin and Mary, b. Oct. 14. Abbott, Jessie Letitia, dau. of Samuel P. and Margaret P., b.Aug. 20. 90 BETHANY. 1855- Munson, Fannie Eva, dau. of Lewis T. and Lois, b. Jan. 23. Perkins, Edward Henry, son of Henry W. and Harriet, b. Feb. 20. Russell, Hattie Maria, dau. of Daniel W. and Henrietta, b. Apr. 14. Andrews, Charles Hubert, son of Nathan and Elizabeth, b. May 16. Northrop, Lucia Frances, dau. of Allen and Jane, b. Aug. 21. Wheeler, Margaret Benecia, dau. of Noyes andCharry S., b. May — Lounsbury. Eliza Duella. dau. of Henry and Sarah, b. May 29. Bayley, son of Allen and Susan P., b. June 19. Basham. Mary Ann, dau. of William and Elizabeth, b. June 22. Hubbell, Arthur Norton, son of Joseph O. and Ann, b. July 7. Braman, son of John and Ellen, b. July 29. Richards, son of Sylvester and Gratia, b. July 29. Gaylord, Hattie, dau. of Lyman and Martha, b. Oct. 2. Baird. Flora Grace, dau. of Allen C. and Abigail, b. Nov. 24. Sperry, Mary. dau. of Alonzo and Rebecca, b. Dec. 9. Peck, Frank Eser, son of Titus D. and Louisa E., b. Feb. 10. 1856. Warner, Adelaide, dau. of Frederick and Amanda, b. Jan.— Perkins. Adna Todd, son of Isaac and Emily, b. May 27. Russell. Mary Jane, dau. of Lucius and Elizabeth, b. May 7. Conoly. William Morris, son of William and Eliza, b. May 28. Perkins, Jane Rebecca, dau. of Wales F. and Maria, b. June 23. Hull. Carrie, dau. of Morrison C. and Eliza, b. July 17. Wheeler. Christiana Jane, dau. of Orrin and Mary, b. July 27. Perkins, Julia Maria, dau. of Charles and Mary, b. Aug. 9. Peck, Mary EHzabeth, dau. of Titus Dennis and Louisa E., b. Oct. 2. Brown, Wilson Wilbur, son of Andrew P. and Ruth Ann, b. Oct. 17. Collins, James Buchanan, son of Jeremiah and Nora, b. Dec. 24. Collins, John Breckenridge. son of Jeremiah and Nora, b. Dec. 24. Dorman. Frank, son of Philos and Eliza, b. April 25. Northrop. Alvina Phinett. dau. of Charles and Adelaide, b. Aug. 12. Watkins, Charles M., son of John and Emily A., b. Aug. 22. Aspenwall, George C, son of George R. and Eliza A., b. Oct. 2. Fitzgerald, Hannorah, dau. of Michael and Bridget, b. Oct. 25. Bridge, Lillie Fremont, dau. of Jesse F. and Almira A., b. May 26. Odholm. Frederick, son of Gustavus and Jane E., b. Dec. 5. Haley, Daniel, son of James and Mary, b. June 25 Otsego, of , Aug. 28. BIRTHS. 91 Clark, Sheldon, son of Charles F. and Anna. b. Sept. 21. 1857. Hervvood, Thomas, son of Andrew and Daffany, b. Jan. 21. McDonald, Win. Henry, son of John and Mary Ann, b. Jan. 24. Bashan. Joseph Edward, son of Win. and Elizabeth, b. Jan. 30. Warner, Nelson, son of Eliza Warner, b. Aug. 16. French, Hattie Elizabeth, dau. of David M. and Sarah E.. b. Dec. 28. Laittch, Charlie, son of Charlie and Theresa, b. Dec. 4. Pierce, dau. of Elijah S. and Elizabeth S., June 11. Junius, Elizabeth, dau. of Edward and Elizabeth, b. June 11. Baehr, Oswald Charlie, son of Oswald and Julia, b. Dec, 16. Keechwitz, Emeline, dau. of Henry and Phippina, b. June 7. Hackert, Julia, dau. of Julius and Louisa, b. Dec. i. Craw, Willis Eugene, son of James H. and Martha L.. b. March 11. Hard, Ida Elizabeth, dau. of Charles F. and Polly E., b. June 14. Abbott, son of Smith and Julia B.. b. March — Beecher, Frank Arthur, son of Frances A., b. June 3. Hubbell, Josie Morton, son of Joseph O. and Ann, b. Jan. — Shaffer, Catharine Ann, dau. of Lewis and Alice, b. March 5. Allen, Frank, son of Julia, b. July 8. Andrews, Noyes, son of Azariah and Sarah A., b. April 7, Northrop, , son of Allen and Jane, b. Dec. 4. 1858. Wooding, Lilla, dau. of John and Jennet, b. Jan. 3. Doolittle, , son of Elizur B. and Helen A., b. Feb. 26. Peck, Jane. dau. of Titus D. and Louisa E., b. Sept. 18. Goodyer, Cynthia, dau. of George and Cynthia, b. April 25. Foot, Sherman D., son of Samuel E. and Clara J., b. May 3. Dodd, , dau. of George, b. Aug. — Downs, , son of Elbert and Catharine A., b. Nov. — Bronson, George, son of Allen C. and Abigail, b. July 17. Beard, William, son of Jarvis F. and Lovicy P., b. Sept. 26. Todd, Ada Mariah, dau. of Street B. and Sarah A., b. Aug. 4. French, Gertrude, dau. of John C. and Marietta, b. March 23. Collins, , dau. of Jeremiah and Nora, b June — Shulz, Augusta, dau. of Charles and Mary, b. April 24. Bridge, Benjamin Herbert, son of Joseph M. and Adelaide, b. Sep. 20 Schlisenza, Anna, dau. of Augusta D. and Jerusha, b. Feb. 2. Cunningham, Thomas, son of Thomas and Margaret, b. Jan. 16. 92 BETHANY. Keening:, dau. of , b. Oct. — Perkins, , dau. of Wales F. and Maria, b. March 8. Wheeler, , dau. of Orrin and Marv, b. Dec. 5. Andrews, Fannie, dau. of Azariah and Sarah A., b. May 17. Johnson, Barton Frank, son of Andrew and Elizabeth, b. March 2. Northrop. Willie Dwi^ht, son of Charles and Adelaide, b. May 5. 1859. Billerwell, Elizabeth, dau. of John and Susannah, b. Jan. 12. Hotchkiss, Frank Lester, son of Lewis E. and Elizabeth M., b. Mar. 2 Durand, Wm. Frederick, son of Wm. and Ruth, b. March 5. Earling, Julius, son of Charles and Julia, b. April 7. Clark, George Trumbull, son of Charles F. and Anna, b. Nov. 13. Stevens, , dau. of Charles E. and Eliza, b. Oct. 13. Lounsbury, , son of Henry and Sarah, b. Sept. 27. Hotchkiss,. , son of Andrew T. and Belinda, b. Nov. 14. Boke, , dau. of John and Mary Ann, b. Oct. 9. Beecher, , dau. of Chauncey and Margaret, b. May 22. Pritchard, , son of George N. and Laura Ann, b. July 5. Hill, , son of Smith D. and Mary O., b. July 10. Kotchwitz, Joseph Otto, son of Henry and Phippina, b. May 19. Spencer, Margaret J., dau. of John R. and Mary, b. Aug. 5. Heublin, Clara G., dau. of Frederick and Joanna, b. Oct. 28. Slasinger, Mary, dau. of Augustus and Jerusha. b. June 10. Joy, John, son of Michael and Mary, b. April 15. Northrup, Rebecca L. , dau. of Allen and Jane E., b. May 13. Russell, , dau. of Wm. W. and Henrietta, b. Oct. 25. Allen, , son of David and Emily, b. July 12. Bush. , son of Franklin K. and Mary, b. Aug. — i860. Atwater, , dau. of Franklin and Elizabeth, b. Feb. 19. Brown, , dau. of Andrew O. and Ruth A., b. Feb. 24. Downs, , dau. of Albert and Catharme, b. July 13. Mansfield, , son of Stephen and Amy, b. July 21. Beecher, , son of Chauncey T. and Margaret, b. Sept. 15. French, , son of Whales H. and Mary S., b. Nov. 24. Peck, , son of T. Dennis and Lovisa E., b. Dec. 4. Cotter, , dau. of James and Mary Jane, b. Dec. 27. French, , dau. of John and Marietta, b. Aug. 28. Earling, , dau. of Charles and Julia, b. Nov. — BIRTHS. 93 Odholm, Emma, J., dau. of Gustavus and Jane E., b. Jan. 23, Luther, , dau. of James H. and Mary, b. Jan. 18. Dibble, , dau. of Jacob and Teresa, b. Oct. 30. Huffman, , dau. of Frederick and Rosey, b. Dec, 10. Coe, , son of John and Mary, b. Jan. 27. Hard, Lydia Ann, dau. of Charles F. and Polly E.. b. Jan. 24. Sackett, , Emma M., dau. of Wm. W. and Minerva, b. Feb. 12. Andrews, Mary E., dau- of Azariah and Sarah, b. Jan. 21. Northrop, Hattie B., dau. of Charles and Adaline, b. April 17. Pielmoo, , son of Frederick and Rosanna, b. Oct. 17. Northrop, , dau. of Allen and Jane, b. May 26. Wood, , dau. of John W. and Delia, b. Au^. 21. McClure, , son of Wm. and Hannah, b. June 30. Johnson, , son of Garry B. and Huldah, b. Dec. 8. McClure, , son of Catherine, b. Feb. — Daley, , dau. of Thomas and Bridget, b. Sept. 21. DEATHS. 1852. White, John, b. Derby, d. Oct. , a. 72. Perkins, David, farmer, d. Nov. 17, a. 80. Atwater, Polly, b. Bethany, d. Dec. 31, a. 20. 1853- Beecher, Jane, b. Bethany, d. Feb. 11, a. 13. Wooding, Uri, b. Bethany, d. Feb. 16, a. 58. Sanford, Cyrus, b. Bethany, d. Feb. 28, a. 84. Castle, Jehial, b. Roxbury, physician, d. April 18, a. 82. Russell, Stiles A., b. Bethany, wagonmaker, d. May 3, a. 42. Wooding, Anna, b. Woodbridge, d. May 17, a. T]. Sandford, Nancy, b. Watertoun, d. July 5, a. 76. Sperry, Samuel, b. Woodbridge, d. July 19, a. 74, (pauper). Sanford, Moses, b. Bethan3% d. Aug. 19, a. 83. French, Harriet, b. Derby, d. Aug. 26. a. 62. Tolles, Nehemiah, b. Bethany, d. Sept. 15. a. 43. Sperry. Celia, b. Bethany, d. Oct. 17, a. 21. Wooding, Silas, shoemaker, b. Bethany, d. Oct. 29, a. 50. Schaffer, Lewis, , d. Nov. 30, a. 2. Twitchell, Bennett, clothier, b. O.xford, d. Nov. 4, a, 48. 1854. Peck, Polly, b. , d. Feb. 21, a. 72. 94 THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE. THE CARKINGTON CEMETERY. Carrington, Nehemiah, merchant, b. Bethan}-, d. March 26. a. 72. Sanford, Lois, b. Hamden, d. April 11, a. 82. Wheeler, Rhoda, b. , d. May 6, a. 72. Beecher, Lysias, b. Bethany, d. May 7, a. 76. Pierpont, Grace, b. Bethany, d. July 25, a. 20. Rosha, Elexis, joiner, b. Bethany, d. July 31, a. 55. Brown, Etnerett, b. Naugatuck, d. Aug. 6, a. 26. Hotchkiss, Jared, b. Bethany, d. Aug. 24. a. 50. Beecher. Lucy, b. Bethany, d. Aug. 26, a. 71. Hitchcock, Abagail, b. Bethany, d. Sept. 9, a. 99. Lines, Tempa, b. Woodbridge, d. Aug. 31, a. d"] . Driver, James, b. Bethany, d. Nov. 14, a. 76. Sackett, Polly, b. Bethany, d. Sept. 11, a. 80. Lines, Arma, b. , d. Oct. 10, a. 96. Hubbell, Josephine L., b. Bethany, d. Oct. 25, a. ly., 2m., igd. Hubbell, Emma A., b. Bethany, d. Oct. 29, a. 3. Andrews, Nehemiah, b. Bethany, d. Dec. 19, a. 3y. 10 months. Northrop, Allen, b. Bethany, d. Nov. 17, a. 9 months, 2od. DEATHS. 95 THE CARRINGTON CEMETERY. LOOKING EAST. Mix, infant son of Parry M., b. Bethany, d. Feb. 3, a. 3 days. Richards, infant dau. of Sylvester, b. Bethany, d. April 23, a. Allen, Fredie, b. Bethany, d. Nov. 15, a. 7 months. Scoville, Jane. b. Prospect, d. Feb. 26, a. 22. Hotchkiss, Rhoda, b. Bethany, d. March 26. a. 55. Perkins, Jnlia Ella, b. Bethany, d. April 15, a. 7. Downs, Zephaniah, b. Bethany, d. April 17. a. 72. Beecher, Herbert, b. Bethany, d. April 22. a. 6. Perkins, Frances May, b. Bethany, d. May i, a. 3. Hotchkiss, Jane Ella, b. Bethany, d. May 22, a. 4. Collyer. Henry, b. , d. Jnly 5, a. — Peck, Titus, b. Bethany, d. July 27, a. 69. Perkins, Howard F., b. Bethany, d. Aug. 24, a. i year, 4 mo. Carrington, Henry A., b. Bethany, d. Sept. 8, a. 47. Tuttle, Seymour, blacksmith, b. Bethany, d. Sept. 23, a. 71. Sperry, Chillson, b. , d. Nov. 19, a. 79. Beecher, Dennis, teacher, b. Bethany, d. Nov. 22, a. 31. id. 96 BKTHANY. Hitchcock, Mary, b. , d. Nov. 22, a. 73. Lines, Thirza, b. Bethany, d. Dec. 6, a. 66. Hotchkiss, Harvey, b. Woodbridge, d. Dec. 9, a. 74. Beecher, Hoel, b. Bethany, d. Dec. 22, a. 45. Hotchkiss, Larchens, b. Bethany, d. , a. 78. Coe, George Albert, b. Bethany, d. Oct. 14, a. ly. and 2 nnonths. 1856. Lounsbury, Timothy, b. Bethany, d. Jan. 6, a. 86. Russell, Polly, b. Prospect, d. Jan. 9, a. 57. French, Miles, b. Bethany, d. F'eb. i, a. 50. Smith, Frank, b. , d. April 3, a. 5 months. Hoadley, Luman, b. Bethany, d. June 4, a. 59. Clark, Experience, b. Woodbridge, d. Aug. 16, a. 80. Sandford, Laura L., b. Bethany, d. Oct. 26, a. 14 y, 8mo. Hotchkiss, Spencer, b. Bethany, d. Nov. 7, a. 52. Sperry, Sally, b. Bethany, d. Dec. 2, a. 68. Watkins, , b. , d. Sept. 5, a. 27. Conoly, William M., b. Bethany, d. Aug. 17. a. 27 y, 2 mo. 19 d. , female, domestic, Oct. 13, (no age given). Otsego, Emily A., b. Germany, d. Sept. 5, a. 27. Otsego, , infant of , stillborn. Haskert, Charlie, b. Oxford, d. Sept. 19, a. 8 months, 19 davs. Russell, Hattie M., b. Bethany, d. Oct. 13, a. i year, 6mo., I9d. 1857. Bailey, Sheldon, b. Chatham, d. Feb. 9, a. 48. Bailey, Harriet, b. Hamden, d. Feb. 22, a. 12. Deming, Lucy, b. , d. March 7, a. 51. Leavenworth, Polly S., b. Huntington, d. April 30, a. 63. Sperry, Ella Jane, b. Bethany, d. June 15, a. 70. Sperry. Marcus, b. Bethany, d. July 12, a. 45. Perkins, Ira, b. Hamden, d. May 15, a. 68. Davis. Robert, b. , d. Aug. 2, a. 48. Beecher, Sarah A., b. Bethany, d. Aug. 14. a. 33 v., 3 mo. Conoly, Eliza, b. Naugatuck. d. Oct. 4, a. 30. Judd, Dorcas, b. Naugatuck, d. Oct. 4. a. 93. Sanford, Betsey, b. Prospect, d. Sept. 28. a. 63. Todd, Bade, b. North Haven, d. Nov. Nov. 5, a. 78. Peck, Fanny, b. Bethany, d. Nov. 7. a. 76. Candy, Perus. shoemaker, b. Waterbury, d. Dec. 19, a. 76. DEATHS. 97 CEMETERY NEAR CENTER SCHOOL. Allen, Fanny, b. Woodbridge, d. Jan. 25, a. 68. Bradley, David H., tinner, b. Middlebury, d. July 4, a. 24. , , infant son of , b. Bethany, d. Mar. 4, a. i d. Bridge, Almira A., b. , d. Aug. 26, a. 28. Driver, Mary E.. b. New Haven, d. Aug. 31, a. i year, 3 months. Northrop, Finett, b. Bethany, d. May 12. a. 7. 1858. Sackett. William, b. Bethany, d. Feb. 4, a. 83. Hitchcock, Allen C, b Bethany, d. Feb. 19, a. 42. Clark, Mrs. Emma, b. Middlebury, d. March 4, a. 33. Hitchcock, Ebenezer, b. Bethany, d. March 4, a. 70. Kingsley, Sarah, b. Cheshire, d. April 3, a. 83. Barber, John C, laborer, b. England, d. May 4, a. 57. Lounsbury. Mrs. Laura, b. Middlesbury, d. May 4, a. 64. Hotchkiss, Philo, b. Bethanv, d. July 16, a. 81. Umberfield, Sally, b, Bethany, d. July 22, a. 67. Sackett, Stern, b. Bethany, d. Sept. 5, a. 18. Bagdin, Ester, b. Bethany, d. Oct. 4, a. 87. 98 BETHANY, Aspinwall, George C, b. Bethany, d. Oct. 6, a. i year, ii mo. isd. Pierce, Emma, b. Bethany, d. Oct. 9, a. i year, 3 months, 29 days. Bradley, Electa, b. Bethany, d. March 20, a. 79. Beard. WiUiam, b. Bethany, d. Nov. 17, a. 79 years, 4 months. Truesdale, Lorenzo, b. Seymour, r, Seymour, d. April 7, (accident). 1859. Hotchkiss, Elizabeth, widow, b. , d. Jan. 6, a. 97. Perkins, Mrs. Harriet C, b, , d. Jan. 28, a. 28. Smith, Eliakim, b. Bethany, d. March 9, a. 74. Bradley, Joseph, b. Woodbridge, d. May 27, a. T] . Lounsbury, Mary, widow, b. Bethany, d. Jan. 5, a. 88. Tuttle, Jeremiah, bookkeeper, b. Bethany, d. Sept. 29, a. 44. Downs, Calvin, blacksmith, b. New Haven, d. Nov. 17, a. 22. Treat, Wallace L., b. New Haven, d. Sept. 10, a. 6 y, 24 d. Nettleton, Lydia, b. Middlebury, d. April 19, a. 63. Wilcox, Sarah, b. Bethany, d. Dec. 30, a. 69. i860. Griffin, Harmon, storekeeper, b. Lime, d. Feb. 20, a. 59. Peck, George F., b. Bethany, d. March 25, a. 78. Hotchkiss, Harley, b. Bethany, d. March 26, a. — Lounsbury, Abraham, b. Bethany, d. April 27, a. 61. French, Harry, b. Bethany, d. May 17, a. 78. Russell, Grace, b. Bethany, d. June 28, a, 7. Judd, Leonard, b. Bethany, d. July , a. — Munson. Lewis T., b. Huntington, d. Aug. 2, a. 37. Deming, Delia, b. Hamden, d. Sept. 6, a. 19. Beecher, Martha, b. Derby, d. Nov. 18, a. 2<. Clement. John, laborer, b. England, d. Dec. 14, a. 51. Hering, James, shoemaker, b. Albany, d. April , a. 25. Earling, Charles, b. Bethany, d. May 9, a. 2, Luther. Almira, b. Bethany, d. March , a. 7 weeks. Fitzgerald, Bridget, b. York state, d. March 29, a. 2. Hard. Joseph N., b. New Haven, d. Sept. 11, a. 75. Joy, John, b. Bethany, d. May i, a. i. BETHANY, 99 A COLONIAL HALL IN THE WHEELER HOMESTEAD. THE BEECHER— WHEELER HOMESTEAD. Amon? the fine old mansions, lav^^e and roomy, with broad halls, well built and tastefully decorated in the style of the olden times, which dot the hills and in the valleys of Connecticut far from the hum of city life, is the Wheeler homestead, a few hundred feet north of the center, facing on the main road, looking southward toward where in the misty distance lies the city of New Haven, Long Island Sound and Long Island beyond. Just south of the house, and at right angles to the main road, a road leads eastward, toward Mount Carmel. and in the other di- rection, past the residence of Deacon Horsfall, a road leads wester- ly to a parallel road on which may be seen the homes of Nathan Mansfield and B. M. Wellman, and what was recently the residence of Esquire Samuel R. Woodward, now occupied by his son, S. P. Woodward. TOO BETHAXY. But to return to the Wheeler mansion. This house attracts the attention of the passerby by reason of the material and work- manship and the taste which speak well for the intellect and pock- etbook of its long ago builder. The underpinning is of fine cut sandstone, seldom to be found under houses built at the time. Three large chimneys which project above the roof and together with the size of the structure tend to give it an air of superiority, with the many old fashioned windows which dot its sides. Looking closer one observes that the cornice, though not prom- inent nor imposing, but narrow and oldfashioned, shows taste and fine workmanship. The portico is similarly ornamented, and should one chance to pass by when the front door is open on a summer afternoon, he would undoubtedly be surprised to see a large hall extending from the front of the main house, with handsome arches overhead. The engraving above gives a fine view of the hall and bears out the assertion that this was worthy to be called an elegant residence. In view of the growing interest in historic residences further particulars of this remarkable house may not be amiss. There are two front parlors, one on each side of the broad hall, each about fifteen feet square, with two fancy arched alcoves at the back, and a large fireplace and a handsome mantel between them. From floor to ceiling throughout the lower part of the house is a distance of over nine feet, and in several rooms the wall near the ceiling is ornamented by a handsome frieze. There are at least eight large, light, airy rooms besides the main lower hall, the upper hall, and a dance hall some seventeen feet wide by thirtysix feet long. There are no less than ten large fireplaces, furnaces and steam heaters not being in vogue when this house was built. The dance hall has been used for holding church festivals, and for a time the regular town meetings. The older people told of the socials and dances that they used to attend under its hospitable roof. What might be termed a curiosity is situated in the garret, and consists of a commodious brick smokehouse used for smoking hams or beef. It is arranged to be connected bj' pipe with the kitchen stove and the chimney, thus enabling the accomplishment of curing the pork and beef for the larder without an extra fire, or the expenditure of unnecessary labor, an example of the idea ex- pressed in the old adage, "Killing two birds with one stone." BETHANY. lOI We are told that the house was built by Darius Beecher, who was then quite wealthy, had two daughters and one son, went west with his family and lost his fortune. The place was afterward oc- cupied by Abram Beecher, who was, however, not related to the builder. Later it was owned by Lewis Thomas, who occupied it with his family. It finally passed into the possession of Orrin Wheeler, who oc- cupied it with his family till his death in 1874. His widow, son and unmarried daughters continued to occupy it until the death of Mrs. Wheeler in 1898, and the death of the son in 1899. The Misses Mary and Christina Wheeler still cling to the associations which make the "Old Homestead" dear to them, and remain under the roof which has withstood the storms of the nineteenth century, and enters upon the twentieth still protecting a framework of massive oak, but little the worse for time and wear. I02 BETHANY. A LEAF FROM THE OLD RECORDS. At a Lawfull Society raeetinf^ of the inhabitants of bethany held by adjurn- ment on the first wensday of desember: 1765: it was then 1: voted that Timothy Ball Hezekiah Clark Jesse Bradley Dea con John White be the Comnntey for this Society the yeir insevvint;. 2 : voted that a rate be laid at five pene on the pound to Ite paid on the twelf day of September next. 3 : voted thar, Neahemiah Toles Shall be the Colector of the above raight. 4: voted that Valentine Willmott, Ben- aj. !■ Peck and Stephen Sanford Shall time the psalm. 5: voted that Caleb Tattle Shall dig graves. 6: voted that this meeting be wdjume J to the first wensday of desember next at four of the Clock in the afternoon at the Schoolhouse in bethany. At a Speshall Society meeting of the inhabitants of bethany held on the 11th day of november :1766: the inhabitants being Lawfully warned it was then 1 : voted that Deacon Joel Hotch- kiss Shall be moderator of the meeting. 3: voted that we wUl apply to the honourabell County ('ourt now Siting in new haven for a com", to cum to bethany to vew our Situation ai d Start a place for a meeting hous. 4: voted that Deacon Joel Hotchkiss mr Daniel Toles mr Timothy Peck and mr Hezekiah Clark Shall be a commt to make applycation to the honourable County Court for the purpose afuursaid. 5: voted that this meeting be adjourn- ed without day. At a Lawfull Society meeting of the the inhabitants of bethany he.d by adjuniment on the first wensday of de- sember :17G6: it was 1: voted that Isaac Beecher Deacon John White Timothy Ball Hezekiah Ciark and Jesse Bradley Shall be a Comtt for this Society the year insevving. 2: voted that a raight be Laid at two pene one farthing on the pound to be paid on the twelf day of September next. 3: voted that Thomas Johiii-on Shall be the Cclector of the above raight. 4: vote^d that this meeting be adjurned to the first wensday of desember next at four of the Clock ia the afternoon at the Schoolhou.-* ia bethany. At a Speshall Society meeting of the inhabitants of bethany held on the :15th : day of January :1767: at the Sehoolhous in Sd. bethany the inhabitants being Lawfully warned it was 1 : voted that Deacon Joel Hotchkiss Shall be moderator of this meeting. 2: voted that this Society will go the honurabell County Court now Siting in new haven to Establish the plais ap- pointed by their Comtt. for a meeting hous in Sd. betliany. 3: voted that mr. Josiah Lounsbury mr. Timothy Peck mr. Daniel Toles mr. Ebeuezer Bishop mr. John Perkins and mr. Samuel Bisko Shall sit on the elders seat. 4: voted that this meeting be ad- jurned without day. At a Lawfull Society meeting of the inhabitants of bethany held by adjurn- ment on the first wensday of Desember :1767: it was 10-9-"07 A LEAF FROM THE OLD RECORDS. 103 1: voted that Isaac Beecher Timothy Ball John Lines Hezekiah Clark and Jes se Bradly Shall be a Comtt. for this So- ciety the year insewing. 2: voted that a raight be Laid at three pene on the pound to be paid at the tenth day of September next. 3: voted that Eliphalet Johnson Shall be the Colector of the above raight. 4: voted that this meeting be ad jarned to next wensday at two of the Clock in the afternoon at the schoolhous in bethany. At a LawfuU Society meeting of the inhabitants of bethany held by adjiirn- ment on the Second wensday of De- sember :1767: it was 1 : voted that it is neaesary for us to build a meeting house. 2: voted that we will build a meeting hous fifty foot long and forty foot wide. 3: voted that we will provide the boards Claboards Shin gals nail and glas nesesery for building a meeting hous the year insewing. 4: voted that Deacon Hotchkiss Tim- othy Peck Daniel Toles Isaac Beecher Hezekiah Toles Daniel Beecher Timotby Ball Deacon White Samuell Brisco and Israel Thomas Shall be a Comtt. to pro- vide the above Said articals for building a meeting hous-. 5: voted that a raight be Laid for building a meeting hous at four pene on the pound to be paid at the first day of October next. 6: voted that half the above raight Shall be paid in flax seed or Sum other that will answer at newyork. 7: voted that Benajah Peck Shall be the Colector of the above raight. 8: voted that Short Shingals Shall be thurteen Shillings a thousand and Cla- boards five Shillings aad Six pene pr hundred and bords three Shillings and Six pence all delivered at the plais pre- fixed for a meeting hous. 9: voted that Isaac Beecher Daniel Toles and Deacon Hotchkiss Shall be a Comtt. to go unto the proprietors meet- ing to the broad street to help to pur- chis a plais for a meeting house in this Society. 10: voted that this meeting be ad- jurned unto the first wensday of Janu ary next at five a Clock in the afternoon at the Schoolhous in bethany. THE SCHOOLS OF BETHANY, BY WALLACE D. HUMISTON. In the geographies in common use fifty years ago it was said that Connecticut was famous for her excellent common schools. That our Puritan ancestors recognized the value of education is in- dicated by the early acts which were passed for the establishment of schools. The "Code of 1650" required that "in order that learn- ing may not be buried in the graves of our forefathers" that ever^^ town having fifty householders should maintain a school. I04 BETHANY. Soon after the settlement of New Haven, in 1638, a school was established which was taught by the noted Master Cheever. He was a worthy, well educated man. Many years elapsed after the time of his school before settlers had located in the upper valley of the West River in sufficient numbers to warrant the establishment of a school. Amity Parish, which included the present towns of Woodbridge and Bethany, was incorporated in 1737. and it is prob- able that there was a school in the parish previous to that date. The first schoolhouse in Bethany was built in 1750, at the crossroads a few rods north of the residence of Judge E. N. Clark. It was cared for by the Parish of Amity until 1762, when it passed under the control of the Bethany Ecclesiastical Society. The names of the teachers in this primitive school are not now available, but we may rest assured that they were worthy schoolmasters and and schoolmistresses. In those times the schoolmaster was regarded with profound respect, and when he walked through the village, his head bowed in meditation upon some grave question or in solv- ing a difficult problem, the boys in passing him doffed their caps respectfully. He was one of the few to receive the title of Mr., and he stood next to the minister in the minds of the people. When the Bethany Parish was incorporated by an act of the General Assembly in 1762 the schoolhouse immediately became the center of ecclesiastical, educational and civil life. Here the sturdy children of the community came to solve hard "sums" and to con the lessons in the "New England Primer," which contained the Westminster catechism and an alphabet beginning with ■'In Adam's fall We sinned all." and ending with "Zacheus he Did climb the tree Our Lord to see." Here on the Sabbath our ancestors met for public worship. Here they convened on the hist Wednesday of each December, and on other "speshall" days, to discuss the civil questions of the parish. At a meeting of this kind held in December. 1763, it was voted that "Timothy Peck, John White and Jesse Bradley be a commitey to take care of the school money of this society." Again Oct. 22, 1764, it was "Voted that the school money for this society shall be SCHOOLS. 105 divided into three equall parts and to be laid out for Schooling in the most proper plaisses in this Society, it being left with the Com- mitty to say where it shall be laid out." It seems evident that the three schools were organized in the South, North and East Dis- tricts, which correspond to the Centre, Gate and Downs Dis- tricts of the present day. As there were no schoolhouses in the last two districts, the schools were taught in private dwellings. During the year following the school money was expended in maintaining the above schools. IHl-, DOWNS STKEl^T SCHOOLHoL S i:. In December, 1770, Daniel Beecher, Jesse Bradley, and Ezra Sperry were elected "to be a Com" for this Society to take care of the bank and School money the year insewing." It was "voted that the above Com" shall divide the School money into Destricts accordmg to their discresion." A schoolhouse was erected in the North District in 1781, at the junction of the Cheshire Road with the Straits Turnpike. One of the teachers was Isaac Judd, brother of Chauncey who was kidnapped during the Dayton Raid. This schoolhouse saw many years of service and was not replaced until 1880. I06 BETHANY. A schoolhouse was built in the East or Downs District before 1800. It stood nearly opposite the present edifice and was occupied for more than a hundred years. It was detnolished in 1900. Even the young- people can remember this old, unpainted schoolhouse by the roadside. From the records we learn that the Beecher District, then called the Southeast, was established in 1789. A schoolhouse was soon built for the use of the district. It was the first one of the three which have stood on the site of the present Beecher schoolhouse. The North-east or Smith district was established during the latter part of the eighteenth century. The first schoolhouse was under the large chestnut near Mr. J. B. Todd's. A corner stone of the foundation can still be pointed out. The furniture consisted of slab benches placed before a shelf which extended around three sides of the room. A fireplace was in one end. For several years previous to the erection of Christ Church (1809) the services of the Episcopalians were held in this schoolhouse. Among the teacher^ in this old-time school was Julia Bradley, who afterwards became Mrs. Leonard Todd. A Miss Sylvia Tuttle was also a teacher there. The latter's sister, Miss Jennette Tuttle, taught later in this and other districts of the town. She is now Bethany's oldest living teacher. More than a century ago a schoolhouse was standing on "Meeting House Hill," near Bethany Green. It was in the Middle District. The building was two stories in height, the upper part being the Masonic Hall. It was near the meeting house, and was heated each Sunday, in order that the congregation might repair hither between the services. In 1802 the South, West, and Middle Districts were consoli dated into the Union District, which was eventually called the Center. When a new schoolhouse was built the old one was bought by Hezekiah Thomas. It was drawn across the valley to a site near the churches and served as a hall to a hotel built by Mr. Thomas. The hall was demolished about twentyfive years ago by the owner, Mr. Perry. By virtue of her charter Connecticut claimed lands to the "South Sea," or Pacific Ocean. These claims were ceded to the Federal Government with the e.xception of a tract called the West- ern Reserve. This was sold in 1795 and the proceeds were set SCHOOLS. 107 apart for a school fund which now amounts to more than two mil- lion dollars. From this fund an appropriation was granted to Bethany which gave a fresh impetus to school affairs. The school records, which had hitherto been mingled with the ecclesiastical records, were now written in a separate book. The first meeting of the School Society under the new conditions is thus recorded : — "Oct. 31, 1796. A Lawful School Society meeting of the lo- cated Society of Bethany, holden at the meeting house in said Bethany, in the town of Woodbridge, for the purpose of forming a Society to take care of an appropriation the Interest of Monies arising from the Sale of Western Lands belonging to the State of Connecticut." THE SMITH SrKKET SCHOOLHOUSE. The parish districts had increased from three in 1764 to eight in 1797. The names of the districts and the committees in 1797 were : — South (Center), Silas Hotchkiss. West (Center) Eber Lines. Middle (Center), Medad Hotchkiss. (Northeast (Smith), Reuben Perkins. I08 BETHANY. North (Gate), Robert Russel. Southeast (Beecher), Joel Hotchkiss. East (Downs), Eber Downs. Southwest (anne.xed to Woodbridge 1806), WilHam Andrews. A school meeting was convened Dec, 27, 181 1, in the Southeast District (Beecher), and it was "Voted that we build a schoolhouse on or about the same ground where the old house now stands, and fase it to the Est. Voted that Dennis Sperry, Chauncey Toles, Hezekiah Beecher, Isaac Sperry, Jr., be a committee to superintend in building said house. Voted that we cover sd house with good pine shingles and clapboards, clean stuff to the accep(t)ance of the Comittee. Voted that we sell the old schoolhous at value due to be taken from this ground before the first of October next." The vote regarding the material was rescinded at the next meeting, but the schoolhouse was built during 1812. January 19, 1813, it was "voted that we give the money to Mr.William Johnson that the book (tax levy) and old schoolhous raised over and above what the committee gave for building the new schoolhouse." Other interesting records concerning this schoolhouse follow: * April 9, 1 8 19, — Voted that the commity procure a teacher for the ensueing summer, to begin on the first Tuesday in May and con- tinue five months or longer if wanted. October 27, 1820, — Voted the committee pay eight dollars per month for the ensueing winter. November 4, 1822,— Voted to have the school commence the first Mondav in December and continue to the first of March. Novem- ber 19, 1827, — Voted Obadiah Lounsbury's shop be appointed for a place to set up notices for school meetings in addition to the school- house for the year ensueing. April 9, 1832, — Voted that the com- mitte employ Mrs. Eliza Lines if possible at a rate not to exceed a dollar pr. week. Voted that religious denominations be permitted to hold meetings at this house not to interfere with the school March 21, 1833, — Voted that we tax ourselves to defray the expense of painting the schoolhouse and making all necessary repairs and to purchase the stove for the use of the school. March 31, 1837, — Resolved that the committee employ Mary Stevens to teach the summer school if she can be obtained for one dollar a week." The old red school-house in the North or Gate District has been mentioned above. It was probably occupied for a century. THE SCHOOLS. IO9 At a meeting convened in this place February 28, 183 1, it was "voted that Juha Sperry teach the summer schooL" The school year was then divided into two terms. The winter school began in December and continued three months. This term was invariably taught by a male teacher. A summer school was "set up" about the first of May and was in session four or five months. The wages for this term were usually one dollar per week. The teacher of the winter term received somewhat higher wages. It was the custom for the teacher "to board round the district," staying a week or two with each famil3\ THE BEECHEK SCHOOLHOUSE. The following are a few interesting items culled from the records of the Gate District: March 29, 1831, — "Paid E J. Thompson, teacher of the North School, Bethany, the last season, the sum of $25.33.'' April 2, 1835, — "Voted that Mr. Russel Chatfield repair the fire- place and chimney sufficiently for the present and bring in his bill to the committee for the same." November 16, 1835, — "Voted that the committee procure a stove for the use of the schoo'." March 20, 1843, — "Voted the teacher of the winter term, Mr. D. no BETHANY. Brooks, shall pay for the key he lost, if not deduct from his bill." A district tax was levied in 1839 and the schoolhonse was thoroughly repaired. Enos Perkins. Levi M. Marks, Harvey Hotchkiss and A. A. Perkins were the committee for this work. In 1832 a second school-house was built in the Northeast Dis- trict on the site of the present building. Plans were discussed in regard to the erection of this structure as early as 1826. The present structure was built in 1876. THE CENTER SCHOOLHOUSE. The Center schbolhouse was built about 1834 and is the oldest one in the town. It is situated near the roadside a short distance south of the churches. It has been thoroughly repaired several times and is now in good condition. A few years ago a porch and cupola, for a large bell, were added. He/xkiah Thomas was one of the first teachers in this schoolhouse. Miss Jane French, after- ward Mrs. Peck, also taught here. The Southeast District is now known as the Beecher District- deriving its name from the manv families of that name who have THE SCHOOLS. Ill lived in the district. The schoolhouse now standing there was built in 1870, and is the third erected on that site. It was enlarged in 1899. A porch and large bell were also added. The schoolhouse is located in the highway a few rods south of the "four-corners" at the residence of Mrs. Allen. The Smith District provided for the erection of a schoolhouse in 1876, on the site of the former one. D. B. Hoadley was the builder. It was ready for occupancy early in 1877. Mrs. Justine C. Coe was the first teacher in the new schoolhouse. It is very pleasantly located on a hillside which slopes to West River. There are abundant shade trees near the edifice. THE GATE SCHOOLHOUSE. The Straits Turnpike was built a century ago, and a tollgate was maintained near the Major Lounsbury house, now the residence of Cleveland Doolittle. The locality was designated as the "Gate." The tollgate disappeared long ago, but the name clung to the ham- let, and finally, about 1880, it was applied to the school district. The schoolhouse in this district having fallen into a condition unfit for school purposes, the school board threatened to withhold the 112 BETHANY. appropriation for its maintenance, and after considerable delibera- tion it was decided to build a new schoolhouse. Wales H. French, Allen Lounsbury and Arthur Lacey were elected a building com- mittee. A knoll a short distance south of the old schoolhouse, called "The Sandhill," was chosen for the site of the new building, and it was completed in 1880. The most recently built schoolhouse is found in the Downs District. It was erected in 1897-8, with a thoroughness very credit- able to its builders. The structure is located on elevated ground on Downs Street, nearly opposite the site of the old building. An ex- tensive and pleasing view, reaching terough the "Gap" of West Rock Ridge, mav be enjoyed from the schoolhouse door. The district system of school management was abolished in 1901, and the local school affairs have since been controlled by a town school committee. Under tne new management the schools have been kept in good condition, and compare favorably with those iu other towns. " When care and time our memories blot, When years our measure fill, We'll think sometimes of the dear old spot, The schoolhouse 'neath the hill." BETHANY. 113 OLD Li.NU-.iKRY, NEAR THE RESIDKN^h, >»!■ A1,1.KN u. "There scattere'1, oft the earliest of the year, By hands unseen are showers of violets found ; The redbreast loves to build and warble there, And little footsteps lightly print the ground." ^67, Evelina I., dau. of Philos Dorman; 2d, in 1878, Rosa N. Dorman, sister of his first wife. Children: Cleveland B., b. in 1884. Warren P , b. in 1885. "1 BETHANY SKETCHES AND RECORDS PART 2. >^ BETHANY Sketches and Records, PART 2. PUBLISHED BY W. C. SHARPE. SEYMOUR, CONN. RECORD PRINT. SEYMOUR. 1913. }- /df INDEX. The Centennial Celebration, 135-140. Chronological Data, 140. List of Clergymen 141-148. List of Church Members, 149-171. List of Baptisms. 172, 173. The 150th Anniversary Celebration, 174. Historical Sketch of the Church, 174-180 150th Anniversary Committee, 186. Biographical Sketches, 182-188. ILLUSTRATIONS. Pine Grove aud Bethany Lake, 135. The Hoadley Falls. 149. Home of Nathan F. Mansfleld, 151. Lambert Wooding Homestead, 153. The Hoadley Mill, 155. Home of Mrs. A H. Downs, 157. Home of Mrs. M B. McClure, 159. The Capt. Dayton Place, 161. The Archibald Perkins House, 163. Residence of Samuel B Downs, 165. A Bethany Charcoal Pit, 167. The Gate School, 169. Perry's Hall, Oct. 10, 1913, 171. The Church Oct 11, 1913, 175. Interior of the Church as decorated, 177. At the tables in Perry's Hall. 179. The "Meetinghouse," 1769-1831, 181. Residence of H. F. Peck, 187. The Frederick Warner House, 188. PORTRAITS. Elson E. Beecher, 186. Nathan Clark, 182. Edwin N Clark, 184. Clark Hotchkiss, 183. Dwight L. Humiston, 185. Wallace D. Humiston, 186. Justus Peck, 183 Harry F. Peck, 184. Nelson J. Peck. 187. Clifton D. Rosha, 187. Dea. Theophilus Smith, 182. Rev. John W. Wright. 185. Z ^71, r PINE GROVE, ON THE BORDER OF BETHANY LAKE. Bethany Hills. Bethany Vales and Bethany LaUes are woithy representatives of New Ensrland scenery. THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. The Centennial Celebration, Oct. 12, 1863. (Prom the Connecticut Herald and Journal, New Haven, Nov. 1, 1863.) On the twelfth of Octoiber the people of Bethany celebrated the one hundredth anniversary of the first org-anization of a church there, and the settlement of the first pastor. Rev. Stephen Hawley. At 10 o'clock thej assembled around his grave where a handsome stone bears the inscription. "Erected on the Centennial, October 12, 1863," and sung "One Hundred Years Ago," united dn prayer, and listened tc an address by Rev. J. L. Willard, of Westville. They then passed to the field in which Mr. Hawley was or- dained in the open air, and sung "One Hundred Years to Come," and were ad- dressed by Rev. E. W. Robinson, of Bethany, and Rev. D. M. Elwood, of Woodbridge. In the afternoon an address was de- livered in the Congregational church by Rev. S. C. Brace, the pastor, from the historical portions of Which we are permitted to pubhsh the following extract: 136 BETHANY. In 1739, one hundred and one years after the settlement of New Haven, the parish of Amity was set off, contain- ing terrlitory from the townships of New Haven and Milford. In 1742, Rev. Benjamin Woodbridge was settled as the pastor. . In 1762, upon the memorial of Joel Hotchkiss and others, it was enacted by the general assemlbly, that the in- habitants of the Parish of Amity, "liv- ing north of an east and west line drawn from the south end of the Widow Hannah Sperry's dwelling house," should be a distinct Ecclesias- tical society to be named Bethany. The first meeting of this society was held Novemiber 13, 1762, at the school house in Bethany, probably that which stood near the present residence ol Mr. John Kline. Deacon Joel Hotch- kiss was dhosen moderator, and James Sherman, clerk, who was sworn by Samuel Sherman, Esq. A society's committee was then chosen, viz: Timothy Peck, John White, Isaac Beecher, Daniel Tolles and Joel Hotchkiss. It was voted that meetings shall be- gin on the second Sabbath in Decem- ber and hold until the last in April. A rate, or tax, was laid at a penny half- penny on the pound, for defraying the charges of preaching for the year en- suing. Gershom Thomas was chosen collector. This meeting is described in the records as a lawful society meet- ing of the inhabitants of Bethany in New Haven and Milford. It is to be presumed that public worship was in- stituted in accordance with the vote, but where it was held and who ofll- ciated as the preacher, are not known. At a society meeting held in March, 1763, it was voted that meetings shall begin in this place on the second Sab- bath in November next, and at a meet- ing in April, Deacon Joel Hotchkiss and Mr. Timothy Peck were appointed a committee to apply unto the Reverend Association, at their next convention for their advice to a candidate to preach in said society upon probation, in order to settle among them. The association held dts meeting at Waterbury, May 31, and the minute on this subject, as recorded by Rev. War- ham Williams, contains these words: "We, having maturely considered the matter, unanimously advise said so-' ciety to Mr. 'Stephen Hawley, as a suitable person, highly approving of him for that purpose." In June, Mr. Isaac Beecher and Mr. Samuel Downs were appointed "to ap- ply unto Mr. Hawley" and it was voted "that the time of probation shall be for the space of three months." In August, the society invited Mr. Hawley to become the pastor, offering him "two hundred pounds settlement, and proposing to give him fifty-flve pounds salary the first year and then rise with the list to seventy pounds a year, and there stop." Mr. Hawley's re- ply was dated Bethany, Sept. 12, 1763. At a society meeting in September, it was voted that the ordination take place on the second Wednesday in Oc- tober, and that on the first Wednes- day a fast preparatory to the ordina- tion should be observed. It was also resolved "to apply unto the Rev. Mr. Woodibridge, of Amity, the Rev. Mr. Trumbull, of North Haven, and the Rev. Mr. Waterman, of Wallingford, to attend the above said fast." At the same meeting, it was voted that Deacon Joel Hotchkiss, Mr. Daniel Tolles, Mr. Timothy Ball, Mr. Samuel Biscoe and Mr. John White, be a com- mittee "to apply unto the Rev. Moder- ator of the Consociation of New Haven county, in order to settle the Church of Christ in Bethany, according unto the established ecclesiastical constitution of this colony, and to transact all the affairs of the society that are neces- sary in carrying on said ordination." The tradition is that the ordination services were performed in the open air, in a field near the fork of the roads THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 137 below the residence of Mrs. Mary Brad- ley. It is believed that there was in that field a small rude building whicli was used as a house of worsihip, until the church edifice was erected, six years after the ordination of Mr. Haw- ley. The society meetings were always held in the school house, during these six years. In December, 1763, it was voted "that tihe society's committee take care and provide some person to sweep the school house and .talte care of the door." This provision we should hard- ly expect for society meetings alone, and it might be inferred that the school hou.se was the place of worship. But in 1767, it was voted "that Mr. Timothy Peel?;, Mr. Daniel Tolles, Mr. Ebenezer Bishop, Mr. John Perkins and Mr. Samuel Biscoe sit on the fore seat." Tills vote seems hardly applic able to a scthool house. Besides in Mr. Hawley's New Year's discourse for 1769, it is said of those who died during the year — "their places are empty in this house of God." From ithis language we should infer that they then worshipped in an edifice set apart for that pur- pose. The ordination sermon was deliv- ered by that eminent Divine, Dr. Bel- lamy, of Bethlehem, from I Corin- thians 11, 2. Mr. Hawley was a na- tive of New Milford and was gradu- ated at Yale college in 1759, in the same class with Dr. Trumbull, of North Haven. At the time of his or- dination, he was 26 years of age. It is probable that he studied theology with Dr. Bellamy. Before coming to Beth- any he had resided for a time in Strat- ford, where his eldest child was born. Three years after Mr. Hawley's or dination, i. e., in November, 1766, the society adopted a resolution, "that it is necessary for us to build a meeting- house." A committee was appointed to apply to the county court to fix the place. Difficulties seem to have arisen; a second application to the court was made in 1768, a third in 1769; and at length in May, 1769, it was voted "that we are willing to build a meeting house at the last stake set by the Honorable County Court's Committee." On this question ' there were 29 in the affirmative and 10 in the negative. A committee, consisting of Isaac Beecher, "Ensign" Clark, and Israel Thomas, were appointed to pur- chase the land from Isaac Hotchkiss. The edifice was erected in the latter part of 1769, on the summit of the hill south of the churches now standing, near the present residence of Mr. Ed- ward Buckingham. In December of that year, a committee was appointed "to seat the three first seats in the meeting house." During this period of delay, the so- ciety passed some votes which amuse us at this day. In December, 1767, it was voted "that we will provide the boards, clapboards, shingles, nails and glass, necessary for building a meet- ing house the year ensuing." A tax was laid and it was decided that one-half might be paid in "flax seed, or some other species that will answer in New York." The society fixed the price to be paid for different kinds of lumber. The building was to be fifty-five feet long and forty feet wide. In December, 1768, a vote was passed "that we get the timber this winter and set up the meeting house as fast as we can." It was ordered "that those that score timber for the meeting house shall have two shillings sixpence per day; and those that hew shall have three shillings and sixpence per day." Deacon White and Deacon Hotchkiss were appointed "to cull the clapboards and shingles for the meeting house." In March, 1769, it was voted "that this Society give free liberty for a belfry to be built on the meeting house," but this liberty was not then used. In January, 1770, the Society meeting was held for the first time, in the meeting house. When edifice was 13^ BETHANY. dedicated is not known. It was customary to appoint par- ticular persons "to tune the psalm." In 1765, the choristers were Valentine Wilmdt, Benajah Peck, and Stephen Sanford. In 1770, on entering the new church, a larger number received this appointment, viz: Isaac Baldwin, Joel Hotchkiss, Thomas Beecher, Anav Ives, Lazarus Tolles, Timothy Louns- bury, Nathanial Tuttle, and Nehemiah Tolles. At this time it was voted that the choristers sit together near the foot of the pulpit stairs. The sacred edifice was still what we should esteem uncomfortable. In 1771 a committee was appointed "to give liberty to people to build pews in the meeting house where they see cause" In 1773 a tax was laid to color the meeting house, and case the windows, and to provide boards for the inside of the house. In 1774 a vote was passed "that the meeting house be colored blue, and the windows white," but soon a special meeting was called and it was decided to color it white. In December, 1776. it was voted "to finish the lower part of the meeting- house, and in front of the galleries." In 1777 Nathaniel Tuttle, Isaac Bald- win, Daniel Tolles and Joel Hine were chosen "to tune the psalm, and sit In the fore seat in the front gallery." In 1778 it was voted "that the So- ciety shall pay Mr. Hawley's salary in provisions, labor and other species, ac- cording to the first stating of pro- vision by the General Assembly — wheat at six shillings, and other things In proportion; and those that do not pay in the aforesaid species of provision, &c., shall pay money equivalent." At the same meeting a committee was appointed to seat the meeting- house, viz.: Deacon Peck, Capt. Ball and Ensign Jacob Hotchkiss; and it was ordered that "the committee shall have regard to age, and what each one has paid to the building of the said house, and according to their discre- tion with all." In December, 1779, a vote was passed "that the Committee shall lay out the over-plus money of finishing the meeting-house, on the steps and other ways as they think best." Thus at the end of ten years from its raising, the house seems to have been considered as in a manner fin- ished. In 1791 the Society voted "to take up three seats in the square body and to build pews on each side of the broad alley." In 1792 it was resolved, "That the Society may build a stee- ple to the meeting house, if they can get money enough signed to build said steeple." But the steeple and bell were not added until 1803. Going back in the history we find in 1783 a committee appointed "to assist the church of England committee to find a place for them to set a church on." In 1779 the society began "to confer with Amity about being made a town." This subject was one of much discus- sion and negotiations, and of some strife in regard to a place for a town house. The town was set off in 17.S1 and named Woodbridge, in honor of the first minister of Amity The sep- aration of Bethany as a town began to be agitated in 1803; but was not accomplished until 1832. Other names of those who acted in society business before 1800, are (plac- ing them in order of time), Jesse Brad- ley, William Wooding, Deacon Isaac Johnson, Josiah Lounsbury, Deacon Peter Perkins. John Lines, Timothy Hitchcock. Ephraim Turner, Abraham Carrington, Ezra Sperry, Daniel Beech- er, Jonathan Andrew, Reuben Sperry, Amos Hitchcock, Jonathan Tuttle, Deacon James Wheeler, Jacob Hotch- kiss, Jared Sherman, Edward Per- kins, Jesse Beecher, David P'rench, Raymond Sanford, David Thomas. Lamberton Tolles, Roger Peck, John Russell, Medad Hotchkiss, John THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Thomas, Hezeklah Thomas, Caleb An- drews, Elihu Sanford, Jr., Reuben Perkins, Hezekiah Johnson, Lucas Lines, Jared Tolles, John Wooding, Darius Beecher, Deacon Hezekiah Beecher, Jared Beecher. Two men are still living who were members of the Ecclesiastical society in Mr. Hawley's time— Eden Johnson and Joel Andrews. Mr. Hawley became so infirm at about 60 as to be unable to preach constantly, especially in the winter months. But he continued to officiate more or less until 1803, the year be- fore his death. Some now living re- member him as a trembling old man, with white locks. He was often led to the church, and assisted into the pulpit; and was sometimes able to de- liver only a part of his discourse It is remembered that on one occasion he fell in the pulpit, and was carried home. He was tall and very spare; and his appearance made a deep im- pression on the young. In the Connecticut Journal, (New Haven), of July 26th, 1S04, the fol- lowing obituary notice of Mr. Hawley appeared: — Woodbridge, July 23. On the evening of Tuesday, the 17th inst. after a long and tedious illness, departed this life in hope of a blessed immortality, the Rev. Stephen Hawley, Senior Pastor of the church in Beth- any, in Woodbridge, in the 67th year of his age. This worthy and good man, after having received a liberal education In Yale college, where he was graduated in 1759, was afterwards settled in the ministry at Bethany. There he la- bored, to good acceptance, for a num- ber of years, until by the Providence of God he was disabled from his work. The Rev Mr. Jones was, in June last, ordained a colleague pastor with him. The funeral was attended on Thurs- day last. The corpse was borne to the meeting house by a number of respect- 139 able citizens. A solemn and well adapted sermon was delivered before a deeply affected audience by the Rev. John Foote, of Cheshire, from Job XIV-4 — "If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come." After Divine service, the interment was performed with decency and sol- emnity. Such was this Christian minister. He was very useful to his people dur- ing his ministry and was sincerely be- loved by his flock, w^o in his visita- tions, as well as in his ministrations in the sanctuary, "he held his face as it had been the face of an angel; for he was conversant among them with gravity, prudence, modesty, humility, candor, wisdom and benevolence." Mr. Hawley's first wife was Mary Bellamy, of Hamden. She had three children. The second wife was Me- hetable Hotchkiss, daughter of Deacon Joel Hotchkiss. She removed to New Haven in 1806, with her three children, and resided there until her death in 1827. Two of Mr. Hawley's New Year sermons were printed — those of 1769 and 1771. They give the reader a most favorable impression in regard to his activity of intellect, and his sol- emnity and earnestness as a preacher. They are certainly the productions of a man above mediocrity. They show that he himself was deeply serious, and that he possessed uncommon abili- ty to set forth his thoughts in an im- pressive manner. There is a remark- able vividness of style, and even some- thing of imaginative brilliancy; but all is deeply solemn The statements of evangelical truth are clear and Scrip- tural; and the appeals to the hearers are forcible and affecting. A few months before his death Mr. Hawley selected out some of his ser- mons for the use of his family, and the widow was in the habit of read- I40 BETHANY. ing them to her children. The re- mainder, written chiefly in shorthand, (as in part were those which were preserved), he destroyed. His pen- manship when he wrote with care, was beautiful. It is gratifying to have, in the two printed sermons, so strong a portrait- ure of Mr. Hawley's mind and heart — glimpses of the preacher as he was, in thought, feeling, and expression. Thus he "l)eing dead, yet speaketh." CHRONOLOGICAL DATA. 1750— First place of public worship erected. Used also for a school house and always so mentioned in the records. 1755— Winter parish privilej^es granted by the General Assembly. 1762— Bethany incorporated an ecclesiastical an civil society similar to other parishes in Connecticut. 1763, Oct. 12-The Church of Christ ortranized and the Rev. Stephen Hawley ordained and installed first pastor. 1769-1773— The meetiotrhouse erected. 178»— Town priviletres granted to the parishes of Amity and Bethany. 1803— Sf^eple and bell added to the meeting- house. 1804, June 6— The Rev. Isaac Jones ordained and installed second pastor of the church, 1801. July 17— Death of the Rev. Stephen Haw- ley. 1806— Trial and deposition of the Rev. Isaac Jones. 1808— Close of a controversy which resulted in the withdrawal of sixtyone members. 1809--The endowment fund increased by sub- scription. 1810. August 22 -The Rev. Nathaniel G. Hunt- ington ordained and installed third pastor of the church. 1823— Dismission of the Rev. Mr. Huntington on account of ill health. 1826— Court decision obtained that church funds should bi exempt from taxation in Connec- ticut. 1829. Jan. 17— General Conference convened in this parish which resulted in the addition of thirtytwo members to the church. 1831. Oct. 13-- Dedication of present house of worship. 1832--Incorporatioa of the town of Bethany with the same geographical limits as the parish. 1832--The Rev. Jarius Wilcox installed pastor. 1834— Installation of the Rev. John B. Kendall. 1851 --Old parsonage sold and the house oppo- posite present house of worship purchased. 1855— Installation of the Rev. E. W. Robinson as pastor. 1863. Oct. 12--Celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the church. Erection of monument at the grave of the Rev. Stephen Hawley. 1866--Meetinghouse ex'ensively repaired and altered by lowering galleries, removing pews and enclosing porch. 1876. April 5— Ordination and installation of the Rev. W. S. Woodruff who was dismissed two years later. 1890— Death of Deacon Clark Hotchkiss who served the church in this capacity sixtytwo years. 1897 Nov. 3— Ordination of the Rev, Chas. S. ?4acFarland. 19n3--c;nurch edifice repaired. 1913 -One hundred Httieth anniversary of the organization of the church. 141 THE MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH. In all the New Eng-land settlements the first public organization was the church. The first public building was the meeting house. The first public officer provided for was the minister. As an old writer says: "In the first settlement of New England, when the people judged their number competent to obtain a minister, they then sever- ally seated themselves, but not before, it being as unnatural for a New Eng- land man to live without a minister as for a smith to work his force without a fire." The first minister of the Church of Christ in Bethany was the Rev. Ste- phen Hawley. His pastorate was the largest in the history of the church,' and worthy perhaps of the most ex- tended notice, but a good sketch of Mr Hawley's life, written fifty years ago by the Rev. S. C. Brace, having appeared in a recent issue of the Rec- ord, is it considerd advisable to omit in this article. Rev. Isaac Jones, son of Isaac Jones, was born in New Haven Feb. 16, 1775, and graduated from Ya>e college in 1792. He came to Bethany to preach June, 1803. Jan. 26, 1804, the society voted to call Mr. Jones. Daniel Tolles, Col. Joel Hine and John Thomas were appointed a committee "for that pur- pose." Mr. Jones' license had expired and had not been renewed. He brought a paper from certain minis- ters in Georgia. An advisory council was called April 17, 1804; but con- trary to their advice, the consociation was invited to ordain him without a renewal of license. Mr. Jones made the following reply to the call: "To the Church and Congregation of Bethany in Woodbridge. "Gentlemen — I have officially re- ceived from you a paper containing your desire, as expressed in a vote, that I should engage to settle with you in the important work of the evan- gelical ministry, for which you will be pleased to accept my sincere grati- tude. "The object for which you have called me is certainly noble and im- portant; it is of immense magnitude, both as it respects yourselves, and the rising generation among you; and it may be observed that the societies are doubtless at liberty to make choice of a minister, whose example they would make the pattern of their mor- als, and whose powers they judge will be the most persuasive to righteous- ness. The minister whom you have therefore chosen, is to be your spirit- ual teacher in holy things, to preach the word, to be instant, in season and out of season, to reprove, rebuke and exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine. "I have considered my inability without the strength of the Divine Immanuel; and although I have been sustained through some trials uncom- mon to the morning of ministerial life, by a very kind and blessed Provi- dence, yet my ardor and delight in the sacred ministry is not lessened. "I have therefore considered your vote with that attention that it mer- ited; and accordingly I do now signify my acceptance of your call to the work of the gospel ministry. "I am, with gratitude and esteem, yours, "ISAAC JONES. Jun'r. "Woodbridge, Feb. 24, 1S04." April 18, 1804, the Ecclesiastical so- ciety voted — "To concur with a vote passed by the church to call the West- ern consociation to ordain Mr. Jones." "Voted — The 6th day of June next, at 11 o'clock, be the time for ordina- 142 BETHANY. tion, and the council meet the day be- fore at 10 o'clock in the forenoon." The Consociation met at the house of Rev. Stephen Hawley, June ^ 1804. Dr. Benjamin Trumbull, ot North Haven, moderator, and Rev. Ira Hart, of Middlcbury, scribe. Rev. Mr. Hawley expressed a desire that the consociation would proceed to ordain Mr. Jones. The council held in April had declared — "That to admit the li- cense which Mr. Jones received from certain ministers in Georgia would be to relinquish very necessary and use- ful regulations and stipulations, and that it is unhappy that the church and society proceeded to improve and make choice of Mr. Jones, and that he accepted their choice, when the recommendation of the association which introduced him as a candidate for the ministry had expired and was not renewed." The consociation, quot- ing these words, concurred in this declaration, but in consideration of concessions made by Mr Jones to the bcr of copies of this sermon are still to be found in Bethany homes. At a church meeting holden on the 16th day of October, 1806: "Voted — That Isaac Jones, Jr., be the clerk, pro tempore. This church tak- ing into consideration their peculiar situation as a Consociated church, oc- casioned by the extraordinary and un- precedented proceedings of the associa- tion now in session on certain charges exhibited toy Mr. Timothy Hitchcock (through the procurement of Mr. Medad Hotchkiss, who is not a church memtoer,) against the Rev. Isaac Joncs, pastor of this church; and, for the reasons this day detailed by our worthy pastor, in his remonstrance to bi' handed in to said association, as wtll as for others reasons; "Voted — ^That this church do now withdraw from all connection with the Consociated churches in the WestLrn district in New Haven county, and do heretoy declare and make it known that in future this church will toe and re- council in April, and promises to main an independent church. Passed abide by the usages and order of the in church meeting unanimously, (thlr- Consociation^signed by him — and in order to adjust matters peaceably, the Consociation voted to ordain Mr. Jones; but adding the solemn protest against all such irregularities. teen members present.)" Attest: Isaac Jonts, Jr., Moderator and Clerk pro. tern. Thtre wtr^ present at the Con- sociation, November 18, Benjamin The appointments for the religious Trumbull, D. D., and Rev. Messrs. Ab- ner Smith, Oliver Hitchcock, Bezalell Pinneo, Abraham Ailing, Holland Weeks, Ira Hart, John Hyde and dele- gates. Rev. Dr. Trumbull retired from the Consociation. In regard to the whole result of the association, the Consociation, on re- view, ratified and established it. U pronounced a sentence of exclusion from all ministerial and Christian ft 1- service were: Rev. Daniel Bronson, Introductory Prayer Rev. James Dana, D. D Ordination Sermon Rev. Benj. Trumbull, D. D Consecrating Pray-r Rev. Messrs Williston, Trumbull, Ai- ling, Smith To Impose Hanls Rev. Noah Williston Charge Rev. Abraham Ailing, lowship upon Mr. Jones and declared Right Hand of Fellowship Rev. Bezalell Pinneo Concluding Prayer The sermon delivered by Mr. Jones on the Sabbath after his ordination, as his inaugural s?rmon, was printed. A num- that he had no longer authority from the Consociation to preach or ad- minister the gospel ordinances. A communication was sent to Mr. Jones by the Consociation, containing a statement of their doings. This Mr. THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 143 Jones refused to accept, declaring thai he would receive no communication from this body. Advi'ce being asked: "The Consociation advise the church that in case Mr. Jones and the seced- ing (brethren propose in a constitutional way to call the Eastern Consociation in New Haven, to sit with this body and hear the aWegations against Mr. Jones, they consent to the same." April 21, 1807. The two Consociations met, and were in session three days. It was decided that Mr. Jones might be re- stored on making suitable confession. A confession was prepared and Mr Jones publicly assented thereto. But November 3, 1807 the New Haven West Consociation assembled at Woodbridge, declared that Mr. Jonts had not com- plied with the advice of the united Consociations and was pursuing a course subversive of ecclesiastical or- der; and therefore that the decision of November, 1806, was in full force, and Mr. Jones was without ministerial au- thority. His farewell sermon was preached in the hall of the Wheeler house, December 11, 1808. His text wae from Jeremiah 12:10-11: "Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, etc." The address was printed. Mr. Jones be- came an Episcopalian with many of his congregation. On November 6, 1809, the newly formed Episcopal society voted Isaac Jones "a person worthy and well eiualified for the gospel min- istry." He was admitted as a candi- date for orders, later becoming a dea- con and a priest, in regular succession. He was the first rector of Christ church and remained here for about two years. He was stationed in Litch- fif'ld, 1811-1826; in Huntington, 1831- 1834; Hitchcockville, 1837-1839; Bethany, 1841-1842; Milton, 1845-1847, and then for years chaplain in the Litchfield county prison. He died in Litchfield, March 17, 1850. He had a son and a daugh- ter. The son died a year after the father, the daughter the next year and the mother the next. Rev. Nathaniel Gilbert Huntington, son of Deacon Jos'.ah and Abigail (Gilbert) Huntington, was born in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. Oct. 30, 1785. He was fitted for college un- der Rev. Dr. Nathan Perkins of West Hartford. He was graduated from Yale College 1806. June 6, 1809 the Hartford North Association licensed him to preach and he came to Beth- any, the following v^ctober. June 6, 1810 the Ecclesiastical society voted. This meeting does concur with the vote of the church in this place this day to give Mr. Nathaniel G. Hunt- ington a call to settle with us in the work of the "Gospel Ministry." Th-3 consociation met at the house of Elihu Sanford Aug. 21, 1810; and the ordination took place on the follow- ing day: SERVICES, .ev. Caleb Pitkin Introductory Prayer Rev. Nathan Perkins, D. D ..Sermon Rev. Benj. Trumbull, D. D Consecrating Prayer Trumbull, Smith and Pinneo Impose hands B. Pinneo Charge- Jason Allen Right hand Abraham All'ng Concluding Prayer There were fifteen ministers pres- ent at the ordination of Mr. Hunt- ington. About two years after his ordina- tion Mr. H. had a hemmorhage— he took a year's rest. During the re- maining years of his pastorate his health was poor. The state of hi.s health is indicated by a number of oommunications which he made to the society, and it became worse as the years went on so that he asked to be dismissed. His dismission oc- curred in March 1823. He remained in Bethany, then removed to Oxford, where he was a farmer fourteen years, supplying the pulpit some- times at Salem (Naugatuck); and he Rev. Rev. Rev. 144 BETHANY. preached three or four Sabbaths in Oxford. His health became worse and he removed to Orange, lived nine years there in tolerable health, and died Feb. 10, 1848. His wife was Betsey Tucker, of Bethany, a native of Derby, whom he married in 1821. Her father was Zepheniah Tucker. She was the mother of four children. Mr. Huntington issued two geographies published in Hartford He wrote for the Christian Specta- tor. After Mr. Huntington's dismission the pulpit was supplied, for four years, chiefly by Rev. Abraham Ai- ling of Hamden. From March 182G to March 1827, Rev. Samuel Tillot- son Babbit preached half the time, alternating with Mr. A. Abraham Ailing was born in Stamford, Dutch- ess county, N. Y. He came to Ham- den and at 16 or 18 joined the North Church in New Haven. He became a farmer. At 44 he was ordained and installed pastor of the church in Whitneyville (Oct. 19, 1797-Oct. 22, 1822.) After the close of h's pastorate there ihe became acting pastor of the church in Bethany. He died on h":'s farm in Hamden July 22, 1837 Aged 83. Samuel Tillotson Babbitt, born in Huntington Mar. 30, 1800, was graduated from the Yale Theo- logical Seminary in the class of 1826. He was ordained at New Ha- ven, Nov. 7, 1827. He preached in the new settlements of Western New York fo nearly thirty years. Mr. Babbitt never had a pastoral charge. Rev. Ephraim G. Swift preached here from Jan. 1828 to Jan. 1830. He was the son of the Rev. Seth Swift of Williamstown, Mass. He had been a colleague with Dr. West, in Stockbridge, Mass., and had preach- ed in Oxford. He was in Killing- worth 1843-50; afterwards at Chester He died while on a visit in the state of New York, Aug. 28, 1858. In 1830 S. C. Baldwin and Geo. Goodyear preached here. The Rev. Nathaniel Taylor, D. D., of Yale supplied the pulpit much in 1831, 1832. He preached the dedica- tion sermon of the present house of worship, Oct. 13, 1831. There were tjeveral other ministers present on the same occasion. Dr. Taylor died Mar. 12. 1858. Ja'rus Wilcox was born in Crom- well, Conn. (Upper Middletown) Mar. 8, 1802. He studied for a time at Bangor Theological Seminary and then at Yale Theological Seminary (two years) class of 1830. The con- sociation met at the house of Lewis Thomas (Wheeler house) Nov. 6. Present Rev Stephen W. Stebbins, Zephan'ah Zwift, Leonard Bacon. Chas. Thompson, Abraham Browne. Jason Atwater. Corresponding mem- bers, E. T. Fitch. D. D., J. B. Rich- ardson, Henry Herrick Introductory Prayer .. C Thompson Sermon E .T. Fitch. D. 1) Ordaining prayer ... S. W. Stebbins Swift and Stebbins ... Impose hands Charge Swift Right hand Browne Address to people Atwater Concluding prayer Herr'ck 1834, June 17, Consociation met to dismiss Rev. J. Wilcox, who wa.= dismissed with testimony to his abil- ity and fruitfulness. 1834, July 23. Rev. John B. Kendal! was called by this church and so- ciety and installed Aug. i2, 13, 1834. He was d'smissed June 7, 1836. From 1836 to 1840 the pulp't was supplied by many different preachers Rev. Erastus Colton came in 1836 and was succeeded by Rev. I. D. Moore. In 1838 Rev. W'lliam H. Adams, Rev. Josiah Abbott and Rev. Geo. Taylor supplied. In 1839 Rev. Eli B. Clark, Rev. Irvin. and Rev. J. Curtiss. In March 1840 Rev. Saul Clark was hired and remained until March, 1842. He came to Bethany from South Egremont, Mass. While here THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. H5 he taught a high school in addition to his pastoral duties. In 1842 the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Cyrus Brewster, Rev. Geo Thatcher and others. The services of Rev. Daniel B. Butts were engaged in May 1843. Mr. Butts was born in Home, N. Y. Dur- ing the years he lived in Bethany he occupied the Congregational parson- age, which stood on the cross-road west of Chas. Booth's. After it was sold, the house was kown as the Par- son Butts place. It was burned sev- eral years ago. Two of Rev. Mr. Butts' children were baptized in Beth- any, Eugene and Edwin, Eugene died Jan. 24. 1846, and is buried in the Congregational cemetery. Mr. Butts remained in Bethany five years, un- til 1848, Rev. W. W. Belden preached here in 1S4S and was invited to settle as pastor, but declined. In 1848 Rev. Augustus Smith, and Rev. Ira H. Smith were supplies. Rev. Fosdick Harrison was engaged in March, 1849, and remained until December 1851. He began to preach in Bethany on the second Sabbath in March 1849. He lived while in Bethany in the Lycias Beecher house, now occupied by Mr. Murphy. While in Bethany, he officiated at the funeral of George Peck, who was the first one buried in the Methodist cemetery. Mr. Harrison was the author of the interesting epitaph which Peck's gravestone bears. The Rev. - osdick Harrison, who is pastor of the Southington Congrega- tional cliurch is a grandson of the Bethany minister. In December, 18.51, Rev. Alexander Leadbetter was hired as supply, and remained until Sept. 1854. Rev. Ebenezer W. Robinson cami from Hanover, Cann., (a village in thi town of Sprague,) Octdber, 1854, and was installed Pastor May 2, 1855. The services were as follows: Prayer and Reading of Scriptures,.. Rev. C. S. Sherman Sermon Rev. Mr. Hazen Installing Prayer Rev. S. Topliff Charge Rev. Cleaveland Right Hand Rev. Putnam Address to the People Rev. Beebe Concluding Prayer Rev. Thayer Rev. Mr. Robinson lived in the par- sonage which the society had pur- chased in 1851, where Mrs. Celia Perry now lives. He was dismissed August 15, 1860, but continued to reside in Bethany until about 1865, when he was dismissed by letter to the Congrega- tional church in Washington, D. C. In 1863 he was one of the speakers at the Centennial. Rev. Seth C. Brace, son of the famous Rev. Joab Brace, was ordained and in- stalled pastor O'f this church June 26, 1861. The services were as follows: Prayer and Reading of Scripture Rev. W. W. Atwater Sermon Rev. John Todd, D.D. Ordaining and installing prayer Rev. E. L. Cleavelaind, D.D. Charge Rev. Jonathan Brace, D.D. Right Hand Rev. Austin Putnam Concluding Prayer Rev. A. C. Raymond A few of the older members of the church remember Mr. Brace. He pre.pared a historical address for the Centennial celebration, and after that event collected a large amount of matter which has never "been published. Much of the data in this article is ob- tained from this source. Mr. Brace re- signed the pastoral charge April 17, 1864. In his communication to the so- ciety, he wrote: "I wish to be consid- ered as making this proposition not only without complaint, but with grate- ful acknowledgement of your forbear- ance and kindness, and most earnest wishes for the prosperity of this church and society." The consociation assem- bled May 18th and resolved: "That in assenting to the dismissal of Rev. S. C. Brace, from the pastoral charge of 146 ' BETHANY. the church in Bethany, this council de- sires to express its high estimate of the Christian and ministerial character of the retiring "pastor of his fidelity and zeal in discharging- the duties of his pastorate * * * and of his scholarly and ministerial ability." He lived in New Haven until 1871 and after that date in Philadelphia until his death, January 25, 1897, aged 85. Rev. D. M. C. Blwood, M.D., of Woodbridge, was the acting pastor of the church for a number of years, until 1867. We regret that we have few facts in regard to Mr. Elwood. S. W. Barnum was stated supply in 1869 and 1870. The church voted December 12, 1875, to extend a call to Rev. William Lotiis Woodruff. He was ordained and in- stalled pastor of the church April 5, 1876. He lived in the house nearly op- posite the church, which had formerly been the parsonage. He conducted a school for boys which became popular. Perry's hall was built for the gymnas- ium for his academy and after the school was closed it was called Gym- nasium hall for many years. Mr. Wood- ruff was a man of great intellectual ability. He presented, December 12, 1876, his resignation, to take effect in three months as previously agreed, and June 9, 1871 the church voted to unitt with Mr. Woodruff in calling a council for his dismission. The council failed to convene. Another invitation was ex- tended and a council, consisting of min- isters and delegates from neighboring churches, convened and the pastoral re- lation was dissolved July 7, 1878. Mr. Woodruff went from Bethany to Hamden and was master of the Ever- est school, in Centerville, for a time. Since Mr. Woodruff's time the pulpit has been supplied by ministers study- ing at the Yale Divinity school. The high reputation of Yale attracts many ordained ministers, who have gradu- ated from some other theological semin- ary, but who desire to obtain a de- gree from Yale. Thus the church has been able often to secure men of mark- ed ability who have maintained a high- er standard of preaching than would have been the case if a resident minis- ter had been ma'ntained with the salary which this church can offer. On the whole this has been the most satisfac- tory plan, circumstances considered, al- though the system has its serious drawbacks. The chief of these, non- residence of the minister, has been partly offset by the fact that many of the ministers have spent the long sum- mer vacation in Bethany. George Boothwell supplied the pulpit from March, 1880, to March, 1881. William G. Roberts, March 20, 1881. to March 20, 1882. J. C. Mitchell was acting pastor from March. 1882, to March, 1884. C. B. Whitcomlb, April, 1886, to April. 1887. R. J. Thomson, May, 1892, to Decem- ber, 1892. J. O. Jones. March, 1893, to October, 1894. J. Deane, November, 1894. H. W. Johnson, September, 1895, to September, 1896. Mr. Johnson wrote a history of the church which was print- ed in the Seymour Record. He was eventually ordained to the Congrega- tional ministry, which was not the de- nomination to which he had previously adhered. Rev. Charles F. MacFarland began his work in Bethany in October, 1896. He expressed a desire to be ordained here, and a council was called for that purpose, which met on Wednesday, Nov. 3. 1897. The order of service was: Invocation. Rev. Frederick Lynch. Anthem, Choir. Reading of Scripture, Rev. B. M. Wright. Hymn 339. Congregation. Sermon, Rev. Professor L. O. Bras- tow. THE CONGRF.GATIONAL CHURCH. 147 Prayer of ordination, Rev. Professor E. L. Curtiss. Anthem, Choir. Charg-e to the candidate, Rev. Pro- fessor G. B. Stevens. Right hand of fellovi^ship, Rev. John C. Wilson. Hymn, 1,019, Congregation. Prayer, Rev. S. P. Marvin. Benediction. Rev. C. F. MacFarland was the sev- enth minister to be ordained by this church. He remained in Bethany un- til 1899. In the summer of 1898 he was in Europe and during his absence the pulpit was supplied by E. G. Zel- lars, of Yale. Mr. MacParland has risen high in the ministerial ranks; is the author of many religious books, and is at the present time executive secretary of the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America. He lives in New York city. Rev Philip J. Phelps preached here during 1899. He now resides at Bakersfield, Cal., without pastoral charge. He was ordained in 1901 The church was closed for about a year, lieing reopened Nov. 1, 1901, with Rev. Shirley J. Case for its min- ister. Mr. Case was an interesting speaker. He remained here until De- cember, 1903, when he received a call to the United church, Beacon Falls. In December, 1903, Rev. J. F. John- ston, M. A. (Yale) Ph. D. began to preach in Bethany. He went from I)er to December, 1906. In December, 1906, Rev. G. Douglass Milbury, of New Brunswick, Canada, began his labors in this church. Five members were added during his min- istrations. He took a great interest in the people of the community and suc- ceeded in increasing the size of his congregations. He also preached at the Methodist church. Upon finishing his course in the Yale Divinity school he returned to New Brunswick, in June, 1908, preaching his farewell ser- mon here on the 14th. Rev Elmer Edwin Burtner, brother of the Rev. Otto W. Burtner, preached here beginning June 21, 1908. His I'ome was in Hinton, Virginia. He was a very popular young' minister, ind the church regretted to have him leave, in January, 1909, for the First Congregational church Derby, where he was ordained Oct. 12, 1909. It seems a noteworthy fact that from Bethany ministers have accepted calls to Beacon Falls, Seymour, Ansonia and Derby, in regular order. Mr. Burtner remained in Derby to 1910, accepting at that date a call to the First Congregational church of Mis- soula, Montana. Fev. Herman Henry Lindeman, of Nebraska, supplied the pulpit from January, 1909, to May 22, 1910, a longer period than most of the recent ministers have spent here. He was ordained in 1910, and the same year Bethany to Seymour Congregational became pastor of the church at Red church in June, 1904. Rev. van Lubken preached here from June, 1904, until June, 1905. Lodge, Montana. Rev Howard Grant Parsons gave his first sermon in Bethany, May 23, Rev. Otto W. Burtner, ordained in 1912. He gained the respect and es- 1901, began here in June, 1905. Mr. ; teem of the people of Bethany His Burtner, as well as several succeeding : last Sunday here was Dec. 18th, 1910. The next minister was Paul L. Kir- by, who remained here imtil June, 1911, then, after finishing his course in the Divinity school, he accepted a pastorate in Maine. Rev. Homer L Scott came next and ministers, officiated at the Methodist church, Bethany, in the afternoon. He was called to the First Congrega- tional church of Ansonia in Septem- ber, 1906, where he is still pastor. Rev. Dr Roop officiated here for a few months following-, from Septem- ' preached during the summer. His 148 BETHANY home is in Concord, N. C. Rev. Ever- | ett E. Bachelder, of Pittsfield, N. H., a graduate of Dartmouth college, was here from Sept., 1911, to June 2, 1912. The Sunday school was re-organized while he was the minister. He ac- cepted a call to the church at Stan- wich, Conn., where he was ordained Oct. 5, 1912. Rev. James W. Newton, of London, England, began his ministerial labors in Bethany in June, 1912, and contin- ued to officiate here until May, 1913. He took a very keen interest in the affairs of the church, and sought in every way to promote its interests. He now has charge of a church in North Madison. The present minister is Rev. John W. Wright, of Pylesville, Md. He graduated from the Western Mary- land college in 1911. Mr. Wright's sermons are preached without refer- ence to notes and they are so helpful and instructive that he holds the close attention of his audience. 149 THE HOADLEY FALLS. THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH. A most important phase of the his- tory of a church is its membership. Tht members indeed, malie the history. They represent the highest and besi type of society in the community in which they live and they set a standard for morality. If some fall short of high ideals and, in the words of a mem- ber of long ago, have thereby "woundeii the cause of Christ and the brethren and sisters of this branch of His church," it is not just for us to con- demn the whole church for the sins ol a few. That the names of those who, durins? the last hundred and fifty years have been connected with the First Church of Christ, in Bethany, may be made ac- cessible and convenient for reference, the following list has been prepared: There is now no record of memhc rs of the church from its organization un- til 1814, a period of just about fifty years, although the early records are complete in most other rtspects. Ilev. Seth Brace stated fifty years ago that the earliest lists were lost, and it seems improbable that they will ever be re- covered. To overcome this dcfiiciency the names of those who labored in the cause of Christ during the long and prosperous ministry of the Rev. Stei>hen I50 BE'lHANY. Hawley, have been compiled in alpha- betical ordir. The list contains the names of all who worshipped in his consreg-ation before 1800, as far as the records show. Here again we find un- fortunately that the names of few wo- men have been preserved. Most of the persons mentioned were probably com- municants. All were inhabitants of Bethany before 1800, and many of them were the first settlers. A few of tht^ first comers had died before the incor- poration of the parish. Ailing, Lemuel. Ailing, Noah. Andrew, Jonathan, the son of Jona- than 4, Rev. Samuel 3, Samuel, 2, Wil- Ball, Widow Mary. Barnes, Jacob. Beecher, Beri, son of Deacon Hezekiah Beecher, married Polly, daughter of Isaac Downs. He lived where Wal- lace Sax ton now lives. One of his sons was Beri, Jr. Beecher, Calvin, lived on the Krell farm. He died May 11, 1806, aged 35 and his widow married a Kimberly. Beecher, Daniel Lieut., died November 5, 1796. aged 67. Beecher, Darius, was a man oif wealth. He built the fine house later occu- pied by Lewis Thomas and Orrin Wheeler. He moved to the W(st and lost his fortune, it is said. Ham 1, lived in the "'Milford Side" of Beecher, Widow Hannah, probably the the parish. Andrew. William, son of Jonathan above, married, first, Esther March- ant; second, Margaret Merwin. He was baptized June, 1734, and died August 28, 1796. Andrews or Andrus. Caleb, was early appointed to dig graves. Andrews, Ebenezer. Andrews. Widow Sarah. Atwatcr, Amos, son of Jonathan and Sarah (Beach) Atwater. married Hannah Ives, of Cheshire. widow of Samuel Beechtr. who died in 1760. Beecher, Deacon Hezekiah, the son of Isaac and Mabel (Hotchkiss) Beech- er, was born April 6. 1738. Beecher. Isaac, son of Samuel and Han- nah Beecher, was born in 1717. He died Octobtr 28, 1801. Married Mabel Hotchkiss, who died February 19, 179S, agtd 79. Samuel Beecher. his father, was a son of Isaac 3. Isaac 2, John 1, the first settler. Beecher, Jared. Atwater, David, son of Jonathan and Beecher. Jesse, son of Isaac and Mabel Sarah Atwater, lived near the Anan Atwater house, (now occupied by D. L. Humiston.) He was the father of Anan Atwater. Atwater, Jesse, brother of David At- water. Atwater, Jonathan, a descendant of David Atwater, the first settler, lived on the corner south of the Smith school. He married Sarah Beach. He died February 24. 1795. aged 75. Atwater. Moses, son of Jonathan above. Baldwin, Isaac. Baldwin, Matthew. Ball, Timothy, died June 7, 1786, aged 78. His son Timothy, moved to Wa- terbury about 1815. Descendants live in Oakville. (Hotchkiss) Beecher, was born April 20, 1741 and died April 7, 1813. His son, Jesse, was an itinerant Metho- dist minister. Hoel Beecher was a son of the latter. Beecher, Justus. Beecher. Lymon. "Bethany and its Hills," states that the Beochers in Bethany claim relationship with Ly- man Beecher, the noted Litchfield minister. Beecher, Lycias, built the house at the center, north of churches. Beecher, Thomas. Beecher. Wheeler. Hecrs, David. Beers. Nathan, lived north of the Smith school. He died May 9, 1837, aged 74. Mary, his wife, died August THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 151 RESIDENCE OF NATHAN F. MANSFIELD. 9, 1845, aged 74. Bishop, Ebenezer, became an Episco- palian and was a warden. He died January 2, 1794, of smallpox. Bishop, Joseph, died February 27, 1819, aged 62. Olive, his wife, died Novem- ber 20, 1842, aged 79. Bradley, Jesse. Bradley, Jason, son of Joseph and Miriam (Gilbert) Bradley, was born January 1, 1741. Joseph was the son of Joseph 3, Joseph 2, William 1. Bradley, Reuben. Briscoe, Samuel. Briscoe, Widow Mary. Briscoe, Widow Sarah. Bronson, Timothy. Brown, Timothy. Buckingham, Abijah. Buckingham, Oliver, father of Buel Buckingham, of Beacon Falls. Carrington, Abraham, lived in "Milfor'l Side" and his barn is still standing. His estate was settled June 5, 1799. Father of Ailing Carrington. Castle, Jehiel, Dr., came from Water- bury just before 1800 and succeeded Hooker as the parish doctor. Father of Dr. Andrew Castle. One of the lat- ter's daughters married Orrin Wheel- er, another John W. Weed. Clark, Aaron. Clark, Lazarus, Jr. Clark, David. Clark, D. E. Collins, Benjamin. Collins, Joe. Collins, Joseph. Downs, David, son of Eber and Anna (Hitchcock) Downs, was baptized in Bethany, June 29. 1783 by Rev. Bela Hubbard, of Trinity church. New Ha- ven. He lived on Downs street. Downs, Felix, . son of Samuel and Sarah (Humphrey ville) Downs. He marrird I'hebe Downs, who died Feb- 152 BETHANY. ruary 9, 1844, aged 79. He built a large house on Downs street, which wa^ torn down about fifteen years ago. He died February 3, 1848, aged 89. Downs, Isaac, son of Eber Downs, was baptized June 29, 1783. He married Mabel Perkins and moved to Wolcott, Conn. Father of Kneeland Downs. Downs, Joseph, son of Seth and Mary (Sperry) Downs, was born February 22, 1732-3. Downs, Samuel, son of Samuel 3, Samuel 2, John 1, married Sarah Humphreyville. He died Feb. 7, 1801, aged 81. Downs, Widow Sarah. Downs, Zeri, son of Samuel and Sarah Downs, moved to Bethlehem, Conn, and died there May 3, 1840. Driver, James. Foot, Isaac. Ford, Amos. French, Esq. David, son of Israel and Sarah (Loveland) French, was born Jan. 30, 1742. Married Lois Lines. He died Aug. 4, 1821. Jane French, daughter of Harry, the son of David French, married Justin Peck, of Cheshire. Harry F. Peck, their son lives near the old homestead. Hine, Capt. Joel, one of the leaders in the Isaac Jones controversy, is buried in rear of Episcopal church. Hitchcock, Amos, Capt., son of John 3, Nathaniel 2, Matthias; was born in 1724 and died in 1791. He married Dorcas Foot, of Br ford. Hitchcock, Amos, son of the above, was born 1762 and married Sarah Sperry of Bethany. Lived in the valley just north of where Sergent's brook crosses the road. Hitchcock, Ebenezer, son of Capt. Amos and Dorcas (Foot) Hitchcock, was born in j.751. Hitchcock, Eli., ron, Capt. Amos and Dorcas (Foot) Hitchcock, lived in Bethany, where Albert Hosley lives, the farm is still owned by a descen- dant. He had two sons. Grant and Miles He died Sept. 27. 1846, aged 78. Abigail, his wife, died Nov. 8, 1808, aged 36. Hitchcock, Joseph, son of Ebenezer and Anna (Perkins) Hitchcock. Ebe- nezer was son of Nathaniel, son of Matthias. Hitchcock, Rebcckah, daughter of Ebenezer and Rebekah (Thomas) Hitchcock. Hitchcock, Timothy, son of Ebenezer and Anna (Perkins) Hitchcock, was born 1713. Hitchcock, William. Hooker, Dr. Hezekiah, lived in a "mansion" on the north side of the old Bethany Green. The celar place is still visible. He died in 1799. Hoadley, Ami, lived at Hoadley Mills. The house (torn down aiid moved to Prospect a few yea -s ago) and mills were built by him. His children were Ursula married Isaac Doolittle; Harriet married William Burnham; and Garry married Lucy Doolittle and remained at the homebtead. Hotchkiss, Aaron. Hotchkiss, Abraham, son of Ensign Joshua and Mary Hotchkiss, v/as one of the first of the name to locate here. Hotchkiss, Benjamin. Hotchkiss, David E"sha, lived north of the Smith school. Hotchkiss, Elias. Hotchkiss, Ezekiel. Hotchkis.'^, Jabez, son of Isaac, born June, 1701, who was son of Ensign Joshua and Mary Hotchkiss. Hotchkiss, Jacob, son of Isaac 3, Joshua 2, Samuel 1. Hotchkiss, Joseph, con of Isaac. Hotchkiss, Capt. Joel. He was one of the first deacons of the church. He died Feb. 3. 1819, aged 73. Hotchkiss, Joel, Jr., son of t.ie above. Hotchkiss, Medad, Lieut. Hotchkiss, Samuel. Hotchkiss, Solomon. Hotchkiss, Stephen, son of Jabez Hotchkiss. Hotchkiss, Silas. THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 153 THE LAMBERT WOODING HOMESTEAD. Hotchkiss, Zedekiah. Ives, Anan. Ives, Abel. Johnson, Eden — Lived in a house cast of Frank Warner's residence. He and Joel Andrews were the only two membeis of the ecclesiattical society of Mr. Hawley's time who were liv- ingr at the time of the centennial. Johnson, Eliphalet. Johnson, Gideon. Johnson, Hezekiah, died March 6, 1818, aged 70. Judd, Asi (?) Built the house where William Keefe lives. Kimball, Thomas, son of Thomas and Mary Kimball, died Sept. 6, 1830, aged 91. Linos, Abel. Ijines, Ebcnezor. Lines, Eljer. Lines, John Lines, Lucas. He was a tory and was known as Luke Lines. Lounsbury, Elias. Lounsbury, Eri, son of Timothy and Hannah (French) Lounsbury, mar- ried Sarah Carrington. Two of his sons were Abram and W.lliam H. The latter was born Doc. 30, 1815. His son, also William, lives at the old homestead at the present date. Lounsbury, Josiah, son of Josiah and Ruth (Lines) Lounsbury was born Aug. 5, 1729. He married Martha Hotchkiss. Lounsbury, Linus, son of Josiah and Martha, was born Jan. 3, 1752. Lounsbury, Stephen, son of Josiah and Ruth (Ijines) Lounsbury was born 1736 and mnrried Hannah Sperry, Oct. 26, 176:. Lounsbury, Timothy, son of Josiah and Uulh was hnni 1740, died 1821. He 154 BETHANY. married first Hannah, daughter of David French. He built the fine old mansion on Lounsbury street in 1811. Martin, Samuel. Nelson, Silas. Nettleton, Eli, lived in North Bethany, where his lineal descendant, Harry Nettleton now lives. Nettleton, John. Nettleton, Widow Sarah. Payne, Abraham. Payne, Isaac. Parker, Ebenezer. Peck, Benajah Deacon. Peck, Lydia. Peck, Samuel, son of Timothy Peck. Peck, Timothy, was the first of the name to settle in Bethany. He was a prominent man anJ was influen- tial in obtaining winter parish privi- leges in 1755. He was the son of Samuel 3, Joseph 2, Henry 1. Perkins, Archibald, son of Azariah and Anne (Johnson) Perkins, (Azariah 4, John 3, John 2, Edward 1). He kept the old Perkins Tavern after the death of Edward Perkins. He mar- ried Sarah Nettleton. Perkins, David, son of Reuben Per- kins. Perkins, Edward, probably the first proprietor of Perkins Tavern, was born Oct. 25, 1743. He was the son of Peter and Mary (Peck) Perkins, son of Peter and Hanah (Lord) Perkins, son of Edward and Elizabeth (But- cher) Perkins. Edward married first Mary Thomas, second, Rosanna Judd, sister of Chauncey Judd, the stolen boy. Perkins, Isreal, son of Edward Perkins above, was born Dec. 30, 1767. He married Milly Judd. sister of Chaun- cey Judd. He died Sept. 8, 1846, aged 79. Rev. Israel Perkins Warren was a grandson. Perkins, Joel. Perkins, John. Perkins, Deacon Peter, son of Peter Perkins, was often entrusted with various ecclesiastical duties. He died Nov. 23, 1799, aged 58. Elizabeth, his wife, died April 7, 1798, aged 53. Perkins, Reuben, lived north of the David Perkins place. The collar and well are still descernible. No public road crosses in '1 at vicinity at pres- ent. He married Thankful Smith. He died in Hamden about ISCO, aged 64. His widow oied in Bethany, Sept. 6, 1831, aged 85. Russell, Widow Anne. The state- ment, "Mrs. Anna Russell was the first person born in Bethany," probably refers to the above. Russell, Elmore. Russell, Enoch. Uussell, John. His wife, Abigail, died June 1, 1813, aged 61. Uussell, Robert. Sackitt, Jonathan. Sarah, wife of "John" Sackitt, died Jan. 12, 1794, aged 20. Sanford, Cyrus. .Sanford, David. Sanford, Col. Elihu, lived in the Ebenezer Dayton house, east side of the meeting-house green. "He was the father of Elihu and Har- vey Sanford, esquires, long known as among the most respectable citizens of New Haven." He do- nated the land for the Congrega- tional cemetery. Sanford, Jonathan. Sanford, Mehitable. Sherman, James. Sherman, Samuel. Smith, Ezekial. Smith, Jonathan. Smith, Samuel. Sperry, Demas, son of Reuben, lived on the farm now owned by D. L. Johnson. He was the father of Col. Alvin Sperry who built the house now standing. He died June 27, 1833, aged 68. His wife. Elizabeth, died December, 1849, aged 81. Sperry, Elam, was a member of the church. Sperry, Ezra. Lived in the house which stood on the corner diagonally from the Wheeler house. He was the THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. THE HOADLEY MILL, TORN DOWN ABOUT I9O4. father of Ezra Stiles Sperry. Capt. Ezra Sperry died Nov. 10, 1803. aged 73. His wife, Ruth, died July 2. 1815, aged 82. Sperry, Elijah, Capt. Sperry, Hannah. It was south of her house, probably, that the parish line extended. Sperry, Hezekiah. Sperry, Isaac, built the Henry San- ford house. Father of Enos Sper- ry. He died Feb. 7. 1844. aged 84. His wite Mary, died Oct. 28, 1835, aged 71. Sperry, Medad. Sperry, Reuben, father of Demas above, anl others probably. He died May, 1795, aged 62. His wife, Eu- nice, died Dec. 6, 1820, aged 83. .Sperry, I'ri. Sperry, Zeri. Talmadge, John Alsop. Terrel, Widow Phebe. Widow of Phineas Terrel, son of Samuel, of Milford. Terrel, Ebenezer. Terrel, .John. Terrel, Deacon Phineas, son of Phi- neas and Phebe Terrel. Thomas. Gershom Ensign, (Israel 3, Daniel 2, John 1), was born March 17, 1725, and died before May 7, 1792. He married April 26, 1749, Mabel Dorman, widow of Joel Per- kins. She died March 19, 1787, aged 66. Thomas, David, was baptized May 3, 1752. Was a leader in the Jones 156 BETHANY. controversy, to whom he was op- posed. He was son of Israel 4, Israel 2, Daniel 2, John 1. . Thomas, E. Downs. Thomas, Elizabeth. Thomas. Hezekiah, brother of David Thomas, was the first town clerk. He was proprietor of the Hezekiah Thomas hotel, which later became the Congregational parsonage. He married Chloe Beecher. Their daughter, Tabitha, married Isaac Jones. Thomas, Israel (Israel 3, Daniel 2, John 1), born June 5, 1720, died 1784. He married June 24, 1746, Martha, daughter of Ambrose Hine. Thomas, Esquire John (John 4, John 3, John 2, John 1), born April 16, 17, 5 5. Lived on Lebanon Hill. He inherited considerable wealth and was probably the richest man in the parish. His wife, Lydia, died July 13, 1815, aged 50. He died April 21, 1839. Thomas, John Jr., lived on Lebanon Hill. Thomas, Mabel 1781, Daniel Tolles. Noah, son of Gershom and Thomas, married Sept. 9, Mary Tolles, daughter of and Thankful (Smith) On Oct. 2 6, 1818, his widow Mary and Aner Thomas became ad- ministrators of his estate which was divided between the widow Mary and Aner Thomas, Laura Robinson and Leverett, Ransom and Charles Thomas. Noah died Sept. 16, 1818, aged 62. His wife died Sept. 10, 1842, aged 87. Todd, Charles, son of Jonah Todd. Lived in North Bethany. He mar- ried Lydia Ives. Tolles, Abraham, son of Daniel, mar- ried Elizabeth . He died May 20, 1793, aged 38. She died Feb. 14, 1788, aged 22. Tolles, Chauncey, lived in the south- ern part of the town, where his son Lewis built the house where Elizur Doolittle lived. Chauncey died April 1, 1824, aged 4C. His wife Eunice died Nov. 23, 1865, aged 91. i Tolles, Daniel, son of Henry and Dorothy (Thomas) Tolles, married Thankful Smith. He died Jan. 20, 1782, aged 77. His wife died June 28. 1769, aged 58. Tolles, Daniel, Jr.. married Mary Hine. Tolles, Jared, was a soldier in the Revolution. Tolles, Lamberton, married Abigail, daughter of Samuel and Ruth Briscoe. Tolles, Lazarus, married Sibyl Bel- lamy. Tolles, Lyman. Tolles. Nehemiah. Tuttle, Amasa, son of Uri and Thank- ful (Tuttle). Married Esther Tolles. Tuttle, Jonathan. Tuttle, Nathaniel, brother of Uri Tuttle, Sr. He died Feb. 20. 1802, aged 59. Elizabeth, his wife, died April 4, 1819, aged 72. Tuttle, Thankful. Widow of Uri Tut- tle, daughter of Jonathan Ives. Tuttle, Uri, Jr., son of Uri and Thankful. Married Electa Perkins, daughter of Edward. Tyrrel, Deacon Jesse. Warren, Edward. Warren, Nathaniel. Wheeler, Deacon James, (record else- where). Wheeler, Joel. White, Deacon John, son of Capt. John and Susannah (Ailing) White, was born May 19, 1722. He mar- ried Mary, daughter of Isaac and Mary (Atwater) Dickerman, Dec. 27, 1744. He was appointed a dea- con of the Church of Christ in Bethany as soon as its organiza- tion was effected. He died in New Haven, Nov. 24, 1797. Wilmot, Valentine, (record given THE CONGRECxATIONAL CHURCH. 157 RESIDENCE OF MRS. A. H. DOWNS, EAST BETHANY. Keeper of the previous to Theo- elsewhere), Wilmot, David. Wilmot, Walter. Wolcott, Joseph. Wooding, David. Smith Tavern philus Smith. Wooding, John. Wooding, John Jr. Wooding. William, lived near Hoadley's Mills, house later owned by the Ros- wells. It was during the period closely fol- lowing 1800 that the greatest religious controversy that this town and few other towns in Connecticut have ever known. It was waged at fearful cost to the church. We learn that the con- gregation dwindled from one hundred and sixty-four families in 1799 to eighty in 1811, as shown by seats assigned to heads of families in the seating plans, still in existence. During this period but few new names were added to the parishioners but we give them so far as the records show: Allen, Richard; Beecher, Timothy; Ben worth, Orange; Clark, Isaac; Dudley, Caleb; Hotchkiss, Harvey; Hotchkiss, Seymour, Hotch- kiss, Sheldon; Hotchkiss, Zacchcus, Prince, Nathan; Robinson, Blihu; San- ford, Tubal; Sperry, Alvan; Sperry, Ohilion; Stone, Richard; White, John; Wilmot, Amos; Wilmot, John. From various sources it is ascer- tained that the men mentioneid below 158 BETHANY. were members of the church, previouf: to 1814. Joseph Collins, Eden Johnson, Jesse Beecher, Phineas Tyrrell (Dea- con), Hezekiah Beecher (Deacon), Dan- iel Tolles, Moses Clark, Joel Hine, Bczaleel Peck and Joel Andrews and wife. List of church members January 1, 1814. This is the earliest complete list of members extant. Andrew, Mary (Tyrrell), wife of Wi^ liam Andrew; daughter of Deacon Phineas Tyrrt 11. W Uiam A. was born 1764 and died December 7, 1834. She died March 10, 1836, aged 67. Driver, Lydia (Hitchcock), wife of Samueil Driver, daughter of Timothy and Atangaiil Hitchcock. She was sis- ter of Elizabeth, wife of Darius Driver. Albert Driver was a son ol Samuel an'd Lydia Driver. Hitchcock, Timothy, son of Ebcnezer and Rdbecca (Thomas) HitcTicock, was born Nov. 8, 1747-8; died August T). 1820. Hitchcock, Abigail (Clark) wife of Tim- othy H., daughter of Hez. Clark. One of her sisters, Elizabeth, was the mother of Deacon Clark Hotchkiss, another was the wife of Deacon Jas Wheeler. Abigail H., was born Janu- ary 2, 1755, died September 9, 1854. Hitchcock, Sarah (Sperry) wife of Amos Hitchcock. She died August 27, 1842, aged 69. He died May 21, 184y. aged 87. Grandparents of Ransom Hitchcock, of Bethany Center. HitcTicock, Amos, son of Benjamin Hotchkiss, was born 1778. He mar- ried Lois Todd, sister of Mrs. David Perkins. His father, Benjam'in H., died March, 1809. Hotchkiss, Lois (Todd), wife of last In 1828 the church withdrew "watch and care" from Amos Hotchkiss and wife. Hotchkiss, Euniice (Atwater), wife of EMas Hotchkiss, daug'hter of Jonathan and Sarah (Beach) Atwa- ter. She died in New Haven. Hotchkiss. Elizabeth (Clark), wife of Isaac Hotchkiss, daughter of Heze- kiali Clark. She was born May 9, 1762. Mother of Deacon Clark Hc/tch- kiss. Hotchkiss, Deacon Jacob, son of Isaac Hotchkiss, married Mary Perkins. He died June 26, 1825, aged S9. Grand- father of Spencer Hotchkiss, who lived on the Stre&t Todd farm. Hotchkiss, Mary (Perkins), wife of Deacon Jacob Hotchkiss. Hotchkiss, Susannah (Peck), wife of Silas Hotchkiss, mother of Mrs. An- drew, grandmother of Mrs. Su.san Russell. She died February 20, 1839, aged <;?. He died February £1, 1849, aged 83. Lines, Ruth (Sperry), sister of E. S. Spi rry's father. She died March 27, 1837, aged 77. Lounsbury, Hannah (Sperry), widow of Stephen Lounsibury, whom she mar- ried October 26, 1761. Grandmother of Newell Lounsbury and Major Louns- bury. Nettleton, Comfort (Hine), wife of John Nettleton. She died January 31, 1841. He outlived her. Perkins, Thankful, widow of Deacon Peter Perkins. Grandmother of An- son Perkins. Perkiins, David, son of Reuben and Thankful (Smith) Perkins, married, 1797, Lola Todd. He was a member in Mr. Hawley's time. Lived on the old road which intersects the turn- pike north of the home of Mrs. Jane Perkins (his grand-daughter). He died November 16, 1865, aged 80. Perkins, Lola (Todd), horn 1772, died March 13. 1811, aged 38. Prince, Lois (Hotchkiss), wife of Na- than Prince, died Jan. 9, 1823, aged 63. Mr. Prince died January 25, 1824, aged 74. Sackett, Mary (Wheeler), daughter of Deacon James Wheeler, wife of John Sackett. Her first husband, Briscoe. Sanford, Widow Hannah. Sanford. Damaris Widow. Sanford. Elihu Col.. Married Sarah THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 159 HOME OF MRS. M. B. MC CLURE. Thorp. He died October 9, 1839, aged 81, and was buried in the Congre- gational cemetery, a few months after donating 'the land for that purpose. Sanford, Sarah (Thorp), wife of Col. Elihu Sanford died July 14, 1837, aged 75. Sparry, Elam, removed to Ohio. Sp*»rry, Anna (Smith), wife of Elam Sperry, sister of Ol'^'p M. Bishop. In 1828 the church w . \drew "watch and care" from her an6 her husband. Sperry, Elizabeth (Perkinfc). wife of Demas Sperry, daughter ^i Deacon Peter Perkins. She died December 1, 1849, aged 81. Huj.i...ind d'ed June 27, 1833, aged 67. Tyrrell, Deacon Jesse, died JVIarch 15, |1814, aged 70. He married first Mabel , who died September 23, 1786, aged 40. His second wife was Thankful Merwin. "As an expres- sion of his regard to the prosperity of Zion of the Church and Socirty of which he Iwas a member, he be- queathed the chief of his estate to 'the support of a Preached Gospel." Tombstone inscription. Tyrrell, Thankful (Merwin), second Wife of Deacon Jesse Tyrrell, buried at her request in the new burying ground. Tyrrell, Mrs. Mary (Curtiss), widow of John Tyrrell, who hanged himself. Married in Colebrook second husband named Oatman. She removed to Pennsylvania and died there. Thomas, David, brother of Hezeklah Thomas. His first wife was the mother of Mrs. Zaccheus Hotchkiss. j;f.„,.. as, Sarah (Perkins), wife of E. Downs Thomas, sister of Mrs. Demas Sperry. Umbcrfield, Matty (Hotchkiss), wife Jt ..011.1 I^mberfit^ld, daughter of Cap- 'tain Joel Hotchkiss. Died in New Haven, October, 1856. Wilmot, Mrs. Comfort, wife of Amo.-? 'nt. First husband was Eli Nettleton. She died April, 1844. .. cr of Isaac Nettleton. ' Wilmot, wife of Valentine Wilmot. Her i6o BETHANY. maiden name was Fenn. Mother of John Wilmot, who married Asenat-h ■Clark. Their son, Noyes Wilmot, lives in Naugatuck. Wooding, John, ancestor of all of the name in Bethany. 1814. Perkins, Eli, admitted March 6, mar- ried Ann Wheeler, daughter of Dea- con James Wheeler. In 1828 the ■church withdrew "watch and care" from ihim. 1815. Atwater, Lydia (Shepard), wife of David Atwater. Restored August 31. iShe died February 10, 1850, aged 88. Anan Atwater was one of their sons. Bradley, Abiah (Hotchkiss) daughter of Joel Hotchkiss. Admitted May 14. Hotchkiss, Mehitabel, sister of the last. Admitted Mny 14. Tolles, Eunice (BradVey) wife of Chauncey Tolles. She was born August 6, 1774, admitted May 14, died Nov. 23, 1865. Mr. Tolles died April 1, 1824 aged 46. Wilmot, Valentine (restored May 22.) Hotchkiss, Capt. Joel (July 2.) He died Feb. 3. 1819, aged 73. His wife died Nov. 13, 1831, aged 81. Hotchkiss, Martha (Peck) (July 2) wife of Capt. Joel Hotchkiss, daugh- ter of Deacon Timothy Peck. Hitchcock, Jabez Deacon (July 2) a grandson of Capt Amos and Dorcas (Toot) Hitchcock, died Feb. 19, 1842, aged 77. His wife. Experience Bishop, (sister of James Bishop), was a pious woman though not a church member. She died Mar. 30, 1843, aged 84. Sperry, Hannah (July 2) sister of E S. Sperry's father, died March 6, 1843, aged 78. Piatt. Sybil wid. (Sept. 3, letter from Milford) First husband Nettleton, mother of John Nettleton. Perkins, Sarah, (Nov. 6 letter from Woodbridge) second wife of David Perkins. She was the sister of Enoch Sperry. Her first husband was named Merwin. She died Feb. 1861 in Woodbridge, aged 85. Peck, Sybil (Nettleton) (letter from North Milford,) sister of Isaac Net- tleton. 1816. Nettleton, Betsy (Nettleton) daughter of Eli Nettleton, sister of the last. She was admitted by letter from North Milford March 3. Married Isaac Bradley, and died in Prospect. Hotchkiss, Clarissa (Sperry) (July 4) wife of Sheldon Hotchkiss and daughter of Isaac Sperry. Husband was son of Elias Hotchkiss. Died in New Haven. Hotchkiss, Eunice (Beecher) July 4, wife of Seymour Hotchkiss, mother of Mrs. Alonzo Sperry, sister of An- drew Beecher. He died Oct. 28, 1822, aged 41. Hotchkiss, Content, July 4, daughter of Joel Hotchkiss, unmarried. Piatt, Sarah, Aug 29, wife of Eben- ezer, sister of Deacon Theophilus Smith, died in Orange. Hotchkiss Mary (Sperry) Aug. 29, wife of Joel Hotchkiss, daughter of Isaac Sperry. Moved to Readsville, Penn. where they died. Hitchcock, Elizabeth, (Oct. 27) sister of Timothy Hitchcock, unmarried. 1817. Sanford, Lois (Dickerman) Jan. 5 wife of Cyrus Sanford. She died April 11, 1854, aged 82. He died Feb. 28, 1853 aged 84. Piatt, Ebenezer, March 23, letter from Bethlehem. He died in Orange May 20, 1864, aged 83. Wilmot, Asenath (Clark) July 6, wife of John Wilmot, who was a son of Valentine Wilmot. Moved to Nau- gatuck April 1830. She was the daughter of Andrew and Annie Clark of Milford. She was born April 29, 1789 and died Feb. 1, 1887. John W. was born 1779; died 1837. Perkins, Ann (Wheeler) May 4, wife of Eli Perkins. Letter from Oxford. She died deranged. THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. I6l THE CAPT. DAYTON PLACE. Recently the Home of the Late James Cotter, White, Martha (Hotchkiss) Sept. 7 sis- ter of Deacon Clarlv Hotchl<;iss, mar- ried John White, a grandson of Dea- con John White, first deacon of the church. Peck, Lauren (Oct. 5) letter from Amity. He and his wife removed to East Bennington, Vermont. In March 1839, probably some years af- ter their removal there, they asked for a letter. Peck, Sally E. (Baldwin) wife of Lau- ren Peck. Hotchkiss, Isaac, (Nov. 2) father of Deacon Clark Hotchki-ss, died May 11, 1828, aged 70. White, John, (Nov. 2), son of Lieut. John and Anna (Bostwick) White, son of Deacon John and Mary (Dick- erman) White, married Feb. 9, 1802 Martha, daughter of Isaac and Eliza- beth Hotchkiss. He was a carpen- ter and millwright. He was born Dec. 29, 1780 and died Nov. 7, 1852. Robinson, Elihu, (Nov. 2) died June 10, 1849, aged 64. Baldwin, widow, Sarah, (Nov. 23) mother of Mrs. Sally Peck. Hitchcock, Lady, (Nov. 23) sister of Miles Hitchcock. She married in Prospect, I. Smith. 1818. Atwater, David, (March 1) son of Jon- athan and Sarah (Beach) Atwater, married Lydia Shepard. He was the father of Anan Atwater. He died June 15, 1829, aged (57. Atwater, Jesse, (March 1) brother of David Atwater. Bradley, Electa, (March 1) wife of Ja- 1 62 BETHANY. son Bradley, daughter of Lamberton Tolles. She died March 20, 1858, aged 79. Thomas, Allen, lived where Abner Warner now resides. f\e died April 11, 1849, aged 49. Bradley, Deacon Jesse, (March 1) lived just south of the corner south of D. L. Johnson's on the opposite side of road. He died Oct. 25, 1839, aged 65. Hitchcock, Samuel, (March 1.) Bradley, Beda, (March 1) daughter of Deacon Jesse Bradley, married Jesse Lounsbury. Hotchkiss, Hiram, (March 1) lived at Bethany Center in house now owned by Charles Booth. He was a son of Silas Hotchkiss. He died Jan. 22, 1850. Atwater, Polly (Brockett) July 5, wife of Jesse Atwater, had been of Dr. Trumbull's congregation in North Haven. Married Mitchell Peck. Bradley, Mary, (July 5) wife of Dea- con Jesse Bradley, was born Jan 28, 1779, died about 1865. Sanford, Polly (Newton), July 5, wife of Tubal Sanford. Tubal Sanford was born Oct. 20, 1783, died April 14, 1874. His second wife Lucinda Barns was born Sept. 13, 1806; died July 5, 1882. Andrew, Job, (July 5) son of William and Mary (Tyrrell) Andrew was born Aug, 19, 1796, died Aug. 18, 18G8. He married Lois Prince, bnrn Jan. 15, 1797; died May 7, 1874. Atwater, Eunice, July 5, daughter of David Atwater, married Uri Wood- ing. They lived in the valley east of home of Jerome A. Downs, Jr. She died March 23, 1861. He died Feb. 16, 1853, aged 58. 1820. Thomas, Naomi (Hotchkiss) wife of John Thoma.s; first husband was named Johnson. She brought letter from Amity and was dismissed to Naugatuck May 25, 1845 where she died. 1822. Perkins, Mary, (May 26) wife of Be- noni Perkins, daughter of Eli Net- tleton. 1823. Nettleton, Oliver, (March) letter from Watertown, died at Westville, Jan. 31, 1864. Nettleton, Mrs. Oliver, (March) letter from Watertown. Thomas, John, (March). Sanford, Cyrus, (March) died Feb. 28, 1853, aged 84. 1824. Hotchkiss, Martha, (May 2) wife of Zaccheus Hotchkiss, daughter of David Thomas. She died Feb. 18, 1856, aged 82. He died Nov. 30, 1855, aged 79. Thomas, Mary, (May 2) daughter of David Thomas, died unmarried. 1827. Theophllus Smith (Jan 7, letter from Milford.) He kept the tavern on the Straits Turnpike. It was the custom when the pulpit was supplied by ministers from New Haven for them to come out to his tavern in the stage Saturday and return Mon- day. He died Nov. 5, 1873. Silas Hotchkiss (March 2) son of Jos- eph Hotchkiss. He died Feb. 21, 1849, aged 83. May 4, 1828. Andrew, Lois, wife of Job Andrew, died May 7, 1874. Bradley, Miles, son of Deacon Jesse Bradley, moved to Westville where he was a merchant. Bradley, Mary (Morgan) wife of Miles Bradley. Her sons were named Dwight and Theodore. Bradley, Isaac, son of Jason Bradley, died Feb. 26, 1830, aged 25. Bradley, Jason Willis, son of Jason and Electa (Tolles) Bradley, mar- ried Oct. 23, 1834 Elizabeth Sperry. He was born Jan. 10, 1809; died Oct. 12, 1888. Bradley, Electa, daughter of Jason, married Bavil Smith of Woodbridge. THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 163 THE ARCHIBALD PERKINS HOUSE, NORTH BETHANY. Hine, Lewis, died Aug. 2, lSfi3, aged fi2. Hine, Martha, wife of Lewis, daughter of Silas Hotchkiss. Hotchkiss, Philo, son of Isaac Hotch- klss. He died Jan. 16, 1837, aged 54 Hotchkiss, Betsy (Thomas) wife of Phiio Hotchkiss, daughter of Elijah Thomas, died May 13, 1838, aged 48. Hotchkiss, Rebecca, wife of Hiram, sister of Deacon Clark Hotchkiss. She died Sept. 28, 1849, aged 52. Hotchkiss, Clark, son of Isaac Hotch- kiss, married Caroline, daughter of Chillon Sperry He was deacon of the church for over sixty years. He died July 1890. Kimball, Miranda, married Charles Thomas. She died Oct. 14, 18C4, aged fil. He died Oct. 27, 1863, aged 62. Sanford, Austir. Smith, Bet'^y, second wife of Theo- philus Smith, daughter of Lysias Beecher. She died March 7, 1830, aged 31. Sperry, Caroline, daughter of Chilion Sperry, married Deacon Clark Hotch- kiss. She died Dec 30, 1891. Russell, Harriet, sister of Lovisa, wife of Jarvis Bronson. She married John Bradley. Russell, Nancy, sister of the above, died unmarried Jan. 16, 1889, aged 79. Thomas, Lewis, lived in the Wheeler house Bethany Center. The ministers were often entertained at his house. He was born 1798 and died 1840. Thomas, Louisa, wife of Lewis Tho- mas, daughter of Phineas Peck. Married second Sheldon Hotchkiss. i64 BETHANY. She was born 1799; died 1876. Thomas, Mary (Gilbert) wife of Allen Thomas. Removed 1855. Dismissed to church in Galesbury, Ohio, Oct. 12, 1862. Thomas, Harriet Emily, daughter of John Thomas, married Dr. P. Spen- cer. He lived on Lebanon Hill. Their house burned and he and two young sons perished in the flames. She was dismissed soon after the tragic event to Naugatuck, May 25, 1845. Tolles, Lewis, son of Chauncey, mar- ried Eliza Sanford. He died 1880, aged 75 years. Tolles, Eliza, wife of Lewis Tolles, daughter of Tubal Sanford. Tolles, Elizabeth, married William Peck of Woodbridge. (July 6.) Lounsbury. Abram, son of Eri and Sarah (Carrington) Lounsbury, mar- ried Emily, daughter of David and Lola (Todd) Perkins. He died April 27, 1860. aged 61. Lounsbury, Emily, (Perkins) wife of Abram Lounsbury, died June 20, 1881, aged 78. Perkins, Alvln, son of David and Lola (Todd) Perkins, married Lucretia, daughter of Henry Sanford. Moved to Westville. Hotchkiss, Rhoda, wife of Spencer Hotchkiss, daughter of Zedekiah Hotchkiss. Restored to membership Feb. 28, 1844; died March 5, 1856. Thomas, Mary Ann, daughter of Allen Thomas, married John Bassett and removed to Illinois. (Sept. 7.) Lounsbury, Jesse. 1833. Hitchcock, Abby L. (JudFon) wife of Amos Hitchcock, received by letter from Humphreyvillo March 3. She died Aug. 22. 1862. Lounsbury, Isaac, (March ."?) son of Eri Lounsbury, married Lodema . Located in Meriden, Conn. Hotchkiss, Pennina, (March 3) daugh- ter of Elias Hotchkiss. Died about 1863. Piatt, Susan Ann, (March 3) married Bushnell and lived in New Haven. Piatt, Sarah L., (March 3) married a Clark of West Haven. Piatt, Harriet, (March 3) married Boardman, Orange, died 1878. Hotchkiss, Jane, (March 3) married Thomas Sanford of Woodbridge. Hitchcock, Sarah (May 5) daughter of Amos and Sarah (Sperry) Hitch- cock, died unmarried Oct. 1883 in Watertown. Bishop, Olive M. (Smith) (May 5) wife of Joseph Bishop. She died Nov. 20, 1842, aged 79. Hotchkiss, Harriet, (May 5) daughter of Silliman Hotchkiss, married a Wooding of Prospect. Hitchcock, Grant, (May 5) son of Eli Hitchcock, lived at the old Hitch- cock homestead, now occupied liy a granddaughter, Mrs. Florence Beech- er. He died March 23, 1861, aged 61. Hitchcock, Anna (Doolittle) (May 5) wife of Grant Hitchcock. She died July 10, 1877, aged 72. Bradley, Jesse Geo., (May 5) son of Deacon Jesse Bradley, became well- known as a maker of whip-lashes. Hotchkiss, Eliza Ann, (May 5) was daughter of Hiram Hotchkiss. She was dismissed to Monroe and mar- ried there, later returned and mar- ried, second, Henry Sanford. 1833. Piatt, Jonah. (Nov. 3) dismissed to Milford, Nov. 17, 1834. Wilcox. Marietta, wife of Rev. J. Wil- cox, by letter from Stockbridge, Mass. 1834. Perkins, Lucretia (Sanford) (May 4) wife of Alvin Perkins. Received by letter. Porter, Sally, widow, (May 4 by let- ter.) Removed to Naugatuck and died there. THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 165 RESIDENCE OF SAMUEL B. DOWNS. Warren, Israel Perkins, (May 4 by let- ter) became a Congregational min- ister. He was born in Bethany April 8, 1814; and died in Portland, Maine, Oct. 9, 1892. 1837. Hitchcock, Amos, Jr., (July 16) son of Amos and Sarah (Sperry) Hitch- cock married Abby L. Judson. He died April 27, 1888. Nettleton, Orril, (July 16) daughter of Oliver Nettleton, married Farnum of Westville. Purdy, Elunice (Newton) (July 16) wife of William Purdy, lived a half- mile east of the old red school house In the Gate District. Removed to Plymouth and died there. Thomas. Frances, (July 16) daughter of Allen Thomas, Married Day and removed to Illinois. Dismissed May 4, 1845. Thomas, Harriet L., (July 16) daugh- ter of Lewis, married Bachelor in New Haven. Thomas. Nancy, (July 16) daughter of Allen Thomas, married Adams and removed to Illinois. Warren, Leonora, (July 16) wife of Isaac Warren, daughter of Israel Perkins. Mother of Rev. I. P. War- ren. Removed to Goshen, Ct. Warren, Susan Harriet, (July 16) daughter of the last. Thomas, Caroline, (April 5) daughter of Allen, married in Oxford Fanning. Dismissed to Patchogue, L. I., March 3, 1844. Bishop, Maria, (July 13) was cut off. (Joined Mormons.) 1840. Clark, Amy. (June) wife of Rev. Saul Clark, by letter from S. Egremont, Mass. Clark, Marietta Smith, (June) daugh- ter of the Rev. Saul Clark. 1843. Butts, Julia, (July 2) wife of Rev. D. B. Butts, by letter from Stanwich, Conn. Clark, Esther (Treat), Septemtier 3, wife of Isaac Clark. She died March 21, 1862. Hotchkiss, Andrew P., September 3, son of Hiram Hotchkiss, rem'oved to New Haven. i66 BETHANY. Hdtchkiss, Wales, September 3, son of Hiram Hotohkiss, was a portrait painter in New Haven, many years. Kingsley, Eunice, September 3, unmar- ried; died December 14, 186'3, ag-ed 84. Thomas, Eliza E., September 3, daug-h- ter ot Charles Thomas, married Wil- liam Conolly, an Irishman. She died a Catholic, Odtober 4, 1857. Warner, Martha, September 3, wife of Miles Warner. Peck, Justus, Nov. 5, letter from Cheshire. Married Jane French .Ht died February 3, 1885, aged 75. His first wife, Marietta Moss, died Aug- ust 23, 1835, aged 33. 1844. Sharp, Eliza A., March 3, daughter of Hiram Hotchkiss. Married second Henry Sanford. She died aibout 1865 1845. Beard, Allen C, May 4, iby latter from Milford. His daug-hter, Mrs. Kate Lacey, lived at the old homestead. Beard, Abigail, May 4, wife of Allen Beard. She died January 20, 1870. 1850. French, Truman, January 6, Dismissed December, 1851. Removed to New Haven. French, Susan Lee, January 6, widow of Truman: daughter of Rev. C. G. Lee. Dismissed December, 1851. Francis, Mrs. Charlotte W., January 6 Died in Welton. Harrison, Caroline F., July 5, letter from Bethlehem, daughter of Rev. F. Harrison. Married Samuel Bird, of Bethlehem. Harrison, Fanny, July 5, letter from Bethlehem, daughter of Rev. F. H Died at Bridgewater. Peck, Mrs. Jane French, January 6, wife of Justus Peck, daughter of Harry French. She died November 16, 1894, aged 81. Smith, Elizabeth B., January 6, daugh- ter of Theophilus Smith. She mar- ried Rev. Edmund Peck, a Methodise minister, was dismissed to M. E. church in West Haven, and later re- stored to memlbership in this church. Lives in Waterbury. 1851. Sperry, Lucina S., 'September, letter from Plymouth Hollow, Ct., wife of Marcus Sperry. 1855. Robinson, Rev. E. W., July 3, letter from Hanover, Ot., died in Washing- ton, D. C. Robinson, Sarah B. (Adams), July 3, wife of last. Roibinson, N. Emmons, July 3, son of Rev. E. W. R. 1857. Ward, Willis Edwin, a colored man, was baptized and admitted to the church on his sick bed in the pres- ence of several members of tha church, November 27. On the 29th the church formally ratified the admis- sion. On the 2d of Decemiber the Lord's Supper was administered to him, a number of the members of Ithe church being present. He died December 14, aged 35. 1858. Sarah L. Clark, Decemiber 6, wife of Nathan Clark, daughter of Abram Lounsbury. She died Dec. 31, 1893, aged 67. Her husband, Nathan Clark, son of Isaac, died Septemtoer 21, 1893, aged 69. Russell, Mary E., December 6, daugh- ter of Stiles and Susan (Andrew) Russell. She married Ransom Hitch- cock and was for many years the postmistress of Bethany. She was born April 6, 1839, died August 22, 1904. Robinson, James A., Decemiber 6, son of Rev. E. W. Robinson. He died August 21, 1863, in Ohio. He was in the army, U. S. volunteers. 1861. French, John C, July 14, lived on the road to Beacon Falls, in a locality which later became a part of that town. French, Marietta (Hotchkiss), July 14, wife of John French. THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 167 A BETHANY CHARCOAL PIT. 1863. Driver, Mrs. Eliza, May 3, letter from M. E. church in New Haven, wife of George Driver. Relation removed to M. E. church, New Haven, in 1874. 1864. Scranton, George B., March 6, letter from Whitneyville. Lived on Chat- field Hill, in house which was burn- ed in 1912. He died January 20. 1872 Scranton, Hannah, March 6, letter; wife of George Scranton. Hanged her- self May 14, 1875. 1865 Peck, Marietta, dismissed Sept. 2, 1877, to Congregational church in Wallingford. Russell, Ellen, daughter of Stiles Rus- sell, a wheelwright. She married Nathanial Newell, and was dismissed to the First Conigregational church of Branford. Russell, Annie E., daughter of Stilea and Susan (Andrew) Russell, mar- ried H. D. Seldon, was dismissed April, 1886, to church in Chester. McClure, Hannah, daughter of William McClure. She has been a member of the church for the longest continuous period of any one now living. Beard, Susan, daughter of Allen and Abigail Beard, married first Wil'liam H. Lounsbury, September 8, 1873; second, Mr. Noible She was dismissed September 2, 1877 to 'the M. E. church, Bethany. Beard, Andrew, son of Allen and Abi- gail Beard, was a school teacher in Bethany. He was dismissed in 1883 to the Congregational church, Aspen, Colo. Died recently l68 BETHANY. Beard, Ceceilia, dauig-hter of Allen Beard, married Dennis Smith. Dis- missed to First Church, of Milford. Munson, Mrs Betsey A. (Hitchcock), wife of Alva Keep Munson, daug-hter of Grant and Anna (Doolittle) Hitch- cock. She died November 14, 1901, aged 72. A. K. Munson, born March 27, 1827; died May 1, 1908. Robirison, iSarah M., April 9, daug'hter of Rev. E. W. Robinson. Dismissed October, 1865, to First Comgreg-a- tional church, Washing-ton, D. C Robinson, Mary L., April 9, same rec- ord as above. Robinson, Bmily E., as a;bove. Driver, Laura E., dismissed to St. Johns church. New Haven, Oct. 17, 1869. She was a S'ister of George Driver. Scranton, Eliza, daughter of George and Hannah Scranton, died May 22, 1876. Scranton, Elizaibeith, sister of the last. 1866. White, May, daughter of William White, and a descendant of Deacon John White. Hotchkiss, Fanny E., ^Jaughter of Deacon Clark and Caroline (Sperry) Hotchkiss, married Adrian Rosha. Dismissed to church in Wcstviille, but later in 1894 returned to Bethany and is an adtive member. Sperry, Ann, wife of John Sperry. Let- ter from Seymour. She died April 1883. Andrew, Sarah (Pardee), wife of Azariah, son of Jdl) and Lois (Prince) Andrew. She died January 10, 1901, aged 77. Azariah Andrew was born June 29, 1821, died February 23, 1898. Their son Noyes, lives at the old homestead. Olark, Emma, daughter of Nathan Clark, married Pearl Sperry. Sanford, Mary, daughter of Henry San- ford, died July 27, 1892. Sperry, Mary, wife of Sidney Sperry. 1869. Smith, Eliza (Sperry), July 11, wife of Theophilus iSmith. She died Septem- ber 27, 1884. 1870. Lounsbury, David A., March 6, son of Abram and Eimily (Perkins) Louns- bury, was iborn March 11, 1831, and was the first child baptized in the present church edifice. He lives in Bridgeport. Scranton, Andrew, March 6, son of George Scranton, died 1902. Lounsbury, Nancy A. (Hopkins), July 3, second wife oif David A. Lounsbury. iShe died February 24,_ 1877, aged 49. 1874. Lounsbury, Julia Ann (Ladue), Novem- 'ber 1, first wife of William H., son Crownage Lounsbury. Letter from Presbyterian church. New York. She died December 29, 1892. Sperry, Eugene S., November 1, son of Sidney Sperry. He lives in Florida. 1876. Woodruff, William Louis, March 19, cut off by vote of church, November 1877. Woodruff, Julia B., March 19. wife of the Rev. William L. Woodruff. Be- came an Episcopalian, 1877. Osgood, Lucy M., (March 19) Letter from Plainsvillo Congr. church. Dis- missed by letter. Forbes, Katie M., (March 19) Letter from Plainsville Cong, church. Mar- ried Chester A. Bailey. Dismissed by letter. 1878. Beard, Grace, daughter of Allen Beard, (Jan. 20) Dismissed to Pres. church, Aspen, Colo. Clark. Edwin, (Sept. 8) son of Nathan and Sarah (Lounsbury) Clark, was organist of the church for many years. He moved to Seymour in 1913. Clark, Hannah (Basham), (Sept. 8) wife of Edwin N. Clark. Lounsbury, Ives D., (Sept. 8) son of David and Nancy (Hopkins) Louns- bury. Lives in Woodbridge. Burnet, Frank, (Sept. 8) Dismissed to church in West Haven, April, 1879. THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 169 THE GATE SCHOOL. Robbins, Lucretia S., (Sept. 8) Lives in Hamden. Davis, Martha A., (Sept. 8.) Dismissed to Park street church, Bridgeport, Nov. 4. 1883. Lounsbury, Margaret (Billerwell), (Sept. 8) third wife of David A. Lounsbury. Lives in Bridgeport. Cutler, Francis B., (Sept. 8.) Letter from M. E. church, Bethany. Dismissed to M. E. church, Orangeville, Ohio, Feb. 1879. Philips, Mrs. Emily J., (Aug.) yetter from Cheshire Cong, church. 1881. Hitchcock, Ransom, (Jan. 2) son of Amos and Abby Louise (Judson) Hitchcock. He married Mary Russell. He was born Jan. 6. 1835; died March 5, 1905. Lacey, Arthur J., (Jan. 2) married Kate S. Beard, daughter of Allen Beard. Johnson, Harriet A. (Wellman), (March 6) wife of Dwight L. Johnson. Peck, Lydia Ann, (March 6) wife of Harry F. Peck. Wellman, Urania B., (May) Letter from 2nd Cong, church, of Watertown. She died Feb. 10, 1887. Barnard, Andrew J., (July 17) Letter from 2nd Cong, church, of Water- town. 1883. Peck, Harry F., (March 4) son of Jus- tus and Jane (French) Peck. Megin, James Lee, (April 1) son of Hugh and Mfirietta (Dorman) Megin. Was soldier in the Civil war. Megin, Orrie Jane (Hotchkiss), (April 1) wife of James L. Megin. Megin, Lucia Charlotte, (Apr. 1) daugh- ter of James and Orrie Jane (Hotch- kiss) Megin. She mariied William Haskell and lives in Chicopee, Mass. Horsfall, Thomas, (April 1.) Letter from 3rd Cong, church of New Ha- ven. He has been a deacon of the church since April 1, 1883. I70 BETHANY. Horsfall, Elvira Virginia, (April 1) wife of Deacon Thomas Horsfall, daughter of Stiles and Susan (Andrew) Rus- sell. She died Aug. 24, 1891. McClure, Minnie Rebecca, (May 6) mar- ried Theodore Downs, son of Elbert and Catharine (Bailey) Downs. 1886. Hitchcock, Mary Alice, (March 21) daughter of Ransom and Mary (Rus- sell) Hitchcock. She married M. Goldsmith. Resides in Portland, Ore- gon. Hitchcock, Carolyn Louise, (March 21) daughter of Ransom and Mary (Rus- sell) Hitchcock. Married John E. Hin- man. Sperry, Isabel Emily, (March 21) daugh- ter of Pearl and Emma (Clark) Sperry. Sperry, Isadora Sarah, (March 21) daughter of Pearl and Emma (Clark) Sperry. Removed to Ansonia, Conn. Peck, Mary Elizabeth, (March 21) daughter of Rev. Edmund and Eliza- beth (Smith) Peck. She lost her life in the fire that destroyed their home, Jan. 4, 1902, aged 38. The Rev. Ed- mund perished also, aged 84. Munson, Florence Betsy, (March 21) daughter of Alva Keep and Betsy (Hitchcoclc) Munson. Married Elson E. Beecher. Rosha, Clifton DeWitt, (March 21) son of Adrian and Fanny (Hotchkiss) Rosha. He has been a deacon of the church since Aug., 1895. Peck, Henry Bigelow, (March 21) son of Harry and Lydia Peck. He died March 12, 1898. 1894. Wellman, Burton M., (May 13) lives on the Darius Driver farm, Bethany. Wellman, Lucy, (May 13) wife of Bur- ton M. Wellman. Johnson, Walter B., (May 13) son of Dwight and Harriet Johnson. Mar- ried and lives in Seymour. Hitchcock, Annie S., (May 13) daughter of Ransom and Mary (Russell) Hitchcock. Moddell, Frederick W., (May 13) dis- missed to Cong, church, Bridgeport. Moddell, Mary J., (May 13) dismissed to Cong, church, Bridgeport. Lacey, Mabel, (July 15) daughter of Arthur and Kate (Beard) Lacey. Mar- ried April 9, 1901 to Fred Lucius An- drew of Beacon Falls. Lacey, Ethel, (July 15) daughter of Ar- thur and Kate (Beard) Lacey. Was graduated from Northfield Seminary, and intended to becoiue a missionary. She married — . Died in Syracuse, N. Y., Nov., 1907. Stahnke, Emma, (July 15) daughter of Frank and Emma (Engle) Stahnke, who were born in Germany. She mar- ried Francis Ferdinandus and lives in New Haven. Dismissed to the Dwight Place church. New Haven, April 19, 1896. 1897. Sperry, Harold C, (June 27) son of Pearl P. Sperry. 1899. Clark, Lena B., (Oct. 22) daughter of Edwin and Hannah (Basham) Clark. Married. Lounsbury, Bertha E., (Oct. 22) daugh- ter of David and Margaret (Biller- well) Lounsbury. Married July 1, 1908, Alton Parker Christain. Lives in Bridgeport, Conn. Lepper, Hanry, (Oct. 22) lives in Nau- gatuck. Conn. Was blinded in an ac- cident a few years ago. Lepper, Mrs. Henry, (Oct. 22). 1902. Peck, Nelson Justus, (June) son of Harry and Lydia Peck. Peck, May, (June) wife of Nelson Peck. Wellman, Harriet, (May 10) daughter of Burton and Lucy Wellman. She married Carl, son of Frank and Emma (Engle) Stahnke. Johnson, Carrie, wife of Frank John- son. 1906. Burtner, Rev. Otto W., (June) dismissed to First Cong, church, Ansonia, Dec. 2, 1906. THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 171 Photo by F. H. Simonds. New Haven. perry's hall, As Prepared for the Dinner at the Time of the 150th Anniversary. Burtner, Mrs. O. W., (June) dismissed. 1908. Carrington, Ralph W., (May 3) son of Abram and Mary Carrington. Carrington, Auth E., (May 31) daughter of Abram and Mary Carrington. Clarlt, Walter E., (May 3) son of Edwin and Hannah (Clark). Married Bessie Botsford. Lives in Seymour. Dis- missed to Cong, church. Lacey, Abigail, (May 3) daughter of Arthur and Kate (Beard) Lacey. Humiston, Wallace D., (May 24) son of Dwight and Katie (Downs) Humis- ton. 1909. Booth, Mary Stillson, (Sept. 5) wife of Charles Booth. Booth, Frances, (Sept. 5) daughter of Charles and Mary Booth. Lindcmann, Rev. Herman H., (Sept. 5) dismissed. 172 BETHANY. BAPTISMS IN THE CHURCH. May 4, 1828. Lewis Thomas (adult). Betsey Hotchkiss (adult). Mary Bradley (adult). Caroline Sperry (adult). Harriet Emily Thomas (adult). Miranda Kimball (adult). Harriet Russell (adult). Nancy Russell (adult). May 25, 1828. Phineas Peck Thomas (son of Lewis) Harriet Lydia Thomas (daughter ol Lewis). Aug. 10, 1828. Sarah Lola Lounsbury (daughter of Abraham). July 26, 1828. Abraham Lounsbury. Rhoda Hotchkiss. Oct. 31, 1829. Elizabeth Hotchkiss (daughter of Philo). Jarus Buret Hotchkiss (son of Philo). Aaron Thomas Hotchkiss (son of Philo). Rebecca Hotchkiss (daughter of Philo). David Lounsbury. Nov. 1832. Hart Hotchkiss (son of Hiram). Sarah Hotchkiss (daughter of Clark). March 3, 1833. Isaac Lounsbury (adult). Penina Hotchkiss (adult). Susan Ann Piatt (adult). iSarah L. Piatt (adult). May 5, 1833. Jane Hotchkiss (adult). July 23. 1833. John Thomas (son of Allen). Sept. 15, 1833. Mary Hale Tolles (daughter of Lewis). Feb. 16, 1834. Noyes Sylader Wilmot. June 1, 1834. Watson Henry Wilcox (son of Rev. Jairus). July 16, 1837. Susan Harriet Warren. June 30, 1843. Eugene Daniel Butts (son of Rev. Daniel). Sept. 5, 1845. Edwin White Butts (son of Rev. Daniel). Edgar Giles Smith (infant). Marion Cecelia Beard (infant). Nov. 1, 1845. Lucien Hitchcock (infant). Ellen Hannah Hitchcock (infant). Jan. 6, 1850. Jane French (wife of Justus). July 20, 1850. Kate Smith Beard (daughter of Al- len). Irene Julia Hitchcock (daughter of Amos). Emily Prince Hitchcock (daughter of Amos). El.en Jane Hitchcock (daughter of Amos). Emogene Hitchcock (daughter of Amos). Lucina Sperry. July 3, 1855. Sarah M. Beard (daughter of Allen). Grace Beard (daughter of Allen). Nov. 29, 1857. Willis Edwin Ward (adult). Dec. 6, 1858. Mary E. Russell. July 14. 1861. John C. French (adult). Marietta French (adult). Josephine French (daughter of John). Gertrude French (daughter of John.) Sept. 8, 1878. Edwin Nathan Clark. Ives David Lounsbury. Frank Burnet. Lucretia Irene Robbins. Martha Ann Davis. Hannah Clark. .. THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 173 Harriet Adeline Johnson. Lydia Ann Peck. Sept. 5, 1880. Isadora Sarah Sperry (child of Pearl). Isabel Emily Sperry (child of Pearl) Pearl Prince Sperry (child of Pearl) Eugene Foster Clark (son of Edwin) Walter Edw.n Clark (son of Edwin) Mary Alice Hitchcock (daughter ol Ransom). Carrie Louise Hitchcock (daughter of Ransom). Annie Stella Hitchcock (daughter of Ransom). March 6, 188L Henry Bigelow Peck. Nelson Justus Peck. Edwin Harry Peck. Burton Mitchell Wellman. Treat Baldwin Johnson. Wilfred James Megin. Martha Elizabeth WeLman. Frederick Amos Wellman. Susan Urania Wellman. Harry French Peck. March 4, 1883. Minnie Rebecca McClure. March 21, 1886. Florence Betsey Munson. Clifton DeWitt Rosha. July 5, 1894. Lena Belle Clark. Ruby Basham Clark. Frank Joseph Clark. Haroid Clark Sperry. Oct. 22, 1899. Bertha Emily Lounsbury. Dorothy M. Lounsbury. April. 1900. Dorothy May Lepper. Jennie Ellen Lepper. Margaret Josephine Lepper. Clarke Beecher Johnson. Frank Irving Johnson. Raymond Nelson Peck. Norman Harry Peck. Nov. 25, 1906. Edwin August Clark. Sept. 5, 1909. Warren Dwight Johnson. June 23, 1912. Lawrence Edwin Peck. Feb. 9, 1913. Edward Anderson. Harold Anderson. 174 BETHANY. THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, The celebration of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Bethany Congregational church was observed on Saturday a.nd Sunday, Oct. 11 and 12, 1913. A large part of the people of the town without respect to creed or church affiliation, were present, as well as an equally large number who ar- rived in automobiles and teams from adjoining towns. Many present from out of town had hereditary or ?,ncestral connection with Bethany and so showed their loyalty to the old town, as well as to the church which has been so large a factor in the best in- terests of the community. On Satur- day at 10:30 a. m., Rev. Sherrod Soule, of Hartford, gave a very interesting address on "The Debt We Owe to the Country Church." Dinner in Perry's hall followed, and it was served to about two hundred and fifty people. The afternoon was devoted to after- dinner speaking. Hon. William H. Williams acted as toastmaster. The speakers were Rev. Charles B. Tole- man, of Woodbridge, Rev. C. F. Luther of Westville, Rev. George F. Abel, of Seymour, Rev. Leonard E. Todd, of Oakville, Rev. C. B. Strong, of Pros- pect, Rev. J. W. Newton, of Madison, Mr. S. G. Davidson, and Rev. John W. Wright. Charles Hoadley, of Naugatuck, pre- sented the church with an old hatchet which was found 'n the steeple during the recent repairs, and which shows by its shape and its evident antiquity that it was left there when the church was built. It is mounted in a plush- lined case and a plate bears the name o^ the donor and the dates 1832-1913. On Sunday, the exact date of the an- niversary, services were held in the church, with a sermon by Rev. H. B. Beach, followed by communion ser- vice and the four children of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Read were baptized. At the afternoon service a historical sketch of the church was read by Wal- lace Humiston; and Rev. Joel Stone Ives, of Hartford, whose mother was born in Bethany, gave an address. There was a large attendance, the other town churches being closed, and the people united in the service. The pastor of the Methodist church took part in the morning service. Much of the success of the occasion was due to the fact that everyone in town, with- out regard for denominational differ- ences, gave their hearty support, mak- ing it an "Old Home Day" as well as an anniversary celebration. HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE CHURCH. BY WALLACE D. HUMISTON. Nearly three hundred years ago a number of the wealthy residents of London conceived the plan of a set- tlement that should be governed with the Bible for Its law. They came to New England and in 1638 laid the foundations of New Haven. For a long time it was deemed Imprudent to settle far from the cluster of dwell- ings erected there, but as the years passed the danger from hostile In- dians decreased and we find our hardy forefathers pushing out into the for- ests which surrounded New Haven In search of land fit for farming. Just about a hundred years after the founding of New Haven, a suffi- cient number of families had settled THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 175 '^^^ Photo by F. H. Slmonds. New Haven. BETHANY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, OCTOBER II, I913. 176 BETHANY. in the region which is now Included in Woodbridge and Bethany to warrant the organization of a church. Accord- ingly the region was formed Into the parish of Amity. On the Lord's Day and other occasions our fathers, the hardy pioneers of this forest town, as- sembled at the Amity meeting-house For seven or eight miles in all direc- tions these men of God descended from the breezy, life-giving hills, to the temple down in the vajlley, to pay this debt to the Supreme Ruler of the universe. But the population of the northern half of Amity Parish was steadily in- creasing. By 1750 a school house was needed, the first in this town. It not only served as a school house but later, we learn, served as the house of worship for this community. The first step toward separation from Amity Parish occurred in 1755. The General Assembly granted "winter parish privileges to the inhabitants of the northern parts of Amity." This means that during the cold months of the year the people were free to en- gage a minister. During the summer they worshipped as of old at the meeting house in Amity. It was in 1762 that complete separa- tion from Amity was effected and the name "Bethany" first appeared upon the map of Connecticut. A charter was granted by the General Assembly, which made Bethany a distinct eccle- siastical society, with all the privi- leges and powers belonging to such parishes. The first meeting of this society was held Nov. 13, 1762. A few months later the society applied "unto the Reverend Association for their advice" concerning a candidate to preach in said society in order for settlement. The association held its meeting In Waterbury May 31, and the minute on this subject as recorded by Rev. Warham Williams, contains these words, "We, having maturely consid- ered the matter, unanimously ad\ise said society to Mr. Stephen Hawley as a suitable person, highly approving of him for that purpose." Eventually Mr. Hawley was invited to become pastor. His reply to the call has been preserved and may be seen in the ves- tibule. .At the society meeting in September it was voted that the ordination take place on the second Wednesday in October and that on the first Wednes- day a fast preparatory to the ordina- tion should be observed. At the same meeting it was voted that a commit- tee apply unto the Rev. Moderator of the Consociation of New Haven coun- ty in order to settle the church of Christ in Bethany, according unto the established ecclesiastical constitution of this colony, and to transact all the affairs of the society that are neces- sary in carrying on said ordination. The tradition is that the ordination services were performed in the open air, in a field where now stands the house of Mr Collins. Oct 12, 1763. The sermon was delivered by that emi- nent divine, Dr. Joseph Bellamy, of Bethlehem. Mr. Hawley was a na- tive of New Milford and was gradu- ated at Yale College in 1759, in the same class with Dr. Trumbull, of North Haven. Three years after the settlement of Mr. Hawley it was considered neces- sary to build a larger meeting house to accommodate the increasing con- gregation, and application was made to the county court for a committee to look over the situ.ition and choose a site. Much difficulty was experi- enced in choosing a suitable location, and three successive committees were elected before a location could be agreed upon, and even thru a third of the members were di.=satisfied. The •site was located on the north side of the road leading over the hill from the "shunpike," so called, near the residence of the late James Cotter. THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 177 Photo by F. H. Simonds. New Haves. INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH, As Decorated for the 150th Anniversary Celebration. The meadow opposite his house was the meeting house green, the church being on the western side. On the north was the mansion of Dr Hezekiah Hooker, and on the south and east sides, respectively, the residences of Rev. Stephen Hawley and Capt. Eb- enezer Dayton, of Revolutionary fame. It was planned to build the meeting house of material furnished by the in- habitants. In December, 1767, it was \X)ted that "we will provide the boards, clapboards, shingles, nails and glass, necessary for building the meeting- house the year ensuing." A tax was laid and it was decided that one half might be paid in "flax seed or some other species that will answer in New York." The building was to be forty feet in width by flfty-five feet long. It was ordered "that those that score timber for the meeting house shall have two shillings sixpence per day; and those that hew shall have three shill- ings sixpence per day." Deacon John White and Deacon Hotchkiss were ap- pointed "to cull the clapboards and the shingles for the meeting house." The building of the meeting house pro- gressed slowly. It was occupied in January, 1770, but it was not entirely finished until many years after that date. The steeple and bell wore added in 1803. Now indeed the society had a church edifice in which a just pride 178 BETHANY. could be taken. It was one of the larg-eat and finest in this section, Be- sides the galleries and choir Ictft it con- tained nearly thirty large square pews, arranged in two central "square bodies" and in a row about the sides, with the exception of spaces reserved for the pulpit and the three entrances. The pulpit was on the western side of the meeting- house and was reached by stairs. The whole was surmounted by a huge green sounding board. Beneath the pulpit was a long seat on which the deacons sat facing the people. The tall white spire rising high o'er the verdant hills of Bethany was one of the most conspicuous objects that met the sailor's eye as he entered New Haven harbor. In 1783 the parishes of Amity and Bethany united their efforts in seeking to secure town privileges, but they could not agree as to the location of the town house or public hall. After Bethany had made many proposals, none of which were accepted by Amity, it was decided to petition the general assembly for the incorporation of Bethany as a separate town, but, how- ever, the two parishes finally effected an agreement and they were incor- porated as one town, called Woodbride, in honor of Rev. Benjamin Wood- bridge, the first pastor. Similar at- tempts were made in 1802 and 1804 to have the parish incorporated as a town, and at last successfully in 1832. Mr. Hawley became too infirm at about sixty to be able to preach con- stantly especially during the winter months. But he continued to officiate more or less until 1803, the year before his death. He was then a trembling old man with white locks. He was often led into the churcTi and assisted into the pulpit, and was sometimes able to deliver only a part of his discourse. He was tall and very spare and his appearance made a deep impression on the young. Mr. Hawley died in July, 1804, after a pastorate of over forty years. His grave is in the old cemetery, marked by a tombstone which was erected at the centennial celebration of the church in 1863. When Mr. Hawley's he^-lth became so poor that he could no longer officiate. Rev. Isaac Jones was called by the church as a colleague pastor. He was born in New Haven Feb. 16, 1775, and was graduated from Yale in 1792 at the age of seventeen. He was or- dained June 6, 1804, and the sermon which he preached soon after as his inaugural address was printed. Mr. Jones's short pastorate was a stormy one. Dissatisfaction with him arose among some of the members, and fac- tions were formed which led to one of the greatest ecclesiastical wars that the rural towns of Connecticut have ever known. Matters reached such a magnitude that Mr. Jones was tried before the association, and his connec- tion with that body was severed. He was later restored upon a public con- fession assented to before a three- days' session of the two consociations of New Haven county, but in 1807 the New Haven West association declared that Mr. Jones had not comp.ied with the advice of the previous session and he was therefore without ministerial authority. His farewell sermon was preached in the hall of the Wheeler house in 1808. His text was from Jere- miah, "Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard." Mr. Jones became an Episcopalion and many of his congre- gation followed his example. He was the first rector of Christ church, Beth- any for two years. Most of his subse- quent life was spent in Litchfield where he died in 1850. The third pastor of this church was Nathaniel G. Huntington, of Rocky Hill, Connecticut. He was born in 1785 and was graduated from Yale in 1806. He came to Bethany in 1809 and was ordained and installed on Aug. 22 of the following year. About two i8o BETHANY. years after his ordination Mr. Hunt- ington had a hemmorhage and during the remainder of his pastorate his health was poor. As it continued to grow worse he asked to be dismissed in 1823. He remained in Bethany for a year or two, then he moved to Ox- ford and finally to Orange where he died Feb. 10, 1848. The old meeting-house on the hill was torn down early in 1831 and the green was sold. The present house of worship was built during the summer and much of the material of the old meeting house was incorporated into the new, so that much of this present structure dates from 1769. The dedication services oc- curred Oct. 13, 1831. Dr. Nathaniel Taylor, for years a noted professor in Yale Divinity school, was then the acting pastor of this church. He preached the dedication sermon from the text, "This is none other than the House of G-od and this is the Gate of Heaven." It has come to us a heritage from the past, a good example of colonial architecture. Origina.ly there was a porch with two large pillars in front, as in the Woodbridge church which was built a year later than this. Also the old pews, with doors, were replaced many years ago. Some of the doors are preserved in the wainscot of the choir loft. The bell of the old meeting house was placed in the steeple in 1803. One Saturday evening some young men turned it bottom-up and filled it with water. Their plan Involved a shower- bath for the sexton when he rang the bell the next morning, but the night was so cold that it froze the water and caused the bell to crack. It was used for many years after that event, but it had a "dingle" in its voice. It was replaced in 1851 by the fine old bell which now calls the people to worship. Since the time of Nathaniel Hunt- ington many ministers have served this church. Some of the important •pastorates, because of length or in- fluence, were those of E. W. Robinson, S. C. Brace, D. M. Elwood and C. S. MacFarland. Mr. Brace was editor of the North American Review before he became pastor here. It was largely due to his efforts that the centennial was observed fifty years ago. He died in Philadelphia in 1897. It was in that year that C. S. MacFarland was or- dained in this little church. He re- mained here three years. Dr. Mac- Farland has risen high in the minis- terial ranks as an author and a preacher. He is at present executive secretary of the federal council of churches. Absence on the Pacific coast prevents him from being present today. Thus have we traced the principal vicissitudes of this part of the church of Christ down the stream of time for one hundred and fifty years. At times ever since the incorporation the storm and whirlwind have passed over it, but by the kindness of Providence it still stands firm among its sister churches of the community. THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. I8l THE BETHANY CONGREGATIONAL "mEETINGHOUSE,'" 1769— 183 I. l82 BETHANY NATHAN CLARK. Nathan Clark born in what is now Bethany, in 1824. was a son of Isaac and trrandson of Isaac, both of whom were natives of Miiford, Conn. Isaac Clark, the father of Nathan, married Esther, daughter of Deacon Joseph Treat, descended from Robert Treat, who was lieu- tenant-governor of the State of Connecticut 17 years, and governor 15 years. Isaac Clark held the office of selectman of the tcwn of Wood- bridge for eight years in succession. Nathan Clark was elected town clerk and treasurer of the town of Bethany in 1855. and held those offices continuously until 1881. He was elected probate judge in 18*52, and held the office con- tinuously until his death in 1893. He was also postmaster of Bethany for eight years, from 1855 to 1863. He was a member of the Congrega- tional Society and was a member of the So- ciety's Commiitee for nearly thirty years. DEA. THEOPHILUS SMITH. Deacon Theophilus Smith came to Bethany while young and by the energy and uprightness of his character won prominence and influence in the community. He was received a mem- ber of the church by letter from Miiford Januar.N 7th 1827. He taught a High School, the first in town, and later kept a store and an inn near the junction of the turnpike and Center street, and by reason of the great amount of travel over the turnpike was well patronized. It was the custom when the pi^lpit was supplied by ministers from New Haven for them to come out to his Inn and be his guests over Sunday. He was a deacon of the church for many years. He was very earnest and effi- cient in church matters and was thoroughly conscientious in all affairs of his business life. He died February 21st. 1849, aged 83 years. He married first. Elizabeth Beectier. daughter of Lysias Beecher, who died March 30. 1830. aged 31. He married second. Eliza L. Beecher. who died September 27, 1884. His daughter, Elizabeth B,, was the wile of Rev. Edmund Pock. THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH JUSTUS PECK. Justus Peck was one of the Society's Com- mittee for many years and acted as fund agent until his death. Feb. 3. 1885. His son. Harry P. Peck, has acted as chairman of the fund com- mittee and fund agent since 1885. Rev. Joel S. Ives, Registrar of the Congrega- tional House. Hartford, is a grandson of Richard Stone of Bethany whose name appears as holder of one of the pews in in the Congregational church in 1800. Rev. John Thomas Andrew, son of Jonathan Andrew, was born in Bethany July 19. 1811. graduated from Yale College in 1^39, and at Yale Seminary in 184i, and taught in Cornwall 1842- 1844. being prevented from continuing in the ministrv by throat difficulties. He married Sept. 9. 1839. Jane Ann. daughter of Caleb Jones oi Cornwall, whom he outlived, and died there Mays, 1887, aged 76. DEACON CLARK HOTCHKISS. Clark Hotchkiss, born Mar. 25. 1803, son of Isaac Hotchkiss. was a deacon of the church for more than sixty years. He married Caroline, daughter of Chillon Sperry, and they had two sons and six daughters. Isaac, who married Mary Reid and lived in Michigan; Martha, married Lyman Gaylord, lived in Wisconsin; Mary, m. a Mr. Hicock; Sarah, died in iniancy; Fanny E., 2d wife of Adrian Rosha; Julia, m. Thomas Higgins of Ansonia; Anna. m. Adrian Rosha. died in 1^73; and Arthur, m. Julia P. Sperry. Deacon Hotchkiss lived in the house now occupied by his grandson, Dea. Clifton D. Rosha. His parents lived in a house which stood a little further south. Dea. Hotchkiss died July 3, 1890, aged 87 years. 1 84 BETHANY EDWIN N. CLARK. Edwin N. Clark succeeded his father as town clerk and town treasurer and tilled these offlces for thirty years, and that of judtre of iirobate for sixteen years, and was clerk of the Conyrre- irational church 35 years, from 1877 to 1912. when he removed to Seymour. Deacon Thomas Horsfall was a member of the Society's Committee for a number of years and was a member of the committee of arrange- ments for the 150th anniversary celebration. HAKKY FRENCH PECK. Harry French Peck, chairman of the Church Fund Commiitee. has repeatedly been elected to a number of the most responsible offlces in the tfift of his townsmen. He bus been Selectman. Assessor, member of the Board of Relief, and Town Auditor, and represented the town in the General Assembly in 189.') and was Ihen the first and only Republican eltcted to the General Assembly since the town was incorj)orated, sixlytwo years before, receiving over two votes to his opponent's one. Durinsr his early years he followed farmintr on his father's farm, one ot the best in the town of Bethany, and attended to the reiiairing of farming utensils, and finding this work one to which he was t)eculiarly adapted he built a shop near his house and con- tracted for repairs to farming implements, besides shoeiijg horses and oxen, work so much in demand in a farming community, an I so favorably known did his shoeing become that frequently oxen were sent as much as len miles over the hills to his shop. He owns a farm of 28.5 acres, sending therefrom large (luantities of farm produce to the city. THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH DWIGHT L. HUMISTON. Dwight L. Humiston is a native of Hamden but has been a resident of Bethany for many years. He has been one of the selectmen of the town for a number of years and in the fall of 1896 his fellow townsmen showed their apprecia- tion of his sterling qualities by electinj; him to represent the town in the General Assembly of 1897. which he did with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. REV. JOHN W. WRIGHT. Pastor in 1913. Errata. Pa?e 147. instead of Rev. Philip J. Phelps should be Rev. Philip J. Ralph. Page 174, for Charles Hoadley read Charles C, Hoadiey. Page 178. 1st column. 17th line, after objects, add— "on the distant horizon." i86 BETHANY. ELSON E. BEECHER. Chairman Anniversary Committee. WALLACE I). HUMISTON. Historian of the Church, 150TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEES. GENERAL. Elson K. Beecher. Rev. John W. Wright. Dea. Thomas Horstall. Pea. Clifton Hosha. Nelson J. Peck. Wallace D. Humiston. ENTERTAINMENT. Mrs. May Pecl<. Miss Alice Richards. Mrs. Dwinht Johnson. Mrs. Chas. Booth. Miss Ruth Carrin^ton. Mrs. Elson E. Beecher. Mrs. Carrie Johnson. Mrs. James Metrin. Mrs. Kate Lacy. Mrs. Abner Warner. Mrs. Harriet StahnUe. MUSIC. Mrs. Harry PecU. Mrs. Elsie Johnson. Miss Frances Booth. FINANCE. Dea. niifton Rnsha. Mr. Abner Warner. Mr. Ralph Carrin^ton. Mr. Harry V. Peck. PUBLICITY. W D. Humiston. Mrs. Fannie Rosha. Mr. Harry F. Peck. Elson E. Beecher. DECORATION. Mrs Elsie Johnson. Mrs. Elson E. Beecher. Howard Doolittle. E ton Dooliltle. Elsie Russell. Clarke Johnson. Alice Payne. SOCIETY'S COMMITTEE. Clifton D. Rosha. E. N. Clark. Nelson J. Peck. FUND COMMITTKE. Harry F. Peck. Clifton D. Rosha. Nelson J. Peck. THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 187 DEA. CLIFTON D. ROSHA. NELSON J. PECK, Of the Anniversary Committee. RESIDENCE OF H. F. PECK. i83 BETHANY ^••»«M« - ^ • r ^' ^^MMF^.'^^^rr^-^f^^ THE FREDERICK WARNER HOUSE, SOUTH BETHANY. REV. ISRAEL PERKINS WARREN, D. D. One of the clerKyinen whose name is recalled in connection with the recent anniversary cele- bration was Israel Perkins Warren, D. D.. who was horn in Bethany Apr. 8. 1814. in a house which stood near the old red schoolhouse of the Gale District. His boyhood was spent with his trrar.dfather. Israel Perkins, who Kave him a liberal education at Yale, where he was grad- uated in 1838. and frona Yale Divinity school, class of 1842. He served as pastor of the churches in Granby, Mt. Carmel and Plymouth successively. The re- mainder of his life was spent in editorial work From 1856 to 1859 he was correspondieg secre- tary of the Seamen's Friend Society. New York City. Later he was secretars and editor of the American Trust Society of Boston, and then until his death he published and edited the Christian Mirror of Portland. Maine. Dr. War- ren was the author of many books, amonn them, ■Chaunciey Judd." and "The Three Jud>fes." Not long before his death he made a visit to Bethany and he wrote a very interesting account of his stay. He died in Portland. Maine, Oct. 8. 1=92. LBD14 jO a